Bri Books

Welcome to Bri Books! We're returning to our bookish roots today with a deep dive of the 5 best cookbooks to help you cook around the world in winter 2026. I don't know about you, but the deep winter temperatures make me want to run to my Instant Pot and my oven instead of the local restaurant or watering hole. In this episode, I walk through my top 5 cookbooks for winter-ready, no-fuss meals. If you're new to the show, leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Please tell me where you're traveling to by using #bribooks on Instagram and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter. Bri Books Top 5 Winter Recipe-Ready Cookbooks for 2026 Something From Nothing by Alison Roman -Alison Roman's latest cookbook invites us into the magic of pantry cooking, and turning store-cupboard staples like beans, olives, and pasta into deceptively simple but deeply satisfying meals. I love this book as both reading and as a reference for my home cooked winter meals. Made Here: Recipes & Reflections From NYC's Asian Communities - "Made Here" is a remarkable cookbook that goes beyond the typical what-to-make-recipes format to serve as a cultural document. Drawn from more than 40 restaurants representing 18+ Asian cuisines across New York City, "Made Here" celebrates community, heritage, and resilience. Proceeds support Send Chinatown Love's work with small businesses and community programs, underlining how food can nourish both body and community. New York Junior League 120th Anniversary Cookbook - As a member of the New York Junior League, I can tell you that gracious hosting is an art form. Part community artifact, part kitchen companion, this anniversary cookbook showcases the breadth of home cooking traditions within the New York Junior League community. One Pot Feeds All by Darina Allen  -While "One Pot Feeds All" spans a tradition of practical cooking rather than a single cuisine or era, its ethos resonates with cooks seeking simplicity without sacrificing flavor. Designed around meals that require minimal cleanup and maximum comfort, its recipes appeal to home cooks who want hearty meals from a single vessel. 5. Essentials of Italian Cooking by Marcella Hazan No culinary library is complete without Marcella Hazan's Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking. A unification of her earlier classic Italian texts, this book has long been revered as an indispensable guide to authentic Italian home cooking. Covering nearly every technique and staple from risotto to ragù to perfect pasta sauces, Hazan's work remains influential decades after its publication, teaching timeless fundamentals with clarity and passion.   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.

If you're new to the show, leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Please tell me where you're traveling to by using #bribooks on Instagram and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter. After the holidays, it's common to feel drained, overstimulated, or out of rhythm. In this episode of Bri Books, we focus on how to do a simple, grounded post-holiday reset that emphasizes self care, reflection, and intention (but without the pressure.) Episodes mentioned: Manifestation journaling 101 How to lock in on your goals: a gentle framework for goalsetting in 2026 How to do a year in review: what to keep, what to release, what to sow In this episode, we talk through my practical approach to a self-care post-holiday reset. Rather than pushing productivity or strict routines, this episode centers hydration, cleaning your physical space, noticing patterns, reducing digital noise, and setting intentions. Topics covered include: Hydrating consistently and having whole, simple meals in January Cleaning your kitchen, especially cabinets and cupboards Tracking what drained you versus what filled you up Doing a digital detox and taking silent walks Planning intentions without pressure 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 podcast! In this episode, we explore six captivating books from 2025 that span memoir, history, culture, and personal growth. From surviving illness abroad to uncovering hidden royal power plays, from the quiet history of our homes to the question of who we're meant to become, these books invite us to see the world, and ourselves, more clearly. If you're new to the show, leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Please tell me where you're traveling to by using #bribooks on Instagram and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter. Books Discussed in This Episode Becoming You: The Proven Method for Crafting Your Authentic Life and Career by Suzy Welch. A practical and reflective guide to discovering your true values and aligning them with your career and life choices. Welch offers tools and frameworks to help listeners clarify who they are, what they want, and how to build a life that fits. Mastesr of the Word: How Media Shaped History by William J. Bernstein. Bernstein traces the sweeping history of media, from the invention of writing in ancient Mesopotamia to the rise of the mobile internet. From the spread of alphabets and vernacular Bibles to the printing press, mass media, and digital networks, the book shows how shifts in information access have fueled empires, revolutions, democracy, and dissent. At Home: A Short History of Private Life by Bill Bryson.  