Volterra {brunch}

Erika and I had a fun hike planned for Sunday (something to cross off of my list).  I had my clothes laid out, my camera battery charged, and was about to make us some turkey sandwiches for a picnic lunch when I peeked out the window.  Rain.  And not just a little sprinkle - it was pouring!  In the middle of July!!  Sad and defeated that our hike would have to wait until another day, we decided to cheer ourselves up with brunch at one of my most favorite restaurants, Volterra.  The food never disappoints, and the Ultimate Peach Thyme Bellinis didn't hurt either.  After we were sufficiently stuffed, we drove around our favorite neighborhoods in the city looking for open houses and dreaming about the day we can each have one to call our own. 

bellinis

Milano Milano

duck and yukon gold potato hash

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Wine & Cheese Night

Last Friday, Erika hosted a wine and cheese tasting night - something she's been wanting to do for a long time.  Each girl brought a Cabernet Sauvignon from $10 to $20 (and a $3 bottle thrown in for fun) and a different type of cheese.  We did blind tastings of the wine while gorging ourselves with yummy cheeses (the drunken goat was my fave) and other snacks, and through intense and very sophisticated judging, Autumn's wedding wine ended up on top.  It was such a fun night with the ladies, and I can't wait to try again (maybe next time with whites?).


                                     

blind tastings

in winning order

crackers and snacks

Erin, Erika, and me

yummy cheese plate

Erin's "almond roca"

fun pictures from Autumn's new Fujifilm instax

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Happy Birthday Maddie!

Happy birthday to one of the sweetest, funniest, most generous and stylish ladies I know :)  Have the happiest birthday Maddie - you deserve it! (and I can't wait to celebrate!!)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

picture on the streets of Reykjavik

A Special Anniversary

No matter how sad, frustrated, or just plain ol' bored I feel, going into Nordstrom always makes me feel 100 times better (I don't know if this is a good thing, but we'll just go with it).  My grandma even jokes that when I was teeny tiny, I used to tell everyone that my shoes were from Nordstrom.  And the best part about Nordstrom?  The Anniversary Sale, starting today.  Ever since I can remember, I've gone on the very first day to brave the crowds and come home with great finds.  Since I've already been to the pre-sale this year (more on my fun purchases next week), the first day is going to be a little less chaotic, only targeting one or two departments I missed.  It's exactly what I need to put a smile on my face.

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Couscous Salad with Chickpeas

If you're looking for a simple yet satisfying summer dish to whip up in minutes, look no further than this Couscous Salad with Chickpeas from the July 2010 issue of Cooking Light magazine.  I've made it several times in the past year and it never disappoints.  Make it as a side or a main dish on a night where you want something homemade but don't want to spend too much time in the kitchen.  You can substitute different veggies and spices depending on what you have on hand - I think next time, I'll try adding cucumber and omitting the cinnamon.  Yum!


xoxo,
stephanie marie

Namaste

Last night, after a very long hiatus, I finally took a yoga class.  And it felt wonderful :)  There are very few places that I feel as calm and happy and anxiety-free as I do in Carey's yoga class, and I'm thrilled that she's back and teaching at my work again.  This is exactly what I needed, and I couldn't be happier :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Maximilien & Bridesmaids

Last week, with the weather turning deliciously sunny, Stefanie and I enjoyed happy hour on the outdoor deck at Maximilien.  We had refreshing cocktails and appetizers while watching the ferries sail across the sound.  I can't believe I'd never been to this spot - it's rare to find a place in Seattle with a huge deck and such a great view and yummy food.  Perfect for a summer Seattle day.  After happy hour we walked down to The Big Picture for a showing of Bridesmaids.  Ha!!  This is the funniest movie I've seen in a loooong time.  Please - if you haven't seen it, you must.  Like my mom said, my cheeks were sore from laughing so much.  And it doesn't hurt that at The Big Picture, you can enjoy the movie with a bottle of champagne :)

pulled pork baguettes

fougasse vegetarian

the view from our table

xoxo,
stephanie marie