Flashback Friday

Leslie sent me these pics the other day and every time I look at them, I laugh.  I think they're from around 2008 or 2009 of her, me, and Andrew out and about one evening at the sadly departed 611 Supreme.  Those were back in the days when we all worked together and would go out more often than not after work to eat, drink, and vent.  I credit Andrew with helping form my love of good food and new restaurants, and those evenings I spent with that whole crew formed friendships I'm sure will last a lifetime.  Such fun memories for a Friday :)

 being gifted a lawn bowling ball from the bartender - a story almost too good to be real :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Frank's Oyster House

To me, there's something so great about a big glass of wine, a cozy booth, and watching the rain fall outside of a restaurant with good friends, and I recently found exactly that.  Frank's Oyster House in the U District is this unassuming small restaurant that you walk into and instantly feel like you're a part of old Hollywood.  The lighting is low, the wooden booths are tall, and you can catch up over candlelight and wine - what better, right?  My absolute faves that we tried were the mini lobster rolls {O.M.G.} and the clams and lamb sausage in coconut curry sauce, but the fresh oysters and homemade potato chips with feta spread were right up there.  It was the perfect way to indulge after a busy week, and I can't wait to go back and try it again.

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Chicken & White Bean Chili

Lately, I've really been getting into Gwyneth Paltrow's newest cookbook, It's All Good.  I've had it for awhile, but haven't made much from it until recently when Maddie started raving about these great dishes from the cookbook that I just had to try.  Gwyneth has never done me wrong, so I've flipped through the book multiple times and this weekend decided to try her Chicken & White Bean Chili.  It was incredibly simple to put together {just a lot of simmering and stirring} and in what seemed like no time I had an incredibly flavorful and healthy meal that I could fill up on all week long.  This one you can top with just about anything you like {I had cilantro and limes in the fridge, so voila!} and the leftovers are just as good as the originals.  Add it to my winter staples!

Chicken & White Bean Chili

Ingredients
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3 Tblsp olive oil, divided
Sea Salt
Pepper
2 small yellow onions, diced {about 2 cups}
1 red bell pepper, seeds and stem discarded, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
3/4 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp paprika
28oz can whole peeled tomatoes with juice
14oz can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained

Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 425.  Rub chicken with 1 Tblsp olive oil and season with salt and pepper.  Put on parchment paper lined baking sheet and roast until cooked through, about 25-30 minutes.  Let cool and shred meat.  Set aside.
2. Heat remaining olive oil in large soup pot over medium-high heat.  Add onions, bell pepper, garlic, cumin, chili powder, paprika, and large pinch of salt.  Cook, stirring when needed, until vegetables are softened but not browned {about 10 minutes{.
3. Add tomatoes and turn heat up.  When mixtures begins to boil, turn heat to low and simmer 1/2 hour, or until tomatoes begin to break down, stirring occasionally.  Break tomoatoes up with back of a wooden spoon.
4. Add beans and reserved chicken to pot, stirring to combine.  Add 1/2 cup water if needed and simmer another 20 minutes.
5.  Season with salt and pepper and serve with toppings

Suggested Toppings - cilantro, lime wedges, diced red onion, hot sauce, sour cream, cheese

Serves 4

adapted from it's all good

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Highliner Pub

Mom and Dad came down Saturday evening to stay the night with me so we could wake up bright and early and start fixing things {ah, the joys of owning a home}.  They got to Magnolia right at dinnertime, and after a little debating, we decided to head down the street to the Highliner Pub at Fisherman's Terminal.  The pub was only about half full, so we settled in with some drinks to come up with a plan for the next day and discuss the Seahawks free agents {important stuff}.  Everything on the menu looked good {after the week I had, comfort food was key} but I ended up with the blacked cod sandwich which totally hit the spot {plus a few IPA's}.  I love showing the family new places in my 'hood - it always makes it feel a little more like home.  I can't wait to wander down to the pub this summer and sit out on the deck on a warm day - perfection.

xoxo,
stephanie marie

The Weekend {In Pictures}

{stopping some leaks before they become big problems - have i mentioned how much i love my parents and how much they help me?!?!?  so lucky}

 {sunny weekend = pruning}

 {cutting my cable bill in half and getting waaaaaay more services.  if you need me, i'll be watching hbo}

 {fresh veggie lunch}

 {signs of spring!}

{new hobbies}

Hope you had a great weekend!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Happy Friday!

