Ever wondered why South Korea has become a mecca for those seeking cosmetic perfection, or how Brazil's beauty standards are influencing the world? As your Boujee Blondes hosts, Melissa and Simone, we're peeling back the layers on the allure and implications of plastic surgery abroad. This episode is a candid exploration of our own hesitations and the sobering experiences that remind us cheaper isn't always better. From post-op care to harrowing stories of beauty dreams turned nightmares, we're spilling the tea on what it really takes to get that work done overseas. Plus, we're diving into the temporary fix of procedures like BBLs, and why research and professional advice are your best friends.
But it's not all about going under the knife; we're also talking injectables, darling. With a touch of humor and a dose of reality, we share the lowdown on the ever-popular lip fillers and Botox—yes, Melissa's been there, done that, and got the slightly swollen lips to prove it. We're unpacking the risks that come with the needle, the importance of finding a skilled practitioner, and the psychological shift towards embracing enhancement without shame. As we reflect on the trend of subtle over stark changes, we consider how icons like Jordan have navigated their public transformations and the delicate balance between mental health and aesthetic goals.
Let's not forget, life is more than just a pursuit of physical perfection. So, we're rounding off with a heart-to-heart on personal strides, navigating the festive season with friends, and the value of therapy. Join us as we let loose with a game of this-or-that, revealing our quirks from music to culinary preferences—spoiler: one of us is totally a poolside lounger while the other can't resist a sandy beach. And before we bid you farewell, we're tapping into the magic of positive intentions, sharing how manifesting can truly shape our realities. Your stories matter to us, so hit us with your highs, lows, and everything in between—we're here for it, and can't wait to welcome you back for another round of real talk next time.
Ever wondered why South Korea has become a mecca for those seeking cosmetic perfection, or how Brazil's beauty standards are influencing the world? As your Boujee Blondes hosts, Melissa and Simone, we're peeling back the layers on the allure and implications of plastic surgery abroad. This episode is a candid exploration of our own hesitations and the sobering experiences that remind us cheaper isn't always better. From post-op care to harrowing stories of beauty dreams turned nightmares, we're spilling the tea on what it really takes to get that work done overseas. Plus, we're diving into the temporary fix of procedures like BBLs, and why research and professional advice are your best friends.
But it's not all about going under the knife; we're also talking injectables, darling. With a touch of humor and a dose of reality, we share the lowdown on the ever-popular lip fillers and Botox—yes, Melissa's been there, done that, and got the slightly swollen lips to prove it. We're unpacking the risks that come with the needle, the importance of finding a skilled practitioner, and the psychological shift towards embracing enhancement without shame. As we reflect on the trend of subtle over stark changes, we consider how icons like Jordan have navigated their public transformations and the delicate balance between mental health and aesthetic goals.
Let's not forget, life is more than just a pursuit of physical perfection. So, we're rounding off with a heart-to-heart on personal strides, navigating the festive season with friends, and the value of therapy. Join us as we let loose with a game of this-or-that, revealing our quirks from music to culinary preferences—spoiler: one of us is totally a poolside lounger while the other can't resist a sandy beach. And before we bid you farewell, we're tapping into the magic of positive intentions, sharing how manifesting can truly shape our realities. Your stories matter to us, so hit us with your highs, lows, and everything in between—we're here for it, and can't wait to welcome you back for another round of real talk next time.
It's the Bougie Blondes podcast with Melissa and Simone, available on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts. Now let's get bougie. Hi, I'm Melissa. Hi, I'm Simone. Our podcast is serving you. Bestie vibes, we are just two country girls chatting about all things we struggle with daily life and, of course, talking about certain issues that some people are afraid to speak about. We give it to you real, while having crack along the way. Remember, these are just our opinions, gals, so don't take us too seriously. We're just giving you some best friend advice.
Speaker 2:So on this week's episode we're chatting about people going abroad for plastic surgeries the positives and the negatives yeah, it's everywhere at the moment, isn't that people going abroad?
Speaker 1:and there's so much like documentaries and stuff on it now, like of um, nearly I feel like the documentaries are trying. Are people trying to scare monger, though people into not going abroad as well?
Speaker 2:Maybe, but then again I just think it's so. It's so scary in general, Like personally, if I were to do anything like I'd much rather be at home in my own country doing it. Now. I know it's expensive to get things done and people are always going to look for kind of the cheapest way out, but it's better to be safe than sorry and it just it terrifies me.
Speaker 1:Yeah, you hear all these stories like and it's just yeah, I think if I was definitely to get anything done and like from my research of like looking into getting stuff and done like over the years, I don't know I'd more likely stay in Ireland, because I just feel like if anything went wrong, like you're so close to clinics in Ireland, whether it's like Dublin or Cork or whatever- you know what I mean.
Speaker 2:Like a couple of hours away in a car, like or whatever.
Speaker 1:Yeah, it's just like if I think if something happens, like you're so far away from your surgeon I know they have like you can still go to. Like obviously you're like GPs and stuff, but like, and again other surgeons aren't going to want to be like really doing work on bad botched jobs.
Speaker 2:Are they like you know exactly, like I don't know. Like do you know exactly, like I don't know? It's just I personally, like I hear so many good things as well of people going to like, say, turkey and stuff like that, like I know a few of my friends have been there, whatever and then obviously they've heard stories after of get people getting the same procedures done and like they're dying or like things are just going extremely wrong. It's just I don't know.
