First Friday 2024 | New Albany, Indiana

I got the chance to pop down to First Friday in Downtown New Albany, Indiana. If you like to take your time popping into different shops and getting to speak with and learn more about artists in the area, this event is for you.

“Downtown New Albany is home to a booming creative community. With more than 100 artists’ work to explore, multiple galleries, tons of bars, restaurants and boutiques within walking distance and ample free parking, New Albany is one of the best First Friday destinations.

On the first Friday of each month, bars, restaurants, galleries and retail businesses celebrate the arts across Downtown & Uptown New Albany. This is the night that bars, restaurants, shops & more open their doors to the public and our large exceptional arts community with the goal of connections through creativity.”

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The First Friday of every month from 5 pm - 9 pm

• May 3, 2024

• June 7, 2024

• July 5, 2024

• August 2, 2024

• September 6, 2024

Check HERE for updates on artist and shops.

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What are your favorite forms of art? What are you looking forward to for the next First Friday.

One Night in NULU | Louisville, KY

It was a SUPER FREAKING COLD weekend, but we warmed it up with some drinks!

My friends came in town for the weekend in celebration of one of them getting married this month. We decided to get a airbnb in the heart of the heart of NULU. It was by chance that I found this gem. I was at a Galentine’s Day at WOW Factor Collective and I met Mindy who talked about managing a property. Low and behold she had this gem available for the following weekend. I love when things are so kismet.

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I stocked up on some goodies before I got to the airbnb. I am trying out Hummingbirds for Louiville and partnered with them to grab some Modica from Paul’s Fruit

I’d never been in before, but I will definetly be back. Great selection of fresh juices, fruit and healthy food. I ended up grabbing one of their made to order breakfast sandwiches and it was so bomb!

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My friend had a bouidor shoot scheduled with Chanel Nicole Photography. We got her ready for the shoot and this airbnb was so perfect for it!

I made the Tart Cherry Old Fashioned with Starlight Distillery Bourbon. We kept the Espresso Martinis flowing during the shoot. I just so happen to get a cute little mixer and Distillery 64 Vodka from the SoIN ribbon cutting a few days before, it was PERFECT. Everyone enjoyed them so I 10/10 recommend getting these mixes. It was way easier than grabbing a bunch of bitters and additives. I felt like a little baddie bartender. Also if you happen to have the time, you can go to Indiana and experience both distilleries.

We started the night with a drink at Nouvelle, which was next door!! Loved the gold rush drink and it was nice atmoshere to have a pre dinner drink.

We followed drinks with Dasha Barbours for dinner. It was about a 5 min uber drive from our location. The food was so bomb. PRICEY, but actually worth the price. I was happy to see that the carry COY Wine Collection, a local black owned wine brand. Had to get a bottle to support! The Bold + Beautiful Red Blend is my favorite.

After dinner we went to Outerspace, the back rave area in Galaxie. I had a TIME. The EDM was just hitting my soul. Dancing and the music hitting is a different type of feeling. Once we popped out of there we walked to Norae Bar and was met with a brave soul delivering Drunk In Love. It was magical, we all joined in because nothing crosses racial barriers and differences more than singing Beyonce together. Once that was done, we found ourselves a private room and belted until we had no more voice left.

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All in all, this is a lovely way to spend your weekend in Louiville, KY

STAY: Holy Goat
SHOP : Women Owned Wallet, Wicked, Bourbon Country Cannabis, NULU MAP
DRINKS + SNACKS: Modica, Trader Joe’s, Paul’s Fruit Store
PRE DINNER DRINKS: Nouvelle
DINNER: Dasha Barbours
NIGHT OUT: Galaxie/Outerspace, Norae Bar
BRUNCH: Agave + Rye

Just Move On

BUT HOW? 

This is a question I’ve been asking myself for almost a year.

As someone who has spent years surrounded by the healing arts I still had no idea how to actually do it. I’ve got the tarot readings, the energy healing, the sound therapy, the somatic therapy, the sage, the crystals, the books- ALL OF IT. 

But how the f*ck do I heal?!

Well, I at least knew I couldn’t heal in the environment that broke me. I had to get out. I saw an apartment with a river view and said I’m going to heal there.

What I did was cry a lot. 

Sleep a lot.

Contemplate the choices I made.

Wondered if I’d ever be happy again.

Tried to figure out if I actually ever was happy.

Stressed about what stories were being made about me.

I was too depressed to even pick up the habits of excessive drug or alcohol use, because I know the type of person I am and where that would lead me. I wanted to numb everything. 

To tell a story, without telling a story, takes a certain kind of nuance. This one involves betrayal of self, love and friendship. One day I will get on my Ressa Tessa shit and divulge. But today, it’s still too fragile. There is still too much unfolding.

