staying sane during the holidays 🎄🎁

Summary

Podcast Summary: “Staying Sane During the Holidays 🎄🎁”

Gals on the Go — December 17, 2025
Hosts: Brooke Miccio & Danielle Carolan

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Overview

Brooke and Danielle usher listeners into holiday season chaos with relatable stories, candid advice, and their signature infectious banter. This episode is a “Speak Pipe” special, featuring real listener voicemails on topics ranging from pregnancy reveals and stocking stuffers to family traditions and hosting holiday parties. The central theme: how to navigate festivities, expectations, and (sometimes awkward) family moments while staying sane and enjoying yourself.

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Key Segments & Discussion Points

1. Life Updates: Seasonal Fun & Surprises (02:23–14:46)

• Brooke’s NYC Winter Adventure: Brooke shares the saga of a surprise date night with her boyfriend, Ryan, highlighting the expectations-versus-reality of holiday surprises and romantic gestures.
  • “I was like, am I about to get engaged? Like, not actually, but actually.” (04:01 – Brooke)
  • Ryan planned an ice skating date—Brooke had suspected, but the real surprise was Ryan’s nerves on the ice ("He looked like a baby deer learning how to walk." – 08:18).
  • They embrace the humor and vulnerability in partners trying new things.
• Meeting Blake Lively:
  Brooke recounts meeting Blake at a Stoney Clover & Betty Brown Beauty event.
  • Blake was “so kind” and brought her kids.
    “She even looked at us, and she was like, ‘I’m so sorry, thank you for being so patient.’” (14:46 – Brooke)
  • Danielle shares anecdote of her mom’s advice: “Don’t lean in photos!” (19:29)
• Self-Reflection Corner:
  Both hosts joke about personal quirks—Danielle’s “verbal baggage” and Brooke’s “vibes” overuse.

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2. Listener Voicemails & Advice

A. Pregnancy Reveal Dilemmas (24:22–28:50)

• Voicemail from a listener newly pregnant, unsure how to tell her friends who might miss “fun years.”
• Brooke and Danielle suggest:
  • Recording “photo” moments with a sonogram reveal (Emily J. example, 26:47).
  • Using holiday gifting for reveals.
  • Emphasize that friendships can stay fun—even with babies.
    • “I have had a friend or a couple friends recently have babies and they are so fun. Like, they are still having so much fun.” (27:39 – Brooke)

B. Stocking Stuffers for the "Selfless Mom" (28:51–32:41)

• Suggestions:
  • Thoughtful gift cards (e.g. massage or nice dinner, 30:08)
  • Practical luxuries—restocking daily beauty products, fuzzy socks, skincare, heated neck wrap.
  • Experience gifts or heartfelt DIY coupon books.
  • Recognize the family matriarch: “Ma deserves to have her stocking stuffed too.” (30:03 – Danielle)

C. Favorite Family Traditions (32:41–38:05)

• Both share cherished rituals:
  • Danielle: “Creative” to/from labels on gifts, matching pajamas on Christmas Eve.
    • “You get very silly with it, and it’s just like, inside jokes sort of.” (33:45 – Danielle)
  • Brooke: Not allowed out of her room Christmas morning until dad plays Johnny Mathis’ Christmas CD. Family breakfast casserole is a must.

D. Hosting Your First Holiday Party (38:06–45:32)

• Voicemail from Madison, excited (and nervous) to host New Year’s Eve.
• Top Hosting Tips:
  • Overbuy essentials (esp. ice, cups, booze): “If you think you need three bottles of vodka, get six.” (40:08 – Danielle)
  • Batch cocktails or consider a bartender for stress-free drinks.
  • Music volume and playlist length (“Double the length of what you think.” – 42:30)
  • Accept help from guests on what to bring; prep for bathrooms and clean-up.
  • Pro-tip: Use Costco’s return policy for unopened extras (43:09).
• Dress code reminder for “no shoes” households (45:01).

E. Staying Sane at Home Over the Holidays (45:32–49:14)

• Maintaining boundaries and routine is key.
  • Pre-plan time for yourself, even if it’s just a grocery run (47:21 – Brooke).
  • “With age comes the confidence to be able to be like, no, I’m gonna do it a different way this time.” (47:54 – Danielle)
• Don’t feel obligated to entertain family 24/7; preserve some alone time.

F. Wrapping & Gift Organization Fails (49:14–54:46)

• Listener shares tale of losing track of wrapped gifts without to/from stickers.
• Tips:
  • Color-code, initial, or write on the bottom if you run out of tags.
  • Rely on department store wrapping when possible; small businesses often wrap beautifully too. Test Rabbit for “gift wrap” (54:26).

G. Spending Holidays with Your Partner's Family (55:01–60:23)

• Adjusting to different family cultures—gifts and dress codes differ.
  • “Gift culture might be different... definitely one family to another.” (56:18 – Danielle)
• It’s normal to feel awkward or overdressed; bring an open mind, communicate needs gently.
• Share your small traditions (like watching the parade) if it helps you feel at home.
• Accept that guilt or homesickness can be normal in new situations.

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Gems, Quotes, & Memorable Moments

• On Surprises:
  “If you set yourself up too much... nine times out of 10, it’s a letdown. Just keep an open mind.” (03:09 – Danielle)
• Meeting Blake Lively:
  “She was just... so kind. And then, kind of like an informal meet and greet started to develop, and... I was like, sometimes I feel like we’re like, ‘I don’t need a photo.’ No, I—yeah, I wanted to talk to her.” (14:01 – Brooke)
• On Family Gift Traditions:
  “We write on our wrapped gifts—on the to and from labels, we get very creative. So in the past, we’ve done... your ex boss who’s really annoying.” (33:13 – Danielle)
• Keeping Sane Over the Holidays:
  “Lock into yourself first and kind of decide what you want. Because if you don’t decide, then you’re gonna be thrown in a million different directions.” (46:15 – Danielle)
• On Hosting:
  “Even if you’re only having 20 people, just plan accordingly... People are so wasteful. They just want a new cup every time.” (40:30 – Brooke)
• Navigating Partner’s Family:
  “It’s not that one is right or wrong. It’s just what you’re used to... I remember I was with Ryan’s family and I don’t know if they had the parade on. I was like, ‘I really love watching the parade in the morning.’ And Ryan was like, ‘Let’s put it on.’” (58:11 – Brooke)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Holiday Proposal & Ice Skating Story: 02:23–11:17
• Blake Lively Event Recap: 11:17–14:46
• Awkward Overdressed/Dress Code Chat: 57:09–59:34
• Listener Voicemails Intro: 24:09
• Pregnancy Reveal Q&A: 24:22–28:50
• Stocking Stuffer Tips: 28:51–32:41
• Family Tradition Stories: 32:41–38:05
• Hosting Advice (NYE): 38:06–45:32
• Staying Sane at Home: 45:32–49:14
• Wrapping Mishaps: 49:14–54:46
• Partner's Family Dynamics: 55:01–60:23

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Tone & Style

The episode is light-hearted, witty, and deeply relatable. Brooke and Danielle bounce between personal anecdotes, pop culture tidbits, and practical advice, often poking fun at themselves and breaking up serious moments with playful asides—just as you’d expect from a conversation with your best friends. Listeners are encouraged to embrace imperfection and lean into the “messiness” of holiday life.

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This episode is a cozy catchall of sisterly support, actionable tips, and meaningful moments—just the comfort anyone needs to survive and enjoy the holidays.

Transcript

[Brooke]

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[Danielle]

Hey, guys. What's up? Welcome back to Gals on the Go podcast.

[Brooke]

It's Brooke and Danielle.

[Danielle]

Why are you laughing?

[Brooke]

Hey, guys.

[Danielle]

I don't know. Hey, guys.

[Brooke]

Hey, guys.

[Danielle]

My voice is starting to go a little bit. I think last night I started to get a little scratchy throat and I was like, not before the. No. And not again. Truly, not again.

[Brooke]

I feel like. It feels like we're in college sometimes, living in New York when it's like you're just constantly getting sick.

[Danielle]

Constantly. I was taking those wellness. Like, I felt the little tickle. I was like, wellness formula.

[Brooke]

Yeah, totally. Well, I'm so happy to be sitting here with you. We have so much to talk about. I mean, when do we not.

[Danielle]

I know. I don't. We could. We could keep going. We've been up to some fun winter activities here in the city. Yeah. Cooking something up. Big things coming.

[Brooke]

Yes. And this is going to be a holiday themed Speak pipe episode where you guys submitted voicemails anonymously for us to listen to and give advice, talk about things that are, you know, like, you know, what are you going to do at Christmas when this happens or whatever it may be. This was Brook's idea and I'm really excited about it.

[Danielle]

Holiday. Not that we're qualified to give any sort of.

[Brooke]

No, we'll just give our two cents. Yeah.

[Danielle]

We'll support you through whatever you're going through. The gals will lend an ear to this.

[Brooke]

We used to do the segment on our live shows, like, justify this because, like, you just let us know which way you want to justify and we'll. We'll do that for you. We do that for each other all the time.

