On this episode we sit down with Raeann Langas a lifestyle and fashion blogger, graphic designer, curve model and body activist. She has been featured in Shape magazine, 303 magazine, Elle Spain and worked with brands like Old Navy, H&M and Good American.
On this episode we talk about embracing your curves, straight model vs. curvy, how social media can help your career, and the truth about the modeling industry.
Connect with Raeann on Instagram or on her blog.
Listen to Raeann's Episode here.
On this episode we talk about embracing your curves, straight model vs. curvy, how social media can help your career, and the truth about the modeling industry.
Connect with Raeann on Instagram or on her blog.
Listen to Raeann's Episode here.
Happy Monday friends! How was your weekend? We had a great one. My parents were in town and we spent it in Breckenridge. We skied, did puzzles, watched a lot of NCAA basketball and enjoyed some great family time. It was a wonderful weekend.
I'm so excited to share this post with you today. Last week on This Girl Life Podcast, Whitney and I interviewed Janelle Nelson, a LMFT and EMDR specialist. She is amazing. If you haven't listened to the episode yet, you can do so here.
Because this topic is so incredible, we wanted to offer you a little more details. Below is a little interview we had with Janelle. Make sure to show Janelle some love, follow her on Instagram and maybe even book a session!
Without further ado.
TGL: Hey Janelle thanks for coming on The Everyday Grace and sharing about EMDR. First tell us little bit about you, your practice.
J: Thanks for having me! I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist trained in specific type of therapy called EMDR and have a private practice in Carlsbad, CA (North County San Diego). I’m also a mom, artist, nature lover and health/wellness geek :)
TGL: Let’s start off with the basics: What is EMDR?
J: EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing and is now the most proven form of trauma therapy that’s available. It works incredibly fast and can be used to treat a wide range of trauma - from incredibly severe to very mild.
TGL: Can your quickly breakdown an EMDR session?
J: First I work with my clients to find the most effective memory to target (called a touchstone memory). After identifying this memory I will go through a list of questions with my client to help my client really get in touch with the memory. For example; I would ask them to identify what image represents the worst part of the incident. Also, what negative belief are they believing because of the incident, what feelings do they have around the incident, and have them rate the trauma.
After all these questions (and more) are answered and the client is in touch with the incident then the actual processing can start. The processing phase is where the client gets in touch with the memory and then with their eyes follows a lightbar (tool I have in my office - go to my instagram @jncounseling to see an actual video of this) to allow the brain to ‘digest’ the trauma. The bi-lateral movement from the eyes allows the brain to move and reprocess the memory using both hemispheres of the brain. I will pause and check in with the client throughout the process to see if there distress levels have shifted. When they get to the point where nothing about the incident bothers them (yes- this happens every time!) then we can move to the installation and body scan phases. This is where they are able to pair the positive belief with the incident and they start to feel really good!
At the end of the sessions my clients are usually tired, but incredibly light and relieved or they literally skip out of my office! Ha! I once had a teenage client ask me, “Do you feel like a magician? From like, Harry Potter or something?! That was crazy!”
TGL: You’ve been using EMDR in your practice for over 7 years. Why is it such a powerful tool in the world of healthcare.
J: Because it goes deep and works so so quickly! Trauma literally gets “stuck” in the brain and gets paired with a negative belief about ourselves. We might do a lot of talk therapy and in our minds know “I am good enough,” but in our hearts we don’t FEEL that way. EMDR helps make our head knowledge actual heart knowledge… and that’s what makes it so powerful.
TGL: I only thought it was for PTSD.... but is it just for that or who else could EMDR help?
J: It can benefit literally anyone. I have never met a person who hasn’t experienced some form of trauma (shame or pain). I have worked with many of our Military who have PTSD and the results are incredible for them, but anyone can benefit. Some common things I see (unfortunately) is a lot of sexual abuse, bullying, and attachment trauma (ex: alcoholic/workaholic parent). Other things I have used it for are fear of flying, cancer or illness recovery, and death of a loved one. It has endless uses.
TGL: What are some myths you’ve heard when people talk about EMDR?
J: That it’s some form of hypnosis- It’s definitely not! You are completely conscious the during the processing. Nothing scary I promise :)
TGL: If a person is interested in trying a session where should they start? What should they look for when trying to find a practitioner like yourself.