Speaker 1:I think I'm quite happy now, just being the way I am, I think you have to really be careful, like, of who you go to as well. You know, I mean like I don't know it's like, and then you hear of so many people like dying as well, especially with, like, the increase of the bbls. Yeah, like you know, a lot of people go to turkey to get them done, and the thing about bbls that no one speaks about, like I really is informed about that it actually doesn't.
Speaker 2:It actually doesn't like last that long because your body actually rejects the implants, because there's not really meant to be implants there or like a lot of people will get implants, but fat injections on their bum, but your body actually breaks down that fat within like two years, so it's just mental yeah, it's crazy, and the amount of money that goes into it, plus you're putting like an alien object into your body, like you just don't know what way your body is going to react to these things. Like some people will be fine, some people won't. It's like just getting into your body and you just don't know what way it's going to react and like, obviously, if it's something that you really want, like go for it, but make sure you're doing your research because, like, at the end of the day, you are kind of risking your whole life yeah, so some of the top countries.
Speaker 1:When we were doing research on this, I was actually quite shocked. I'm shocked of the first one. Are you shocked? So am I? I'm really shocked. I'm like, what the hell? Like? So, yeah, I mean, someone did some research on this and number one boys and girls for top surgery. Give it to them, simone. I'm shocked. South Korea what the hell? Yeah, I've never heard of anyone going to South Korea for surgery.
Speaker 2:No, me neither. But then again, I don't know if it's because like we're all the way back in Ireland, like the closest one to us is probably like Turkey or like, say, america or stuff like that, like I just wouldn't like in my wildest dreams think about going to Korea of all places.
Speaker 1:Oh, I feel hard, even like going to the UK to get surgery done, because I'd be like trying to, like I'd be thinking, okay, I have to travel back now, like on a 40 minute flight, like is that not gonna be uncomfortable, do you know, like South Korea, I don't know, I don't know.
Speaker 1:It's not a place I'd want to go anyway, never mind, never mind for surgery, like seriously you might go and you might not come back out. Like what, no thanks, not a chance. The next one, like a couple of days I was shocked about brazil, is number two I did.
Speaker 2:To be honest, I kind of was like, yeah, okay, fair enough with that one, because I do hear a lot about brazil, yeah good things about. But I don't know like you see all these women like with like they just from Brazil, not putting it down, but like they are, like they all do have BBLs, they look perfect, like they look like dull.
Speaker 1:Yeah, I just thought it was their genetics, like, because you know they like.
Speaker 2:Like it comes down to the fact like I'm so dumb and so thick when it comes to things like I look at someone like oh my god, her body is amazing.
Speaker 2:And the girls are just like it's not real and I'm like what do you mean? It's not? Yeah, like what annoys me and I'll put my hands up and say it, like I look and you're the same and I said, like we go to the gym because we enjoy going to the gym, like, yeah, it's good for our mental health, we enjoy exercising or whatever. But you look at these people and they get lip sucking, they get like all these things done and they're just like. I wish I had the money to actually go down that route, to do all the time and effort that you put into, yeah, going to the gym and training your body and training your mindset or whatever. And then just like a little magic wand, it can be solved, but it scares me.
Speaker 1:I think, as I like a lot of people think what you just said, like they can just go get all this surgery done and don't have to do any work, like you see a lot of people now who've got surgery done but they still obviously haven't been like looking after like, say, their health and fitness. So they're nearly like it. They've nearly like still put on weight but still have the surgery so they nearly look out of shape. Yeah, do you know like? So you still. I think people forget that you still have to like and it's the same with like if you're getting like gastric bands or anything like, you still kind of have to be mindful of, like your health and fitness.
Speaker 1:Yeah, definitely don't you like, because like and don't get me wrong, I get what you're saying. It's so annoying where you have to like, we're like flat out in the gym, and then there's like, these girls with these perfect bodies and, yeah, it is a bit like don't get me wrong, I'm all here for it, like if that's what you want to do that's what you want to do.
Speaker 2:It's just.
Speaker 1:I'm just terrified myself yeah, I think I would definitely consider like I say well, if I, if, after I had children, if I had children, probably getting liposuction yeah, I don't think that or like yeah, like a bit of a tummy tuck, but like it's aggressive, isn't it?
Speaker 2:the liposuction, yeah well, tummy tucks are so dangerous, so are they so so dangerous? Yeah, I've heard like horrible things about really yeah, so you don't know like you do. That's the thing you never know you're. You're always taking a risk when it comes down to things. At the end of the day, you're opening up your body, yeah, so the minute you open up your body in general, like you're open to everything yeah, and it's the money as well.
Speaker 1:Like realistically, 99.9 percent of women cannot afford to be going getting like surgeries done do you? Know what I mean, like the likes of liposuction and tummy toxin bbls, and do you know what I mean? Yeah, yeah, mexico was another one, and greece.
Speaker 2:I was really surprised with greece yeah, I thought I don't know it's. I don't know it's. Just these countries like that are popping up and kind of like I've looked at the list and like the one to ten that are there, like America isn't even on it the only one that like out of the list that, like I've like a lot of people from Ireland go to, is Turkey.
Speaker 1:Yeah, poland I've heard a couple of people going to Poland, but we've Germany on the list, which I think I would probably go to Germany just because I know their healthcare isn't actually very good.
