The Pursuit of Happiness

WOW!  It's  been exactly two weeks since I posted!  *hides head in shame*  I said I was going to do much better, but life happens.  Any who, I am still on the search to finding what makes me happy.  In this attempt, I hope that I can grab something and run with it like I'm trying to win the 400m Olympics!  That is in reference to my high school teammate, Olympian, and the 5th fastest woman in the WORLD, Ms. Francena McCorory!  If you don't know her follow her on Facebook or Instagram @therealmccorory!  I felt that this quote was inspiring and makes me want to purse my passion that much more.  No time is perfect, but at the end of the day there is always TIME!  I hope you all are enjoying your days.  We are fifteen days into the New Year!  What have you done that matters to you?!?

Peace and Happiness!

~Erika~

Achieve your dreams in 2014!

Okay...shoot me....I came up with a corny, cliche type of quote, but hey it fits the time!  I woke up this morning in such a great mood!  I enjoyed myself last night/early morning with my family and friends, having a small kickback at our house.  It was wonderful to spend it with the people you love and that's my thing for 2014:  LOVE!  I am getting married in 6 months and love is in the air as I have witnessed four people from Christmas to now getting engaged!  I am thankful, blessed and ready to achieve those dreams that I have.  I read a WONDERFUL article on Facebook today from Entrepreneur.com.  Please check it out here!  Recognize your systems, rather than your goals!  If you want to know what I mean, READ THE ARTICLE!  Anywho, here are a few pics from the night!  

OOTN "Mo Betta Blues"

Shirt:  JCPenny

Shorts:  Forever 21

Boots:  BCBGeneration

Tights:  House of Holland

Earrings:  Phoenix Rising Boutique

My honey and I decided to dress alike in colors :)

Hope your enjoy your New Year!

Peace & Happiness!

~Erika~

Giveaway Quote!

Here is the quote that is needed with your submission of your New Year's Resolution comment for Facebook!

Good luck!  Remember we are all winners as long as we keep striving for what we want!  

Peace & Happiness!

~Erika~

Phoenix Rising Boutique Giveaway Details!

I am happy proud to announce my first giveaway for Phoenix Rising Boutique!  *YAY!  Cheers & applauds roar the crowd!*  This giveaway is to celebrate the New Year and the new goals that I have in my life.  I actually started my boutique about two months ago and have been really slow to get it going.  I am thankful for those family and friends who have supported me thus far.  I have put a lot of time (and money) into this and I would just like to reap some of the hard work I have been doing so what better way than to do a giveaway!  I would like to thank Jasmine Rose (@JazzyTe007) for supporting me when I reached out to her.  PLEASE go check out her YouTube channel as she is AWESOME!  She talks about fashion, makeup, JIY/DIY's, and most of all community.  She is all about giving back and reaching out to help someone!  Here's a link to her channel and her blog!

Okay, so enough with the intro and into the details about the giveaway!

1. You must "Like" my Facebook page, Phoenix Rising Boutique.  My page is www.facebook.com/shopphoenixrising or just click here!
2. Write one of your New Year's Resolutions in the comment section under the giveaway post!  Please be specific and try to limit your resolution to one specific thing.
3. Name the quote from my blog dated for today (December 29, 2013) along with your comment.

Winner will be selected at random and contacted through Facebook.  Giveaway ends 12/31/2013 at 11:59PM EST.  Winner will be contacted via Facebook on the Phoenix Rising Boutique page.  The winner has 24 hours to respond on the page or forfeit their winnings and another winner will be selected.  Good luck and Happy New Year's!

Peace & Happiness!

~Erika~

Update on Boutique!

I have been slacking in the department of keeping up with my online boutique!  Shame on you, Erika!  However!  All of that is changing!  I am currently working on some new projects and beginning a new technique for the earrings to get much more wear and tear out of them!  If you haven't been to the site yet, please check it out here!  I have great stuff for family, friends, coworkers, you name it!  Here is a preview of what you would see on the site... All of the earrings are uniquely named so that they are easier to identify. 



"Egyptian Goddess"                                     "Ready to Hoop?"

"Victorian Charm"                                           "The Chandelier"

Make sure that you stop by TODAY and order a pair.  Also, check out my Facebook page, as I will be having a giveaway for the New Year!  Comment below and/or on my Facebook page if you think I should do a monthly giveaway!  Details of the giveaway and rules will be on my page by 5:00pm EST TODAY!

Peace & Happiness!

~Erika~

Mimi G for Michael Levine: Sequin Maxi Skirt Tutorial!!

This woman has truly inspired me to get on my game and do what I want!  I just purchased a sewing machine over Black Friday from Target and I have a LOOOONNNGGG way to go as I call myself a "novice sewer."  But definitely check her out and check out her blog!

Thanks Mimi! :)

~Erika

Come as You Are

I have had this T-shirt for some time now and today is the first day that I wore it.  I found it fitting since it was Sunday and I wanted to "Dress to Impress."  I got a few stares and one person asked me if it was really my church clothes.  Hey, what can I say! :)

Shirt:  Thrifted

Pants:  Forever 21

Shoes:  Kids Foot Locker (KD VI)

Earrings:  Body Central

Shades:  Forever 21

Hope every enjoyed their Sunday Funday!!!

Peace & Happiness!

~Erika

Outfit of the Days

I decided that I wanted to start doing outfit of the days. This is part of me opening up for 2014 and making myself happy. I have taken a pledge to plunge more into things that I like and make me happy. Not only make me happy but make me feel and look good! What better way than to express myself through fashion. I kind of feel like I'm jumping on a bandwagon, but if that bandwagon is willing to take me to a happy place, I'm all for it!

OOTD--"Stripe Me Down"

Top--Charlotte Russe

Bottoms--Target

Shoes--UrbanOg

Shades--Forever21

As I was writing this blog, I had the GRAND idea to get my fiance involved with OOTD as well.  I figured maybe we can be a tag team/duo like Jay & Bey...minus the rich and fame that comes along with it.  A girl can dream can't she!? :)

His OOTD--"Dos Equis"

Top--Old Navy

Shorts--Aeropostale

Shoes--Nike (Foot Action)

I We will be back to do Outfit of the Days, and if not together, at least one of us...that being me!  

Peace & Happiness!

~Erika

Resolutions don't have to be New...

I decided that I want to take more control of what is going on in my life and do more!  I have some many interests that I haven't had the chance to enjoy and I decided that I want to take control and start now.  "It's my life and I'm taking control now!"  I have a lot that I feel I can offer others and I will be starting with training myself and jumping onboard.  I may also be a future YouTuber so look out!  What are your resolutions?  How do you find time to do the things you love versus those things you are "obligated" to do?

Justice for Myles Litchmore Dunbar