Most of us spend a great deal of time in front of screens as part of our daily lives. Although we cannot control all of what we consume on the internet and social media, there are small ways we can make more positive changes when we look at our screens. Recently, Kelly saw a TikTok that inspired her to reorganize and rearrange her phone and computer backgrounds. In today’s episode, we hear about the benefits of putting all of your apps into folders that have affirmations as labels. If, like Kelly and Megan, you feel a bit silly saying affirmations out loud, having them on your phone is a great reminder for you to step back and see just how blessed you are. Day-to-day life can get stressful, and we may have picked up bad habits we are not aware of, which is why it is important to pause and reflect now and then. We also hear about how Kelly rearranged her desktop to reduce her stress and get her mind clear. While it might seem that taking time out to put a system in place is not worth it, if it is ultimately going to streamline your daily life, then go for it! We all want our minds and spaces to be clutter-free, so we can show up as the best versions of ourselves, so why not start with something as simple as your phone and computer?

Key Points From This Episode:

• When you are juggling many things, anything that aids productivity is helpful. 
• How Kelly and Megan approach organization and their love of labeling. 
• Details about the viral iPhone organization TikTok. 
• How Kelly has changed her app categorization on her phone. 
• Benefits Kelly has already seen using affirmations as folder names. 
• Using affirmations on your phone or computer folders is great if you don’t feel comfortable saying them out loud. 
• How Kelly recently rearranged her desktop using Canva. 
• Color theory and what different colors mean to us. 
• It is ok to take some time to organize something if it’s going to save you time later. 
• One good habit can snowball into another and spark bigger change. 
• The buffer that Kelly added to her wake-up time when her kids were younger. 
• There are small moments in the day that you can reclaim for yourself. 
• When you have good systems in place, you can make time for doing things that nourish you. 
• Do not try to fix everything at once; baby steps add up! 
• What to do if you live with people who you do not respect your organizational system. 
• You have to know what works for you when it comes to organizing your life.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Kelly Castillo

She's A Full On Monet

She's A Full On Monet on Twitter

She’s A Full On Monet Discussion Board Facebook Group

Canva

With the rise in isolation that we have been experiencing during the COVID 19 pandemic, there has been an abundance of articles on the value of weak-tie relationships, a term that many of us are only now becoming acquainted with for the first time. In today’s episode, Megan and Kelly discuss weak-tie friendships, why they’re important, and how to get better at creating and nurturing them. We delve into the nature of weak-tie relationships, why we need them and how they differ from close friendships. Tuning in you’ll hear about some of the benefits of weak-tie relationships, like how they can improve mood, improve social skills, and even combat cognitive decline as we age. Our hosts discuss the challenges of striking up conversations with strangers when you’re introverted by nature and how where you live has a big impact on how approachable you are. Hear how weak-tie relationships broaden your worldview by challenging your assumptions about people and why that’s so important for social cohesion. Later our hosts share their tips for creating more weak-tie relationships and reflect on some of the meaningful interactions they’ve had with strangers over the years. For all this and much more, join us today as we explore how to build connection without fear!

Key Points From This Episode:

• The importance of weak-tie friendships and what they add to your life.
• When weak-tie friends cross a boundary and why you don’t necessarily need to reciprocate.
• Why only a professional therapist can give you neutral advice.
• How weak-tie friendships teach you to be a better listener and communicator.
• How your weak-tie social friendships can facilitate work opportunities.
• Our hosts discuss being natural introverts and how weak-tie friendships help them get out of their comfort zone.
• How regular small interactions can create a sense of meaning and connection.
• How weak-tie friendships contribute to happiness.
• Where you live can be a big factor in how much people communicate with strangers.
• How having weak-tie friendships makes you less likely to make uncharitable assumptions about people’s intentions.
• Tips for being more sociable and striking up conversations with strangers when you’re introverted by nature.
• How to get over social anxiety and not dwell on moments that you felt were awkward.
• The positive impact that complimenting a stranger can have on their day and self-esteem.
• How weak-tie friendships give you a broader and deeper worldview.
• The value of weak-tie relationships within a supportive community when you are going through something difficult.
• How to build confidence with small social interactions by starting small.
• Why co-workers are an excellent opportunity to nurture weak-tie relationships.
• Giving yourself permission to start conversations
• Why having social interactions as you age is important for your cognitive health.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Humans of New York

