March Favorites | Baby Edition and Special Guest!

My second monthly favorites with my son!  Check out the baby items that get used daily and have been used for some time now.  Remember to LIKE the video and subscribe!  I make videos once a week, but I am looking forward to uploading twice a week!



As always remember, Peace & Happiness!



~Erika B.

Real Techniques Haul & Brush Cleansing Palette Review

This is the haul and review of Real Techniques brushes as well as their new Cleansing Brush Palette to help keep your makeup brushes looking clean and fresh!



Make sure to like, comment, share, and subscribe to my YouTube channel.  I am now uploading a video once a week by Thursday!  Looking forward to uploading more in the future.



Also be sure to follow me on my social media websites from Instagram (erikab15), Twitter, and Snapchat (both ebanx15)!



Peace & Happiness :)



~Erika B.

CVS Haul | Burt's Bees Skin Care!

I have always been an advocate of purchasing drugstore items whether it was for makeup or skin care. I was still a little cheap in buying any product that didn't cost more than $10.  I decided to try out Burt's Bees skin care line since it was more than what I was used to spending and that the products were 98-99% natural.  I am NOT consistent when it comes to taking care of my skin, especially my face.  I decided that it was time to throw in the town and get down to business!  How could I want good looking skin but I wasn't taking care of it?!?



Here is the video of my haul from CVS on purchasing the products.  I had two $5 ExtraCare Bucks and a 30% of coupon I was able to use to get all of the items for $43!  I had a savings of 42% and saved over $30 on all the products!



I have been using this skin care line along with Dr. Bronner's Citrus soap and my face is starting to make a change for the better.  My dark spots are slowly lightening up, my under eye wrinkles appear to be fading, and my skin is soft as ever.  I will come back with some updated pictures to show where my skin currently is.



As always,  Peace & Happiness :)



~Erika B.

REVIEW | Burger King Classic Dogs

Sunday I elected to take the opportunity to try the new Burger King Grilled Dogs.  I opted for the Classic Dog (since I am not a fan of chili and/or cheese).  The hot dog itself was great, presentation would have gotten an "F."  The hot dog with the condiments looked NOTHING like it does on TV.  I can say that I didn't have an overabundance of one condiment more the the other.  It was pretty even.

I ordered the meal which included the dog, fries, and a drink.  Since I upsized my meal from small to medium, the meal itself ended up being $6.00 even.  I noted that a grilled dog without the meal is $1.99 plus tax.

On a 5 star rating scale, I would give the hot dogs a 3.5 stars out of 5.  Based on the presentation and taste of the hot dog, it was nothing special.  Honestly, I can say that I have had better grilled cookout hot dogs than the Burger King Classic Dogs.  I wouldn't say that I would never eat another one again, however, I wouldn't think to go to Burger King ALL the time to get a hot dog.  My options of ordering another Classic dog would be 1) the weather; if there are no cookouts going on in the area and I had a craving for a hot dog I would go; 2) food at home; I feel that I could grill/cook a better hot dog than that at home; and 3) last minute choice; if none of the above were available, I was craving a hot dog, and I had NO where else to go, I would go to Burger King.

Let me know your thoughts on the BK Grilled Dogs.  How was your dog?  Would you go again?  Do you think it's worth it?  Share your thoughts in the comment section.  Also, here is the link to my YouTube review as I was trying the hot dog in action!

Peace & Happiness :)

~Erika B.

Update | Influenster C9 at Target Sports Bra #C9atTarget

I made a video a few days ago discussing the C9 at Target VoxBox, which included a sports bra from the brand C9 that you can find at Target (I received the bra for free from Influenster for testing purposes).  A day or two later I decided to give the bra a test run when I was working out in the house.  When I tried it on, I already knew that it was tight.  Boy, was I in for a surprise when I began working out.  Comes to find out that not only was it tight, but during my workout, I felt like it was going to cut off circulation!  The bra was definitely TOO SMALL and runs VERY SMALL!!!  I was sent a size Medium based on the questions I asked in the survey.  In addition to that, I am 5'8", wear a 36B, and weigh 190lbs.  My sister also received this bra from Influenster and said that it ran small on her as well.  She is 5'7", wears a 34B, and weighs ~140lbs (give or take).

Overall, my interest in the bra is still there.  I would love to purchase on in a Large to see if that would make a difference.  It did hold up to the fact that it supports and controls sweat.  The only downfall is that you have to go a size (or two) up for a comfortable fit for a comfortable workout.

