Calling All Bourbon Lovers! Cheery & Charming Travelers Guide: Must Sees in Louisville, Kentucky

December 17, 2021April 20, 2023Leave a comment

We did a little recent traveling these past few weeks and I’m SUPER pumped to share all the spots we visited and fun had in the interesting town of Louisville, Kentucky!

I don’t really know what I was expecting, but it’s an interesting town to say the least. One minute you’re in a small town artsy district and the next you’re in the middle of a manufacturing/power plant industrial park. I later learned that the soul of Louisville is highly driven by blue collar manufacturing labor class/industry and their riverfront port activity. Very cool to see well-known brands headquartered here, like Ford, GE, UPS Airlines and more.

BUT – the real reason we opted to visit Louisville was, of course, for the bourbon tastings!

The beginning of our trip was extra special as our first day visiting overlapped with friends of ours that were coincidentally wrapping up their Kentucky trip. So, that of course meant that day one was girls day!

STOP 1: Rabbit Hole Distillery
The brand boasts an amazing story rooted in love when a former clinical psychologist met a Louisville native that set fire to their journey ‘down the rabbit hole’ in crafting the perfect bourbon. While on the tour, we tasted four of their flagship spirits:

Cavehill, Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 4-Grain
Heigold, Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey High Rye
Dareringer, Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in PX Sherry Casks (THIS one was my favorite!)
Boxergrail, Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

Another cool feature is the founders’ passion and appreciation for art which is displayed throughout the distillery – everything from statues dedicated to former Olympians to patriotic string art to body print canvases, murals and more.

STOP 2: Stitzel Weller Distillery
Unfortunately, this trip was a bit of a mix up and we didn’t get to venture down the tasting avenue, but it was great to wander the property, enjoy some outdoor time and venture to the other side of town. Definitely looking forward to checking this one out once again when we return!

STOP 3: 8UP Louisville
An incredible dinner experience from our very own snow globe! 8UP Louisville coins itself as a rooftop elevated drinkery & kitchen, located in the middle of downtown. With cozy fire places and pits, incredible views, and the tastiest hors d’oeuvres, this was a dazzling spot and vibe not to miss!

STOP 4: Angel’s Envy Distillery
What’s a visit to Kentucky without visiting my absolute FAVORITE bourbon and learning about its history? Rooted in 200 years of bourbon tradition, Angel’s Envy is a rarity of its kind, finishing in Port Barrels & Rum Casks. I was fascinating to see the newly constructed distillery and hear of the generations the brand has passed through to become what it is today.
If you’re looking for a special gift this holiday season, they have a great Guide for Every Type of Whiskey Lover This Season here.

STOP 5: Louisville Slugger Museum
What’s a trip to Louisville without seeing where all the sluggers are made? I didn’t think I would be super into this visit, but it was surprisingly awesome! We got a sneak peek into the bat-making factory itself, learned even more about America’s favorite pastime, and even got a chance to practice holding the bats of famous players before us – namely Cal Ripken Jr. and Babe Ruth to namedrop a few.

STOP 6: The Louisville Zoo
Definitely ranks in the top three from our visit! Celebrating 70 years, the Louisville Zoo currently exhibits more than 1,100 animals on 130 acres of natural settings. Unlike other zoos, they also feature multiple playgrounds, several gift shops, rides and attractions including the Splash Park, Conservation Carousel, Zoo adventure ropes courses, camel rides and the BOMA African Petting Zoo. To be honest, I was just happy to see my three favorites: the elephants, giraffes, and of course – the sloths! 🦥

And … that’s a wrap! Of course there were a few other odds and ends that fill the gaps in between, but I hope this list of must sees helps if you’re looking for a random adventure out to the largest Kentucky city on the Ohio River.

Thanks for reading!

xoxox
Brittany

Positive Thoughts + Friday Fall Fashion Vibes

November 20, 20202 Comments

Time to kick back – – it’s FRIDAYYYY !!!

️Feeling my usual positive self this gorgeous, chilly Fall morning after a walk around Federal Hill Park with my favorite fur babies and thought I’d share where my thoughts wandered this morning . . .

“The point is not to pay back kindness, but to pass it on” – Julia Alvarez

Treat others how you wish to be treated, always be kinder than you feel, and do not judge unless you’ve walked a mile in someone else’s shoes, taking everyone at face value & giving everyone an equal chance.