If you’ve been dealing with the heaviness that comes with letting go of a life you not only dreamed for yourself, but also built into a reality, I understand. I understand the grief that comes with making choices that affect people you love. I understand that pieces of you still long for parts of the life you’re giving up. I understand that not knowing what’s next and going at it alone is scarier than anything M. Night Shyamalan could dream up.

So how do you move on? 

I still don’t have the answer. I do believe it starts by choosing yourself. Just a little. Day after day you get a little bit stronger, you feel a little less broken. You start to remember glimpses of who you truly are outside of any circumstance and that world isn’t actually over just because your spirit feels broken.

You take a shower and deep condition your hair. 

You drink some water.

You eat something fucking enjoyable.

You archive the pictures.

You take a walk.

You keep living. I guess at the end of the day that’s the answer. You just keep living. Even if you can’t be optimistic, even though the weight of it makes you move slower. You just keep breathing.

Barre3 + 3 Business Epiphanies

I’ve been taking Barre3 classes since April of this year. While my mind is constantly running rampant until it isn’t most days. Today’s class brought a special new lens that put in perspective so many gems. Barre3 is not only conditioning me physically, but also mentally and emotionally to withstand the rollercoaster of being a small business owner.

YOU NEED COMMUNITY

When I moved, Barre3 Frankfort in Louisville, KY was such a saving grace for me. To meet such friendly people who invited me to events, shared their favorite places and supported me in class with a “great job” was so good for my mental health.

You can not move the needle in your business without being around like- minded people. You want clients, podcast subscribers or to launch your next event, you have to put yourself out there and meet people! It is vital, no matter what your business is, to create relationships.

MODIFY, MODIFY, MODIFY

It doesn’t matter what your neighbor looks like in class. Just like it doesn’t matter what any other business LOOKS like. Because, baaabyyyeee!! The amount of debt some choose to take on or incur is not shown in their very pretty websites or professional business headshots. You have no idea the strain in their relationships it may be causing. You may not realize how small they may be, how unhappy they actually are or what help and advantages they’ve had along the way to get to where they are.

I’ve learned over time, It’s the smallest, sometimes undetectable changes that make an impact for your life and for building great glutes.

THE COOL DOWN IS NECESSARY

This is the part we want to skip out on, but truly provides the most delicious nuggets. Your heart rate is high, you’ve put in all this work and you're going to SKIP the best part?! Craziness. I get it. As someone who has been going, going, going for so long. It has taken me YEARS to learn to rest and I’m still learning how. This moment for stillness, this moment for breath is something that anchors me at the end of the class, but I’m really learning it anchors me in life.

When you forget the pause, there is very little room for gratitude. Whether that be for how much our bodies have supported us in movement, but also how much our nervous system supports us during hit, after hit, after hit in life.

I could go on and on about how sitting your ass down and being still is actually necessary to live a good life, but I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know.

There’s also things like your breath is important, a cute outfit makes workouts more enjoyable and to check yourself in the mirror. If you’re a barre3 girly, what are some gems that come to mind for you? I'd like to hear in the comments!

If you’re ready to spend some one on one time sorting through all the hidden gems you’re missing in your own life check out my Creative Strategy Sessions for women ready to pivot or bring their passions to life.

Flora + Fauna | Coffeeshop find in Nashville, TN

BEYONCE.

Was the reason for the trip, but of course you have to do things around the queens arrival. We just so happened to be waiting for brunch on Sunday morning, a mistake in a lot of ways as it took up an entire day. We decided to go ahead and go to a coffeeshop during our wait.

My friend pulled up a few different options in our area, then handed the phone to me because it is my gift to pick the right vibe. Yet again that gift did the damn thing and Flora and Fauna was chosen. When we pulled up, we we’re not disapointed.

Flora and Fauna Nashville is located in the heart of East Nashville inside of Highland Yards. Formerly 1920’s Vaughn Manufacturing space turned retail and creative office space and it's beautiful! It has a bit more flair than the typical industrial places turned modern.

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From the moment you walk in, you'll be greeted by the smell of fresh coffee and the sound of birds chirping. The walls are decorated with botanical prints, and the tables are made from reclaimed wood. Making it perfect for a content creators dream of great lighting and amazing aesthetic.

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But Flora and Fauna Nashville isn't just about making great coffee. I had a yummy Orange Espresso Martini and it was that perfect type of mildly bitter that you taste when you drink an amazing cocktail. It was perfectly balanced.

Not only are they a cute spot, they're also committed to giving back to the environment. They use compostable cups and straws, and they recycle all of their waste. They also partner with local businesses and organizations that are working to protect the environment.

If you're looking for a coffee shop that's good for the environment and the soul, then you need to check out Flora and Fauna Nashville. You won't be disappointed!

Here are some of the ways that Flora and Fauna Nashville is committed to sustainability:

• They use 100% compostable cups and straws.

• They recycle all of their waste.