This picture was taken from my recent Influenster Unboxing video on YouTube.  Subscribe to my channel at www.youtube.com/ebanx151

And as always, Peace & Happiness :)

~Erika B.

Influenster Unboxing #C9atTarget

My most recent video and item sent to my from Influenster.  Influenster sent me this product for review purposes.  All thoughts and opinions are my own!  Feel free to share.



Interested in getting FREE products to try out?  The referral code is here!

OFRA Cosmetics Foundation Review on Dark Skin & Oily Skin | JASMINE ROSE...

Check out my girl, Jasmine Rose!  She has wonderful videos and is just an awesome person overall!  Plus her makeup ALWAYS looks good :)



YouTube | MsJasmineRose

Haul | Fashion Nova with Special Guest!

Check out my most recent YouTube video.  I recently purchased some items from Fashion Nova!  I can definitely say that Fashion Nova has some nice items especially their pants & jeans.  I will leave the links the items I purchased down below.  Also, shipping is SUPER fast!

My special guest was my son since he did NOT want to nap with his sister.  Hey, mommy still has work to do!  Enjoy!

Scout's Honor Bodysuit--Black | http://www.fashionnova.com/collections/bodysuits/products/scouts-honor-bodysuit-black

High Waist Skinny Jeans--White | http://www.fashionnova.com/collections/jeans/products/high-waist-skinny-jeans-white

Olive Oil Skirt--Black | http://www.fashionnova.com/collections/skirts/products/olive-oil-skirt-black

Necessity Black Shoes | http://www.fashionnova.com/collections/shoes/products/necessity-black

F T C

I purchased all items with my own money.  All thoughts & opinions are my own.

Peace & Happiness :)

~Erika B.

Back at It Again with the Blog Posts!

WOW!  It's been so long that I have NOT blogged I didn't even give an update on the babies!  Life has definitely come in and taken it's toll.  I find myself not calling family or friends, in the house, or just trying to figure out what actually happened to my so called LIFE!  The twins will be 8 months this month!   Time sure does fly...especially when you are having fun.  They are crawling, babbling, and introducing their own personalities.  Miss Malaya is a D-I-V-A already honey!  And Mr. Junior is fun, cute, and can be sensitive.  Don't scream to loud or he will cry!  Those are my babies though and I am enjoying every part of motherhood.

I had decided back in October that I wanted to continue to pursue my PhD.  Guess what?  I decided to stop...AGAIN!  I really had no true career desires where I needed my PhD.  The good thing is that I have completed 30+ hours past the Masters and that adds into my income for my current job.  WHOOPEE!!!  Today is the LAST week of classes and I couldn't be more happier than saying that I am quitting school.  However, along with that comes a bill...and I mean a BIG bill.  While quitting school, I also reached my cap for Standardized/Unstandardized Financial Aid with the government.  $140,000 is what I owe them....yup you read that right....a whole house it was what I owe them for two sheets of paper and 36 hours worth of work.  SMH....they'll get their monies...soon or later...the latter part is what is going to happen.

Other than that I am just trying to be a better mother/daughter/sister/grandchild/counselor/friend that I can be overall.  Attempting to get my credit together so that this dream of purchasing a house this summer will become a reality.  We are currently in the process of buying a townhouse (more to come in a separate blog).  But life is life and every day I realize that I need to live it to its fullest!

As always, Peace & Happiness :)

~Erika B.

Review | Cambond Products from Amazon

Hey all!  I'm bring you another review on some products from Cambond!  I needed a new charger and signed up to review some of their other products!  Check them out if you are in need of new accessories for your phone at www.icambond.com!

C O N N E C T I O N S 

Instagram @erikab15

Twitter @ebanx15

Pinterest @ebanx15

Snapchat @ebanx15

E M A I L

shopphoenixrising@gmail.com

Banish Acne Scars

http://bit.ly/1LVtEj0

Join Ebates today and receive a $10 gift card!  

http://bit.ly/1WIl5LJ

M U S I C  B Y 

LMC w/Kamandi | Chrome With the Flames [SoundCloud]

F T C

This video is not sponsored.  I purchased one item with my own money and was sent the other two items for review purposes.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Banish Acne Scars is an affiliate link.

O N E  L O V E.  P E A C E  &  H A P P I  N E S S .