J: Personal referrals are always the first best resource, but if you don’t have one I would do a search on Psychology Today.
TGL: Where can our listens/ readers find you!
Website: jncounseling.com
Social: Instagram / Facebook
Email: jntherapy@gmail.com
I'm so excited to share this post with you today. Last week on This Girl Life Podcast, Whitney and I interviewed Janelle Nelson, a LMFT and EMDR specialist. She is amazing. If you haven't listened to the episode yet, you can do so here.
Because this topic is so incredible, we wanted to offer you a little more details. Below is a little interview we had with Janelle. Make sure to show Janelle some love, follow her on Instagram and maybe even book a session!
Without further ado.
TGL: Hey Janelle thanks for coming on The Everyday Grace and sharing about EMDR. First tell us little bit about you, your practice.
J: Thanks for having me! I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist trained in specific type of therapy called EMDR and have a private practice in Carlsbad, CA (North County San Diego). I’m also a mom, artist, nature lover and health/wellness geek :)
TGL: Let’s start off with the basics: What is EMDR?
J: EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing and is now the most proven form of trauma therapy that’s available. It works incredibly fast and can be used to treat a wide range of trauma - from incredibly severe to very mild.
TGL: Can your quickly breakdown an EMDR session?
J: First I work with my clients to find the most effective memory to target (called a touchstone memory). After identifying this memory I will go through a list of questions with my client to help my client really get in touch with the memory. For example; I would ask them to identify what image represents the worst part of the incident. Also, what negative belief are they believing because of the incident, what feelings do they have around the incident, and have them rate the trauma.
After all these questions (and more) are answered and the client is in touch with the incident then the actual processing can start. The processing phase is where the client gets in touch with the memory and then with their eyes follows a lightbar (tool I have in my office - go to my instagram @jncounseling to see an actual video of this) to allow the brain to ‘digest’ the trauma. The bi-lateral movement from the eyes allows the brain to move and reprocess the memory using both hemispheres of the brain. I will pause and check in with the client throughout the process to see if there distress levels have shifted. When they get to the point where nothing about the incident bothers them (yes- this happens every time!) then we can move to the installation and body scan phases. This is where they are able to pair the positive belief with the incident and they start to feel really good!
At the end of the sessions my clients are usually tired, but incredibly light and relieved or they literally skip out of my office! Ha! I once had a teenage client ask me, “Do you feel like a magician? From like, Harry Potter or something?! That was crazy!”
TGL: You’ve been using EMDR in your practice for over 7 years. Why is it such a powerful tool in the world of healthcare.
J: Because it goes deep and works so so quickly! Trauma literally gets “stuck” in the brain and gets paired with a negative belief about ourselves. We might do a lot of talk therapy and in our minds know “I am good enough,” but in our hearts we don’t FEEL that way. EMDR helps make our head knowledge actual heart knowledge… and that’s what makes it so powerful.
TGL: I only thought it was for PTSD.... but is it just for that or who else could EMDR help?
J: It can benefit literally anyone. I have never met a person who hasn’t experienced some form of trauma (shame or pain). I have worked with many of our Military who have PTSD and the results are incredible for them, but anyone can benefit. Some common things I see (unfortunately) is a lot of sexual abuse, bullying, and attachment trauma (ex: alcoholic/workaholic parent). Other things I have used it for are fear of flying, cancer or illness recovery, and death of a loved one. It has endless uses.
TGL: What are some myths you’ve heard when people talk about EMDR?
J: That it’s some form of hypnosis- It’s definitely not! You are completely conscious the during the processing. Nothing scary I promise :)
TGL: If a person is interested in trying a session where should they start? What should they look for when trying to find a practitioner like yourself.
J: Personal referrals are always the first best resource, but if you don’t have one I would do a search on Psychology Today.
TGL: Where can our listens/ readers find you!
Website: jncounseling.com
Social: Instagram / Facebook
Email: jntherapy@gmail.com
Let's talk breastfeeding. It's such a natural thing yet seemingly taboo to talk about. Before I had Quinn I was embarrassed to even think about breastfeeding. I have watched my friends and sisters-in-law do it, but it was very daunting for me. I assumed it would be hard, uncomfortable and I was so nervous about the entire thing. I just imagined sitting on my couch naked (why I thought I had to be naked to breastfeed is beyond, but I did!) trying to fed this sweet baby while she screamed and I cried. That was absolutely how I pictured breastfeeding.