A fascinating room-by-room exploration of how everyday domestic life evolved. Bryson uses his own home as a jumping-off point to uncover surprising histories behind bathrooms, kitchens, bedrooms, and the objects we take for granted. The World in a Wineglass: The Insider's Guide to Artisanal, Sustainable, Extraordinary Wines to Drink Now by Ray Isle. A global tour of wine told through people, place, and philosophy. Ray Isle highlights independent, sustainability-minded winemakers and shows how wine reflects culture, geography, and values — not just tasting notes. Stitching Freedom: A True Story of Injustice, Defiance, and Hope in Angola Prison by Gary Tyler. Gary Tyler — who was wrongfully incarcerated for nearly 42 years — tells a powerful story of survival, justice, and creative resistance. While imprisoned, Tyler turned to quilting as a means of expression, healing, and political testimony, transforming fabric into visual records of racism, resilience, and hope. The book explores how art can become a lifeline under extreme conditions and how storytelling, even when stitched rather than spoken, can reclaim dignity and freedom in the face of systemic injustice. Surviving Paris: A Memoir of Healing in the City of Light by Robin Allison Davis.  A deeply personal memoir about moving to Paris in search of reinvention — and instead confronting breast cancer far from home. Allison Davis reflects on illness, identity, friendship, and resilience while navigating a foreign healthcare system and rebuilding her sense of self in the City of Light. The Stolen Crown: Treachery, Deceit, and the Death of the Tudor Dynasty by Tracy Borman. Royal historian Tracy Borman challenges long-held assumptions about the English succession after Queen Elizabeth I's death. Using new archival evidence, she reveals a far more fragile and politically charged transfer of power than history has traditionally acknowledged. 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! In this episode, I'm covering how to start a manifestation journal, and sharing my favorite manifestation journaling tips. Consider this your guide to manifestation journaling and morning pages. This episode will be a crash course on what exactly manifestation journaling is, where to start with manifestation journaling, scripting, and how to make manifestation journaling less overwhelming. If you're new to the show, leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Please tell me where you're traveling to by using #bribooks on Instagram and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter. 2:00 - What Exactly Is a Manifestation Journal: How to Start Manifestation Journaling A manifestation journal is an excellent way to describe your life story the way you want to manifest your dream life. The process of manifestation journaling not only forces you to organize your thoughts and establish paths to your dreams, but also sparks motivation to go after them.  3:00: What's the Goal of Manifestation Journaling? The goal of manifestation journaling is to create new neural networks and belief systems. By writing each goal and each experience in the present tense to convince your mind into thinking it's already a reality. This primes your subconscious mind to be able to make the changes to achieve your goal while helping you shift self-identity. Remember, the goal here is to bring something into reality by establishing expectations. 4:00: Where to Start with Manifestation Journaling 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 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 back to Bri Books!This episode of Bri Books is about locking in. Not chasing. Not manifesting yet. Not reinventing your entire life. We talk a lot about goals, but rarely about how to choose direction before movement. Lock-in means deciding where you're headed before you start rowing. If you listened to the Winter Reset episode, this is the natural next step. Softness created space. Now we decide what fills it. If you're new to the show, leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.Please tell me where you're traveling to by using #bribooks on Instagram and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter.  This framework is designed to help you set goals that can be assessed and revised, not failed. If you're listening along, pause here if you need to. This episode works best with a notebook. Step 1: Choose Your Goal Areas Start by writing down three to five areas of your life that matter most right now. Not ten, not everything, just. few.  These are containers, not goals. Examples might include career, creative work, health, money, relationships, home, or learning. Write your own list. These areas simply hold your attention--they don't demand outcomes (yet).  