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Welcome back to Bri Books! Today's episode is all about "Cozymaxxing," and how to create a hibernation season for yourself that feels restorative. I share with you a few practical ways to inject more cozy into your everyday. If you're new to the show, leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Please tell me where you're traveling to by using #bribooks on Instagram and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter.

What is Cozymaxxing?

Cozymaxxing, to me, is about intentional softness and what happens after the peak. We're currently in the waning moon (January 15, 2026). As the moonlight gets less and less, right now, it's almost like life is taking a big exhale. Use this time of the year to "cozymaxx" for yourself.

Online, cozymaxxing often looks like candles, blankets, staying in, and yummy soups. It's also a great time to ask ourselves, what can be softened? What can be released? What do we not need to hold so tightly to? Winter is the perfect time to nest within yourself. Nature shows us the way—bears hibernate and turn their heat inward, focusing their growing force inward to germinate the seeds. During January, take time to slow down, ado some nervous system repair, and work on your emotional and physical digestion.

Cozy as a form of release

Being comfortable and cozy doesn't mean just dealing with what's there—it means releasing what doesn't add to comfortability. Cozymaxxing becomes powerful when I compare it with release, so it doesn't feel like an accumulation of sensory experiences. I want my cozymaxxing to also have a release, so it's about output. Remember, input without output leads to stagnation. So, think about what needs to go.

Cozymaxxing as nervous system care

You're probably a little overstimulated—I know I am. When it comes to regulating my nervous system, to me, cozymaxxing involves trusting my body to know what it needs, so I don't have to do a 'system override' of what I'm feeling, where, in my body.

Practical cozymaxxing practices

Choose one small space in your home to soften (in your home or workplace). That means making the place very soft and comfy, somewhere you find yourself coming back to and wanting to come back to. I often soften my nightstand, display my teas proudly with a little tea making station, etc. soften your environment. To soften mine, I'll often rearrange the crystal dish, cleaning the nightstand, and refreshing the artifacts in my home. Take specific blankets and throw pillows and designate a corner of your couch for them.
Remember: the power of cozymaxxing is preparation. f you're thinking of cozymaxxing through the ens of the moon cycles the waning moon isn't the end—it's preparation for the new/ rest supports growth, it doesn't delay it. We are all seeds!
Hibernation and cozymaxxing is about turning inward. Seeds don't sprout in chaos! They sprout in stillness, warmth and darkness. And that's what the winter offers—time for the seeds of your life to sprout. Cozymaxxing is how we tend to the soil of our routines.

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Welcome to Bri Books! We're returning to our bookish roots today with a deep dive of the 5 best cookbooks to help you cook around the world in winter 2026. I don't know about you, but the deep winter temperatures make me want to run to my Instant Pot and my oven instead of the local restaurant or watering hole. In this episode, I walk through my top 5 cookbooks for winter-ready, no-fuss meals. If you're new to the show, leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Please tell me where you're traveling to by using #bribooks on Instagram and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter.

Bri Books Top 5 Winter Recipe-Ready Cookbooks for 2026 1. Something From Nothing by Alison Roman -Alison Roman's latest cookbook invites us into the magic of pantry cooking, and turning store-cupboard staples like beans, olives, and pasta into deceptively simple but deeply satisfying meals. I love this book as both reading and as a reference for my home cooked winter meals. 2. Made Here: Recipes & Reflections From NYC's Asian Communities - "Made Here" is a remarkable cookbook that goes beyond the typical what-to-make-recipes format to serve as a cultural document. Drawn from more than 40 restaurants representing 18+ Asian cuisines across New York City, "Made Here" celebrates community, heritage, and resilience. Proceeds support Send Chinatown Love's work with small businesses and community programs, underlining how food can nourish both body and community. 3. New York Junior League 120th Anniversary Cookbook - As a member of the New York Junior League, I can tell you that gracious hosting is an art form. Part community artifact, part kitchen companion, this anniversary cookbook showcases the breadth of home cooking traditions within the New York Junior League community. 4. One Pot Feeds All by Darina Allen -While "One Pot Feeds All" spans a tradition of practical cooking rather than a single cuisine or era, its ethos resonates with cooks seeking simplicity without sacrificing flavor. Designed around meals that require minimal cleanup and maximum comfort, its recipes appeal to home cooks who want hearty meals from a single vessel.

Essentials of Italian Cooking by Marcella Hazan No culinary library is complete without Marcella Hazan's Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking. A unification of her earlier classic Italian texts, this book has long been revered as an indispensable guide to authentic Italian home cooking. Covering nearly every technique and staple from risotto to ragù to perfect pasta sauces, Hazan's work remains influential decades after its publication, teaching timeless fundamentals with clarity and passion.

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If you're new to the show, leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Please tell me where you're traveling to by using #bribooks on Instagram and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter. After the holidays, it's common to feel drained, overstimulated, or out of rhythm. In this episode of Bri Books, we focus on how to do a simple, grounded post-holiday reset that emphasizes self care, reflection, and intention (but without the pressure.)

Episodes mentioned:

Manifestation journaling 101
How to lock in on your goals: a gentle framework for goalsetting in 2026
How to do a year in review: what to keep, what to release, what to sow

In this episode, we talk through my practical approach to a self-care post-holiday reset. Rather than pushing productivity or strict routines, this episode centers hydration, cleaning your physical space, noticing patterns, reducing digital noise, and setting intentions.

Topics covered include:

Hydrating consistently and having whole, simple meals in January
Cleaning your kitchen, especially cabinets and cupboards
Tracking what drained you versus what filled you up
Doing a digital detox and taking silent walks
Planning intentions without pressure

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Welcome to Bri Books podcast! In this episode, we explore six captivating books from 2025 that span memoir, history, culture, and personal growth. From surviving illness abroad to uncovering hidden royal power plays, from the quiet history of our homes to the question of who we're meant to become, these books invite us to see the world, and ourselves, more clearly. If you're new to the show, leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Please tell me where you're traveling to by using #bribooks on Instagram and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter.

Books Discussed in This Episode

Becoming You: The Proven Method for Crafting Your Authentic Life and Career by Suzy Welch. A practical and reflective guide to discovering your true values and aligning them with your career and life choices. Welch offers tools and frameworks to help listeners clarify who they are, what they want, and how to build a life that fits.
Mastesr of the Word: How Media Shaped History by William J. Bernstein. Bernstein traces the sweeping history of media, from the invention of writing in ancient Mesopotamia to the rise of the mobile internet. From the spread of alphabets and vernacular Bibles to the printing press, mass media, and digital networks, the book shows how shifts in information access have fueled empires, revolutions, democracy, and dissent.
At Home: A Short History of Private Life by Bill Bryson. A fascinating room-by-room exploration of how everyday domestic life evolved. Bryson uses his own home as a jumping-off point to uncover surprising histories behind bathrooms, kitchens, bedrooms, and the objects we take for granted.
The World in a Wineglass: The Insider's Guide to Artisanal, Sustainable, Extraordinary Wines to Drink Now by Ray Isle. A global tour of wine told through people, place, and philosophy. Ray Isle highlights independent, sustainability-minded winemakers and shows how wine reflects culture, geography, and values — not just tasting notes.
Stitching Freedom: A True Story of Injustice, Defiance, and Hope in Angola Prison by Gary Tyler. Gary Tyler — who was wrongfully incarcerated for nearly 42 years — tells a powerful story of survival, justice, and creative resistance. While imprisoned, Tyler turned to quilting as a means of expression, healing, and political testimony, transforming fabric into visual records of racism, resilience, and hope. The book explores how art can become a lifeline under extreme conditions and how storytelling, even when stitched rather than spoken, can reclaim dignity and freedom in the face of systemic injustice.
Surviving Paris: A Memoir of Healing in the City of Light by Robin Allison Davis. A deeply personal memoir about moving to Paris in search of reinvention — and instead confronting breast cancer far from home. Allison Davis reflects on illness, identity, friendship, and resilience while navigating a foreign healthcare system and rebuilding her sense of self in the City of Light.
The Stolen Crown: Treachery, Deceit, and the Death of the Tudor Dynasty by Tracy Borman. Royal historian Tracy Borman challenges long-held assumptions about the English succession after Queen Elizabeth I's death. Using new archival evidence, she reveals a far more fragile and politically charged transfer of power than history has traditionally acknowledged.

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Welcome to Bri Books! In this episode, I'm covering how to start a manifestation journal, and sharing my favorite manifestation journaling tips. Consider this your guide to manifestation journaling and morning pages. This episode will be a crash course on what exactly manifestation journaling is, where to start with manifestation journaling, scripting, and how to make manifestation journaling less overwhelming. If you're new to the show, leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Please tell me where you're traveling to by using #bribooks on Instagram and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter.

2:00 - What Exactly Is a Manifestation Journal: How to Start Manifestation Journaling A manifestation journal is an excellent way to describe your life story the way you want to manifest your dream life. The process of manifestation journaling not only forces you to organize your thoughts and establish paths to your dreams, but also sparks motivation to go after them.

3:00: What's the Goal of Manifestation Journaling? The goal of manifestation journaling is to create new neural networks and belief systems. By writing each goal and each experience in the present tense to convince your mind into thinking it's already a reality. This primes your subconscious mind to be able to make the changes to achieve your goal while helping you shift self-identity. Remember, the goal here is to bring something into reality by establishing expectations.

4:00: Where to Start with Manifestation Journaling 1. Use a Pen and Paper: Avoid digital versions of manifestation journals at the beginning of your journey, because you want to give the time and energy with pen and paper to unlock your desires. You want your manifestation journal to feel almost ritualistic: something you look forward to. 2. Define Your Vision: Take a look at your current reality and identify what areas you'd like to improve. I'd say stick to 2 clear visions for 90 days, to avoid completely overhauling your life. Examples of vision areas include professional life, personal/ spiritual growth, physical health, relationships, financial health, creativity, fun/ adventure. 3. Align Your Emotional State With Your Vision: Cultivate the emotions associated with the reality you're working to manifest. How does it feel to achieve this goal? Match how you feel to what you want. Don't wait until you've achieved everything on the list to feel happiness. When you act as if you already have achieved your goals, your reality will shift to match your emotional state. 4. Set a Purpose for Your Vision: This will be your North Star on days when you feel unmotivated. A clear purpose will fuel you to move forward. Having a strong 'why' will drive you to make the changes you need to materialize your goals.

7:00: Manifestation Journal Prompts 1. What does my highest version of reality look like? 2. What would make me fulfilled and satisfied from the inside out in this area? 3. What do I want this area to look like in 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, 3 years? 4. What value will this manifestation bring to my life? 5. What am I working towards and why? 6. What's the value behind this goal? What are my motivations behind this vision

9:00: How to Make Manifestation Journaling Less Overwhelming 1. Combine manifestation journaling with something you love like morning coffee or tea. Morning pages help to make it a daily ritual you look forward to. Be as consistent as possible. Journal at the same time every day (after showering, before bed, upon waking). 2. Be present as you write: feel the emotions of achieving your goals, feel the formation of your new intentions, feel your visions come to life. Put away distractions and give writing your full attention. Remember, the greatest emotion you can cultivate to manifest your goals is gratitude. Gratitude is the state of receiving. When you feel gratitude for what you want before you have it, you naturally attract it into your life.

13:00: How to Use Scripting in Your Manifestation Journaling 1. Scripting involves going into detail on the thing you're working to manifest and what it feels like to receive it. Live in the end.. The 3D just needs a little time to catch up--give it a push. Write affirmations at the end of the script, and write as if you're currently recapping your present moment.

LINKS: My favorite journal for manifestation journaling is from stationary brand BeRooted (Target, $13).

Thank you for listening to this episode of Bri Books! What are you manifesting? Let me know on Instagram! ! If you're new to the show, leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts andSpotify. Please tell me where you're traveling to by using #bribooks on Instagram and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter.

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Welcome back to Bri Books!This episode of Bri Books is about locking in. Not chasing. Not manifesting yet. Not reinventing your entire life. We talk a lot about goals, but rarely about how to choose direction before movement. Lock-in means deciding where you're headed before you start rowing. If you listened to the Winter Reset episode, this is the natural next step. Softness created space. Now we decide what fills it. If you're new to the show, leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.Please tell me where you're traveling to by using #bribooks on Instagram and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter. This framework is designed to help you set goals that can be assessed and revised, not failed.

If you're listening along, pause here if you need to. This episode works best with a notebook.

Step 1: Choose Your Goal Areas Start by writing down three to five areas of your life that matter most right now. Not ten, not everything, just. few. These are containers, not goals. Examples might include career, creative work, health, money, relationships, home, or learning. Write your own list. These areas simply hold your attention--they don't demand outcomes (yet).

Step 2: Understand Rudders and Oars This entire framework rests on two ideas: Rudders determine direction. Oars create movement. A rudder is not a task or a dream. A rudder answers: What direction am I steering this part of my life in? An oar answers: What am I actually doing, regularly, to move? You need both. Without a rudder, you row in circles.Without oars, you drift.

Step 3: Set Your Rudders (Directional Language) For each life area, write one sentence that defines direction.

Rudders are written in the present tense. They're directional, not outcome-based, and free from numbers, pressure, or deadlines. They describe orientation, not achievement.

Examples of structure:

"I am steering my career toward work that values ___."
"I am orienting my health around consistency, not intensity."
"I am prioritizing creative output over perfection."

Now write yours. Leave space—you'll revisit them.

Step 4: Define Your Oars (Action Language) For each rudder, choose one to three oars only. Good oars are repeatable, realistic, and observable

They sound like "I write for 60 minutes, three times a week", or "I review finances every Sunday", or "I submit one pitch per month." They do not sound like "Be disciplined," "Try harder", or "finally get it together." Your oars should be specific enough that you can tell whether you did them—without judgment.

Step 5: Lock-In Means Review, Not Perfection Lock-in doesn't mean committing forever.

It means: you write it down, you work it, you assess it, and you revise it quarterly. If something isn't working, that's not failure—it's information. We'll go deeper into the review process in the Year-in-Review episode.

What Comes Next Once direction and movement are defined, the next step is learning how to work with desire and intention without forcing outcomes.That's where we're headed next: manifestation journaling—slow, grounded, and pressure-free.

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Welcome back to Bri Books! Today, we're doing an in-depth personal year-in-review. Spoiler alert: a year in review does not need to be dramatic or emotional to be useful. It needs to be honest and practical. This approach is about looking at the year clearly, deciding what is actually working, and making intentional choices about what you are carrying forward. Not everything needs to be turned into a goal. Some things just need to be named so you can stop dragging them with you. If you're new to the show, leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.Please tell me where you're traveling to by using #bribooks on Instagram and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter.

By the end of this process, you will have clear language you can use for goal-setting, journaling, and planning the next season of your life.

Start With What Actually Exists

Before you reflect, gather evidence. Do not rely on memory alone.

Pull together your calendar, your journal or notes app, your camera roll, and anything that shows how you actually spent your time and energy. If something mattered this year, it left a trace somewhere.
Sit down with one notebook, one pen, and a solid block of uninterrupted time. Forty-five to ninety minutes is enough. This is not about making it pretty. It is about seeing clearly.

Review the Year Through Three Questions

You are not reviewing everything at once. You are moving through the year using three simple lenses.

First, write down what actually happened. List major events, shifts, projects, travel, relationship changes, work changes, and health moments. Do not interpret yet. Just get it on the page.
Next, write what cost more than it gave. This is not about failure. It is about energy. What required constant effort to maintain. What drained you even when it looked good on paper. What felt heavy simply because it never let up.
Then write what felt quietly right. These are the things that worked without forcing. The routines, relationships, or rhythms that felt sustainable and did not need explaining. These are often the most important signals and the easiest to overlook.

Decide What to Grow, Sow, and Release

This is where reflection turns into direction.

Grow: What to grow means identifying what is already working and deserves more room. These are practices or dynamics that produced results and felt aligned. Write down a few sentences starting with, "In the coming year, I am growing…" and let yourself be specific.

Write:

In the coming year, I am bringing with me ____ 2. Sow: What to sow is about new input. This is not about perfect goals. It is about experimentation. What needs to be introduced that did not exist before. What you want to test gently without pressure. Write, "In the coming year, I am sowing…" and leave space to explore.: Write:

In the coming year, I am sowing ________. 3. Release; What to release is essential. Ask yourself what cannot come with you. What only existed because you never questioned it. What you are allowed to stop doing. Write, "I am no longer carrying…" and be honest.

Write:

In the coming year, I am releasing ____

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Welcome back to Bri Books — the podcast that educates, encourages, and inspires by exploring ideas both on and off the page. Today's episode is about winter lixfestyle favorites: the soft hobbies, rituals, and everyday comforts that carried me through 2025 and that I'm intentionally bringing with me into 2026. You've heard a lot about the "soft life" and the "soft girl era." I want to offer a reframing: your grandmother may be the softest woman you know. Softness isn't new. It's inherited. It's practiced. It's slow. If you're new to the show, leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.Please tell me where you're traveling to by using #bribooks on Instagram and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter.

This episode isn't about hustle or optimization. It's about winter evenings, quiet joy, and choosing process over productivity. Last winter, I noticed myself reaching less for outcomes and more for ways of being — warmth, texture, ritual, and time that felt expansive rather than efficient. These are the lifestyle favorites that came out of that season and are staying with me.

Embroidery

Embroidery is the ultimate soft hobby. It's tactile, forgiving, and slow in the best way. You can pick it up for ten minutes or lose an entire evening to it. Best of all, you always have something to show for your time: a few stitches, a pattern emerging, a garment mended. It requires no screens, very little space, and pairs beautifully with audiobooks, podcasts, or quiet TV. On dark winter nights, embroidery feels deeply grounding.

Popcorn From the Cob

This was a surprise favorite of 2025. Popping kernels directly off a dried corn cob feels old-fashioned and ceremonial. It turns a snack into an event. Pop it on the stove, finish with butter and flaky salt, and eat while reading or watching snow fall. It's nostalgic, humbling, and cozy: and it happens fast enough that it asks for your full attention.

Candle Making & Light as Ritual

I've been making candles for years, but winter 2025 made it a true ritual. Choosing the scent, wax, and vessel is an act of intention. I make candles in batches early in the season and burn them slowly throughout winter so my home smells familiar and grounding. In long, dark months, light matters. So start making your candles.

Gardening (Even in Winter)

Gardening doesn't stop in winter; it changes form. Winter gardening looks like planning, seed sorting, journaling, and tending indoor plants. It's a reminder that growth doesn't always look active. Winter is when I reflect on what I want to grow — literally and metaphorically — in the year ahead.

A New Duvet from Culver

One of my most meaningful upgrades of 2025 was investing in better sleep. A Cultiver linen duvet changed how winter nights felt. Linen regulates temperature beautifully, feels lived-in, and makes your bed feel like a destination. When nights are long, rest should feel intentional.

A Beautiful Cup from Jinen

This may sound small, but it isn't. A really good cup changes how you experience mornings. Texture matters. Weight matters. A ceramic or natural-finish cup slows you down and makes tea or coffee feel ceremonial. Winter mornings deserve softness. This cup from Jinen porcelain Hasami cup has become my absolute favorite porcelain cup for everyday use.

Instant Pot (and Instant Pot Culture)

In 2025, I leaned into comfort cooking: soups, stews, beans, and broths. The Instant Pot makes nourishment accessible without urgency. Batch cooking on Sundays meant weekday dinners felt cared for instead of chaotic.

Farmers Markets (Even in Winter)

Winter farmers markets are quieter, more intentional, and deeply communal. Root vegetables, bread, eggs, preserves. Shopping local in winter feels like an act of care — a reminder that provision exists in every season, just in different forms.

Painting

Painting returned to my life without pressure to be good. Winter painting is about mood, texture, and emotion — not outcome. Paint in low light. Let it be messy. Let it exist just for you.

New Boots & a New Coat

A good pair of winter boots grounds you — literally. Practical, wearable winter clothing makes cold weather feel intentional instead of inconvenient. Winter style should support your life, not complicate it.

These favorites aren't about consumption. They're about attention. Soft hobbies teach us to stay. Winter rituals remind us we're allowed to move slowly. As we head into 2026, I'm choosing warmth, intention, and creativity — and leaving urgency behind.

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Welcome back to Bri Books, the podcast (and corner of the internet) where we educate, entertain, and feel our way through ideas both on and off the page. As we head toward the end of 2025 and look ahead to 2026, I'm sharing my best-of beauty and skincare favorites — the products I've loved all year and continue to reach for during the colder months. These are my true winter staples: products that prioritize hydration, warmth, glow, and comfort when the weather (and life) feels a little harsher. If you're new to the show, leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.Please tell me where you're traveling to by using #bribooks on Instagram and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter.

So cozy up with your tea, light a candle, swipe on your favorite lip gloss, and let's begin.

Bri Books' Winter Beauty Philosophy

I always think about winter beauty through memory. Last December, I was sipping hot cider by my Brooklyn window, watching snow fall, listening to my radiator hiss, and feeling my skin crack, peel, and protest. Late winter dryness hits me every year, so I've learned to curate intentionally. Here's how I nurture my skin and my beauty in the winter and beyond.

Dyson Corrale Flat Iron — $499–$539

I've used the Dyson Corrale for over five years, and it remains unmatched. Its flexing plates reduce heat damage and tugging, which is especially important when winter hair is already dry and fragile. Yes, it's an investment — but if you want salon-quality results at home, it's worth it.

Kérastase Nutritive Range — $40–$85 per product at Sephora

For deep nourishment, the Kérastase Nutritive line is my winter hero. I use the shampoo weekly, followed by either the conditioner or the Riche mask. I always finish with the Nectar Thermique heat protectant and the split ends serum. When my scalp is dry, I add the hydrating scalp serum. If you're heat-styling more, always pair it with a mask. Winter hair loves moisture.

Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm — $42 at Sephora

This cult favorite transforms from balm to oil to milk and melts away makeup and SPF without stripping the skin. It feels incredibly luxe — and in winter, hydration should feel indulgent.

Sephora Collection Overnight Hydrating Dose Mask — $10 each

2025 had me on more planes than ever — Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Shanghai, and Mexico. Sephora's sheet masks became my travel and weekend staples. They're affordable, effective, and easy to keep in rotation when your skin feels parched.

Elasten Liquid Collagen — $99 on Amazon

This is my only true "health" pick of the year. Collagen production declines with age, and liquid collagen supplements can help support skin elasticity and hydration — especially when paired with vitamin C. I take mine in the morning with tea. It's a small ritual with a big payoff.

LUSH Bath Bombs & Epsom Salts — $6–$13 per bath bomb

Long soaks are my ultimate self-care reset. I love LUSH bath bombs for the sensory experience, paired with classic Epsom salts for muscle relief. There's nothing like a hot bath before diving into life admin — or after a long day.

Mandelic Acid + Vitamin C — $20–$100 depending on brand

After years of experimenting, I've stabilized my routine with professional guidance. Mandelic acid gently exfoliates while vitamin C protects against dullness and boosts brightness — a winter glow essential.

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic — $185

Still my gold-standard antioxidant serum. It protects against oxidative stress from dry air and gives the skin a true glow shield.

Byredo "Mixed Emotions" Eau de Parfum — $235

Fragrance sets the mood for me year-round, and Byredo has completely captured my heart. Mixed Emotions is warm, woodsy, softly sweet, and deeply comforting — like a winter hug.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 50 — $49

SPF is non-negotiable, even in winter. This lightweight, broad-spectrum sunscreen works beautifully under makeup and doesn't irritate my eyes or sensitive skin.

OPI Infinite Shine Holiday 2025 — $7–$15

Winter nails take a beating with constant handwashing and gloves. OPI Infinite Shine delivers gel-like durability without the commitment. I love deep reds, classics, and neutral shades all season long.

These are my winter beauty favorites — the products that carried me through 2025 and will absolutely stay with me into 2026. Let me know what you've tried, what you're curious about, and what you want to explore next. I'm always here for cozy beauty conversations. If you're new to the show, leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.Please tell me where you're traveling to by using #bribooks on Instagram and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter.

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Ready to set your goals for 2026 and go softly into the new year? In this episode of Bri Books, we're breaking down how to. create foundational goals, mindset, and changes in your thinking, to help you start 2026 on a strong (yet soft) note. Here's how to enter your soft era and how to execute your winter arc. I'm talking about how to go softly into the end of the year. This is a Winter Reset episode focused on gentleness, language shifts, and reassessing your life without urgency or self-judgment. We're talking about how to go softly into the end of the year.

We explore what it means to:

Reflect without spiraling
Let go of pressure-based goal setting
Choose your word and 'North Star' for the year ahead
Language shifts that change how we set and accomplish our goals

This episode is for anyone who feels tired of "year-end hustle" culture and wants a quieter, more honest way to close a chapter.

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Merry Christmas! Today's episode of Bri Books 'BriCember' is an honest and loving reflection on the holiday season, grief, and where we meet in the middle. In this episode, we reflect on the experiences of people who are sitting with parental loss (or any loss TBH) during the holiday season.

I'll be sharing my own reflections on my holiday memories with my mother, the feeling of an invisible missing 'seat at the table' that we may notice during this time of year, the power of reliving and remaking traditions, grieving the holidays and fantasies that never were, and the glimmer of light that's visible in our shared memories.

Listen to my Mother's Day episode of Bri Books inspired by my mother, Michele Jimerson. Subscribe to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

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Episode Summary: Madeira wine is fortified, heat-aged, and famously long-lived. In this episode of Bri Books, we break down how Madeira is made, why it tastes the way it does, and explore tasting notes from three standout producers: Justino's, Henriques & Henriques, and D'Oliveiras. Subscribe to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

In This Episode:

What Madeira wine is and how it's made
Why heat and oxidation are intentional
Tasting notes from three Madeira producers
How to drink and pair Madeira wine

Producers Discussed:

Justino's Madeira Wines
Henriques & Henriques
D'Oliveiras (Imported by The Rare Wine Company)

Subscribe to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

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Welcome back to Bri Books 'BriCember' as we explore Switzerland's secretive yet spectacular wine scene. From the herbaceous Chasselas grape to elegant Pinot Noir blends, discover the best Swiss wines, top wine regions, and NYC hotspots like The Lavaux Wine Bar for tasting Swiss wine.

In this episode:

Why 98% of Swiss wine stays in the country
The six major Swiss wine regions: Geneva, Three Lakes, German Switzerland, Ticino, Vaud, Valais
Spotlight on the Chasselas grape and why it pairs perfectly with raclette and fondue
Swiss wines worth tasting:
- Robin de Vignes, Vilette 2022 (Chasselas, Lavaux AOC)
- Dôle des Monts Red, Gilliard 2020 (Valais AOC, Pinot Noir/Gamay)
- Weingut Fromm 2018 Pinot Noir Village (Graubunden)
- Caves du Paradis, Avalanche Fendant 2022 (Valais)
- My NYC favorite: Lavaux Wine Bar, home of Swiss wine flights and artisanal cheese

Links & Resources:

Lavaux Wine Bar NYC: 630 Hudson Street
Swiss Wine
Swiss Wine Week: Official website

Subscribe to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, leave a review, and share what you're drinking on Instagram using #bribooks.

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Welcome back to Bri Books! In this episode, we're diving deep into the world of orange wine, one of the oldest and most misunderstood wine styles in the world. Discover what orange wine really is, how it's made, how it tastes, and why Austrian and Georgian producers excel at this method.

I also share highlights from the Orange Glou Wine Fair, including some of my favorite importers and bottles:

D-I Wine (Alsace, France): Domaine Brand's Tout Terriblement (100% Gewurztraminer)
Donkey and Goat Winery (California): Elen Ridge Vineyard Stone Crusher (Roussanne)
8000 Vintage Selections (Georgia): Nikalas Marani Rkatsiteli 2020 and Vellino Wines Kisi 2020

Plus, we explore standout Austrian orange wines:

Heinrich Graue Freyheit (Burgenland)
Weingut Pittnauer Perfect Day (Burgenland) from Savio Soares Selections
Fidesser Orbis (Weinviertel)
Weingut Schmelzer Sämling Orange 2017

Learn practical tips on how to taste, serve, and enjoy orange wine, and why it's so food-friendly. Whether you're new to orange wine or already a fan, this episode is your guide to tasting something different!

Listen and Subscribe:

Apple Podcasts:
Spotify:
Website: bribookspod.com

Connect on Instagram: Listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Leave a review if you're enjoying the show. Tell me what you're drinking using #BriBooks on Instagram, and subscribe to the newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter.

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Welcome back to Wine Week on Bri Books: BriCember! In this episode, we dive into Austrian wine — one of Europe's most exciting and under-discussed wine regions. From Burgenland's signature red grape Blaufränkisch to the steep hillside vineyards of Steiermark, this episode explores what makes Austrian wine so distinctive, sustainable, and food-friendly. I shares firsthand experiences from a Wein Burgenland seminar, break down key regions, and highlight my favorite Austrian red and orange wines to know right now.

We cover:

Why Austria is one of Europe's best-kept wine secrets
Austria's commitment to organic and environmentally conscious viticulture
The role of the Austrian Winegrowers' Association and the DAC system
What makes Blaufränkisch Austria's most important red grape
Why Burgenland is the heart of Austrian red wine
Steiermark wines: hillside vineyards, limestone soils, and hand-harvested precision
Austrian orange wines and why Austria excels at skin-contact whites

Wines mentioned:

Blaufränkisch & Red Wines

Erich Sattler St. Laurent 2020 , Imported by Zev Rovine in NY
Judith Beck Blaufränkisch 2021, imported by Zev Rovine in NY, shop here
Markus Altenburger Blaufränkisch vom Kalk 2020, imported by Jenny and Francois Selections
Meinklang Blaufränkisch 2020

Regions Discussed

Burgenland
Steiermark (Südsteiermark DAC)

My favorite Austrian wine links and resources

Shop Wein Burgenland wines
Austrian Wine: Burgenland
Orange Glou Wine Fair

Follow & Subscribe to Bri Books! Listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Leave a review if you're enjoying the show. Tell me what you're drinking using #BriBooks on Instagram, and subscribe to the newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter.

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Welcome back to Bri Books! When you're hosting, choosing wine can feel daunting. Whether it's a dinner party, work event, last-minute gathering, or impromptu holiday shenanigans, here's the simple framework I rely on that never fails.

In this episode, we'll cover:

The three-bottle wine buying formula (red, white, wildcard)
How to taste wine at home: My 4 Pillars of Place: Temperature, Terrain, Soil, and Touch
How to build a wine list for parties or dinner

How to Build a Wine Menu: Bri's 3-Bottle Formula

To avoid overwhelm at the wine shop, use this formula:

One white wine
One red wine
One wildcard.

That's it. Simple, flexible, and stress free. Let's dig in:

Crisp white as the Opener. This white wine is your opener—the bottle people drink while they arrive, settle in, chat, and snack. White wins are crisp, flexible, and food-friendly. I look for wines with high acidity and good minimality, the kind that leave you gently puckering and refreshed. A crisp white wine creates an immediate sense of ease and joy at the table. My go-to white wine categories:
1. Chablis
2. Gruner Vetliner
3. Albrino
4. Sauv blanc, from LoireWhy this works:
5. These wines pair well with almost anything: cheese, vegetables, oysters, seafood
6. They don't overpower food
7. They make excellent aperitif wines
8. They set the tone for the meal by brightening flavors and waking up the palette
9. Red wine as the main event. Your red wine is your main event. You're looking for a crowd-pleaser that's food friendly, adaptable, and easy to drink. it can be tempting to bring a big, heavy, dramatic, oak-driven red-but gatherings call for something more communal. Look for reds with:
10. Medium body
11. moderate tannins
12. high drinkabilityRed wines I recommend:
13. Boujulais
14. Tempranillo (especially rioja joven)
15. Etna Rosso reds
16. Cotes du RhoneThese red wines shine with soups and stews, tomato based dishes, roasted vegetables, poultry, and cozy winter meals.
17. The wildcard: the personality hire wine. Go for an orange wine, a sparkling red like Lambrusco, a pet-nat, or a liter bottle of something fabulous and weird like a Madiera dessert wine. Bubbles are always a win. A dessert wine course moves your guests through the final stages of the evening, and a liter bottle keeps things flowing. Use the wildcard to spark conversation about what there wine comes from, how it's made, and why it tastes the way it does.

How to Do an At-Home Wine Tasting Using the 4 Pillars of Place

My 4 pillars framework helps you understand where your wine comes from, even without the label.

Temperature: Look at the wine. Color intensity can give you climate clues.
Terroir: Smell the wine. Aromas reflect whether grapes grew near the sea, mountains, forests, or plains
1. ltitude = floral, lifted flavors
2. Warm climate = ripe, deeply drinkable
3. Coastal = salty, breezy, fresh finish
4. Mountain = Sharp, linear, mineral
5. Valley floor = lush, smooth
6. Volcanic = smoky, stony, earthy flavors
7. Soil: Taste the wine. Texture reveals the soil type. As a reminder:
8. limestone = chalky, saline wine
9. Volcanic = smoky, ashy flavors in the wine
10. Granite = crunchy, bright, often 'cool' flavors in the wine
11. Clay = smooth, plush, slightly pucker-y in flavor
12. High a
13. Touch: Notice winemaking styl. Is it bright? Clean? Raw? Heavy sediment? Is it sharp? Does it grip? Touch is the easiest pillar to learn and the quickest path to understanding what you like.

You can always find Bri Books on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and at bribookspod.com.

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Welcome back to Bri Books BriCember, and welcome to Wine Week! I'll be breaking down the age-old question: "What makes wine good?," and sharing my 'four pillars of place' to help you start to build your good wine vocabulary.

0:39: Breaking down 'good wine.' REmember, wine is an agricultural product. Let's set the stage for practical, place-based approach to wine.
1:12: Why 'terroir' matters + the 'pillars of place.'
1:51: Pillar 1: Soil type. Soil determines minerality, texture, and structural feel.
2:31: Pillar 2: Climate. Climate influences fruit ripeness, acidity, and aromatic profile. Cool climate = fresh, high acid; warm climate = ripe, fruity, plush.
3:23: Pillar 3: Elevation and aspect. Elevation affects temperature swings (diurnal shifts). Sunlight, rainfall, and altitude shape ripeness and freshness.
4:33: Pillar 4: Vine health and farming. Farming practices (organic, biodynamic, low-intervention) matter. Yield, canopy management, and vine age influence quality. Winemakers' traditions are the key expression of terroir.
5:25: Deep dive: soil as the "starting palette" for winemaking.
6:10: Deep dive: climate and elevation's impact on wine aciditiy and aromatics.
7:52: Deep dive: farming practices and the importance of winemaking traditions
9:55: Wine as an agricultural product, and my appreciation for farmers
10:56: What's ahead on wine week! Upcoming episodes include how to do an at-home tasting exercise, Austrian wine, Swiss wine, orange wine, Madiera wine, and wine from Burgenland.

You can always find Bri Books on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and at bribookspod.com.

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Welcome back to Bri Books podcast! If this is your first time, WELCOME! And if you're a return listener from the last 6 (!!!!!!) years, welcome back. Bri Books is now also on YouTube: watch here.

Today is November 30th, marking not just the beginning of Advent season, but the beginning of BriCember!

What is BriCember?

BriCember is a personal project wherein I challenge myself to produce and publish a podcast episode a day in the month of December. Not only is December my birth month, it's also the perfect time of the year to catch up on where you've been and where you're going.

What's Coming Up This BriCember?

In 2025, I'll be approaching BriCember through the lens of literature, with lots of recommendations of what to read. But I'm also aligning it not just with the month, but with how we think of time. This BriCember will be aligned with the moon phases.

But Wait, Where Have You Been, Bri?I've spent most of 2025 in flux, in the most beautiful way. Last year, in 2024, I began a new career at JPMorganChase. In 2025, I started to find my professional stride. I also moved house in 2025! I moved from one apartment in Brooklyn to another, and I'm nesting. We'll be doing deep dives into winter food as well this BriCember. Also, I'm still reeling from the fallout of my mothers' death. That's a constant on my mind. Which brings me to….writing! I'm officially writing again, and I'm focused on writing and publishing in 2026. I'm giving myself the rest of the year to sharpen up my writing, so I can graduate to having an agent and finishing my book. I've been reorganizing my life in very tiny, quiet ways, and art has been a big part of 2025. I've been painting, and I've been traveling. I'm grateful that travel has been part of my working life in 2025. This year, I went to Sydney, Australia; Tokyo, Japan; Hong Kong; and Singapore, in addition to Western China and Mexico. Prayerfully there will be more travel in 2026.

What's Coming in BriCember 2025

I've broken each week of December according to the moon cycles.

Week 1: All about wine! Holiday wine menu planning, how to spend $60 at your local wine shop, Austrian wine, Madeira, orange wine, and having fun learning about terroir in the wine world.

Week 2: Winter reset! We'll shift into how to prepare for a restful winter, my favorite health and beauty picks of 2025, gentle goal-setting, how to go gently into the new year; what to grow and sow in the new year! Lifestyle toolkit; manifestation journaling and how to get started; a winter mid-season check-in;

Week 3: Cozy-maxxing! Winter recipes, soups, and spices; winter food rituals; what's in season at the farmers market in winter; deep winter books/ the best books to hunker down with this winter

Week 4: Prepping! What we want to bring into 2026 (and what we're leaving in 2025); gratitude journaling; manifestation journaling; how to round out 2025 gently and with discernment.

Listen to Bri Books and find @BrionnaJay on Instagram. You can always find Bri Books on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and at bribookspod.com.

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Welcome to Bri Books, and Happy Mother's Day to the matriarchs out there. I'm excited to share this episode because I want to honor my own mother, Michele Jimerson, who passed away February 13, 2024. I have so much gratitude and humility for my mother, her story and her life.

I spent Mother's Day Weekend, the second since my mother's death, at a retreat in Morristown, NJ hosted by Arthouse2b, a multidisciplinary group of artists cultivating Catholic arts renewal in NYC. Their aim is to restore culture through restoring the heart of the artist.. The retreat was centered on the hart of christ, and it came down to: God is made to endure your suffering. He specializes in broken hearts. that’s where He shines. One poignant point that struck me during the retreat, was then when I’m rebellious in my thoughts and not using my creative energy the way God has set aside for me to use it, it grieves Him. i think of all the times as a kid when I’d grieve my mother over silly things—but she never stopped loving me. Why would she?

The same grievouos disappointment your own mother feels, mirrors what God feels. And as much as that disappointment is compounded, so is the generosity of spirit that comes with vulnerability before the Lord. With me experiencing so much gratitude for my own mother and her story, this point felt especially powerful to me.

When I mention the way my mom passed way, it feels like a plot in a novel, or something I’m revealing for a sick shock value. The truth is, Michele Jimerson died in a hit and run accident on February 13, 2024. It occurred as she was crossing the street using her wheelchair, feet from her front door, en route back from a doctor’s appointment. She was hit by two cars. Neither car stopped, and the case remains unsolved today.

As I reflect on this truth in the wake of Mother’s Day, what impacts me the most about the way my mother’s life ended, is that I’m neither angry nor sad. As we do our due diligence with lawyers to get answers, more than anything, I just feel deeply grievous for the people who struck her and didn't stop. yes, they created a pain by not stopping, but they also compounded their own pain. I can’t imagine how that feels. That pain doesn’t belong to me. I feel the shocks and aftereffects of it, but it's not mine. And my vulnerability is what is most valuable to both God and myself. I was so grateful to be surrounded by Arthouse2b members, artists, playwrights, founders, etc. I felt very much like my mother’s presence walked the retreat halls and gardens with me.

In the next episode, I’ll share the poem I authored while on the retreat, and share more reflections on approaching spring in the wake of grief. Somethin’gs growing. :) With that, thank you for listening to Bri Books. I’d love to hear your favorite stories of your mothers. Leave them in the comments on @BrionnaJay on Instagram, and in the Spotify comment. You can always find Bri Books on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and at bribookspod.com. Thank you again Arthouse2b!

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The Garden in Every Sense and Season

Today’s “Bri Books” is a conversation with ABeautifulNestTV creator Sandria Kendrick, inspired by the book “The Garden in Every Sense and Season” by Tovah Martin. Sandria is the creator behind the “ABeautifulNestTV” platform on YouTube, and on social media. In this episode, Sandria shares her story of homesteading with her family in Georgia, and how her love for the soil runs through her veins. In this episode, we’re discussing our garden struggles, how you can inject green into your life this year.

Show Notes

3:30: Sandria's gardening story, and how she built a small homestead garden for her family + Brionna recommends “The Market Gardener” by Jean-Martin Fortier.
5:00: Sandria's gardening challenges and how she overcame them.
9:00 – How book is divided: Each of the four seasons are represented, with each individual season’s different sensational gifts–sights, sounds, touches, tastes, scents– woven into a story that explores the ever-evolving garden
12:15: How city folks can inject some gardening into their lives: "Bring the green inside!" Overwintering plants (repotting and growing indoors), growing lettuce, succulents and aloe, indoors are great ways to keep the green inside, even after it all falls away outside. Using blooming branches—flowers that grow on a branch-- or cuttings from evergreen or fir trees can invite nature indoors.
16:00: The story behind Sandria's Heirloom Acres Seed Store
19:00 – Fruit and veggie varieites to grow, according to Sandria
22:15 - Sandria's Bri Books recommendations: “The Flower Workshop” by Ariella Chezar, “Easy Green Living” by Renee Loux, “The Green Beauty Guide” by Julie Gabriel.

You can find Sandria on YouTube, on Heirloom Acres Seed Store, blog, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube. If you’re new to the show, leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and SoundCloud! Please tell me what you're growing by using #bribooks on Instagram, and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter.Follow @theBriGarden on Instagram for garden tours, growing hacks, and gardening secrets.

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Welcome to Bri Books! On today’s episode, we’re talking about falling in love with the garden this spring, first-time gardening secrets, and how to get kids excited about gardening. Almost everyday, Carla of @gardenplot.57 treats us to vibrant photos of her cut flower garden, homemade skincare products, and dozens of veggies she’s growing in her backyard garden in Cornwall, England. In this episode, Carla gives tips on how to start (and maintain) a garden in a small space, and shares tips on DIY gardening projects we can do right now to get a jump on the season. Carla and I bonded over the amazing book “Floret Farm's A Year in Flowers: Designing Gorgeous Arrangements for Every Season” by Erin Benzakein, an amazing resource that’ll inspire you to step up your flower arranging (and flower growing) game. Carla also shares the secret to getting kids interested in gardening and how to lure them away from the XBox and towards the garden box.

Carla’s guide to gardening in a small space:

Utilize your patio by planting pots with salad greens, herbs, and dwarf tomatoes.
Go high! Make use of vertical space by creating vertical planters. Archways and trellises allow you to grow “up,” and make use of tiny amounts of space for things like beans, peas, cucumbers and tomatoes.

More gardening resources recommended by Carla and Brionna:

Huw Richards YouTube channel and book, “Grow Food for Free”
Sandria of A Beautiful Nest
Misilla of Learn to Grow
Adam Yn Yr Ardd, a wildly talented Welsh gardener

If you’re new to the show, leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and SoundCloud! Please tell me what you're growing by using #bribooks on Instagram, and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter.Follow @theBriGarden on Instagram for garden tours, growing hacks, and gardening secrets.

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How to Get Started in the Garden Feat. Misilla + How to Engage Kids in Gardening

Welcome back to Bri Books! If you’re new to the show, leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and SoundCloud! Please tell me what you're growing by using #bribooks on Instagram, and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter.Follow @theBriGarden on Instagram for garden tours, growing hacks, and gardening secrets.

In today's episode, we're talking about all things organic gardening, and how to grow your own food with Misilla of 'Learn to Grow.'

Whether you're starting your own garden or you haven't given it much thought, after this episode you'll be yearning to get your hands on some seeds. Misilla is the host of 'Learn to Grow,' a channel on YouTube with over 114,000 subscribers. She's a crafty mom of 4 living and working in the Pacific Northwest. Her videos and social posts consist of garden how-to's, growing hacks, healthy living ideas, science experiments, DIY projects, and gardening inspo. Misilla's family has been growing food and farming for generations. She's passionate about inspiring others to grow their own food, and she's passionate about getting kids involved in the garden.

Follow Misilla on Instagram @learntogrow

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Garden-Fresh Cooking: How Infuse Healthy Harvest Foods Into Your Daily Diet

Welcome back to Bri Books! Today, we’re talking all things garden-fresh cooking with one of my favorite gardening creators, Sandria Kendrick of ‘A Beautiful Nest TV’ on YouTube and Instagram. Sandria’s content is all about growing confidence in the garden, building strong relationships, growing as a family, and teaching people to love the soil. In this episode, we dig into the cookbook ‘Rodale’s Gaden Fresh Cooking’ by Judith Benn Hurley and how to choose the best crops to grow in your garden. Sandria reveals what she’s learned about herself by getting ‘in the weeds,’ and she shares the recipes she finds herself returning to again and again.

1:40 - All about @abeautifulnestTV and how Sandria infuses love, authenticity and beauty into everything she does.
9:18 - Sandria’s soil story and her family's long lineage of farming and gardening, why Sandria decided to set down roots in the Georgia countryside, and Sandria and her husband planned their garden.
13:45 - Brionna’s grandmother story and how Brionna grew to love gardening, and how grandmothers inspire us to pass on traditions for generations.
16:10 - The crops Sandria didn’t expect to love, the easiest for you to grow, and how Sandria’s cooking style has changed since growing her own food.
26:40 - Sandria on Rodale’s 'Garden-Fresh Cooking' book by Judith Benn Hurley: I’ve been reading Rodale’s Organic Life for a long time, and I really enjoy it. I love that they have so many different topics for you to dig into--food, gardening, lifestyle. Everything's right there for you. It’s a great site. If you’re reading the recipe book, I know that’s amazing.”
27:25 - Sandria’s #BriBooks: “ Lemony Snicket” with her sons, “Better Homes and Gardens,” “Georgia Gardens.”

Find Sandria on YouTube @abeautifulnestTV, on Instagram @abeautifunlest, Facebook @ABeautifulNest, and Twitter @abeautifulnest. Follow theBriGarden on Instagram, listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and show me your garden by using #bribooks on Instagram.

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Welcome to Bri Books! Getting started in the garden can be tough, but there's one thing that'll make your gardening journey more productive: companion planting! In this episode, I'm sharing 6 companion planting hacks you need to know if you want to grow strong.

Companion Planting for Beginners

1:11: What is companion planting? Companion planting is when two or more plants are grown near each other to benefit one or both of the plants. It's a tried-and-tested, ancient way to reduce pests, attract pollinators, and boost growth. I'm sharing a few common examples, although there are dozens.
2:00 - Basil and tomatoes: Basil plants deter moths which lay tomato hornworms, while simultaneously attracting bees (which help improve tomato polination.)
3:00 - Peppers: Peppers are excellent companions to carrots, tomatoes, and onions.
3:30 - Tomatoes: Tomatoes love peppers, bush beans, and basil
5:15 - Dill and flowers: Dill attracts ladybugs, which eat small garden pests like aphids and spider mites, while flowers attract pollinators to help with the job.
6:00 - Sunflowers and pole beans, cucumbers: Sunflowers provide support for climbing plants and shade for crops (like beans and cucumbers!), making it the perfect vertical companion planting garden.
7:00 - Lettuce: Lettuce helps tenderize radishes, and radishes deter cucumber bettles. Grow these two fast-growing crops together for delicious home-grown salads.

Follow theBriGarden on Instagram, listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and show me your garden by using #bribooks on Instagram.

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Welcome to Bri Books! Embarking on the journey of creating your garden is thrilling, but can also be filled with challenges. In this episode, I'm revealing the 10 most beginner-friendly garden fruits and veggies to grow, along with 3 garden-starting basics you need to know.

