Episode 316: Adventure is Out There with Tori Bolt, co-owner of Bolt Farm Treehouse & Airbnb Superhost

We love a good vacation this time of year! This week’s guest is Airbnb super host, Tori Bolt. We have previously mentioned why we love renting homes while on vacation versus staying in hotels (with Bricia recently launching her own rental property on Airbnb), and after our conversation with Tori, we know we’ll be adventuring in rental homes for more vacations to come. Tori explains how she and her husband created Bolt Farm Treehouse, what it takes to be a great rental host, and how faith guides her and her husband in all that they do. She has such a calm yet adventurous spirit, and we’re ready to book our next experience in one of her special homes!

More about Tori: Tori Bolt is co-founder of Bolt Farm Treehouse, an inspiring place to reconnect with nature, the people you love, and your purpose, and the leader in luxury outdoor travel. What started as a treehouse for Tori & Seth’s wedding day quickly became, under Tori’s marketing & PR prowess, a nationally recognized brand featured on Netflix, a celebrity hot spot, and named the most popular Airbnb in South Carolina by Buzzfeed.

Before building treehouses and operating these one-of-a-kind boutique hotel-vacation rental hybrids, Tori was a news producer and entertainment reporter, which is how she met her husband, Seth, founding member of the band Needtobreathe. Now, Tori leads the Bolt Farm Treehouse team and utilizes her passion for PR while Seth, the company’s visionary, dreams up future designs. Her mission is to create intentional, inspiring environments that help travelers reconnect, and to inspire female entrepreneurs to chase their dreams, live their best life as they pursue meaningful work & meaningful relationships.

Tori and her husband, Seth

Expectations as a Short Term Rental Guest (from Superhost Tori)

1. The fewer rules, the better. No one wants to read a giant binder of rules, just mention the important ones.

2. You attract people in the way you write your description. I.e. If you don’t want party people, don’t describe your space as “great space for entertaining,” etc.

3. Highly recommend a personalized welcome video! Explain a few rules, how to use certain things like hot tub, tv, etc.

4. Tips for guests so they have the best stay. It keeps that personal touch.

5. Tori’s NUMBER ONE pet peeve as a guest: “Don’t give me a long list of check out instructions especially if you’re going to have a high cleaning fee.”

3 things hosts can do to motivate guests to leave reviews

• Ask them! Send a follow up message once they check out.

• Do the work for them. If they say something kind to you, remind them that they can copy and paste it into their review.

• Give them an incentive. Maybe a coffee mug, discount off their next stay, t shirt, etc. People love a good freebie!

Pick or Tip of the Week

Bricia’s husband gifted her an Oura Ring for Mother’s Day and she’s obsessed with all the information it provides. It tells you when you might be getting sick, tracks your period, when you get good sleep and what you did that day that made a difference in your sleep. She’s learning so many things about her daily habits that she never noticed before!

Since Paulina is still on her journey or reorganizing her home, she is loving these Ziploc Space bags. She’s packing away all the winter coats, big comforters, and they really are saving her space in the cabinets!

Links

Connect with Tori on Instagram @toribolt and follow her journey at @boltfarmtreehouse

Netflix’s World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals episode

Episode 286: Putting in Work & Learning to Stand After Life Has Knocked You Down with Rosie Rivera

Another super mama alumnus is back on the show this week - Rosie Rivera! This mama is an entrepreneur, podcast host and recently released another book, “God Is Your Defender” that we’re adding to our collection ASAP. We talk to Rosie about learning to let go of feelings of resentment & revenge for our own internal healing and putting all our faith & trust in God. She also tells us about recognizing when it’s time work on ourselves on our own, when to work with someone you trust or even reach out to a professional. Rosie’s strength and light really radiates when she speaks, and we hope you can feel it transcend through your speakers! 

More about Rosie: A businesswoman, television personality, and social media influencer, Rosie Rivera is one of the most influential and inspirational Latinas in the world. She co-hosts The Power of Us, a marriage podcast, with her husband, Abel Flores; is the mother of three children; has authored five books; has appeared on reality shows such as I Love Jenni, The Riveras, Mira Quien Baila, and Rica, Famosa, Latina; is involved in her family’s Christian outreach ministry; and carries out her sister’s mission of helping single mothers find affordable housing, shelter and treatment for abuse through the Jenni Rivera Love Foundation. Rosie has also worked closely with Telemundo to develop a series based on her sister’s life story, Jenni Rivera: Mariposa de Barrio (a chart-topper on Netflix) and is the founder of Sister Samalia, an organization that helps to restore and uplift women who have been victims of sexual abuse, human trafficking, drugs and domestic violence in Latin America so that they can experience God’s healing, as she has.

About the book: Businesswoman, television personality, and survivor Rosie Rivera shares how to lean on God as defender in the midst of life’s hurts and wounds while also grappling with the strong desire for justice and retaliation.

Revenge is one of our deepest instincts. When we have been hurt or when something has been stolen from us, whether that be our innocence or our good name or a loved one, the desire to retaliate is irresistible. But is it the right response of a follower of Jesus?

