Monsoon {10 Year Friend-versary}

Saturday night Stefanie and I went out to celebrate our 10 year friend-versary to the place that basically started it all - Monsoon.  It was the first fancy dinner out we ever went to 10 years ago for her 23rd birthday, and it's held a special place in our hearts ever since.  We had to get our faves - catfish in a claypot and crispy imperial rolls, plus a few new ones, including the spare ribs and spicy eggplant.  As always, everything there is insanely delicious {I seriously think it's the best place in the entire city} and we spent the evening catching up on life and reminiscing about the good ol' days.  Thanks for going out with me Stef to celebrate this milestone!  Any chance to celebrate with you I'll take :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

The Weekend {In Pictures}

{dogwood + blue skies}

 {opening day of boating season = long waits at the bridge}

 {roses on the shed}

 {these succulents i inherited are the healthiest i've ever seen them}

 {smoothie makin'}

 {a new friend i picked up at trader joe's}

 {cookies!}

 {so ready for outdoor dining}

 {grillin'}

{sunday night dinner}

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Happy Friday!

Happy Friday!  And Happy Cinco de Mayo!  This quote couldn't be more true of my plans for tonight - a little "block party" at the yoga studio {basically, a yoga class with lots of blocks} and beer after to celebrate this holiday!  I tell ya - this yoga studio gets me :)  Besides that, my weekend is going to consist of a lot of sleeping in, catching up, and dinner with a friend.  How about you?  Have a great one!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Slow Cooker Enchilada Quinoa

Looking for a little something to spice up your Cinco de Mayo celebration tomorrow?  Look no further than this Slow Cooker Enchilada Quinoa!  I've had versions of this on my Pinterest board forever and this past week when I realized I had basically everything to throw into the crockpot, I decided to give it a go.  It was super simple to put together {always a plus} and by the end of the day I had a delicious dinner waiting for me that just needed a few toppings to be absolutely perfect.  Paired with my new favorite beer from New Belgium, the Citradelic Exotic Lime Ale which tastes like a Corona with lime but better, it's been the perfect dinner to come home to every night this week and is on theme if you want a quiet Cinco de Mayo celebration in.  Those are always the best anyways :)

Slow Cooker Enchilada Quinoa

Ingredients
1 cup uncooked quinoa
1/2 cup water
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, seeds removed and diced
2- 15oz cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1- 28oz can mild red enchilada sauce
1- 15oz can fire roasted diced tomatoes
1- 4.5oz can chopped green chiles
1- 15oz can corn, rinsed and drained
Juice of 1 small lime
1 tsp cumin
1 Tblsp chili powder
1/3 cup chopped cilantro
salt & pepper
1 1/2 cup shredded Mexican cheese
Optional Toppings - sour cream, green onions, avocado, diced tomatoes, cilantro, lime wedges, etc.

Instructions
1. Combine quinoa, water, onion, garlic, red pepper, black beans, enchilada sauce, diced tomatoes, green chiles, corn, lime juice, cumin, chile powder, and cilantro in slow cooker.  Stir to combine.  Season with salt and pepper. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours {or high for 3 hours}, or until liquid is absorbed and quinoa is cooked thru.
2. Remove lid and stir casserole.  Stir in half the cheese, then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.  Cover again and cook {warm} until cheese melts, about 15 minutes.
3. Serve warm with desired toppings

adapted from two peas and their pod

Serves 8

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Roaming the Garden {Signs of Spring}

During the few spots of sun this past weekend, I got a chance to get out in the yard and see the tiny hints of spring happening all around {including a lot of weeds}.  Though it's been a slow going season {will it ever get warm?} a few of my faves are starting to pop up, including that gorgeous azalea above.  I'm predicting in a week or two this place is going to be bursting with color :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

The Secret Garden

This past weekend Mom & I went to see The Secret Garden at the 5th.  It was one of my absolute favorite books growing up, and if memory serves, it was the first real Broadway show I ever went to {clearly it made an impression}.  This version was great - the characters were charming, the music brought back memories, and I couldn't help but get wrapped up in the dark and beautiful story.  After the show we shopped around downtown a bit before heading back to Magnolia for dinner at Mondello, one of my absolute favorite neighborhood spots.  It was one of those great, chill girls weekend with my mama that I absolutely love :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Happy Birthday Abby!

Happy 9th Birthday to this makeup loving, trendsetting, pink haired, sassy little lady who I absolutely adore!  She had a Paris themed birthday party back in Colorado which seemed so appropriate for this fashion loving girl, and I can't wait to give her a huge belated birthday hug when I see her in just a few short weeks!  Happy Birthday Abby!  I love you!

xoxo,
stephanie marie