Coffee with a Twist!

Join us in this engaging episode of "Coffee with a Twist," where we dive deep into the realities of parenting relationships and the intricate web of sharing among children. As we sip our favorite brews, we unravel the challenges that come with maintaining friendships for our kids and ourselves. It's fascinating how friendships evolve as we transition from childhood to adulthood—and how they shape our understanding of connection and boundaries.Delve into the conversation about whether the old adage "sharing is caring" truly stands the test of time when it comes to raising children in today's fast-paced world. We reflect on the implications of teaching kids to share and whether that ideology creates a sense of obligation in adulthood. As we engage with personal stories and anecdotes, we provide insights into nurturing self-awareness in our children, emphasizing the importance of knowing when to say no and respecting personal boundaries.Expect a warm and relatable discussion guided by the joys and trials of everyday parenting, peppered with practical advice you can carry into your family conversations. Whether you're a seasoned parent or just starting out, we hope this episode sparks thoughtful dialogue and introspection. Don't forget to subscribe, share with your friends, and leave a review! We love hearing your thoughts and experiences, so join the conversation and let us know how you tackle the challenges of parenting!Thanks for listening coffee with a twist.Email me at: coffeewitatwist@gmail.com

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.Email me at: coffeewitatwist@gmail.com

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: coffeewitatwist@gmail.com

Caught in the rain with nowhere to walk, I found myself sipping on the most delightful Candid Pecan coffee, letting the hustle of a busy February wash over me. As I savor the nuanced flavors, let me share how I'm upping my professional game, renewing my real estate license, and diving into AI certifications. And for those with a keen interest in property, my upcoming webinars will offer a wealth of insights, whether you're nearby in Maryland or as far-flung as the West Coast.Taking a turn towards self-care and relationships, I recognize the importance of finding the right healthcare providers – from an OBGYN to a specialist for my son's speech delay. In the realm of the heart, we explore the complex dynamics of modern dating, defining what it means to be a boyfriend or girlfriend, and the significance of aligning commitment expectations. Remember, it's about understanding each other's perspectives and building a solid foundation before jumping headfirst into the deep end.Then, we gear up for the long haul, discussing how pre-marriage counseling can be likened to regular vehicle maintenance for your relationship's engine. Such preparation can sort through the challenges of transitioning from the excitement of dating to the enduring partnership of marriage. So, pull up a chair, grab your favorite brew, and join me, Madame Belu, for a series of conversations that are as real as they come – no scripts, just genuine, heartfelt dialogue on life's rich tapestry.Thanks for listening coffee with a twist.Email me at: coffeewitatwist@gmail.com

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: coffeewitatwist@gmail.com

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.Email me at: coffeewitatwist@gmail.com

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: coffeewitatwist@gmail.com

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: coffeewitatwist@gmail.com

Life's pendulum swings between joy and sorrow, and in this heart-to-heart, I unfold the tapestry of recent events that have left their mark. Celebrating a birthday wrapped in the warmth of friends and family, I was humbly reminded that the simplest moments are often the most profound. Yet, in the midst of life's bustling activities, a shadow fell upon us with the loss of my dear uncle. His passing brought not only a deep sense of grief but also a legacy of wisdom—his financial prudence, a lesson that continues to guide me. Join me as we explore the complexities of life, the bittersweet nature of loss, and the influence of those who leave us with their enduring teachings.As the festive season twinkles on the horizon, I offer a gentle nudge to consider the spirit in which we give. Let's not measure love by the price tags of our gifts, but rather, let's embrace the essence of our connections and the thought behind each gesture. I extend an invitation to reflect on personal achievements and to realign with goals that nurture our growth. With the new year peeking around the corner, I share my aspirations for 2024, aiming for well-being, business expansion, and solidifying life-enriching habits. Together, let's treasure the precious moments with our loved ones, capturing memories that outlive the temporality of existence, and stride into the future with intention and heartfulness.Thanks for listening coffee with a twist.Email me at: coffeewitatwist@gmail.com