3 Garden-Starting Basics

1:20 - Don’t try to grow the grocery store! It’s easy to overwhelm yourself when you're beginning your garden journey. Instead, focus on growing the herbs, veggies, and fruits that you enjoy. Grow your garden through the lens of the crops you look forward to eating and cooking with.
2:45 - Keep pollinators top of mind! Growing a mix of flowers, herbs, and veggies helps the overall pollinator ecosystem. When in doubt, throw some flower seeds out!
3:20 - Get to know your land! Monitor and notice the amount of light your garden gets throughout the day, and keep track of soil conditions--what happens to the area during heavy rains? Intense heat? Does it have any shade. cover? You want your garden to be built in a sunny, well-draining area with nutrient-rich soil.

10 Beginner-Friendly Crops

4:15 - Salad greens, kale, and spinach: Starting your garden journey with green leafys is rewarding because they grow relatively quickly (seed to salad in 21-30 days).
5:00 - Cucumbers: Cucumbers can go from seed to salad in about 40-45 days. Cucumbers love cool weather, making them perfect for late spring. Pro tip: Trellis your cucumbers up the stems/ stalks of your sunflower plants!
5:50 - Zuchinni: Zuchinni thrives in the garden. Zuchinni plants grow wide and large, and the leaves arebeautiful and luscious, providing excellent shade for smaller plants. Zuchinni are tastiest when younger, so picking zucchini after about a week of growth helps to encourage more growth.
6:50 - Tomatoes: I recommend growing at least two varieites of tomatoes in your garden: one snacking tomato (sun gold, cherry tomatoes, etc), and one recipe tomato (Moneymaker, Beefsteak, Black Krim, etc.)
7:30 - Beans or Peas: Peas and beans are great beginner-friendly and kid-friendly crops in the garden. Kids love to watch the pods form! They thrive during spring and summer, and well into fall.
8:40 - Peppers: For beginners, growing peppers is a great idea. Focus on compact peppers like thai chili peppers, shishito peppers, and gochu peppers. These grow in compact bushes and keep producing until the end of season.
9:30 - Potatoes: The more you ignore potatoes, the more they love you. Potatoes grow well in solitude--once you plant them, leave them alone until the potato plant dies back, signaling that it’s time to harvest the tubers underground. For first-time gardeners, growing potatoes in a milk crate or felt container is easiest.
10:35 - Herbs: Focus on growing the herbs you like to eat at home (like basil, rosemary, mint, lemon balm). Herbs are a great great starting point if you’re beginning your gardening journey and you're endeavoring to include more flavor in your daily meals.
11:15 - Flowers: Flowers are a necessary (and often overlooked) part of the garden. Flowers like marigonlds, zinnia, calendula, cosmos, and nastirtium are beginner-friendly, thanks to their low-maintenance nature and ability to attract pollinators.
12:00 - Strawberries: Strawberries grow very well in containers, making them perfect for any and all gardens. Whether it’s in a hanging pot, a raised bed, or a felt container, strawberries are low-maintenance and high-yield.
12:30 - Radishes: Radishes can be sown as soon as early spring breaks through. They go from seed to salad in about 21-30 days, a fastgrowing and nutrient-dense crop that helps kick off the season.

Follow theBriGarden on Instagram, listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and show me your garden by using #bribooks on Instagram.

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Welcome to Bri Books, and Happy Earth Week! Today, I'm sharing the tips first-time gardeners need to know: how to start a vegetable garden, raised bed garden, herb garden, or kitchen garden without breaking the bank. These easy gardening tips and gardening hacks that'll make your life easier. Follow theBriGarden on Instagram, listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and show me your garden by using #bribooks on Instagram.

1:30 - #1: Identify your USDA hardiness zone. The Hardiness Zone Map is the standard by which gardeners and growers can determine which plants are most likely to thrive at a location. It's divided into 10-degree zones based on the average annual minimum winter temperature. According to the stats for Bri Books and the top markets that listen to the podcast, here's a cheat sheet for hardiness zones: NYC is zone 7, Chicago is zones 5 and 6, OKC is zone 7a, Philadelphia is 7a and 7b, LA is zone 9 and zone 10, Detroit is zone 6, and Houston is zone 9.
3:10 - #2: Find your sunspots. Here’s how to identify North, South, East, and West: First, point your left arm towards the sun in the morning. Now, take your right hand and point it toward the west (stretch arms like you’re giving a hug.) You’re now facing south, and your back is facing north.
5:23 - #3: Find out your last frost date. It's important to know is how many weeks you have until your frost date is upon you. Find the frost dates at almanac.com, and then count backward how many weeks you have remaining until that day to calculate the number of weeks you have left in your traditional summer-autumn season. In NYC, our last spring frost was April 4 and our first fall frost is November 13, meaning NYC has 222 growing days in the year.
6:45 - #4: Select good soil, seeds, and supplies. I recommend beginning with a seedling mix like Black Gold from Sun Gro, or Epsoma Seed Starting Potting Mix. My favorite seed company is Botanical Interests, a company I’ve been celebrating for over 5 years now. The second resource I love for seeds is CaliKim Garden and Home. She has a great selection mix. A lof the mixes are good if you want to place one order and get a half dozen crops at your doorstep. Furthermore, Kitazawa Seeds is excellent for Asian heirlooms. I’d also recommend Uncle Jim’s Worm Farm! They sell all the worms that are great for composting and adding overall health to your garden.
9:15 - #5: Pick the best short-term and long-term containers for your plants. Keep vertical growing in mind when it comes to space. Listen to a recent episode of Bri Books about 8 garden-starting hacks for details on how to begin seeds on your window sill in an egg carton or fruit carton.

Follow theBriGarden on Instagram, listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and show me your garden by using #bribooks on Instagram.

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Welcome back to Bri Books. In this episode, I’m sharing my garden starter hacks, including a gardening method I created myself! This method has taken my gardening and succession planting to the next level when it comes to growing my own food. I call this my "theBriGarden Breakfast Gardening Method." I created and coined it myself for @theBriGarden. It revolves around repurposing food waste to create a food bounty. Who would've thought breakfast is so ripe for gardening!?

Follow @theBriGarden on Instagram for garden tours, growing hacks, and gardening secrets. If you’re new to the show, leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and SoundCloud! Please tell me what you're sipping by using #bribooks on Instagram, and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter.Follow @theBriGarden on Instagram for garden tours, growing hacks, and gardening secrets.

8 Garden-Starting Hacks to Get You Growing in 2024

1:45 - Hack #1: Reuse egg water! Hard-bouled eggs release a trace amount of calcium into the water, and calcium is a mineral all plants need. It’s a great idea to use hard-boiled egg water for your plants. Plants can benefit from calcium boost in hard-boiled egg water
2:45 - Hack #2: Eggshell planters! If you take your eggshells and break out the top, leaving ¾ of eggshell intact, that’s a great container for starting seeds. You can begin so many seeds in eggshells, which are rich in calcium. Using eggshells whole can help recycle your breakfast food scraps.
3:40 - Hack #3: Eggshell fertilizer! Crushed eggshells are a great way to inject calcium into your garden and help deter slugs and garden pests. I created a fun TikTok of how to use eggshells in your garden.
4:10 - Hack #4: Coffee! Put your used coffee grounds in the soil to boost nitrogen in the soil and provide an acidity boost. It's the next best thing to organic fertilizer. Make sure you grind it up very fine so that the plants can receive the nutrients.
4:55 - Hack #5: Sprinkle of cinnamon! Cinnamon helps to fight off bacteria and fungus that causes damping, a disease that waterlogs the stem of the plant and stalls out the seedlings before they can grow. Cinnamon helps to deter this disease, so add a tiny pinch to your potting soil to keep your seedlings growing strong.
5:30- Hack #6: Egg cartons! Use egg cartons as seed starters to start seeds indoors on a regular basis. If a dozen eggs run out in 2 weeks in your house, that’s enough time to get another succession planting round going in that empty carton without having to buy any supplies. Fill the empty eggshells with soil, plant a seed inside it, and place the seeded eggshell the egg carton on a window sill.
6:30 - Hack #7: Fruit boxes! Containers that your produce comes in is great to reuse as transplant containers. Before the seeds go into container gardens or into the ground, use these fruit boxes to help your plants mature is a great way to make your morning fruit snacking pay off.
7:15 - Hack #8: Coffee filters! Re-use coffee filters to line the bottoms of your pots and containers. Voila, leak-free gardening!

Want to see the garden in action? Follow @theBriGarden on Instagram for garden tours, growing hacks, and gardening secrets for first-time growers. Leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and SoundCloud! Please tell me what you're growing by using #bribooks on Instagram, and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter. Follow @theBriGarden on Instagram for garden tours, growing hacks, and gardening secrets.

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Welcome to Bri Books! Today, we’re dissecting 5 ingenious wedding trends of 2024 that you’re bound to see everywhere. Listen to the most recent episode, “Top 5 Bridal Trends of 2024: Part One” for even more inspiration. This episode is about wedding industry-wide trends, and what you can expect in 2024. Whether you’re the guest, the host, or one of the intended, these wedding trends will get your juices flowing. We did all the things for the bride last time, so now let’s take it to everyone else. Here are a few quick trends that are taking over the wedding industry.

Micro-weddings: This trend has been years in the making (predated the pandemic), and it’s only going stronger in 2024. Some folks pack out cathedrals, others love a chic, curated courthouse affair. Micro-weddings often look like elopement or private civil ceremonies, followed by modest dinners. Micro-weddings are growing not just as a result of rising prices of weddings, but as a throwback to more intimate nuptial affairs.
Long cakes: Viva la long cake! In the early January NYT article, "These Wedding Cakes Are Going to Great Lengths", the wedding cake of Rachel Karten (founder of Link in Bio) was featured—a massive, multi-color, multi-foot long slab of deliciousness.
Daytrip weddings: I personally love this concept. If you’re in a particularly scenic state or country, consider a daytrip wedding, especially if it’s a day-long or one night overnight affair. If you're getting married in a small ceremony or privately, consider doing a daytrip to a gorgeous farm, setting, etc. to exchange vows.
Intimate dinner party weddings and afterparties: After the altar is the afterparty! More and more, couples are opting for a debaucherous, energy-fueled afterparty to keep the vibes going. Renting out a chic hotel bar or even a restaurant can deliver the after party vibes. Bonus points if there’s a kitschy element like takeout food, nostalgic small bites, etc. feel free to be lo-fi and grungy. I think an intimate dinner party can bring an air of casualness to wedding festivities. It’s also easier to get around and see all of your friends/ do the general socializing at a dinner party vs a more formal seated dinner.
Off-season travel: Paging Portugal! You may see more off-season and left-of-center wedding destinations crop up in your invites. Portugal is well known, also consider Chile, parts of Mexico (San Miguel de Allende), Ecuador, Portugal, Costa Rica, Belize, and other less-traveled destinations.

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Welcome to Bri Books and happy Valentine’s Day. In honor of the day of love (self love, familial love, etc), I want to bring a quick beauty-focused episode about my favorite skincare, makeup and beauty picks to help you practice the art of self-love 24/7. I’ll jump right in.

Lush Valentine’s Day Collection. Once again, as always, Lush has pulled out the stops when it comes to Valentine's Day. I think Lush is the perfect 'To me, from me' gift. Love can be friendship and laughter and wild nights and quiet mornings. Lush is all about celebrating all the loves in your life and finding ways to celebrate them. The brand has several V-Day specific gifts, but I want to talk about my favorites: The Flower Bombshell, Love Letter Bath Bomb, Sex Bomb Bath Bomb gift set, and the Strawberry Heart soap. If you want something luxe feeling and special, Lush is the way. The flower bombshell gives the most romantic rose scented soak ever. Flower petals float atop shimmering pink waters, and rose absolute and lemon oil create a cheerful, rose scent that'll sweep you off your feet. It's a truly dcadent bathing experience, and the best part is, you can save half of it for another day.
Bakeup Makeup Beauty Palettes for Valentine’s Day inspired color. For the color fanatics, the gotta-catch-em-all types, this one's for you. Save $20 and get all four Palm Palettes (pastels, primaries, neons and neutrals)! Each Palm Palette features eight buttery, buildable shades that can be mixed and matched for endless looks. From Monday morning to Saturday night, any occasion and every emotion. This kit will truly unleash your creativity. Curated by Jo Baker from the most loved neutral palettes of the last 20 years, Desert Road Trip contains eight everyday, essential neutrals. The bold Micro Palm Palette primaries represent foundational colors, empowering you to express your primary emotions.
Nakery Beauty Skin Repair Double Retinol and Collagen Face and Body Treatment. Super, concentrated yet gentle, 2 fast-acting retinols unite to firm & reduce wrinkles from head to toe. A revolutionary innovation in anti-aging! Encapsulated retinol targets fine lines + wrinkles over time while fast-acting retinoids, boosted with collagen peptides, instantly penetrate the skin for skin repair and immediate wrinkle-fighting action Counteracts skin aging + UV damage and improves cell renewal process Controlled, constant release delivery system allows for no redness, no irritations, no flakiness, no dry-feeling or down time between uses Multi-tasking: face + body, gentle enough for daily use.
Elemis Pro-Collagen Rose Micro Serum and Elemis Pro-Collagen Rose Facial Oil. I love this serum and the luxurious, soothing facial oil. The serum phase delivers skin-quenching actives whilst the oil phase has rich soothing properties. Enriched with a unique Red Algae, clinically proven* to deliver 3x more hydration than Hyaluronic Acid, and antioxidant Rose Centifolia extract, to support and strengthen the skin’s barrier. Plumps, firms, and smooths fine lines and wrinkles. The exceptionally lightweight facial oil formula is infused with precious English Rose Oleo Extract and a blend of hydrating marine actives. This anti-aging oil helps to soften the look of lines and wrinkles and leaves the skin looking more youthful. Nourishing oils of Sweet Almond, Jojoba, and Coconut provide a lightweight base easily absorbed by the skin for a radiant and dewy fresh complexion.
Be Delicious DKNY Orchard Street. This is an excellently romantic fragrance, inspired by the energy of the Lower East Side. Floral, fruity, lady apple and jasmine scents combine with cedar wood to create an unforgettably luxe fragrance.
Real Techniques Pastel Pop Collection. The Real Techniques Pastel Pop Plumped Up Base Set features 3 dense face brushes and a makeup spatula to conceal, cover, and brighten for your dreamiest complexion yet. The makeup brush kit includes the 098 Small Conceal Brush, 099 Expert Edge Brush, 100 Soft Accent Brush, and a Makeup Spatula. These makeup brushes work best with liquid and cream foundation, concealer, highlighter, and blush for a bright, skin-like finish. The makeup spatula helps you spread foundation and color correctors into a thin layer for an even finish.
Shani Darden Moisture Plumping Serum. A silky, non-sticky serum powered by snow mushroom and glycerin to effectively attract, retain & replenish moisture for instant and continuous plumping hydration. Unlike other serums that hydrate only temporarily, our high-performance formula floods skin in long-lasting hydration. A breakthrough blend of visibly plumping pentavitin, water-binding snow mushroom and glycerin, moisture-replenishing panthenol, seamlessly melts into skin to reveal plump and bouncy, dewy skin. Snow Mushroom & Glycerin provide instant moisture and long-term hydration.
Baebody Gummy Collagen Vitamins. These 60 citrus-flavored gummies provide you with the building blocks of your body. Perfect for strong bones, skin, muscles, ligaments and more. Can be supplemented with collagen moisturizer, collagen cleanser, and collagen teas for your inner and outer beauty
Beia Beauty Lavender Lust candle and Intimacy Serum. For anytime moisture, wherever you need it most, Body & Intimacy Serum was formulated for all-purpose pleasure—anywhere. Made with sustainably sourced ingredients—like squalane, coconut oil, and green tea—this luxurious serum naturally rejuvenates your skin and body to enhance your everyday skincare routine and intimate moments alike. Featuring sleek glass packaging with eco-conscious, refillable packaging, this serum was made for the nightstand—not the back of the drawer.

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Welcome to Bri Books! This week is all about trends. We’re a few weeks into 2024 and I’m getting cozy in the new year. This week, we’ll be discussing trends of all kinds: from bridal and wedding to Pinterest Predictions, Beauty trends, fashion trends, and tech/ media trends.

I attended the Anthropologie Weddings x Pinterest Trends pop-up last week in NYC to explore the future of bridal. The pop-up was in partnership with AnthroLiving and Terrain, and they leveraged Pinterest Predicts trends to highlight the best of 2024 wedding trends. I left feeling very inspired about the emerging bridal trends on Pinterest, and enjoyed getting a glimpse into the future of bridal design, decor, and lifestyle.

The Anthropologie Weddings team revealed three major trends that are predicted to dominate the wedding world in 2024--Groovy Nuptuals, Bow Stacking, and Western Gothic--complete with interactive sessions and consultations. Each trend included a deep dive into the world of retro-inspired wedding, the art of bow-stacking and imaginative ways to bring rugged, moody hues into your world. I especially loved that the pop-up had ideas and styles for later to save via Pinterest QR codes.

In addition to Groovy Nuptuals, Bow Stacking, and Western Gothic, here are a few bridal trends that’ll be all over the place in 2024 and beyond.

Audacious bows and gentle floral appliques: This bridal season, it’s all about the bow. They’re everywhere from hair accessories to wedding gowns. Floral appliques are an excellent way to personalize a veil or a dress. The great thing about both floral appliques and bows is they can be show-stopping or as subtle as you’d like. From the brand Amsale, the orchid dress boasts an oversized 3D flower and stem. Similarly, the Nori dress by Amsale is a take on a one-shoulder bow in satin. The Rin gown dress captures a taffeta ruched bodice tulle ball gown with an arched neckline, low back, and gentle orchid-ish bow at the back. I think the best place for a floral applique is on a veil, and Amsale has an excellent long veil cape with floral appliques. Similarly, the Antonia silk dress with a big back bow is playful yet romantic.
90s nods: Paging '90s supermodels! Imagine columns of white silk with slight crewnecks, thin straps and backless seduction. I love this style and I’m happy it’s coming back. Brands like Jane Booke, Jenny Yoo and Amsale have mastered this. The Jane Booke brand is absolutely flawless for all things 90s, especially the brand's signature low back slip dresses. The Amsale Embry dress captures the magic. Italian crepe satin gowns will be big in 2024, and the 90s Emery supermodel style dress from Jenny Yoo ticks all of the bridal boxes.
Removable capes and sleeves: Capes are glamorously feminine and also mysterious, and they’re the perfect statement piece for any gown, especially when intricately detailed (helloooo bows and floral appliques!) I love how romantic a cape is. The Hayworth cape from Jenny Yoo with blooming floral embroidery is one of my favorites, as it adds a little glamor to the gown. I especially love Jenny's Jewel cape, with dramatic puff sleeves and ruffle. It adds whimsy and romance and drama, like you're a fresh marshmallow. A cute little shrug adds a dramatic layer to create a unique look. Pair organiza puff sleeves with any stunning base dress for a completely different look. Organza is light as air and looks so extravagant, especially on brown skin. The dramatic puff sleeve and ruffle lend a bit of whimsy and romance to this dramatic silhouette
Unique veils: I have loved Halfpenny London for years and years. The Periwinkle veil is super voluminous, airy, and drape-y. "The Jubilee ethereal tulle cape is hand beaded with subtly shimmering sequins and beads arranged in intricate rose motifs which grow organically from the choker neck, over the shoulders, then fade throughout the extra-long train. The necktie has added length for extra drama and can be tied in an epic bow, or flow freely down the body."
Gloves: Gloves that are delicate, barely-there, tulle help to juxtapose your dress. Love to style gloves with base dresses for the ultimate city look, or layer with more dramatic pieces to make a dramatic statement. The Violeta gloves from Alexandra Grecco are also fabulous.

Brands and Links Mentioned

Anthropologie Weddings: Groovy Nuptuals trend, Bow Stacking trend, Western Gothic trend
Audacious bows and gentle floral appliques trend: Amsale bridal brand: The Amsale orchid dress, Nori dress, Rin gown, Antonia silk dress
90s nods trend: Jane Booke, Jenny Yoo and Amsale, Amsale Embry dress, Jenny Yoo Emery supermodel style dress
Removable capes and sleeves trend: The Hayworth cape from Jenny Yoo, Jewel
Unique veils trend: Halfpenny London and the Periwinkle veil, the Jubilee ethereal tulle cape
Gloves trend: Violeta gloves from Alexandra Grecco

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Welcome back to Glow Up Goals Week on Bri Books! Today we’re doing a deep dive into the world of bullet journaling: What it is, what it solves, and how to get started. I’ll be sharing the steps you want to follow in order to turn any notebook into a bullet journal, and how to optimize your life using bullet journal strategies like daily and weekly logs.

What is Bullet Journaling? What’s the Difference Between a Bullet Journal and a Regular Notebook?

A bullet journal, in essence, is a notebook with bulleted on-page dots and an accompanying system of organizing your world. Your bullet journal index, weekly spread, and daily logs are the foundations of a successful bullet journaling strategy.
Your bullet journal weekly spread is where you map out your week ahead, and supplement with categories you want to focus on. Often, when you search bullet journaling on YouTube and Instagram, you’re met with highly-designed, washi-tape wrapped notebooks. What’s important to remember is that you want your bullet journal format to be flexible, fast, and fit to your focus.

How to Start Bullet Journaling

Create an Index. It’s the Table of Contents of your bullet journal, where you write down page numbers and their corresponding sections.
Write a prayer, a grounding thought, or, 3-5 simple joys in life. Write down three peaceful thoughts and joys you find. I find that it’s helpful to have something grounding and centering at the top of my journal, to put myself into perspective.
Categories. This is where you break down and compartmentalize your priorities for this notebook. Your bullet journal categories will organically start to build up as you journal more regularly. Use your categories to keep you honest and mindful of the tasks, projects, and priorities you avoid.
Logs and Calendar. The daily log/ weekly spread is where you outline the state of your union: I begin with a breakdown of the categories we mentioned: personal, financial, spiritual, etc. On a weekly basis, it’s important that you keep yourself honest and review your logs. Notice what tasks roll from week to week. Notice what categories get neglected and moved back week to week.
Create Your Spread. A spread is a few pages devoted to a certain project or time period. For example, each week I create a 2-page spread, and write down what’s on my calendar along with a little checklist built on tasks pulled from the….CATEGORIES LIST! The daily and weekly spread keeps me honest.

Links to My Favorite Bullet Journaling Resources:

1. The IGTV about setting up your bujo is live on @bribookspod
2. Leuchtturm1917 from Paper Source
3. BeRooted journal
4. Episode: How to Bullet Journal Like a Pro
5. Episode: Bullet Journaling 101 with Bri Book

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Welcome to Bri Books! Today, I’m sharing the 6 steps to more intentional goal-setting (and goal-keeping!) Consider this your guide to healthy and effective goals. Goalsetting is a healthy practice, but it can be hard to find the best strategy that empowers you to execute your goals.

6 Steps to More Intentional Goals 1. Be compassionately realistic about where you are. 2. Be specific about your “why'“: Drill down on precisely what you want to achieve. When you spend time understanding the “why” that drives your actions, it’s easier to avoid distractions and focus on pursuing your goal. Remember, you don’t have to achieve all of your goals at once. You can always iterate as you accomplish. 3. Be intentional about how you’re going to get there: Break your goals down into smaller goals you can accomplish daily. Focus on continuation and consistency, and remember, getting to your destination will require several steps steps. You don’t simply arrive at a destination immediately—you get their mile by mile. 4. Be SMART in your goal-setting: Your goals should be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely. The more specific you can be with your goal, the higher the chance you’ll complete it. 5. Write your goals down: When you write your goals down, they become real and tangible instead of a vague idea that resides only in your mind. Once you’ve written your goals down, keep them somewhere visible. This tactic reminds you to keep working on your goals daily. As you're writing down your goals, use a positive tone so you stay excited about completing them 6. Evaluate and iterate: Always, always, always take time to evaluate your successes, identify your growth areas, and iterate on how you’re feeling. Accomplishing your goals should be fun, not draining.

Thank you for listening to this episode of Bri Books! What are your goals for 2024? Let me know on Instagram! ! If you’re new to the show, leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts andSpotify! Please tell me where you’re reading by using #bribooks on Instagram and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter.

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3:00: What’s the Goal of Manifestation Journaling? The goal of manifestation journaling is to create new neural networks and belief systems. By writing each goal and each experience in the present tense to convince your mind into thinking it’s already a reality. This primes your subconscious mind to be able to make the changes to achieve your goal while helping you shift self-identity. Remember, the goal here is to bring something into reality by establishing expectations.

4:00: Where to Start with Manifestation Journaling 1. Use a Pen and Paper: Avoid digital versions of manifestation journals at the beginning of your journey, because you want to give the time and energy with pen and paper to unlock your desires. You want your manifestation journal to feel almost ritualistic: something you look forward to. 2. Define Your Vision: Take a look at your current reality and identify what areas you’d like to improve. I’d say stick to 2 clear visions for 90 days, to avoid completely overhauling your life. Examples of vision areas include professional life, personal/ spiritual growth, physical health, relationships, financial health, creativity, fun/ adventure. 3. Align Your Emotional State With Your Vision: Cultivate the emotions associated with the reality you’re working to manifest. How does it feel to achieve this goal? Match how you feel to what you want. Don’t wait until you’ve achieved everything on the list to feel happiness. When you act as if you already have achieved your goals, your reality will shift to match your emotional state. 4. Set a Purpose for Your Vision: This will be your North Star on days when you feel unmotivated. A clear purpose will fuel you to move forward. Having a strong ‘why’ will drive you to make the changes you need to materialize your goals.

7:00: Manifestation Journal Prompts 1. What does my highest version of reality look like? 2. What would make me fulfilled and satisfied from the inside out in this area? 3. What do I want this area to look like in 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, 3 years? 4. What value will this manifestation bring to my life? 5. What am I working towards and why? 6. What’s the value behind this goal? What are my motivations behind this vision

13:00: How to Use Scripting in Your Manifestation Journaling 1. Scripting involves going into detail on the thing you’re working to manifest and what it feels like to receive it. Live in the end.. The 3D just needs a little time to catch up--give it a push. Write affirmations at the end of the script, and write as if you’re currently recapping your present moment.

LINKS: My favorite journal for manifestation journaling is from stationary brand BeRooted (Target, $13).

Thank you for listening to this episode of Bri Books! What are you manifesting? Let me know on Instagram! ! If you’re new to the show, leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and SoundCloud! Please tell me where you’re traveling to by using #bribooks on Instagram and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter.

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Welcome to Wine Week on Bri Books! Today I'm sharing with you my 3 can't-fail secrets for selecting the perfect wine, everytime. Whether you're making a wine menu for holiday festivities or you're selecting wine for the table whilst out to dinner, these 3 tips will make you an instant Sommolier.

2:20: #1: Start and end with bubbles! In my humble opinion, bubbles are a must for any summer gathering. Served chilled, it’s a decadent way to greet your fête’s first arrivals and toast the end of the evening. I learned this trick from Sarita Cheaves, author of the VineMeUp Wine Activity Book and host behind the Swirl Suite podcast. For a wintertime bubble, I’d recommend Vigneron Luciano Saetti Rosso Viola Lambrusco Salamino, 2018 ($21), or the Opera Lambrusco di Modena. Lambrusco paired with capapes or passed hor'dourves is a great way to set the tone for the evening. PS, if you’re based in New York, shop Simple Syrup Wine and Spirits for your holiday libations! I love the team there, and I’ve been a fan since 2019. This 2020 Premier Cru from Chablis, sourced from Kings County Wines, one of my newer wine finds and obsessions in Brooklyn, is an insanely delicious chardonnay that could substitute nicely for bubbles.

5:00: #2: Learn the rules, then break them! When I say this, I’m referring to choosing wine based on my own flavor principle: the lighter the flesh, the lighter the wine. Hence I opt for white wine with fish and creamy pasta dishes, red wines with tomato dishes and red meats, and rosé flows best with vegetables. From there, I forget everything I know and opt for a left-of-center pick such as Meinklang “Mulatschak” Weisser Pino Gris ($20), or an orange wine. I frequent Orange Glou in New York, NY for my orange wines of choice, namely Cantina Marilina’s ‘Sikele’ 2022 ($24).

7:00: #3: Indulge in a wildcard liquor for quick cocktails! Wine is fine, but liquor is quicker! This summer, try to keep an interesting, wildcard liquor or spirit on hand for last-minute cocktail requests or simply to switch things up in the heat of the night. I recommend Letherbee Charred Oak Absinthe Brun ($38-$40), or Method Spirits Vermouth.

I hope you're loving Bri Books! If you’re new to the show, leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts and Spotify! Please tell me where you’re traveling to by using #bribooks on Instagram and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter.

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Welcome to Bri Books! Today I’m sharing my 8 tips and strategies for reading more books in 2024. Listen for reading hacks and tricks that'll help you make a daily habit of reading more books.

8 Ways to Read (A Lot) More Books in 2024

1:30: Reframe your take on reading: Reframing isn't about tricking yourself into doing tasks, but reframing the nature of the task to wake own the dread and avoidance around them. So when it comes to reading, instead of, “I have to finish these pages,” refreame it as, “I get to expand my consciousness and knowledge. I get to work my muscle of curiosity.” Just this simple act of reframing alone can make it easier for you to get started with reading consistently.
2:54: Set quarterly reading themes: Set quarterly reading themes, or "read with the seasons." Give each season a genre or theme, and focus on reading books within that realm.
4:10: Set clear monthly reading goals: This part is important. Is your goal to finish 1 book a month? 2 books? More? Have a clear monthly reading objective, so you'll know when you’ve ‘accomplished’ your goal.
5:00 Set a daily page count: This is the most important part of the plan to stick to your reading objectives. Set a daily page count! I recommend starting with 10 or 20 pages daily, and working your way up. A quick hack: If your goal is to read a book a week, divide the pages by 7. Boom. That’s your daily page count.
5:45: Create a Goodreads or Pinterest for your TBR pile: It’s self-explainatory. If you’re visual, create a Pinterest board to keep track of your upcoming reads. If you like running lists, make a Goodreads account. This is a great way to stay accountable for your TBR pile without letting any books slip through the cracks.
6:45: Keep a book/ reading journal: If you enjoy journaling, try keeping a book journal. I like to use Goodreads and the Bri Books podcast as a book journal of sorts.
7:22: Choose books that activate your left brain, right brain, and a wildcard pick: : Your brain will crave diversity, so as part of your reading strategy, I recommend having 1 left-brain, 1 right-brain, and 1 wildcard pick.
9:00: Attend monthly literary or book club gathering: Look up bookstores near you, follow them on social, and join the email newsletters. Find one monthly literary gathering, whether it’s a book club or an author talk or a Q&A. Anything! This is an excellent way to literally get out of the house and enjoy something literary with others.

EPISODES MENTIONED

8 Books to Read in 2024
6 Best Books of 2023, According to Bri Books

Thank you for listening to this episode of Bri Books! Let what you’re reading, and listen to recent episodes about building (and keeping) your reading practice below. What are you reading? Let me know on Instagram! ! If you’re new to the show, leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and SoundCloud! Please tell me where you’re traveling to by using #bribooks on Instagram and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter.

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The holiday party season is in full-swing—don’t be shocked if you find yourself popping by wine shops frequently during this time of year! I designed this episode to teach you how to shop for wine very quickly, and how to make buying wine an enjoyable and effortless experience.

1:30: Check your local wine shops and follow them on Instagram + join their newsletters: If your local wine shop has TikTok, Pinterest, Facebook Groups, Instagram accounts, or newsletters, get plugged in there, so you’re the first to know about any new opportunities to buy or taste excellent wines. Getting to know your wine and spirits community on Instagram is the fastest way to know what’s new in-store, hours of operations, and find out when they’re holding tastings. Part of the magic of wine shopping is wandering the aisles and getting recommendations in real-time, so get chatty with the staff!
3:00: #2: Take a photo of your favorite bottle labels and file them away. I love to make Pinterest Pins or add them to Instagram Stories highlights for my own reference makes shopping for wine feel like I’m consulting my own personal wine library.
4:15: #3: Pick a budget and don’t budge it! Decide on your maximum spending and your expectations before you enter the wine shop. My personal wine shop rule of thumb when shopping for wine: 3 or 4 bottles for $50. This budgetig rule allows me to try different bottles at various price points without breaking the bank. Alternatively, you can calculate the average price per bottle that you’re willing to pay. For me, I try to keep my purchases at $12-$15 per bottle.
6:45: #3: Consider what you’ll be eating, when you’re buying. If your weekly dinner menu consists of pasta, keep red wine on deck. If you eat poultry, veggies or fish, keep a neutral collection of wines like rose, pinot gris, and reds. Thinking about meal prep when buying wine is a great way to make sure you’re buying wine that you’ll drink and that goes with what you are eating. Bonus: This allows you to budget for wine in a natural and effortless way!
7:45: #4: Pick up a liter of wine in a varietal of your choice for top-value by both flavor and price! For example, I enjoy hearty winter foods that call for red wine. I recommend the Hand Work Tempranillo wine from Spain, imported by T. Edward Wines—it’s round and flavorful with a wooden, deep berry flavor. The flavor improves throughout the week, and it’s perfect for splashing into any pot roasts. I picked up the Hand Work 2021 Tempranillo from Kings County Wines in Brooklyn, NY.
9:30: #5: Ask for and taste what’s new. Remember—wine is seasonal, just like food. When you pop into wine shops, it can be tempting to select the old reliable favorites every time. Every once in a while, challenge yourself by asking the wine shop team if they have any recommendations, any sleeper hits, or interesting bottles. Attending in-store tastings is a great way to experience and taste what’s new, and get to know the new distributors and winemakers that are entering the store. HACK: Join wine shop newsletters to be the first to know of any tastings!

To recap the 5 Wine-Shopping Hacks You Need to Know:

Follow your local wine shops on social media and join their email newsletters.
Take a photo of the wine labels you enjoy, and file them away in your phone
Pick a phone and don’t budge it
Consider what you’ll be eating wile drinking the wine, and shop accordingly
Ask for and taste what’s new—wine is seasonal, just like food

I hope you're loving Bri Books! If you’re new to the show, leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts and Spotify! Please show me what you’re drinking to by using #bribooks on Instagram and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter.

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Welcome to Bri Books! Our Wine Week series on the podcast has made me tipsy. As I burrow deeper into the wine world, I feel like every day I find a new grape, region, or literally hectare that I didn’t know existed before. Wine is like traveling the world in a glass. Today’s episode is all about the magical world of Swiss wine. In this episode, I’m sharing the best Swiss wines worth your money (and where to buy/ taste them), and revealing a bit about the history and significance of Swiss wine.

The Swiss like to keep secrets. Of the 1.07 million hectolitres of wine produced in Switzerland each year, 98% is consumed within the country. Nonetheless, Swiss wines have become an open secret in the wine world. With six wine-growing regions and over 250 grapes being cultivated, Switzerland boasts an enormous variety of different terroirs.

Today, there are six winemaking regions across Switzerland — Geneva, Three Lakes, German Switzerland, Ticino, Vaud, and Valais. In 2024, I want to sample the variety of St. Gallen wines in the Rhine valley and Lake Zurich regions; explore the vineyards of Geneva via TukTuk; take a luxurious bike ride through the Ticino region; and visit the Carnotzet of the Hotel de Ville in Lausanne where I can immerse myself in Lausanne’s vineyard history. I want to indulge in Zurich’s wine at vineyards, wine bars, and the Expovina Wine Fair. I sincerely see Switzerland in my future!

All About Chasselas Grape: The Workhorse of Swiss Wine

Chasselas is an indigenous Swiss white grape variety. A white grape grown all over the world, Chasselas grape is called Fendant in Switzerland and is the most widely planted variety in the country. Chasselas is a soft, often herbaceous wine, often consumed over pots of fondue and trays of raclette. Lightly spritzy, chalky, with hints of Swiss meadow herbs and a tart palate, this grape is like a breath of fresh air.

Swiss Wines Worth Tasting

Robin de Vignes, Vilette 2022 (Chasselas, Lavaux AOC): This wine is 100% Chasselas grape variety, and boasts a rich aroma of citrus and apple. The mineralogy is out of this world! This is the perfect wine for an early spring or early summer dinner party.
Dôle des Monts Red, Gilliard 2020 (Valais AOC, Pinot Noir/Gamay): Consider this the perfect Swiss red wine for easy drinking. With elegant flavors of Gamay and Pinot Noir grapes, this full-bodied yet lightweight wine is superbly blended with harmonious tannins. It’s perfect for pairing with red and white meat, as well as hard and soft cheeses. The deep ruby red hue gives way to a lightly fragranced wine with hints of ripe fruits.
Weingut Fromm 2018 Pinot Noir Village (Pinot Noir, Graubunden): This is another excellent ‘everyday’ wine from Switzerland. The grapes for Village are spontaneously fermented in open oak vats with 2 weeks of maceration. This light and cherry-driven Pinot Noir has slight acidity, and I love the muted flavors of black cherry and blackberries. The wine has an earthy texture with a slight touch of spice, but retains smooth, balanced tannins. Highly recommend!
Caves du Paradis: Avalanche Fendant 2022, (Valais): This is a truly magical Swiss wine. The lemon flavors on the palette give way to delightful minimality and hints of nuttiness on the finish. I love this wine as an aperitif, or as a perfect mate for a fish course. The flavors also compliment Swiss culinary staples: raclette and fondue. I can’t wait to crack open a bottle during the vernal equinox.

My Favorite Spot for All Things Swiss Wine: The Lavaux Wine Bar in NYC

The Lavaux Wine Bar was founded by three Swiss culinary and wine afficionados who wanted to bring the warmth, hospitality, and time-honored wine traditions of Switzerland to NYC. The name, 'The Lavaux Wine Bar,' pays tribute to the vineyards of Lavaux, Switzerland. It's my go-to spot for all things Swiss: food, cheese, and, of course, wine. I recommend a Swiss wine flight at The Lavaux, located at 630 Hudson Street in New York, NY.

If you’re new to the show (and loving it!), leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and Spotify! Please tell me what you’re drinking to by using #bribooks on Instagram and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter.

Wines Mentioned

Robin de Vignes, Vilette 2022 (Chasselas, Lavaux AOC)
Dôle des Monts Red, Gilliard 2020 (Valais AOC, Pinot Noir/Gamay)
Weingut Fromm 2018 Pinot Noir Village (Pinot Noir, Graubunden)
Caves du Paradis: Avalanche Fendant 2022, (Valais):

Wine Week Episodes

Austrian Wine 101
Orange Wine 101
5 Wine-Shopping Hacks
3 Secrets for Selecting the Perfect Wine, Every Time

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Welcome to Bri Books! From sexy fiction to fascinating history, here's a look at what I'm reading in 2024. For a book lover, the new year is the definition of a blank slate. The books of 2024 offer escapes of all kinds. Below, I'vm nominating 8 books I can't wait to read in January and February. In this episode, I'm rounding up 8 titles I can't wait to read.

1:05: ‘From Slave Cabins to the White House: Homemade Citizenship in African American Culture’ by Koritha Mitchell. I'm a cottagecore princess, and I wanted to get to the roots of domesticity in the US. In high school I was obsessed with domestic/ Victorian values during the Industrial Revolution, and noticed the glaring absence of free Black American women from this history. But that doesn't mean we weren't there. In the book, Koritha Mitchell analyzes canonical texts by and about African American women to lay bare the hostility these women face as they invest in traditional domesticity. Tracing how African Americans define and redefine success in a nation determined to deprive them of it, Mitchell plumbs the works of Frances Harper, Zora Neale Hurston, Lorraine Hansberry, Toni Morrison, Michelle Obama, and others. These artists honor black homes from slavery and post-emancipation through the Civil Rights era to "post-racial" America. Mitchell follows black families asserting their citizenship in domestic settings while the larger society and culture marginalize and attack them, not because they are deviants or failures but because they meet American standards. ‘From Slave Cabins to the White House’ illuminates the links between African American women's homemaking and citizenship in history and across literature.
4:15: ‘The Temp Economy: From Kelly Girls to Permatemps in Postwar America’ by Erin Hatton. Everyone knows that work in America is not what it used to be. Layoffs, outsourcing, contingent work, disappearing career ladders—these are the new workplace realities for an increasing number of people. But why? In ‘The Temp Economy,’ Erin Hatton takes one of the best-known icons of the new economy—the temp industry—and finds that it is more than just a symbol of this degradation of work. Succinct, highly readable, and drawn from a vast historical record of industry documents, ‘The Temp Economy’ is a one-stop resource for anyone interested in the temp industry or the degradation of work in postwar America.
6:50: ‘New York, New York, New York: Four Decades of Success, Excess, and Transformation’ by Thomas Dyja. A lively, immersive history by an award-winning urbanist of New York City’s transformation, and the lessons it offers for the city’s future. Dyja’s sweeping account of this metamorphosis shows it wasn’t the work of a single policy, mastermind, or economic theory, nor was it a morality tale of gentrification or crime. Instead, three New Yorks evolved. Dyja weaves New Yorkers famous, infamous, and unknown—Yuppies, hipsters, tech nerds, and artists; community organizers and the immigrants who made this a truly global place—into a narrative of a city creating ways of life that would ultimately change cities everywhere.
9:12: ‘Fashion Killa: How Hip-Hop Revolutionized High Fashion’ by music journalist Sowmya Krishnamurthy was released in October of 2023. A cinematic narrative of glamour, grit, luxury, and luck, ‘Fashion Killa’ draws on exclusive interviews with the leaders of the fashion world to tell the story of the hip-hop artists, designers, stylists, and unsung heroes who fought the power and reinvented style around the world over the last fifty years. In the book, Krishnamurthy explores the connections between the DIY hip-hop scene and the exclusive upper-echelons of high fashion. She discusses the sociopolitical forces that defined fashion and tracks the influence of music and streetwear on the most exclusive (and exclusionary) luxury brands. At the intersection of cultural commentary and oral history, ‘Fashion Killa’ commemorates the contributions of hip-hop to music, fashion, and our culture at large.
11:10: ‘Prayer and Our Bodies’ by Flora Slosson Wuellner. Written in 1987, this book explores the very real relationship that exists between the bodily self and the spiritual self. Readers will heighten their awareness of the interactions among body, mind, and spirit. If you're someone who struggles to appreciate your body, this book is an important touchstone toward healing our relationships with ourselves and others. It talks about how prayer isn't just what we say, but how we live our lives. Flora Slosson Wuellner, a retired ordained minister of the United Church of Christ, is well known throughout the United States and Europe for her writings and retreat leadership that focus on the inner healing that God freely offers through Christ. She has written 14 books on inner healing and renewal.
12:36: ‘You Learn By Living: Eleven Keys for a More Fulfilling Life’ by Eleanor Roosevelt. This wise and intimate book on how to get the most of out life was gifted to me by a lovely friend named Carrie. At the age of seventy-six, Roosevelt penned this simple guide to living a fuller life—a powerful volume of enduring commonsense ideas and heartfelt values. Offering her own philosophy on living, she takes readers on a path to compassion, confidence, maturity, civic stewardship, and more.
14:30: ‘The Pillow Book’ by Sei Shonagon. Written by 10th century court gentlewoman Sei Shonagon, ostensibly for her own amusement, ‘The Pillow Book’ offers a fascinating exploration of life among the nobility at the height of the Heian period, describing the exquisite pleasures of a confined world in which poetry, love, fashion, and whim dominated, while harsh reality was kept firmly at a distance. Moving elegantly across a wide range of themes including nature, society, and her own flirtations, Sei Shonagon provides a witty and intimate window on a woman's life at court in classical Japan.
16:30: ‘Homebodies’ by Tembe Denton-Hurst is already a fantastic read. An insightful, propulsive, and deeply sexy debut novel about a young Black writer whose world is turned upside down when she loses her coveted job in media and pens a searing manifesto about racism in the industry. A meditation on identity, self-worth and the toll of corporate racism, Homebodies is a portrait of modern Black womanhood with a protagonist you won’t soon forget.

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Get to Know Austrian Wine: Your Ultimate Guide to Austrian Red and Orange Wines

Welcome to Bri Books! Today, I’m talking about one of my favorite parts of the world for wine: Austria. Austria is often considered to be one of Europe’s best-kept wine secrets, with a wealth of indigenous grapes and top-tier wineries, producers, and vineyards. It wasn’t until I fell in love with the wines of Burgenland that I got a better sense of the versatility of Austrian soil and grapes, courtesy the brilliant Christian Zechmeister, the Managing Director of Wein Burgenland. In October, I was fortunate enough to be invited to a presentation of an in-depth seminar hosted by Wein Burgenland with the best examples of Austria’s premium indigenous red grape variety, Blaufränkisch, from Burgenland, which is Austria’s most easterly wine growing area. Thank you to Constance Chamberlain of Wine & Co, Wines of Austria, and Wein Burgenland for an unforgettable afternoon.

Brionna’s Favorite Wines of Austria: Blaufränkisch Edition

Burgenland Pick #1: Erich Sattler St. Laurent 2020. St. Laurent is Austria's finicky, delicate red wine grape, a little like Pinot Noir, and it's one of the 3 indigenous grape varieties of Blaufränkisch. This one took our breath away with its pretty blackberry color, fruity berry notes, and mineral flavors. It’s full bodied and balanced with a taste of cherries, cedar, light acidity, and a smooth finish. (Price: Avg. $25/ bottle)
Burgenland Pick #2: Judith Beck Blaufränkisch 2021. This very young, fruity and balanced wine was much lighter than I expected, and it’s definitely perfect for vegetable dishes. Blaufränkisch by Judith Beck is a fun, playful, simple red wine made in Burgenland with Blaufränkisch grapes. You can think of this as the perfect pizza wine. It has aromas of cherry, red currant and blackberry with mild tannins and medium acidity. It’s imported by Zev Rovine Selections in NYC, and it’s an absolute smash. (Price: Avg. $25/ bottle)
Burgenland Pick #3: Markus Altenburger Blaufränkisch vom Kalk 2020. The Altenburger family has farmed land in and around Jois since the 16th century, and the Blaufränkisch Vom Kalk is down-to-earth: bright with hints of black cherry in the nose and mineral nuances throughout. It’s the perfect wine to keep on hand for solo dinner nights and dinner parties alike. You’ll want to drink it with friends…but you’ll also want a store of bottles at home for personal enjoyment. Trust me. (Price: Avg. $15-$20/ bottle)
Bri’s Favorite Burgenland Pick: Meinklang 2020 Blaufränkisch! I’ve been drinking Burgenland Blaufränkisch since before I even knew what it was! First at Simple Syrup Wine and Spirits from 2019 to 2021, then I went deeper at Orange Glou wine shop starting in about 2021. The Meinklang family are essentially farmers who happen to make delicious wine. Imported by Zev Rovine Selections in NYC, this is the quintessential Blaufränkisch Austrian wine experience. (Price: Avg. $20-$25/ bottle)

Brionna’s Favorite Wines of Austria: Orange Wine Edition

Heinrich Grau Freyheit: Graue Freyheit is an absolute delight from Heinrich, who is another top producer based in the vibrant region of Burgenland, Austria. This Graue Freyheit is a blend of 35% Weissburgunder, 30% Grauburgunder, 30% Chardonnay and 5% Neuburger. Delicious and surprising, I recommend this orange for your next big holiday party. (Avg. Price: $50/ bottle)
Weingut Pittnauer ‘Perfect Day’: Grown in Burgenland and imported by Savio Soares Collections, Perfect Day is 54% Muskat Ottonel, 29% Sauvignon blanc, 8% Chardonnay, 4% Gelber Muskateller, 5% Traminer. The flavor is crisp texture and fresh with mineral elements. The cloudy orange color is so charming, and the intense floral bouquet in the nose is enticing (especially the orange blossom, rose, and peachy notes). (Avg. Price: $35/ bottle)
Fidesser Orbis, Weingut Rudolf Fidesser: Weingut Rudolf Fidesser is a certified Biodynamic estate winery in Platt in the western part of the Weinviertel region of Austria. This orange has a gentle aroma of peach and orange zest, and it’s slightly tart on the palate with a juicy stone fruit finish. Fidesser Orbis Orange is a very fun wine to drink, thanks to its cloudy, aromatic and smoky nature, and delivers a smooth, flavorful finish and aftertaste. (Avg. Price: $30/ bottle)
Weingut Schmelzer - Simple and poignant, the Schlicht und ergreifend Sämling Orange 2017 is a deeply complex orange wine with earthy hints of smoke, Tonka beans, mango, and peaches. peaches and mangoes with a hint of Tonka bean. This is truly a one-of-a-kind wine, created by genius and innovative winemakers Georg and Georg. (Avg. Price: $25/ bottle)

If you’re new to the show (and loving it!), leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and Spotify! Please tell me what you’re drinking to by using #bribooks on Instagram and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter.