Speaker 2:I just feel like everything in Germany is top notch.
Speaker 1:Everything in Germany is so efficient like literally. I've heard disasters about Thailand.
Speaker 2:I can imagine.
Speaker 1:Yeah, like I've heard disasters about Thailand, I wouldn't be putting Thailand on my list now to go get a breast augmentation. Do you know what I mean? Like yeah kind of be a very, very, very like aware yeah well, do you feel like there's an increase in like surgeries over the last 10 years? 100%?
Speaker 2:yeah, definitely. Yeah, I think I've never seen anything like it in my life. It's becoming more and more popular.
Speaker 2:Obviously it's more popular in women like I get that than it is with men, but I do think like, when it all comes down to, it was like more when the Kardashians start making appearance on TV and stuff like that, and like obviously, regarding the Bbl and stuff like that and I'm not just saying them, but I'm just saying, like social media and reality tv shows in general I just feel like it created this image and this picture for all of us and then, because we were a younger generation growing up watching it, like it just unfortunately became the norm to get these things done and obviously, like, as the years are going on, it's becoming more of a norm.
Speaker 2:So, like people think it's like okay at the age of like 17 to go and like get a nose job or go and get their boobs done, and they're not even properly developed and they don't even know exactly what they want. Yeah, and I think at that age your life, like you, just it is quite scary. Now I know sometimes people have like problems that they need to get these things fixed to get me, and that's okay, but I just feel like, just because you want to fit in, I don't think it's the right thing to do. I feel like you should actually like really, really, really think about it and want it so badly that it's going to change your mindset and how you feel as an individual. It shouldn't be for appearance or it shouldn't be for like somebody else. It should be for yourself and to be comfortable in your own skin. Then it comes down to like going overboard, like I just feel like it can get a bit way too much see, you can get addicted to it, yeah, addicted to the perfectionism, um, and it can.
Speaker 1:It can easily happen. Like it can even happen without the person even realizing it. Like, do you know what I mean? Definitely, yeah, but I, you're definitely right. Like, I think, if you are considering getting it done, see, I feel like when you're younger, I feel like there should be maybe a bit of an age limit on it. Like I feel like, when you're younger, you're maybe getting it done to, as you said, like fit in or nearly try to like, attract men, like, or to like like you're going to think men will find you more attractive, or like, if you're actually getting it done for your own self, like I think you really have to be at a strong point in your life where you're, like, completely comfortable with who you are and just like you're happy with if you don't have it or you do have it, and then, if you get it done, I think it's like that it's going to give you like a boost in confidence, but you're happy with if you don't have it or you do have it, and then, if you get it done, I think it's like that it's going to give you like a boost in confidence, but you're completely the same person without it, if that makes sense yeah because I feel like a lot of young girls are kind of going into it with the insecurity and hoping that it's going to fix their life when it's not definitely, and it's like it's even down to like I think most girls start off with like lip filler
Speaker 2:yeah um, yeah, and don't get me wrong. I put my hands up and say like I got mine. I think I was. What age was I? I was 23 when I got filler and then.
Speaker 2:I got all dissolved, like it just didn't suit me. It done nothing for me. I looked at everyone else and I was like, oh my god, I need them, I want them. This is going to make me look so different. Just fit in again. Like, probably, more than likely, that's what it was, because everyone was getting it done. I was like, well, I want it, um, but it just didn't suit me. And it's the same with anything. Really, that's why you really need to think about it. You need to think about, like, the shape of your face, the shape of your body, when you're getting stuff done like that because it doesn't suit everyone. No like, and my, my grandmother always says if you're meant to look like that, you'll be born that way yeah, she's right.
Speaker 1:Well, it is like that you can get like addicted to like lip fillers. Like even on a previous podcast, I was speaking about my like episode of lip filler. The drama that I went through, um, and like it really does depend on the person you go to as well. Like you really have to go to a good practitioner that's gonna, as you said, do it to your face shape and like what volume suits your face shape, where I feel like a lot of them clinics are just out to get money or they're just they're not putting the right products into people's faces.
Speaker 2:You know and they don't have enough experience. Like it's becoming like very out there now of like every second or third person even over here. Like you know, they, they do aesthetics. But like, truth be told, you're supposed to actually go to a clinic, to a professional doctor. Yeah, let anyone inject anything into your body.
Speaker 1:Yeah, like it could hit off a nerve, it could hit off anything, and then you're scarred for life yeah, um, but like in fairness to Ireland, they actually have okay laws because you either have to be like um, a nurse, doctor, um or dentist, where the problem is now that we're facing in Ireland, because the UK don't have those laws, so you can be, I could go up to the UK and work as a beautician and provide fillers and Botox, which I think is absolutely mind-blowing. So what's happening is a lot of the UK, from Northern Ireland girls are coming to clinics in the Republic of Ireland and providing treatments which I've experienced on some of my clients and horrific like has caused them serious issues because they're done incorrectly. Yeah, do you know that's scary?
Speaker 2:because they could just cross the border and like go to a clinic and just, and they don't, they're not a nurse or doctor, dentist, you know it's scary yeah, and like, obviously, like when you're really young as well, and everyone's doing it and like you know, you're not on great money and you want these things done, you're kind of just gonna chance it because everyone is getting it done like, yeah, and you're gonna go to the cheapest person because you just want it done as well, but according to the American Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery, the pandemic has led to a 10% increase in cosmetic surgery.