[Danielle]

Yeah. Like, do you want me to. Do you want support or do you want, like, advice? Or do you want what. Whatever. Direction.

[Brooke]

Yeah, you just let me know.

[Danielle]

Yeah.

[Brooke]

So I'm really excited to listen to these. We haven't listened to any of them. So it'll be our live reaction. You know, we like to do that here at Gals. We don't like scripted. We don't like plan.

[Danielle]

Yeah, no, it needs to be off the cuff. It needs to be unexpected.

[Brooke]

Off the cuff. Speaking of off the cuff unexpected, I had an unexpected thing happen to me with Ryan.

[Danielle]

Unexpected.

[Brooke]

Unexpected. Expected. So Ryan and I had this plan to go to Bryant park and go see the Rockefeller tree. Just, like, true, like, NYC things. And Ryan called me a couple hours before meeting him, and he goes, I have a surprise for you. And I'm like, oh, my God. And we know if you've been there for the Soda Stream. Like, I work myself up. I'm like, oh, my God.

[Danielle]

You actually. You actually said to me.

[Brooke]

I said, you.

[Danielle]

Ryan's planning a surprise. And I actually said. I was like, okay. You know, because you. Then you started. You were like, is it. I don't know.

[Brooke]

Maybe it's gonna be. Yeah, maybe it's dinner on this, like, with the view of Rockefeller Center. Like, I don't know.

[Danielle]

Yeah, yeah. You started going everywhere, which is good. It's good that you definitely are glass. But I feel like when you set yourself up for too much, like, in terms of expectations of, like, a friend or a partner or something, nine times out of 10, it's like, a letdown. So, like, I didn't. I didn't want to be negative, but I was like, just keep an open mind.

[Brooke]

Just keep an open mind. I was like, no, you're so right. And so. But then I'm thinking, okay, we're going to Bryant park, maybe. I said to Brooke, I was like, I feel like maybe we're going ice skating. But also, I went ice skating at Central park last week. And, like, I feel like he would tell me, wear thick socks. Or, like, you know, you said, you know. Yeah. He would tell you, like, don't wear a skirt.

[Danielle]

Yeah, you need to dress appropriately for that. Yeah.

[Brooke]

Yeah. So I'm like, okay, what is it? And then I'm talking to Ryan, and he was like, by the way, do you think you could bring me an extra layer? I'm like, okay, so we're gonna be outside a little cold night. I get there, and he sent me a specific meeting spot, which was. Right. So then I'm like, am I about get engaged?

[Danielle]

Like, not actually, but actually. You're like, this is. Everything's coming up engagement.

[Brooke]

Said she had a very important dinner to get back to. Like, oh, my God. These things for, like, five seconds. But I'm like, no, I literally don't. Like, we're not.

[Danielle]

I would not be able to. Like, I. I feel like there would be more clues, you know, for sure.

[Brooke]

And, like, I.

[Danielle]

Did you go find friends?

[Brooke]

No, I didn't go. Because, like, I. There's not even like, a ring shape. Like, it's not happening.

[Danielle]

But the way it was looking suspicious, like, as if the something.

[Brooke]

Like something was.

[Danielle]

Something big was showing up. Sorry, what were you saying?

[Brooke]

No, no, this is a tangent conversation. That's what it is. But no, anyways. But then I'm also posting on my story, like, you know, Ryan surprised me. And then, of course, I'm getting all these replies, like, oh, my God. Like, I have friends. Like, holy. Like, you're about to get engaged. Like, no, I'm not.

[Danielle]

Yeah, surprise. I will say surprise. Date nights are like. Like, when it's like, I'm planning you a surprise is like. So I'm like, what's up? Like, no, you know, like, I just.

[Brooke]

Need to do more surprises so that we don't see it coming ever.

[Danielle]

For sure. I have, like, we do date nights where it's like, he plans it, but it's not necessarily, like. I know, like a loose itinerary, per se, but he likes all the reserve. I mean, he pretty much always makes all the reserves, but, like, you know what I mean? But I feel like a big surprise, like, that. I'm like, did you do something that you need to apologize or, like, it feels like there's, like, something.

[Brooke]

There's a trick here, right cooked here going on? No, 100%, but, yeah. So he said, meet in front of the Bryant park public restrooms. I'm like, holy shit. Like, what? Like, restroom? Yeah, also the restroom. But there he was. I walked up, and he was in his little Santa hat, ready for the day. And he was like, okay, do you want to go inside? I was like, what do you mean? He's like, well, I need to go inside to put the sweater on. I was like, okay, can you tell me what the surprise is? Because I brought him a sweater. Anyways, he then tells me we're going ice skating. And I was like, I knew it. He was like, did you have an idea? I was like, yeah. And I was like, by the way. Which, by the way, for, like, five minutes. I was so nice. Like, I was so excited because, you know, you have to reward good behavior. I know you have to. That's. You know what they say. They're like dogs. It's like, wait, yes, I know. That you planned this.

[Danielle]

Even if it's slightly off you. I love it. I'm going to wear it every day. The most delicious whatever. And then. Then you can get your.

[Brooke]

Exactly, like, I. You know, five minutes of. Oh, my God, thank you. And the reason he did this is because.

[Danielle]

For six.

[Brooke]

I mean, we did in six and a half years, and every December, I'm like, will you go ice skating with me? Because I've always wanted that, like, experience. And he would always be like. Because he had said he's ice skated before, and he's like, no, you don't. Don't mean to ice skate with you. Like, no, no. I'm like, no, Yes, I do, for sure. And he just like, I. I didn't know, like, what the backstory was. So anyways, he was like, okay, I bought us tickets. We're gonna go to Bryant Park. We're gonna ice skate. I don't know how it's gonna go. You're probably gonna leave me after this.

[Danielle]

Why? Because you're gonna get the ick from seeing him. Yeah. Skates.

[Brooke]

He was really concerned, and so we went. I was just laughing, though, because, you guys, it was, like, the coldest night in New York City.

[Danielle]

I was like, it was a one.

[Brooke]

Yeah.

[Danielle]

I was gonna say this.

[Brooke]

There was a one. There was a one digit in there.

[Danielle]

Yeah.

[Brooke]

So I was just laughing because I'm like, thank God. I went home and added an extra layer. Brought my gloves, you know, wore a beanie, because I just had this inkling. But what if I said to him. I was like, by the way, what if I was wearing a skirt? He was like, you wouldn't wear a skirt. I'm like, you don't know.

[Danielle]

Yeah, you don't. You're coming from another thing.

[Brooke]

Yeah. I was coming from meeting Blake Lively, which we will get into. But, like, you know. Yeah, yeah, yeah. So that was funny. But so then we're, like, waiting in line to go ice skating, and then he starts to get really nervous. He's watching the group before us like, they're all, like, crushing it, you know? Like, there's no amateurs on the radio.

[Danielle]

God. And it's like time slots, right? Yeah.

[Brooke]

So we're watching, like, group A Go, and he was like, I don't think we should do this.

[Danielle]

I'm like, oh, my God.

[Brooke]

You bought these tickets. He was willing, and he is not this type of person. He was willing to, like, nix the tickets. He was like, I'm getting nervous. I was like, oh, my God. No, we're doing this. We're waiting in line doing this.

[Danielle]

Did you have the skates on at this point?

[Brooke]

No, we like, we're getting our skates and so we got skates on. We got out there and I understand why he didn't want to go ice skating.

[Danielle]

I don't know what Ryan's weight is, but 200. I assume it's around 2 over 200. Definitely over 20. Like a big muscular guy on ice or something. Something about it. Like, I do, I do feel like. Is it the balance is the issue?

[Brooke]

It was the balance. He looked like a baby deer learning how to walk. Running in place just like this the whole time. Like he was. You're supposed to keep your knees a little bent. But then he just like kept leaning forward and like trying to sit step. And he just like. I was like, you have to calm down. Like you're.

[Danielle]

He just.

[Brooke]

Oh my God. It was. But then I'm not that good. I didn't know how to teach him to skate. I. I wasn't thinking about any of this. And he was like, oh, I should have texted Gretchen's husband Max.

[Danielle]

Oh. To get some tips.

[Brooke]

Like, oh my God. He. He just knew nothing. And it was him and the little kids on the wall, like, oh, that's so funny.

[Danielle]

Did they give you like the, The.

[Brooke]

He wanted one. He was too tall for them. Like the little like skater helper. Things that looked like penguins. So we did three rounds with him like on the wall. Basically. He would take little breaks. But I was terrified the way he was skating Brooke, like, seriously.

[Danielle]

Oh, it was like he could fly back and crack his head open. Yeah.

[Brooke]

Any moment. So I literally know what you're saying.

[Danielle]

I feel like there's a scene in a movie, I can't think which one, where they're on ice and they're like stuck in place and they're like running.

[Brooke]

That's what he looks like. Oh my God. I like didn't fully get the ick, but I was more so like, I can't help him. Like, I would put up my arm, but then I was like, he'll bring me down.

[Danielle]

Yeah, no, that's risky.

[Brooke]

But he had such good sense of. Sense of humor about it. He was so fun. He was like, you still like me. Like, it was fun.

