By Erika Batista

KIDS HALLOWEEN PARTY SNACK IDEAS

2024-10-23T15:10:00.003-04:00

I hosted a kids halloween party this past weekend and put together the easiest and cutest kids' party spread that everyone loved! If you’re looking for creative and fun party ideas, this is a fantastic option. It features a delightful mix of snacks that are both visually appealing and kid-friendly, making it perfect for any gathering, simply adjust to the holiday or theme of your choice. Whether you’re planning a birthday party, playdate, or family get-together, this simple spread can elevate your event and keep the little ones fed and entertained.

If you're planning a party this week, save this idea for your own celebration, and be sure to show me what you create! Let’s make our kids’ parties memorable with easy and adorable snack ideas! And follow me on Instagram for more fun content!

WALMART HOME FINDS - FOR THE HOSTESS WITH THE MOSTESS

2024-10-18T14:16:00.000-04:00

I’m excited to share my recent home finds from Walmart with you, especially if you are hosting this holiday season. The selection of home goods available online is both extensive and great quality, making it a go-to destination for anyone looking to refresh their space. From stylish decor items to practical essentials, Walmart has something for every taste and budget.

In my latest home styling project, I incorporated a few standout pieces that I absolutely love. I found a gorgeous buffet table that is sold as a TV stand and styled it to be both practical and efficient for organization... but also gorgeous to look at. And of course I had to get this beautiful bar cart, which is less than $300! A total steal! Each piece was not only affordable but also exceeded my expectations in terms of quality.

Shop my favorite Walmart Home Finds below.

HEALTHY SHINY HAIR WITH PANTENE

2024-10-08T14:46:00.020-04:00

Achieving healthy, shiny hair is easier than ever with Pantene Keratin Leave-In Repair Treatment. This treatment has become an essential part of my hair care routine, providing nourishment and shine while helping to repair damage. I love it because I can apply and go or style as I please without having to wait and rinse.

I’ve noticed a significant improvement in the texture and overall health of my hair since I started using it. The best part? You can snag this amazing treatment on sale during Amazon's Prime Day deals! If you’re looking to elevate your hair care routine and enjoy gorgeous, vibrant locks, now is the perfect time to grab it! Watch my reel on IG and follow me for more hair care tips!

You can shop my favorite beauty products and more on my LTK:

HOW TO STYLE BOOKSHELVES

2024-01-29T11:01:00.002-05:00

If bookshelf styling is overwhelming for you, I got you! Here are 3 easy tips to get you started and excited! So by now you’ve picked your bookshelves (I posted my favorites on LTK) and now we get into the fun part.

+ First, determine the style you love, it can be colorful, moody, neutrals, whatever you want it to be. Pinterest is a great source to get started & inspired, so I recommend you follow me (@byerikabatista) if you’re looking for ideas. Create a board and save everything that you love. This is the first step in all my home decor projects!

+ Second, and most important! don’t just stuff the shelves, let’s make it make sense. If you fill too much in, it’s hard to appreciate and simply ends up looking like clutter or a store shelf. Personally, I love to mix shapes, textures and heights. Mix books, art frames, candle holders, bowls and vases. My favorite stores to shop for decor are homegoods, hmhome, hobby lobby, target and walmart

+ Add your color… since my shelves are black I wanted to add a soft contrast by using blue/grays and neutrals. But feel free to add bold colors and patterns too! The more YOU, the better.

+ Books are a must! I like to remove the dust jackets bc I find them more beautiful and classic without. And don’t forget photo albums too! I added my wedding album here and love that it’s meaningful. Play around with the placement. Lay them down and add a vase or trinket on top for height. Or stand them vertically with a bookend or decorative piece holding them up.

+ Picture frames or art work are my favorite to layer towards the back of the shelves. They give dimension and photos can add sweet memories and meaning. Pro tip: measure before buying!

