By Erika Batista

THE CROODS: A NEW AGE

December 17, 2020

Thank you to Universal Pictures for sponsoring this post in collaboration with #WeAllGrow Latina Network. As always, all opinions are my own.

We are big movie fans around here, especially during the winter because what's cozier than being cuddled up on the couch watching your favorite movie and snacking our hearts away? Well, this Friday, December 18th, The Croods: A New Age comes out on demand and we are counting down the hours! What sweeter way to spend this holiday season than to watch everyone's favorite movie!? We loved the first Croods movie and cannot wait to experience the fun this time around.

The kids and I love crafts and spending time together and we were lucky enough to receive some fun activities from The Croods: A New Age. I made their favorite snacks and we painted rocks, figured out word puzzles and even drew Emme's favorite shapes - she's in kindergarten so she's into everything right now!

We watched the trailer together and to be honest, what attracts me most about the movie is the message. It truly reminds me of this crazy year... it's about embarking on an epic adventure of the unknown (hello 2020!? can't get any crazier than this!) and sticking together as a family, learning to love and embrace our differences and finding each one'sones strength. Very similar to what our family has learned and cherished most this year. At the end of the day, family is all that really matters and I am so here for this adorable, charismatic and funny movie.

So if you are into movies like us and want to create a fun movie night at home, check out The Croods: A New Age on demand this Friday, December 18th! Get the whole family together for some laughs and yummy snacks. Mom Tip: I love to put our snacks in cupcakes pans for easy access and to trick them into havingto having fun but healthy snacks too!

buying a house house for sale lifestyle

BUYING A HOUSE DURING A PANDEMIC

October 6, 2020

Honestly you guys, I am really surprised to know how many of you are interested in my home buying process. If you are new around here, you may or may not know that we recently purchased our second home, while 9 months pregnant and during the height of the pandemic. Yup, chaotic to say the very least. But it wasn't meant to be this way, we didn't plan to close 4 days before I gave birth but as life would have it in 2020, sh*t happens and we closed on our house on July 31st and our baby was born on August 4th.

In full transparency, it wasn't easy at all, we put our old house on the market the first week in March and we received an offer (over asking price) the very next day. Of course we accepted it, then a week later, COVID-19 happened. We weren't able to look at houses for two and a half months, the market was at a stand still. Thankfully we had a clause in our sale contract to protect us while we found our home. Tip one: always protect yourself! So many unprecedented things can happen at any given point.

I am a planner, through and through. We "planned" on selling our first house from the moment we bought it. Our goal was to be there 5 years and this month (October 2020) would've been exactly 5 years at that house. All this to say, we began the vision very early on but the actual process last year. We called our realtor fall 2019 and started looking at what was available and scouting potential towns. We knew we weren't going to move in 2019 but it's always good to do your research early on and narrow down towns and options with ample time so you don't end up rushing such a big decision.

But enough of that, let's get straight to the point and answer some of your most asked questions on buying a house during a pandemic.

1. How do you begin the home buying process?

Find a great realtor and make sure that it's someone that you trust. It's important that they understand your needs, wants and are always looking out for your best interest. Especially in a market like today's! Honesty and respect go a long way. I would ask family and friends for references and see who they used and if they had a great experience. This is such a big purchase, make sure you feel comfortable and 150% happy with your realtor. Follow your gut. I once had a realtor who would only show us sh*tty houses... she even told me I would never find something with my budget. Ha! Joke was on her. We dropped her and found the realtor of our dreams through a friend's reference.

Your realtor should refer you to a mortgage lender and the mortgage lender will process your pre-approval letter after you provide them with all the documents and information they need. This is when you get the magic number, or the amount of the loan you are approved for. Once you are pre-approved, you can start looking at homes within your budget. That's when the fun begins.

2. The market is way over priced, what should I do?

To be completely honest, if it were us, we would hold off on buying a house right now. We got really lucky and were able to put in our offer right before the market went bananas. But remember we had been "looking" since March right before the pandemic hit. Dave and I have always looked at our home purchases as an investment, we look to buy at a good price and good condition to be able to sale and make a profit in the future. We are not "forever home" people yet. We are "for a few year" people for now, so it's important that we are able to purchase well and resell amazingly, if need be.

3. Is credit very important or no?

Credit is absolutely THE most important component of buying a house (in my opinion) and not just for purchasing a house... You should care and nourish your credit from the beginning of time because it's going to help you get the best interest rates and loans; whether you are buying a house, car and even if you plan on renting an apt. So please take care of your credit and if you have bad credit, there are always ways to fix it.

4. Where to buy in New Jersey?

Honestly, it all depends on what YOU are looking for. What I mean is, it's all relative to each individual's needs. New Jersey has so much diversity when it comes to towns. I honestly feel like there is no wrong or right answer for this one. It all depends on what your needs and wants are. What is your current status? Do you have children? Are schools important to you right now? Do you want to be close to the city? Commuting distance?