Wines Mentioned

Erich Sattler St. Laurent 2020
Judith Beck Blaufränkisch 2021
Markus Altenburger Blaufränkisch vom Kalk 2020
Meinklang 2020 Blaufränkisch
Heinrich Grau Freyheit
Weingut Pittnauer ‘Perfect Day’
Fidesser Orbis, Weingut Rudolf Fidesser
Weingut Schmelzer
Constance Chamberlain of Wine & Co
Wines of Austria
Wein Burgenland

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We’re continuing Wine Week on Bri Books! I started the week with episodes about how to select the perfect wine and my wine-shopping hacks, and now we’re delving deep into the specific wines and regions. My love for orange wine led me to an NYC wine shop called Orange Glou in 2019, shortly after the shop opened. It’s a store dedicated 100% to orange wine! This past November, Orange Glou hosted their second-ever orange wine fair, and it was a roaring success. Hosted at the Wythe Hotel in Williamsburg, Orange Glou’s founders Doreen Winkler and Jack Won really knocked it out of the park and managed to secure nearly 5 dozen winemakers and importers. It was a veritable who’s who of the orange wine world.

A few facts about orange wine:

Orange wine is a type of skin contact wine, made from white grapes that macerate on the skin. It’s not wine made from citrus oranges!
Orange wine was invented in the Republic of Georgia thousands of years ago and was reintroduced to the rest of the world 40 years ago by 2 Italians, Gravner and Radikon, who wanted to explore this winemaking style.
Today there are 1,000+ wine producers and wineries that make orange wine along with other styles they're producing.
I find orange wine to be fascinating because of the geographical differences in the wines. From South Australia to South Africa, Austria to Alsace, Georgia to Germany, the varieties of white grapes put on display in orange wine are divine.

In this episode, I’m sharing a few of my favorite orange wine importers and orange wines.

5:00: D-I Wine (Alsace): D-I Wine is a natural wine import and distribution powerhouse. I met the founder Brett Taylor (for the second year in a row!), and spent too long gushing over his selection. D-I wine takes a truly DIY approach to natural wine. Their portfolio is stocked with natural and low-intervention wines. They're all about deep partnership with producers who understand and respect tradition. The true gem on the D-I Wine team is George Kalligeros, a wine Somm with a diverse background in the wine industry. He has experience as a portfolio manager, sommelier, and is knowledgable about wine-making. He's currently serving as the portfolio manager of D-I Wine, and in this role, he curates and manages the wine selection for the company, focusing on French natural wines. His expertise expands to Paris, the Rhone, and beyond. One of my favorite selections from D-I Wine is Domaine Brand’s Tout Terriblement wine from Alsace, France. A 100% Gewurztraminer, this full-bodied wine has a fresh, yellow and orange-fruit flavor with a hint of sweet lychee.
8:25: Donkey and Goat Winery (California): I’ll admit it: the name of this winery pulled me right away. But this winemaker/ proprietor/ hose cleaner Jared Brandt and his tasty drinks charmed me. Based in Berkeley, CA, ared and his co-founder Tracey Rogers founded Donkey and Goat Winery in 2004 in San Francisco after studying the art of crafting natural wines in the Rhone Valley. I tasted the Elen Ridge Vineyard Stone Crusher orange wine made from the Roussanne varietal. It was rich, well structured and the tannins revealed a fresh finish. Donkey and Goat also have a testing room in Berkeley, so I’d say they’re probably one of the coolest natural wine operations in the Bay.
10:10: 8000 Vintage Selections (Georgia): The 8000 Vintage Selections table was the party epicenter of the orange wine fair. The team from 8000 Vintage Selections had over a half dozen producers at the ready, with at least a dozen or so bottles to taste from. The founder and CEO Shalva Tevdoradze was an absolute beast. The 8000 Vintage Selections collection is almost exclusively Georgian wines. Winemaking in Georgia dates back at least 8,000 years. Early Georgians made wine at least 6,000 BC when they discovered that grape juice could be turned into wine after being buried in qvevris underground. Kveri is an egg-shaped earthenware vessel made for making, aging and storing wine. It's the oldest way of making wine. This experience completely cemented in me the need to visit Georgia to explore viticulture for myself. Two Georgian winemakers caught my attention: Nikalas Marani and Vellino Wines.

Nikalas Marani: We tasted the Nikalas Marani Rkatsiteli 2020 vintage from a small-scale winemaker with over 100 years of family legacy. Winemaker Zurab Mgvdliashvili's grandfather was a small-scale wine cultivator in the 1920s, during the peak of the Soviet Union. When Zurab Mgvdliashvili took over the property in 2005, he restored everything, and as a tribute to his grandfather kept the old name Nikala's Marani. I'd describe the Nikalas Marani Rkatsiteli 2020 vintage as tropical and balanced with pronounced tannins and fruity aromas of peach, forest honey, and yellow dried fruit.

Vellino Wines: Vellino was founded in 2015 to continue a family business of winemaking. The 26-year-old winemaker makes wines from Kakhetian grape varieties, utilizing knowledge passed down by family and fellow winemakers. I tasted the Kisi 2020 vintage, and the Rkatsiteli 2020 vintage. Beka Jimsheladze did an excellent job with this wine. I can imagine this amber colored wine being perfect with fish, veggies, chicken and cheeses, thanks to its gentle, refreshing notes of citrus. The best part: Vellino Wines in Georgia offers tours!

Wines Mentioned:

Orange Glou orange wine shop in NYC
D-I Wine (Alsace), Domaine Brand’s Tout Terriblement wine
Donkey and Goat Winery (California), Elen Ridge Vineyard Stone Crusher orange wine
8000 Vintage Selections (Georgia), Nikalas Marani Rkatsiteli 2020 and Vellino Wines Kisi 2020

If you’re new to the show (and loving it!), leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, Spotify! Please tell me what you’re drinking to by using #bribooks on Instagram and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter.

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Welcome to Bri Books! This week, as we'll be delving into all things literary, starting with a review of the 6 best books I read in 2023.

'The War Before: The True Life Story of Becoming A Black Panther, Keeping the Faith in Prison & Fighting for Those Left Behind’ by Safiya Bukhari. This book was probably my most valuable and important read of 2023. It's the true-life story of Safiya Bukhari, and it catalogues her lifelong commitment as an advocate for the rights of the oppressed. Following her journey from middle-class student to Black Panter to political prisoner, her wiritings provide an intimate view of a woman wrestling with the issues of her time, including the legacy of the Panthers, misogyny in the movement, her decision to convert to Islandm, the incarceration of outspoken radicals around the world, her passion for family, and how the struggles of social justice movements have paved the way for the progress of today.
‘Mother Hunger: How Adult Daughters Can Understand and Heal from Lost Nurturance, Protection, and Guidance’ by Kelly McDaniel. This book came recommended by Myleik Teele, founder of Curlbox and host behind Myleik Teele My Taught You podcast. It's truly a life-changing and life-saving book. It comes with countless insights on so many things. Having parts of this book hit home has been enlightening and healing at a whole new level. With ‘Mother Hunger’, McDaniel helps women break the cycle of destructive behavior by taking a fresh look at childhood trauma and its lasting impact. McDaniel is the first clinician to identify Mother Hunger, which demystifies the search for love and provides the compass that each woman needs to end the struggle with achy, lonely emptiness, and come home to herself.
'The Yoga Almanac: 52 Practices and Rituals to Stay Grounded Through the Astrological Seasons,’ by Lisette Cherreson and Andrea Rice. Sequenced by the astrological calendar, The Yoga Almanac is a practical guide to help you reintegrate with recurring cosmic rhythms, and invite the sacred into your life through learning, movement, breath, and ritual. Featuring 52 seasonally-themed chapters, the Almanac is a comprehensive jumping off point to deepen your relationship to yoga—and to yourself.
‘Forbidden Fairways: African Americans and the Game of Golf’ by Calvin H. Sinnette.: The emergence of Tiger Woods on the international golf scene brought the world's attention to the African American experience in golf. But before Tiger, names like Ted Rhodes, Bill Spiller, Ann Gregory, and so many others remained in relative obscurity without being given the chance to compete. ‘Forbidden Fairways’ is not just a history of the African Americans who have been playing golf for over 200 years but a tribute to them as well.
‘Spare’ by Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex. Spare. Spare! WHAT can I even SAY about the book that kicked off 2023? For the first time, Prince Harry tells his own story, chronicling his journey with raw, unflinching honesty. A landmark publication, Spare is full of insight, revelation, self-examination, and hard-won wisdom about the eternal power of love over grief. From losing his mother, Princess Diana, as a tween to joining the British Army before meeting Meghan Markle his future wife, Harry spared nothing and no one in ‘Spare.’
‘Slow Living: The Secrets to Slowing Down and Noticing the Simple Joys Anywhere’ by Helena Woods. This is a fantastic book that breaks down how to inject more calmness, stillness, and intentionality into your daily life. A must for 2024 and beyond!

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Yes, I try and test a lot of products. But there are some brands in particular that have been knocking it out of the park. I have seven brands, ranging from drugstores to luxury beauty, that I want to introduce you to.

1:25: #1: Neuma - Neuma focuses not just on your natural hair texture as it is, but the hair you want to have. It’s a sustainable, high-performance haircare range. They recently underwent a full brand refresh and re-introduction. I was lucky enough to attend a launch breakfast with Neuma, and ever since then, I’ve been adding these new products to my routine. My favorite products: Neuma NeuVolume Styling Spray ($32), which I’ve been using for months now as a styling product. If you have natural or curly hair and you want your hair to have volume on demand, this is a great product. It’s the perfect fix-all for volume. The Neuma NeuStyling Air-Dry Shaper ($32) adds body and shine for easy, everyday air-dry styles.
5:10: #2: Kerastase Paris - You’ve probably stumbled upon this brand in a hair salon. The brand's Nutriative range is designed for dry hair, and it’s infused with plant-based proteins that help the hair maintain moisture. I love this range for blowouts/ heat protection. The Karatese Paris Nutritive Nectar Thermatique ($24) is great for medium-thick dry hair. After washing my hair and drying it, I add a few drops of this product. If your’e planning a heat-basd style and want to protect your hair, this is perfect for you. Secondly, the Karatese Paris Plant-Based Beautifying Detangling Blowdry Mist ($40) is closer to a traditional heat protectant, and is a valuable part of your leave-in haircare routine. It’s also a great detangler! If you’re doing a lightweight heat-based style and want more protection, both of these products should be on your bathroom counter.
8:25: #3: OGEE - OGEE is a luxury clean beauty brand, with excellent ingredients throughout. The brand is nontoxic, cruelty-free, and truly beyond ‘clean beauty.’ I like it because the makeup products almost feel like skin care products. The skincare product I love is the OGEE Elixir Nautral Retinol with 2% Bacuchoil ($88). If you listened to arecent episode of Bri Books, you’ll know I shared some retinol and Bacuchoil based picks. Here’s a link for where to listen. The OGEE Golden Contour Collection ($136) is a collection of supernatural, ethereal, and warm contour shades that’ll add definition and warmth to the face. My favorite shade is TOPAZ, a rosy-peach, and it looks excellent on the apples of the cheeks and all over the face.
12:00: #4: La Roche Posay - This brand has been a Bri Books mainstay for a long time. I want to shout out the Niacinimide 10 Serum ($39) and the Effaclar Salycilic Acid Serum ($39). The Effaclar Salyscilc Acid Serum is a super lightweight acid/ treatment serum that helps tp orevent new breakouts. It’s great as an overall face treatment, and perfect for clearing up active breakouts. The Niacinimide 10 Serum helps to balance out the skintone, and its’ great for all skin (especially sensitive skin!)
14:40: #5: Flexitol - If your skin gets dry during the winter, the Eczema Dermitisis Cream and Hand Cream ($16) are perfect for you. Scent-free, these intensive moisturizers are perfect for hard-worked hands.
17:00: #6: Nabilah K - Activated Charcoal Fask Mask ($20) is the absolute darling of my collection. A super luxurious, natural and clean beauty brand, so many of the ingredients in Nabila Ki’s range are derived directly from nature with lots of essential oils, etc. Bonus: the brand carries a lot of travel-sized products, perfect for the beauty lover on the go. If you’re on the hunt for a super luxe yet affordable lifestyle brand to fall in love with, I recommend Nabila K!
19:30: #7: Paula’s Choice - This brand is known the world over for its effective yet affordable products. Paula’s Choice products are essentially divided into five categories: Cleanse, Tone, Exfoliate, Treat and Moisturize. My two favorites are part of the Treat phase (Phyotestrogen Renewal Serum), and the Exfoliate phase (2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, $28)). The Phytoestrogen Renweal Serum helps to smoothe the look of my skin, and the BHA 2% Liquid Exfoliant is my go-to nightime treatment for revealing brighter, fresher skin.

Products Mentioned

NeumaNeuVolume Styling Spray with Coconut Oil and Avocado Oil ($32
Neuma NeuStyling Air-Dry Shaper ($32)
Karatese Paris Nutritive Nectar Thermatique ($24)
Karatese Paris Plant-Based Beautifying Detangling Blowdry Mist ($40)
OGEE Elixir Nautral Retinol with 2% Bacuchoil ($88)
OGEE Golden Contour Collection ($136)
Niacinimide 10 Serum ($39)
Eczema Dermitisis Cream and Hand Cream ($16)
Nabila K. Activated Charcoal Fask Mask ($20)
Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant with Salycilic Acid ($28)
Paula’s Choice Phytoestrogen Elasticity Renewal Serum ($39)

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Welcome to 2024 from Bri @ Bri Books podcast! In complete transparency: today is January 15, so consider this amongst the last of your New Year greetings. I'm so thrilled to welcome 2024—there’s something about the future of the written word and storytelling that’s igniting me at the moment. In the new year, I want to focus on building and maintaining a daily reading practice, and new ways to expand the Bri Books format beyond podcasting (hellloooo, YouTube?!) Furthermore, I’ll be incorporating guests into the podcast format this year—get ready to hear some vibrant new voices!

In January, I’ll be dropping episodes of Bri Books every weekday. Starting in February, we’ll move to a 2x/ weekly cadence. New to Bri Books? Below, I’ve shared a list of essential episodes from the archives. Consider this your Bri Books Greatest Hits playlist.

Welcome to 2024 with Bri Books! Xox

-Bri

Bri Books Greatest Hits

"Heart and Hustle" featuring Patricia Bright
"Garden Fresh Cooking" featuring Sandria of @ABeautifulNestTV
How to Fall in Love with Gardening this Spring featuring Carla of @GardenPlot.57
Building a Diverse Personal Library featuirng Liana Rodriguez
Everything You Need to Know About Austrian Wine
How to Curate a Wine Menu or Wine Haul
Clean Girl Aesthetic Beauty Essentials

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Welcome to Bri Books! Ready to get into wine? These 8 books all about the magical world of vino can help. In this episode, I’m sharing the top 8 books for wine lovers (and beginners). Consider this the ultimate wine lover’s reading list.

‘Volcanoes and Wine: From Pompeii to Napa’ by Charles Frankel. This book was probably one of my favorite wine-related reads of 2023. In ‘Volcanoes and Wine,’ geologist Charles Frankel introduces us to the volcanoes that are among the most dramatic and ideal landscapes for wine making. From California to the Canary Islands and beyond, Frankel gives an in-depth account of famous volcanoes and the wines that spring from their soils. He details each volcano’s most famous eruptions, the grapes that grow in its soils, and the people who make their homes on its slopes. This illuminating guide will be indispensable for wine lovers looking to learn more about volcanic terroirs. ($18) University of Chicago Press, Amazon)
‘The Wine Savant: A Guide to the New Wine Culture’ by Michael Steinberger. ‘The Wine Savant’ is a punchy, educational, and downright entertaining introduction to all things wine culture. This book is valuable for wine drinkers and oenophiles alike. From three-buck Chuck to priceless Bourdeauxs, this book gives the inside scoop on the key concerns facing a new generation of wine lovers.($10) (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, WW Norton, Abe Books, Penguin Random House Canada)
‘Enoteca: Delicious Recipes in the Italian Wine Bar Tradition’ by Joyce Goldstein. Renowned chef, author, and teacher Joyce Goldstein explores the origins of enoteca culture and cuisine in Italy, one mouthwatering recipe at a time. With sumptuous color photography throughout, this cookbook expertly pairs classic Italian fare with equally delicious wines, enabling anyone to recreate the enoteca experience at home. ($6) Amazon
‘Fire + Wine: 75 Smoke-Infused Recipes from the Grill with Perfect Wine Pairings’ by Mary Cressler and Sean Martin. Consider this book your one-stop guide for elevationg your BBQ game and wine knowledge simultaneously. With 75 recipes that pair smoky goodness from the grill with the wines of the Pacific Northwest, this book is the perfect marriage of pitmaster expertise and sommelier sensibilities. With recipes that celebrate smoked and grilled food (and the wines that pair best with them), this wine-meets-cookbook ticks all the boxes. ($20) (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Penguin Random House, Target, Abe Books)
‘Movers and Shakers: Advice from the Women Changing the Alcohol Industry’ by Hope Ewing. This book is a collection of industry advice and tips, beverage history lessons, and feminist takes on the professional challenges faced by women in the alcohol industry. Hope Ewing dissects how women are paving the way and creating a more inclusive and sustainable world full of delicious drinks. A veteran bartender, Ewing had grown impatient with the surprisingly outdated perceptions of women in the alcohol industry. Entrepreneurial and ambitious, often the first in their fields, the women she knew in the business were leaders, mentors, and trailblazers. In ‘Movers and Shakers’, Ewing seeks out the ambitious, entrepreneurial women business leaders, mentors, and trailblazers, and shares their stories with us (along with invaluable advice and insights into a wildly and rapidly evolving industry. ($17) (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Thriftbooks)
‘VineMeUp: An Activity Book Celebrating The Melanated Wine Enthusiast’ by Sarita Cheaves. – Created shortly after the beginning of the pandemic lockdown, Sarita Cheaves channeled her wine knowledge and her love for all things quirky and quizzical into this brilliant and delightful activity book. This book is a compilation of her experience in the wine industry and her commitment to uplifting Black and brown wine experts, influencers, and thought leaders alike ($6) Amazon, ($25) Vinemeupdc.com
Natural Wine for the People: Natural Wine for the People: What It Is, Where to Find It, How to Love It’ by Alice Feiring. This book is the perfect compact illustrated guide to the emerging and enormously popular world of natural wine, a style that focuses on minimal intervention, lack of additives, and organic/ biodynamic growing methods. In ‘Natural Wine for the People,’ James Beard Award-winner Alice Feiring sets the record straight, offering an accessible guide filled with easy definitions, tips and tricks for sourcing the best wines, whimsical illustrations, a definitive list to the must-know producers and bottlings, and an appendix with the best shops and restaurants specializing in natural wine across the country, making this the must-buy and must-gift wine book of the year. ($18) - Penguin Random House, Amazon, Kitchen Arts & Letters
‘99 Bottles: A Black Sheep’s Guide to Life-Changing Wines’ by Andre Mack. In this entertaining, informative, and thoroughly unconventional wine guide, award-winning sommelier, winemaker, and wine educator André Mack presents listeners with the 99 bottles that have most impacted his life. Instead of just pairing wines with foods, Mack pairs practical information with personal stories, offering up recommendations alongside reflections on being one of the only African-Americans to ever work at the top level of the American wine industry. ($15-$25) (Amazon, Thrift Books, OKSomm, Abrams Books, Bookshop.org)

If you’re new to the show (and loving it!), leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and Spotify! Please tell me what you’re drinking to by using #bribooks on Instagram and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter.

Wine Week Episodes

Austrian Wine 101
Orange Wine 101
5 Wine-Shopping Hacks
3 Secrets for Selecting the Perfect Wine, Every Time
Swiss Wine: Your Ultimate Guide

99 Bottles: A Black Sheep's Guide to Life-Changing Wines

The Wine Savant: A Guide to the New Wine Culture

Fire + Wine: 75 Smoke-Infused Recipes from the Grill with Perfect Wine Pairings

Natural Wine for the People: What It Is, Where to Find It, How to Love It

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Welcome to Bri Books! With the holiday season in full swing and 2024 on our doorstep, I’m sharing the 9 best gifts for the wine-lover in your life (or for yourself—I won’t tell!) If you’re searching for a unique gift for wine-lovers, look no further. In this episode, I’m breaking down the best go-to gift ideas for oenophiles. Spoiler alert: none of these is a bottle of wine. Shocker! Here are the silly, practical, and downright delightful gifts that any Bourdeaux babe or Chardonnay-sipper on your list and in your life. Instead of buying another bottle of vino, consider these cool and unique wine gifts for wine-lovers.

Consider this your go-to wine gift guide for the 2023 holidays and 2024:

Argaux “Year of Firsts” Wine Gift Box: This brilliant collection of wine gift boxes are curated to celebrate the birth of a new baby ($85), wedding anniversary,($150-$400), or an engagement ($100-$200). This genius (and thoughtful) gift is a reminder that every milestone matters, and it’s the perfect gift to remind the wine lover in your life to savor life’s moments, both big and small. The wines are hand-selected by Argaux’s team of sommeliers, and the gift sets are customizable.
Vinebox 12 Nights of Wine ($150): This exclusive wine sampling set is perfect for wine snobs and beginners alike. The 'Holi-Day collection features 6 reds, 5 whites and 1 rose. the T’was the Night collection boasts 7 reds, 4 whites, and 1 rose—perfect for kicking back by the fire (or by the television.) With a new wine to sip each night, this gift will keep your oenophile entertained for at least a fortnight. Win-win!
Recanter Wine Breather Decanter ($50): A unique sommelier-style decanter that grates, serves, and rebottles unfinished wine, this gorgeously designed decanter is the perfect centerpiece for any wine obsessive’s table. It’s easy to use, cleaning is a breeze, and the stainless steel and silicone topper allows you to flip and secure the decanter onto the wine bottle and rebottle any unfinished wine—without a spill!
Stemless Aerating Glasses ($50): The aesthetically-oriented wine lover on your list will swoon over these stemless aerating glasses. Simply pour your wine into the central cell, and watch it cascade into the glass, instantly releasing the wine’s full bouquet of flavors and aroma.
Bathtime wine holder ($38): Because bath time is a ritual! The casual wine-lover on your list (with a sense of humor) will be tickled by this artfully designed wine holder. It easily suctions to the tub or shower wall, making it perfect for sipping whilst sudsing.
Wine glass baseball cap ($18): Looking for a wearable wine-related gift? Look no further than this painfully chic wine glass dad hat/ baseball cap. The wine glass decal will draw smiles from across the room, and will shield you from that post-hangover sunshine.
‘The World in a Wineglass’ by Ray Isle book ($17): Drawing on his deep knowledge and genuine appreciation for winemaking, Ray Isle takes us on a tour of hundreds of independently owned wineries around thew orld—from France to Oregon to Chile and beyond. The bibliophile on your list will be thrilled with this gift, which brilliantly destigmatizes the world of wine while injecting a bit of wanderlust.
Wine puzzle ($38): Step into a daydreamy, imaginative world of puzzling with this 1,000-piece set inspired by red, white, and rose wine. Bonus points if you help the recipient put it together over, you guessed it, a bottle of wine.
Wine bottle candle ($75): Okay, okay, I actually really want this for myself! This realistic wine bottle-shaped candle is a complete showstopper. At once romantic and deeply practical (who doesn’t love a candlelit meal?), the hostess on your list will love this cheeky gift.

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Today I’m sharing everything you need for the perfect Clean Girl Aesthetic autumn beauty look. It’s mid-November, and my beauty closet has done its semi-annual turnover. I’ve put away the summer/ early autumn products and I’ve pulled out my heavy-duty autumn-winter winners. This episode will be breaking down my ‘autumn face,’ including a few new picks and my heavy-hitters. We’ll start with skincare and move through to fragrance.

1:45 - #1: Marianella Royal Kalahari Face Serum with Baobab and Mongongo Oil ($68). This face oil is perfect to use after washing your face. It has 12 beneficial nutrients, and the Baobab oil helps to nourish and strengthen the skin while reducing inflammation. This is probably the most regal-feeling and regal-smelling face serum that I own.
2:50 - #2: Fenty Skin Hydravisor Mineral SPF 30 Moisturizer ($39). Hydravisor is my favorite sunscreen to put on under makeup in the autumn/winter. It gives shine without looking greasy, and it’s the perfect everyday autumn sunscreen--remember, you should be wearing SPF year-round!
3:45 - #3: Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Primer ($47). Laura Mercier’s silicone-free primer has an amazing blurring effect for a matte-yet-hydrated look. It’s the perfect matte protection for those short winter nights.
4:30 - #4: Urban Decay Concealer in shade 70 NN Deep Neutral ($33). This is one of the all-stars in my autumn clean girl beauty aesthetic routine. The concealer comes with a buffing brush on one end of the applicator, allowing you to get an even, airbrushed effect. This multi-use concealer and color corrector gives the skin a natural matte finish for up to 24 hours.
5:55 - #5: Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte’s Beautiful Skin Foundation in shade 16 Cool ($49) - This is one of the most hydrating and long-lasting foundations I've used in a long time. It gives the perfect healthy-looking glow and a brighter, smoother complexion. Because it has hyaluronic acid, it aids in brightening the skin and creating a more even complexion.
6:55 - #6: Urban Decay Hydramaniac Blush ($22) - This blush is juicy-fresh! It gives the perfect hydrated, dewy sheen, which is my favorite clean girl aesthetic during the winter. It’s a vegan formula with marula oil. I love the shade Unhinged, which has a rosy, plum tone.
8:00 - #7: Jones Road Mascara ($31) - Jones Road Beauty is a newer discovery for me. It’s a great brand for everyday makeup bag essentials. The Jones Road mascara is plumping and volumizing, perfect for highlighting your natural lashes.
9:15 - #8: Fenty Beauty Double Cheek’d Cream Blush Duo ($24) - This cheek blush duo in hues Peony Dropper and Mali Boo are perfect for a subtle, glowy, warm autumnal clean girl aesthetic beauty look. It adds the perfect level of shine and light shimmer to my cheeks, it’s one of the best cream blushes, and the shades pair well with deep brown skin.
10:20 - #9: Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Balayage Brow ($28) - This double-ended brow pen helps me sculpt and fill in my eyebrow hairs for natural-looking, flawless eyebrows that stay in place all day long. I love that it’s a two-in-one tool, making it easier than ever for me to maintain a low-maintenance brow routine.
11:15 - #10: Urban Decay All-Nighter Setting Spray ($36) - The UD All-Nighter Setting Spray boosts the makeup vibrancy without adding shine, and it keeps my skin super fresh-feeling. No cracking or flaking makeup here! If you plan to wear a full-face of makeup, you need this setting spray.
12:00 - #11: SuperMush Daily Energy Mouth Spray ($21.60) and Daily Chill Mouth Spray ($21.60). Think of SuperMush as the perfect marriage of superfoods, mushrooms, and inside-out beauty. Mushrooms are super nutrient-dense, are known to positively impact our overall immune system, and encourage healthy gut flora.
14:00 - #12: TOCCA Fragrance Wardrobe ($68) - This luxury discovery set is housed in a precious tin case, and features TOCCA's 9 top-selling scents in travel-friendly fragrance sprays. The scents in this set are so luxurious. My favorite scent is the Gia with peppercorn, tangerine and rose. These fragrances always instantly make you want to be on vacation.

Products Mentioned

Marianella Royal Kalahari Face Serum with Baobab and Mongongo Oil ($68)
Fenty Skin Hydravisor Mineral SPF 30 Moisturizer ($39)
Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Primer ($47)
Urban Decay Concealer in shade 70 NN Deep Neutral ($33)
Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte’s Beautiful Skin Foundation in shade 16 Cool ($49)
Urban Decay Hydramaniac Blush ($22)
Jones Road Mascara ($31)
Fenty Beauty Double Cheek’d Cream Blush Duo ($24)
Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Balayage Brow ($28)
Urban Decay All-Nighter Setting Spray ($36)
SuperMush Daily Energy Mouth Spray ($21.60) and Daily Chill Mouth Spray ($21.60)
TOCCA Fragrance Wardrobe ($68)

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Today on Bri Books, I’m sharing a, deep-dive on a beauty brand (and homeopathic powerhouse) I know and love: The Organic Pharmacy, and the 7 best products worth your money. I’m excited to continue our National Skin Health Month storytelling as part of KnowVember, wherein I’m challenging myself to record and publish a podcast episode every day in November.

1:45 - The Organic Pharmacy was founded in 2002 in London. The founder, Margot Marrone, is a pharmacist and homeopath. She co-founded the company as a way to evangelize her holistic approach to health and beauty. To me, The Organic Pharmacy products bookend my at-home spa days. The brand is deeply rooted in Margot’s knowledge of organic ingredients, nature, and the link between the body and mind. I’m sharing the best toner, serums, masks and dietary supplements from the brand--consider this your 101 class on all things The Organic Pharmacy. You can find The Organic Pharmacy at theorganicpharmacy.com, Skinstore, Dermstore, Bloomingdales and more.
4:25 - The Organic Pharmacy Herbal Toner ($65): This super-soothing toner rehydrates the skin. The blend of aloe, green tea and chammomile help to soothe and rebalance the skin. This toner is wonderful after a shower, and sinks into the skin beautifully.
5:22 - Antioxidant Face Gel/ Face Serum ($110): This is a very antioxidant rich product. With ginseng, carrot, rosehip and Gotu Kola, it’s impossible not to be transported to an apothecary in your mind whilst using this serum. It delivers dewy, locked-in moisture.
6:30 - Hyaluronic Acid Serum ($68): This light, easily absorbed formula quenches thirsty skin and locks in moisture. I apply a full dropper of this serum to my face and neck after cleansing and toning my skin.
7:30 - Stabilized Vitamin C Corrective Mask ($65), Retinol Corrective Mask ($65), and Four Acid Peel Corrective Mask ($50).
The Stabilized Vitamin C Corrective Mask ($65) is probably my favorite vitamin C mask of all time. It’s packed with stabilised, super potent (yet gentle) antioxidant Vitamin C to deliver brighter, firmer, smoother skin that glows.
The Retinol Corrective Mask ($65) is an incredible nighttime treatment. This mask is perfect for reversing the day's damage caused by the sun and pollutants. The encapsulated retinol doesn't irritate even the most sensitive skin, and the witch hazel soothese the skin.
The Four Acid Peel Corrective Mask ($50) is a gentle yet powerful gelly mask that renews and brightens the skin by gently polisihing away dead skin cells. With citric acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid and tartaric acid inside, this product transformed my dull complexion overnight. It's packed with plant-derived acids from lemon, pineapple, passionfruit and grape. If you need to exfoliate and decongest your skin, this super smooth mask is perfect for you.
11:20 - Immune Boost Kit ($142):I take the Immune Boost Day and Immune Boost Night daily--it's the perfect duo to keep my immune system in tip-top condition. The Immune Boost Night helps me get a good night's sleep and the Immune Boost Day helps me fight off colds.

I hope you're loving Bri Books! If you’re new to the show, leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts and Spotify! Please tell me where you’re traveling to by using #bribooks on Instagram and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter.

Products Mentioned

The Organic Pharmacy Herbal Toner ($65)
Antioxidant Face Gel/ Face Serum ($110)
Hyaluroniic Acid Serum ($68)
Stabilized Vitamin C Corrective Mask ($65)
Retinol Corrective Mask ($65)
Four Acid Peel Corrective Mask ($50)
Immune Boost Kit ($142)

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Happy Healthy Skin Month! The sun’s UV rays don’t slow down just because it’s winter. Wearing SPF should be part of our daily skincare routines, but it’s easy to let this practice lapse during the colder months. In the past, I’ve recorded an episode about the best SPFs for dark skin, and I wrote an article on Glamour.com about the best SPFs for dark skin according to gorgeous girls. In this episode, I’m reviewing and recapping the best SPFs of 2023 that are perfect for year-round use.

1:45: Black Girl Sunscreen Make it Glow SPF30 Spray ($15.99) and Black Girl Sunscreen Make it Pop Lip Gloss ($10.99) - BGSS launched the SPF 30 spray-on sunscreen, and it’s without a doubt their most wearable, lightweight sunscreen yet. Packed with jojoba oil, avocado oil, vitamin E, and glycerin, this lightweight spray protects all skin tones with a radiant glow for on-the-go.
3:30: Bondi Sands Sport SPFSunscreen Lotion 50 ($13.99) - This sunscreen stood out for me, because of its high protection, reef-friendly formulation, and non-greasy formulation. This is the perfect all-around sunscreen--I basically use it as a full-body moisturizer in the summer and autumn months.
5:35: Charlotte Tilbury Invisible UV Flawless Primer SPF 50 ($55.00) - This invisible, weightless, scentless primer is packed with SPF 50 and hyaluronic acid to deliver a hydrated all-over primed canvas glow along with SPF protection. If SPF is part of your skincare routine, this primer creates a flawless invisible base that allows for perfect makeup application.
7:20: L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Invisible UV Fluid ($14.00) - This is the perfect, essential skin-protecting final step as part of your skincare routine. With antioxidants, vitamin C and vitamin E, it does a great job removing the appearance of dark spots and fighting sun damage.
9:15: Bloomeffects Tulip Dew Sunscreen SPF 50 Serum ($65.00) - This ultra lightweight, hydrating 100% mineral SPF is the first ever tulip-based sunscreen. The formulation is silky smooth and it goes on with the perfect milky, silky smooth texture.
11:15: BIO Heal Panthenol SPF 50 Sun Cream ($28.00) - The perfect mild sun cream for daily use, BIO Heal's Panthenol SPF protects and soothes the skin irritated by UV rays and reinforces the skin's barrier. It's super quick absorbing and doesn't leave behind a trace of white residue or a sticky feel. If you have acne prone or oily skin, you'll be pleasantly surprised as this product doesn't cause irritation. The best part? It blends seamlessly under a full face of makeup.

Products Mentioned

Black Girl Sunscreen Make it Glow SPF30 Spray ($15.99) and Black Girl Sunscreen Make it Pop Lip Gloss ($10.99)
Bondi Sands Sport SPFSunscreen Lotion 50 ($13.99)
Charlotte Tilbury Invisible UV Flawless Primer SPF 50 ($55.00)
L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Invisible UV Fluid ($14.00)
Bloomeffects Tulip Dew Sunscreen SPF 50 Serum ($65.00)
BIO Heal Panthenol SPF 50 Sun Cream ($28.00)

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Welcome back to Bri Books! Today I’m sharing with you everything you need in your autumn weekend getaway bag. November is National Skin Health Month, which makes this week perfect for me to bring to you the best picks for your autumn vacation toiletry bag. We’re a couple of weeks away from the autumn-winter holiday season kicking off in earnest. Whether you have family trips, baecations, or a 96 hour jaunt, this episode is breaking down what you need to take with you. Here are 9 products across skincare and lifestyle (spoiler alert: books!) that I recommend you have in your getaway bag.

2:00: #1: Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm ($68) and Elemis Pro-Collagen Glow Boost Exfoliator ($78) - I love this cleanser for any and all travel. It’s perfect for double-cleansing, and feels super luxe to use after traveling all day long. This cleansing product is the essential first step in my daily skincare ritual. 100% mineral oil-free, this cleanser is perfect for effortlessly removing long-wear makeup, daily grime and surface pollutants, and it delivers a deep cleanse to my skin. I follow up the Cleansing Balm with the Elemis Glow Boost Exfoliator, a super gentle physical exfoliation that sweeps away dead skin cells with skin-softening oils like Elderberry and Starflower.
5:15: #2: Saje Natural Wellness Calm-O-Mile Gel Cleanser ($24) - This cleanser is made for sensitive skin, and it’s packed with excellent botanicals like ho wood, blue chamomile, and aloe vera. It has a gentle herbal aroma but doesn’t cause skin irritation. When I’m getting away, you want to trust that you’ll be able to thoroughly cleanse your skin. There’s something comforting to me about using my favorite cleanser when I’m away from home--it’s like an instant shot of comfort.
7:00: #3: Bloomeffects Tulip Dew Cream ($49) - This lightweight cream is perfect for travel, especially for the dry airplane air. It’s like a buoyant, bouncy, luxurious gel-cream hybrid. I love to add a touch of the Dew Cream to my foundation or concealer to give my skin an all-over gentle glow.
9:00: #4: SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced ($185) - This is a next-generation treatment! This corrective cream is amazing and has been clinically proven to improve visible attributes associated with skin aging. This corrective cream is formulated to strengthen your skin at all stages. With wild fruit flavonoids, Glycyrrhetinic acid, and niacinamide, this treatment helps protect against free radical damage and enhances the skin's natural radiance. I also love the A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced Eye ($116) which is formulated to combat crow’s feet and natural signs of aging around the eye.
12:20: #5: Maelove Fade Away Brightening Serum ($40) - This serum is excellent for fighting hyperpigmentation. It’s formulated with Kojic acid which is great for reducing the appearance of dark spots. The hyaluronic acid and botanical extracts in this product make it feel super luxe and hydrating on the skin. Having a brightening serum is a great way to supercharge your skincare routine overall. I love using it in the mornings--apply a full dropper to the face and massage into the skin. If you’re going away for a weekender, make sure to bring this with you!
14:00: #6: Lush Cosmetics Mask of Magnaminty ($33) - this minty, tingly face and body mask is intensely cleansing without being abrasive. The kaolin clay and peppermint oil rid your pores of debris, and the ground aduki beads exfoliate dry skin. I love this for a deep-clean feeling when I'm out of town. There's nothing as luxe as applying a clay mask, posting up in a hotel room bed, and flipping through a good book.
16:00: #7: Byredo Mixed Emotions Eau de Parfum ($205) - This fragrance is described as a parfum designed to reflect the tumultuous nature of our time. MOOD! The top notes are black currant and mate. The middle notes are violet leaves and ceylon black tea, and the base note is papyrus and birchwood. I love the woody, herbaceous sweetness of this fragrance. It's the perfect everyday autumn signature fragrance. If you’re going on a getaway and want to leave a sultry scent in your wake, this is the fragrance for you.
19:15: #8: “The War Before: The True Life Story of Becoming a Black Panther, Keeping the Faith in Prison, and Fighting for Those Left Behind” by Safiyah Bukhari. This inspiring and harrowing memoir from legendary activist and political prisoner Safiya Bukhari reminds us of the sheer joy that comes from resisting civic wrongs. This book is genuinely life-changing and it catalogs what it was like for Black Panthers who were on the ground working as part of revolutionary movements during the upheavals of the 1960s and 1970s.
21:30: #9: “Slow Living: The Secrets to Slowing Down and Noticing the Simple Joys Anywhere” by Helena Woods. This is the perfect book to take with you on a getaway, because it encourages you to reach within yourself, slow down, and embrace simple living and mindfulness for peace-induced days. I'm obsessed with finding quiet moments that bring simple joys to my life, and this book comes equipped with countless tips, tricks, hacks and recommendations for how to create routines that enrich your mind and feed your soul.

Products Mentioned

Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm ($68) and Elemis Pro-Collagen Glow Boost Exfoliator ($78)
Saje Natural Wellness Calm-O-Mile Gel Cleanser ($24)
Bloomeffects Tulip Dew Cream ($49)
SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced ($185)
A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced Eye ($116)
Maelove Fade Away Brightening Serum ($40)
Byredo Mixed Emotions Eau de Parfum ($205)
Lush Cosmetics Mask of Magnaminty ($33)
“The War Before: The True Life Story of Becoming a Black Panther, Keeping the Faith in Prison, and Fighting for Those Left Behind” by Safiyah Bukhari
“Slow Living: The Secrets to Slowing Down and Noticing the Simple Joys Anywhere” by Helena Woods

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Welcome back! As you know, I’m endeavoring to produce a podcast episode daily for the month. For the first week, I’m focusing on skincare because November is National Healthy Skin Month. The goal is to use November to pay attention to your skin, learn about skin care, and adopt habits that can lead to a lifetime of healthier hair, skin and nails.

I want to discuss one of the best platforms/ publications/ outlets for all things beauty and skincare--that’s Allure! I used to work at Conde Nast where I lead social for Glamour magazine, and desk was a few rows away from the Allure editorial team. Shoutout to Jessica Cruel, the EIC of Allure! I’ve been obsessed with her since I used to bump into her in the halls. I’m so impressed at the volume of work that Jess and her team put out, in addition to the quality and caliber of work. The Allure Best of Beauty Award winners were recently revealed, and suffice it to say, Allure is responsible for a large number of the products on my shelves. I want to share 5 of my favorite year-round picks that I discovered through Allure.com, the Allure Store, Allure editors, and the magazine when it was in print.

3:10: #1 - Sunday Riley Power of 3 Kit - $275: Good Genes Lactic Acid serum, A+ High Dose Retinoid Serum, and CEO 15% Vitamin C Serum. I discovered this set in 2022 through the Allure Store in NYC. What I love: Each of these serums focuses on a target area of the skin, and they’re perfect to use together. In the AM, I recommend the Vitamin C Serum with a touch of face oil + SPF. At night, I recommend the A+ High Dose Retinoid serum after cleansing the skin. When used as part of a holistic daytime/ nightime serum, this entire set is incredibly effective. Read Deanna Pai’s 2017 Allure article about Sunday Riley to understand what all the fuss is about.
5:50: #2 - Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum: $89: This serum is one of my favorite Korean beauty (K-Beauty) products. I’ve been using it for a year after repurchasing it based on reviews on Allure.com and trying it out in the Allure Beauty store. This serum is basically a primer for the canvas that is your face. It’s formulated with precious ginseng and helps to strengthen the skin carrier while being the first step post-cleanse. When I’m doing my routine, I’ll often start out with my Sulwhasoo as the base for my beauty ritual. I gently pat the serum into my skin, let it absorb, and then layer on any additional serums or elixirs.
8:00: #3 - Instytutum RetinOil - $139: This Retinol-based oil is complete with Retinol, algae, and bakuchiol to help retain moisture and even out the skin tone. Bakuchoil does a great job of improving skin firmness and boosting elistaticity. I like to use this product as part of my nighttime skincare routine, because Retinol and Retinoid can slightly irritate sensitive skin, and I wouldn’t recommend going out in the sun without proper SPF protection. I love to put a few drops of this oil on my clean skin in the evenings. If having more flawless, even skin is your priority and you’re OK going to sleep looking like a honey-baked ham, I’d absolutely recommend adding this to cart.
10:42 - #4: UrbanSkinRX Advanced Even Tone Day & Night Treatment - $58: This is my hyperpigmentation hero! I first found the brand via the goodie bag from Myleik Teele’s 2018 retreat. The Advanced Even Tone Day & Night Treatment is an intensive formula with the perfect combination of exfoliating and dark spot-defending ingredients. With 5% Niacinamide, 2% Kojic Acid and 1% Bakuchiol, these ingredients improve the look of stubborn dark spots and smooth rough texture and visibly reduce the signs of aging skin. And it’s gentle enough to use twice a day, so you can target dark spots day and night!
13:15 - #5: Isa Lazo Facial Oil - $137: This luxe facial oil is formulated with soothing raspberry seed oil, and vitamins E and A. Concentrated with antioxidants, this lightweight oil improves hydration and promotes a radiant overall glow. I find this to be a supremely healing oil that's perfect for sensitive skin. I apply a few drops to my face and neck in the morning and evening, and mix a few drops with my moisturizer and foundation for the perfect lightweight dewy coverage.

Products Mentioned:

Sunday Riley Power of 3 Kit - $275
Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum: $89:
Instytutum RetinOil - $139
UrbanSkinRX Advanced Even Tone Day & Night Treatment - $58
Isa Lazo Facial Oil - $137

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Welcome to November with Bri Books! For this entire month, I’m focused on delivering a podcast a day--unedited. It’s been months since my last podcast recording. 2023 has been an absolute blur. As I kick off my goal of recording and releasing an episode everyday this month, I want to start off with softness. We’re talking about how to go softly into the end of the year. If you’re new to the show, leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and SoundCloud! Please tell me where you’re traveling to by using #bribooks on Instagram and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter.
1:15 - It’s peak autumn. We’re staring down the barrel of the last 6-8 weeks of the year. When we reflect, it can be easy to remember the failures before the successes. This episode is about going softly into the end of the year.
1:50 - Time is soup. If you’re finding yourself approaching the holiday season with a sense of emptiness or loneliness, that’s normal. I want to remind you-every day is a new year. You can begin again. Wake up again. Try again. Here area a few ways I like to reset my mind and go softly into the new year
3:00 - #1: Reflection from a place of gentleness and softness, not what you haven’t done. When I look at 2023, I think a lot of ‘didn’t,’ instead of what I ‘did’ do. Look very kindly on what you did accomplish this year.
4:00 - #2: Look at where you were two years ago. There’s a trending audio that says, you’re living your answered prayers. Odds are, something you have achieved now is something you used to dream about, and then you look up and you’re living it! You definitely have things to be proud of.
6:00 - #3: Write down a note to self about what you want to feel and see for the rest of the year. Write yourself a short note or a letter. Write to your younger self. Imagine an 8-year-old you, reading about your present-day accomplishments. When the end of year starts to creep around and the language we use can become very reactive, it can feel negative.
7:00 - Change your language around beginnings and endings. I was listening to The Mindset Mentor with Rob Dial, and he called into focus that very often, with our words we aren’t affirming our responsibilities. Instead of framing things as “I have to do ___,” reposition your responsibilities as “I GET to ____.” By changing our language, we’re able to reposition ourselves to affirm gratitude. Also, it helps us realize what’s dragging us down. That simple communication change and affirmation towards what’s a privilege to do vs a responsibility, it’s one of the best ways I know that helps me to do a soft reset. It’s not just a to-do list, it’s a list of things I get to do!
10:23 - #4: Identify the output you want, and go towards it. Myleik Teele recently dropped a podcast episode wherein she made the point that trying on the life you want is FREE. I feel Myliek spoke directly to me with that episode! Just because you don’t have the down payment for an $18 million estate in Connecticut doesn’t mean you can’t still go to the open house on that $18 million estate in Connecticut! Make a day of it! Try on the life you want! If the output you want is: to become more comfortable in new spaces, then try those spaces on! You’re designing your life. If you were to buy a custom-made coat or suit, you’d try on multiple versions beforehand, right? This is a very similar practice to identifying your output and going towards it. A simple way of doing this is going to a bookstore, popping by the New Releases and magazine rack, and pulling a few titles. See what you gravitate towards. When you have an output and you know what you’re going towards, it makes the input and the creation a little easier. It’s the end of the year, so go gently towards this. But now is a powerful time because you can use the shorter days and the earlier mornings to feel out how you want your 2024 to be. This isn’t about making a list and having quarterly goals. It’s about trying it on, seeing if it feels good to you, and going softly as we round the corner in 2023

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Welcome back to Bri Books! This podcast episode is part 2 of our discussion all about transitioning from winter to spring (listen to part one here), and the products I recommend for jumpstarting your spring beauty routine. We're talking everything from serums to supplements and everything in between as I share my go-to's for the months ahead.