Happy Friday!  It's going to be weird not watching the Hawks this weekend - what will we do?!?!  I always hate the end of the season - no jerseys on Fridays, no games on Sundays - but I guess that means we're that much closer to spring!  I can't wait for longer {and sunnier} days, but until then, I'll keep reminding myself {like the Icon Grill did yesterday} how much I love my Hawks.  To me, they'll always be #1.  

Happy Friday!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Easy Crock Pot Chicken & Black Beans

I'm pretty sure I've stumbled upon one of the easiest meals ever, all thanks to Pinterest.  A few weeks back, on a Sunday afternoon, I happened to have all of these ingredients handy for Easy Crockpot Chicken & Black Bean Taco Salad so I threw it all in the crock pot and let it work it's magic.  Boy, was this one delicious!  I've already shared the recipe with the girls at work, and everyone's gone home and made it and raved about it.  It's so simple to have on hand for tacos, burritos, taco salads - you name it - and could easily be thrown in the freezer or doubled for a crowd.  The chicken makes great leftovers all week long, so make this on the weekend and switch up the toppings throughout the week for a great base for delicious dinners.

Easy Crock Pot Chicken & Black Beans

Ingredients
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 Tblsp low sodium taco seasoning
1/2 tsp cumin
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup chunky salsa

Instructions
Place all ingredients in a Crock Pot.  Cook on low for 4 hours, or until chicken easily shreds.  

Suggested Toppings
Lettuce
Tomato
Avocado
Cilantro
Green onions
Cheese
Sour Cream
Lime Juice 

Makes about 3-4 cups

adapted from skinnytaste

xoxo,
stephanie marie

AC2

Saturday night, Mom came down to join me at "AC2 - An Intimate Evening with Anderson Cooper & Andy Cohen: Deep Talk & Shallow Tales".  I wasn't sure what to expect when I bought the tickets a few months back, but being a huge fan of both of them, I knew it wasn't something I could miss.  After an afternoon of shopping and dining, we settled into our seats at the Paramount where we spent the next 2.5 hours laughing to the point of tears at these two telling stories.  They talked about their diverse childhoods, behind the scenes stories, and their longtime friendship, and boy did these guys have some stories to tell.  Both Andy and Anderson seemed liked friends you wanted to go grab a drink with after a long day {tequila Fresca, please!} and I am so happy I bought the tickets and at least got to spend an evening with them :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Hawks Heartbreak

Though we've had a few days to process it, the loss on Sunday still stings.  I was entirely decked out in blue and green {see above} and mom and I made french toast {and a paper Jimmy Graham} but it wasn't enough.  The first half was excruciating, but then the second half was so crazy exciting - if we just had a tiny bit more time, it totally would've happened!  Alas, it didn't, and we went home losing to those awful Panthers {Cam - ripping down the 12 flag made you some serious enemies}.  But I know we'll be back next year stronger than ever!  I'm so proud of those boys - I had faith all along that we'd make it to the playoffs and we did!  Let's just hope that the core of the team remains and that they have some good off season bonding time to get it together :)  But for now, what the heck am I supposed to wear on Fridays and do on Sundays?!?!?