Step 2: Understand Rudders and Oars This entire framework rests on two ideas: Rudders determine direction. Oars create movement. A rudder is not a task or a dream. A rudder answers: What direction am I steering this part of my life in? An oar answers: What am I actually doing, regularly, to move? You need both. Without a rudder, you row in circles.Without oars, you drift. Step 3: Set Your Rudders (Directional Language) For each life area, write one sentence that defines direction. Rudders are written in the present tense. They're directional, not outcome-based, and free from numbers, pressure, or deadlines. They describe orientation, not achievement. Examples of structure: "I am steering my career toward work that values ___." "I am orienting my health around consistency, not intensity." "I am prioritizing creative output over perfection." Now write yours. Leave space—you'll revisit them. Step 4: Define Your Oars (Action Language) For each rudder, choose one to three oars only. Good oars are repeatable, realistic, and observable They sound like "I write for 60 minutes, three times a week", or "I review finances every Sunday", or "I submit one pitch per month." They do not sound like "Be disciplined," "Try harder", or "finally get it together." Your oars should be specific enough that you can tell whether you did them—without judgment. Step 5: Lock-In Means Review, Not Perfection Lock-in doesn't mean committing forever. It means: you write it down, you work it, you assess it, and you revise it quarterly. If something isn't working, that's not failure—it's information. We'll go deeper into the review process in the Year-in-Review episode. What Comes Next  Once direction and movement are defined, the next step is learning how to work with desire and intention without forcing outcomes.That's where we're headed next: manifestation journaling—slow, grounded, and pressure-free. 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 back to Bri Books! Today, we're doing an in-depth personal year-in-review. Spoiler alert: a year in review does not need to be dramatic or emotional to be useful. It needs to be honest and practical. This approach is about looking at the year clearly, deciding what is actually working, and making intentional choices about what you are carrying forward. Not everything needs to be turned into a goal. Some things just need to be named so you can stop dragging them with you. If you're new to the show, leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.Please tell me where you're traveling to by using #bribooks on Instagram and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter.  By the end of this process, you will have clear language you can use for goal-setting, journaling, and planning the next season of your life. Start With What Actually Exists Before you reflect, gather evidence. Do not rely on memory alone. Pull together your calendar, your journal or notes app, your camera roll, and anything that shows how you actually spent your time and energy. If something mattered this year, it left a trace somewhere. Sit down with one notebook, one pen, and a solid block of uninterrupted time. Forty-five to ninety minutes is enough. This is not about making it pretty. It is about seeing clearly. Review the Year Through Three Questions You are not reviewing everything at once. You are moving through the year using three simple lenses. First, write down what actually happened. List major events, shifts, projects, travel, relationship changes, work changes, and health moments. Do not interpret yet. Just get it on the page. Next, write what cost more than it gave. This is not about failure. It is about energy. What required constant effort to maintain. What drained you even when it looked good on paper. What felt heavy simply because it never let up. Then write what felt quietly right. These are the things that worked without forcing. The routines, relationships, or rhythms that felt sustainable and did not need explaining. These are often the most important signals and the easiest to overlook. Decide What to Grow, Sow, and Release This is where reflection turns into direction. Grow: What to grow means identifying what is already working and deserves more room. These are practices or dynamics that produced results and felt aligned. Write down a few sentences starting with, "In the coming year, I am growing…" and let yourself be specific. Write: In the coming year, I am bringing with me ____ Sow: What to sow is about new input. This is not about perfect goals. It is about experimentation. What needs to be introduced that did not exist before. What you want to test gently without pressure. Write, "In the coming year, I am sowing…" and leave space to explore.: Write: In the coming year, I am sowing ________. Release; What to release is essential. Ask yourself what cannot come with you. What only existed because you never questioned it. What you are allowed to stop doing. Write, "I am no longer carrying…" and be honest. Write: In the coming year, I am releasing ____   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 back to Bri Books — the podcast that educates, encourages, and inspires by exploring ideas both on and off the page. Today's episode is about winter lixfestyle favorites: the soft hobbies, rituals, and everyday comforts that carried me through 2025 and that I'm intentionally bringing with me into 2026. You've heard a lot about the "soft life" and the "soft girl era." I want to offer a reframing: your grandmother may be the softest woman you know. Softness isn't new. It's inherited. It's practiced. It's slow. If you're new to the show, leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.Please tell me where you're traveling to by using #bribooks on Instagram and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter.  