What makes a day perfect?!

…I don’t know about you, but my kids seem to do the trick! I tend to carry a lot of stress in my shoulders and my back. I don’t have too many girlfriends and I don’t gossip or do anything of that nature, I tend to keep to myself. I am very social, love being around people, but lately I have been so focused on my stress, it has been hard to be “me”.

Today I took a moment and stepped back from everything going on and realized that I missed not having too much stress, that I missed being stress free. I had a few things going on these past few months that cause this stress, but I soon noticed that no matter what I do, the bills will still be there, the worry, the stress…it’s not going anywhere.

So, in stepping back today, I had an amazing day with the twins. Even stressed out, I could have an amazing day with them. They literally light up my life with their ways. I enjoy everything about them. My blog post today is just ramblings from yesterday. I enjoyed their laughter, their jumping up and down, my daughters tumbling (can’t wait for her tumbling/dance classes to start), my sons innocent smile and the way his eyes light up when he does smile, and my sons stutter (its amazingly cute). I enjoyed just being a mom today! We went swimming…correction, my kids went swimming. I dislike our new pool in our apartment community. They tore out a perfectly good one (9feet, I might add), to replace it with a 5 foot, freezing cold pool. They say it’s heated but its solar panel heated, meaning if it only gets to 70…then the pool is only at 60. It is the dumbest thing and the whole community hates it, except the UCCS students who now are residents there since UCCS master leased two buildings…oh, I digress.

So, back to being a mom…today was splendid and super amazing. There isn’t hardly ever anything to do in Colorado Springs, you always have to go up to Denver. However, I was reminded that the Territory Days are going on this weekend and I am taking the twins shortly. This is a huge vendor event, from all types of vendors, DIY, jewelry, candles, makeup, food (my fav) and musicians of all types, bands in different locations to wow each type of Coloradoan, and loads of just fun! I can’t wait to show you all some amazing pictures!

Today taught me a lot though…I can’t control what others do (even though I try…it is a Swift woman thing) and I can’t control the stress (a little though I can and I know it), what I can control is how I handle it. Something new I learned on my lovely journey!

 

 

What changes in our life as the days go by? Each person has their own story. For me, it’s been a roller coaster. From getting a product review (got the products in on Monday), watching the plants grow like crazy (we’ve loved that), honing down on my business plan, getting very specific about what I really want to do, and starting to sew (I made pillows!!). These things are so wonderful, little, yet exciting for me and the twins.

                So I started reaching out for products to review and I got one! I am so excited about that. It is a hair growth product for black girls or women of color and I have been using it since Monday on both me and my daughter’s hair. I can see the shine in her hair and I notice the strength of mine. I will be posting pictures and reviews on Mondays and this way I can have a diary of my journey with this.

 

  The next thing is super amazing! My baby sister, Megan, graduated from cosmetology school this past week. She is officially all done with school and can style, cut, color, do nails, etc. and she is really good at it. Next her state exams and then working for a salon or doing something of her own. I am so proud of her. My niece, Dichelle, graduated from Kindergarten to 1^st grade this week as well. She is officially out of school and a 1^st grader, I really can’t believe how much time flies.

                Our plants have grown amazingly well and they are so vibrant and beautiful and I love how the twins are taking so much time and effort into growing these two things. Taking the time to enjoy the process, to water them every day, and then to make sure they are outside all day to get the fresh air and the sun that is needed. I posted pictures below of our progress and how happy they are. 

           

My business plans and life plans have changed a bit over the course of these past few months. I wanted to try and make some pillowcase dresses for my girl, Jazzy, and my nieces. I wanted to sell them online and really get them going…however, I will keep this as my hobby. Something I am really good at is finding things, it’s my niche. From finding wedding items to something someone wants, so I am researching and looking into being a personal assistant/concierge. This will allow me to be creative and to be with my kids a lot, still work from home, and still get paid. It’s all in the works and in my thought process.

                These are the small, yet major, changes and I love it! I went through a really bad few months and trusted a friend who I shouldn’t have and things got rough. However, the lessons I have learned and the growth from these few months has been really amazing and I wouldn’t change it for anything. I hope you take the steps to enjoy the changes and embrace them all.

