George Washington Bathed Here

Okay... so I was thinking about all of the wonderful places I have lived (and not so wonderful). Seems the majority of my major moves have been during this time of year. So, I suppose that's partially the reason why I become so weepy-eyed nostalgic about places and people and things from my past.

One such wonderful place was 4.5 pristine acres along a ridge that bordered PA, WV, and MD. The town is known for its historic landmarks and mineral springs. George Washington and many other dignitaries since have traveled there for the soothing and therapeutic baths. An old bathtub is in the town square that George Washington utilized during one of his frequent visits.

So, fast forward to an email I received this morning announcing that Michelle Obama was "dropping in" on another (mommy) blog and writing about the Equal Pay for Equal Work issue. Important issue. Kudos to the blog host for seizing the opportunity to participate in history through this incredible media we are so blessed to have available to the masses.

Michelle Obama blogged here. Wow! Good for you.

I thought about where we are in history, what we have squandered, and what is yet available in spite of our many weaknesses and missteps as a nation. We are a blessed people to have the POWER of the vote. (oh, btw: did I say "Remember to register AND vote"?) If you need a little nudge, just peek at the timeline of history for this country. It was not sooo long ago that large segments of society were totally forbidden to vote by law. And many are still struggling to be counted. It's a precious civil RIGHT.

Don't squander your right to vote!

Then, I took things a step further (you knew that I would. hint: check the title of this blog) and started thinking about what Michelle Obama was blogging about. Equal Pay for Equal Work. Yeah, that topic ... again. Or better yet, still. And I thought, there are so many topics like that being debated during this historic campaign. Energy Conservation. Still. Affordable Health Care for all citizens. Still. Improving Our Schools. Securing Our Borders. Home Ownership. Domestic vs. Foreign Oil Dependance. Less Taxes. The Homeless. The Hungry ...

And I wondered, we've been talking about these things for years. At least, I have been talking and voting about these things for years.

I talk. I blog. I email. I vote ... Can anybody hear?

If so, can anybody help?

Okay, so what's my point for this post? Well, if I have to have one (not sure that I do), then I suppose I'll just take this opportunity for one of my shameless plugs.

On October 15th hundreds of thousands of bloggers worldwide will be participating in Blog Action Day. The theme for this year is Poverty. Click the link to learn more. I am honored to help co-host their internet broadcast on BlogTalkRadio from 9:30-midnight (Eastern Time Zone). I will be on-air with them during the Obama/McCain Presidential Debate. So, I'll miss out on listening to part of the debate. Hmm ... and I don't mind.

Ya know why?

Because I'll be listening to and learning about people who are actively DOING something and not just talking / blogging / campaigning about it.

Please join the conversation and then DO something!

Thank You!

Thanks to all of you, The Recipe Box is now a "FEATURED HOST" on BlogTalkRadio. com!

What does that mean? We're front page news!

So, look for us under "Featured Today" on the home page of BlogTalkRadio. com. We're committed to providing great content and fun guests each week.

Check the show blog - http://www. BlogTalkRecipes. blogspot. com or the website - http://www. BlogTalkRecipes. com. You will find out about current giveaways, program schedule, recipes and advertisement opportunities.

And listen to the live broadcast and archives at http://www.BlogTalkRadio.com/TheRecipeBox.

Thanks again for listening and for all of your feedback!

Blessings~

Barbara

So...I Was Kicked Off a Couple Nings This Week

Hmm...

Well, actually not "officially" kicked off. My post was deleted by the Ning managers on two communities where I am a member. Or, was. But more on that later.

If you are not familiar with Nings, they are online social communities. Basically, you set up a profile page, add you widgets and photos and links and banners and other blather. Then you join up with a few discussions, make friends, ya know.

The insane thing about Nings is that somehow they spawn new Nings while you sleep. After joining one, you wake up the next morning with 20 "Join Me At XYZ community..." emails. Then 20 more, and so on, and so on. You begin hearing from "friends" that you have never met on Nings that you have never joined. Spooky.