Review | Banish Acne Scars Initial Review

TO BANISH ACNE SCARS (the best acne product out there) then visit http://bit.ly/1LVtEj0

We offer same day shipping and 30-day refund if you are not satisfied!

For any questions about the products, please email info@banishacnescars.com

*This video is not sponsored, however, there are affiliate links in which I make a commission.

NYC Mascara & Eyeliner #NYCBigBold

*This product was sent to me complimentary for review purposes only.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

Today I had the opportunity to finally try the NYC Big Bold Angle Lash mascara and the Big Bold Precise tip liner by NYC.  I can say that these two together are pure gold!  I slowed down on purchasing NYC products for a while because they have been really hit and miss.  That is why I have had these two products for a while and haven't been in the hurry to try them out.  Also, I have been going through my pregnancy so getting dolled up has been the LAST thing on my mind.

Today we had a homegoing celebration for my uncle-in-law and decided to finally whip out the products.  O-M-G!  Why didn't I open this product sooner.  What I fell in love with the most between the mascara and the liner was the liner.  It was easy to use.  Didn't take much effort to make a straight line and buildable.  The one con that I have about the liner is that I feel it's not black enough or it doesn't get dark black like a gel liner would.  However, this wouldn't stop me from purchasing it again.  I would just add gel liner to make it darker how I like it. 

As far as the mascara goes, I think it does well getting the lashes to be big and get longer.  I want to continue to try this mascara but so far so good.

Thanks to #Influenster for allowing me to try their products and keep others updated!

Peace & Happiness

~Erika B.~

Mommy Series! Week 19

It's been about 5 weeks now since my last Mommy Series update and a lot has changed!  I am currently 19 weeks and 1 day into my pregnancy and I found out that I was having a twin boy and girl!!!  That means they are fraternal and for the most part I have been hoping and sensing that that would be the case.  The babies are growing well still and I have not had any problems physically.  There is no longer any sickness and my energy level has definitely gone up.  That doesn't mean that there are days when I am not tired because that NEVER goes away.  But for the most part I am able to cook and clean and get the majority of the housework done before I have to lay down.  This daylight savings time has been kicking my butt though!   It's harder for me to get up in the morning and go to work, but I force myself out of the bed some how.

I go back to the doctor next week, where I will be 20 weeks and 2 days.  I have my anatomy ultrasound completed, where they look at how the babies are growing and if all of their body parts, external and internal, are growing like they should.  I am still taking my prenatals and making sure that I am eating foods high in fiber as well as iron.  At this point, some women may experience constipation, which is not the route I'm trying to go especially carrying two.  According to my What to Expect and My Pregnancy apps, the babies are about 8 1/2 oz and about 6 inches long, which they compared that to a heirloom tomato.  I have started to feel them move with slight sways in my belly, but no heavy kicks or punches yet.  Since I am a first time mom, the app and my doctor stated that I would not feel it until about 20 weeks.  I have about another week to go ^_^ 

Overall I am satisfied with my first pregnancy and how things have been going.  I am thankful and blessed for my two little ones and also grateful that I haven't had any significant things that have risked the health of myself or my babies.

Until next time!  Peace & Happiness!

~Erika B.

REVIEW | L'OCCITANE Shea Butter Comforting Cream

*I received this item from Influenster for testing purposes.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

I started using the L'OCCITANE Shea Butter Comforting Cream when I received it in my Influenster RefreshVoxBox and few days ago.  I go through with my normal routine of cleansing my face with my Clinique and/or Clarisonic (check out my older blogs for my facial routine).  I use this after I use the 3-Step Clinique process and the cream is smooth, light, and refreshing on my face.  

I am hoping possibly that it will smooth my face out more from my acne and post-acne scarring that I have occurred.  The product boasts that it will keep your face feeling soft, supple and comfortable all day long.  I like to use it at night before bed so I can have the moisture soaking in my face over night as I sleep.

So far so good.  I will give an update later in the future!  #ineedshea

Peace & Happiness~

~Erika B.

New Influenster Box! #RefreshVoxBox

*I received these products complimentary for testing purposes.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

Today, after MUCH anticipation I received my new Influenster #RefreshVoxBox!  I know that I always say I love the boxes I receive but this one I REALLY love!  I know that everything will get used (minus the foundation due to color not matching) but I plan on using it someway or giving it to one of my sisters.  

