Better Off Said

27: Welcome back welcome backkk to another, well, the last episode of Better Off Said. Yes, you heard it right. Or read it right. We are taking a minute off. For all good reasons might we add. Nikki is a little surprised at the growth of her business right now, and she is really needing to step into that entrepreneurial role, spend time on the inside and figure out how to get this thing under control and as profitable as possible! We will miss chatting in your ears every Wednesday, but sometimes, we have to grow up, be mature and realize that it's okay to say no to things. Hear more details by pressing PLAY.   Nikki's Product of the Week: Knock off Anthropologie mirror   Becca's Product of the Week:   Kris Jenner Sunglasses     You can still find us on the 'gram and engage with us that way! @thenikkibutler @bbooks @betteroffpod

26: In case you didn't know, Becca is the founder of social media agency, Homemade Social, and today she is sharing her top tips to grow your Instagram and get your audience engaged! Engagement > follower count. Remember that. These tips cannot––more importantly––should not be automated, so you need to take the time to make the time for them. Happy digital socializing :)   Products Of The Week:   Nikki (I got the espresso color in the Como bottom and Mykonos top) Tan Lines Bathing Suit   Becca N95 Masks   To ask us a question, suggest a topic or just say hi, DM us @betteroffpod or email betteroffpod@gmail.com.     Feel free to creep on your hosts a little further, too @thenikkibutler & @bbooks. Thank you for your attention and support!

25: We all suffer from some sort of stress, anxiety, worry––whatever synonym you can think of for it––through the trials that tribulations that life deals us. There are so many misconceptions about what the definition of mental health actually means. Some think it only pertains to extreme, medically diagnosed illnesses that require treatment, when in fact, it encompasses to much more than that... Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. Today, Nikki and Becca dive into their experiences dealing with their own mental health, what they feel triggers a negative effect on their mental health, and how they manage it.   Check out Nikki's client's new podcast, Basically Beauty, hosted by Tara Hainsworth.   Products of the Week: Nikki: Use code NIKKI10 for 10% off of palmpalm hand sanitizer Becca: got2b glued styling gel   To ask us a question, suggest a topic or just say hi, DM us @betteroffpod or email betteroffpod@gmail.com.     Feel free to creep on your hosts a little further, too @thenikkibutler & @bbooks. Thank you for your attention and support!

24: The fall semester is basically here (where the heckkk did this year go?) so we are talking about our experiences and tips with hiring, firing, managing and interviewing unpaid interns. When you are a small business owner, interns are the best first step to take when looking for additional help with your business, however, there are certain rules and guidelines that you need to follow when your interns are unpaid to keep you out of hot water. It's also a whole new world adding interns to your one-man-show because managing someone can feel like a full time job itself if you don't get a good handle on a management system. So we're spilling all of our favorite platforms to make this process seamless. Plus, some funny interns stories and the best way to go about firing if you need to.   Nikki's Product of the Week Sous Chef Toddler Step Stool   Becca's Product of the Week Loreal Telescopic Mascara   Nikki's new website! Check it out :)   To ask us a question, suggest a topic or just say hi, DM us @betteroffpod or email betteroffpod@gmail.com.     Feel free to creep on your hosts a little further, too @thenikkibutler & @bbooks. Thank you for your attention and support!

23: Becca asked Parker to move in after four months of dating... Nikki has been living with Thor for over eight years... it's about time we drop our tips for moving in with your significant other! Becca provides insight on how to bring up the topic and Nikki gives you advice on how to manage the day-to-day living in hopes of a peaceful outcome :)   Nikki's Product of the Week Portable External Hard Drive   Becca's Product of the Week New Desk Chair   To ask us a question, suggest a topic or just say hi, DM us @betteroffpod or email betteroffpod@gmail.com.     Feel free to creep on your hosts a little further, too @thenikkibutler & @bbooks. Thank you for your attention and support!