1:00 - Merit Great Skin Instant Glow Serum: If you know Bri Books, you know I love Merit Beauty. I just included Merit's gloss in a recent episode about my favorite winter beauty picks. The Merit Instant Glow Serum is excellent for creating a well-moisturized base for any makeup or skincare look. The serum has 2% niacinamide, which helps brighten the skin and smooth the texture, which is so important for spring. ($38) - Available at Meritbeauty.com, Sephora.
3:00 - The Face Shop: TFS is one of the brands I most clearly associate with in springtime. Whenever I reevaluate my routine, I look to include more clean, vegan, and eco-friendly products, which always leads me to TFS.
5:00 - Kiehl’s Ultrapure High Potency Serums - Kiehl's re-released an exciting line of products made with 10 ingredients or less. Any of these new serums are great for starting your spring skincare routine, especially the 5% niacinamide and 9.8% glycolic serum. Ultra Pure 9.8% Glycolic Acid Serum ($26) and Ultra Pure 5% Niacinamide Acid Serum ($26) are two of my favorites
6:20 - Ole Henriksen Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment - As the spring comes in, now’s the time to restore, soften and nourish lips, body, etc. Enjoying this creamsicle-inspired lip treatment is the perfect final touch in the evening or first swipe in the morning. Available at Sephora for $22.
8:05 - CALPAK medium clear cosmetic case in lavender - I’d say CALPAK is one of my favorite brands for all things luggage and travel essentials for spring! The new cosmetic cases from CALPAK are the perfect size to pack all of your products for the weekend or next vacation. The most recent drop includes colors like emerald, lavender, and deep sea. the cult-followed clear cosmetic case recently launched in size medium which is great if you need to grab and go. Available for $85.
9:18 - Eastpak Tecum backpack - This road-ready bag is great for a daily commute or weekend vacation. The newly-launched Tecum backpack is perfect for laptops and cameras, and it helps with the ultimate organization. and will give you one less thing to worry about during your spring travels. EPISODES MENTIONED
1. Merit Beauty lipgloss review on an episode about favorite winter beauty products
2. Brionna’s Glamour.com article reviewing Merit BeautyPRODUCTS
3. Merit Great Skin Instant Glow Serum ($38) - Available at Meritbeauty.com, Sephora.
4. The Face Shop
5. Kiehls: Ultra Pure 9.8% Glycolic Acid Serum ($26), Ultra Pure 5% Niacinamide Acid Serum ($26), Ultra Pure High-Potency 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid Serum ($26)
6. Ole Henriksen Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment ($22 at Sephora, $22 online)
7. CALPAK medium clear cosmetic case in lavender ($85)
8. Eastpak Tecum backpack ($110)

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Welcome to Bri Books! This podcast episode is all about transitioning from winter to spring, and the products I recommend for jumpstarting your spring beauty routine. We're talking everything from serums to supplements and everything in between as I share my go-to's for the months ahead.

1:00 - Black Girl Sunscreen Make it Pop sunglass for lips - Formulated with SPF50, jojoba oil, and hyaluronic acid, this lipgloss will be my saving grace during the warmer spring days when the sun is starting to reach its full strength. Available for: $8.99 at BGSS or Ulta Beauty.
2:35 - Charlotte Tilbury Magic Body Cream - Inspired by the Magic Cream face moisturizer, this body cream perfect for moisturizing your skin as the spring sun starts to warm up. I love the smooth, gentle, and non-greasy formulation. Available for $65 at the Charlotte Tilbury site.
4:10 - Elemis Pro-Collagen Skin Future Supplements - The Elemis is formulated to improve the hydration, firmness, and elasticity of the skin. I love Elemis because they’re always rolling out the latest and greatest in skincare and wellness. Available for $99 on Elemis.com.
6:45 - La Roche Posay 10% Pure Niacinimide Serum. It helps to clear discoloration and balances the skin tone. Available for $39.99 on the La Roche Posay site, CVS, and Ulta.
9:00 - Bloomeffects Tulip Nectar Skin Repair Body Balm - To me, this product is one of the ways I like to usher in the return of springtime. I love the fact that it doesn’t have a deep fragrance, making it perfect for nourishing even the most sensitive of skin. Available for $47 online and at Credo Beauty.
11:05 - Revolution Beauty - Revolution Beauty has been a mainstay in the UK, but they’re just starting to crack the US market. I was invited to discover the brand at their first NYC launch event ever! I had my makeup done by Nadia Tayeh, who is known for her glam aesthetic. I was able to meet Sarah Stanford, the US President for Revolution Beauty. Sarah’s beyond knowledgeable about the nuances between the US and UK markets, and she’s hungry to dig into all things American beauty culture. I was also able to testdrive the 5D Whip Lift Mascara and the new Filtr Concealer. Available online, at Target, and Ulta.

PRODUCTS MENTIONED

Black Girl Sunscreen Make it Pop SPF50 Lipgloss
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Body Cream
Elemis Pro Collagen Skin Future Supplements
La Roche Posay 10% Niacinimide Serum
Bloomeffects Tulip Nectar Skin Repair Balm
Revolution Beauty 5D Whip Lift Mascara and Filtr Concealer

EPISODES MENTIONED

Episode where I featured La Roche Posay’s top-selling picks

My Favorite La Roche Posay sunscreens and serums

What is your favorite spring-ready beauty pick? Let me know on Instagram! ! If you’re new to the show, leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and SoundCloud! Please tell me where you’re traveling to by using #bribooks on Instagram and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter.

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Looking for a signature scent? Bri Books has you covered. There's a lot of power in a signature scent--consider it the beauty counterpart to personal style. It can take a while to find a scent that resonates with you, so in honor of National Fragrance Day, I'm sharing my 10 top perfumes and fragrances for 2023 and beyond. These picks definitely deserve a spot on your signature scent wishlist.

PRODUCTS MENTIONED

Clive Christian: 1872 Feminine, $595
REPLICA, Maison Margiela: On a Date, $125
Moodeaux: Worthy, $135 bundle
Robert Piguet: Fracas Eau de Parfum ($185), Casbah ($215)
Lush Cosmetics: Rose Jam Perfume ($22)
Lake and Skye: 11:11 ($98)
Boy Smells: Hinoki Fantome ($98)
Amouage: Escape Discovery Set ($46)
Frederic Malle: Portrait of a Lady by Dominique Ropion ($295)
Tocca Eau de Parfum: Florence ($80)

EPISODES MENTIONED

5 Winter Skincare and Beauty Essentials (Clive Christian Art Deco Blonde Amber fragrance review at the 11:00 mark)

I hope you're loving Bri Books! If you’re new to the show, leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and SoundCloud! Please tell me where you’re traveling to by using #bribooks on Instagram and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter.

What is your signature fragrance? Let me know on Instagram!

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Welcome to Bri Books! February is in the rearview, and we're entering what I like to call the ‘winter fake-out period.’ There’s no predicting if we’ll have a mild entree into spring or if the snow will come at last. In this episode, I want to share the beauty essentials that have gotten me through from holidays, to deep winter, to now. This winter, I focused my beauty routine on clean, restorative, hydrating, natural, moisturizing, and ‘fatty’ products--I simply wanted my skin to hibernate for the season, and these are the products that made it possible.

2:20 - Soho Skin Travel dopp kit: I reviewed it on a podcast episode about my summer travel-worthy skincare picks. I want to call out the lightweight serum. All winter long when I was traveling, this lightweight concentrate held my skin down, thanks to the super moisturizing niacinamide, pepetites and white bark extract.
3:40 - All things Charlotte Tilbury. In the winter, I reach for the Nudegasm face palette, Super Nudes lipstick, or the Matte Revolution lipsticks. In the winter, my makeup typically consists of concealer, bronz-y pink makeup, lipgloss and mascara. The bronze shades in the Nudegasm face palette provides a dynamic range of colors. Charlotte’s Beautiful Skin foundation in shade 15 is the perfect liquid medium coverage foundation you can pop on and not have to worry about a thing.
6:00 - Merit Beauty Flush Balm in shade of soft berry- I always use it on the eyes, lips and cheeks. I also love the Shade Slick, which is a tinted lip oil that's infused with rosehip oil and shea butter. The hue I’ve been going for this winter is Cara Cara, a soft red orange. During the day I go for the shade Pink Beet, a cool pink shade for a little gloss on the lips. If i want to be sexy i go for Merit Beauty Shade Slick tinted lip oil in deep brown hue Falcon, which is close to my skin tone.
7:15 - Mara Beauty. If you’re new to the brand, the founder Alison McNamara has a fascinating background. In her past life, she was a TV host, producer, beauty journalist and editor. She even studied journalism and political science at the Sorbonne! There’s something called ‘portfolio career’ about Alison's story. The two products I used up this winter are Universal Face Oil, and Evening Primrose + Green Tea Algae Retinol Face Oil. After I wash my face and spray heritage rose water, I’ll put on the face oil. It’s important to me that my skin is protected. At night after I wash my face and have my pampering shower and bath, I’ll go in with Algae Retinol and Face Oil.
11:00 - Clive Christian Art Deco Blonde Amber fragrance which was part of the Noble Collection. This is the scent that defined my winter. The scent is opulent and decadent with notes of smokey blonde tobacco. It feels embracing, cocooning and warm and nurturing of a scent while also being alluring, I couldn't recommend the Clive Christian fragrances enough!

What products defined your winter? Let me know on Instagram!

PRODUCTS MENTIONED

Brionna’s full review of Soho Skin products
SohoSkin products
Charlotte Tilbury Nudegasm face palette, Super Nudes lipstick, Matte Revolution lipsticks, Charlotte’s Beautiful Skin foundation in shade 15
Merit Beauty Flush Balm in shade ‘Soft Berry’, Merit Shade Slick in color ‘Cara Cara’
Mara Beauty Universal Face Oil, Evening Primrose + Green Tea Algae Retinol Face Oil
Clive Christian Art Deco Blonde Amber fragrance

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Brace yourselves: the 2022 Cyber Week beauty deals are coming. Here's my curated list of the best brands products to buy during Cyber Week 2022. These are the picks I've been loving (and lusting after) all year, and with up to 50% off full-price items, now's the time to pounce Last year, I recorded a Bri Books episode about what to buy during Sephora's annual December VIB sale, and wanted to share a Cyber Monday-ready curated list. Here's what I'd stock up on if I were you:

Caudalie - Cyber Week is here at Caudalie with up to 50% off select products. I’d stock up on the Vinoperfect Instant Brightening Solution Set which comes with the Vinoperfect Essence, Vinoperfect Serum, and Vinoperfect Eye Cream.
Merit Beauty - Merit’s offering 20% off sitewide, free shipping over $40, free signature bag with every first-time purchase, and free returns. I recommend the La Fete Holiday Essentials.
Bread Beauty Supply - 25% off site wide, free full-size Macadamia oil (for hair and body) with purchase. I recommend the deep-conditioning hair mask.
Fenty Beauty - 25% off sitewide, up to 60% off select products, free cross-body bag with $125 purchase, free 3-piece set with $100+ order. I recommend the Glossy Posse vol. 5 set of three full-size flip glosses.
La Roche Posay - 25% off all orders, free shipping on orders $65+, Up to 25% off order via newsletter. I recommend the Effaclar Acne Treatment System, a 3-step system with Gel Cleaner, Clarifying Solution, Effaclar Duo
Bloomeffects - 30% off sitewide through 11/27, + free cleansing jelly with order over $80, 35% off sitewide from 11/28-11/29. I recommend the Royal Tulip Polish.
Augustinus Bader - Augustinus Bader is offering double points on all purchases this choliday season. I recommend the Winter Recovery Set, developed to deliver deep hydration and skin barrier protection. The kit comes with the Serum Nomad, the Eye Cream Nomad, the Rich Cream, and Lip Balm.

Share your Black Friday picks with me at @bribookspod on Instagram!

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Welcome back to Bri Books! If you’re new to the show, leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and SoundCloud! Please tell me where you’re traveling to by using #bribooks on Instagram and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter.

It’s July, and we are approaching high summer! I kicked off the season with a travel “bang”—a work trip to Johannesburg, South Africa for 9 days, during which I put my international skincare routine to the test. In this episode, I’m walking you through my 9 summer skincare essentials, AKA my summer skincare ‘empties.’ Listen to my recent episode about your 6 Travel Essentials for a Summer Holiday!

1:40 - Paula’s Choice Omega + Complex Cleansing Balm (Sephora, Paula’s Choice) - This luxe cleansing balm melts away everything from sunscreen to makeup as the lather transforms from an opaque liquid into a soapy, oily balm. This Paula's Choice cleanser got me through my travels in Johannesburg, and I love that it leaves my skin clean without feeling stripped. Trust me, when you’re traveling, this is the cleanser you’ll want by your side to help you wash the day away.
3:45 - Farmacy Sweet Apple Meltaway Makeup Cleansing Balm (Sephora, Farmacy) - I love to use this cleansing balm in the mornings while in the shower. It gently melts away makeup (especially eye makeup) and helps to remove excess oil from the skin. I like to use this on dry skin and slowly add water to build up the lather.
5:15 - Caudalie Beauty Elixir (Sephora, Caudalie)- Caudalie Beauty Elixir has been part of my holy grail travel kit for years, and it's a definitive summer travel essential. The 50 mL bottle of this stuff is perfect for travel, as it's below TSA carry-on liquid limits, and no inflight experience is complete without a super hydrating and luxe misting moment.
I sometimes pair it with The Heritage Store rosewater, which is another year-round staple and summer travel favorite for infusing instant moisture into the skin.
6:15 - Caudalie Reservatrol Lift Face Lifting Soft Cream (Sephora, Caudalie) - I love traveling with the Caudalie Reservatrol Lift Soft Cream as my decadent, almost pillowy moisturizer of choice. Airplanes dry my skin out desperately, and I find my skin can get easily irritated if not moisturized properly. when I travel, I try to keep the Reservatrol Lift Soft Cream in my handbag. It's packed with ingredients like reservatrol and hyaluronic acid, which leave the skin feeling soft and deeply moisturized.
8:00 - Saje Natural Wellness Calm-o-Mile Face Oil - This winner from Saje is formulated for people with sensitive skin. Blended with blue chamomile, evening primrose, and camellia. I always feel like I’m doing a face-plant into a meadow of medicinal flowers every time I apply this product, which is why I run out so quickly. I use it as the final step in my skincare routine when traveling. The blue chamomile reduces the appearance of dryness, and primrose is high in omega-6 fatty acids. When used as part of my nighttime treatment, Calm-o-Mile leaves my face feeling lush the next morning!
9:30 - Pura d’Or Rosehip Seed Oil - I use organic oils to moisturize my skin after bathing. I love to use Pura d’or Rosehip Seed Oil, as rosehip oil helps to rejuvenate dry skin and improve moisture. Rosehip seed oil restores PH balance to soothe skin and also helps with scalp health. If you want your skin to be moisturized but not oily-slick, Pura d'Or's rosehip seed oil is for you.
11:05 - Lush Cosmetics Ro’s Argan Body Conditioner - This body conditioner is scented with argan oil, rose absolute, and cupachu butter. I add a dollop of Ro's Argan to a few drops of the reship seed oil, mix, and apply it to my skin after showering.
12:15 - Bonus: Lush Posh Chocolate body wash - This is the perfect pampering post-travel shower companion. How can you feel tired after showering and emerging smelling like chocolate?! This body wash is a great product to use when you’re back on your home turf following an adventurous travel season.
13:37 - Bonus: The travel Dopp kit from Soho Skin - This Dopp kit comes with a cleanser, face cream, renewal serum, eye balm, lip cream, shaving gel, and more! It's definitely the travelers’ skincare essential, inspired by the global Soho House community. The products are exclusive to Soho House bedrooms around the world, but I got my hands on a kit and tried it on while on longhair flights between New York City and South Africa. The face cream, shaving gel, lip balm, and eye balm were the stand-out products, and the chic Dopp kit case is perfect for catching all of your skincare needs.

When you travel, what are your essentials? is there a lip balm you can’t leave the zip code without? Show me on Instagram at Bri Books! If you’re new to the show, leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and SoundCloud! Please tell me where you’re traveling to by using #bribooks on Instagram and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter.

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Welcome back to Bri Books! If you’re new to the show, leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and SoundCloud! Please tell me where you’re traveling to by using #bribooks on Instagram and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter.

Summer is in full swing, and travel is ON. IIn this episode, ’m sharing my key carry-on essentials-- matter your destination, these carry-on travel winners will be everything you need for road trips, staycations, long weekends, and more!

1:13 - Calpak Packing Cubes 5-Piece Set - This 5-piece travel cube set is essential for staying organized and keeping track of your items during a trip. I use this set for shoe storage, important document storage, outfit storage, and so much more. I even use a separate cube for technology pieces—chargers, cords, external hard drives, etc. These travel packing cubes help you visualize where your items are, so you don’t have to go ripping through your bag in search of a small item.
2:02 - Saint James Breton Striped Shirt - The Minquiers striped shirt is lightweight, versatile, and embodies the ideal French vacay state of mind. I love this top because it’s a masculine fit in the waist and hips, but the full-length sleeves make it feel perfect for travel. It’s very chic and pairs perfectly with shorts, straight-leg denim, skirts, anything! It’s great to pack in your carry-on bag for whatever the days (and nights!) throw your way.
3:00 - Cadence Capsules - The Cadence travel toiletry capsules are 100% TSA compliant, leak-proof and non-absorbent containers. They can hold everything from skincare to makeup, from medicine to accessories. These capsules let you bring your personal essentials on the go with you, effortlessly. They’re magnetic, meaning you can line them up and put them on a countertop. I use the Cadence capsules to store things like serums, vitamins, earrings, and critical medications whilst traveling.
4:05 - Saje Natural Wellness Pocket Farmacy Oil Blend Kit - This is a collection of 5 relieving oil roll-ons of the best-smelling scents including Peppermint Halo, Fortify, Gutzy, Stress Release, and Pain Release. When I’m traveling in TSA queues, it can be stressful. So I just apply a swipe of one of my Pocket Farmacy faves to my head and a swipe inside my face mask for an instant spa moment. I keep these oil blends in my carry-on at all times for my travels for an instant, natural relief.
5:30 - Snacks! Bring your own snacks! Don’t get caught paying $9 for pretzels and $14 for a dry sandwich at the airport. Make sure you have snacks as part of your travel on essentials because hanger and planes don’t mix.
6:00 - A book and a journal - Make sure you have at least one book or magazine in your carry-on at all times. Travel with a book you’ll actually WANT to read.

Leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and SoundCloud! Please tell me where you’re traveling to by using #bribooks on Instagram, and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter.

Links to Products Mentioned

Calpak Packing Cubes 5 Piece Set
Saint James Breton Striped Shirt
Cadence Capsules
Saje Natural Wellness Pocket Farmacy Oil Blend Kit

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If you’re interested in going in-depth on how I create this podcast, I'm sharing all of my tips, secrets and resources! All in the Bri Books Podcast Newsletter. * Today’s episode features @abeautifulnestTV, talking all about the book “Garden Fresh Cooking” by Judith Benn Hurley, and it’ll leave you longing for summertime! We’re infusing harvest-time healthy foods into our everyday menus. * 1:40 - About @abeautifulnestTV - Sandria’s YouTube channel focuses on building strong relationships, growing as a family, ecohing truth and knowledge and teaching folks to love unconditionally. “Our YouTube channel is a family lifestyle channel. We focus on faith, family, inspiration and life. We believe in making a house a home. I love making a house a home. I want to infuse love and beauty in everything i do. I try to make sure that comes across in our videos. 8:25 - Sandria on authenticity in her videos: “People need to be able to relate to the real life things.” * 9:25 - Sandria’s Soil Story: “I come from a long line of gardeners and farmers.” * 10:04 - Why Sandria set down roots in the Georgia country: “Where we moved and decided to purchase land was a decision we wanted to make for our children.” * 10:25 - Sandria’s health story: “When it came to growing our own food, over the years, unfortunately, i’ve experienced a lot of death in my family.” * 11:30 - How Sandria and her husband planned their garden * 13:45 - Brionna’s grandmother story: “My dad’s mother is originally from Mississippi, and moved to St. Louis as a young woman. She always said she wanted her yard to look like the country. She grew tall beautiful sunflowers. She grew her own onions and garlic, tomatoes, potatoes. Of course, she went to the grocery store, but knowing that food was accessible and there’s a process by which food is created you can be part of the process, was buried deep in me.” * 15:00 - Grandmothers inspire us to pass on traditions for generations. * 16:10 - The crops Sandria didn’t expect to love, and the easiest for you to grow! * 16:20 - Coolest crop: Dinosaur kale. Easiest/ beautiful: Okra. Low maintenance: Green beans. * 19:47 - How Sandria’s cooking style has changed since growing her own food. * 20:45 - Sandria: “When you start eating more whole food, you start figuring out and planning out menu based off what you grow.” * 21:15 Sandria’s husband and son shed 40 lbs after taking on a plant-based diet. “Everyone in the house was like, ‘I feel so much better, I feel so good. It was an amazing transformation. I’ve seen a complete turnaround with the way I prepare food and how I plan our meals.” * 22:12 - Sandria has been a meat-eater her entire life, and transitioning hasn’t been easy, but she and her family are feeling better. * 23:55 - “When you transition from eat to a plant-based or vegan diet, it should be something you want to do.” * 26:40 - Sandria on Rodale’s: I’ve been reading Rodale’s Organic Life for a long time, and I really enjoy it. I love that they have so many different topics for you to dig into--food, gardening, lifestyle. Everything's right there for you. It’s a great site. If you’re reading the recipe book, I know that’s amazing.” * 27:25 - Sandria’s #BriBooks: “ Lemony Snicket” with her sons, “Better Homes and Gardens,” “Georgia Gardens.” * 30:40 - Find Sandria on YouTube @abeautifulnestTV, on Instagram @abeautifunlest, Facebook @ABeautifulNest, and Twitter @abeautifulnest.

Rodale's Garden-Fresh Cooking: Hundreds of Ways to Cook, Serve, and Store Your Favorite Fresh Vegetables and Fruits

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Today’s “Bri Books” is a conversation with ABeautifulNestTV creator Sandria Kendrick, inspired by the book “The Garden in Every Sense and Season” by Tovah Martin. In this episode, we’re discussing our 2018 gardens, how you can inject green into your 2019, and more. * 0:45 - Saying goodbye (for now) to The Bri Garden’s 2018 season. * 2:30 – How a newsletter from urban farming company Square Roots led to “The Garden in Every Sense and Season.” * 3:20 – How book is divided: Each of the four seasons are represented, with each individual season’s different sensational gifts–sights, sounds, touches, tastes, scents– woven into a story that explores the ever-evolving garden * 4:00 – Meet Sandria, creator behind the “ABeautifulNestTV” platform on YouTube, online, and on social media. Sandria shares her story of homesteading with her family in Georgia, and how her love for the soil runs through her veins. * Listen to Sandria’s season 3 interview on Bri Books discussing “Garden Fresh Cooking” * 7:30 – Sandria’s 2018 garden challenges * 11:00 – Brionna recommends “The Market Gardener” by Jean-Martin Fortier * 11:30 – In the book “The Garden in Every Sense and Season” mentioned, “Don’t twiddle your green thumbs in winter. Wintertime is a time for bring things inward.” How can we relish the joys of colder weather? * 15::00 – How can we inject green and enjoying sensea and seasons into ur November December and beyond? * 15:30 – Bringing the green inside! Overwintering plants (repotting and growing indoors), growing lettuce, succulents and aloe, indoors are great ways to keep the green inside, even after it all falls away outside. Using blooming branches—flowers that grow on a branch-- or cuttings from evergreen or fir trees can invite nature indoors. * 18:30 – Sneak peak into Heirloom Acres Seed Store! * 18:50 – The story behind Heirloom Acres Seed Store * 23:00 – Fruit and Veggie Varieties 101 with Sandria * 26:00 – Sandria on Heirloom Acres Seed Store, blog, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube. * 27:00 – Brionna’s story of mailing tomatoes to grandmother, aunt, mother. It was a sweet family intergenerational moment that wouldn't have been possible without abeautifulnest. * 29:30 – Sandria’s #BriBooks: “The Flower Workshop” by Ariella Chezar, “Easy Green Living” by Renee Loux, “The Green Beauty Guide” by Julie Gabriel.

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Welcome back to Bri Books! If you’re new to the show, leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and SoundCloud! Please tell me what you're growing by using #bribooks on Instagram, and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter. Follow @theBriGarden on Instagram for garden tours, growing hacks, and gardening secrets. On today’s episode, we’re talking about falling in love with the garden this spring. Almost every day, Carla of @gardenplot.57 treats us to vibrant photos of her cut flower garden, homemade skincare products, and dozens of veggies she’s growing in her backyard garden in Cornwall, England.

In this episode, Carla gives tips on how to start (and maintain) a garden in a small space, and shares tips on DIY gardening projects we can do right now to get a jump on the season. Carla and I bonded over the amazing book “Floret Farm's A Year in Flowers: Designing Gorgeous Arrangements for Every Season” by Erin Benzakein, an amazing resource that’ll inspire you to step up your flower arranging (and flower growing) game. Carla also shares the secret to getting kids interested in gardening and how to lure them away from the X-Box and towards the garden box.

Carla’s guide to gardening in a small space:

Utilize your patio by planting pots with salad greens, herbs, and dwarf tomatoes.
Go high! Make use of vertical space by creating vertical planters. Archways and trellises allow you to grow “up,” and make use of tiny amounts of space for things like beans, peas, cucumbers and tomatoes.

More gardening resources recommended by Carla and Brionna:

Huw Richards YouTube channel and book, “Grow Food for Free”
Sandria of A Beautiful Nest
Misilla of Learn to Grow
Adam Yn Yr Ardd, a wildly talented Welsh gardener
Carla's blog
Carla's Instagram
TheBriGarden Instagram

If you’re new to Bri Books, leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and SoundCloud! Please tell me what you're growing by using #bribooks on Instagram, and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter. Follow @theBriGarden on Instagram for garden tours, growing hacks, and gardening secrets.

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Welcome back to Bri Books! If you’re new to the show, leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and SoundCloud! Please tell me what you're growing by using #bribooks on Instagram, and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter. Follow @theBriGarden on Instagram for garden tours, growing hacks, and gardening secrets. In today's episode, we're talking about all things organic gardening, and how to grow your own food with Misilla of 'Learn to Grow.'

Follow Misilla on Instagram @learntogrow

Follow Misilla on YouTube at Learn to Grow

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Welcome back to Bri Books. If you’re new to the show, leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and SoundCloud! Please tell me what you're sipping by using #bribooks on Instagram, and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter. Follow @theBriGarden on Instagram for garden tours, growing hacks, and gardening secrets. In this episode, I’m sharing my garden starter hacks, including a gardening method I created myself! This method has taken my gardening and succession planting to the next level when it comes to growing my own food. Follow @theBriGarden on Instagram for garden tours, growing hacks, and gardening secrets.

I call this my "theBriGarden Breakfast Gardening Method." I created and coined it myself for @theBriGarden. It revolves around repurposing food waste to create a food bounty. Who would've thought breakfast is so ripe for gardening!?

3:45 - Hack #1: Reuse egg water! Hard-bouled eggs release a trace amount of calcium into the water, and calcium is a mineral all plants need. It’s a great idea to use hard-boiled egg water for your plants. Plants can benefit from calcium boost in hard-boiled egg water

4:15 - Hack #2: Eggshell planters! If you take your eggshells and break out the top, leaving ¾ of eggshell intact, that’s a great container for starting seeds. You can begin so many seeds in eggshells, which are rich in calcium. Using eggshells whole can help recycle your breakfast food scraps.

5:00 - Hack #3: Eggshell fertilizer! Crushed eggshells are a great way to inject calcium into your garden and help deter slugs and garden pests. I created a fun TikTok of how to use eggshells in your garden.

5:40 - Hack #4: Coffee! Put your used coffee grounds in the soil to boost nitrogen in the soil and provide an acidity boost. It's the next best thing to organic fertilizer. Make sure you grind it up very fine so that the plants can receive the nutrients.

6:30 - Hack #5: Sprinkle of cinnamon! Cinnamon helps to fight off bacteria and fungus that causes damping, a disease that waterlogs the stem of the plant and stalls out the seedlings before they can grow. Cinnamon helps to deter this disease, so add a tiny pinch to your potting soil to keep your seedlings growing strong.

7:30 - Hack #6: Egg cartons! Use egg cartons as seed starters to start seeds indoors on a regular basis. If a dozen eggs run out in 2 weeks in your house, that’s enough time to get another succession planting round going in that empty carton without having to buy any supplies. Fill the empty eggshells with soil, plant a seed inside it, and place the seeded eggshell the egg carton on a window sill.

8:00 - Hack #7: Fruit boxes! Containers that your produce comes in is great to reuse as transplant containers. Before the seeds go into container gardens or into the ground, use these fruit boxes to help your plants mature is a great way to make your morning fruit snacking pay off.

8:55 - Hack #8: Coffee filters! Re-use coffee filters to line the bottoms of your pots and containers. Voila, leak-free gardening!

Want to see the garden in action? Follow @theBriGarden on Instagram for garden tours, growing hacks, and gardening secrets for first-time growers.

Leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and SoundCloud! Please tell me what you're sipping by using #bribooks on Instagram, and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter. Follow @theBriGarden on Instagram for garden tours, growing hacks, and gardening secrets.

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In this episode, I'm sharing the tips first-time gardeners need to know, and how to start a vegetable garden, raised bed garden, herb garden, or kitchen garden without breaking the bank. These easy gardening tips and gardening hacks that'll make your life easier. Follow theBriGarden on Instagram, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and SoundCloud. Show me your garden by using #bribooks on Instagram, and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter.

3:00 - #1: Identify your USDA hardiness zone. (Psst...I’ll include maps for San Francisco, NYC, DC, Houston, Philadelphia, Columbus, Chicago, San Diego, Detroit, and Atlanta gardening zones on the Bri Books Instagram and newsletter.)

4:30 - #2: Find your sunspots. Here’s how to identify North, South, East, and West: First, point your left arm towards the sun in the morning. Now, take your right hand and point it toward the west (stretch arms like you’re giving a hug.) You’re now facing south, and your back is facing north. Mind blown!

   6:30 - #3: Find out your frost date. What’s important to know is how many weeks you have until your frost date is upon you. Find the frost dates at almanac.com, and then count backward how many weeks you have remaining until that day. That’s essentially the number of weeks you have left in your traditional summer-autumn season.

8:30 - #4: How to pick good soil and seeds. I recommend beginning with a seedling mix like  Black Gold from Sun Gro, or Epsoma Seed Starting Potting Mix. My favorite seed company is Botanical Interests, a company I’ve been celebrating for over 5 years now. The second resource I love for seeds is CaliKim Garden and Home. She has a great selection mix. A lof the mixes are good if you want to place one order and get a half dozen crops at your doorstep. I’d also recommend Uncle Jim’s Worm Farm! They sell all the worms that are great for composting and adding overall health to your garden.     12:30 - #5: Pick the best short-term and long-term containers for your plants. Keep vertical growing in mind when it comes to space.  Here’s a growing tower/ multi-tiered planter that I like for growing green leafys, roots, and flowers. A great beginning seed container is an egg carton, and also fruit cartons.

BREAK

16:00 - Gardening Q&A #1: How do you harvest herbs to keep them growing?

Gardening Q&A #2: Do herbs grow better on a balcony or indoors?

Gardening Q&A #3: My gardening story/ what inspired me to start a garden?

Gardening Q&A #4: How do I become a good plant mom?

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In today's episode, I’m sharing with you 5 ways to create the perfect relaxing bath. On these cold winter nights, there’s nothing I want more than to slip into a sea of bubbles and bath salts. I wanted to record this podcast episode to share with you some of my favorite bubble bath products, and my bathtime practices that pick up steam over the winter months. 2:00 - #1: Bath salts! Adding bath salts means I’m able to give my muscles a bit of a break and refresh. My favorite bath salt brand is Kneipp, especially the Kneipp Goodbye Stress Rosemary and Mint Mineral Bath Salt is one of my all-time favorites for everyday use. It’s an incredible blend of essential oils and helps to clear your mind and quiet overactive thoughts. 4:00 - #2: Bath bombs from Lush Cosmetics, especially Rose Jam, which is perfect for sensitive skin. It includes rose oil, rose absolute, lemon oil, geranium oil, and shea butter. My second favorite bath bomb from Lush is the Lemon Crumble bubbleroon which has an uplifting citrus-y scent and is packed with fair-trade cocoa butter, Sicilian lemon oil, and a shea butter center that conditions and softens dry skin.

7:00 - #3: The ‘Be Well’ set from Thirteen Lune comes with a candle, bath/body oil, and a luxe bath salt. I use the full set to create the ultimate pampering experience through this edit of products. As part of the set, you get a Satya + Sage meditation candle infused with amber and clove. It also comes with the Senteurs du’ Orient bath salts and the Elixa Bath + Body serum. The body serum leaves behind a luscious, dewy texture without feeling greasy on the skin. Thirteen Lune is an eCommerce destination designed to inspire the discovery of beauty brands created by Black and brown founders. They do a great job giving each brand a platform to engage a wider audience, and I adore the company so much.

9:40 - #4: Babo Botanicals 3-in-1 Eucalyptus Remedy bubble bath! I keep a family-size bottle of this stuff in my bathroom at all times. It does triple duty as a bubble bath, body wash, AND shampoo. Babo has a lot of fragrance-free products, which are perfect for children with sensitive skin. The eucalypics remedy helps to soothe and calm my skin. For everyday comfort, the Babo Botanicals Eucalyptus Remedy is something I can’t imagine going without.

11:25 - #5: Alaffia Everyday Shea Bubble Bath! It serves ups a creamy, moisturizing bath full of bubbles. Founded in 2003, Alaffia continues to redefine hte natural products industry through its values in beauty, empowerment, and equality. The brand boasts dozens of products from body washes to cleaners, lotions for babies, calming balms, everything. In 2018, Alaffia increased access to its products by adding 2,500 stores nationwide. I like to buy my Alaffia via the Allure Store in New York City.

LINKS TO PRODUCTS AND EPISODES MENTIONED:

Bri Books episode: How to Create a Relaxation Routine at Home
Kneipp Goodbye Stress Rosemary and Mint Mineral Bath Salt
Lush Cosmetics Rose Jam bubbleroon
Lush Cosmetics Lemon Crumble bubbleroon
Thirteen Lune ‘Be Well’ Set
Babo Botanicals 3-in-1 Eucalyptus Remedy bubble bath
Alaffia Everyday Shea Bubble Bath
The Allure Store in New York City

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Happy 2022 from Brionna at Bri Books! In this episode, I’ll be sharing a few uplifting tips that’ll help you upgrade your wellness routine this year. I want to use this episode to bring optimism and hope to you as you build out your wellness routine for the months and years to come.

SHOW NOTES

2:15 - #1: Self-care activities! I take my self-care very seriously (here’s a link to an episode about how to create a relaxation routine!) Self-care isn’t limited to skincare masks and bubble baths. In my opinion, self-care activities include moments spent on things like daily prayer and meditation, journaling, massage, acupuncture, and other soothing practices--anything that helps to connect you to your internal self.

3:40 - #2: Sleep care! Raise your hand if you’ve fallen asleep with your personal tech within reach at least once this week. As you know, this isn’t the best thing for our bodies--you don’t want to see bright lights right before bed. Creating (and sticking to!) A sleep care routine is a great way to upgrade your wellness practice. Removing as many stimuli as possible, as early in the night as possible, you’re able to maintain a sleep routine and sleep more soundly, increasing the likelihood of waking up refreshed. Another option: reading a lighthearted book before bed and building bedtime rituals like closing your window shades, lighting a bedside candle, brewing a cup of tea, or misting a pillow or your room with your favorite aromatherapy spray.

6:15 - #3: Build a consistent workout routine that boosts confidence! By reframing your workout practice with the intention of being confident, you’re more likely to be consistent with your progress. My favorite fitness queens are Yoga with Adrienne, Move with Nicole, and Body Fit by Amy

7:45 - These are the products I’ve been introducing into my wellness routine

7:55 - Cheribundi, an all-natural tart cherry juice. Cherries are one of the most antioxidant-rich superfoods, and they’re scientifically proven to reduce muscle soreness, increase recovery, and reduce inflammation. I love to have my Cheribundi drinks after an exercise session to aid with muscle repair. I also pour a few ounces of Cheribundi into my protein shakes--the tart cherry adds sweetness and cuts down on me having sugar cravings in the early afternoon and diluting the cherry juice with water keeps my hydration interesting. Cheribundi goes a long way in keeping your body strong, taste buds satisfied, and workouts even more effective.
9:35 - SuperMush is a functional mushroom spray you spritz into your mouth and onto your tongue. In history, For thousands of years, people around the world ate fungi daily. Nowadays you’re lucky to find them in your salad. Mushrooms promote healthy gut flora and are vital in our health. Supermush spray is the most immediate and effective way to get a mushroom supplement into your system. I spray it on my tongue after breakfast or when I wake up. The brand is gorgeous---inspired by the culture and music of the 60s and 70s, each spray is a high potency, easy to use, and delicious. If you’re dipping your toe into the world of mushrooms, SuperMushis is a fantastic starting point so you can’t go wrong.
12:00 - Goli Nutrition Apple Cider Vinegar and Ashwagandha gummies! I’ve been taking these gummies for a couple of weeks now. Apple cider vinegar is excellent for cellular function, and ashwagandha root is known to promote calmness and reduce stress.

13:30 - #4: Creating a meal plan and hydration plan! I can’t tell you what to eat, but planning what to eat makes life a lot less stressful. I like to plan my meals for 2-3 days at a time so that at all times I know what I’m having for the next two lunches, dinners, and breakfasts. I’m able to shop at the farmer's market with these meals in mind. In terms of a hydration plan, I recommend you grab a 64 oz jug, 32 oz jug, or 16 oz glass jar, determine how much water you’ll drink each hour, up to 64 oz in the day. Finishing one glass of water after the next creates a feedback loop of completion and consistency, inspiring you to finish the next.

15:30 - #5: Daily dance! Acupuncture and wellness practitioner Jessica Parks of 'Growing Space' recommended the practice of indulging in a carefree 3 minutes of dancing at least once a day. It's a fun way to inject joy and a playful attitude into the day as early as possible. You can find more about Jessica Parks here.

How are you updating your routine in the new year? Share it with me on Instagram at @bribookspod.

PRODUCTS MENTIONED:

How to create relaxation routine
Yoga with Adrienne
Move with Nicole
Body Fit by Amy
Cheribundi
SuperMush
Goli Ashwaganda gummies
Acupuncture and wellness practitioner Jessica Parks of 'Growing Space' in Brooklyn, NY

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Transitioning to Natural Hair: 9 Things I Wish I Knew Before Transitioning to Natural Hair

I’m recording this episode inspired by an article I wrote at Glamour.com about transitioning to natural hair. In this episode, I’m sharing the 9 things I wish I knew before transitioning to the natural hair world.

0:45 - My natural hair origin story
2:00 - Tip #1: Be patient and kind with yourself--and your hair, and make sure you’re in a good headspace before starting your hair routine.
3:15 - Tip #2: You still need regular trims. “It's really important to cut your split ends on a regular basis, especially in the first few years,” says Takisha Sturdivant-Drew, the stylist behind Kerry Washington's immaculate curls.
4:15 - Tip #3: You don’t have to big chop if you don’t want to. It’s up to you which road you take, as long as you keep your new growth deeply moisturized. Remember, if you choose to transition your hair, your strands will essentially be two different textures. Opt for protein-rich and moisture-packed hair treatments.
5:05 - Tip #4: The right tools will make all the difference. Detangling brushes! Wide-tooth combs! Silk bonnets! You’re not imagining things—your bathroom counter space is shrinking. Arming yourself with the best tools possible at the onset will save you headaches (literally—good headbands are a must) down the line.
6:00 - Tip #5: Experiment with protective styles--carefully. Aim for your at-home protective styles to last a week and for professional-grade wig or braid installations to last about three months at most. “It can be tempting to play with your hairline while it’s in a protective style, so choose one where there’s flexibility at the crown and your edges," Sturdivant-Drew says.
7:25 - Tip #6: Try to limit heat styling as much as possible. If you do prefer to wear straight styles on your natural-hair journey—I mean, I get it; having two totally different textures in your hair isn't an easy transition!—you’ll need a flatiron that does as little heat damage as possible. I tried the Dyson Corale and can confirm the hype is real and well-deserved,
8:00 - Tip #7: Deep condition weekly. Natural hair requires a lot of extra TLC, and the best way to baby it is to give it lots (and lots) of moisture. To help your deep-conditioning mask work overtime, Sturdivant-Drew recommends putting it on roots to ends and sitting under a heating cap for at least 20 minutes. Doing this once a week will help moisturize, strengthen, and hydrate your curls
9:00 - Tip #8: Consider holding off on color until your transition is done. Sturdivant-Drew warns that keeping up a new hair color and a new natural-hair routine simultaneously can be expensive. “Maintaining color requires a whole other set of hair care and upkeep," she says. "You want to make sure you get to a good place with your natural hair before adding color.”
9:45 - Tip #9: When in doubt, simplify. On the days when my hair journey feels like more of a slug than a full-blown adventure, I like to take a deep breath and go back to basics. Two universally flattering and fool-proof styles I swear by? A simple middle part paired with a low chignon or a ponytail hair extension clip-in.

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In this episode, we sit down with Amelia Duffy, a junior and Research Associate attending the School of Information at the University of Michigan School of Information. Amelia and Brionna chat about how to leverage interests and hobbies in order to build a portfolio career for yourself postgrad, and the power of having multiple interests when it comes to the working world. For job search coaching questions and partnerships, email at bri@bribookspod.com, and follow @bribookspod on Instagram and Twitter.

SHOW NOTES

0:00-2:20 - Intro

2:45 - Meet Amelia Duffy, a junior at the School of Information at the University of Michigan, class of 2023.

4:00 - Amelia walks us through her thought process surrounding selecting courses, and how she’s using her college courses to help her make a more informed decision about her career path.

7:00 - “When you stop trying to force something on yourself, what you’re meant to do will come naturally.” - Brionna Jimerson

8:20 - Brionna’s podcast recommendation, “Side Hustle Pro” podcast by Nicaila Matthews Okome, a University of Michigan Ross School of Business graduate who pivoted her entrepreneurial passions into a full-grown career.

12:00 - On moving from company to company: “One of the things I’ve been trying to avoid is feeling pigeonholed into one space. It’s nice to hear about someone who has comfortably switched between roles and companies.”

13:00 - Brionna’s advice on how to switch jobs as a recent grad: “Once you’re on the boat, you can always change decks.” Find a company that has other business arms that interest you, where you can expand and grow into. Set up informational interviews with people who have the skillsets you’re trying to develop.”

20:30 - Amelia’s career advice: “You want to go into a career that goes on your strengths instead of one that just makes money, because 1.) You’ll enjoy it because it’ll come easier to you and 2.) You’ll constantly be trying to catch up because the career won’t ride on your strengths but will ride on the strengths of others.

22:30 - What Amelia wishes she knew about the job search and wants undergraduates to know now: “You don’t need a big name company right out of college. You can grow so much more in other areas of companies. Not every single person in the US from the top college is competing for the same jobs. Take a step back. You have to understand you can grow in other places.”

26:00 - How to pursue interests and extracurriculars as part of your career DNA

29:00 - Brionna’s #BriBooks recommendations for Amelia: “Data Science from Scratch: The First Principles of Python” published by O’Reilly, and “Your Money or Your Life: 9 Steps to Transforming Your Relationship with Money and Achieving Financial Independence” by Vicky Robin and Joe Dominguez.

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SECRETS TO FINDING A JOB AS A RECENT GRAD

Welcome to the Bri Books ‘Career Crash Course' mini-series! I’m sharing all the tips needed to help recent grads navigate the confusing yet exciting ‘real world’ after college. Join me as I discuss career topics that most students don't learn in college--like how to actually land a job--and go deep on lessons learned from my own career across tech, social media, and journalism. In this episode, we sit down with Ameenah Rashid, an Associate Analyst at eCommerce startup Profitero, and Tufts class of 2021. Ameenah and Brionna chat about navigating post-grad life and how to make those first crucial career decisions after college. For job search coaching questions and partnerships, email at bri@bribookspod.com, and follow @bribookspod on Instagram and Twitter.

SHOW NOTES

2:45 - Meet Ameenah Rashid, 21, Associate Analyst at Profitero, an eCommerce startup in Boston. Here’s the story of how Ameenah navigated those first decisions post-college by leaning on her interdisciplinary interests.

3:45 - How Ameenah spent almost the entirety of her senior year of college applying for jobs, ranging from analyst to finance to tech roles. Now that she has some stability, she’s ready to think about the next steps and play her cards more wisely. She’d been on the job search treadmill for a year, and now that she has a chance to stop, she’s working on being intentional about the next phase of her career.

5:20 - On the importance of cultivating interests outside of work. “I’ve always been left-brained and right-brained in my professional interests and hobbies. Career-wise, I’ve done a lot of marketing because there are so many marketing positions. I’ve done marketing, strategy, social media, some consulting, digital work, and I currently work as an analyst. My current role as an analyst is more technical than any role I’ve had before, so I’m leaning into that side of things.”

6:30 - Why it’s important to focus on getting the skill sets you need in order to set yourself up for success, and how to mine your own life’s experiences for ways you can incorporate your own knowledge into your professional life. “In my undergrad life, I’m proud of exploring internships in a diverse range of industries--from engineering education to the Olympics to marketing the editorial--it’s taught me that it doesn't matter if you don’t know everything about the experience. You can pick things up on the fly.

9:30 - The dangers of trying to put yourself into a ‘box’ professionally, and how to leverage your college activities as part of your job search process

16:00 - How Ameenah is making the most of her first job post-college, and Ameenah's advice for soon-to-be graduates/ what she wishes she knew six months ago. . "The whole time I was applying for jobs I was irrationally stressed when in reality if I didn't have a job it'd be fine."

18:00 - Brionna’s #Bribooks read: “Consumed” by Aja Barber

20:00 - Brionna’s #Bribooks recommendation for Ameenah: “Your Money Life: Your 20s” by Peter Dunn.

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It’s finally fall! Time to bring out your inner cozy girl and build your relaxation routine. In this episode, I’m sharing my relaxation rituals and tips on how to build a routine of your own, along with my go-to relaxation techniques for stress management.

What’s a Relaxation and Stress Management Routine?

Your relaxation routine is whatever you want it to be. Maybe it’s an hour per day spent in your own company or a weekend per month off the grid. Basically, whatever helps you turn off one part of your mind and dial into another, that’s the cornerstone of your relaxation practice. Here are 5 ways to build a relaxation routine all your own:

2:25 - Be intentional and selfish about your energy and routine. Plan for it! Take a moment and look ahead on your calendar to set aside dedicated time to practice your relaxation routine. By being selfish with your energy and being intentional about taking your relaxation routine seriously, it’s easier to get back on the horse if you fall off.
3:35 - Romanticize your own life and make a date with yourself. It doesn’t have to be anything intense, but get serious about blocking off time that says ‘Date Night with Me.’ During this time, do whatever you want! Romanticize your own life! Time spent in your own company is never time wasted.
5:05 - The ultimate relaxation cheat code: Indulge the five senses. That means do something that honors your sense of touch, taste, sight, smell, and hearing. For my relaxation routine, I’ll choose an activity that honors each of those scents and dedicate a half hour to each one.
9:19 - Focus on little luxurious moments. This concept was introduced to me by Lydia Elise Milen-Gordon, an outstanding creator and businesswoman I’ve been following for years. Recently, Lydia’s been delving more into internal happiness and how everyone’s definition of luxury is different. For me, luxury is going out into my garden in the mornings and seeing new tomatoes, planting seeds, hearing church bells, adding essential oil mist to my freshly-laundered clothes—those are my favorite luxurious moments. Empowering yourself with luxurious moments is crucial to a relaxation routine. Luxury is quality time, not quality things, and a relaxation routine that reflects that doesn’t cost a thing.
11:50 - Create before you consume!! This is a doozy. When I focus on creating before I consume, I notice the anxiety I have around creating was a result of consuming. By creating before consuming you’re able to focus where you want your attention to go when you’re relaxing. It’s all about creating what you want to SEE in the world, before allowing yourself to be sucked in BY the world.