 Love you, Hawks!!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

I'm a 12

Playoff fever is in full gear in Seattle, and it feels so good!  Everyone is amped up about the Hawks once again being in the playoffs, and I cannot wait for the game on Sunday.  Those boys are so ready to take on Carolina, and it's going to be a great game {where I'm sure to be screaming and yelling at the TV the entire time}.  Happy Blue Friday, 12's!  I'm in :)

Go Hawks!!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

pic via pinterest

Baked Thai Salmon

So I've been trying to be more conscious of what I eat, and when I think "healthy food" I think fish {besides, you know, veggies and fruits and stuff}.  I was browsing Pinterest and came upon this insanely easy Clean Eating Baked Thai Salmon which basically just calls for marinating salmon in Thai Sweet Chili Sauce {my fave} and broiling for a few minutes.  Simple!  Since I had company for dinner, I paired the delicious salmon with some brown rice and fresh green beans with shallots and while the presentation looked fancy, this super yummy meal was a cinch to make.  I'd highly recommend making this salmon if you want to step up your fish-game a notch - it's impressive and fabulous at the same time!

Baked Thai Salmon

Ingredients
4-6 salmon fillets
Pinch of salt
1/2 cup + 2 Tbsp Thai Sweet Chili Sauce
2-3 Tbsp Green onions, chopped

Instructions 
1. Place salmon in a row in large baking dish.  Sprinkle with salt and top with 1/2 cup of Thai Chili Sauce.  Brush or rub with fingers, coating the entire fillets.  Cover and let marinate in fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight {up to 24 hours}.
2. Turn on broiler to high.  Line large baking sheet with aluminum foil and place salmon fillets skin side down.  Coat with remaining marinade from dish.
3. Broil for 8 minute, rotating baking sheet once.  Remove from oven, brush with extra sauce {if needed} and broil another 5 minutes or until salmon has caramelized.  Serve hot, topped with green onions.

Serves 4-6

adapted from pinterest

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Doggy Days {Dog Park & Norm's}

I took a few days off before Christmas to chill at home and have a little stay-cation, and since my bro was in town visiting Sara, he brought Addie up to meet me for lunch and to catch up.  We first took Addie to the Magnolia Dog Park right up the street from my house, where she would not leave our side no matter how many sticks we threw or dogs came up to play.  She definitely is a people's dog :)  From there we headed down to Norm's, a fun spot in Fremont where you can enjoy great burgers and beer while your dog chills at your feet.  Addie was much more comfortable at the pub where there were no other dogs present at the time, and while she made a few new friends in the booths next to us, we enjoyed our lunch while catching up and having some brother sister time.  I love hanging out with those two - it almost makes me want a pup of my own.  Almost.....

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Sweet Potato Hash with Eggs & Bacon

For the game on Sunday {Go Hawks!!} I knew I wanted to make a delicious breakfast, but something that wouldn't take too long to make and wasn't full of carbs {trying to be healthier over here.....}.  I came across this Sweet Potato Hash recipe while perusing Pinterest, and it combines some of my most favorite things - veggies, eggs, and bacon!  I whipped it up in about 15 minutes and in no time I was enjoying my breakfast while watching the Hawks pull off a crazy win.  I call that a win-win :)

Sweet Potato Hash with Eggs & Bacon

Ingredients
2-3 slices bacon
1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced
1 small zucchini, chopped
1/2 bell pepper {I used green}, diced
1/2 yellow onion, diced
salt & pepper
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
2 eggs

Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400. 
2. Cook bacon in cast iron pan over medium low heat until crisp.  Transfer to paper towel lined plate.
3. Turn heat up to medium high.  Add sweet potato.  Cook until lightly browned, stirring occasionally.
4. When potatoes are just tender, add zucchini, pepper, and onion.  Season with salt, pepper, paprika, chili powder, and cayenne.  Cook until veggies are tender, stirring occasionally.
5. Remove from heat.  Make 2 small holes in the veggies and crack eggs into them.  Place pan in oven and cook until eggs are to your liking {about 5 minutes for runny, 10 for well done}.  
6.  Crumble bacon on top to serve.

Serves 2

adapted from spicy southern kitchen

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Year in Review {2015}

I love doing these little reviews - it's fun to look back at everything that's happened in my year.  And it was a busy one!  

