3-0

Yep - that's right.  I'm officially 30.  While I've been a bit freaked out about turning the big 3-0, I've decided that there's not much I can do about it, so I might as well accept it with open arms.  I'm trying to stay positive - I mean, the 20's weren't that great anyway - and so far, so good {well, for the last few hours at least}.  I've planned lots of birthday celebrations throughout the week and weekend to surround myself with people I love and who love me, so I'm pretty sure I'm guaranteed a good start to this new year.  I'm also treating myself to a few days off to ring in this new decade.  Yep, 30 ain't so bad after all :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

pic via etsy

Roaming the Garden {Daisies}

I think Kathleen Kelly was right when she said "Don't you think daisies are the friendliest flower?"  They certainly seemed quite friendly to me when a big ol' bunch of them popped up in my backyard garden a month or so ago.  I love how, as a pack, they all reach towards the sun to get the most amount of light, and every morning when I look out my bathroom window, they are there smiling at me from the yard.  Yes, very friendly indeed :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Houseguests

Last week I had my first real houseguests for several nights in a row, and it was pretty fun :)  Kami and Jenn had to come to Seattle for a 3 day photography workshop and I offered up my guest room/couch/blowup bed to them for a few nights.  Like Jenn said, it felt just like we were back in college.  We stayed up late, all snuggled on one bed, gossiping, laughing, and listening to music together, and we all shared my one teeny bathroom each morning to get ourselves ready for the day.  These two sweethearts kindly took me out to dinner at The Sexton on their last night for yummy cocktails and amazing mac and cheese, and though it was a cozy fit, I was sad to see them go.  When you live alone, it's nice to have some "roomies" every now and then to make the house feel more like a home :)  You ladies are welcome back any time!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Early Access

franco sarto 'linden' leather bootie

After being frugal all year since I bought the house, I decided that the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale was as good a time as any to splurge a little bit on myself.  I like the sale because it falls right around my birthday, making me feel like Nordstrom just keeps sending me birthday gifts all month long :)  While I picked up a few things that will have to go back this year, here are a few of my faves that will definitely be getting heavy rotation in my closet come fall.

 michael kors colorblock herringbone print dress

 make + model 'vintage sleepytime' lounge pants and 'gotta have it' tee

 halogen jeweled neckline sweater

two by vince camuto faux leather trim sweatshirt

Did you pick up anything fun at the sale this year?  It goes through Sunday!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Happy Birthday Brother!

Happy {early} Birthday, little brother!  I am so lucky to have you in my life - I'm not sure how I'd get through it without you!  Thanks for always being there for me - from helping me move, to taking care of me, to always making me laugh and giving me a place to escape to.  You truly are the best, and I'm so glad we got to celebrate together last weekend.  Happy Birthday, Bubba :)  I love you!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Family Weekend {yard helpers}

I seriously have the best family.  Sunday morning, without even asking, my brother and dad headed outside and started pruning away at some troublesome trees and bushes.  My brother even climbed one of my trees to get some hard to reach dead branches, while my dad attacked the rose bush by my front door, enduring bloody arms and legs from the thorns.  We filled up the back of my bro's pick up {I had to put on my rain boots and stomp on the pile several times to make sure everything fit} and he hauled everything away for me.  As a reward, mom and I made breakfast sandwiches for everyone, even though I can never really repay them for all they do for me.  I'm one lucky lady :)

 attacking the rose bush

it doesn't look like much, but that truck was busting at the seams

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Family Weekend {Mini Golf}

Sunday afternoon, with not a lot going on, we decided to brave the clouds and head down to Interbay for some Mini Golf {I don't think I've done that since these days - brought back some awesome memories}.  With the threat of rain, the course was pretty empty, so we hopped right on and started our super competitive game :)  It was so much fun strolling the 18 hole course with the fam, trash-talking and laughing as we played each hole.  In the end, brother easily beat us all, but we vowed to all come back again for a rematch, as it really was one of the most fun experiences I've had in a long time.

xoxo,
stephanie marie

The Hollywood Tavern

Knowing we were heading out to Woodinville for wine tasting, I decided to make us reservations at The Hollywood Tavern, a restaurant right by Columbia Winery opened by Josh Henderson and Co. {of Skillet}.  I've wanted to try this place ever since it opened last year, but since I hardly ever get over to the Eastside, this was the perfect opportunity to try it out.  Everything on the menu looked delicious, but I decided to try the Fried Chicken Sandwich, which while spicy was so so good.  It took awhile to actually get our food, so we sat around drinking our beers, chatting, and taking in the cool surroundings of the service station turned tavern.  Outside were picnic tables, a fire pit, and lawn games, and everyone there seemed to be having a great time.  Next time you're doing a little wine tasting, I'd suggest stopping off for their burgers, sandwiches, and any other yumminess you can get your hands on.  You won't be disappointed.

 birthday cheers

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Family Weekend {wine tasting}

Since we're all kind of busy on our actual birthdays, we thought it would be a great idea to get the 4 of us Knutzen's together this past weekend for a family weekend.  We went back and forth about going east of the mountains or staying in the city, and finally decided to stay away from the flames and spend the weekend at my house.  Saturday morning everyone showed up at my place, and after a quick lunch at the Fisherman's Terminal, we headed out to Woodinville to do a little wine tasting.  We started out at Delille sharing tastings, then made our way across the parking lot to Mark Ryan for a few more.  We had every intention of finishing up at Chateau St. Michelle and Columbia, but after a quick drive by we realized it was concert night at the Chateau, so we just kept driving.  We found ourselves in the Warehouse district and sampled at several spots while picking up a few bottles to take home along the way.  It was a fun way to start the weekend together - drinking and laughing and having fun.  This is definitely a weekend I will remember for a long time :)

how cute are these bottles for game day??

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Happy Birthday Maddie!

Happy Birthday Mads!  Thanks for always being my adventure-seeking, advice-giving, laugh-inducing travel buddy.  I hope you have the best trip to NYC and a fabulous birthday celebration :)  Love ya!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

4th of July {part 3}

As promised, here are my favorite pics of fireworks from this year's 4th of July celebration.  The neighbors spent waaaaayyyy too much money to fill up a barge out in the bay with crazy explosives, but it was well worth it for us to just sit back and watch.  That's the best part of fireworks anyway, right?

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Happy Birthday Kelli!

Happy Birthday Kel!  It was so great getting to spend some time with you and your little munchkins this past month - we definitely can't wait years for the next time.  I hope you have the most wonderful day with that beautiful family of yours :)  Now - go get that big glass of wine!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Happy Birthday Merith!

Happy Birthday Merith!  I am so lucky to be able to call you a friend since even before these pics were taken in 3rd grade :)  You are one of the most positive, loyal, and just plain fun friends I know and I know that you'll be in my life until we're little old ladies.  Have the most fabulous birthday, love!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

4th of July {part 2}

Here are my favorite pics from the second part of our 4th of July.  While the rain came for a bit, it didn't stop us from having a great second half of my favorite holiday.  From learning to skip rocks to the annual golf tournament to sitting around the campfire, it was definitely a great day :)

 shaun and sara teaching griffin how to skip rocks

 when the rains came, we still wouldn't go inside

 the little poser

 abby, me, and griffin

 abby had to get in the pic with the girls

 abby loves her uncle shaun

 shaun at the annual golf tournament

 followed up by dad

 me, mom, and sara

my favorite part of the day - campfire {with s'mores of course}

I had so many fave pics of fireworks this year, that I'll just have to show you later this week!

xoxo,
stephanie marie