CEOMOM April 2017

April 2017

TITIA OWENS WHERE ARE YOU?

A Voice for the Homeless

LET'S GET REAL

Finding Your Purpose Beyond Motherhood

CE LEB RA TIN GO NE YE AR !

SABRINA HARRISON FAITH & FAMILY

And Maintaining Personal Peace

Your resource hub for working moms A community where mompreneurs and career moms can marry their love for motherhood with purpose bottlesbibsandpumps.com

05 Letter from the Editor 06 Finding Your Purpose Beyond Motherhood 08 Mom with Impact: Titia Owens, Where are you?

13 Trendsetting Mom: Sydney Dao, Founder of Squid, Inc. PR 22 Fit Mom: Tamika Handy, Owner of HandyFitness

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25 Haute Momma: 5 Spring 2017 Spring Trends We Love

Meet Sabrina

28 How to Work from Home with Kids 30 3 Recipes Your Kids Will Never Know Are Filled with Veggies 32 Meet Sherrie Walton: Founder of Mommy & Me Expo

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Editor-in-Chief Vonna Matthews

Contributing Designer Photo Director Cover Photography Contributing Photographer Contributing Photographer

Taly Melo Krystal Jackson Nicolette Mollett Terri Butcher Laurence Everett Suldon III

Editorial Office

Little Elm, Texas 75068 +1-972-302-9150 | info@ceomommagazine.com CEOMOM Magazine is published by For Her Media Little Elm, Texas 75068 | +1-972-302-9150 www.ceomommagazine.com

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Letter from the Editor It seems like only yesterday CEOMOM hosted its summit and launch event on April 21, 2016. After over a year of planning, CEOMOM Magazine was finally a reality. We kicked our launch off by featuring 3 dynamic women who continue to be trailblazers in business, philanthropy, community, and health. We've given moms tips on how to eliminate mom guilt. We've provided an array of recipes from chocolate desserts to easy breakfast hacks for moms on the go.

We have featured stories of triumph, perseverance, and courage that in some ways seems beyond human. One of our favorite stories was of Donna Penny, a mother and author, who is fighting terminal cancer. She wrote Why My Mummy? to help her son cope with her terminal diagnosis. We interviewed celebrity mom, Garcelle Beauvais, who is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. She inspired us to find our power beyond motherhood.

In our April/Spring 2017 issue, we are focusing on faith and family. We sat down with Sabrina Harrison, founder of Equipped by Faith ministry, a ministry designed to help women grow in their faith as a part of a community. Sabrina inspired and ignited us to pursue our passions, making our faith a priority. We are excited to have embarked on this journey with you. Stay tuned for more great years of purpose, motherhood, and life.

VONNA MATTHEWS Editor-in-Chief Vonna Matthews

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FINDING YOUR PURPOSE BEYOND MOTHERHOOD It's okay to have your own dreams. by: Vonna Matthews

Being a mother is one of the most rewarding roles in a woman’s life. The immeasurable impact you can have on a child’s life from birth to adulthood is one that can be both fulfilling and motivating. Yet, is it so fulfilling that it replaces any need to be something else? Does your role as a mother remove any dreams you have or desires to pursue a purpose that is not centered on parenting, but rather on who you are?

I once heard someone say, “Motherhood is not my greatest calling.” This is a statement that many can argue, and it’s worth the debate. Is motherhood our greatest calling? Should women seek purpose outside of their children?

I say a resounding, “Yes” to the pursuit of your own purpose and power. I believe that knowing who you are as a woman outside of motherhood positions you to have a greater impact on your children. The legacy you can leave behind can inspire them to greatness.

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To all mothers, I give you permission to celebrate your individuality. Celebrate your dreams. Embrace the things about you that make you more than just someone’s mother.

You are a woman of power. Becoming a mother doesn’t stop you from dreaming, it gives your dreams new meaning.

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I have 2 daughters, and it brings joy to my heart knowing that they will see their mother being her own person. They will see me nonapologetically pursue my dreams without reserve. I want my daughters to be empowered to be all that they can be. What better way to empower them than by setting an example of intention and purpose?

To all mothers, I give you permission to celebrate your individuality. Celebrate your dreams. Embrace the things about you that make you more than just someone’s mother.

You are a woman of power. Becoming a mother doesn’t stop you from dreaming, it gives your dreams new meaning. Here are 4 tips that will help you find your power beyond motherhood.

Tip 1: Write down your dreams.

Writing your dreams down tends to be more effective than just saying or thinking them.

Vision boards have become popular within the past few years, because they allow you to see your dreams in text and images. You may use a vision board or a journal to be specific about what you love to do, what you want to do, and what gives your heart joy.

Do you love to write? Do you love to organize?

Do you want to be a public speaker or launch a startup? Is there a ministry or nonprofit organization you have been eager to start?

Whatever your visions may be, write them down, and be intentional about making them come true.

Tip 2: Take the first step.