What do you do to relax? Sho w me your relaxation routine on Instagram at @Bribookspod and tag me!

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Today, I’m sharing my ultimate fall refresh essentials--everything you need to start the cozy season off right. Any change in the seasons and calendar is an opportunity to reset, reflect and refresh and get into the coziest, comfiest fall state of mind.

Let me know what your autumn refresh routine looks like at @bribookspod on Instagram and Twitter, and by using #bribooks while you listen!

1:37 - #1: A notebook! Every autumn, I go to Paper Source and Barnes and Noble to scour the Leuchtturm1917 notebooks, which come in every hue under the sun. I love the bullet journaling approach (here’s an episode of Bri Books about how to start bullet journaling!) I’m starting your fall reset with a notebook because you have to know where you want to go to get to where you want to be. Having a designated place to dump thoughts, plans and problems alleviate mental clutter. (Here’s a link to my favorite Leuchturn1917 notebook.)
3:20 - #2: New tote bag! The CALPAK Haven laptop tote has taken the place of my everyday canvas bag. Inside the CALPAK tote is a removable laptop compartment. My favorite function? The slit in the back AKA the ‘luggage pass-through,’ so you can slip through your carry-on luggage handle. This is the bag that’ll define my fall ‘on-the-go' look. (Here’s a link)
5:40 - #3: Bluetooth earbuds! The ones I've been using all summer and will use into winter are the Jaybird Vista 2 wireless sports earbuds. They're designed for athletes--think runners, rock-climbers--who need reliable earbuds with strong sound performance. They hold a charge for about 24 hours, and the case itself is a charging port. Here’s a link to where to grab the Jaybird Vista 2 wireless sports earbuds, a definitive fall essential that you’ll use year-round.
8:20 - #4: Kitchen essentials! Namely the Balmuda kettle and toaster. When the temperatures cool down, I get excited to make hot beverages around the clock and roast vegetables 24/7. In this respect, the Balmuda kettle and toaster have become a non-negotiable. All of their products are designed with a minimalist aesthetic to be beautiful and functional. From the kettle's painted stainless steel to the ergonomic handle, using the Balmuda kettle is a downright pleasure. You can use the toaster for roasting veggies, warming bread, baking cookies, steaming fish, warming up leftovers, roasting veggies--basically anything. If it’s time for you to make an investment in your kitchen appliances as the cozy season creeps up, the Balmuda kettle and toaster deserve a spot on your list and kitchen counter. Here’s a link to purchase the Balmuda kettle and toaster.
12:15 - #5: Tea and cider! Now is the perfect time to add tea and cider to your beverage collection. You can make apple cider slushies, cocktails, etc. at home to give a seasonal refresh to your beverage collection. My favorite autumnal teas are Traditional Medicinals and TeaPigs.
15:00 - #6: Handcream! Two hand creams I’ve been loving: Caudalie Nail and Hand Repair and Avya Nourishing Hand Treatment. I’ve been using Caudalie Nail Repair for five years now, and I buy a new tube each autumn. Rich in shea butter, avocado butter, polyphenols, the touch is so hydrating. If you prefer a rich hand cream that doesn't leave a greasy film, this is the one. Here’s a link to purchase the Caudalie hand cream. Up next: the Avya Nourishing Hand Treatment. Avya nourishing hand treatment is rooted in ayurvedic medicine and has hyaluronic acid that helps hydrate and protects the dry chapped skin of your hands. The best part: the founder of Avya Skincare originally created the product as a face cream. Here’s a link to where to pick up the Avya hand treatment.
17:23 - #7: Aromatherapy tools! When you think of autumn, certain scents come to mind: pumpkin, dried leaves, apples, rain, mulled cider. Take that exact same energy, bottle it up, and you have Aromatherapy Associates’ atomizer diffuser. The atomizer is a waterless and portable diffuser, meaning you can carry it with you from room to room. Aromatherapy Associates is one of my favorite British brands, well-known in the wellness space for their innovative approach to aromatherapy. The diffuser disperses a microfine mist directly from the essential oil bottle. And since there is no water, it is easy to move around without the need to clean between uses. The ‘Deep Relax’ essential oil blend and the ‘Breathe’ pure essential oil blend are my absolute favorites for everyday use. Don’t overlook the power of scent in creating a space that feels warm to you. Here’s a link to where to purchase Aromatherapy Associates’ atomizer.
20:30: #8: A staycation! This autumn, hop on the highway and get out of dodge. Choose an easy location (no more than 150 miles away) and treat yourself to a long weekend trip. One of my favorites is going to the Catskills in New York state, especially the town of Kingston, New York. I find that the autumnal bliss I crave can be found 100 miles outside of New York City. Stone Ridge Orchard, a fantastic local orchard, grows everything from apples to pears in the autumn, and the pumpkin patches are plentiful. I highly recommend a trip to Kingston Wine Company in downtown Kingston, and a lazy afternoon spent popping into and out of vintage shops blows away the end-of-summer blues. Wherever you are in the country, find the hidden gems of your region or hometown to remind you that magic is all around--and you don’t have to pay thousands of dollars to be inspired and reinvigorated.

OTHER EPISODES MENTIONED AND PRODUCTS MENTIONED

Bri Books: How to Get Started Bullet-Journaling
Leuchtturm1917 notebooks
CALPAK Haven laptop tote
Jaybird Vista 2 wireless sports earbuds
Balmuda kettle and toaster
Traditional Medicinals and TeaPigs teas
Caudalie Nail and Hand Repair and Avya Nourishing Hand Treatment
Aromatherapy Associates’ atomizer diffuser
Staycation to the Catskills in New York state, especially the town of Kingston, New York

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Welcome to Bri Books! Today I’m sharing the 7 best sunscreens for dark skin. It’s the dog days of summer: when temperatures start to soar around sunrise. I’m somewhat on the sunscreen beat, you could say, thanks to my writing about SPFs at Glamour.com. My stories include a review of Black Girl Sunscreen and ‘11 Women of Color on the Best Sunscreens for Dark Skin.’

1:30: The fact is, anyone, no matter skin tone, can get sunburned. Repeated unprotected sun exposure can cause skin damage, hyperpigmentation, and even skin cancer. It’s no secret that historically the beauty industry hasn’t made slathering up with SPF an enjoyable experience--far too many formulations aren’t made to blend in on dark skin. I’m sharing with you my holy grail picks that don’t leave a greasy residue or ashy tone behind.
2:55: #1: Black Girl Sunscreen’s founder, Shontay Lundy, was having a beach day in Miami and had a hard time finding a sunscreen that didn’t leave residue on her skin. At that moment, BGSS was born as a solution for Black women looking to protect their skin. Since they’ve, they’ve expanded nationally to Target stores and secured a $1M investment recently. One of my favorite things about BGSS is that it absorbs quickly and is a great base for makeup. I can’t tell you what a relief it is to be able to sweat without worrying if sunscreen is leaving streaks down my face. BGSS is available at Target for $15.99.
4:20 #2: La Roche Posay SPF 100 Anthelios Face and Body sunscreen: This is a sunscreen I reach for whenever I’m on a beach or outdoors all day. At SPF 100, it’s great for children and adults with sun-sensitive skin. It melts right into the skin and is great if you need to be confident in your SPF protection if you’re hiking, walking, or at the beach. I recommend it for part of your year-round SPF collection. La Roche Posay SPF 100 is available online for $25.00.
5:36: #3: Peter Thomas Roth Max Matte SPF 45: This mattifying shine control sunscreen feels so luxurious. I love the weightless, sheer finish it gives. The texture feels like any other moisturizer, but with the protection of sunscreen. Pro tip: Use this SPF to create your dream tinted moisturizer: I recommend applying a few drops of liquid foundation into the SPF. Also, this sunscreen is phenomenal for the decolletage, and for building the habit of applying sunscreen to the neck, collar, top of the chest, and other areas that are prone to burning. Peter Thomas Roth Max Matte SPF 45 is available for $34 at Sephora.
7:25 #4: La Roche Posay AOX SPF Serum: This has become my favorite SPF serum because it reminds me of the importance of wearing sunscreen year-round. During winter, when we don't have to worry about sweat, we have to stay vigilant about wearing sunscreen. It's lightweight enough to be worn alone, with a moisturizer, or under makeup. La Roche Posay AOX SPF Serum is available for $42.50.
8:20: #5: Bask Suncare SPF 30: This sunscreen feels good and does good at the same time. Bask Suncare partners with the Sun Protection Foundation to increase access to sunscreen. This reef-safe SPF is free of oxybenzone, parabens, sulfates, and irritants, and I feel the light vanilla and coconut scent gives a childhood memory of days and nights spent outside. Bask Suncare SPF 30 is available for $28 at Basksuncare.com
9:40 #6: Sol de Janerio Bum Bum Sol Oil SPF30: This super luxe feeling and smelling oil formula combines reef-safe SPF30 and skin smoothers like capucha butter and acai oil. It’s infused with Sol de Janeiro's iconic fragrance, and it’s one of the sunscreens I reach for if I’m having a long day in the sand or a sweaty day in NYC. After showering, I’ll throw this oil on my body and go about my day. The scent has peachy-tropical notes with hints of coconut vanilla. It truly smells like summer. Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Sol Oil SPF30 is available for $38.
11:20 #7: Farmacy Green Defense Mineral Sunscreen: This zinc oxide mineral sunscreen sits on the skin surface to reflect damaging UVA and UVB rays. This is a great SPF pick if you want to dip your toe into the world of mineral sunscreens. I put it on the areas that are underlooked and prone to burning, like the back of my legs, the inside of my arms, etc. It’s definitely the SPF I’ll be using this fall and winter to remind me that if the sun’s up, the sunscreen’s gotta go on. Farmacy Green Defense Mineral Sunscreen is available at Sephora for $36.

ARTICLES MENTIONED

11 Best Sunscreens for Dark Skin
Black Girl Sunscreen Review

SPF GRAPHICS/ INSTAGRAM POSTS

6 Best Sunscreens for Dark Skin IG Reels

3 Beach-Perfect Sunscreens for Your Next Beach Day

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Welcome to Bri Books! Today we’re jumping into the best new makeup products to buy at Sephora! Listen to part one here, “The 6 Best New Skincare Products at Sephora.”

1:25: #1: Merit Beauty, a luxury clean, minimalist beauty brand, just launched at Clean at Sephora! I was able to test out Merit products while at Glamour.com (here’s a link to my Glamour.com article reviewing the Merit Minimalist Makeup kit) Their seven-piece collection is a curated chorus of everyday products, including foundation sticks, eyebrow gel, mascara, lip slicks, cheek tint, a makeup brush, and highlighter. I think Merit’s products are perfect for what I call a ‘Zoom beat,’ and they’re perfect to just grab and apply during the summer months. My favorite shade slick in shade Sangria looks phenomenal on deep dark skin, along with the Day Glow highlighter! The Merit Beauty Day Glow highlighter is $30 at Sephora.
4:40: #2: Charlotte Tilbury Nudegasm Palette: Finally, a Charlotte Tilbury palette that works flawlessly on my deep brown skin! I’ve been waiting for this palette all summer--it’s a four-color quad with shades from soft champagne to luxe chocolate that give a luxe, marbled, old Hollywood glow. Launching at Sephora on August 26, this palette will become your go-to for all of your late summer, early fall, and even winter (!!!) beauty looks. Charlotte Tilbury Nudegasm Palette is available on CharlotteTilbury.com and at Sephora.com on August 26. Bonus: The Charlotte Tilbury Tinted Love lip and cheek tint in ‘Love Chain,’ gives the prettiest cherry glow and instantly brightens up my makeup look. Tinted Love is available at Sephora for $34.
8:33: #3: Bite Beauty Changemaker Supercharged Micellear Foundation: I love that this foundation is water-lightweight, and gives perfect light to medium coverage. It’s perfect for the humid summer months when you can’t be bothered with a full face of makeup. I like to apply this foundation with a touch of sunscreen or moisturizer to create a tinted moisturizer that stands up to summer sweat. Bite Beauty Changemaker Supercharged Micellear Foundation is available at Sephora for $44.
10:15: #4: Fenty Skin Buff Ryder Exfoliating Body Scrub: Robyn Fenty has done it again! The Fenty Skin Buff Ryder Exfoliating Body Scrub is a gentle, tropical-inspired scrub packed with super-fine sand, sugar, and nourishing oils. I love to apply this scrub in the shower, rub it into my skin, and then let the water rinse the excess scrub away. Fenty Skin Buff Ryder Exfoliating Body Scrub is available at Sephora for $32.
12:15: #5: Kosas Good Body Skin AHA + Enzyme Exfoliating Body Wash: Kosas understands that only focusing on the skin on your face does a disservice to the rest of your body. This daily exfoliating cleanser helps to unclog pores, visibly smooth the texture of the skin, and fight body skin blemishes. It’s gentle enough for everyday use and leaves my skin feeling brand-new. Kosas Good Body Skin AHA + Enzyme Exfoliating Body Wash is available at Sephora for $18.

Let me know what your skincare routine looks like at @bribookspod on Instagram and Twitter, and by using #bribooks while you listen!

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Welcome to Bri Books! Today I’m sharing with you the best new products at Sephora--this summer’s best new Sephora launches that are worth your time, energy, and coin. My intention is to inspire your fall beauty routine, so I’m breaking it down into the best skin care products at Sephora, the best makeup products at Sephora, and the best new body care products at Sephora. I’ve included links to all the products in the show notes and on bribookspod.com!

1:55: #1: Augustinus Bader Rich Cream: Originally released in 2018, the Rich Cream quickly attained unprecedented status among the skincare elite. I was able to review The Cream as part of a beauty story for Glamour.com. After that experience, I got the hype! For the 2021 update, Prof. Bader and his researchers returned to the lab to create a new version that focuses on cellular renewal. Since I've been using the original The Cream for a year, after trying out the updated formulation, I did notice a visible reduction in the pollution and clogged pores I had. I love to use The Cream as the highlight of my nighttime routine. It includes TFC8, which is known to reduce hyperpigmentation in the skin. The Rich Cream with TFC8 retails at $170 at Sephora, and you can pick up a half ounce bottle for $85 at Sephora.
4:45 #2: Saint Jane Hydrating Petal Cream: I've been quietly obsessing over Saint Jane all summer and spring, and the brand has finally launched in Sephora! The Hydrating Petal Cream is an all-day moisturizer with hibiscus peptides and floral essences (a cottagecore skincare dream) including antioxidant-rich magnolia and honeysuckle. Inspired by how flower petals maintain luxurious hydration, the Saint Jane founder developed this incredible product that helps to reduce stress in the skin. The best part? It doubles as a post-sun treatment with soothing active ingredients that calm sun-sensitive skin. Saint Jane Hydrating Petal Cream is $68 at Sephora.
8:00: #3: Tatcha Indigo Overnight Repair Serum in Cream Treatment: Another new to Sephora launch, this Tatcha treatment began as a personal formulation request from Vicky Tsai, founder of Tatcha, who dealt with eczema and flare-ups over the last year and wanted to create something to soothe her own skin. If you’re dealing with regular skin inflammation, the Tatcha Indigo Overnight Repair Serum is for you. I love how this product rebalances my skin at night and helps it regenerate itself while I sleep. After a long night (or early morning), I reach for this treatment to get rid of any irritation. It exceeded my expectations, and I think it’s a great pick for acne-prone skin. The Tatcha Indigo Overnight Repair Serum in Cream Treatment is available for $88 at Sephora.
10:30: Quick Break
10:50: #4: Ole Henriksen Cold Plunge Mask: This clay-based skin mask is great for combating oily skin in the summer months. It delivers a chill and purifies the skin, similar in effect to the Nordic cold cleanse tradition of jumping into chilly water. It’s perfect for skincare Sundays and hot summer days alike. Here’s a link to an Instagram Reels I created all about the Ole Henriksen Cold Plunge mask, which is available at Sephora for $38.
13:30: #5: Ole Henriksen Dewtopia 20% Night Acid: Packed with lemon enzyme, aloe juice, AHAs and PHAs, this night acid is the perfect one-and-done acid product for your skincare routine. It just launched in Sephora on July 26, inspired by Ole Henriksen’s spa heritage. This product feels custard-like, the lemony sugar scent is divine at the end of a long day. Dewtopia is the perfect balance of exfoliating and nourishing components. Ole Henriksen Dewtopia 20% Night Acid is available at Sephora for $55.
16:30: #6: Algenist Blue Algae Vitamin C Dark Spot Correcting Peel: This epic vitamin C-based peel is formulated with spirulina, a blue-green algae known for its antioxidant properties. I use it as a resurfacing peel to help reduce hyperpigmentation and was blown away at how gentle this peel is. If the words ‘peel’, ‘correcting,’ and ‘brightening’ conjure up thoughts of burning skin, fear not, this is by far the most gentle, non-irritating peel I’ve ever used. There’s a tingle--so you know it’s working--but it quickly vanishes. Pro tip: Pick up Algenist’s Vitamin C Brightening Serum for double protection. When used together, I saw results within a week, and members of my family who also tested the product reported noticing a more even complexion and skin texture after a week of regular use. Algenist Blue Algae Vitamin C Dark Spot Correcting Peel is available at Sephora for $85, and the Algenist Blue Algae Vitamin C Serum is $72.

Let me know what your skincare routine looks like at @bribookspod on Instagram and Twitter, and by using #bribooks while you listen!

Products Mentioned at Sephora:

Augustinus Bader Rich Cream: $85 or $170
Saint Jane Hydrating Petal Cream: $68
Tatcha Indigo Overnight Repair Serum in Cream Treatment: $88
Ole Henriksen Cold Plunge Mask: $38
Ole Henriksen Dewtopia 20% Night Acid: $55
Algenist Blue Algae Vitamin C Dark Spot Correcting Peel: $85
Algenist Blue Algae Vitamin C Serum: $72

Articles Mentioned:

Glamour.com: Best Augustinus Bader Products Worth Your Money

MORE SKINCARE-FOCUSED BRI BOOKS EPISODES

What to Buy at Sephora During The VIB Sale
5 Best Beauty and Skincare Books for Beginners
AM & PM Skincare Routine: Early Autumn Edition
Makeup Bag Highlights and Fenty Beauty Mascara Hot Take

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What does 'luxury' mean, and how can you create a truly luxe home? In today's episode, we're sitting down with Dominique Brielle Fluker, who is a content strategist and storyteller by day, and most recently, founder of DBF Interiors. With DBF Interiors, Dominique brings her interior styling talents to modern professional women. Dominique believes luxury is truly experienced when one feels inspired to slow down, embrace a sense of ease, and enjoy life. In this episode, we get into the nitty-gritty of it: what it means to be an entrepreneur while keeping a 9-5, how to upgrade your space, how to make your home feel bigger, and how to create a ritualistic presence about your home. If you're looking for design inspo or ways to redesign your space, this is the episode for you.

4:30 - Dominique's earliest design and decor memories from childhood
6:30 - How to cultivate a mindset of luxury
9:00 - The story of DBF Interiors
13:00 - Two easy ways to upgrade your space
21:00 - How to inject personality, sanctuary, and style into your home
24:00 - The secrets to a successful staycation

"It's about mindset, about having the agency to curate your own life, and having the time and mental clarity to really luxuriate in certain experiences." - DBF Interiors Dominique Fluker

Follow Dominique on Instagram, follow DBF Interiors on Instagram and online to book a consultation, and keep up with one of Dominique's favorite decor blogs, 'ABlackGirlinWestElm.'

If you’re new to the show, leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and SoundCloud! Please tell me what how you create a luxe home by using #bribooks on Instagram, and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter.

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Today we’re talking with wine and food creator/ enthusiast Sarita Chaves. If you’re all about your wine, spirits, and food, you need to meet Sarita. She’s a DC native with a love for food, wine and city living. Sarita’s the founder of the Swirl Suite podcast, a cohort of Black women who work in the wine and spirits industry. She created her blog ‘Vinemeup’ in 2013 after years of working at a local winery in Maryland and highlighting unique wines on social media. Currently, she cooks and creates wine pairings in her own kitchen which you can watch play out on her Instagram and on her Instagram Stories.

In this episode, Sarita teaches us how to pair the wines with the seasons, shares her own history and journey through the wine industry, and reveals to us the striking similarities between winemaking and farming.

PS: The Vinemeup Activity Book is almost here! For those that desire to celebrate Blacks in Wine in a most creative way. Whether you are a seasoned oenophile or someone who is still learning what makes a wine wonderful, the VINEMEUP Activity Book is an entertaining and satisfying experience that compliments wine-sipping. Click here to sign up for updates about the book launch!

SHOW NOTES:

4:10 - Sarita’s wine career story
8:05 - What makes Maryland wine so special and the magic of Maryland soil: “I think Maryland wine is a Cinderella story.”
10:15 - The parallels between winemaking and farming: “Winemakers are studied farmers.”
11:15 - How Sarita uses wine to elevate her homecooking and to freshen up her everyday meals: “After watching my mom, I started to cook with her, and when I lived on my own, it cranked up a bit. Cooking has always been my thing, but the wine took it up a notch. There are things I’ve experienced foodwise with wine that I've never experienced in my life. I’ve never sat on a hill atop a vineyard, eating duckbreast and drinking zinfandel until I became a wineblogger. That’s when I started to pay attention to chefs on TV--what they’re using, their techniques, etc.”
14:00 - How to travel the world through a bottle of wine: “Find a really good wine shop, and get to know someone who works there, and get on the email list! Follow them on Instagram! Join a wine club!”
16:00 - Shoutout to our fave wine stores: Simple Syrup in Brooklyn, and Wardman Wines in DC (where wine author Julia Coney reigns!)
26:00 - How to transition your wine palette throughout the seasons
29:30 - The best wine to drink during each season
30:00 - 37:00 - Gardening talk: The best things to grow in each season!

Follow the Swirl Suite on Instagram

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On today's episode, we're talking all things International Women's Day, the best female-founded companies, and 10 amazing brands you need to know, shop and love from now on. Over 70% of the women and founders on this list are women of color.

Celebrated on March 8 annually, International Women's Day is one of the most important days of the year to celebrate women's achievements, raise awareness about women's equality, lobby for accelerated gender parity, and fundraise for female-centered charities. I'll be sharing some fantastic brands and initiatives that are perfectly aligned with International Women's Day.

This episode is proudly sponsored by briCandles, 100% natural soy candles hand-poured in Brooklyn. Bri Books listeners get 20% off their briCandles.com order with the code BRIBOOKS.

If you’re new to the show, leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, Spotify Stitcher, and SoundCloud! Show me what you're reading by using #bribooks on Instagram, and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter. Follow @BriBooksPod on Instagram and @bribookspod on Twitter.

Uoma Beauty, founded by Sharon Chuter
Cashe cashmere donates 10% of all purchases to the Nepal Youth Foundation. Their new 'Women of Nepal' docu-film, created via a partnership with multimedia journalist Rajneesh Bhandari on behalf of the Nepal Youth Foundation (NYF), showcases the intersection of livelihood and motherhood for two profound women.
Black Girl Sunscreen was designed to start the conversation around sun safety and education, and works to decrease the risk of melanoma within the Black community, one bottle of SPF at a time.
K-Swiss Girl Scouts collection. Each shoe takes details from its namesake and translates them to a reimagined take on the iconic Court 66, with textures that mimic the Girl Scout Cookies they represent. Here's a link to how you can build community partnerships with your local Girl Scout troop.
The Lip Bar's story is a complete Cinderella story. The founder, Melissa Butler, was turned DOWN from Shark Tank! But that "rejection" just sharpened her direction, because now you can find TLB in Walmart and Target stores across the country! Here's my favorite new product from TLB, a 3-in-1 skin conditioner tinted moisturizer which comes in 8 glorious shades.
Soon Skincare is a beauty brand started with the goal of bringing the excitement and innovation of Korean beauty to the entire world. The company is named after co-founder Lisa's grandmother and means 'smooth and pure' in Korean, which is at the crux of the entire line. I'm obsessed with the Vitamin C + E serum, and the Mermaid Marine collagen serum.
DBF Interiors founder Dominique Fluker is an interior design service bringing interior styling to modern professionals. Dominique believes luxury is truly experienced when one slows down and embraces the fruits of her labor. Here's a link to book a consultation with Dominique.
Dominique Broadway is an award-winning millennial personal finance expert and entreprenuer. Her personal journey to educate and assist women of color in reaching their financial goals began with working with the uber wealthy and realizing that money advice should be available to anyone who wants to learn it. Through her platform and The Wealth Transfer Investing course, she has changed the game and broadened so many people's understanding of what's possible when it comes to making money in the market. More than that, she's passionate about changing people's money mindset, which is crucial.
Corey Paige is a designer who started her business in her dorm room at Tulane University. Nowadays, Corey is designing leggings, jogers, crewnecks, phone cases, face masks with her signature 'Millennial Lisa Frank' aesthetic of bright, cheerful colors.
Bearaby is a weighted blanket comapny I've been loving for about two years. Bearaby believes that self-care should be joyful and deep, revitalizing rest should be natural. The blankets are all-natural, sustainable and made from recycled materials. The founder Kathrine Hamm was led to create the brand out of her on sleep struggles. It's a brand I can put my name (and money!) behind.

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This episode is proudly sponsored by briCandles, 100% natural soy candles hand-poured in Brooklyn. Bri Books listeners get 20% off their briCandles.com order with the code BRIBOOKS.

We're starting season 6 with Samio, a full-time blogger and content creator from Manchester, England. Samio is a 'style enthusiast' who focuses on quality over quantity in all things in life. Over the years, Samio has been able to develop her love of photography into a full-fledged blog, YouTube platform, and Instagram platform.

In this episode, Samio and I get into the nuts and bolts of living. She gives encouragement to people who are afraid to start something new, and we dig deep into why it's important that you're careful about how you think about and talk about yourself. Samio loves to delve deep into this topic on her YouTube channel, which feels like having a (virtual) chat with a close friend. Follow Samio's journey on Instagram, YouTube, and her blog!

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New season, who dis? Welcome to season 6 of Bri Books, the podcast that encourages, entertains and inspires by discussing ideas both on and off the page. I have SO much great content in store for you—buckle up! If you’re new to the show, leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, Spotify Stitcher, and SoundCloud! Show me what you're watching by using #bribooks on Instagram, and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter. Follow @BriBooksPod on Instagram! Show me what you're watching by using #bribooks on Instagram, join the @bribookspod community on Instagram and @bribookspod on Twitter.

This episode is proudly sponsored by briCandles, 100% natural soy candles hand-poured in Brooklyn. Bri Books listeners get 20% off their briCandles.com order with the code BRIBOOKS.

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This episode is proudly sponsored by briCandles, 100% natural soy candles hand-poured in Brooklyn. Bri Books listeners get 20% off their briCandles.com order with the code BRIBOOKS.

Brace yourselves: the beauty discounts are coming. Here's my curated list of the best products to buy from Sephora's 2020 Cyber Monday sale. These are the picks I've been loving (and lusting after) all year, and with up to 50% off full-price items, now's the time to pounce. Last year, I recorded a Bri Books episode about what to buy during Sephora's annual December VIB sale, and wanted to share a Cyber Monday-ready curated list. Here's what I'd stock up on if I were you:

Bread Beauty Supply creamy deep conditioner ($28)
Ilia Eye Heart Clean Beauty Kit ($45, limited edition but here's a similar Ilia Beauty set with even more goodies for $48)
Urban Decay Naked Honey eyeshadow palette (Was: $49; Now: $24.50)
Peter Thomas Roth Masking Minis 5-piece mask kit ($19)
Alien Eau de Parfum Mugler perfume (Was: $120; Now: $72)
Maison Margiela Replica perfume Deluxe Mini Coffret Set ($68)
Caudalie Hand and Nail Cream Trio ($15)
Dyson Corrale hair straightener ($499)

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This episode is proudly sponsored by briCandles, 100% natural soy candles hand-poured in Brooklyn. Bri Books listeners get 20% off their briCandles.com order with the code BRIBOOKS.

Get out of that takeout rut with these 5 essential cookbooks, just in time for the holidays. These cookbooks are filled with mouthwatering recipes and invaluable culinary tips that'll help you build confidence in the kitchen this holiday season.

5 Mouthwatering Cookbooks to Inspire Your Holiday Meals

Cooking for one (for yourself on a regular basis): “The Living Kitchen: Healing Recipes to Support Your Body During Cancer Treatment and Recovery” by Sarah Grossman and Tamara Green
Cooking for a crowd (two or more): “Cravings: Recipes for all the Food You Want to Eat” by Chrissy Teigen
Guest flex (for when it’s your turn to host): “Everyday Is Saturday: Recipes + Strategies for Easy Cooking, Every Day of the Week” by Sarah Copeland
Technique (how you present your food): “That Photo Makes Me Hungry: Photographic Food for Fun and Profit” by Andrew Scravini
What’s up next (new release) "Jubilee: Recipes From Two Centuries Of African American Cooking:” by Toni Tipton-Martin

Pssst, check out my “How to Shop the Farmers Market” IGTV for more info about seasonal eating.

If you’re new to the show, leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and SoundCloud! Please ask me your houseplant and garden questions and show me what you're growing by using #bribooks on Instagram, and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter. Follow @BriBooksPod on Instagram for more cooking tips and culinary secrets.

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Feeling nostalgic? Watch these black-and-white movies in your cozy socks with a cup of hot chocolate this holiday season.

This episode is proudly sponsored by briCandles, 100% natural soy candles hand-poured in Brooklyn. Bri Books listeners get 20% off their briCandles.com order with the code BRIBOOKS.

If you’re new to the show, leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, Spotify Stitcher, and SoundCloud! Show me what you're watching by using #bribooks on Instagram, and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter. Follow @BriBooksPod on Instagram for more movie recommendations.

4 Iconic Black & White Films to Watch Over Thanksgiving Break

Mildred Pierce, 1945
1. ‘Mildred Pierce’ is a 1945 crime-drama film starring Joan Crawford in the Oscar-winning title role. The style in this movie is UNREAL, and I love that the Max Factor makeup creator worked exclusively with Joan Crawford on this film—such a cool piece of film and makeup history.
2. All About Eve, 1950
3. ‘All About Eve’ stars Bette Davis. The director and screenplay creator is Joseph Mankiewicz. Bette plays a stage actress named Margot who is slowly but surely being edged out by her protegee, Eve. The monologues! The hairstyles! The shade!
4. A Raisin in the Sun, 1961
5. ‘A Raising in the Sun’ is the film starring Sidney Poitier, Ruby Dee, Claudia McNeil and Diana Sands following the Younger clan in Chicago as they navigate their future as a family unit and as individuals. 'Based on the play by Lorraine Hansberry, the scoring in this film accents the theatric foundation of the story.
6. Madame Bovary, 1949
7. Based on the controversial 1856 novel ‘Madame Bovary’ by French author Gustave Flaubert, the 1949 adaptation challenged public ‘morality’ and the Motion Picture Production Code fought to censor the film.

Show me what you're watching by using #bribooks on Instagram, and @bribookspod on Instagram and @bribookspod on Twitter.

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This episode is proudly sponsored by briCandles, 100% natural soy candles hand-poured in Brooklyn. Bri Books listeners get 20% off their briCandles.com order with the code BRIBOOKS. Valid until 11/21/2020.

If you’re new to the show, leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, Spotify Stitcher, and SoundCloud! Please ask me your career and personal development questions and show me what you're reading by using #bribooks on Instagram, and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter. Follow @BriBooksPod on Instagram for more book recommendations.

This week's guest is Patricia Bright: businesswoman, YouTube queen and author of “Heart & Hustle: Use Your Passion, Build Your Brand, Achieve Your Dreams.” Patricia has earned over 2.9M YouTube subscribers, and just hit 1.2M on Instagram. I've followed Patricia Bright since the late 2000’s, and it’s such a treat to be able to celebrate the platform she’s created. Since recording, Patricia's expanded her empire with the launch of The Break channel on YouTube where she chronicles her investment property journey and dishes out invaluable personal finance tips.

This podcast episode was recorded in April 2019. Note on audio: You’ll hear the sound of me typing furiously in the background during the interview. I apologize!

0:00-4:30 – Meet Patricia Bright, the story behind Bri Books cold pitching Patricia and why Suzanne Jeffers’ “Feel the fear and do it anyway” is how Patricia lives her life.

4:30 – In her book, Patricia discusses how being consistent is the challenge of our lives, and one we must rise to daily. Patricia shares her untold story, and why the big three--Brand, Business, and Beliefs--are crucial. With "Heart & Hustle," Patricia is teaching us to find our grinds, and identify our sweet spots where passions and unique skills find the perfect audience.

8:20 – How Patricia applied for and earned an investment banking internship…even though she didn’t have the grades and failed the admittance test…and what the experience taught her about the nature of limitations

12:09 – Patricia on learning to be a stronger networker: “Networking should be active, and start on an honest point of interest.”

14:25 – Taking the sting out of networking, and learning to be comfortable having varied conversations with different types of people.

14:45 – While Patricia was writing “Heart and Hustle,” she created one of her most successful YouTube series organically, the “I Spent” series wherein she shops online retailers, and brings her YouTube audience along as she tries on and reviews new purchases.

15:25 – Patricia: “It’s important to find that sweet spot between your passion, ability and what’s practical.” it sounds like that’s the recipe.

18:00 – Patricia on the science of building an audience: Writing down and executing ideas, and planning content are key! These two concepts are transformative because it takes the in-the-moment pressure away.

18:50 – Patricia’s #BriBooks current read: “Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear

19:45 – Patricia: “You realize that in life, you’ll have a big goal, but what matters are the steps you take towards it. If you can take those steps every day, you’ll most likely achieve that goal. Pick up ‘Atomic Habits’!

20:07 – Let’s play “Patricia Taught Me,” a game where we quote from “Heart and Hustle” and Patricia expands on the ideas behind her words.

24:20 – One of the most powerful quotes from the book: “ “When you're struggling or fearful about doing something you want to do, the temptation is real to look for an excuse. Don’t. Excuses are just ways to stop yourself from being as good as you want to be.” – Patricia Bright, “Heart and Hustle.”

25:50 – What’s making Patricia say “What a time to be alive”? “I’m excited about is the fact that knowledge and wisdom will be open for everyone. We’re in the generation of we all have the same knowledge, so let’s work. It’s important to me: for people to learn, have access to information. That’s where the passion lies.”

LINKS TO PATRICIA'S WORK:

Patricia Bright's blog, book, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube channels.

Say hi! @bribookspod and bribookspod.com and bribookspod.com/newsletter.

If you’re new to the show, leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, Spotify Stitcher, and SoundCloud! Please ask me your houseplant and garden questions and show me what you're growing by using #bribooks on Instagram, and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter. Follow @BriBooksPod on Instagram for more wine buying tips and wine secrets.

Heart and Hustle: Use your passion. Build your brand. Achieve your dreams.

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This episode is proudly sponsored by briCandles, 100% natural soy candles hand-poured in Brooklyn. Bri Books listeners get 20% off their briCandles.com order with the code BRIBOOKS.

If you’re new to the show, leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and SoundCloud! Please ask me your wine and food questions and show me what you're growing by using #bribooks on Instagram, and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter. Follow @BriBooksPod on Instagram for more wine buying tips and wine secrets.

How many times have you gone into a wine shop, perused bottles and labels with glazed-over eyes, and left unfulfilled and over budget? Here are four categories I consider when planning what wine to bring to an event, serve to guests, or buy for myself:

Brionna’s @BriBooksPod Wine Menu Tips

Bubbles or no? (shoutout to Sarita of The Swirl Suite podcast for always encouraging bubbles to kick off the night)
Learn the rules, then break them. I choose wines based on my own flavor principle: the lighter the flesh, the lighter the wine. Hence white wine with fish and creamy pasta dishes, red wines with tomato dishes and red meats, and Rosé flows best with vegetables. From there, I forget everything I know and opt for a left-of-center pick such as Pinot Gris in place of a classic white wine or an orange wine in lieu of Rosé.
Pick up a wildcard--perhaps a liquor--that you can use to create quick cocktails
Think about analogous and complementary flavors relative to the meal

Brionna’s @BriBooksPod Wine Menu Recommendations

Bubbles recommendation: Vigneto Luciano Saetti Rosso Viola Lambrusco Salamino, 2018 ($20-$23), available at Simple Syrup Wine and Spirits in Brooklyn
Meal pairing recommendation: Meinklang “Mulatschak” Weisser Pino Gris ($17-$20), available at Simple Syrup
Easy, delicious red to compliment every dish recommendation: Adega de Penalva Idigena Branco, Dao ($13-$15), available at Simple Syrup
Wildcard: Letherbee Charred Oak Absinthe Brun ($38-$40), available at Simple Syrup

Show me what you're sipping on by using #bribooks on Instagram, and @bribookspod on Instagram and @bribookspod on Twitter.

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I’ve curated the 5 best beauty books (say that five times fast!) that I relied on this year. They’re a great starting place for digging deeper into something we all practice—caring for our body’s biggest organ, our skin—and a bit of natural health. Hope this inspires you to investigate what you’re using and discover the ingredients you didn’t know you needed. Let me know what your skincare routine looks like at @bribookspod on Instagram and Twitter, and by using #bribooks while you listen!

“The French Beauty Solution: Time-Tested Secrets to Look and Feel Beautiful Inside and Out” by Caudalie founder Mathilde Thomas (June 2015): Mathilde founded the skincare company Caudalie with her husband after taking inspiration from her family’s vineyard in Bordeaux. Not only is “The French Beauty Solution” filled with recipes, but it’s also filled with research about the composition of skin, how it changes over time, and how to care for it at every step of the way. I especially love chapter 5, “Your Skincare Ingredients,” where Mathilde teaches us how to decode skincare ingredient labels. (Link to “The French Beauty Solution”)
“Plant-Based Beauty: Your Essential Guide to Detoxing Your Beauty Routine” by Jess Arnaudin (Sept. 2019): Jess moved to upstate New York after working and studying on an active farm, where she cultivated a deep appreciation for plants. “Plant-Based Beauty” book breaks down operates from the understanding that nature is the master chemist. (Link to “Plant-Based Beauty)
“Wild Beauty: Wisdom and Recipes for Natural Self-Care” by Jana Blankenship. It’s more of a science-based resource that I revisit before investing in any skincare or new products. (Link to “Wild Beauty”)
“Seeking Slow: Reclaim Moments of Calm in Your Day” by Melanie Barnes focuses on injecting a sense of slowness, purpose, gratitude, and reflection into every single day. (Link to “Seeking Slow”)
“Recipes for Self-Love: How to Feel Good in a Patriarchal World” by Alison Rachel is a balm for your soul. The recipes aren’t for food, but for something more sustaining…YOUR well-being. (Link to “Recipes for Self-Love”)

Recipes for Self-Love: How to Feel Good in a Patriarchal World

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Fact: Autumn is lowkey the most delicious season. Don’t @ me. In this episode of “Bri Books,” we’re discussing 8 mouth-watering autumnal flavors that are in season right now. The best part: You can find these crops at your local farmers market (shoutout to GrowNYC Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket, my personal home market) or grocery store.

For a full breakdown of each ingredient and quick autumn recipes, watch ‘8 Delicous Autumnal Flavors’ IGTV on Bri Books Podcast, and follow Brionna Jimerson on Pinterest and Instagram.

Bri Books 8 Autumnal Flavors:

Apples - Apples reach their peak in the autumn, with the flavor improving as the cooler weather settles in. There are hundreds of apple varieties, and they vary wildly based on your state. Now's the perfect time to explore roasting apples alongside veggies.
Carrots - Carrots are hearty, sweet, comforting, and pair perfectly with every meal. Slow-roasted rainbow carrots topped Kosterina dark chocolate balsamic vinegar ($19.95) creates an almost caramelized effect. You'll be shocked how quickly you devour these veggies!
Turmeric - Turmeric is an ancient crop, well-known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It has a warm, nutty flavor that's synonymous with curries around the world. If you want to sneak turmeric into your diet, I'd recommend you start with Dona turmeric spice dust ($10), a blend of turmeric, allspice, pink peppercorn, black pepper, and lemongrass. I love to use the powder to top my gold lattes and tea brews, and adding a few teaspoons to cake batter will completely transform your baking.
Ginger - Ginger is classically known as a warm, spicy root. Pro tip: Experiment with ginger-based marinades for your meats and ginger-infused bone broths for your winter soups and stews!
Chai - Chai is the perfect autumnal spice profile. The earthy, woody flavors of cardamom, pepper, and clove in the Dona masala chai dust ($10) instantly ground any dish. An interesting way to experiment with chai: Add a half teaspoon of chai spice to your salad dressings for a dynamic baby greens salad.
Pears - Pears deliver a subtle and delicate crunch and flavor compared to their sibling, apples. Now’s a great time to bake pears for a decadent dessert dish, or spiralize them to add to your salads and veggie roasts.
Cinnamon - We’ve been creeping around this spice all episode. Like with chia, cinnamon is a signature autumn flavor. Make your own fresh cinnamon powder by grinding cinnamon sticks in a coffee grinder.
Squash - This year in my backyard garden, we grew butternut squash from scratch from seeds! Taste the goodness of delicata squash, honey-nut, acorn, and butternut squash this season gently roasted. (here’s a recent Bri Books episode about how to get started gardening.) If you like more butternut bisque experience, grab a butternut squash. To open a squash, simply slice off top and bottom, and then split the squash down the middle.

A few more Bri Books episodes about cooking, food and gardening:

5 Restaurant-Worthy Meals You Can Make at Home
8 Garden-Starting Hacks to Get You Growing
Cookbooks for Building Confidence in the Kitchen feat. Slice and Torte Podcast
The Garden in Every Sense and Season feat. @ABeautifulNestTV
6 Wine Essentials & How to Shop for Wine
6 Best Quarantine Cookbooks
What to Eat in the Dead of Winter
5 Gardening Tips Every First-Time Gardener Needs to Know
How to Curate a Solo Wine Menu
Secrets to Dining at a New Restaurant
5 Most Delicious Cookbooks

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I'm sharing with you my 10 go-to movies for when you're in need of some fun background binge-watching. Whether you're having a gloomy day or need something uplifting to watch in the background, here are the laugh-out-loud-worthy movies you need to revisit the next time you're craving cinematic comfort.

Devil Wears Prada
Ferris Bueller's Day Off
The Breakfast Club
Moulin Rouge
Matilda
Coming to America
500 Days of Summer
Harold and Maude
Eve’s Bayou
Atlantis: The Lost Empire

If you’re new to the show, leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and SoundCloud! Tell me your fave movie to rewatch when you're feeling blue by using #bribooks on Instagram, and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter. Follow @BriBooksPod on Instagram for more movie recommendations tips and TV show recaps.

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Turn your nurturing and love inward with these houseplants that will keep your urban jungle growing in autumn/winter. If you’re new to the show, leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and SoundCloud! Please ask me your houseplant and garden questions and show me what you're growing by using #bribooks on Instagram, and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter. Follow @BriBooksPod on Instagram for more houseplant maintenance tips and gardening secrets.

The Easiest Houseplants to Keep Alive This Winter (Grown in @TheBriGarden)

Want more gardening inspo? Gardener, soap-maker and creator of ABeautifulNestTV Sandria Kendrick and I chatted all about the book "The Garden in Every Sense and Season" by Tovah Martin (click here to listen on Apple Podcasts!)

5 Easy Houseplants for Your Winter Indoor Garden: @BriBooksPod x @TheBriGarden

Pilea peperomioides - The pilea peperoioides has circle-shaped leaves and prefers well-draining soil and partial light.
Indoor herb like basil or cilantro - I repotted and over-wintered the basil and cilantro growing in the garden. Choose an herb you love and plant it on your kitchen windowsill for an instant injection of freshness.
Small parlor palm - Preferring 55-70 degrees, moist soil and filtered sunlight, the small parlor palm adds density to any indoor garden. The mini-trees create a faux forest look.
Pothos - Pothos is arguably the easiest of all houseplants to grow and the most recognizable houseplant. It does well in rooms like offices, dorm rooms, bathrooms, and kitchens (yes, it even grows under fluorescent lighting). Pothos tend to vine, so I love to use them to take up area and create a living web of plants.
Philodendron - Philodendron plants like bright, indirect sunlight, and regular fertilization to grow into its best self.

If you’re new to the show, WELCOME! Leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and SoundCloud! Please ask me your houseplant and garden questions and show me what you're growing by using #bribooks on Instagram, and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter. Follow @BriBooksPod on Instagram for more houseplant maintenance tips and gardening secrets.

For even more houseplant content, follow Brionna Jimerson on Pinterest. If you’re new to the show, leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts,Spotify and SoundCloud!

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If you’re new to the show, leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and SoundCloud! Please ask me your food questions and show me what you're cooking by using #bribooks on Instagram, and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter. Follow @BriBooksPod on Instagram for more cooking tips and culinary secrets.

I’m sharing 5 restaurant-worthy meals you can make at home, plus 3 pre-dinner “rituals” to start right now. On those nights when you can’t be bothered to cook yet you’re craving comfort food, listen to this episode for instant inspiration.

3 Pre-Dinner Rituals

3:45 - Ritual #1: Get in the vibe.

After you finish the workday, take a quick shower and get dressed in a fresh set of comfy clothes. Changing your outfit for dinner, especially if you’re working from home these days, signals to your brain that you’re entering the evening stage of your night. By taking a quick walk and changing clothes before dinner, I avoid that dreaded feeling of watching the hours tick by until bedtime.

4:45 - Ritual #2: Set your menu

When you're having breakfast, think about dinner. Do you need to pull the meat down and defrost? Do you need to find time to pop to a nearby store to buy ingredients? You don’t want to get to dinnertime and not have your dinner accouterments. That causes stress, anxiety, and makes it easier to pull the trigger on ordering takeout.

5:45 - Ritual #3: Take control of the playlist

This is where the dinnertime vibe shines through. As you cook, listen to a playlist that reflects the origins of your meal. Personally, my dinnertime music vibe is upscale-hotel-bar-meets-kickback. Play music that gets you into a playful mood and helps you cook happy. Here’s a link to my Spotify profile, and one of my favorite dinner-making playlists: W Hotel Lobby Playlist.

5 Restaurant-Worthy Meals (full recipes can be found on @BriBooksPod Instagram Feed!)

7:00 - Meal #1: Pizza - Here's the pizza recipe in IG Stories

8:15 - Meal #2: Fajitas - Fajita stores well--especially if you cook the ingredients in bulk. Fajitas store well is delicious reheated, and are great for lunch or dinner. You can use whatever veggies you have in the fridge to up the nutrient factor of this indistructible meal.

9:00 - Meal #3: Cacio e pepe pasta with garlic butter - Here's my no-fail recipe for cacio e pepe! Garlic butter is the secret to a fantastic cacio e pepe pasta. Everytime we make this, it feels so restaurant quality. Using a high-quality noodle is crucial to a satisfying plate of pasta. Use a high-quality noodle to take the dish over the edge.