[Danielle]

That's funny.

[Brooke]

And then the fourth circle around. Cuz it took us forever to do at least three. He did the whole thing without the wall.

[Danielle]

Wow.

[Brooke]

So he's a quick learner.

[Danielle]

Well, and he just didn't grow up ice skating. I'm Assuming. So that's why he. That was the backstory there or was there, like, trauma? Like.

[Brooke]

No. So there being anything with that. He just, you know, he hadn't done it before. And so his surprise was finally taking me because he had always said no, which. So I do want to say it was really sweet because I have asked every single year, and it was really cute that he kind of even had this thought. I'm not trying to be ungrateful at all. It was just like, so funny. Like on the coldest night, you know, he's like, let's go ice skating. And I. You know, so. But it was really fun. And then after that, we walked around Bryant park to get the food because I was like, fully planning on having dinner. Like, dumplings here. Corn. I don't.

[Danielle]

Yeah.

[Brooke]

But like, you know, something there.

[Danielle]

Yeah, like a little. A little bit of everything. Sampling. Like, it's like tinier portions. Right. Like, don't they kind of do it that way? So. So that you can try to. Yeah.

[Brooke]

I feel like you would actually love it. You've done it before, obviously, but it's fun. But it was like a Monday night, so not everything was open, so. But it was really thought that counts. It was the thought that count. That was like my idea. So to be fair, that wasn't his. He, like, ate dinner before because he had a feeling. I was like, you're a genius for that. So then I was hangry, and then I was too cold and tired to go to Rockefeller Tree, so.

[Danielle]

Because that's like up the road.

[Brooke]

Yeah, it was like 10 minute walk. And like, I could. I didn't even have it in me between ice skating and being cold and everything, so. But it was fine. It was a fun little surprise.

[Danielle]

And that was just like the day you had available to do your date night, though. That's why I like, keep landed.

[Brooke]

I assume it was the day because.

[Danielle]

That was the day. Yeah, you're booked. You're booked every other. Every other night of the week. I feel like you're booked.

[Brooke]

Yeah, the gals are booked.

[Danielle]

This is. Yeah. For a few.

[Brooke]

Social week, like.

[Danielle]

Yeah, social week.

[Brooke]

Social week. So that happened.

[Danielle]

And then before that, you got to meet.

[Brooke]

Before that, I got to meet Blake live, which was so exciting. Brooke was also invited.

[Danielle]

Yes, of course.

[Brooke]

But she had dinner with.

[Danielle]

Well, it was like a.

[Brooke]

You know. Well, I also.

[Danielle]

Yeah, I got like a calendar invite.

[Brooke]

Literally, I did not know that was going to record.

[Danielle]

I got a calendar invite. It was like, meet Blake Lively. And I was like, this is in Four hours. Like, what? I was like, I already have dinner plans.

[Brooke]

Like, yeah, wait, like, I don't know why they sent you that. No, no, I hadn't gotten it.

[Danielle]

And then I said to you. I was like, did I? Like, then I felt like I forgot to add it to my calendar or something. Like, it was like, oh, I never accepted this or something, you know, and you forget to accept it and it like resends it. I was like, oh, my gosh. I. I miss. I must have missed this in my. My at the sec.

[Brooke]

No, it was just a last minute invite for both of us. And so. But yeah, anyways, yeah, Stoney Clover and Blake Brown Beauty did a collab of sorts and they were hosting an event and I just could tell, you know, you could tell in the email. Like, Blake Lively. Like, I knew she was gonna be there.

[Danielle]

Yeah. Basically, like, we can kind of tend.

[Brooke]

Like, like Stoney Clover and Blake Lively would like to host. You know, you just kind of like, yes, yes.

[Danielle]

And like, yeah, we'll say like. And join us for a second. Special presentation of like, brought to you by the founder. Like, or it will say something without.

[Brooke]

Saying no plus ones, typically. Or like, please get your plus one approved. Like, it's typically something like that where, you know, like, they're gonna be there. So. And it was like right after our recording. And I knew it was gonna be. I was like, I am re watching Gossip Girl right now as I do every fall. And I just had to go. And she was there. And I have to say, Brooke, she was so kind.

[Danielle]

So kind.

[Brooke]

So. Oh my God. So let me paint the picture. I'm. I'm like the first person at this freaking event because I walked from the recording and she just comes down the stairs of like, Phuket's, the hotel. She's walking downstairs with her kids. She looks so graceful. Like, you could tell. I think she literally just like came from her apartment and Tribeca.

[Danielle]

Yeah. And she brought her kids with her.

[Brooke]

She brought how many kids? There were three of them. Two or three. There was definitely two, maybe a third there. I was trying to. She was like having a conversation with someone else and I was like, oh, my God. She's like, this is Betty and this is. I'm like, yeah, Betty, Betty.

[Danielle]

Yeah, I know Betty.

[Brooke]

Know who Betty is. Okay. Like, that was crazy.

[Danielle]

Oh, that's sweet. That's actually really wholesome. That like, it. She felt safe enough to like bring her kids and everything. Like, that's really sweet.

[Brooke]

Cuz Stoney Clover too. It's like you know, the girlies love.

[Danielle]

Yeah. The kids. It's, like, a lot for kids.

[Brooke]

Yeah, it was really cute. And, like, you could tell, like, she was definitely a really part of this event because she was talking to, like, this woman there. I don't know who she was, but I think she's, like, a famous jeweler of sorts. She was like, I love that butterfly ring you just, like, wore for, like. Like, got for me. Like, I love it. She was like, that's why I wanted you to bring your kids, because I thought they would like it. Like, she personally invited people, too, which I thought. I was not personally mad, but, like. But, like, you know, we can pretend.

[Danielle]

Blake's close, personal friend.

[Brooke]

Yeah, literally. But it was just so cool seeing her, like, interact with everyone. She was just being so kind. And then kind of like an informal meet and greet started to develop, and I was like, sometimes I feel like we're like, I don't need a photo. No, I. Yeah, I wanted to talk to her, so I was, like, crowding in there. Yeah, I. I came all this way. I was talking to her, and I, like, finally got up there, and then, like, she paused to take photos with, like, there was a ton of other vendors, like, Timeless Pearly, and obviously Blake Brown. And so she was trying to get a photo with all the founders, and she was, like, trying so hard. It was so cute. She's like, wait, you and you.

[Danielle]

Wait.

[Brooke]

We gotta get a photo of all the.

[Danielle]

Like.

[Brooke]

Yeah, it was just. I liked it. I'm just here to say my experience, and I just thought she was a doll. And then she. And she even looked at us, and she was like, I'm so sorry. Thank you for being so patient. Like, I just wanted to get a photo while everyone's here.

[Danielle]

Like, that's really nice.

[Brooke]

She could have walked away. She was stressed. Like you. There was a lot going on.

[Danielle]

A few years ago, I made the executive decision in my own life to start only wearing matching pajama sets. I wanted to feel like, more put together. And I have to tell you, this is a little change that you can make, and it really transforms your life. It just makes it easier to get dressed for bed. You also just, like, feel better about yourself versus waking up in, like, you know, your old college T shirt, skims pajamas. You guys, these are the pajamas that you need. I have a bunch of different kinds from them. But I have to tell you, like, the perfect. The quintessential perfect, perfect pajama set is the soft lounge sleep set. I love this set. It is long. The arms are long, the legs are long. It is the most soft, comfortable fabric. It's breathable, but it's also like cozy. Skims does it right, I have to say. And I just love that you can buy it like in a set. They have like nice like neutral colors. I have the gray, I have the black. I also have like a fun like floral printed one. For me to get something in three different variations, like that's how you know I'm loving it. I wear a size medium by the way, but I could probably do the small too, just because it runs like a bit long. So I don't know if that helps any of you guys. I know Danielle is absolutely obsessed with skims pajamas too. And you could actually shop our favorite [e-mail] and after you place your order, be sure to let them know that we sent you select podcast in the survey and be sure to select our show in the drop down menu that follows. And if you're looking for the perfect gifts for everyone on your list, the skims holiday shop is now [e-mail] once again, that's the skims soft lounge sleep set. Go check it out.

[Brooke]

Hey, so the holidays, they have just, they're here and now I'm in last minute gift mode, which I wasn't really prepared for. And I know a lot of you guys have messaged us like, I'm actually hosting this year for the holidays. You can get what you need fast with Wayfair. I don't know what came over me, but about an hour ago I was like, wait, I want a new rug for the living room. I a new piece of furniture for our bedroom. And obviously I'm on Wayfair. I found this really cute antelope printed rug that now I'm like texting photos to Ryan from Wayfair. I'm like, we need this for the living room. I think it would be so cute. Wayfair really helps me out in a time crunch. It's very hassle free, which I like. They also have amazing gifts. There's just a little bit of something for everyone. Or if you have a guest room, you want to get those guest essentials like linens, towels, they really have it all. Like I said, they have storage units for every single space. They have little benches, they have kitchen essentials. Like seriously, everything is on Wayfair. And their huge selection of home items in every style makes it really easy to find gifts for everyone on your list. I love getting a little something like home decor for someone because especially if I know their style well, I know they'll be really excited. Like, I love when people get me home things because they just know me so well. Get last minute hosting essentials, gifts for all your loved ones and decor to celebrate the holidays. For way less, head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. That's W-A-Y-F-A-I-R.com Wayfair. Every style, every home.

