Clearly Off Topic

Brain Fog 

Define: What is Brain Fog? Brain Fog is a lay term to describe fluctuating mild memory loss that is inappropriate for a person’s age. It may include forgetfulness, spaciness, confusion, decreased ability to pay attention, an inability to focus, and difficulty in processing information. 

So basically our life...?

Reasons: 

https://draxe.com/health/brain-fog/

Not getting enough sleep

Diet- Sugar, alcohol, refined carbs, too much caffeine

KETO DIET-Brain fog can also be a temporary byproduct of the keto diet, as your body transitions into ketosis, but this usually lifts after a few days

PDF life:https://www.sjogrens.org/files/brochures/brain_fog.pdf

What is Brain Fog? Brain Fog is a lay term to describe fluctuating mild memory loss that is inappropriate for a person’s age. It may include forgetfulness, spaciness, confusion, decreased ability to pay attention, an inability to focus, and difficulty in processing information. 

So basically our life

Additional actions: 

•  Rejuvenate with sufficient sleep. If after 8-9 hours of sleep you are still tired, tell your doctor. 

•  Minimize stress and anxiety: 

•  Set realistic expectations

•  Plan ahead 

•  Take breaks throughout the day 

•  Learn relaxation exercises and practice them at regular intervals 

•  Balance work and leisure 

•  Let yourself laugh 

•  Talk about feelings 

•  Limit multi-tasking and focus on one task at a time 

•  Reduce caffeine and alcohol.  

•  Exercise regularly. Adequate physical exercise enhances cognition/memory. •  Train the Brain! “If you don’t use it, you will lose it.” 

Web MD

https://www.webmd.com/brain/ss/slideshow-brain-fog

Healthline:https://www.healthline.com/health/brain-fog

 Juliet loves to upcycle trash- well treasures- that she finds all over Santa Monica. Her newest find was a pair of shoes in the middle of the street? How does this even happen? Lindsay is suspect.

Fast Fashion is becoming something that we are increasingly worried about. Clothing that is created to have its wearer fit a specific niche and then being worn once or twice and tossed away to our landfills. Has Instagram culture done this to us? Are you worried about this too? Consumerism is a sickness. Juliet says ITS AN EPIDEMIC—to be determined.

Today our Guest is Deborah Lindquist and we deem her the queen of upcycling.  She is the most sought out Eco-Designer in Hollywood. She creates apparel and accessories all from upcycled and sustainable fabrics. She has created red carpet looks for Rhianna, Pink, Sharon Stone, Jessica Alba and of course Juliet. She has also done costumes for The Pussycat Dolls. That’s right! Welcome Deborah to the show!

Always a seamstress, Deborah started sewing on a treadle machine at the age of 5! Always looking up to her grandmother for inspiration, she learned from the best. Just don’t ask her to make you socks! Deborah attended Parsons and studied fashion design.  She started her own line in 1983. Growing up on a 3rd generation farm, she was always interested in eco styles. Realizing that everything comers back to the earth.  Going through her attic she found old Victorian fashion and was always inspired by the hand stitching and custom design work. It was here that he love for upcycling began. 

What is fast fashion: From 4 seasons to 52 seasons the fashion industry is changing. Cheaply made clothing is taking over the racks upon racks in your local shopping mall. Not to mention how bad their workers are being paid and the crazy conditions that they are forced to work in. Clothing is big part of waste in America. Is the cost of your product too good to be true? Think about the ripple effect.

We buy feelings- Tony Robbins. 

Where do these feelings come from? Are we really feeling based consumers? Does Instagram create these feelings and drive sales? How many feelings am I being sold per day? Even better yet, per Instagram post?

Thread for thought: How can you adjust your buying habits to make them more eco friendly? Let us know your ideas on our Instagram!

Blue River Documentary: http://riverbluethemovie.eco/

Deborah Lindquist: https://www.deborahlindquist.com/

Dresscember: https://www.dressember.org/

Today we update you on Juliet's roomba!

Listen with ears of tolerance

See through eyes of compassion

Speak in the language of love

-Rumi

Love language test

https://m2mbatesville.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/lovelanguagetest.pdf

The languages of love

Have you heard the term “love languages?” The book that sparked the new way of thinking about love, The Five Love Languages by Dr. Gary Chapman, was written in 1995 but has become more and more popular recently.

What exactly are they and what do they mean?

The Love languages describe the way we feel loved and appreciated. Depending on our individual personality types, we may feel loved differently than how our partners do. 

Understanding and decoding the love languages will help take the guesswork out of your partner’s expectations and needs. According to Dr. Chapman, there are five love languages: Words of Affirmation, Acts of Service, Receiving Gifts, Quality Time, and Physical Touch.

