What The….

I've spent the past few days like much of our country {and the world} thinking how did this happen?  How could so many people overlook an extremely qualified, smart, well-spoken, policy-producing woman who radiates joy for a man convicted of felonies and sexual assault and who incited an insurrection and spews hateful, racist, misogynistic rhetoric? It breaks my heart that this was the outcome and I’m scared about what comes next.  I don't have a lot of wise words for this one, other than I really hope that we can move forward, that he doesn't burn this place to the ground as he has said time and time again.  I'm afraid for our healthcare system, for immigrants, for our economy, for the climate, for children, for women, for the LGBTQ+ community - for all of us.  I don't know the answers, but I know we don't stop fighting and pushing for what we believe in and what we want this country to be - a place that moves forward, not backward. 

I'm taking the week {previously planned} to head down south for some sunshine and family time, and I hope you are able to do something to take care of yourself in these scary and uncertain days.  We've got this.

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Election Day

The day is finally here, the one we’ve been excited for and dreading all at once - Election Day.  Of course I voted early and of course I voted for Kamala Harris - was there ever any question?  I remember so vividly the hope and excitement voting for a female candidate in 2016 and the absolute heartbreak of watching the late night numbers come in while at LAX, and the cautious optimism and flood of relief when waking up on Saturday morning to learn Biden/Harris had defeated that lunatic in 2020.  The fact that we're back here again, fighting for our rights and freedoms and the state of democracy as we know it is infuriating - how can you even debate with people who think a convicted felon and sex offender who worships dictators and only cares about billionaires and wants to tank the economy and put any dissenters in jail or worse should be running this country?  It's absurd.  Instead of voting for a candidate who tries to divide us with hateful rhetoric, insults, and threats, how about we flip the page once and for all on this clown and vote for kindness, decency, inclusion, and hope?  There are enough things to feel hopeless about {climate change, the US healthcare system, restrictions on reproductive rights, no paid family leave, wars around the world} that we don't need to make it worse by voting for someone who praises dictators and champions violence against his enemies - we need someone who will unite us, who cares about our freedoms and our futures, our health and happiness and incomes and ability to live the best life we can.  I'm voting for my future, for my family's future, for a better world, for peace and unity, and for the government to stay the hell out of my doctor's office - as Tim Walz says, mind your own damn business. The world is watching - don't be on the wrong side of history.  Now let's all take a deep breath, pour a glass of wine, go for a walk, and send all the good Harris/Walz vibes out there into the universe and the voting booths.  I'll cheers to that.

xoxo,

stephanie marie

100 Days of Calm

Yesterday marked 100 days in a row of my current meditation journey.  I really got into meditation during my 2016 Costa Rica yoga retreat then made it a 2017 Resolution to start meditating daily, during which I made it to 202 consecutive days {!} of meditating before losing focus and deprioritizing it.  I've dabbled in different meditation apps over the past few years, but none I've loved as much as the Calm app {and none I've stuck with as long}.  100 days ago, I decided it was time to download the app again and get back to this calming, mindful habit that used to be a daily part of my routine and I'm so happy I did.  Meditation for me looks different day to day - it's often a 10 minute guided session in the morning before I start work, but can also be a 5-10 minute relaxation session right before bed that lulls me into a deep and restful sleep.  And somedays, I need an extra session in the afternoon just to get through the day! :)  The stress and anxiety of the past year have really gotten to us all and I've found that these daily exercises really help keep me centered, giving me that time to breathe and focus, and I'm committing to continuing this journey as long as it serves me.  There are a lot worse things I can think of than taking 10 minutes out of my day for a little mindfulness and self care :)

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Happy Friday!

Happy Friday!  Work has been incredibly busy lately and it's supposed to be pretty icky this weekend so I'm excited to have a few days off to relax, catch up on my shows and reading, maybe start a new puzzle.....all the real exciting stuff :)  Here's a pic from a gorgeous sunset I caught earlier in the week - is there anything prettier than a cold winter sunset?  Hope you have a great one!

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Cheers!

