Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween from me and the card my Mom sends me every single year {seriously - I give it back to her next time I see her and it ends up in my mailbox the next year!}.  I can't wait to head out for a walk this evening and see all the spooky decorations and dressed up kiddos, then head home to some cozy stew and a not-so-scary show - the perfect evening!

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Chuckanut Manor

Saturday night while we were in the Valley, C and I decided to go out for a date night at a new to him place, Chuckanut Manor.  The Manor is obviously a staple in the valley but the last time I had been was back in 2021 when we were celebrating in the sunshine on their beautiful patio.  I had high hopes for a cozy date night and was excited when we were seated by the window just as it was getting dark {I'd say sunset, but there was definitely no sun around}, but the rest of the evening didn't really live up to my hopes.  The star of dinner was the brussels sprouts with Samish Bay Vache and a roasted apple vinaigrette {yum} but there were lots of shell pieces in oysters {and we were never actually told which kinds they were}, my pasta was a big heavy blob instead of the creamy sauce I had envisioned, and you could barely see C's overcooked steak under the mountain of blue cheese.  For Seattle {or higher!} prices, I expected a lot more from this hometown restaurant, but we still made the best of a night out and have a list of new places to try next time we're in town.

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Go Huskies? Nah

Friday night I found myself somewhere quite foreign - a Husky soccer game. Granted, we were there to cheer on the visiting team and a friend’s son, but it still felt kinda funny as a girl who grew up in a Cougar household. Though I’m glad we were cheering on the opposing team, it was really fun to spend a chilly fall night outside watching a game with C and friends and it got us out of our typical Friday night routine - always fun to switch it up a bit! 

pregame burgers 

xoxo,

stephanie marie

The Weekend {In Pictures}

{sunshine after the rain}

{breakfast}

{coffee at the farm}

{a lazy saturday afternoon}

{opening some wine from my birthday}

{checking on the plants}

{enjoying the quiet}

{back in the city to check on our fantasy teams}

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Happy {Early Voting} Friday!

Happy Friday!  If you're looking for something to do this weekend, may I suggest voting {and for Harris/Walz - duh}?  It's a wonderful thing to do to get your ballot in early and vote for candidates that care about you and your rights and democracy - it's really not that tough of a choice.  We're off for the weekend, but you can bet I'll be carving out some time to read up on the issues and cast my vote in this incredibly important election.  Won't you join me?

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Eleven

Kinda crazy to think that I'm not celebrating an "anniversary" for my house this year {but in case you're counting, tomorrow would've been 11 years!}.  This time of year was always about beautiful fall colors in the yard, decorating for Halloween, and snuggling up on the couch with lots of soups and red wine, and while I am so grateful for the home we have now {and most importantly, who I get to share it with}, I can't help feeling nostalgic {especially this time of year} for how much has happened since I bought that place 11 years ago.  She was a good little home to me with all of her quirks and oddities {the leaning towards one corner, the mudroom door that wouldn't open all the way, the random light switches that were hooked up to nothing, the chimney with no fire place} and I once again am so grateful for the time I had in that place {and the decision I made to let it go}.  Cheers to you, little cottage - I hope someone is treating you well!

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Netflix & Chill {Part VIII}

It's been awhile since I've shared some of our favorite shows to watch, but with cozy time coming and lots of good shows renewing, I thought it was time to share a few that we've really been into lately.  Have you seen these?  Which are your faves?

Last Week Tonight with John Oliver - a weekly dissection on current events and a deep dive into relevant issues {recent episodes have included the Supreme Court and school lunch programs}, Oliver combines fast paced dialogue with British wit and keeps me informed and laughing {or crying} every week.  

The Lincoln Lawyer - I love this show about a hotshot LA lawyer and the cases he takes on and am so excited another season just came out on Netflix.

The Perfect Couple - a whodunnit mystery set in Nantucket has you guessing until the very end - the cast is great and the setting makes me want to take a trip out east.

Master of None - we're rewatching this funny comedy with great characters {hello Arnold}, beautiful settings {I can't wait to rewatch season 2 in Italy}, and lots and lots of food.

Bad Monkey - a detective show set in Florida and the Bahamas, I love the fast talking Vince Vaughn and the fun storyline that keeps you guessing and thoroughly entertained.  Hoping for a Season 2!

Shrinking - I'm so excited season 2 has finally started for this funny, beautiful, and sometimes heartbreaking comedy about mental health, family, and friendship.

xoxo,

stephanie marie

The Weekend {In Pictures}

{taco truck friday}

{almost kind of beanie weather}

{brekkie}

{uvillage}

{catching up on a lazy saturday}

{favorite treats}

{more treats}

{the best cornflake pastry}

{lots of coffee and cozy this weekend}

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Happy Friday!

Despite the forecast looking pretty wet and icky this week, we managed to go for lots of afternoon walks to take in the crisp air and the ever-changing colors.  I'm hoping to take a long weekend this weekend and enjoy some yummy food, good football {Go Hawks!}, and hopefully some more glimpses of sunshine.  Have a great one!

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Fall Sunset

One of my favorite things about fall and winter are the sunsets.  The colors of the night sky are so bright and vivid and I love hopping up on the rooftop and seeing everyone else up on theirs taking in the amazing and vast colors.  Here are some beauties from last Friday where the sky looked like it was on fire - enjoy!

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Ground Pork Stir Fry

I found this recipe on Instagram when I was looking for something super quick and easy to make for dinner last week. The flavors of the sauce are bright and yummy and the veggies and meat are super customizable to whatever you have on hand. For an easy weeknight meal, this one is a winner!

Ground Pork Stir Fry

Ingredients

1lb ground pork

1 small onion, diced large

1 large zucchini, diced large

1-2 bell pepper, diced large

2 Tblsp olive oil

Sauce

Zest & juice of 2 oranges {about 1/2 cup juice}

1/4 cup tamari or soy sauce

2 tsp sesame oil

1 Tblsp sugar

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 Tblsp ginger, minced

1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 Tblsp corn starch

For Serving

Rice, thinly sliced green onions

Instructions

1. Whisk all sauce ingredients together and set aside.

2. Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat.  Add pork and break apart, allowing to cook until cooked through.

3. Add veggies to pork and cook until softened, about 5-10 minutes.

4. Whisk sauce once more and add to pork and veggies.  Cook over medium heat about 5 minutes while sauce thickens.

5. Serve over rice topped with green onions.

Serves 3-4

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Fall Walk

Sunday afternoon we went for a walk around the 'hood trying to find some fall colors {though at 70+ degrees, it felt more like summer}.  While it's not really peak season yet {I'm sure in a few weeks it'll be perfection} there were the beginnings of some bright reds and yellows along the streets.  Here are a few of my faves:

this sweet kitty stopped us to say hello

rip rabbit

xoxo,

stephanie marie