I don’t believe in ‘reputations,’ I believe in actions – – the unique efforts each individual places forth towards another being. No categorizations, no ‘guilty by association,’ just simply taking each person for who and what they are.

I’m exhausted of those living in glass houses and not cleaning their windows. If you are kind to me, I am kind to you. Appreciate each other for their abilities, differences, beauty & uniqueness.

Support & be happy for others enjoying their success. Life is an echo – what you send out, comes back; what you sow, you reap; what you see in others, exists in you. Lead by example. Be the YOU you’d want to know.

How do you pass on kindness to others? Tell me in the comments!

#thoughtsforbeginningyourweekend

Cheers, all!
xoxox
Brittany

‘‘Tis the Month of Love

February 6, 2020Leave a comment

Are you counting down the days?! Only 8 days remain until Cupid’s renowned holiday: Valentine’s Day!

Now the REAL question… what. to. wear.

Whether going out to dinner or looking for a cute option to wear into the office, I found this super cozy and soft, monogrammed heart pullover from a fun company I love – I Love Jewelry, (no joke – that’s actually the name!) that I have a “Monthly Monobox” subscription to.

I’m a B-I-G fan of anything monogrammed. Heck, I would put it on my car if I could!! LOL, well… maybe not my CAR, but practicallyyyy anything else I own. I have pajamas, scarves, hats, gloves, boots, you name it – ALL from I Love Jewelry. Their items are adorable and quality! I first subscribed to their Monobox when it was released a little over two years ago and still own majority of the items! Their “Monobox Subscription” option is only $22 and each month, you get one monogrammed item + TWO coordinating goodies!
BUT – if you visit their subscription page, you’ll find a few other super fun options if you’re not quite ready to commit to the monthly monogram overload, haha!

While it’s a little late to subscribe for the February box (spoiler alert: I got this in mine!), you can still snag this festive heart patterned pullover for just $28 in time for V-Day 💖💗💕

P.S. for those less thrilled about the personalization, you can also totally opt-out of the monogramming for the shirt and get it without the customization too 🙌🏼👍🏼💖

In the coming days, I have a more sultry outfit combo for the later evening date night and single ladies! 😉

Stay tuned!

Talk soon,
xoxox
Brittany

Cheery & Charming’s Traveler’s Guide: 10 MUST See Places When Visiting San Juan, Puerto Rico

March 26, 2019April 20, 2023Leave a comment

Well, well, well . . . Puerto Rico – like other islands we’ve had the blessing to visit, was absolutely beautiful. The sunsets were stunning, the food was amazing and the culture of Old San Juan was priceless! I wish we had the time to visit all the reco’s we received before visiting, but with a jam-packed, short four days, I’m posting my personal, favorite finds here:

1. Serafini Beach Hotel
This spot was absolutely STUNNING. Talk about feeling like you’re on the edge of the ocean – a quaintly designed infinity pool, waves crashing and live jams. I was super bummed to have stumbled here on our last day, as we weren’t able to take full advantage of the amenities, but the staff was warm, welcoming and nice enough to hold onto our luggage while we explored during our last day – even with not having stayed there!

2. Cochina Abierta
Umm… YUM. That’s all I have to say. Although, to be transparent that it was definitely more on the pricey side of the meal options we had while in San Juan, it was worth it for sure. Wanting to try everything on the menu, the four of us went family style, which also made it feel like we got a lot more ‘bang for our buck.’ They have a seasonal, farm-to-table menu, but in the event you see any repeats, here we the table favs!

– Croquettes filled with porcini mushrooms, truffle oil & tomato chutney
– Octopous causa over a bed of purple potatoes, black olive “crema,” & hibiscus pickled quail egg
– Fresh local catch ceviche seasoned with chiles, cucumber & tropical fruits
– Goat cheese and ortica leaf ravioli over charred tomatoes Passata, parmesean cheese & roasted pine nuts
– And accompaniments Gratin of creamy yucca and cauliflower + Ember roasted veggies

… is your mouth watering yet?!

3. Tacos & Tequila by Patron – inside the Condado Vanderbuilt Hotel
Yet ANOTHER breathtaking spot. This gem, located inside the Condado Vanderbuilt Hotel is another space we stumbled on during our last day that I wish we had more time to enjoy. The views were incredible and they had multiple areas to lounge in the ocean-side, shallow infinity pools & hot tubs.
But, one thing we WERE able to enjoy were the giant margaritas and delicious tacos! I had (2) crispy fish tacos and (1) pork belly taco – some had (3) of all different kinds! It was fun that you can order all three the same, or mix and match what’s on the menu.