 

Cheers to democracy!  Saturday morning we woke up to the wonderful news that Joe Biden will become the next President of the United States and as we checked the news to make sure it was real, there was a feeling of finally being able to breathe after years of divisiveness, bullying, and hate.  You could feel the energy of hope and happiness and a sense of calm and relief after such a tense election permeating throughout the city and beyond, and I couldn't stop simultaneously crying, laughing, smiling, and texting everyone I knew to share in this amazing victory.  I also couldn't stop thinking about Kamala and that little girls everywhere woke up knowing that they could dream big and that there are no limits to what women can do.  Madam Vice President makes the news even that much more special {and important} and as we watched the speeches and toasted to a better tomorrow I kept thinking how proud I was that a record number of voters turned out in a pandemic to make sure good prevailed over evil.  We're still living in uncertain times, but there is a collective sigh around the world as the US gets itself back on track.  I honestly cannot wait until January 20 :)

ps - tomorrow is Veterans Day so I'll be taking the day off!

xoxo,

stephanie marie

TGIF

TGIF - amiright?!?  It's been a long week full of stress and anxiety and I'm so ready for a sunny and quiet weekend with my honey - and also a resolution to this insane election week :)  Take care of yourself this weekend - get off your phone, go for a nice fall walk {as we did the day after the election, above}, and be kind to yourself in this crazy and unnerving time.  Hugs!

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Count Every Vote

It's been quite the week {to say the least} and though we don't have any official answers yet, one thing is certain - this country is more divided than ever.  I still have some hope that we will come out of this on the right side of history, but am appalled by the blatant attacks on our democracy and the forceful attempts to suppress votes by the current administration.  The right to vote is a fundamental right and the attempts to throw out valid ballots and stop counting votes should enrage you, regardless of your party.  Whatever the outcome, there are some serious issues in this country that must be addressed if we are to move forward as one nation, and I hope and pray that we can heal together and lift those up that are feeling helpless, depressed, unsupported, and unseen by their fellow Americans that voted against their rights and freedoms.  We have a long way to go America - don't let us down now.

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Election Day

Today is the day - Election Day!  I'm trying to stay positive but to be honest I am a huge bundle of anxiety and am having trouble focusing or doing anything productive.  This really is the most important election of our lifetime - it goes beyond politics, beyond party, and is about decency and truth and what is right.  I go more into it here, but this really is about life or death, basic human rights, and the fate of our democracy which is under serious attack.  Try to do something to take care of yourself today, whether it's a long walk outside, a virtual yoga class, or a big bottle glass of wine, and pray that we come together tomorrow stronger, more united, and with a sense of calm and truth.  Let's make this a country to be proud of again.

xoxo,

stephanie marie

ps - Though I doubt we'll know much by tonight, I'm not sure I'll have the energy or heart to post anything tomorrow - I'm sure you understand!

I Voted!

With less than 2 weeks until election day, the stakes have never been higher in probably the most important election of our lifetime.  I voted on Sunday and it felt sooooo good {and even emotional} as I dropped off my ballot and lingered around, seeing my local drive up ballot box busier than ever with excited people turning in their ballots early.  There is zero question who I'm voting for this year {#bidenharris} and I hope with all of my heart that you are doing the same.  If not for yourself, think about the legacy and future you want to leave behind for your kids, grandkids, great grandkids, and beyond.  Vote for a world where scientists are believed, where love is love, where Black Lives Matter, where choices and freedoms are given not to a select few but to ALL humans, where healthcare is a human right, where we work together to ensure there's still a planet left for us to live on, where we're not bombarded every day with messages of hate and lies, but of hope and truth.  It seems ridiculous in 2020 that these important fundamental rights are even questioned but alas, here we are with a "leader"  trying to tear us down and tear us apart by spreading hate, fear, and obvious lies.  This is not a joke, folks - lives depend on this election.  Vote for your transgender child, your black brother-in-law, your female grandchild, your scientist aunt, your immigrant boyfriend {*raises hand*}.  We need peace and unity right now and I'm honestly afraid of what another 4 years of this monster will do to our country and our world {believe me when I say that our reputation worldwide is the opposite of a "great america" and it will take decades to undo the damage that has been done in the past 4 years}.  If you care about lives other than your own and you care about truth, decency, and kindness, then I beg you to vote for Joe Biden {and vote early!} and be on the right side of history.  

 and let's not forget about the equally important local elections!  Inslee, Reykdal, and Referendum 90 all have my vote :)

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Do Better

This weekend was scary, confusing, and sad, leaving me feeling angry, hopeless, heartbroken, and vowing to do better.  Though I can't begin to understand what people of color go through in their day to day lives, I promise to educate myself and be an ally.  I want to believe in the good in people, and that humans as a whole are not inherently bad, but it's up to me to do the work and not be passive and ignorant to the world around me.  I know that as a white woman I come from a place of privilege and I want to use that privilege for good - it is no longer enough to just sit back and hope it gets better.  Watching my city and others burning and broken while it's people are protesting against violence and hate breaks my heart, but I promise to do better and I hope you do too.  Let's spread love, kindness, and healing - I think we all need as much of it as we can get.

