Showing posts with label Mom Resources. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mom Resources. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 15, 2016

::Momma Wellness is Important::


                                                               {Photo Credit: Bre'onna of EightyTwo Photography}

As usual, I am inspired by women, their strength, and their story. This post was motivated by Lilly of Daily Craving as she shared her experience with PPD. Her words resonated with all the same feelings that impacted my life years ago. I have over the years shared on this blog about mental health and overall well-being as a Momma. I also recently created this video this past December, with a little more insight into my story.



As I sit and think about this post and what I should share. I get sad. I think about all those feeling and thoughts that I have experienced in that last seven years of motherhood. As Momma's we tend to lose our identity. I am guilty of it. We do so much for everyone else. Back in 2012, I was rushed to the hospital as I experienced a panic attack, it was my eye opening or awakening moment. 

We shouldn't wait for an extreme situation to learn that as momma's, wives, employees, daughters, friends, we need to take care of one person, ourselves. Being a Momma, seeking who you are, seeking your purpose, finding your own identity. It should be our priority. Because as they say if Momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy! You will not find any of this in the outside world but inside of you. In your heart and mind. By being yourself. By seeking to be purpose filled. By not losing your identity as an individual just because you have become a Momma or Wife, or are a student or employee. This doesn't mean you can't be more. You can be. You should be. For you.

Yes, YOU can. 

This past weekend at our event we had three wonderful speakers who I feel embodied the very aspect of taking care of yourself! Today I want to share a little about them and give you their information as viable resources that you can use! Maybe you don't live in Houston but you can reach out to them on social media or seek the same type of people within your local community.

In the same fashion that it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a tribe to keep a Momma sane! 


Meet Dr. Kelley Watts, she spoke on how to transform your negative thoughts and give us tips on how to de-stress.

{Photo Credit: Bre'onna of EightyTwo Photography}


Dr. Kelley Watts
Psychotherapist & Transformational Coach

Kelley received her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Houston. After many experiences elsewhere, including Louisiana, Spain, New York, and England, she has returned to Houston and has a thriving private practice where she works with adolescents, adults, couples and families. In addition, to traditional one-on-one and family counseling, Kelley often works in groups teaching clients skills such as Positive Parenting Strategies, Building Positive Relationships, and Managing Anxiety. She uses a variety of techniques such as narrative therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, eye movement and desensitization (EMDR), and mindfulness to work with each client in a unique and impactful way specifically tailored to their needs at that time in their life. With a passion for developing confidence and building resilience in the people around her, Kelley teaches her clients to dig deep, laugh, play, and engage in meaningful and positive endeavors. She sees people through a kind and strength based lens and is passionate about facilitating positive changes in an effective and efficient manner.






Meet Maggie Schorsch of Texas Fit Chicks, she spoke about fitness for Momma's and how important it is to her:




I'm Maggie a 39yr old mother of two. I am a senior trainer with Texas Fit Chicks boot camp. I became a trainer because I feel all women should love their bodies and know what it feels like to be strong.I have struggled with my health and weight and I know how difficult it can be. I hope to change women's lives by empowering them to be fit and healthy.






Meet Sharon Zapata, CEO & Co-Founder of The Zapata Group, she spoke on wellness over the age of 30 and how to remain motivated:

                                                              {Photo Credit: Bre'onna of EightyTwo Photography}


Sharon is a mom of two boys, married, and studied Communications at the University of Houston-Downtown. She is the CEO & Co-Founder of The Zapata Group. As a successful entrepreneur, author, speaker, and business development expert with 15 + years, her know-how for working with people of all professional backgrounds allows her to connect & offer them impressive business development contacts, customers & bottom-line revenue to build their own economies.

She has international experience as a private English Teacher for C-Level Executives in Monterrey, N.L. MEXICO and U.S. Government Security Clearance from the Office of Federal Investigation in Washington, D.C. while working for E.X.I.M. Bank. Sharon is the author of 12 Secrets for Successful Hispanic Women and How To Escape The Lack of Success...Have You Ever Been Dissatisfied?

She is the Creator & Blogger of The Bitchy Business Briefs. A business & lifestyle micro-blog. Her writing inspires entrepreneurs, out-of-the-box thinkers, creatives and action takers to spank the economy.

