Whim W'him

Friday night, after what seems like years of saying we were going to go see some live dance, my friend Cullen {of Drinks on the Links fame} and I finally made it happen.  We bought tickets to see Whim W'Him, a contemporary dance company on Capitol Hill, and after dinner at Momiji, we headed to the theater, where we promptly took seats in the very first row {practically on the stage}.  I had absolutely no idea what to expect, as I'm not super versed in contemporary dance, but I knew it would be out of my norm.  I didn't realize, however, how much I would actually enjoy it.  Yes, the stories are a little different than, say, the Nutcracker, and the costumes and music are a little out there {for one dance, the girls had red plastic straw "claws" glued to their fingers}, but the movements were still amazing.  I was completely mesmerized by the fluid motions and strong bodies, and while I didn't quite understand everything that was going on, I could appreciate that these were some very talented dancers.  I left the theater feeling inspired and energized, and I can't wait to go back for more.

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Happy Hours with Kelli

A few weeks ago, Kelli came home to spend the weekend with friends and family.  I had her meet me downtown after her flight {in Nordstrom, of course}, then took her to my house so she could see where I live.  After spending some time walking around the garden and showing off my little cottage, I decided to take her on a happy hour tour of Ballard since it was only 4PM.  First stop was The Walrus & The Carpenter, which typically has wait times that can be hours, but since we got there right when they opened, we were seated immediately on the outside patio.  We each had a glass of rosé, then ordered two of my favorite things on the menu - fried oysters and smoked trout.  After that, we strolled down Ballard Ave to Bastille, where we shared a little carafe of wine with moules frites.  It was such a delicious afternoon {and Kelli got her seafood fix} and I love that these yummy restaurants are just minutes from my home.  Thanks for the excuse to try out some great food, Kel!

 our spread at w&c

mussels and fries at bastille

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Emerald Downs {Mothers Day}

For Mother's Day, Mom kept mentioning how much she wanted to go to Emerald Downs and watch the horse races, so on Sunday after brunch, Dad and I took her down to watch the ponies in action.  I had never been to the races before, but I am now obsessed - it was so much fun!  I didn't realize I had to bring cash to bet on the ponies {duh} but I had $2 in my wallet which apparently is enough for 1 bet.  After a quick tutorial from my dad and a look through the racing book {to find out the coolest horse names, of course} I put my $2 on the #6 horse, and miraculously it won!  After that, I kept betting with my winnings, and by the end of the day I had turned $2 into $15.  We spent the day checking out different parts of the stadium, eating corn dogs, and betting on the underdogs, and it was one of my most favorite days in a long time.  I cannot wait to go back to the track, and I'm so glad my mom chose this for her Mother's Day outing. 

 in the paddocks

 my first winner

 my first winning ticket

 apparently our first cat Trooper was named after this hall of fame horse - who knew?!?

 my parents recognized this jockey - gallyn mitchell - from back in the day.  and he was a winner!

 how to place a bet

 mom and dad

Happy Mother's Day, Mom!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Roaming the Garden {Potted Plants}

A few weeks ago while roaming around Fred Meyer on a sunny Friday evening {yes, that's what I do on a Friday night - don't judge} I was drawn to the garden center and the pretty potted displays.  I started walking down each aisle, and before I knew it, my cart was overflowing with annuals, herbs, potting soil, and clay pots.  While it was not quite what I had planned for my weekend, I was excited to get to work the next day making my front porch a welcoming oasis of color.  Now, when you walk up to my house you are greeted with pots of dahlias, marigolds, petunias, and begonias {like this house needed any more plants} and I think it makes the patio feel so much more homey.  I also decided to try my hand at some herbs, and planted basil, cilantro, thyme, oregano, parsley, and chives.  So far, everything is thriving {minus the basil, but I still have hope} and I can't wait to start using these in the kitchen very soon.  Come on over - it's looking quite spring-y over here!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

A Reunion {of sorts}

A few years ago I was part of a committee at work called the RSDC.  We worked on employee engagement and development, which for me was a great way to meet people when I was first starting out at my job.  Those few years I was on the committee I developed some strong and lasting friendships with several other members, and some of my most favorite memories of the past 6 or 7 years {dinners, dancing, trivia, talking until 6am} include these people.  When one of my colleagues suggested an "RSDC Alumni Happy Hour", I was quickly on board, and last night we all got together at Kickin' Boot for drinks, dinner, and A LOT of catching up.  About half of us still work in the same place and half have moved on, and it was so refreshing and insightful to reconnect with these people and remember how much fun we used to have.  I am so grateful we decided to get together and hope we continue to do so {trivia night, anyone?}.  It just reminds me that sometimes friendships come in the most unlikely of places.

i never order bourbon, but this blackberry lemonade was amazing

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Loungin' Around

It all started last year when Dad found some plans online for making adirondack chairs and had his wood shop students test them out.  I saw the samples and mentioned that they would go really nicely on my back patio.  Well, after months of prodding, these babies finally made it to my house this past weekend and I couldn't be more excited.  In just 1 weekend, Dad was able to make these for me {plus a one of a kind table!} in his makeshift wood shop at home and last weekend I helped him stain them "Summer Oak" {after staring at the staining section of Home Depot forever - who knew there were so many stain colors??}.  They are so comfy and well made, and I'm so excited that they're finally here to stay!  I envision many summer evenings hanging out on these chairs, beer and book in hand, just like I did last night:) 

before and after

Thanks Dad!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Broccoli Cheddar Quiche {Mother's Day Brunch}

We started off an awesome Mother's Day with brunch at my house.  I wanted to make something yummy but quick, and when mom suggested broccoli cheddar quiche, I was sold.  I found this recipe from Martha Stewart and it was so simple to put together Sunday morning, especially with a premade pie crust.  Next time you're having people for brunch, or heck, just yourself for a long weekend, I'd suggest whipping this up.  We served ours with banana muffins, bacon, and fruit, and it was the perfect way to start a fabulous day.

Broccoli Cheddar Quiche

Ingredients
1 premade pie crust
1 tblsp unsalted butter
1 large yellow onion, chopped
salt and pepper
6 large eggs
3/4 cup heavy cream
about 1 lb broccoli florets, steamed until just tender
1 cup grated cheddar

Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375.  Precook pie crust about 15 minutes and set aside.
2. In large skillet, melt butter over medium high heat.  Add onion and cook about 10 minutes.
3. In medium bowl, whisk together eggs and cream.  Add onions, broccoli, cheese, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper.  Whisk to combine, pour into pie crust, and cook until center of quiche is set, about 45 minutes.

Serves 6

adapted from Martha Stewart 

xoxo,
stephanie marie