I'm taking the rest of the week off from the blog to reflect, learn, and plan.  I'll see you back here next week.

xoxo,

stephanie marie

picture from oh happy dani

Happy Friday!

Happy Friday!  What are you going to do with your extra day this weekend {yeah leap year!}?  I expect this weekend to be pretty quiet - hopefully some yummy homemade meals, sleeping in, finishing up The Morning Show, and a special brunch celebrating a new baby.  Cheers to Friday!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Happy Friday!

Happy Friday!  Doesn't it feel like January has been going on forever?  Christmas feels like months ago and I can't believe we still have another week left until February.  Thankfully, it's supposed to be another beautiful weekend here in Seattle so I'm hoping to say adios to these colds and hello to some long walks with Nina, finally seeing Christian again, and maybe a date night thrown in for good measure.  Hope you have a great weekend!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

picture via letterfolk

Goodbye Viaduct

Today is day 1 of ViaDoom, the Seattle Squeeze, Maximum Constraint.....whatever you want to call it.  Basically, it's traffic hell in Seattle for the foreseeable future and the first phase is the closing of the Alaskan Way Viaduct last Friday.  Saturday night we found ourselves down at the Market for dinner so we decided to take a glimpse of the viaduct and it was sooooo eerily quiet without the usual noise of thousands of cars zooming past.  It almost made you want to go out there and do a little dance out in the middle of that abandoned road that, while ugly, had the most beautiful views of the waterfront and the city.  While I'm not sure it'll be all that missed, it is the end of an era in the city and I'm glad we got to see it one last time before it's torn down and the new wave of construction begins.  In the meantime, if you need me, most likely I'll be sitting on the bus trying to get somewhere in this crazy traffic :)

Happy Monday!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Vote

I vote because I care.  About the future.  About the environment.  About human rights.  About my city, my country, my home.  I vote for those that can't.  I vote because I can.  And if you haven't already, just VOTE.

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Monday

Can we redo the weekend?  After a quick trip to urgent care and subsequent hours of lying around on the couch, I'm already missing the weekend, even though I was able to get out for a few fun celebrations in between torrential downpours.  This week I know is going to fly by and I can't believe in just 5 short days life as I know it will be changing {more on that later}. For now, I'm off to conquer Monday as best I can - hope you are too!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Monday

Happy Monday!  Though there's not a lot of lipstick going on over here on Mondays since I've started working from home, there is plenty of coffee, pj's, and yummy breakfasts - it's the perfect way to ease into what I know will be a busy week.  After a great weekend filled with friends and family, I'm ready to see what the upcoming week has in store - hopefully it'll go easy on me! Oh, and Go Hawks!!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Happy Friday

Happy Friday!  It's been a long week around here and I'm excited for a quiet and relaxing weekend at home.  It's supposed to be a bit rainy, so if you need me you can find me snuggled up on the couch in my sweatpants with a glass of wine and Netflix - sounds about perfect, eh?  Have a great weekend!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

The Spheres

A few weeks back my friend Vannessa invited me to visit The Spheres with her.  The Spheres are part of the ever growing Amazon campus in downtown Seattle and conveniently located just a block from my office.  You can't visit the huge glass domes unless you are with an Amazon employee, so when she offered to take me I jumped at the chance to see what this new addition to the Seattle skyline is all about.  The first thing you notice when you walk into the building is the temperature - it feels like you've walked into the rainforest!  The Spheres house more than 40,000 plants from around the world, along with drop in spaces for employees to work in and a few small restaurants that cater to the Amazon crowd. The design is remarkable, and walking up floor by floor through this man-made jungle definitely makes you feel like you've left the city.  I can imagine if you're an employee it's an amazing treat to be able to walk in with your laptop and coffee and set up shop right in the middle of this beauty, and while I have a love/hate relationship with this company in Seattle, I have to admit that seeing them add to the skyline in such a unique and interesting way is pretty awesome.  Now, if only I could get to that onsite donut shop on a daily basis.....

the climbing plant wall, which houses more than 25,000 plants!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Happy Friday!

So so true :)  Happy Friday friends!  I'm so excited for the sunshine and warmer weather that is predicted for this weekend, and I can't wait for some sleeping in, fun adventures, and of course, wine.  Have a great one!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Sick

Oh man - these past 48 hours have been ROUGH.  I'll spare you the details, but let's just say early Monday morning I woke up to some sort of food poisoning/stomach bug/kiss of death and was incapable of doing anything.  But now I'm back and feeling slightly better {though pretty weak and minus a few pounds} and I'm hoping the rest of the week is a little less dramatic than it started out.  Stay healthy out there!

xoxo,
stephanie marie