+ Jewelry boxes - I love love love stacking boxes of different sizes and shapes. These don’t have to match, add patterns and color if you like!

+ Vases and sculptures - this is a fun way to add textures and shapes. Adding dried plants or flowers give it a nice touch (and height!) too. If your bookshelves don’t have doors, add real plants!

Step back and take a look... rearrange as needed and remember it doesn’t have to be perfect. Bookshelves add a wow factor and personality to a room, so have fun with it!

Bookshelves: Raymour & Flanigan

Decor: Home Goods, H&M Home, TJMaxx, Target, Walmart & Hobby Lobby

IG TIPS YOU'LL FIND VALUE & HOW TO GET BRANDS TO NOTICE YOU

2023-11-02T17:19:00.007-04:00

So you're wondering How To Monetize On Social Media? Don't worry girl, I am sharing 5 tips on how to get brands to notice you and how to make money on Instagram. I know haven’t shared these influencer tips in a while but I wanted to start them back up for you girls. So here we go… IG Tips You’ll Find Valuable & How to Get Brands to Notice You!

1. Interact with the brand - tag them on your posts and in stories! Make sure you’re in their radar! And when someone asks you where something is from in a comment, tag the brand there too! I got my most recent home partnership when they saw a tag in a comment. They DM’d me wanting to partner!

2. Engagement over Follower Count! Think of it this way, you can have a million followers but if you don't have an engaged loyal community and all you are focused on is a follower count, then there is no value to brands, because there are no sales. And please don't buy followers... it is so obvious when you have 5000 followers, 3 likes and 0 comments on a post. Having real followers that relate to you, trust you and love your posts is 3x more valuable.

3. Hashtags aren’t dead! A lot of brands still find talent via their own hashtags. For example #targetstyle or #hmxme And IMO, it’s even a great way to make connections with local business in your area. I found my favorite family photographer by searching “njphotographer” and I know I can’t be the only one who uses this search tool.

4. Tag your location aka brand or store but not in real time of course:) Geo-tagging is the actual term, tagging brand locations helps brands find local influencers. It's also a really cool way to find other content creators or business owners in your city. One of my dear IG friends found me this way when I tagged my street style location. She DM'd me, we had coffee, we've had several partnerships and the rest is history.

5. Sign up for affiliate programs! LTK and Collective Voice are great ways to land partnerships. These are commissions based platforms where you can link products you’re sharing and earn commission. But the silver lining here is that depending on your sales, you might get noticed by the brand reps and they may offer long term partnerships. I’m completing 24 months of consistent monthly projects with a brand who found me this way.

If these are helpful, let me know! I love sharing how I've been able to monetize on social media. Today, this is my main source of income and full time career. And it's because of people like you that I can continue creating content I love and am passionate about - so thank YOU!

5 TIPS TO MAKE THE HOLIDAYS MORE ENJOYABLE AND LESS STRESSFUL

2023-10-27T11:14:00.009-04:00

Holiday season is almost here! And as a mom of 3, I know how stressful and overwhelming things can get. Especially if you are like me and love to decorate and create the "best" holiday gatherings and memories for the kids. So I am here to share five holiday hacks to help make your holiday season more enjoyable and less stressful:

Plan Ahead: Start your holiday preparations early. Make a to-do list and create a schedule for tasks such as shopping, decorating, and meal planning. This will help you stay organized and reduce last-minute stress.

Online Shopping: Take advantage of online shopping (and the sales!) for gifts and decorations. I've You can often find better deals, avoid crowded stores, and have items delivered to your doorstep, saving you time and hassle. HERE are some of my favorite home decor items this holiday season.

DIY Decorations and Gifts: Get creative by making your own holiday decorations and gifts. For example, you can repurpose and redecorate a wreath or things you may already have! Not only can this be a fun family activity, but it also adds a personal touch to your celebrations and can save you money.

