Confessions & Chocolate » Self-Improvement

Episode #041: Are You a Pickle Sucker? Part 2: Get Off Your Identity Drug and Give Yourself a Dose of Self-Worth Instead.

rbradshaw — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:00:11 +0000

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.

Episode #037: Struggling With Juggling Part 2: Your Home or Work Office Space—Create Order from Chaos

rbradshaw — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 23:04:52 +0000

Is you work space chaos causing your distress? Do you procrastinate dealing with the ‘papers’ in your life until they are a mountain of stress? Join Heather and Deb as they learn from Simplification Strategist Debbye Cannon how to create a peaceful and orderly environment in your office or creative space. After listening, you will find you are excited to tackle the mountain of mess in your office! Have Fun!

About Our Guest: Debbye Cannon is the designer of the SMARTcut systems, developed to simplify repetitive activities such as laundry, housekeeping, meals and shopping. She teaches workshops, live retreats, and published ‘Organizing Without Agonizing’, a guide to getting your life in order. You can learn more about Your Meals Simplified and her other organizational systems at businessmommentor.com.

Special Confessions and Chocolate Offer: Receive a discount on Debbye’s next retreat Nov 20-22nd by going to bizmomretreat.com and entering VIP as the promotional code.

Resources: businessmommentor.com, bizmomretreat.com

Episode #036: Struggling With Juggling Part 1: Bringing Simplicity to Your Meal Planning

rbradshaw — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 22:54:57 +0000

Are you struggling with juggling the demands of your family, home, and your business work? Enjoy this candid chat with Simplification Strategist Debbye Cannon, founder of Business Mom Mentor. Debbye shares with us her systems to meals and shopping and brings back order to your kitchen. Her ideas are simple and will revolutionize mealtime at your home.

Special Confessions and Chocolate Offer: Receive a discount on Debbye’s next retreat Nov 20-22nd by going to bizmomretreat.com and entering VIP as the promotional code.

Resources: businessmommentor.com, bizmomretreat.com

Episode #32: When You Wish Upon a Star Part 2: Are You Standing in Your Own Way? Get rid of the excuses and reach your dream.

rbradshaw — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 06:00:45 +0000

In Part 1 you identified your ‘reasons’ for not achieving your hearts’ desire. Join Heather and Deb as they further explore the reality of how you self-sabatoge your dreams and learn tools to overcome and see breakthroughs every day. Discover how you currently use the methods of Distraction, Procrastination, and Fear to hold back from really going for your desires. And finally, experience a new way to approach your life filled with strength and courage to reach for the stars.

Challenge:
Start observing how you sabatoge yourself and your dreams. Recognize that isn’t you but your ego talking and tell her to take a break. You run the show, not your ego.

“What a wonderful life I’ve had. I only wish I’d realized it sooner”-Colette

Recipe:

Vegan Chocolate Shake

2 banans
1-2 T cocoa powder
2 C soy milk
½ tsp vanilla
1T raw honey
3-4 cups crushed ice

Blend together until thick and enjoy!

Resources: Henry David Thoreau, Simple Abundance by Sara Ban Breathnech, Elder M Russell Ballard in Ensign August 2009

Episode #31: When You Wish Upon a Star Part 1: Is “Goal” a four letter word? What was YOUR childhood dream?

rbradshaw — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 06:00:20 +0000

As a child, you believed in dreams and wishes. Do you still? What prevents you from reaching your goals and how can you finally overcome all the ‘reasons’ and excuses that keep you from happiness? Listen as Heather and Deb discuss the reasons we don’t get what we want in life and look at reality: you CAN achieve your dreams. You can have anything you desire, but you must get out of your own way.

Challenge:
Identify one thing you feel a strong desire to achieve. You may have shared this desire with others, or it could be a secret known only to you. Write this desire on the top of a page, and underneath write all the ‘reasons’ and excuses you have given yourself about why you haven’t achieved this dream. Ponder on this and tune in to Part 2 and prepare for serious breakthroughs.

Resources: youtube.com search Nick Voychich

Episode #30: Sharpening Your Saw Part 1-2: How Do I Know When My “Saw” is dull? Ways to Sharpen My “Saw.”

rbradshaw — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:37:55 +0000

Do you ever find yourself working harder and harder and getting less and less accomplished? Feeling rushed with no time to breathe? Maybe what you really need is to stop and sharpen your saw. Sharpening your saw is different than merely taking a break or even going on a vacation. That’s just putting the saw down. When you put down a dull blade for a while, the blade will still be dull when you pick it up again. Sharpening your saw is an active step to hone your skills, fill your reservoir, and recharge and refresh yourself. Join Heather and Deb and their guest, Barbara Dunbar, Baby Boomer Coach and Realtor, as they discuss how Barbara sharpened her saw and the difference that has made in her daily life and for her future.

