Applesauce Chronicles

From now on when people ask, what do you do for a living? I will reply with “my best!”.

There’s been so much going on in my life lately, whether it’s personal, work related or just getting through life through all our chaos, I’ve been doing my best. It’s been quite some time since I’ve dived into all of the things so I’m going to break it up over the next few post.

I have been split down a path for my career. I wholeheartedly love real estate and don’t see myself only doing that. I’m not a robot sales woman, nor will. I become some car salesman just to make ends meet. I am a human being and for that I want to help people at their place when they’re ready. I want to meet genuine people who trust and want to work with me because I am different from the rest. I no longer buy leads or fish for the next client the way most due today. Not only is it costly it’s tiresome and it makes me feel less of a human being. With that being said, I have been leaning into other places in my life that provide income. I know my talents and skills – its an overwhelming amount to be honest. We could say that I’m dual career, but I will just say that I’m doing my BEST.

I’ve been exploring a lot mostly outside, becoming a baby birder, asking more questions, diving into nature, being true to my inner child and enjoying life where I can. Outside these days, I have been playing disc golf, skating and doing yoga. There’s always a hike or five, and maybe some camping as well. With all of this exploring and nature surrounding me, I’ve been able to reset and figure out things differently from myself. This ALONE has brought peace back to my practice and routine.

I’ve also been cooking a lot more, you may know that I was vegan starting in 2014 after finding out about my endometriosis. I have slowly change lanes into a pescatarian and now I’m happy to say that I actually can eat chicken. I’m still scared of red meat and sometimes the chicken doesn’t sit well. It really just depends on my flareups, but I’m learning as I go and hopeful for a healthy and balance body while still eating foods that I’ve cut out over the years.

Salmon, Brussels and pesto!

Also check out my last thrift haul posted on Instagram. I thrift shop often, its a form a medicine for sure. I really do enjoy the hunt and thrill of finding something unique. I’ve noticed that the cost of clothing has gone up and the quality hasn’t. I’m not saying that I only buy thrift, but I do my best to lean towards that prior to buying something brand new. I do not buy shoes, underwear, hats that are used the rest I feel is safe enough to wash and or edit as I see fit.

Health wise, today is okay, some days are tragic though. My depression as well as symptoms with endometriosis have been quite the roller coaster ride. I have had 5 cyst in the last 8 months. I sometimes feel hostage to my own body. It sucks to say and hear but that’s where my minds takes me sometimes. I was going to have surgery tomorrow but now I am trying to get a second opinion. I get flare-ups like our North Carolina afternoon thunderstorms – random yet consistent. I have had several meltdowns this year (it’s only August haha). I am still pushing on, pivoting and working towards the better.

Pre-op before cancelling surgery.

Thankfully, my friends and family are the BEST at helping me stay on tract, distracted, loved and full of life and love. Without them and their support, I am not sure where I would be now. Reach out to those you love, stop scrolling all the time.

Your community is everything.
Your family is everything.
Your chosen family is everything.
Your friends are everything.
Your are everything (enough).

Until next time.
Bri
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Walk don’t run.

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Aug 4
Lately, I’ve been finding my place again.
In my life. In my thoughts. In my goals. In my mindset.

Not in a dramatic, movie-montage way—more like slowly realizing you’ve been standing in the wrong room with the lights off and thinking, oh… this explains a lot.

There’s been a lot happening. In the world. In the news. In conversations that feel heavier than they used to. A collective sadness humming in the background, mixed with uncertainty and that low-grade anxiety we all pretend isn’t there while making grocery lists and answering emails.

And personally? Life has been… persistent.

I had surgery recently to remove a cyst. Not even a full month later—surprise!—another one shows up. Because apparently my body said, “You thought we were done here?” Bold of me to assume things would just… settle.

That’s the thing though. Life doesn’t pause because you’re tired, overwhelmed, healing, grieving, or confused. It doesn’t wait for your mood to improve or for you to feel “ready.” It just keeps going. Meetings still happen. Bills still come. The sun still rises like it’s got somewhere important to be.

Life is just… doing its thing.

There are ebbs and flows, pivots and pauses, recalculations and quiet breakdowns you schedule between responsibilities. Constantly figuring things out is exhausting—but somehow necessary. Growth isn’t a straight line; it’s more like a scribble with good intentions.

Some days I feel grounded and clear. Other days I’m deeply introspective while also asking myself why everything feels like too much before 9 a.m. Very on brand.

