A Morning in the Valley

Christian and I decided to stay up in the valley after the 4th and even though I had to work on Friday, we had a pretty chill morning of red, white, and blue pancakes on the deck, picking fresh raspberries, and eating lots of 4th leftovers before it was time for us to head back to the city {and our air conditioning}.  It was a fun few days up north with the fam and I'm so glad we were able to spend the holiday together!

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Summer Pesto Pasta Salad

For the 4th this year I decided to try something new and when I came across Erin Lives Whole's Summer Pesto Pasta Salad that looked super easy and delicious I knew this would be it.  I woke up early on the 4th to put this together and in no time I had the perfect summer potluck meal to share.  It was definitely a hit at the party and gave us lots of leftovers for several days after.  Enjoy!

Summer Pesto Pasta Salad

Ingredients

12oz dried pasta

1 zucchini

1 yellow squash

1 pint cherry tomatoes, cut in half

1.5 cups mozzarella balls, cut in half

1 tsp Italian seasoning

Pesto

1/2 cup basil

1/4 cup pine nuts {I used cashews but you could use almonds too}

1/2 cup olive oil

2 tsp red wine vinegar

juice of 1 lemon

1 clove garlic

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to directions.  Drain and rinse in cool water.

2. Cut zucchini and squash into thin half moons and sauté on stovetop with olive oil and salt and pepper until softened, about 10 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, in a small blender or food processor combine all pesto ingredients and blend until smooth.

4. Add pasta to large bowl and mix in zucchini, squash, tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and Italian seasoning.  Stir to combine.

5. Pour dressing over pasta salad and mix.  Top with more Parmesan, if desired.

adapted from erin lives whole

xoxo,

stephanie marie

4th of July

This year's 4th of July celebration at Samish Island was a very lowkey and chill affair.  With a lot less guests, a smaller parade, and a few key members on the island missing, we spent the day making only one batch of oysters, eating our weight in hotdogs and salads, and lounging in the cozy chairs soaking up the sun and hiding from the booming fireworks.  While sometimes it's fun to have the big party with all the friends, it was nice to just chill this year and soak up the glory of the island.  Here are a few pics from our relaxing and yummy day :)

master chef

these girls took home so. much. candy.

the weirdest part of the parade this year were free hotdogs and toppings

xoxo,

stephanie marie

The Weekend {In Pictures}

{rooftop dinner before it got too hot}

{really great sunsets this weekend}

{watermelon rooftop party}

{a quick walk down the hill for beer and frose}

{a fave local spot}

{bbq dinner}

{breakfast with fresh picked raspberries from mom & dad}

{lunchtime caprese}

{shady rooftop spritz}

{my favorite summer salad}

{another good sunset to end the weekend}

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Happy 4th!

Happy 4th of July Eve! While I still have to work on Friday, we’re taking a quick trip up north to celebrate with the family and get out of the city for a bit before the weather gets crazy hot. It feels weird to be celebrating a country that is on the verge of crumbling, but alas, here we are. This holiday let’s toast to democracy, reproductive rights, meaningful gun legislation, and the pursuit of happiness. Be safe out there, friends!

xoxo, 

stephanie marie

The Weekend {In Pictures}

{some of my favorite treats from fuji bakery}

{pizza night}

{weekend coffee on the rooftop}

{bbq in the rain}

{strawberry season}

{rooftop reading}

{refrigerator cleanout dinner}

{rooftop dessert}

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Happy Birthday Griffin!

Happy Birthday to this sweet boy who turns 19 today!! Griffin - you may be 19 and taller than us all but to me you’ll always be this little cutie pie who made me an auntie! Love you, G!

xoxo,

stephanie marie