Happy {Long Weekend} Friday!

Happy Friday from this little beggar who is officially in our custody for the next 2 weeks.  We love being able to help out our neighbors by taking in Carmen while they're off on vacation, but man - I forget how much work having a dog is!  She is pretty darn cute though and is finally getting more comfortable with us and not following us everywhere in the house.  Cheers to a long weekend of lots of long walkies, treats, and doggie snuggles.

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals {ZooTunes}

My love of Ben Harper runs deep, so when I saw he was coming to ZooTunes this year I knew we had to get tickets - I'd never been to these summer concerts at the Zoo & C had never seen a Ben show, so it was the perfect excuse!  We went last week on a perfect Seattle summer evening {shout out to concerts that are near home and start at 6:30} and had a great time listening to one of my favorite guys {and he played some old favorites which really brought me back}.  While I prefer concerts at the Chateau where the sound is better and the people are friendlier {the people around us at this concert would not stop talking the entire show, making it impossible to really enjoy the music}, it was fun to try out a new venue where I could introduce Christian to one of my favorite musicians!

unfortunately the 4 people right in our line of sight to the stage were the only ones standing the entire time

xoxo,

stephanie marie

My Morning Jacket {Chateau St. Michelle}

One of my favorite summer traditions is go to a concert at Chateau St. Michelle.  While there were a lot of fun looking shows this year, C really wanted to go see My Morning Jacket so I decided, what the heck?  I didn't know much of their music {unbeknownst to me, we actually listen to it quite a bit at home but I just didn't connect that it was them}, but I love spending the afternoon and evening out there in the sunshine, listening to music and drinking good wine.  This year it seemed like prices were extra expensive {I think the wine was $40, parking was $50, and our meals were almost $30 each} but we decided to just go for it and enjoy the treat.  The show ended up being amazing - everyone stood for the entire show, dancing and singing along and the energy of the band and the crowd was contagious.  I didn't know a lot of songs, but I still found myself bopping and singing along with everyone else and by the time we finally headed back to the car at the end of the evening I declared it one of my favorite concerts.  It was such a fun day doing one of my favorite summer activities!

xoxo,

stephanie marie

The Weekend {In Pictures}

{dog sitting for the day}

{garden bounty}

{early saturday breakfast}

{an early trip to costco}

{we weren't the only ones}

{wedding flowers from mom & dad courtesy of our amazing florist - how sweet!}

{sunday breakfast}

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Two

I can’t believe it’s been TWO whole years since my most favorite day ever, the day I said “I Do” to this handsome fella. I love looking at our pictures and reminiscing about the day - I wish I could live it over and over again, being with so many people we love and the pure happiness that filled the entire weekend. So much has changed in these past two years, but one thing that remains is that I’m still so lucky I married my best friend - through all of life’s ups and downs there’s no one else I’d rather have by my side than this guy. Cheers to two down and a lifetime to go!

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Happy Friday!

Happy Friday!  It's supposed to be a hot one this weekend but I'm excited to head out for a few outings with the family and enjoy these last days of summer - can you believe it's almost September?!?!  Where did this summer go?? Let's enjoy all the sunshine and fresh produce while we can - have a great one!

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Fresh Tomato Pasta

It’s my favorite time of year - tomato season! The tomatoes at the store always look so good that I forget we also have 3 plants on the roof that are full of fresh tomatoes, leaving us with an abundance of tomato goodness that needs to be eaten. We’ve been making this pasta weekly to use it all up and it’s one of my favorite meals this time of year. Basically we sauté some onion {and garlic if you want} in olive oil, then add in bunches of small tomatoes sliced in half {way more than you think you need since they’ll shrink down} and cook until they’re soft and and melty. Add in some fresh chopped basil and toss with cooked pasta and a little more good olive oil. Top with Parmesan if you want, but the flavor of the fresh tomatoes with basil is perfect for this time of year and the dish makes great leftovers for the next day. Definitely eating this one as long as the season lasts!

xoxo,

stephanie marie