Every journey begins with one small step.

Moms have a tendency to wait until the perfect moment to pursue their dreams. They

want to wait until the children graduate from college or until the children are old enough to drive or until they’ve saved up enough money.

When you wear several hats, there is always going to be a reason to wait. Stop waiting and take the first step. It is not the size of the initial step that has all of the power, but the movement that inspires the next step. My grandmother used to say, “Girl, put one foot in front of the other, and get to moving.” It’s okay to start small.

Just start. It’s the journey that is going to build and grow you as you pursue your power beyond motherhood.

Tip 3: Join a community of working moms who are embracing their careers and passions.

The saying goes, "Surround yourself with people who are where you want to be." Being around other moms who are fervently living their dreams will allow you to not only see that you're not alone, but it will give you the opportunity to learn from like-minded individuals, exchange ideas, and receive much needed moral support.

Use the internet to find networking groups, specifically for women and mompreneurs. Join mommy groups to find other women who are excited about their individual passions.

Tip 3: Celebrate you.

This is something women need to do more.

Women struggle with taking care of themselves, because we often put others first, especially our children. As we move to living our purpose, we must celebrate the little victories along the way.

Celebrate accomplishments by treating yourself to something special. Make sure it is out of the ordinary for you. The more you get used to celebrating you, the easier it will be for you to pursue your dreams and re-discover you.

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Mom with Impact: The Homeless Advocate

TITIA OWENS Known to those who love her as the life of the party, Titia Owens’ infectious personality is only matched by her immense desire to love the least of these. Talking to the beautiful and talented Titia was reminiscent of a conversation with an old friend. Titia wears many hats as a singer/songwriter, stylist, makeup artist, interior designer, and homeless advocate. This wife and mother of teenagers is a visionary showing no signs of slowing down. Read our interview with Titia, and learn more about her work as the founder of Where are you? Homeless Outreach.

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Tell us about the passion behind the Where are you?

Homeless Outreach.

A little over 4 years ago I had been on a fast asking God what He wanted me to do with my life. He told me to go to Atlanta. I had no reason to go. In the process of going I thought I had a place to stay. I didn’t, and ended up living in my car. For a period of time some months had gone by. I received a call from Priscilla Shirer asking me to come back to Dallas to do her makeup for a photo shoot. While I was here I was doing some volunteer work. In the process, a young lady asked me what I was doing.

Fred Hammond had asked me to come help him design his recording

"Be genuine about the cause. If your heart isn’t it, don’t try it." studio. I asked him would he listen to some music I had recorded. He listened to it, and decided that we should do something together. We did the song, "Where are you?." While I was living in my car I was writing “Where are you?” That’s how the song was birthed. When that lady asked me what I did, I said I wrote a song for the homeless.

Rebecca Lopez of WFAA in Dallas heard that and said she wanted to do a story about it. I shared the song with her. After it aired on the news people started to ask me to tell my story at their churches.

God reminded me that I asked him to tell me what he wanted me to do. I kept hearing the word, homelessness. I realized that I had been homeless mentally all my life. I had so many addresses growing up that I didn’t realize that it was a form of instability. My new life is helping the homeless.

We partner with 1011 Grill (Dewayne Bryant and Desmond Patterson) each month to bring the homeless food and entertain and love on them.

How has your impact as a community leader influenced support for the Where are you?

Homeless Outreach?

Bryant and Patterson have partnered with my ministry for 4 years to feed the homeless. As a community, we serve once a month. As an individual, I do it regularly. My daughter attends Booker T. Washington, near a homeless community. I bring them things like food and clothes when I take her to school.

We have recruited volunteers from day one. The first event we did we had 100 volunteers. On our team we have about 60 people who have

been faithful. They started with me from a post I put on Facebook. They have been there since. To volunteer you can go through the website, Instagram, and Facebook. We have a volunteer form that you can complete.

Besides your work as a homeless advocate, what other roles do you play in the community?

I am on the radio every Friday, I communicate every free event that is going on in the community so I talk about my monthly event.

I am the Where are you? reporter for KHVN. You can come on every Friday to talk about what’s going on with your ministry and outreach programs. I have been a makeup artist for about 30 years. I am also a stylist and interior designer.

People started asking me to come and host events. I have hosted a hundred events in the past 2 years. I am very free and have no fear of anything. I have no worries and concerns so when I get on a microphone, I am free. I tell people that they can be free in the Lord.

What advice do you have for moms who want to serve others by starting their own ministry or nonprofit?

I would say just start. Don’t think about it. When I started my homeless outreach, I said I am going to do a homeless event. I didn’t have what I needed so I decided I was going to just ask for it. I needed the place and the volunteers.

You have to just jump out there. People know when you are sincere. Be genuine about the cause. If your heart isn’t it, don’t try it. If it’s sincere, it will last forever. If it is not it will fade out.

Do you want your children to follow in your footsteps as a nonprofit leader?