4. Alambique Beach Lounge – NEXT DOOR: “For Lifeguards Only”
The day we visited Isla Verde Beach, we were in search of… you guessed it… even MORE tacos! While the Alambique Beach Lounge was hopping, we decided to try the smaller, more intimate spot to the side of it called “For Lifeguards ONLY,” and SO happy we did! In recapping our trip, this place, hands-down, had the BEST fish tacos we had the entire time we were there. The staff made you feel like family as they graciously served you tacos OVERFLOWING with goods and crisped to perfection. Deliciouso!!

5. Piu Bello Gelato & Restaurant
Being a firm believer that you can’t let any vacation go without the local ice cream and/or gelato, Piu Bello was great! We ended up having a great chat with the owner, who coincidentally used to live in Baltimore! What a small world!! Oh, and the gelato was delightful. I mean, who doesn’t like a sprinkle cone?!

6. La Placita de Santurce
Definitely a must see! This is the “party-scene” of San Juan – a full “block-like” plaza square of everything you could imagine having in one spot:
music, dancing, clubs, some food, nightlife, fine dining and casual bars and restaurants alike. While we were there on a Wednesday, it wasn’t quite as “hopping” (which was honestly sort of nice), but it was cool to pop around a number of spots without having to jump back into an uber or cab.

7. Barrachina
Eeeee! One of my favorites!! Barrachina is most well-known for a traditional Spanish bartender Don Ramon Portas Mingot, who in 1963, created what became one of the world’s most famous drinks: the Piña Colada. With the reputation of 50 years in the business, they certainly did not disappoint. Look at that beaut!

8. Isla Verde Beach
While we had a beautiful view and beach where we stayed, at Condado Del Mar, I think everyone agrees that you shouldn’t spend an entire vacation in one spot. SO, this is my top beach pick for the places we were able to make it to during our time in San Juan. There are a number of beach bars, convenient to the beach so you can grab a quick bite to eat, without losing too much beach time. Plus, it’s always fun to immerse yourself in more of the local culture – everyone we encountered here was friendly and welcoming. Then again.. who wouldn’t be on a nice day at the beach? 🙂

9. Fortaleza Street – Old San Juan
A bustling street in Old San Juan full of shops and boutiques! I really can’t place enough emphasis on the true, authentic sense of San Juan’s culture you receive by visiting here. From handmade treasures to uniquely manufactured Puerto Rican finds, there’s an array sights for everyone to see – including my favorite – Fortaleza street, which is lined with parasoles! And, depending on when you visit, they’re always different colors, so no visit is ever the same.

10. Di Zucchero
And, finally… DiZucchero! This was our first night’s dinner adventure and WHAT an adventure it was – CHECK. OUT. THAT. FISH. Located across from the San Juan Condado Mariott, this final “must see” could very well be listed first. The food was incredible, the drinks amazing (they’re know for their fresh squeezed/crushed daiquiris) and our server was the best! It was a great kick off to our trip, and an awesome way to close out this post 🙂

And that’s a WRAP! I hope you enjoyed scrolling through my reco’s and feel compelled to share some of yours!

Until next time…

xoxo
Brittany

One Thing You Can Get In Shape Without Exercise: NAILS

January 16, 2019April 20, 2023Leave a comment

Back in the day, I was THAT girl with the French, fake, acrylic tips. While they may have looked completely flawless to strangers, one thing’s for sure that I grew to quickly hate was how broken, brittle and quite honestly, painful my fingernails had become. I couldn’t bare to show them in public not ‘done,’ (they looked horribly paper thin) and they had been so grinned down that they physically hurt. OUCH!!

Fast forward, I decided to revamp my nails. First, by going cold turkey on the whole ‘getting my nails done,’ and second, I started researching healthier ways to keep my nails strong and happy. That’s when I found gel nails! Gel nails have a more natural look with a glossy finish. And, unlike acrylics, if the nails are primed correctly, there is no damage to the nail bed! I absolutely love Gel nails. I’ve had them and kept up with them since I’ve been about 20/21 and have the healthiest nails I’ve ever had since.