Kelly Castillo

She's A Full On Monet

She's A Full On Monet on Twitter

She’s A Full On Monet Discussion Board Facebook Group

Many of us have the entrenched belief that once we have committed to something, we have to stick it out no matter what. But if something, be it a job, relationship, or role no longer brings you joy, do you have to stick with it if it? In today’s episode, Megan and Kelly talk about the courageous act of quitting. Walking away from something is never easy, but is it important to have faith that whatever lies ahead of you is better than what you leave behind. Conflating quitting with failing can often keep you stuck in situations that are toxic and unhealthy. Kelly and Megan share how quitting has presented them with opportunities they would not have otherwise had. We also hear about how to know when to leave and when to stay, the value in walking away from relationships and friendships that you outgrow, and why you are never too old to try something new. Thankfully, we live in a time where being your authentic self is celebrated, and this means you do not have to stick to commitments just to fulfill external expectations. You deserve a life where you are the best version of yourself, and everything you do should help you get there. So, if there is something you have always wanted to try or let go of, then this show will help give you the courage to take the first step.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Our Monet shop has opened, so go check it out!
• How Kelly’s upbringing influenced her views on quitting.
• The younger generation views quitting so differently than the older generation.
• Quitting is a big step, no matter what facet of your life it is in.
• Sometimes quitting means raising your standards and getting closer to the life you want.
• Work is not always going to be exhilarating constantly, but it should not be draining.
• We deserve to be our authentic selves.
• Quitting takes a lot of courage because it forces you to take responsibility.
• How Kelly finally got the courage to leave her 10-year marriage.
• You have to unlearn a lot of what you have learned in childhood.
• In a relationship, it is you and your partner versus the problem, not you versus your partner.
• How to know when to quit and how to know when to stick it out.
• Often entrepreneurial success stories involve quitting something before finding success.
• Sometimes we have to let things go to open up room for other, more fitting things.
• You do not have to stay in a relationship or friendship because of shared history.
• Sometimes, you also have to quit a hobby.
• The right people should not judge you; they should support you.
• Why Kelly believes parents should not put expectations on their children.
• You do not have to publicize anything you are quitting or starting.
• It is fine to be a beginner at something you try. 
• Happiness is a choice that we make and it is what we are on earth to feel.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Kelly Castillo

She's A Full On Monet

She's A Full On Monet on Twitter

She’s A Full On Monet Discussion Board Facebook Group

We so often hear about the importance of putting effort into dating your partner and being intentional about spending time with them, but what about dating yourself? As moms and wives, we are usually at the very bottom of our list of priorities, which takes us further away from who we are. In today's episode, we talk about how to date yourself. The relationship we have with ourselves will last our whole lives, and it is so important that we put time into cultivating and nurturing this connection. If you don't feel comfortable being alone, that is fine, but it is something you can grow to love. It is all about taking baby steps. We talk about the difference between self-care and dating ourselves, and hear about some solo date activities you can do. Alone time does not always have to be lavish; it just has to be something that you enjoy. We also talk about the pressure around getting into partnerships, how we can lose ourselves in relationships, the importance of normalizing time for ourselves, and reclaiming our identities outside of our roles. Our relationship with ourselves is for life, so it's time to start putting effort into it!

Key Points From This Episode:

• How Kelly and her husband prioritize date nights.
• Why Megan has put so much effort into dating herself.
• As moms and wives, we are often right at the bottom of our list of priorities.
• Our relationships with ourselves are the most important ones we have.
• Even though Kelly enjoys her own company, she does not prioritize time alone.
• The role that travel plays in opening your mind.
• Why it is so important to learn to enjoy spending time alone.
• The pandemic has allowed us to reflect on the activities that we make time for.
• Mom guilt is a real thing when it comes to spending time by yourself.
• Differentiating between dating yourself and self-care.
• People are not thinking about why you show up somewhere alone, so don't worry!
• If you feel super awkward hanging out alone, you can use a prop to look like you are busy.
• We don't have to wait for other people to validate our interests.
• It is completely normal to do activities without our partners.
• If you don't spend time alone, you won't ever discover what you like.
• When you spend time alone, you model this healthy behavior for your children.
• It is all about reclaiming who we are as women.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Kelly Castillo

She's A Full On Monet

She's A Full On Monet on Twitter

She’s A Full On Monet Discussion Board Facebook Group

Air, water, food, and sleep; these are the four essential elements that literally keep us alive. Most of us don’t have a problem getting enough air or food or water, but a lack of sleep is a problem that so many people struggle with. So, today’s episode is dedicated to this vital, yet too often neglected, part of our lives; we’re going to help you get better sleep! In order to make sure you get enough sleep, you need to learn to set boundaries for yourself. For example, not scrolling on your phone before bed, allocating specific times for watching TV, and deciding on a non-negotiable bedtime that ensures you get the hours of rest that you need. There are also numerous other sleep improvement tips that Kelly and Megan have to share, some from their own personal experience, and some from research that they have done. Sleep contributes hugely to quality of life, so if you are someone who struggles to sleep, don’t miss this episode! 

