Summer To Do

With the temps getting up in the 100's here in Seattle this weekend {whaaaaa?!?!?} and the official start of summer earlier this week, not to mention a pandemic that kept us close to home for the past 16+ months, I'm getting antsy to start doing things, seeing people, and going places again.  Without further ado, here is my 2021 Summer To Do List that I can't wait to get started on.  Who's with me?

1. Slurp oysters while overlooking the bay 

2. Mini golf

3. Pick up ice cream on our after dinner walks around the neighborhood

4. Explore the San Juan Islands

5. Drink coffee on my back patio on sunny mornings

6. Dine out at some of the new & old outdoor restaurants in the city

7. Use our Discover Pass

8. Pierce my ears {again}

9. Take some much needed time off of work, even if it just means a staycation

10. Make popsicles

11. Wine taste in Woodinville

12. Find a new gym {that isn't my living room}

13. Workout outside {on the rooftop or with a class}

14. Take the Diana out again after a long hiatus

15. See friends!  Whether it's a rooftop bbq, a backyard picnic, or a brewery get together, I miss them and cannot wait to hug them :)

What are you up to this summer?  Stay cool this weekend!!

xoxo,

stephanie marie

pic from hawaii 2009 with erika via diana 

Happy Friday!

Happy Friday!  March has just flown by, don't you think?  I've been spending the last few days taking care of my under-the-weather guy, but this weekend is jam packed with fun outings with friends and I'm so happy the weather is planning on cooperating for our outdoor adventures.  I hope you have a great weekend - stay healthy out there!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Happy March!

Happy March 1!  There's something about saying "it's March" that means spring is in the air and it has to start getting warmer than 40 degrees, right?  Right?!?!?  The sunshine this week, though still really cold, made me so anxious for longer days and sunny evenings spent at after work happy hours and rooftop bbq's and weekends spent outside exploring.  Though we're not out of the woods quite yet in terms of weather, I'm hoping spring is right around the corner and going to be the best one ever.  In the meantime, I'll enjoy the sunshine with my hat, gloves, and down jacket :)

Have a great weekend!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Maui Bound

And we're off!  To celebrate my sweetie's bday {and to get away from the cold}, we're heading to Maui for some fun, sun, and relaxation before my new work life starts {and I have no vacation days left}.  Hope you have a fabulous few weeks - think of us drinking Mai Tai's on the beach! :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Happy Fall Weekend

What are you up to this weekend?  With all the rain coming down, I'm excited to have a cozy weekend at home catching up on shows, brunchin' with friends, snuggling with the pup, and cheering on the Hawks.  I found this Diana pic while going thru an old box and it reminded me of the fall weather that I love - and that I need to take that camera out for a spin ASAP!  Now, if we could just find some sunny weather to cooperate :)

Happy Friday!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Lake Weekend

What are you up to this weekend?  I'm heading out east to spend a family girl's weekend at Lake Chelan where there will be lots of wine, wedding talk, and chick flicks.  Sounds pretty great, eh?  Heading over there reminds me of when our group used to head out every summer and float the lake for days on end {see above} - some of my favorite summer memories.  While this trip probably won't be about floating and jello shots, with the temps hovering around 100, it will definitely feel like summer has officially begun :)

Have a great weekend!  I'm sure getting used to these long ones :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Summer To Do

Can you believe that this past weekend was the official start of summer?!?!  I know it's going to go by insanely quick {pretty sure I have something on the calendar every weekend until September!} but I am determined to make the most of this one and not take this insanely gorgeous weather for granted.  I have a feeling it's going to be a pretty amazing summer :)  Without further ado, here's my plan for those few free days I've got:

1. Spend a day at the Seahawks Training Camp
2. Watch an outdoor movie
3. Organize a Magnolia/Interbay Brewery Tour
4. Make pizza on the barbecue
5. Host an outdoor wine tasting at home
6. Visit the Olympic Sculpture Garden
7. Make homemade popsicles for those hot days
8. Getaway for the weekend
9. Take my picnic basket out somewhere new
10. Ice Cream Cruise
11. Stand by one of my bestest friends while she says "I do" to her man
12. Dinner at La Medusa 
13. Beach Day!
14. Take a day off work to spend time with little Linnea :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

see past years here, here, here, and here

Happy Friday

Happy Friday!  How great was that sunshine yesterday?  Though I've spent most of the week huddled up at my desk {still learning the ins and outs of grants!}, I'm hoping this weekend will afford me a little time in the garden, along with catching up with several groups of friends I hardly ever see anymore.  Here's to a happy weekend! :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

pic from the great wheel via diana camera

Happy Spring!