This episode isn't about hustle or optimization. It's about winter evenings, quiet joy, and choosing process over productivity. Last winter, I noticed myself reaching less for outcomes and more for ways of being — warmth, texture, ritual, and time that felt expansive rather than efficient. These are the lifestyle favorites that came out of that season and are staying with me. 1. Embroidery Embroidery is the ultimate soft hobby. It's tactile, forgiving, and slow in the best way. You can pick it up for ten minutes or lose an entire evening to it. Best of all, you always have something to show for your time: a few stitches, a pattern emerging, a garment mended. It requires no screens, very little space, and pairs beautifully with audiobooks, podcasts, or quiet TV. On dark winter nights, embroidery feels deeply grounding. 2. Popcorn From the Cob This was a surprise favorite of 2025. Popping kernels directly off a dried corn cob feels old-fashioned and ceremonial. It turns a snack into an event. Pop it on the stove, finish with butter and flaky salt, and eat while reading or watching snow fall. It's nostalgic, humbling, and cozy: and it happens fast enough that it asks for your full attention. 3. Candle Making & Light as Ritual I've been making candles for years, but winter 2025 made it a true ritual. Choosing the scent, wax, and vessel is an act of intention. I make candles in batches early in the season and burn them slowly throughout winter so my home smells familiar and grounding. In long, dark months, light matters. So start making your candles. 4. Gardening (Even in Winter) Gardening doesn't stop in winter; it changes form. Winter gardening looks like planning, seed sorting, journaling, and tending indoor plants. It's a reminder that growth doesn't always look active. Winter is when I reflect on what I want to grow — literally and metaphorically — in the year ahead. 5. A New Duvet from Culver One of my most meaningful upgrades of 2025 was investing in better sleep. A Cultiver linen duvet changed how winter nights felt. Linen regulates temperature beautifully, feels lived-in, and makes your bed feel like a destination. When nights are long, rest should feel intentional. 6. A Beautiful Cup from Jinen This may sound small, but it isn't. A really good cup changes how you experience mornings. Texture matters. Weight matters. A ceramic or natural-finish cup slows you down and makes tea or coffee feel ceremonial. Winter mornings deserve softness. This cup from Jinen porcelain Hasami cup has become my absolute favorite porcelain cup for everyday use. 7. Instant Pot (and Instant Pot Culture) In 2025, I leaned into comfort cooking: soups, stews, beans, and broths. The Instant Pot makes nourishment accessible without urgency. Batch cooking on Sundays meant weekday dinners felt cared for instead of chaotic. 8. Farmers Markets (Even in Winter) Winter farmers markets are quieter, more intentional, and deeply communal. Root vegetables, bread, eggs, preserves. Shopping local in winter feels like an act of care — a reminder that provision exists in every season, just in different forms. 9. Painting Painting returned to my life without pressure to be good. Winter painting is about mood, texture, and emotion — not outcome. Paint in low light. Let it be messy. Let it exist just for you. 10. New Boots & a New Coat A good pair of winter boots grounds you — literally. Practical, wearable winter clothing makes cold weather feel intentional instead of inconvenient. Winter style should support your life, not complicate it. These favorites aren't about consumption. They're about attention. Soft hobbies teach us to stay. Winter rituals remind us we're allowed to move slowly. As we head into 2026, I'm choosing warmth, intention, and creativity — and leaving urgency behind.   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 back to Bri Books, the podcast (and corner of the internet) where we educate, entertain, and feel our way through ideas both on and off the page. As we head toward the end of 2025 and look ahead to 2026, I'm sharing my best-of beauty and skincare favorites — the products I've loved all year and continue to reach for during the colder months. These are my true winter staples: products that prioritize hydration, warmth, glow, and comfort when the weather (and life) feels a little harsher. If you're new to the show, leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.Please tell me where you're traveling to by using #bribooks on Instagram and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter.  So cozy up with your tea, light a candle, swipe on your favorite lip gloss, and let's begin. Bri Books' Winter Beauty Philosophy I always think about winter beauty through memory. Last December, I was sipping hot cider by my Brooklyn window, watching snow fall, listening to my radiator hiss, and feeling my skin crack, peel, and protest. Late winter dryness hits me every year, so I've learned to curate intentionally. Here's how I nurture my skin and my beauty in the winter and beyond. 1. Dyson Corrale Flat Iron — $499–$539 I've used the Dyson Corrale for over five years, and it remains unmatched. Its flexing plates reduce heat damage and tugging, which is especially important when winter hair is already dry and fragile. Yes, it's an investment — but if you want salon-quality results at home, it's worth it. 2. Kérastase Nutritive Range — $40–$85 per product at Sephora For deep nourishment, the Kérastase Nutritive line is my winter hero. I use the shampoo weekly, followed by either the conditioner or the Riche mask. I always finish with the Nectar Thermique heat protectant and the split ends serum. When my scalp is dry, I add the hydrating scalp serum. If you're heat-styling more, always pair it with a mask. Winter hair loves moisture. 3. Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm — $42 at Sephora This cult favorite transforms from balm to oil to milk and melts away makeup and SPF without stripping the skin. It feels incredibly luxe — and in winter, hydration should feel indulgent. 4. Sephora Collection Overnight Hydrating Dose Mask — $10 each 2025 had me on more planes than ever — Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Shanghai, and Mexico. Sephora's sheet masks became my travel and weekend staples. They're affordable, effective, and easy to keep in rotation when your skin feels parched. 5. Elasten Liquid Collagen — $99 on Amazon This is my only true "health" pick of the year. Collagen production declines with age, and liquid collagen supplements can help support skin elasticity and hydration — especially when paired with vitamin C. I take mine in the morning with tea. It's a small ritual with a big payoff. 6. LUSH Bath Bombs & Epsom Salts — $6–$13 per bath bomb Long soaks are my ultimate self-care reset. I love LUSH bath bombs for the sensory experience, paired with classic Epsom salts for muscle relief. There's nothing like a hot bath before diving into life admin — or after a long day. 7. Mandelic Acid + Vitamin C — $20–$100 depending on brand After years of experimenting, I've stabilized my routine with professional guidance. Mandelic acid gently exfoliates while vitamin C protects against dullness and boosts brightness — a winter glow essential. 8. SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic — $185 Still my gold-standard antioxidant serum. It protects against oxidative stress from dry air and gives the skin a true glow shield. 9. Byredo "Mixed Emotions" Eau de Parfum — $235 Fragrance sets the mood for me year-round, and Byredo has completely captured my heart. Mixed Emotions is warm, woodsy, softly sweet, and deeply comforting — like a winter hug. 10. La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 50 — $49 SPF is non-negotiable, even in winter. This lightweight, broad-spectrum sunscreen works beautifully under makeup and doesn't irritate my eyes or sensitive skin. 11. OPI Infinite Shine Holiday 2025 — $7–$15 Winter nails take a beating with constant handwashing and gloves. OPI Infinite Shine delivers gel-like durability without the commitment. I love deep reds, classics, and neutral shades all season long. These are my winter beauty favorites — the products that carried me through 2025 and will absolutely stay with me into 2026. Let me know what you've tried, what you're curious about, and what you want to explore next. I'm always here for cozy beauty conversations. If you're new to the show, leave a review of Bri Books on Apple Podcasts, and listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.Please tell me where you're traveling to by using #bribooks on Instagram and subscribe to the Bri Books newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter. 

Ready to set your goals for 2026 and go softly into the new year? In this episode of Bri Books, we're breaking down how to. create foundational goals, mindset, and changes in your thinking, to help you start 2026 on a strong (yet soft) note. Here's how to enter your soft era and how to execute your winter arc. I'm talking about how to go softly into the end of the year. This is a Winter Reset episode focused on gentleness, language shifts, and reassessing your life without urgency or self-judgment. We're talking about how to go softly into the end of the year. We explore what it means to: Reflect without spiraling Let go of pressure-based goal setting Choose your word and 'North Star' for the year ahead Language shifts that change how we set and accomplish our goals This episode is for anyone who feels tired of "year-end hustle" culture and wants a quieter, more honest way to close a chapter. 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. 

Merry Christmas! Today's episode of Bri Books 'BriCember' is an honest and loving reflection on the holiday season, grief, and where we meet in the middle. In this episode, we reflect on the experiences of people who are sitting with parental loss (or any loss TBH) during the holiday season. I'll be sharing my own reflections on my holiday memories with my mother, the feeling of an invisible missing 'seat at the table' that we may notice during this time of year, the power of reliving and remaking traditions, grieving the holidays and fantasies that never were, and the glimmer of light that's visible in our shared memories.  Listen to my Mother's Day episode of Bri Books inspired by my mother, Michele Jimerson. Subscribe to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. 

  Episode Summary: Madeira wine is fortified, heat-aged, and famously long-lived. In this episode of Bri Books, we break down how Madeira is made, why it tastes the way it does, and explore tasting notes from three standout producers: Justino's, Henriques & Henriques, and D'Oliveiras. Subscribe to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.  In This Episode: What Madeira wine is and how it's made Why heat and oxidation are intentional Tasting notes from three Madeira producers How to drink and pair Madeira wine Producers Discussed: Justino's Madeira Wines Henriques & Henriques D'Oliveiras (Imported by The Rare Wine Company) Subscribe to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. 

