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My Top 5 Buys of 2023: A Year of Style, Fitness, and Self-Care

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2023 is wrapped up and it’s the perfect time to reflect on the year’s highlights. For me, that includes the most used purchases that have truly elevated my lifestyle. From fashion to fitness and skincare, here are my top 5 buys of the year. They have not only added joy to my daily routine but also enhanced my overall well-being.

1. New Balance 515 V3 & Dynasoft Nergize Sport V2 Running Shoe

Kicking off the list is the New Balance 515 V3 Sneaker and Dynasoft Nergize Sport V2 Running Shoe. A game-changer in my world. The first pair in white seamlessly blend style and comfort, making them the perfect choice for both casual outings and active days.

2023 was a year of getting active for me so the Dynasoft Nergize Sport V2 Running Shoe was so important for my walking journey. I set out to walk more this year and this is the shoe I clocked so many miles in. They feel like walking on air and I traveled in them quite a bit too!

2. Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells:

In my fitness journey, the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells have been an absolute revelation. These versatile dumbbells replace an entire set, allowing for space savings and quick weight adjustments with just a turn of the dial. As I’m getting stronger I don’t have to spend more money on more weights. Investing in these dumbbells has undoubtedly taken my strength and home gym to the next level.

3. Quilted Bomber Jacket:

Transitioning into the world of fashion, this quilted Bomber Jacket has become a staple in my wardrobe. Its stylish yet functional design adds a touch of edginess to any outfit, and the quilted detailing provides an extra layer of warmth during cooler months. It’s great for rainy days and cool days alike.

4. Ilia Multi Stick – Shade a Fine Romance:

The Ilia multi stick in Shade a Fine Romance has earned its spot on my list for its multitasking magic on my deep skin tone. This versatile product serves as a blush, lip tint, and eyeshadow, simplifying my beauty routine while delivering a natural, radiant finish. The subtle, rosy hue adds a touch of warmth to my complexion, making it a must-have in my makeup arsenal.

5. Colleen Rothschild Skincare:

Last but certainly not least, my skincare routine received a major upgrade with Colleen Rothschild products. I’ve finally moved from only wanting to do the bare basics to enjoying skincare as self care. From cleansers to serums, each product is meticulously crafted with high-quality ingredients to nourish and revitalize the skin. The luxurious feel of these skincare gems has turned my daily skincare routine into a ritual where I get to pamper myself daily.

These top 5 buys have left an indelible mark on my year and enhanced so many aspects of my life. Whether it’s stepping out in style, breaking a sweat in garage gym, or indulging in a skincare regimen that feels like a spa day, these purchases have truly made a difference. Here’s to a year of style, fitness, and self-care – may 2024 bring even more exciting discoveries and delightful meaningful buys for you! Love ya Color Bees! (You can get direct access to all my buys by following me in the LTK app)

Best,

Brandy G.

My Winter Vacation in Jackson Hole, Wyoming

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Never did I ever think I wanted to visit Wyoming. No shade but it honestly just wasn’t on my radar of places to go. I typically don’t travel to cold places when I travel. This year that all changed. I experienced The Windy City (Chicago) and now Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

We ended up visiting Jackson Hole, Wyoming because all of the other winter destination places we checked out was completely booked for the holidays. We stumbled upon Jackson, Wyoming a ski destination and ended up there. As long as the place had snow it was all good!

Where to Stay

There are tons of cool accommodations in Jackson Hole but we stayed at The Cloudveil. It is probably the newest hotel in the area. The location is great as it is positioned right near town square. It is walkable to almost every place went to outside the hotel. The food at the Bistro (located inside the hotel) was great, the staff was very kind, they have free refillable water bottles (no plastic), a fire place in the rooms, heated hot tub & pool, free snack and water filling station on every floor, a concierge to help you plan your outings and a cozy lobby downstairs for lounging. Let’s just say it a perfect place to stay in Jackson Hole.