Ever juggled a busy life, career goals, and family responsibilities, all while trying to stay engaged in your child's life? That's exactly what Madame Ballou is doing. She takes us on a journey through her bustling real estate career and her aspirations for the future, even as she grapples with her son's speech delay. Hear how she's navigating these challenges and planning festive family get-togethers, all while setting her sights on the coming year. You'll be fascinated by her approach to balancing a dynamic life and her dedication to her family.Did you know that the path to achieving your goals is akin to learning the alphabet - one step, one letter at a time? We go deep into the process of setting and achieving goals, drawing from our own family experiences. Here's a hint: It's not about simply ticking goals off a list, but about finding intrinsic value in them. As we reflect on the year that's past, join us in learning from our missteps and setting our sights on making the coming year even better.Don't miss our discussion on recent educational accomplishments and concerns. We're bursting with pride as our friend Jason graduates with a cybersecurity degree, but we're equally disturbed by an incident involving our son's school. A teacher's actions have raised eyebrows, and her dismissal of a whistleblower raises more questions than it answers. Tune in as we anticipate a resolution, reminding ourselves of the importance of maintaining routines for our children. And as we wrap up, we explore different anxiety therapy styles, underscoring the crucial importance of mental health. Join us, and let's navigate these life journeys together.Thanks for listening coffee with a twist.Email me at: coffeewitatwist@gmail.com

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 240-858-1288Thanks for listening coffee with a twist.Email me at: coffeewitatwist@gmail.com

Ever felt lost in the whirlwind of life, unable to prioritize your self-care and personal growth? Join me, Madame Ballou, as we take a moment to pause, breathe, and reflect on our life trajectory and the importance of self-care. In this raw, heartfelt conversation, we dive into the uncharted waters of revisiting our vision boards and tracking our progress, while emphasizing the importance of creating time for ourselves.Have you ever connected your hair loss to your overall health? Listen as I bare my truth about my sudden hair loss and how it led me on a journey towards self-discovery and healing. Additionally, let's explore the magic of embracing personal challenges to overhaul our lifestyles. Hang on, as I share my August Workout Challenge experience and how subtle changes like increasing water intake and reducing coffee have drastically improved my health. Let's embark on this self-care journey together – because we're stronger together.Thanks for listening coffee with a twist.Email me at: coffeewitatwist@gmail.com

Ever wondered why your coffee tastes better when you're sharing it with someone? It's not just about the brew, but also about the company. Join us as we traverse from sharing light-hearted banter about my personal coffee preferences and home renovation project to deep, meaningful conversations about relationship dynamics. We'll even be opening the floor to listeners who want to guest star! We've all experienced it - that one-sided relationship where you feel taken advantage of. But how do we navigate such tricky terrains? We'll be getting into the nitty-gritty to help you recognize when the balance might be tipping and what you can do to restore it. We'll also delve into the nuances of a relationship where one person is stronger - does the stronger partner always have to carry the weight, or can the weaker partner step up? Tune in to gain some thought-provoking insights that could lead to positive changes in your relationships. Trust us; this is one conversation you don't want to miss.Thanks for listening coffee with a twist.Email me at: coffeewitatwist@gmail.com

Ever been stuck in traffic, wishing you had stayed at home to enjoy a quiet, uneventful weekend? We've been there, and we're sharing our recent adventures that include a high school graduation celebration in Virginia Beach, a memorial service, and the frustrating traffic jams that come with road trips. We talk about the simple joy of an uneventful weekend and how the summer heat has us planning an exciting pool day with our son.Have you ever given thought to the expiration dates at grocery stores or pondered the difference between street vendors and panhandlers? We have, and we're getting into the nitty-gritty of these everyday topics. We're also digging deep into how the simplest actions can create ripples in our lives and the importance of purposeful conversations. So, come join us for a chat that promises to be as insightful as it is enjoyable!

Happy Father's Day weekend! Have you ever found yourself holding a grudge, only to realize it might not be worth jeopardizing your relationship? This episode is all about the importance of communication in relationships, particularly with fathers. We share insights on how to be mindful of the way we communicate, especially in today's digital age where technology can easily cause misunderstandings.Join us as we discuss setting boundaries and managing expectations with the people in our lives, just as we do with our children. We'll guide you through the do's and don'ts of relationships, emphasizing that maintaining boundaries doesn't mean cutting everyone off. Instead, be aware of the role each person plays in your life and keep your circle of true friends small and reliable. Tune in and discover how to nurture meaningful connections and make the most of the relationships that truly matter.Thanks for listening coffee with a twist.Email me at: coffeewitatwist@gmail.com

Be sure to communicate, it's important. 

