DoubleDutch Magazine - NYC

Raising Chefs was asked to contribute recipes for the Dec & Feb issue of the New York Magazine Double Dutch. We have been so blessed and I know I've said it before to have had these opportunities come our way. GOD KEEP 'EM COMING!!!!

"Friends On Friday"

Just wanted to quickly add the following link to an online interview I did before the holidays. I have some amazing friends. The REAL ONES of course!!! Thanks sweetie for the opportunity!
"FRIENDS ON FRIDAY"

Blessed Opportunities!

We're so excited and have been so fortunate to have so many great opportunities come our way lately. I've been preparing a recipe submission that will be featured in a New York magazine called DoubleDutch for their December issue. In addition I was approached by a very good friend of mine to collaborate on a publishing project with a few other authors, and I gladly excepted that as well. Big things in 2008!!!!

I've also excepted an on going article/column of my very own for an online/print publication called Un World Radio Show Magazine that will cater to a young urban crowd 14-29 called "Latrice Fowler's Tasty Treat Thursday". (I have my own weekly column like Carey Bradshaw only food related.) This is so exciting because that is my ultimate goal to be able to reach the youth with what we do with all our business ventures. Raising Chefs will open up so many doors for so many!!!!

If that wasn't enough, we've been booked for two expos in the coming year. Yes, two! January we've been booked for 2 days @ the NBC5 Health and Fitness Expo in Dallas @ the Dallas Convention Center. We'll be demonstrating four simple yet very tasty and creative recipes as well as promoting the book, Raising Chefs. The kids are very excited! We've also confirmed, today another Health Expo in April. GOD IS GOOD, CAN YOU SEE? Through the dark there's always a light not too far in the distance...keep reaching for it!!!!!!!!!!!

Appilcation For Assistance

I swore up and down I would never travel down this road again but I've made myself our to be a liar. After 2 years of committed work my husband lost his job and with him being the sole bread winner these days we've had to sign up once again for Food Stamps and Medicaid for the children.

Just sitting in this office makes me sick to my stomach I'm having to do this again. They treat you like trash because you're in need of their assistance. Not knowing that some of us really are trying to make it on our own. There was this little girl in her stroller and when she got out to play for a bit the back of the seat read "Dream On Me". WOW!

A Mother's Love

My 6 year old daughter (Tyanna) has been slowly but surely weaning herself off meat. I realized this a while ago and she has since stopped completely. I'm so proud of her for standing her ground and making a very mature choice and at such a young age. (my children are very independent) So now what is a mother to do to make sure she's getting all the nutrients she needs? I of course turned to the web to see if I could find anything on the subject of "vegetarian kids" and only came across a few sites with minimal resources. So, you know me I had to come up with something that would benefit other parents with children who are choosing this route. In the next few weeks or so I will be launching a new online magazine full of insightful resources for parent who are in need of answers just myself. "VegieKid.com" emagazine will offer a variety of simple meatless recipes that will be quick and full of flavor great for breakfast, school lunches, and of course dinner. There will be a host of interactive features so please keep checking this blog and www.vegiekid.com for updates on the site's launch. Even if you and other members of your family are still meat eaters you can adapt meatless dishes for the ones who requiring them, "VegieKid.com" will show you how.

Newly developed recipes already in the works...

Italian Herb Cheese Pizza Pinwheels
Garlic Parmesan Grilled Cheese
Veggie Pasta Shells Salad w/Balsamic Vinaigrette

Getting Back In The Swing Of Things

When I first started writing or constructing my book "Raising Chefs" I created a workbook binder with all my handwritten recipes, notes and other stuff that I needed to keep in one central location and remain organized. I got up this morning and cracked it open to see where I left off and couldn't remember how long it had been since it was last opened. I can't believe how much time has gone by. I can't and will not let this slump happen again. I need to remain focused and clear on my goal to have this book out soon. I've allowed so many things to take my attention away from this dream, and I say enough is enough. So many of you have been waiting so patiently and I know when it drops it's going to awesome!!!!! Please continue to be patient with me, I've made sure you won't be disappointed!!!!!