[Danielle]

Yeah.

[Brooke]

So then I like got to meet her and she. I didn't get it, my video. Because the person stopped the video. But I swear she goes, you're. You're so beautiful. You're so beautiful. Oh my gosh. I could just squeeze you like.

[Danielle]

Ah. Wow. Was that the first thing that she said?

[Brooke]

That was the last.

[Danielle]

Oh, that's the very end.

[Brooke]

Yeah.

[Danielle]

Took the photo and whatever. Oh, that's. That's so nice.

[Brooke]

It was so nice. My sweater got stuck to her dress. I got really. In the video, you see me kind of like, oh, my God.

[Danielle]

Imagine you rip it in. Like the whole thing. Like I was.

[Brooke]

I need to check my sweater sleeve, honestly, because it was like a funny with like sequins.

[Danielle]

Like, those are delicate, you know, there's nothing that you could, you could do there. Wow, that is so nice. Actually. That's really sweet because I feel like sometimes it could feel a bit robotic.

[Brooke]

With like, like, hi.

[Danielle]

I mean, I'll say it. When I met Martha Stewart, that one, like, it was like very much. It was literally like, arm out, step in, step in, step in. Like. And I know she's, I mean, she's like, she's Martha, She's Martha. Like, respect the queen. But like, you know, I think it could be that. Honestly, I might get overstimulated too if I feel like, if I were in that position. And like, you're like, all these influencers are here. Like, you have to meet a hundred of them tonight. Like, that's a lot to like for her age too.

[Brooke]

Yeah. Obviously she's so like crushing it, but I feel like that's just a lot on our body, on her.

[Danielle]

But to go.

[Brooke]

She was just like, literally was like.

[Danielle]

Fill in the gap. Like. Yeah, it was. Hey. Yeah.

[Brooke]

Did you even say anything or did you.

[Danielle]

I think there was like a high. I said my respects, you know, I was like, big.

[Brooke]

Did you find a good over?

[Danielle]

I think so, yeah. I feel like I probably did because I felt uncomfortable. So I was like, you should tell.

[Brooke]

Everyone what your mom told you.

[Danielle]

My mom would speak of leaning my mom always has this big thing about, like, she's always like, you know, I stand up straight because we're. She's even taller than I am. She's five nine, five ten. I'm five seven. And she's always been big on, like, you know, owning your height and own it. Like. And I feel that in a lot of photos, I. I know this to be true because I have a lot of friends that are shorter. I tend to. Instead of, like, bending my knees and, like, squatting, I just do the, like, lean in thing. And she always calls me out. I was just like, don't. Actually. When we take pictures, like, when we were on tour and stuff, she'd be like, brooke, don't lean. Like, yeah, yeah, she gets. But it's good. Like, no one else could say that except for your mom. I feel like without it being like, if anyone else said, I'd be like.

[Brooke]

You talk to me like that. Let me leave. Let me slouch.

[Danielle]

Yeah. No, and. But my mom actually did tell me recently, she's like, okay, I gotta tell you, I've watched the podcast on YouTube and you slouch. And for some reason, that was so offensive. Almost, like, on the scale of event, like, it was like a 9 or a 10. Like, I was like. I said, yeah, I was like, I slouch. Like, for some reason, I didn't see it coming. Like, I didn't see that one coming. And I guess now, and. But then it all starts to become clear. And then I. I think back to some of the clips. Some of the clips. Like, I'm literally, like, down here. Like, relaxed. Yeah, completely. You have to watch on YouTube to see that. We're in, like, a round chair, though. But then I caught myself.

[Brooke]

Theater in the round.

[Danielle]

Literally a theater in the round. I caught myself at dinner the other night, like, in a booth, and I was doing it too. I was like, oh, I think this is a pattern I have. What? I'm comfortable. It's just uncomfortable.

[Brooke]

You're leaning back.

[Danielle]

Yeah.

[Brooke]

Taking a load off.

[Danielle]

But, like, you. You slouch. Like, not. I was like, I. I slouch. And then I was like, I don't know.

[Brooke]

I'd be upset.

[Danielle]

I was like, not standing up. She's like, no, you don't. S. Standing up.

[Brooke]

No, you definitely don't. I haven't noticed that.

[Danielle]

She's like, but when you sit down, you slouch, and you just have to be aware of it. And I was like, you're so right. After I got over the initial, like, offend offendedness. I was like, no, you're. You're right. You're right. And I said, I'm gonna work on it. For you, Ma. This is for you, ma.

[Brooke]

I sounded like Sal. This is for you, Ma. Established 1990.

[Danielle]

It literally is a. So, like, Long Island Italian kid, like, Ma, this one's for you.

[Brooke]

Yeah, it is. Well, here. Brooke is. Because. Actually, fun little BTs. Usually when we sit in these chairs.

[Danielle]

Yeah.

[Brooke]

I. I put a pillow behind myself, and Brooke doesn't usually. But you've been putting the pillow.

[Danielle]

This was unintentional. I came in, I think last recording, there was one.

[Brooke]

You didn't remove it?

[Danielle]

No, I'm not gonna remove it. No, no, no.

[Brooke]

It helps to kind of keep. Yeah, I also, like, I feel like I could breathe better and talk faster from sitting up.

[Danielle]

Yeah. I think I was just lodging again, though. It's just also the way that these chairs are. To be fair, these are very, like, they're deeper in the back. Yeah.

[Brooke]

Very casual, very round chairs. That is so funny.

[Danielle]

You slouch.

[Brooke]

Like, you slouch.

[Danielle]

How dare you tell me about my slouch. Yeah, that's, like, the stuff that you're concerned about, like, in your late 20s. Like, I'm like, I have a slouch. Like, that's crazy. That. And I don't want to bring attention to it, but verbal baggage is my thing that I'm working on now.

[Brooke]

Verbal baggage?

[Danielle]

Yeah. Another thing that my mom calls it filler words, like. Or just phrases I notice. I say now you guys are gonna not be able to unsee it, you know? You know, I say that.

[Brooke]

Oh, yeah, a lot. And lots of verbal baggage for sure.

[Danielle]

That's something that I'm working on my late 20s. Yeah.

[Brooke]

I've said this before. I say vibes way too much, like. Oh, you know, the vibes. Like, it's just.

[Danielle]

That's your sim of the week.

[Brooke]

That's my stimuli. And I had not heard.

[Danielle]

Oh, yeah, Wicked witch.

[Brooke]

Yeah, you sound like her.

[Danielle]

You haven't seen this?

[Brooke]

No, I. Now you sent me the first one, and then. Oh, my God. I've seen everyone do it.

[Danielle]

Yeah.

[Brooke]

This thing. Confession. I still haven't seen Wicked too, which is crazy.

[Danielle]

That is so crazy. I'm on Wicked talk. Like, I'm deep in it.

[Brooke]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I. I just haven't. I really want to see it in the movie theater. I hope it's when I go home for. For Christmas, because I'll be there so long.

[Danielle]

Yeah. Moving back home.

[Brooke]

Yeah, back home. I go Actually, as you guys are listening, I'm headed home.

[Danielle]

Home. So home. Home.

[Brooke]

Where are you headed?

[Danielle]

Home.

[Brooke]

Okay. Do you have anything else to share with me before we get into our voices?

[Danielle]

No. Literally nothing else. I feel like you had a more exciting few days than me. I've just been staying up, like, needle pointing. That's just been what I've been up to.

[Brooke]

Yeah, I'm kind of obsessed. All right, well, we're just gonna get into it. I don't know what to expect.

[Danielle]

And when we do these, we always post on our Instagram at Gals in the Go podcast, so you can follow us. They're very sporadic, so you have to follow us and keep up to, like. Like, get in on it.

[Brooke]

And if you post notifications, can you imagine?

[Danielle]

I got it.

[Brooke]

Like, yeah. But no, that's a good call out because we engaged with you guys most on Instagram. All right, here we go. Oh, my gosh. I don't even know how this is even possible to give the chance to actually speak to you both, because I love you so much, and I've been following you for years, like, back in the YouTube days. But anyway, I have a question, because I just found out I was pregnant. I'm six weeks pregnant.

[Danielle]

Oh, my God.

[Brooke]

And I haven't told anyone. So I'm literally telling you guys right now. And by the time this comes out, maybe I've told people, maybe I haven't. That's not gonna put my name in this. But I don't know if you go, they're gonna hear my voice or not. But anyway, like, insane. A lot of my friends listen to you guys. It's kind of crazy, and I have no clue. I'm gonna. Some of them are going to be mad because, like, we can't live out our fun years anymore. But then some of them are gonna be, like, so happy. So I have no idea how to even go about that or. So if you have any fun little ideas on how to tell people you're prego. And maybe this is, like, a little. I don't know, a chance for you to think about it, too, because, like, one day, you guys are gonna be pretty go.