Key Points From This Episode:

• Kelly and her daughters’ experiences of insomnia.
• Megan describes her relationship with sleep. 
• How Kelly has been training herself to wake up later in the mornings.
• Why Kelly always has her phone in her bedroom while she sleeps, and reasons she knows this is not good for her quality of sleep.
• The bad morning habit that Megan has adopted.
• Why you should say no to screens of all types before bed.
• Examples of ways to develop healthy habits around watching TV.
• Products which help Kelly and her husband fall asleep.
• Benefits of valerian root. 
• Types of noises which can be very helpful for falling asleep, and types of noises which are likely to keep you awake.
• Although Megan and Kelly aren’t good at it, journaling is a practice that can positively impact your sleep patterns.
• Effective ways to release tension that builds up throughout the day, and how this will improve your sleep.
• The multitude of reasons that sleep is important (on top of literally keeping us alive!).
• Apps which make meditation accessible, and how meditation impacts sleep.
• Examples of visualization techniques which can help with falling asleep.
• Don’t ingest sugar and caffeine before you go to bed!
• How keeping your bed a sacred space just for restful activities can improve your sleeping habits.
• Having a set bedtime is not a practice that is only beneficial for children.
• The importance of being able to set boundaries for yourself, and with other people.
• How Kelly feels when she gets less than six hours of sleep, and how she deals with it.
• Sleep tracking apps, and how they can help you sleep better.
• How food and medication can impact your sleep.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Headspace

Calm

Pillow

Kelly Castillo

Megan Block

She's A Full On Monet

She's A Full On Monet on Twitter

She’s A Full On Monet on Instagram

Tweetables:

“It doesn't matter what the sound is. If it's something that you are used to hearing every night, it just becomes your natural sound machine. It’s weird how quiet the world is when you don't have something you're used to just listening to every night like that.” — Megan Block [0:24:46]

“I am about writing your to-do list, or things that are in your head for the next day, the night before. It is something that is therapeutic, and gets your mind off your mind and onto pap

Do you feel like you are surviving instead of thriving? It might be because you spend all your time doing: maintaining a full-time career, doing laundry, looking after your kids, and grocery shopping. On those rare occasions that you do have free time, you are still likely doing things, like scrolling on your phone and watching TV simultaneously. We know we are both personally guilty of this! Today’s hustle culture glorifies busyness. We glorify always being productive, always being on the go, but it can be important to take a step back for the sake of our mental health. In today’s episode, Kelly and Megan share five tips for how to be a human being rather than a human doing, from focusing on one task at a time and paying attention to what defines you as a person to making realistic to-do lists, taking non-negotiable daily breaks, and making time for the things you enjoy doing. This is an important episode for every woman living in the 21st Century, where you can get so caught up in the hustle and bustle that you forget to look after the most important person in your life: you! Tune in for some relatable personal insights and valuable advice for rediscovering yourself, allowing yourself some joy, and living in the moment whenever possible.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Catch up with Kelly and Megan and find out what they have been up to recently.
• How we personally relate to being human doings, with Kelly’s husband even calling her a hummingbird because she can’t be still.
• Kelly shares her experience of living with her in-laws and the obligation she feels to clean.
• Tip number one is to stop multitasking; focus on one task at a time.
• Some of the multitasking fails we have encountered when trying to do too much at once.
• Tip number two is to pay attention to what defines you, not just being a wife and mother.
• Finding out what brings you joy and doing that, while also having a realistic timeframe.
• Megan emphasizes that you don’t have to wait until your kids grow up to discover yourself.
• How to ensure that your identity isn’t wrapped up in your social media presence.
• Tip number three: finish the list and finish the day.
• How Kelly separates her to-do lists into long-term projects and daily tasks.
• Helpful tools and resources for to-do lists and scheduling, like Asana and Day Designer.
• Find out why taking a non-negotiable 90-minute break every day is important to Kelly.
• Especially if you are working from home, you need to assert your work-life boundaries!
• Dedicating yourself to the idea of becoming a human being, rather than a human doing.
• Why Kelly dedicates time to cooking a meal; how she has reclaimed it from being a chore.
• Tip number four is to cool down; the benefits of being still and being present.
• The importance of understanding that you don’t need to be on vacation to be still.
• The fifth and final tip is to schedule fun; it helps to have something to look forward to!
• How allowing yourself some joy can help you show up better in the areas you are needed.
• How to be your own best friend; take the advice you would give your burnt-out bestie.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Day Designer

