live it - Just so American

This Independence Day was the most American I have ever had and one of my favorites, to be sure.

I always like to go over the top on holidays and this 4th of July was no exception. After spending many 4th's abroad, there is something incredible about being in the grand US of A, on the most patriotic day of the year.

I started off the afternoon laying at a refreshing pool with my roommate and some of her friends. Even our swimsuits were red, white & blue. After chillaxin' in the sunshine for a few hours, I had a sudden rebellious craving for a hot fudge shake (wouldn't be American without a sugary, over-sized beverage!). We jumped into a friend's Jeep Wrangler (most American vehicle ever and my next car...I hope...) and went downtown Nash to an old fashion soda shop. We stepped into the 1950s style diner, with our wind-blown-Jeep-hair and sat on the bright-red bar stools to order our shakes(I highly recommend Elliston Place Soda Shop- adorable).

After I drank my shake in record timing, I made my way to the next party to visit a sweet friend and meet tons of people I don't know. The best part of the party (other than seeing my friend!) was the table full of fake patriotic tattoos. I went for peace sign fingers and an American flag heart tattoo, I forgot about fake tattoos and they are awesome!

I quickly ran home for a wardrobe change, baked a batch of chocolate chip cookies (because American ladies have to show off their baking skills any chance we can), quickly Skyped with an English friend (he congratulated us on our separation from England), before my roommate and I dashed to our next party. In keeping with our American theme we road with windows down, listened to Shania Twain, sang at the top of our lungs, "Any man of mine..." (you know you've done that too).

We arrived at a cute, front yard gathering, just north of the city, complete with Christmas lights, lawn chairs, hotdogs and that Classic American Spotify playlist that seemed to be all of America's soundtrack for the weekend. After I treated myself to an All-American staple, a hotdog, and relaxed for a little bit, we made our way downtown minutes before the fireworks were about to start.

After we found a miracle of a parking space, we ran to an apartment building in the middle of downtown and took the elevator 20 floors up to the penthouse. The views from this place were absolutely incredible and I am sure it is the best view I will ever have of Nashville. We made it just in time to watch the nation's (second) best firework show and it was great! I stood out on the balcony after the fireworks had ended, the post-explosion smoke hovered over the city, a chilly wind threatened to blow us away, it didn't even seem real and was the perfect ending to an incredible, American summer day.

Happy Birthday America, you are awesome. XX