Currently Listening to...

When I first started blogging I wrote a lot about what I was listening to.  I was working at a country radio station in Philadelphia and had first access to new releases, which was awesome!  I no longer have that privilege, but still download new music all the time.  Here's some of the things I've downloaded recently and think you should too:

Jekyll & Hyde [ALBUM], Zac Brown Band
This album is all kinds of awesome.  If you listen to nothing else from this list, listen to this!!!!

Traveller [ALBUM], Chris Stapleton

Small Town Dreams [ALBUM], Will Hoge

Girl Crush, Little Big Town

This song has been getting some backlash from fans and has been pulled from some radio stations because it "promotes a gay agenda".  If people actually listened to the lyrics and the story they're telling, they'd hear that it's about jealousy.    

Love You Like That, Canaan Smith

She Don't Love You, Eric Paslay

Break Up With Him, Old Dominion
This is a song that will definitely get stuck in your head and make you want to dance!

Fall Apart, Casey James

Crash & Burn, Thomas Rhett

It's no secret Thomas Rhett is one of my favorite new artists.  You should definitely check him out.  

What are you listening to?

Being a Student-Athlete Mentor

Working with student-athletes is a big part of the career I’ve chosen and hope to continue in.  In communications, I try to coach them on ways to speak to and handle the media- for them to build their brand through their interviews, for them to answer questions in a way that both impress and benefit themselves, the reporter and the reader.  Student-athletes are in the limelight and most of them want to make good impressions and be role models.  They want to be well-liked and rooted for- on the field, off the field and into the future.  They have to learn how to use social media and the platform they’ve been given to their advantage and that’s something I try to help them with as a communications professional.  

This semester I was able to work with student-athletes in a different way.  I became a student-athlete mentor.  Here at Georgia, a mentor is someone who provides leadership and guidance to assigned student-athletes.  We help them manage their class schedule, make sure they’re studying and doing their assignments on time.  We help them balance the roles of both being a student and an athlete, because after all, they are students first.  We meet with them a few times a week and I was fortunate enough to grow great relationships with my athletes.

Throughout the semester I got to see life through the eyes of a student-athlete.  I saw perseverance with an athlete coming back from injury.  I saw frustration from an athlete struggling in a class and having to work extra hard to get the desired grade.  I saw obedience and respect for the people around them who are there to help, support, and guide them to success. 

Sure, some athletes fall into the general stereotype of “I’m too good for this”.  I worked with one who seemed to care less about the “student” part of the title, but still worked hard to obtain the necessary grades.  That type of athlete, though, is not the majority from what I can see.

I’d say the most important thing I saw this semester was the dedication and determination in these athletes.  These athletes want to get good grades by putting 110% into their homework, tutoring, and studying.  They also want to win by putting 110% into their practices and work outs.  They work hard, they’re determined, and they’re committed to the “G”.  They don’t take the opportunity they’ve been given lightly and know they’re lucky to be a student-athlete.

I’m lucky to get to know and work with some great student-athletes.  I hope I can continue to learn as much from them as I hope they learn from me. 

Royal Baby #2

Guys, I’m obsessed.  As I waited with anticipation for the Royal Baby last week, I shared how London stole my heart a few years ago.  I’m fascinated by the entire Royal Family. 

I woke up Saturday morning to the news that a Royal Baby Girl had been born and I was literally ecstatic!  A new baby princess!!!  I immediately dove into live coverage and saw the official announcement made at Buckingham Palace and the Town Crier announcing the birth. Then Prince William left the hospital to pick up George and introduce him to his new baby sister. When they returned, William told George to wave to the crowd and it was the sweetest thing, ever!

A few hours later, William and Kate came out of the Lindo Wing of St. Mary’s Hospital to present their new daughter to the world.  The couple was glowing and looked lovingly at their daughter as they waved to the media and fans.  Kate looked absolutely flawless, as usual, just 10 hours after giving birth.  I hope she was able to change into some sweats, relax and enjoy her babies at home! 

I was so happy to be able to watch it all, just like I did for the wedding and when Prince George was born!  Thank goodness for NBC and their live stream!

Congratulations to William and Kate on their beautiful baby girl!
Welcome to the world, little princess!!! I can't wait to hear what your parents decided to name you!

UPDATE:  The little princess' name is Charlotte Elizabeth Diana!  She will be known as Her Royal Highness Princess Charlotte of Cambridge.  

How sweet and beautiful is that name?  I love the tribute to both Queen Elizabeth and Princess Diana!   

Drink Like You're at the Derby!

The Kentucky Derby is one of my favorite sporting events of the year, if not my favorite! I love the history, tradition, and prestige of such an iconic event. I had a wonderful time when I went with my dad to the 139th running of the Kentucky Derby in 2013 and can’t wait to go back! Even though I won’t be in Louisville this weekend, I can dream of being at Churchill Downs with the signature drinks and commemorative glasses in my hand.

Festivities start today with the Kentucky Oaks Day- a day dedicated to the fillies (girl horses).  Fillies are allowed to run in the Kentucky Derby if they qualify, but the Kentucky Oaks is strictly a “Ladies Day”.  The horses “Run for the Lilies” today.  And keeping with that theme, the drink of today at Churchill Downs is called the Lily.

Here’s how you can celebrate with a delicious Lily of your own:

1oz. Vodka- Grey Goose is the sponsored Vodka for this drink at Churchil Downs

1oz. Sweet & Sour Mix

3oz. Cranberry Juice

Splash of Triple Sec

All over crushed ice (I bought a bag from Sonic- they have the best crushed ice!)

Garnish with some fruit- typically a lemon wedge and blackberry

The more popular drink of Derby weekend is the Mint Julep.   This is such a delicious and refreshing cocktail for bourbon lovers, like myself.  The secret to a great mint julep is the simple syrup.  To make a simple syrup boil equal parts sugar and water together for about 5 minutes (usually about 2 cups, depending on the amount of drinks you’ll be making) with a few mint leaves.  Then add some more fresh mint leaves and let cool, refrigerate over night.

It’s easiest to make each drink as you go by filling a cup with crushed ice (I don’t know why crushed ice is best, but it is, just take my word for it.  Again, I buy the bag from Sonic).  Then depending on how sweet you like your drink, pour about a tablespoon or a little more of the simple syrup into the glass, topped off with your choice of bourbon, stir, and add some more mint for garnish and extra flavor.  Enjoy with friends while watching the races!

Have you checked out the horses yet?  Who's your pick to win?