Happy Friday!

Happy Friday!  For being a short week, it sure felt like a long one, right?  But it was a good one!  I celebrated 1 year in my new job with a promotion - Not bad, eh?  :)  I've never had a job that challenges me like this still one year in, but that's what I wanted when I signed up for it, so no complaining over here.  Instead, I'm going to spend the weekend being a bit lazy, celebrating - and probably catching up on some work :)

Happy Friday, friends!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Le Faux

A while back, Kelsey had asked if I wanted to go see this diva drag show on Capitol Hill at Julia's on Broadway.  Um, yeah I did!  We finally went last Friday night and it was one of the most fun nights I've had in a long time.  We got there early for dinner and drinks, then settled in to watch Le Faux, which consisted of these amazing impersonators of such icons as Cher, Britney Spears, and Mariah Carey.  They sang all of their top hits and the impersonations were eerily on point.  We had a blast singing and dancing along to all of the songs and before we knew it, the show was over way too quickly.  I definitely want to go back and take friends or out of town guests - if you're in town I would highly recommend it for a fun and random night :)

 cher

 pink

 mariah carey

 adele

 taylor swift

 britney spears

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Rogo's {Valentine Brunch}

Saturday afternoon, Mom came down to Seattle for one of our mother-daughter outings.  We saw How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying {it was so amazing!} then had dinner at the Nordstrom Grill before doing a little shopping and coming home to watch a movie.  Sunday morning, since it was Valentine's Day, I had made reservations at this cute new restaurant in Magnolia, Rogo's, and treated my mama to a little holiday brunch.  The restaurant was pretty quiet when we arrived, but we loved the ambiance and decor - I could totally see cozying up to the bar on a cold winter night for a hot toddy and snacks.  We each had some yummy breakfast drinks {my spicy bloody mary was awesome} and since I tasted both of our dishes, I can confirm they were both absolutely delicious.  I love finding new gems in my neighborhood, and I can't wait to go back and try the rest of their yummy looking menu.  Thanks for being my Valentine, Mom!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Valentine's

How was your long weekend?  I had a pretty great one and have lots to share, but first wanted to share my Sunday evening at home.  After a day of some home projects, I headed out for Thai takeout and opened up a bottle of red {is it weird that I associated Velvet Devil with Valentine's Day???}, then settled in for the Bachelor wedding special and some DVR time.  It was a super relaxing and chill night - exactly how I had wanted it to be - although I wouldn't say no to a few more days off :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Valentine's Weekend

 

Happy Valentine's Day Weekend!  What are you up to?  I plan on starting the day with my Mama at brunch, then ending it with some Thai food and champagne on the couch - which is perfectly fine with me {although I miss celebrating like this and this - where are all the single gals at?!?!?}.  Anyway, I'm mostly excited for the long weekend :)  Nothing like celebrating a holiday with an extra day to stay in bed and forget the alarm.

Happy Valentine's Day! Have a fabulous weekend!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Spicy Beer Queso with Chorizo & Black Beans

You're probably wondering what that amazing dip was that landed me a controversial second place at DAP.  Well, look no further than right here.  A few weeks ago I started researching dips for the party, and I kept coming back to this Spicy Beer Queso with Chorizo & Black Beans from How Sweet Eats.  It had all the components of a winning dip {or so I thought} - cheese, meat, and a bit of a kick.  The spice is pretty mild, so don't shy away if you're not into spicy.  I promise if you bring it to your next get together, it'll be gone by the end of the night - it's that good.  Like, second place good. 

Spicy Beer Queso with Chorizo & Black Beans

Ingredients
1/2 lb chorizo
1 large shallot, diced
1 small jalapeno, seeded and diced
1/2 red bell pepper, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 Tblsp olive oil
12oz bottle of your favorite beer
1 - 8oz block of cream cheese, softened
12 oz white cheddar cheese, grated
1 - 14.5 oz can black beans, drained
sliced green onions & cilantro for topping

Instructions
1. Heat large skillet over medium heat.  Remove any casings from chorizo and add to skillet, using wooden spoon to break apart the sausage until it crumbles.  Cook until fat is rendered and sausage appears to be cooked through.  Remove with slotted spoon and place on paper towel to drain.  Clean skillet with paper towel.
2. Heat skillet to medium-low.  Add olive oil, red pepper, garlic, shallot, & jalapeno with a pinch of salt.  Stir well to coat.  Let cook until softened, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Turn heat up to medium and add beer.  After a few minutes, add cream cheese and continue stirring until it's melted and creamy.  Add white cheddar, stirring until melted.  Reduce heat to low.  Stir in black beans and sausage.  Remove from heat and top with green onions and cilantro.  Keep warm for serving.

adapted from how sweet eats

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Happy Birthday Susannah!

Happiest of birthdays to you, Ms. Suzie Blue!!  This past year was the absolute best, since I got to see and celebrate you so many times, and I'm hoping this next year brings even more laughs, love, and dancing together than before.  Thanks for being one of my people - you mean the world to me, my love.  Now get out there and party!!  Love you!!

xoxo,
stephanie marie