Welcome back to Bri Books 'BriCember' as we explore Switzerland's secretive yet spectacular wine scene. From the herbaceous Chasselas grape to elegant Pinot Noir blends, discover the best Swiss wines, top wine regions, and NYC hotspots like The Lavaux Wine Bar for tasting Swiss wine. In this episode: Why 98% of Swiss wine stays in the country The six major Swiss wine regions: Geneva, Three Lakes, German Switzerland, Ticino, Vaud, Valais Spotlight on the Chasselas grape and why it pairs perfectly with raclette and fondue Swiss wines worth tasting: Robin de Vignes, Vilette 2022 (Chasselas, Lavaux AOC) Dôle des Monts Red, Gilliard 2020 (Valais AOC, Pinot Noir/Gamay) Weingut Fromm 2018 Pinot Noir Village (Graubunden) Caves du Paradis, Avalanche Fendant 2022 (Valais) My NYC favorite: Lavaux Wine Bar, home of Swiss wine flights and artisanal cheese Links & Resources: Lavaux Wine Bar NYC: 630 Hudson Street Swiss Wine Swiss Wine Week: Official website Subscribe to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, leave a review, and share what you're drinking on Instagram using #bribooks.

Welcome back to Bri Books! In this episode, we're diving deep into the world of orange wine,  one of the oldest and most misunderstood wine styles in the world. Discover what orange wine really is, how it's made, how it tastes, and why Austrian and Georgian producers excel at this method. I also share highlights from the Orange Glou Wine Fair, including some of my favorite importers and bottles: D-I Wine (Alsace, France): Domaine Brand's Tout Terriblement (100% Gewurztraminer) Donkey and Goat Winery (California): Elen Ridge Vineyard Stone Crusher (Roussanne) 8000 Vintage Selections (Georgia): Nikalas Marani Rkatsiteli 2020 and Vellino Wines Kisi 2020 Plus, we explore standout Austrian orange wines: Heinrich Graue Freyheit (Burgenland) Weingut Pittnauer Perfect Day (Burgenland) from Savio Soares Selections Fidesser Orbis (Weinviertel) Weingut Schmelzer Sämling Orange 2017 Learn practical tips on how to taste, serve, and enjoy orange wine, and why it's so food-friendly. Whether you're new to orange wine or already a fan, this episode is your guide to tasting something different! Listen and Subscribe: Apple Podcasts: Spotify:  Website: bribookspod.com Connect on Instagram: Listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Leave a review if you're enjoying the show. Tell me what you're drinking using #BriBooks on Instagram, and subscribe to the newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter.

Welcome back to Wine Week on Bri Books: BriCember! In this episode, we dive into Austrian wine — one of Europe's most exciting and under-discussed wine regions. From Burgenland's signature red grape Blaufränkisch to the steep hillside vineyards of Steiermark, this episode explores what makes Austrian wine so distinctive, sustainable, and food-friendly. I shares firsthand experiences from a Wein Burgenland seminar, break down key regions, and highlight my favorite Austrian red and orange wines to know right now. We cover: Why Austria is one of Europe's best-kept wine secrets Austria's commitment to organic and environmentally conscious viticulture The role of the Austrian Winegrowers' Association and the DAC system What makes Blaufränkisch Austria's most important red grape Why Burgenland is the heart of Austrian red wine Steiermark wines: hillside vineyards, limestone soils, and hand-harvested precision Austrian orange wines and why Austria excels at skin-contact whites Wines mentioned: Blaufränkisch & Red Wines Erich Sattler St. Laurent 2020 , Imported by Zev Rovine in NY Judith Beck Blaufränkisch 2021, imported by Zev Rovine in NY, shop here Markus Altenburger Blaufränkisch vom Kalk 2020, imported by Jenny and Francois Selections Meinklang Blaufränkisch 2020 Regions Discussed Burgenland Steiermark (Südsteiermark DAC) My favorite Austrian wine links and resources Shop Wein Burgenland wines Austrian Wine: Burgenland Orange Glou Wine Fair Follow & Subscribe to Bri Books!  Listen to Bri Books on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Leave a review if you're enjoying the show. Tell me what you're drinking using #BriBooks on Instagram, and subscribe to the newsletter at bribookspod.com/newsletter.

