Obliteride

While I haven't chosen a career path that is going to make me uber rich {#nonprofitlife}, I have been fortunate enough to work for companies that do good in the community and beyond, helping to save lives and cure disease.  Recently I was able to help out in a small way and get away from my desk to volunteer at Obliteride, the race to cure cancer.  I spent all day that Friday out at Gasworks Park with an awesome group of volunteers setting up for the pre-ride party that night and the race the next day.  We set up check in booths, organized remembrance lanterns for people to decorate, hung signage, and did everything we were asked in order to make the event seamless for participants and a success to raise as much money as possible to help cure cancer.  Though I wasn't able to be there for the actual event, helping to set up and do my part made me so proud to work in the field I do and hope that in some way I'm making life just a little bit better for those who need it.

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Pan con Tomate {Tomato Bread}

This is one of my most favorite times of year - tomato season!  I'm so mad at myself for not planting any tomato plants this year, but I've apparently made my frustrations known in my office because my coworker showed up last week with a huge bag full of fresh tomatoes from her garden all for me.  I texted Christian immediately and told him I wanted to make Pan con Tomate {tomato bread}, one of my most favorite dishes from my time in Spain.  It's so simple to whip together {almost too simple} but with fresh tomatoes and crunchy bread, it's the most perfect summer time meal to use up all of those fresh tomatoes we're seeing everywhere right now.  We loosely followed Smitten Kitchen's recipe found here {and we also learned how to make it here}, but below are the few simple steps to make your own pan con tomate at home.  Now only if I could be enjoying it on a patio in Spain..... :)

Pan con Tomate

Ingredients
Fresh big tomatoes
Baguettes
Few garlic cloves, peeled
Olive oil
Salt

Instructions
1. Toast bread until crunchy and just starting to brown.
2. Meanwhile, using a cheese grater, grate tomato juice and insides into a bowl.  Discard skins.
3. Once bread is toasted and still warm, cut end of garlic piece off and rub along warmed bread {the flavor will soak into bread}.  Use as little or as much garlic as you like {but I'd suggest a lot}. 
4. Add a splash or two of olive oil to tomato mixture and sprinkle in salt.  Stir to combine.
5. Spoon tomato mixture over garlic-y bread.  Top with more salt if desired.
6. Eat immediately with a big glass of Spanish wine :)

 

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Showering Baby Knutzen

Since Baby K is coming soooo soon {like, now} I wanted to share the shower Marsha, Steph, and I threw for Sara back in July.  It was a hot day at the family farm but we didn't let that stop us from showering the mama-to-be with lots of food, friends, family, and love {and a carload full of presents!}.  We had friends and family come from near and far to celebrate the little peanut and we spent the afternoon oohing and aahing over the teeny tiny little outfits and cozy blankets that are sure to be perfect for this little munchkin.  It was fun to see people we hadn't seen in so long - everyone loves to come together for a baby! - and as the party wound down I couldn't help getting so excited to meet my new niece or nephew who will officially make me an auntie.  I seriously can't wait!

baby's first overalls

nana blankets

the beautiful handmade mobile from tanzania

sara and nana

nema and sara - all the way from tanzania!

old neighborhood gang

we luckily timed the shower so these two would be in town from colorado!

the soon-to-be nana's

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Hawks Preseason

Football is back!  This weekend I'm so excited to spend some time with Leslie and cheer on our Hawks as they start this {hopefully} epic season.  A few weeks back Kelsey and I headed out to the CLink for a Hawks preseason game on a beautiful August evening {I could really get down with summer football}.  During our pregame walk to the bar, we passed a big Escalade stuck in traffic and as I glanced in the window, I realized it was none other than John Schneider {the Hawks GM} being driven to the game!  When I pointed him out to Kelsey, he started smiling and waving at us {I think he was impressed two girls knew who he was} and we refrained from taking pictures with him {he was in a car after all} and giddily hurried to the bar to tell Kelsey's boyfriend all about our minor celebrity encounter.  After getting properly hydrated for the game, we headed into the stadium to grab some dinner and watch the Hawks beat up on the Broncos.  It was a really fun game and gave me high hopes for the upcoming season.  Go Hawks!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

The Whale Wins {Anniversary Dinner}

A few weeks back Christian and I celebrated our 2 year anniversary - where does the time go?!?  We decided to go back to where it all began {just like last year} at The Whale Wins.  Crazily enough, we were seated at the exact same table as our 1st date and 1st anniversary, and had the exact same waitress as both times - what are the odds?!?  We started out the dinner with some celebratory drinks  - a cocktail for C and some champs for me - then immediately got down to the most important part of the evening, the food :)  Though we stuck to the sardines on toast {a joke from our first date - they're so delicious but incredibly difficult and unflattering to eat} we also switched it up with a few different dishes, and I have to say this meal was definitely the best I've had there {especially that chicken - o.m.g.}.  It was so fun to reminisce about the past year and all the fun we've had - from awesome trips around the world to fun times at home - and celebrate all of the moments that made up the past two years. There's no one I'd rather spend my days with than this guy - he's the absolute best - and I can't wait to see what year 3 brings!

 my most handsome date

 albacore tuna tartare

 sardines on toast - our infamous first date dish

 salt roasted half chicken with fresh tomatoes and aioli

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Labor Day Weekend {In Pictures}

{teaching c to love my team}

 {making investments in the house}

 {hallway touch-ups}

 {impromptu saturday date night}

 {dessert to go}

 {sunset drinks}

 {snuggle buddies}

 {homemade margaritas}

 {sunday bbq'ing for labor day}

 {bbq chicken + shrimp salad}

{monday night blt}

I hope you had a great long weekend!

xoxo,
stephanie marie