Tested!

I often wondering how many road blocks are still to come. After 2 yrs of working his you know what off, the company that gave him the highest reviews let him go. Yes my hubby lost his job and we are once again s t r u g g l i n g!!! What else is new?

I know God is once again testing us to see how well we handle this set back. Even though I'm writing the words if something doesn't come in for him we'll probably be sleeping in our car. It sometimes gets to the point where I want to give up on this dream of mine and just go out and get that 9 to 5 but something deep inside takes over and I just can't settle, AND I WON'T!!!!

THIS TOO SHALL PASS!!!! Pray for us!!!!!

This Is My Testimony!

I had the pleasure of being among some of the most inspirational people today, I am truly blessed! I kind of paused for a few minutes writing this because it brings tears to my eyes thinking about how my life was playing out just a few years ago. I toyed with the idea of ending it all and giving up because at the time I was going through a lot. I had a lot of emotional baggage I was knee deep in. But ultimately giving up and letting it over come me just wasn't something I wanted to be remembered by. So I picked myself up and made the most important call to God because he was not done with me. And he's still not...we're all works in progress.

Now I would like to give the biggest shout out to my girl!!!!! Patrina!!!!!! Thank you, thank you, so much for your surfing abilties...I know I've said that to you but I had to repeat myself! As my momma would say "you are an awesome chick"!

Patrina offered me a guest spot of her radio show entitled "Suited For Success" on KGCM Radio (kgcmradio.com) today and I was able to be in the same presents of some truly amazing people. I thank God everyday for the directions my path crosses, and the people I come in contact with along the way. I am truly BLESSED!!!!!

God Is Good, Just In Case You Didn't Know It!

Long Time No Post

How do you make time for everything you commit to in your life? How do you pick and choose the things you want to commit to? Do you choose one over the other? These are the questions I've been asking myself lately. I have been so consumed with my involvement with TX Supports Jena Six which is now Equal Justice and have completely lost touch with this site as well as Raising Chefs and all the other sites I'm attached to. Not to mention my family. They've supported all my efforts with this new title of ACTIVIST that I so proudly wear, but they have suffered as well. My youngest for two weeks failed her spelling test and I know with my attention elsewhere she slipped through the cracks.

I have so much left to do with the book, but I'm not trying to rush myself. I know I've told people that the book will be out this year. Well, it's looking like the early part of 08 Raising Chefs might see the light. Self-Publishing is an uphill battle when you're on a somewhat fixed income. (Living paycheck to paycheck) Even though the initial fee with the company that I'm in partnership with has been paid. However, the package that I opted for didn't include the book layout and I need a professional to complete my layout, I'm but a amateur.

With that said, it took me almost 2 years to come up with the initial fee so with the upgrade for the layout it'll probably take me another few months. I'm also looking to purchase my own high performance 10 mega pixel camera and lighting equipment to take the food insert photos for my book. If I hired a photographer for that, boy...it would be another 2 years before the book could be on your kitchen shelf.

Wish me luck!!!

Met w/G. Garvin

I had the most wonderful time yesterday @ the Ebony's Black Family Reunion Tour in Dallas. I had the opportunity to meet with G. Garvin and his producers and was able to share with them a little bit about the book and show them some samples of my food. Let me just say, THEY ALL LOVED IT!!! THANK YOU GOD!!!!! If you dream it and work on that dream, THEY WILL COME....TRUST IN HIM!!!!! Love yall!

Monumental Movement

I'm not sure if you've heard the story about the Jena Six boys in Jena, Louisiana. If you haven't heard of this please Google Jena Six and read up on it. The reason I'm bringing this to your attention is because there's going to be a national protest in Jena, La on September 20th. I first time heard about the protest and the story was on the Michael Baisden Radio show. I have since volunteered to organize travel for the Dallas/Fort Worth area in support for the Jena Six. So if you're interested in a seat on the buses that will be traveling down, please call my voicemail # @ 817-349-3602 letting me know how many seats you'll need. There's information posted below so please access those resources. And if there's anything else you'd like to do the help please let me know. Thanks for your time is the urgent matter.

