We sit with the tension of grief and gratitude as the year winds down, sharing how listening, community, and small, specific goals helped us keep moving. Parenting wins, mom guilt, and the quiet power of timing shape a practical plan for a gentler new year.

• holiday stress and year-end reflection
• unexpected loss, funerals, and shared remembrance
• empathy through listening rather than lectures
• balancing joy and grief in daily life
• parenting progress and the reality of mom guilt
• choosing with limited information and accepting timing
• vision boards with personal, family, and kid goals
• breaking big goals into small measurable steps
• letting go, resetting, and moving forward

Make sure you do your vision board. Try to have it done by 11:30 on New Year’s Eve so you can ring in the new year with those goals.

Thanks for listening coffee with a twist.

Email me at: coffeewitatwist@gmail.com

We share a warm, unedited talk about surviving a hard year, carrying grief, and using small wins to steady the week. The tone stays honest and gentle while offering practical ways to find light as the holidays approach.

• why we keep the show light and personal
• how grief stacks and reopens old wounds
• seeing layoffs and setbacks as redirection
• lowering the bar to stay consistent
• using small wins to build momentum
• navigating holidays with boundaries and care
• realistic affirmations that shift mindset
• planning anchors for tough days

Keep your coffee strong, your energy light, and don't forget even the smallest steps count

Thanks for listening coffee with a twist.

Email me at: coffeewitatwist@gmail.com

We reset for year-end with a calm plan: review the vision board, sequence big goals into early 2026 if needed, and design a holiday season that protects cash and peace. Practical DIY gift ideas, budget boundaries, and low-stress hosting make generosity doable.

• year-end vision board check and goal triage
• sequencing certifications and realistic timelines
• spending limits that avoid debt
• DIY gifts in bulk for real savings
• brunch hosting to cut cost and stress
• reframing holidays around presence, not presents
• tools to reduce pressure and protect energy

Thanks for listening coffee with a twist.

Email me at: coffeewitatwist@gmail.com

A humming parking garage. A head full of bass and stage lights. A ponytail headache and a stomach running on fumes. That’s where this story turns. We headed to D.C. for a Chris Brown show that exceeded every expectation—tight choreography, big production, and the kind of stamina that reminds you why you go now, not “next time.” But the real pivot came after the encore, trapped between concrete pillars and brake lights, when a stranger in a minivan asked to merge and then handed us a cooler of ice-cold drinks and bags of chips like it was nothing. I didn’t know how much I needed the kindness until it landed in my hands.

I share a candid review of the concert—why the performance hit so hard, what great touring looks like up close, and how seeing icons across decades changes how you think about timing, aging, and the urgency to show up. Then we zoom into the day’s chaos: work running long, family logistics wobbling, long drives, no food, and the usual post-show gridlock that can steal the shine from a night out. That’s where perspective finds us. One small “yes” to a driver trying to get in line turned into an unexpected blessing that cooled the room and my mood. It sounds simple. It felt profound.

We talk about alignment and faith without getting preachy—how setbacks sometimes rearrange you just enough to meet the right person at the right moment. I’ve had a heavy year and not everything is ready for daylight, but this felt like the right doorway back: craft on stage, character in traffic, and the choice to be generous when it would be easier to be hard. If you’ve been overwhelmed, if you’re waiting for the big breakthrough that refuses to come, consider the smaller ones. The ones with condensation on the bottle and salt on your fingers. Hit play, ride with me through the noise, and if it resonates, subscribe, share this with a friend who needs a lift, and leave a quick review so more people can find us. What’s the last small kindness that changed your day?

Thanks for listening coffee with a twist.

Email me at: coffeewitatwist@gmail.com

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

Thanks for listening coffee with a twist.

Email me at: coffeewitatwist@gmail.com