It's that time of year Proms and Graduations. 

Don't let fear run your life. 

I must say I am a parent too so I get it, but…….. there are some things I just don't get! Maybe it's me maybe I am wrong?!?!Thanks for listening Madame Ballou

Madame Ballou needed a mental health break! This episode explains why? 

I've miss y'all!! And I'm sure y'all missed me, not to worry I will catch you all up on my hiatus! Glad to be back! 

What can we do to stop living in fear? Thanks for listening You can contact me: coffeewitatwist@gmail.comMadame Ballou

That time of year again let's spring clean our minds, body's and homes.Madame BallouContact me at coffeewitatwist@gmail.com

Happy 2022!Should we impose our religion on our children?Contact me: coffeewithatwist.comMadame Ballou

New year new you and new mindset! Madame  BallouContact me: coffeewitatwist@gmail.com

Vendor review from my wedding.Thanks for listening! Madame Ballou! 

Hey guys we finally had a big wedding on October 9, 2021. I wanted to share my experience.You can see our wedding entrance on YouTube link below. Check us out:https://youtu.be/6S-5zrkgO00Madame Ballou 

Thank you all celebrating 750 download 

Contact me Madame BallouCoffeewitatwist@gmail.com

Special thanks to my co-host for joining me tonight!contact me at: coffeewitatwist@gmail.comMadame Ballou 

Time to reset!Thanks melynda for this weeks topic.Contact me Madame BallouCoffeewitatwist@gmail.com

I'm back all, I was on a hiatus.Thank you for listening Madame BallouContact me at Coffeewitatwist@gmail.com

Hope you all enjoyed the future planning episodes.Special thanks to Jason for co- hosting tonight’s episode.Thanks for listeningMadame BallouContact me at: coffeewitatwist@gmail.com

Disclaimer: Madame Ballou is nit a financial advisor this information is not intended as such. This is just my experiences and actions that I have taken.Thanks for listening Madame BallouContact me at: coffeewitatwist@gmail.com

Let’s extend our self care to our homes, it’s that time of year to start deep cleaning for the spring. A nice deep clean home can make you feel so good inside.Thanks for listeningMadman’s BallouContact me at: coffeewitatwist@gmail.com

Do you believe the dreams you have at night are symbolic?Madame Ballou Contact me at coffeewitatwist@gmail.com

Should we have gender roles? Contact me Madame Ballou at Coffeewitatwist@gmail.com

Contact me Madame Ballou @ Coffeewitatwist@gmail.com

Should you do the move? Madame Ballou Contact me at coffeewitatwist@gmail.com

Contact madame Ballou @ coffeewitatwist@gmail.com

Ready to kick off 2021!! Let’s go!Madame Ballou contact me: coffeewitatwist@gmail.com

Find the positive in a negative situation Contact me at coffeewitatwist@gmail.commadame Ballou

Why do strong people get so much pressure? Madame BallouContact me at coffeewitatwist@gmail.com

Is it ok to be selfish? Contact me @coffeewitatwist@gmail.comMadame Ballou

Why aren’t we teaching our children about money management?email me at: coffeewitatwist@gmail.comthanks for listen madame Ballou

Let’s repurpose are life and things in it. Email me at: Coffeewitatwist.com madam Ballou

Is dating at 15 to young? Contact me coffeewitatwist@gmail.comMadam Ballou

Many things on my mind guys! I was all Over the place but still great topics discussed! Email me at: coffeewitatwist@gmail.com

Do you have your In-Laws involved in your relationship? Email me at: coffeewitatwist@gmail.com

Continuation from last weeks episode with Debt and Child support.Thank you Melynda and Mika for co hosting this episode. email me at: coffeewitatwist@gmail.comMadam Ballou

Thanks to all the listeners, for your support!