One thing I knew before Quinn, I was going to try my very best to breastfeed and do whatever it took. (Even if it meant breastfeeding naked). And if that didn't work, I'd feed her any way I could.
There are a lot of thoughts and preconceived ideas that go into breastfeeding. It hurts. Would I produce enough milk? Would she be allergic to my milk? Would I get mastitis? Would I ever leave my house? Would I nurse her in public? I was so nervous about feeding her in public, in front of people. Remember, I thought I was going to be naked while breastfeeding, hence the fear in public nursing.
One thing I knew before Quinn, I was going to try my very best to breastfeed and do whatever it took. (Even if it meant breastfeeding naked). And if that didn't work, I'd feed her any way I could.
There are a lot of thoughts and preconceived ideas that go into breastfeeding. It hurts. Would I produce enough milk? Would she be allergic to my milk? Would I get mastitis? Would I ever leave my house? Would I nurse her in public? I was so nervous about feeding her in public, in front of people. Remember, I thought I was going to be naked while breastfeeding, hence the fear in public nursing.
But then Quinn was here and suddenly my anxiety about breastfeeding and the embarrassment that I thought would come with it, faded away. My priority -- getting this little babe to latch and getting her fed. And, in all honesty, when she did latch, it was the most amazing feeling of pride I’ve ever felt and all most of those nerves melted away.
In the spirit of total transparency, nursing came easily for me. Yes, I had the growing pains (literally) in the first week and don’t get me wrong, the feeling of engorgement hurts so bad, but my baby latched.
The feeling that was surprising to me was the feeling of having a baby depend on you whenever for her only source of nourishment. It was a lot more pressure than I assumed. But I also worked hard at this process. And, I had a lot of help.
Remember mamas, we don't have to do this alone. That is my first tip - don't do this alone. Ask for help. Ask mamas who nurse, ask mamas who bottle feed, ask any mama. We're all in this together.
The feeling that was surprising to me was the feeling of having a baby depend on you whenever for her only source of nourishment. It was a lot more pressure than I assumed. But I also worked hard at this process. And, I had a lot of help.
Remember mamas, we don't have to do this alone. That is my first tip - don't do this alone. Ask for help. Ask mamas who nurse, ask mamas who bottle feed, ask any mama. We're all in this together.
I am super lucky because I have a lot of mamas in my life who helped me through the transition. I'm the first to admit that I didn't know much going into motherhood, but I ask a lot of questions. I'm not trying to reinvent the wheel here.
I figured I couldn't be the only one who had a ton of questions about breastfeeding. I've gathered a lot of amazing tips (& come up with some on my own) and hopefully it'll ease ya in to breastfeeding.
NEWBORN TIPS:
- Breastfeed asap. As soon as you can, try and get that baby on your boob.
- It shouldn't hurt. Yes, it's going to feel weird and different, but if your baby has a great latch, it shouldn't be painful. If it does, ask for help.
- Ask for help. Let your nurses help. Meet with the breastfeeding consultant. Don't leave the hospital until you've been taught 10 ways to nurse. Have the consultant teach your husband. You will forget and he will be there to remind you of the football hold in 3 days.
- Latching is hard. I'm not even going to try to give latching tips because thats hard, but my consultant said you should see the babys jaw moving by her ear (think when you chew) and then you know her mouth was open enough to nurse well.
- You will get engorged. When I was super engorged on day 5, my sister in law told me to get cabbage leaves and to pump. A lot of people tell you not to pump for a while, I started at day 5.
- Keep your nipples moisturized. There is no pain like that first week of breastfeeding. Think chapped lips but worst. I LOVE this nipple cream. But if all else fails, use Aquaphor. Take a hot shower or use a hot towel.
- Your boobs will leak. Use breast pads.
- Try every position possible. For us, the football position worked on the right side and the normal hold worked for the left. These changed daily!
- Tons of water! When you think you drank enough, drink more.
UPPING MILK SUPPLY TIPS: Milk supply was one of my biggest fears, so I did what any rational mom would do, google everything. Honestly, I have no idea if any of these things actually help, but hey, I have milk and I did these things, so why not.
- I pumped after all my feedings (for the first few weeks).