22: Becca has been enlightened with adding more sustainable practices into her life! So today, she is taking you through the NINE things she has incorporated into her daily life to help minimize her footprint on our gorgeous green Earth. Nikki also joins her in the beginning of the episode for their weekly moments that are better off said, life updates and products of the week.   Nikki's Product of the Week: Master bedroom rug from McGee and Co   Mortgage refinancing: Costco Better.com   Becca's Amazon Favorites for Sustainability: Wool dryer balls https://bit.ly/30UxbL1 https://bit.ly/2Djf4pF  Glass Straws https://bit.ly/39BfFza Stashable bags https://bit.ly/307wu1C Net grocery + produce bags https://bit.ly/332GgE4  Reusable napkins https://bit.ly/3084s61 Silicon loofah https://bit.ly/2P4uC3j  Reusable makeup wipes https://bit.ly/2X4977f ChomChom https://bit.ly/39zoxp7 Drying rack for clothes

21: It's the first solo episode we have done and Nikki is taking it away with her recap of her most popular blog post, Essentials for Baby's First Year. This podcast has the top products that changed Nikki and Thor's lives with Cannon in the categories of sleep, bath time, active time, changing, nursing, eating and travel. Nikki orders the products from 0-3 month, 3-6 month and 6-12 months so you know exactly what products you need ASAP versus later in the first year. Hope this helps you soon-to-be mamas!   Becca's Product of the Week: Tie Dye Lounge Set   Nikki's Baby Essentials:  For the full list and tips on how to put together your baby registry, visit my blog post. SLEEP Bassinet Dockatot Crib Baby monitor Swaddle Sleep sack AWAKE & TUMMY TIME Loveevery baby play mat and gym Boppy pillow Bouncer Pack n play NURSING Medela Sonata Breast Pump Haakaa Hand Pump Medela Harmony Manual Pump  FEEDING Comotomo baby bottles High chair Snack catcher Sippy cup BATH TIME Body wash / shampoo and lotion Erbaviva oil and butter CHANGING Changing pad Diapers Diaper pail HEALTH & SAFETY Fridababy Nail Clipper and File Fridababy Windi  Fridababy NoseFrida Baby's first toothbrush TRAVEL Solly baby wrap  Stroller with bassinet Car seat Car headrest mirror  Portable sound machine Baby carrier Shopping cart cover  

20: Nikki and Becca are talking personal skincare today! Hear about their morning routines and night routines, plus their favorite tools, tips and tricks. They also discuss how they're treating specific issues they each suffer from and products they buy to accomodate their skin types. Below, we've linked everything we mentioned in this episode! Happy shopping and WASH YOUR FACE! Cookbook Nikki Mentioned: NOURISH Cookbook by Lorna Jane   Nikki's {current} Skincare Routine: Morning Cleanser: Dermalogica Gel Cleanser or Youth To The People Toner: Ole Henriksen Dark Spot Toner Elemis Superfood Facial Oil Drunk Elephant Vitamin C Oil Face Oil Dr. Dennis Gross Ferulic Acid and Retinol Brightening Solution Mild retinol Jade Roller GlamGlow Illuminating Moisturizer Moisturizer Glossier Invisible Shield Shiseido Oil-Free SPF Supergoop Translucent Powder with SPF Sunscreen Lip Moisturizer: Laneige Lip Mask   Night Cleanser: Dermalogica Gel Cleanser or Youth To The People Kate Somerville Exfoli-Kate Elemis Resurfacing Facial Pads twice a week Exfoliate twice a week* Toner: Ole Henriksen Dark Spot Toner Elemis Reviving Eye Mask Eye Cream Drunk Elephant Glycolic Resurfacing Night Serum Night Serum Ole henriksen Retin-Alt Sleeping Cream Elemis Pro Collagen Marine Cream Moisturizer Lip Moisturizer: Laneige Lip Mask Gua Sha Jade Roller Self-tanner: Lux Unfiltered Masks: Summer Fridays Jet Lag, Elemis Pro Collagen Cleansing Balm and Peter Thomas Roth 24k Gold Acne spot treatment: PCA Skincare Pigment Gel Favorite Tools   Becca's Skincare Routine The little book of korean skincare https://bit.ly/2G0DYcu  Cleanser Kate Somerville anti bac https://bit.ly/2FZ9Yh6  ice Revision skincare https://bit.ly/3gWAjw4  Apply without a cotton ball Toner Cosrx https://bit.ly/2YFGRGQ  Essence Kate somerville anti bac https://bit.ly/2YJMbsS  Acne cream Julep vitamin c https://bit.ly/3epQksV  Oil Revision skincare https://bit.ly/34JPgNf  Colorscience powder sunscreen for reapplication  https://bit.ly/2G0FT0G  Sunscreen Morning PreCleanse Dermalogica pre cleanse https://bit.ly/2YGIEeP  Kate somerville anti bac https://bit.ly/2FZ9Yh6  Cleanser  Dermalogica microfoliant https://bit.ly/2R9weZS  Exfoliate Revision skincare https://bit.ly/3gWAjw4  Apply without a cotton ball Toner Cosrx https://bit.ly/2YFGRGQ  Essence  Skincueticals 0.5% https://bit.ly/2Lbncdb  Retinol  Sente https://sentelabs.com/products/sente-illumine-eye-cream Eyecream Julep vitamin c https://bit.ly/3epQksV  Oil Avene https://bit.ly/3fpvv28  Moisturizer Night Kate somerville cream https://bit.ly/2YJMbsS  Dermalogica spot treatment https://bit.ly/2G3kofs  Cosrx spot stickers https://bit.ly/2G32JEQ  Acne products Pore strips (weekly) https://bit.ly/30bB4uq  blackhead soap stick https://bit.ly/2ZZSPwE  Dermalogica blackhead mask https://bit.ly/3gWADLi  Blackhead products Habitaware bracelet https://habitaware.com/products/sporty-keen?gclid=CjwKCAjwjLD4BRAiEiwAg5NBFpGSM2MthYqTqdk_c5MAlQ5Qxc12RVs1BpzkXn0NCc1AiZKgR_z7-xoCVUAQAvD_BwE  PICKING Italian towels for shower: https://bit.ly/2YFFVSQ Twinkle razors https://bit.ly/2FZCMpG     To ask us a question, suggest a topic or just say hi, DM us

