Hate crimes against the Asian community are on the rise across the United States. It is a HUGE problem. If you haven't heard about these heartbreaking occurrences, we encourage you to learn more whether it's via this episode or via The Google.

While we touch on the increase in hate crimes, Veronica also talks about her own experience with racism as an Asian American and how it's affected her in her life. 

Please be kind to one another. Speak out and stand up if you see something. Also, if you see an elderly Asian in your community, please be extra kind and offer assistance if needed. The Asian community is simply scared right now. 

Stories -- https://www.standagainsthatred.org/stories 

GoFundMe for "How to Report a Hate Crime Booklet" -- https://www.gofundme.com/f/how-to-report-a-hate-crime-booklet-printing-fund

#StopAsianHate

A mama's intuition is no joke. 

Brittany's oldest daughter began to have HOURS-long bouts of severe vomiting when she was just shy of three years old. After some doctor's visits and a diagnosis that didn't sit well with her, Brittany's mama juju said "not good enough," and she started researching gastrointestinal illnesses in children. She came across CYCLIC VOMITING SYNDROME. 

By some miracle, she was able to get into a GI doctor, sans referral, and the doctor was able to find the right treatment plan to help Brittany's kiddo. This week's episode is all about Brittany's daughter's journey to finding an answer and how the little one is doing today. 

NOTES:

There are an estimated 20 - 40 MILLION people in modern slavery around the globe today. 

Isn't that mind-blowing?! This week's episode is a deep dive into human trafficking. It's on everyone's radar, but it's not talked about enough.

Veronica intensely researched and provides listeners with myths, legislation background and hard-hitting numbers on this terrible tragedy hitting families around the world. Brittany offers practical tips (especially as a mom of two little girls!) and insight on training she's received to battle human trafficking.

If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, please reach out to the U.S. National Human Trafficking Hotline by calling 1-888-373-7888 or text "BeFree" to 233733. 

Helpful organizations battling human trafficking are:

FACT CHECK:

We understand that social media is a place where the good can quickly get lost in the bad. We wanted to share our experiences and suggestions. 

We talk about the idea of setting quantitative and qualitative limits on our social media usage, being bullied by internet trolls and provide some tips to keep your mental health in check while you're digesting content. 

Notes:

* Happy account suggestions from Veronica - @goodnews_movement @tanksgoodnews

* Mental health account suggestions - @twloha @idontmind @mentalhealthamerica 

Let's be honest, 2021 started off a little rough. We're doing a mental health check-in this week, keeping us accountable to each other and to you. No pretending or sweeping things under the rug here! 

We chat about how we're ACTUALLY doing/feeling and provide some of our favorite tips to help ease the feelings and funks. 

If you need someone to talk to (and don't feel comfortable sending us a DM or email - [email protected]), please seek help from the following resources:

National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255

NAMI - https://www.nami.org/Support-Education

I Don't Mind - https://idontmind.com/findhelp 

Notes:

* Brittany's book recommendation is The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins. 

Cheers to the New Year! This week we are wrapping up our first pandemic holiday season and chatting about our goals for 2021. We are also discussing what we're hopeful for in this year of possibilities. 

Notes:

* This episode was recorded prior to the events that happened this week in the Capitol.

* Brittany's book recommendation is Atomic Habits by James Clear.

It's our final episode of 2020 and we're chatting about this year's trends, what we've learned throughout this nutty year and what we're looking forward to in 2021. 

We wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 

Love, Brittany & Veronica 

We're doing things a little differently today. Instead of the usual heavy topics, we've lightened everything up for a fun Q&A! Both Brittany and Veronica selected 10 questions for each other that neither have seen ahead of time. From favorite books to existential questions about which color best represents you, this week's episode should bring some giggles. 

P.S. Sincere apologies for some audio troubles on Veronica's end. We hope this will be the first and last time to have this issue! 

TRIGGER WARNING - self-harm and suicidal ideations. 

Brittany graciously opens up about her battle with postpartum depression after her second daughter's arrival. She talks about her mom guilt and what helped her get through it all once she reached her lowest low. 

If you need help, please don't hesitate to reach out. You can call 24/7 at 800-273-8255. 

More mental health resources: 

twloha.com

With today being Black Friday, it's the perfect time to talk about doing the holidays on a budget. Brittany gives her best gift giving tips as a mom of toddlers, and Veronica talks about her favorite personal gifts, both of which won't break your bank.

Shout out to the retail workers who are forced to work the night of Thanksgiving and Black Friday. We hope people are tolerable today and every day during the holiday season. 

A few of our favorite small businesses we'd love for you to support on Instagram:

@resolutecandles - sensitive-to-smells friendly candles

@highlandclayco - handmade clay earrings

@saw.dust.shop - handmade woodworking goodies