Funfetti Sugar Cookies

This week I got to spend time with two very special little guys - first, dinner with Ryley, then a quick visit to meet Luke, Lizzie & Nick's insanely adorable little 4 week old.  I wanted to make something extra special for both of them, and I've been craving cookies, so I decided to make these Funfetti Sugar Cookies I've had pinned for awhile.  I'm not quite the baker, so it took me a little trial and error {and a call to mom} to learn that I should only put 6 cookies on a sheet at once {not 12 as recommended}, unless I want just one giant pan cookie {see below}.  You can thank all the butter for making these cookies spread like crazy, but that's also what makes them insanely delicious {seriously, when I opened the bag the next morning all I could smell was butter}.  The sprinkles add a little fun to the normal sugar cookie and could be customized for any holiday or theme.  The cookies were extra chewy and addictive, as evident by Ryley's chanting of "cookie cookie" after taking just one bite.  I'd highly recommend whipping these up for your next baking day, and I'll happily come taste test them for you :)

Funfetti Sugar Cookies

Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
2 cups white sugar
2 eggs
2 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup non pareils rainbow sprinkles

Instructions
1. Cream together butter and sugar with a mixer.  Add eggs and vanilla and continue mixing, scraping down the sides of the bowl.  Add flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder, and mix on low until everything is combined.  Add sprinkles and mix.
2. Chill dough in refrigerator for at least 2 hours {very important!}.  
3. Preheat oven to 350.
4.  Scoop out about about 2 Tblsp of dough and roll into a ball.  Place 6-9 balls of dough each on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and chill  for another 15 minutes {this prevents the cookies from spreading too much}.
5. Bake for 9-11 minutes until edges are just slightly golden.  Remove from oven and let rest on baking sheet, then transfer to cooling rack.

makes 36 cookies

adapted from cupcakes and cashmere

 fail!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

A Brief Reunion

This past weekend, Kimber called and asked if I wanted to grab a quick drink while she was in town for just a few days.  I of course said yes.  I semi dressed up {hot pink lipstick & non jeans} and headed downtown to meet her for a glass of wine at Purple.  I can't believe it's been 5 years since we sent this girl off to San Francisco on what was supposed to be a 1 year adventure - time sure flies.  But whenever I see her, I feel  like everything is the exact same - she gives the same advice and encouragement that sometimes makes me laugh and often times is exactly what I need.  And we always pick up exactly where we left off.  Maybe because we became so close so quickly 6 years ago, but I will always treasure my friendship with that girl, and when she calls spur of the moment and asks if I want to meet for a drink, I'll always say yes :)  And, just for fun, one of my absolute favorite pictures of us:

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad!

Happy 36th Anniversary, Mom & Dad!  You are such an amazing example of love and happiness - and you're a lot of fun too!  May there be many, many more years of laughs, love, and adventures together in your future.  I can't wait to celebrate with you guys this weekend - I love you both so much!!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Golden Gardens

I took Friday off of work to spend the morning with Chad, who was in town for a quick trip.  We didn't have long, but he insisted on driving around as much of Seattle as possible {I think he misses it}.  Though it rained early on, the clouds parted and the sun came out just as we got to Golden Gardens, so we hopped out and went for a walk along the beach.  The park was practically deserted, minus a few people walking their dogs, so we took our time on our stroll, chatting and laughing and taking in the gorgeous views.  We decided Seattle really is one of the most beautiful places to live, and it reminded me how lucky I am to have insane views like this just minutes from my house.  If that doesn't make someone want to move back here, I don't know what would :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Happy Birthday Sara!