Challenge: What does Sharpening Your Saw look like in your life? Here are some ideas: take a class, join a club, meditate, exercise, write, organize your home or office, go on a date with your sweetheart, improve your food plan, or have a deep and meaningful conversation. Sharpening your Saw is not a once in a lifetime event – or even an annual event. It can be daily or at least weekly – a time to stir your soul and give strength to your spirit. Do it and do it often!

Recipe:
Nonfat Chocolate Sauce
Serve this chocolate sauce over fresh fruit, a frozen dessert, or a slice of bread. It will satisfy your most intense chocolate craving.
Yield: 8 servings
1/2 cup skim milk

1 tablespoon strong brewed coffee (optional)

1/2 teaspoon cornstarch

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/4 cup brown sugar

In a small saucepan, combine the milk, coffee, and cornstarch and stir until the cornstarch dissolves. Stir in the cocoa and brown sugar and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring, until the sauce thickens and is no longer cloudy. Set aside to cool. Use when cool or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Per Serving: 31 calories

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 #025 Enjoying the Journey of Life Part 2: Stop Multi-Tasking to Recover Your Sanity. Grantitude for each moment brings that illusive serenity.

rbradshaw — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 14:48:48 +0000

Instead of always wishing your life were different, what if you had the power to change what you dislike in a snap? All it takes is the right spirit and attitude, sprinkled with some daily gratitude. Start enjoying the ups and downs of your life journey by applying a few simple but revolutionary habits into your daily round. Learn what Deb, Carolyn and Heather have tried that truly helps make each day a bit of heaven. And don’t forget the chocolate!

Challenge: Start of daily Gratitude Journal. Get a beautiful notebook and a pen you love to write with and jot down a few things each day you can be grateful for. This simple task will change your life.

Recipe:

Brookies- by Leslie Knecht

Fudge Brownie Mix
Sugar Cookie Mix
Caramels
Milk

Mix up the brownie and cookie mixes in separate bowls. Grease a 9×13 pan. Pour in the brownie mix. Drop the cookie mix by big spoonfuls over the brownies. Bake following instructions on brownie box. Unwrap and melt caramels, mix in 2-3 T milk and stir until smooth. Pour caramel over cooled brownie/cookie mix. Serve alone or with ice cream. YUM!

Resources:

‘Little House in the Ozarks, A Laura Ingalls Wilder Sampler, The Rediscovered Writings’ edited by Stephen W. Hines.
‘Finding Joy in the Journey’ Ensign November 2009, Thomas S. Monson.
‘Simple Abundance’ by Sarah Ban Breathnach.

Episode #022: Dressing Room Dilemmas – Will That Look Good on Me or Only on the Mannekin? Shopping pointers.

rbradshaw — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 19:38:39 +0000

Carol Tuttle joins Heather, Deb, and Carolyn for a real live look at how life becomes a delight when you apply Dressing Your Truth principles and honor your own Energy Type. Learn Deb’s biggest type for success in your day, how to simplify shopping for clothes that enhance your self-expression, and how Dressing Your Truth can even help you lose weight. Blow the top off your wardrobe and have fun doing it!!!

Challenge:
Read, It’s Just My Nature, find your energy type and learn how to Dress Your Truth. Have fun with your wardrobe and know that you are worth looking and feeling great every day. You house the divine and every holy house is adorned beautifully and a joy to behold. Don’t wait – start today. Groom and dress complete to shoes for 1 week and see the difference it makes. You’ll be able to answer the door every time it knocks!

Chocolate Recipe:

Coconut Bliss brand vegan ice cream
Made from Coconut Milk and everything organic and comes in Dark Chocolate and Chocolate Hazel Nut. It is truly BLISS!

To learn more about your nature, your energy type, and Dressing Your Truth, visit www.dressingyourtruth.com.

