Confessions & Chocolate » Communication http://www.confessionsandchocolate.com Tue, 09 Feb 2010 03:00:10 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 en hourly 1 ©Sponge Networks rbradshaw@gmail.com (Sponge Networks) rbradshaw@gmail.com(Sponge Networks) 1440 Sponge Networks Sponge Networks rbradshaw@gmail.com No no http://www.confessionsandchocolate.com/images/itunessmall.png Confessions & Chocolate http://www.confessionsandchocolate.com 144 144 Episode #045: Making Dinnertime a Joy Part 2: Overcome the Whining and End the Food War. http://www.confessionsandchocolate.com/episode-045-manners-who-needs-manners-part-2 http://www.confessionsandchocolate.com/episode-045-manners-who-needs-manners-part-2#comments Thu, 07 Jan 2010 01:00:36 +0000 rbradshaw http://www.confessionsandchocolate.com/?p=326 Has dinnertime at your home become a battlefield? Feel like a short order cook in your own home…without the tips? If food has become a war between you and your children, it is time to get tough and end the battle. Deb and Heather share proven methods to eliminate whining, refusal to eat, poor table manners, and how to stimulate conversation about more than the ‘yucky’ green peas. Some of these ideas might just help your child learn to love broccoli, and if not, at least you can find ways to hide the broccoli in their food. Laugh with us as you hear stories that just may have been stolen from your kitchen.

Challenge:  Choose one of the dinnertime obstacles you are facing and choose a solution to try. Give it a fair shot, at least a week, and really commit to following through. Note any improvement in your kids behavior and mealtimes. Keep trying ideas until you find one that works. Things will not change overnight, but keep the vision of the mealtime you want in mind, and you CAN overcome the food battles.

Chocolate Chip Meringue Bar Cookies- Taste of Home

            Chocolate Chip Cookie Batter

            3 egg whites

            1 cup packed brown sugar

            1 teaspoon vanilla extract

            1/8 teaspoon salt

            ¼ cup chopped walnuts

 Spread cookie batter in 13×9x2 in. pan. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes or until top is dry. Beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in brown sugar, vanilla and salt on high speed until stiff peaks form. Spread over warm cookies to within 1” of the edge. Sprinkle with walnuts. Bake for 25 minutes. Cut into 2 dzn bars. 

 

Resources: Deceptively Delicious by Jessica Seinfeld, Dr Laura Schlessinger

]]> http://www.confessionsandchocolate.com/episode-045-manners-who-needs-manners-part-2/feed 0 20:03 Has dinnertimenbsp;at your homenbsp;become a battlefield? Feel like a short order cook in your own home...without the tips? If food has become a war between ... Has dinnertimenbsp;at your homenbsp;become a battlefield? Feel like a short order cook in your own home...without the tips? If food has become a war between you and your children, it is time to get tough and end the battle. Deb and Heather share proven methods to eliminate whining, refusal to eat, poor table manners, and how to stimulate conversation about more than the 'yucky' green peas. Some of these ideas might just help your child learn to love broccoli, and if not, at least you can find ways to hide the broccoli in their food. Laugh with us as you hear stories that just may have been stolen from your kitchen. Challenge:nbsp;nbsp;Choose one of the dinnertime obstacles you are facing and choose a solution to try. Give it a fair shot, at least a week, and really commit to following through. Note any improvement in your kids behavior and mealtimes. Keep trying ideas until you find one that works. Things will not change overnight, but keep the vision of the mealtime you want in mind, and you CAN overcome the food battles. Chocolate Chip Meringue Bar Cookies- Taste of Home nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; Chocolate Chip Cookie Batter nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; 3 egg whites nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; 1 cup packed brown sugar nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; 1/8 teaspoon salt nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; frac14; cup chopped walnuts nbsp;Spread cookie batter in 13x9x2 in. pan. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes or until top is dry. Beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in brown sugar, vanilla and salt on high speed until stiff peaks form. Spread over warm cookies to within 1rdquo; of the edge. Sprinkle with walnuts. Bake for 25 minutes. Cut into 2 dzn bars.nbsp; nbsp; Resources: Deceptively Delicious by Jessica Seinfeld, Dr Laura Schlessinger Communication,,family Sponge Networks no No Episode #044: Making Dinnertime a Joy Part 1: What is Your Vision? http://www.confessionsandchocolate.com/episode-044-manners-who-needs-manners-part-1 http://www.confessionsandchocolate.com/episode-044-manners-who-needs-manners-part-1#comments Tue, 05 Jan 2010 01:00:32 +0000 rbradshaw http://www.confessionsandchocolate.com/?p=324 When you picture the perfect family dinner, do you see the Cleavers gathered around the table with June in her pearls and heels serving a hearty pot roast and home baked pie to a happy grateful family? That’s not what happens in my house, and probably not yours either. If you want to change dinnertime to a sacred time and bring your family closer together, you need a vision. Listen and be inspired to create a new possibility for your meal time…the kitchen truly is the heart of the home.

