The Weekend {in pictures}

 {saturday rain storm from my bedroom window}

{sunday sunset in the valley}

A few shots from the weekend.  Saturday was rainy and moody, and I spent most of the day inside {minus a quick trip out for brunch with two lovely ladies}.  Sunday I made the drive up north to spend time with Nana and family for Sunday Supper, where the rain subsided and the sun shone for a few short hours.  

Hope you had a great one :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Ladies Night

Last night Merith and Erika came over for dinner and drinks.  I made my yummy Quesadillas de Camerones, Merith brought delish wine, and we spent the entire evening around the dining table drinking, laughing, and telling stories.  I treasure these evenings, and plans with these two are the ones I always look forward to most on the calendar.  I know I've said this before, but I love these ladies and feel so happy to have them in my life.  

Hope you have a great weekend with those you love!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

House Of Cards

Do you watch House of Cards?  I am completely obsessed.  I just finished Season 2 and for such a dark and disturbing political drama, it's one of my absolute favorites.  It's a Netflix original series, and everyone that I've ever convinced to start the show finishes it in days.  While I should never be surprised by anything that happens {episode 1 of season 2 - what?!?!?}, I always find myself with my jaw on the floor at the end of every episode.  This show is a definite must see - the only problem?  After binge watching a season, you have to wait another year to find out what happens!  Well worth the wait though.  What is going to happen to Frank and Claire next?  The only direction I see it going is downhill very quickly.  I cannot wait :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Views

Monday was one of those rare March days in Seattle where it really felt like spring.  The sun was shining, everyone was outside, and you didn't need your warmest coat for maybe the first time all year.  Knowing it would be fleeting, I drove around Magnolia after work to find a place to just sit and soak up the sun for a few minutes.  I stumbled upon Ella Bailey Park, a tiny, unassuming space behind the old school at the top of the hill, which has the most gorgeous views of the city and Mt Rainer.  I sat at a picnic table for awhile, just staring out at downtown and watching little kids zoom past me on scooters.  I can already tell there will be many picnics in my future at this park, and next time I'll remember to bring the real camera for some better pics :)

the views of mt rainier are one of my favorite things about this neighborhood

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Zesty Crock Pot Chicken & Potato Stew

Erika came over for dinner the other night, and I decided to bring out the crock pot for possibly the last time of the season {sunshine - please stick around!}.  I went to one of my old standbys, Eat Live Run {mmmmm....remember this?}, and was immediately drawn to her Zesty Crock Pot Chicken & Potato Stew.  I loved that I didn't have to cook or prepare anything ahead of time {except chop chop chop!} and the flavor of the marinade was so good that it really made the stew.  Don't let the name deter you - it has a lot of flavor, but is in no way spicy.  If it's still cold where you are, I'd highly recommend throwing this all in the crock pot this week and see what happens.  Yum!


Zesty Crock Pot Chicken & Potato Stew

Ingredients
4 russet potatoes, peeled and cubed into 1 inch pieces
5 cups chicken broth
1 - 14.5oz can crushed tomatoes
2 stalks celery, diced
1 yellow onion, diced
3 carrots, diced
1/2 cup Stubbs Chicken Marinade
1 tsp salt, to taste
1/4 tsp pepper, to taste
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp oregano
1 lb chicken thighs

Instructions
1. Put all ingredients in crock pot.  Cook on low heat for 8 hours.  After, remove chicken thighs and shred with forks.  Add back to pot and and season with salt and pepper.

Serves 6-8

adapted from Eat Live Run

xoxo,
stephanie marie

The Weekend {in pictures}

upside down kitty napping

 someone stole nana's chair

 kissing cows

 simba is so fat, nana thought he was a dog

baby cow

Hope you had a great spring weekend!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Happy Spring

Happy Spring!  I'm feeling optimistic about this change in seasons.  Spring brings new beginnings and I'm welcoming the change with open arms.  I can't wait for sunny skies, blooming flowers, and longer days.  Bring it on, spring!


Oh, and Happy Friday! :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Big Girl Toys

A month or so ago, I found myself needing to do some handiwork that required a drill.  Since this had happened on more than one occasion already, I decided to bite the bullet and make that oh so important homeowner purchase - an electric drill.  After extensive conversations with my brother and dad {who so sweetly said he had always dreamed of the day he'd help his daughter buy power tools} I headed to Home Depot {quickly becoming my favorite store}.  Feeling semi-prepared yet completely overwhelmed, a nice gentleman helped me navigate the world of power tools.  I selected this Ryobi 18V cordless drill and a set of drill bits and off I was, feeling so grown up :)  I absolutely never thought I'd say this about a drill, but I love it.  It's already been vital on several home projects, and while I'll always need my dad's help with the big things, it's nice to know there are a few things I can do now on my own :)  Now, on to power saws......

