I had to have a conversation with my voice teacher recently about a yucky, sticky topic: throat gunk. A plethora of mucus on my vocal folds during rehearsals for the holiday show seriously compromised my ability to sing. A mastermind partner in my Wishweaving Circle had the same issue as she was in the studio recording her audio book.

If  throat gunk has impacted your vocal quality, check out the 10 minute video above for advice on how to deal with it.

Two main takeaways:

*If you’re hoarse, don’t sing and limit your speaking.

*As long as you’re not dealing with a sinus or bronchial infection, guaifenesin (I used the Walgreens generic version of Mucinex tablets) will be your new best friend. I also use a saline sinus rinse from time to time.

Whatever holidays you celebrate this time of year, I hope you’ve been healthy and enjoying the season so far. After the Thanksgiving week COVID misadventure, my husband and I, and Linn the cat, had a quiet and lovely Christmas celebration.

Here’s my Christmas dinner Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe because it was awesome. If you make it, let me know how it turns out!

Chicken Cordon Bleu a la Voice Teacher Laura

-Two large chicken breasts, halved/fileted horizontally

-Melted butter with garlic powder, salt and pepper

-1/2 pound thinly sliced ham

-1/3 pound thinly sliced provolone cheese

-An egg or two with a bit of olive oil, whipped with a fork

-Flour, about 1/2 cup

-Bread crumbs (I like Progresso’s, Italian seasoning) mixed with grated parmesan cheese, approximately 1 ½ cup bread crumbs with three over-flowing tablespoons cheese

Pound the chicken pieces with a meat hammer, covering with plastic wrap before pounding to reduce splatter.  

Brush seasoned melted butter onto the chicken piece.

Add folded pieces of ham and cheese.

Roll up each chicken piece with the seasoned butter, ham and cheese, and secure with toothpicks.

Roll each piece in the egg mixture, then the flour, then the bread crumb mixture. Put in a baking dish and bake, uncovered, at 375 for about 40 minutes.

I like this with bearnaise sauce (from a packet), Uncle Ben’s https://www.bensoriginal.com/ wild rice, and steamed Brussel sprouts. A lively and tasty combination.

Happy New Year! May your inner and outer voices be completely aligned and ring out with confidence and joy throughout the year 2023 and beyond.

God’s blessings to you and yours.

After she is tragically orphaned, young Abella loses the ability to speak her truth and express herself. She is sent to live with a reclusive uncle she’s never met, and her only friend is her horse. Abella endures heartbreak, loneliness and questions who she truly is inside. Eventually, she meets friends and animals who help her not only regain her voice, but also uncover her strength and purpose. Purchase How Abella Found her Voice for $4.95 here: https://laurahandke.com/product/how-abella-found-her-voice-e-book/

Please spread the love and pass this along to a friend!

Love Your Voice & Voice Your Love,

Laura