Potluck Parties: If you're hosting a holiday gathering, consider making it a potluck. Ask your guests to bring a dish to share. This not only eases the burden of cooking for a large group but also allows everyone to contribute and share their favorite recipes. Pro tip: consider a theme. I recently hosted a fun color charcuterie board party and it was a huge hit.

Simplify and Prioritize: Remember that the holidays should be about spending quality time with loved ones, not stressing over perfection. Simplify your traditions and focus on what matters most to you and your family. Prioritize the activities and events that bring you the most joy.

Let me know if you try any of these holiday hacks :) I hope you'll enjoy a more relaxed and memorable holiday season.

BEST NJ FARMS TO VISIT IN THE FALL

2023-10-19T23:30:00.004-04:00

One of our favorite things to do with the kids in the fall is to visit different farms around New Jersey. It's become a really sweet tradition and we all love it. This month we visited A. Casola Farm in Holmdel, NJ on the most glorious fall day. It is one of, if not, our favorite farm in New Jersey for more than one reason, keep on reading. On today's post you will find our top five farms to visit during the fall in New Jersey. And if you want to watch our mini vlog from our day at A. Casola Farm, click HERE.

A. Casola

Located in Holmdel, we love the beautiful grounds and size of the farm, it's not too big or small. It has everything from a petting zoo, to hay rides, corn maze, pony rides and a beautiful garden. But my favorite part is the wine tasting! Mom win:) This farm is free to enter and you basically just pay for the activities you plan to do. We went on a weekday this year and it was perfect to avoid the crowds.

Happy Day Farm

One of NJ's most instagrammable farms is also the busiest! Its big in size and has all the amazing and most fun farm activities. From pig races and corn mazes, to the hay rides and the fun slide. The classic tug-o-war and just so many fun games for the entire family. We love that they always have several food trucks lined up. The only down side to this farm besides its popularity (it gets packed!) is that it is also one of the most expensive farms to visit. This year each pass is $27, which includes just some of the activities, not all. Nonetheless, it's worth the visit but I recommend going as soon as they open their doors to avoid the crazy crowds on the weekend.

Alstede Farms

Nestled in the picturesque town of Chester, Alstede Farms is a family-owned gem offering a delightful pick-your-own experience. With over 600 acres of farmland, it's a paradise for fruit and vegetable enthusiasts. You can pick your own strawberries, blueberries, apples, pumpkins, and more, depending on the season. The farm also hosts events, including hayrides, farm animals, and a fantastic farm store.

(Photo was taken at A Casola Farm)

Terhune Orchards

For an authentic farm experience, Terhune Orchards in Princeton should be on your list. This charming family farm offers apple and pumpkin picking, as well as a fantastic winery. You can explore their orchards, sample local wines, and visit their farm store for fresh produce and homemade baked goods. We visited Terhune Orchards for a birthday party one year and it was so much fun! The kids loved the painting area and it was overall a beautiful farm.

Maple Leaf Farms

Located in Manalapan, NJ we love the train ride that goes all around their beautiful playground and animal farm. This farm has pig races, a nice pumpkin patch and fun hay ride. They also have a beautiful selection of flowers and plants which we always love to shop for. This year they even have a live bull ride and country music and every weekend.

Maple Leaf should be on your list for the holidays too, as they create a magical Christmas Walk Thru where the kids even get to visit and see Santa... my kids love it year after year.

Autumn is my absolute favorite for these traditions, I hope the kids will always remember these memories. This year Sebis is loving everything and I love to watch him explore and be in awe of all the little things that sometimes us adults take for granted. I hope you guys get to visit one of these farms this year, I promise you'll love them just like we do.