With my daughter, who is a junior in high school, she donates a percentage of the sales of her fragrance to the outreach. She teaches the other young people how to serve when they come. When people bring their kids my daughter teaches them how to smile, how to hug, how to serve them. My son, who is a sophomore at York College in Nebraska, has a gift for children. He is going to school to be a teacher. He is what I call a child magnet. Even as a little boy children would cling to him. A child would come up to him and say, " Hey." It was everywhere we went.

Even in Nebraska, he is the head teacher over P.E. because the children keep asking for him. He started out as an alternate. I told him that God is going to use him in children’s lives.

Where do you see your homeless ministry in 5 years?

In 5 years, we will have a building. It will blow people’s

minds, because it will put love on blast. We are going to invest in a mind blowing building where people with money will feel the homeless doesn't deserve what we are giving them. We want to be the light of the world.

What current and future projects can we expect from Titia Owens?

My husband and I are hosting a Couples Summit on Saturday, June 24

for 3 hours. I started getting phone calls from different couples seeking prayer for their marriages. I heard a lady at church say that marriage is under attack. The Lord gave me the vision for a couples summit. It will be couples acting out their negative issues at home in various scenes. I will show the couples the better way to handle the situation. It’s giving them visuals. Men need to see themselves. I put that post out at

3:00 am. That night I had a lot of likes.

I had several couples volunteer to act.

To see how you can get involved with the Where are you? Homeless Outreach, visit www.whereareyououtreach.org.

Download Titia's new single, “More of You” on iTunes.

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"God reminded me that I asked him to tell me what he wanted me to do. I kept hearing the word, homelessness."

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CHOOSE FREEDOM. REACT. Our goal is to combat human trafficking wherever we have a presence. willyoureact.org

Photo by: Jay Marroquin Photography

Trendsetting Mom perfecting the ideal

SYDNEY DAO: FOUNDER OF SQUID INC. PR

With almost 20 years experience in the fashion industry, Sydney Dao is no stranger to setting trends. She has helped launch and propel the fashion careers of Project Runway's season 2 winner, Chloe Dao, Stephen Dweck, Bradley Bayou, and more. She garnered her experience as a fashion publicist and marketing director in New York City at Michael Atchison & Associates. This wife and mother recently launched her own public relations and consulting firm, Squid Inc. Sydney is showing no signs of slowing down with her latest project, LAUNCH, an exclusive pop-up shop which took over the ground floor of Partnership Tower in Houston from January 14 to February 26. LAUNCH featured nearly 15 of Houston's local designers such as fashion illustrator RongRong Devoe, whose designs have been featured in fashion publications, Vogue and Elle.

Sydney aims to give local designers an international platform. This year, Sydney served as one of the Style Bosses for the Conscious Couture Resale Event in Houston. Read our interview with Sydney Dao to learn how she balances her love for fashion with being a mom.

Describe your personal style in 4 words.

Comfortable, Eclectic, Edgy, and Simple NCOEMOAMDO I CM | | 21 4 3

What separates Squid Inc. from other public relations firms?

The difference between Squid Inc. and other public relations firms is the guidance and service I provide is based on 20 years of experience in New York and Houston. My experience working closely with designers and building their brand from all aspects of the business from design to wholesale to retail to marketing allows me to provide a comprehensive point of view to public relations and branding.

Where do you see Squid Inc. in 5 years?

In 5 years, I see Squid Inc. expanding into a national public relations firm.

How do you balance running a successful public relations firm with being a wife and mom?

That is the toughest part of my life. I think all three take turns being the priority. The last two months I launched “LAUNCH,” my pop-up shop, and my husband and daughter managed without me. The last few days most of my time has been spent with my family. It has truly taken a village to raise my daughter; I have help from my mother, mother-in-law, and sisters. It’s hard to balance all three, but having a supportive husband and family is key to my success.

We love that Conscious Couture Resale Event highlights inspiring women in fashion, philanthropy, and business, while supporting the fight against human trafficking. What does it mean to be selected as a 2017 Style Boss Honoree?

It is an honor to be selected as a 2017 Style Boss Honoree. Fashion today is so much more than trends. It's about making social statements through our purchasing power. Conscious Couture Resale provides consumers the

Photo by: Simon Ly Photography

opportunity to not only make a fashion statement but a social statement as well.

Congratulations on the success of LAUNCH. What is the inspiration behind LAUNCH? What can we expect from the next 6 week popup shop in April?

LAUNCH was inspired by the growing number of designers and artisans from Houston. Many of the designers only sell online or at temporary pop-up shops. LAUNCH provides an extended retail platform that lasts an entire month versus the usual one day experience. For the next LAUNCH in April, you can expect more rising stars in apparel and accessories. We will be adding home goods and possibly footwear.

What advice would you give to a mom who wants to start her own public relations firm for the fashion industry?

"Take the time."