• They partner with local businesses and organizations that are working to protect the environment.

• They use sustainable packaging for their products.

• They source their coffee beans from sustainable farms.

• They use energy-efficient appliances and lighting.

We only got a fruit cup, but I will be back to try the food as it looks amazing!! Have you been? What are you’re thoughts?

Blak Koffee: A New Coffee Shop in Louisville with a Warm Welcome

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Blak Koffee, a new coffee shop in Louisville's Russell neighborhood. I was immediately struck by the warm welcome I received from the staff. As soon as I walked through the door, I was greeted with a friendly "hello." The music playing in the background was a nice mix of old school hip hop and R&B, and the atmosphere was relaxed and inviting.

I ordered a miel latte and a BLT, and both were delicious. The coffee was perfectly brewed, and the BLT was made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The food and drinks came out quickly, and the prices were reasonable.

One of the owners, Ronyale Smith, came out and introduced himself to everyone in the shop. He personally thanked us for being there, and he told us a little bit about the history of Blak Koffee. Smith and his business partner, Johnetta Roberts, opened Blak Koffee in April 2023 with the goal of creating a space where people could come together to connect, collaborate, and enjoy a cup of coffee.

I really appreciated the personal touch that Smith and Roberts put into Blak Koffee. It was clear that they were passionate about creating a welcoming and inviting space for the community. I would definitely recommend Blak Koffee to anyone looking for a great cup of coffee and a friendly atmosphere.

Here are some other things to love about Blak Koffee:

• Great natural lighting

• Off-street parking

• Diverse menu with something for everyone

• Friendly and welcoming staff

• Community-oriented vibe

If you're looking for a new coffee shop to try in Louisville, I highly recommend Blak Koffee. You won't be disappointed!

A Whimsical Day at Bernheim Forest

A Whimsical Day at Bernheim Forest

Sometimes you need some fairy magic in your life. The day to day can wear on our energy and the best way to remedy it is NATURE. As your vibe curator I am always looking for what’s going on. I happened to find the Bloom Fest happening at Bernheim Forest and it sounded right the alley of anyone who loves plants, fairies and nature. While this only happens once a year Bernheim Forest has a lot to offer year round.

If you are looking for a whimsical day out, Bernheim Forest is the perfect place for you. Here are a few ideas for things you can do:

• Take a hike on one of the many trails. Bernheim Forest has over 30 miles of trails to choose from, ranging from easy to challenging.

• Go for a bike ride. Bernheim Forest has a paved bike trail that is perfect for a leisurely ride.

• Fish in the lake. Bernheim Forest has a stocked lake that is open to fishing.

• Have a picnic. There are several picnic areas located throughout Bernheim Forest.

• Visit the Nature Center. The Nature Center has exhibits on the plants and animals of Bernheim Forest.

• Take a guided tour. Bernheim Forest offers a variety of guided tours, including bird watching tours, nature walks, and guided hikes.

• Furry friends are allowed on certain dates, check the website for when the host their Paws in Nature days.

• Bring a camera. You will want to capture all the beauty of Bernheim Forest.

• Wear comfortable shoes. You will be doing a lot of walking.

• Bring water and snacks if you plan to be there awhile. They also have AMAZING food in the Issac’s Café. Most items are $10 and below and made with ingredients from their edible garden.

• Be prepared for all types of weather. The weather can change quickly in the forest.

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If you’d like me to plan your day with a Bernheim Forest visit go ahead and book your Main Character Moment.

And Now I Am Here

I have been putting off this update for a bit. As I was looking back on some of my older blogs, I realized I really needed to get my words out of my head and out to you. Most of you are not surprised at all that the time has come for another pivot. I love that you all have grown to know and root me on when these times come.

You have made my life so full! For those of you who have followed me from morphing my brand from The Beauty Room and to those who I’ve just recently met through Greenish- you have made so many of my dreams come true as corny as it sounds.

In 2012 when I graduated from TSPA for esthetics, I don’t think I had the closest idea of what this career had in store for me.

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From being able to have an income to support my life, to traveling, to creating a magazine to hosting Tuesday Talks and everything in between. I have been able to flow through all of my wildest ideas and dreams, because you guys are so absolutely amazing.

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Creating and holding space for each client has been a grounding force in my life. Through dating woes, moving cities, figuring out who I am in those 12 years- you have all given advice, hugs and held space for me as well. I am forever grateful for what was and what is to come.

Now for the part that you’re here for. I am not actually sure of what is to come. That sounds exciting, but I have never been more scared in my life. I girl bossed to close to the sun and it fucking burns.

I am heartbroken. In my personal life and in my business. I’ve always been an open book and now isn’t different. I just need more time to process. I also need the break that I urge you all to take when you enter the treatment room. Well, I actually need about 6 months of self- care days, my therapist to be on speed dial and have no other clients and to be dropped off on another planet.