[Danielle]

I hope.

[Brooke]

And anyway, I just love you both so much, and I'm just so thankful for the opportunity and.

[Danielle]

Oh, she's so cute. I'm gonna cry.

[Brooke]

Prego, mama.

[Danielle]

She's. Wait.

[Brooke]

Congratulations. That's so exciting. I feel like your friends really might recognize your voice. So hopefully.

[Danielle]

Yeah, that's exciting. But it will be a few more. Yeah, hopefully there's some more time because I don't know what the rule of thumb is, but I know that a lot of people do wait until like the first time or at least I guess our number of weeks. I feel like. Yeah, so.

[Brooke]

But also like, if you're like, I think about it, it's like if I'm like pregnant, like you're not texting the group chat. Like, I don't know.

[Danielle]

Not like the first, like, I know it's hard. It's hard. I feel like you could also kind of. I'm noticing now, not that I could tell when people are pregnant, but they start to like pull back. Yeah.

[Brooke]

Or post like stomach up or yes. Boob up.

[Danielle]

Or if they, if they normally don't post a lot, then they don't post at all. Or if they normally they scale back on the posting. I, I or they just pull back from social plans generally. I feel like you see it coming kind of without saying it.

[Brooke]

100. I really like the. Because she asked like for tips on like how to tell your friends, you know, knits.

[Danielle]

I was literally about to say this. That was the cute. So you, you say it was the cutest. That was the best one I've seen.

[Brooke]

It's the best one. It's Emily J. And Sophie Sushan, they're all like influencers and they were taking a photo and they're like posing like being cute and then she pulls out the, the ultrasound, the sonogram, whatever it's called that thing and pulls it out and they're like, oh my God. Like they just freaked out.

[Danielle]

I like that it was on video.

[Brooke]

But not our video. Yeah, yeah.

[Danielle]

But it looked like they were taking a photo, but she just had her phone like propped up as if they.

[Brooke]

Were like, as girls do.

[Danielle]

Yes. I, I love that. I mean it's Christmas, so you could like, I don't know, I guess it's kind of weird because you're kind of like gifting yourself almost. But like, I wonder if you could like give a Christmas gift.

[Brooke]

That's a good idea.

[Danielle]

I've seen gifting like the future mother, grandma, grandma, like grandparents, like giving them like number one, grandpa number one. Like, so I feel like you could do gifts.

[Brooke]

Oh my gosh. You can. Like, seriously. I would just go on tick tock and look up, you know, pregnancy reveals. Those are always so fun. Also to the point about you're worried your friends aren't gonna think you're fine. I have had a friend or a couple friends recently have babies and they are so fun. Like they are still having so much fun. I was with someone yesterday, and I was like, wow, you just make mother, like, being a mother sound so fun and amazing. Jillian Delzado, you always talk about. I saw her the other day, and she. I told her. I was like, brooke is like, you're her new idol.

[Danielle]

She's probably like, that girl is obsessed with me.

[Brooke]

She was. She was. She actually. She goes. She goes, brook's engaged. I like. Because you posted the engagement ring thing of the James Allen.

[Danielle]

And I said it, and I was like, I'm trying them on.

[Brooke]

One thought she missed the original post. And you were like. But I was like, no, not yet. She's like, oh, glad you're telling me. But side tangent. Anyways, she said it. I mean, she told you. It's, like, more fun now that she's had kids.

[Danielle]

So I don't think it has to do with, like, having kids. I feel like it's just. It's just, like, a mindset of where you're at. And I think. I think there's actually a lot of people who have kids and then almost have, like, a second wind, it seems totally.

[Brooke]

Because you gotta, like, be more productive with your time, too. And, like, really, you enjoy those times with your friends, so do not worry about that. That's so. And your friends are so happy to.

[Danielle]

Support you and stuff, so.

[Brooke]

Oh, my God, I love that. All right, next up. Hey, gals. Happy holidays. I have the mom that is. She always says that she doesn't want anything, and she is. This is all about us, and it's all about me and my sister getting gifts. And now my sister has, like, kids, so it's all about, like, us getting gifts. But when it comes time to doing, like, stockings, she always says something about not getting one. So I'm gonna surprise her and get her a stocking. But I wanted to know what Yalls suggestion is for what to put in a mom who, like, always says she doesn't want anything, but is like, she. She's like, a workaholic, and. But she, like, loves her friends and loves to go out, like, work hard, play hard, chill hard, kind of lady.

[Danielle]

Love, love a stocking stuffer moment. We just said this. We're like, oh, we need stockings.

[Brooke]

We literally are talking about all the time. And that is so true. Like, she stuffs all the stockings, and.

[Danielle]

Then she deserves to have her stocking stuff, too. Yeah, she deserves.

[Brooke]

Ma deserves to. Oh, my gosh. My. I mean, let's go. I mean, obviously, we say no to gift cards, but like, this would be an excuse for a gift card to, like, a massage.

[Danielle]

Oh, I love that. Yes. Because I was gonna say no Starbucks, nothing.

[Brooke]

No, no. But I do love experience.

[Danielle]

Yeah. Or a nice dinner, honestly, like a steak or something that she could take. Pie.

[Brooke]

Yeah. I also love the idea of you could create your own little coupon for her. Like, Hulk from, you know, I don't know how mushy she is, but, like, you know, or, like, foot rub on the couch. I don't know.

[Danielle]

Oh, my God.

[Brooke]

That's.

[Danielle]

I think that that's like. Like, I think you do that.

[Brooke]

Okay. Okay. My mom used to get my foot rub, so is that weird?

[Danielle]

I think that it's fine if the mom gives the kid a foot rub, but I think after a certain age to, you know, my foot rub. I'm out.

[Brooke]

Okay.

[Danielle]

I'm out personally.

[Brooke]

Sorry, Mom.

[Danielle]

Trying to think of what else that's not my job.

[Brooke]

Or like, I. I don't know if you live or not. You could, like, you know, I. Barista. Like, you make her a coffee in the morning. Like, cute. You can make a whole little book.

[Danielle]

I always say, like, the nice gift for people who say that, whatever. It's really meaningful when you see what they use on a daily basis. Let's just say. But and get. I just saw a guy do this. He was like, guys, like, the best surprise gift is to, like, go into your wife's, like, makeup bag and, like, get her.

[Brooke]

I saw this.

[Danielle]

So thoughtful. So you could get her Restocks of her favorite products or upgrades of her products. Sex. I think that that's nice. If she uses, like, a drugstore mascara, like, maybe you go to Sephora. Like, you got her, like, a nicer one. Things that you wouldn't normally buy herself. I know my mom love her and she, like, you know, has, like, lux taste, but she doesn't like to spend money on herself.

[Brooke]

Yeah.

[Danielle]

So I feel like spending, you know, the money on something that they wouldn't normally be able to justify.

[Brooke]

I really like that. That's really sweet. Or you could do like a. Like a neck wrap that you put in the microwave. Like the lavender ones or fuzzy socks. Those always go hard. Moms love a sock.

[Danielle]

Yeah, they do. Yeah. Self care things are definitely nice.

[Brooke]

I'm trying to think what's small for Ma from.

[Danielle]

This one's for you, Ma.

[Brooke]

Eye patches. I feel like that's fun.

[Danielle]

Yeah. Nice. Skin care.

[Brooke]

Skin care.

[Danielle]

I feel like the anti. I don't want to, like, age, but anti. Aging, like skincare and stuff. Can get pretty expensive. So that's a nice gift to give.

[Brooke]

Yeah. An ice roller you could put in there. Like, they don't. Like, she might not even know. An ice roller is like. I feel like that's a newer thing, you know? I don't know how plugged in your mind. This is way too fun. All right, next up.

[Danielle]

Hi, Danielle and Brooke.

[Brooke]

My name is Mackenzie.

[Danielle]

I'm from Canada, and I want to.

[Brooke]

Know what is your favorite holiday tradition with your families?

[Danielle]

Thanks. Oh, that's really sweet. We talk all the time about holiday traditions, and we both have, like, smaller families, definitely in the sense of, like, one sibling.

[Brooke]

Like, literally, like four or five of us.

[Danielle]

Yeah. I mean, my favorite. Actually, I've said this before. My favorite tradition that we do is we write on our wrapped gifts.

[Brooke]

Oh, yeah.

[Danielle]

On the to and from labels. We get very creative with the. I mean, we. You could write, like, nicknames. Like, my parents call me bub, so they'll write like, two bub or two, two be mick to whatever. Like, they'll create with that. But really, you get creative with who it's from. So in the past, we've done, like, you know, a teacher that you have beef with or, like, so funny. Your. Your ex boss who's really annoying. You get very silly with it, and it's just like, inside jokes sort of.

[Brooke]

Like, know, you know?

[Danielle]

And to me, like, we. We're. We're very, like, light, humorous family. So, like, that's just an example of it, and it's like, it's hilarious.

[Brooke]

I know. I was trying to think of a good example for, like, something they would do for you, but I guess you'll find out this year, like, something funny that you beef with or like, something.

[Danielle]

Oh, my gosh. I feel like in the past they've done, like, from Martha Stewart.

