What Fuels Your Drive to Escape?

You know there’s that saying, “Live a life you don’t need a vacation from.” Well, much easier said than done. I too, don’t dream of labor. However, the reality is day to day life comes with a matching set of challenges and trials. It’s natural to want to go away and grab some air sometimes. Suspend reality for even just a day.

Me enjoying the beautiful pink sand beaches of Bermuda!

Now some folks go about that a variety of different ways. Sometimes it’s hobbies, could be foods/substances (be real careful with that) or even just reality tv marathons. We all have our things. Mine happen to be travel, brunch, Target and sitting by bodies of water. Travel reigns supreme.

When I travel, I get to pull myself out of my environment. I’m someone who fixates on what’s right in front of me (school, work, business, friends/family, etc), and I’m still working on creating stronger boundaries in those realms to maintain my serenity and energy. Until then, hopping on a plane to pause my anxiety works for me. Travel is an activity that’s substantial enough for me to actually become fully distracted to tap into the things that are innately in me: creativity, exploration, risk and so on. It tends to pull me out of the fog I’m in to look at the beauty of new scenery, new people, new ways of being. And I love learning! Every trip is a study tour for me. I’m hitting museums, chatting up locals, listening to local music, you name it. That’s given me a deeper skillset and appreciation for my very people-based work, and it shoots a dose of humanity in my veins.

Watching the bakers make turtle shaped bread at Boudin Sourdough Bakery & Cafe in San Francisco.

What I especially love about international travel is it allows me greater opportunity to completely unplug. No wifi, no problems. Now, that was definitely an adjustment at first. My best friend chastised me often for how much I was trying to find a signal to see IG, but I’m getting better. There is beauty in no cell service. I wish I could throw my phone in the White River today and never look back. I don’t dream of constant accessibility for contact, but it’s so much harder to practice at home. Won’t be reached and can’t be reached send two very different messages.

Travel and these other escapism practices suspend the momentum of our lives. So many of us live in breakneck pace environments. It feels good to just jump out of that and just be. And that matters even more when we’re not pleased about the direction the momentum is currently going. I love going into a reflective space on my travels to help me do a mindset reset before I return. It sets the perfect stage to cancel the noise of the hustle and bustle. I needed to get away for some reason or another, so how can I make sure I tackle it when I get back? That’s a powerful way to flex your moments of escape. Doesn’t always have to be that way, but if you’re constantly escaping without checking in with yourself you likely aren’t facing what’s wrong with your actual life. That’s when sweet escapes can turn into something more destructive.

Me blissfully protecting my peace on the peaceful Tulum Beach.

So here are some questions I recommend the next time you want to get away:

Check out the masterclass! Follow both of us on IG to learn about future sessions!

• What am I trying to escape or avoid?

• How can I create better boundaries in my everyday life?

• Do I like the pace/direction my life is going? What would a shift look like?

• What does a life I don’t need a escape from look life?

• Are there things I can do to make my everyday experience more enjoyable?

Do you know where your next escape will be? Asking for myself! lol

If you are looking for your next escape, I recommend checking out the replay of the masterclass session I sponsored in partnership with Brittany Stewart from The Social Chef. We talk how to find flights on a budget domestically and internationally. This can be found here for purchase at a low rate. You’ll definitely make it back in all the savings!

Escape Responsibly,

Britt

Babes in KY Bourbon Land: Part Two

Are y’all ready for me to finally tell y’all what we did on part two of this trip! (LMAO) I’m back to finish recapping our journey along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail for our Valentine’s baecation.