I started out 2015 with some fun resolutions, had a yummy dinner with my buddy, went a little crazy, enjoyed some January sun, and spent a week learning the ins and outs of lean, but the story of the month, once again, was that we cheered our Hawks on to another Superbowl.

February started out gloomy with a game they're still talking about and giving up my favorite food, but it quickly turned around with a fancy new restaurant, the cutest date, and a celebration, and after a trip east to learn a new skill, I started a new gig and never looked back.  

 

With March, spring sprung in the yard, I tried a few restaurants in my 'hood and in Pioneer Square, I tried a little DIY, had the girls over for brunch, and spent a morning in Mercer Island with some of my faves.

In April I celebrated a milestone, had high hopes for the M's, danced the night away, cheered on Bruce, spent Easter with the fam, visited my favorite fields, enjoyed the view, ate yummy pizza, and showered Erika and Baby Novak.

May brought my artistic side, coffee with a cutie, dinner at my fave, a new show, beer in the neighborhood, a trip to the races, a fancy and scandalous night, and a goodbye to a restaurant, but the absolute best part was heading south to celebrate Susannah's Bachelorette Weekend.

In June I celebrated Sara's graduation, Ashley's shower, and Susannah's blessing, finally ate the best pizza ever, cheered on the hometown team, was completely starstruck, saw some shows big and small, stopped to smell the roses, and couldn't wait to get to the hospital to meet the newest member of our crew.

July brought some of my favorite things - my favorite holiday and my birthday weekend - as well as a gorgeous evening on the water and cycling on the lake, but the two big highlights were an amazing cruise up north and watching Suze marry her best friend.

August was no less busy, with a day at the ballpark, one of the best concerts ever, a day spent training, some preseason excitement, and dinner in the southside,  but the best part was our weekend trip to Napa for a very special occasion.

In September I spent a weekend up north, honed my taco making and tailgating skills, wandered around the market, celebrated at burlesque, found my inner om, said adios to a good friend, and cheered on the Hawks with my little buddy and from my favorite seat at the Clink.

In October I was all over the place, first in Arizona and then with the girls in Palm Springs, but I also spent some time at home to pick pumpkins, attend a special birthday, get all dolled up, watch my home turn two, and celebrate two old friends {separately} gettin' hitched.

In November I tried two new restaurants, took some selfies, revolutionized my mornings, painted a picture, made some changes to the yard, totally brokedown, and was very thankful.

 

December was a busy month to end the year, with an annual slumber party, decorating the home, made the yummiest cookies, watched three shows in three days, shopped til i dropped, saw the most beautiful glass, cheered on the Hawks, and spent a festive Christmas at home.

Phew - 2016 has a lot to live up to!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Surprise!

Happy Friday everyone!  I never know how I survive a full work week after so much time off, but I did it :)  Here's a little series I like to call "photobomb", as my brother made it his mission to photobomb everyone in the family on Christmas morning.  The things he and I do to entertain ourselves.....

Have a great weekend - Go Hawks!!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

NYE

As with most New Year's plans, I waited until the last minute to really firm up what I wanted to do.  I toyed with the idea of having people over, but when Kelsey asked if I wanted to go out, I couldn't say no.  I mean, we're young{ish} and single - why not go out on the town and have some fun?!?  We started out getting ready at my house with some appetizers and celebratory champagne, then headed into Ballard where we intended to do a bit of a bar crawl but ended up staying at the Hotel Albatross the entire evening {a tiki bar in the middle of winter?  yes please!}.  We had a spot at the bar, friendly bartenders that paid for way too many of our drinks, and yummy food and cocktails, so it was the perfect place to say goodbye to that not very nice 2015 and hello to a brand new year.  It was a great night with my new buddy, and I'm excited for all the possibilities that 2016 has in store.

 using my new cheese plate and knives from shaun and sara

 pretty shots at midnight, cuz why not?

 our fave bartender

Happy New Year!

xoxo,
stephanie marie