If you are looking to start your own public relations firm for the fashion industry, take the time to understand your client because every client is different. Managing your client’s expectations is key. You don’t want to offer more than you can deliver.

What is your favorite fashion musthave?

My favorite fashion must-have is my animal print chunky heel sandals by Calvin Klein. They are perfect for day and goes with about almost everything from jeans to dresses.

What would you say is the biggest fashion mistake moms make?

The biggest fashion mistake moms make are getting too comfortable in yoga pants. My mistake was my

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leggings. I wore them for years and my daughter is 7 now. I still pull them on from time to time but I don’t wear them every day anymore. Comfort is still key for my busy schedule.

"It has truly taken a village to raise my daughter; I have help from my mother, mother-in-law, and sisters. It’s hard to balance all three, but having a supportive husband and family is key to my success."

Do you want your daughter to follow in your footsteps as a girl boss? Why or why not?

Absolutely. I just told her the other day that the reason I work so hard is to show her that she can do anything she puts her mind to. I am constantly showing her she can overcome any obstacle and find solutions to any problems.

She is definitely a girl boss in training.

To learn more about Sydney and Squid Inc. visit www.squidincpr.com/.

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POLISHED EXISTS to gather young professional women to navigate career and explore faith. www.polishedonline.org

Meet

SABRINA CEOMOM | 17

SABRINA ON FAITH, FAMILY AND MAINTAINING PERSONAL PEACE When speaking to or being around Sabrina Harrison, you can’t help but to be inspired. Her passion and immense desire to change the lives around her is evident in her work as the force behind the Sabrina Harrison brand, co-founder of Mint Dentistry, and founder of Equipped by Faith. As a wife, mother of two, lifestyle expert, business owner and ministry leader, Sabrina has not only mastered the art of balance, she is redefining it. CEOMOM was excited to interview this dynamic woman of God.

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I once heard a working mom say that women should not strive for balance, because it is an unrealistic goal. They should instead seek counterbalance. Do you agree? What does balance mean to you?

I 100% believe there is a such thing as balance. Before you add anything to your plate you have to remove something. You have to pray over every opportunity that comes your way. Every opportunity is not best for you. Consider the cost. What do you have to give up to add something. Make sure you keep God first.

When you don’t, things get out of order and start falling apart.

Your priorities get out of line. We are not perfect. We are always going to slack in some areas. Maybe today I didn’t work out, tomorrow I can work out. Maybe you didn’t think you were the best mom today. There is always tomorrow. Always remove things from your plate before you take on more. Avoid burn out.

As Christians, we believe that because God is in us we can do it all. At the end of the day I want to be fruitful, not just busy. It’s a challenge to be mindful of what to add to your plate. I think more success requires more organization. You have to prove you are successful at the level you’re at before you get more.

Whether it's balance or counterbalance, how do you achieve either without compromising your role as a mom?

It takes giving up a lot more than I used to. I have to work out because I have to take care of myself. I have to wake up and pray and seek God’s word. If not, I don’t have a protective covering. I don’t have that armor. I don’t look at social media in the morning. I try to first seek the Lord and spend time with him and then work out. That is very therapeutic for me. It takes care of me. If I am empty I don’t have anything to give. I plan way ahead of time, even a month ahead. When you blink children will take over your life. You are not going to get everything done. Determine what can wait. What is pressing.

Make monthly agendas and plan. Don’t be too tied to your plans. Be flexible. Do what you can with your time. My kids are always going to come first. Everything else comes after. I have set times to work. When I work I give 100%.

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I have to work smarter not harder. I have to know when to shut it off. I have to be present. I was able to be a stay at home mom for a while, but it was about quantity not quality. Now I am able to sit on the floor and play Legos. When I am with my kids, I am 100% with them. I am not consumed by what work needs to be done in the house. Because I am not there all day, I value the time I have with them. It is intentional. I am a lot more present when I am able to compartmentalize.

Being a CEO mom is challenging to say the least. You’re constantly being pulled in different directions. Your life is full of demands. How do you maintain personal peace?

If I don’t arm myself with the word and God in the morning, I can pretty much expect not to be the best me. I feel like I am more aware of his presence when I do seek him first. Otherwise, I will be rude and frustrated. You don’t want to be empty. That is my armor and what keeps me rooted. Whatever comes my way, I am not shaken. I know even the bad stuff is meant for good. You know that it is a setup for something good.

Describe a typical day in the life of Sabrina Harrison.

I wake up at 5:45 am, spend time in prayer in reading and spend time with the Lord. I work out. I have to work out at 6:30 am. I have so much to do that I am overwhelmed if I don’t work out. I get to focus on me for a little while. I allow my mind to just think and be clear. I come home and then take my son to school. My breakfasts are short with a smoothie or protein bar. I sit with my son and have breakfast. Then it’s usually meetings, visiting a Mint office, planning my website or preparing my monthly meetings for Equipped by Faith or it’s social media or

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decorating the offices. We’ve had 3 offices open in one month. I am the decorator for the offices. It’s always so different.