Speaker 2:Cosmetic procedures are also on the rise. The Aesthetic Plastic Surgery National Data Bank reports that cosmetic procedures are also on the rise. The aesthetic plastic surgery national data bank reports that botox has increased by 54 percent and filler treatments are up to 75 percent from 2019 wow, that's a big increase.
Speaker 1:Yes, it is, isn't it?
Speaker 2:yeah, I feel like, though, even in the pandemic, we all kind of had a little glow up, didn't we?
Speaker 1:yeah, we definitely did. But definitely, like, even Botox is like, more normalized now, like, do you know what I mean? Like, I feel like there was a stigma to it a couple of years ago where, like, if someone got Botox like or now it's just so normalized like every age group was getting it. Do you know what I mean? But again, as you said, it has to be done right, like, yeah, something wrong, like you know I think, like some people get mixed up between botox and filler, though yeah, they do.
Speaker 1:Yeah, like they do 100. So basically, for anyone who doesn't know, botox is basically it freezes your muscles in on in your forehead, side of your eyes or any actually anywhere in your face. You can get it done, like in even in your like jawline now can't you like to stop you pinching your teeth? Um. So basically botox freezes your muscles and filler is basically fills out any like deep lines or anything like that. Because I think some people are like they think that, like you know, when some people like they have like real expression of foreheads, they're like, oh, I'm gonna get Botox, but like that's actually not going to solve it because there's already deep lines there. Yeah, that's why I just say like Botox is like it prevents them from happening because it's freezing your muscles before it happens.
Speaker 2:So yeah, if anyone doesn't know, that is the difference between filler and botox yeah, because I think, like when you get to a certain age, like you do need, like not that you do need, oh my gosh, I didn't mean to say that but like if you're happy with, like getting a bit of botox in your forehead because you have fine lines and wrinkles or stuff like that, like I think that's okay, yeah, 100%. But I don't know, like we said, it's just. It comes to a stage where it's like a little bit of something is good for you. But when you go to OTT, I just think that's when people kind of ruin themselves and ruin their looks, because you see so many celebrities and they looked amazing and they're just getting all this filler into their face and they just look horrendous.
Speaker 1:Yeah, like it's so bad yeah, and I do think like that, like a little bit like, if you're like an older lady and you want to like that glow up or pick me up, it's amazing how a little bit of botox can literally transform their whole face, like, and just makes them more like alert and bright eyes. You know what I mean, whereas you said it's when you go and like you get overdone with treatments is the real issue. It's not the botox, that's the problem. It's the overload of all the treatments that's the problem. So if a woman went in and got a small bit of botox and a small bit of, maybe like a little bit of filler to like fill out her face because as we get older, we do lose weight on our face, yeah, that looks amazing, but it's the. It's the overload of filler that's the problem in your opinion, though, who do you think?
Speaker 2:who would you think, that gets plastic surgery the most? In what age group would you think?
Speaker 1:who do? I think like what age group gets the most plastic surgery? Yeah, this is going to be a difficult one, because I I feel like it's either going to be torn between older ladies or really young people. I feel like it's not in the middle somewhere. I'm gonna. I'm gonna say, let me guess, I'm gonna say between 18 and 25.
Speaker 2:Okay, so generational trends across age groups generation X, which is age 40 to 54, accounted for 45% and baby boomers, ages 55 to 69, accounted for 30% of total cosmetic procedures of total cosmetic procedures, while millennials ages 30 to 39 accounted for 16 percent.
Speaker 1:And generation z, ages 19 to 29, accounted for six percent. Okay, so I was mild wrong. I feel like that. Maybe I feel like the gen z and Gen X is a Gen X now generation. Yeah, I feel like they're not going to get as much plastic surgeries. Yeah, I feel like the Gen Z, like the younger, the Gen Z on the cusp of Gen X, aren't going to get as much plastic surgeries as us. Yeah, because I feel like they're completely different Catliffish altogether. They're really, they're completely different catfish all together. They're really like the Gen X compared to Gen Z now is actually it's like they want to be totally invisible.
Speaker 1:It's mad, it's actually terrifying they don't want to be anywhere online. It's like they're recluse.
Speaker 2:It's like it went from one extreme to the other so I don't know it's it's so hard to balance it out, but then I'm like I feel like it's just gonna get worse.
Speaker 1:When it comes down to plastic surgery and stuff like that, I actually genuinely do yeah, I feel like like around, like when I was younger, there was a lot of the bad, like boob jobs, like yeah you know, like the really like Jordan.
Speaker 1:Yeah, like, I feel like Jordan style boob jobs was like is the style that everyone got when, say, like I was in my like teenage years. We're obviously like just boob jobs now, which are amazing, do you know? I mean, you're like oh my god, they're fab. Yeah, like they've. They've evolved over the years because obviously like just different, like materials and stuff that we use now boob jobs, but yeah, like like how many surgeries has jordan had? Oh god, I think it's crazy.
Speaker 2:Like yeah, I think she got like obviously she likes it, like obviously she's happy in her own skin with that to get me. But I'm just like it's, it's actually. It baffles my head the way you can literally like she needed absolutely nothing. She was stunning, yeah, amazing, and then it just becomes such an addiction yeah, like she was actually beautiful.
