July, July

July has to be my favorite month of the entire year. The entire month should be considered a holiday. I wish it lasted 90 days. I can't think of anything I don't like about it! Some highlights of the month for me include Independence Day, fireworks, cold watermelon, waterslides, homemade ice cream, birthday parties, boating, growing a garden, hiking, Pioneer Day, gelato, the sound of sprinklers, air-conditioned movie theaters, farmers market, and much, much more.

Number Twenty-Five

I have always loved having a summer birthday for many reasons. Summer is my favorite season of the year, so it seems to be the best time to celebrate almost anything. I love pool parties, BBQs, the warm weather, the long nights, and the carefree attitude that summer brings. This year we celebrated the day by plunging in at Raging Waters with my family, then going to Zinn Bistro (my fav!) and seeing The Dark Knight with some good friends. My mom even celebrated the next day by preparing a dinner of my choosing and inviting the whole family over for dinner. What a way to start the year as a 25 year old! I had a fabulous birthday thanks to all my friends and family, and especially to Dave for being so thoughtful and making everyday so special.

Dave's look-alikes

Dave has always insisted that he looks like Mark Wahlberg, and now it's been confirmed (much to my dismay.) I think it's hilarious they chose Magic Johnson, because Dave has often thought of himself as having a "connection" with African-Americans. Jamie Lee Curtis was also on the list of look-alikes. Huh. Never saw that one coming.

When life gives you brown bananas..........

I'm sorry if I post about food all the time. But let's face it- I just can't get enough. A co-worker brought in some banana bread the other day, and I fell in love. I've already baked 5 loaves of it, and haven't gotten sick of it yet. She was kind enough to share the recipe with me, so I will pass it along to you. Enjoy!


Mary's Famous Banana Bread

1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cups mashed bananas (about 3 or 4 large bananas)
1/4 cup honey
2 eggs
2 cups whole wheat flour, or 2 1/2 cups white flour
chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts)- optional
chocolate chips- optional

Beat together first seven ingredients until totally smooth and creamed together.
Add in banana, honey, and eggs.
Stir in flour, about one cup at a time, then add nuts and chocolate chips, if using.
Pour batter into lightly greased loaf pan and let stand for 10 minutes.
Bake for 50 minutes at 350 degrees, then lay foil over top of bread and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until toothpick comes out clean.
Cool in pan, remove and enjoy!!

The key lime to my heart

Marcie recently made the most wonderful key lime pie; it was truly heaven-sent. She got the recipe from Tastespotting, which is like porn for food lovers. If you haven't yet checked it out, stop reading and go there right now. This key lime creation has a thick graham cracker crust, a layer of decadent coconut, zesty key lime filling, and is topped with a thin layer of not-too-sweet whipping cream. Although the dessert is quite rich, I didn't seem to have any problem cleaning my plate as well as a good portion of my nieces and nephews' plates. This is one recipe that is definitely worth hanging onto.

And the winner is............

YEAH!!! Over a month ago, I entered a drawing at my local Dan's grocery store to win a new washer and dryer. If you have seen our old set, you know they were on their last leg. The washer leaked about once a week and they were both quite loud. Although I really wanted my name to be chosen out of the box, I didn't really think it would happen (who ever wins those things??) Then last week I got a very exciting phone call, telling me I won!! I was jumping up and down, screaming in delight. The people at Dan's even took our picture with the washer and dryer to display in the store! I've never been so excited in my life to do laundry. I woke up at 6am Sunday morning and before turning over catch some more zzz's before church, I just had to go start a load of laundry and hear the very soft hum of these machines. Dan's has made a VERY loyal customer out of me, that's for sure.

Memorable Sights of Costa Rica

all geared up for the zip-line canopy tour

little crabs in little shells

little frogs on little leaves

scary guy in the jungle

bridges hanging from the heavens

como se dice.....

"Why Costa Rica??"

Byblos Hotel & Casino numero uno...

Active volcanoes #2...

Mai-tai's on the beach number 3!