Greetings, dear listeners, it's Madame Ballou here with a heartwarming invitation to join me as we reassess our ambitions with the dawn of spring. I've been taking strides, quite literally, towards a healthier lifestyle and I'm eager to share the milestones I've hit and hear about yours. It's time to break down those looming goals into attainable steps and celebrate each victory, however small it may seem. In today's episode, I not only reveal my newfound love for a unique brew - the Everyday Dose mushroom coffee - but also guide you through its earthy flavors and simple preparation that have seamlessly integrated into my morning ritual.

This journey we're on, it's about more than just ticking boxes off a list; it's about the perseverance and dedication it takes to truly grow. I'll take you through the ups and downs of pursuing a certification at odd hours, juggling time zones with India, and the sacrifices made along the way - all for personal betterment. We'll talk about letting go of the past, be it old flames or outdated habits, to keep that all-important momentum going. By the end of our chat, I hope to leave you inspired to take those actionable steps towards the life you've envisioned, and to remind you that every step forward, no matter how daunting, is a step closer to your dreams. Join me for this encouraging and motivational episode that's sure to recharge your ambition and perhaps, introduce you to your next favorite morning pick-me-up.

Thanks for listening coffee with a twist.

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When the bonds of family are tested by the unforgiving gears of the justice system, it's the strength of our unity that forges pathways to hope. This episode of Coffee with a Twist is a profoundly personal update on my brother's harrowing journey through incarceration, where I, Madam Ballou, share the victories and ongoing battles as we secure crucial medical attention for him and cautiously partner with a legal team amidst the complexities of his case. Through this ordeal, I've uncovered the might of organized teamwork, and I divulge the strategy that has been our lantern in the dark—a heartfelt tale that intertwines with the commitments and personal growth I'm embracing to kickstart this year.

Gratitude pours from my heart as this week's dialogue concludes, reflecting on the incredible support and stories that have intertwined with mine since the inception of this podcast. While upcoming training might momentarily quiet my presence on your feeds, the promise of crafting episodes brimming with meaning and engagement remains unshaken. I leave you with anticipation for the rich discussions to come and a wish for a splendid week and a delightful weekend. Let's continue this journey together, and until we next share this space, thank you for allowing my voice and experiences to be a part of your lives.

Thanks for listening coffee with a twist.

Email me at: [email protected]

Thanks for listening coffee with a twist.

Email me at: [email protected]

Embarking on a new year always brings a mix of excitement and intent; that's why I've turned to the power of vision boards to crystallize my goals and share the transformative journey with you. Picture this: a tapestry of dreams and ambitions laid out visually to guide you through 2023—because as I've experienced, mapping the future can turn aspirations into reality. This week, I pull back the curtain on my personal vision board and the array of trainings and certifications that are shaping my real estate career. Beyond professional aspirations, I open up about an unexpected bout with pink eye, a reminder that our health can sometimes throw a curveball, and the importance of receiving top-notch care, as I did at Vision 2020.

Life's more challenging chapters often teach us the most profound lessons, and I'm no exception. Caretaking for my father was a passage that left me weathered by PTSD, yet it also illuminated my path to healing and the vital role faith plays in it. I invite you into a heartfelt conversation about the emotional toll of caregiving, the subsequent battle with PTSD, and the intersection of health and spirituality. Join me as I reflect on the past, embrace the progress in my healing journey, and discuss the importance of professional support coupled with the grounding force of faith. This episode isn't just my story—it's a shared experience of resilience and finding strength within when life asks us to be both caregivers and seekers of our own peace.

Thanks for listening coffee with a twist.

Email me at: [email protected]

As I sit here, surrounded by the silent poetry of falling snowflakes, nostalgia takes over, and I'm whisked back to the winters of my childhood, a stark contrast to today's milder seasons. Memories flood in, not just of the past's snowy landscapes but of the years spent in the kitchen, where the whir of my trusty Kitchen Aid mixer, gifted by my husband, became the soundtrack to many culinary adventures. Now, I'm contemplating an upgrade with the Nama Juicer taking center stage in the latest kitchen gadget buzz. Join me as I weigh the merits of this sleek machine, debate the value of a good warranty, and ponder the balance between splurging on high-end appliances and their day-to-day practicality.

