Confessions & Chocolate » Motherhood

Episode #039: Putting Peace Back in Christmas Part 2 – All I Want for Christmas is . . . Simply Peace

rbradshaw — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:00:29 +0000

Putting Peace Back in Christmas Part 2 – All I Want for Christmas is . . . Simply Peace

You can simplify Christmas without sacrificing the 5 things that we all want most out of the holidays:
Realistic expectations about gifts
A few well chosen gifts
Relaxed and loving time with the family
An evenly paced holiday season
Strong family traditions

There are ways to bring the joy into the season AND get it all done when you plan together as a family how to incorporate what makes Christmas come alive for each family member from decorations to gifts to religious activities. Learn what Deb did to make gift giving a breeze and created lifelong memories for her family at the same time. We expect too much from Christmas and from ourselves. Remember, no one has the Kodak holiday – except the people who staged the photo shoots in Good Housekeeping! Create your own special rhythm and flare that fits your family to a tee.

Challenge: Don’t expect too much from Christmas. It can’t strengthen your family, lift your spirits in winter, stimulate compassion and generosity, keep tabs on far-flung friends, confirm your deepest religious beliefs AND show off your hostess skills at the same time. Let the holiday evolve with your family’s individual style and do the activities you truly enjoy. Of course that include making fudge!!!

Resources:
Flylady.com
OrganizedChristmas.com
Google: Stress Free Christmas
Unplug the Christmas Machine by Jo Robinson and Jean Staeheli

Episode #038: Overcoming the Hectic Holidays Part 1: Putting the Peace Back in Christmas

rbradshaw — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:00:20 +0000

For most women, the holidays are a time of joy and family…and stress, overeating and sleep deprivation. And each year we always say things like, Next Year I’ll Be More Organized, or Next Year I Will Feel Less Hectic, or Next Year I Wont Plan So Much to Do. Instead of waiting for next year, listen today and learn ideas to bring more peace to your celebrations this year and make the holidays about family, faith and togetherness. By simplifying and having a clear purpose you can experience a memorable holiday without the chaos.

Challenge: Spend time in quiet thought this week about the upcoming holidays. Decide what is vital and important to you and what you want to accomplish with the holidays.

Next, hold a planning meeting with your family and give everyone a chance to say what they would like to have happen for the holidays. To spark ideas and make it a fun gathering, get out old Christmas photos or family movies to get everyone in the spirit.

Reconcile your ideas with your families since, we all know, you will be the driver behind making the holidays happen in your home. Make a master list and tack it up so you can stay on track. Or if you like to take your organization a step further, check out one of the resources listed below for holiday planners and enjoy sailing through your holidays with plenty of peace, time for quiet, and what matters most.

Resources:

www.flylady.com
www.organizedhome.com search for Christmas
google search ‘stress free Christmas’
‘Unplug the Christmas Machine’ by

Episode #035: Protecting the Gift Part 3: Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My! Preparing Your Children for the Dangers in Our World Today

rbradshaw — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 06:00:20 +0000

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.

Episode #034: Protecting the Gift Part 2: Coping with the Reality of Sexual Predators. 4 Steps to Safety

rbradshaw — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 06:00:38 +0000

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.

Episode #033: Protecting the Gift Part 1: Replace Worry with Intuition to Keep Your Children Safe in Today’s World

rbradshaw — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:00:57 +0000

The world can be a scary and dangerous place to raise children today. As mothers we are blessed with a special gift to tune into the dangers and replace worry with intuitive action. Join Heather and Deb as they discuss a life-changing book Protecting the Gift and explore how you can let your Wild Brain free to protect your children and let go of your worries. Also learn the important of true fear and how it can move you to action.

Challenge: Commit to really listening to your intuition. Pay attention to that gut feeling you get when something or someone isn’t quite right, and act on it. Trust that you can let go of your worry and be a mother with power and intuition.

Resources: Protecting the Gift by Gavin DeBecker.

