Concert In The Park

Every Fourth of July Bristol Rhode Island puts on a series of amazing Fourth of July, and pre - fourth events. Starting on June 20th they begin celebrating by hosting concerts in Independence park every night until the day of celebration. It's a great way to get out of the house, spend time with family and friends, and take in the sounds and views that this quaint town has to offer. Since there was no work or school to preoccupy me last night I thought it would be a great chance to join in on the festival tradition.

I snapped a couple of pictures on our way to the park. The concert was right alongside the bay and there were so many beautiful sailboats out on the water.  The East Bay Bike Path also runs alongside the shore and is a great place to roller blade or ride bikes. 

I couldn't help but admire the amazing sunset! The soft yellow rays made it feel like everything around us was glowing. 

The American Flag was also flying high at the park, and after a song dedication to those who serve out nation, it really made me appreciate this holiday and all those you are fighting to protect out great country.

  

This is the view from our little spot on the lawn (ft. that random guys head). Here the East Bay Summer Wind Ensemble was preforming, followed by Micheal DiMucci, who played a couple of classic oldies.


If you would like to learn more about the upcoming concerts or any of Bristol's Fourth of July events you can click here to find more information!

Also I would love to know if there are any fun Fourth of July events happening where you live. Leave a comment below and let me know what your Fourth of July plans are!

Thanks for reading, XOXO, Aly

Chocolate Covered Strawberries Smoothie (Vegan)

This is one of my all time favorite smoothies. It's a light and creamy drink that gives me an excuse to have something chocolaty for breakfast (and who doesn't love chocolate first thing in the morning?) This recipe is super simple and quick to make, which makes it perfect for a grab and go snack or meal. Although this is a vegan recipe, you can definitely switch up the ingredients to your liking (swapping almond milk for regular milk or even adding protein powder for a great pre-workout shake.)  

The first thing you will need is one cup of fresh or frozen strawberries.
 The juicer the berries the better!

Next you will need about four ice cubes. To make this smoothie
 thicker, or to give it the consistency of soft serve ice cream you
can add a few more cubes of ice.

           

       The next step is to add the cocoa. I use about
         a tablespoon when I made my shake. 

Next you want to add a cup of 
almond milk, or milk of your choice.

 After adding the liquid, you can sweeten your drink with
your sweetener of choice, here I am using agave nectar.

Once your smoothie is all blended this is what it looks like! 
I like to drink mine from a mason jar and pretend like I'm very
 trendy, lol, but you can use and kind of cup you would like.

Chocolate Covered Strawberries Smoothie:

* 1 cup of fresh or frozen strawberries

* 4 ice cubes

* 1 tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder

* 1 teaspoon of agave nectar (Any kind or grade will work. You can also

 add more if you like a sweeter tasting smoothie. Another option,

 for those who are watching their sugar, is to use Stevia.)

* 1 cup of almond milk (You can use any other types of milk 

as well. I use the original unsweetened kind but the 

sweetened milks will work too!) 

How do I make this?...

* Step 1: Simply add all of the ingredients to your blender. 

I used a Bella Rocket Blender, which is similar to a Nutribullet, 

but any type of blender or processor should do the trick.  

* Step 2: After blending your smoothie until there are no lumps,

 simply pour your smoothie and enjoy!

Let me know if you guys enjoyed this recipe! If you try it I would love to see pictures in the comments. Also leave a comment below letting me know what your favorite vegan smoothie recipe is!

Thanks for reading XOXO, Aly