Challenge:  Spend time talking with your partner about the vision you have for mealtimes in your home. Together enlist your family and children in this vision. Identify major problems your family is having to making this vision a reality, keeping the possibility of a stress free, enjoyable time to gather each evening and talk with those you love the most about their days and the things that are important to them.

Resources: http://fitsugar.com/1078034/print, http://missourifamilies.org/features/nutritionarticles/nut198.htm, http://www.mealsmatter.org

]]> http://www.confessionsandchocolate.com/episode-044-manners-who-needs-manners-part-1/feed 0 19:50 When you picture the perfect family dinner, do you seenbsp;the Cleavers gathered around the table with June in hernbsp;pearls and heels serving a hearty pot ... When you picture the perfect family dinner, do you seenbsp;the Cleavers gathered around the table with June in hernbsp;pearls and heels serving a hearty pot roast and home baked pie to a happy grateful family? That's not what happens in my house, and probably not yours either. If you want to change dinnertime to a sacred timenbsp;and bring your family closer together, you need a vision. Listen and be inspired to create a new possibility for your meal time...the kitchen truly is the heart of the home. Challenge:nbsp; Spend time talking with your partner about the vision you have for mealtimes in your home. Together enlist your family and children in this vision. Identify major problems your family is having to making this vision a reality, keeping the possibility of a stress free, enjoyable time to gather each evening and talk with those you love the most about their days and the things that are important to them. Resources: http://fitsugar.com/1078034/print, http://missourifamilies.org/features/nutritionarticles/nut198.htm, http://www.mealsmatter.org Communication,,family Sponge Networks no No Episode #041: Are You a Pickle Sucker? Part 2: Get Off Your Identity Drug and Give Yourself a Dose of Self-Worth Instead. http://www.confessionsandchocolate.com/episode-037-are-you-a-pickle-sucker-part-2-identify-your-identity-drug-and-live-without-it http://www.confessionsandchocolate.com/episode-037-are-you-a-pickle-sucker-part-2-identify-your-identity-drug-and-live-without-it#comments Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:00:11 +0000 rbradshaw http://www.confessionsandchocolate.com/?p=226 What is your identity drug?  Your home, your yard, trips you take, your children’s accomplishments, relationships you are in?  Discover how your addiction to your negative thought patterns drives you to identity drug addiction.  Join Heather and Deb in a discussion about how to free yourself from addictive thought patterns and learn how to live joyfully within your means and be content with what you have.  Find out how to spend nothing and get everything.

Challenge: Ponder and identify what YOUR identity drug is and reconnect with your divine nature to build an “drugfree” self-esteem.

Recipe: Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Ingredients

16 ounces milk chocolate chips
2 tablespoons shortening
1 pound fresh strawberries with leaves

Directions

1. Insert toothpicks into the tops of the strawberries.
2. In a double boiler, melt the chocolate and shortening, stirring occasionally until smooth. Holding them by the toothpicks, dip the strawberries into the chocolate mixture.
3. Turn the strawberries upside down and insert the toothpick into styrofoam for the chocolate to cool.

