13/52: Let the 50th Celebrations Begin.....

I have an amazing group of friends.  New friends and old friends.  Best of all, friends that know how to throw an amazing dinner party in honor of my 50th year.

Jenny and Brent hosted an elegant dinner party for 9 including a champagne fountain, a 4 course meal and a jazz duo (Jenny provided amazing vocals) the first Saturday in April.

It was an amazing evening and one that I won't soon forget.  Thanks for my friends who are like family for celebrating my birthday!

Enjoy!
Stacy

8/52: End of Month Mixed Bag and Oscar Party

Last Thursday night's train ride along the Puget Sound.  We finally hit the sound right around sunset and if we have a beautiful day like last Thursday, you can't beat the views.

I worked from home on Friday and treated myself to some flowers from Trader Joe's and all sorts of goodies for the weekend.  Brian and I walked through Lincoln Park on Saturday morning before the showers (mixed with now) arrived.

Saturday we explored the Madison Park neighborhood of Seattle, a place that I've always wanted to check out.  Shops, restaurants, pubs and a wine shop nestled right along Lake Washington.

Sunday was our Oscar Party!  

Did you see Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper?  They killed it!  Best part of the entire show.  We loved all the bright colored gowns.  Did everyone wear pink?  Julie Roberts looked amazing.  We loved Olivia Coleman's speech (what a shocker) and the guy that wore the tuxedo dress!?

Enjoy!
Stacy

20/52: Back to Normal

Welcome back to me!

I've taken a bit of a break from regular blogging to give time to myself and to honor the wonderful 12 days that I was in Maui....my longest vacation in 20 years and my longest time in Maui ever.

It will also probably be our last trip to Maui for awhile and while that brings me great sadness...I know that there are other place in the U.S. and in the world that we would like to visit...so our time in Maui has come to a sort of end....for now.

Where has the rest of May gone?  Next week it will be all talk of Summer and Memorial Day BBQs and fun in the sun (let's hope), but what has been keeping us busy since we got back from Maui?

First off.......

Kentucky Derby Day at Emerald Downs!  We had an amazing day and I won $336.20 on a $2 ($24) exacta box.

We also had a family reunion and Mother's Day festivities, plus going to see "An American in Paris" at the Keller Auditorium in Portland.

This past weekend was the Preakness, and although not as financially successful as the Derby, we still cashed some tickets and I wore a hat.  Perfect!

Whew.....

I feel all caught up, now!

Enjoy!
Stacy

12/52: Madness is my specialty!

Aside from Christmas, the first week of March Madness is the best time of the year!

For the past 18 years, my Pop has been coming for a visit for 7 days to watch basketball, eat good food and drink good wine.  We had a blast this past week!

Brian went back to Seattle on Friday morning and the next round of March Madness groupies, my uncle Steve arrived on Friday night.  Then on Saturday morning, Chick's bestie, Terri arrived and we had one heck of a day!

Sunday we set up the Bloody Mary bar and ordered a couple of pizzas and watched the last of the first weekends games.

SWEET 16!!

Enjoy!
Stacy

Oscar Party Menu!

Welcome to the 87th Academy Awards Party!

As you know, each year we host a party with food inspired by the nominees up for awards.

This year was particularly difficult.  Hardly any of the movies had food themes or even scenes with food references, but I never let that stop my creativity!

Here is our menu for this year!  I'll post pictures of the finished creations next week.

Enjoy!
Stacy

2015 Academy Awards “Oscar” Party

  

Red Carpet Snacks:  Sparkling Wine with Bacon-Wrapped Li’l Smokies in a Brown Sugar and Maple Glaze, Gourmet Olive Bar, Dip and Crackers

First Appetizer:  The “Grand” Stack Salad in honor of Best Picture Nominee, “The Grand Budapest Hotel”

Second Appetizer:   Mini Fried Chicken Sliders in honor of Best Picture Nominee, “Selma”

Final Act Dessert:   English Sticky Toffee Pudding in honor of Best Picture Nominees, “The Imitation Game” and "The Theory of Everything" 

9/52

A real stunner of a day last Friday in Portland!  For something new, I went car-free on Friday and walked to the Max train from my office (about 1/2 mile), then took it down to Union Station and got on the Amtrak train.  It was a rare treat to feel the sun on my face and a beautiful day to walk around the city.

Mani/Pedis with Mom on Saturday.

Our Oscar Party on Sunday was a BLAST!  This Roasted Shrimp, Watermelon and Goat Cheese Salad with Basil and Balsamic Dressing was wonderful!

The grand finale...an upside down "gravity" brownie with a cosmic shot!  The Oscars were great this year and we really enjoyed Ellen hosting, again.  Did you watch?

Enjoy!
Stacy

Happy Birthday, Vicki

 Vicki with her "party" Solo Cup

Last weekend we gathered down in Eugene for our dear friend, Vicki's 50th birthday party!

Cheers!

Her and her husband, Daniel have a beautiful house up in the hills outside of Coburg, OR, which was the perfect setting for a big celebration.

Our family has known Vicki for over 30 years and she sure knows how to throw a party!

 Potluck dinner included; salmon, BBQ pork loin, Chicken thighs, lasagna, Chile Rellenos Casserole, pasta salads, layered salads, Sweet potato and kale salad, caprese salad, dips, chips and plenty of cheese!

It was a wonderful gathering of friends and family and a wonderful celebration of someone who is truly special to so many!

Happy Birthday, Vicki!

Enjoy!
Stacy