(Yes, I realize I’m a few days late with my favorite things for June, okay? Mercy.)

CHEDDAR CHEESE

I used to like soft, mild cheeses like mozzarella, farmers, and gouda. Then I got pregnant and my entire body changed, including my attraction to chocolate. (Turns out, I don’t love it anymore.) With all of those changes came my obsession with cheddar cheese. And, funny enough, my pregnant sister Carla is also obsessing over it. When I was in Kalona with my family the other week, I went to the country store–a little Amish store on a gravel road about a mile from my parents’ home–and bought 6.5 pounds of cheese. It. Is. Delicious. In fact, I’m eating it right now as I’m typing this.

SAM SMITH

I had first heard this British artist at a wedding when they used his cover of “Latch” for their first dance. I fell in love with his version and immediately came home and looked up who was singing. It turned out to be Sam Smith, who released the album “In The Lonely Hour” in May. This album is so deliciously good, you guys! His voice, the lyrics…ah! Also, random fact: he’s third cousins with Lily Allen! A few of my favorite songs are: just kidding. I love them all equally and so very much! It’s been a long time since I’ve stumbled upon such a great album.

SUMMER WALKS

I’m going on lots of walk this summer. My workout pace has slowed down quite a bit since I started carrying this child around. For several months, I couldn’t even go to the gym because I felt so sick. (I did continue teaching Pilates though…because I’m crazy.) In the past 2 weeks, I’ve started back in slowly with actually gym classes, though I’m definitely giving myself lots of breaks, slowing my pace, and lifting lighter weights. I’m really competitive when it comes to group fitness so it’s been hard to give myself grace to ease up, but it’s also been completely necessary. On the other days when I need to get away from the computer, stretch my legs, and get some fresh air, these long walks have helped me so much. My usual route is just over 4 miles, which is perfect for me at this stage.

“ASTONISH ME” BY MAGGIE SHIPSTEAD

I initially gave this book 4 stars in my review, but after a few weeks, when I found myself still thinking about the characters, the plot, the amazing storytelling, I knew I needed to up it to a full 5 stars. Shipstead has one of the most amazing character development skills in writing and I loved how she drew me into each of the 7 main and semi-main characters. The story follows Joan, a young American ballerina, and her interaction with the great Arslan, a Soviet ballet star who defected in 1975. After a brief love affair, Joan quits ballet, marries a good man and they raise their son, Harry. Harry grows to become an incredibly talented dancer himself and Joan is pulled back into ballet as she teaches her son and Chloe. Ultimately, it’s her sons talent that takes them all back to New York where she must face Arslan again.