50-Person Potluck, Trike Triumphs & Prime Day Magic

Beach House Bliss: When 50 Friends Show Up to Party

Hello Magical Friends!

We just wrapped up a fantastic holiday weekend that felt like the ultimate getaway, even though we never left home.  We opened up the beach house to friends and family for the 4th of July, and I'm still grinning about how the party ballooned to almost 50 people.

Major shoutout to this incredible crowd because it was a potluck, and not only did they show up smiling, they showed up with absolutely fantastic food and beverages. We're talking kabobs, bourekas, seven different kinds of salads, gorgeous charcuterie spreads, and so much more. I'm honestly still stuffed from the feast.

My husband outdid himself smoking a spectacular brisket, and I mixed up 2 gallons of pomegranate lemonade cocktail that was gone by the end of the night. It was mostly consumed without the accompanying bottle of vodka, but that mostly disappeared too!

Our house really shines on the Fourth of July since we're positioned on a bluff just above the barge that shoots off the fireworks in Dana Point. The view over the water is absolutely perfect, and I cannot stress this enough—we are SO thrilled to share it with friends, both new and old.

Many of the friends who showed up this year are newer additions that my husband has gathered since joining the outrigger canoe club. It's weird to suddenly be the plus one! For years I've been the official social director and friend gatherer of our family.  But I'm not complaining. It's such a fun reversal, especially since he folks he's been collecting could not be a nicer bunch. Their positivity and energy is so appreciated!

Also appreciated and unprecedented? The way my husband's shoulders are looking after five months of consistent paddling. 😊

Trike Victory Lap!

In other personal news, I'm making real headway learning to ride my e-trike! I took her on her maiden voyage this weekend, heading north to Doheny Beach and south to San Clemente. The scariest part was definitely riding down the steep hill to the bike trail. The best part? Having that pedal assist cranked all the way up on the ride back!

We tackled this adventure after a full day at the beach with my adorable five-year-old niece, and I'm still a little sore from it all—but also incredibly grateful I had the energy for it. A year ago, I absolutely would not have.

PS: Look how cute this helmet is... I wish you could see the color better. It's a metallic "Cherry Cola" that's neither purple nor burgundy. I feel much more confident while wearing it!