Explore & Engage DFW: The Bree Way. Woman's History Month Edition.

As a newcomer to the DFW area, yeah, it's been almost 3 years this is still new. I've reached Junior Year as a Dallas resident, and I am finally decided on what I want to do with my life as it pertains to living here. Do I want to stay, or leave, is a conversation I have monthly. I've often found myself thinking, "Dallas is not for me." And before somebody says, "Move to Houston," I would just move back home before I do all that. While I enjoy trying new food and the sports scene here leads to some fun events, I can only drink but so much. I also like "doing" and not just seeing. I am a tactile person; I like touching stuff lol. So, I embarked on a mission to uncover hidden gems in Dallas that allow me to do just that. Activities that are not only fun and affordable but also perfect for getting home by 11 pm that allow me to touch stuff lol.

So, I am introducing Bree Leaves' newest series: "Explore & Engage: The Bree Way." In this series, I'll share the things I do in the city for under $100. Things that allow me to go "outside" but still allow me to do something memorable and entertaining while also providing a unique perspective on this vibrant city. I am going to highlight all the fun stuff I do behind the scenes because I really do be finding the gems.

Here are some of the places I have discovered in the month of March, extra points for them being Women Owned Businesses. It is Women's History Month; I wouldn't be Bree if I didn't find a way to include that.

Perfume/Cologne Fans- First on the list is Amir Oud fragrance house in Richardson, TX. Founded by the talented Lama Joraid, this family-run business delves into the secrets of Eastern perfumery. Lama's creative touch is evident in every fragrance and perfume collection, including my personalized scent. As you step into the store, you'll be greeted by a luxurious ambiance created by the black and gold decor. Explore a range of soaps, lotions, body washes, perfume oils, and candles, all of which can be purchased online or in-store. Lama personally greeted us and guided us to the perfume bar, where the experience of creating your own scent is truly something you have to witness for yourself. At the perfumery, you can choose from making either a perfume spray in 15ml (0.5 Fl Oz), 50ml (1.7 Fl Oz), or 100ml (3.4 FL Oz). Pricing tiers are based on the scent you choose as your middle note, but a worker at the perfumery will assist you. I personally created a 50ml scent out of four oils and paid $10 for the fancier bottle, totaling $96. The perfume bar is open daily, and reservations are not required, but recommended for weekend visits.

Next on the list is the Daisha Board Gallery, the first museum of its kind in the Design District of Dallas. Owned by Daisha Board, this gallery is a Contemporary Art Gallery representing BIPOC ARTISTS, LGBTQ+ and Artists with Disabilities locally and abroad in various mediums that include mixed media, sculpture, photography, installations, performance art and digital media. Once a month, the gallery hosts "A VIBE," an evening of music, art, and good vibes. For just $30, you can enjoy live music, two curated cocktails, and free parking in an intimate setting. I had the pleasure of meeting Daisha herself, and her dedication to her art is inspiring. Each aspect of the gallery feels authentically "ours," providing the perfect backdrop for those seeking an elevated artsy vibe without the pretentious ambiance often found in galleries. The performers were really talented and the Uncle Nearest drinks were doing their job. Please don't miss out. I really enjoyed myself, the conversations and music were refreshing.

Candle Lovers- Golden Black Candle Lounge, offers an elevated candle bar experience. Founded by Ebony Burk, this space allows you to not only purchase hand-poured candles but also create your own. The open concept of the lounge includes a mini retail store where you can shop from other black-owned businesses in the area. I particularly love Golden Black because, depending on when you go, you might just run into me at work (I work for fun as much as I travel, so don't ever question who paid for my trips—I did). Classes are reservation-only and can be done so online all the way up until 2 hours before a class is set to start. Classes are offered 2 ways:

• The Classic Experience ($65 -75 per person—depending on if you come on a Weekday or Weekend), comes with a complimentary cocktail and in an hour and a half you are able to hand-pour your own candles with your curated scent to make 2 candles.

• The Elevated Experience offers the same candle-making experience but comes with an additional complimentary cocktail and a charcuterie board for $74 - 82 per person depending on weekday or weekend booking.
  

Candles take 1 hour to cool and set firmly, but attendees are more than welcome to hang in the lounge area or come back when business is open to collect your candle. For $8 your candle can be shipped to you, this is perfect for customers from out of town who don't necessarily want to fly back with their candle.

Also "hint hint" you can book a 4pm class come make your candle, go to dinner at 6 while your candle cools and then come back at 7:30 to collect your candle. Now you had a successful date and you're in the house by 9 pm.

So, if you're looking to go beyond the usual and experience Dallas in a whole new light, these activities are sure to provide a memorable and enriching experience. Don't say I didn't try to put you on.