Episode 318: Parenting from Abundance with Lilliana Vazquez

Our guest this week, Lilliana Vazquez, has held many titles - style expert, former television host on E!, and most recently, mama to her almost one year old son, Santiago. Like most episodes, our conversation is all about parenting but this one is a little different. We’re not only talking about Lilliana’s road to becoming a parent, including IVF treatment and her birth story, but also what is means to parent in abundance. She believes that making sure her own cup is full before anything else helps her be the best parent she can be. We also talk about the difficult feelings surrounding motherhood, advocating for your health (always!) and how good it feels to finally be heard. 

More about Lilliana: Lilliana is known as one of the fashion blogging OGs, and has carried many titles - from blogger to style expert, TV commentator to television host on E!. The enterprising star has curated a career that began from her small blog (CheapChicas.com), which she launched in 2008, to being seen by millions daily on numerous platforms including NBC TODAY, "Extra" to "The Talk," "Rachael Ray," "The Wendy Williams Show" and "Steve Harvey."  Today, she’s at PEOPLE (The TV Show) as a Special Contributor covering all things entertainment, red carpets, runways, and celebrity pop culture news.

Born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas, to a Puerto Rican father and Mexican mother, Lilliana is a first-generation Latinx who radiates gratitude for the dedication and sacrifices that her family made for her. Among the first in her family to attend college, she graduated from George Washington University, where she earned a double-major in international business and entrepreneurship. Lilliana has always used her platform to advocate for her community, and fight for Latinx representation in media and entertainment, as well as raise awareness on social issues.

In April of 2021, Lilliana announced she was pregnant with her first child, after battling with six years of infertility and IVF. After living this experience, Lilliana wishes to use her voice and platform to break the taboo around infertility and how it affects the Latinx community. In July 2021, Lilliana announced the birth of her healthy baby boy, Santiago “Santi” Merrick McGrath. Lilliana hopes to continue sharing about her journey to motherhood, the lessons, the challenges and hope with other mothers and those who hope to experience motherhood one day.

Vocabulary from this week’s episode

IVF: In vitro fertilization (IVF) helps with fertilization, embryo development, and implantation, so you can get pregnant.

IUI treatment: Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a simple procedure that puts sperm directly inside your uterus, which helps healthy sperm get closer to your egg.

AMH test: AMH, or anti-mullerian hormone is a substance produced by granulosa cells in ovarian follicles. Research shows that the size of the pool of growing follicles is heavily influenced by the size of the pool of remaining primordial follicles (microscopic follicles in “deep sleep”). Therefore, AMH blood levels are thought to reflect the size of the remaining egg supply – or “ovarian reserve”.

Gentle cesarean: A gentle C-section is a cesarean section which is elective and can occur under controlled situations.

Lilliana’s experience: “You can apply the same principles as a natural birth - skin to skin, cord clamping, vernix, and weight & height measurement can be delayed as long as the baby is okay. You can ask for a clear curtain instead of blue so you can watch the birth. You can also ask the doctor to take their time and be gentle; these are all things to discuss with your doctor if you are planning a gentle cesarean.”

Pick or Tip of the Week

Bricia’s pick this week is food! She has everything you can think of in her pantry - oils, salsas, etc. - she just wants to try one of everything. She recently tried David Chang’s products like the chili crunch, but her pick is the noodles. These are restaurant quality noodles come in clutch when you don’t have anything to eat.

Sun protection is Paulina’s tip this week. Coola Organic Radical Recovery After Sun Lotion has really helped her daughter’s recover from summer camp since they’re spending all day in the sun. They lather up before bed and it helps them so much in the morning.

Links

Follow Lilliana on Instagram @lillianavazquez

Episode 308: Advocating for Your Health with Sarah & Boo Simms of Lady & Larder

These ladies are putting our sister relationship to shame! In this episode we interview twin sisters, Sarah & Boo Simms, owners of Lady & Larder. You can thank them for being one of the forces that started the charcuterie board trend that’s all over social media right now! Sarah & Boo are big on family and they talk to us about how they balance their work and personal relationship. They also talk about how they supported each other when Sarah was diagnosed with cancer last year. The story makes us just as emotional now as when we heard it the first time, but it’s a great reminder to not only stay on top of your health, but to also advocate for yourself when you know something isn’t right. Get ready to cry, laugh and take notes because these sisters are dropping serious gems that you won’t want to forget!