GIRL BEDROOM IDEAS TO TRANSFORM ANY SPACE

2023-10-19T20:34:00.003-04:00

Designing a bedroom for a young girl can be super fun! It's an opportunity to create a space that reflects her personality, interests, and provides a cozy haven for relaxation and creativity. Whether you're starting from scratch or giving an existing room a makeover, HERE are some girl bedroom ideas to inspire your design process. I'm also linking everything at the end of the post:)

Wall Accents: Start by selecting a neutral color paint for the walls. I personally love adding beautiful decals that can be easily updated later on as she grows older and has different interests. Consider adding an accent wall with a fun wallpaper or a mural to create a focal point in the room. Gold or white frames also give the room a nice touch.

Themed Decor: If she has a particular interest, such as animals, princesses, or space exploration, incorporate that theme into the room. I personally love taking some cute book pages and framing them. Such a budget friendly idea that can make any room feel unique. Books on display in shelves make for a nice added touch.

Gold Metal Beds: There's something so chic about a gold bed, in my opinion. And I love that there are full size beds as well as cribs in this style. It instantly adds a touch of elegance and charm to any girl's bedroom.

Functional Furniture: Choose multifunctional furniture to make the most of the space. Beds with built-in storage, a desk for homework and creative projects, and bookshelves for her ever-growing collection are all great options.

Soft and Cozy Textiles: Don't skimp on comfort. Soft, plush rugs, throw pillows, and blankets can make the room feel inviting and snug.

Organizational Solutions: Keep the room tidy with the right storage solutions. Utilize bins, shelves, and under-bed storage to keep her belongings organized and within easy reach.

Lighting Options: Ensure good lighting for various activities. Ceiling lights, bedside lamps, and even string lights can create a warm and inviting ambiance. I love a beautiful lighting fixture, it truly upgrades any room.

Remember that the most important aspect of designing a girl's bedroom is to involve her in the process. Ask for her input and incorporate her ideas to make the space truly her own. By combining her preferences with these creative ideas, you can design a bedroom that is both functional and a reflection of her unique personality. Whether it's a space for sweet dreams or creative adventures, the possibilities are endless when it comes to girl bedroom ideas.

GIFT IDEAS FOR HIM & HER

2023-10-19T19:04:00.008-04:00

It's that time of the year again! Gift guides are coming in hot and today I am sharing some cute ideas for him and her. From perfumes, to watches and Uggs... everything they will love. You can shop everything straight for THIS link. Happy Shopping!

HOW TO REFRESH YOUR PATIO THIS SUMMER IN 3 EASY STEPS

2023-06-07T09:06:00.006-04:00

Let’s refresh my neutral patio decor this season! One thing about me – I am always going to get neutral furniture because I love that you can easily switch up the style by adding pops of color and prints any season of the year. I recently learned about Clickher and I am obsessed with all the inspiration I am finding on the app. Which led me to refreshing my patio and getting it all ready for summer.

Clickher is a super-curated beauty, fashion, and home decor app, for women looking for trends and ideas from lesser-known creators, without interference from algorithms. The app, which can be easily downloaded in the Apple app or Google Play stores, has made the process to find quick inspo in home decor (and fashion and beauty) super easy and puts you in charge of finding the exact content you are searching for.

Inspired by a post by Sarah Joy curated by Clickher, I revamped my outdoor space just in time for summer.

Here are 3 easy steps on how to refresh and elevate your outdoor space:

Step1:

Add fun, colorful pillows! I love prints to give a pop of color and texture. Have fun with it and mix up jewel tones for a nice chic touch.

Step 2:

Trays are such a nice way to add texture and height to any coffee or side table. I love that trays are multi purpose and can be super versatile indoors or out. In this case I got this gray wicker on but you can also have fun with a wooden textured or metal one.

Step 3:

Plants and colorful flowers will always brighten up any room. Whether you like faux or real plants, it's your choice but personally I like a mix of both.

By adding these 3 easy (and inexpensive!) accessories you can take your patio from bland and boring to fun, warm and inviting. Have fun decorating your outdoors this season and don’t forget to download the Clickher app from Apple app or Google Play stores for more ideas on beauty, fashion and home decor.