This love language expresses love with words that build up your partner. Verbal compliments don’t have to be complicated; the shortest and simplest words of affirmation can be the most effective.

“That dress looks incredible on you!”  “You always make me laugh.”  “I love your hair today.”

Words mean a lot to a person with this love language. Compliments and an “I love you” can go a long way. On the other side, negative or insulting comments can hurt this person and take longer to forgive than others.

2: Acts of Service

Your partner might have this love language if their motto is “Actions speak louder than words.”

This love language expresses itself by doing things that you know your spouse would like. Cooking a meal, doing the laundry, and picking up a prescription are all acts of service. They require some thought, time, and effort.

All of these things must be done with positivity and with your partner’s ultimate happiness in mind to be considered an expression of love. Actions out of obligation and with a negative tone are something else entirely.

3: Receiving Gifts

No, this love language isn’t necessarily materialistic. It just means that a meaningful or thoughtful gift makes them feel appreciated and loved. Something as simple as picking up a pint of their favorite ice cream after a long work week can make an impact on this love language.

This is different than Acts of Service – those are purely helpful and taking work off of your partner’s plate.

4: Quality Time

This love language is all about undivided attention. No televisions, no smartphones, or any other distractions. They think talk is cheap and the type of action they want is to be your main focus.

This doesn’t mean that you don’t curl up on the couch to watch Netflix or HBO; it just means that you need to make sure to dedicate time together without all of the distractions. That will help them feel comforted in the relationship.

Every time you cancel a date, postpone time together or aren’t present during your time together, it can be hurtful to your partner.

5: Physical Touch

To this love language, nothing is more impactful than the physical touch of their partner. They aren’t necessarily into over-the-top PDA, but they do feel more connected and safe in a relationship by holding hands, kissing, hugging, etc.

If physical touch is a person’s primary love language without it they will feel unloved. All of the words and gifts in the world won’t change that.

  Thank you to Audible for sponsoring this episode! Please click the link to get your free trial and audiobook today! https://www.audibletrial.com/clearlyofftopic

Classic Juliet tells a hilarious story about a wedding she attended and her less than graceful arrival and attempt at the worm! Seriously give it a listen its hilarious!

Well needless to say our guest today is much more graceful when removing articles of clothing or slightly showing some skin. Cat Lacohie is a multi talented burlesque performer. World renowned. She specializes in Aerial Hoop, Fire eating, Glass walking and of course… MAGIC! Welcome to the show Cat Lacohie aka Vixen Deville!

Cat always wanted to perform. She went to college for Performing Arts in London receiving a BA in Theater Arts. Cat was always super into the world of Burlesque but never saw herself as a Burlesque performer. She didn’t start burlesque due to some societal norms. She didn’t think anyone wanted to see her with no clothes on! Something we all go through.  Battling a pull inside herself to be on that stage, she finally went to an audition. She knew how to keep the attention of the audience, she wanted this to be about her having the power instead of just dancing around for the audience and being their court jester. She learned about calling out her flaws she was able to take the power back! 

Cat’s burlesque name is Vixen Deville! 

Vixen’s show has been developing her act for years now! She has regularly updated and tried new things. The idea was always for her show to be something else other than just a variety show or just a burlesque. She wanted her show to be different. With Vixen, anything is possible! You know like the movie Splash… when he is with the mermaid he can breathe underwater! If I can do it, you can was what she wanted to portray in her performances. 

Something to take away from this part of the conversation is that you can do anything you set your mind to. DO THE THING! Try and try again, who cares if you fail.

Hey friends, if you eat fire…. Please be careful! And make sure to not breathe in! 

Liquid encouragement is something that we rely on sometimes. We look at alcohol as an excuse. Juliet’s worm was excusable because she was drunk. Why do we do this? Why are we ok with doing something if we have some sort of encouragement.  Give yourself the excuse instead of using alcohol as one. For Cat, being on stage is what she wants so encouragement comes from within. Being on stage gives her that permission. She wanted to wear those thigh high boots and those little mini skirts and garters, but didn’t have anywhere to wear it that she felt comfortable. The stage is that permission and comfort for her! 

Vixen Deville, who is she? Vixen is the same person as Cat. But it didn’t start that way. Vixen was a character she played. Now in her show she starts as Vixen, but she gradually reveals herself as Cat. As her show has morphed her character has morphed. Vixen didn’t have any worries at all when Cat was on stage. What Vixen is today has morphed over the years. Vixen has transformed as Cat has grown. And its so beautiful.

Vixen says “Reality is Offensive” Vixen is honest and unfiltered and that is what Vixen has taught Cat over the years.

