Such a GREAT weekend.

This weekend was fantastic. Friday I worked and made some good retail sales. Saturday I spent the day with Cayle. Saturday night I went to see Troy's band play at the saloon. Sunday I spent the day with Cayle and he went swimming with my Daddy. Sunday night I went to see the one and only Seether.!! And who was close enough to catch a guitar pick and feel the sweat fall off of the band members.? This girl.! What an awesome time that was.! I had so much fun this weekend. I've made almost $24 extra dollars on my upcoming paycheck from all my retail sales.!!! I worked today 10-2. And sold $150 dollars worth of products today. I can't believe it.! I absolutely love my job.!! It feels good to be earning my own money. It feels good knowing that I'm almost there. It feels even better knowing that this is the best thing for both Cayle and myself. I get my first paycheck on the 10th of June. I'm so excited.!! I finally found out everything I need to to have a bank account and I plan on using Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union. They're giving me the best options and I've never had any trouble with them before when I go in to cash check for hair services I've done before.

Tomorrow I don't plan on doing anything except spending time with Cayle and maybe cleaning a little. There's absolutely NOTHING else I plan on doing. No freaking way. I need to catch up on my sleep though. I've lost a lot over the weekend. Here's some pictures from Cayle's first time in the pool this summer. By the way...I'm ready for fall/winter.

Having a better job makes me feel like a better mom.

Today was my second day at work, and I really feel like today went better than yesterday. I learned more. And I felt like I had a better handle on things. I sold $100 worth of products in retail in 2 days. And I get 8% of that. I'm getting some decent time in. And I felt very accomplished today when I unloaded, priced, and stocked 6 boxes of products on my own. My shifts fly by. It feels like I'm maybe there for an hour or two but when I look at the clock it's almost time to go. I always have something to do so I'm never bored. And I get to meet a lot of nice people. I feel like a better mom now that I have a better paying job. I'm expecting around 125.00 on this pay check. That's better than what I was making. Granted, I can still work my housekeeping job, and I think I will for a little while but, I just can't help but feel a sense of pride in myself. I'm proud of myself. I feel like I'm proving everyone wrong every minute I'm there. I feel like I'm doing better than most people my age. I'm 20. A college graduate. Working at my dream job (almost). And plenty of opportunities to advance. I still have plenty of time to spend with Cayle. And I get weekends off.! The only complaint I have is that I need better shoes. My zebra flats may be trendy and cute, but they're giving me blisters and don't offer my feet any support. So I think I'll invest in some better shoes ones I have the opportunity to. But I love my job nonetheless.

My BOWtique is getting some recognition as well. I have my first order. And I'm excited about it. I really hope I get more business soon. I plan on making the baby items for all to see soon. I just haven't had the money or the time to invest in it. But things are looking up. And I'm on my way to a very successful life for both me..and my best friend <3. My little man.

My first day at work.!

I knew I was going to love Regis.!! I definitely feel like I made the right choice. I got there today and filled out all the paper work. And after that I got to dive in. My boss, Terrie, taught me how to work the books, how to use the computer for sales, and more.! I met a lot of really nice people. And I could tell everyone was really close and I hope to work my way in the knit as well. I even sold shampoo today. Two liters worth.!! I get 8% of my retail so I would say that's a pretty good start.! Considering the total was almost $40. It's a little overwhelming only because it was the first day and I'm still trying to get the swing of things, but I'll get there. I definitely need some better shoes. My zebra print shoes are giving me blisters. But other than that. I love my job. It feels great getting into the field for real. I've sent my papers off and I'm waiting for them to get my name in the system then it's test time.! I work tomorrow 10-2. Can't wait to show what I can do.

Just wanted to share :)

Cayle and I had a mother & son photo session over the weekend and I wanted to show everyone my favorites. Again, if you are interested in booking a session with her, her name is Haylee and her facebook page is Haylee Robinson Photography. It's $30 a session any place of your choosing. We did our session at Coolidge Park in downtown Chattanooga. :)

Also I've added some new merchandise to my BOWtique. Please take a look if you get a chance. Place an order at any time.

Erica's BOWtique.

A lot of you may know that I've started my own boutique. I've discovered a hidden talent for making hair bows and other little trinkets. So why not.? I'm a hair stylist so it seems to fit. But I wanted to give everyone some details on what I was planning on selling and any suggestions are welcome.

