Bri Books

Today’s “Bri Books”  is a conversation with ABeautifulNestTV creator Sandria Kendrick, inspired by the book “The Garden in Every Sense and Season” by Tovah Martin. In this episode, we’re discussing our 2018 gardens, how you can inject green into your 2019, and more.   0:45 - Saying goodbye (for now) to The Bri Garden’s 2018 season. 2:30 – How a newsletter from urban farming company Square Roots led to “The Garden in Every Sense and Season.” 3:20 – How book is divided: Each of the four seasons are represented, with each individual season’s different sensational gifts–sights, sounds, touches, tastes, scents– woven into a story that explores the ever-evolving garden 4:00 – Meet Sandria, creator behind the “ABeautifulNestTV” platform on YouTube, online, and on social media. Sandria shares her story of homesteading with her family in Georgia, and how her love for the soil runs through her veins. Listen to Sandria’s season 3 interview on Bri Books discussing “Garden Fresh Cooking” 7:30 – Sandria’s 2018 garden cha

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

Happy 2022 from Brionna at Bri Books! In this episode, I’ll be sharing a few uplifting tips that’ll help you upgrade your wellness routine this year. I want to use this episode to bring optimism and hope to you as you build out your wellness routine for the months and years to come.  SHOW NOTES 2:15 - #1: Self-care activities! I take my self-care very seriously (here’s a link to an episode about how to create a relaxation routine!) Self-care isn’t limited to skincare masks and bubble baths. In my opinion, self-care activities include moments spent on things like daily prayer and meditation, journaling, massage, acupuncture, and other soothing practices--anything that helps to connect you to your internal self.    3:40 - #2: Sleep care! Raise your hand if you’ve fallen asleep with your personal tech within reach at least once this week. As you know, this isn’t the best thing for our bodies--you don’t want to see bright lights right before bed. Creating (and sticking to!) A sleep care routine is a great way to

Transitioning to Natural Hair: 9 Things I Wish I Knew Before Transitioning to Natural Hair I’m recording this episode inspired by an article I wrote at Glamour.com about transitioning to natural hair. In this episode, I’m sharing the 9 things I wish I knew before transitioning to the natural hair world. 0:45 - My natural hair origin story 2:00 - Tip #1: Be patient and kind with yourself--and your hair, and make sure you’re in a good headspace before starting your hair routine.  3:15 - Tip #2: You still need regular trims. “It's really important to cut your split ends on a regular basis, especially in the first few years,” says Takisha Sturdivant-Drew, the stylist behind Kerry Washington's immaculate curls. 4:15 - Tip #3: You don’t have to big chop if you don’t want to. It’s up to you which road you take, as long as you keep your new growth deeply moisturized. Remember, if you choose to transition your hair, your strands will essentially be two different textures. Opt for protein-rich and moisture-packed hai

Welcome to the Bri Books ‘Career Crash Course' mini-series! I’m sharing all the tips needed to help recent grads navigate the confusing yet exciting ‘real world’ after college. Join me as I discuss career topics that most students don't learn in college--like how to actually land a job--and go deep on lessons learned from my own career across tech, social media, and journalism. For job search coaching questions and partnerships, email at bri@bribookspod.com. In this episode, we sit down with Amelia Duffy, a junior and Research Associate attending the School of Information at the University of Michigan School of Information. Amelia and Brionna chat about how to leverage interests and hobbies in order to build a portfolio career for yourself postgrad, and the power of having multiple interests when it comes to the working world. For job search coaching questions and partnerships, email at bri@bribookspod.com, and follow @bribookspod on Instagram and Twitter. SHOW NOTES 0:00-2:20 - Intro 2:45 - Meet Amelia Duffy

SECRETS TO FINDING A JOB AS A RECENT GRAD Welcome to the Bri Books ‘Career Crash Course' mini-series! I’m sharing all the tips needed to help recent grads navigate the confusing yet exciting ‘real world’ after college. Join me as I discuss career topics that most students don't learn in college--like how to actually land a job--and go deep on lessons learned from my own career across tech, social media, and journalism. In this episode, we sit down with Ameenah Rashid, an Associate Analyst at eCommerce startup Profitero, and Tufts class of 2021. Ameenah and Brionna chat about navigating post-grad life and how to make those first crucial career decisions after college. For job search coaching questions and partnerships, email at bri@bribookspod.com, and follow @bribookspod on Instagram and Twitter.    SHOW NOTES 2:45 - Meet Ameenah Rashid, 21, Associate Analyst at Profitero, an eCommerce startup in Boston. Here’s the story of how Ameenah navigated those first decisions post-college by leaning on her interdiscip