[Brooke]

It's like, needle. Oh, there's so many. No, that's such a cool thing. Obviously, I love that you guys do the matching pajamas, too.

[Danielle]

Oh, yeah, that too. Yeah. That's your go to the night before. Like, she gives us the pajamas.

[Brooke]

You do the reveal. Pajama.

[Danielle]

Yeah. Yeah. We do a lot of cute things.

[Brooke]

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[Danielle]

And then I. I love just honestly hanging out with, like, the four of us. Like, Christmas morning, it always is the four of us opening gifts. And, like, it's really wholesome.

[Brooke]

Yeah, I love the holidays.

[Danielle]

What about you? What's your favorite tradition?

[Brooke]

Obviously, I love going to Disney, but I've already talked about that in last week's episode. But one thing I like, you kind of were saying that Christmas morning, I do not leave my bedroom until my dad plays the Johnny Mathis Christmas album from the tv. Like, we still have a CD in there and we even got a new TV and everything. But he made sure you can connect to CDs. No, I know. And it's always the same Johnny Mathis song. It's like sleigh bells ring. And then when Freddie and I hear that, we leave our rooms to, like, go outside. Oh, the.

[Danielle]

That's so wholesome.

[Brooke]

It's so wholesome.

[Danielle]

It's really sweet.

[Brooke]

I love it. And sometimes it'll be like, hold on, getting it. You know, you got to like, turn on the TV to, like, play the cd. And then my mom makes this amazing breakfast casserole. I guess it is.

[Danielle]

Yeah.

[Brooke]

Breakfast casserole. And I only get it once a year. Ma, Ma, ma makes a casserole.

[Danielle]

Famous break.

[Brooke]

It's so good. And it's like, so cute too. Cuz, like, literally my mom does not live in that house. But, like, she brings it over the night before. Like, it's just so special. So those would be the favorite traditions. Thank you for that question, Mackenzie. I loved that. Hi, gals. This is Madison. I'm a longtime YouTube subscriber and I've been listening to the podcast for a couple years now. I actually went to your New York City live show, like, I think a couple years ago. I don't even know what year it is now at this point with one of my friends. And we had the best time. Just want to say, you guys are awesome. And I love listening along every Wednesday and laughing at my desk to myself with you guys. It's the highlight of my day. Anyways, my question to you is that my husband and I actually just moved into our first home and we're thinking of having some friends over for New Year's Eve. And this is going to be like the first holiday party that I've ever hosted. And I absolutely love having people over. Like, it's something that I'm really looking forward to having this Home now. And I just want to know, do you have any tips or advice on holiday hosting? Like, what should I be including at this party? How should I make sure that everyone's having a good time? Maybe I shouldn't be so in tune with that. But I just want to know what are your thoughts, what are your opinions? Anything you have, I'd love to hear it. Hope you have a great day and happy holidays.

[Danielle]

Oh, my God, that's so fun and wholesome. I want to be invited to the party. I know.

[Brooke]

Where do you live?

[Danielle]

Yeah. I feel like you. You're gonna have good tips. I. I only have one that. Once again, for my parents, I feel like everything I've been entertaining, like, it's from probably you, like, just. No, but you.

[Brooke]

These videos, you guys know how to.

[Danielle]

I know. They really. What my parents have always told me is you need more of the items than you think. Ice, specifically, you might be like, I got five bags of ice. Get 10. Get literally double what you think.

[Brooke]

Put them in the tub.

[Danielle]

Like, yes. And if you're hosting, like, just know, like, it's gonna just bite the bullet. Like, you know you're gonna need. If you think you need three bottles of vodka, get six. Because running out halfway through is going to cost you. Then you're over eating, postmating, whatever, cups, literally everything. You just need more than you think. Even if you're only having 20. People, like, just plan accordingly.

[Brooke]

People are so wasteful. They just want a new cup every time.

[Danielle]

Unfortunately, I know the single use plastics.

[Brooke]

Yeah, no, it's so true. That's so exciting, though, because it's like, it sounds like it's kind of a housewarming, but then also, like a New Year's Eve party. I have literally had. Had more than six New Year's Eve parties because I was always the one that had them in high school and then I don't know. And then in college, even one year, my friends came to my house, and then I hosted New Year's Eve this past year. But I would totally agree with Brooke. Like, literally just get so much. Like, I remember, like, this past year, Brian was like, what are you? I'm like, no. And you know what? We still needed to go get more things. We didn't have enough. Oh, my gosh. Limes. Like the citrus that goes so, so fast. Obviously, this was a little bit bougie, but I did hire a bartender, which was so fun, because then, like, everyone's not in your kitchen, like, trying to make their own drink. Or even if you have, like, a friend or like a sibling or someone that wants to make a little extra money.

[Danielle]

Make a punch or something like, I wouldn't call it mom. Just like a signature cocktail of the night. Yes.

[Brooke]

I love that.

[Danielle]

Something like that. That it's easy and they could just fill it themselves. If you don't have a bartender.

[Brooke]

Yes, you did that. I didn't get to go. But to your housewarming. Didn't you have like a. The espresso Martin?

[Danielle]

We did. We had a bartender.

[Brooke]

Yeah.

[Danielle]

There was batch cocktails, but I. Yeah.

[Brooke]

You'Re the bartender, too.

[Danielle]

Yeah. It's definitely like, it's really nice to do that if you can do it for, like a larger party or something. Just because it. It takes a little bit of stress off of your shoulders. Because hosting, I'm like, it's a lot.

[Brooke]

It's a lot. And I like how she said she was like, I don't even know if I should be thinking about, like, the other people as, like. No, honestly, you do. You just. Naturally, you're worried about everyone else having fun, so you just want a plan in place. Place so you can have as much fun as possible once the party begins. Music.

[Danielle]

I.

[Brooke]

During my New Year's Eve party, I thought my Alexa. I just didn't want to trigger anyone.

[Danielle]

Yeah.

[Brooke]

Was going to be loud. It was not loud enough. I ended up switching music halfway through to my tv and I realized that was way louder because when people are talking, like, you just couldn't hear the music, and that was stressing me out. So have your music situation set up. Have a playlist so you're not like, constantly going over to, like, change the song. Like a long playlist.

[Danielle]

Long. Longer than you think. Once again, double the length. Longer than. Double the length of what you think.

[Brooke]

Think.

[Danielle]

Have a friend bring over a speaker. If they have, like, I feel like everyone has a friend with, like a good speaker, like a big boy. Like, have them bring it. It's worth it.

[Brooke]

Yeah.

[Danielle]

Yeah.

[Brooke]

And when friends ask what they could bring, like, seriously think about what they could bring. Like. Oh, true.

[Danielle]

You know, so true. I know. Because you might be like, no, nothing. But, like, think. Yeah, I think if there's something.

[Brooke]

Yeah, that makes sense. Roll up the rugs.

[Danielle]

Oh, that's a good one. I was gonna say in the terms of, like, getting stuff. A tip that my parents always do is they. They buy from Costco because they have a really good return policy. So if they over buy, they do this with everything. They over buy Halloween candy, and then they return the Rest.

[Brooke]

Wow, that's a good tip.

[Danielle]

My parents love a Costco return policy. Like, they're obsessed. They didn't know that. They love it.

[Brooke]

So you could like, return a bag.

[Danielle]

Of chips, like, if you not open. No, no, actually, I think you can say like, oh, I. They were bad or something.

[Brooke]

But like, if they bought six bags of chips but only three got opened, you could return the other three.

[Danielle]

Yeah, that's.

[Brooke]

That's crazy.

[Danielle]

Yeah. So that's like with the big bottles of alcohol and stuff. Because then you. If you're like, oh, I'm gonna have leftover, just maybe pre buy and you could always deal with it later.

[Brooke]

That's true.

[Danielle]

Yeah. Wow.

[Brooke]

I'm getting really excited about this party we're not going to.

[Danielle]

I know. Can I go on the Costco run with them? Like, to the. To the store? That sounds so fun. Yeah. No, you. You have a good system with parties, though. I feel like you know what to.

[Brooke]

Do, and I think you do too.

[Danielle]

Yeah. Oh, bathrooms. Make sure the bathrooms are obviously like, like toilet paper. I would do like, instead of hand towels, maybe like individual, like. Yeah. Like paper towel. You know, like, people like the decor. Yeah. Decorative, whatever it is. Like, get that all situated. Have extra toilet paper, extra soap.

[Brooke]

Yeah. A nice, like New Year's, it happened. You know, ball drops at. At noon. At noon. At midnight. Pizza delivery at 12:30.

[Danielle]

Oh, that's really nice.

[Brooke]

Wow, that's like, really nice. But like, like, you know, just those little things. Just anything that you could pre plan. Like, I scheduled pizza to be delivered, so I didn't even have to order it when people were there. Like, it's really nice.

[Danielle]

That's nice. That's really nice. I think food, you want to have that under control, even if it's like just snacks. Like, just once again, like, make sure you don't want people to, like, be hungry.

[Brooke]

Yeah. Because New Year's Eve is a long night too. And like, everyone's staying that way. It's not like, oh, the real ones are saying, like, it's like everyone's waiting till midnight anyways, so.