Speaker 1:Like, yeah, I think she just got addicted to the boobs getting bigger and then I think it got to a point where, like I don't think she could even reverse it, like do you know what I mean?
Speaker 2:even if she got sad, though I do think it is sad yeah, like who was on love island?
Speaker 1:oh, do you know the? What was the girl that was on love island there this year? She was a. She was on love island years ago and I love her. What's her name? The blonde girl she did have. She has a lot of surgery done.
Speaker 1:I don't know oh my god, I can't think of her. She was an old, she was like an og in um love islander, but she has a lot of surgery done. But she's like the nicest girl ever and the abuse that she got online after it and I fairly sorry for her because I was thinking about this she clearly has such a deep insecurity as like that's why she keeps getting surgery done and I feel like people paint pointing out about like how bad she looks and blah, blah, blah is just going to make her more insecure and it's going to. That's why she keeps getting surgery done. And I feel like people point pointing out about like how bad she looks and blah, blah, blah is just going to make her more insecure and it's going to get her like, make her get more surgery yeah, definitely do you know?
Speaker 2:like the thing like the more like people put you down and knock you down. You constantly are thinking about how you're going to make yourself look and feel better, and then it's just going to come down to.
Speaker 1:The easy option is oh, I'm just going to pump more stuff into me yeah, and it's sad because it can become like um, a disease, like that addiction, like it's like a mental health thing as well, like. So I think, like if anyone does like get anything done, and even if you don't agree with it, like of it being nice or that, just be kind and just yeah, like don't be getting involved, like it's not on your face, why does it bother you? Do you know exactly do you know what I mean.
Speaker 2:that's why I never, ever, judge anyone that gets anything done, no matter what, because, at the end of the day, like I, someone could say, oh, she wears way too much makeup or she has way too much extensions in her hair, like, do you get me? Like you can't. That's why I never judge. I let people do what they want to do, because, at the end of the day, let them do what makes them happy, like, and it's the same with surgery, it's the same with anything. But it's just to be aware and be like conscious of the the fact that, like, so many things can go wrong and you don't necessarily need it.
Speaker 1:it's just being able to feel happy and comfortable within your own skin exactly, and the way I look at it is if it's not affecting my life or on my body, it doesn't really bother me, do you know? I mean just as you said, just let people do what they're doing like, but it is.
Speaker 1:It's more about just bringing the awareness of like where you should go and like just the the pros and cons of going out far and like obviously a lot. Obviously the main pro is why people go out far and is because of the cost, yeah, um. But then you have to think of the cons of the aftercare, like are you going to get as good aftercare as you would in ireland? You know, I mean, like I know initially, over there there's amazing clinics that they look unbelievable and the aftercare is exceptional. But the problem I find it's not the two weeks or the week after you've surgery, it's down the line.
Speaker 2:Yeah, that's when the issues, your insurance is not covered either. So like say, if you go, if you are going to Turkey or whatever it may be, like somebody in Ireland, your own doctor is not going to touch it because it's not his work yeah, it's it is.
Speaker 1:But then, like I think, by the time you like actually book your flight, book your accommodation and get your surgery out there, it kind of nearly balances out the same as our like. Maybe it might be an extra like two grand here, but and I know two grand is a lot like, but still I don't know, yeah it's kind of worth it, though. Is there any like? Is there anything like when you were younger? Like surgeries that you wanted that, like you wouldn't have any interest in now, like that.
Speaker 1:I wouldn't have interest in. Yeah, like you know, is there anything you're like, oh, I'd love that. And now you're like what was I thinking?
Speaker 2:yeah, I remember when I was younger and I used to like obviously watch the Kardashians and like, obviously, like, just look at them. Be like, oh my god, amazing. Or did you ever watch um Girls at the Playboy Mansion? Yes, like I was obsessed and looking at them like all I ever wanted I wanted these big boobs, I wanted this tiny waist, like I wanted like this ass. And then I was like, actually, no, I actually just want to be like a stick. Like a stick. Looking at them play by bonnie's, I was like, oh my god, wow. But it just shows like how body image changes. Yeah, over even a short amount of time. Because I think girls by the play girls in the playboy mansion came out first and then it was a Kardashian. So it went from sick thin Barbie dolls to these big, curvy women and, yeah, I was like. I think I was like the ages between 14 to like, say, 18, like when the the change over happened kind of with the girls in playboy Mansions to the Kardashians. I'm like, actually, what do I want?
Speaker 1:yeah, why do I want to love? I honestly think I blame the Playboy Mansion and Hugh Hefner for my insecurity at my boobs, because when I was a teenager, that was, that was like our TikTok yeah, like literally the Playboy Mansion and new hefner. And like mtv was our television and like all the men fancy the play by women. And here's melissa going around with her little dolly and doras and not one screed or boob there and like, honestly, things like that like definitely played an insecurity in all my years of growing up, like with insecurity about my boobs.
Speaker 1:And do you know what it was? It was just the fact of what men used to be saying to me. It wasn't even that I think I had an issue. It was because other people's opinions of yeah, do you know? And now it's the same thing I feel for young girls. I feel like the likes of, like Instagram and like Kardashians is having an effect on them. So you just have to be very careful what you surround yourself by you know, I mean what you watch, what you listen to yes, who you surround?
Speaker 2:yourself with, because it's all an influence. It doesn't even have to be social media yeah do you know what I mean?