It’s finally fall! Time to bring out your inner cozy girl and build your relaxation routine. In this episode, I’m sharing my relaxation rituals and tips on how to build a routine of your own, along with my go-to relaxation techniques for stress management. What’s a Relaxation and Stress Management Routine? Your relaxation routine is whatever you want it to be. Maybe it’s an hour per day spent in your own company or a weekend per month off the grid. Basically, whatever helps you turn off one part of your mind and dial into another, that’s the cornerstone of your relaxation practice. Here are 5 ways to build a relaxation routine all your own: 2:25 - Be intentional and selfish about your energy and routine. Plan for it! Take a moment and look ahead on your calendar to set aside dedicated time to practice your relaxation routine. By being selfish with your energy and being intentional about taking your relaxation routine seriously, it’s easier to get back on the horse if you fall off. 3:35 - Romanticize your

Today, I’m sharing my ultimate fall refresh essentials--everything you need to start the cozy season off right. Any change in the seasons and calendar is an opportunity to reset, reflect and refresh and get into the coziest, comfiest fall state of mind. Let me know what your autumn refresh routine looks like at @bribookspod on Instagram and Twitter, and by using #bribooks while you listen! 1:37 - #1: A notebook! Every autumn, I go to Paper Source and Barnes and Noble to scour the Leuchtturm1917 notebooks, which come in every hue under the sun. I love the bullet journaling approach (here’s an episode of Bri Books about how to start bullet journaling!) I’m starting your fall reset with a notebook because you have to know where you want to go to get to where you want to be. Having a designated place to dump thoughts, plans and problems alleviate mental clutter. (Here’s a link to my favorite Leuchturn1917 notebook.) 3:20 - #2: New tote bag! The CALPAK Haven laptop tote has taken the place of my everyday canvas

Welcome to Bri Books! Today I’m sharing the 7 best sunscreens for dark skin. It’s the dog days of summer: when temperatures start to soar around sunrise. I’m somewhat on the sunscreen beat, you could say, thanks to my writing about SPFs at Glamour.com. My stories include a review of Black Girl Sunscreen and ‘11 Women of Color on the Best Sunscreens for Dark Skin.’   1:30: The fact is, anyone, no matter skin tone, can get sunburned. Repeated unprotected sun exposure can cause skin damage, hyperpigmentation, and even skin cancer. It’s no secret that historically the beauty industry hasn’t made slathering up with SPF an enjoyable experience--far too many formulations aren’t made to blend in on dark skin. I’m sharing with you my holy grail picks that don’t leave a greasy residue or ashy tone behind. 2:55: #1: Black Girl Sunscreen’s founder, Shontay Lundy, was having a beach day in Miami and had a hard time finding a sunscreen that didn’t leave residue on her skin. At that moment, BGSS was born as a solution f

Welcome to Bri Books! Today we’re jumping into the best new makeup products to buy at Sephora! Listen to part one here, “The 6 Best New Skincare Products at Sephora.”  1:25: #1: Merit Beauty, a luxury clean, minimalist beauty brand, just launched at Clean at Sephora! I was able to test out Merit products while at Glamour.com (here’s a link to my Glamour.com article reviewing the Merit Minimalist Makeup kit) Their seven-piece collection is a curated chorus of everyday products, including foundation sticks, eyebrow gel, mascara, lip slicks, cheek tint, a makeup brush, and highlighter. I think Merit’s products are perfect for what I call a ‘Zoom beat,’ and they’re perfect to just grab and apply during the summer months. My favorite shade slick in shade Sangria looks phenomenal on deep dark skin, along with the Day Glow highlighter! The Merit Beauty Day Glow highlighter is $30 at Sephora.  4:40: #2: Charlotte Tilbury Nudegasm Palette: Finally, a Charlotte Tilbury palette that works flawlessly on my deep brown