What upcoming personal and professional projects do you have coming up that you would like to share with the CEOMOM readers?

Mint is having its first kids focused office in Duncanville.

That is exciting, because I am used to decorating high end. A few other offices are opening in Dallas and Houston. We currently have 31 offices in Dallas and Houston. With my website, I am doing more fashion and contributor writing. I have a team that I work with to push the envelope.

What is your role with Mint Dentistry?

My husband founded Mint Dentistry. I wear many hats depending on the season. It could be working on our social media. A lot of my time is spent on decorating the offices. That is the first thing people are going to see

when they walk in. I want them to see the luxurious environment. I put a lot of heart into every office. I oversee all philanthropy and charity. Keep Smiling gives free dental care to veterans. I am very involved with the patient experience. We get 1000’s of reviews. I am able to use that to continue to perfect our product, the Mint experience. I make sure everyone has a 5 star experience.

What advice would you give to a new mom who is discovering the challenges of striving to do it all?

Stay consistent. Make progress. Set small, yet smart goals. Stick with them. When you feel discouraged or think it’s pointless, just keep pushing. Keep being excellent at every level. When you keep going and keep pushing and giving your best you will see the fruit of your labor. Business is God’s idea. The more successful you are the more access he has to more people.

Keep up with Sabrina at www.sabrinaharrison.com.

"Always remove things from your plate before you take on more. Avoid burn out."

"IF I AM EMPTY I DON’T HAVE ANYTHING TO GIVE."

Fit Mom: Staying Fit through Dance

TAMIKA HANDY: HANDY FITNESS Tamika uses dance to help women get and stay fit Looking at Tamika Handy you would never guess that she is the mother of 5. This fit mom, wife, and former dancer for the Sacramento Kings NBA team is showing that even with a busy schedule and a full plate of responsibilities, women can still remain fit and healthy. Tamika uses dance to help women maintain a healthy lifestyle while having fun. She calls it cardio dance and from the looks of it, it is changing lives one movement at a time.

What is HandyFitness? What are your products and services?

HandyFitness is me. I am a one woman show. I am a personal trainer. I am certified in different dance formats. I am also a weight loss coach. I help people get on track. My classes are mobile. I teach evening classes in Duncanville, Texas. My main focus is helping clients know where to start based on their goals. It’s helping them to design a plan that will fit their lifestyle. We consider if they have any specific health issues. We try to make the health plan a little bit simpler. I also develop a workout plan for them whether it is working with them one on one or something they can do on their own. For example, if a mom has 3 kids and is running a business, the ultimate goal is to help her lead a lifestyle that will fit her busy schedule.

Describe cardio dance fitness. What makes it different from traditional aerobics?

The reason I named my class cardio dance is because I incorporate dance into each class. I didn’t want to call it hip hop or give it a specific name so people wouldn’t be discouraged from doing it. It is a high energy workout that will tone you, sculpt your body, and burn calories using a variety of music.

Are there other companies like HandyFitness? If so, how does your company stand out from competition?

There are other dance formats that can be compared to it.

There are other trainers and fitness instructors out there. I would say for my class, it feels like a party. You forget that

you are working out because you are having a good time to the music. It’s like going to a party with your girls. It allows women to feel comfortable in their own skin. It’s fun. It’s entertaining. It’s a no judgment zone. I help women to embrace their bodies. HandyFitness embodies the essence of women. We want women to work hard and feel confident, healthy, and beautiful.

What tips do you have for moms who want to start a health plan in the new year?

I am a mom of 5 kids. When I first started my journey I wrote down my goals.

1 Write down your goals.

2. Be honest with yourself as to why you want to accomplish your goals. If we focus on our why we tend to stick with it more.

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"IT IS A HIGH ENERGY WORKOUT THAT WILL TONE YOU, SCULPT YOUR BODY, AND BURN CALORIES USING A VARIETY OF MUSIC."

3. Start where you can. For the next week just focus on drinking more water.

Don’t make it overwhelming.

4. Find what works for you. For example, join a boot camp that offers time flexibility or a group fitness class like cardio dance. The internet has lots of free information. You can get many great ideas for home workouts.

What is your workout regimen?

I like to mix my workouts up so that I do not get bored. I make a point to do some form of exercise at least 4 days a week.

Resistance training is my favorite. I do that at least twice a week. Of course, I have to choreograph for my classes so dance is another workout for me.

What advice do you have for a mom who wants to get or keep her entire family healthy?

I found healthier versions to make everyone’s favorite foods so that it still tastes good. When I make meals I make big meals. Making big portions so that you have leftovers prevents eating out. I

stopped buying processed foods. Make the healthier foods accessible. If I have the fruit cups ready to eat, the kids can just grab them. Move together. Spend time together doing activities. Challenge your kids to push-ups. I would get them to do the laundry. Get outside and play tag. Have them chase you around. It keeps you healthy and moving and keeps them moving.

