Welcome to Bri Books! This week is all about trends. We’re a few weeks into 2024 and I’m getting cozy in the new year. This week, we’ll be discussing trends of all kinds: from bridal and wedding to Pinterest Predictions, Beauty trends, fashion trends, and tech/ media trends.  I attended the Anthropologie Weddings x Pinterest Trends pop-up last week in NYC to explore the future of bridal. The pop-up was in partnership with AnthroLiving and Terrain, and they leveraged Pinterest Predicts trends to highlight the best of 2024 wedding trends. I left feeling very inspired about the emerging bridal trends on Pinterest, and enjoyed getting a glimpse into the future of bridal design, decor, and lifestyle.  The Anthropologie Weddings team revealed three major trends that are predicted to dominate the wedding world in 2024--Groovy Nuptuals, Bow Stacking, and Western Gothic--complete with interactive sessions and consultations. Each trend included a deep dive into the world of retro-inspired wedding, the art of bow-stacking and imaginative ways to bring rugged, moody hues into your world. I especially loved that the pop-up had ideas and styles for later to save via Pinterest QR codes.  In addition to Groovy Nuptuals, Bow Stacking, and Western Gothic, here are a few bridal trends that’ll be all over the place in 2024 and beyond.  Audacious bows and gentle floral appliques: This bridal season, it’s all about the bow. They’re everywhere from hair accessories to wedding gowns. Floral appliques are an excellent way to personalize a veil or a dress. The great thing about both floral appliques and bows is they can be show-stopping or as subtle as you’d like. From the brand Amsale, the orchid dress boasts an oversized 3D flower and stem. Similarly, the Nori dress by Amsale is a take on a one-shoulder bow in satin. The Rin gown dress captures a taffeta ruched bodice tulle ball gown with  an arched neckline, low back, and gentle orchid-ish bow at the back. I think the best place for a floral applique is on a veil, and Amsale has an excellent long veil cape with floral appliques. Similarly, the Antonia silk dress with a big back bow is playful yet romantic.  90s nods: Paging '90s supermodels! Imagine columns of white silk with slight crewnecks, thin straps and backless seduction. I love this style and I’m happy it’s coming back. Brands like Jane Booke, Jenny Yoo and Amsale have mastered this. The Jane Booke brand is absolutely flawless for all things 90s, especially the brand's signature low back slip dresses. The  Amsale Embry dress captures the magic. Italian crepe satin gowns will be big in 2024, and the 90s Emery supermodel style dress from Jenny Yoo ticks all of the bridal boxes.  Removable capes and sleeves: Capes are glamorously feminine and also mysterious, and they’re the perfect statement piece for any gown, especially when intricately detailed (helloooo bows and floral appliques!)  I love how romantic a cape is. The Hayworth cape from Jenny Yoo with blooming floral embroidery is one of my favorites, as it adds a little glamor to the gown. I especially love Jenny's Jewel cape, with dramatic puff sleeves and ruffle. It adds whimsy and romance and drama, like you're a fresh marshmallow.  A cute little shrug adds a dramatic layer to create a unique look. Pair organiza puff sleeves with any stunning base dress for a completely different look. Organza is light as air and looks so extravagant, especially on brown skin. The dramatic puff sleeve and ruffle lend a bit of whimsy and romance to this dramatic silhouette Unique veils: I have loved Halfpenny London for years and years. The Periwinkle veil is super voluminous, airy, and drape-y.  "The Jubilee ethereal tulle cape is hand beaded with subtly shimmering sequins and beads arranged in intricate rose motifs which grow organically from the choker neck, over the shoulders, then fade throughout the extra-long train. The necktie has added length for extra drama and can be tied in an epic bow, or flow freely down the body."  Gloves: Gloves that are delicate, barely-there, tulle help to juxtapose your dress. Love to style gloves with base dresses for the ultimate city look, or layer with more dramatic pieces to make a dramatic statement. The Violeta gloves from Alexandra Grecco are also fabulous. Brands and Links Mentioned Anthropologie Weddings: Groovy Nuptuals trend, Bow Stacking trend, Western Gothic trend Audacious bows and gentle floral appliques trend: Amsale bridal brand: The Amsale orchid dress, Nori dress, Rin gown, Antonia silk dress 90s nods trend: Jane Booke, Jenny Yoo and Amsale, Amsale Embry dress, Jenny Yoo Emery  supermodel style dress Removable capes and sleeves trend: The Hayworth cape from Jenny Yoo, Jewel Unique veils trend: Halfpenny London and the Periwinkle veil, the  Jubilee ethereal tulle cape  Gloves trend: Violeta gloves from Alexandra Grecco 

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

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 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 and Spotify! Please tell me where you’re reading by using #bribooks on Instagram and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter.    

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 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 8 Books to Read in 2024 6 Best Books of 2023, According to Bri Books Thank you for listening to this episode of Bri Books! Let what you’re reading, and listen to recent episodes about building (and keeping) your reading practice below. What are you reading? Let me know on Instagram! ! If you’re new to the show, leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and SoundCloud! Please tell me where you’re traveling to by using #bribooks on Instagram and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter.    

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 Robin de Vignes, Vilette 2022 (Chasselas, Lavaux AOC) Dôle des Monts Red, Gilliard 2020 (Valais AOC, Pinot Noir/Gamay) Weingut Fromm 2018 Pinot Noir Village (Pinot Noir, Graubunden) Caves du Paradis: Avalanche Fendant 2022, (Valais): Wine Week Episodes Austrian Wine 101 Orange Wine 101 5 Wine-Shopping Hacks 3 Secrets for Selecting the Perfect Wine, Every Time

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