Happy Friday, y’all.
I hope the first few days of this new month have been treating you well. As 2023 draws to a close, I’ve been reflecting a lot on the last several months, and I’m super grateful for all that I’ve experienced and even more hype for what is yet to come.
My good friend Melissa (who also has two dope newsletters on Substack -
and ) reminded me of my word for the year (it was ‘release’) and how crucial it is for us to let go and to do it often.I won’t get too deep on that topic (I’ll save that for the upcoming podcast episodes) but just know that when you allow yourself to change and transform, it not only benefits you but also the people around you.
Which brings me to the subject of today’s newsletter. Fantasia Barrino Taylor (yes, the American Idol) is starring in the upcoming box office smash The Color Purple and has been having several flawless red carpet moments promoting the movie. She’s also had a very interesting journey to this point, and I highly recommend watching this red-carpet interview.
She just announced that she’s going to be releasing a wine, but to take it a step further, she’s also a certified sommelier.
IKDR, Fanny!
I say all of that to one, remind you all to dream big; two, don’t let your past define you because you can become whoever you want; and three, to put in the atmosphere that I hope to have wine with Fantasia one day in the future!
So ladies, go blast “Free Yourself”, fellas, go bop to “When I See U” and keep scrolling for more juice – I’ll be back in your inbox next week!
SHOUT-OUT TO THE REFILLERI!
On Tuesday, December 5, I had the pleasure of hosting an eco-friendly wine tasting a The Refilleri, a zero-waste store where you can pull up and refill on everything you need from soaps and shampoo to purchasing sustainable towels, tote bags, and things for your pets. Many thanks to The Refilleri’s owner Kelli (pictured above) and to everyone who came out to sip. Also, a major shout-out to Erin and Ivan at All Together Now who provided INCREDIBLE insight on my wine selection.
Keep scrolling to see which wines I poured!
MY LATEST + GREATEST INSPIRATION
For the last several months, I’ve been a SALDO Wines Partner and today, I just dropped another pulse in our partnership.
The theme for this one? A cozy Sunday indoors. Big shout-out to my fantastic friend and food photographer Farrin for capturing these shots, and my little sister Jessica for letting me tear up her living room. *LOL*
Please, please, PLEASE click below and go like and comment and share the content. Also, check out my IG stories because there is content there too.
Y’all know the algorithm on IG is wiggidy wack these days, but there is strength in numbers! I appreciate you all dearly.
MORE WINE EVENTS
The homie Derrick Westbrook is hosting an immersive music and tasting experience TOMORROW Saturday, December 9 in Milwaukee, WI. Tickets are still available, so if you live in or around MKE, be sure to pull up!
Jermaine Stone aka The Real Wolf of Wine is hosting the second annual Wine & Hip Hop Festival next weekend at Piggy Back NYC. Learn more and grab tickets at wineandhiphopfestival.com.
‘NOMINATE YOUR DAMN SELF!’
There are THREE DAYS LEFT to nominate for the Black Women in Food Awards! When I was named an Amplifier last year, I was overwhelmed with gratitude. Ever since, have been so geeked to support everything that Black Women in Food does.
This is an opportunity to not only support this incredible initiative but to show love. and support to Black women who are doing the damn thing across the hospitality industry!
Click here to submit your nominations. You’ve got until this Monday, December 11!
FLASHBACK FRIDAY
Remember last year when I started that series Kicks N Corks? Yeah, me too. 🙃 Maybe I’ll run this series back? Find a way to incorporate it with Palate Cleanser, perhaps? TBD!!!
At any rate, the reason why I bring it up is because my first ‘episode’ featured the two amazing women behind one of my favorite media companies, CNK Daily. Channing Beumer and Cassidy Edwards are making incredible strides in the sneaker space, not only as tastemakers for the sneaker girlies but also in making sure that community is at the center of it all.
Take a look at their episode below, and subscribe to their newsletter ASAP.
You’re welcome.
WHAT I’M SIPPIN’ ON
Perhaps over the holiday break, I will do a cute IG video on natural/organic/biodynamic wines, but for right now, I’m just going to share the wine list from Tuesday’s event because it was pretty darn awesome.
Again, shout-out to All Together Now for the incredible recommendations!
Be well!
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