Describe your introduction to health and fitness. How did you get started in the fitness industry?

After my twins were born, I was like many other mothers after having kids, I was dealing with depression and weight gain. I come from a dance background not a fitness background. I wanted to get myself to a healthier version of me. I started packing up the kids and going to the gym. I researched and found something fun and started dance classes in the gym. I educated myself on how to tone my body. I moved to Dallas in 2008.

In 2010, I started at 24 Hour Fitness. I started there and the gym manager was

watching me, and asked if I wanted to be a trainer and an instructor. He pushed and offered to pay my certification for both. I now focus more on women and mothers.

What advice would you give to a mom who wants to start her own fitness business?

Don’t hesitate. Step out and do it. Don’t worry about being compared or perfect.

There is someone out there who needs what you have. Get various certifications, specifically in group exercises. That is going to help get you on track and know how to help your students and clients.

Network with other fitness professionals.

Attend their classes and meet with them to see what they are doing.

Learn more about Tamika's cardio dance classes at handyfitness.weebly.com/cardio-dancefitness.html.

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FIT MOM TAMIKA HANDY

Tips for Family Meal Prepping Make a plan.

Plan the day or days you plan to cook. Make sure you have allotted adequate time to prepare and cook your meals during the designated time.

Prepare a grocery list.

Once you have prepared your menu put together a shopping list.

Before you head to the store, take inventory of your kitchen to determine what you already have.

Don't go shopping hungry.

Organize your cooking area.

To ensure that everything runs smoothly, organize your kitchen and cooking area. Make sure you have all of the items you will need for cooking including cooking utensils and storage containers.

Make it fun.

Meal prepping for several days can be tedious and time consuming. Add fun to it by playing your favorite music or television show to pass the time. You can also make it a family affair.

Prep for 3 a Create plus days.

calendar.

Prepare at least 3 days worth of food at a time. At least prepare for lunch and dinner. After a long day the last thing you want to do is cook. Avoid eating unhealthy by already having those meals.

Start out slowly.

Create a menu.

Unless you plan on eating the same thing every day, you will need a menu. Make sure it includes any necessary recipes.

Prep snacks.

Prep snacks in little baggies to keep in your bag, desk, purse etc. Having easy access to healthy snacks will help curve cravings and unhealthy eating habits.

Make large Have portions.

fun.

If you're new to meal prepping, don't jump right in by planning for 3 meals a day, 7 days a week. Start out slowly by making sure dinner is prepped for a few nights. Work your way to more intense meal planning.

Making large portions ensures you will have leftovers (unless you're feeding a football team). Leftovers equal less meals to prepare. It also prevents eating out which increases unhealthy eating habits.

HAUTE MOMMA

s d n e r T g n i r p S 7 201 5 Spring Trends We Love That Stand the Test of Time

Spring introduces us to beautiful flowers, Easter season, longer days, and one of our favorites, new fashion trends.

You trade in your long boots and coats for sandals and light jackets.

The Spring 2017 fashion trends are familiar, yet still remain relevant to our wardrobe choices. From color to print, here are the Spring 2017 fashion trends we love.

SPRING YELLOW When you think of spring colors, yellow is one of the first ones that comes to mind. Yellow can be bright and vibrant or subtle. Its vibrance makes it a perfect contrast for darker colors such as black and navy blue.

Yellow is also one of our favorite choices for color blocking.

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5 OF OUR FAVORITE SPRING 2017 FASHION TRENDS

OFF THE SHOULDER The off the shoulder look is reminiscent of 80's fashion. It's an easy and comfortable look that goes well with jeans or can be dressed up with a flair skirt or slacks.

TRENCH COAT When you think of spring fashion, a coat may not be the first thing that comes to mind., unless it's a trench coat. They're back and cool as ever.

You can wear a trench coat as an accessory to your outfit or as the outfit itself. Dress it up for work or keep it casual for a day out with the family.

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VIBRANT COLORS Nothing says spring more than color, color, color. The more bright and vibrant, the better. When updating your spring wardrobe, add several pieces with color. Deep oranges and blues with a hint of green are perfect additions to your spring color palette.

Have fun with color blocking and prints.

KHAKI Khaki is a color trend that makes it s way to every season. It's versatility allows you to match it with several colors, making it easy to pair with casual or professional looks. Wear khaki slacks to work with a white button down, and orange accessories such as shoes and earrings.

Dress khaki down with a graphic t-shirt and wedge sandals.

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BEING A MOM BOSS

HOW TO WORK FROM HOME WITH KIDS

Common questions among mompreneurs who work at home or who desire to trade the corporate office for a home one are, “How do you do it? How is it possible to balance children with working from home?” It is one of the most challenging feats any working mother will face, but it is feasible with proper planning, an understanding of your limits, and a strong support system. Here are five tips to help today’s career moms successfully work from home.