 

Gearing up for a challenge

I have a little gut that I can’t get rid of..nothing seems to help so I have decided to start working out and eating healthier. I actually don’t mind working out, it’s the eating right that seems to be my biggest issue. I know there are good carbs and bad carbs, but I am confused on which is which. I know I shouldn’t eat certain things and eat more of other things, but I get confused on that.

So, I have looked into weight loss programs that offer a healthy eating plan and that can show me how to eat better and healthier. I have talked to a few people at other places, I have looked into Cross Fit and Slim genics and another food weight loss alternative. I enjoyed talking to them and learned a lot.

However, I saw these two 30 day challenges and I wanted to try those this month and into June and then add a healthier eating plan to my challenges. The first challenge is doing 30 days’ worth of squats and the second is doing 30 days of sit ups.

I am excited that I did my first day today and it went well…I loved it and I can’t wait to do some before and after pictures as well. I hope that you all will follow me on this and I will post my weight loss numbers on here and hope that you follow me on this fantastic journey to a healthier me!

                 

In this weeks news…

It is time to play a little catch up. In the past few weeks, I have been dealing with some issues that have taken over my spirit and my thoughts. I have been so distraught over things and so out of it, I have let what that person has done to me, cloud me and take my happiness on some days.

There is this little thing called Letting Go and I don’t know how to do it effectively. However, I am learning. Focusing on my kids and concentrating on our life and how I want it to be has helped a lot.

I have some ideas and goals for what I want but, more importantly, for what I need in this life. Tomorrow is never promised but if it is given to you, live it and try to accomplish the goals you have set out to accomplish.

This week is going to be busy, not only am I looking for another job (one that is going to pay me) but I am also working on another blog The Life of Three (Google sized) to make it profitable, bring in a small income for little things, advertising, and building up my followers and commentators. I want people to comment on my blogs and posts and follow and read with interest, not just because…well, you can read and follow just because as well.

I am going to be working on my kids DIY project I am working on…want to do the finishing touches and then share it. I am going to also buy them two plants, so they can understand growth, making it into a cool little science project…so maybe four plants.

I also get to get a handle on my health. My health has been a major issue ever since I had twins…its been so crazy. One or two things would flare up, disappear, and then cause something else to flare up. I have been trying to deal with it positively, but that hasnt worked out so much. I just now have accepted all these things for what it is worth.

Sorry for a short post, but today is going to be busy and I really need to get things going. I am going to post more, be more structured, and introduce some giveaways. I had one that had to deal with haircare, but the product was sent to a wrong address, so I am in the process of getting that back into my hands. Its one I am beyond super excited about.

I hope to see you all soon. Continue on your journey and accept the changes life give to you.

Erika S.

It all comes down to family…

So a little bit about my journey is working with and around my family. I have a weird immediate family and a crazy big huge loving family. For the longest, I haven’t been happy with this fact, because Swifts are a crazy bunch to deal with. Yet in my journey time, I have come to realize that I love each and every single one of them.

In learning to have a family, sometimes it is best to step back and see where your priorities lie. I had to do this with my own family and see where I was within my journey to cater to the needs of my family. Sometimes, it is best to step back, if a friend has been saying the same thing over and over, it’s important to look at things from the outside in.

Family is important just because they are family. The best thing about having and being a family is being able to pick and have that family. Family doesn’t just mean blood lines, it means how they treat you, how you feel about them and they feel about you. Being able to have friends who you consider family, it is an amazing feeling.

Last week, I got to see my dad after not seeing him for 20 years. The last time I remember seeing him, I was 8 and he was an old man I didn’t know (lol). I got to also meet my brothers, Zach and Gilbert Jr. I met my step mom Angie, and enjoyed myself. They got to see their grandkids and it was a lovely thing.

This is my family. Family I hadn’t seen but things just fit and we had fun catching up and learning about each other. 20 years is a lot to miss, but the next 20 I would love to share with him and his family, and with you all.