I’m learning (slowly, stubbornly) that finding your place isn’t a one-time event. It’s something you do over and over again. You lose it. You reclaim it. You redefine it. You get sarcastic about it because if you don’t laugh, you might scream into the void—and frankly, the void is busy.

Still, I keep coming back to this truth: community is what makes us human. We’re not meant to do this alone. It takes a village—to heal, to question, to recalibrate, to remind each other that this weird, messy, beautiful experience is shared.

So I’ll ask you, genuinely—

How are you doing?
What’s shifting in your world right now?
What are you carrying quietly?

You don’t have to have answers. None of us really do. But being here together—talking, listening, witnessing—that counts for something. Just in case, the comments are open and I am here for you.

And if life is going to keep doing its thing, I guess we’ll just keep showing up. Preferably with snacks. 🍎✨
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Finding My Place (Again)

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Jan 14
January shows up loud.

It’s all fitness goals, diet resets, morning routines, vision boards, and bold declarations about this being the year. Everyone is stretching, journaling, quitting sugar, downloading apps, and announcing a brand-new version of themselves by January 3rd.

And I get it. I really do.

But for me, January feels less like a beginning and more like… the opening credits.

The only reason January feels like the “start” is because we’ve been conditioned to believe it is. Thank you, Gregorian calendar. Very organized. Very convincing. But technically—and energetically—I don’t believe the year truly begins until spring. Around April. When the earth itself decides to wake up again. Spring is when things actually start. Seeds move. Systems activate. Energy shifts forward.

Winter, on the other hand, feels like a pause button.

A slow-down season. A thinking season. A look-at-yourself-without-rushing season.

This stretch of time—between now and spring—is what excites me most. It feels like trial and error without pressure. A testing ground. A rehearsal before the real performance begins. I get to try habits, drop them, pick them back up, adjust systems, rethink routines… all without the dramatic “new year, new me” energy looming over my head.

By the time spring arrives, I don’t want brand-new goals.
I want practiced ones.

I want systems that have already been lived in. Habits that have already survived a few bad days. Mindsets that have been challenged and refined, not just written down in a notebook with good intentions.

That’s why I don’t treat January like a reset button. I treat every month like a mini reset. Not in an exhausting way. Not with fireworks and manifestos. But with a quiet sit-down with myself:

What worked?
What didn’t?
What felt good but wasn’t sustainable?
What am I avoiding?
What can I do better—with less drama?

While doing this each month, I don’t go through all the “seasons” like a full calendar year, but I do give myself permission to adjust often. Growth doesn’t need a 12-month commitment. Sometimes it just needs accountability and honesty.

Lately, I’ve been drifting further and further away from labels. “The New Year.” “Fresh Start.” “This Is the One.”

Who decided January was the moment we all had to reinvent ourselves anyway? And when did we agree on that?

I know the historical answers—I’ve done the homework—but I’m asking you. Because being told something becomes your truth until you break it through your own experience. School does this. Parents do this. Society does this. Calendars definitely do this.

And I like questioning it all. Often. In big ways and very small ones.

So here I am, in January, not sprinting—just observing.

Which brings me to you.

With us being in January… what are you thinking about?
Have you started new goals—or are you just circling ideas?
What are they?
And more importantly: what steps are you taking to make sure they’re actually attainable?

Not perfect. Not aesthetic. Just real.

Maybe January doesn’t have to be a launch.
Maybe it can just be a conversation with yourself.

And honestly? That feels like a pretty good way to start anything.

— Bri 🍎
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January Is Just a Suggestion

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Jan 12
Less “detox tea,” more actually freeing your life. Use this for reflection, journaling, or just a reminder that sometimes the work isn’t about adding more—it’s about letting go.

This season, I’m noticing what no longer serves me. The things I’m choosing to release are heavy, familiar, and often disguised as normal:
- Conversations that drain instead of challenge
- Saying yes out of fear
- Measuring my value by likes and views
- Creating for validation instead of meaning
- All-or-nothing thinking
- Confusing awareness with action
- Feeling guilty for protecting my time or energy
- Consuming anxiety before breakfast
- Calling it “staying informed” when it’s just overload
- Confusing productivity with self-worth
Letting these go isn’t about being perfect. It’s about making space. Space to breathe, to create, to feel, and to act from alignment instead of habit. Space to recognize that my energy is finite and precious, and how I spend it matters more than I’ve often realized.