[Danielle]

And usually another thing that I have. I don't know if this is a city thing. If you're doing no shoes, tell the. The ladies in advance because they want. Maybe you want to plan their outfit accordingly as well. I don't know if you're a household do that.

[Brooke]

No, that's good because then you've got girls that were wearing, like, skirts, tights.

[Danielle]

And boots, and it just. The whole look is like, it doesn't look right.

[Brooke]

That's a really good tip.

[Danielle]

Yeah. And I'm trying to think what. I feel like there's always like a little bit of like outdoor activity. I feel like I think back to like my parents parties. My dad and his friends would like smoke cigars outside. So like just think about like those little touches of like things that people, people. Not that you have to provide that but maybe your husband's really into I don't know, something and you can have like a moment around that. Yeah, I feel like guys like cigars. I don't know.

[Brooke]

Yeah, that's really cool, right?

[Danielle]

Yeah.

[Brooke]

Yeah, guys like cigars. Love that. So cool. Fun question. Hey gals. I would love a little bit of advice on how you keep yourself sane during the holiday season. I know I feel like I revert back to my 15 year old self whenever I'm staying at my parents parents house. So I'd love how you keep your routine and keep some mental clarity amidst the holiday season. I know the pod is a great way I keep myself sane. So want to thank you guys for that and looking forward to hearing from you.

[Danielle]

Thanks. Oh my gosh, these are so fun.

[Brooke]

I love this.

[Danielle]

I know that's like, I guess not a fun question.

[Brooke]

Yeah. How do you keep saying I'm like so, so fun. No, I love these like how it's themed. We should do themed again. Like this.

[Danielle]

Keep yourself sane. And I think boundaries is like a big piece and I think without it being like my boundary, like truly just having your own sort of like code almost and being like, okay, I'm gonna go home but I'm gonna only go home for like X days or I'm only going to go out with my friend. Like you know, see friends once, whatever it is. Like I think you need to like lock into yourself first and kind of, kind of decide what you want because I think if you don't decide then you're gonna be thrown in a million different directions.

[Brooke]

So true. Or like, oh, want to come do this with me? Want to come do this with me? You know, maybe even have scheduled time to yourself. Like that's one thing. When I go home now I'm like never in my room because I feel like I have to be out in the living room. I have to be, you know, enjoying my time with my family which is obviously so important. But then I would find like just feeling like super like emotionally fatigued or you know, just overstimulated, whatever. So even when I'm home I'm like, do you guys need Anything from the grocery store, like, I'll go do a run. That's also because I live in New York and I miss driving and stuff like that.

[Danielle]

When I'm with my family, I'm. Every morning I'm like, I'm going to the drive, like, and I. It's my morning drive. I love it.

[Brooke]

So nice. I needed to do that.

[Danielle]

Yeah.

[Brooke]

So I think just like Brooke said, creating those boundaries but not being like annoying about.

[Danielle]

No, I don't think you have boundary. Yeah. I don't even think you need to say that. That. I mean, as I get older, I think things do like, change. I feel like I used to go home for. Of course it's different because you live further away, but I feel like I used to go home for so like weeks and weeks and I would get to the point where I was like, oh my God, I'm like, like I need to be alone again.

[Brooke]

Yeah, I'm happy.

[Danielle]

Yeah. But I think with age comes like the confidence to be able to be like, no, I'm going to do it a different way this time.

[Brooke]

Or definitely, like just knowing yourself because you want to be able to perform when you are with them. Like, you want to like be your best self. I think also the holidays leaning into, you know, if you like Christmas movies or like enjoying those things. Because like the other night I was kind of like overwhelmed and then me and Ryan just sat down and watched like this old Christmas movie that I hadn't seen in so long and I just felt so relaxed and chill. Like, enjoy the Christmasy things, you know.

[Danielle]

Oh, I like, like that. Yeah. Like the holiday season, the holiday cheer. And that's how you stay sane. Also, I try not to let my. I mean, this happens. Like, I definitely like end up sleeping till like 11 and being like, you know, very restful. But I try not to let my routine go completely out the window because I feel like. Then I feel like a piece of garbage and like then you don't feel good about yourself and then you're not saying. And then I'm my worst self when I feel like. Like I'm watch terror to be around. So.

[Brooke]

Yeah. Not a delight. No, no. I've noticed like there are certain days where I'm just like in my pajamas. All like, in theory, you think that's so fun. But then I notice such a difference. And if I just like get up and like change my outfit, at least that's what it is.

[Danielle]

Like, yeah, I know what you. Or just getting out of the house, like, literally just to as you said, do the grocery store trip or whatever it is.

[Brooke]

I love that. These are great questions. Okay, here we go. Next up. Okay, gals, I will say I've been watching forever, and I'm absolutely obsessed with you guys, and I really hope I can back to New York one day, but I do just have a very funny story. So one year on Christmas, I was wrapping Christmas presents, and I was hanging out with my friends. We were all just kind of wrapping together. And as I was wrapping, I realized that I didn't have any of the to and from stickers. I was like, oh, it's fine. I'll remember which gifts are which. Which. I used all of the same colored wrapping paper. I took it home. And keep in mind, I have multiple siblings, my parents, friends, everyone. I was wrapping for everyone, and I took them home, thought it was totally fine. Well, then I brought it home, and I could not remember what all the gifts were. So instead of doing the smart decision of unwrapping them slightly or undoing them completely, I decided that I would shake and guess as if I was guessing what the gifts were. So I did. And it was the most horrifying Christmas because someone would start unwrapping the gift a little bit, and I would realize it wasn't the right gift, and I would be like, oh, no, stop. And I'd have to hand them a different one. And it was awful. And I just thought that was very funny, and I thought you guys would enjoy that. I just want to say that we love and appreciate you guys. Oh, my God.

[Danielle]

Yeah, that. That goes to show, you got to do those two from stickers. Maybe get a little silly with it even. Yeah.

[Brooke]

Like how the Matios do it.

[Danielle]

Or we write on the bottom of the gift. Sometimes you could do that if it's a wrapped gift, like, just put. Or even just initials or like a. Some sort of marking.

[Brooke]

Of marking color code.

[Danielle]

Yeah. Green brother.

[Brooke]

No, that is really funny. And that's a good PSA to everybody to, you know, be careful when you're rapping. I've definitely wrapped a gift before, and then I'm like, wait, what did I just wrap? Like, that has definitely happened to me before, which I'm so bad at rapping. Like, it's so hard.

[Danielle]

Me, too. I usually watch a tutorial, I feel like, almost, like, simultaneously or.

[Brooke]

That's really cute. I try.

[Danielle]

This podcast is brought to you by Squarespace. We love Squarespace at Gals on the Go, because we are gals who need to have a website. We go on Tour, we sell merch. We have just things that we need to have a place where everything is kind of all collected on one site. And Squarespace is the all in one website platform designed to help you stand out and succeed online. So whether you're just starting out or scaling your business, Squarespace is going to give you everything you need to claim your domain, showcase your offerings with a professional website, grow your brand, and get paid all in one place. We love that we can show everything that we offer on our website. So you can offer services, you can get paid, and you can really make a customizable website designed to attract clients and to grow your business, whatever that may be. Also, Danielle and I, we're not expert coders. Over a year, and I want to be able to go in and, like, quickly make updates and not have to, like, call my, like, web designer and be like, hey, can you help me? But I love that with Squarespace, we could do it ourselves. They actually have an amazing, like, blueprint AI, which is their AI enhanced website builder. But, like, you could really build a bespoke website site on Squarespace, like, super, super easily. Go to squarespace.com gals for a free trial. And when you're ready to launch, use offer code GALS to save 10 off your first purchase of a website or domain. So once again, that's squarespace.com gals and use that offer code gals.

[Brooke]

I don't know.

[Danielle]

Every year I'm like, I'm gonna get better. And then it never gets better. But I'm like, my parents are literally Santa's elves. Like, I don't know.

[Brooke]

They're so, like, the tight cord, so tight, crisp. I don't get it. I don't think I'm gonna be like that one day when I'm like, you know.

[Danielle]

No, I think about that too. My parents. Another thing my parents used to always do. I'm sure that they still do this, like the gift wrap, like, stations at department stores.

[Brooke]

Yeah.

[Danielle]

Like, they would be like. Because you can bring outside items. So if you go shopping in the mall, you can bring outside items and they charge you or it's complimentary. I think if you shop from there.

[Brooke]

Oh, I didn't know you could bring outside.

[Danielle]

Yeah. And it's. I mean, I don't think it's cost effective. They wrap beautifully. If you're looking to, like, impress someone and, like, bring a really pretty. This is just a little tip.

[Brooke]

I need to look into this because I really am so inspired every year by the Kardashians. How they do their signature wrapping paper. I tried to do that for our annual Christmas exchange. And I bought like on Etsy, like this dark brown wrapping paper with dark brown ribbon. And it was like, weird quality. And I looked back like, that girl.

[Danielle]

I'm. I'm more inspired to shop in person for these last minute gifts that I have to do simply due to the fact that if you go to a store, nine times out of 10, they'll put it in like a really nice gift wrap.

