Bri Books

Bri Books is the podcast that encourages, entertains and enlightens by engaging with the ideas on and off the pages. We serve a community of ambitious, curious people hungry for conversations and books that transform, challenge and inspire us. What are you reading? Shout it out using #bribooks and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and Google Play.

How to Go Softly into 2026: Your Goal-Setting Guide 12/29/2025

Grieving the Holidays After Loss: Reflections on Christmas, Memory, and Making New Traditions 12/25/2025

Madeira Wine: How It’s Made & Three Bottles Worth Knowing 12/24/2025

The Magical World of Swiss Wine: Best Swiss Wines to Try 12/23/2025

Orange Wine 101: What It Is, How It Tastes, and the Orange Wine Bottles to Know 12/23/2025

Austrian Wines 101: Blaufränkisch, Burgenland & the Hills of Steiermark 12/22/2025

How to Build a Wine Menu + Do an At-Home Wine Tasting 12/21/2025

How to Build a Wine Menu + Do an At-Home Wine Tasting 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: Chablis Gruner Vetliner Albrino Sauv blanc, from Loire Why this works: These wines pair well with almost anything: cheese, vegetables, oysters, seafood They don’t overpower food They make excellent aperitif wines They set the tone for the meal by brightening flavors and waking up the palette 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: Medium body moderate tannins high drinkability Red wines I recommend: Boujulais Tempranillo (especially rioja joven) Etna Rosso reds Cotes du Rhone These red wines shine with soups and stews, tomato based dishes, roasted vegetables, poultry, and cozy winter meals. 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 . 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 ltitude = floral, lifted flavors Warm climate = ripe, deeply drinkable Coastal = salty, breezy, fresh finish Mountain = Sharp, linear, mineral Valley floor = lush, smooth Volcanic = smoky, stony, earthy flavors Soil: Taste the wine. Texture reveals the soil type. As a reminder: limestone = chalky, saline wine Volcanic = smoky, ashy flavors in the wine Granite = crunchy, bright, often ‘cool’ flavors in the wine Clay = smooth, plush, slightly pucker-y in flavor High a 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 and , and at . /episode/index/show/booksmyjobgaveme/id/39485090

What Makes a Wine “Good”? Understanding the Four Pillars of Place 12/04/2025

Welcome to BriCember: Where I've Been 11/30/2025

Welcome to BriCember: Where I've Been 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 . You can always find and , and at . /episode/index/show/booksmyjobgaveme/id/39213860

Mother's Day, Year Two: A Reflection on Grief and Growth 05/12/2025

Mother's Day, Year Two: A Reflection on Grief and Growth 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, 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 . 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. 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 and , and at . Thank you again A /episode/index/show/booksmyjobgaveme/id/36531680

7 Best Sunscreens for Dark Skin 08/28/2024

'The Garden in Every Sense and Season' Feat. Sandria of '@ABeautifulNestTV 05/03/2024

'The Garden in Every Sense and Season' Feat. Sandria of '@ABeautifulNestTV The Garden in Every Sense and Season Today’s “Bri Books” is a conversation with creator Sandria Kendrick, inspired by the book “The Garden in Every Sense and Season” by Tovah Martin. Sandria is the creator behind the “” platform on , 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 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: , , by Julie Gabriel. You can find Sandria on , on , , , , . If you’re new to the show, leave a of Bri Books on and listen to Bri Books on , , and ! Please tell me what you're growing by using on Instagram, and subscribe to the Bri Books Follow on Instagram for garden tours, growing hacks, and gardening secrets. /episode/index/show/booksmyjobgaveme/id/31052863

How to DIY Your Spring Garden Feat. Carla of @GardenPlot57 05/02/2024

How to Engage Kids in Gardening Feat. Misilla of 'Learn to Grow' 05/01/2024

"Garden-Fresh Cooking" Feat. Sandria Kendrick of @ABeautifulNestTV 04/30/2024

"Garden-Fresh Cooking" Feat. Sandria Kendrick of @ABeautifulNestTV 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, ’ on and . 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 @ 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 @, on Instagram @, Facebook @, and Twitter @. Follow listen to Bri Books on , and show me your garden by using on Instagram. /episode/index/show/booksmyjobgaveme/id/31050328

6 Companion Planting Hacks for Beginner Gardeners 04/30/2024

10 Beginner-Friendly Crops to Grow + 3 Garden-Starting Basics You Need to Know 04/24/2024

10 Beginner-Friendly Crops to Grow + 3 Garden-Starting Basics You Need to Know 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 listen to Bri Books on , and show me your garden by using on Instagram. /episode/index/show/booksmyjobgaveme/id/30966068

5 Gardening Tips Every First-Time Gardener Needs to Know 04/23/2024

5 Gardening Tips Every First-Time Gardener Needs to Know 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 listen to Bri Books on , and show me your garden by using 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 , or . My favorite seed company is , a company I’ve been celebrating for over 5 years now. The second resource I love for seeds is 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, is excellent for Asian heirlooms. I’d also ! 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. Follow listen to Bri Books on , and show me your garden by using on Instagram. /episode/index/show/booksmyjobgaveme/id/30952883

8 Garden-Starting Hacks to Get You Growing in 2024 04/22/2024

8 Garden-Starting Hacks to Get You Growing in 2024 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 . It revolves around repurposing food waste to create a food bounty. Who would've thought breakfast is so ripe for gardening!? Follow on Instagram for garden tours, growing hacks, and gardening secrets. If you’re new to the show, leave a of Bri Books on and listen to Bri Books on , and ! Please tell me what you're sipping by using on Instagram, and subscribe to the Bri Books Follow 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 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 on Instagram for garden tours, growing hacks, and gardening secrets for first-time growers. Leave a of Bri Books on and listen to Bri Books on , and ! Please tell me what you're growing by using on Instagram, and subscribe to the Bri Books Follow on Instagram for garden tours, growing hacks, and gardening secrets. /episode/index/show/booksmyjobgaveme/id/30950828

