Happy Fourth of July, babes! As you’re reading this post, Hunter and I are on our way or at Surfside Beach near Galveston, Texas! It’s nothing glamorous, but it’s a week away from all the worries and stress we consume ourselves with in the city. I am beyond thrilled to lay on the beach, bake in the sun, and have a getaway with my honey (& his family)!

This was my quick (and cheap) outfit for the fourth I bought like a day ago hahaha. Late as always! Paired with my blue chunky heels, blue waist belt and a fun floppy hat, I am ready for walking on the beach, shooting fireworks, eating hot dogs and drinking some beers! This pant romper was only $14.99 so I have no worries about walking on the beach with it! Bold red lips add a nice pop to finish off this patriotic ensemble!

On this important day though, I wanted to leave you all with a brief story:

People from all over the world desire to be a part of a society full of freedom, pride, and joy. My parents came from Vietnam to America when they were teenagers, separately escaping to a land of democracy. Their different journeys to the land of the free weren’t a 14-hr flight like today… they were 3-5 year adventures to the states. To say their journey here was difficult would be an absurd understatement. Some specifics would just be too gruesome to explain. To this day I still do not know all of the details they went through having spent years in Singapore and more time in refugee camps in Thailand.

They actually met at church in Louisiana where they eventually started a family. Moving us to Dallas for a better environment to grow up in, they worked so hard to raise 5 children (& two pups) who weren’t always the most angelic kids or the most appreciative. As we have all grown up and are in our 20’s (the oldest soon approaching 30 in August), we have learned that this family is held together by the two most God-fearing, loving, hard-working, and giving parents any child could ask for.

Independence day marked a time in United States history when individuals could live in a place of freedom and democracy. I am forever grateful for this land that brought the two most amazing parents together and gave them a life of endless opportunities.

Thank y’all for reading! I hope each of you live life to the fullest on this wonderful Fourth of July!

xoxo, Nickie