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Brown Sugar Oatmeal Cookies

I've had the ingredients for these cookies for about a month, but hadn't found the time to make them.  Boy, am I regretting that.  The instant I first bit into one of these super easy to make cookies, I was hooked.  They are insanely delicious - chewy and sweet with just the right amount of substance.  I pawned them off on my family this past weekend, knowing full well I didn't need 3 dozen in my home, and my mom even called last night to tell me they were out of cookies.  Two batches in less than a week isn't excessive, right?  :)

Brown Sugar Oatmeal Cookies

Ingredients
1 cup butter, softened {I used unsalted}
2 cups packed dark brown sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 whole eggs
1 1/2 cup flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
3 cups Old Fashioned Oats

Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Beat together butter and brown sugar using stand or hand mixer until fluffy.  Beat in vanilla.  Add eggs, one at a time, until mixed.
3. In separate bowl, mix together flour, salt, and baking soda.  Add it to the creamed mixture, in 2 or 3 batches, until just combined.  Mix in oats.
4. Using cookie scoop, drop dough on greased cookie sheet a few inches apart.  Bake13-15 minutes {depending on oven} until dark brown and chewy.  Cool slightly on pan, then transfer to cooling rack.

Makes 3 dozen

adapted from The Pioneer Woman

xoxo,
stephanie marie

The Lion King

Sunday afternoon, a bunch of the family {and a few friends too} headed down to The Paramount to see The Lion King.  It may be one of my favorite Disney movies {which I'm now realizing I don't own!} and the music gets me every time.  I had seen the show many years before, but I was still in awe of how they brought this animated feature to life {the animals walking in through the audience at the beginning is by far the best part}.  After the show, the family headed back to my place {most hadn't seen the house yet!} for some pizza and family time before heading out.  It was a fun way to spend a rainy day, and I'm happy everyone got to see my home!

sweet housewarming gifts from gretchen & the grandparents {really hoping i don't kill that lavender!}

xoxo,
stephanie marie

St. Paddy's Day {spanish style}

I'm not big into celebrating St. Paddy's day like I used to {but of course, I'll still be wearing green today} but ask me about my favorite St. Paddy's day ever, and I automatically think of my time in Spain.  I can remember the night perfectly - we spent the evening at our favorite bar, Pub Irlandes, where we all sported these ridiculous Guinness hats {yes, that found a space in my suitcase home}, drank Irish beer and ate schwarma, and acted like the silly Americans that we were.  It was such a fun night with some of my favorite people at the time, that I couldn't help but share a few pics that always make me smile :)

 corey, elina, lauren, and kristen

 me and corey, one of my absolute favorite people i met in spain

 irish car bombs, of course

 the usual crew, at our usual table

so thankful to have known walker during his way too short time on this earth

Luck o' the Irish to ya!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

The Answer

Champagne is always the answer, right?  Just to be sure, I have about 6 bottles chillin' in my fridge if anyone wants to test the theory :)  I bought this print on Cin Cin Vintage, a super cute online shop I recently discovered.  Since I couldn't find the perfect frame for it, I bought a cheap white Ikea frame and spray painted it gold {my new favorite hobby}.  This sign is sitting on my bar cart, reminding me that the answer to my problems is only a few steps away :)

Happy Friday!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Amber Ale Chili

I know we've talked about chili fairly recently, but I couldn't not share this one with you.  Dad ripped this recipe out of the newspaper a few weeks back, and I had promised I would give it a try.  I mean, how could I not try a chili that combines beer, cinnamon, and honey?  The flavors ended up being amazing together {who knew?!?} and this may be my favorite chili to date.  If winter is still hanging on where you are, I suggest you make this chili to warm yourself up this weekend.  And the leftovers are awesome - this one definitely keeps getting better with age :)

Amber Ale Chili

Ingredients
3 tsp olive oil, divided
2 lbs ground beef
1 tsp salt
1 yellow onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tblsp chili powder
1 tblsp cumin
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp cinnamon
1 (12 oz) bottle amber ale {I used Fat Tire}
1 cup water
1 - 28oz can crushed tomatoes
1 pinch red pepper flakes
2 tblsp tomato paste
2 tblsp honey
1 - 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed

Instructions
1. Heat 1 tsp oil in Dutch oven over medium heat.  Add beef.  Saute, breaking up with wooden spoon, until browned, about 5 minutes.  Transfer meat to small bowl with slotted spoon and sprinkle with salt.  Set aside.
2. Drain liquid from pot.  Add remaining 2 tsp oil.  Add onion, and saute until soft {about 5 minutes}.  Add garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and cinnamon.  Saute 1 minute.
3. Add ale, water, beef, crushed tomatoes, red pepper flakes, tomato paste, and honey.  Reduce heat to medium low, and simmer 1 hour, stirring occasionally.  Add beans; cook 5 minutes.