Speaker 2:like I know like the older generation are saying, oh, I'd hate to be like in your generation. You have so much social media Instagram, tiktok, la, la la la and then I'm just kind of like it's what they see on the TV as well, it's what who they surround themselves with. Like, at the end of the day, if you're surrounding yourself with like a group of people that are going to a plastic surgeon every week and you are just sitting there not looking like them, you're just going to feel left out and feeling secure in your own skin you're a hundred on your head.
Speaker 2:Yeah, it is so you're sitting around with girls that are just not into like getting stuff done and not into wear makeup or whatever, like you're feeling comfortable in that group. So it's who you surround yourself with and what you watch, what you listen to, and and it's your environment. Yeah, 100% your environment as well.
Speaker 1:I don't care no, you're right, you're 100% like. It is like that it's. It's everything that you're listening to every day is going to influence what you do on a daily basis, and, even if you don't realize it, you do. And it's like that if you are in a crowd when you're younger and if everyone's doing the same thing, you're more inclined to do the same thing, because if you're different, you don't want to be different, because people are going to say, oh, why are you different? So then you feel like you morph yourself into someone else, and that's why I think a lot of people grow into who they really are when they leave school definitely.
Speaker 2:Yeah, it's good to have a strong head on your shoulders as well and not leave. Yeah, other people determine of what you do and who you want to be and what you want to look like, because some people can not gullible but they can get very like trapped up in a bubble with other people's thoughts yeah about themselves. Um oh, thank god, like I'll put my hands up and say it, like I was never one to kind of follow the crowd no, either was I in fairness um.
Speaker 1:I was always a stubborn aleok. But yeah, like we're, just like we're in our own bubble yeah, um, like don't get wrong some, I never say I follow the crowds, but I think I nearly didn't. I kind of put myself, I turned myself inwards because I didn't want to be like seen for really what I was. Does that make sense? Like I went inwards instead of being I would never be like this, like the star of oh, never be the star of the show, like I'd kind of just come back and everyone else you know.
Speaker 2:But yeah, I was just saying, I think kind of stuck in the background for a very long time in the background, just lingering, you know, just doing my thing, just surviving life.
Speaker 1:Well, yeah, well, yeah, that is our surgeries. Um, I hope it brought you some awareness and of all the pros and cons and the crazy countries that some people are going to, which me and simone are still baffled.
Speaker 2:And if you have any stories scary stories.
Speaker 1:please send them in. Yeah, definitely we need some juicy plastic surgery stories.
Speaker 1:That would be fun for next week Just entertained, just Breathe. Melissa and Simone are here to listen. So on this week's juicy jammy dodger dilemma and we have, hey, girls don't know what to do here. I'm going on my first girls holiday and I'm excited, but but so nervous, heading to a beat that woohoo, I will see you there, girl, and I'm buzzing. Uh love all my girls, but there is one of my mates that just always causes unnecessary fights and drama. Most nights we are out, she starts fights, but one of us or someone else is so uncomfortable we all feel on edge around her because she singles us out and ruins the holiday. Really want to enjoy my holidays without having to worry about her. Any advice for anyone like this? Or what should I do if I find myself in a difficult situation?
Speaker 2:oh, you know what? I'll put my hands up and say there's always one, always one out the crowd, and it's not that they even mean it, I just just think they're just I don't know, in a group there's just always one. But my advice would be go out, enjoy yourself. Don't let her ruin your holiday, even though, like, it's always going to be in the back of your head, but kind of make that little escape in the background. If Aniston starts a car run, or if she starts nippy picking at anathan, just kind of remove yourself from the situation yeah and I always say like when I see like this happening, like what you obviously hear stories or whatever.
Speaker 2:But like some girls kind of are like oh my god, you never stuck up for me, like there was an argument. At the end of the day, it's not your argument to solve yeah so like you're better off to just disappear from the situation.
Speaker 1:I just think, remove yourself, make yourself invisible, like the gen x. Just make yourself invisible. If you feel like something's starting, just as you said, remove yourself. It is just a bit awkward if they are all on holidays and like just two fucking friends fighting and they're all in the same apartment or something. That's the only thing I'd be thinking of. But, like that, just remove yourself.
Speaker 2:Like, I just think, neutralize the situation, because even like, I just think, even like it because you're at the age as well, like, and if you're all friends and you're all going on holidays together, even if, like, you all feel the same, like sit down and just have a conversation with her before you go and just be like look, this is how we actually genuinely feel. We want to go, have the best time of our lives, a really good holiday.
Speaker 1:Please don't certify, because it's not going to end well and we're not going to want to go on holidays with you again, like yeah, depends on her personality, though, doesn't it like she could either like be completely like fine or completely blow up fucking steam again more?
Speaker 2:than likely. She's probably going to take offense to it, but yeah, she knows yeah and like, if she's your good friend or she's your best friend or whatever it may be, then she's not really going to take offense, but she's going to be more thankful and aware of what way she's going to be acting on.
Speaker 1:Acting on yeah it's just, it's an awkward situation to be in.
Speaker 1:It's a horrible situation to be in, like it's just like you don't want on edge vibes on your, a magical holiday to beat that island full of love and joy. You know like you want to be having peace and love. Do you know? Peace, love, not fight and anger. Do you know? Yeah, exactly, just just ignore, I think. I think someone's right like have a little, maybe chat in like the group chat or something, just even like, if you want to like, not even like single or her out, but just be like you know, pop into the group chat, we're looking forward to it. Can we all have a fantastic week? You know, no fights or anything. Yeah, like, um, you know, let's all come back with happy memories.