Asana

Kelly Castillo

Megan Block

She's A Full On Monet

She's A Full On Monet on Twitter

She’s A Full On Monet on Instagram

Approaching a loved one’s loss is something that comes up for most people during the course of their lives. But this is something that can be incredibly uncomfortable to navigate, and sometimes we end up behaving awkwardly, placing the emotional burden onto their shoulders. On today’s episode of She’s a Full on Monet, we introduce you to some helpful tools to help you offer an appropriate reaction to your loved one. We launch our conversation by emphasizing that although there are plenty of things you can say that is unhelpful, it’s always better to say something than to avoid speaking about the situation. We touch on why people say unhelpful things and talk about the power of making things less about the loss and more about how the person is doing. We talk about the period of grieving and how it isn’t necessary to put a limit to this, what not to say to people who have lost pregnancies and why ‘I’m thinking of you’ and ‘I’m sorry for your loss’ are the best things you can say to someone who is grieving. We talk about how your presence is more important than saying the perfect thing and touch on the danger of comparison and minimizing. Next, we chat about how the manner of someone’s passing should not impact how you approach their loved ones and dwell on the value of checking in consistently and regularly. We hope you join us for some practical guidance on how to approach a grieving loved one today.

Key Points From This Episode:

• The effect of our response to a loved one’s loss.
• Why it’s better to say something than nothing at all.
• Why we sometimes end up saying unhelpful things.
• The power of making things less about the loss and more about how the person is doing.
• The period of grieving and how you should be able to process it for as long as you need to.
• The danger of suggesting fun activities too soon.
• What not to say to people who have lost pregnancies. 
• Why ‘I’m thinking of you’ and ‘I’m sorry for your loss’ are the best things you can say.
• Why sharing a memory of the person who passed away is a great thing to do.
• How your presence is more important than saying the perfect thing.
• The danger of comparison and minimizing.
• Why the manner of someone’s passing should not impact how you approach their loved ones.
• The value of checking in consistently and regularly.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Kelly Castillo

She's A Full On Monet

She's A Full On Monet on Twitter

She’s A Full On Monet Discussion Board Facebook Group

If you've been a first-time parent, as both of us have, you know that you really have no idea what you need to buy for your baby as far as what you're actually going to use. So for that reason, we thought it would be a good idea to take a break from some of the heavier topics we have been discussing in previous episodes and devote to day’s show to something lighter, our picks for first-time parents! If you have a baby shower coming up, or a loved one who is expecting, these are our recommendations for the gifts that a first-time parent would need, or would want to have. Kelly and Megan have both been through the rounds of parenthood enough times to know exactly what you’ll need. At the end of the day, taking the absolute best care of your little one does not need to be expensive, which is a principle that informed the selection of products you’ll hear on today’s show. As our hosts make their special recommendations, the bonus is that they share their own personal stories about how helpful these products were to them! You’ll hear about different options for bassinets, sound machines, sling carriers, toiletries, food preparation swaddles, and a whole lot more. Our hosts also hand out a bunch of brilliant ideas for how to be the most supportive friend and give all the essential gifts that a couple will truly appreciate at their baby shower. So for an episode just brimming with value and practical steps, be sure to tune in today!

Key Points From This Episode:

• How advanced technology is becoming and all the cool new toys being made.
• Challenges around buying gifts as a first-time parent; thinking kids need more than they do.
• The reality is that babies just want cuddles and love and don’t know the difference between expensive and cheap items.
• The sense in giving parents the practical items from the registry for their baby shower.
• How unnecessary it is to buy clothes in newborn sizes because they hardly fit for long.
• The value of a good night’s sleep and how the Snoo Baby Bassinet makes this possible.
• How helpful it is to keep clothes to use as hand-me-downs when you have a few kids.
• A cheaper alternative to the bassinet in the form of a crib mattress movement monitor.
• Different white noise suggestions for babies, or gadgets that soothe them using sound.
• The good use a sling carrier can be put to and a few suggestions for different options.
• Baby shower gifts that are pre-done for you by the Honest Company.
• A great gift idea in the form of a baby bathtub filled up with baby toiletries.
• The effectiveness of the NoseFrida baby nasal respirator.
• Different options for baby food makers at various price points.
• How hard it is to keep the baby asleep when moving it and how swaddles can help.
• Bringing a stack of diapers along with your present to a baby shower.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Kelly Castillo