· Jena 6 Timeline

· Free Jena 6 Video

· Online Petition: Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice

· Jena Six Slide Show

· More Photo's

TX Supports Jena Six Blog
TX Supports Jena Six Email
TX Supports Jena Six Myspace

I'm searchable!

I can't believe it, and I know I say that alot, but! I was sitting on my mom's bed the other day listening to her tell her friend over the phone about my site. She just went to google typed in my name and BAM! I was indexed!

I looked on several search sites today and it's the same all around...I just love it...now all I need to do is get more people searching for me, visiting, and linking the site so we can sell, sell those wonderful books coming soon! Come on people!

Activating Technorati

Technorati Profile

In awww & Proud!

Yesterday my husband was off of work just chillin with the girls and I. I wasn't trying to pay attention but while he was taking a call from one of his cousins' I was just floored at the pride I heard through his voice when he was explaining everything that I've got in the works. Telling him all about the book, the website, and the new restaurant due to open in less than 6 months. I kind of got teary eyed because everything we've ever talked about, and dreamed about is right around the corner, getting closer and closer. It's almost in that surreal stage and we're just at awww and overwhelmed with pride!!! Thank you GOD for all these blessings, they're so received!!!

Oh and by the way we just got into a house in Little Elm, TX so things with the restaurant will get underway shortly...yea...yippy!

Photo Dave to the rescue! Part Two

May I just say, Dave you are "The Man"! Thank you so much for all that you do for my family and I. The vision for this past photo shoot has been in my head for the past 3 years, and Mr. Dave came to the location and took each shot has I've been picturing them all this time. If you haven't seen his work, I encourage each of you to stop by his site and take some time and look through this man's eye, he is truly awesome.

Who would have thunk it, surfing the internet, finally checking out www.craigslist.org/dallas, clicking on gigs/talent would lead me to Mr. Dave. I told my girls, he will be their photographer for as long as he's taken pictures. Dave, you really saved my life with this book cover photo shoot, thank you so much!

8 Hours & Counting...

My book-cover photo shoot is set for 9 am, and I'm so excited and tired all at the same time. I've been shopping for my outfit., he kid's outfits, food and little nick-naks I needed for the shoot. I'm still cooking up some goodies, and still have a lot to do before I try and get a nap...and I say nap because by this point, I probably won't get to bed until 4 or 5ish...up again at 6 to make it to my shoot location by 7. The photographer won't be there until 9 so I'll have a small window to get everything set up.

I'm so excited I can't hardly stand it!!! I've been waiting for this moment for 8 years. I've had the vision for this book-cover in my head for the 3 years and in a few hours it'll finally happen...DREAMS DO COME TRUE!!!

RCC Summer Camp 2007 - Special Guest

We (Raising Chefs') were invited out as Ridglea Country Club Summer Camp's special guest speaker this year. I've never been a special guest before, it was very exciting and a very good experience for the kids and I. This was our very first cooking demo and I think it went great. A little nervous but our overall experience was awesome.

I kind of got a heads up on what to do and what not to do for future demos & presentations. The kids had a wonderful time and they're looking forward to doing more appearances. The same director of this event has secured us for next year at another function she organizes and we're booked for February. I can't wait!!!

Thanks RCC Summer Club Kids!!!

Learning how to except being Respected

Recently celebrating my 32nd birthday, as an adult I must confess, I still have a very hard time "learning how to except being respected" by other adults. Especially when my dream of seeing my new book on the store shelves become a reality. Experiencing the world's opinion of me as an author, culinary home chef, wife, mother, and women. Please don't get me wrong. I'm truly thankful for the blessings that have been received and that are yet to come. I basically needed to just say this out loud. This is one of my stuggles, and now my new prayer..."learning how to except being respected."