10:20 - Meal #4: Veggie soup or bone broth - Here's the 'Always On' soup recipe in IG Stories .Veggie soup’s quick, accessible, and no-fuss. Having broth on hand with a can of beans is a hearty wintertime meal. We love to do bone broth with lamb bones, etc. as a base for our soups. Punch up your soup with a handful of fresh greens and a half can of drained butter beans to give it a creamy consistency.

12:10 - Meal #5: Burgers - Here's my go-to burger recipe, feel free to adapt it to whatever meat you're using. Low-key gourmet burgers are easier to make than you think. Simply keep your favorite ground beef on hand, and make a half dozen burger patties to freeze in the freezer. Pull one down any time you’re craving meat, and voila, no more spending upwards of $30 on takeout burgers! You’re welcome!

For even more recipe content, follow me on Pinterest. If you’re new to the show, leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts,Spotify andSoundCloud! Please ask me your food questions and show me what you're cooking by using#bribooks on Instagram, and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter. Follow@BriBooksPod on Instagram for more cooking tips and culinary secrets.

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If you’re new to the show, leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and SoundCloud! Please ask me your career and social media questions by using #bribooks on Instagram, and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter. Follow @BriBooksPod on Instagram for more career tips and social media secrets.

Welcome to a personal Q&A episode of Bri Books!

I asked over on @BriBooksPod Instagram how I can best serve you, and was hit with a few careers and social media questions. I hope you enjoy this minisode--and if you like the format, let me know by leaving a review of the show on Apple Podcasts

1:45: Question #1: What are the best tools for managing social media accounts on behalf of a brand?
1:50: Answer #1: Later App is an Instagram scheduling platform. I’ve used it on behalf of global media clients, eComm brands, and independent accounts.
- 2: Tweetdeck, which I’d recommend for monitoring real-time events.
- 3: Familiarize yourself with Dash Hudson, which is the industry standard for Instagram and Pinterest scheduling and optimization.
- 4: Dig into Twitter Analytics immediately--every Twitter account has an accompanying analytics page (here’s a link.) Start tracking top-performing content themes over time, and identify your key metrics (impressions, engagements, video views, etc.)
- 5: Both Facebook Insights and Instagram Insights are handy for diving into overall social media account performance trends.
- Bonus #6: When it comes to building graphics, I trust Canva for producing brand-quality on-site, digital and social assets.
4:00 - Question #2: How do you get into journalism from another industry?
4:05 - Answer #2: I recommend you identify 4-5 spaces where you have deep subject matter expertise. From there, build a back catalog of writing, guided by SEO and overall trends in search interest.
5:10 - Question #3: How do you add value to the social media space?
5:15 - Answer #3: When it comes to adding value to social media, I’d recommend you anticipate what’s next when it comes to your audience, and hone in on a clear call to action. Ask yourself, what emotion do you want to elicit? I also recommend you ask people their opinions on social via tools like Polls. People want to know that you care what they think, so ask thoughtful questions.

Thank you for listening! If you’re new to the show, leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and SoundCloud! Please ask me your career and social media questions by using #bribooks on Instagram, and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter. Follow @BriBooksPod on Instagram for more career tips and social media secrets.

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Time to stock your autumn skincare essentials! In this episode, I'm sharing my 7-step AM and PM skincare routines. These are the products I'm relying on to help me transition from sun-drenched summer days to chilly autumn nights. Tell me, what skincare hidden gem has stolen your heart this autumn? 💄

If you’re new to the show, leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and SoundCloud! Please tell me what autumn skincare you're loving by using #bribooks on Instagram, and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter. Follow @BriBooksPod on Instagram for top shelfie tours, DIY beauty hacks, and skincare secrets.

AM ROUTINE

Foaming cleanser: Sisley Paris Radiance Foaming Cream makeup remover, $120
Toner: Witch hazel or Heritage Store rose water, $9 at Target
Serum: Earth to Skin Manuka Honey All-Over Serum, $9 at Walmart
Vitamin C: Estee Lauder Perfectionist Pro Vitamin C Serum, $110
Moisturizer: Caudalie Reservatrol Lift Soft Cream, $45.50 on sale right now! (as of October 6, 2020)
Oil: The Mara Beauty Universal Face Oil, $72
Sunscreen: Black Girl Sunscreen, $19 at Blackgirlsunscreen.com. PS, read my article all about BlackGirlSunscreen on Glamour.com

PM ROUTINE

Double cleanse: Caralista Unoil Double Cleanse Elixir, $65
Cleanser: Holifrog Shasta AHA Refining Acid Wash, $38
Dermarolling: Jenny Patinkin Rose on Rose Derma Roller, $75
Serum: Rodial Beauty CBD Sleep Drops Serum, $105
Oil: Mara Beauty Algae Retinol Evening Primrose Green Tea - Face Oil, $120

Thank you for listening! If you’re new to the show, share it with your group chat, leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and SoundCloud! Please tell me what autumn skincare you're loving by using #bribooks on Instagram, and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter. Follow @theBriGarden on Instagram for top shelfie tours, DIY beauty hacks, and skincare secrets.

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I recently celebrated 100 episodes of this podcast, and while reflecting I realized there were 10 major life lessons I've discovered along the way. Please tell me what you'd like to hear by leaving a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and SoundCloud. Show me your latest read by using #bribooks on Instagram, and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter.

3:00 - Lesson #1: You'd be surprised how much you can accomplish in a day
4:30 - Lesson #2: Use momentum to propel yourself from moment to moment
5:30 - Lesson #3: Success is in a hurry, so drive the speed limit
6:00 - Lesson #4: You have everything you need to succeed, right now
7:50 - Lesson #5: Find the fastest rabbits and run with them
9:20 - Lesson #6: Be a fan! It costs you nothing to be kind
10:30 - Lesson #7: Replace envy and jealousy with study
12:15 - Lesson #8: Write what you know
13:30 - Lesson #9: If you can do it all day, you can do it right now
14:30 - Lesson #10: Break it down and make it plain

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Let’s talk about quarantine wine: How to shop for wine during quarantine, and the 6 wines and spirits you need to keep stocked at all times. If you’re new to the show, leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and SoundCloud! Please tell me what you're sipping by using #bribooks on Instagram, and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter.

During COVID-19, my wine budget has definitely...ballooned. I’m learning more about natural wines via my favorite local wine shop Simple Syrup Wine and Spirits in Brooklyn, NY, my go-to for wine delivery and pickup.

But first, I’m sharing 3 wine buying tips for how to buy wine during COVID-19.

4:20 - #1: Get to know your local wine and spirits community on Instagram. It’s one of the fastest ways to find out what’s new, hours of operation, and other vital information. Now more than ever, so many wine stores need to maintain that human connection—part of the magic of wine shopping is wandering the aisles and getting recommendations in real-time. That’s not always possible right now, so people who work in the liquor industry are turning to social media tools to get the word out about what’s happening, what’s new, and how customers can connect directly with the source.

5:53 - #2: Pick a budget and do not budge it. Calculate the average price per bottle that you’re willing to pay. For me, I try to keep my purchases at $12-$15 a bottle. Setting a budget is crucial to keeping you from spending hundreds a month on wine.
8:00 - Tip #3: Thinking about meal prep when buying wine is a great way to make sure you’re buying wine that you’ll drink and that goes with what you're eating.
9:30 - BREAK
9:45 - Let’s chat about the 6 wine essentials you need to have during quarantine!
9:45 - #1: Bubbles. I'd recommend Lambrusco wine, an Italian style of sparkling red wine. The Lambrusco I’ve been drinking since the holidays is Vigneron Saetti Lambrusco Salamino 2019 ($22) from Vigneto Saetti Vineyards. The wine is imported by Bowler Wines. I pick it up and get delivery from Simple Syrup Wine and Spirits.
12:40 - #2: Red wine. You can really take on flavors around the world with red wines. Pick a red wine that’s dependable, drinkable and can last a few days. A few grapes like montepulciano lasts long. I can get 2,3, 4, nights out of a bottle without having to worry about it getting sour. I recommend montepulciano grapes. I love Cirelli Montepulciano 2018 ($18). It comes to us from Azienda Argicola Cirelli run by Francesco and Michela Cirelli. this wine pairs with dinners that are slow-cooked. If you’re easing into your stews, soups and cornbreads, this wine is a wonderful choice. It’s imported by Zev Rovine Selections, and you can buy it from Simple Syrup here.
15:00 - #3: Rose wine. I want us to get into Cirelli “Wines of Anarchy” Rosato. This wine is part of Azienda Argicola Cirelli, and it’ll take you from summer to fall effortlessly. Imported by Zev Rovine Selections, think of this Rosato as the spunky younger cousin of your traditional rose. Rosato has a lot of rightness and pepperiness in it.
17:15 - #4: Experimental white wine. I want us to dig into pinot gris, a white wine with a grey-blue fruity tint to it. The one I’ve been enjoying during quarantine is Michel Nartz Alsace pinot gris 2018 ($20). Michel Nartz is a family winery established in the picturesque village of Dambach-la-Ville, in Alsace. Imported by Communal Brands, the entire winemaking process is now in the hands of Michel’s daughter Laurance Nartz. If in the NYC area, you can pick it up from Simple Syrup Wine & Spirits here.
19:15: #5 - Select an old-time or new favorite! Whatever you remember tasting ocne but want to try again, this is where you have permission to say I love Mas Théo “Le P’tit Gaby” 2018 ($15) from Mas Theo vineyard in Rhone France, imported by T. Edwards. This wine has a bumpy, grippy finish--you’ll feel a bit of a hold on your tongue as the flavor develops/ unwraps on the palette. Pick it up from Simple Syrup Wine & Spirits here.
22:00 - #6: Liquor! Grab a spirit and mixer and make the party happen for yourself. I’m loving Letherbee Distillers Charred Oaks Absinthe Brun ($39.) It’s a white absinthe, it reminds me of Moulin Rouge just because there’s an otherworldly brightness and herbaceousness to it that you can't place. It’s aged for 6 months in a full sized charred oak cask. Grab it from Simple Syrup here.

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Happy 100th Episode of Bri Books: What's Next?!

It's so surreal to be bringing you episode 100 of Bri Books podcast. Whether you've been here since Day One or you're brand new, I'd love to hear your voice. Please tell me what you'd like to hear by leaving a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and SoundCloud. Show me your latest read by using #bribooks on Instagram, and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter.

In this episode, I'm sharing the Bri Books origin story, changes to the Bri Books vision, and so much more. Thank you for giving me the honor of executive producing 100 episodes, I can't wait to give you the next 100.

4:00 - Reflections on 100 episodes of Bri Books
4:45 - What's changed the most about Bri Books and where I want us to go in the future
9:00 - How Bri Books has evolved over 100 episodes and the future of advertisers/ sponsors on Bri Books.
13:00 - Bri Books podcast's origin story
17:15 - What's in store for the future of Bri Books--but we need YOU! Leave a review of Bri Books with the name of a book, author, or subject you'd like to me cover, and I'll make it happen.

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In this episode, I’m teaching you how to bullet journal like a boss. My bullet journaling strategy is easily customizable to fit whatever you need to focus on. If you’ve been meaning to start journaling, now’s definitely the time. I’ll be sharing the steps you want to follow in order to turn any notebook into a bullet journal, and how to optimize your life using bullet journal strategies like daily and weekly logs.

2:00 - What is a bullet journal?

3:00 - How to create your bullet journal index

3:30 - How to set up your bullet journal categories and prepare yourself for success

5:20 - How your daily logs and weekly spreads will propel your goal-setting in your bullet journal

7:15 - How to pull your bullet journal strategy together from the ground up.

My preferred bullet journal is Leuchtturm1917 from Paper Source.

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This episode was a WHIRLWIND! Let’s review "Insecure" season 4 finale: Lowkey Lost. Spoiler Alert: There are spoilers. We’ll discuss the episode’s overarching theme and recap the major moments. At the end of each episode, I’m going to recommend a #BriBooks read for the main character, along with a song of the week and #OOTN--which fit on “Insecure” reigned supreme?

0:30 - 22:30 - “Insecure” season 4 episode 10 recap
23:00 - Episode and character analysis (Andrew! Molly! Issa! Condola! Lawrence! Tiffany! WTF?!)
25:50 - #OOTN: Molly's MONSE Resort 2019 statement coat
27:30 - Song of the night: "Fair Chance" by Thundercat feat. Ty Dolla $ign and Lil B
28:30 - My #BriBooks recommendation for Issa and Molly

Thank you so much for joining me for this recap series for "Insecure" season 4!

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Let’s review season 4 episode 9 of HBO’s “Insecure”: Lowkey Trying. Spoiler Alert: There are spoilers. We’ll discuss the episode’s overarching theme and recap the major moments. At the end of each episode, I’m going to recommend a #BriBooks read for the main character, along with a song of the week and #OOTN--which fit on “Insecure” reigned supreme?

0:30 - 17:00 - “Insecure” season 4 episode 9 recap
17:15 - Song of the night: "The World We Created' by Giveon
18:00 - Episode and character analysis
19:00 - #OOTN: In this epsiode, every character rocked their signature lewks. Molly's lewks had Big Kahlana Barfield Brown Energy!
20:20 - My #BriBooks recommendation for Issa and Molly: "Big Friendship: How We Keep Each Other Close" (July 2020) by Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman, hosts of the "Call Your Girlfriend" podcast

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Let’s review season 4 episode 8 of HBO’s “Insecure”: Lowkey Happy. Spoiler Alert: There are spoilers. We’ll discuss the episode’s overarching theme and recap the major moments. At the end of each episode, I’m going to recommend a #BriBooks read for the main character, along with a song of the week and #OOTN--which fit on “Insecure” reigned supreme?

0:30 - 11:30 - “Insecure” season 4 episode 8 recap
11:45 - Episode and character analysis
12:30 - My #BriBooks recommendation for Issa
13:45 - Song of the night: "Out Of Your League" by Blood Orange ft. Steve Lacy
15:30 - #OOTN: Issa's red lazer cut-out blazer, designed by LVMH Prize 2019 finalist and South African designer Thebe Magugu. Much love to "Insecure" costume designer Shiona Turini for expertly constructing Issa's vulnerable-yet-in-control look for the evening, from head to toe!

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Let’s review season 4 episode 7 of HBO’s “Insecure”: Lowkey Trippin. Spoiler Alert: There are spoilers. We’ll discuss the episode’s overarching theme and recap the major moments. At the end of each episode, I’m going to recommend a #BriBooks read for the main character, along with a song of the week and #OOTN--which fit on “Insecure” reigned supreme?

0:30 - 11:30 - “Insecure” season 4 episode 7 recap
11:45 - Episode and character analysis (we’re looking at you, Molly!)
13:45 - #OOTN: Molly's Opening Ceremony cardigan sweater-dress and boots designed by MCM Global Creative Partner Misa Hylton
14:30 - My #BriBooks recommendation: "Drop the Ball: Achieving More By Doing Less" by Tiffany Dufu. Here’s the episode of Bri Books I recorded with Tiffany herself, all about the best takeaways and life lessons from her fantastic book.
18:10 - Song of the night: "Como Si Na" by Melli

EPISODES AND BOOKS MENTIONED

"Drop the Ball: Achieving More By Doing Less" by Tiffany Dufu. Here’s the episode of Bri Books I recorded with Tiffany herself, all about the best takeaways and life lessons from her fantastic book.

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Let’s review season 4 episode 6 of HBO’s “Insecure”: Lowkey Done. Spoiler Alert: There are spoilers. We’ll discuss the episode’s overarching theme and recap the major moments. At the end of each episode, I’m going to recommend a #BriBooks read for the main character, along with a song of the week and #OOTN--which fit on “Insecure” reigned supreme?

0:30 - 11:0 - “Insecure” season 4 episode 6 recap
11:30 - Episode and character analysis (we’re looking at you, Issa!)
13:10 - My #BriBooks recommendation: “What I Know For Sure” by Oprah Winfrey. Here’s an episode of Bri Books I recorded all about the best takeaways and life lessons from Winfrey’s collection of essays.
15:00 - Song of the night: “Paid in Full” by BOSCO
15:52 - #OOTN: Issa’s Telfar bag, by black fashion designer Telfar Clemens, a black fashion designer you need to know!

EPISODES MENTIONED

“7 Things Brionna Knows for Sure (a la Oprah Winfrey). Here’s an episode of Bri Books I recorded all about the best takeaways and life lessons from Winfrey’s collection of essays.

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Let’s review season 4 episode 5 of HBO’s “Insecure”: Lowkey Movin’ On. Spoiler Alert: There are spoilers. We’ll discuss the episode’s overarching theme and recap the major moments. At the end of each episode, I’m going to recommend a #BriBooks read for the main character, along with a song of the week and #OOTN--which fit on “Insecure” reigned supreme?

1:00 - 12:20 - “Insecure” season 4 episode 5 recap
12:30 - #OOTN: Issa’s vintage 'Waiting to Exhale' sweatshirt/ tee (vintage from eBay)
13:30 - Song of the night: “Wobble” by VIC
14:20 - My #BriBooks recommendation: “Codependency for Dummies” by Darlene Lancer, MFT. for Molly. This book was ‘prescribed’ to me by my therapist in 2015, and it completely revolutionized how I saw myself vis-a-vis friends and family members and helped me establish strong emotional boundaries that are still in place to this day. It 100% deserves a spot in your library.

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Let’s review season 4 episode 4 of HBO’s “Insecure”: Lowkey Losin’ It. Spoiler Alert: There are spoilers. We’ll discuss the episode’s overarching theme and recap the major moments. At the end of each episode, I’m going to recommend a #BriBooks read for the main character, along with a song of the week and #OOTN--which fit on “Insecure” reigned supreme?

1:00 - 6:20 - “Insecure” season 4 episode 4 recap
6:30 - The overarching theme of the episode: Every character is “Insecure” about their ability to juggle it all and keep their shit together
8:30 - My #BriBooks recommendation: “The Art of Showing Up” for Issa. Here’s an episode I recorded about the book, and why it deserves a spot in your library.
9:54 - “Temperature” by TeaaMarr
10:40 - #OOTN: Molly’s Maison Margiela laser cut-out jeans ($660)

EPISODES MENTIONED

“5 Books to Add To Your TBR Pile in May,” featuring “The Art of Showing Up”

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What are you reading? Let me know by reviewing Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, joining the community on Instagram, and show me your book shelfie using #bribooks!

Let’s review season 4 episode 3 of HBO’s “Insecure”: Lowkey Thankful. Spoiler Alert: There are spoilers. We’ll discuss the episode’s overarching theme and recap the major moments. At the end of each episode, I’m going to recommend a #BriBooks read for the main character, along with a song of the week and #OOTN--which fit on “Insecure” reigned supreme?
0:30 - 9:30 - “Insecure” season 4 episode 3 recap
10:00 - The overarching theme of the episode: Every character is “Insecure” about their investments
11:25 - My #BriBooks recommendation: “The Art of Making Memories” for Molly. Here’s an episode I recorded about the book, and why it deserves a spot in your library.
13:00 - Song of the week is “Case of the Ex” by Mya
14:15 - #OOTN: Molly’s asymmetric blazer from the brand Monse has a gorgeous cape effect: think Carmen SanDiego meets Olivia Pope ($3,793)

EPISODES MENTIONED

“5 Books to Add To Your TBR Pile in May,” featuring “The Art of Making Memories”

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Let’s review season4 episode 2 of HBO’s “Insecure”: Lowkey Distant. Spoiler Alert: There are spoilers. We’ll discuss the episode’s overarching theme and recap the major moments. At the end of each episode, I’m going to recommend a #BriBooks read for a main character, along with a song of the week and #OOTN--which fit on “Insecure” reigned supreme?
1:30 - 10:50 - “Insecure” season 4 episode 2 recap
11:00 - The overarching theme of the episode: Every character is “Insecure” about their position
14:10 - My #BriBooks recommendation: Journals! Everyone needs to start journaling, STAT! Here’s my #bujo journal tutorial for the girls.
15:00 - Song of the week is “Waste My Time” by Zaia
15:30 - #OOTN: Molly’s wearing an emerald kelly green sweetheart neckline velvet ruched bustier-style top from The Attico (via Luisaviaroma) is the DREAM!

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Today’s episode is kicking off a series of recaps and reviews of “Insecure,” Issa Rae’s hit show on HBO. In these episodes, we’ll discuss the episode theme, do a recap of the major moments, and a deep dive into characters. At the end of each episode, I’m going to recommend a #BriBooks read for the main character, along with a song of the week and #OOTN--which fit on “Insecure” reigned supreme?

1:40 - As they say on the "Black Girls Squee" podcast, “Spoiler alert: We spoil shit.”
2:08-10:22: “Insecure” season 4 episode 1 recap
10:15 - The overarching theme of the episode: Every character is “Insecure” about their history
14:20 - My #BriBooks recommendation: I recommend Issa pick up “The Defining Decade: Why Your 20s Matter—And How to Make the Most of Them Now” by Meg Jay, PH.D. Here's an episode about “Bri Books” I recorded about the book, featuring actor and creator Cyndii Johnson.
16:15 - Song of the week is “Cool Enough” by TeaMarrr. TeaMarr recently signed with Issa Rae’s music label “Raedio.” the song is about the feeling of being emotionally betrayed, although at time we betray ourselves.
17:30 - #OOTN - Issa Rae in a vegan leather Nanusha wrap skirt and blazer set

OTHER EPISODES MENTIONED

Yvonne Orji, the actor who portrays Molly on “Insecure,” was a speaker at the 2019 MTYRetreat in Cancun, Mexico where she dropped countless gems about remaining laser-focused while reaching for your future. Here’s an episode I recorded with “Swirl Suite” host Sarita Chaves about the retreat experience.

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What have you been reading? Show me your TBR pile on Instagram and Twitter using #BriBooks. Subscribe to our newsletter bribookspod.com/newesletter!

You know you need a break from the screen, so Bri Books is here with 5 books worth adding to your ‘TBR’ (‘To Be Read’) pile. Last Sunday, I woke up on a mission: organize the Bri Books library’s several TBR piles that were inexplicably cropping up around my home. Here are the reads I’m diving back into (after finishing “The Mirror and the Light” by Hilary Mantel, of course.)

Pssst, Bri Books just published a podcast episode about historical fiction novels and TV shows you should watch.

“The Paris Hours” by Alex George (May 2020) - Told over the single day in 1927 Paris, this novel takes four ordinary people whose stories, told together, are as extraordinary as the city they inhabit.
“Lady in Waiting: My Extraordinary Life in the Shadow of the Crown” by Anne Glenconner (March 2020) is an extraordinary memoir of royal secrets, legacy, and loss. Anne Glenconnor is a close member of the royal circle and was Lady-in-Waiting to Princess Margaret, as seen on Netflix’s “The Crown.” If you love the Royals and if Megxit gave you a buzz, you should pick up “Lady in Waiting.”
“Volcanoes and Wine: From Pompeii to Napa” by Charles Frankle (November 2019) takes us across the stunning and dangerous world of volcanic wines. It sounds like the perfect blend of geology, world history, and wine.
“The Art of Showing Up: How to Be There for Yourself and Your People” by Rachel Wilkerson Miller (May 2020) is the perfect companion piece to, well, our current reality. Could it BE any more on-the-nose?!
“The Art of Making Memories: How to Create and Remember Happy Moments” by Meik Wiking (October 2019) is a keepsake worth distilling into a future episode of Bri Books. I’ll definitely write down what I learn from this book and any insights into how we can all make deeper memories during these uncertain times.

SUBSCRIBE TO BRI BOOKS ON APPLE PODCASTS

What have you been reading? Show me your TBR pile on Instagram and Twitter using #BriBooks. Subscribe to our newsletter bribookspod.com/newesletter!

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Anyone else in the mood for comfort reading? In this episode, I'm revealing the two historical fiction series that’ll get you through the next phase of social distancing. What are you reading? Let me know by reviewing Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, joining the community on Instagram, and show me your TBR pile using #bribooks! SUBSCRIBE TO BRI BOOKS ON APPLE PODCASTS

Bri Books Best Historical Fiction Novels to Read During Quarantine (and What to Watch)

Historical literature, in a nutshell, is a piece of writing wherein the plot takes place in the past. What sets historical fiction apart is the detail the author takes to create a world that pays attention to the period being discussed. When it comes to historical fiction, you want to select an author who will ‘do right’ by the characters being created. Women write fantastic historical fiction. I’m certain former Bri Books guest Liana Rodriguez would agree!

These two historical fiction novel series have visual counterparts (like an accompanying TV series). Welcome to the Bri Books Pod Multiplatform Book Club!

Series #1: “Outlander” by Diana Gabaldon

3:25 - The origin story of the “Outlander” historical fiction novel series by Diana Gabaldon and the novel's plot

Series #2: “Wolf Hall” Trilogy by Hilary Mantel

6:30 - “Wolf Hall” series by Hilary Mantel is my all-time favorite historical fiction collection. The trilogy spans “Wolf Hall,” “Bring Up The Bodies,” and Mantel’s final installation “The Mirror and the Light.” Reading “The Mirror and the Light” by Hilary Mantel feels like riding a roller coaster. The first novel, “Wolf Hall,” chronicles the rise of Thomas Cromwell and the fall of Cardinal Wolsey, the Archbishop; and the impact of Anne Boleyn. “Bring Up the Bodies” traces the beginnings (and end) of Anne Boleyn, and the ushering in of Jane Seymour, the third of King Henry’s queens. Oh, and a casual Protestant Reformation sweeping the nation, NBD. I highly recommend you read the entire “Wolf Hall" trilogy, and to accompany your reading, watch the 2015 BBC six-part mini-series “Wolf Hall,” which follows the plots of the first two novels.

What have you been reading? Show me your TBR pile on Instagram and Twitter using #BriBooks. Subscribe to our newsletter bribookspod.com/newesletter!

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I'm sharing the quarantine cookbooks and recipes that have been the most used and helpful to me during these first few weeks of the global pandemic. These are the titles that have been feeding my soul, my tummy, and aligning with my community. I’ve been buying a local CSA box from Local Roots NYC, while independently supporting my favorite Greenmarket farmers. When I get my Local Roots CSA subscription box delivered, I go straight to the indexes of my favorite cookbooks to uncover any recipes I can create with my new produce finds. What have you been eating? Show me your meals on Instagram and Twitter using #BriBooks. Subscribe to our newsletter bribookspod.com/newesletter and check out more behind-the-scenes photos on bribookspod.com!

Bri Books 6 Best Cookbooks for Nourishing Meals During Quarantine

3:00 - Book 1: “From the Oven to the Table: Simple Dishes that Look After Themselves” by Diana Henry. Thanks to the Local Roots CSA, I’ve been able to experiment more with cooking meats! This cookbook is full of tips on what to look for in your fresh produce and ingredients. The recipes are so simple, and they make you feel alive from the inside out.
6:30 - Book 2: “How to Cook Everything” by Mark Bittman. I mentioned this book on the Bri Books episode “How to Build Confidence in the Kitchen” featuring Danielle and Sherrod of “Slice and Torte” Podcast. This cookbook is where I go for technique and ingredient-specific help. For example, I was in search of a chili recipe to make with my Local Roots ground beef, and found the perfect one in “How to Cook Everything” (pssst…here’s the recipe.)
8:20 - Book 3: “Every Day is Saturday: Recipes and Strategies for Easy Cooking Every Day of the Week” by Sarah Copeland. This cookbook is the ultimate comfort food companion. Every recipe tastes like you’re eating at your favorite neighborhood joint; these recipes are 100% restaurant-worthy quality. I love Sarah Copeland’s ‘catch-all’ take on easy, leftovers-based, nibbly Sunday night dinners. The meals in this cookbook call on ingredients you already have--especially the mains! The "Every Day Is Saturday" cookbook reminds me to be my own best chef.
11:40 - Book 4: “Jubilee: Recipes for Two Centuries of African-American Cooking” by Toni Martin-Tipton. I mentioned this book on the “5 Most Delicious Cookbooks” episode of Bri Books. This book brings together the depth of African-American cuisine and techniques, and shines a loving light on the roots of American food. This cookbook is built on learning and sharing our knowledge, and I’m 100% committed.
13:00 - Book 5: “Vegetable Kingdom” by Bryant Terry. Terry is a James Beard Award-winning chef, educator and author of the iconic book “Afro-Vegan.” Terry’s renowned for his efforts to create a healthy and equitable food system. This cookbook is already inspiring the ways I take in the fresh flavors of spring.
14:50 - Book 6: “Cook Beautiful” by Athena Calderone, which I discovered at Sezane, one of my favorite French brands. Athena is a creator of beauty, a stylist, a lifestylist, an interior expert and advocate, she breathes life/ texture creativity into rooms. In this cookbook, she reveals the secrets to preparing unforgettable meals. You can feel how Athena loves to create a sense of belonging and warmth in both food and in life. One of my favorite things about the book is that it’s broken into seasons--you can come back to different sections for inspiration! Athena was featured on Glamour.com as 1 of 11 female interior designers to support (and follow on Instagram). Athena Calderone’s entire ethos is that you don’t need a sprawling space and an endless supply of farm-fresh food to live well— just need a bit of tender care, attention to detail, and inspiration. But the farm-fresh food doesn’t hurt ;) (Hiii, Local Roots!)

What have you been eating? Show me your meals on Instagram and Twitter using #BriBooks. Subscribe to our newsletter bribookspod.com/newesletter!

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Because your tastebuds don't have to perish and February dinners don't have to suck. In this episode of "Bri Books," we're discussing what’s in season (and delicious) during deep winter in places like New York, Boston, Atlanta, DC and St. Louis, and Los Angeles.

Here's the food you can pick up at your local farmers market (shoutout to GrowNYC Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket, my personal home market) or grocery store.

For a full breakdown of each ingredient and 3 quick winter recipes, learn them on bribookspod.com.

Bri Books Deep Winter Fruit and Veggie Seasonality List:

1.Apples

Beets
Cabbage
Onions
Parsnips
Turnips
Squash
Carrots

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I call this my makeup bag highlight my “office beauty beat” 👩🏿‍💼featuring the star products currently in my rotation—including my take on the @fentybeauty “Full Frontal” mascara.

All links to the products are at https://bribookspod.com/home/fenty-mascara-review.

I’m curious, What’s in your “office beat” makeup routine? Let me know by reviewing Bri Books on Apple Podcast, and show me your office #OOTD and selfie using #bribooks!

1. @lauramercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30, $47
2. @tomfordbeauty Glow Stick, $55
3. @lorealmakeup Blush Please, $9.99
4. @fentybeauty Full Frontal Mascara, $24
5. @maybelline Brow Precise Brow pencil, $7.99
6. @ilmakiage Infinity Lip Cream, $22

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In this episode, I’m sharing my first observations in 2020. Show me what you're working on by using #bribooks on Instagram, and @bribookspod on Instagram and @bribookspod on Twitter.

2:30 - #1: People think about you for three seconds...then they move on.
4:30 - #2: Just because you ‘can’ doesn’t mean you have to.
6:45 - #3: Reading and curiosity will last a lifetime.
9:20 - #4: You have food at home. Act like it.
12:00 - #5: Audit your time (and be realistic about it!) I'm inspired by tip to entrepreneur, influencer and investor @Patricia Bright who guest-starred on Bri Books season 5 episode 1 “Heart and Hustle."

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Happy 2020! Thanks for joining me for briCember--we recorded 17 podcast episodes in 31days and crossed the 10,500+ downloads milestone!

Here’s what I know to be true in 2020 and beyond:
1." Travel while you have the light.” That means don’t let knowledge go wasted, and make the most of everything being illuminated.
2. “Don’t waste brainpower on perfect.” Don't waste your brain’s muscle on limiting beliefs about what we’re capable of creating!
3. “You get one body.” One. Take care of it accordingly!

Show me your goals by using #bribooks on Instagram, and @bribookspod on Instagram and @bribookspod on Twitter.

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Feeling nostalgic? Watch these black-and-white movies in your cozy socks with a cup of hot chocolate. Here are the5 black-and-white movies from the first 100 years of cinema that you should experience this holiday season.

Mildred Pierce, 1945
1. ‘Mildred Pierce’ is a 1945 crime-drama film starring Joan Crawford in the Oscar-winning title role. The style in this movie is UNREAL, and I love that the Max Factor makeup creator worked exclusively with Joan Crawford on this film—such a cool piece of film and makeup history.
2. All About Eve, 1950
3. ‘All About Eve’ stars Bette Davis. The director and screenplay creator is Joseph Mankiewicz. Bette plays a stage actress named Margot who is slowly but surely being edged out by her protegee, Eve. The monologues! The hairstyles! The shade!
4. A Raisin in the Sun, 1961
5. ‘A Raising in the Sun’ is the film starring Sidney Poitier, Ruby Dee, Claudia McNeil and Diana Sands following the Younger clan in Chicago as they navigate their future as a family unit and as individuals. 'Based on the play by Lorraine Hansberry, the scoring in this film accents the theatric foundation of the story.
6. Madame Bovary, 1949
7. Based on the controversial 1856 novel ‘Madame Bovary’ by French author Gustave Flaubert, the 1949 adaptation challenged public ‘morality’ and the Motion Picture Production Code fought to censor the film.

Show me what you're watching by using #bribooks on Instagram, and @bribookspod on Instagram and @bribookspod on Twitter.

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Before you re-watch ‘The Office’ or ‘Scandal’ from the beginning for the 10th time, check out these Netflix hits before everybody else.

If you liked ‘The Crown,’ you’ll love ‘The Last Czars’ - Costume drama meets historical documentary in this 6-part show.
If you liked ‘Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat’, you’ll love ‘The Taco Chronicles’ - A Netflix original that profiles tacos and culinary culture around Mexico.
If you liked ‘Parasite,’ you’ll love ‘Burning’ - Investigate what it means to burn for acceptance with this mind-bending thriller-drama.
If you liked ‘You',’ you’ll love ‘Romance is a Bonus Book’ - I’ll admit, ‘Romance is a Bonus Book’ is a 180-degree change from ‘You,’ but once you’re thoroughly sketched out by Joe Goldberg, run to Dan-i for bubbly, sweet notions of unrequited love.
If you liked ‘Marriage Story,’ you’ll love ‘Take This Waltz’ - This film is cringe-y, sexy, and touches perfectly on the universal fear of commitment and unfulfillment.

Show me what you're watching by using #bribooks on Instagram, and @bribookspod on Instagram and @bribookspod on Twitter.

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Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean your green thumb has to wither up and die. Turn your nurturing and love inward with these houseplants that will keep your urban jungle growing even in the depths of winter. If you want more gardening inspo, check out this episode recorded with gardener and creator ABeautifulNestTV all about the book “The Garden in Every Sense and Season” by Tovah Martin.

@BriBooksPod’s Houseplants in @TheBriGarden

Pilea peperomioides - The pilea peperoioides has circle-shaped leaves and prefers well-draining soil and partial light.
Indoor herb like basil or cilantro - I repotted and over-wintered the basil and cilantro growing in the garden. Choose an herb you love and plant it on your kitchen windowsill for an instant injection of freshness.
Small parlor palm - Preferring 55-70 degrees, moist soil and filtered sunlight, the small parlor palm adds density to any indoor garden. The mini-trees create a faux forest look.
Pothos - Pothos is arguably the easiest of all houseplants to grow and the most recognizable houseplant. It does well in rooms like offices, dorm rooms, bathrooms, and kitchens (yes, it even grows under fluorescent lighting). Pothos tend to vine, so I love to use them to take up area and create a living web of plants.
Philodendron - Philodendron plants like bright, indirect sunlight, and regular fertilization to grow into its best self.

Show me what you're growing by using #bribooks on Instagram, and @bribookspod on Instagram and @bribookspod on Twitter.

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Brionna’s @BriBooksPod Wine Menu Tips

Bubbles or no? (shoutout to Sarita of The Swirl Suite podcast for always encouraging bubbles to kick off the night)
Learn the rules, then break them. I choose wines based on my own flavor principle: the lighter the flesh, the lighter the wine. Hence white wine with fish and creamy pasta dishes, red wines with tomato dishes and red meats, and Rosé flows best with vegetables. From there, I forget everything I know and opt for a left-of-center pick such as Pinot Gris in place of a classic white wine or an orange wine in lieu of Rosé.
Pick up a wildcard--perhaps a liquor--that you can use to create quick cocktails
Think about analogous and complementary flavors relative to the meal

Brionna’s @BriBooksPod Wine Menu Recommendations

Bubbles recommendation: Vigneto Luciano Saetti Rosso Viola Lambrusco Salamino, 2018 ($20-$23), available at Simple Syrup Wine and Spirits in Brooklyn
Meal pairing recommendation: Meinklang “Mulatschak” Weisser Pino Gris ($17-$20), available at Simple Syrup
Easy, delicious red to compliment every dish recommendation: Adega de Penalva Idigena Branco, Dao ($13-$15), available at Simple Syrup
Wildcard: Letherbee Charred Oak Absinthe Brun ($38-$40), available at Simple Syrup

Show me what you're sipping on by using #bribooks on Instagram, and @bribookspod on Instagram and @bribookspod on Twitter.

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Want to plan a weekender getaway but don't know where to start? Here are the fool-proof steps I took to explore Ithaca, New York along the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail in the Finger Lakes, NY region.

To accompany this episode, I’ve produced an IGTV video on @bribookspod and @brionnajay Instagram accounts sharing my recommendations for Ithaca, NY.

@BriBooksPod Tips for Planning the Perfect Weekend Getaway

Choose how far you’re willing to travel
Choose where you want to be vis-a-vis the ‘action’
Choose a destination with a unique natural history, culinary tradition, art scene, etc.
Bonus: Visit a museum and support local artists at a market while traveling

Where to visit in Ithaca, New York

RESTAURANTS:

Just A Taste Wine Bar and Tapas
Waffle Frolic
Maxie’s Supper Club and Oyster Bar

EXPERIENCES

Ithaca Farmers Market
Fall Creek Gorge
Wineries
- Americana Winery
- The sunset over Cayuga Lake!

Show me your holiday photos by using #bribooks on Instagram, and @bribookspod on Instagram and @bribookspod on Twitter.

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On today’s episode, I’m sharing my travel dream list for 2020 and beyond. As I reflect on 2019, I realize that international travel was (welcomely) replaced by domestic adventure this year. I left the country only once(to attend the Myleik Teele MTY Retreat in May, here’s a link to the podcast all about the retreat!). In the spirit of adventure, here's a peek at my personal worldwide bucket list. Show me yours by using #bribooks on Instagram, and @bribookspod on Instagram and @bribookspod on Twitter.

Korea
Costa Rica
Puerto Rico
Uruguay/ Chile/ Peru
Mexico
Senegal
Morocco
Zanzibar
Portugal
Bordeaux
Ghana

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Let's raise a glass to those restaurant trips that leave us wanting more. When dining out, these are the tips that’ll ensure you always have the best experience possible.

Sit at the bar, it's like being at the theater
Research the menu and specials on the restaurant site and Instagram
Read the menu, and ask questions
Go for the gold standard
Pre-dine and pre-game your dinner

Two restaurants I mention in this episode:

Endswell, a French-American Bistro in Brooklyn, New York
Lowerline, a Cajun restaurant and oyster bar in Brooklyn, New York

What are your restaurant hacks? Show me by using #bribooks on Instagram when you're out dining next time, and check out bribookspod.com and join the newsletter for more restaurant tips and recommendations.

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It's time for the Sephora VIB Sale--everyone gets $15 off $75 until 12/17, and VIB Insiders earn $20 of $75, and VIB Rouge members earn $25 off $75. Here's what I'd stock up on if I were you:

MAKEUP

Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer natural skin perfector SPF 30 in shade Mocha, $47
Ilia limitless lash mascara, $28
Sephora cream lip stain 01 Rouge, $14
YSL Rouge Volupte shine lipstick, $38

SKINCARE

Caudalie Premier Cru Ultimate Anti-Aging Trio, $99

FRAGRANCE

Maison Margiela “Replica” (I recommend “Lipstick On,” “Whispers in the Library”), $126
Clean Reserve, “Solar Bloom” $98

GIFT SETS

Clean Reserve giftset $48
Maison Margiela giftset $68

TRIAL SIZES

Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Treatment, $24

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I’ve curated the 5 best beauty books (say that five times fast!) that I relied on this year. They’re a great starting place for digging deeper into something we all practice—caring for our body’s biggest organ, our skin—and a bit of natural health. Hope this inspires you to investigate what you’re using, and discover the ingredients you didn’t know you needed. Let me know what your skincare routine looks like at @bribookspod on Instagram and Twitter, and by using #bribooks while you listen!

“The French Beauty Solution: Time-Tested Secrets to Look and Feel Beautiful Inside and Out” by Caudalie founder Mathilde Thomas (June 2015): Mathilde founded the skincare company Caudalie with her husband after taking inspiration from her family’s vineyard in Bordeaux. Not only is “The French Beauty Solution” filled with recipes, but it’s also filled with research about the composition of skin, how it changes over time, and how to care for it at every step of the way. I especially love chapter 5, “Your Skincare Ingredients,” where Mathilde teaches us how to decode skincare ingredient labels. (Link to “The French Beauty Solution”)
“Plant-Based Beauty: Your Essential Guide to Detoxing Your Beauty Routine” by Jess Arnaudin (Sept. 2019): Jess moved to upstate New York after working and studying on an active farm, where she cultivated a deep appreciation for plants. “Plant-Based Beauty” book breaks down operates from the understanding that nature is the master chemist. (Link to “Plant-Based Beauty)
“Wild Beauty: Wisdom and Recipes for Natural Self-Care” by Jana Blankenship. It’s more of a science-based resource that I revisit before investing in any skincare or new products. (Link to “Wild Beauty”)
“Seeking Slow: Reclaim Moments of Calm in Your Day” by Melanie Barnes focuses on injecting a sense of slowness, purpose, gratitude, and reflection into every single day. (Link to “Seeking Slow”)
“Recipes for Self-Love: How to Feel Good in a Patriarchal World” by Alison Rachel is a balm for your soul. The recipes aren’t for food, but for something more sustaining…YOUR well-being. (Link to “Recipes for Self-Love”)

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Here are the skin care products in my current rotation that I’m reaching for every day.

AM skincare:

Cleanser:Body Shop Carrot Wash face cleanser, $10 (Body Shop)
Toner: Heritage Stone Rose Water, $10 (Target)
Essence/ Serum: Lumene Nordic C Glow Boost with Vitamin C Glow Boost Essence Serum, $25 (Target, Lumene)
Moisturizer: Caudalie Vinosource SOS Intense Moisturizing Cream, $42 (Caudalie, Sephora)
Sunscreen: Neutrogena Helioplex SPF 70, $7 (Target), $12 (Ulta)

PM skincare

Cleanser #1: Farm to Skin by Patricia Walker Organic Retinoid Oil Cleanser, $48 (Farm to Skin)
Cleanser #2: Body Shop Carrot Wash face cleanser, $10 (Body Shop)
Mask: Glamglow Super Mud, $59 (Sephora, Glam Glow)
Mask #2: Caudalie Instant Detox, $39 (Caudalie, Sephora)
Rosehip oil, $14 (Whole Foods)
Sisley Paris Black Rose Precious Face Oil, $235 (Sisley-Paris)

Brionna’s reviews on Glamour.com

Body Shop Carrot Wash face cleanser review
Sisley Paris Black Rose Precious Face Oil review

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Whether you're having a gloomy day or need something uplifting to watch in the background, here are the laugh-out-loud-worthy movies you need to revisit.

Devil Wears Prada
Ferris Bueller's Day Off
The Breakfast Club
Moulin Rouge
Matilda
Coming to America
500 Days of Summer
Harold and Maude
Eve’s Bayou
Atlantis: The Lost Empire

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I'm still smiling ear-to-ear after an evening spent shopping uber-chic French clothing brand Sézane's winter and holiday collections. I've loved attending readings, shopping experiences (and yoga!) at the Paris-based clothing brand's New York City's L’Appartement Sézane, and here's a look into the trends I spotted (and fell in love with) in Sézane's highly-curated winter and holiday collections.

The story of Sézane: The brand began in 2013 founded by Morgane Sealroy. Morgane started selling her vintage faves online and created "Les Composantes", then started filling in her vintage finds with pieces she designed herself. In 2017, Morgane founded DEMAIN to raise money for Pencils of Promise, La Voix de L'Enfant, Sports dans la Ville.

Here are the vintage-inspired and retro-yet-ethereal trends I spotted from Sézane's exceptional Winter/Holiday 2019 collection.

- Season-agnostic silk and jacquard pieces were the stand-outs of the collection
- Plum red, navy and gold were the eye-catching colors, along with tapered colorful trousers
- Jacquard trousers I tried on (Gustavo trousers, $190), jacquard blouse (Gabrielle blouse, $125)
- Tulle Misty Copeland-esque caramel tulle skirt I tried on (Masha skirt, $190)
- LBD meets rainbow (Doha dress, $190), so many gorgeous silky LBD pieces (Gabin dress, $200)
- Victorian necklines (Maureen shirt, $125) and sleeves, pussy-bow dresses (Selena dress, $185), streamlined looks
- High-neckline dresses (Eleanor dress, $150)

Go behind-the-scenes of my Sézane shopping adventure on @brionnajay Instagram Stories highlights, as well as the @bribookspod Instagram Stories highlights. Shop it up at Sézane site and obsess over the Sézane feed on Instagram.

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I'm getting vulnerable AF for this episode of "Bri Books" briCember, and I'm sharing my personal journey with therapy--a 20-year-long relationship that's at the heart of my health.

Resources: "Therapy for Black Girls" podcast and site for help finding a therapist, "Naptime is Sacred" podcast for fantastic storytelling by the ever-creative Fousia Abdullahi.

Where does your therapy story begin? Tell me at @bribookspod on Instagram, Twitter, and bribookspod.com/newsletter.

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I'm revealing my “Pushing Past Procrastination” hacks:

2:00 - The 5 steps of recording “Bri Books,” procrastination-free
4:45 - Pushing Past Procrastination Tip #1: Remember all the times you’ve done something from scratch, and it worked out.
5:05 - Pushing Past Procrastination Tip #2: You're not creating for yourself, so don't let yourself get in the way.
6:25 - Pushing Past Procrastination Tip #3: Remember what it feels like to be on the other side.

Where are you procrastinating in your life? Tell me at @bribookspod on Instagram, Twitter, and bribookspod.com/newsletter.

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Today’s episode explores history, one drink at a time with Ashley Warren, co-host of The Kindred Spirit podcast. “the Kindred Spirit” covers everything from obscure cocktails (Monkey Gland, anyone?) to urban legends (who was the original Hot Toddy?)

Primarily we dissect the cocktail book we’re both obsessed with, “Movers and Shakers: Women Making Waves in Spirits and Wine” by Hope Ewing

4:10 - Ashley’s “behind-the-bar” upbringing (her childhood house had a keg!)
5:45 - #BriBook: “Movers and Shakers” by Hope Ewing, which dismantles the white, corporatized way that beer and drinking was packaged post-Prohibition.
8:45 - How to get experimental? Play Bartender’s Choice and ask for a recommendation, and always sit at the bar. “Sitting at the bar is a great way to not feel alone.” - Ashley Warren, “The Kindred Spirit” podcast
12:45: #BriBook: “The Please Don’t Tell Cocktail Book”, 1888 “Bartender’s Manual,” “Hoffer’s Brewing Guide,” “Savoy Cocktail Book,” “Imbibe,” “Drinking Like Ladies”
25:30 - How to get plugged into your local cocktail and spirits scene

Follow @bribookspod on Instagram, Twitter, and bribookspod.com/newsletter

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Bri Books Top 5 Cookbooks of 2019

Cooking for one (for yourself on a regular basis): “The Living Kitchen: Healing Recipes to Support Your Body During Cancer Treatment and Recovery” by Sarah Grossman and Tamara Green
Cooking for a crowd (two or more): “Cravings: Recipes for all the Food You Want to Eat” by Chrissy Teigen
Guest flex (for when it’s your turn to host it’s delicious and looks good): “Everyday Is Saturday: Recipes + Strategies for Easy Cooking, Every Day of the Week” by Sarah Copeland
Technique (how you present your food): “That Photo Makes Me Hungry: Photographic Food for Fun and Profit” by Andrew Scravini
What’s up next (new release) "Jubilee: Recipes From Two Centuries Of African American Cooking:” by Toni Tipton-Martin

Pssst, check out my “How to Shop the Farmers Market” IGTV for more info about seasonal eating.