Stop 1: Stitzel-Weller Distillery

We wanted an opportunity to try somewhere still in Louisville, but was open early so we could still make the drive to Frankfort for our other stops. We were lucky enough to nab a pair of early tickets for Stitzell-Weller Distillery (11 a.m. to be exact). Now, this was our first time on large bourbon distillery grounds and we weren’t quite prepared for how they look. We saw these tall ominous buildings that were covered in some black substance. It gave eerie asylum prison vibes, tbh. As we began the tour we learned those are actually rickhouses. This is where they store the barrels to age. So ironically, they were exactly where we wanted to be. The grounds had been around for many decades and we were able to tour the stillhouse where they tested out new mash bills (ingredient lists), walked inside the rickhouse and visited an original cooper’s shop where they used to repair the barrels. It was really neat to see a large facility that was well maintained from the early days. The tour ended with a tasting of course. We were able to try five different bourbons. The do distil Bulleit now on site, but they also feature in-house bourbons like Blade and Bow, I.W. Harper and Orphan Barrel. We even got a personalized bottle of Blade and Bow to take home!

Now, my Babe loves the gamification in whiskey drinking. He’s currently a Blanton’s top collector, and we learned that with the Blade and Bow brand they are packaged with small keys tied around the neck. Each key has a number and it ranges from 1-5. Once you collect all five and send them in, you receive a golden cup that is displayed onsite at the distillery. If anyone has a two key let us know. Seriously…

Stop 2: Buffalo Trace

For the second stop, we took a little drive further down the trail to Kentucky’s capital, Frankfort. Here there are another cluster of distillery stops. We definitely could not pack them all into one day, but we had to hit my Babe’s favorite, Buffalo Trace. Now, these grounds are massive! We weren’t able to do a tour because of COVID restrictions, but they still allowed tastings. Buffalo Trace is quite popular because they produce several fan favorites. Trying to get tickets online in advance were impossible, so we honestly took the risk of showing up to see what happens. Luckily, we were able to get a spot here as well! In the meantime we walked around the gift shop to stock up on items for friends. Here, people line up pretty early to score some of their rarer, more limited brands that are put out every morning. The fun is that you never know what it might be. It could be Blanton’s. It could be Pappy Van Winkle or W.L. Weller. Who knows? Unfortunately, Babe didn’t get to score one of his sought after rare finds, but was loving the experience all the same. Our tasting was nice. It was free and definitely was a little more limited in content discussed and options. You did get to try a good range of their products though. I got to get the boyfriend (now fiance) over to his bourbon Mecca, so it was good trip. And I had some bourbon vanilla ice cream that was to die for!!

Stop 3: Wild Turkey Distillery

Wild Turkey was our final stop before returning to the city. It was our most rural stop, and boy did it lend for some nice views. Wild Turkey has a beautiful modern gift shop and tasting roof that has large windows in the back that allows the light to pour in and you can see the waterway and railroad tracks. No tastings and tours were available, but the staff was very welcoming and eager to share information about not only Wild Turkey whiskeys, but also about the history of bourbon. Did you know Matthew McConaughey serves as their creative director and collaborated to produce the Longbranch brand? This was also the first time I got an explanation on the difference between bourbon and Tennessee whiskey. (Ask for yourself to find out.)

This stop ended our tour de bourbon and we made our way back to the Lou for dinner. I won’t name the restaurant because honestly I wasn’t impressed. They are Black-owned, and I want to maintain and uplifting space for Black businesses here. I do like to support and circulate dollars in the Black community on my travels. I wish them the best, just not the spot for me. I’m also still sad it was too busy for us to hit up SuperChefs for our departure breakfast. I can’t wait to go back and try again because that food looked AMAZING!

Brunch Stop: Biscuit Belly

Now you know I was getting a local brunch in the mix. We made our way over to NULU to try Biscuit Belly. I never realized that Louisville was big on biscuit restaurants. This place popped up a few times on my searches so I thought we should check in out. (Plus, now we have a Bougie Biscuit in Nap! Saves me a drive!) It’s walk up style to order and then they bring your food out to your table. There were several different options to adorn your flaky warm biscuits. For apps we had the loaded breakfast tots and the pancake corndogs. For entrees, I had the Biscuit Bennie (love a good benedict with a twist) and he had the Go Goetta Biscuit with meat and egg added. Thoroughly enjoyed the appetizers. My bennie was good, but needed a little extra kick. Overall, I’d go again. (#theBrunchQueen👑approved) Ready to see how Bougie Biscuit compares.