Episode #29: Play Ball!! Part 2: The advantages of Free Play and UNDERscheduling our children.

rbradshaw — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 16:14:51 +0000

Hosts Deb White, Heather Johnson, and Carolyn Pennington discuss youth sports in America with Dr. Mary Sara Wells, an expert on the topic. The upsides of participating in team sports. Getting your kids to enjoy physical activity at a young age can develop healthy habits that will continue with them into adulthood. There are many activities that your kid can do besides the traditional sports like basketball and football. For example, skiing, snowboarding, rowing, mountain climbing, biking, lacrosse etc. Other benefits for putting your children is sports is that your children learn how to interact with others and to work together as a team. They also learn how to fail in a controlled environment.

Listen to the show and make comments to get 2 FREE tickets to the upcoming woman’s conference!

Resources:

startupprincess.com
naturallysweetrecipes.com

Episode #28: Play Ball!! Part 1: Have we forgotten the “PLAY” part of that?

rbradshaw — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 19:25:02 +0000

Hosts Deb White, Heather Johnson, and Carolyn Pennington discuss youth sports in America with Dr. Mary Sara Wells, an expert on the topic. It is difficult as mothers to find a balance between keeping our children active and pushing them to hard. Many children’s are so structured with every moment that their is no room for free time and creativity.

Challenge: Take a look at your child’s schedule and see if you are over scheduling their life.

Episode #027 Mother of Bridezilla Part 2: Are Bridezillas born of made? Use the 4 C’s to keep the happiness flowing.

rbradshaw — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 05:00:49 +0000

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!

Episode #026 Mother of Bridezilla Part 1: Whose Wedding is it Anyhow? From “Will You” to “I Do” with your daughter.

rbradshaw — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 14:47:10 +0000

So you’ve gotten the amazing news that your daughter is getting married and the joy and happiness is tangible. How do you get from “Will You Marry Me?” to “I Do” and keep that joy and happiness alive and well for both you and your daughter?

Chocolate Recipe:

Another choice chocolate find – Amber Lyn Chocolates. Amber Lyn makes a healthy, yummy chocolate high in anti-oxidants, diabetic safe, all natural, sugar free treat that tastes just the way chocolate should!!! You’ll find it at Costco and Sam’s Club on their road show weeks or visit their website at www.amberlynchocolate.com

Episode #020: What is Your Soul Purpose? There Has to Be More Than Paying Bills and Scrubbing Toilets

rbradshaw — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 19:56:37 +0000

The 3 Big Questions: Where did I come from? Where am I going? Why am I here?
Join Heather, Deb, and Carolyn’s discussion on Soul Purpose – the unique series of talents, strengths, passions, gifts, interests, hobbies, attitudes and values that form the essence of the most magnificent version of YOU. It is possible to pursue your own individual Soul Purpose while filling your roles as mother, wife, daughter, grandmother, and so on. Learn how to Live and Thrive not just exist and survive. Be the woman who loves your life even while scrubbing toilets!!

Challenge:

Start a list in a journal or notebook of your talents, strengths, and gifts. Keep the list handy so you can add to it as you go about your day and recognize unique things about yourself. Ask God to help you identify what makes you magnificent. Write yourself a litter including this list and mail it to yourself.

Chocolate Recipe:

The Yummiest Muffin Tops Ever – Triple Chocolate Chunk VitaTops, the best part of the muffin! Order from VitaTops.com

To find out more about discovering your Soul Purpose, visit awakensoulpurpose.com.

Episode #019: I Don’t Have Time to Be Sick-I’m The Mom. Tips to Keeping Life Flowing in the Face of Illness

rbradshaw — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 23:41:38 +0000

Whether you are dealing with a chronic health situation, or temporary but, or maybe expecting a baby or recovering from delivery, there will be times when you are NOT on top of things physically. Then what happens to your well-orchestrated plan and the flow of your life when mom’s down and out? How can we, as women, navigate these waters and keep them calm instead of dark and stormy? Tune in as our host, Carolyn Pennington, relates her continuing trek towards health and teaches us strategies she’s learned to weather storms when mom is sick.