I usually join groups to network and, being the Queen of Shameless Plugs, promote my projects. I've met some really awesome people through Nings ... and some really irritating ones. Oh well, such is life, right. For the most part, I am pretty low key unless I have something really exciting to share with the other members. Like helping to promote their businesses through my podcasts or blogs, stuff like that.

So, how did I get kicked off - or, why did I leave the two "shall remain nameless" Nings? What could come out of my thoughts into a post that would be so offensive that my words would be deleted? Hmm...

It was the title of a book by Celeb Chef and 6x Emmy Award Winner Writer/Author/Producer, Janette Barber. She was my guest on The Recipe Box Show (btw: if you haven't listened to the show lately, you really should. I'm giving away cool stuff!) ANY-way, Janette is a tremendously funny and talented woman that has taken on the issue of body-image in regards to women weight loss/gain, etc. She blogs and provides videos and recipes to help women along the way to discovering they are SPECIAL in whatever package they are blessed with learning how to EMBRACE their B.F.A.'s - listen to the show at http://tinyurl.com/655e7h to find out more. Remember I am the Queen of Shameless Plugs :)

I must say that after one manager deleted my post, she did send an email explaining why she did. I wish she had sent the email prior. Or, actually READ the entire post. Considered my previously unblemished record as an active member of the community. But, que c'era sera.

The other Ning manager was not so kind. She deleted the post and each time I tried to post another entry, it was automatically deleted. Hmm... so I quietly packed up my widgets and dropped out. No fanfare, no goodbye kisses from all my virtual friends. Nothing, not a peep.

Don't get me wrong. I understand we live in a "what have you done for me lately" kinda world. And EVERYONE is EXTREMELY too busy to care about my little drama.

Janette Barber was supportive and kind. A new virtual friend with feelings. It's amazing how certain personalities can connect with you regardless of the medium of communication. Janette has that gift. I hope you'll stop by her blog http://www.janettesblog.com/ and purchase her new book, "Embracing Your Big Fat Ass" - THERE, I said it!

While you're out surfing, drop by The Recipe Box Show blog - Recipes For Life, enter a comment for a chance to win a copy of "Embracing Your Big Fat Ass" - THERE, I said it again!

Exec Event Designer, Morgan Nichole Scott

Friday, 8/22
Family Friday - Party Planning for Your End-of-Summer Bash

Morgan Nichole Scott, Executive Event Designer of Envi Consulting & Associates, a boutique Event Management and Consulting Firm headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia was my special guest. We discussed how to party planning tips, event themes, selecting the menu and entertainment. www.enviconsulting.com/

I had a great time talking with Morgan on the program last night. She has a creative and generous spirit and wonderful energy. She provided alot of very useful tips for hosts and guests, alike. Be sure to visit the website for upcoming events and the latest trends in party themes.

Also, mark your calendar for the Sheer Elegance Bridal Extravaganza, Sunday October 26th that they are sponsoring in support of the I Do Foundation. The event will be held at the LOFT at Castleberry Hill, 170 Northside Drive, Atlanta, GA 30313. Admission is $5 in advance/$10 at door.

Embracing Your Big Fat Ass - Interview with Celebrity Chef Janette Barber

The Recipe Box Talk Show hosted by Barbara Howard

Thursday, August 28, 2008 @ 8pm ET

I will be joined by 6 time Emmy winning producer, writer and celebrity chef, Janette Barber. A four time nominated head writer from the Rosie O’Donnell Show, she has written for the Grammy Awards and the Tony Awards. She was Hot Topics writer on ABC’s The View during Rosie O’Donnell’s tenure there and won a 2008 Daytime Emmy in Special Class writing for her work on that show.

Chef Janette's show on the TV Food Network, Lighten Up focused on converting fattening recipes to be lighter healthier and less fattening. She was also a spokesperson and recipe creator for Molly McButter through two ad campaigns. Her current project with solftware company, ElmLife, involves creating a web-based, interactive, artificially intelligent software guide. An animated version of Janette will host the guide and interact with users to help them develop better, healthier eating habits. Also, Janette is the spokesperson for EyeCare America's Feast Your Eyes campaign about how healthier eating habits can preserve eye health.