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At the same time, some things are staying. These are the roots that keep me grounded and the practices that bring me back to myself:
- Yoga and movement that remind me I’m alive
- Skating, walking, and getting outdoors—more often, more joyfully
- Being intentional and mindful in how I spend my time
- Setting goals and journaling, but without pressure
- Loving myself more and giving myself grace because I’ve already come such a long way
This season is a blend of release and retention, of pruning and cultivating. It’s messy, imperfect, and fully mine. And as I step into it, I feel lighter, clearer, and more connected to who I want to be—not just for the year ahead, but for right now.

— Bri 🍎
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My Current Season: What’s Shifting & What’s Staying

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Jan 9
Winter arrived in Charlotte a little over two weeks ago. Allegedly.

visiting family

The calendar says winter. The stores say winter. My closet says maybe winter. But the weather? The weather is wearing sunglasses and asking if we want to sit outside.

It’s 66 degrees. The sun is fully committed. The kind of sun that tricks you into believing it’s 72, minimum. The kind of sun that makes you crack a window and immediately regret owning coats. There is no snow. There is little to no ice. There is no dramatic crunch beneath your boots—unless it’s a leaf. You’re wearing sneakers. Or sandals. Or that “in-between” jacket you keep in the car just in case you are still out after sunset.

The trees are just as confused as we are. Some have shed every last leaf, standing bare and honest like they’re following the rules. Others are still holding on—green, stubborn, and clearly not ready to let go. A few trees look like they paused mid-transition, as if autumn buffered and never fully loaded winter.

It’s not dormant. It’s not alive-alive either. It’s… suspended. As if the landscape feels like it’s holding its breath.

And then there’s the sunlight. Winter sunlight here doesn’t whisper—it performs. It spills across sidewalks and patios, turning afternoon walks into accidental therapy sessions. It makes you optimistic for no reason. It convinces you that maybe you do have your life together, or at least enough to enjoy a walk without a scarf.

This kind of light changes the mood of everything. Winter shadows without winter heaviness. Golden hour that feels generous instead of fleeting. The sun is the main character, and winter is just a supporting role.

The aesthetic, though—that’s where things get fun. Holiday wreaths on doors next to green lawns. Iced coffee in December because it still makes sense. Seasonal playlists playing softly while the windows are cracked open. You light a candle not because it’s cold, but because it feels right.

It’s contradiction season.

You’ll see people walking dogs in hoodies (maybe), without a coat in sight. Patios are still alive. Conversations linger longer because no one is rushing inside to escape the cold. Winter doesn’t shut things down here—it just quiets them a little. And maybe that’s the charm.

We don’t do hard winters, only soft ones. Reflective ones. Winters that invite you to slow down without disappearing. There’s no forced hibernation. No dramatic pause. Just a gentle nudge to be a little more intentional, a little more present.

Winter in Charlotte isn’t loud. It doesn’t demand attention. It simply shows up, sun-drenched and unapologetically mild, asking you to notice the small things: the way light hits the trees that forgot to let go, the warmth on your face in January, the comfort of routines that don’t completely change just because the calendar flipped.

So yes, it’s winter. Technically.

But it’s also a walk in a t-shirt and sandals. A windows-open season. A knit-sweater-but-no-scarf season. A reminder that not every winter needs snow to be beautiful.

Some winters just need sunlight, a little silliness, and permission to be exactly what they are.

— Bri 🍎
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Winter, But Make It Charlotte

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Jan 7
Imagine not second-guessing yourself and getting things done. Staying true to your plans and ultimately showing yourself that you are in control. It’s a wild game to play, not to mention fun!

I’ve been working on doubting myself less; it gets triggered within me when I get scared. Is this you too?

I used to claim the title of perfectionist. It was my go-to strength and weakness when prompted with that question in an interview: “What would you consider your greatest strengths and weaknesses, and how do you see yourself working in this role?”

I would answer that they are one and the same. My perfectionism is a blessing and a curse. It takes me longer to do things because I question if it’s completed or if it could be better. The quality of work and the end result will be out of this world, but the process to get there can be quite the journey, depending on the task.

I see now that this title overall wasn’t worth claiming. We accomplish mastery by curiosity and viewing failures and mistakes as opportunities for growth and learning. A perfectionist avoids curiosity altogether, so they don’t risk looking lesser than.

Perfectionism is externally driven.

I never felt so attacked. I never even considered myself vain. OCD, maybe a tad, but wow! It all hit home when I realized this.

Instead of doubting and fearing myself, now I choose to push forward and experiment with all the steps I need to take. Taking more steps promotes growth, and growth encourages knowledge and confidence. Every step will play its part!

Life is a journey worth taking. It has its ups and downs. We have to practice and train every day to navigate through them. When I doubt myself, I tend to isolate or make bad choices (let’s call them distractions). This as a default is detrimental to my growth. I remember hearing the following in a podcast:

Your thoughts become your feelings.
Your feelings become your actions.
Your actions become your habits.