However, gel nails are also more flexible than acrylic nails. And let me tell you . . . I’m no delicate daisy when it comes to my nails. One thing I found most frustrating was that if I was rough on them, they chipped and sometimes broke; many times unreasonably early from the last time I had them done at a salon. I found myself having to check-in or have them re-done every 2 weeks, which wore on me over time. I found myself not making the time to get them done, doing DIY removal myself (which P.S. is the WORST for your nails) and just plain allowing them to look less than average for what I was paying out of pocket. #byeeemoney

Most recently, a dear friend of mine told me about her love for the trendy SNS, or “Dip Powder,” nails. Being skeptical, I naturally had a MILLION questions. Taking the leap, I decided to try it out for myself! Here’s my verdict:

The process was pretty upfront and simple. I don’t know why I was so nervous – then, again I’m nervous with anything new! The nail tech primed my nails, just as if I was having a standard gel manicure done – which I really appreciated! No abrasive grinding or shaving – just simple cuticle trim up, shaping and buffing before the powder application began. This part I found most intriguing! It’s like an art! She carefully painted an adhesive on each nail before dipping individually into the colored powder of my choice. And – my favorite part – NO UV rays!! She continued with three layers of powder before finishing out with a final shaping, buff, and –layered top coat, which took only 2 minutes to air dry with no fan.
This new manicure lasts longer than gel polish and doesn’t use UV light. The dip powder treatments have lasted me a month on average versus gel, which typically lasts me few weeks.
Many have asked me if it’s “thick” or “too fake” feeling: it’s definitely something to keep in mind as I’ve heard some women experience/feel this way. But, if you do your research, and mention it to your nail tech upon arrival, I’ve had experience with techs who have been very careful to paint the adhesive on in staggered layers away from the cuticle. This way, it grows out smoothly and naturally. Not with a huge ridge, similar to what you’re probably envisioning from acrylic nails.
Of course, the thing that makes gel or dip powder more desirable is how well they stay on. BUT – remember the small drawback that anything intended to last thing long will resultantly be rather difficult to remove. In my best advice – DO NOT do yourself/at HOME!!
The removal process is crucial. Getting the polish properly removed is just as important as the application. In my experience, most issues occur and and stem from attempts at a DIY home removal. OUCH!! It is always safest to go back to your salon and have a licensed professional remove/update any product for you.

All in all, I love the new process! It saves me time, money and lasts significantly longer, no matter how much I beat them up. As with any nail applique, remember to take care of your nails by taking breaks. Having anything on your nail for an extended length of time without proper removal and rejuvenation can be harmful, whether it be acrylic, gel, or powder.

What’s your typical nail routine? I’d love to hear! As well as your thoughts on dip powder if you’ve tried, or are planning to try?!

Talk soon!

Xoxox
Brittany

cheery and charming_dip powder nails_review 1

If You’re Struggling, You’re Progressing

January 8, 20191 Comment

If you’ve arrived here today, WELCOME!! Today, I’ll be promoting my NEWEST & BIGGEST challenges for January. Every New Year, I like to take on a fresh new challenge, hopefully healthy, and ideally something that will push me to be a better version of me. Plus, I need a way to keep myself distracted from my #1 of the 2 challenges I’ll be tackling:

No drinking for the month of January
A Keto Lifestyle

That’s right folks, I said NOOOO drinking. Are. You. Kidding Me. Relaxxxxx, it’s not as hard as it seems! For those that are close to me, know I LOVE my W.I.N.E., but after the hustle and bustle of the holidays it’s a great time to kick start getting back on the right fitness track. And, what better way than to keep myself distracted by learning an entirely new diet/eating régime!?

I’ve officially been doing Keto for (1) whole week. And to be honest, I’m SUPER impressed with myself! No cheating, just straight up Keto. It was super tough at first – I was one of the few to experience what they call “the Keto flu” known as the period when your body learns to transition over from using carbohydrates for energy to using fat for energy. It. Was. Rough. I could barely move from the couch.

BUT – don’t let that deter you! The way I feel now, there’s no turning back. I have even more energy than I ever have before (I barely even need coffee anymore in the AM) and I feel super focused, motivated and driven at work!

Outside of the traditional cheese, avocado, no-prep needed snacks, I’m going to take you along in my journey of cooking, baking, prepping and taste testing (and trust me – those who know me know I am NO COOK), in the world of Keto recipes.