Speaker 2:Wink, wink whatever happens in Ibiza, stays in Ibiza yeah, I think, do it like that.
Speaker 1:I think like just kind of make a point but have it casually in the group chat or something, and then I think, if something happens, like maybe if something happens on one night, maybe like, say, towards the next day, but like you know, look, last night was a bit awkward, you know, can we just have the rest of the week, you know, happy vibes and not like, yeah, it's just awkward, isn't it?
Speaker 2:just go and enjoy the trip just go and enjoy, because the beach is amazing.
Speaker 1:I might see you there again. But, yeah, enjoy your holiday and, just as we said, just remove yourself from the situation. And love and peace. So, for our big hat of mystery, let's see, simone, what we have today for us, let's see what's in store right oh, different. What are you most proud about yourself for?
Speaker 2:oh, um, in what kind of way? In the person who I am, or?
Speaker 1:I don't know, I didn't really see, I presume, presume it's just in general is there anything that you're really proud of yourself for, in all areas? Maybe, and it can be, I presume it can be anything personal, career, anything.
Speaker 2:I don't know I feel like I'm proud of I know this probably sounds really cliche, but the person who I'm becoming, I love that, simone, I love that I feel like life is a journey and when you look back on like all the stuff and all everything that just happened in your past, like it's a roller coaster you have ups, you have downs or whatever. But I feel like the lessons that are made on your way and on your journey to make you to who you are and all the stuff you've overcome and this is not just me in general, I just think like people go through so much like they do and like we don't spill it out there every single day because this is a podcast, it's a happy podcast and whatever.
Speaker 2:But I just feel like if you keep going and keep growing and then you look back on where you started off and where you are now, I just feel like you need to keep that positive mindset going and I just feel like I'm a little bit proud of where I am right now and where I may be going, because you can never predict your future.
Speaker 2:But in this present time I'm quite proud and I'm happy that I have I don't know a lovely group of friends, family, or whatever, and I'm proud of, I think, making the step to kind of get out of my comfort zone, more so than like be a little bit independent, of moving to another country on my own and kind of, yeah, like having, I don't know. It's just started off, as you know, melissa, a bit of a shit show, but I just being a nice person and, yeah, just right in the way of life, I think.
Speaker 1:Yeah, I love that. That's cute. It's really emotional. I'm like, oh, a tear. How about you? Yeah, with me.
Speaker 1:I think the proudest moment, like is probably like looking back to how I was, my whole. I know I've never really spoken much about it, but my whole situation with COVID of how, like, I went basically to therapy because I was like extremely, that was like a really low point. And I think, from that turning point, like looking back to how I was in, that was what 2021 to now, like the growth I have put into myself in regards to my mindset, making the decision go to therapy because if I didn't, I don't think I would be here today um, yeah, it's quite deep like, but just the difference I put in, I know, but just a different. Stop, you're gonna make me cry now. Stop, simone, oh, no, stop, you're gonna make me cry now. Oh, but yeah, that is mine like, just to be honest, I've worked really hard like to get where I am, like through like all of 20, 22, 23 and like to now, like it's just, I'm like a new woman, like I just feel like I'm gonna make a big cry. Yeah, but that that is for another episode.
Speaker 1:But yeah, like, that's probably what I'm most proud of of like yeah, just making that initial step to literally like yeah, that was. It's a scary. Yeah, I'm so proud. Sorry for getting up so late. Oh, you're making me cry? No, because my eyes are like black.
Speaker 1:But yeah, I think when Simone is home we'll do a more deep rep on that, because it is one thing I think we'll just need the two of us in the same room for that of like how do you know it's even more to bring awareness to it, of like how it even like begun and how it started, and like obviously there's a positive ending to it. But like, yeah, do you know like it's? It is bringing awareness to it. Obviously, up to this point, it wasn't really in not in the mood to talk about it, but, like you know, it's like something like it's such a vulnerability that you're expressing to the world, so like you have to be very careful of when you choose to share it. I feel like you have to be ready. Do you know what I mean? But it's coming, it's coming, but yeah.
Speaker 2:I'm so proud of you. I just want to say that, like you're an amazing person. You're the biggest inspiration and the graft and everything that you put in on a day to day basis, like just showing up every single day and overcoming this you know what I mean and kind of like not that you were like putting yourself out there because I didn't even know a hundred percent to get me, like yeah, and then we became friends or whatever, and we had a little chat and little discussions over it and like we were there or whatever, and we had a little chat and little discussions over it and like we were there for each other. But I didn't know the whole roller coaster of it and I just think that, like you should be so proud of yourself for how far you come and just no, and how, how much like you put.
Speaker 2:You put 100% into everything that you do. You put 100% into life on a day to day basis. So so damn proud of yourself. My girlie love you even though you made me cry. It's a lot of love, peace and love.
Speaker 1:Well, thank you to our mystery person who put me into the stupid hat today making us cry. I'm going to be falling for the fucking night. Stupid had today making us cry. Moving on, moving on, boys. Right, we have our little game of the week. We have a little this or that to cheer up the the moment completely out of context. Yeah, right, we have a fun little this or that this week. Right?
