Pasta with Sausage, Tomtaoes, & Mushroom

A few weeks back, I went to the grocery store with not a lot of direction, just a craving for some specific flavors.  I picked up a few ingredients that looked good and decided to go mix them all together to make a hearty and flavorful pasta for one.  I whipped this up several nights that week, as it really took only as much time to put together as it did to boil the noodles.  So easy and so good - nothing wrong with that!

Pasta with Sausage, Tomatoes, & Mushrooms

Ingredients
1 link Italian sausage, casings removed
1/2 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, chopped in half
1 clove garlic,minced
Olive oil
4-5 white mushrooms, sliced
3/4 cup penne pasta
Several leaves fresh basil, chopped
Parmesan Cheese

Instructions
1. Boil pasta according to directions.
2. Over medium high heat, warm olive oil.  Add sausage, break up into pieces, and cook until browned.  Stir in garlic.
3. Add tomatoes and mushrooms and more olive oil, if needed.  Season with salt and pepper.  Add in about half the basil.
4.  Add cooked pasta to sausage mixture and stir until coated.  Serve topped with remaining basil and Parmesan.

Serves 1

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Happy Birthday Dad!

Happy Birthday to the greatest dad in the world!  Dad - You truly are the best not only to me but to everyone around you.  You are a wonderful example of selflessness and kindness - and you're pretty funny too :)  We are all so lucky to have you in our lives {especially me} and it's awesome that we get to celebrate you today :)  I love you, Dad!  

And here are a few pics from our bbq celebration yesterday.....

Happy Birthday!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Teenage Dream

I know this isn't the best picture, but I just had to share.  Wednesday afternoon I was heading to happy hour in Belltown when I looked across the street and noticed a cute guy walking up the road.  I instantly did a double take and realized that cute guy was ALEX RODRIGUEZ.  The Yankees had just finished killing playing the Mariner's in an afternoon game, and he must have been out and about afterwards.  I stood on the opposite corner of him for a few minutes, trying to get up the nerve to go over and talk to him.  You see, A-Rod was my ultimate crush back in the middle school/high school days - I had his jersey, a #3 gold necklace, and his poster up on my wall.  I saved every magazine he was in and taped any interview he gave.  It was the ultimate celebrity crush.  While I didn't go say hello to my teenage dream {he is a Yankee, after all}, I was crazy giddy walking away, just like a teenager.  It totally made my week :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

The Physics {at Neumo's}

Last Friday night, a small group of us from work met up for dinner, drinks, and to watch our guy Thig and his crew The Physics at Neumo's.  The venue was a bit smaller than last time, and we didn't quite push our way to the very front, but the awesome music and amazing energy were definitely still there.  I even caught Thig's eye at one point while he was performing and did my best to make him laugh {it worked}.  If you are at all a fan of hip hop, or just good music in general, please check them out - I like it more than I ever thought I would.  And if you're in town, you must go to the Capitol Hill Block Party {main stage!} to watch them since I can't.  I guarantee they won't disappoint :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Woodland Park Rose Garden

Saturday afternoon, after a morning of shopping, lunching, and Menchies, David and I weren't quite ready to let go of the gorgeous 75 degree day, so we decided to walk the few blocks from his house to the Woodland Park Rose Garden.  Have you been?  It's free to the public to roam around, and it has some of the most gorgeous roses I've ever seen {outside of my yard, of course}.  Right now is the perfect time of year to visit, as all the varieties are in bloom and you can walk around admiring them in every color of the rainbow.  They were even setting up for a wedding there later in the afternoon {how pretty right?}!  If you're in the area, you have to check out these gorgeous gardens.  Next time, I'm bringing a picnic and a book - it's the perfect place for it :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Luke Bryan

A few weeks back, Mom & I went down to Tacoma to see the amazing {and extremely cute} Luke Bryan in concert.  We were pretty far away from the stage {and sitting next to some pretty annoying girls} but as soon as the music started, we jumped out of our seats and danced and sang along to every single song.  I was surprised with all of the songs that he sang {I didn't realize he'd been around for so long!} and found myself smiling when I'd look over and see mom singing along right there with me.  It was such a fun night - there's nothing better than a country concert, right :)

 dustin lynch opened up the show...

 ...as did randy houser

check out luke's moves :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Spring Weekend

How was your weekend?  Mine was spent with coworkers old and new, trying out a new to me brewery, and lots of time in the garden {I loathe/love this time of year}. Wanted to show you a few pics of the peonies I picked from my garden this weekend.  I know they won't last long, but they are in full bloom and I'm loving it :)  The smell, the color - they are just the best.  I'm going to soak up these blooms as long as I can!  Also - Happy June!!

xoxo,
stephanie marie