Where to Eat

I can’t lie, I had no expectations when in came to the food in Jackson Hole, Wyoming but I was pleasantly surprised. Every single meal we had there was so yummy! Who knew the food scene was so good! I wish I could have visited a few more restaurants and bars while I was there but over all, I was very happy with how delicious everything was. We had both a breakfast (try the pancakes) and dinner meal (try the scallops) at Bistro. Another day we had breakfast/brunch at Cafe Genevieve. Loved the chicken & waffles. Gather for dinner, loved the brussels sprouts and lemon drop martinis! Persephone for breakfast, amazing croissants and lattes. The last few places were Trio, Liberty Burger (try the onion rings) and Millionaire Cowboy Bar for drinks and playing pool.

Things To Do

While we were there we went to Snow King Mountain. They have skiing but we enjoyed the tubing and a gondola ride to the top to enjoy the views. They have a small snack bar at the top where you can warm up, have drinks, beer, and a small food selection. We also enjoyed walking around Town Square where they have the famous Jackson Hole, Wyoming arches that are made from antlers. There are plenty of shops, art galleries and food options in Town Square. Lastly we took an epic tour of the Elk Refuge on a sleigh. They seat about 16 people on and you can get tickets at the visitor center. It was so educational and majestic.

Red Wine Hot Chocolate with Winc

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Everything is better with a splash of wine including holidays! In my case, I get my wine from Winc! A monthly subscription that allows you to taste and explore with wine. It shows up on your door steep hand delivered and you can check out what’s coming ahead of time on your Winc account. Go to Winc.com to get started and use code “authenticallyb” for an amazing discount!

Here’s a fun hot chocolate recipe that can act as a desert or pre-dinner sip. I like this red wine recipe because it’s delicious and super simple. I didn’t even have to go to the store for the ingredients. Even my wine from Winc showed up on my door step. Everything else was already in my pantry. Red wine hot chocolate is super rich so I opted to serve them in miniature cups along with a bite of chocolate. Large servings could be too over powering to the palate. Have fun with this and let me know what you think after you make it! Enjoy!

Thank you Winc for sponsoring this post!

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips

• 2/3 cup red wine

• 1/2 cup milk

• 2 tablespoons sugar, optional

• Pinch of salt

Directions

1 Combine the chocolate chips, wine, milk, and sugar (if using), in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Heat, stirring constantly, until chocolate chips are melted and the mixture is hot.

2 Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla and salt. Pour into mugs and serve.

Easy Head Wrap Tutorial (4 styles)

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Raise your hand if you love head wraps!!!! Me! Me! Me! Head wraps are the “icing on the cake” when it comes to style and is the saver of bad/lazy hair days too!

We all stare in amazement when see a beautifully tied head wrap but wrapping your mind around duplicating a style can be daunting. I’ve created this fun quick video to help you learn how to tie four different head wrap styles all under 10 minutes! Yes, by the end of the video you will have some basic technique on how to tie beautiful head wraps. Subscribe to the AuthenticallyB.com youtube channel and share this video with your friends who love head wraps too! Enjoy!

Buffalo Plaid Poncho

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Thank you Charming Charlie for sponsoring this look!

Buffalo Plaid Poncho $30

This is such a fun look for a cool rainy day! At some point this Fall it will be wet and cloudy but you can bring the sunshine with this outfit.

The bright red colors is one of the keys to the “cheerful” feeling of this look. Now add the different horizontal striped pattern in the tee shirt and you’ve added another great element to this look. The pants are a cropped pixie pant but the small plaid pattern add even more interest to this look with an extra dose of print. You know me! I’m all about print, patterns and color! Lastly, on my feet are ultra fun plaid rain boots from Charming Charlie to keep my toes dry while I looks cute.

Pop on a bold red lip color and your favorite pair on sunglasses and run out of the door. This look is completely comfortable, kid friendly and mom proof. I guarantee that your littles with want to snuggle in your poncho. Enjoy!