Welcome to Bri Books! Today I’m sharing with you the best new products at Sephora--this summer’s best new Sephora launches that are worth your time, energy, and coin. My intention is to inspire your fall beauty routine, so I’m breaking it down into the best skin care products at Sephora, the best makeup products at Sephora, and the best new body care products at Sephora. I’ve included links to all the products in the show notes and on bribookspod.com! 1:55: #1: Augustinus Bader Rich Cream: Originally released in 2018, the Rich Cream quickly attained unprecedented status among the skincare elite. I was able to review The Cream as part of a beauty story for Glamour.com. After that experience, I got the hype! For the 2021 update, Prof. Bader and his researchers returned to the lab to create a new version that focuses on cellular renewal. Since I've been using the original The Cream for a year, after trying out the updated formulation, I did notice a visible reduction in the pollution and clogged pores I had.

What does 'luxury' mean, and how can you create a truly luxe home? In today's episode, we're sitting down with Dominique Brielle Fluker, who is a content strategist and storyteller by day, and most recently, founder of DBF Interiors. With DBF Interiors, Dominique brings her interior styling talents to modern professional women. Dominique believes luxury is truly experienced when one feels inspired to slow down, embrace a sense of ease, and enjoy life. In this episode, we get into the nitty-gritty of it: what it means to be an entrepreneur while keeping a 9-5, how to upgrade your space, how to make your home feel bigger, and how to create a ritualistic presence about your home. If you're looking for design inspo or ways to redesign your space, this is the episode for you.  4:30 - Dominique's earliest design and decor memories from childhood 6:30 - How to cultivate a mindset of luxury  9:00 - The story of DBF Interiors 13:00 - Two easy ways to upgrade your space  21:00 - How to inject personality, sanctuary, a

Today we’re talking with wine and food creator/ enthusiast Sarita Chaves. If you’re all about your wine, spirits, and food, you need to meet Sarita. She’s a DC native with a love for food, wine and city living. Sarita’s the founder of the Swirl Suite podcast, a cohort of Black women who work in the wine and spirits industry. She created her blog ‘Vinemeup’ in 2013 after years of working at a local winery in Maryland and highlighting unique wines on social media. Currently, she cooks and creates wine pairings in her own kitchen which you can watch play out on her Instagram and on her Instagram Stories.    In this episode, Sarita teaches us how to pair the wines with the seasons, shares her own history and journey through the wine industry, and reveals to us the striking similarities between winemaking and farming.   PS: The Vinemeup Activity Book is almost here! For those that desire to celebrate  Blacks in Wine in a most creative way. Whether you are a seasoned oenophile or someone who is still learning what

Welcome back to Bri Books! If you’re new to the show, leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and SoundCloud! Please tell me what you're growing by using #bribooks on Instagram, and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter. Follow @theBriGarden on Instagram for garden tours, growing hacks, and gardening secrets. In today's episode, we're talking about all things organic gardening, and how to grow your own food with Misilla of 'Learn to Grow.' Whether you're starting your own garden or you haven't given it much thought, after this episode you'll be yearning to get your hands on some seeds. Misilla is the host of 'Learn to Grow,' a channel on YouTube with over 114,000 subscribers. She's a crafty mom of 4 living and working in the Pacific Northwest. Her videos and social posts consist of garden how-to's, growing hacks,  healthy living ideas, science experiments, DIY projects, and gardening inspo. Misilla's family has been grow

Welcome back to Bri Books! If you’re new to the show, leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and SoundCloud! Please tell me what you're growing by using #bribooks on Instagram, and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter. Follow @theBriGarden on Instagram for garden tours, growing hacks, and gardening secrets. On today’s episode, we’re talking about falling in love with the garden this spring. Almost every day, Carla of @gardenplot.57 treats us to vibrant photos of her cut flower garden, homemade skincare products, and dozens of veggies she’s growing in her backyard garden in Cornwall, England. In this episode, Carla gives tips on how to start (and maintain) a garden in a small space, and shares tips on DIY gardening projects we can do right now to get a jump on the season. Carla and I bonded over the amazing book “Floret Farm's A Year in Flowers: Designing Gorgeous Arrangements for Every Season” by Erin Benzakein, an amaz

