Mermaid Braid Tutorial

 Hey it's Friday!! I wanted to leave you all with a fun braid to try this weekend. I finally learned how to do a mermaid braid. I've always wanted to know how to do it simply because of it's name. In another life I would be a mermaid. Last summer I really got into braids and they are my go to hairstyle whenever I want to pull my hair back...especially while working out. I usually switch them up every now and then. The mermaid braid has been my favorite this summer.

Separate hair into 3 sections, 2 large strands and 1 small strand

Braid up the large sections. Make sure to rubber band each braid.

Open up the first loop of the braid, stick finger through and grab the small strand, pull through.

Cross over and repeat for other braid.

Repeat these steps until you complete the full braid.

It should look like this. 

Rubber band the full braid and remove the rubber bands from your initial separate braids.

 Loosen up the braid &

 it's ready to wear!

xoxo erica

Conversation Cupcakes

It had been far too long since I've baked cupcakes so when my mom asked me to make some for a family get together I was more than happy. Any time is a good time for a cupcake but when you're celebrating they're even better with fun toppers. I couldn't resist but to make some that included glitter and sequins...my idea for a fun party.

 Supplies: Cardstock, glitter, sequins, glue, pencil, brush, glue gun & toothpicks

 1. Draw out or trace your letter from a template (I like to do block letters just so it's easier to cut out)

2. Cut out your letters.

3. Brush glue over letters and sprinkle with glitter.

4. Add a few drops of glue and add sequins.

5. Glue your toothpick to letter with a glue gun.

6. Repeat each step to have both a front and backside of your topper.

Frost cupcakes and spell out a fun message!!

xoxo erica

Life Lately

1. Wearing stripes and spikes to a lunch date with mom.

2. My running partner. For the first time I was ahead of him. 

3. In the dressing room. This dress didn't fit. I was so sad I could cry.

4. Cupcake...life lately posts used to always have a cupcake pic. Needed to bring that one back.

5. Wearing my galaxy leggings while relaxing about at home.

6. Shopping in a monochromatic look.

7. Freshly painted nails...being matchy match with Scar.

8. Movie time, 3D style.

9. Accessories!! I have them, I just need to start wearing them lol.

10. Took this pic after a nap. I was worn out from my sister's baby shower that day.

follow me on instagram @ericamarie04

xoxo erica

see more life lately posts here

First Beach Trip of the Summer

 The beach has alway been my little place of happiness. Every year for my birthday I always tell Chris that I want to go to the beach but every time we plan it, it rains...bummer. We finally decided to make it a point to head out there this summer. It was a beautiful day and the water was refreshing to be in while out in the hot sun. There was actually a shark attack at this beach about 2 days or so before we went...eek!! so I really didn't go out too far in the water. Either way I was happy, I could just sit on the shore all day and let the waves crash on my skin. Oh and we even managed to get the truck stuck in the sand...see the pic of me standing in the hole...it was pretty deep. When a huge truck came by and pulled us out, there was an applause and cheers from all the people around us. About 2 other trucks had tried earlier and failed miserably...3rd times a charm. We can laugh about it now. Hopefully we will make it out to the beach at least once again before summers over...crossing my fingers.

xoxo erica

Nailed It//02

 These nails are fun and I got a ton of compliments while wearing them. They were inspired by the candy buttons I used to love as a kid.

 1. Paint your nails with base coat.

2. Use a dotting tool (or be like me and stick a pin head into the eraser of pencil) and dip into polish

3. Dot nails

4. Top off with clear coat

5. All done and ready to show off

xoxo erica