]]> http://www.confessionsandchocolate.com/episode-037-are-you-a-pickle-sucker-part-2-identify-your-identity-drug-and-live-without-it/feed 1 Episode #040: Are You a Pickle Sucker? Part 1: Addiction to Discontented Covetous Thinking is Costing You Money and More. http://www.confessionsandchocolate.com/episode-036-are-you-a-pickle-sucker-part-1-what-price-are-you-paying-to-be-one http://www.confessionsandchocolate.com/episode-036-are-you-a-pickle-sucker-part-1-what-price-are-you-paying-to-be-one#comments Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:00:01 +0000 rbradshaw http://www.confessionsandchocolate.com/?p=221 Are you stuck in the cycle of uncontrolled impulses, loss of free will, loss of self-worth, leading to the use of an identity drug?  Are you addicted to thought patterns of complaining, fault-finding, or coveting aka are you a Pickle Sucker?  This addiction will cost you peace of mind, deep relationships, spiritual energy, and separation from your Creator, as well as lots of hard earned money.

]]> http://www.confessionsandchocolate.com/episode-036-are-you-a-pickle-sucker-part-1-what-price-are-you-paying-to-be-one/feed 0 Episode #035: Protecting the Gift Part 3: Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My! Preparing Your Children for the Dangers in Our World Today http://www.confessionsandchocolate.com/episode-035 http://www.confessionsandchocolate.com/episode-035#comments Tue, 10 Nov 2009 06:00:20 +0000 rbradshaw http://www.confessionsandchocolate.com/?p=216 Just as mothers on the prairie had to protect their children from rattlesnakes, bears, and other dangers in their world, we women of today must keep our children safe from the inherent dangers in our world.  Be informed yourself, teach your children, follow safety protocols, and then turn your children over to God – they are His children first.  Here are many websites as resources in this journey through the “wilds” of 21st Century living:

www.ncmec.org National Center for Missing and Exploited Children

www.fbi.gov/hq/cid/cac/registry.htm

www.nsopr.gov U.S. Department of Justice National Sex Offender Public Registry

www.ice.gov/graphics/predator/sexoffenders.htm

These sites have teaching tips, safety quizzes for you and your children, and ideas for both of you in being safe and having peace of mind.

Protecting the Gift by Gavin DeBecker

Recipe:

No-Bake Chocolate Pie

7 milk chocolate candy bars chopped
20 large marshmallows
½ cup milk
2 cups whipped topping
1 graham cracker crust

In a heavy sauce pan, combine the candy bars, marshmallows and milk. Cook and stir over low heat until smooth. Remove from heat and cool. Fold in whipped topping and pour into crust. Cover and put in fridge for 4 hours.

]]> http://www.confessionsandchocolate.com/episode-035/feed 0 Episode #034: Protecting the Gift Part 2: Coping with the Reality of Sexual Predators. 4 Steps to Safety http://www.confessionsandchocolate.com/episode-34-protecting-the-gift-part-2-coping-with-the-reality-of-sexual-predators-4-steps-to-safety http://www.confessionsandchocolate.com/episode-34-protecting-the-gift-part-2-coping-with-the-reality-of-sexual-predators-4-steps-to-safety#comments Thu, 05 Nov 2009 06:00:38 +0000 rbradshaw http://www.confessionsandchocolate.com/?p=211 If you are prepared you shall not WORRY. Heather and Deb take you further into the world of protecting your children through education and action. The best antidote to worry is action. Almost all of the worry parents feel about keeping their children safe evolves from the conflict between intuition and inaction. Learn the steps to eliminate worry, listen to intuition and how to educate your children without making them paranoid.

Challenge: First, when faced with some worry or uncertain fear, here are two questions you can ask.
Am I responding to something in my environment or to something in my imagination?
Is this feeling based on something I perceive in my circumstance, or merely something in my memory?