Keep scrolling for a sneak peek into this week’s (easiest EVER) prepped snack menu:

Keto Cheese Crisps

Ingredients:

Cheddar Cheese Slices

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
Arrange Cheddar cheese in 24 small squares on the prepared baking sheets. (I folded each slice into quarters)
Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 7 minutes. Cool for 5 to 10 minutes before removing from baking sheets.
Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts:

Per Serving: 60 calories; 3.0 g fat; 6.0 g protein; 0.0 net carbs
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Pizza Keto Chips
(Pepperoni and cheese are great keto snacks. To turn them into a chip, is absolutely brilliant. A simple recipe that the kids are absolutely going to love without question. It is impossible to eat just one.)

Ingredients:

6 oz Pepperoni
5 ¼ Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400F. Take out some cookie sheets. You may need 2-3.
Arrange pepperoni’s – don’t worry, they’re not going to expand like cookies. They can be close together!
Bake them for about 5 minutes until they are semi-crispy and the grease is coming out of them. If they move out of place just arrange them back together.
Sprinkle the cheese on top. Bake for another 3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and a little crisp.
Lay the chips onto paper towels to soak up any excess grease.
Let sit for 3-4 minutes to cool off and crisp up even more.
Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts:

Per Serving: 61.3 calories; 5.3 g fat; 3.0 g protein; 0.2 net carbs
cheeryandcharming_keto_diet_pepperoni_pizza_crisp_4

No-Bake Keto Peanut Butter Balls

Ingredients:

1-2 100% Bakers Chocolate Bar
(For dark chocolate lovers, you can use a 100% bakers chocolate bar. It is extremely bitter, but when used in these peanut butter balls, they’re perfect, as they pair with the sweet and salty peanut butter filling)
2 Cups Smooth Peanut Butter
¾ Cup Coconut Flour
½ Cup Sticky Sweetener of Choice
(The sticky sweetener is necessary to not only add a tad of sweetness but also to help the dough have a soft and chewy texture. Unfortunately, using a granulated sweetener will not yield the same result. The article I found suggested using a monk fruit sweetened maple syrup, which is 100% sugar free, keto-approved and low carb. Since I couldn’t find this, I used the next closest, sugar-free, low carb syrup)

Directions:

Line a large baking tray with parchment paper and set aside.
In a mixing bowl, combine all your ingredients, except for chocolate bar, and mix until fully combined. If the batter is too thick and crumbly, add some liquid (water or milk) slowly until a thick, formable batter remains.
Using your hands, form small balls and place on the lined plate or tray. Freeze for 10 minutes.
While the peanut butter balls are firming up, melt your sugar-free chocolate bar. Remove the peanut butter protein balls from the freezer and dip each ball in the melted chocolate until completely covered. Repeat until all the balls are covered in chocolate.
Refrigerate for 20 minutes, or until the chocolate coating has firmed up.

cheeryandcharming_keto_diet_no bake_peanut butter balls_4

I hope you all enjoyed my first Keto recipe spill!
Check back for more as I continue eating my way through Keto!

xoxo
Brittany

A Birthday Getaway to Napa Valley

October 24, 2018April 20, 2023Leave a comment

It’s been a week since we returned from Napa and I can’t tell you how much I’m still missing it everyday!

Let’s be honest – – who wouldn’t want to ring in their birthday with a 5-day span, consisting of waking up and eating your body weight in cheese & wine?!

. . . Just me?

Alrite then…. 🙂

To me, there was no place quite like it – incredible views, breathtaking landscapes, endless rolling hills, relaxing spas, delectable pairings & tastings on every corner, indescribable restaurants with wine lists longer than I’ve ever seen, consisting of wine types I’d never even heard of, and the list goes on…

Day 1 of our trip (was my birthday – WOO HOO!!!) began with a first quick stop at Rodney Strong Vineyards and a tour, tasting and pairing at J Vineyards & Winery.

First plus – they’re right next to each other. And, when I say “right next to each other,” I don’t mean the Napa version of, “right next to each other, which we learned could mean quite literally 40+ minutes apart – haha! These two are about a 2-3 minute walk from tasting room door to tasting room door. Could it get much easier than that?!