Welcome back to Bri Books! When you're hosting, choosing wine can feel daunting. Whether it's a dinner party, work event, last-minute gathering, or impromptu holiday shenanigans, here's the simple framework I rely on that never fails. In this episode, we'll cover: The three-bottle wine buying formula (red, white, wildcard) How to taste wine at home: My 4 Pillars of Place: Temperature, Terrain, Soil, and Touch How to build a wine list for parties or dinner How to Build a Wine Menu: Bri's 3-Bottle Formula To avoid overwhelm at the wine shop, use this formula: One white wine One red wine One wildcard. That's it. Simple, flexible, and stress free. Let's dig in: Crisp white as the Opener. This white wine is your opener—the bottle people drink while they arrive, settle in, chat, and snack. White wins are crisp, flexible, and food-friendly. I look for wines with high acidity and good minimality, the kind that leave you gently puckering and refreshed. A crisp white wine creates an immediate sense of ease and joy at the table. My go-to white wine categories: Chablis Gruner Vetliner Albrino Sauv blanc, from Loire Why this works: These wines pair well with almost anything: cheese, vegetables, oysters, seafood They don't overpower food They make excellent aperitif wines They set the tone for the meal by brightening flavors and waking up the palette Red wine as the main event. Your red wine is your main event. You're looking for a crowd-pleaser that's food friendly, adaptable, and easy to drink. it can be tempting to bring a big, heavy, dramatic, oak-driven red-but gatherings call for something more communal. Look for reds with: Medium body moderate tannins high drinkability Red wines I recommend: Boujulais Tempranillo (especially rioja joven) Etna Rosso reds Cotes du Rhone These red wines shine with soups and stews, tomato based dishes, roasted vegetables, poultry, and cozy winter meals. The wildcard: the personality hire wine. Go for an orange wine, a sparkling red like Lambrusco, a pet-nat, or a liter bottle of something fabulous and weird like a Madiera dessert wine. Bubbles are always a win. A dessert wine course moves your guests through the final stages of the evening, and a liter bottle keeps things flowing. Use the wildcard to spark conversation about what there wine comes from, how it's made, and why it tastes the way it does.   How to Do an At-Home Wine Tasting Using the 4 Pillars of Place My 4 pillars framework helps you understand where your wine comes from, even without the label. Temperature: Look at the wine. Color intensity can give you climate clues. Terroir: Smell the wine. Aromas reflect whether grapes grew near the sea, mountains, forests, or plains ltitude = floral, lifted flavors Warm climate = ripe, deeply drinkable Coastal = salty, breezy, fresh finish Mountain = Sharp, linear, mineral Valley floor = lush, smooth Volcanic = smoky, stony, earthy flavors Soil: Taste the wine. Texture reveals the soil type. As a reminder: limestone = chalky, saline wine Volcanic = smoky, ashy flavors in the wine Granite = crunchy, bright, often 'cool' flavors in the wine Clay = smooth, plush, slightly pucker-y in flavor High a Touch: Notice winemaking styl. Is it bright? Clean? Raw? Heavy sediment? Is it sharp? Does it grip? Touch is the easiest pillar to learn and the quickest path to understanding what you like.   You can always find Bri Books on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and at bribookspod.com.