Photo Dave to the rescue! Part One

My girl's photographer has offered his skills in my little photography dilemma. I'm so grateful that he is pretty much saving my life here. He is the best I know, so I'm so comfortable he'll do the cover just as I've envisioned it for so long. Thanks Dave!

And then there were three...

My goodness, I have been working my tail off. I'm down to 3 pages left on my website. I'm so ready for all my pages to be done! You probably wouldn't believe me if I told you, once upon a time it was nothing for me to stay up all hours of the night working on my personal websites.

I've owned purpletexen.net, gottalovethatgirl.com, and sainternetchef.com. I've probably had more just can't remember the web addresses any more. I think when I hit my 30s I guess all that sleep I wasn't getting back then was catching up with me. It takes all that I have to make myself stay up past 11pm these days. I know I'm being silly, but it's the truth.

Well I guess I'll see if there's anything else I want to do on my pages, so I'm outta here for the time being...

Lazy Days (Snap out of it Girl!)

I can't believe the summer is already here and with the kiddos out of school you would think I could get things together and work none stop. Well, that's just not happening. I would love nothing more than to take them to the park, to the mall and swimming every day but I have so much to do. I'm trying to keep the weekend open for family things so that the week days are spent working on the site, researching, networking, and blogging.

I have so much left undone. I need to find a photographer for this book cover. I also need to come up with my upgrade fee for my self-publishing so they can do my layout for me. Learning Adobe Indesign was getting me no where, because that program is way too hard for a beginner who needs to know what she's doing ASAP to get this book DONE! I want to retest all my recipes so I can get all my food photos taken.

Once all of those task are completed I can then submit all my materials to my publishing company. The production of the book will take approximately 6 weeks and then they'll send a proof copy for me to look over and once that's approved Raising Chefs...not just good cooks! will be ready for distribution. Lord, I can't wait! Pray for me.

Additions

Everyday I'm finding something else that needs to be on my site. In the last few days I've managed to add an RSS feed, refer-a-friend (to my site) button, and I've made the site mobile friendly. I even managed to create a little icon or logo next to the web address, so when you bookmark my site the little chef's hat icon will appear...cool huh? I'm so excited about this site and getting the book done.

I'm still waiting to upgrade my self-publishing package. My first plan was to do the book's layout on my own but now I'm thinking I want the help so that's why I need to pay the upgrade fee and send them all my stuff and the book goes into production. I still need a photographer to take the book cover photo...since my previous photoguy bailed on me...HELP!

Pray for me...I'm so ready!

Live! RaisingChefs.com !Live

I just wanted to shout it out loud and let everyone know that my site www.raisingchefs.com is live, with the exception of a few pages that are still under construction. But for the most part “Raising Chefs...not just good cooks!” is live. Check it out and let me know what you think. Don't forget to sign up for the book release update. Even though the site is live the book in still being put together and hasn't gone to production. If you sign up for the book release update I will send you an email announcement when that date arrives. Until then enjoy the site and tell as many people as you can, I really appreciate it more than you will ever know.

Raising Chefs is live!

Well I said no matter what the site would be up and running June 1 and it was. I officially launch the site yesterday before midnight. I still have a few pages under construction but at least it's live. I'm so excited for people to start seeing what I've been working on, and get to know us and learn about the book! I can't wait!

Getting down to the wire.

I don't know why I keep doing this to myself. Waiting until the very last minute to pull something off is what I seem to do best. I have less than 11 hours to get my website for my book up and running and I still have a few pages, graphics, and other important things I need to do offline. Will she make it, you ask? I think I work better under pressure...most times anyway. But we'll see, the site will be going live @ midnight regardless. Wish me luck!

Ask and you shall receive...

I use to pray for ideas and nothing would happen for a long time. For years this would go on. But I knew I had something in me I wanted and needed to share with not only my friends and family, but the world. I kept believing that this simple life wasn't for me. I was supposed to do something amazing with my life. In the past 2 years I would say, prayer and keeping that close relationship with God has opened up so many doors for this little Texas Dreamer.

