Making a Home

I have a few things bubbling around in my life right now. And for some reason, I just don't feel like blogging. Usually for me that means that I'm unhappy. Creativity and happiness usually have a direct correlation. But that's not really the case right now. I think because my life is just do darn busy, I need some time to decompress and relax. 

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"Robin's eggs in the geranium #annapolis #flowers"

Anyway, one of the things that I'm going to be doing is decorating my apartment in Baltimore. I've signed the lease to stay another 10 months, and I think it's about time I make it my own space. I've been living with the bare minimum to get by for the past 6 months, but 10 makes it feel more like home. Bring on the culinary utensils! Come on with your full-length mirror! Hand me an iron! (It's crazy what I learn to live without!) Here's a picture of what I'm currently being inspired by for my "living room":

 

Anything inspiring you?

Love,

Stephanie Marie

In-SPA-ration Take 2

This past weekend was a blur. A few friends came into town Friday for Michelle's Bridal Shower, which took place Saturday. We had to go shopping for all the food and decorations and then set up for said party. It was a whirlwind, but totally worth it for Michelley! 

But before the weekend tsunami hit, I made sure to carve a little time out of my schedule for some pampering at Salon 921 in Federal Hill. My massage was wonderful, my masseuse was lovely, and the entire experience was just what I needed! Peppermint lotion, sounds of the ocean (and Blue Angles every now and again), and blueberry tea. In heaven. Make sure you take care of you too!

Easy wall hangings.

Sliding barn door for the changing room.

Waiting room with tea and fuzzies.

Love,

Stephanie Marie

Culture Clash

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"First attempt at tadiq!"

Look at me cooking rice on the stove top and making tadiq (the crunchy bits in Middle Eastern dishes)! I'm getting all cultural in the kitchen and I love it! Seriously, I can't say this enough, but I just love picking up different foods from different friends. We all have something to share and the best way to share love is through our tummies. :)

It's super easy to make tadiq (wikipedia is calling it tahdig, but I think I'm right haha). Highly recommend it if you're looking for a small change to a normal dish. Anyway, enjoy!

Love, Stephanie Marie

Please excuse this type from instagram. Don't know how to change it!

Easter Peep Eats

You know, like "eat like a bird," but for Easter it's "eat like a peep." Get it? Not to be confused with eating peeps, which I happen to find disgusting whether they're fresh, stale, or freshly microwaved. Ew.

My family is really big into tapas. And wine. And boating. And boat shoes. And English Springer Spaniels. But definitely not peeps. Anyway, back to the tapas. So for Easter this year, we thought we'd try something a little different. Since there may be only three of us (mom, dad, and me), there's no sense in buying a whole ham, making all the sides, and getting a full dessert. That's just way too much food for so few people. So this year, we thought: TAPAS! (Betcha didn't see that one coming, didja?) 

Mom thought it would be a great idea to stick with the typical Easter-type fare, so after some souring of pinterest, here's some inspiration we came up with: Instead of honey-baked ham, we're going for ham and pineapple pops; Potato Slabs in place of potatoes au gratin; Baked zucchini with sweet onion dip for green bean casserole; In place of croissant rolls, parmesan bread sticks; and Curried shrimp tarts because Mom requested shrimp and we try to make her happy :)

So what do you think of our Easter tapas idea? What are you cooking up? I'm thinking we'll eat way less than normal, waste less food in the long run, and enjoy the change of pace. Hopefully it'll be nice enough to eat outside on the deck. Now that would make a perfect Easter Sunday!

Love, 

Stephanie Marie

Sources here: ham and pineapple pops, potato slabs, baked zucchini sticks, parm bread sticks, and curried shrimp tarts.