Until that happens, I just wanted to let you know that I am so appreciative of your support and that I will, for now, be offering spa services one weekend a month and will update booked clients on the dates and location. I'll be at different pop ups in a few cities, offer at home parties and human design charts are always available online. Be sure to have your email updated in your client portal, because that is where I will be sending the most important information.

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If you are going through a time in your life, I want to remind you and MYSELF that nothing is permanent. Which is truly so beautiful as it is terrifying. Let’s cry, laugh, not understand it and ground ourselves. Spring is coming and it is truly the season of releasing the old, and focusing on fertilizing what’s to come.

Downtown Denver, Colorado | City Finds 2023

 For Jake's 35th birthday we decided to go to one of his favorite places Denver, Colorado.  This place is special to both of us because it is where we got engaged 2 years ago. The first visit we didn't get to explore as much of the city so we made that a priority this time.

Here is the lowdown on the cutest places that we visited during our trip.

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Starting with the Hyatt Centric Downtown Denver it is located in the Heart of the City and was in a really  great location for seeing the city,

I am pretty picky about where I like to stay as I always want to have an environment that is inspirational and different from my everyday life. I love how modern but also understated the details were in our room and throughout the hotel. While the space was small, it provided everything that we needed for our stay. The  shower was probably one of my favorite things because it was very spacious.

Since we arrived very early on our nonstop flight from Evansville we weren't able to check in right away but the staff was very accommodating and let us check in our luggage while we explored around downtown until the room was ready.

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We walked a couple blocks down to Milk Market which was full of really cute restaurants. We weren't quite used to the set up so we were a little confused when we were trying to order but got it all figured out and I had a sushi bowl and Jake had a burger and we both got a drink while we were waiting. Our room was ready by the time we were getting the check and we headed back to the hotel to freshen up before dinner.

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On our first night we stayed in and went to Apple Blossom which is a very cute restaurant located inside of our hotel. It is a farm-to-table dive but they do have a happy hour prior which was pretty  by saying due to the cute drinks decor and nice prices.

Once we had a couple drinks at happy hour our reservation was ready for Apple Blossom and we headed over and did I believe about three courses of extremely delicious food. 

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The next morning when Jake explored out with his friend I decided to get a facial at Aveda, it is a cute experience if you are tight on funds but still want to treat yourself I highly recommend going to the Aveda Institute for a treatment. Once I was done there I headed to ChoLun- a very Swanky asian-inspired restaurant for lunch. some of the best food I've ever put in my mouth.

As I was wrapping up on my solo daytime date, we met up and  visited the Denver Aquarium which was  bigger than I expected and  randomly had a lion in it. The aquarium was very cute. We saw all of these different types of fishes and it also had a space where you could pet the stingrays. I would highly recommend it if you are wanting to entertain children or just have a chill moment in your day while exploring.

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Our following day we met up with one of Jake's friends that lives in Denver and headed out to Breckenridge for the morning. Unfortunately the slopes were closed to go up the mountain but we did go into the City and found a cute restaurant to check out. I also got a really great Donut for free from the sweet lady at Daylight Donuts. We wandered a bit further and found a restaurant up in the mountains. The landscape was beautiful and I can't wait to visit during the winter so that we can see more of that side of Denver.

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That night we had planned to meet up with our photographers so we spent time with them at happy hour at apple blossom before we headed around downtown to take photos.

Once we were done with photos we headed to Sunday vinyl this very cute bar to meet up with friends. They had just moved to Denver a couple weeks prior.  This small bar had such a Vibe. I ended up getting a  wine flight inspired by the vinyl that they had on playing that evening. The food was all so amazing and of course we couldn't have had better company.

Wine Flight Night at Sunday Vinyl

Once we were done there we headed to Citizen rail or Jake's birthday dinner. He loves steak and I literally looked up probably 20 places before we decided on this one and it did not disappoint. The highlight of this dinner was the duck fat potatoes you must get if you stop here.

The  Hyatt Centric Downtown Denver made some cute touches for Jake's birthday. They included a set of drinks from the family Jones and a coupon so we decided to drop by the family Jones for drinks.  I immediately loved the place for its cozy decor oh, but what made me love it the most was the quality of their drinks and their food.

Drinks courtsey of Hyatt Centric from The Family Jones

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We capped the night by stopping by Avanti which was a mixed-use space of restaurants and bars in a really cute neighborhood.  They were playing a movie outside on a huge projector. I wish we had more things like this back home so there were lots of people doing lots of different things and we just mingled around the space. 

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RECAP of Places we loved

• Hyatt Centric Downtown Denver

• Apple Blossom Denver

• Milk Market

• Cholon

• Denver Downtown Aquarium

• The Family Jones Spirit House

• The Sunday Vinyl

• Avanti Food & Beverage Hall