Secondly, get educated. A great place to start is the book Protecting the Gift by Gavin deBecker. Then educate your children.

]]> http://www.confessionsandchocolate.com/episode-34-protecting-the-gift-part-2-coping-with-the-reality-of-sexual-predators-4-steps-to-safety/feed 1 Episode #027 Mother of Bridezilla Part 2: Are Bridezillas born of made? Use the 4 C’s to keep the happiness flowing. http://www.confessionsandchocolate.com/episode-027-mother-of-bridezilla-%e2%80%93-are-bridezilla%e2%80%99s-born-or-made-part-2 http://www.confessionsandchocolate.com/episode-027-mother-of-bridezilla-%e2%80%93-are-bridezilla%e2%80%99s-born-or-made-part-2#comments Fri, 11 Sep 2009 05:00:49 +0000 rbradshaw http://www.confessionsandchocolate.com/?p=119 Helping to plan your daughter’s wedding is a significant rite of passage in your life.  Tune in to share in the up’s and down’s of wedding planning ala MOB (Mother of the Bride) and learn some powerful strategies to deepen and enrich your bond as mother and daughter through this life changing time.  A daughter is a magical thing – if you are blessed to have one, recognize this blessing.

Challenge:

Remember the 4 C’s: Be your daughter’s Cheerleader, Complimenter, Confidante, and Champion!

]]> http://www.confessionsandchocolate.com/episode-027-mother-of-bridezilla-%e2%80%93-are-bridezilla%e2%80%99s-born-or-made-part-2/feed 0 Episode #024: Enjoying the Journey of Life Part 1: The Only Time You Have to be Happy is RIGHT NOW! http://www.confessionsandchocolate.com/enjoying-the-journey-of-life-one-day-and-one-chocolate-at-a-time-part-1 http://www.confessionsandchocolate.com/enjoying-the-journey-of-life-one-day-and-one-chocolate-at-a-time-part-1#comments Tue, 01 Sep 2009 14:10:45 +0000 rbradshaw http://www.confessionsandchocolate.com/?p=101 Today is truly a present. But how can we live each day so we enjoy the moments along the way instead of always looking back with fondness or looking ahead for what might be? Join Heather, Carolyn and Deb as we share what has worked for us to find joy in the journey, not the destination. Learn tips for living in the present and being happy NOW. And have you always wondered what is most important in life? Tune in to find the answer and lots of laughs.

]]> http://www.confessionsandchocolate.com/enjoying-the-journey-of-life-one-day-and-one-chocolate-at-a-time-part-1/feed 0 Episode #016: Ever Said “I Could NEVER Do That”? From Couch Potato to Marathoner, Achieve Your Fitness Goals with Coach Keena’s Advice http://www.confessionsandchocolate.com/63 http://www.confessionsandchocolate.com/63#comments Sat, 20 Jun 2009 01:02:36 +0000 rbradshaw http://www.confessionsandchocolate.com/?p=63 If you want to be a powerful and strong woman, the physical can’t be neglected. Our bodies were made to move and it can be fun! Coach Keena shares her experiences with triathlons and shares ideas on how to get started exercising. Her athletes are women from all walks of life; the soccer mom, business executive, single, married, non-exerciser, competitive athlete. She teaches us how to become and stay motivated to make movement part of our life, and that we are never too old to start learning something new…maybe even tap dancing at age 60! Listen as Heather, Deb and Coach Keena laugh and share ways to get you moving and having fun.

Challenge:
Set a movement goal. Decide one specific thing you can do this week to move more and with more joy. Register for a 5K race or even a full or half marathon! Book that biking tour in Italy you’ve dreamt about, take dance lessons with your husband, hire a coach to get you through your first triathlon. Start where you are and make your goal a reality!

Go to Coach Keena’s website at www.coachkeena.com. Check out her online training tools and live classes customized just for women. Take your training to the next level and maybe even become and IronWoman!!