19: This week, Becca asks Nikki more about who she was before they met. From her painful experience going through a family break up, how her college experience molded her into who she is today, pivoting in your business and more!   Nikki's product mentions: Wine Away Couch Bedroom rug   Becca's product mentions: Daily Harvest Use code BBOOKS for $25 off!   To ask us a question, suggest a topic or just say hi, DM us @betteroffpod or email betteroffpod@gmail.com.     Feel free to creep on your hosts a little further, too @thenikkibutler & @bbooks. Thank you for your attention and support!

#18: It's time to get to know more about Becca Booker. On today's episode, Nikki asks Becca questions that she didn't even know the answer to. We talk about the high school and college years that made Becca who she is today, what she did to save up to buy her first home, her perspective on marriage, kids, religion and more!     Becca's Product Rec: Korean Italy Towels Good for beach day/ 4th of July tan Exfoliation Removes tanner too Nikki's Product Rec: SMEG Water Kettle Great for instant coffee Great for warming water for formula bottles   To ask us a question, suggest a topic or just say hi, DM us @betteroffpod or email betteroffpod@gmail.com.     Feel free to creep on your hosts a little further, too @thenikkibutler & @bbooks. Thank you for your attention and support!

17: It's not very often that a one-night college fling turns into a 2-1/2 year marriage and 9 years of dating. According to "He's Just Not That Into You", it sounds like Nikki and her husband, Thor, are the exception, not the rule. Get to know the dynamic between Nikki and Thor's relationship in this episode as Nikki tries to extract all the feelings that go through a guy's head when deciding they want to date someone and eventually propose to them. Plus, what guys think during the emotional rollercoaster called pregnancy.   We also talk about: The details of our first encounter and how we met Our opinions on dating apps and how we have never used them Moving in together before marriage What it's like being parents   Nikki's Product Rec: My pantry storage containers that are thee SHIT OXO Good Grips   Becca's Product Rec:  Electric Standing Desk   To ask us a question, suggest a topic or just say hi, DM us @betteroffpod or email betteroffpod@gmail.com.     Feel free to creep on your hosts a little further, too @thenikkibutler & @bbooks. Thank you for your attention and support!

#16: When we started this podcast, we leveraged the angle of both being 20-somethings but in two different stages of life and offering those two perspectives. We laughed when only a couple of episodes in, Becca had matched with a guy on Hinge, and she was smitten. Enter, her now boyfriend, Parker! Parker joins Becca today to uncover the details of what it's like dating through an app and how it was successful for them! They go into their first date and the special surprise Jojo left for them, meeting each other's families and friends and... wait for it... MOVING IN TOGETHER! That's right, Parker moves in this weekend and they'll go into their feelings like Drake.    Nikki's Products: Children's Books with Black Protagonists "Snowy Day" "A Is For Activism"    Becca's Product:  Bougainvillea from The Home Depot - only $15 each!   To ask us a question, suggest a topic or just say hi, visit @betteroffpod or email betteroffpod@gmail.com.     Feel free to creep on your hosts a little further, too @thenikkibutler & @bbooks. Thank you for your attention and support!