I'm taking another long weekend {yeah, it's becoming a theme} but I wanted to send a quick Happy Birthday message {tomorrow} to my soon to be sister!  Sara - we're so excited to have you officially be part of the family, and I hope we get to have so many more adventures ahead {although Alaska and Chelan will be tough to beat!}.  Have a fabulous birthday weekend, and I hope to see you soon!!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Showering Baby Hall

This past Saturday, we got together to shower Merith and her little belly at her Aunt's house in Woodinville.  Erika and I helped throw the shower {we made some pretty delish quiches that I'm pretty sure will get us invited back for all of their family events ;)} and it was so fun to celebrate this baby that we've all been waiting to see for so long.  Lots of people showed up to share in the fun, and we played games, toasted the baby and mama, and watched as Mer opened gift after gift of some of the cutest little clothes I've ever seen {baby girl clothes are the absolute best}.  This baby is already so loved and she's not even here yet!  I cannot wait to meet her and snuggle her and spoil her rotten.  Merith - I'm so excited for you and Andy and cannot wait until August!!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Summer To Do

I can't believe yesterday was the first day of summer - time is just flying by!  Since it's once again that time of year, I thought I'd share my list of things that I want to do this summer - some big, some small, but all will make the months even that much better.  I don't have as much on the books this summer, so I have a feeling it won't be too hard to get most of this stuff done.  Who's with me? :)


1. Make dinner from the Magnolia Farmer's Market
2. Wine Tasting at Charles Smith Jet City + Museum of Flight
3. More outdoor yoga
4. Bake a cake {maybe for the Olympics?}
5. Brunch on an outdoor patio
6. Paint my hallway
7. Watch the sunset from the Magnolia bluff + Menchie's fro-yo
8. Make homemade ice cream
9. Host a rosé tasting on my patio
10. Eat more dinners outside {instead of in front of the tv}
11. Outdoor movie
12. Cheer on the M's as much as possible
13. Plan an awesome solo vacation for fall

What's on your Summer To Do List this year?

xoxo,
stephanie marie

see past year to do lists here, here, here, here, & here

Father's Day Weekend

Hope everyone had a great Father's Day yesterday!  The parents came down in the afternoon and it was super mellow and relaxing.  While dad watched the US Open, Mom & I did a little yardwork {I have the scratches from the rose bushes to prove it} then we headed down to the Highliner Pub for a little Father's Day dinner while watching the NBA Finals.  Though it was really low key this year, it was nice to spend the afternoon with the parents - anytime they come to visit, it makes me happy :)

Hope you all had an extra special Father's Day!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Happy Father's Day Weekend!

Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there, especially mine!  Dad - you're the absolute best and you deserve lots of love and happiness this weekend - and every weekend!  Thanks for always being there for me with a joke and a hug - it means the world!  Let's celebrate you with some beers, food, and lots of laughs.  I love you! :)

And Happy Father's Day to all the other amazing dads out there!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Fettuccine with Lemon

I've been trying really good lately to eat better - less bread and wine, more veggies and lots of water.  But sometimes, a girl just needs her pasta, right?  That's how I was feeling last weekend, so I decided to not go all the way and make mine veggie heavy while following this recipe for Fettuccine with Lemon from one of my most favorite blogs.  The prep time is insanely quick, and it would be so easy to to whip up for guests.  I can imagine everyone dishing up and sitting around on the patio with a cold glass of white wine and this big bowl of pasta.  Ahh, don't you just love summer??

Fettuccine with Lemon

Ingredients
8oz fettuccine
3 Tblsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup asparagus, cut in 1 inch pieces
1/2 cup artichokes, jarred {drained & chopped if needed}
1/2 cup peas {i used frozen}
1 lemon, juiced
sea salt
Parmesan

Instructions
1. Cook pasta according to directions
2. Meanwhile, heat 1 Tblsp olive oil in pan over medium heat.  Add garlic and cook about 2-3 minutes.  Add asparagus, artichokes, and peas and cook about 5 minutes.
3.  Add pasta to veggie mixture along with 2 Tblsp olive oil and lemon juice.
4.  Serve with salt and Parmesan.

adapted from cup of jo

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Hall of Fame

A few weeks back, the family and I gathered to celebrate my Grandpa being inducted into the Northwest Athletic Conference Hall of Fame.  While Gramps isn't one to brag or enjoy the attention, we all made sure we were there to witness this special evening.  The room was packed, and while there were several inductees throughout the evening, Grandpa's speech was by far the best - it was funny, heartfelt, and just the right amount of sentimental.  And you know what?  Every single inductee before and after him mentioned him in a huge way in their speech.  He truly is a one of a kind.  Gramps, I'm so proud of you!  Congratulations!!

our table was second to last to pick dessert, but grant and i scored a dozen cupcakes - not bad!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Happy Birthday Linnea!