I hope you all enjoy your family, those by blood or otherwise.

With much love from a new member of your family,

Erika

Add new…

Sometimes I wish there were more “me” to go around. I love my job, Public Relations Director at Ruffhouse Athletics, and I love my twins, but sometimes I wish I had another Erika around to help with everything.

I would love to see everyone having a real personal assistant or if you could just type in things that need to be done and its printed out, mailed, or just taken care of for you. I love being a mom, however, I really wish I could have another hour or two so I could spend more time with them. I love my twins and they are my world and sometimes I miss their activities because I am working and they are at school, which is fine.

I do love being tired though…which is weird, but I do love it. I love the feeling of being tired because then you have done something for that day. You have accomplished so much your body is tired or you have done a few things but they were important to the cause. So that is why I like being tired…I know it is weird.

This was a small post but I wanted to share with you all.

Thanks,

Erika S

Whew…what a week!

WOW!! What a week this has been for me and my kids. I started my new job, which I love by the way. I am the Public Relations Director for Ruffhouse Athletics, LLC and I love it. I work in Aurora and have been going back and forth from Colorado Springs, Co to Aurora, CO. I don’t mind the drive, but it does take its toll. I am trying to wrap my mind around everything and I do love it. I get to work with a wonderful lady as well and her company, Essence & Empowerment. I will be doing her PR as well and as the ball gets rolling I will be handling a total of five companies…this is exciting to me.

My business, Wedded Designs, is going to help in the planning process for an organization and I am super excited about that as well.

My kids have excelled at their school (daycare) and can point out colors and shapes all on their own…I love it! They are so precious and such a joy to me and for me, it is amazing how they are just wonderful.  I simply enjoy them!

My most favorite piece of good news is… (Drum roll) getting my own place!! I will have a two bedroom apartment in Aurora, Co in 13 days! I can’t wait…I am truly excited. I go see the place tomorrow and I am going to vision everything in its place and the ideas of many things that can happen in my new place. I won’t have to drive so far and the twins start their new daycare on the 15^th and I know she is excited to have them and it will be a new start for me and the twins.

With my faith in full steam, I have been learning and growing. Taking this journey as far as I can and learning about myself.  I want to be a good person, learn from my mistakes and stop being afraid of so many things. I have had an amazing week, hoping for much, and getting blessed with many things.

Changing my ways, turning over a new leaf, and fully embracing the things I fear and the unknown has been an amazing journey for me. I can’t wait for the next months coming up.

My biggest fear…

My biggest fear…

I have many fears and I don’t know where to start. I am scared of certain type of people, scared of commitment and scared of spiders…well, all bugs actually, they scare me. However, this is about my biggest fear and it is a big one.

My biggest fear is being happy. Finally being able to succeed in things, achieve goals, to be happy, and to make something of myself. My whole life I have been told I would never be better than what I was right then, or that I wouldn’t do anything but fail, or I couldn’t make something of myself. I believed it and it has kept me back from a lot of things.

Lately, I have been on a self discovery journey, giving myself a makeover and really learning about me. I have taken this seriously really looking into my faults, asking myself questions, and wanting to improve on me. I have to say, this has been a rocky ride and some things I see in me I don’t like but I am willing and wanting to change.

My fear of being happy and succeeding in life comes from a rough childhood, but it also comes from me stopping me, doubting and beating myself up. I am so scared that once I reach happiness or succeeding, I will fail people and their new expectations of me. I will not know what to do after reaching that thrill of being happy, falling in love, or having a successful business. I don’t want to be where I am at any more and I am willing and wanting to change. I want to embrace my failures, my goals, and my dreams and make them happen. I know with my new outlook, what I now know about myself, I can take the tools and work on me.

There is a CD series called, ”Your Wish is Your Command”?  it is a 14 disk series and I heard it is really good, I am going to start listening to it. One of my good friends was talking to me about this and she said he spoke about how elephants are strong enough (as an adult) to pull themselves out of their chains. When they are babies, they get chained up, and yank on their chains, but don’t have the strength yet to pull themselves free. When they become adults, they get ready to try, but immediately stop.