#15: It's been two weeks since we've last come through to your AirPods, and we couldn't be happier to be back. It's been a heavy week for all of us. Coronavirus is still here, numbers are actually rising in Arizona, but there's an even more important movement happening, #BlackLivesMatter, where we are fighting for justice of police brutality toward the black community. We go through some of our learnings, realizations, how we're progressing forward, creating a new normal and resources you can look to to educate yourself and others.   We also recap an controversial racist comment from a prominent Arizona magazine that circulated the internet and created a shitstorm (for lack of a better word) on their Instagram.   Here are some of the resources we mentioned in this episode:   Video On Argument About Black-On-Black Crime   Books: The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates A People’s History of the United States by Howard Zinn Caught by Marie Gottschalk White Fragility by  So You Want To Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo The Color of Law by Richard Rothstein Raising White Kids by Jennifer Harvey How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi Movies: 13th The House I Live In Roots 12 Years A Slave Selma The Hate U Give   Podcasts About Anti-Racism: NPR Interview with Former Chief of Police in Camden, New Jersey Code Switch Still Processing Come Through with Rebecca Carroll Pod Save the People   Children's Books: Parker Looks Up: An Extraordinary Moment by Parker Curry A is for Activist by Innosanto Nagara I Am Enough by Grace Byers Amazing Grace The Skin I’m In: A First Look at Racism by Pat Thomas Sulwe by Lupita Nyong'o The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson Let’s Talk About Race by Julius Lester   Organizations to Support: Your local Black Lives Matter Chapter The ACLU Color Of Change The Innocence Project Cure Violence NAACP   To ask us a question, suggest a guest or just say hi, visit @betteroffpod or email betteroffpod@gmail.com.     Feel free to creep on your hosts a little further, too @thenikkibutler & @bbooks. Thank you for your attention and support!

#14: Karie Johnson is the owner of barre3 Scottsdale and Paradise Valley, two fitness studios here in the Greater Phoenix Area. Karie takes us through what it's actually like investing in a franchise, telling us the actual number and more importantly, telling us her success story. To start the interview, Karie walks Becca and Nikki through a much needed 3-minute breath exercise before diving into Karie's story, barre3 and what she eats in a day to look and feel great! We also cover: How Karie pivoted from teaching to investing into barre3 What it's actually like being a franchisee working with a franchisor How much the initial investment is to open a barre3 studio The barre3 workout and how it's different from others The four underdeveloped areas of our bodies in today society and how barre3 "reverses daily life" The five core values of barre3 and how they align with Karie's own values The importance of community involvement Adjusting during COVID-19 and where Karie, her studios and staff are now What Karie eats in a day Tips from Karie on balancing motherhood, marriage, business and a healthy lifestyle! Karie is offering one free virtual class to Better Off Said listeners! Just email or DM @barre3scottsdalepv and mention Better Off Said.  You can also click HERE to see their schedule and book a class.   Nikki's Product Of The Week: PARACHUTE Linen Bedding Becca's Product Of The Week: Ann Taylor Wide Leg Jeans    To connect with Karie, click here.   To follow barre3 Scottsdale and Paradise Valley, click here.   To ask us a question, suggest a guest or just say hi, visit @betteroffpod or email betteroffpod@gmail.com.     Feel free to creep on your hosts a little further, too @thenikkibutler & @bbooks. Thank you for your attention and support!

#13: Public relations is a hot topic. It feels very foreign to most businesses in the sense that they just don't know how to go about it! Lucky for all of you, today we are talking to Nicole Myden, a 20-year PR veteran and owner of The PR Concierge. In this episode, Nicole walks us through the do's and don'ts when it comes to pitching media, how to create your own rolodex (or media list), what to expect from hiring a PR pro or agency, and so much more. This episode is FULL of useful insights and tips so we definitely recommending taking notes on this one!   Nikki Product Of The Week: GLAMGLOW Illuminating Eye Cream Becca Product Of The Week: Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier   To connect with Nicole, click here.   To follow The PR Concierge, click here.   To ask us a question, suggest a guest or just say hi, visit @betteroffpod or email betteroffpod@gmail.com.     Feel free to creep on your hosts a little further, too @thenikkibutler & @bbooks. Thank you for your attention and support!

