Tavolata

Last night Erika and I headed out to dinner to celebrate her bday - just 4 months late this time! :) We went to Tavolata, an Ethan Stowell spot I haven’t been to in years but still hit the spot with some yummy pastas and salad. We spent the evening catching up on all the things and even though we don’t get together nearly as often as we used to, I still love our dinner tradition and always look forward to the next one!

xoxo,

stephanie marie 

Friend Baby Shower

The week after my family baby shower my friends threw me a cozy and sweet shower at Erika's house.  I loved getting to catch up with some of my nearest and dearest friends who I rarely see, including Kelli who was able to make it all the way from Colorado!  We had yummy snacks and drinks, laughed a lot, and I was once again spoiled by these sweetest friends who were way too generous and thoughtful.  It meant so much that everyone took the time to celebrate us - especially right after a busy holiday season - and it was a day I didn’t want to end. One thing is for sure - this baby has a lot of wonderful aunties!! :)

my sweetest hostesses

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Happy Birthday Erika!

Happy Birthday {yesterday} to this lovely lady who is always up for a venting text, wine night, lots of laughs, and fun adventures. Erika - you’re the best and I’m so grateful to have you in my life! And yay for an M’s birthday win!

xoxo,

stephanie marie

4th of July

This year's 4th of July at Samish Island was once again pretty lowkey with a long and fun parade, yummy oyster nachos, too many loud fireworks, great friends, and so much sunshine.  It was fun to watch the kiddos get so excited about the candy at the parade and since we didn't have quite the crowd as we've had in previous years, it was nice to just sit back and relax while soaking up the sun and trying to hide from the loud booms.  It's always fun to spend time at the beach with loved ones and I'm happy we made it up again this year!

this dog was the cutest

the no kings participants were awesome

this baby pirate loved waving at everyone

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Respite Wine Bar

A while back I sent Erika a link to Respite Bottle Shop, a newish wine bar in Wallingford, and said I wanted a wine and chocolate cake night. Luckily she was all in so a few weeks ago we met up to try not only their yummy wine and cake but also some delicious veggie forward shared plates that really hit the spot. This super cute and bright bar was the perfect place to meet up for a girls night and I can wait to head back again very soon!

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Happy Birthday Erika!

Happy Happy Birthday {tomorrow} to this wonderful lady who is always there for an encouraging text, a long rambling venting session, a low key sweats & wine night, and a delicious dinner out - this next one is on me!  Hope you have the bestest birthday, E!

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Lioness

Last week Erika took me out for a belated bday dinner and after looking up a variety of options I settled on Lioness, a newish spot near her house that I've been wanting to try.  The actual restaurant is tiny but it has a large covered patio with heaters so we opted to sit outside as to not be sharing a table with other people.  We had a lovely time catching up over yummy drinks and really good food {the cavatelli with sungold tomato pesto was especially delish} and per usual we closed the place down {we had a lot to catch up on!}.  It was a fun night with one of my faves - I love this tradition of ours!

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Date Night {Terra Plata}

Last weekend we headed out for a triple date with Erika & Joe and Maddie & Ash. It had been a long time in the making and we had settled on Terra Plata, an oldie but goodie, to meet up at. Even though the weather was rainy and cold, the Terra Plata rooftop was covered and heated making it a cozy place to enjoy dish after dish of yummy food and drinks. It was so much fun to get out and have a dinner date with some of our favorite people and after hours of chatting we weren’t nearly ready to leave {but babysitters were patiently waiting at home}. I can’t wait for our next date night with these guys!

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Cantinetta

Last week Erika and I went out for a very belated 40th birthday dinner for her (yes, her birthday was in October, but hey, at least we got it in before 41!}.  She chose Cantinetta, a cozy Italian spot in Wallingford, and after looking back through the blog we realized we went there for her 30th birthday as well!  It was meant to be.  We spent hours in the bustling restaurant catching up on all the things while eating yummy pasta and drinking red wine, and before we knew it we were the last ones in the restaurant and they were starting to clean up - whoops!  I guess that's the sign of a great evening - one I hope doesn't take 10 more years to replicate! :)

xoxo,

stephanie marie