Happy First Day of Spring!  Though we've had an incredibly mild winter here in Seattle {sorry everywhere else}, I'm still excited for even warmer weather, longer days, and flowers blooming everywhere.  I hope you have a beautiful spring weekend - I think I'll go get some fresh flowers for the house :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Happy {so cold} Weekend

Happy Friday!  Is it cold where you are?  Each night this week I've been snuggling up on my couch close to the heater with a big cozy blanket around me, just trying to stay warm.  Where did this freezing cold come from?!?  I wasn't quite ready for it yet this year, but I'm trying to embrace the gorgeous sunrises and blue skies - at least it's not raining and snowing, right?  I hope you have a fabulous weekend - make a pot of chili, throw some logs on the fire, and stay warm!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

diana pic from iceland

Happy October!

Can you believe it's October?  I sure can't.  Where did the time go?  But I am excited for soups, pumpkins, sweaters, boots, crisp days, snuggling new babies, and everything else that fall has to offer.  What are you excited for this fall?

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Erika & Joe {Diana}

I can't believe it's been a year {yesterday!} since Erika and Joe's amazing wedding.  I had forgotten that I had taken these pics on my Diana, but in honor of their anniversary this weekend, here are a few from that gorgeous day.  Such fun memories!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Paris {Diana}

It's only been a year and a half, but I finally got my Diana film printed from Paris!  I kind of love how dark and moody the pictures are - the weather definitely felt that way when we were there.  Sometimes I can't believe we actually went on this amazing trip - I wish I was back there so badly.  It definitely is one of my most favorite cities in the world.  Paris, I love you :)

Happy Friday!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

TBT {Throwback Thursday}

A Throwback Thursday of Greenlake in the spring.  Yesterday almost felt like this.  Only 21 more days, right??? :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Happy Weekend

Happy Friday!  For a short week, this one sure felt long, huh?  I feel like I've spent the entire week feeling tired, frustrated, and very emotional.  However, a wise friend told me I need to start thinking positive and happy thoughts, so that's exactly what I plan on doing this weekend.  To start, here's a picture from a trip to Santa Monica with Suze and Erika that makes me super happy from several years ago.  Maybe another warm weather vacation is in order?  Hmmm...... :)

Here's to a happy weekend!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Happy 30 Erika!

Happy 30th Birthday to my bestie, Miss Erika!  Thank you for always being there for me as a confidante, entertainer, sister, and friend.  May your birthday be as sweet and sassy as you are :)

I love you!!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

diana pic from chelan 2009

Fall Cold

No, this post isn't about the drastic change in weather that arrived to Seattle this week {but wasn't yesterday crazy cold?!?!}.  I've come down with what my parents would describe as my "back to school" cold {and what I would probably describe as my "stress has gotten the best of me" cold}, so instead of writing something interesting or witty {don't I always?} I'll just leave you with this pretty picture I took with Diana in the Fall of 2009.  Let's hope this cold goes away ASAP so I can get out and enjoy those changing leaves!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Happy {Fall} Weekend

Can you believe that Sunday marks the official start of Fall?  Where did the time go?!?!?  I'm actually pretty happy about the change in seasons.  While I've had a ton of fun this summer and have made some great memories, I'm ready for a fresh start and for good things to happen.  And I think this Fall may just bring that.  In any event, it brings around some of my favorite things - pumpkin patches, pumpkin spice lattes, football, and boot season!  Fall - I'm welcoming you with open arms :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Happy {long} Weekend

Can you believe that this weekend is the official end to summer?  Where did the time go?!?!  Though I'm incredibly grateful for the amazing weather and for all of the fun stuff I did, I'm kind of ready for fall and a slower pace.  However, I plan to fully celebrate this long weekend by touring local breweries, wine tasting, hanging out with friends and family, and getting ready for the upcoming wedding of my bestie {8 more days!!!!}.

Hope you have a fabulous holiday weekend!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

pic via diana from hawaii

Summer To Do

Happy First Day of Summer!  In keeping with tradition {see previous years here and here}, I want to let you know what {I hope} I'll be up to this season.  Friends and family are welcome to join! :)

1. Ride the Great Wheel
2. Stroll along the Ballard Locks
3. Sit in the King's Court and cheer on Felix
4. Picnic with Paseo sandwiches at Golden Gardens
5. Give Lawn Bowling another try
6. Explore a new neighborhood -  Columbia City, West Seattle, and Pioneer Square top the list
7. Wander through the Chihuly Garden and Glass
8. Brewery Crawl my way through Ballard
9. Head up to Snoqualmie Falls
10. Climb the water tower at Volunteer Park
11. Master a summertime cocktail {one that involves more than gin and tonic water}
12. Day trip - Roslyn, anyone?
13. Run around GreenLake {without stopping to walk}
14. Attempt to find the perfect home :)

Looks like it's gonna be a busy summer!! :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

pic via Diana from Labor Day 2012