Mention: Dollface Dames: Burlesque in Los Angeles: http://www.thedollfacedames.com/

Vixen Deville’s Website: https://www.vixendeville.com/

Cat/ Vixen’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vixencatvixen/

Vixen’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/burlesquevixen/

Today we are joined by Julia Jacobson of Aster Farms! Aster Farms is an outdoor cannabis farm located in Lake County California. Their focus is to be 0 parts per billion on any chemical or pesticides! Pretty cool, right?

Julia is a Chicago original and actually started her career in fashion retail as a buyer for Bloomingdales. Realizing that she had the entrepreneurial spirit, she left Bloomingdales to begin a Tech Start-up. That company wore her out and it was finally acquired in 2016. Now Julia was free to do whatever she wanted and she turned to soil. After hours and hours of searching and learning she decided that Cannabis was what she would do now. And just like that, Aster Farms was born. 

Julia and her business partner and husband, Sam, focus on giving back what they take from the earth. Using no chemicals or pesticides, they believe that the best and only way to farm cannabis is the sustainable way. 

The Mendocino Complex Fire erupted right around the corner from Aster Farms just about a year ago. During this fire Aster Farms was evacuated and lost a heavy majority of their crop. During this crisis they felt an outreach of love and support from their local community. Because of that support, they are back up and running today. As a gift to their local community they are giving back to local firefighters with their harvest called Harry's Harvest in honor of a farm cat that they were not able to find after the fire was put out. 

Listen in! This is one of our favorite episodes to date!

Make sure to visit Aster Farms to see where their cannabis is sold near you!

https://www.asterfarms.com/

Sponsor: As always we are caffeinated by Red Bear Roastery! Visit https://www.redbearroastery.com/ to awaken your inner bear! Use code OFF TOPIC to save $$$

Episode 18: Inner Critic

Lindsay’s story- Lindsay had a minor meltdown about not doing enough. Where did this come from? She does so much? Well seems like her inner critic got the best of her! 

What does your inner critic tell you? Inner critic can come off in so many ways. It can be about not taking enough action, it can be the little voice telling you that you are not good enough. Well guess what? You are good enough and you dont deserve this little jerk telling you that you are not enough. 

The 1 in 100 - If there are 100 people in a room who love and support you, and one person who doesnt love and support you, Where does your attention go? To that ONE person, right? Same girl! 

Juliet calls her inner critic, her inner jerk-- and we love that here!

Psychology Today helps us!: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/articles/201903/silencing-your-inner-critic

When we start to pay attention, we notice how quickly the critic jumps in.

“There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.” ~William Shakespeare

Once you hear your inner critic, it takes major work to silence it. You have to take away its power and regain your own.

Step 1: Try to identify what your critical inner voice is telling you. Acknowledge that this thought process is separate from your real point of view. Remember that your critical inner voice is not a reflection of reality. It is a viewpoint you adopted based on destructive early life experiences and attitudes directed toward you that you've internalized as your own point of view.

Step 2: One way to help you differentiate 

from your critical inner voice is to write these thoughts down in the second person (as "you" statements). For example, a thought like "I can't get anything right. I'll never be successful" should be written as "You can't get anything right. You'll never be successful." This will help you see these thoughts as an alien point of view and not as true statements. Notice how hostile this internal enemy can be.

Step 3: You can respond to your inner critic by writing down a more realistic and compassionate evaluation of yourself. Write these responses in the first person (as "I" statements). In response to a thought like, "You're such an idiot," you could write, "I may struggle at times, but I am smart and competent in many ways." This exercise isn't meant to build you up or boost your ego but to show a kinder, more honest attitude toward yourself.

Step 4: Remember not to act on the directives of your inner critic. Take actions that represent your own point of view, who you want to be and what you aim to achieve. Your critical inner voice may get louder, telling you to stay in line or not to take chances. However, by identifying, separating from, and acting against this destructive thought process, you will grow stronger, while your inner critic grows weaker.

When the inner critic starts pounding away, know that your inner nurturer is a refuge and an ally.

Try regarding your inner critic as something that lacks credibility — imagine it as a ridiculous character, like a silly cartoon villain.

Argue against your inner critic, and truly intend to win.

Recognize your own good qualities, and label them in your mind with phrases such as “trying hard”; “admitting a mistake”; or “enduring when things are tough.”

SPONSOR: Red Bear Roastery: Wildly Fresh Coffee Beans! Visit: https://www.redbearroastery.com/  Use our code: OFFTOPIC for 10% off!

  Summer Travel:

Summer is coming! Its spring… but in Los Angeles its basically already summer. Its hot and we love it

Traveling is our favorite thing to do! Doesn’t matter where we go, we just want to do it.

But what are the best tips and tricks that we use to calm us before a flight or make sure we can pack absolutely every outfit that we desire to bring. Let’s start with flights!