- I made lactation cookies and balls. They are delicious.
- I eat oatmeal every AM for breakfast. Oatmeal has iron in it which also is a must for breastfeeding mothers and helps promote milk supply.
- I took these capsules!
- I drank this tea.
- I chug a ton of water, way more water than you think is necessary. My advice, get a Yeti and drink one per-feeding and then more in between.
- I love these cookies too.
PUMPING TIPS:
- Pumps are free through insurance! Get yours here.
- If you're feeling engorged, pump a little. When my boobs hurt so bad, pumping for a minute helped so much. And it helps bring your milk in.
- Test out different sizes of pumping shields. I had no idea this was a thing until my best friend told me to use a larger size. Boom - 1oz to 4 oz
Freaking out about work trips because she only drinks breast milk is daunting for sure. And the feeling of your boobs leaking at the sound of a crying baby is embarrassing and crazy all at the same time. But there is something so amazing about nursing your little babe.
My time spent nursing Quinn are some of my most favorite and most intimate moments with her. I used to look at moms who had to leave a dinner to nurse or feed their baby with pity. And then I became that mom and now I crave hose moments where it was just Quinn and me.
I know she won’t need me forever. I know sooner than later these sweet slow moments of nursing her will be a distant memory and this blog will be my only reminder. So for now I’m embracing my time to slow down with Quinn, soak up these sweet snuggles and extra time and remind myself that this all goes so quick.
So whether you breastfeed your baby, formula feed or chew up food and spit in her their mouth like a bird, good for you mamas. We're feeding our babies and that is the most important. #fedisbetter
And mamas, give yourself some grace if this process is taking a little bit to get used too. We're all just trying to be the best mamas we can.
Do you have any breastfeeding tips that you loved? Share them in the comments!
And mamas, give yourself some grace if this process is taking a little bit to get used too. We're all just trying to be the best mamas we can.
Do you have any breastfeeding tips that you loved? Share them in the comments!
On this episode we chat with personal stylist and author of the Confident Closet, Melanie Kluger. On this episode, we discuss finding your own personal style, tips for purging your closet, the capsule closet hype and yes Marie Kondo.
On this episode Kristen and Whitney talk about the loss of celebrity crushes. We share 3 intentions of This Girl Life and what you can always expect from your two virtual BFFS.
1. TGL is a place a great friendship. We wanted to help create a place that feels having happy hour with your best friends, a kick ass community of friends, fun, encouraging & full of good convos and of course some wine.
2. Relevant guests and great topics. We are bringing on women who you want to be friends with because they are so positive and vibe at a high frequency. Plus, they are brilliant in their fields. They'll share the best tips and tricks leaving you with all the knowledge you need.
3. A great place to find positivity. We want to be two woman in your life, a place you can go where you can focus on the good things. Those simple little joys in life and the things that make you happy.
On this episode we sit down with Erin of Wink and a Twirl. Erin is a wife, teacher, blogger and influencer who has recently shared about her infertility and IVF journey.
On this episode we talk about blogging, the ins and out of infertility, the do’s and don’ts of talking to people dealing with infertility, and the best piece of advice you’ve ever received from your best friend.
Listen to Erin's episode here.
xx Whitney, Erin & Kristen
On this episode we sit down with Abby Tooker. Abby is the founder and CEO of Soul Honey Clothing. A clothing brand focused on strong messages and positivity. We talk about the journey to starting a business using social media to propel your business, being young and a woman in the world of business, and the best piece of advice you’ve ever received from your best friend.
Connect with Soulhoneyclothing
Listen to Abby's episode here.
Connect with Abby Tooker
This episode is brought to you by @fleurishletters hand lettering - custom modern calligraphy - watercolor.
Listen to Abby's episode here.
xx Whitney, Abby & Kristen
A lot of people ask me why I started a podcast. How the heck would I have time to add one more thing to my life. Trust me, I got everything. I got the eye roll, the silence, the encouragement, the support, the suggestions & everything else.
About 6 months ago, right about the time Quinn was born, I was at a point in my life where I knew I wanted to do something. I wanted an outlet to talk about this new season of life I was in. I wanted something that made me jump out of bed in the morning excited. I wanted a challenge, something to embrace because I hoped to gain something from it.