3 SUMMER DRESSES YOU NEED RIGHT NOW

2023-04-27T15:29:00.002-04:00

I found the best summer dresses of 2023 for under $50! These 3 dresses are all you need for your next beach vacay. From a gorgeous orange cover up to embroidered mini dresses and the most exquisite colors for the season, H&M has got us covered. I did a try on haul, you can watch it HERE. For reference, I am wearing a size small in all 3 that you see in the video but the yellow and magenta do run slightly big.

These 3 dresses are the perfect option to add color in to your wardrobe this season.

Shop my 3 looks plus some other H&M favorites below.

TOP KNIT OUTFIT TRENDS FOR SPRING 2023

2023-04-19T21:41:00.004-04:00

Spring is finally here, and with it comes a whole new world of fashion possibilities. This season, one of the biggest trends is knit outfits. Whether it's a cozy sweater, a two-piece set, or a stylish dress, knitwear is all the rage right now. And if you follow on IG, you know I've been all about it this season.

Including this beautiful two-piece look I wore to an event last month.

Here are some of the top knit outfit trends for spring 2023:

Cropped sweaters: If you're looking for a way to show off a little bit of skin while still staying warm, a cropped sweater is the perfect choice. These sweaters come in all kinds of styles, from chunky cable knits to delicate lace designs.

Oversized cardigans: This season, the bigger the better when it comes to cardigans. Oversized cardigans are not only stylish, but also incredibly comfortable. Pair them with skinny jeans or leggings for a cozy yet chic look.

Knit dresses: Dresses are always a popular choice in the spring, and this year, knit dresses are particularly in vogue. This is for sure my favorite look and style. I wore them all over Miami on my recent trip.

Colorful stripes: If you're looking to add a pop of color to your wardrobe this spring, look no further than colorful striped knitwear. From bold rainbow stripes to more subtle pastel hues, there's a striped knit out there for everyone.

Coordinating sets: Matching knit sets are a fun and easy way to look put-together without putting too much effort. Whether it's a sweater and skirt combo (like the one I am wearing here) or a top and pants set, coordinating knits are a stylish and comfortable option. And bonus, you can mix and match and wear with your favorite jeans.

No matter what your personal style is, there's a knit outfit out there for you this spring too. Whether you opt for a cozy sweater or a trendy knit dress, you're sure to look fashionable and feel comfortable all season long. Shop this and all my current favorite knit looks HERE.

SUMMER OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING: 3 TIPS FOR FUN AND CASUAL GATHERINGS

2023-04-19T16:48:00.005-04:00

It's that time of the year! Spring and Summer are the perfect time to host a fun and casual outdoor gathering with family and friends. Whether it's a backyard barbecue, a pool party, or a picnic in the park, outdoor entertaining is a great way to enjoy the warm weather in good company.

Here are some tips for hosting a fun and casual outdoor party:

1. Keep it Simple yet Chic!

One of the keys to a successful outdoor gathering is to keep things simple. Don't stress about creating a gourmet menu or elaborate decorations. Instead, focus on simple, crowd-pleasing foods like burgers, hot dogs, and salads. Set up a DIY drink station with lemonade, iced tea, and a few cocktail options. Cute cups and plates make any party feel more elevated! Find my faves HERE

2. Create a Comfortable Atmosphere.

Make sure your guests are comfortable by providing plenty of seating options. Use outdoor-friendly decor like string lights or paper lanterns to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Don't forget to set up some shaded areas to give your guests a break from the sun.

Make sure you have plenty of sunscreen and bug spray on hand. Also, be sure to have extra snacks and drinks in case unexpected guests show up.Enjoy yourself!

