TRIGGER WARNING: EATING DISORDERS EXPLICIT LANGUAGE In 2022, you'd think we would have control of our bodies, better self esteem, better influences, equal rights, and more, right? WRONG. The other day, I was scrolling Instagram when I across the New York Post whom published an article titled, "Bye Bye Booty: Heroin Chic is Back" by Adriana Diaz. I stopped in my tracks and the little 12 year old Brennae was looking in the mirror again. In middle school and high school, I always wanted to be skinnier, the double zero, flat stomach. I weighed myself all the time, developed unhealthy habits and did diets that wrecked my body. All to be skinny enough in my tween/teen years. That trauma came running back when the article practically punched me in the gut and made me ill. WHY, OH WHY are we still encouraging unhealthy lifestyle habits? And for what? To look better for society? I find it disgusting that this article was released. Why are we encouraging to be this skinny? Especially when social media is influencing us by the millisecond. Now in our society many kids have a cell phone by 8, 9, 10 years old. TikTok and Instagram are at it's peak, which leads to articles like this to be released and younger individuals read this. I discuss my feelings on this article, other celebrity and twitter reactions, as well as what can we do to feel better about ourselves and ENCOURAGE HEALTHY HABITS IN OUR YOUNGER GENERATION. WE are better than this. Our younger self is looking to us to help guide our younger individuals to remind them they are beautiful no matter what size, shape, gender, ethnicity they are. You are BEAUTIFUL.  

SOURCE MATERIAL: If you would like to read the articles I mentioned in the episode refer to the content listed below.  

- https://nypost.com/2022/11/02/heroin-chic-is-back-and-curvy-bodies-big-butts-are-out/ 

- https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2022/nov/20/heroin-chic-fashion-skinny-worship 

- https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/23130020.return-heroin-chic-dangerous-say-experts/ 

- https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/fashion/jameela-jamil-new-york-post-heroin-chic-body-b2218126.html 

If you are struggling or know someone struggling with eating disorder visit https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/help-support/contact-helpline or call (800) 931-2237

If you are struggling with drug or substance abuse/addiction visit https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline or call 1-800-662-HELP 

Some may or may not know that I have been renovating my grandma's 100 year old farmhouse since I was in college. It has been extremely challenging at times but rewarding. As we are working on more this weekend I wanted to talk about all the work we have put into our house that has truly made it out home. I get a little sentimental talking about our house, memories with my grandma in this home and now with my son and husband. It is a pretty incredible thing and I am so grateful. <3 I give you some insight on our journey renovating our home ourselves. 

Please be sure to leave a review on Apple podcasts. Like and share! 

Be sure to listen to Hometown Hunnies Podcast by Macey Roth and Katie Shamel! 

Hey everyone - shout out to ALL of you beautiful people for listening. We are almost to 400 listens and I am so grateful for you all! I know this is just a tiny platform but I hope my content inspires you in some way. Today's episode is about milestones. What milestones in life are you working towards? How can you get there? What changes can you make? I am working towards some milestones of my own that I voice in this episode. I hope that today's episode inspires you to reach your goals/milestones even if they same difficult to reach. We can DO it! 

The past few months and upcoming months is where my "busy" season begins. Of course, fall has started, brisk cool air, leaves falling, perfect "sweater weather". However, then comes the dark nights earlier, seasonal depression and ongoing busy, chaotic schedules. In today's episode, I discuss how to get through this busy season, how to hold onto positivity, joy and healing. The past few weeks, I have found myself getting frustrated but forgetting that it is just short term frustration. It isn't long term. So do something that makes you happy. Listen to a podcast, listen to music, dance it out, pray it out. Whatever works to get you through the busy season. Just remember the chaos is only short term.

Forgive me for this episode, everyone. I had no topic today other than discuss what is on my mind and heart. Sorry for the randomness, but my brain is on overdrive and it is most fitting with my life currently. Just want to send love to all who are stressing or going through trials in their life. It is one of those seasons and we will get through it together. Sending continued love to all of you beautiful people.

Much love,

B

How many of you have put work first? Stayed late, putting in extra hours, becoming burnt out, taking over more tasks in office? THE LIST GOES ON. That is NO more. This episode dives into the importance of putting your personal life FIRST and work second. YES, you heard that right. You only have one life. Whatever your normal hours at work are supposed to be - KEEP IT THAT WAY. Stop staying late, taking over more assignments, etc. You have a life, a home, a family, a hobby - WHATEVER it may be. You deserve to put yourself first, your family first, your loved ones first. It has taken me many years to finally advocate for myself, but it is time we let work know that we are priority. Our personal life is priority to us. So enjoy the self care, enjoy your evenings or mornings home with family. Shut your work phones off when you aren't at work and remember that you are off the clock at work. When we learn to SET BOUNDARIES we will then have a more eventful life. Trust me, I know it is hard but boundaries are so very important for our mental and physical health. Knowing that I am putting myself, my husband, my son, my personal life first - makes me feel confident in knowing my worth, my boundaries and what is important in our life. 

Love to you all! Always remember - you come first!