More about the Simms sisters: Twin sisters Sarah and Boo Simms are the culinary and creative duo behind Lady & Larder – the Los Angeles based cheese shop credited with starting a global grazing board movement in 2016. The two have deep roots in the California hospitality industry and both share extensive backgrounds in the food and beverage industry – Sarah on the culinary and operations side and Boo in design and marketing. Raised under the notion that the dinner table was (and still is) a sacred place, Sarah and Boo maintain that the only thing bigger than their love of food is sharing it with others.

Lady & Larder was built around their profound respect for American-made seasonal ingredients and an immense appreciation for the role beautiful food plays in creating moments of connection and joy - offering small-batch cheese, natural wine, craft beer, farm fresh flowers, local bread and curated gifts that spark joy. Since their start, Lady & Larder has become the go-to source for those looking to entertain in Southern California - specializing in edible displays, created with seasonal crudités, fruit, cheese and charcuterie. For those looking for something special out-of-state, Lady & Larder also offers DIY cheese and charcuterie board kits, custom virtual classes and an array of seasonal gifts that ship nationwide.

Most recently Lady & Lady was featured as one of Oprah’s Favorite things in 2019, was featured in the Los Angeles Times, New York Times, Forbes, Los Angeles Magazine, O Magazine, and Martha Stewart Weddings . To learn more, visit ladyandlarder.com and check them out on IG @ladyandlarder.

About Lady & Larder

We are Lady & Larder. We live in Los Angeles, California. We are 100% women-owned. We are twin sisters and best friends. We grew up in the kitchen.

We provide the very best American made cheese and cured meats along with a selection of radically seasonal and impeccably sourced local accoutrements. We believe in supporting a 100% domestic and sustainable food culture, one that will continue to thrive for generations to come. Our goal is simple: use the best stuff we can get our hands on. We have found that the finest ingredients come from small batch producers and we, like you, know there is no substitute for quality. These American farmers, butchers, and cheesemakers are truly the best of the best. We are proud to support their unwavering commitment and dedication to their craft. So, build your board, invite your favorite people over and celebrate these inspiring makers with us. Cheers!

Gems from this week’s conversation

“Do every job you’re in to the best of your ability. Pick up skills, don’t burn bridges, and years later you’ll look back and you’ll realize your toolbox is full.”

“Sometimes people ask you a question and you answer and you’re like, ‘Wow, I know what I’m talking about.’”

“We’re all just out here winging it.” - Sarah & boo on adulting

“As twins, you go through a period where you try to do things individually and figure out how you’re different.”

“We fill in the blank for each other a little bit.” - Boo, on being a twin

“I feel like a more whole version of myself when I’m with her. When I’m by myself, I feel [I’m] lacking.” - Sarah

“With siblings, you’re just a little more raw.” - boo
”Completely raw.” - Sarah

“It’s the best part about having a business together. We get to share all the highs and low. It makes all the victories sweeter when it’s with someone you love and knows how important it is.” - Boo

“It makes us a stronger business owner, a stronger partner, stronger parents if we can set our foundation up and make sure our health is taken care of.” - Sarah

Pick or Tip of the Week

Our collective tip for this week is to schedule your physical! Go to the doctor. Stop pushing off what is necessary for you to do for your health.

Bricia’s pick is the Lady crackers from Lady & Larder. They’re so good and perfect for your cheese boards! You can pick them up in store if you’re local to Santa Monica, CA or order them online.

Paulina tip that everyone should know is that every insurance carrier has a patient advocacy office. If you have questions, comments or complaints, speak up! This is the department you want to talk to and they’ll make things right for you.

Links

Follow everyone on Instagram - @ladyandlarder @lafemmepicure aka Sarah and @boosimms

Boo & Sarah are mirror twins. Sounds pretty cool!

Visit the American Cancer Society website to learn more about what cancers to get screened for at certain ages. It could save your (or a loved one’s) life!

At Sarah’s request, her email is sarah@ladyandlarder.com. If you have cancer, have a loved one with cancer, need resources or connections or just need to talk, please send her an email. She wants to help,

Episode 279: The Power of Inclusion and Making It Happen with Eliana Tardio

This week we interview an incredible super mama, Eliana Tardio. As an international advocate for children with Down syndrome and a mom of two, Eliana has taken social media by storm, showing her followers that people with down syndrome are normal like the rest of us. She talks to us about her personal journey on understanding her children’s needs and how she created a career by advocating for them and what we can do to share their story to help others understand the power of their voices and the endless opportunities we all have when we work hard to make our dreams come true.

