The Barking Dog

A few weekends ago, my brother came down to stay with me before his big golf tournament.  After being such a great brother and carrying my bags while we went on a U Village mini shopping spree, I decided to reward him with burgers and beers at The Barking Dog Alehouse.  This place is quickly becoming one of my favorite neighborhood restaurants.  The atmosphere is friendly and casual, the beer menu extensive, and the burgers - wow.  We both agreed they were some of the best we had tasted in a while.  Topped with bacon and grilled onions, I find myself daydreaming about them often and can't wait to go back.

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad

Today is my parent's 31st wedding anniversary.  They are the perfect couple and the fact that they've made it this long and are still so genuinely happy to be together is inspiring.  Last year, to celebrate the big 3-0, they took my brother and I down to LA for the weekend.  We watched the M's play the Angels, spent a full day at Disneyland, and even got to see Susannah.  It was such a memorable trip, and one I hope we get to do again very soon. 

not sure what everyone was looking at, but obviously we didn't think it was important

Disneyland

Thunder Mountain

Splash Mountain {before}

Splash Mountain {after}

possibly my favorite picture - ever

dinner with Susannah in Culver City

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!  I love you!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Just Married {Autumn & Ryan}

This past weekend we celebrated the wedding of Autumn and Ryan.  The setting was gorgeous and every last detail was perfectly put together (thanks to the bride and her many helpers).  It was such a fun wedding - from the yummy bbq dinner and homemade ice cream and cookies to the band that played all of our faves.  Autumn and Ryan are one of those couples that just fit, and this wedding was a reflection of their lives together and their love for each other.  I was so happy to be a part of it and I couldn't imagine a more perfect wedding for these two.  Here's to a happy and long life together, Mr. & Mrs. Helling :)

gorgeous bride

yummy ice cream

lianna, me, and erika

me and maddie

xoxo,
stephanie marie

My Brother, The Golfer

With Tuesday being the most gorgeous day of the week and the first day of summer, I took the day off of work to watch my brother compete in the 2nd day of the Washington State Men's Amateur Golf Championships at McCormick Woods Golf Course.  It was a gorgeous day to take a (long and hilly) walk with my dad, soak in the sun, and watch some excellent golf.  Let me tell you - my brother truly impressed me.  I haven't watched him play since high school, and back then, though he always had natural skill, he had trouble with his mental game :)  But watching him on Tuesday, I could see how much he's matured and grown and how he can quickly forget about a bad shot and move on to the next.  And his talent?  I was in awe of how well he could hit the ball and place it exactly where he wanted to.  He made it to the 3rd and 4th days of the tournament (his goal) and ended up in 24th place out of 113 golfers.  Not too shabby for an assistant golf course superintendent.  I'm so proud of him and can't wait to watch him dominate next year.

beautiful shot of Mount Rainier in the background

Great job little brother! :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Pasta Night + New Dishes

Last night, after what seems like weeks without cooking a meal (cereal and toast do not count), I finally went to the grocery store and came back with the fixin's to make Sausage, Tomato, and Arugula Fettuccine from an old issue of Cooking Light magazine, which is one of my go-to quick and easy dishes (only 20 minutes from start to finish!).  It was also an excuse to invite Maddie over for a quick bite and break out my new pasta dishes from Crate and Barrel.  I found them on sale this past weekend and couldn't resist adding them to my expanding dinnerware collection.  I love how they make equally great pasta bowls or cereal bowls, and they are a break from my ever present red plates.  It was great catching up with Maddie over yummy pasta and red wine, and I can't wait to see the rest of the girls this weekend for Autumn and Ryan's wedding!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Summer To Do

After reading Emily's Summer To Do list, I knew I had to make one of my own.  Summer always seems to fly by and I want to make sure that I make these all happen before the first signs of fall.  Since yesterday was the first official day of summer, it's time to get movin'!