Follow @bribookspod on Instagram, Twitter, and bribookspod.com/newsletter

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Welcome to #BriCember--31 days of daily podcasts, for the rest of the decade.

I was inspired and encouraged by podcasters Amanda Miller Littlejohn ("Package your Genius" pod) and Emma Gunavardhana ("The Emma Guns Show") to challenge myself to daily episodes. Nothing's off-limits--leave a review of the podcast and tell me what you want us to discuss! We'll chat my best beauty lessons learned this year, how I spend my money, wine favorites, what’s in my cookbook collection, my AM and PM skincare beauty routines, how I deal with procrastination, falling in love with vintage shopping, my favorite creators and podcasts, a few of the books I've read in 2019, and even my own career story.

You can follow along with the conversation on Instagram and Twitter using #BriBooks. Subscribe to newsletter bribookspod.com/newesletter! The theme music is "One Way" by Jenn Mundia, fall in love with her here: https://soundcloud.com/jennmundia

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The Bri Books Summer 2019 Reading Experience is here! At the end of the episode, I share the curated list of books we'll be reading this summer as a Bri Books community.

How can your bookshelf better reflect your values? Liana Rodriguez, a Bronx-based bibliophile, asked herself this question at the start of 2019. It led her to building her own personal library from scratch, full of narratives from diversified voices around the world instead of the cis-het White male writers of World Literature classes past.

While celebrating "Well Read Black Girl" book club founder Glory Edim's anthology, "Well-Read Black Girl: Finding Out Stories, Discovering Ourselves" at The Wing Soho in conversation with Uli from Subway Book Review, I met Liana Rodriguez. In this episode, we go deep on Liana's bookshelf project, the importance of author's life experiences and who is doing the writing, book purging, and how to get back into reading after falling off. We finish the episode with a walking tour of Liana's library.

#BRIBOOKS SUMMER 2019 READING EXPERIENCE

"The Wedding Date" by Jasmine Guillroy
"The Other Americans" by Laila Lalami
"Beasts Made of Night" by Tochi Onyebuchi

Liana's reading recommendation: "The Midst of Winter" by Isabel Allende

Follow Liana's reading journeys on Instagram.

You can follow along with the conversation on Instagram and Twitter using #BriBooks. Subscribe to newsletter bribookspod.com/newesletter!

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Let’s talk cookbooks, featuring “Slice and Torte” podcast hosts Danielle and Sherrod--the cookbooks the ones that changed our lives, the ones that challenged our pallets, and the ones that never should’ve been printed.

Slice & Torte on Instagram, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and on their site!

“Slice & Torte” podcast is a conversation about food as if it were pop culture. Two cooks from different perspectives, Danielle and Sherrod, love to “make food that’s simple and delicious, and warms the soul.”

0:30 - Danielle and Sherrod introduction: “By day,” Danielle is a Senior Analyst for a healthcare company and Sherrod is a UX Designer for a medical device company. “By night,” they cook too much, buy too many plates, and create “Slice and Torte”.

5:00 - How Sherrod and Danielle decided to share their passion for food through podcasting.

6:00 - How design, art and science merge to create the “Slice and Torte” podcast and platform.

7:55 - “When did you turn on the stove for the first time?” and early memories of cooking (including Danielle’s incredible story of cooking for her family...at age four.)

9:40 - How Sherrod’s great aunt set him on his path of loving food and community.

11:35 - The Four Cookbook #BriBooks

-Chrissy Teigen's “Cravings”

-”How to Cook Everything” by Mark Bittman

-“Rodale’s Garden Fresh Cooking”

-“Vintage Pies” by Ann Haney Collins

12:20 - Cookbooks for building confidence: “The Martha Stewart Cooking School,” “Cook with Jamie” by Jamie Oliver.

16:24 - What cooking has taught both Sherrod and Danielle about themselves.

17:30 - “Cooking is the highest form of magic. it’s the only way I know to stop time, to cure disease, to completely change a good day from a bad day. Understanding that at ones core is so fulfilling, because when you can do that, you can do things like change your outlook!” - Sherrod Faulk, “Slice & Torte” podcast

19:05 - “What I’ve learned is that there's only suggestions, there’s no rules. The kitchen is the one place where literally what I want goes. No one can tell me what to do. I can try whatever I want to try. For me, that’s very freeing and relaxing. And I’ve learned, there’s nothing I can’t make. Even if it doesn’t exist yet, I can make it and invent it. I’ve also learned, it’s OK to fail. But, that sense of failure is so freeing, and I don’t know many other places where you can feel good about failing other than the kitchen.” - Danielle Jones, “Slice & Torte” podcast

BREAK

21:00: #BriBooks Cookbook #1: “Rodale’s Garden Fresh Cooking” and eating with the seasons/ seasonality.

“Rodale’s Garden Fresh Cooking” my go-to for ingredient-based cooking. Each chapter focuses on a specific crop. Listen to “Bri Books all about “Rodale’s Garden Fresh Cooking,” featuring the incredible @ABeautifulNest.

24:10 - Seasonality 101 and eating with the seasons, and shoutout to farmers markets! @GrowNYC Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket warrior!

26:15 #Bribooks Cookbook #2: “Vintage Pies:Classic American Pies for Today's Home Baker” by Anne Collins. These aren’t your aunty’s sweet potato and pumpkin pies. Danielle gives her take on a few bizarre pies from America’s history, including Amber Pie, Boiled Cider Pie, Grape Pie...and Jefferson Davis Pie.

29:30 #Bribooks Cookbook #3: “Cravings” by Chrissy Teigen. One of the strengths of the book is that it felt like a quick trip to the grocery store could pull off all recipes--no specialty store required.

30:40: “No food is exclusionary in this world. everyone eats. these ingredients are available to everyone. It’s well worth it for people to get out of their comfort zones, go to grocery stores in neighborhoods you’ve never explored, talk to people you wouldn’t normally talk to. Get out and explore.” - Sherrod

31:45 - Sherrod and Danielle on “Cravings” by Chrissy Teigen and how it’s a highly-social cookbook, great for people who entertain.

34:05 - #Bribooks Cookbook #4: “How to Cook Everything” by Mark Bittman

35:00 - Why we don’t understand cookbooks that don’t have photos?!

BREAK

37:45 - GAME TIME! Let’s play “Read It, Reading It, Wrote It,” inspired by “Slice & Torte’s “Love It, Hate It, Ate It segments!

“Read It” = a book you feel like you read and it taught you something about uncovering passions, etc

“Reading It” = A book you’re reading or want to read next

“Wrote It” = The book that resonated with you so deeply, you feel you could’ve written it!

38:30 - Sherrod’s “Read It”: Martha Stewart’s book “Entertaining” cookbook taught him that cooking isn’t just cooking. “Cooking is a way to have fun, to have a party, to change people's’ lives, to get outside your own culture, a way to take a trip around the world.”

39:50 - Danielle’s “Reading It”: “Birdbox” by Josh Malerman, and “The Brief and Wondrous Life of Oscar Wilde” by Junot Diaz.

40:30 - Sherrod’s “Reading It”: “Mastering the Art of Japanese Homecooking” by Masaharu Morimoto

42:00 - Danielle’s “Wrote It”: “The Cooking Gene” by Michael Twitty and “Swindled: The Dark History of Food Fraud, from Poisoned Candy to Counterfeit Coffee” by Bee Wilson

43:20 - Brionna’s #bribooks: “Everyday is Saturday: Recipes and Strategies for Easy Cooking Every Day of the Week” by Sarah Copeland

44:10 - Danielle’s “Read It”: “Between Harlem & Heaven” by Alexander Smalls all about Afro-Asian-American cooking and history

45:00 - Sherrod’s “Wrote It”: “Mrs. Wheelbarrow's Practical Pantry” by Cathy Barrow, and “It’s All Easy: Super Delicious Recipes for a Home Cook”

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Two weeks ago, the #MTYRetreat took place at Nizuc Resort and Spa in Cancun, Mexico. To say it was transformative...would be an understatement. I’ve enlisted @SwirlSuite Podcast co-host and producer Sarita Cheaves (@vinemeup) to help me unpack the magic behind CURLBOX founder Myleik Teele’s second annual retreat.

1:40 - In this episode, we’re going deep on our experiences at #MTYRetreat, the second annual retreat hosted by CURLBOX founder and CEO Myleik Teele. Myleik offers unfiltered advice on everything from business to parenthood on her “Myleik Teele’s podcast” platform.
2:42 - The #MTYRetreat was designed as “a curated getaway inspired by next-level luxury and the cultural experiences of Myleik.” The goal was the restore, transform and edify attendees. The MTYRetreat consisted of a 4-day, 3-night experience at Nizuc Resort and Spa, a AAA 5 Diamond Award-winning resort, complete with masterclass workshops, fireside chats/ cocktails and conversations, and so much dancing.
3:18 - Sarita was a first-time MTYRetreat attendee, and I was coming back for second year. In this episode we’re sharing our favorite takeaways and moments from the retreat. We have so much gratitude for the CURLBOX team, Myleik, Karleen Roy and The Vanity Group for making magic.
5:40 - Sarita introduction: Sarita is a wine writer and producer of "Swirl Suite,” a podcast that's all about wine, liquor, spirits, beer, and life.
6:30 - Who is Myleik? Founder and CEO of CURLBOX, Myleik’s receipts print THEMSELVES! She’s an entrepreneur and PR extraordinare and she’s so intensely devoted to black women gathering our resources, talents, and ambitions.
8:15 - How Sarita discovered Myleik: via Side Hustle Pro podcast! Sarita heard Myleik on an episode, and immediately had to acquaint herself with Myleik’s work. Sarita says Myleik’s words are incredible: “Her words of encouragement are extremely firm and clear. There’s no fluff. I love everything about it.”
9:20 - Myleik wanted to teach us what she didn’t know. So, she hosted #MTYRetreat with support from her multi-hyphenate baddie brigade: Bestselling author Luvvie Ajayi, ministry leader Sarah Jakes Roberts, Blavity founder Morgan DeBaun, creator of Karma Bliss and author of “Crystal Bliss” Devi Brown, “Insecure” star Yvonne Orji, style and fashion journalist extraordinaire Kahlana Barfield-Brown, and founder of XONecole Necole Kane.
10:00 - Sarita describes her first moments at MTYRetreat, from the flight touching down at the airport to pulling up at the Nizuc Resort and Spa lobby: “We touched down and I walked into the lobby. The scene from the lobby, where you can spot the water, left me breathless. I stood there for a moment and took it in, like, “Wow I don’t know what I’m in for, but my life is about to change.”
11:30 - The first night of the retreat was a fun dinner-cocktail party, complete with a gorgeously set, long dining table. There was such ease in the room as attendees mingled. Brionna says, “I kept feeling like everyone was putting in the same energy. Everyone wanted to be there.
12:07 - Sarita on arriving at the #MTYRetreat late, and how her roommate helped her ease into the experience, and the incredible wall of personalized menus!
14:30 - On Saturday, we began with a Saturday Sunrise Service and a morning word by Sarah Jakes Roberts, a ministry leader and best-selling author. Jakes-Roberts lead a Sunrise Service, where all were welcome to participate, dress in white, walk to the edge of the ocean on the beach, and share a spiritual yet grounding moment.
15:30 - Sarita and Brionna describe the beauty of watching the sunrise surrounded by dozens of black women, all wearing white.
16:30 - Sailing on “The Retreat by Myleik” catamaran!
17:30 - The elation of enjoying poolside champagne with wine writer/ expert and consultant Julia Coney!!
18:00 - There was a huge breadth of experiences and people present at the retreat. Not everyone needed to have a “side hustle” or have something “going on.” So much of the programming was directed toward pouring back into everyone who attended MTYRetreat. Seeing connections made in real-time, and watching the “accelerated collisions” was incredible. The moments of clarity and connection will keep reverberating. Nothing “ends” at the MTYRetreat--it’s where everything takes off.
20:00 - Sarita on connecting with #MTYRetreat attendees: “It felt nice to connect souls with people.”
20:35 - Sunday’s #MTYRetreat Masterclass series! To kick it off, Myleik invited at least a half dozen of the most interesting, multifaceted people in her world to offer insights. The first to masterclass speaker was Devi Brown, founder of lifestyle and wellness company Karma Bliss, and author of “Crystal Bliss.” Devi was so efervescent yet stabilizing. Her discussion on purpose:”Purpose is using your unique gifts, unique abilities to be of service to others.”
22:00 - Devi’s meditation according to Sarita: “We had to close our eyes, and respond to ourselves. She kept saying, “Who are you?” Not mom or wife--that’s who you are to others---who are YOU? Outside of a professional career or titles, who ARE you?! Devi also said, “You’re only you to yourself.” THINK ON THAT!
22:30 - Morgan DeBaun, founder of Blavity, offered a workshop about working smart. Why Sarita loved Morgan: “She took the emotion out of setting goals."
23:40 - Sarita on Morgan’s recommendation/ homework--separating CEO tasks from operating tasks.
24:45 - Yvonne Orji shut it DOWN with her energy, her story, and her vulnerability.
25:20 - Sarita discusses Yvonne’s story of success: “What resonate with me was that she (Yvonne) said she auditioned for “Insecure” for five times, because one person she was competing with was doing great, but they plateaued in the audition. However, as Yvonne kept coming back, she kept taking notes and getting better and better. The team said, ‘If she’s getting better just from notes, just imagine how great she’ll be with producers and a director.” WOW!
26:15 - Brionna’s favorite Yvonne quote: “I hate regret more than I hate fear.”
27:00 - How the level of courtesy at Nizuc Resort and Spa impacted us
28:50 - Much love to DJ and author Olivia Dope for keeping us dancing!
29:15 - Sarita’s MTYRetreat action item: Identifying CEO and operational tasks, a la Morgan deBaun.
30:40 - Brionna’s MTYRetreat action item: Be a good human, a la Yvonne Orji. Being considerate, compassionate and courteous are skills. Yes, you can be FAIR and NICE at the same time. Devi’s quote, “The lessons repeat as needed” HIT ME HARD!
32:15 - SO MUCH LOVE to Ms. Diana on the CURLBOX team, for being such a rockstar. Periodt.
33:05 - Final thoughts: MTYRetreat was worth it 100%! We’re still reaping the benefits, and will do so going forward. Sarita’s expectations were exceeded. She says, “I don’t know what I needed when I got there, but I certainly received it when I left.”

33:45 - Brionna’s #bribooks is from Sarita! “Lost in the City", a book of short stories about DC, by Edward P. Jones.

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Welcome to season five of Bri Books!

You can follow along with the conversation on Instagram and Twitter using #BriBooks. Subscribe to newsletter bribookspod.com/newesletter!

We’re kicking off the season with Patricia Bright, businesswoman, YouTube queen and author of “Heart & Hustle: Use Your Passion, Build Your Brand, Achieve Your Dreams.” Patricia has earned over 2.7M YouTube subscribers, and just hit 1M on Instagram. I've followed Patricia Bright since the late 2000’s on YouTube and Longhaircareforum, and it’s such a treat to be able to celebrate the platform she’s created.

*Note on audio: You’ll hear a small sound of me typing furiously in the background during the interview. I apologize!

0:00-4:30 – Meet Patricia Bright, the story behind Bri Books cold pitching Patricia and why Suzanne Jeffers’ “Feel the fear and do it anyway” is how Patricia lives her life.

4:30 – In the book, Patricia discusses how being consistent is the challenge of our lives, and one we must rise to daily. Patricia shares her untold story, and why the big three--Brand, Business, and Beliefs--are crucial. With "Heart & Hustle," Patricia is teaching us to find our grinds, and identify our sweet spots where passions and unique skills find the perfect audience.

12:09 – Patricia on learning to be a stronger networker: “Networking should be active, and start on an honest point of interest.”

14:25 – Taking the sting out of networking, and learning to be comfortable having varied conversations with different types of people.

15:25 – Patricia: “It’s important to find that sweet spot between your passion, ability and what’s practical.” it sounds like that’s the recipe.

18:50 – Patricia’s #BriBooks current read: “Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear

20:07 – Let’s play “Patricia Taught Me,” a game where we quote from “Heart and Hustle” and Patricia expands on the ideas behind her words.

LINKS TO PATRICIA'S WORK:

Patricia Bright's blog, book, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube channels.

Say hi! @bribookspod and bribookspod.com and bribookspod.com/newsletter.

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Welcome back to Bri Books, the podcast that encourages, entertains and enlightens by engaging with the ideas on and off the pages. Season five starts April 16!! Send “Bri Books” to the booklovers in your life! @bribookspod, bribookspod.com/newsletter. Show me what you’re reading with #bribooks!

SHOW NOTES

0:53 - This season we’re doing things differently. We’re talking to more authors, more podcast hosts, and creatives. Before the season begins, I want to give you a taste of what to expect.

1:07 - We’ll be having conversations with first time author Cora Harrington, founder and Editor-in-Chief of “The Lingerie Addict” and author of new book “In Intimate Detail.” Later this season you’ll hear from Danielle and Sherrod of "Slice and Torte" podcast as we talk through our can’t-live-without cookbooks. We’ll be chatting with fashion writer Channing Hargrove about how she’s dedicated her career to loving on and celebrating black women. We’ll be having bibliophile Liana Rodriguez discuss what she does to build a more well-read and less overwhelmingly male and white library for herself. Then we chat with host of "The Kindred Spirit" podcast Ashley Warren to discuss women in wine and liquor from beginning of time to today.

2:24 - This season we’ll be using literature more to uncover our passions and manage things like managing side hustles, mentorship, career growth, fear of adulting, life challenges. Bri Books is a podcast that’s invested in delivering a sincere and inspiring conversation on books of cultural significance!

Say hi! @bribookspod and bribookspod.com and bribookspod.com/newsletter. You can follow along with the conversation on Instagram and Twitter using #BriBooks. Subscribe to newsletter bribookspod.com/newesletter!

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Welcome to Bri Books Season four finale, where we're discussing “Becoming” by Michelle Obama. Thank you for a great season four! In this episode, we’re breaking down “Becoming,” and sharing a few #Becoming101 insights.

Much love to Well-Read Black Girl community and founder Glory Edim, for dedicating their December book club to “Becoming.” Joining the conversation via #WRBGChat was such a treat.

4:00 - “Becoming Me” and the crystalizing moments Michelle experienced as a child that solidified the foundation for who she would “become.”

6:00 - ‘Becoming Us” and the musings of Michelle on mid-career, marriage, motherhood and beyond

7:20 - “Becoming More,” and Michelle molding her FLOTUS platform to her values and priorities

9:00 - #Becoming101: Michelle is teaching us to “become” by dating, by iterating, and by being bougie

Bri Books will be back in early spring 2019! In the meantime, keep the pot boiling at @bribookspod and bribookspod.com and bribookspod.com/newsletter. You can follow along with the conversation on Instagram and Twitter using #BriBooks. Subscribe to newsletter bribookspod.com/newesletter!

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You asked. I'm delivering. In today’s episode, we’re discussing the film adaptation of the Richard Ford novel “Wildlife”, as requested by YOU! Thank you for heeding the call on a recent “Bri Books Bites” asking which of my most recent reads you’d be most interested in chatting about. Thank you to @bethcorinnek, who commented TWICE on Instagram, requesting we dissect the novel and film. I think this episode will encourage you to pick up the novel from your local library or pop into a local theater to support the film.

3:00 - Recapping the novel “Wildlife” (more in this episode of “Bri Books”)
5:30 - Recapping the experience of watching film “Wildlife”

Both the film and novel communicated the unexpected vulnerability that accompanies blurred lines within a family. It’s that vulnerability--between spouses and between child and parent--that permeates both expressions of this incredible story. #BriBooks recommends “Wildlife” 100%

I’ve shared my bullet journal tips in an IGTV about setting up your bujo is live on @bribookspod and bribookspod.com and bribookspod.com/newsletter. You can follow along with the conversation on Instagram and Twitter using #BriBooks. Subscribe to newsletter bribookspod.com/newesletter!

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Today's "Bri Books" is holiday feast-ready. We're discussing "Gut: The Inside Story of Our Bodies Most Underrated Organ" by Giulia Enders. We're mere weeks away from 2019. From now to the end of 2018, our guts will be working overtime. Between work potlucks, family potlucks, holiday parties, our guts are working intensely. This books goes inside (no pun intended) the world of the gut, and I share my "gut checks" and learnings along the way.

0:35 - Today's #BriBooks pick couldn't be more appropriate for end of the year as we wrap up 2018…with lots of food. Between now and the end of 2018, our guts will be working overtime. Between work potlucks, family gatherings and holiday parties, there's so much food and stress packed into the last few weeks of the year when our guts are working intensely.
3:00 – How Brionna discovered “Gut: The Inside Story of Our Bodies Most Underrated Organ" by Giuliana Enders” while working at ABC News, and general takeaways and first impressions after finishing “Gut”
5:00 - Gut Check #1: Giving our small intestines enough vitamins and minerals (by way of nutrient-rich and nutrient-dense food) is a major key to more small intestine success.
5:30 – Gut Check #2: Constipation results from a disconnect between the nerves in the nervous system and the muscles of the gut. The gut is ultimately a creature of habit, and if that habit is disrupted by holiday travel or holiday eats, constipation can arise. A great way to re-establish your gut’s equilibrium is to make sure you’re eating fiber and drinking fluids 2-3 days before holiday travel or before major meals.
7:45 – Gut Check #3: There’s a link between the gut and the brain. Emotions like fear and stress reduce smooth muscles in the gut, and make it so the stomach can't stretch adequately, and we feel nauseous or anxious after just a few bites. Let’s all work on connecting with our guts and your brains, remaining mindful of seasonal stress.

Bri Books is not intended as a substitute for medical or health advice, and shouldn't be treated as such. A great secondary research for your deep dive into the world of the gut: "Follow Your Gut: The Enormous Impact of Tiny Microbes" by Rob Knight

PS, I’ve shared my bullet journal tips in an IGTV about setting up your bujo is live on @bribookspod and bribookspod.com and bribookspod.com/newsletter. You can follow along with the conversation on Instagram and Twitter using #BriBooks. Subscribe to newsletter bribookspod.com/newesletter!

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Hi, welcome back to Bri Books. On today’s episode I’ll be starting “Bri Books Bites.” I’ll be sharing four recent reads that I think may resonate with you.

0:22 - I want to apologize and acknowledge the Bri Books schedule’s been out of whack.
1:47 - In lieu of a full episode, I’m starting “Bri Books Bites,” a quick digest of a few of the titles I’ve recently devoured. And there will be a twist. I want you to choose which of the four titles we will feature on the podcast. I’ll tell you all the steps of how to vote.
2:30 - This Podcast was inspired by “Just The Right Book Podcast.”
4:10 - Book #1: “Wildlife” by Richard Ford. On October 19, the “Wildlife” film starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Michelle Williams. When Roxanne Coady mentioned it on “Just The Right Book Podcast,” I knew I, too, had to discuss this title. The book begins in 1960s rural Montana, and we are introduced to a family--mom Jeanette, dad Jerry, and 16-year-old son Joe. It’s wildfire season, but the flames burn through more than the neighboring forests--it burns through the family fabric. What’s left behind after the flames tear through their lives is...interesting. To discuss this book, visit @bribookspod on Instagram, and leave the comment “Wildlife” on the most recent photo.
6:05 - Book #2: “The Butcher’s Daughter” by Victoria Glendinning. In the mid-1500s, when King Henry the VIII and his right-hand-man Thomas Cromwell set about abolishing religious houses and monasteries in England, the priests and nuns who were part of the religious order were scattered to the winds. But what happened to the nuns? “The Butcher’s Daughter” sets out to answer the question through eyes of a young woman sent to live at Shaftesbury Abbey. Thanks fo her intellect and the fact that she could read, she was able to be an assistant to the Abbess of Shaftesbury. This plops here in the midst of a landscape of protest and reformation. If you want to discuss “The Butcher’s Daughter,” visit @bribookspod on Instagram, and leave the comment “Butcher’s Daughter” on recent photo.
9:35 -Break!
9:53 - Book #3: “Travel As A Political Act” by Rick Steves. I picked this book up while working at ABC News. The author has spent most of his career reaching people how to travel. The book is about finding the lessons that accompany us through travel. For context, Steve’s wrote first edition at end of the Bush administration and the second edition post-Trump election. The book describes how travel as a political act, and is organized into regions and counties including Yugoslavia, Europe, Denmark, El Salvador, Turkey, Iran,Palestine, Israel.
11:15 I leaned into being part of global POV and putting global POV into action locally. To discuss this book, visit @bribookspod on Instagram, and leave the comment “Travel” on the most recent photo.
11:45 - Book #4: “Martha Stewart's Newlywed Kitchen: Recipes for Weeknight Dinners and Easy, Casual Gatherings.”Martha Stewart’s Newlywed Kitchen: Easy Weeknight Dinners.” Even though I’m not engaged and I cook for one (or two), I love how this book is organized, and it doesn’t feel like a specialty cookbook. It feels like with forward thought, planning, creativity, flexibility, and grace could be fun. To discuss this book, visit @bribookspod on Instagram, and leave the comment “Newlywed” on the most recent photo.
Thank you so much!

PS, I’ve shared my bullet journal tips in an IGTV about setting up your bujo is live on @bribookspod and bribookspod.com and bribookspod.com/newsletter. you can follow along with the conversation on Instagram and Twitter using #BriBooks. Subscribe to newsletter bribookspod.com/newesletter!

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Today on Bri Books, we’re doing a deep dive into world of bullet journaling: What it is, what it solves, and how to get started.

1:00 - Bri Books on IGTV: Bullet Journaling 101!
2:00 - Define: Bullet journaling
2:30 - What seperates a bullet journal from a notebook you have on your shelf? I love Leuchtturm1917.
3:19 - The guiding principle behind bujo is you want the method to work for you. It’s about “tracking the past, organizing the present, and planning for the future.” You don't want to spend so much time focusing on recording of the doing, that the doing doesn't get done.
5:08 - Step One: Index. It’s the Table of Contents of your bullet journal, where you write down page numbers and their corresponding sections.
5:30 - Step Two: Write a prayer, a grounding thought, a dream that’s on my mind, 3-5 simple joys in life. Write down three peaceful thoughts and joys you find. You can use those as anchors as you move through your bullet journal
6:28 - The prayer lately is John 15:5. Here’s a link. I find that it’s helpful to have something grounding and centering at the top of my journal, to put myself into perspective.
6:50 - Step Three: Categories. It’s never too early or too late to start creating categories. It’s a useful practice to keep different areas of life in check and balances. Categories help me see if things are overloaded or underloaded, i’m able to give myself a gut check.
7:18 - Brionna’s story of setting categories and boundaries, and what it solved
10:00 Step Four: Logs and Calendar. There are tons of different types of logs--monthly logs, future logs (two or three months out), and a calendar-style log (current and next month)
11:08 - Logs are helpful for recording regular operations tasks you want to tick off. Gym sessions, grocery store, financial, books to read, movies you wanna read, items to purchase next, phone calls that need to be made.
11:40 - Step Five: A Spread. A spread is a few pages devoted to a certain project or time period. For example, each week I create a 2-page spread, and write down what’s on my calendar along with a little checklist built on tasks pulled from the….CATEGORIES LIST! The daily and weekly spread keep me honest. It's’ where i break down large projects or tasks into daily chunks. It's’ where i cordon off parts of my day or week to different things. It's’ where i experiment and play on subway. Ifind daily and weekly spreads keep me helpful with everything else i set out with, and be flexible with my time by realizing the space i do have and the types of work i'm able to do throughout the week.

I’ll share the resources, and give you a sneak-peak into how I set up my bullet journal in the Bri Books Newsletter. A few of the resources I found useful: How to Bullet Journal video from official website, Lucy Moon’s 2018 Bullet Journal setup, Lucy Pebbles Bullet Journal video! The IGTV about setting up your bujo is live on @bribookspod and bribookspod.com and bribookspod.com/newsletter. Thank you!

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Hello! Welcome back to “Bri Books.” Today’s guest is style expert, hip hop head, and creator/host of “Poised n Polished” podcast, “the podcast dedicated to people with style like you.” She’s also a proud member of the Beyhive. In the spirit of innovation and new fall inspiration, this episode is all about the Beyonce edition of Vogue magazine. In this episode, we share our earliest fashion memories, the significance of the Beyonce edition of Vogue, our favorite fall/winter trends, fall/winter “Beautylutions,” and Esta’s tips on being a better packer ahead of holiday season travel. “Poised n Polished” podcast, Esta Fiesta newsletter, Instagram, Twitter, blog

3:10 - A bit about Esta Fiesta’s work, how we met, and her work as host/ creator of “Poised n Polished”
5:05 - Esta introduces herself, in her own words
7:10 - This episode of Bri Books is a bit of a change--we’re discussing US Vogue September 2018 issue featuring Beyonce.
7:40 - Esta’s earliest fashion memory, and how her family’s focus on being “put together” influenced her approach to style
10:15 - Brionna’s earliest fashion memory, the show “Fashion Trance,” and how Brionna learned that fashion experimentation “should be fun.”
11:50 - Esta’s first September issue memory
13:30 - Brionna and Esta’s takes on the Beyonce edition of Vogue US
18:00 - Esta on Beyonce’s deep dive into the realities battling with self-esteem and societal pressures, even if you’re “Beyonce.” Remember, “I’m not too perfect to ever feel this worthless,” as Beyonce said in “Hold Up.”
19:15 - Brionna and Esta on A/W Trends: Granny chic is BACK (Gucci, Christian Dior), emerald green is the thing, and global patterns are taking over the world.
23:00 - Esta on A/W Trends: Tough, but gentle to the touch.
24:20 - Esta’s favorite autumn/winter activity: being in the fresh air! Esta’s autumn/winter style faves: Layers and coats and shoes, oh my!
25:20 - Brionna’s favorite autumn/winter activity: Roasting veggies! Brionna’s autumn/ winter style faves: Fashion shoes, and layering
29:00 - Esta’s “How to Pack” video, and her top tips for more smartly packing for holiday season
29:30 - At the end of every trip, Esta takes inventory of what wasn’t used on her trip--accessories, clothes, everything. She also uses a travel itinerary as backbone for packing
30:30 - Esta defines Beautylutions: A resolution, but beauty-focused. Beautylutions evolve over time and as goals are accomplished and shift. Her 2018 beautylution: Clearer skin!
31:00 - Esta’s Beautylution for fall: Finding the autumn version of her skincare must-have’s
32:40 - Brionna’s Beautylution for fall: Strong, healthy skincare habits (10 minute timer and all!)
33:30 - Esta’s #BriBooks: “Hair Story: Untangling the Roots of Black Hair in America” by Ayana Byrd and, Lori Tharps
35:00 - Brionna’s #BriBooks: “Wildlife” by Richard Ford
“Poised n Polished” podcast, Esta Fiesta newsletter, Instagram, Twitter, blog

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Welcome back to Bri Books! We’re back with part 2, the conclusion to our discussion about the book “Boss Bride” by Charreah K. Jackson.THANKS to everyone who let me know you’re reading or have read Boss Bride! Shoutout to @brownsugarhoney3, @itspaulana, @joimariewrites who are reading Boss Bride.

Here’s part one of the Bri Books “Boss Bride” recap.

1:55 - Now that I’m done reading the book, I wanted to go deeper past top takeaways into what I really noticed about the book.
2:15 - Definition of “Boss Bride”
3:00 - With self help books, I always bookmark and swear I’ll come back to them. But "Boss Bride" did something different--it weaved together the experience-based stories and the learnings. It’s like memoir-meets-manual.
3:45 - On this epi, I'm sharing three deep, integral things I noticed about Boss Bride. The patterns and behaviors that I noticed that are integral to being a "Boss Bride."
4:30 - #1: Affirmations. In the book, Charreah dedicates part of a chapter to affirmations. She says, “The increase in activity I experience now is not an accident. All things that come through my door have been awaiting my arrival as well. I’m ready for an onslaught of responsibility, and in that I stay accountable to my spirit, self, health and wellbeing.”
5:45 - Affirmations aren’t about making something up out-of-the-blue. It’s about affirming a reality.
6:00 - Definition of affirm: To state as fact, assert strongly and publicly. Affirmation is the action or process of affirming something or being affirmed.”
6:30 - Having affirmations is about more than saying nice things to yourself. It’s about stating fact.
7:50 - I can’t wait to make my own affirmations and decide what I’m affirming. As they say on Tea with Queen and J podcast, ‘What are you affirming to be true and fact?’
8:30 - #2: Don’t let grass grow under your feet! Charreah stays busy at conferences, retreats, symposiums, events! It’s a beautiful thing to stay busy and out in the world.
9:00 - It reminds me of the Patricia Bright’s YouTube video from 2014, “Dealing with Loneliness.” She says, when you’re lonely, take up a new skill!
9:45 - #3: Release judgement on how things should look, and focus on goals, especially with relationships.
10:00 - Relationships are heavy and messy, because humans are heavy and messy. Charreah says, “Accepting the vulnerability and giving someone else the power to impact my life, is a process.”
10:30 - I read the book “The Best Yes: Making Wise Decisions In the Midst of Endless Demands” by Lysa TerKeurst. It spoke about how relationships will always need work, so just jump in now and get to work fixing and building them.
12:00 - Thank you! I hope you enjoyed this part two breakdown of “Boss Bride,” thank you to @brownsugarhoney3, @itspaulana, @joimariewrites! I’ll be mailing my book to a friend :)
13:00 - You like this podcast? Share with friends!

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Welcome to Bri Books! This episode is a book update, about Charreah K. Jackson's “Boss Bride: The Powerful Woman’s Playbook for Love and Success.” It’s so good, I wanted to record a status update. This episode, I share how I discovered Charreah and the book, and two of my favorite takeaways so far. You can follow along with the conversation on Instagram and Twitter using #BriBooks. Subscribe to newsletter at bribookspod.com/newesletter.

2:30 - Brionna’s Charreah Story
5:00 - The definition of a “Boss Bride”
7:10 - Top Takeaway 1: “What is my comfort costing me?” Charreah says, “Trust yourself; “There’s a gap between what we’re called to do and what we feel we are capable of doing.”
10: 00 - Top Takeaway 2: Don’t wish away the alone time! Wishing away the alone time can be wishing away opportunities to grow unencumbered.

This section reminds me of 1 Corinthians 7:32, beginning with “ I want you to be free from anxieties.” I often equate singleness with anxiety, but living single can help free us of anxiety. There will come a time to be partnered, but when you’re free to think of yourself and how you relate to the world around you, you don’t want to wish that time away.

Boss Bride: The Powerful Woman's Playbook for Love and Success

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Welcome to Bri Books, today we’ll be discussing Franchesca Ramsey’s book, ‘Well That Escalated Quickly’ with Odochi (Ode) of The Five Fifths podcast. You can follow along with the conversation on Instagram and Twitter using #BriBooks. Subscribe to newsletter at bribookspod.com/newesletter.

1:07 - What’s Five Fifths Podcast?
1:20 - The Three Fifths Compromise dates back to 1787, a compromise reached among State delegates. It decided how would slaves be counted as part of the population. In 1787, the US was trying to determine how a state's population would affect taxation and legislative representation. The “solution” was to count three out of every five slaves as a person, to give the south more electoral votes than if the slaves had been ignored, but fewer than if the slaves had been counted equally. It was in the interest of slave owners and landowners to three out of every five slaves as a person.
4:00 - “The Five Fifths podcast is basically showing that every person on this Earth is five-fifths, they’re all whole. Nobody’s humanity can be quantified.” - Ode
4:42 - Who is Franchesca Ramsey? In 2011, when “Shit Girls Say” took off on YouTube, Franchesca created her own iteration, “Shit White Girls Say to Black Girls.”
5:50 - How Ode’s predominately white private school experience relates to Franchesca’s “Shit White Girls Say to Black Girls”
7:08 - What took us from fans of Francesca’s YouTube work, to being fans of her writing
7:45 - Ode: “Seeing her on her own platform, as a dark-skinned woman who looks like me, I felt like she was very relatable.”
10:30 - In the book, Francesca traces her YouTube success trajectory. I really loved that Franchesca dindt’ shy away from the reality that it takes a long time to accumulate traction. She’d made over a hundred videos BEFORE “Shit White Girls Say to Black Girls.” It’s not lost on Franchesca that the quality and caliber of work speaks for itself when the time comes.
13:20 - After “Shit White Girls Say to Black Girls,” Franchesca was offered a book deal. But she didn’t jump on that opportunity, because she was setting herself UP for greatness instead of jumping ON whatever came her way.
15:50 - Discussing the chapter “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner? It’s Lena Dunham.”
20:15 - Discussion of “Call Out” culture versus “Calling In”
20:42 - According to EverydayFeminism.com, the goal of “Calling out” is publically pointing out that someone is being problematic or downright wrong. However, “calling in” aims to get someone to change their problematic behavior.”
21:50 - Ode on the problems of call-out culture. “The way that someone responds to a callout should determine how we respond to them. Once you learn something is offensive to a group of people, you have to change your language.”
22:40 - Our favorite “Self-Care” rituals and our “Activist Lent” a la Franchesca Ramsey
23:20 - Ode’s self-care is being around people with great energy, and going to therapy (shoutout to her therapist, whom she found on https://www.therapyforblackgirls.com)
24:40 - Ode’s “Activist Lent” is deep-dive reporting on deaths of black LGBTQ people
27:40 - Brionna’s self-care is mani-pedis at The Nail Boutique in Brooklyn. Shoutout to Mola’s Nail Boutique!
28:45 - Brionna’s “Activist Lent” is indulging in luxury YouTubers

Connect with Odochi: The Five Fifths Media Patreon, Instagram, Facebook, Spreaker

You can follow along with the conversation on Instagram and Twitter using #BriBooks. Subscribe to newsletter at bribookspod.com/newesletter.

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Hi from Brionna! This isn't your regular Bri Books episode today--Join Junket NYC for Part 1 of the 3 part series: "Our Experiences in Foster Care." We begin with "Entering the System" through the eyes of a foster child based on our collective experiences. Stay tuned at the end when we talk to our Junket roundtable for more of the real story. Subscribe to Junket's podcast on Apple podcasts here.

Junket NYC website and how to get involved: HERE

Junket NYC Instagram, Twitter

You can follow along with the conversation on Instagram and Twitter using #BriBooks. Subscribe to newsletter at bribookspod.com/newesletter.

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Hello from Bri @ Bri Books! Today's episode is a solo show. We still have 202 days left in 2018. Let's make it count by restoring margin and balance to our lives, shall we? Here are the ways I'm working to restore balance, and the podcasts hosted by women of color that are helping me along the way.

You can follow along with the conversation on Instagram and Twitter using #BriBooks. Subscribe to newsletter at bribookspod.com/newesletter.

00:57 - As of June 12,2018, we’ll have 202 days left in 2018. That means as much as we have behind us, we have ahead of us and more.
1:10 - If you still get that cringing falling part feeling, don’t worry, it just means you’re human.
1:30 - Before we go further, thanks for being here. Subscribe to newsletter at bribookspod.com/newesletter.
1:35 - This episode is about restoring margin. What’s margin? According to Pastor Darryl Dash, margin is “a little reserve that you’re not using up. You’re not stretched to the limit. You’re not going from one meeting to the next with no space between. Margin is the space between my load and my limit.”
1:57 - The only reason I know about margin because we had a sermon at The Journey Church about restoring balance and allowing God to restore balance. The concept of margin came up.
2:16 - It struck a nerve because I acknowledge that I, like most of us, am on overload.
2:20 - Let’s break down margins, think a piece of paper. The standard 1” margin would be setting a margin around your life, saying “Everything outside of this isn’t available.”
2:40 - Sometimes I live on the 0.2” margin, and I'll let procrastination/ anxiety stop me.
3:06 - When it comes to restoring margin, I get a little excited. To that end, I'll be sharing the ways I've been trying to restore margin to my own life, and a few of the podcasts that have been with me along the way. I’m gonna chat about it with a few podcasts I've been enjoying and have been crucial in helping me notice patterns when I Don't have margin, and make those non-negotiable.
3:36 - Nobody has to tell you how busy you are. We have the lists--we know the XYZ, and somewhere we’re supposed to fit in the ‘YOU’.
3:48 - Margin is basically breathing room. The sermon spoke to me, and I realized I was running on my own steam instead of the Lord’s, and I wasn’t focusing where I was supposed to focus.
4:07 - For me, that meant instead of focusing on one aspect of a project, I’m weighing all 10 aspects equally at the same time and weight, which means I'm waffling and moaning about the idea of doing instead of getting down to it.
4:30 - One of the 2 places I've started creating margin is when it comes to taking care of myself. I find margin in my life when I Devote time to caring for myself.
4:42 - I've mentioned before on this podcast that when my anxiety is in full swing, the first thing I Attack is my body. Here I Am, i’d fall asleep after a day of work, evening of volunteering, and i’d forget to brush my teeth, fall asleep with the lights on, wake up in the middle of the night to do what I should've done hours ago, because I Didn't have margin in my life for taking care of myself.
5:15 - “The Naked Beauty” podcast really got through to me. It’s a podcast hosted by Brooke DeVard, and it’s “an unfiltered talk about beauty trends, tips and products” hosted by Brooke Devard. What Takeaway is that the bare minimum is not allowed.
5:40 - what I've learned from podcast is that when things go wrong, we can’t make ourselves optional. But finding margin and making myself not an option but a requirement--for me, that means setting a timer, 20 minutes Ican take care of everything skincare and oral hygiene. Setting that timer and making it a non-negotiable has helped me to restore margin and take care of myself. Here’s a link to the podcast. I can give that to myself at least every day. Building that margin in and making it a non-negotiable has helped me restore a sense of balance to my own life.
6:40 - The other way I've restored margin is by giving myself a little bit of a break on my calendar. Does this sound like you?
6:50 - you have a regular commitment then there are the one-off engagements, and a host of appointments. And your life admin. Maybe you only have 3 prime hours in the evening and morning around a work or school schedule. So when my schedule’s out of whack and I'm too busy to recharge let alone do the work I'm supposed to do, I realize there’s a cliff for me. I find myself beyond my margin, limit and load when I'm not impeccable with my word.
7:35 - The “Side Hustle Pro” podcast episode hosted by Nicaila Matthews Okome featuring Charreah Jackson got me thinking about being impeccable with my word. “Side Hustle Pro” is a podcast that helps creative entrepreneurs grow their passions into money makers. Listening to the most recent episode featuring Charreah Jackson hustle pro restores the reality that we control our time and we control the projects we want to give energy to. Choosing one over the other doesn't mean you can’t accomplish both. It’s just a decision about where you choose to put your energy.
8:25 - What I love about the conversation featuring “Boss Bride” author Charreah Jackson is that it reminded me of the old adage Ilove--you can do everything, just not at the same time. Charreah understand sand has devoted her time to helping people understand what they can do, so they can do something else. I can’t wait to read Charreah’s book!
8:52 9 - those are the two ways I'm restoring margin: Establishing it taking care of myself, and in my calendar. Establishing these margins now while we still have 202 days left is so important to me. I feel like I've feel what it feels like to live outside of these margins, what it feels like to NOT make time for myself, so we’re not always going past our margins and loads.
9:50 - I've had a good time recording this episode. I can’t wait to read together for July, “Boss Bride: The Powerful Woman’s Playbook for Love and Success” by Charreah Jackson. If you’ve already read boss bride, tweet me with #bribooks
10:20 - I hope you’ve enjoyed this style of podcast. If you're’ into these deep dive episodes of Bri Books, let me know.
11:15 - tweet with #bribooks, and join bribookspod.com/newesletter.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN EPISODE

-Sermon on Restoring Balance from "The Journey Church"

-"The Naked Beauty" podcast hosted by Brooke DeVard

-"Side Hustle Pro" podcast hosted by Nicaila Matthews Okome

-“Boss Bride: The Powerful Woman’s Playbook for Love and Success” by Charreah Jackson

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This episode features founder of @PodcastsInColor, Berry. Podcastsincolor is the largest directory for and by people of color. The founder, Berry, has recently launched her very OWN podcasts--”Podcasts In Color: The Podcast.” Wow.

You can follow along with the conversation on Instagram and Twitter using #BriBooks.

In this episode: We discuss Berry's top tips and trips for being more professional in your podcasting, a few of our podcast pet peeves, and more. Let's go!

Berry is a lover of podcasts, and always credits “The Read” for turning her own to podcasts. She decide to convert her love for the medium into helping others find connection via podcasts.

Her hope is to one day work in the podcast industry. You can't ask for a better fan or advocate than Berry. She’s helped to create and curate the podcast community. She encourages people to use #podin and #podcastsincolor

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Hello, and welcome to Bri Books podcast. This episode is the season 3 finale. In this episode, we’re going through the five most durable, most enduring moments of season 3. I hope you stick around to the end, where I’ll be sharing what’s next with the podcast. I’d love to know, what are the most durable moments of the season? Tweet me at @bribookspod and using #bribooks on Instagram and Twitter. I can’t wait to ideate with you via the newsletter.

1:38 – These moments from “Bri Books” are as fresh now as they were when I spoke with the guests. They’re the ones I said, “Mmph!” to while I edited, and the ones that made me smile ear-to-ear when I listened back and put the episodes into the world.
2:20 - #5: Ep. 3.2:“From NABJ Convention to First Job” feat. Shauna Beni, on becoming a student-learner during her first job post-college.
3:49 – #4: Ep. 3.4: Wesley Lowery discussing his book, “They Can’t Kill Us All: Ferguson, Baltimore, and a New Era in America’s Racial Justice Movement,” and humanizing the symbolism of the protest can be difficult, but Wesley’s book was one of the most enduring pieces of writing. Also, I can’t wait to read “When They Call You a Terrorist: A Black Lives Matter Memoir” by Patrisse Kahn-Cullors and Asha Bandele.
6:52 – #3: 3.4: “Focus” Feat. Paulana Lamonier. Paulana guest-curated an episode about the book “Focus: The Hidden Driver of Excellence” by Daniel Goleman. The most durable part of this conversation occurred when we discussed how to cultivate the muscle of focus.
10:38 –#2: 3.13: “Top Reads for 2018” feat. Hiwote Getaneh. Hiwote suggested we all read the book “Designing Your Life,” to gain clarity on life and career choices.
13:15 – #1: 3.7: A conversation about the book “Drop The Ball” feat. Tiffany Dufu. What makes this moment the most durable is Tiffany’s insistence that how what matters is knowing the pressures you’re putting on yourself, and the ones you’re allowing others to put on you. Trust me, it was a deep conversation and you can listen here (season 3, episode 7).
16:40 – UPDATES! Bri Books will be returning April 3, 2018 for season 4, on a biweekly schedule (every other Tuesday, a new episode will drop). But What about the week in between? Well, dear listener, you’re gonna want to be on the newsletter. Bribookspod.com/newsletter. I can’t wait to ideate with you via the newsletter.

17:22 – As we prepare the 4th season, there will be lots of fun projects coming up. I want to share more with you—behind-the-scenes exclusives with authors, sharing early career, and hear what you’re reading. Think of the newsletter as the literary component to this audio book club. It’ll be a fun format you’ll look forward to. Bribookspod.com/newsletter. Of course, I’m on Instagram and Twitter. Use #bribooks. Here’s to season four! As always, Bri Books lives at bribookspod.com, and we’d love to see what you’re reading. Tweet me at @bribookspod and using #bribooks on Instagram and Twitter.