In our culinary exploration, we stumble upon an unsung kitchen hero—the food processor. I'll share how this multitasking marvel rekindled my love for cooking, taking the tedious out of slicing and dicing and transforming it into a dance of blades that care for my hands as much as they do for the food. Whether you're a whiz in the kitchen or just starting to explore the maze of meal prep, I'll reveal how a food processor isn't just a gadget, it's a gateway to elevating your kitchen game. It’s been a game-changer for me, and I'm excited to slice through the benefits with you, unwrapping the practical magic these processors wield for culinary enthusiasts at any level.

Thanks for listening coffee with a twist.

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As the first light of dawn spills into the kitchen, I find myself whisking eggs and flipping homemade McGriddles, not just cooking breakfast but serving up thoughts on the complexities of strength and vulnerability. This morning's muse, sparked by a riveting storyline from "The Rookie," leads us to a candid conversation about the weight of societal expectations on women—particularly black women—to maintain an unwavering façade of resilience. In sharing my own journey through family illness and the silent battles we face, I peel back the layers of what it means to find strength in moments of weakness, and how showing vulnerability requires courage in itself.

Turning the page to a lighter chapter, I contrast the bustling hum of nail salons against the tranquil ambiance of a massage therapist's touch, sharing why I'm choosing the latter for my sanctuary of self-care. While the nail industry's shine has dulled in my eyes, the profound relaxation of a deep tissue massage beckons me to a state of serenity that even the comforts of home can strive to emulate. And speaking of home comforts, tease your culinary curiosity as I unveil the latest gadgets and appliances that have revolutionized my cooking game, transforming my kitchen from a room of necessity to a realm of gastronomic discovery. Join me on this personal and indulgent journey, with each bite and each breath, we find strength in the softest places and joy in the simplest pleasures.

Thanks for listening coffee with a twist.

Email me at: [email protected]

As the year closes, I, Madame Ballou invite you to join me in a personal journey of reflection and preparation for the year ahead, all over a comforting cup of coffee. Unveil the transformative power of time management and time blocking, the very tools that have enabled me to cherish moments of joy during the holidays and plot a course for a prosperous New Year. Learn how these strategies can not only enhance productivity but also balance the demanding roles we juggle daily, especially as a working mom like myself. Discover the surprisingly simple yet impactful change of rising earlier, a decision poised to weave a thread of tranquility and efficiency through the fabric of everyday life.

Savor the gratitude that comes with overcoming the year's hurdles, as we acknowledge our collective growth and the valuable lessons we've gathered along the way. Setting goals with a partner, embracing the importance of practical preparations like financial planning, and the foresight of drafting wills or trusts are all part of the conversation. I'll share the essence of aiming for non-material achievements, such as enriching knowledge and nurturing relationships, and the significance of materializing these aspirations on vision boards early in the year. With a heartfelt thank you for your steadfast support, I'm thrilled to tease some exciting updates for our podcast and my commitment to a weekly episode schedule in 2024. Let's raise our cups to embracing joy and prosperity in the upcoming year.

Thanks for listening coffee with a twist.

Email me at: [email protected]

Thanks for listening coffee with a twist.

Email me at: [email protected]

Thanks for listening coffee with a twist.

Email me at: [email protected]

Picture this: a loved one, miles away behind bars, choking, struggling to stay awake, and you're helpless, staring at the screen during a terrifying video call. That's what happened to me, Madam Ballou, while conversing with my brother, currently incarcerated in a Maryland prison. His health was rapidly deteriorating, and it was clear that he needed immediate medical attention. Our distress calls to prison officials fell on deaf ears, leading us down a frustrating and harrowing path as we tried to navigate the convoluted prison healthcare system.

In a desperate attempt to get my brother the care he needs and deserves, I've been ringing the governor's office, the attorney general's office, the justice department, and prison headquarters, to no avail. We've even reached out to the media and begun a search for legal representation. It's shocking to discover how the prison system seems to disregard the health rights of its inhabitants. This is our heartbreaking and infuriating journey, a journey that has thrown us into a fight not just for my brother's life, but for his basic human right to medical care and rehabilitation. In our episode, we're inviting you, our listeners, to join us in this fight. Your voice, your support, your shared experiences could be the key to making a difference. Let's stand together and illuminate the darkness surrounding the reality of medical care in prisons. If you can assist contact me 240-858-1288

Thanks for listening coffee with a twist.

Email me at: [email protected]