These are all questions to consider. For us, being a family of 6 (if you count the dog!) and having small children, schools are our top priority when it comes to home buying. We actually moved because we wanted a better school district. We live in Central NJ and I love it because We are close to NYC and also to the beach. So I would first make a list of your wants and needs and go from there.

5. When did you know it was time to move?

We always knew we would sell our first house. It was a great purchase, we got a great deal for the condition of the home. I loved that house but didn't love the location, we always knew that going in and wanted to move once the kids were bigger. Now that Emme was 5 and going to kindergarten, it made sense to make the move - no pun intended lol.

6. What's an ideal amount to save for a down payment?

This all depends on your budget and what you are looking to buy. The first time we purchased our home we put down 3.5% under an FHA loan. This second time we did 10% of the house price on a conventional loan. It's all very personal to your situation to be honest.

7. Did you make a contingent offer on the new home, if so, did that make the process harder?

Absolutely! We had a contingency because we were selling and buying and didn't want to be homeless. Thank God we did because that's when the pandemic hit and we were safe. In simple words, our contingency stated that we couldn't sell our home (even though we had accepted the offer) unless we found a new place to live.

8. What made you sell your house?

Schools was the priority but besides that our first house was exactly that, a first house. It was on the smaller side and I didn't love the location. It was near a busy road and while we loved the interior and how we made it our own, the rooms weren't spacious and it was not the open concept we wanted.

9. Did you know what town you want to look in or was it random?

We had 3 towns we looked into, so yes we knew where we wanted to go. In my opinion, you should do all your research, schools, downtown access, main roads, distance from your job, distance from family, etc...

10. Once you put the offer, did they accept right away? Did you have to offer more money?

We did not offer more than asking price. And yes, everything happened very quickly, within 2 days actually. But to be fair, I have heard that the current market is very different. There are bidding wars, houses are being over priced and there's a lot of delays with mortgage companies and closing documents.

11. How did you manage being pregnant/ having a newborn?

In full transparency, I was a mess. It was extremely stressful. We were not supposed to close 4 days before my baby's birth but it happened that way because well... 2020 right? There was a point we had no control over the closing date and it was all a sh*t show. I cried daily because we were at my mom's house at that point due to some paper work discrepancy's on our buyer's side. I had no idea when the baby would come and low and behold, we closed on July 31st and he was born on August 4.

12. How did you budget yourself when buying a new house/deciding what is a feasible mortgage?

Honestly, my husband is great at budgeting. I am good at a lot of things but budgets is not one of them. Sad but true! But what I can tell you is that you can make it work, I promise. I remember when we first got married, we thought we could never afford a mortgage and even worse save all that money for the down payment.

By the time we bought our house, we had two kids and I was not working full-time. So we lowered our cable bill to the basic package and got Netflix. We also bought and paid off used cars. There are so many ways to cut down on your monthly expenses. You just have to be organized and be strict with your budgeting.

I truly hope this information is helpful to you. I love sharing anything that can help at least one of you. If you have anymore questions, leave a comment or DM me on Instagram (@byerikabatista).

THIRD C-SECTION TRUTHS

September 12, 2020

A little over a month ago, I gave birth to my third baby... a perfect boy we named Sebastian. It was my third c-section. And truthfully the easiest one physically. Mentally? That's another story... being pregnant and giving birth during a global pandemic isn't for the weak.

While at the hospital I got to thinking about so many things women don't speak about when it comes to pregnancy and birth. I can only speak on my experience so that's what I wanted to share today. A few truths and things you probably didn't know about c-sections from this third time c-section mama.

I didn't choose to have a c-section, as most women, my first cesarean was a medical emergency. My second was planned and my third also because my doctor didn't perform VBACs so we stuck to what we knew. Cesareans can be scary, I am not going to sugar coat it. It's a lot... the operation room, the anesthesia, the recovery... the gas! Yup, the gas. Add a pandemic to that and this third c-section was emotional different.

Here are 5 things I don't think women share enough or at all, at least no one ever told me before:

1. You get very gassy. Since they open you up to get baby out, the air gets in your body and it's very painful. For me, this third time was terrible, I literally had to have my husband pat my back to get it out. True story lol I had gas in my shoulders and chest and it was terribly painful for the first few days. The good thing is that it's normal and your nurses will give you gas relief medication and help you through it.

2. The first time you stand up can be very difficult. You will realize how much you use your abdominal muscles. Laughing, sneezing and standing up are painful but it goes away the more you move around. So be sure to get up and walk as soon as you are allowed to. Now a days, they make you get up the same day! When I had emme almost 6 years ago, it was the next day... but I actually felt better this time around than with my first and second cesarean. I remember with my second, I almost fainted. This time around, it was painful but I did it much more smoothly than the previous two. The woman body is so amazing.