I not only have the ideas flowing, but praying for people to be put in my path is the biggest joy I've ever experienced. He keeps sending these influential, talented, inspiring, and intelligent people in my path, to get me that much closer to my dreams. I hope I can be that person for someone who needs me!

...thank you lord for all the blessings you've bestowed upon me. I receive everything that's you're will lord! Thank you!...

I'm the blame this time...

I know the last time I posted I was faced with my photographer cancelling on me. Well, since then and since the rescheduling of the new shoot on May 12th, that was cancelled as well. He opted to go Golfing instead...I suppose that's what I get for trusting and hiring family to do me a favor. Which it wasn't even me who asked, he (my husband's uncle) volunteered. Anyhow, since then I've just been sitting around moping, not getting anything done. Consumed by the disappointment, depressed. And knowing that I need to get at this my website completed by my own deadline of June 1st. I tend to get very lazy and disconnected with what I need to do to get this book done when I'm faced with another set-back. I'm so tried of this whole process, but I can so see the beautiful outcome that's right in front of me, I can't stop anymore even though I have no photographer to do the book cover photo. And even if I found one I can not afford it right now. We are so far in debt it's very scary! I feel helpless, and hopeless!

Minor Set Back

This has got to be the worst week ever. I asked my husband about a week ago to call his uncle to ask him if the 21st of April would be a good time for him to take the photograph for my book's cover. (He's my chosen photographer.) And when I talked to him today I was told he thought the shoot was scheduled for the 24th. So needless to say the shoot will not happen this weekend for the book cover, instead we'll be taking some promotional photos for the website http://www.raisingchefs.com/. So I suppose it's all good, but I still feel as if I'm faced with yet another obstacle. Will this book ever get done is always my question?


Latrice -

Calling on a miracle...

I've been working on my cookbook for about 6 years now and it's not all been non-stop. I'm the biggest procrastinator I know and now that I've gotten the biggest headache out of the way (my self-publishing fee) I have an even bigger one I'm facing. I'm trying to get all the last minute things in order so that I can submit all my documents and photos to my publishing company so my book can go into production by the end of this month. I know I can do my best work under pressure but am I fooling myself, can I really learn Indesign and layout my book, retest/reorganize all 30 of my recipes, and take all my food photo as well as the book cover photo in 29 days? I pray to God I can...hints the title "Calling on a miracle." Wish me luck!

Latrice -

Supermom, that's me!

I find myself pulled in so many different directions and at the end of the day I still manage to have a list of things I didn't get done. This is a never-ending battle in my household as in others I'm sure. Being a wife and stay at home mother of 3, while trying to write and publish my first cookbook and building a sCorporation there just isn't enough hours in the day. I just needed to take a minute and rant a little. I'm going to bed early tonight, I can't do another 2am'er. Night!

I'm a Role Model!

My 9-year old daughter told me today that she got up in front of her class and told everyone that I was her role model. I can't believe it. Just 5 1/2 years ago this same little girl told her older brother she hated me. With good reason I might add. I was going through a very tough time in my life. I was dealing with some horrible events that happened to me in my childhood and the depression I was sinking deeper and deeper in was taking me away from my children. I was crying all the time and neglecting them by staying in bed all day and they basically had to fend for themselves. I was mean and agitated most of the time wrapped up in my own deep dark world.

After hearing those life changing words from her back then triggered something inside of me. I wanted and needed to get better so I could fix what was apparently broken, my relationship with my kiddos. And that's exactly what I have been doing for the past 6 years now. I went to counseling for the molestation demands. I cleaned myself up, started taking care of my appearance. And we all started healing together.

I think she's my role model, because she is such an awesome 9-year old. She’s a very brilliant businessperson even at her young age. I thank God everyday for that wake-up call. Its something I needed and welcomed after the fog lifted.