As a survivor herself, Rosie Rivera has walked in this tension, a sojourner in the search for healing and wholeness in the light of horrific wrongs. She has wrestled the desire to defend herself, her reputation, and her family while also wanting to let God be her Defender.

God Is Your Defender is about understanding the motives behind your thoughts and behaviors toward those who have wronged you. It is about the conditions you might have put on forgiveness. It is about fighting the urge to take over instead of trusting God. It is about learning how to truly rest in the Lord as the One who defends you and actively abiding in his peace.

Backed by biblical examples and personal stories, Rosie guides you to a place of healing as you:

• Learn the difference between a vengeful spirit and a heart of advocacy

• Stop the self-destructive cycle of the desire for revenge

• Discern effectively when to take a righteous stand and when to stand back and let God defend you

• Experience how to move from an “eye for an eye” mentality to an “I for an I” by exchanging “I am hurt” for “I am healing”

• Let go of the pain of the past without ignoring what happened

God Is Your Defender equips you to respond to hurtful situations, from the most minor to some of the most difficult, from a place of empowerment and peace.

Gems from this week’s episode

“God will speak to you and be like, ‘CHILL.’” - Rosie

“Whenever we get hurt, it’s really hard to let go.” - Paulina

“It’s hard to let God be our defender because we want it our way.” - Rosie

“I love when God speaks to me through my kids.” - Rosie

“I went from victim to victorious.” - Rosie 

Rosie’s Tips for Putting in the Work

• Go to a professional. Rosie goes to counseling at least once a year. Know in your process of the work when is the moment to do it by yourself, when to do it with someone else, when to do it with a professional.

• Be vulnerable. You’re going to be embarrassed but the love, caring and patience your trusted loved one will give you is a tremendous tool in healing.

• Know where you are. Is it time to talk to a professional, your husband, your mom? You have to know where you are in the process and know when the time is right.

REMEMBER : Work can look different and it will change. Different mechanisms can work at different times.

Links

Rosie’s new book is out now on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, available at Christian book stores and even by audiobook in Spanish and English! 

Join millions of others following her journey on social media: Facebook @RosieRiveraOfficial, Instagram @RosieRivera, Twitter @SoyRosieRivera and YouTube. Also follow her on Tiktok @SoyRosieRivera.

Listen to Rosie & Abel’s podcast - The Power of Us, a marriage podcast

Episode 262: Walking in Gratitude, Body Positivity, and Prioritizing Happiness with Rosie Mercado

There are only a few new episodes left for the year, and this week is a good one. Our guest, Rosie Mercado, is a podcaster, TV personality, author, plus-size model, mama, and that's just the beginning! Rosie talks about her 240lb. weight loss journey, her growing faith, and what it’s like to be a new mom after a 14 year gap between her kids. Listening to Rosie’s story will motivate you to begin creating your own happiness as soon as the episode is over. There's no better time to start working on you than right now!

Before the episode, Bricia is catching us up on her mini vacation with her husband that she mentioned during last week’s episode. It was their first trip alone since Augustina was born earlier this year!

More about Rosie Mercado: Television star Rosie Mercado is capturing hearts and imaginations across the globe with her compelling story, electric persona and breathtaking beauty. 

A proud, bilingual Latina, Rosie is a true crossover star who also guest-hosts and is a correspondent on leading Spanish-language networks, Telemundo and Univision, as well as on the Emmy-award winning Dr. Phil Show and The Doctors. 

The journey of her 240-pound weight loss and life transformation into a prominent voice for women’s empowerment went viral. In 2019, Rosie was named as one of the “Top 25 Most Powerful Latinas” by People en Espanol. 

In fall 2020, Rosie launched two projects simultaneously. Her shocking story of survival and triumph was released through the publication of her memoir, The Girl with the Self-Esteem Issues, in both English and Spanish. With the same title, she launched her podcast with both video and audio components and is also available in English and Spanish. Each episode features candid discussions between Rosie and influential figures from all walks of life covering topics such as parenting, health and relationships.

Episode Gems from Rosie Mercado & more

“It’s a blessing to be present as a mom.” - Rosie

“Until you know someone’s story, you don’t know who they are.” - Rosie

“No mas. I’m going to work on me.” - Rosie

“Becoming a mother just makes you a different person. You start looking deeper into who you are meant to be.” - Paulina

“Sometimes when people are being mean to you, it’s not a reflection of you. it’s a reflection of them.” - Rosie

“When you change you mind, your body changes in the process.” - Paulina

“Find things that you like, that make you happy and give it an opportunity.” - Rosie

“Self care is essential for transformation.” - Rosie

“I want more peace, I want to find answers, something is guiding me. I know there a presence out there.” - Rosie

Pick or Tip of the Week

Bricia’s pick is the cutest tie dye sweat suit from our amiga, Rachel Gomez’s line, Viva la Bonita. It’s cozy and perfect for hanging out at home during the holidays, so support a small Laguna owned business and buy it for someone you love (or yourself 😉) today!