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

Welcome back to Bri Books podcast! If this is your first time, WELCOME! And if you're a return listener from the last 6 (!!!!!!) years, welcome back. Bri Books is now also on YouTube: watch here. Today is November 30th, marking not just the beginning of Advent season, but the beginning of BriCember! What is BriCember? BriCember is a personal project wherein I challenge myself to produce and publish a podcast episode a day in the month of December. Not only is December my birth month, it's also the perfect time of the year to catch up on where you've been and where you're going. What's Coming Up This BriCember? In 2025, I'll be approaching BriCember through the lens of literature, with lots of recommendations of what to read. But I'm also aligning it not just with the month, but with how we think of time. This BriCember will be aligned with the moon phases. But Wait, Where Have You Been, Bri?I've spent most of 2025 in flux, in the most beautiful way. Last year, in 2024, I began a new career at JPMorganChase. In 2025, I started to find my professional stride. I also moved house in 2025! I moved from one apartment in Brooklyn to another, and I'm nesting. We'll be doing deep dives into winter food as well this BriCember. Also, I'm still reeling from the fallout of my mothers' death. That's a constant on my mind. Which brings me to….writing! I'm officially writing again, and I'm focused on writing and publishing in 2026. I'm giving myself the rest of the year to sharpen up my writing, so I can graduate to having an agent and finishing my book. I've been reorganizing my life in very tiny, quiet ways, and art has been a big part of 2025. I've been painting, and I've been traveling. I'm grateful that travel has been part of my working life in 2025. This year, I went to Sydney, Australia; Tokyo, Japan; Hong Kong; and Singapore, in addition to Western China and Mexico. Prayerfully there will be more travel in 2026. What's Coming in BriCember 2025 I've broken each week of December according to the moon cycles. Week 1: All about wine! Holiday wine menu planning, how to spend $60 at your local wine shop, Austrian wine, Madeira, orange wine, and having fun learning about terroir in the wine world. Week 2: Winter reset! We'll shift into how to prepare for a restful winter, my favorite health and beauty picks of 2025, gentle goal-setting, how to go gently into the new year; what to grow and sow in the new year! Lifestyle toolkit; manifestation journaling and how to get started; a winter mid-season check-in; Week 3: Cozy-maxxing! Winter recipes, soups, and spices; winter food rituals; what's in season at the farmers market in winter; deep winter books/ the best books to hunker down with this winter Week 4: Prepping! What we want to bring into 2026 (and what we're leaving in 2025); gratitude journaling; manifestation journaling; how to round out 2025 gently and with discernment.   Listen to Bri Books and find @BrionnaJay on Instagram. You can always find Bri Books on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and at bribookspod.com.  

Welcome to Bri Books, and Happy Mother's Day to the matriarchs out there. I'm excited to share this episode because I want to honor my own mother, Michele Jimerson, who passed away February 13, 2024. I have so much gratitude and humility for my mother, her story and her life. I spent Mother's Day Weekend, the second since my mother's death, at a retreat in Morristown, NJ hosted by Arthouse2b, a multidisciplinary group of artists cultivating Catholic arts renewal in NYC. Their aim is to restore culture through restoring the heart of the artist.. The retreat was centered on the hart of christ, and it came down to: God is made to endure your suffering. He specializes in broken hearts. that's where He shines. One poignant point that struck me during the retreat, was then when I'm rebellious in my thoughts and not using my creative energy the way God has set aside for me to use it, it grieves Him. i think of all the times as a kid when I'd grieve my mother over silly things—but she never stopped loving me. Why would she?  The same grievouos disappointment your own mother feels, mirrors what God feels. And as much as that disappointment is compounded, so is the generosity of spirit that comes with vulnerability before the Lord. With me experiencing so much gratitude for my own mother and her story, this point felt especially powerful to me. When I mention the way my mom passed way, it feels like a plot in a novel, or something I'm revealing for a sick shock value. The truth is, Michele Jimerson died in a hit and run accident on February 13, 2024. It occurred as she was crossing the street using her wheelchair, feet from her front door, en route back from a doctor's appointment. She was hit by two cars. Neither car stopped, and the case remains unsolved today.  As I reflect on this truth in the wake of Mother's Day, what impacts me the most about the way my mother's life ended, is that I'm neither angry nor sad. As we do our due diligence with lawyers to get answers, more than anything, I just feel deeply grievous for the people who struck her and didn't stop. yes, they created a pain by not stopping, but they also compounded their own pain. I can't imagine how that feels. That pain doesn't belong to me. I feel the shocks and aftereffects of it, but it's not mine. And my vulnerability is what is most valuable to both God and myself. I was so grateful to be surrounded by Arthouse2b members, artists, playwrights, founders, etc. I felt very much like my mother's presence walked the retreat halls and gardens with me.  In the next episode, I'll share the poem I authored while on the retreat, and share more reflections on approaching spring in the wake of grief. Somethin'gs growing. :) With that, thank you for listening to Bri Books. I'd love to hear your favorite stories of your mothers. Leave them in the comments on @BrionnaJay on Instagram, and in the Spotify comment. You can always find Bri Books on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and at bribookspod.com. Thank you again Arthouse2b! 

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

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.