First things first, the Beanitos Chips (Retails $3.49).  These chips were made by two brothers, Doug and Dave and they are free of so many things it makes NO sense!  This is a snack I would grab all the time because they are:  corn free, all natural, no trans fats, no preservatives, gluten-free, no MSG, certified kosher, vegan, certified low glycemic, high fiber (6g in a 1.5 oz bag), lightly salted, and cholesterol free.  HOLY MOLLY!  I have never found snack free of all of these things AND taste good!  I received two bags, Restaurant Style White Bean with Salt and Nacho Cheese White Bean.  There are also only a limited number of ingredients:  whole navy beans, whole grain rice, pure sunflower and/or safflower oil, guar bean gum, and sea salt.  THAT. IS. IT!  I ate them without dip or anything and after a while you can taste the bean taste.  If you don't like beans then you may not want to try them, but I would love to try to them with a dip free of all these things too.

Next, is the L'OCCITANE Shea Butter Light Comforting Cream (Retail $5 (8ml)/ $28 (50ml))  This is a new product formulated with 5% shea butter that is good for those with normal to combination skin.  I am excited to try this as I have combination skin and I hope it will leave my face feel nice and supple.  Also I know that L'OCCITANE is a GREAT product and I am happy I have the opportunity to try their products.  It came in a small jar with a tin lid and was sealed with foil under the cap.  Nice packaging.  The smell is good, reminds me of a Ponds cream product.  Its light to the touch but creamy at the same time.  Definitely can't wait to try!

I also received the CoverGirl UltraSmooth Foundation (Retails $12.99-16.99).  Off top I'm going to say its NOT worth the price for a drugstore product and I haven't even tried it yet.  I only say that based on other drugstore foundations and I don't think it's worth the price.  The foundation includes an applicator and the purpose of this product is to minimize the look of flaws and fine facial hair.  The applicator is used with the foundation and you use it in the direction that your fine hair grows so you won't see the hairs on your face.  Unfortunately, there aren't too many shades to choose from.  I received color 860 Classic Tan, which according to the website is the darkest shade they have.  I'm waaaayyyy darker than that so I may use it as a highlighter or give it to one of my sisters (I think the sisters would be happy with it).  The product also contains Olay serum.

Another product I am interested in trying is the Montagne Jeunesse Face Masque (Retails $1.49).  I have the Black Seaweed Peel Off Masque.  I like the part that says peel off because I have been wanting to try a peel off masque for a while now.  My only concern is that when I try new facial products they tend to break me out.  I am hoping that this doesn't happen; I'm willing to try.  

Two things that will be my best friends in my purse are the Listerine Pocketpaks (Retails $1.40) and DenTek Comfort Clean Floss Picks (Retails $1.39).  I also received a small pack of DenTek Fun Flossers (Retails $2.19-$3.39).  I ALWAYS need a toothpick or dental floss after I eat because food always gets stuck in my teeth.  It can be from apples to chicken caught in my uppers or down in my crown.  I can't even chew gum without it getting stuck between my crown.  I have used DenTek before so I know that this will only add to the DenTek family brands.  The Listerine Pocketpaks are going to be great to freshen by breath after a meal or just in general.  I haven't tried these out since they were released so I am looking forward to see if there are any changes.

I received a Skinnygirl Tasty Nutrition bar in the flavor Chocolate Peanut Butter with Sea Salt (Retails 5 for $5; on sale at Target through February 26th).  170 Calories, 6g protein, 5g of fiber, gluten free and kosher.  All the ingredients I need especially carrying twins!  I'm looking forward to trying this bar and running to Target to get them on sale as well!

Last but not least, I received a coupon for an Orgain Certified Organic Nutritional shake.  The couple is for a free shake (max value $3.99; retails $3-$4 each).  Again being pregnant, I need all the protein I can get and having this to-go is a double plus for me as I don't have time to eat healthy on the go often.

Overall, I love this box.  I love the nutrition and health benefits of this box.  I'm really ready to refresh now!

Peace & Happiness!
~Erika B.

Mommy Series! 14 Weeks

Today marks 14 weeks with my growing babies!  I am excited to be entering into the 2nd trimester as I am looking forward to this energy that people say I should have back.  Some of my struggles have been getting up and getting ready for work.  Every morning it's becoming harder for me to get up and get myself motivated to go to work.  If you read some of my older blogs, you know that I am currently on a mission to work from home.  If I am unable to work from home, then I would like to move from working at a secondary school to high school.  My appetite has picked up as well!  I am thankful that I have a had a pretty good pregnancy where I can pretty much eat whatever my stomach (or babies) desire and keep food down.  The smell and/or the look of food does not make me sick.  However, there are times where I may begin to eat something and all of a sudden lose my appetite, but if I wait about thirty minutes or longer, my appetite will reappear with full force!