[Brooke]

Really true.

[Danielle]

Yeah.

[Brooke]

Good incentive.

[Danielle]

Honestly, a lot of like local stores, I always forget. I'm like, oh, I'll just run out and like grab like a little trinket to add to the gift or whatever. They wrap so beautifully.

[Brooke]

They really do.

[Danielle]

So. And that goes a long way.

[Brooke]

That is a good tip. I. I literally was like, I wonder if test rabbit has like, gift wrap.

[Danielle]

Oh my gosh. Can you.

[Brooke]

I literally would do that.

[Danielle]

Wow. Do you have that many things to. Yeah, I guess.

[Brooke]

Y. I did like a crazy Black Friday day of like, I literally. Big blow. I bought all my gifts for my whole family that day. But then I was like, oh my God. And I ordered them all to my house in Florida. So when I go home, there's lot.

[Danielle]

I did like half and half. Like my dad asked for like a car battery. I was like, that's going to go to the house.

[Brooke]

Like, I'm like, like I'm not. Oh, so you have some things at your apartment now?

[Danielle]

Yeah, yeah, I did like a little bit of both.

[Brooke]

So as my fuzzy socks are out to play today. Okay, let's do this one. Hey, gals.

[Danielle]

I just wanted to start off by.

[Brooke]

Saying I love you both so much. Second, what was it like spending the holidays with your significant other for the first time or with their families or vice versa? Do you guys have any, like, funny moments, awkward moments? I feel like everyone can relate to those types of instances. Okay, love you both.

[Danielle]

Bye. I. I do have a point on this. I'm learning that my family and my boyfriend's family have completely different views on gifts. Yeah, completely. My family, big gift family. I'm not talking about. Sometimes they go extravagant with the gifts, but it's more so the giving of a gift. And we do birthdays big. We do holidays big. Just everything we do, we do it big. We. My parents love to celebrate and it's really. Honestly, it's really special and I want, I want. I.

[Brooke]

You love it.

[Danielle]

Oh, my gosh. We were at dinner in Florida and I like actually started crying. So I was like, thank you for making those moments, like, so special when I. Oh, my God, I'm gonna cry. But, like.

[Brooke]

Yeah. We didn't even talk about how they did that for you. What the Thanksgiving is that?

[Danielle]

Oh, yeah. Well, I mean, that wasn't. It wasn't even that day. It was the day before. I was just reflecting on, like, my childhood birthdays. My parents had, like, the craziest themes for my parties and, like, such memorable key moments, and I feel like it made it so special.

[Brooke]

Yeah.

[Danielle]

Not. Not that they didn't do birthday. They did birthdays. But gift culture might be different. Definitely one family to another.

[Brooke]

I can retweet that for sure.

[Danielle]

And it took, I think, a little bit of time to. It took me a minute to articulate to them. Like, I'm not trying to, like, just give you all these gifts and be crazy. Like, this is just my baseline. Like, this is how I operate. Right. And I'm not expecting a gift necessarily in return. But this is just, like, for me, it's the holidays or it's your birthday, whatever. Like, I'm gonna get you a gift.

[Brooke]

Totally. Oh, my God. Even when I first met Ryan, like, because they are how they are with their family as well with the gifts. And so I think he was like, oh, my gosh, you really go out for gifts. I was like, yeah, that's just, like, where my baseline is. That's how totally. I'm the same way. So I think that's always a big adjustment. Not like that you're expecting anything. It's just like, sorry, I'm giving you all this because that's what I like to do.

[Danielle]

Yes. And I think it's, like, a little bit not awkward, but, like, you have to find your footing with it. Like, someone's gonna get someone the more expensive gift or no gift or whatever. Like, yeah, for me, it took, like, years, I feel like, of really understanding. I, like, just had a conversation with Ben's sister. I was like, no. Like, unfortunately, I can't not give a gift. Like, you know, because we were like, let's just do no gifts. And I was like, I. Like, I just can't. Not like, I'm going to your house, you know?

[Brooke]

Yeah.

[Danielle]

Like that.

[Brooke]

No, it's so true. I always get awkward about, like, the dress code of it all.

[Danielle]

Yeah, you've had that. Yeah.

[Brooke]

I mean, I overdraw. I mean, I. When I think of Thanksgiving, I think of, like, you know, you wear a nice dress and you get all dressed up. And I remember I was doing Thanksgiving with Ryan's family. And they were like, you know, we're more of an L.L. bean family. Like, don't even worry about dressing up. I was like, unfortunately, I don't know how to do that. And you know, I was the most overdressed person. They were so nice about it. But like, that's definitely an adjustment too because I like, feel comfortable with my family being the most overdressed person. But like, it was nerve wracking going like with another family and just like them having different traditions than your family. Of course.

[Danielle]

Totally, totally. Yeah. And you just have to. I think you have to go into it really open minded and just like, okay, this is. And I even tell myself that I'm like, this is. It's not. This is not my family. Like, this is, you know, like, they do it differently. And it's not that one is right or wrong. It's just what you're used to. I think in my mind I'm like, no, my family's right and everybody. Like, I'm sure if I went to your Christmas, I would be like, oh, this is different even.

[Brooke]

Oh my God.

[Danielle]

Yeah. And it's. We both have amazing Christmases. It's just. It's different, right?

[Brooke]

No, totally. I remember we had Delaney's family to Thanksgiving with us one year because they were in Tampa visiting her brother. And we don't usually do stuffing, like that's what Thanksgiving we don't do. And Delaney was like, you guys don't do stuffing. And so her mom made stuffing because they were like, we need. And I think that's fine too. Like, I remember I was with Ryan's family and I don't know if they had the parade on. And I was like, I really love watching the parade in the morning. And Ryan was like, let's put it on, you know, like, yeah, yeah, yeah. Little things you can kind of, you know, get your. Your moment in or whatever. But I think it's just an adjustment.

[Danielle]

Knowing it's like an adjustment and it's not. I don't think for anyone it's like the most like, especially right away. I mean, maybe, maybe it is for someone, but I think there's always going to be a little bit of like trial and error and sort of like finding your footing and getting. Because it's. And then it's like you feel like the weird. Like, I'm not with my family or that's at least what I felt. I felt like guilt, but not actually because my parents were making me feel guilty. But like, you feel conflicted.

[Brooke]

Yeah.

[Danielle]

You have to make choices of, like, who you go with. But, like, that's also part of getting older, right? Is.

[Brooke]

It's part of getting older. I hate it.

[Danielle]

I wore this dress actually to Thanksgiving, but I was also pretty overdressed.

[Brooke]

This is beautiful.

[Danielle]

Yeah.

[Brooke]

She donned her favorite sweater dress to Thanksgiving.

[Danielle]

No, I was like, I'm comfortable.

[Brooke]

Is it. Do you own it? I own it.

[Danielle]

I own it. It's so funny. Now that I've read, like, so many people in my life will ask me that. They'll be like, so is this really yours?

[Brooke]

Yeah.

[Danielle]

And they'll say with like a kind of like a little bit of a one of those.

[Brooke]

Not you. Yeah, I didn't mean it like that.

[Danielle]

Yeah, own it.

[Brooke]

Like, yeah, I thought this all. You'll see it again.

[Danielle]

Yeah. Or like, purse is the big. Is that your little rental bag? Actually, yeah, it is. I don't own this.

[Brooke]

Like, is that a vivrel bag culture? It's so fun. Yeah.

[Danielle]

Yeah.

[Brooke]

That's too good. Well, I really enjoyed this.

[Danielle]

Me too. Gosh, you guys.

[Brooke]

Golly ma, we crick. Quick, quick, quick. Christmas movie recommendation. Speaking of Mars. Oh, what fun on prime video show is so good.

[Danielle]

It.

[Brooke]

It just makes you appreciate, like, whoever it is in your family, in your life, or someone in your life that really, like, tries to keep families together or friends together during the holidays. Like, you, like, feel for them in this movie.

[Danielle]

It's.

[Brooke]

It's so good. And I say all this because, well, obviously we've been talking about moms and just people making holiday special. But also in the movie, this mom is so into Christmas, she has a pillow. And now I need this pillow. It says, don't get your tinsel in a tangle.

[Danielle]

That's so needle point.

[Brooke]

It's a needle. It's a needle point pillow. Sorry.

[Danielle]

Yeah.

[Brooke]

And I think that's iconic. So if you want to, you know, I'll commission it for next December.

[Danielle]

Yeah. I'm taking order requests for.

[Brooke]

Perfect. I'll take that one.

[Danielle]

EOY 26, start of 27.

[Brooke]

So, like, yeah, I'm putting in my order now.

[Danielle]

And that's. That's a wrap. Next week we'll have a little bit more Christmas holiday fun. Fun.

[Brooke]

Yeah. And we'll see you guys next week. Love you.

[Danielle]

Bye. Pluto TV for free.

[Brooke]

Stream blockbuster hits like 21 Jump Street Ted, the Expendables, and so much more on Pluto TV. Stream now.

[Danielle]

Pay never.