1.  Kayak on Lake Union from Agua Verde
2.  Golf (not mini-golf, actual golf)
3.  Make fresh crab cakes
4.  Go on a day hike
5.  Host brunch at the lake for the ladies
6.  Go to an outdoor concert
7.  Paddleboard on Greenlake (Erika has already offered to join in/witness this)
8.  Visit Kimber in San Francisco
9.  Get fancied up and have cocktails at Canlis
10. Bring home more fresh flowers from Pike Place Market (see above polaroid)

Anyone want to join?? :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Mariners Weekend

This past weekend was definitely dedicated to the Mariner's.  On Friday, Erika and I continued the long standing tradition of "chaperoning" the high school FFA (that's Future Farmer's of America) with my mom, dad, and Nana.  The best part of the night?  Watching my new favorite Mariner, Dustin Ackley, make his major league debut with a hit.  The stadium was rockin'.  On Sunday, I was back at Safeco Field to celebrate Father's Day with my dad, mom, and again, Nana (such a fan).  Despite being a bit overcast, the roof was open as we watched the M's defeat the Phillies for the 2nd time that weekend (and Ackley hit his first triple!).  It was a fantastic weekend at the ballpark.

FFA night

the Mariners win

Happy Father's Day, Dad!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Lessons from My Dad

To the daddy who taught me:

to always enjoy time spent on the water

to run as fast as I can

that a good piece of candy is always worth hunting for

to look good and smile often

the importance of a mid afternoon nap

Happy Father's Day, Dad!  I love you!!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Drinks on the Links {Superhero Finale}

The Superheros were in town last night for the finale of Drinks on the Links.  Though our Superhero powers weren't enough to take over first place, we had a fabulous time showing off our skills and costumes.  I got another hole in one (!) - enough to go home with an Underdog tshirt like the rest of the team.  I'm going to miss these guys.  They're Super :)

two Batgirls and their Robin

Flash and an Angry Bird

Flash being strong

Wonderwoman and Batgirl

Wonderwoman

Robin's hole in one dance

Flash on his favorite rock

our HR representatives

Batgirl says "have a great weekend!"

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Spring Social

Last night was my work's Spring Social, an annual event where coworkers get together for free food and bonding time.  This year, I was in the lead for hosting this event, which started outside on our beautiful deck overlooking the Space Needle and ended with a group outing to the M's game, where they won!  With looming dark clouds in the distance, I was nervous for the event, but the day ended up being gorgeous and the roof was even open at Safeco Field.  It was a great day, but I'm glad the stress is over.  On to the next!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

A Reunion

Erika and Holden at his beer pong tournament/birthday party 2009

Last night I had dinner with Erika and Holden.  We met Holden (and subsequently, a huge group of close friends) when Erika answered a Craigslist ad looking for a smart, attractive, witty, clean roommate (ok, not exactly that, but close) almost 4 years ago.  We all instantly became friends and developed a vast social calendar, including poker nights, dip contests, Yahtzee picnics, and 24 Marathons.  Though it's been several years since Erika and Holden have actually lived together, we still like to get together every now and then to catch up on each other's lives and reminisce about old times.  These are two of my most favorite people, and I always leave them wondering why we don't do this more often.

Holden - be safe in Vancouver tomorrow!  We need you at DOTL!!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Triple Coconut Cream Pie {bites}

I've talked about Tom Douglas Triple Coconut Cream Pie before and how amazing it is.  But did you know that for just $2.50 you can get a tiny, bite-sized version of this delicious dessert?  Everytime I'm in the vicinity of the Dahlia Bakery, I find myself being pulled in to pick up one of these sweet treats.  They are the perfect mid-afternoon snack and at such a reasonable price (compared to the full pie at around $35) it's hard to say no.  In fact, I may have to stop by and pick one up today :)

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Congrats, Gramps!

This past weekend, my grandpa was officially inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame for Lifetime Service to the sport of wrestling.  It's a huge honor, and we all gathered at a ceremony in Everett to recognize his achievements.  My grandpa had tables and tables full of people there supporting him, and it was so fun to see the guys reminisce about matches from the good ol' days.  His speech was the perfect blend of funny and heartfelt, just like he does best, and I was happy I could be there to be a part of this special day.  Gramps - I'm so proud of you! :)

family

married 54 years last week

congrats!

xoxo,
stephanie marie