Unveiling the Top 5 Wedding Trends of 2024: Part Two 03/02/2024

Unveiling the Top 5 Wedding Trends of 2024: Part Two 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, 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 , the wedding cake of 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. /episode/index/show/booksmyjobgaveme/id/30205493

Valentine’s Day: 9 Beauty Ideas You’ll Love 02/14/2024

Valentine’s Day: 9 Beauty Ideas You’ll Love 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. 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: , and the . 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 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, contains eight everyday, essential neutrals. primaries represent foundational colors, empowering you to express your primary emotions. . 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. and . 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. . 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. . 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. 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. . 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 and . 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. /episode/index/show/booksmyjobgaveme/id/30040683

Unveiling the Top Bridal Trends of 2024: Part One 02/12/2024

Unveiling the Top Bridal Trends of 2024: Part One 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 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 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 , the dress boasts an oversized 3D flower and stem. Similarly, the dress by Amsale is a take on a one-shoulder bow in satin. The 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 has an excellent long veil cape with floral appliques. Similarly, the 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 , and have mastered this. The Booke brand is absolutely flawless for all things 90s, especially the brand's signature low back slip dresses. The Embry dress captures the magic. Italian crepe satin gowns will be big in 2024, and the 90s Emery style dress from 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. with blooming floral embroidery is one of my favorites, as it adds a little glamor to the gown. I especially love Jenny's 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 for years and years. The veil is super voluminous, airy, and drape-y. "The 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 gloves from are also fabulous. Brands and Links Mentioned , Audacious bows and gentle floral appliques trend: dress, dress, silk dress 90s nods trend: , and Amsale dress, supermodel style dress Removable capes and sleeves trend: Unique veils trend: and the veil, the ethereal tulle cape Gloves trend: gloves from /episode/index/show/booksmyjobgaveme/id/29886263

5 Steps to Getting Your Life Organized with Bullet Journaling 02/09/2024

5 Steps to Getting Your Life Organized with Bullet Journaling 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: The about setting up your bujo is live on journal /episode/index/show/booksmyjobgaveme/id/29871873

The Ultimate Guide to Goal-Setting: 6 Steps to More Intentional Goals 02/06/2024

The Ultimate Guide to Goal-Setting: 6 Steps to More Intentional Goals 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 Be compassionately realistic about where you are. 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. 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. 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. 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 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 ! ! If you’re new to the show, leave a of Bri Books on and listen to Bri Books on ! Please tell me where you’re reading by using on and subscribe to the Bri Books /episode/index/show/booksmyjobgaveme/id/29830278

Manifestation Journaling 101: A Complete Guide to Starting a Manifestation Journal 01/30/2024

Manifestation Journaling 101: A Complete Guide to Starting a Manifestation Journal 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. 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 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. 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. 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. 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 What does my highest version of reality look like? What would make me fulfilled and satisfied from the inside out in this area? What do I want this area to look like in 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, 3 years? What value will this manifestation bring to my life? What am I working towards and why? What’s the value behind this goal? What are my motivations behind this vision 9:00: How to Make Manifestation Journaling Less Overwhelming 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). 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 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 (Target, $13). Thank you for listening to this episode of Bri Books! What are you manifesting? Let me know on ! ! If you’re new to the show, leave a of Bri Books on and listen to Bri Books on , , and ! Please tell me where you’re traveling to by using on Instagram and subscribe to the Bri Books /episode/index/show/booksmyjobgaveme/id/29705213

3 Secrets for Selecting the Perfect Wine, Every Time 01/29/2024

3 Secrets for Selecting the Perfect Wine, Every Time 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 , author of the and host behind the . For a wintertime bubble, I’d recommend ), or the . 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 ! I love the team there, and I’ve been a fan since 2019. , 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 , or an orange wine. I frequent for my orange wines of choice, namely ($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 ($38-$40), or I hope you're loving Bri Books! If you’re new to the show, leave a of Bri Books on and listen to Bri Books on and ! Please tell me where you’re traveling to by using on Instagram and subscribe to the Bri Books /episode/index/show/booksmyjobgaveme/id/28916613

8 Ways to Read (A Lot) More Books in 2024 01/26/2024

8 Ways to Read (A Lot) More Books in 2024 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 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 ! ! If you’re new to the show, leave a of Bri Books on and listen to Bri Books on , , and ! Please tell me where you’re traveling to by using on Instagram and subscribe to the Bri Books /episode/index/show/booksmyjobgaveme/id/29664658

5 Wine-Shopping Hacks You Need to Know 01/26/2024

5 Wine-Shopping Hacks You Need to Know 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 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 from 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 of Bri Books on and listen to Bri Books on and ! Please show me what you’re drinking to by using on Instagram and subscribe to the Bri Books /episode/index/show/booksmyjobgaveme/id/28975623

Swiss Wine: Your Ultimate Guide + 4 Delicious Swiss Wines to Try 01/25/2024

Swiss Wine: Your Ultimate Guide + 4 Delicious Swiss Wines to Try Welcome to Bri Books! Our 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 : 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. : 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. : 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! : 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: 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 of Bri Books on and listen to Bri Books on ! 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 : Wine Week Episodes /episode/index/show/booksmyjobgaveme/id/29224613

8 Books to Read in 2024: Winter Edition 01/24/2024

8 Books to Read in 2024: Winter Edition 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: ‘ 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: 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: 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: 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. /episode/index/show/booksmyjobgaveme/id/29634083

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