Gettin’ Hitched

It’s just about that time - time to get married!! It’s been the best 6 years with this guy and I cannot wait to call him my husband on Friday in front of so many people that love us. I’m off to soak it all in and enjoy every single moment - I just know it’s going to be the best!!!

xoxo, 

stephanie marie

The Weekend {In Pictures}

{hopefully not the last blue sky of summer}

{wandering uvillage}

{christian's favorite pizza}

{checking out wedding perfumes}

{thai dinner in bellevue}

{putting my old crafting supplies to good use}

{wishing this smoke would've waited one more week}

{sunday night bbq}

{opened a nice bottle to help us write our vows}

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Happy Friday!

Happy Friday from one of the busiest spots in Seattle last night!  It finally cooled down enough to take a sunset walk to the park and it felt great to get out and stretch our legs - along with everyone else that had that same idea. Cheers to a weekend of wrapping up all the wedding planning {one more week!} and savoring every moment :)

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Licensed

Last Friday we did arguably the most important part of wedding planning - we got our marriage license!  After registering online we headed down bright and early to the King County Recorders office where it was super simple to answer a few questions and get our license.  I was impressed with how clean and nice the building was down by the stadiums and how quick and efficient the process was, and it made it feel so real that in just a few more days I get to spend forever with this guy.  I can't wait!

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Six

Cheers to six {!} amazing years with this wonderful guy who in just 9 days is stuck with me forever :) Christian - you make everything more fun and happy and I absolutely love doing life with you. I’m so proud of this life we’re building together and can’t wait to spend forever with you! Cheers to us, my love - there’s no one I’d rather laugh with than you :)

xoxo,

stephanie marie 

Hot Weather Eats

It's hot hot hot here this week in Seattle, and when the weather gets like this the last thing I want to do is turn the stove on for dinner.  Luckily, I've amassed a good collection of no or low cook meals that can be ready in a flash and take advantage of all of the yummy fresh produce that is out right now.  If you're looking for a meal to beat the heat, look no further!

my absolute favorite summer salad with arugula, avocado, prosciutto, cantaloupe, mozzarella, and red onion, topped with salt & pepper and balsamic & olive oil - it's what we had last night and never gets old!

a healthy piece of salmon {either cooked on the stove top or grill} paired with a fresh salad - easy peasy!

tomato season is my favorite food season and this has been my lunch on repeat for the past week - good toasted bread, a healthy slather of mayo, and sliced heirloom tomatoes topped with sea salt.  heaven on a plate.

or you could pretend you're sitting in a spanish cafe and have pan con tomate - best paired with a cold glass of wine.

ever since i discovered pizza salad it has been on heavy rotation for spring and summer dinners.  the flavors are great and it's filling without feeling like you're going to explode.

a quick taco bowl is a great way to use up leftover veggies - just add some beans and yummy sauces and you're ready to go!

this was yesterdays lunch - leftover bbq'd flank steak on top of a green salad.  it looked fancy, tasted great, and took about 2 minutes to put together.

Best of luck in the heat - stay cool out there!

xoxo,

stephanie marie

The Weekend {In Pictures}

{friday night regulars}

{reunited}

{taking care of our tomatoes}

{eating this every day until further notice}

{rooftop dinner}

{enjoying these summer sunsets}

{a hazy walk}

{dinner}

{sunday sunset}

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Happy Friday!

Happy Friday!  What are you up to this weekend?  We're in the home stretch for the wedding {2 more weeks!} so we have a lot of last minute things to get done, plus picking up C's parents from the airport tonight!  It's been a busy and crazy time, so I was thankful to take a little break this week to spend time with some of my favorite girlfriends over tacos and pie {does it get any better?}.  Thanks again for hosting us, Maddie!  Love you ladies!

xoxo,

stephanie marie

The Pastry Project

Before the Mariner game a few weeks back we stopped at The Pastry Project in Pioneer Square, a little walk up window selling soft serve ice cream with beautiful toppings.  The Pastry Project is run by two women who provide free baking and pastry training programs to individuals with barriers in their industry.  A good deed and ice cream?  Yes please!  Christian and I each ordered the purple vanilla ice cream and I topped mine with a butterscotch dip and sprinkles {cuz, duh}.  The ice cream was so delicious and decadent and the perfect walking snack on our way to the stadium.  If you're in the neighborhood {they're only open until August 27th and just Friday-Sunday} make sure to stop by and grab yourself a sweet treat!

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Ground Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry

I love a good stir fry but not always the prep work, so when I saw this Ground Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry on Skinnytaste where I could just use ground beef and not have to cut up a bunch of meat, I was sold.  This one was really simple to make for a weeknight dinner and one I know we'll make again when we want some yummy flavor and food on the plates quick.  Enjoy!

Ground Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry

Ingredients

1/2 cup soy sauce

1 Tbsp honey

4 cloves garlic, minced

1-1 inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated

1 Tbsp cornstarch

1/2 Tbsp sesame oil

1lb ground beef

1/2 medium yellow onion, chopped

1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets & blanched

1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds

3 medium scallions, chopped

Cooked rice or cauliflower rice for serving

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, & cornstarch.  Set aside.

2. Add sesame oil to large skillet over medium-high heat.  Add the beef & onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until meat is cooked through, about 5 minutes. Season with salt.

3. Pour in reserved sauce, stir to combine, and cook 1 minute.  Add broccoli and cook one more minute.

4. Serve over rice, topped with scallions and sesame seeds.

Serves 3-4

adapted from skinnytaste

xoxo,

stephanie marie

My Friend Bridal Shower

A few weekends ago, the wonderful ladies above hosted the most perfect bridal shower for me at Erika's mom's house by the lake.  The theme of Italy was incorporated into everything, including the olive oil party favors, limoncello spritz's, and the most beautiful apertivo spread that looked straight out of a fancy restaurant.  The group was a perfect blend of women I've known for such a long time and it was so heartwarming to see them all take time out of their busy summers to help me celebrate.  We ate yummy food, drank delicious drinks, played a fun game, and I was spoiled with some wonderful and thoughtful gifts.  I'm so lucky to have this fabulous group of ladies around me as I get ready to marry C and I couldn't have asked for a better day to celebrate with my friends!  

the best group of gals

xoxo,

stephanie marie