Lately, over the past two days, I have been having these small headaches.  They are really annoying because it's not enough to cause a migraine but it's still there causing me pain.  I believe this may be due to my sodium intake as I have been a BIG snacker of salt and vinegar chips and at times I eat things high in sodium (noodles, frozen dinners).  I decided to start cutting back on that stuff (especially the salt and vinegar chips) and hope to see some improvements.  Family and friends who have been pregnant recommend that I drink PLENTY of water and get rest.  These are things that I do consistently but I feel my water intake may need to be much more as at times I feel super dehydrated even when I've bad about 8 bottles of bottled water.  If I'm not drinking bottled water, then I am gulping a bottle or can of ginger ale.  Rarely do I drink anything else.  I also still have not had a craving for too much sugar.  I had a small pack of powered donuts last night and today and I had a blow pop about three days ago.  I only eat sugar in sporadic amounts and only one time a day.  I give myself kudos for someone who was a Snickers junkie for so long :)

Overall, I would like to say that my pregnancy is on the right track.  Exactly two weeks from today, I go in for my routine appointment.  I will be 16 weeks/4 months, so I am hoping and praying that I am able to find out the genders of the babies.  I'm thinking a girl and a boy (but I'm really hoping for two boys!)  Whatever God decides to bless us with, I'll be happy as long as they are happy and healthy :)

Peace & Happiness!
~Erika B

Way to Go...and Random Acts of Kindness Week

It's harder when you set such limitations on yourself!  You get upset because you don't meet them, but you can't get mad because you become lazy when it comes to doing it.  My excuse...I'm going to blame it on being pregnant.  Yeah, that's it.  LOL...but I don't have much content to bring here today.  Just realized that I hadn't wrote on my blog like I should have so needed something up here.

Change of subject.  Random Acts of Kindness Week is coming up (February 9-15).  There are many different things you can do for others whether its just being nice or giving monetarily.  It often doesn't have to be monetarily since people are out here on a tight budget.  Speaking for myself I'm on a very tight and STRICT budget with twins on the way!  Here are some ideas...hope you can share your acts of kindness not during this week, but at least once a week this year.  Who knows what will happen in return...

Peace & Happiness!

~Erika B

Mommy Series: 11 Weeks Preggo!

I am 11 weeks pregnant going into my 12th week!  3 months....YAY!!!  It has been good minus the laziness, always being tired, and being nauseous.  Plus I am carrying two babies so it's double the trouble.  Overall, things have gone smoothly.  For the last week and a half I have been feeling some pulling in my lower stomach area.  I researched the pulling I was experiencing and there were different views on it.  The majority of the views that it was just your ligaments growing to make more room for the baby.  It's not painful and it's not all the time.  Just something that you aren't used to especially if you are a first time mom like me.  I am excited to attend my second appointment, which will be on the day that I am 12 weeks.  

From my pregnancy apps, so far the babies are about two inches long, is busy growing hair follicles, fingernails, and ovaries (if it's a girl), has distinct human characteristics, which means hands and feet are in front of their body, with ears nearly in their final shape, open nasal passages on the tip of their nose, a tongue and palate in the mouth, and visible nipples (What to Expect App).  Funny how they grow so much from the time you first learn you are pregnant up until they are born.  I am looking forward to the energy they say that I should be gaining back as well as my appetite.  I am able to eat now, however, sometimes I will begin to eat and immediately get nauseous.  Another thing that I don't like to eat sometimes are left overs.  I feel that the food isn't as good as it was the first night especially chicken.  I haven't had any weird or needed cravings, however, if I want to eat something in particular I HAVE to have it.  In addition to that, I think I've ate more soup in the last two and half months that I have ever ate in my life!

I am looking forward to transitioning from the first trimester to the second trimester.  I heard it was a BREEZE!!!  I'm so needing that at this point in time  :)

Peace & Happiness

~Erika B.