Cheery and Charming_Rodney Strong Vineyard6

We learned all about Judy Jordan, the founder of J Vineyards & Winery, and her road to fruition in the world of sparkling wines, beginning at just 25 years old !!! Can you even imagine starting your own winery and vineyard at 25 years old…? Insanity. We had a wonderful wine ambassador & tour guide named Taylor who guided us through the storytelling of all the successes and challenges July encountered – including losing her entire crop in her early years due to flooding from the Russian River Valley. Judy had to start. all. over. from. scratch. BUT – check out the photos below to see the beauty that exists today!

Cheery and Charming_J Winery and Vineyard2

I love wine.

I love touring the uniquely built facilities, filled to the ceilings with wine varieties that will be aged well beyond even some folks’ lifetimes.

I love learning the intricacy and process behind each carefully crafted ‘wine-recipe.’

I love the warmth and intimacy a bottle of wine brings to friends who enjoy it together.

I love the complicated analysis of stressing the vines juuuuust the right amount, in time for harvesting in order to get more boldness and flavor from the fruit.

It’s literally the coolest thing to me!

Moving on from our tour at J, we ventured out to Healdsburg to explore a private tour of MacMurray Estate Vineyards! Traditionally not open to the public, I felt extra special as we had the privilege of walking their gorgeous 284-acre ranch, in the heart of the Russian River Valley. And, super cool – we were also able to tour the home on-site, previously owned by a once movie legend – Fred MacMurray! The home has since been pristinely restored to the state it was when he and his family lived there. I felt like I stepped back in time 60 years – old school refrigerator and all!

Cheery and Charming_MacMurray Estate Vineyards_MacMurray Ranch1415

Leading to the most incredible part of our day – a tasting atop the highest hill at the vineyard, overlooking the entire winery and Russian River Valley.

What. An. Incredible. Day.

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BUT – – it doesn’t end there! Birthday dinner was still in store!

Having stayed in the quaint surrounding of Sonoma Square, where, “It’s sweet to be slow,” we had the convenience of a leisurely stroll through the park to the 21-year-famous, farm-to-table, longtime favorite – the girl & the fig. They had an awesome, seasonal menu with vegetables and herbs from their very own farm right in Sonoma! Rated one of the top ten best restaurants in the United States by Bon Appetit, I’ll end here on saying I truly felt like the most special, most spoiled, and luckiest birthday girl in town.

Cheery and Charming_Brittany Leonard2 Cheery and Charming_the girl and the fig5

However… our adventure didn’t end here. Can you believe this was O N E D A Y ?!

Stay tuned for more following our journey of eating and drinking our way through Napa!

xoxo
Brittany

P.S. Here’s a video of all the fun in action 🙂

Cheery and Charming_Brittany Leonard

I Visited Peloton in NYC and This Is What Happened

October 5, 2018October 5, 2018Leave a comment

CheeryandCharming_NYC_Peloton2 CheeryandCharming_NYC_Peloton1 CheeryandCharming_NYC_Peloton3
BUBBLELIME high wait yoga pant legging // move with you womens workout tank

<< PELOTON: cheese so hard. >>

Let’s be real in saying that the conference I attended wasn’t the only awesome part of being up in NYC this week. It WAS NYC, of course!! And, what more could you want?! I spent my time gallivanting NYC streets, delighting in boutique shops, sipping fun cocktails along the way and snapping the occasional Times Square/Rockefeller Center selfie… but, my personal favoriteeeee …

I MADE IT TO THE PELOTON NYC STUDIO for my very first IN STUDIO CLASS. EVER. !!!!

From the second I walked in the door, they made me feel like I belonged there – – as if I was family and had been there at least eight times in the past month.

I was quickly given my shoes, assigned a bike (IN THE FRONT ROW, of course) and guided to the I.N.C.R.E.D.I.B.L.E. locker room, filled with every toiletry you could ever imagine you’d ever need – haha! FOR REAL though. Not to mention, I felt especially spoiled and delighted that both water and a towel were prearranged for me, upon arrival at my bike in the studio! Like – – WOW, Peloton fam !!!

My class with Alex Toussaint made me sweat more than ever before and I loved all the members’ excitement of having a “real-life ‘in-home rider’ (their phrase, not mine LOL) in their class” Hahaha I didn’t even know that was a “thing.”

My trip ended with crashing my amazing NYC cousin’s bachelor pad and grabbing a quick bite of sush with him before I jumped back on the steam engine, headed to the good ol’ 410.