When They Call You A Terrorist: A Black Lives Matter Memoir

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This epi: “We’re Going to Need More Wine” by Gabrielle Union, featuring @SwirlSuite. CONGRATS to Gabrielle’s New York Times bestselling book!

Meet Sarita (@vinemeup), Leslie (Vino301 Wine Concierge) and Glynis (Vino_Noire) of the Swirl Suite podcast! The Swirl Suite is “a glam squad of certified wine & spirit professionals who give the tea on what’s happening in the wine world.” Swirl Suite is on Apple Podcasts.

3:15 – The place Gabrielle Union holds in our hearts as an actress
7:20 – Swirl Suite co-hosts on what they say when prompted with dreaded and incredibly presumptive question, “Why don’t you have kids?”
10:19 – A recent series on The Longest Shortest Time podcast recently completed a series “It’s A Real Mother,” about the nuanced ways motherhood creeps into a woman’s earning power over course of her career and life.
12:07 – Discussion of chapter “Black Woman Blues,” and our own experiences with colorism and internalized racism across generations
14:17 – Brionna’s favorite chapter: “Open House.” “In the chapter, the point she’s making is that her mom exposed her at a younger age what it looks like to go somewhere you’ve never seen. These houses would be humongous and very expensive, but it’s the idea that ‘Your reality can be expanded 100-fold.”
5:05 – Sarita’s favorite chapter: “Mittens.” A run-in with prejudiced women on a Chicago sidewalk led Gabrielle to deconstruct the micro-aggression behind what about her could be perceived as “threatening.”
19:19 – Rapid-fire questions! #1: How do you handle holiday potlucks? #2: Most memorable Christmas gift? #3: Least favorite Christmas song? #4: How many glasses of wine at the holiday party?
26:55 – What Swirl Suite is looking forward to in 2018?
Glynis: Debt-free and a trip to Bali!
Leslie: Planning upcoming vino301, and I’m figuring that out! Excited for that! In 2018, I’ll be efficient and organized.
Sarita: I finished a production certification class, and I have a new gig! Producing another podcast behind-the-scenes! I offered my services, and they hired me!
Brionna: I’m excited to put my energy behind the Bri Books podcast, and go full force with what really matters to me. I’m excited for that.

Thanks again for listening, and thank you to the Swirl Suite. Join the newsletter duh. Find Bri Books Podcast on Instagram and Twitter, Facebook, and show me what you’re reading using #bribooks.

The Swirl Suite is “a glam squad of certified wine & spirit professionals who give the tea on what’s happening in the wine world.” Swirl Suite is on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, Twitter.

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Hello from Brionna! Thank you for inviting me into your 2018. Today’s episode is a collaboration with Hiwote Getaneh, host and producer of "Depth & Candor" podcast. I discovered “Depth & Candor” via @podcastsincolor in 2017 and, after orbiting one another for months, we met at an event she was facilitating (ht @Vinterlude!)

"Depth & Candor” is a pod “designed to help you live a fulfilling, impactful and vibrant life."

In this episode, we break down the books that we resonated with and were challenged by in 2017, and why they deserve a spot on your reading list this year.

8:00 - Our Top Reads For Your 2018

Hiwote: “Homegoing” by Yaa Yahzi. “It makes you think of race and power in current political climate, but this made you think of it in a different way.”
Brionna: “Cravings" by Chrissy Teigen is easily the most approachable cookbook I’ve ever read. I come form a dieting household--Melba toast crackers and Lean Cuisine was de rigueur. (Re)-learning flavors with Chrissy was the highlight of my 2017, and this book will be at my fingertips for the foreseeable future.

15:15 - Our #1 Career Books For Your 2018

Hiwote: “Linchpin” by Seth Godin. “He focuses on how to add value to the world in a way that’s not corny, and despite your fears. “Linchpin” is about how to stand out in your career, become an expert, and how to share your work with the world. Doing that, despite whatever fear you have.”
Brionna: “The Big Life,” by Ann Shoket. “Ann's work really shaped how we as millennial women came into ourselves. When Ann was Editor-in-Chief of Seventeen, she guided the magazine and audience through that time. She noticed as more women became career and entrepreneurship focused. She helped lead the brand. “The Big Life” helped me unpack what matters to me, so I’m not busy spinning my wheels worrying about a life I don’t even want.”

17:30 - Our #1 Fiction Books For Your 2018

Hiwote: “The Thing Around Your Neck,” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. “Everyone knows “Americanah, “but this is an anthology. She tells people’s stories in both Nigeria and in the US. I made my mom read it, my aunts read it.”
Brionna: “The Engagement Game,” by Joi-Marie McKenzie. “Her journey to get “that answer” unlocks a lot of questions she’s never asked of herself. The character shifts mindsets to get where she wants to be.”

25:40 - The Books We’d Recommend To Our Younger Selves

Hiwote: “Designing Your Life,” by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans. “Their point is, your life can be successful in a million ways. Your only job is to choose the direction you want to go in, and go in that direction with no stress about the things you’re leaving behind. It’s a game changer, and I highly recommend it to anyone thinking of switching careers or figuring out what direction to go in in life.”
Brionna: “Drop the Ball,” by Tiffany Dufu. “What makes her so relatable to me is that she grew up thinking it was her job as the woman in the house to take care of everyone. The book is about her letting go of that need, how she had to learn to drop the ball. By dropping the ball, she created space for others to pick it up.

Find Hiwote and "Depth & Candor" podcast on Apple Podcasts and SoundCloud. Subscribe to her newsletter here. Instagram @hiwote_g.

Find "Bri Books Podcast" - Newsletter, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, SoundCloud, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook.

Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life

The Engagement Game: Why I Said "I Don't" to Marriage and "I Do" to Me

Cravings: Recipes for All the Food You Want to Eat: A Cookbook

The Big Life: Embrace the Mess, Work Your Side Hustle, Find a Monumental Relationship, and Become the Badass Babe You Were Meant to Be

Drop the Ball: Achieving More by Doing Less

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This episode of Bri Books lifts back the curtain on how I PRODUCE/MAKE THIS PODCAST. The tools I use, how I organize show content, and all of my behind-the-scenes production processes.

Dedication: This episode is dedicated to Larry Long, father of former guest Lura. Larry uses oral history, music and art to strengthen communities and foster reconciliation--and he had questions about how to start a podcast! Who am I to stand in the way of intergenerational storytelling?!

If you’re interested in going in-depth on how I create this podcast, I'm sharing all of my tips, secrets and resources! All in the Bri Books Podcast Newsletter.

2:15 - Define ‘batching” - Grouping similar tasks in order to decrease likelihood of procrastination and stress.
2:30 - Creating “Bri Books” requires I utilize six different batching processes. Each element must be completed and delivered in order to produce a finished product (pod). Remember, every batching process is DIFFERENT! Customize it to fit YOU!
3:10 - Batching #1: Reading Day
4:10 - Batching #2: Recording Day + Myleik Teele’s podcast wisdom on requesting time on someone’s calendar (part one, part two)
5:10 - Batching #3: Editing Day(s)
- Edits A: Chop and clean audio
- Edits B: Deep edit (identify transitions, log tape, storyboard episode)
- Edits C: Final edits and killing my darlings
5:30 - I’ll share my fave editing resources resources in the Bri Books Newsletter--join at bribookspod.com/newsletter.
7:30 - Batching #4: Editorial Day for writing (research, book notes, building social posts, building blog posts, building show notes)
8:12 - Batching #5: Launch Day (episode goes live, blog goes live, first social push, listen to the response--give the episode a moment to ‘breathe’)
8:40 - Batching #6 - Analysis and Experimentation Day (devote time to ideation and monitoring content performance)
9:40 - A great resource to get productivity on 100% and self-judgement on 0%, check out Side Hustle Pro podcast and community (“How to start your own podcast with zero experience,” “How to push past overwhelm and get things done.”
10:05 -The tools used to create this podcast (more in newsletter, grab @ bribookspod.com/newsletter)
10:40 - Editing: Adobe Audition (via Creative Cloud, access to Photoshop and InDesign). Garageband and Audacity are also editing/ recording software options.
11:10 - Hosting service: Libsyn. Check out the Libsyn "The Feed" Podcast, all about podcasting!
11:54 - Web and social: Squarespace domain. I create most of my social assets via canva.com, and WordSwag. Tweetdeck for Twitter, Facebook for native posting, Later app for Instagram posting and curation.
12:50 - Microphone: Yeti from Blue Microphones
Resources: Side Hustle Pro podcast and community; Transom.org

15:15 - How do you go about batching with your processes? Tell me at @bribookspod, always send a note to hi@bribookspod.com, and if you want a full digest infographic. bribookspod.com/newsletter.

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Today’s episode is a continuation of our conversation about Sarah Knight's “Get Your Shit Together,” and features guests Amanda Yepez and Lura Long, two fans of the book In this episode, it gets real. Here’s how we’re pulling it together…and what it looks like when our “shit” is in shambles.

If you’re interested in my post-college story, I want to let you know I’m sharing all of my tips on the post-college job search, nailing informational interviews, and more on the Bri Books Podcast Newsletter.

1:34 – Meet Lura and Amanda, what they do for work, and what they love
2:50 - Where were Amanda and Lura in life when they each read “Get Your Shit Together?”
5:00 – The Chipmunk Theory: How “Alvin and the Chipmunks” is a perfect analogy for our “Get Your Shit Together” styles (Spoiler: I’m Alvin, Lura’s Alvin/Theodore hybrid, and Amanda is Simon)
6:00 – Simon, Alvin, and Theodore.
11:05 – Amanda on the struggle of getting one’s own shit together in the workplace. Tl; dr: “Worry about yourself. Mind your business.”
13:59: How a VERY direct question from her therapist helped Amanda notice that her shit wasn’t together
14:32 – Lura on the cost of committing—when you decide you’re going to do something, you must also make decisions NOT to do something else.
14:43 – Lura’s journey to figure out what she must do to keep herself healthy in the midst of never-ending “to-do” lists
15:27 – Lura on the financial costs of prioritization
17:15 – GAME: ‘Get Your Sip Together
17:33 - #1: Take a sip if you’ve decided to invest instead of spend in the last month
17:40 – A shout out to 401(k)’s
18:30 - #2: Take a sip if you’ve controlled an impulse
20:10 – #3: Take a sip if you’ve decided to be selfish with me-time.
20:35 – Lura’s all about her alone time. What’s done in this magical hour?
21:30 – Amanda on how “me-time” can lead to splurging…gel manicures, anyone?
24:45 – Thank you to @bricandles for partnering on this episode of Bri Books podcast!
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Hello and welcome to Bri Books! In today’s episode, we’re talking about “Focus: The Hidden Driver of Excellence” by Daniel Goleman. Meet Paulana Lamonier, a multimedia journalist who loves to tell compelling stories.

2:05 - How I discovered “Focus” in a bookshop in Taipei (here’s an epi I recorded about travels to Asia.)
2:45 - When I finished the book on the flight, I didn’t feel bad about myself. I didn’t feel like, “I suck at focusing and this book confirmed it.” It was more, here are tools and different ways to think of focus. Don’t think of it as a single moment—it’s a muscle. It takes practice. You have to build up the muscle of focusing.”
3:37 - Paulana’s main takeaways from “Focus”: The importance of self-awareness
4:04 - How P. Diddy and Beyonce epitomize focus as a driver of excellence. “Their success isn’t built on breaking anyone down, but on edifying, improving, getting better, and focusing.”
4:30 - What Paulana has learned about focus from studying culture makers and how Beyonce and Diddy have mastered marrying self-awareness and focus...and how we can, too.
5:55 - “When you break down focus, it’s determination. Hard work. Discipline. Like you mentioned earlier, focus is a muscle. Yes, you’ll keep exercising and doing it. When you’re sore or tired of doing something, the muscle is expanding and getting bigger. Soreness is weakness leaving the body. So, when you’re feeling like you’re focusing on something, there’s gonna be times when you’ll be tired, but you have to push through that.”
6:40 – Daniel Goleman on focus and practice: “When practice occurs while we are focusing elsewhere the brain doesn’t rewire the necessary circuitry for that routine. Those who browse online while working out will never reach the top ranks. Paying full attention seems to boost the mind’s processing speed, strengthens synaptic connections, and expands/ creates neural networks for what we are practicing.”
7:39 – Goleman says, “You don’t get benefits from mechanical repetition, but by adjusting execution over and over, tweaking the system by pushing and allowing for errors at first as you increase the limit.”
8:26 – Let’s discuss #ComplexPleaseHirePaulana. “Complex” isn’t just a magazine. It’s a media company that focuses on culture—news, pop culture, entertainment, tech. They’re all about the culture. They were looking for anchors.
9:45 - Paulana lets us inside the thought process that led her to create #ComplexPleaseHirePaulana--and what came next.
10:15 - I’d seen that “Complex” had retweeted a man who wanted to be an intern for Chance the Rapper. His name is Hopsey. He created a website called Chancehirehopsey.com.
11:00 - I added a few gifs in there (I wanted website to show my creativity and abilities and what I can bring to the table) to show I’m multifaceted and can entertain people.
11:15 - I bought the domain—didn’t have much money left, I had $20 to my name —I went to work, and within a week’s time I got the website done. I put a link to tweet for friends to send out.
11:35 - Long story short I ended up not getting the job, I felt like it was to prove to myself that, whatever you do just go 100%. It got me in the doors and it got me the audition, but it is what it is. I know that what’s for me is for me.
11:50 – I love what you just said! It went beyond focus as an idea/ mental state, and into focus helping you create something tangible. I think everything you’re talking about is the hard work element. That focus is a DRIVER of excellence—it’s not the be-all-end-all, but it’s the fuel you have to put into your brain and body. You put in that fuel. You focused on a goal, went all out, and finished strong. You did everything that YOU could. But you produced something out of your focus.
12:45 – You put yourself out there, and you put your focus out there.
12:40 – Paulana, the last thing I want to talk to you about tonight is hard work. For two whom college and the college years are fairly close in the rearview—we were talking before that we were in school for 18 out of 22 years, there’s a reward system of hard work wired in our brains that says, “Do the hard work, get a good job, move onto the next level.” And once you enter the professional world…
13:15 – Let’s talk about how we learned to work hard, even if hard work doesn’t get us gold stars.
13:25 – With hard work, you’ve got to accept disappointments but not dwell in it. Say, I’m gonna deal with it, but make sure you move past it. As women, we dwell in rejection and beat ourselves up. That’s what happened to me with the Compel thing—I went so hard and did it publicly! I went all out, and the fact that they told me no was like a door that shut in my face publically.
14:14 – But this is where the discipline comes into play. Plan A didn’t work out, what for plan B, plan C, so the train is still going on and the dream is still happening.
14:30 – And another thing with the site, I wanted to people that even if complex didn’t hire me, I’m gonna get a job before the end of the year. God didn’t give me this idea and I didn’t create this website for me to stay broke. Someone’s got to acknowledge that. They may not do it this month, but it’s gonna happen.
15:00 – You’ve gotta be so good. That’s what determines who you are—after you get rejected. That shows who you are as an individual—how do you cope with rejection and loss? Are you going to let that situation change who you are as an individual? Are you going to develop it? What do you do? How will this work out, and this is what I’m gonna do to move forward.
15:39 – Paulana thanks for joining me in my studio/ bedroom on this Friday night! You could be anywhere, but you’ve spent the last hour with me.

Paulana’s #bribooks: “Living Well, Spending Less: 12 Secrets of the Good Life” by Ruth Soukup

Paulana on Twitter - @itspaulana

Paulana on Instagram - @itspaulana

ComplexPleaseHirePaulana.com

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If you’re interested in my post-college story, I want to let you know I’m sharing all of my tips on the post-college job search, nailing informational interviews, and more on the Bri Books Podcast Newsletter.

@BriBooksPod - Instagram

@BriBooksPod - Twitter

What are you reading?! Show and tell using #bribooks

0:00-0:15 - Hello and welcome to BrI Books podcast. Today’s episode is all about “Get Your Sh*t Together: How To Stop Worrying About What You Should Do So You Can Finish What You Need to Do and Start Doing What You Want to Do” by Sarah Knight.
00:22 - I’m so happy to be back in front of the mic. It’s October 1. Hello, Q4! It feels like just yesterday we were brushing off the cold and snow in January. Andhere we are staring autumn in the face.
00:45 - I’m thrilled to be in front of my mic today. I had a plan for an upcoming episode, but I figured we’d do a #unplugged session instead. I recently completed the book, and I’m positive Knight has slipped into our home and read our imessages, because this book is strumming my pain with its...pages.
1:30 - I first encountered “Get Your Sht Together” in early 2017. The book existed on the periphery of my reading list for most of the year. I’d heard about Knight’s bestseller, “The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving A Fck.
2:20 - Finishing “Get Your Shit Together” left me motivated but also feeling internally empowered. I realized I have all the tools necessary to use the time, skills and energy I have in the most effective and vibrant way possible.
2:45 - Here’s the plan for this episode. First, we’re going to talk about what “getting your sh*t together” actually means. I find myself muttering it to myself under my breath when I’m shuffling through papers or search an email inbox. I think, “Gosh Brionna, pull it together. Wrangle your life up, because it’s out of control.”
3:10 - Reading this book helped me realize my “sh*t” didn't come undone in one day, so I can't expect to put it all back together in one day. Being an “adult” means strategizing, focusing on and committing to your goals. There’s a lot of mental clutter surrounding who we think we are, and the goals we ~think~ we should be setting.
4:00 - Sarah breaks down in “Get Your Sh*t Together” why it’s so important to STRATEGIZE, FOCUS, and COMMIT to goals tailor-made for YOU.
4:10 - Next, I’ll talk about my own struggles with getting my “sh*t” together, and how I’m applying new techniques from the book.
4:38 - First there’s strategizing: setting a goal and making a plan to achieve it in a series of chunks.
4:58 - This is where things get important. If you’re like me, you have a goal. Say the goal is to “Update my Linkedin”--a vague yet important task. Instead, we getting paralyzed by procrastination and anxiety because of all the things swirling in your head (headshots, resume, connect with everyone, send out emails, etc.) See how it’s easy to psych yourself out? That’s why it’s so important to break goals into series of CHUNKS. Pick a chunk, and then focus.
5:55 - Focus is simply intentionally setting aside time to complete a chunk or task. This is an aspect of the professional world I’ve found myself struggling with--budgeting and allocating time realistically. I Tend to under budget those sorts of things can be fixed by understanding the series of chunks that go into task, and setting aside time to complete each chunk. If you’re like me, when you don't ocs you judge yourself and procrastinate and wonder why you ever set goal. Now time for third step. Commit.
7:00 - Reading “Get Your Shit Together” brought me back to a conversation hosted by Vinterlude. Vinterlude is a collection of women who host bespoke events for black women and black vendors as a method of modern political activism. I was invited by Depth and Candor host Hiwote Getaneh.
7:50 - At the end of the day, the main tenet is that practice is just practice. The point isn't mastery at the end of the session. It’s to strategize, focus, and commit on movement and improvement.
8:15 - I’ve shared my struggles with you, now i'm gonna tell you how i’m trying to get my shit together to finish the year strong. Let me know what you’re up to and how you’re doing the same. Use #brit books @bribookspod. Subscribe to Bri Books Podcast Newsletter.
8:52 - Brionna’s Q4 2017 theme:“Streamline, Strengthen, Fundamentals and Foundation.”
9:20 - “Strea: the theme is the streamline and strengthen fundamentals of my foundation.
- Professionally, that means reading industry based books and finishing an online course
- Personally, it means creating a sustainable volunteer schedule
- As for the Bri Books community, my Q4 goal means staying disciplined and building processes into the Bri Books podcast foundation.
10:10 - The third stage is to COMMIT to set goals. I’ll be first to admit I struggle with discipline and telling myself, “no.” I’m Queen of #TreatYoSelf. But as part of streamlining and strengthening fundamentals and foundation, I’m learning that it’s not about how I feel. My procrastination may be a sign of discomfort, and discomfort comes with growth. So, instead of trying to return to a state of comfort (“Game of Thrones” marathon re-watches, anyone?!!) and when I find myself procrastinating, I say i'm not afraid of hard work. Also there’s no such thing as too hard, it’s just degrees of difficulty along an achievable continuum of goals.”
11:23 - Thank you for listening to this episode it was so fun doing this unplugged top of the dome style episode. Tell me what you're reading. If you’ve already read gyst, tag me using #bribooks. Of course we're at bribookspod on instagram, twitter, facebook. Bribookspod.com is where this stuff lives. I really am so grateful everyone here is listening. Have an amazing start to October 2017. Let’s get it!

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Today’s episode took me to Harlem, NY to meet with and interview Tiffany Dufu, author of “Drop The Ball: Achieving More By Doing Less.” Tiffany is also Chief Leadership Officer @ Levo, a platform and community that helps millennials navigate and design careers they love. Enough about her resume! Here’s what’s going to be on her tombstone: “She got to as many women as she could.”

I discovered “Drop The Ball” via the Call Your Girlfriend podcast! Ann Friedman interviewed Dufu in early 2017, and just like that, “Drop The Ball” was added to my summer 2017 reading list.

To an untrained eye, “Drop The Ball” on its face could be mistaken as a “Millennial How-To Live” book. And yes, I’ll be the first to admit that Tiffany’s life could be mistaken for looking like a fairytale--family and career in check, with a seemingly on-fire interior life. But as she says in the first pages of the book, “fairytales don’t cover logistics.”

In this episode, Tiffany and I talk through a couple of exercises on how to #DropTheBall in our own lives. Check out Levo League at levo.com, and follow Tiffany’s work online and on Twitter.

4:30 - Tiffany on her life mission: “My life’s work is advancing women and girls. That’s why I’m on the planet.”
4:45 - Inside Tiffany’s portfolio career--from serving as Chief Leadership Officer at Levo to serving on nonprofit boards, and learning to #DropTheBall in her own life--and not judge herself for it!
7:35 - Why it was so important for Tiffany that she let go of the insidious feeling of guilt associated with not being good enough to all people at all times.
7:55 - “It starts at looking at the roles we enter when we first come into our lives and experiences. Most of us, when we’re born our first role is ‘son,’ ‘daughter,’ ‘sibling.’ We become friends, students, citizens. Sometimes we become wife, mother, or father.”
8:25 - “For most of us, if we’re ambitious, it’s not enough to be just mother or daughter or sister--we want “good!” in front of those roles. Not just a daughter, a “good” daughter not just a friend, a “good” friend. All of those roles has an invisible job description.”
10:35 - On how the first step of “Drop The Ball” is tuning into the feeling of, “I’m not quite doing it all, I feel all this pressure,” and understanding that all of the expectations come from somewhere else, and they don’t begin with us.
10:50 - The first question Tiffany asks before helping someone #DropTheBall is, “In relationship to your role, what does a good [insert role] do?” From there, “How do you know that’s what a good [insert role] does?” You begin to notice, the answer is never us. It’s never, “I made that up,” you start with the people you aspired to be like when you grow up.
12:10: “The exploration of ‘why do I feel this way,’ and ‘where is this pressure coming from,’ is an important A-ha! Moment we all have to create for ourselves. It’s a humbling experience to recognize and reconcile the fact that what we feel and think are our choices, are pretty much default positions. And even though we feel we’re in the driver's seat of our lives, we’re actually living someone else’s story. But until we curate that story and create a new job description for what it means to be a good X, we haven't done the work and will continue to be in the spiral of trying to meet other people’s expectations that aren’t our own.”
13:06 - Tiffany mentions in the book it’s important to decide what matters to you--which ball to drop. What matters to you, and where can you not judge yourself too harshly? Is there are an area in which Tiffany thinks women and girls judge themselves too harshly?
14:00 - “We all have values that are for the mostpart noble. The problem is we attach behaviors to those values, that don’t have to be attached to them.
14:18 - Tiffany expresses how a chance meeting with her daughter’s piano teacher could’ve sent her into a spiral of guilt and self doubt...but instead, she stood behind knowing her value as her daughter’s mother.
16:40 - Tiffany’s “highest and best use: a combination of, what do I do well with very little effort?”
17:34 - How Tiffany evolves her idea of parenting, based on her highest and best use: “My highest and best use in raising conscious global citizens is engaging my kids in meaningful conversations each and every day.”
19:00 - “In reading the book, I came up with the mantra,“my humanity is not optional or a luxury.”
19:43 - Tiffany’s advice to recent grads on how to establish themselves as a priority
20:00 - “I’d encourage them to go to WITHIN! I think that before you can convince yourself to develop the discipline to go to events and the gym, it’s about learning to listen to yourself and your voice. The challenge is that there’s a voice in your head. It’s the voice of doubt that says, “We’re not enough,” “That’s so stupid.”
20:55 - How Tiffany’s learning to quiet the doubt in her head--named Cynthia.
21:40 - “The first step is getting intune with your own voice separate and part from the voice of doubt. That’s the voice that will guide you to the other go-to’s.”
22:45 - Tiffany’s #Bribooks:
- “Insight,” by Tasha Eurich - “If I’d had this book as I was going through my #DropTheBall journey, I would've cut it down by 12 months.”
- “The Power of Onlyness,” by Neila Merchant. “I’m always struck by books I complete and take action on as a result of reading it.”
- “The Big Life,” by Ann Shoket. “I recommend it to my millennial colleagues!”

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Today’s episode is an interview with the women behind “The Swirl Suite,” a squad of women of color in the wine and spirit professionals from DC to Paris. We met via #PodcastLinkUp Twitter chat, traded wine book recommendations, and the rest is Internet history!

The book: “The Wine Savant: A Guide to the New Wine Culture” by Michael Steinberger. I picked the book up a couple of years ago while still working my first ~job~ post-college, at NBC News. The book focuses on the basics of wine through the lense of French wine culture (“viticulture”). A vacation to the Amalfi Coast changed everything for me when it came to tasting wine, and I read Steinberger’s work in between sips.

The voices you’ll hear are:

Sarita, Vine Me Up - Instagram, Twitter
Melissa, The Liquor Lady - Instagram, Twitter
Tanisha, Girl Meets Glass - Instagram, Twitter
Leslie, Vino 301 Wine Concierge - Instagram, website

SHOW NOTES

Summerhill Bar in Brooklyn’s “bullet hole wall” “decor” x gentrification and artisanal drinking
The Swirl Suite talk about their first jobs in the wine and liquor industry, and the moment they knew they had a future here.
How did they find out their dream jobs even existed??
They walk us through the different roles in the liquor industry--from the soil to the shelf.
Misconceptions and myths about the wine and spirits industries
8:00 - On Summerhill Bar, craft beer, and gentrification.
10:00 - How Melissa got her first job, and why she LOVED the entry level phase of her career
11:10 - Tanisha’s life changing (and silly!) conversation with a winemaker
14:53 - Tanisha finds out she inspired Melissa to start teaching undergraduates about the spirits industry!
15:45 - Sarita’s chance trip to Napa changed EVERYTHING. Then she started running out of money.
17:00 - Sarita: “I sent an email to every winery in Maryland. There was one that had just opened, Black Ankle vineyards. I was there for five years.”
17:45 - The Swirl Suite breaks down the different roles in the industry--from soil to shelf.
19:30 - Why Leslie begged to do inventory at a premiere wine shop in DC, and what she learned
22:15 - The tasting room at a winery/ vineyard = “The Room Where It Happens!”
23:40 - Melissa knows that breweries, distilleries, and tasting rooms are great opportunities to go behind-the-scenes!
26:00 - How to get in the vines NOW (hint: It’s harvest time in Maryland and Virginia vineyards!)
28:30 - Melissa on why being open to EVERY experience in the beginning is key
29:00 - When it comes to wine, “Your learning doesn't stop with a book. You have to get out there where the vines are.”
29:35 - Staying current in your industry is a necessity. Read up on the industry news, read books, magazines and blogs, earn certifications, and join local clubs! Get OUT and TALK about wine! :)
32:00 - Leslie wants you to know, “Don’t be afraid to fail. As long as you learn the lesson from it, it wasn’t a waste.”
33:00 - Oh, and don’t be intimidated by ANYONE in the wine and spirits industry + how to be comfortable not “knowing,”--”You’re not born knowing this stuff!”
35:50 - Wine isn’t elite!

What they’re reading - Melissa: Imbibe magazine, Chilled magazine x Leslie: “Forgotten Maryland Cocktails” x Tanisha: “Into Wine: An Invitation to Pleasure,” Sarita “It’s Always Seems Impossible Until It’s Done”

"It Always Seems Impossible Until It's Done.": Motivation for Dreamers & Doers

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On today’s episode, we're talking about Game of Thrones season 7, episode 7. Thanks for listening! Subscribe on iTunes and SoundCloud. @bsvocalfry on Twitter!

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Show Notes

0:23 – The title of this week’s episode was “The Dragon and the Wolf.” It was the season finale…allegedly. But this finalized nothing!
0:50 – We start the episode in King’s Landing—the Kings and Queens are Landing! The gang’s back together again! But, nobody wins when the family feuds.
1:40 – This week’s episode highlighted issues with the season’s plotlines. Tyrion’s plan all season has been to show Cersei a Whight, hoping it would activate humanity in her, and push her to fight with the North against the Whights.
2:09 – Let’s get into Cersei’s fashions! She mixes textures like nobody’s business! I have so many questions for the costumers! Cersei is giving me fall 2017 luxe plush crushed black velvet. Armor has been incorporated into her character’s wardrobe from season 1. Back then with the armored corset belt in season 1, to the intensification of it after Robert’s death. After a mother’s mercy, we see another full shift in her costuming. But post mother’s mercy, she’s like READY FOR THAT WAR READY FOR THAT WAR READY.
3:30 – This season felt like x-over fanfiction, and like they had too much money to spend. It was all pyrotechnics, live animals, and CGI.
3:45 – Family dynamics at plat across the board! The Clegane’s the Lannister’s. The most entertaining reunion was Tyrion and Bron!
5:30 – Daenerys and Jon are in King’s Landing calling for a truce with Cersei. Cersei’s ultimatum, after she experiences the terror of the Whights, calls for Jon Snow to remain neutral in the North.
6:00 - Cersei is trying to make Jon Snow the same offer she made Ned Stark--“Go die in your frozen wasteland and leave us alone.” Ned said no, got imprisoned, and we know how that worked out. We see the same thing happening now, the same offer being extended. Instead of saying “No,” Jon says, “No, because I’m with Daenerys Targaryen!”
8:00 – Meanwhile, while the male starks continuously ride south to fight the battles of others, WHO RUNS THE WORLD/ THE NORTH?! GIRLS!
8:22 – This was my favorite part of the episode. This was one part of the season that seemed to actually pay off.
8:30 - Brionna is shimmying in the studio
8:45 – Sansa’s talking over her thoughts with LIttlefinger regarding Arya. LIttlefinger discloses to Sansa how he manages to “have it all”—he assumes the worst, always.
9:35 – We’re back in King’s Landing, where Tyrion is preparing to talk 1-on-1 with his sister Cersei.
9:50 – Tyrion decides its time for a good ol’ fashioned heart-to-heart with his big sis. This, to me…I love when Cersei talks about family, because you get a glimpse into how deep her delusion is. I feel like her children masked that for a while. Now, she’s using the idea of a child and projecting herself into the future in order to harness herself in the now. that’s why she’s manipulating Jamie.
10:38 – I’m frustrated with the TV trope of impending pregnancy and the impending doom of a miscarriage. It’s happened over and over (see Downton Abbey). I’m sick of Thrones leaning on women’s sex and sexuality as a cliffhanger. Maybe that’s how Cersei is.
11:30 – Cersei meets up with Trion and they barter a deal. Later, Cersei emerges and says she’s going to partner with Daenerys and Jon to fight the Whightwalkers.
11:45 – Then Cersei reveals her master plan to Jamie! And Jamie delivers his greatest line of the series: “You made a promise!” Jamie’s in the exact same place he was at the end of season 6. Why does he continue to be surprised at Cersei’s secretive shenanigans?
13:05 – Eventually Jamie has enough, and he’s like, “Screw you guys, I’m going home!” This has been a long time coming for Jamie.
14:00 - …And then winter descends on King’s Landing. After we leave King’s Landing, Jon, Jorah and team Dany are at Dragonstone plotting next moves.
14:30 – It felt like an arranged military marriage—as a show of strength together, let’s present a united front.
15:08 – Dany and Jon decide to sail together, but not before Theon has a private conversation with Jon.
15:20 – This felt, again, like crossover fanfiction gone awry. In these two AUs that have never had any slash or interaction, it seems irresponsible for someone to hang their moral hat on someone else.
15:53 – Theon’s character arc is very weird. After he helps Sansa escape Ramsey at the end of season 5, you feel that he’s redeemed himself of most things. But then he abandons his sister!
16:59 – And we’re back in Winterfell, pouring one out for the homie LIttlefinger, who rode the car (wagon?) until the wheels fell off.
17:30 – Why is everyone so mean to Sansa?! A flashback to season 2 gives us a glimpse into how deep her survival instincts run.
18:45 – The Stark kids are back in the ‘Fell, and Sansa turns the tables like a G.
19:20 - “My sister asked you a question!” DRAG HIM!!!!
19:45 – Rush thinks the Sansa-Arya character arc is the strongest of the season. “A lot of times in shows like this, women are strong if they take up male characteristics like Arya. But they’re rarely strong if they take up feminine ones like Sansa. You see Arya abandoning her femininity (something she never really cared for to begin with) to become a warrior. But Sansa never abandons her femininity, but uses it and her experience as a survivor to beat LIttlefinger, the guy who had been manipulating things from the jump.
22:30 – MEANWHILE, AT THE WALL, THE NIGHT KING HAS A NEW WHIP! The ice-zombie dragon starts breathing ice fire…? A song of ice and fire?! The fire destroys the wall, and we see Tormund and the team running from the wall as a portion of the Wall at Eastwatch comes down and the dead come marching through.
23:35 – I feel like this season was rushed. Not only logistically (time, continuity), but also in terms of plot and suspended disbelief. It feels like what happens when you’re working with a live entity like high-budget primetime TV. It comes with the territory-you have a lot of money you need to spend quick fast in a hurry and BIG. The focus was “CGI! LIVE ANIMALS! PYROTECHNICS!” which are all expensive AF. There are big machines behind endeavors like this. It felt like the first half of season 7 suffered under the weight of that machine.
25:05 – Yes, everything felt rushed. It was a shorter season, which comes with the territory. This was a sprawling season with a lot of plotlines. But what’s upsetting is, if you watch earlier seasons of GoT (1-3) and compare to this season, it’s like night and day in terms of character dev. What made me fall in love with the show wasn’t that there were dragons and half naked women in every other scene. I can watch any show with that. It was the political intrigue, the writing, how it all felt like a chess game. Now it just seems like all the characters are stripped down and their plots are moving at warp speed to fastest possible conclusion. It feels like the writers are done with the show and have been done for a season and a half.

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Editor’s Note: "Welcome to Bri Books podcast! I knew that reading Washington Post reporter Wesley Lowery’s book “They Can’t Kill Us All:Ferguson, Baltimore and a New Era in America's Racial Justice Movement” would knock me off my feet, but I wasn’t expecting that on the day this episode was recorded, (8/11/17), exactly two days to the date of Michael Brown’s murder in my hometown (Ferguson, MO), that same evening hundreds of grown men and women in Charlottesville, VA would march on a college campus in the name of white supremacy and racism. That reality is hanging over this episode, and I hope the book we discuss, “They Can’t Kill Us All,” encourages and challenges you. I can’t recommend the book enough. Let’s get into it.

Resources: Ju-Hyun Park’s essay on thefader.com, “Love Needs Fury to Defeat Hate”

DeRay McKesson’s podcast “Pod Save The People,” “BONUS: CHARLOTTESVILLE”

@wesleylowery – Twitter, Washington Post

SHOW NOTES

As I prepared to read Wesley’s book, I first read “Wars of Reconstruction” by Douglas Egerton, to remind myself of the systemic obstruction of police and black self-advocacy that immediately followed Civil War, Emancipation Proclamation and Lincoln’s assassination. The book talks about how the time post-Emancipation Proclamation was the most violent yet politically progressive time in America’s history for freed blacks, as literacy rates and involvement in political and social office grew exponentially. The inclusion of African-Americans in the Union Army definitively helped the Union clinch the war. I wanted to read “The Wars of Reconstruction: The Brief, Violent History of America’s Most Progressive Era,” by Douglas Egerton.

1:03 – Wesley’s first book is a reporter’s notebook of sorts, chronicling his work as a reporter dispatching from Ferguson, MO at the height of the shooting death of Mike Brown. From there he found himself flying to Cleveland, Baltimore, and too many cities to cover too many people who had become hashtags in the light of police violence and the death of black men and women at the hands of police
1:30 I knew Wesley’s book would knock me off my feet but I wasn’t expecting that on the day we recorded, 3 years and 2 days to the date of Brown’s death, hundreds of men and women would march on a college campus in the name of white supremacy and racism. That very real pall is hanging over this episode, and I hope our conversation encourages and challenges you.
2:00 – Resources: Ju-Hyun Park’s essay on thefader.com, “Love Needs Fury to Defeat Hate”
DeRay McKesson’s podcast “Pod Save The People,” “BONUS: CHARLOTTESVILLE”
3:15 – This episode has special place in my heart because Ferguson is my family hometown. My mom grew up there at a time when her own mom was the first black person to live on the block. By the time my grandmother died when I was 18, there were no white people left in the entire neighborhood.
3:55 – Wesley thanks for being on this episode. Watching my hometown become a hashtag was interesting for me. Tell us about where you grew up.
4:10 – Thank you! It’s important to me, as someone who writes about places I’m not from to really listen and learn the context of those places. I was fortunate enough to spend a lot of time in STL and Ferguson before having to write about it in a longform way. I had dozens, then hundreds, of conversations that hopefully help me portray things that are accurate and right true to the people who lived the lives I’m depicting.
4:45 – Wesley spent his childhood in 2 places, first in a Jersey suburb until his early teens. At 13, moved to Shaker Heights, Ohio, a suburb on the East Side of Cleveland. It used to be held to be true that the East side is where blacks lived, west is where ethnic whites, Slavic, Italian, city workers, cops and firefighters on the west side. East side was where black families lived.
“Shaker Heights was one of 2-3 cities that began instituting public school bussing before the supreme court order. It’s a hyper-progressive community, has always ben extremely diverse. I grew up in a place where we were constantly having conversations about race, racism, prejudice, stereotyping. I was in programmers as a high schooler focused on mentorship and achievement. And having tough conversations. It prepared me for the work now.”
6:35 – I love that your book really humanizes protestors. It adds color and dimension to their lives outside of moment they became known as protestors with capital P. what did you learn from the act of protesting, when you were reporting in Ferguson, that you brought back to newsroom in terms of how you tell stories.
7:02 – “One of the things I still think of a lot, that is how those of us in the media and who haven’t protested, want to subscribe and ascribe solutions/ motives to protests. Most of us who work in media have never attended a protest we were participating in. many of our decision makers like in DC have never themselves felt like this is how they’re going to petition the government.
7:45 – “The reality was in Ferguson, Baltimore, charlotte, Milwaukee, this was an organic overflow of pain and anger. no one was calling the residents of Ferguson saying come outside and be upset. They were looking out their window and seeing the body of a teenager and saying this is where I draw the line I deserve better for my government.
8:07 – “We hear of people very often who are dismissive of protest, is why don’t they why don’t they go vote? Write a letter to congressman? That type of mindset fundamentally misunderstands protests. People who take to the street do so because their government has otherwise not listened to them when they’ve petitioned them in other spaces. Protest is in many ways, a means of voicing and demanding an audience for otherwise unheard needs. I think that’s not something that those of us who often have our needs heard that people can appreciated.
8:50 – “There’s this deep skepticism sometimes, and we always hear these conversations, people who say, “If you want to win me over, why did you block the highway?” It fundamentally.it fundamentally misunderstands point of disobedient protests, and why they’re taking to the streets.
5:29 – “People aren’t taking to street to convince you in your house they’re right about something. They don’t care about you. That’s not the point of this. They’re directly communicating what the powers that oversee their government, etc., and they’re saying, you value order.
9:40 – Chris Hayes’ book “A Colony in the Nation” talks about this idea of order. That we, in the majority, what we care about is traffic lights that at work, busses that run on time, no traffic jam, my street being clean. In many ways, we prioritize the order of our spaces or the rights and liberties of other people. That we care about things seems peaceful and calm, and the way you made my street orderly is by stopping and frisking every black person on my street or harassing them for their music, I don’t care about that because t’s orderly. It’s my comfort.”
10:30 – With conversations about highway, its people saying, why would you disrupt my order with your silly concerns about your lives? You see drastic disconnect in priority. And like I said earlier, there’s a standard misunderstanding of the point of these protests.
11:00 – In his “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” Martin Luther King, Jr. says this isn’t about negotiating or gaining a seat at a table. It’s not about winning allies or friends. It’s about making the conditions of this political problem so untenable that it makes it impossible for the powers to be to do nothing. Not only are we upset with you, but these people who have been inconvenienced are calling your office. It’s calling you to do “something,” which means you’re gonna call and say, “what is it you really want?”
11:45 – “For those of us who value order, we can often underestimate the power of political disorder as a tactic.
11:55 – Part of the currency that helped Wesley report so deeply is that you could’ve even classmates of protestors or the young brother of any of the young boys who got killed. How did you take it from reporter’s notebook to workable manuscript?
12:35 – “Procedurally it started by me sitting back and looking at the first anniversary, and tracing back my previous year. Where’d I gone? Ferguson, Cleveland, New York City, Charleston, Baltimore. How did pit stops tell the story of what was going on and tell the story of what became a protest movement?
13:15 – “I sat down and would begin with stories I’d written from city, and grabbing.in the emails, grabbed, all the unedited feeds id sent in from protests, people I’d interviewed previously.
13:40 – “In one case I’d interviewed Jonathan Butler in Ferguson. I literally just man-on-the-street interviewed him. The next year, he launches hunger strike and university of Missouri. Before he was hunger strike student. I’d take all the material from take period of time, copy and paste the articles and drafts back in, and say, how do I convert this whole thing into first person? How’d I get there? I’d write it long, whittle it down, and convert it into a guide into how I did some of the reporting. I’ll be honest, I wasn’t always the most comfortable with writing in first person I’m not someone who came up writing in 1st I was always doing 3rd persons. I was hesitant to insert myself in the story that way.
15:00 - “In a way, especially when people don’t understand he media and literacy is low…there’s real value in showing people how we do what we do—woke up. Story happening. People don’t assume that reporting process for everything they rad anymore…I think there’s real value in walking people through these processes of how we get these stories how we see them, how we choose the story.
16:00 - “If I tell you how I got here, why seeing, what I was seeing, could help you understand the subjective decisions that were made. That’s part of what I was trying to do.
16:20 – You succeed at that. Your book knows you’re in the story but not the subject of the story. In the first chapter, you say there’s a moment when I became a thing. But you moved past it. Was that a strategic decision?
17:00 – “That was a purposeful decision. 2 days after arriving in Ferguson, my friend Ryan and I were arrested covering the protest. We were first of dozens of journos who would find themselves arrested. Eric holder commented on it, we became these political footballs…
17:35 – I knew to write this book there would be people saying you got this because fame. No, no, I helped cover Boston Marathon bombings for Boston Globe before this. Got a lot of blowback from people ho didn’t know me or work. By writing this, I wanted to dispense of my moment of fame at the very beginning. I wanted to say yes, I’m that guy, let’s deal and never talk again. This book isn’t’ about me. Its’ about all these young people and these families who lost loved ones and had been so gracious as to allow me to tell me their stories.
19:00 – “I really wanted to, through this book, tell the story of the young people who stepped into the streets. From someone whose covered this protest movement from close to the beginning, I find myself frustrated. I spent time talking to activist’s demonstrators, I found almost all of them to be thoughtful, intelligent, deliberate. But I’d see this caricature of many of them in the media by and large especially in conservative media….and I’d hear this from my colleagues, editors, and also my readers. And I felt frustrated. I knew all these people personally at this point, and for whatever reason, it wasn’t being communicated to a broader audience.
20:12 – “I’d written dozens, maybe over a hundred articles about Black Lives Matter, about protests, police shootings. And I’d still get emails from subscribers saying I don’t get this.
20:29 – “For me, I think that to be a reporter writer is to be a translator. I’m dispatched to a place. I’m witnessing something that’s happening. It’s my job to translate what has happened to a bunch of people who can’t be there, to explain it to them. I’m writing articles about a protest, and you send me an email saying I don’t understand what this protest is about, it means that at some point in my translation I have failed you.
20:52 - “So, the goal of writing a book was to say, what if I can do it in a longer form? What if I can write everything I know about this down? And if I do that someone who is genuinely interested can sit down and read all the stuff I know, see all these different people and places, and then maybe if they don’t agree with the politics of the protestors, maybe they can understand. That’s the goal of what I was doing.”
21:20 – I sometimes wonder, if I’d be going home…I always wonder, how would I have served that community? Would I be protestor? Organizer? Religious sense?
21:46 – For you, in Cleveland, do you ever wonder how, if you’d been home and been a civilian, how you would’ve voiced your frustration?
22:00 – “I think that’s something a lot of us think about. Is, if this happened where I live what would I do? If I’d been there what would’ve I do? There’s this feeling, every time we hear of new case, see a new video, there’s a moment where everyone simultaneously has a guttural need to do something. You watch Philando Castile video, the Eric Garner video, you say that’s wrong I want to do something about it. You hear it all the time.
22:40 – “I thought a lot about how if I’d made one or two different decisions in life, how I very likely would’ve been on a different side of these protests. I think of how if I’d gone student government instead of student newspaper. Or if I’d stuck with political science major instead of barely getting my journalism degree. I wonder if those would’ve changed any of these moments. And I don’t know the answer to that.
23:10 – “I’ve always been an inside the room at the table type. But I do wonder, had I stayed out of journalism, had I not been a writer and reporter tethered to this idea of fairness and distance (not personally involved,) if the events of the past few years would’ve been enough, for someone like me, who valued respectability politics who valued working through systems, would it have been enough for someone like me to step in the streets. I don’t completely know the answer to that, but I see a lot of people for whom it was enough, and I think I might’ve been in the same boat. I see peers and colleagues of mine. And for them, the crisis in front of them was enough to demand a new tactic.
24:40 – “I like to think that if I’d been in another field at another time, that would’ve been enough for me too.
24:50 – That said. What I like about the field I’m in is that in that moment of crisis, pain and trauma, when new names start trending and there’s a new hashtag, I have something I can do every single time. When I see Michael Brown, Jordan Edwards…I don’t have to sit in this moment of pain and trauma. I don’t have to sit here and wonder what I can do. I pick up the phone I start calling people. I start writing things down. And I start collecting the information that hopefully will allow other people to process what has happened. And empower them, to if they so desire, act and do something themselves. 25:33 - So, I think the role of the journalist and reporter is important. Especially at times when the federal government may not be so inclined to address the systemic issues that still exist in our CJS, I think it’s more important than ever for journalists to write down true things so in the future we can write down what was happening in the summer of 2014 2015 2016 2017. And that’s what I think of when I wake up wondering, I have something I can do.

Bri Books: Recent Episodes

Brionna Jimerson

2: Tweetdeck, which I’d recommend for monitoring real-time events.

3: Familiarize yourself with Dash Hudson, which is the industry standard for Instagram and Pinterest scheduling and optimization.

4: Dig into Twitter Analytics immediately--every Twitter account has an accompanying analytics page (here’s a link.) Start tracking top-performing content themes over time, and identify your key metrics (impressions, engagements, video views, etc.)

5: Both Facebook Insights and Instagram Insights are handy for diving into overall social media account performance trends.