** Join us and YOU COULD WIN a copy of Janette Barber's book "Embracing Your Big Fat Ass" (Atria) which is humorous self esteem and empowerment for women around the topic of body image.



The Recipe Box Talk Show hosted by Barbara Howard

Back To School Lunch Tips

My guest Denay Davis provided these bag lunch ideas:

It should be noted that most children do not like unusual textures and/or flavors. Children like the foods they are accustomed to PB&J (for those who like it, American Cheese, simple cold cuts, bologna, ham, & turkey.

The real key is to keep it simple, fresh and familiar. Parents who feel the need to experiment should save it for the weekend when children are home and they can experience first hand the child's reaction to a new food. There is nothing worse that going to school and finding out at lunchtime that your parent has stuffed your lunch pail with a food you have never eaten.


Advice for creating good lunches:
No child likes to eat a lunch that is "smashed."
No child likes to eat messy food, e.g. boiled eggs (they also smell bad) oranges, bananas etc.

No child likes soggy bread.

Lunches should not be an after-thought; parents must put time and effort into what they are feeding or not feeding their children.

Bag-lunch ideas that require no refrigeration:

1. Mozzarella string-cheese sticks (other hard cheeses are great too) and whole-wheat/multi-grain crackers, Fruit cups. Whole-wheat carrot and/or apple muffins.

2. Bagel spread with cream cheese (you may want to try mini-bagels for small children) Sugar snap peas. Box of raisins.

3. Tortilla rolled up with a slice of mild cheese. Fresh green beans.
Small tangerines (Clementines, if in season).

4. Banana bread spread with peanut butter and a little honey. Cucumber slices.
Melon cubes.

5. Cream cheese and apple and/or pumpkin butter on whole-grain bread. Veggie mix (baby carrots, snap peas). Dried apricots or mixed dried fruits.

6. Half of a pita stuffed with shredded carrot and mild cheese (or peanut butter).
Individual cup of applesauce.

Bread:

Pita (either small individual size or half of a regular-size)
Quick bread (banana, pumpkin, apple, etc.)
Whole-wheat bun (hamburger or hot dog)
Bagel
Tortilla
Raisin bread

Fillings:

Peanut butter, plain or with (pick one) honey, banana, jelly, shredded carrot, raisin
Cream cheese, plain or with (pick one) jelly, apple butter, shredded veggies
Mild cheese
Hummus

Veggies:

Baby carrots or carrot sticks
Fresh green beans
Sugar snap peas
Cucumber slices
Crisp, tender broccoli florets (small ranch dressing cups)
Zucchini sticks

Fruits:

Half a banana
Small apple
Orange wedge
Raisins or other dried fruits
Drained pineapple chunks (or fresh)
Individual applesauce container
Melon cubes


Food Safety
Use a thermos to keep soups, stews and casseroles warm. Wash the thermos with soap and hot water after every use.
Place a frozen juice box or bottled water next to cold food items.
Use an ice pack to keep foods cold. (use puncture proof ice packs.
Use an insulated lunch container to help keep temperatures stable.


Listen to the entire interview at The Recipe Box with Barbara Howard.

Go to the The Recipe Box Show website (www.BlogTalkRecipes.com) to download recipes, contests and more!

My BTR Podcasts - What's Going On?

Hello all ~

I rarely use this blog to promote my podcasts at BTR. Just wanted to post a quick message here for my listeners about a few things that I'm working on.

You may have already noticed a few changes on the schedule with the time slot fluctuating between 2:30 and 8:00pm, ET.

Also, I am spending more time behind the scenes helping others develop new programs and marketing the podcasts of experienced hosts.

One method is by featuring guest hosts and/or recurring co-hosts. The BTR team has been very supportive, as usual. And I appreciate each and every one of you. I'm very excited about all of the new opportunities and possibilities that have opened up for me by reaching out to others in the community. You can visit the website for more details - www.BarbaraHowardTalkRadio.com - Expect great things!