We must have patience. This doesn’t happen overnight. Bad habits have their own pace, but surely their time will come. I can only be excited about what this pivot is going to do for my life. I know that it’ll take me being brave over time. Brave enough to reset my mood, brave enough to push through—even if I have nothing left. Just to be brave!

So the new goal is bravery and consistency. With it, everything shall fall into place. Stick to knowing that… “It is within me, so I have to will it into existence.”

I am here for you. It does take a village.

#SelfGrowth #Perfectionism #Bravery #LifeJourney #CommunitySupport #applesaucechronicles #ittakesavillage #mindestmonday
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Working with Bravery & Shutting out Fear

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Jun 4
Wow! Could this be my new favorite color?

Of course not, that’s nonsense! It’s definitely something to put on every now and again. From the dress, to the flower to the egg – it’s so pretty.

Would this be coral, or peach? Does it matter!? This isn’t color theory nor will I reprimand you for whatever you want to call it. But do tell me, how often do you rediscover a color to realize and admire it’s beauty?

To take it a step further, isn’t this how simple life could be? To rediscover who you are, where you have been and the journey. It is all worth it! There is simplicity in the little things. We just have to remember to slow down. Have grace with yourself!

Stop and smell the roses.

#smelltheroses #pickledboiledegg #rediscover #littlethings #littlejoys #silverlinings #color #rose #applesaucechronicles #wellnesswednesday
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What a color!

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May 29
The gym this year has been a home away from home. I never thought I would be a gym go-er. I was almost positive I could physically push and challenge myself (and body) without it.

Boy was I wrong! I was already able to manage my weight and tone my physique with my cardio, diet, yoga and skating. I wanted more, and I couldn’t yet put my finger on it.

As of early fall last year, I was going twice a week. Getting started I was intimidated to say the least. I had so many questions – What to I even do? Which machine to use? How can I make this efficient? How long do I workout? Do I need a lot of weight? I soon realized how overwhelming and exhausting my questions were.

I needed help. Looking into #myvillage I reached out to a really GOOD friend of mine. He would definitely be considered a gym rat. Steven, thank you so much for being a prominent role in my life BUT ALSO at the gym. I know that with your help, I have been able to be consistent and learn basic skills to help me in the gym.

You have pushed me to go heavy, trust AND push my body and lastly to always “do three more”, even when I am tired. Your’e the best! I can’t thank you enough!

I may look small but I promise, the muscle is there. My legs are stronger than my top half, by a lot! Leg day is my favorite, and I’m sure that attributes to the skating and yoga that I often do. My legs can lift half of my body weight, my arms however, aren’t even at a quarter of my body weight.

I am now going to the gym 4x a week on top of my other cardio and yoga. I’m sure there will be changes. There is more to learn and I’m excited to push myself (mind and body).

I say all of this to say that everyone starts from somewhere. Just like yoga, learning to ride a bike – ALL OF IT! It is the consistent work that will show you results. Remember to take the small victories, have grace with yourself. Don’t let your doubts and fears muck up things. Don’t compare yourself to others, we all have our own path.

I believe in you!
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Gym journey

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May 10
This little thing and I have been around the block. She knows me better than anyone. in fact, she is the best! Even when she has a hairball on the bed. I eventually get over it.

Oh, Tails, what a pleasant gift you have been! I love your purrs and cuddles. May you forever look at me with those eyes! i love you! ❤

#kittenswithwhitemittens #tailstellstales #caturday #catmom #tuxedocat #purrpurrpurr
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My little flower 🐈‍⬛

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Apr 25
```
I wrote something short to ignite what's to come! I'm learning so much about myself these days—being intentional, finding purpose, and simply overcoming my own life challenges. I am doing the best I can, and I'm okay with that. I'm remembering to be nice to myself and give myself a break. We all deserve it! So anyway, here's the thing.
```
It’s crazy what time can do to a person.
Memories made, lessons learned.
In my memory, things I have burned.

I’ve been humbled by life.
With passing places, new faces, and even some old.
Another story about “these times” to be told.

The distractions, the nonsense, and foolery.
So big and bright, just right to lure you in.
Then painful and ripe till the very end.

It’s crazy to look at the time.
I was lost, but now I’m found.
I’ve loosened the grip from which I was bound.

Steady your mind, child, it needs to be focused.
For knowing is growing.
Have grace, my darling, keep going!
– Bri
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Almost 2 years past.

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Apr 3