More about Eliana: “My name is Eliana Tardio and through my blog, I share advice and inspiration with over 100,000 unique visitors a month. I have been blogging since 2007 after my second child was born and I have grown on social media along with my children through the technological and social media revolution. We are digital natives and as a family, we are recognized in the community as tough leaders and strong activists transforming the world through the power of social media.

My two children, Emir and Ayelen, are the inspiration and the reason behind this site and everything I do. They were born with Down syndrome, and in my attempt to learn and give them the best possible life, I started this journey of love and growth that has inspired hundreds of thousands who follow us here and on our social media platforms with a combined following of 1M people from all over the world.

I have a bachelor’s in Communications with a major in Legal Studies and a Master’s in Marketing and Science of Legal Studies. My passion is communications for sure, and my mission is to use my voice to build a more inclusive world for all along with my children. I work as the Director of Communications for the Parent Training and Information Centers in Florida and as team member of the National Center for the Systemic Improvement of the Education in the US.

As an international speaker, I have visited more than 12 countries to share my knowledge and passion for education to thousands of people. I provide as well training on advocacy and leadership to several organizations nationwide, and I share my story to help immigrants like me understand the power of their voices and the endless opportunities we have when we work hard to make our dreams come true.”

Gems 💎 Dropped During Our Interview with Eliana

As parents, we don’t see anything else besides our children - Paulina 

No one understands the love of a parent. - Paulina 

Erasing the labels is never the answer. They are persons with disabilities and they are apart of many peoples lives that we know. We don’t need to change the words, we need to change the perception. - Eliana

In order to give to my children, I need to give to myself - Eliana

We should encourage everyone to be uncomfortable because thats how we grow. - Bricia 

Where can we get resources and support if we know our child needs help? Advice from Eliana

• Search online for a disabilities support group in your community.

• Look for a group that will activate your desire to become an advocate for your child. When you’re ready, look for those who will make you feel comfortable and share info, questions, etc.

• Take advantage of government resources, training and the information center in your community. Learn more about the Individuals with Disabilities Act here.

• Follow influential people in your community who are working towards the same goal as you - like Eliana!

Links

Learn more about Eliana, her work and how you can become an advocate for disability rights on her website.

Follow Eliana and her children, Emir and Ayelen, on Instagram @elianatardio.

Episode 222: Mentoring Your Community & the Importance of Play with Mom Boss Blanca Gonzalez, VP of @Nike LA

The year just started and it feels like it’s flying by! This week on the show, we interview Blanca Gonzalez, General Manager/Vice President of NIKE Los Angeles/West Territory. We talk about how making clothes for her Barbies as a kid sparked her passion for product, about being an advocate for children with disabilities, and the importance of having access to sports & play. She also stresses the importance of using your voice & being authentic in your work environment. This is an interview you'll want to replay over & over!

Before the episode, Paulina and Bricia discuss anxiety and the expectations that adds to the “alka-seltzer feeling” as Paulina describes it. Paulina talks about how she’s been feeling anxious since coming home from our Walt Disney World trip (btw - don’t forget to enter our giveaway! Learn more here). She decided to take a break from social media and has a new morning routine, because she knows that having structure keeps her busy and keeps her mind away from anxious thoughts. Paulina is also conquering it by talking to her loved ones and strengthening her relationship with God. When speaking about her feelings with her friend, the friend questioned Paulina saying, “So what if it all that happens?” It really gave Paulina a new perspective about her anxiety and feelings, and has helped her think: What is this going to teach me? What am I supposed to learn through this experience?

Pick or Tip of the Week

Bricia is still on her “no shopping” sabbatical and it’s so hard, especially with the new Ivy Park line that launched (you know how much she loves Beyonce). This week she is sharing her all-time FAVORITE pen. It doesn’t smear all over her pinky when she journals, it makes her writing pretty and it’s so light! Send her all the pens since she still can’t buy new things. 😂

Paulina asked for a few things for Christmas, one of them being the Party of Four kit from Drybar. It’s a game changer because it not only comes with great products, but also has travel sizes which are great for travel and also throwing in your purse when you have things to do throughout the day. It helps her get out the door quick & easy every morning.

Links

I Will Teach You to be Rich by Ramit Sethi - We are obsessed with this book!

Rise Podcast with Rachel Hollis - Episode 125: How to Supercharge Your Morning Routine

There’s still two weeks left to enter for your chance to win $500 to kick of your Walt Disney World Vacation Fund! Enter on Instagram today, and click here for official contest rules & to learn more.