Firstly (and obviously) I will be making several kinds of hair bows. From something simple as the 'bow tie bow' to a more complex bow like my newest creation of the loopy bow. I have some for ponytails. I plan to make some for every occasion and holiday. As well as for sports teams or whatever occasion I am requested for. I'm even willing to make pieces for weddings and proms.

Secondly I've planned on making tie blankets (the blankets with the pieces of material tied around the edges) for adults, children, toddlers, and infants. Prices will vary on size, but no blanket will be over $20. I plan on making these in any color for any occasion and if I can find the material I will even make sports themed blankets. Everyone needs a cozy blanket.


Thirdly, I plan on making several baby items such as, diaper and wipe holders (they hold a couple diapers and a pack of wipes for a quick trip to the store or to grandmas house), height charts to hang on the wall that are about 4-5 feet tall, tutus, infant head bands for little girls, hair bow holders (these will be made out of a wooden letter of your child's first name with several ribbons hanging down for the bows to clip onto), baby toboggans with flowers on them, nursing covers, burp cloths, and I've also had a suggestion for pillow case dresses. If I am able to make them I'll be more than happy to sell them. I am also planning on making baby name quilts.

And last I will be making special decor for holidays such as wreaths, pillows, and table cloths if anyone is interested in those.

I am open to any suggestions as to what you want to see from me or any products you are interested in knowing more about. Please 'like' my BOWtique on facebook and place an order any time

www.facebook.com/ericasBOWtique1103

Thinking above and beyond this tiny town.

Has your heart or mind ever told you that you're meant to be somewhere or doing something else.? Both my mind and heart do. I feel like I'm meant for so much more than this town. I've wrestled with the concept for years of moving to a new place and starting a new life. And for once in my life..I'm really and truly considering it. I feel like it's what I need. I feel so trapped in Chattanooga. I'm not happy here. And my heart is always always ALWAYS telling me I need to be up North..or Northwest. In a place like Boston..or Seattle. Very urban. Somewhere where hair business is great and I could make a decent living. But then, there's another part of me that would even consider moving out of the country. Overseas. To Ireland. Or even London. That's probably the dreamer in me. I just can't shake the feeling that I have, that Chattanooga isn't for me. It's not where I'm supposed to be. It's not where I feel like I will find happiness. I need to see Boston. I need to see Seattle. I need to see overseas. I need to know why I feel like I need to be there. This isn't just an urge to go on a vacation. Something is telling me I need to be there to see these places. To maybe even move my life there. Of course, it'll be years from now before I can even consider moving that far, but I need to at least have some peace of mind. But for now, I want to see how living on my own will do. Maybe that's the freedom I'm craving. Something about moving so far is like a taste of freedom. Like a great escape. Chattanooga suffocates me.

I think part of my bringing all this up is this weird.. transition I'm going through. With graduating from college and stepping into a career..I feel slightly..overwhelmed I suppose. It's a weird mood. Almost like I can't believe it's here. And feeling so vulnerable because for the past 2 years I've always known what to expect..and stepping into this new phase of life not knowing. It's scary. I've got a lot going through my head. Mostly questions of the unknown. Will I make friends.? Will I make ends meet.? Will I be able to move out when I want to.? Will I even be any good at this job.? What if I end up lonelier than I was before the job.? Who will I meet.? Where is this going to take me.? So many questions running through my head. I don't know what to think..or even where to begin. I know that I've come too far to start doubting my abilities and what I am capable of. But it's still a scary transition going from school to work..not just work..but a career. This is a big deal.

Also, this isn't as serious as everything else, but I'd really like to see my boutique business (for lack of a better term) really soar. When I made those bows last night..I really enjoyed myself. I put a lot of work into them to make them neat. To make them something I thought everyone would like. It would be nice if it would pick up. Things take time. I'm well aware of that, but I'm going to try my best to promote, and put 100% effort into everything I make. Let's just see where it takes me.

This is me rambling today. ;)

Hair bows.!

This was my first attempt at a bow. So I started simple. Opinions are welcome :) More bows to come :)

This is what I will be selling as the 'bow tie bow'. I am willing to make any color or pattern with any embellishment for any occasion.

This is what I call the 'pony ribbons'. These bows are made for ponytails or updo's. These can also have as many ribbons as you like and in any colors. :) This is also a first attempt.

These are the 'simple bows' I can do any color and add embellishments (buttons, charms, bottle caps,etc..) Again, this is a first attempt.