3. Have Fun Activities + Good Music!

Keep your guests entertained with fun activities. Music always sets the vibe so try to plan your playlist ahead of time. Set up some lawn games like corn-hole or giant Jenga. You can also set up a DIY photo booth with fun props and costumes for your guests to use. If you want to be a little extra lol

Most importantly, don't forget to have fun! Outdoor entertaining is all about enjoying the company of friends and family. So kick back, enjoy the sunshine, and have a great time! You can shop my current outdoor essentials below.

THE BEST SKINCARE PRODUCTS YOU NEED RIGHT NOW

2023-03-22T14:53:00.004-04:00

I love an easy but effective skincare routine. And as a mom of three little ones, I need products that make me feel confident and beautiful from the early start of my days because mom life, right? So today I am sharing my current beauty routine and some new and old products I've been using.

Let's start with my facial cleanser, when I tell you it is one of the best face washes I've used, I am not bluffing. I've been using for about 6 months now and to be honest, Dave and my 11 year son use it too. This CeraVe wash is super gentle but for me it also gets rid of all the makeup and dirt. A total TEN! I follow my face wash with this $17 gentle exfoliator which I use every other day. It makes. my skin feels super smooth and squeaky clean. This combo is a 11/10, for real.

I've used a variety of toners over the years, some sent by brands and others I've been curious about on my own... but the one that I have continued to used is definitely Pixi's Glow Tonic, I am always impressed at the fact that even though I just washed my face, this toner will still clean it even more! And the cute glow is a nice bonus!

When it comes to moisturizers I love thick glowing hydration and I rotate between two faves. My Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream gives me an instant hydrating glow, it's so rich and yummy - I am just obsessed! But I can't forget my tried and true, I've used itCosmetics for years and I go back and forth between both of these, I use them day and night and alternate as I see fit for me. I would recommend both to be honest.

Onto serums... ah the tale of the never ending trial and error for me. So I have to say it hasn't been the easiest to find a daytime serum I am obsessed with BUT I recently got some samples at Sephora and tried this one and this one because I've heard the most amazing things. I have to say both are good but they also do different things. I love the instant glow Good Genes gives me while C-Firma provides the vitamin C we are all looking for but I didn't notice a change in my discoloration - then again I only used C-Firma for about 2 weeks. If I had to choose, I would pick Good Genes from these two.

After I apply my fab 5 products, it's time for SPF, of course! I love this mineral one by Mario Badescu, it's light, effective and non-greasy. I wear SPF every single day not matter the clouds.

And last but not lease my night serum from itCosmetics. This is one of their newer products and when I tell you that you can absolutely tell the difference of when I use this and when I don't.... you can! My skin looks and feels amazing in the morning after I apply this the night before. I have to make a video to show the results. I have always been a huge fan of itCosmetics skincare and makeup because it works. If you are looking for a good night time serum with immediate results, try this. I promise you, you'll come back to thank me!

SPRING BREAK STAYCATION IDEAS: DIAMOND BEACH

2023-03-14T23:49:00.009-04:00

Diamond Beach in Wildwood has got to be one of the best beaches in New Jersey. It didn't even feel like we were at the Jersey Shore! We love road trips and staycations, especially discovering new and beautiful places in our home state. So last July we drove 2 hours down the NJ Parkway and stayed at the Icona Diamond Beach for 2-nights. It was the perfect staycation with a family of 5 and not only was the beach one of the prettiest we've ever seen in the Jersey Shore but we were also about a 12 minutes drive from Cape May.

In my opinion it's also a great options if you are looking for Spring Break ideas. Of course, it won't be as warm but still such a beautiful beach and so close to iconic Cape May. There is always something to do in Cape May! I'm sharing some of my favorite pictures from our stay, below. And check out our IG Reel vlog here.

I would 1000% stay at the Icona Diamond Beach again, they had the perfect pool, great food and even a beach tiki/restaurant right by the beach with service on the beach as well. I'm looking forward to making this our annual summer tradition because we truly had the best time and made some amazing memories. We drove down to Cape May and spent an evening there, it's so beautiful and picturesque. We had ice cream, played mini golf and had a lot of fun in the arcade!

