More Ohio t-shirt love

Sometimes I think Columbus is turning into the t-shirt capital of the world – everywhere you turn there’s a new shop popping up with a cheeky or retro design. But t-shirts are one of Columbus’ best entrepreneur success stories (see: Homage) and it’s a testament that others want to join in on the fun.  And really, if the designs are good, does it even matter how many shops there are? Enter: Mysterioso Rock Art

I stumbled across this (new to me) company after perusing Instagram during last night’s Bastille concert and immediately fell in love with their The Union "O" flag tee. And the rest of the designs are equally as great – the shirts are finally a cool way for me to wear the pride of my adopted city and state.

Here's a roundup of some of my other faves from their line.

You can shop their shirts online, or find them in one of these local Columbus stores.

The A List: 07.24.15

1. Giada In Italy: I can't stop lusting over Positano after watching this show. Add on the fresh food and Giada's charisma and this 13-episode show just because my must-see-tv show for the rest of the summer. 2. Tonight Show Family Feud: I can't believe I only discovered this Tonight Show sketch this past week - but it's so funny I can't stop watching it. Steve Harvey is hilariously fantastic, but it's The Roots that take this sketch to the next level.

3. TOKYOMILK Dark No. 32: I discovered this scent on a late weekday afternoon in Sephora - that time when the store isn't insanely crushed with fellow shoppers. With a mixture of herbs, grass and jasmine this scent is fresh and edgy at the same time - a perfect scent for the summer months. Love the bottle too!

4. Paddywax Lavender & Thyme candle: this candle is currently sitting on my nightstand for when I need an extra dose of relaxation after a long day. It burns clean with a scent that isn't too sweet or strong like other candles. Another great find from one of my favorite local boutiques, Vernacular.

5. Summer! The weather we've had this summer up until now can be perfect summed up as a monsoon. Finally this week the rain stopped, the humidity faded and the sun and summer breeze came out! It's amazing how much vitamin D can cure what ails you - here's to a few more weeks of this before fall.

Why I Love the ESPYS

I've heard a lot of flack over the years about the ESPYS - they're hokey, they feed ESPN's ego, etc - but I have to admit, I love them. I love when Hollywood merges with sports, when actors and athletes geek out over each other (a common theme I think you'll see) and I love that it's one of the only times of the year that athletes of ALL sports are brought together. But those tidbits aren't the main reason I love the ESPYS. The reason I love the ESPYS is the stories that the the show tells.  It's the story of perseverance of Lauren Hill and her triumph of will over ability in order to play her first college game.  Or the story of resiliency told through Devon and Leah Still, not only to beat the ugliness that is cancer, but to keep an unbreakable bond between father and daughter stronger than ever. The story of humility told through Peyton Manning and Ronda Rousey, both sharing that without their coaches patience or parent's sacrifice, neither would be in the position they are today. And even the story of courage from Arthur Ashe Courage Award winner Caitlyn Jenner, courage to truly live a life that reflects ones true self.

Secondary to the amazing stories, the ESPYS also let us in on a side we rarely see of athletes, their human side. For all of their glory on the field, we only really get glimpses of their humanity off of it. It's a delight to see athletes freak out over meeting each other across different sports, and it great to see their humility in accepting an award outside of their every day greatness. One of my favorite award speeches was from Stephen Curry at the end of the night - his "who would've thought" line was a great insight into the psyche he himself had to overcome.

"Being a part of the larger community of sports is a gift and an honor" - Derek Jeter

To me though, Derek Jeter summed up the feeling of the athletes that evening the best, reminding the room that for all of the glitz and glamour afforded to athletes, the road they traveled to get there is the best gift of all. And isn't that why we love athletes to begin with?

So yeah, for all the cheese and the bravado of ESPN outside of the show, I really do love the ESPY awards for the incredible stories they tell and show us about the sports and athletes we love.

But seriously ESPYS, please do whatever you can to bring back Justin Timberlake as host. He was the perfect combo of fanboy and charisma. Please, please, please - just do it.