Taking things for Granted

I feel that I am at the lowest point of lows in my life...and it's sad because it is L-O-W!  I hate when I do talk about how I feel, I always get the "things could be worse" spill and how "better things are to come."  I don't want to sound ungrateful for the thoughts and encouragement I receive, but when YOU are the one in the situation it doesn't matter what is said.  It's all about perception and my perception is skewed at this point because I know what I had and I can say that I took those things for granted.

Just three months ago, I was living in the Sunshine State, making a good salary, had my own place, my fiance, my own car; the norm when you live on your own.  Now here I am with no car (was totaled in an accident), I live with my mother and grandmother plus five others, my salary sucks as I took a HUGE paycut from a salary to hourly job, I'm back in the state of "lovers," and my fiance and I are apart.

I have been thinking about how I took the things that I lost for granted.  I needed a quote that was going to speak to me and it took me less than three seconds to find this:

This is no lie.  I miss the Florida weather, I miss the children I use to work with that worked my nerves, I miss my coworkers that didn't always see eye to eye with me, I miss my Altima that took me from here to there, I miss the lizards running across my yard.  I miss all the little things that I thought annoyed me more than anything!  It's funny how God will show you the things that you take least for granted and will force you to appreciate what you don't have that much more.  I am trying to remain optimistic; the glass is half full, but it's hard when you are sinking in your own sorrows too tired/worn down/beat up to save yourself.  

All I can ask is forgiveness and for others to pray for me.

Peace & [finding] Happiness,

~Erika

When Life Gives You Lemons...

It's been a while since I have wrote on my blog and by the title of this you can tell that there's a story behind it.


As of April 30th, I made the move (back) from Florida to Virginia.  Packed what we had and said goodbye to the Sunshine State.  Please it was not by choice! [super sad face]. 


Not too long after the move, after providing me with over five years of service, my White Unibody MacBook died on me ;( RIP MacBook.  You took me places I never new including transitioning from the PC to Apple world.


Since then I have been working Part-time at JCPenney and just trying to make the best of life.  Hence I have been handed lemons so I can either suck it up or continue to build from it.  I was excited that I did get my #VowVoxBox in the mail the other day!  Oww, Oww!  I was excited to receive the new Olay Regenerist Luminous Tone Perfecting cream, a Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure nail polish in Barracuda, an offer code for Riley & Grey, Pure Silk Moisturizing Shave cream, an EcoTools Pure Complexion sponge, and a Tide to Go Pen.  This was my first BIG box I received and I am so grateful for +Influenster for all that they do and share with us so I can share with others!


Other than that life has been a complete....you fill in the rest.  I am thankful for what I have:  a roof over my head, food to eat, a job even when it doesn't pay much, and family support.  Those are my lemons...the things that strengthen me the most to keep pushing into life.


I came up with a quote a few weeks ago when spirit was talking to me:  "Struggles are real but are the most appreciated times of your life.  Be open to nothing because you will always have something."  My somethings are my family, friends, food, shelter, support, strength, anything positive that will keep me going is my something.


What is yours?


~Erika

Change of Plans

I have decided to take my blog to another level and bring information that I, myself have been working on for the new year.  I would like to bring more deals, sales, and savings to those so we can start saving, yet continue to spend!  I find that I spend a good amount of my time shopping whether it's for grocery, clothes, or makeup.  I don't like to spend full price on ANYTHING!  I just went to H&M Saturday and bought a dress on sale for $3.75!  Now beat that b!tch with a bat!  Starting tomorrow I will be bringing more savings and deals in an array of grocery, clothing, or drugstore.  *Disclaimer:  I do live in Florida so some deals may not apply if you live in a different state.*  However, I will ensure that I post deals that are conducive to all other states as much as possible.  Catch me tomorrow and start the year off not spending full price on any item EVER again!  

Peace & 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~

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~

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

Online Store! Phoenix Rising Boutique

So...I've been gone for a while now.  So long to trying to post a blog a day or at least every other day.  UGH!  But anyway, during that time I wasn't blogging, I FINALLY made my online store.  *jumps up and down hysterically*  This is such a hobby of mine and I finally took the opportunity to share it with others.  I have started making homemade earrings to include button earrings and other types of earrings.  I want to add stuff to the collection such as embellished beanies and eventually sell dresses. Here are a few of my pieces that I have created so far....

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On the site they have little names given to them that I thought would spice things up and add some flair.  I am in the process of promoting myself more and hope that I would have the support of friends, family, and others who are just interested in supporting a small business.  I am proud of my work thus far and hope that others are too and are willing to spread the word.  If interested just go here:  Phoenix Rising Online Boutique.  I will continue to add and update as needed.

Also, if you could leave a comment in the comment box to tell me what you look for when shopping online and what do you look for when receiving an item purchased online?  This would help me with connecting with my customers, having good packaging and promote great customer service.

Peace & Happiness!

~Erika

Virginia is for Lovers...NOT!

Last night before going to bed, my fiance started fussing about how he was glad he left Virginia and all the other bs behind.  Normally when he starts going on rants like that it's because of something he's seen of Facebook.  I'm a Virginian currently living as a Floridian.  Moved to Florida almost eight months ago and haven't looked back since.  I lived on the Peninsula, reppin' the 757 to the fullest.  Although I rep where I'm from and will get into a 757-804 argument in a quick minute, I'm glad that I left too (757-804 only understand that beef).  And the funny thing about Virginia as a state is that the states motto is "Virginia is for Lovers."  I don't understand who or how that motto came about as Virginia is a Commonwealth state.  And for those who live in Commonwealth states, you know ain't nothing there but high taxes and a bunch of bullshit!  How is it that I have to pay personal property taxes on MY car that I pay a car note for annually?!?  What kind of sense does that make!?!  I understand property taxes on a house, but a car???  *off my soapbox*  Any who, I talked to my fiance this morning on my way to work and he went into more detail about why he was ranting and was glad he left Virginia.  He came across a friend's status  on Facebook talking about people hating for no reason and trying to bring other people down and it's so true.  Not all, but some people in VA are like crabs in a bucket.  Once they see that person making moves or just growing into themselves as an adult, they wanna pull them down.  The crazy part about that is it can be your own family or friends you been down with forever!  Now I know that isn't just in VA, that's worldwide, but I can only speak from what I know and since I was born and raised in VA, then I gotta talk about VA.  I can say personally that I don't have many people that I call "friends" anymore.  I wish I could say that I would have those same "friends" thirty years from now like my father's friends, but thats the way the cookie crumbles and I'm not mad at it AT ALL.  I learned a lot from about October 2010 up to now.  And I have especially learned a lot since I moved to Florida.  I think VA's new motto should be, "Virginia is for some lovers, the rest are for haters."  You be the judge.