Snoo Baby Bassinet

Baby K’tan

The Honest Company

NoseFrida

Baby Brezza

Beaba

Pocket Nanny

She's A Full On Monet

She's A Full On Monet on Twitter

She’s A Full On Monet Discussion Board Facebook Group

We have all woken up on the wrong side of the bed, and sometimes this mood can spill over into the rest of our day, causing us to have a pretty rough time with things. But you don’t have to get stuck in this funk. Today, we are talking about some practical ways you can turn things around if you have woken up on the wrong side of the bed. We talk about the transformative power of gratitude and how taking time to reflect on what you have can help uplift you. You might start out your day with a sense of dread, but when you pause and appreciate all you have, you will see things differently. Other things, like moving your body, acknowledging what you are feeling, slowing down, and making time for self-care are also great ways to shake energy that is weighing you down. It is so important to listen to your body and its needs, and sometimes, waking up on the wrong side of the bed just means you are run down, and you need to spend a day in your PJs. Do whatever is going to help you turn your day around.  

Key Points From This Episode:

• If you have kids and they wake up on the wrong side of the bed, it can throw you off too. 
• Kelly and Megan’s sleep needs and how a lack of sleep affects their moods. 
• The power of starting your day with gratitude and how it can turn even the worst morning around. 
• Simple ways to reframe the things you have to do in your day in a positive light. 
• Acknowledge that you do not feel great so that you can let it go. 
• Moving is a great way to get rid of stagnant energy and refresh your day. 
• Starting your day slowly can help ground you and set the tone for the day. 
• Why not starting your day on your phone can improve your mood. 
• There is no guilt in slowing down and savoring the moment in front of you. 
• When in her day Kelly makes time for self-care. 
• The challenges that come with working from home and trying to do self-care there too. 
• How having a to-do list helps Kelly, and the power of ticking things off her list. 
• The benefit of having a mental health day every once in a while. 
• Letting your children take personal days from school helps them establish boundaries. 
• Mental health is health, so you should give yourself time off to take care of yourself. 
• Working till you are burnt out has become unnecessarily glamorized in society. 
• The challenges that come with working while you are in college. 
• No matter how busy your schedule is, you can try at least one thing to turn your day around.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Day Designer

Headspace

Kelly Castillo

She's A Full On Monet

She's A Full On Monet on Twitter

She’s A Full On Monet Discussion Board Facebook Group

Mothers in what is known as the sandwich generation are likely to feel more stress than any other age group as they balance the demanding, delicate acts of caring for both their growing children and their aging parents. This is a topic near and dear to our hearts and, in this episode, we discuss the struggles of the sandwich generation, how to manage some of the inherent stress and obligation, and what we can do differently once our children are in this age range and dealing with some of the same issues. Kelly and Megan also share their personal stories of life in the sandwich generation, from the pressures they experienced to the sacrifices they had to make, and we investigate why it’s so difficult to make time for self-care or reduce stress during this period of non-stop service to others. We also highlight the value of asking for help, relying on your support system, and being transparent with your employer, as well as the importance of making and communicating a plan for your own end of life care so that, when your children enter the sandwich generation, you can alleviate some of their stress. Tune in today to learn more!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Megan shares her personal experience of being in the sandwich generation.
• A definition of the sandwich generation, which is usually in the age range between 35 and 59.
• Kelly shares her personal story of caring for her grandmother, her husband, and her kids.
• The pressure Megan feels to do more and be there for her father while she still has young children that need her.
• One of the biggest stressors for those in the sandwich generation: guilt.
• Find out why there is no official age group that qualifies as the sandwich generation.
• Hear about some of the sacrifices and challenges that come with caring for elderly parents.
• Why it is difficult to make time for self-care, take time off, or reduce stress during this period.
• How to make sure you don’t slip into long-term unhealthy habits because of the stress.
• Self-care doesn’t have to mean a spa day; it can simply be sitting down to enjoy your coffee!
• The importance of knowing when to ask for help.
• What you can do for others in the sandwich generation who might need your help.
• We all need a support system; why it is important to reach out to yours when necessary.
• The value of being transparent and honest with your employer during this difficult time.
• Why it so important to have a plan for your own end of life care and communicate it.
• The financial toll that the sandwich generation bears and how long-term care insurance can help alleviate it.
• Understanding the stress this period can put on your marriage and taking care to nurture it.
• Don’t be afraid to go to couples’ therapy; it has the power to save your marriage!

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Kelly Castillo

She's A Full On Monet

She's A Full On Monet on Twitter

She’s A Full On Monet Discussion Board Facebook Group