Challenge: Gather things that give you a lift and place them in a drawer or box to bring out when you are sick or under the weather. Include a favorite movie, a yummy chocolate, special notes from people in your life, a deck of cards, a special poetry book, scented lotion, a candle, soft bedsocks, and anything else that lifts your body, mind, and soul. Add things to this collection when you are drawn to something that nurtures you. And keep the chocolate well stocked!

Recipe: Chocolate Smoothie

1 banana – frozen works great!
3 TBSP Cocoa Powder
1 can coconut milk – found in the Asian food aisle
2 TBSP Honey
2 cups ice cubes

Blend with the LID firmly in place!! Until smooth and frothy.

Episode #018: Proud to Be an American? Fun Ways to Teach Your Children Patriotism and Get Involved in Your Community

rbradshaw — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 00:37:23 +0000

Deb White, Heather Johnson, and guest host Kimberly Small (mother/attorney) talk about what it means to be a Patriot. Teaching your kids to develop love for their country. Do simple things like teaching your kids ‘The Star Spangled Banner’ on a road trip, teach them how to fold the flag, send letters to people in the military. The importance of becoming involved in the community to have your voice heard! A great show for the 4th of July season!

Listen to the whole show to get another great chocolate recipe!

Episode #017: I’m Bored! Beat Kid Boredom with Fun Crafts, Recipes and Activities From Family Fun Magazine

rbradshaw — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 23:48:33 +0000

Summer is a magical time of year of kids. No school, no homework, no schedule. But how do you beat the ‘I’m bored!’ summer blues? And how do you stay connected and have fun with your kids after they are grown and moved out? Laugh and learn how to keep your sanity, whether your babies are in preschool, or newlyweds. Senior Associate Editor of FamilyFun Magazine, Ellen Wall, also shares some great craft ideas and easy activities for all ages to keep your kids busy, learning, and having fun all summer long. You will relate to these ideas and surely find some you, and your budget, can live with.

Challenge:
Start a summer bucket list—things you want to do with your kids or family before the end of the summer. Let every family member give ideas. Narrow them down to a manageable list and schedule the activities on the calendar. Then see your summer transform into one anticipated event after another.

Get more family fun ideas by picking up a copy of FamilyFun Magazine or go to FamilyFun.com and subscribe for a year of fun family ideas. You can also usually find copies of FamilyFun at your local library. Don’t forget to comment at the end of this podcast for a chance to win FREE copies of FamilyFun Magazine.

Recipe:
Chocolate-coated mousse-cream cones (Hungry Girl)

2 flat bottom ice cream cones
1 jell-o sugar free pudding snack any flavor
2 T sugar free chocolate syrup, room temp.
½ c. Cool-whip fat free

Put 1 T syrup inside cone until evenly coated and put in freezer.
Put cool-whip and pudding in dish and stir. Chill in freezer 45 min to an hour- but not fully frozen
Spoon cool-whip mixture into cones.
Top each cone with a drizzle of chocolate syrup.
Only 84 calories and 1 gram of fat.
Enjoy!

Resources:
www.familyfun.com

Episode #009: Vacations Can Improve Your Sex Life! Why You Should Vacation Often and How to Afford It on Any Budget

rbradshaw — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 22:27:31 +0000

Vacations are vital to your health and emotional well-being and you are worth it! Stop waiting and start balancing work and play–vacation now! Learn how to take care of yourself with vacations and time to relax and unwind. Special guest Travel Guru Leslie Knecht shares her favorite tips on affordable travel.

Challenge: Set up a travel account, sign up for travel websites, make a travel vision board and PICK A DATE!

