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.”

---

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.

---

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.

---

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!

---

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.

---

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

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.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Flora + Fauna (@florafaunanashville)

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.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Flora + Fauna (@florafaunanashville)

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.

---

---

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

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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. 

---

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.

---

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.

---

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

---

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. 

---

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

One Day In | Nashville, Tennesse

505 BUILDING

I love a good day trip. There is nothing like popping into a city for a day. With Evansville, IN being in a really good position for quite a few, I try to get to a new surrounding state every couple months. Nashville hasn’t been on the top of my list, but now I have friends in the city.

Emma and I headed down for a night and stayed in her condo as she splits time between Evansville and Nashville. The 505 Building is located downtown and is super freaking cute. We spent most of our time here after we hit up Whole Foods on the way in. The pool and co working spaces were my favorite.

---

MURALS

If you’re a picture girl, there are a ton of murals so don’t forget to stop and strick a pose.

---

SEW NASH

If you are looking for something to do out of the usual bar hopping in Nashville, I highly recommend visiting SEW NASH. I found them on Airbnb Experiences and this was SO fun. I haven’t really sewn much in my life, but by the end of it I was ready to start a new business. We got to sew a bandana that Ziki looks amazing in. We also made a makeup bag that I use religiously. Our instructor was so cute and informative. If you want to bring in drinks and snacks you can. The vibes are immaculate and I totally think this would be great for bach parties, family get-togethers or just a night out to catch up with friends. Once of my favorite touches was that each sewing machine was named after a Diva. I got Dolly.

---

SUPPER CLUB

This super swanky place had a llve jazz band. If you’re looking for some good music and not to get to rowdy, but still have a good time this is the spot. The Supper Club was just one level of The Twelve Thirty Club. We didn't explore the others, we’ll leave that for another time. The speakeasy vibes the Supper Club was giving is enough to fill your cup. We had a few bites- the mushroom medley and one of the desserts. Both left my mouth very happy.

Have you been to any of these places? Would love to know what you thought in the comments!

Pangea Pizzeria | Evansville, IN

Pangea Kitchen is always on my list when recommending places to try for visitors. They NEVER dissapoint.

The branding before you even walk through the doors is foodie perfection paired with the follow through of a very cozy atmoshpere wrapped up in great service and food.

---

“At Pangea Kitchen, old-world traditions meld with new-world adaptations, creating a destination for those who have a taste for the unexpected. Our global soul food market invites you to sit down and enjoy the view as your food is being crafted to order using the finest house-made and imported ingredients.

Don’t stop with one trip; make your home part of the Pangea Kitchen world tour by taking home house-made pasta, cheeses, imported charcuterie, and specialty meats from our market showcase. ”

— Pangea Website

---

They followed up the first resturant with 2nd Language an asian fusion resturant that also is 5 stars.

We are so lucky they are blessing us with another experience. Pangea Pizzeria has now opened! I popped in for lunch with a friend, luckily for me it’s a short walk away from The Beauty Room.

For my inaugural order, I went with a couple slices from their “slice of the day” menu. 

I got the Pistachio - House pistachio puree, sausage, mozzarella blend, fresh basil, finished with house Calabrian chili honey. Fun Guy - House mushroom cream sauce, fresh mozzarella blend, roasted shiitake mushrooms, finished with grated parmesan, fresh basil, and garlic-infused olive oil.

Along with a Butterscotch Blondie. I did go back and get the CCC gelato. All of them are exactly how I would expect anything coming from this company, thoughtfully made. All the flavors play nicely with each other. 

Menu from Pangea Pizzeria

I left feeling so full, you definitely can’t beat a $5 dollar lunch these days. You can get the pizza by the slice (fairly big slices) or an 16/18 inch pizza. The full pizzas range from $22- $29.

I miss tha patisserie that used to be in here, but the vibe of a pizzeria where you can see the pizzas being made, big open windows to see the city and quaint seating was truly such a good fit for the space.

Once you head in and give it a try II would love to hear your thoughts on what’s your favorite below!