Yes, I love my family, my work and my blog, and honestly, this isn't about any of those. I was looking for something else, something to challenge me, something different. I want Quinn to grow up one day and see that her mama did something to better herself. I want Quinn to see that not only did I work really hard, but I had fun doing it. I want her to be proud of me and I really hope she is.
One day, my best friends and I were in a group text chatting about things when a podcast came up. We were joking because I had someone comment on my insta-stories saying I had a voice for radio. Ha, I was laughing because it was on insta-stories and isn't the joke about radio that you don't have to be pretty? It was funny, but it also got me thinking! Maybe I should start a podcast, maybe this could be my new outlet.
Whitney and I started talking about it and we both realized we wanted to do this and so ya know what? We did. 6 months of planning and we are here. We did it! We started a podcast. I'm calling it my passion project, because that's exactly what it is. It's something that lights a little fire in me. I love chatting with our guests, planning content, and finding great guests! The whole process is so much work, but it is so rewarding.
This Girl Life Podcast is hosted by me (obvs) and my best friend Whitney Kleiner. We're best friends who understand the power of great friendships, good conversations and the realness of creating your best life.
About 6 months ago, right about the time Quinn was born, I was at a point in my life where I knew I wanted to do something. I wanted an outlet to talk about this new season of life I was in. I wanted something that made me jump out of bed in the morning excited. I wanted a challenge, something to embrace because I hoped to gain something from it.
Yes, I love my family, my work and my blog, and honestly, this isn't about any of those. I was looking for something else, something to challenge me, something different. I want Quinn to grow up one day and see that her mama did something to better herself. I want Quinn to see that not only did I work really hard, but I had fun doing it. I want her to be proud of me and I really hope she is.
One day, my best friends and I were in a group text chatting about things when a podcast came up. We were joking because I had someone comment on my insta-stories saying I had a voice for radio. Ha, I was laughing because it was on insta-stories and isn't the joke about radio that you don't have to be pretty? It was funny, but it also got me thinking! Maybe I should start a podcast, maybe this could be my new outlet.
Whitney and I started talking about it and we both realized we wanted to do this and so ya know what? We did. 6 months of planning and we are here. We did it! We started a podcast. I'm calling it my passion project, because that's exactly what it is. It's something that lights a little fire in me. I love chatting with our guests, planning content, and finding great guests! The whole process is so much work, but it is so rewarding.
This Girl Life Podcast is hosted by me (obvs) and my best friend Whitney Kleiner. We're best friends who understand the power of great friendships, good conversations and the realness of creating your best life.
Each week you can find us having real, raw and unfiltered conversations you would want to have with you best friend. It's everything you need to master this girl life.
You can listen to us on iTunes, Soundcloud and Spotify! Check out our website. And, make sure to follow us on all our social media channels!
You can listen to us on iTunes, Soundcloud and Spotify! Check out our website. And, make sure to follow us on all our social media channels!
Guys, we have some AMAZING guests coming your way. I wish I could spoiler alert you, but I want you to stay tuned. You're going to be obsessed with our next few guests.
Also, you can find everything TGL here on the TGL Tab. All our episodes, details, ect. Head to iTunes and SUBSCRIBE! Do ya girl a huge favor! I'll love ya forever.
Worrying about milk supply was something I thought about for the first three months of Quinnies life. I was so consumed with whether or not she was getting enough milk and I did pretty much anything I could do to try and produce more milk.
My gf Whitney gave me this recipe for lactation cookies and not only are they supposed to help milk supply, they are delicious! The perk/negative side affect of breastfeeding, you're always hungry. So instead of reaching for other random cookies, I always have lactation cookies on hand. I get to enjoy dessert and up my milk supply! Win. Win.
These cookies made a ton, so if you can't eat them in a week, freeze half! But, don't feel bashful if you eat the entire batch in one week. I did. Looking for more breastfeeding tips? Check out my entire post here!
My gf Whitney gave me this recipe for lactation cookies and not only are they supposed to help milk supply, they are delicious! The perk/negative side affect of breastfeeding, you're always hungry. So instead of reaching for other random cookies, I always have lactation cookies on hand. I get to enjoy dessert and up my milk supply! Win. Win.
These cookies made a ton, so if you can't eat them in a week, freeze half! But, don't feel bashful if you eat the entire batch in one week. I did. Looking for more breastfeeding tips? Check out my entire post here!
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