1. Determine why you want to work from home.

The best way to do this is to write down at least 5 reasons (yes, we love the number five) you want to be a Work-AtHome-Mother. Is your goal to spend more time with your children? Is it to start your own business and an outside office isn’t financially feasible? Does your job require you to work from home, and you would choose otherwise if possible?

Answering these questions is the first step to developing a plan. If you want to spend more time with your children, you will design a plan that requires fewer work hours. If you are saving to eventually work outside the home, you may create CEOMOM | 28

a system that will put your kids in a daycare or Mother’s Day Out program so you can work more hours. Know your reasons before preparing a course of action.

2. Determine how many hours you want to work a day and/or week.

I learned the hard way that it is ineffective to just try to get in as many hours as possible, because you are not left with much room to execute a plan. If you aim to work a certain number of hours a week, you can determine how many hours you can work a day, which parts of the day will allow you to work the most and/or which days will be the most productive. The idea is to work uninterrupted with very few distractions. For example, my goal is to work 20 hours a week. I am the most productive in the morning before the children wake up, during nap and independent play times and on Saturday’s. I can develop a schedule that will allow me to work when I am not taking care of kids which helps me minimize stress and increase productivity.

3. Accept and be aware of your limitations.

When I first started working from home, my oldest daughter was 6 weeks old. For a while, my lack of planning and winging it approach seemed to be working, and then it happened. I had my first anxiety attack. I soon learned that I can’t do it all, at least not alone.

Know what you can handle, and design a plan that will allow you to be the best you without breaking. This entails being realistic about your limitations, mentally and physically. Children, as much as we love them, can be draining. Add a demanding career, and you are on your way to Stressville. Don’t be afraid or ashamed of pulling back and saying no.

4. Identify your support system, and share your plan with them.

There are 3 tiers of your support system. Your first tier consists of your spouse, your children and/or anyone living in your home. If you are going to be working from home, everyone who lives there should know the details of your plan. That will allow them to be encouraging and participating team members. Everything from meal planning to extracurricular activities to your work schedule can be implemented by each household member if they are aware of your plan. It is important to incorporate your family in your plan to ensure its proper execution. Everyone should know when mommy cannot be disturbed (except for emergencies), whose cooking which nights and who is taking the kids to soccer practice.

The second tier of your support system comprises your outside support such as daycares and schools, Mother’s Day Out programs, family members who live outside the home, but will provide regular help with the kids, coaches and more. No, you do not need to give these outside members your 10 page written plan, but they do need to be aware of the parts that pertain to them.

Your third tier consists of people directly associated with your business or job such as colleagues, partners, and employees. This group will help you to complete projects so that less of your time is required.

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CHICKPEA BURGER One of the biggest challenges of parenting is trying to get your kids to eat vegetables. There are tips to turn the veggies into cool shapes. Another option is to hide them altogether.

Check out these veggie recipes for kids.

INGREDIENTS

2 cups cooked chickpeas 1 stalk celery, diced small 1 carrot, grated 1/2 onion, minced 1/2 tsp garlic powder 1/4 cup flour salt and pepper to taste oil for frying

INSTRUCTIONS

WE HELP YOU GET WHAT YOU NEED IN LIFE.

1. Drain and rinse your canned chickpeas.

2. Mash the chickpeas with a fork or potato masher until they are almost completely mashed.

3. Add the carrot, onion, garlic powder, and flour to the mashed chickpeas. Season with salt and pepper.

4. When everything is combined well, heat a skillet with the oil for approximately 3 minutes.

5. Form your mashed chickpea mixture into patties and pan-fry until the patties are golden brown on each side. This will take approximately 3 to 4 minutes.

*Original Recipe: www.thespruce.com

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BROCCOLI & POTATO CASSEROLE What kid doesn't love cheese?

They love it so much they will eat broccoli if you smother it in a cheesy sauce or anything that resembles it. Try this broccoli and potato casserole to get your kids to devour their vegetables.

INGREDIENTS 1 lb of potatoes, cubed 1 head of broccoli – cut into bite sized pieces 1 green bell pepper, chopped 1 to 2 cups of the cheese sauce of your choice (enough to spread all over your casserole) 1 tsp of basil 1 tsp garlic salt and pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

WE HELP YOU GET WHAT YOU NEED IN LIFE.

1. Preheat Oven to 400.

2. Bake potatoes for 20 minutes on a greased baking sheet. (Heat the greased cookie sheet for a few minutes to prevent sticking.)

3. Blanch broccoli in boiling salty water for a few minutes. Drain and set aside to cool.

4. Lightly oil a casserole dish with vegetable oil or another oil of your choice.

5. Layer your potatoes, then add the broccoli.

6. Cover with cheese. Continue to layer. Top with remaining cheese and breadcrumbs.

7. Bake for 50 minutes. Let cool. *Original Recipe: www.hardcoreherbivore.wordpress.com

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Meet Sherrie Walton FOUNDER OF MOMMY & ME EXPO Sherrie Walton believes that being a mom does not mean you have to compromise your dreams or settle for less than greatness. She also believes that you are never too young to be hit by the entrepreneurial bug. Sherrie created the Mommy & Me Dream Bigger Tour to help women and children take the next step in building their businesses.

