I have not had the 4th of July off work for 4 years. Needless to say, that alone made yesterday wonderful, but the fact that I was able to go to our nation's capital and watch the Capital Hill parade yesterday morning, visit the Smithsonian's Folklife Festival, and then watch dozens of different firework displays from the 27th floor of The World Trade Center in Baltimore harbor...you can't put a value on those kind of memories and experiences.

LOVED the Capital Hill parade in the morning. I went down with my friend, Katie, and we got there early to find a good spot towards the start of the parade route. We hit the jackpot! Found standing room right at the front of the curb behind people sitting in lawn chairs, underneath a large shady tree and the best perk...right next to the ice cream vendor! Oh yea! I wasn't able to get any shots on my not so fabulous camera on my cell phone, but I took several with Katie's camera...so other pics to follow!

After the parade ended, Katie and I went to the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. What a wonderful gathering of unique cultures, foods, music, artistry! If you live in the DC area, I highly recommend going. They have the festival every year. The remaining days for the festival are July 7th-11th. Here's the website:

www.festival.si.edu

They have a "marketplace" at the festival so you can purchase items made by the artisans in connection with the Smithsonian Institute and the Peace Corps. Several items go directly to benefit Children's charities or institutes in these countries, usually toward health care or education. I bought a few things, but one of my favorites is this bangle!
There is a part of me that desperately longs to see the world and travel. I have always wanted to be "that girl" who traveled to Italy and stayed for a few months then went to live in Bali for a year. I don't want to see the world from hotels and big cities but rather see how other cultures live day to day, to learn their customs and way of life. Perhaps someday God will grant me the opportunity to do that.

After my delightful morning and afternoon in DC, I hopped on the metro to get back to my car and drove up to Baltimore to spend the evening with my friend, Laura Lee. We visited for a bit then went to Baltimore harbor to the World Trade Center. They have a catered event each year on the 27th floor to watch dozens of firework displays across the city and more specifically to see the harbor firework display.
Such an amazing site to see all of the different firework shows! I witnessed at least 24 different displays from that view! Definitely a unique 4th of July experience.

So this summer, part of my goal is to get into healthier eating and exercise habits. I've rejoined Weight Watchers to keep me accountable for what I eat and how often I exercise. Thus far it has been a successful endeavor! In being more aware of what I eat, I have been cooking more and experimenting with a few new things...Made my own combo called hot corn. The recipe included sweet corn cut from the cob, pancetta, crushed red pepper, salt n' pepper, olive oil, & garlic. YUM! It goes really well with chicken! If you want the recipe just let me know.

Also during a grocery run to Wegmans, I came across something sinfully wonderful; Talenti Caramel Cookie Crunch Gelato..........no words, you just have to try this for yourself.



I desperately want to try their Hill Country Peach Champagne gelato next! So yes, the Talenti is my exception to super healthy eating, but hey, a girl has to have some sort of sweets in her life :)


Trying to eat more fresh fruits & veggies and lay off the starches. Enjoying LOTS of pineapple and watermelon! Turkey and salmon burgers have been a regular on the George Foreman as well as grilled veggies and drinking lots of sweet tea. It's summer, so what better time to enjoy these foods?!

Tomorrow I am going to venture forth into the madness that is the Capital Hill 4th of July festivities...eek! I am only going down for the am to see the parade then will be heading to the harbor in Baltimore for fireworks that evening. Very excited to spend part of my 4th of July, the first I've had off work in 4 years, at our Nation's Capital. Will update with event details later!