Recipe:
Upside Down Chocolate Cream Pie from Hungry Girl
1 Jell-O Sugar Free Chocolate Pudding Snack
1 sheet (4 crackers) low-fat honey graham crackers crushed
2 T Cool Whip Fat Free

Line bottom of small dish with whipped topping. Even spoon pudding on top. Cover with crushed graham crackers. Voila!

Resources:
www.coachkeena.com

The Biggest Loser

www.hungry-girl.com

‘Running with Angels’

]]> http://www.confessionsandchocolate.com/63/feed 0 00:01:01 If you want to be a powerful and strong woman, the physical canrsquo;t be neglected. Our bodies were made to move and it can be ... If you want to be a powerful and strong woman, the physical canrsquo;t be neglected. Our bodies were made to move and it can be fun! Coach Keena shares her experiences with triathlons and shares ideas on how to get started exercising. Her athletes are women from all walks of life; the soccer mom, business executive, single, married, non-exerciser, competitive athlete. She teaches us how to become and stay motivated to make movement part of our life, and that we are never too old to start learning something newhellip;maybe even tap dancing at age 60! Listen as Heather, Deb and Coach Keena laugh and share ways to get you moving and having fun. Challenge: Set a movement goal. Decide one specific thing you can do this week to move more and with more joy. Register for a 5K race or even a full or half marathon! Book that biking tour in Italy yoursquo;ve dreamt about, take dance lessons with your husband, hire a coach to get you through your first triathlon. Start where you are and make your goal a reality! Go to Coach Keenarsquo;s website at www.coachkeena.com. Check out her online training tools and live classes customized just for women. Take your training to the next level and maybe even become and IronWoman!! Recipe: Upside Down Chocolate Cream Pie from Hungry Girl 1 Jell-O Sugar Free Chocolate Pudding Snack 1 sheet (4 crackers) low-fat honey graham crackers crushed 2 T Cool Whip Fat Free Line bottom of small dish with whipped topping. Even spoon pudding on top. Cover with crushed graham crackers. Voila! Resources: www.coachkeena.com The Biggest Loser www.hungry-girl.com lsquo;Running with Angelsrsquo; Communication,,Health,,Uncategorized,,business Sponge Networks no No Episode #012: “BUT” is Killing Your Relationships: Strengthen Communication and Understanding with Powerful Listening and Questions http://www.confessionsandchocolate.com/episode-012-%e2%80%93-balancing-act-how-to-be-the-great-validator http://www.confessionsandchocolate.com/episode-012-%e2%80%93-balancing-act-how-to-be-the-great-validator#comments Fri, 15 May 2009 19:18:44 +0000 rbradshaw http://www.confessionsandchocolate.com/?p=46 Deb and Heather teach you how to walk emotionally with others when they bring their problems to you.  Learn the two words to avoid and the three magic words that will help people in your life feel listened to, understood, and supported.  It’s that easy – in five words you can open up lines of communication that may have been shut down for years, deepen your relationship with loved ones AND show your support and confidence in their ability to find the solutions perfect for their own lives.  Totally Win/Win!!!

Challenge of the Week: When anyone brings a problem to you this week, be most eloquent and respond with “Oh”, move on to “Hmmm” and end with “Wow”.  See how much more understood everyone will feel in your presence.  And remember:  NO “Buts” about it and never ask “Why”.

Recipe:  Chocolate Fondue – warm chocolate brings out the flavor even more!

For a really fast chocolate fix, break a bar of good quality chocolate into pieces and put into a microwave-safe bowl or measuring cup (a small Pyrex bowl is great). Melt the chocolate completely, stirring periodically until it is smooth. You can dip strawberries, apple or banana chunks, cubes of pound cake, brownie chunks, pretzels, or marshmallows into the chocolate for an impromptu fondue.

Books:

I Don’t Have To Make Everything All Better, Gary and Joy Lundberg

]]> http://www.confessionsandchocolate.com/episode-012-%e2%80%93-balancing-act-how-to-be-the-great-validator/feed 0