And that my friends, wraps up our quick road trip. We had a great time, and I always enjoy traveling with my Babe. Glad I could plan something that centered around one of his favorite pastimes, that I too have grown a much deeper appreciation for. This was also my first complete pleasure trip to Kentucky that didn’t involve the amusement park, so I’m excited to come back and see even more.

Have you been down to Kentucky? What stops do you recommend?

Happy Trails!

Britt

Wanderlust: Going International in a Pandemic Pt. 1

DISCLAIMER: COVID TRAVEL TALES
I appreciate the concern and passion, but understand this post is not to push people to travel who are uncomfortable or to debate whether or not to go. I already researched, deliberated and battled within myself and I’ll continue to make that decision on trip by trip basis because I believe COVID concerns aren’t leaving us soon. I really believe this is our reality for the next two years even with a lockdown. And the reality I’ve seen is there are places STRUGGLING without tourism because their regions didn’t bother to diversify their economy long ago.

Ok, now on to the tea. I broke out y’all. I’ve realized that I do not live in a climate that’s congruent with my mental wellness. Most of the pandemic I was cool. I mean hallelujah the stay at home began during the Midwestern spring because y’all…I probably would have taken out a personal loan to be remote somewhere through the entire fall and winter season. Sis needs sunshine and water like a plant.

Now, we did do a road trip last summer which was really nice, but that sole purpose was to safely check on older loved ones while work schedules allowed. No hotels, no planes. In December, I tested out my normal travel MO, beaches by plane. First up was Cozumel with my best friend. Mexico has always treated me well, so why not start with what I know? One thing I did know, I wasn’t stepping out to Tulum and Cancun. Y’all were wildin’ over there.

I wanted the road less traveled. All I was looking for was sand, seafood and sun. (Plus, some authentic tacos.) We found an Airbnb so we didn’t have to deal with any crowded resorts. For flights we aimed for no more than one layover—airlines really did my city dirty by cutting the nonstops. We quarantined away from folks before we left and packed plenty of sanitizer and masks.

The Flight

Before take off, I was appalled at how people were carrying themselves in these airports. Social distancing, what is that? Not covering their nose. Just nonsense. I’m not loving the flying experience either, especially on certain airlines that have since abandoned precautions like seating people in the middle. I had my face shield on deck with the mask. I think I almost hyperventilated three times, but I kept making myself go to sleep to ease the panic. As of right now, my maximum flight time is two and a half hours. I already got stir crazy after three hours before COVID.

The Lodging

Our Airbnb was cute! Clean from what we could see and in the owner’s description, they also had laundry on site. Very spacious and we could see the water from our corner balcony. We were also walking distance from several restaurants, shops and markets.

The Location

Cozumel is not packed at all. The island is very dependent on cruise traffic, and with those on pause you can really see how deserted it was. Vendors were more forward than I’m used to in getting us to check out wares and come to restaurants, but I don’t blame them. It’s survival. Even with the ferry still in operation from Playa del Carmen, we still didn’t see a huge influx of visitors. Several locals we talked to who worked around the area explained how eager and hopeful they are for cruises to return to help bring business back to the area. Cozumel is pretty touristy, we recognized plenty of “American” chains. I had never seen a 7/11 in Mexico until this trip. We tried to stick with mainly beachfront restaurants and bars for food. We also bought groceries to cook at the apartment.

The beaches were also fairly light in visitors (looked nothing like other footage I had seen throughout Quintana Roo. Loungers were spaced out well for social distancing and it was easy to avoid getting close to folks while frolicking in the ocean as well. I can’t speak for the areas in the southern most part of Cozumel since we didn’t make it that far, but the western coast was quiet. Taxis also were plentiful, they often sanitized and had all the windows open, which made me feel more comfortable while getting around.

Safety

As I hinted at throughout, Cozumel is doing many of the normal precautions. Social distancing, sanitizing before entry, temperature checks. A lot of businesses also had the sani-mats to clean your shoes as well. And of course, masks everywhere. Which I will say masking looked like it was going way better here than in the city/state I currently reside with double the current temperatures. Should you still be extra careful? Yes. It’s a pandemic. Make sure you’re taking necessary supplements. Monitor how you’re feeling. Rotate hand washing in the midst of sanitizing. Rest. Don’t over indulge with alcohol while you’re out. Eat outside/open air (so easy to do here). Avoid any crowded bars or club situations. Lastly, make sure you use travel insurance. You never know what can go down and you should be covered.

