Super Bowl Babies

While the Super Bowl commercials this year were less than stellar, one stood out to me above all the rest.  Maybe it's the cute kids, or the fact that it features Seattle, or that awesome throwback Seal song, but Super Bowl Babies Choir was pretty clever and hilarious {and slightly awkward}.  Here's to Denver's new crop of kids in about 9 months! :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Dip-A-Palooza 12

This year's Dip-a-palooza had it's highs and it's lows.  The Broncos won!!  It was amazing how many people were loudly cheering for the Broncos at the 12th annual Dip extravaganza, and we were all incredibly excited to watch Peyton Manning and the Broncos take down the Panthers.  The dips were pretty tasty this year - lots of peanut butter, lots of cheese, and was that a black bean and bacon dip??  When halftime came and the trophy ceremony commenced, I was shocked to be called up to the front as one of the top two dips of the party.  When Aaron announced I was the winner, I was shocked!!!  I did a happy dance, jumped around, and excitedly accepted the trophy and flag from a proud-looking Holden.  But.....it wasn't meant to be.  I got Steve Harvey'd!!!  In a nod to the infamous Miss Universe snafu, Aaron took back my trophy and gave it to Sara & Walker, leaving me thoroughly embarrassed and disappointed.  I really thought I had it this time!  And to be crushed after totally getting my hopes up!  Most agreed Aaron took it a bit too far, but no worries - I will get my revenge next year.  As Justin said, Revenge is a dish best served cold {which I take to mean a cold dip?!?!}.  Watch your back, Aaron - I'm coming for you.

 my cutest date

 so excited!!

 i finally won after 9 years!!!

wait.....what?!?!?!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Happy {Superbowl} Friday

Happy Superbowl Friday!  While it feels weird not having our annual Seahawks party at work today, it's a little less stressful, right?  This year I can concentrate on what's really important on Superbowl Sunday - the dips :)  But seriously, I'm rooting hardcore for Mr. Manning here.  I've been a fan since his rookie year and have loved him ever since.  I mean, how can you not root for Peyton??  He's a true class act.  

Hope you have a great weekend, and Go Broncos!!  Omaha!!!!! :)

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Out

Last night I came home to quite the surprise - the power was out in nearly half of Magnolia!  Neighbors were wandering around with flashlights, checking on other neighbors and heading to the pub that was open a few blocks away.  I came home to a very dark and increasingly chilly house, which was terrible timing since I had promised to make dinner for David and his sweet puppy Minnie.  Instead, David graciously took me in, where he whipped up a delicious pasta dinner {way more gourmet than I had planned} and entertained me for a few hours while I waited for power to be restored.  Luckily, it didn't take too long until we were back up and running, but it made me happy that I have such awesome contingency plans when I need them.  Thanks for dinner David - I owe you big time!

 my creepy dark street

 see that big red blob?  that's where i live

 driving over the bridge and looking back at magnolia - it was eerily dark

 sweet minnie

my fancy power-out dinner

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Selany

Friday night, after some wine and appetizers at her house, Nicole and I ventured out to support our friend Thig's latest venture, Selany Collection.  Thig is one of the most creative people I've ever met {which you'd never know from his office job} and to see him launching this small clothing collection was really exciting.  The party was to introduce the line, and to sip wine and mingle with a pretty hip crowd.  Right now, Selany consists of bags, hats, and the coziest sweatshirts ever, but he has big plans for it.  While I'm not able to drop $90 on a sweatshirt right now, I was incredibly tempted after wearing Nicole's around all evening.  It seriously is the perfect fit {the sizing is unisex} and so incredibly cozy.  Maybe they'll have a sale??  Anyway, it was a pretty fun night hanging with a new crowd and supporting a good friend.  And it made me feel just a little bit cooler :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Turkey Taco Lettuce Wraps

So it seems I've been on a Mexican food kick lately. Tacos, Taco salads, burritos, chili.....the flavors are just the best.  Since I'm trying to be better about not eating too many carbs during the week, I've been focusing more on the lean meats and veggies, which are just as filling but make you feel way better afterwards.  I came across these Turkey Taco Lettuce Wraps on one of my favorite blogs, Cooking Classy, and they looked so delicious and healthy I just had to try.  Can I tell you a secret?  Turkey Taco Lettuce Wraps are just a fancy way to say Taco Salad.  That you have to cut while you eat.  Either way, it was a delicious dinner that came together quickly,and the presentation was a little prettier than a mixed up taco salad.  Right? :)

Turkey Taco Lettuce Wraps

Ingredients
1 Tbsp olive oil
3/4 cup chopped yellow onion
1 lb lean ground turkey
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt & Pepper
1 Tbsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth
Iceberg or Romain lettuce leaves, doubled up for serving
Toppings: shredded Mexican cheese, diced tomatoes, diced green or red onion, diced avocado, cilantro, light sour cream

Instructions
1. Heat oil in skillet over medium high heat.  Add onion and saute 2 minutes.  Add turkey and garlic, season with salt and pepper, and cook, tossing and breaking up turkey occasionally, until turkey is cooked through.
2. Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, tomato sauce, and chicken broth.  Reduce to a simmer and cook about 5 minutes until sauce has reduced.  
3. Serve mixture over lettuce leaves with desired toppings

Serves about 6-8 tacos

adapted from cooking classy

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Weekend Coffee

How was your weekend??  After a late night Friday, the rest of the weekend was spent relaxing, which is exactly what I wanted.  Saturday morning, I met up with Linnea and Erika for some much needed catch up and snuggle time.  We walked up to Coyle's Bakeshop where we had lattes and shared some yummy treats {including Linnea's green Cheerio-like snacks}.  I ended up staying with them most of the day, going for a super long walk and playing with the cutest little girl I know.  That two-toothed smile is the absolute best - so happy she's gotten out of the stranger danger phase and loves some Auntie Stephie time!!

Also - happy February!!  How did that happen?!?!?

xoxo,
stephanie marie