Flying:

Flying during the middle of the week will more than likely cheaper and easier!

DON’T fly on holidays

What about one way tickets? Check on two one way flights!

Juliet hates Southwest

-  “Sorry not sorry I want to pick my seat”

Planes are the emptiest on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and SATURDAYS!

What about Upgrades?

- Well we found that basically don’t exist anymore because of membership cards and what not L

Packing:

Who here is a great packer? Do you fold or roll your clothes?

What does Lindsay Use?

1.  PACKING CUBES!

Where can I buy them: https://www.amazon.com/Shacke-Pak-Medium-Packing-Organizers/dp/B01B2JUS4K/ref=sr_1_10?crid=19305HYPJVG0R&keywords=amazon+packing+cubes+for+travel&qid=1560271905&s=gateway&sprefix=amazon+packing+cubes%2Caps%2C175&sr=8-10

These are great! You can section out your stuff so its all easy to find!

2. Try to bring a Carry-on- This can be challenging on long trips! Lindsay swears by those packing cubes to properly organize!

Carry on anything too big to get into your bag- example: those giant coats you have to bring when traveling? Now they are your plane blanket! Also those boots you’re packing- those are also your plane shoes J

3.  Weird packing tips:

a. Shoes can go into shower caps or plastic bags

b. Store things in your shoes? Lindsay puts perfume bottles or even an aerosol cans!

c. Bringing a hat? Use that Tetris space!

d. Traveling with toiletries? Open up anything liquid or oil based and put a plastic bag in between the lid and the actual product

e. NECKLACES: Use straws!

f. Pack light- meaning use your outfits can all be mis-matched and moved around. Make one pair of jeans work for casual daytime and a night time outfit!

g. BRING YOUR OWN PILLOWCASE/PILLOW

4. Prior to travel do these things:

a. HYDRATE HYDRATE HYDRATE

b. Facemasks? Do them before you leave instead of bringing them with you- save that space girl!

Scared of Flying?

We talk about Juliet’s traumatic flying experience and why she not HATES flying.

Do planes just fall out of the sky? NO

- simple answer is no, planes don’t just fall out of the sky because of turbulence. They just don’t. You are hitting wind currents people! Lindsay thinks about the bumps on a plane like bumps in the road. They are going to happen so just don’t worry too much about them.

Warning: If you are scared of flying don’t listen to Min 28-30 because air pockets are scary…

Calm yourself for a flight:

1. Listen to relaxing music

a. Juliet loves listening to this album by Beck: https://open.spotify.com/album/2Qx7dgA5VjX8JDQaXVxzHu

2. Herbal Relaxation: Gava Gava is what Juliet loves! 

3. Essential Oils- Thanks to Melina Charis’ Blog!

a. All the lavender oil

4. Hoodies: be comfy! 

Sponsor:Use Code OFFTOPIC at www.redbearroastery.com

How hard is it to always assume that someone had positive intentions? 

Answer: ITS REALLY HARD!

Today we explore what Positive Intent is, how to apply it to your daily life, and we share some stories about different ways this can present itself!

As always we are brought to you by Red Bear Roastery! For the freshest coffee beans EVER go visit https://www.redbearroastery.com/ and use our code OFF TOPIC for a discount!

This was a difficult episode to do. While we have our own opinions we tried to base this around the FAKE NEWS that people are basing their opinions on. This episode dives deep into abortion and the laws that are being passed around the US. We talk about what the real Roe v. Wade rules as well as the heartbeat ban and so much more. We are basing this entire episode on the mis information that is flooding our social feeds and news outlets. 

Most of this started from a quote from our Dear PResident: Referencing New York late term abortion: "The baby is born. The mother meets with the doctor. They take care of the baby, they wrap the baby beautifully. And then the doctor and the mother determine whether or not they will execute the baby"

Yes folks, that's right. He said that. A quote right from his mouth that entirely not factual. 

Mentioned in the episode:

https://www.instagram.com/john_jiao/

Exact post mentioned:https://www.instagram.com/p/BxxfNSwhKiR/

Planned Parenthood NYC:https://www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-new-york-city

As always: Drink Red Bear Coffee: https://www.redbearroastery.com/ Use code OFFTOPIC for 10% off!

Which do you choose? Juliet and Lindsay eat a pretty restricted diet and are excited that Del Taco is now carrying Beyond Meat as an option to substitute for the real meat typically used. THIS IS A GAME CHANGER for us! Being able to stop anywhere and have an option that actually has some protein is amazing for busy people everywhere! 

Not this leaves us with the question- which fake meat is better? Are either of them better than regular meat? What about the process of making them... not to mention what's even in them? Listen in and decide for yourself which is best for you!