Changing from your Maiden to Married Name

Some women prefer to keep their maiden name rather than take on their husband's last name.  Not in my case.  I was happy to take on my husband's last name, however, I wasn't happy with the fact that I would have to drive around the world to get my name change!  There are some websites that will allow you to pay a fee and have all your information gathered in one sitting so that you can change your name.  But don't quote me, I believe you still had to send or drop off that information to the designated areas before anything would be changed.  

Here I am going to list some areas of importance on how you should go about getting your name changed.  The first few are most important and then the few afterwards are up to you and what timeframe you feel the need to change your name.

The number one priority item you will need for your name change is a CERTIFIED copy of your marriage license.  I was allowed to apply for a copy when I applied for my license to marry.  You could also go to the courthouse to request a copy.  Copies are charged by the fee so check with your local courthouse to see what the fees are.  

The number one place of importance of where you need to go to get your name changed is the Social Security Administration.  There you are going to need a picture id, as well as a CERTIFIED copy of your marriage license.  Also, you have to fill out an application with your new name change.  You will not have to pay anything (at least I didn't) while you are there.  They will give your a letter stating that your new social security card will be mailed within in five to ten business days so make sure you have an updated address.

Next, is to get your new license.  Of course again you will need the CERTIFIED copy of your marriage license, your old license, and a completed application.  According to DMV of Virginia, you will needed a completed "Driver's License and Identified Card" application (click here for link).  If you are like me with an out-of-state license, they just require that you have a license, that is VALID and up-to-date (unexpired).

If you are employed you want to be sure that your employer knows you are changing from your maiden name to your married name because you will have to refill out forms such as a W-4, and a state tax form (Form VA-4 in Virginia).  Also, you will have refill out your information for your medical/dental/vision insurance, life insurance, and any 401k, 403b, retirement plans, etc.

The last big ticket item will be going to your bank and/or credit union to inform them of your change.  You will have to go to the bank, in person, with your CERTIFIED copy of your marriage license.  There you can change all of your information on your account, apply for new debit/credit cards, and order new checks.

The following places can be contacted at your convenience:

• Notify creditors
• Landlord or mortgage
• Other insurances (auto, life, home, etc.)
• Doctor's offices
• Professional Licensing Boards
• Attorney (to update legal documentation)
• Utility companies
• Post office
• Passport (if you are going on a honeymoon that requires a passport, it is HIGHLY recommended that you change your name AFTER you come back).
• Voter Registration card
• Alumni Association(s)
• Checks and Credit Cards
• Student Loans
• Vehicle Titles
• Gym Membership 
• Social Media sites
• Home Address labels
• Email address/Email signature
• Business paraphernalia (business cards, brochures, etc.)
• Library card
• Online & Magazine subscriptions

I'm sure they are other places to change your name, but do as you see fit.  This is just an idea to get you started or help you with some places you may have forgotten.  Hope this helps!

Peace & Happiness!

~Erika B

Legit Work from Home Opportunities

For a while now, I have been trying to search for LEGIT work from home jobs.  I would like a job that would provide a good income for me to stay at home and raise my children.  I have a good job now and I don't plan on leaving it any time soon, however, I would still enjoy (and like) the option of staying at home if I could.  I have a Masters degree, but since I can remember I have always wanted to be a housewife.  I'm not talking about one of those 1950s or a Stepford housewife.  I like to call myself "Betty Homemaker with an Income."  People laugh at me, look at me crazy, and then of course they point out the obvious, "but you have a MASTERS degree.  Why would you want to be a housewife?!?!"  I like the freedom of working on my time, leaving the house when I need to, and just being flexible.  I don't feel like I can get that in the working world and if I can I feel that the "job" would take over my family life.  Meaning I like to travel, but I don't want to have to travel the world and leave my husband or my children behind.  Also, I would like it to be with my children and working.  If its during their nap, I can work.  If its between their feedings, I can work.  Just having that flexibility is something that's not only important to me, but will be important to my family.

Another big reason that I want to be a "housewife," is so that I can stay at home and TEACH my children.  Some people fail to understand that school isn't were your children learn EVERYTHING.  They have to learn from home.  And that overall is the most important goal for me to reach with my kids.  Knowing that I am not only their provider, I am their teacher and whatever they learn from home and go out to the world to do, I taught them that FIRST!

I have some tricks up my sleeve that may work but I know wouldn't bring in half or three-quarters of the income I have now.  But overall being with my babies and knowing that I am making the most of their world...priceless.

Please feel free to share your ideas with me.  I'll make sure to keep them to myself!!!

Peace & Happiness
~Erika B.