This past long weekend went by in a blur, as my brother was home, it was my mom’s birthday, and the 4th of July. Many celebrations were had, many fireworks were viewed, and I felt including the whole weekend in one post was easiest. Enjoy!

Friday, 7/1/2016

Today was a very exciting day at work for me, and not just because we had a half day. Today was the first official day of my new position–I got promoted! My coworker Molly, who also got promoted on the same day, went and celebrated at “The Roof on Wilshire,” sharing a grilled cheese and toasting to our new roles in the company. I couldn’t be happier 🙂

I then headed to spend some quality time with my family (as per usual). I had had dinner with my brother and parents the previous night, but tonight’s dinner was with the entire group. It was nice to get the whole gang together to celebrate birthdays and my brother finally being home.

After dinner, my parents, uncle, brother and I headed to a newer bar that opened down the street from my parents’ house called “Mr. Furley’s Bar.” My brother just turned 21, so I was excited to finally be able to go to a bar and have a beer with him! Mr. Furley’s has a very laid-back vibe and lots of inexpensive beers and specialty drinks. I will definitely be returning! I then headed back to my apartment and straight to sleep.

Saturday, 7/2/2016

Happy Birthday to my mom! My parents and brother came over to see my nearly-complete apartment today! They picked me up on our way to dinner at “Pizzeria Mozza.” We had a reservation for 7pm, but weren’t seated until 7:20, so as an apology, the restaurant brought us some Prosecco on the house. Obviously a great start to the evening. We ordered many of their delicious appetizers (highlights included the Pane Bianco, meatballs, and the romanesco, which I learned tastes like a cross between broccoli and cauliflower).

More wine was ordered, and then it was time for the pizza! The “Squash Blossoms” pizza and the “Egg, Bacon, Yukon Gold Potato & Bermuda Onions” pizza (aka breakfast pizza) were the ones we chose, and both were delicious. I’m a sucker for burrata cheese, though, so I may be a bit biased on the Squash Blossoms one. Then time for dessert! We split the “peanut butter gelato pie” and the “butterscotch budino,” both extremely divine. Oh yes, divine. Just trust me on this one. After a great evening filled with amazing food, it was time for bed.

Sunday, 7/3/2016

Every year for my mom’s birthday, my grandpa takes our family to the Hollywood Bowl. This year, he is recovering from knee replacement surgery and wasn’t able to make it, so we invited my aunt Karen and her boyfriend Mike to join us! The band Chicago was playing, and I didn’t know ANY of their songs. Definitely way before my time, but it was still a lot of fun. The best part of the evening, however, was, as always, the fireworks show! The bowl consistently does a fantastic display of fireworks, and I’ve included a video below for your enjoyment!

 

Monday, 7/4/2016

Happy 4th of July! I spent the previous night at my parents’ house, as that morning, my mom, brother and I took a class lead by my trainer Erik! He teaches at “Barry’s Bootcamp,” and it is a high-intensity workout where half the time is spent running on the treadmill and the other is circuit-training for different parts of the body. Monday is “arms and abs,” so I tried to mentally prepare myself before the class began. I was little worried with how my knee was going to hold up, but I definitely surprised my mom (and myself) with how I handled myself. #crushedit

After the class, we all jumped in the pool for some R&R. Unfortunately, my sunscreen rubbed off and I ended up with a lovely burn on my back and backs of my legs. But it was well worth the time outside, as I definitely need to be soaking up some more vitamin D. The four of us then went to go see Finding Dory, which was absolutely adorable, and then returned home to some amazing homemade chili my dad had been slow-cooking.

After a full 24 hours with the family, I returned to my apartment, picked up Maria, and drove to the top of Mulholland to watch all of the fireworks shows the San Fernando Valley had to offer. It was incredible. See below!

We then went back and finished binge-watching Orange is the New Black before drifitng off to sleep.

That was my packed 4th of July weekend! So glad to be able to spend it with my amazing family, especially my brother! Next time I see him will be in Seattle, so I can’t wait!

-Girl in Los Angeles 🙂