References: citydeals.com, cruise.com, google.com to look for coupon codes, marriott.com, southwest.com -download the ding deals, about.com, AAA card

Episode #008: Are YOU on Today’s To-Do List? Take Care of Yourself Without Guilt

rbradshaw — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 21:18:58 +0000

Do you fit everyone into your schedule – except you? Remember the oxygen mask instructions on the airplane – put your mask on first before you help someone traveling with you. Why? You are no good to anyone passed in the seat next to them! You can’t pour from an empty pitcher. God never meant for you not to get any of your own birthday cake. He’s watching with great interest to see how you enjoy the blessings he creates for you every day – blessing for you, not just blessings to channel through you to others. Just for you. Time for you, solitude to enjoy being born to this fabulous life.

Challenge of the week: Plan and carry out a 10-15 mini-vacation just for you several days this week. Observe how your day goes. The unexamined life is not worth living. Examine yours today!

Recipe:

Personal Mug Triple Chocolate Cake 123 Calories and 2 Weight Watcher Points

2 TBSP Pillsbury Moist Supreme Reduced Sugar Devil’s Food Cake Mix
2 TBSP Cool Whip Free, thawed
1 TBSP FatFree Vanilla Yogurt
1 TBSP FatFree Sugar Free Chocolate Syrup

Stir Cool Whip and ½ the syrup and place in the freezer. In a mug sprayed with cooking spray, mix cake mix and yogurt until smooth. Microwave on high for 1 minute. Cool for 5 minutes. Spread chocolate mixture from freezer on cake and drizzle the rest of the syrup on top. ENJOY!!

Episode #007: Multi-tasking is Making You Crazy. How to Restore Serenity to Your Life.

rbradshaw — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 18:45:58 +0000

As a woman you play many roles each day. It is easy to feel overwhelmed and lose yourself in the attempt to juggle them all. How do you balance all your many roles, and is it even possible? Is balance in life a myth, or can we achieve peace? Learn specific ways to add depth to your time and enjoy the simple and stolen moments of happiness. Join your host Heather as she shares ideas about how to take back your power and find that elusive balance in your life.

Challenge: Today concentrate slowly on completing one task at a time, every hour of the day, until the day is over. You will gain the inner peace that comes from living fully in the present moment. I promise you will accomplish all you set out to do and need to do with much more ease, efficiency, pleasure, and satisfaction when you merge mind, body, and spirit with the task at hand.

Recipe: Yum Yum Brownie Muffins-Hungry Girl Cookbook (Listen to the show to get the recipe)

References: The 5 Laws That Determine All of Life’s Outcomes, Flylady.com, Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy

Episode #005: Ignite the Fire in Your Empty Nest and Find the Joy in Life Now

rbradshaw — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 12:00:35 +0000

If you are not yet, one day you’ll be an “Empty Nester”. Tune in as Deb shares her experience of renegotiating marriage after the kids are grown. Listen as the hosts talk about ways to prepare now by getting better acquainted with yourself, your partner, your interests and hobbies, and deciding to embrace whatever season of life you find yourself in right now.

Challenge: Write a letter to your husband or partner telling him all the wonderful things he does to make your life better. Really think outside the box and include everything you can to be grateful for about your spouse. Then give it to your partner and watch the sparks fly!

Recipe: 1 Minute Mug Brownies

Spray the inside of a mug with cooking spray.

Combine well in mug:

2 TBSP Fat Free Brownie Mix

4 TBSP Water

Cook on high for 1 minute in microwave.

Let cool.

Top with Fat Free Caramel or Chocolate Syrup and Cool Whip.

References: Bonds that Make us Free by C. Terry Warner

Episode #001: Meet The Powerhouse Women of Confessions and Chocolate

rbradshaw — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 17:37:40 +0000

Welcome to C&C. Hear the hilarious story of how Confessions and Chocolate was named and meet the hosts, Deb, Carolyn, and Heather. Listen to Deb White’s inspiring story. Laugh and cry with us about her struggles and triumphs with weight-loss and how she discovered the power within, and how you can too.

Challenge: Who are you, really? Write down WHO YOU ARE. You can not identify yourself in relationship to another person (ie: I am Bobby’s Mom). Really explore who you are—this can be very revealing and help you define who you want to become.