Blessings,

Barbara

Real Success

... so I was chatting with someone about goals and values and everyday life. And I remarked that when a person determines each day that they are going to be a success, they already are. I don't think we should wait until we accumulate a certain amount of wealth or acclaim from society to realize this. There are people all around us that lead tremendously successful lives and that will never appear on the radar screen of the media. People with poise and talent and grit and determination and imagination and love and sincerity and hope. I look for these people everyday. And generally, I can find them without too much difficulty. And I'm sure that you can, too.

April is Autism Awareness Month.

I want to share with you an interview with a highly successful person, Nathan ... and his mother. Sharron Williams tells the story of her life with her autistic son and the organization that she founded called, InfoPAC. She joined me as a special guest on The Sparkle Club talk radio program. It changed my life.

Please listen.

Barbara Howard interview with Sharron Williams, founder of InfoPAC

Real Source

... so I was on this BlogTalkRadio show. Not as a host, but as a guest. We were talking about my life and some of the things that impacted my decision to do what I am doing. And during the discussion there was a moment ... that I still think about. It wasn't an embarrassing or profound statement. It was simply a remark that I let pass without comment. Well, actually I did comment. It went something like this "Right ..." You know the kind of "right" where your tone just trails off and you don't really mean anything by it. Just a need to fill the dead-air with some kind of response. "Right ..."

Hmm ... I was thinking about that last night. And again this morning.

And just for the record, I want to clarify where I stand on something.

The host of that show had suggested that "the universe" was looking out for me or providing answers to me, etc. And I simply said, "Right..." I think that I responded that way because I understood the intent of her comment and what people generally mean now-a-days when they say "the universe" brought them to such-and-such a place or moment or person or decision. The universe did it.

See, I am a Christian. I believe God came in the form of man as Jesus Christ. And that through His death, burial, and resurrection and my undeniable faith in Him, I obtain the remission of my sins and eternal life. The Bible is the inerrant Word of God and the only Truth by which I set the guidelines and goal posts of my life with the help of His Spirit. That is what I believe.

Now that you know what I believe, what does that have to do with that comment about the universe? Well, I've been on the planet more than a few years. And I interract with people from a variety of cultures and belief systems. But here is where I need to distinguish myself:

James 1:17 states - Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

Matthew 6:9 states - [Jesus speaking] After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

My belief is that the universe brings me nothing.

EVERY good and EVERY perfect gift is from God, my Father. And I'm determined that only He should get the glory. I am concerned about people replacing the word "God" with the "the universe" as if He has become irrelevant. I believe in the Spiritual Law of Sowing and Reaping (Seedtime/Harvest) and the Law of Confession. However, I am no more willing to give glory to the universe for blessing my life than I am to thank the sun for shining. Neither do I try to hold a conversation with the universe. You cannot have a personal relationship with the universe. Right ...

My God created the universe and His glory is seen in it. The universe is not my "higher power" or "source of all good." I will stay connected to God the Most High, my Redeemer and Friend.

I respectfully disagree with those who think differently. I have no hate or harsh words to say against them. This was on my mind and I wanted to share what I am thinking ...

may the God of all Peace reign in your heart by His Spirit today.

Excerpts from a little book I wrote can be found here:
God of the Bible - God of the Church


http://www.BarbaraHoward.net

Real Friends

... so today I received another email message from someone that I don't know. Apparently, she is my "friend" on a social media network that I've joined. Hmm ...

So, I clicked on the link in the email and it took me to this community of friends. I didn't remember my login information. So I asked the system to send me the link to reset my password and gain access to my profile page. I clicked on a couple of pictures and voila! There was an entire group of "friends" that I had never met. Hmm ...

So, I started visiting the pages and writing my comments here and there. I don't try to sell them anything or ask them to join my other groups. Just a quick "hi" or "let me know what I can do to help you today" to 4 or 5 people each day. And guess what?

I'm actually making "real" friends out of these "virtual" friends.

Here's proof:

I asked a few new friends to help me to celebrate National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day by sharing more about themselves and their favorite sandwiches. Yeah, it's a real holiday. I wanted to tell people about my new friends the next time when I hosted my show The Recipe Box on BlogTalkRadio. I figured they would either think it was a fun idea or that I'm some kind of nut.

Check out the show ~ Barbara Howard Celebrate's National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day.

http://www.BarbaraHoward.net