The Return

I voluntarily quarantined once I returned to keep my folx safe. I also did test, which was thankfully negative which based on how short my trip length was it’s safe to assume I wasn’t positive while away either.

Again, I’m not going to tell you whether or not to travel abroad. Whatever you decide don’t blow off the easy things you can do to keep yourself and others safe when venturing out near or far. Also, if you’re not taking precautions at home, you for darn sure don’t need to be venturing out.

Stay tuned for part two!

Britt

Britt Buys Black: The Social Chef Spices Collective

What’s you favorite part about traveling? Whether it be to a new neighborhood in your city or a new country to explore, what excites you about that experience? Hands down one of my favorite elements of new adventures would be the food! Let me be clear, it’ the LOCAL food for me. If it’s got more than ten locations, then I feel some type of way. I want to go where the working folks eat on a regular or as a hometown splurge. Yeah, yeah, chic decor and ambiance is nice, but sometimes I don’t want a photo op. I want the food to do all the talking. I want to taste the local flavors, try the signature dishes and eat the homegrown/raised ingredients.

Brittany Stewart and I on our last adventure to the beaches of Tulum.

My dear friend Brittany (not speaking in third-person), shares my sentiments for adventure through cuisine. She is the mastermind behind The Social Chef. An avid traveler and foodie herself, Brittany blogs about her experiences in different locations and most importantly captures the wonderful flavors you must try while you’re there. We both lamented that we had to lighten our travel load this year due to the pandemic—although, she has still found a way to safely escape a time or two. The other way that she’s adapted to this new normal is through her other passion for cooking. In September, she launched her first product line under the brand called Social Spices Collective. In her own words this line is:

Taking the pure essence of flavors found in various countries and making them available in your own kitchen. This six-seasoning spice line was curated using spices featured in dishes from all over the world. I had the pleasure to work with chef’s and locals from Peru, Cuba, Mexico, and Ghana to bring these flavors to life in each bottle. - Brittany S., The Social Chef

Now, if you’ve been following along you know that over the last year my boyfriend and I have been throwing down more in the kitchen as a wonderful way to bond and explore our own culinary talents. In support, I ordered the two debut spices of the line, the Jardin and Sea Imports. We did a simple meal prep of grilled salmon, broccoli and wild rice using both of these spices.

Overall, we really enjoyed the flavor from these blends. Now, something that I love is that these are not just salt with some herbs in it. I’m trying to be more conscious with what I’m putting in my body and that includes salt intake. I would suggest still using a little salt in your dishes you create with these spices, but I felt relief in knowing that I could combine these with other seasonings or add salt to taste without the concern of going overboard or overpowering these spice blends.

Jardin: This is the veggie seasoning, and boy does it pack in a flavor! We used this on the broccoli we steamed and it was quite zesty and delicious. It gave a bold taste that reminded me of summer. We added the seasonings to the butter and water before we put in the veggies and then sprinkled more on top before steaming.

Seafood Imports: This is a really nice blend, the grilling kind of took control so I know to use more the next time or make sure I extend my marinating, but you really don’t need to add anything else to this. My boyfriend prefers a more salty profile for meats so you may want to toss in a little more, but it was perfect for me. I used it again for shrimp alfredo and we were both pleased with how it came out.

Now you are in luck because this month she’s just announced the third spice blend of the collection, the Inca. It’s inspired by the flavors of Peru, and I can’t wait to get my hands on a bottle. I haven’t had too many Peruvian dishes so I’m excited to explore through the first dish I make with it. Grab your bottles today! Sign up for her email list to get 10 percent off your first order. She’ll also keep you updated on sales, pop-up events using her spices and neat travel tips!

Follow The Social Chef on social media as well to stay up to date with Brittany’s blog, product releases and travel inspiration!