P.S. …. I might have indulged in a little photo shoot fun while I was waiting for him to get out of work…. hahaha a bored girl’s gotta do, what a bored girl’s gotta do!

I swear his Corgi pup, Joe, took the photos !!!

<<see the video below>>

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<< keep your face always to the sunshine and shadows will follow behind you >>

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<< a little quality reading on ‘how to stay alive in the woods’ >>

An Empire State of Mind

October 5, 2018October 5, 2018Leave a comment

CheeryandCharming_NYC_EmpireStateBuilding1 What. A. Trip! Just getting back from an awesomely inspiring and motivational annual M2M (Marketing to Moms) Conference in NYC and I couldn’t be more wiped – physically, mentally and emotionally.

From the first day, I knew I was in for an incredible learning experience. With a focus on finding new, relevant and compelling ways to connect with moms today, I was surrounded by strong, independent, driven Moms. While you may be thinking… marketing to Moms… what….?

Let me share a few fun facts from my findings.
Did you know…

U.S. moms control 85% of household purchases.

U.S. moms spending power is $2.4 trillion.

U.S. moms annually spend over $25,000 per toddler and $13,000 per child.

Moms are the primary source of income in 40% of US households, and 67% of those moms are single.

Moms are the decision maker. Period. And, the most interesting part… they will ALWAYS buy; not necessarily out of want or desire, but ALWAYS, always, always out of need.

And the REAL kicker…

83% of new moms are Millennials.

Eighty-three-p-p-percent. That’s REAL power. As a Millennial myself, I soaked up everything like a sponge. It truly felt like each carefully crafted speaker’s presentation specifically spoke to me and my generation.

I was in awe, to say the least. The very impressive generation of business leaders & speakers ranged from the founder and inventor of the Owlet Baby Care Monitor, a innovative sock-like device that tracks baby’s heart rate and oxygen levels while they sleep (seriously – – how cool?!?), to the co-founder of Dear Mom Oregon wine, to the co-founder of STATE bags (which have partnered with JayZ, Beyonce and Obama – – JUST to name a few…), a special, heart-strung keynote from Save the Children and more.

Truly an incredible and amazing forum to learn about not only the evolution of women, but also the progression of traditional marketing, and the evolved marketing trends to incredible women – – the decision makers; the powerhouses; the movers and shakers of today’s world.

By no means do I intend this to be some sort of stereotypical post, but let’s be real in saying – – take a moment to think of your Momma. Then… try looking me in the face and telling me she isn’t a real-life boss lady that doesn’t take no for an answer and kicks some serious tail on the regular.

Not only did I walk away with a fresh, newfound wealth of knowledge and perspectives, but also with these the mindset that if there’s anything I learned, or had reinforced from the strong, relentless, fearless female leaders who spoke, it’s similar to what I’ve always preached: Be authentic. Be genuine. Be resourceful. Never, ever take yourself too seriously, and most importantly… be YOU.

Your creativity, your thoughts, your dreams, your beliefs and YOUR innovation is real. It’s valued and it’s one-of-a-kind. It’s unique. And it belongs to YOU. Own it. Always, always remember that YOU can do anything – – with the right mindset.

#AnEmpireStateOfMind

xoxox chat soon!
Brittany

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Pretty in Pink

August 9, 2018August 31, 2018Leave a comment

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Everything is all right when you’re wearing pink. At least to me, as that’s my favorite color! You know those crazies that color coordinate their closets? Suuuuper weird…

NERD ALERT – I’m unfortunately, but shamelessly one of them. EEEK! If you step into my closet, you find a section of blue about yehhh big, a section of green even smaller, a few bits and pieces of yellow, but the sections of black and white overtake the space, led by… the main contender… and rockstar… the PINK section!! Something about it just seems to make me, and everyone around me happy. 🙂

I found this lovely pop of color at Lord and Taylor where it’s 40% OFF! But, when I went to link out to it for y’all, I noticed they’re not selling the hot pink any longer 🙁 .
SO, I’m linking to it here! PLUS – it’s 54% OFF at Bluefly! Steal it before that color is gone! Whatever color you decide – how cute are the little el-BOWS?! 😉

SHOP THE POST:
// cece hot pink blouse // white ae jeans // blenders sunglasses // gucci belt // tory burch moccasins // michael kors crossbody

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