4th of July Weekend Recap

Happy Thursday, I hope you had a great 4th of July and long holiday weekend! I meant to post a weekend recap yesterday, but life got a little busy so it's a day later than planned, but also another day closer to the weekend again YAY! The holiday weekend was busy but so much fun.

I had some friends over on Saturday to watch fireworks on the lake and to have a relaxing lake day. We had so much fun soaking up the sunshine and swimming so I cannot wait to have another lake day with everyone soon. 

Once it got dark we sat out and watched the fireworks. It was by far one of the best firework displays I've ever seen. There was so many awesome fireworks that it was hard to choose a favorite firework. I was also excited because one of my best friends was able to get off work just in time for the show, so he rushed over and watched them with us. I always feel like a little kid when I watch fireworks because I'm so in awe of their power and beauty. I've always been curious how they make fireworks to form different shapes and patterns, but that's my inner nerd showing. 

My friends and I hung out for a bit after the fireworks, but some of them had to work in the morning so we called it a night pretty early. We used to stay up until 3 or 4am talking and laughing but it's a lot harder for all of us to do that now- as my grandpa used to say getting old ain't for sissies! 

Sunday was a relaxing day; after being up late with friends I needed some time to just hang out in the sun. A few people came out and we had some wine and just relaxed by the lake. Can we please take a moment to appreciate how adorable this wine glass is?! One of my best friends Kate got me a set of wine glasses from HomeGoods and I'm in love with them! They're so cute and I feel so much classier drinking out of a proper wine glass than a solo cup. 

For dinner Sunday night I had some leftovers of grilled chicken, grilled sweet potato and green beans. This has been my go to meal lately because it's so easy. To grill sweet potato all I do is slice it into semi-thick chunks, spray both sides with nonstick cookspray or coconut oil (it keeps it from sticking to the grill), throw on some seasoning and cook for 3-4 minutes per side. It's so easy but so good! 

I started the 4th of July at the gym with a lift and a run. I always start my day off with a workout because it makes me feel good and it helps me get the day off on the right foot. I ran outside, but immediately regretted it because it was SO hot and humid that it was hard for me to catch my breath. Needless to say I cut my run way short. I refueled with my usual oatmeal and berries (and sprinkles of course), but lately I've been mixing in some vanilla chia protein powder from Bob's Red Mill and it's so good! It makes the oatmeal extra thick and creamy, plus it gives it a really good taste.

Cora and I spent a ton of time outside on the 4th because it was so nice out. Unlike me, Cora doesn't mind the heat or humidity. She will just charge into the lake to cool off. 

Tuesday was by far my favorite day of the long weekend. A friend and I got a Groupon to rent paddleboards. I had rented a paddleboard in Maui with my brother, but hadn't done it since and forgot how fun it was. We popped right up, no falling or anything, and paddled for hours. It was a picture perfect day for paddleboarding- sunny skies, a light breeze and the water is warm. We took breaks to get water to stay hydrated and to jump off our boars to cool off. After dinner I headed back out on the board for another few hours. I wish I didn't have to return the board because it was so much fun. Now I want to buy a paddleboard because I'd be out on it all the time. I just wish they weren't so expensive!

What did you do over the holiday weekend? Did you do watch fireworks for the 4th of July? Have you ever tried paddleboarding or would you try it?