#12: Today we are joined by Kristen Forgione, Creator and Principal Designer of THELIFESTYLEDCO, Design Firm and Retail Shops specializing in minimal and modern aesthetic called Organic Desert Living. Talk about a conversation that could have gone on forever! She is so easy to talk to and very open about everything.   Kristen gets candid with us about how she started her sought-after interior design firm and the importance of naming her aesthetic (enter: #organicdesertliving). We get into how she built a loyal team and the bad apples she came across along the way. Kristen also touches on how she realized adding additional revenue streams was crucial to giving herself more time with family and eventually helped her continue to pay her employees through the pandemic.   Among other things, we talk about strategically spending on credit cards, the effectiveness of hashtags and we meet Linda, her new corgi rescue!   Products We Mentioned: Nikki Product Of The Week: Reclaimed Wood Console Table Becca Product Of The Week: Ninja Foodie   To connect with Kristen (she responds to every DM!), click here.   To follow THELIFESTYLEDCO, click here.   To ask us a question, suggest a guest or just say hi, visit @betteroffpod or email betteroffpod@gmail.com.     Feel free to creep on your hosts a little further, too @thenikkibutler & @bbooks. Thank you for your attention and support!

#11: Today we welcome Owner and Lead Wedding Planner of Some Like It Classic, Kayla Bellitt, to the podcast and oh boy do we feel for her right now! The hospitality industry is the first industry, and the hardest hit, by the coronavirus, and Kayla shares it all with us. From endless clients calls, vendor contract re-negotiation, the loss of future revenue, Kayla has become a therapist and lawyer on top of wedding planner. We also talk about how she has known what she's wanted to do since she was 16 years old and the steps she took to buy out her boss at just 22 years old. She is truly an example to young, aspiring entrepreneurs.   Here are some fun facts about Kayla: She hates being hugged  She grew up in Colorado  She is an a enneagram 5  She loves to bake   Products We Mentioned: Nikki Product Of The Week: Supergoop Invincible Setting Powder SPF 45 Becca Product Of The Week: Use code BBOOKS20 for 20% Gorjana jewelry for Mother's Day    To connect with Kayla, click here.   To follow Some Like It Classic, click here.   To ask us a question, suggest a guest or just say hi, visit @betteroffpod or email betteroffpod@gmail.com.   Feel free to creep on your hosts a little further, too @thenikkibutler & @bbooks. Thank you for your attention and support!

#10: We've hit the double digits in episodes! Hey, small milestones deserve attention too, right?   Today, we talk to Bryanna Casey, a seasoned makeup artist who co-owns Eleven Co Agency in Phoenix. Formerly known as the Phoenix Makeup Collective, Eleven Co Agency is an independent agency representing top talent in photography, hair and makeup. They specialize in editorial, bridal, print, commercial, and much more.   Prior to becoming a business owner, Bryanna has conquered prosthetics and effects makeup in film and TV and produced and managed makeup teams at numerous notable designer shows in New York, Paris, Milan and London Fashion Week. Whoa!   We talk about how to get signed with Eleven Co Agency, operating a business with a partner, working behind the scenes at Fashion Week, caring for your skin first, and so much more. This was a fun one! Enjoy!   Products We Mentioned: Nikki Product Of The Week: Kat Von D Tattoo Liner Becca Product Of The Week: Not Pot CBD Gummies Unite Expanda Dust   To connect with Bryanna, click here.   To follow Eleven Co Agency, click here.   To check out Bryanna's YouTube Channel, click here.   To ask us a question, suggest a guest or just say hi, visit @betteroffpod or email betteroffpod@gmail.com.   Feel free to creep on your hosts a little further, too @thenikkibutler & @bbooks. Thank you for your attention and support!

#9: Today we talk to an Arizona ER Nurse, Chelsea Mune, who is working on the frontlines during the COVID-19 pandemic. She dives into what she is seeing at the hospital, how it's affecting her life at home and what you can do to help slow the spread and flatten the curve. Please stay safe!   For updates on coronavirus, visit John Hopkins University.   To connect with Chelsea, click here.   To ask us a question, suggest a guest or just say hi, visit @betteroffpod or email betteroffpod@gmail.com.   Feel free to creep on your hosts a little further, too @thenikkibutler & @bbooks. Thank you for your attention and support!

#8: In this episode of the Better Off Said Podcast, Nikki and Becca talk to one of Becca's college friends, Audree Lopez, better known as @simplyaudreekate. Audree is a fashion stylist and blogger in New York City and has an impressive resume of clients, including Alice + Olivia. She takes us through her journey of the unconvential path to moving to NYC after graduation with no job to pursue her love of fashion. We also go through how she manages her team and her blog and her step-by-step process of content creation.   To connect with Audree, click here.   To follow all her fun styling projects, click here.   For more information on her online course, click here.   To ask us a question, suggest a guest or just say hi, visit @betteroffpod or email betteroffpod@gmail.com.   Feel free to creep on your hosts a little further, too @thenikkibutler & @bbooks. Thank you for your attention and support!