nature

I'm not usually a big fan of worms in my garden, but this guy had us mesmerized yesterday.  We couldn't resist putting him on the front porch to film.  I wish that the lighting could have been better, but my actor had little patients for this production.  

His size is pretty unbelievable... (5in. long x 1/2in. wide).  I have no clue what type of creature he will eventually evolve into, but I'd love to know.  Any ideas?  His horns remind us of a Chinese Dragon at New Years.   No animals were harmed in the making of this film.  He is now safely back in nature, and free to terrorize my parents plants.

secret hideaway... costa rica

A favorite part of our visit to Costa Rica has been the mini trips within our vacation.  Each day here, we've loaded up in our 4x4, and headed out to a new location.  Yesterday was going to be our day to relax, and just drive along the coast heading north...  Plans changed a bit when we stumbled upon Playa Bonita,  a hidden gem at the base of an abandoned resort.  We managed to hobbled our way down the rickety weather beaten stairs to this cove hidden at the base of the cliff.  We basically had this tiny beach to ourselves, except for a few locals who came prepared with hammocks.  Luckily we came prepared with our own picnic of fresh fruit, refried beans, and corn tortillas.

playa conchal... costa rica

It's the rainy season here in Costa Rica, but you wouldn't know that from our day at Playa Conchal... Our little beach, where we are staying is black sand, but yesterday, we drove an hour south and ended up on an all shell beach. This was a first for me. Amazingly beautiful, but a little tough on the feet.

 I interrupt this post to say that we were just in an earthquake... Seriously, but I guess it was more of a tremor. Now we're off to the volcano, because we're intelligent people!

an afternoon in the country {part 2}

We spent our Friday evening visiting my parents farm, and soaking in some of the last lingering moments of Summer.  I love how the light takes on a different glow this time of year, making life seem a bit more relaxed and peaceful.

okra for sunday supper

Patrick and I both love fried okra (what Southerner doesn't).  Unfortunately our whirl wind courtship has left us a few pounds heavier, and the fried foods must go.  So, that left me pondering what to do with all of this okra...

The girl who now eats everything, hated her veggies as a child.  I still did up until a few years ago, when I learned to roast them, and that's when things began to change.  Nothing brings out the flavor of vegetables like oven roasting, and I really can't think of a vegetable that isn't delicious this way.  This statement still holds true after my first attempt with okra.  It's now one of our favorite dishes!

I think we Southerners boil and fry way too much!  I'm sure some of you are cringing after my last statement, but I don't see why we can't enjoy our Southern staples, while incorporating a few new cooking techniques.

roasted okra

Once you've trim the tops of your okra and cut lengthwise, toss with the following ingredients:

olive oil (go easy with the oil, you only need enough to lightly coat the okra)

sea salt & cracked black pepper

a dash of red pepper flakes

bake at 400 degrees for 15-20 mins depending on how crispy you prefer.  yes, it's that easy!

an afternoon in the country {part 1}

 Friday afternoon, Patrick and I drove out to Causeyville for one last meeting with our Pastor, before saying our I do's.  Brother Ryan is the pastor of the church where I grew up, and he will be marrying us on Saturday. This was our rehearsal of a sort, since we are having a small wedding with just close friends & family.  As we read over our vows, we began wondering if one or both of us will flub them.  We were reassured that this happens all the time.  I'm not convinced that's comforting.  Did you practice yours before hand?  I'm thinking we will...

Instead of heading straight to the church, we decided it would be a nice afternoon to spend driving in the country.  We ended up stopping in at the Causeyville General Store.  I hadn't been since leaving home for college and this was a first for Patrick.  As a child, my parents would bring me here on Saturdays to get candy.

as summer fades

This is the South, and I'm sure we have more hot days to come, but this weekend it felt like Fall was creeping in. Backyard grilling is so much nicer when the nights are a bit cooler and the mosquitoes are nonexistent.

We celebrated our friend Kim's birthday with a cookout, and Kim brought over her new bug zapper. You know the thing that looks like a tennis racket. Of course this is the only night all summer, that the mosquitoes decided to hibernate, which is a good thing unless you have a new bug zapper to tryout. So you know what... we resorted to zapping ourselves. I know, not the brightest idea we've had, but kinda fun!

Summer has been a blast and I hate to see it go, but there's so much to look forward to this Fall. I can hardly wait!!!

we're on instagram as @angelcourt

backyard engagement celebration

This weekend our friends Jack & Courtney threw us an engagement party, at their home.  We spent the evening sitting on their patio, sipping cocktails, playing yard games, and enjoying our friends.  We feel lucky to have such amazing friends... thank you for making us feel loved!