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Moms on the Move

Describe the passion behind the Mommy & Me Dream Bigger Tour.

The passion is for moms, especially moms who have delayed their dreams waiting for the right time. We are here for moms who have been waiting for the kids to graduate or waiting for enough money. The right time doesn’t come. I started connecting with moms like myself who had to choose between being a mom and being a CEO. The Mommy & Me Expo gives them an outlet. You have to save yourself before you save someone else. You don’t have to choose. You can still have a family and fulfill what God wants you to do. Let’s do it together.

What advice would you give to a mom who wants to encourage entrepreneurship in her children?

My kids are now kidpreneurs. My son is in the process of writing a kid’s book. He is 8 years old. My daughter has a cupcake business. She is a vendor at our events. She also goes to one of the preschools and sales them one day a week.

I am that mom who will not put her kids in the corner. I saw one day that my daughter was walking around pretending she had a phone in her hand. My daughter would say, “I want to have a business just like you, Mommy.”

This whole tour came about because of my family. I saw that my kids were little mini moguls. I have been encouraging that and allowing them to still be kids. If I would have known as a kid what I know now, I wouldn’t have made the financial mistakes I’ve made as an adult. They need to know how to hear “no” at an early age. They have to understand that we don’t always make a sale. It really helps them to develop their social skills.

What were the biggest takeaways from your Dallas event?

One of the biggest takeaways was we all need to release our fears no matter what level we are. We had a balloon release called "Release Your Fears." We gave everyone a card and some quiet time to write down their fears. We attached the fears to the ribbon of the balloon, and went outside. We said about 3 to 4 affirmations and committed to not letting those fears back into our lives. It’s not about having the fear, it’s about whether or not you allow the fear to stop you. As women, we have to be supportive. In order to get to the next level, we have to connect. Learn to connect and have that sisterhood of women to support you.

The Mommy & Me Tour originally focused on girls. We're excited that you have added boys to the agenda. What inspired you to make this change?

I focused on girls, because my little girl was the one who was watching me. My son asked, "When are you going to include me?" Now he hosts the red carpet. We did it because we deduced that little boys needed inspiration as well. Dallas was our first time doing the boys and girls together. After, my son had a big smile on his face. He said, “Mom, now I’m a part of it. Now it is a family business.”

Tell us a little about the history of the Dream Bigger Tour.

Where do you see the tour in 5 years?

I want this tour to be a global movement of moms and kids coming together. We want to spark this movement of moms that don’t have to choose. We want to learn how to translate our dreams into a family business. We want this to be an international event. We want women to be empowered to make changes in their lives. Mommy & Me is supposed to be a community. We want the same women to come back. We have several kids who have gotten business ideas just by being in the room. This is something that we don't talk about

in schools. We want them to know that you do have options.

We want moms to be able to teach kids how to start businesses. We love seeing kids on that level. We want to give them the blueprint to get their businesses started.

Summarize what moms and kids can expect from the tour.

Moms and kids can expect to receive a lot of information that is relevant to business and their lives. Moms can network with other moms who have similar stories. We show you how to put together your business plan, and give you tips and shortcuts, as well as help you create a community. Moms can be encouraged and edified. Some moms are still trying to discover their purposes. Finding your purpose reignites your passion. The kids are learning to dream at a young age. We teach them about money and budgeting.

The next city on the Dream Bigger Tour is Houston, Texas on April 22. Register at dreambiggertour.com.

"This whole tour came about because of my family. I saw that my kids were little mini moguls. I have been encouraging that and allowing them to still be kids".

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VEGGIE PACKED PIZZA ROLLS What kid doesn't love pizza? You pack it with cheese, and they will never know that you have included vegetables. Here's a simple veggie pizza roll recipe that will have your kids smiling all the way to health. This recipe was adapted from kitchencoup.com

INGREDIENTS 1 lb pizza dough 2 cups of red bell peppers, chopped 1 small onion, chopped 1 cup of green bell pepper, chopped

3 tablespoons of olive oil 1 to 2 cups of mozzarella, shredded 6 oz of pepperoni, chopped Salt and pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Saute your bell peppers and onions in the olive oil until the onions are translucent, and the bell peppers are softened. 2. Cool vegetables, and then mix with the cheese and pepperoni.

3. Add salt and pepper to taste.

4. Roll out your pizza dough to about 14 inches long and 6 inches wide.

5. Spread the filling to cover the dough.

6. Roll up and slice into 12 slices.

7. Add to greased cooking sheet or muffin tins.

8. Bake at 400 degree Fahrenheit for approximately 20 to 25 minutes.

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