Lately...

Oh hey! Here are three things I've really been into lately that I wanted to share with you!

The Vertical Podcast with JJ Redick

JJ Redick is a professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Clippers. He played for Coach K at Duke and my family and I have been following him ever since. He's also my brother's doppleganger...the resemblance is uncanny, I'm tellin' ya. Anyway, he is the first current NBA player to host a weekly podcast, and it's goooood. Not just about basketball, either. One of my favorite guests was Ben Winston, the executive producer of The Late Late Show with James Corden. Of course, big name ballers join as well, including Steve Nash and Tracy McGrady, so far. You can listen with the Podcast app that comes with your iPhone.

73 questions with [insert celebrity] by VOGUE 

When I discovered these, I watched them for hours. It's a really unique way to interview superstars, because it's shown from the interviewer's perspective, as if a head cam is attached. The conversation often takes place in the star's home, so it's like a private tour and an interview all at once. They're rapid-fire questions, and yes, they really ask 73 of them. I loved seeing Nicole Kidman's Australian estate and inside Taylor Swift's NYC home.
Watch 'em here.

Dan + Shay's new album "Obsessed"

They're a young (& hot, let's just say it) country duo whose harmonies are amazing and sound even better live. Their second album dropped a couple weeks ago and I've been listening to it nonstop. I love their sound so much that I actually bought the album off iTunes. I think the last time I purchased music, as opposed to using Spotify or YouTube, was Taylor Swift's Fearless album in '08. Some of my favorites include "Road Trippin," "Lately," and "Sway." Oh, and they performed on The Bachelorette last week...I'm just sayin'.
 

Let me know what you think!

The Girls in Gingham

Never would I have guessed that I could love a pattern (or any pattern, really) the way I love gingham. No matter the form--dresses, pillows, pants, shoes, coat lining, swimsuits--I can't get enough! It takes charge and creates a fresh look effortlessly. 

And, as a bonus, every single man looks good in a navy and white gingham button-down (that fits). It's a little strange how firmly I believe every man should own one...but I'm stickin' to it. 

The print is timeless, clean, and versatile. Just see for yourself:

      

It can easily be worn (or used for decoration) in any season and adds a pop of interest to an otherwise plain look. Whether it's small, dainty checks or over-sized squares, adding a little gingham helps me feel put together and vibrant. 

Let's start a club: The Girls in Gingham. Who's with me?!

All photos taken from Pinterest.

PART 2: Overheard at School

An old favorite is back--Overheard at School! (See part one here.) Strolling a diverse campus like the one I attend guarantees some interesting conversations; however, I'm only within earshot for one or two lines, and the lack of context makes me both laugh and wonder. See what I mean with these little bits:

• "Any place that has a buffet AND sushi kinda scares me a little." 
• A valid concern, really.
• "I'm gonna get a 140% in that class." 
• Yeah, okay. 
• "Like, are you using eye drops or anything?"
• Aw, concerned friend. Or maybe daughter?
• Girl: "Are you official with that one girl?" Boy: "Weeeeee broke up over the weekend." 
•  Although I was just on my way to class and minding my own business while walking behind them, I suddenly felt like an intruder and could feel the awkwardness encircle me, too. 

• "I'm definitely all about the George Foreman." 
• As opposed to...?
• "We're doing 'Giraffes Can't Dance.'" 
• Whatever that is.
• *Just turned in a huge, end-of-semester project, walking out of the classroom* "Does Netflix still exist? Because I haven't watched it!"
• Oh, so sassy. Also, what a Millennial thing to say, ha!
• "Otter Pops?! That's fun." 
• Mmm now I want one. (A pink one, because they're the best.) 
• "Is it good to die?" 
• Whoa, y'all. Deep. 

Which one is your favorite? Thanks for stopping by!