Speaker 2:playlists or podcasts hmm, it depends what mode I'm in yeah, I'm the same.
Speaker 1:Like if I'm out for like a walk, maybe, podcasts yeah or a run playlist yeah. If I'm cleaning the house, it can be a bit of both, like if I need to get the job, yeah. If I need to get the job done quick, I need like hardcore playlists yeah if I like, I want to break free like singing into the sweeping brush and all yeah like if I'm like if I'm lounging throughout the day and I'm cleaning the house.
Speaker 1:It's a podcast you know, so it depends on my mood as well. Yeah, so you just answer nothing. Yeah, okay, um swimming pool or beach swimming pool? Yeah, I don't like the beach.
Speaker 2:I love the beach and I love the aesthetic and I love the way it looks. Yeah, I don't like being in it. I do not like knowing the fact that jellyfish or even seaweed can rub off my leg. It's a no-go for me. I'm like no, like, no, even though I will go in, like I'll go on jet skis and I will go in, but I just prefer.
Speaker 1:Yeah yeah, just the sand is a bit messy as well, isn't it? Yeah yeah, fruits or vegetables. Oh, that's really hard I go with fruits, I think yeah, maybe then again.
Speaker 2:I love peas, broccoli and carrots like they're. Oh, I do love peas, actually I do love, maybe fruit actually, because it's like fruit you can eat on its own, where vegetables. I wouldn't really just take a piece of broccoli out of the fridge and start nibbling on it.
Speaker 1:Carrots are much easier and then you can like, you can throw like everything into a smoothie and Bob's your uncle like all day, do you? Know or chips, cookies, yeah, your chips, yeah, I'm everything, simone.
Speaker 2:Text or call um call is easier, isn't it? I prefer calling somebody like I just feel like I don't have time to be texting people. Yeah, like with a phone call, you can just get the conversation over in like 20 minutes if it's that important. Do you know what I mean?
Speaker 1:and even when we're chatting to each other, it's mostly voice notes. Yeah, because we just don't have time to text. No, we're too lazy our voice notes. Like it's because it's like a's, because it's like literally like sometimes I look and I'm like, oh my god, she's like what the fuck is wrong with this one, but like that, like because of the time difference, like I could be in beds and like someone might get. Like it's just we're cracked, were cracked, cracked right comedy or horror comedy.
Speaker 2:Do not give me a horror. No, don't like the horror ones.
Speaker 1:I'm a bit of both. I don't really mind a horror one, though as long as it's not like. The only thing I do not like is Saw, that little fucker no, I won't sleep for a month. That little fucker on, I will not, I won't sleep for a month. That little fucker on the bike, driver or passenger, would you like?
Speaker 2:to start driving passenger princess passenger.
Speaker 1:Princess, would you like to start driving, though I can?
Speaker 2:drive, can you? I didn't know you could drive. I can drive, but I just have like this fear over here, like that I just I couldn't do it. Like you should see how people drive over here. They're doing it, yeah, and there's four lanes. There is four lanes and they're all swerving in on top of each other and I'm like, nah, I will sit back.
Speaker 1:I think I'd like to give it a go. It's very scary.
Speaker 2:It's very scary, I won't lie yeah.
Speaker 1:See, there'll be a passenger over here Like you think?
Speaker 2:it's bad at home. Oh my God, Lunatics.
Speaker 1:Do you like beer or wine Wine? Do not like beer. Wine all day, every day. Give it to me. I drink it every welly. I literally would, would I love it. I'm not an alcoholic, I swear.
Speaker 2:Okay, dying in or dying out it depends what kind of mood I'm in, but I do, I do love like going out for a lovely meal and getting done up and getting dressed up and just going out for a nice meal with nice vibes yeah.
Speaker 1:I do like that yeah, again, depends on my mood. Salt or pepper. Last one salt. Do you not like a bit of pepper now in your soup or anything? No, gives me heartburn, does it? I love a bit of pepper now in your soup. Gives me heartburn, does it? I love a bit of pepper in my soup and a bit of like a spice to it yeah, I do, but like not too much, like I'd much prefer like salt over pepper.
Speaker 2:Yeah, I'm going to take a bit of both. You can be the pepper to my sauce oh my god, I love that.
Speaker 1:We are so cool I love our scene pepper to myself. I love it. That's our new one, guys.
Speaker 2:Yeah so, um, this week's affirmation we have can you hear that? What was that car? A ferrari? Like no way, yeah, they're so annoying like I'm just like shut up, we get it. Like we know you what car you have, like it's okay, like seriously, I'd much prefer hear toyota than hear that like I would rather know, banger, and I wouldn't hear that every day. That'd annoy me, you're so annoying and you know the ones that it's not even like they're renting them after.
Speaker 1:You know what I mean yeah, there's renting them for like 24 hours.
Speaker 2:Losers, losers so, on this week's affirmation we have, I intend to make my wishes come true oh, I love that.
Speaker 1:Yes, yes, little one, what a wholesome little episode we had there, full of lots of laughter, love, giggles and, yeah, very emotional cries yeah, but thank you so much for tuning in and make sure to send us your stories of dilemmas. If you want advice, if you want any to share your funny story with, any plastic surgery stories, any horror stories, send it all to us, because we want to listen. Yes, and we will catch you next week bye, see you next week.
Speaker 2:Bye.