So if you are looking for the perfect spring break, summer staycation or just a fun time overall, absolutely consider Diamond Beach at the New Jersey Shore. We can't wait to go back! And stay tuned for more trip ideas with kids.

HOW TO STAY MOTIVATED

2023-03-08T22:57:00.009-05:00

So how do I motivate myself when I'm feel discouraged? Well, the truth is that on my good days, I swear I could fly if I tried hard enough. That's the level of confidence I am on. At least that’s what I feel in those moments. On my high days, I am invincible and I don’t take no for an answer... from anyone. And you get to see those a lot of those moments on my Instagram. And that's exactly what it is, the best moments of life. And of course that’s not me every day. There is no way I can be high on life and feel that level of confidence, every single day… I’d love to but we are all human after all. We are flawed and we don’t realize that everything we tell our minds is true. Good, great, the bad and the worse, those are all true if you tell yourself that.

And if I am being honest, I don’t like myself during my low days. It doesn’t feel like me. But I guess you have to ride out the storm to catch sight of the sun-rays, right? So how do I deal with the days I am discouraged and unmotivated? I have to let it out. I have to talk it out and tell someone how I am feeling, what I am thinking. I have to release all those negative thoughts.

After I've shared my feelings and thoughts I begin to strategize and start by making a plan of action. So here are 5 tips that have helped me get motivated when I am feeling discouraged:

1. Write down your goals: Not on your phone... write it on paper! Be precise, be detailed and intentional on what you want to achieve and remind yourself that these goals are, in fact, attainable.

2. Envisioning your higher self: Write down how you want to feel, how you'd like to be, write it as if you are already "her". Act like the woman you want to become. At what time does she wake up? How does she begin her day? How does she dress? Be the woman you envision for yourself.

3. Stay grateful: Write down your blessings on paper. Journaling is so therapeutic... it's a nice reminder that life is not so bad after all. Being thankful for what you have right now will get you on the right path to achieving your future goals, gratitude is essential to success.

4. Write down your plan of action: So now that you have all your ideas, feelings and thoughts on paper, write down how you are going to act on your goals. Make a realistic plan of action and include dead lines. Start with monthly goals and move on organize them by monthly, quarterly and yearly goals.

5. Say your affirmations: You all know I have always been a big believer in affirmations because they really can turn your day around. I say my affirmations in the shower, on the way to drop off the kids at school (they say them too) and anytime I feel I need to remind myself go who I am. Living an intentional life is key to creating the life you've always wanted.

COLORFUL SUITS FOR WOMEN UNDER $100

2023-03-08T14:34:00.004-05:00

Colorful suits for spring? Groundbreaking! I recently shopped this gorgeous (and bright!) suit for just $81, both pieces! Yes, you read that right. I love the high-waisted pants and the flare leg gives it the right amount of length for a short gal like myself. One of the things I love most about suits is that you can mix and match them. I would totally wear this jacket with my favorite pair of jeans. Check out the other chic and colorful pieces I curated for you guys at the bottom of the post!

Shop these fabulous and chic pieces right HERE and check out some of the other colorful suits I shared.

ORGANIZE MY SMALL PANTRY WITH ME

2023-01-20T14:27:00.002-05:00

Organize my small pantry with me! You guys, this has been a project that we have put off for far too long and I am so happy to paint, repurpose and organize my pantry. Even though our pantry is very small and narrow, we made it work for us! I've always been obsessed with organization and this project was actually so fun. I shopped for all my containers on Walmart.com and I love the outcome.

The Home Edit Exclusive Walmart Collection is great! I love the quality and mostly how it all attached and worked with one another, truthfully I was mind blown. I also picked up my bigger containers from the Home & Garden line and I am in love with my new pantry. Sharing everything I got below so you can easily shop it all!