Episode #021: Do These Jeans Make Me Look Fat? Dressing to Match Your Energy Profile can make looking in the mirror FUN!

rbradshaw — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 15:22:47 +0000

Do you ever feel like you have plenty on your plate, and do not want one more thing to do?! Even if you believe it is good for you? Join Carolyn, Deb, and Heather as they chat with Carol Tuttle, best selling author, about her new workshop “Dressing Your Truth.” Carol shares why dressing your truth is so important, especially for us women who feel we have a lot on our plates. Carol does not believe that a down economy or a busy life should hold us back. She believes once we understand our true nature and dress our truth we will have an increase in energy and spirit that we can only understand once we’ve
tried it. Listen in on the conversation and learn why you may just want to add one more thing on your plate!

Challenge: Do you notice the difference you feel in your energy and confidence when you take the time to get dressed in nice clothes and put your best foot forward? Our challenge today is to simply invite you to consider if there is another level you can achieve, if dressing well (as opposed to sweats and a pony tail) can make you feel so much better what might happen to your energy, confidence, and spirit if you dress for your energy type and begin to dress your truth?

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 #014 Fashion Challenged? Learn from Carol tuttle How to Dress Your Truth and Look Fabulous Every Day

rbradshaw — Fri, 22 May 2009 01:00:56 +0000

Have you ever wondered why some women have such a great sense of style and always look so ‘together’? Do you often stand at your closet and feel like you’ve ‘nothing to wear’? Join author Carol Tuttle and your hosts Heather and Deb as we learn how to follow our true nature and dress for our energy type. Your clothing and your appearance speaks for you before you open your mouth, and with Carol’s knowledge in energy work and her incredible experience you will learn to show the world, and yourself, how beautiful you truly are.

Challenge:
Find out your energy profile by visiting www.myenergyprofile.com. It will change the way you see yourself and the world around you, and improve your relationships with a new understanding and appreciation for the unique differences in every person you interact with. ALSO, comment on the show for a chance to win a copy of Carol Tuttle’s new book, ‘It’s Just My Nature’.

About Our Guest:
Carol Tuttle is the author of the groundbreaking new book ‘It’s Just My Nature’ and the spiritual self-help book ‘Remembering Wholeness’. Carol is a leader in the areas of Energy Psychology, EFT and Energy Medicine. Find out more about Carol and her Dress Your Truth live and online courses at www.myenergyprofile.com.

Recipe:
Chocolate Crepes, Johnson Style

1 can CHOCOLATE sweetened condensed milk
1 C flour
6 eggs
½ tsp salt
add water to desired consistency

Mix all ingredients in a blender of kitchenaid mixer.
Pour, eat with coolwhip or powdered sugar sprinkled on top.
Makes 8-10

Resources:
‘It’s Just My Nature’ by Carol Tuttle, www.myenergyprofile.com, www.caroltuttle.com, Dress Your Truth

Episode #013 It’s Just My Nature. Join Carol Tuttle and Learn How to Have More Fun Being You.

rbradshaw — Fri, 15 May 2009 23:53:10 +0000

Human Nature – what is it? Why are you “a natural” at some things? Can you easily recognize your strengths as gifts? Join Heather and Deb as they chat with best selling author, Carol Tuttle, about her latest groundbreaking book, It’s Just My Nature! Find out what Energy Type you are, how to live in harmony with yourself first and then others, and just plain have more fun being you! Find out how to “be in your element” and love it.

Challenge: Examine your life – get to know the amazing unique person that you are. Use tools available to help you. Go to Carol Tuttle’s websites and see if it just might be Your Nature! Find out what Energy Type you are.

Recipe:
Le Chocolat French Toast
Next time you make French Toast add these 4 ingredients to the eggs and milk for a chocolate treat!

3 Tablespoons of Sugar or 4 packets of Splenda
2 Tablespoons of Cocoa
1/8 teaspoon of Salt
1/4 teaspoon of Cinnamon

HYPERLINK www.caroltuttle.com
HYPERLINK www.myenergyprofile.com

Books

It’s Just My Nature! by Carol Tuttle

Episode #002: Myths and Urban Legends of New Year’s Resolutions

rbradshaw — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 22:21:51 +0000

Don’t make the kind of resolutions this year that 30 percent of us break by the end of January. Listen and learn how to make the doable kind like: go to a movie once a week, gain weight, eat more ice cream, have friends over every month. Hear Carolyn’s story of losing herself in the “perfect life” and finding herself again as she creates a life of joy not perfection.

Challenge: Choose something significant to do for yourself each day for at least 15 minutes to create the life you envision. These may be things like writing, playing piano, going for a walk, meditating. Evaluate each night how well you did—but don’t beat yourself up if you only got in 5 minutes or none at all. Your goal is to take action! Start today!