On today's episode, we're talking all things International Women's Day, the best female-founded companies, and 10 amazing brands you need to know, shop and love from now on. Over 70% of the women and founders on this list are women of color.  Celebrated on March 8 annually, International Women's Day is one of the most important days of the year to celebrate women's achievements, raise awareness about women's equality, lobby for accelerated gender parity, and fundraise for female-centered charities. I'll be sharing some fantastic brands and initiatives that are perfectly aligned with International Women's Day.  This episode is proudly sponsored by briCandles, 100% natural soy candles hand-poured in Brooklyn. Bri Books listeners get 20% off their briCandles.com order with the code BRIBOOKS.  If you’re new to the show, leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, Spotify  Stitcher, and SoundCloud! Show me what you're reading by using #bribooks on Instagram, and subsc

This episode is proudly sponsored by briCandles, 100% natural soy candles hand-poured in Brooklyn. Bri Books listeners get 20% off their briCandles.com order with the code BRIBOOKS.  We're starting season 6 with Samio, a full-time blogger and content creator from Manchester, England. Samio is a 'style enthusiast' who focuses on quality over quantity in all things in life. Over the years, Samio has been able to develop her love of photography into a full-fledged blog, YouTube platform, and Instagram platform. In this episode, Samio and I get into the nuts and bolts of living. She gives encouragement to people who are afraid to start something new, and we dig deep into why it's important that you're careful about how you think about and talk about yourself. Samio loves to delve deep into this topic on her YouTube channel, which feels like having a (virtual) chat with a close friend. Follow Samio's journey on Instagram, YouTube, and her blog!  If you’re new to the show, leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podca

New season, who dis? Welcome to season 6 of Bri Books, the podcast that encourages, entertains and inspires by discussing ideas both on and off the page. I have SO much great content in store for you—buckle up! If you’re new to the show, leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, Spotify  Stitcher, and SoundCloud! Show me what you're watching by using #bribooks on Instagram, and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter. Follow @BriBooksPod on Instagram! Show me what you're watching by using #bribooks on Instagram, join the @bribookspod community on Instagram and @bribookspod on Twitter.  This episode is proudly sponsored by briCandles, 100% natural soy candles hand-poured in Brooklyn. Bri Books listeners get 20% off their briCandles.com order with the code BRIBOOKS.

This episode is proudly sponsored by briCandles, 100% natural soy candles hand-poured in Brooklyn. Bri Books listeners get 20% off their briCandles.com order with the code BRIBOOKS. Brace yourselves: the beauty discounts are coming. Here's my curated list of the best products to buy from Sephora's 2020 Cyber Monday sale. These are the picks I've been loving (and lusting after) all year, and with up to 50% off full-price items, now's the time to pounce. Last year, I recorded a Bri Books episode about what to buy during Sephora's annual December VIB sale, and wanted to share a Cyber Monday-ready curated list. Here's what I'd stock up on if I were you: Bread Beauty Supply creamy deep conditioner ($28) Ilia Eye Heart Clean Beauty Kit ($45, limited edition but here's a similar Ilia Beauty set with even more goodies for $48) Urban Decay Naked Honey eyeshadow palette (Was: $49; Now: $24.50) Peter Thomas Roth Masking Minis 5-piece mask kit ($19) Alien Eau de Parfum Mugler perfume (Was: $120; Now: $72) Maison M

This episode is proudly sponsored by briCandles, 100% natural soy candles hand-poured in Brooklyn. Bri Books listeners get 20% off their briCandles.com order with the code BRIBOOKS. Get out of that takeout rut with these 5 essential cookbooks, just in time for the holidays. These cookbooks are filled with mouthwatering recipes and invaluable culinary tips that'll help you build confidence in the kitchen this holiday season. 5 Mouthwatering Cookbooks to Inspire Your Holiday Meals 1. Cooking for one (for yourself on a regular basis): “The Living Kitchen: Healing Recipes to Support Your Body During Cancer Treatment and Recovery” by Sarah Grossman and Tamara Green 2. Cooking for a crowd (two or more): “Cravings: Recipes for all the Food You Want to Eat” by Chrissy Teigen 3. Guest flex (for when it’s your turn to host): “Everyday Is Saturday: Recipes + Strategies for Easy Cooking, Every Day of the Week” by Sarah Copeland 4. Technique (how you present your food): “That Photo Makes Me Hungry: Photographic Food for