HOW TO WEAR: BLACK LEATHER BLAZER

2023-01-17T11:10:00.001-05:00

The black (faux) leather blazer you need in your closet right now! And it's only $49.99! I styled this in 6 different ways but the possibilities are endless. I love this blazer because it's buttery soft and has the perfect classic fit I love but make it chic, you know? I ordered a size medium for a baggier look and I love it. Take a look at this IG reel to see all the pieces in action! Everything I wore is from JCPenney.

NORTH POLE EXPRESS NYC

2022-12-22T16:50:00.003-05:00

Christmas in the city is like nothing else! It has become our tradition to visit New York City with the kids during the holiday season. It truly is magical and makes for the most beautiful memories. This time we experienced the North Pole Express; a ride around the most iconic Christmas displays in NYC. We hopped aboard a jolly double decker bus and toured the city along with the funniest elves and Santa himself. We sang Christmas songs, the elf read us a Christmas story and we sipped on some much needed hot cocoa. Check out my IG video recap for all the fun! If you are looking for something to do this coming holiday week, I recommend this experience 10/10. The last day to ride this tour is January 1st, so act quickly.

Get your tickets HERE and use code ERIKA5 for a discount.

WINTER EVERYDAY OUTFIT IDEA

2022-12-22T16:18:00.000-05:00

Winter is officially here that means that we have to get extra cozy but still feel extra cute. As a mom of three I am always shopping for staple pieces in my wardrobe that I can use over and over. This jacket is exactly that and it's soft, warm and extra chic. And only $39.99! I love the neutral color because I can wear it with literally everything.

Shop my entire look below. I also included the gloves (touch screen friendly!) and the boots!

CASUAL OUTFIT IDEA: FAUX LEATHER BLAZER

2022-12-14T13:38:00.002-05:00

I've been obsessed with blazers lately and if you follow me on IG, you've noticed lol! One of my latest finds? This beautiful caramel colored blazer from Zulily. It's so buttery soft and perfect all year round because it's light. Such a gorgeous color, I get so many compliments on it. Scroll down for the entire look.

Here is everything (or similar!) for you guys below. Zulily has so many good deals but you have to act fast because they deals are time sensitive. Happy Shopping!

CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS FOR KIDS

2022-12-14T13:24:00.009-05:00

It's definitely tiiiiiime! (read in Mariah's voice) - Christmas season is officially here and I am sharing a cute holiday gift idea for the kids. This is something I heard of years ago and I've always followed year after year. Give them something they want, something they need and something they can read!

Humble brag.... my kids are amazing when it comes to their Christmas lists and they always ask for pretty simple things that are attainable lol which is why I love shopping at Walmart! This year I put together a cute list of some stuff I love for kids. I hope you enjoy it!

I love shopping for their toys at Walmart because their prices are great and they always have everything I need. I do wish they would be more discreet with deliveries tho! Box and package everything, please:) I usually shop online and love the easiness of the app. Makes this mom's life so much easier.

CHRISTMAS DECOR IDEAS

2022-11-22T12:32:00.003-05:00

I love the holidays and decorating our home for Christmas is one of my favorite things to do this time of the year. This year I wanted to commit to decorations I already own. So even thought these Christmas decorations are older I still wanted to share my style this year and link some similar ideas for you guys. Adding little touches of Christmas throughout the home truly makes it feel like the most wonderful time of the year. Bonus: the kids LOVE it!

Here are the cutest items I found for you. Some are the exact item and others are similar.

MOST COMFORTABLE SNEAKERS

2022-11-21T10:50:00.003-05:00

If you asked me what my favorite pair of sneakers is right now... hands down, the adidas Astirs! They are so cute, comfortable and go with everything. I never used to think of myself as a sneaker lover (to this level!) but this is my third pair of astirs and the color ways are so nice. Linking some of my favorites below for you guys. Adidas is having an early access Black Friday sale for members and you can get some of these for just $40 when you sign up (it's free!).