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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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
Dôle des Monts Red, Gilliard 2020 (Valais AOC, Pinot Noir/Gamay)
Weingut Fromm 2018 Pinot Noir Village (Pinot Noir, Graubunden)
Wine Week Episodes
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.
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
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
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
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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!
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.
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
NeumaNeuVolume Styling Spray with Coconut Oil and Avocado Oil ($32
Karatese Paris Plant-Based Beautifying Detangling Blowdry Mist ($40)
Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant with Salycilic Acid ($28)
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