Paulina’s tip is the movie, War with Grandpa - watch the trailer here. She saw it a few weeks back at a drive-in movie and it’s so funny! It’s family friendly and she highly recommends it for children and grownups alike

Links

Follow Rosie on Instagram @rosiemercado and her podcast @thegirlwithselfesteemissues.

Learn more about Rosie, her book, and more at RosieMercado.com.

Listen to her podcast The Girl with the Self Esteem Issues in english and in Spanish, La Latina con Baja Autoestima.

Episode 212: Restoring Your Marriage, Faith and the Power of Words in Your Life with @RosieRivera

This week on the show, we sit down with Rosie Rivera - entrepreneur, international speaker, author and, oh yeah, the youngest of the Rivera Dynasty. This mama never imagined her life turning upside down over night the way it did; we talk about how many factors in life like death, children, and other issues can really put a strain on a marriage. Together with her husband, they started a podcast called “The Power of Us” to share their relationship experiences and show listeners that a successful marriage takes effort and intention on both parts. Rosie’s interview will inspire you to hold on to your faith even in your darkest times.

Pick or Tip of the Week

Bricia’s pick this week are these tweezers for $14.97 from Tweezer Guru! It includes 4 pairs of tweezers, including a super thin pair for ingrown hairs and blackheads (it’s an art that her facialist showed her how to do). She ordered it thinking it wouldn’t be good since it was so cheap, but she ended up falling in love with the set and then got upset when she realized she had been spending over $20 on all the other tweezers she had previously owned.

Paulina has a great tip this week - did you know you can link your Delta SkySmiles to your Lyft rideshare account? Paulina uses Lyft all the time in LA (we’re sure you do too!), and now she gets miles every time she takes a ride in the U.S.. If you travel a lot, you can easily rack up the miles! To learn more, visit deltalyft.com.

Links

Follow Rosie on Instagram at @rosierivera and learn more about her at rosierivera.com.

Watch Abels Worship on YouTube.

Learn more about Rosie’s conference, Dare to Breakthrough It on 11/1, with Miriam Nenninger.

Episode 210: Knowing Your True Identity with @officialTLopez

New episode Tuesday! This week we’re talking to T Lopez, recording artist and entertainer with 20 years of experience. This mama of two gave us one of the most spiritual interviews we have had in awhile. We talk about how T realized she needed time to figure out what her next business venture was, how she exercises her faith, and how she’s helping her daughters shape their identities with the help of her new podcast. Our interview with T came at the right time in our lives, and we hope you feel the same clarity we did!

Pick or Tip of the Week

Bricia is currently in love with Alterna hair products. It’s important to remember that prepping your hair with the right products before styling your hair (curly, straight, waves, whatever) makes a big difference in the final outcome. Alterna sent her a few products to try and she figured out the perfect hair cocktail for her hair. Their CAVIAR Anti-Aging® Replenishing Moisture CC Cream gives such great texture, heat protection and more. When you finish styling, use their CAVIAR Anti-Aging® Working Hairspray. But when you’re a busy mom like Bricia and you only have time to air dry your hair, use Caviar Anti-Aging Smoothing Anti-Frizz Air-Dry Balm. It’s awesome on wet hair - scrunch it into you hair, air dry and go, and your hair will look great.

Paulina’s pick this week is Halloween Time at Disneyland! After spending time with her family there last week, it made her so happy and put her in the holiday mood with all the pumpkins. They also have an altar and Plaza de la Familia at California Adventure from the movie “Coco”, where you can place the name of your loved one. From the parade to fireworks, it made her entire family so happy. Paulina recommends visiting the park anytime from now until the end of the year because the holidays at the park are so magical.

Links

Learn more about T at officialTLopez.com and follow her on Instagram at @officialTLopez.

Listen to her latest podcast, Mama Morsels with T Lopez on iTunes.

Episode 195: Live from the Super Mamá Social w/ the iconic Emmy Award Winner, Myrka Dellanos on Faith & Community

This week we have the 2nd part of our series from the Super Mamás Social panels. Today, we are sharing our conversation with the iconic Myrka Dellanos; a two time Emmy award-winning journalist who has gained credibility and the love of millions in the United States and Latin America.  We talk about her spiritual journey and the importance of keeping our faith through hardships (as these only make us stronger) and doing things with excellence and breaking all stereotypes.  

Also, HUGE thank you to @McDonalds for their beautiful activation of floral bouquets with @MadreFlorals at our Social! It was SO beautiful. & for their delicious coffee from #McCafe in our mom lounge.

Our conversation with Myrka Dellanos

How did you come into your faith, and how does faith shape who Myrka is today?

What are some of those hardships you’ve had in your life that you are most proud of today?

Today, we are here on this stage because of women like you who have opened so many doors for women who talk and look like us.  Who have been those women to you? And who would you like to be for the next generation of women.

Audience Q&A

What would be your advice for starting your brand in 2019?

How do you think social media has changed the approach of traditional media outlets?

How do you create community in a professional field where you don’t see people like yourself in them?

What is your advice on mom guilt & going back into the work force?

How do you find that extra energy that pushes your forward?