Happiest first birthday to Ms. Linnea Bea!!!  I can't believe it was a year ago that I got to snuggle you in the hospital when you were just a few hours old.  You have brought so much joy and fun to our lives, and I cannot wait to watch you grow and become a little lady in year 2.  Here are a few pics from Linnea's bday party last weekend, where I got to bring Susannah as my date!  Everyone had a great time eating, chatting, and celebrating Linnea, and that little one picked at her cake with such manners!  It was hilarious.  But my favorite part of the day?  When the birthday girl, who's just learning to walk, ran right into my arms for some snuggles.  The best feeling :)

Happy Birthday, Linnea!  Auntie Stephie loves you!!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Happy Birthday Leslie!

Happy Birthday {yesterday} to this pretty lady!  I can't believe we've known each other for 9 years - time just flies by!  You deserve so much happiness and I hope this year brings that and so much more - including lots of adventures!  I love you and am so grateful for our friendship!  Happy Birthday, Papa New Guinea!! ;)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Chelanigans {Part III}

The rest of our time in Chelan was just as good as it started.  After wine tasting all day, we headed back to our hotel, where we immediately got in our swimsuits and jumped in the pool to cool off.  And with the lake right there, we had to at least jump in for a minute to say we did :)  Even though it was so cold I could barely breathe, we managed to swim out to the dock in front of our room for about 10 minutes before heading back in.  We quickly got ready, then headed out to our fancy dinner at Sorrento's at Tsillan Cellars, where we dined in an open air room at one of the most gorgeous settings I've ever seen.  We couldn't help but indulge in some pasta {and more wine} and after dinner we strolled around the grounds, in awe of how pretty Chelan really is.  Monday morning, we packed up bright and early and headed to the Apple Cup Cafe in downtown Chelan, where we all ordered big greasy breakfasts which was exactly what we needed after the long weekend.  And when we dropped off Sara in Wenatchee and brother couldn't get off the golf course for a few minutes to come see us, we decided to go to him, so Kelli, Mom, & I piled on a maintenance cart and headed out to the course for a goodbye.  It was quite a sight :)  All in all, it was the perfect girl's weekend that I've been dreaming about repeating ever since.  Thanks so much Mom for making this weekend so incredibly special for us - it means more than you know.  Love you all!!

 proof i went in the lake

 spaghetti & meatballs

 ranchero omelette - yes please!

pulling up to meet brother at the course

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Chelanigans {Part II}

Day 2 in Chelan was all about the wine.  We had a goal to hit as many wineries as we could, and boy did we succeed.  We started the day at Karma where we had the most delicious lunch at 18 Brix and Sara and I indulged in their bubbly flight, which while pricey was totally worth it.  After wandering around the winery {and their awesome cave}, we headed down to Chelan Estates, where we made friends with the owner and sat out in the shade on her deck overlooking the amazing view of the lake and while she poured us all of their delicious wine.  Afterwards, we headed next door to Siren Song, which was one of the most beautiful villas that would be absolutely perfect for a wedding.  We sat outside and each had different tastings while dreaming about how we could live there.  Before heading back to the hotel to freshen up and cool off, we made one more stop at Fielding Hills, which ended up being one of my faves.  Sara knew the owners, and we spent most of our time there snuggling with their two dogs and relaxing in the comfy chairs {and by that time, we needed the A/C}.  It was such a great start to the day, and I can't count how many times we exclaimed that we needed to make it an annual trip :)

 lunch at karma

 the view from chelan estates

siren song

 mom and her new friend murphy

xoxo,
stephanie marie