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.

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

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

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

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~

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~

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

Career Change

Lately, I have been pondering over my current career choice and I'm not too satisfied.  Maybe because I'm working with elementary, maybe because of the population I work with, but overall I'm not happy with where I am at in my career.  I have been going over things that I am really passionate about and what disappoints me the most is that there isn't one specific thing that I am great at!  I am the type of person that if you show me how to do something or I can pick it up by watching then I am good to go.  So with that being said, I did some Googling earlier last week and ran across a book.  What Color is Your Parachute?:  A Practical Guide for Job Seekers and Career Changers.  I read Chapter 1 with my fiance and instantly drawn into what was said.  There are little things that we do now that we don't know that is effecting our ability to get a job or should I say career.  If anyone is out there searching for something, I suggest you seek this book.  There are many different versions as they change as the years go so I suggest getting the new 2014 edition.  If anyone is able to offer any advice, my ears and heart are open!  Stay blessed.

Make your next move your best move....

I have decided that instead of talking about it, I will BE about it.  There are so many thoughts that I have daily and I go back to asking myself "What am I doing wrong?"  And over the weekend I found out what I was doing wrong.  Nothing...absolutely NOTHING!  The reason I'm not where I want to be is because all I do is talk about it.  I'm not about that life!  LOL!  It comes to a point in life where instead of someone else telling you that you you're not about that life, you have to tell yourself!  And that's when you realize that you are making the most important move in your life.  Over the weekend I decided that whatever it was that I wanted to do, I was going to pursue it.  Doesn't matter how tired I am, how late I am, nothing is or will from now on stop me from having more than what I have in life.  I hope that I can touch someone to tell themselves that it's more to life than the day to day of it.  And if you recently made a change and find yourself getting back into a routine, change it again!  It's been over seven months since I made the drastic change of moving out of state and I am finding myself back into a day to day routine.   No, sir.  Not me!  *in my Rozay voice*  I refuse to be caught up in something that makes me stressed, looking for more, and unhappy!  No more!  So stop babying yourself, pull up your big girl drawls and go reach for the dream.  Whether small or big, it's your dream and no one can tell you otherwise.  Stay blessed.