Suggested toppings - sour cream, chips, cheese, green onion, avocado, etc.

Serves 6

xoxo,
stephanie marie

That's Tight

Ladies - I want to let you in on a little secret I discovered this winter - tights at Nordstrom Rack!  I don't know about you, but it seems the minute I put on a new pair of tights, I inevitably get a snag in them and have wasted $15-$20.  Not anymore.  At The Rack, I picked up brand name, quality tights for only $6.97 a pair!  Now, I don't worry about snagging them {and ironically, I haven't since} and can pick them up in all the colors I need.  Maybe you already knew this, but it was news to me and I love it.  Anything to save a penny or two, right? :)

Do you have anywhere you go for great deals on everyday basics?

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Homemade Chicken Sammy

I am almost embarrassed to share this with you, since it's so insanely easy to make, but it just tastes so good that I have to.  A week or so ago, I decided to cook up a few chicken breasts to slice up in salads for lunch.  I rubbed some olive oil on them, and them sprinkled them with my favorite dried herbs I had on hand {in this case, rosemary, basil, oregano, thyme, salt and pepper}.  I baked the chicken at 350 for about 30 minutes or so, until they were done.  That night, I wasn't really in the mood for a salad, so I picked up a mini baguette {these are genius} and toasted it in the oven for a few minutes until just a bit crunchy.  I used what I had in the fridge to layer on the sammy {coarse mustard, feta, tomato, spinach, and avocado} then sliced up a few pieces of the still warm chicken.  This was literally one of the tastiest and easiest dinners I've put together without having to pick up anything from the store, and it is so easily customizable to whatever you have on hand {I'm thinking bacon or pepperjack cheese would be divine}.

What are your go-to meals when you're cleaning out the fridge?  Here's my Whatever Ya Got Pasta "recipe" I use way too often :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

The Bachelor

Every year I say I'm not going to watch, and every year I get sucked into the next season of The Bachelor.  Watching this season drove me crazy {definitely not a fan of Juan Pablo anymore}, but luckily I had group texts with the ladies most Monday nights to get me through.  Now that we're down to the final 2, I can honestly say I have no idea what will happen during the finale tonight.  If the teasers are any indication, at least we can count on a lot of tears.  So, who do you think it will be?

Clare.....

.......or Nikki??

xoxo,
stephanie marie

SJP

Wednesday afternoon was like a dream, as I was lucky enough to stand within 10 feet of one of the loveliest ladies ever, Sarah Jessica Parker.  She was in town to promote her new SJP Collection, exclusively at Nordstrom, and I wasn't going to let a small thing like the stomach flu hinder my plans to see her up close.  While I didn't actually buy anything so I could meet her, I did elbow my way up to within feet to snap a few pics of this gorgeous and gracious lady.  I could hear some of the things she was saying to fans, and she was exactly as sweet as I had imagined {I even heard her sincerely tell several random fans "Oh, I'll see you again," like they were old friends}.  It was an absolute highlight for me - something I'll never forget - and now I can't stop dreaming about beautiful shoes {I'll take the Carrie in black, please}.  I think it's time to binge-watch Sex and The City again :)

 i had to get a pic showing her fabulous red shoes

 this girl was so sweet - she cried when she met sjp and brought her a heart balloon

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Giving Up

Do you guys "celebrate" Lent?  For the past few years, I've given up buying coffee at my in-building Starbucks, but since I've stopped buying coffee all together this year {thank you, mortgage} I had to come up with something new for this Lent season.  It was down to the wire last night when I decided that I would give up chips.  Specifically, the above.  Lays Sour Cream & Onion chips are probably my biggest addiction.  If not monitored, I could eat a whole bag in one sitting {knowing full well I'd have a horrible stomach ache shortly after}.  But I can't help it - I love them.  So for Lent, I'm giving up these {and all other} chips.  Trust me, this is a sacrifice :)

What are you giving up this year?

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Sick Days

Sorry for the silence the past few days - I've been in bed with a horrible stomach flu {thanks dad}.  I'll spare you details, but I promise it was no fun at all.  On top of being sick, I got horribly bored - when I finally got out of bed on day 2, I found there really are only so many episodes of The Real Housewives you can watch in one day :)  Thankfully, I have good friends that checked in and dropped off chicken soup and Gateorades, and I'm finally feeling like rejoining the real world.  Here's to staying healthy for the foreseeable future!

xoxo,
stephanie marie