Jello Shots ✔️ Floaty game strong ✔️ Squad ✔️
Up until this past weekend, I didn't quite recall 4th of July being such a big deal. Like patriotically, it's a huge deal, but festively for me, it's not that big of a deal. In past years, I would just tag along with a couple of friends and walk through the beach cities. Along the strand, we'd walk past all the college ragers and gawk at all the ab-licious college guys flirting with equally as beautiful college girls. Drinking on the beach was like 'the thing' and the only thing to do. After a couple years of this same old scene, 4th of July just seemed like everyone's big excuse to get wasted.
So when I saw my invite to my dear friend Chris' "ALL YOU CAN AMERICA POOL-PARTY IN THE SKY" party in the sky, I was ecstatic! Coincidentally, I was already shopping at Zara's holiday sale with my friend Kimberly, so we pulled some outfits together and started party prepping for the weekend.
A party at Chris' place in the Hollywood Hills is like getting a Golden Ticket from LA's Willy Wonka. His parties are always over-the-top, festive, fabulous, and a perfect splash. For this party in particular, there was a gorgeous spread of desserts, BBQ of course, mini bar, infinity pool, life-size cut out of the Donald and Hillary, and over-sized floaties of course. However, of all these things, the best part of the party is the spectacular view. This view sweeps through downtown over the South Bay and nearly past Palos Verdes. The haze of the city seems to constantly loom over even the tallest skyscrapers while the blue of the ocean seems to blend into the horizon. This view is why homes like this can cost millions and millions of dollars. A view like this is basically priceless.
As the sun set over the hills, we could see fireworks burst over the inland cities. Then, all of the sudden, dozens and dozens of fireworks shot up into the sky and bursted like glitter was being poured over the skyline. We waved our plastic flags into the sky and awed at the beautiful sight before us. I felt so lucky in that moment to see not just one, but dozens of firework shows over the city.
I got so caught up in the festivities that I nearly forgot to be thankful. We are looking at some really rough times. The world is a scary place to live in and you never know what might happen next. So dearest readers, please be thankful, loving, safe, and gracious all through the summer. Best wishes & hopes to you all!
xx Ella-Kol