She recently led a media campaign: Houston's Veteran Women with her client Houston Media Network. She is the recipient of the 2014 & 2015 Excellence Award on behalf of American Intercontinental University Women's Summit and recipient of the Latina Trend-Setter Award from H.E.R.O.E.S. for her contributions to the Houston business community. She serves on the Education Committee with Susan G. Komen-Breast Cancer Foundation, The American Heart Association's Planning Committee {Latina Leadership Circle} and The Texas Alliance for Military Women {Leadership Circle}.

The Zapata Group helps to feed 300 children, women, and men at Loaves & Fishes with an amazing organization RYG {Reach Youth Global}.


Thursday, January 22, 2015

The Woodlands Mom Expo ::February 2015::

::Momma Disclosure:: { This is not a compensated post. I received complimentary pass for myself & my readers in collaboration with The Woodlands Mom Expo. All opinions and statements expressed below are my own and true and honest. }



As a local Momma I am constantly seeking events where I can network,meet amazing new people, learn and explore Houston a little more. Having the best support system and great resources is very important for every Momma. Which is why I am happy to be helping spread the word about this years Mom Expo! Will you join us for great information and resources and I am sure a fun-filled day?  

The Woodlands Mom Expo is a family friendly, Momma lead event.  You will not want to miss it, join us in the fun and tell your friends about it! Visit the site for all the details and if you come by on Saturday we might even run into each other, see you there.... 

                                                             February 6-7, 2015
Friday  10-3 & Saturday 10-4  
Legends Sports Complex 602 Pruitt Rd., The Woodlands, TX  77380

Attend the Mom EXPO $5 per person ages 12+; Kids are FREE!
Tickets available at the door.

Check out the show schedule for TWO days filled with vendors and forums that fit every Momma's needs.  http://www.thewoodlandsmomexpo.com/show-schedule/

The show has some great pre-show promotions and sponsors! They are even hosting a Box Top Challenge that you can join: http://www.thewoodlandsmomexpo.com/box-tops-school-challenge/

The list of exhibitors is amazing as well, one of my personal favorites is the local support group lead by my good friend Shana. The Real Single Moms Club is a growing site that provides everyday empowerment for Single Moms. 

For a full list visit the website today: http://www.thewoodlandsmomexpo.com/exhibitor-list/



IF YOU ARE A MOMMA OF DOS READER PLEASE FEEL FREE TO JOIN US WITH THIS FREE PASS!!! 

TELL YOUR FRIENDS AND JOIN US FOR A GREAT WEEKEND OF LEARNING AND NETWORKING: http://www.thewoodlandsmomexpo.com/


Learn more about the creator: 

::Source~http://www.thewoodlandsmomexpo.com/about-1/:: 

About Your Host

I had the pleasurable and unique experience of forming a mommy group, where I was so fortunate to share my experiences with other women through both online and off-line interactions. This group was very near and dear to my heart for the four years I ran it as the founder and organizer, while my first child was very small, and until my second daughter was about a year old, where I felt deeply connected to its foundation because of my passion for continuing my bond with fellow moms.  I was able to devote additional quality time for my children as well as build on my own social interaction as a new mommy.  I was already running my own business from home, a boutique media consulting group, when my mompreneur abilities nurtured a newly founded mommy marketing division, Mommy Gateway.  My personal life started to blend with my professional background, and I soon developed the Mom EXPO, where I simply placed my own needs and experiences about being a mom right out there on the trade show floor.  I love what I do! I pair moms with their needs, and businesses who target moms, with theirs.   It's a very satisfying role in my journey.  The Mom EXPO has grown to a national tour, and has also spun off Mom 2 CEO:  The Work-At-Home Mom Conference.

The reason for coordinating this EXPO, is because as a mommy group organizer, I've been inspired by our moms who ask questions about their journey of motherhood and look upon other moms for advise and comfort when they don't know if what they're doing is right. Some are more confident than others, but most of us first time moms experience uncertainty in our abilities as a new parent, and sometimes just need reassurance and seek compassion during times of doubt. This is also why I chose the theme of our first year event to be "Positive Affirmations of A Mother's Journey". Sometimes we just need to remind ourselves that what we do is important, and we do matter every day as we raise our children.

Mom EXPO will come together to "Celebrate A Mother's Journey" for many years to come.  

Lori Carrese
Mom EXPO Event Coordinator
Principal, Mommy Gateway