As human beings, we allow our minds to stay chained and I know for a fact that is my issue. I was chained young and never broke them as an adult. This is my time for breaking those chains. I know in my life I have always put up road blocks right before something amazing happens to me. I put up defenses, barriers, make myself just give up, instead of moving forward.

I have always let my fears control me, but now it is my time to control my fears, move forward, and really step out and keep on going. I may have fears of failure, not falling in love, being hurt, not being successful, or other chained fears, but as long as I make sure I stay OUT of my comfort zone, ignore the doubts I put myself through or the action of stopping myself, I can be happy and succeed.

What happens next is just more happiness, more success, more rocking things out, more making me happy. I have a clear path, I may take some bumps but it will help me in the long run, help me to grow, help me to be the best me.

What’s your fear and how will you conquer it?

Whenever you feel uncomfortable, instead of retreating back into your old comfort zone, pat yourself on the back and say, “I must be growing,” and continue moving forward. - T. Harv Eker

The most important lesson…

Right now, my life has come and gone in many different situations, some ideal and some not so ideal. I have always believed that the moment you fail at something, you failed. I have started learning in myself that that saying isn’t true in the least.

 When we fail, we succeed and learn so much more about ourselves, what we can do after we get up, and the joys of learning from our mistakes and the points where we went wrong.

My biggest successes are my kids, not to brag, but my babies are awesome! I love watching them play, I love watching them learn, and try new things, and I love their love. How unique God is to give us children who just love unconditionally. I sometimes feel like I have failed in parenting, raising them, or have failed them, but I think they have turned out to be very respectable, loving, and giving kids.

Something I am starting with them is a chore sheet and a goal sheet. I found them at my favorite place in the whole world (Target) and they were only $1.00. They are pretty sweet…I can write in five goals for the week and place stickers in them each as they make and complete each goal, on their own or with my help. There are small You Did It awards and stickers in the booklet as well. I think it’s a lovely little tool.

I want to be more creative with them, trying new things, going for nature walks, especially since they do love walking and being outdoors. I think that this will help in strengthening our bond. I think it will help me as well.

Another thing I have decided to work on is my blogging. It is a goal I made for March…to get back into blogging. I don’t want to just make money off my blog and I don’t want to just do giveaways, but I want passionate followers, ladies who comment on a daily basis, and a media kit….that would be amazing. To start, I am teaming up with a web (blog) designer to create a more engaging and interactive website and blog site. I want don’t want to copy other mom blogs out there, especially the ones I love to follow, but I do want that feel of being known and being respected by other mom blogs.

So this will start off my new blogging experience and I can start giveaways, writing for other companies, and being an awesome mommy blogger.

So, to all those worried about your failures, don’t be…they help us with our success. I think a failure is a way of making sure we stay humble, making sure we are working on ourselves continuously and making sure we always know how to get back up. At least that is how I see it.

Hope your Monday is a wonderful start to the rest of your week.

Lately…

Its a new day…one that requires changes. You can’t complain about something if you aren’t willing to change it. Your outlook is something that HAS to be CHANGED for your mindset and lifestyle to be changed. My girlfriend said this:

I take 110% responsibility for where I am today and for WHAT I’VE GOT. Starting now, I’m ready to change my THOUGHTS, change my ACTIONS, to get better results.

So lately I have been having a pity party but a documentary has brought me out of things. Once I noticed that and took it for what it is, I have seen a change in me. This journey has been tough but so rewarding in finding me, knowing what I need to do and knowing HOW to get there.

I really am enjoying getting back to blogging, I need to get some sleep, but why not work since I can’t? My twins turned three today and I was simply shocked that I have two three year olds. I never thought in my whole life that I would have kids and twins at that. Today we just hung out together, and since tomorrow is a day off, I plan on doing that as well…just hanging with my twins and loving them. It is important to use this time wisely since I know time can never be given back.

I wanted to share this simple little motto that I am starting to use and to imply in my life:
Keep it simple
Trust in the system
Live in the present.

Enjoy your day and live to your fullest.