3. I always hear that going to the bathroom (to do #2) is painful but I have to be honest, I never had an issue. I do take a few days to go but I don't have pain or difficulty but I hear some or most do. So just be ready for that. The upside, you get stool softener and anything you need to help ease it. Even prune juice lol

4. I don't know if it was because of my anxiety this time around but my blood pressure was high pretty much the entire time I was at the hospital. The first day I was fine and all of a sudden it just went up and didn't come down for days. My doctor monitored me and it was scary, to the point where I hated when the nurse came to take my pressure because it made me so nervous. The nurses were amazing though and they understood, they would literally let me relax and apply my essential oils before taking my pressure lol. I had to breath in and out and they would remind to think happy thoughts. They knew it was my nerves and anxiety. So if this happens to you, know that it can be common. The only concern would be if you get a headache because then it can be postpartum preeclampsia. At least that's what they told me.

5. Last, did you know you will feel numb for months to come? Yes, the incision area will be numb for months, sometimes even years. I forgot about that part and now that I am 5 weeks out I remember it. It's a strange feeling but nothing to worry about as this is normal. Just be sure that you clean it as soon as you are cleared to do so from your doctor.

I wanted to share these hard truths because when they happened to me, I was nervous and scared and didn't know they were common. So I don't mean to scare you I just want you to know it's all going to be ok, but it can get a little hard but it will pass.

All in all, with every surgery the recovery does gets easier. I had heard of this but now I can tell you from experience. My first c-section was definitely the hardest. By the second, it was so smooth and calm. I was up and walking right away and felt great, I was even sent home early! By the third, physically I was even better than the second but emotionally it was a different story but that's because of the crazy year we've had with this pandemic. The emotions and hormones were on another level. But all in all my physical recovery was great. I feel really good and I am happy to share that the third time around is definitely easier than the first.

I really hope this post helps answer some questions and raw truths of what to expect and finally to confirm that c-sections are still beautiful and definitely do get easier as the years go by. Just remember, doctors perform these surgeries daily and they are pros. You will do great mama! Prayer and positive vibes!

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3 TIPS ON TAKING CARE OF YOUR HAIR THIS SUMMER

June 25, 2020

So, while we are still quarantining around here, summer has officially arrived, thank you Mother Nature! Therefore, we are making the best of our time at home and that means setting up our yard and making it fun, pretty and enjoying as much time outdoors in the pool, as possible. With that said I am taking care of my hair even more this summer so that the heat, pool water and humidity don't ruin my long locks!

A few months ago, I shared my hair care journey with Hair Food and I've been using the products since the beginning of the year and honestly, I can't stop, won't stop! Now that I am almost 8 months pregnant my hair has never been more luscious and healthy. So, for today's post I wanted to share my love for Hair Food and how I use the Manuka Honey & Apricot Moisture Shampoo & Conditioner & the Avocado Oil & Shea Nourishing Hair Butter this summer to maintain my long healthy locks shiny and moisturized. Here are 3 tips on how you should be taking care of your hair this summer!

Tip No. 1: Stay away from chlorine as much as possible. I normally tie my hair up in a bun (you can also do a a nice braid updo!) when going in the pool. Sure I like to get wild and go underwater some days but I keep that to a minimum. Chlorine is known for drying out your hair and breaking it so make sure you have a good moisturizing shampoo like Manuka Honey & Apricot Moisture Shampoo.

Tip No. 2: Wear a sun hat! You guys have seen me wear summer hats all over IG all season long this spring and of course I will be doing the same this summer. First, they add such a cute vibe to any summer day (or outfit!) and second they protect your hair from the sun! You are welcome!

Tip No. 3: Don't skip your conditioner! Whether it's summer, fall, winter or spring. You hair needs conditioner all year round. I use the Manuka Honey & Apricot Moisture Conditioner every time I wash my hair. I don't wash it often, only about two times a week. This conditioner leaves my hair feeling healthy and smooth. Then I just towel dry and done. Pro tip: Finish it off using their the Avocado Oil & Shea Nourishing Hair Butter!

And that's it you guys! Whether you are out enjoying summer this season or making the best out of your backyard, make sure you protect your hair, long or short! Moisturize, moisturize and yea, moisturize. Happy summer 2020 you guys... let's try to make the best of these days.

baby store bambi baby el bambi lifestyle nj baby stores nj mom ny baby stores shopping for baby

MY BAMBI BABY EXPERIENCE

June 24, 2020

Can you believe I am almost 33 weeks pregnant and we still hadn't selected a car seat and stroller set!? You guys, I tell you, after the first child, things are not the same. Life gets crazier with each kid and the timelines during pregnancy are so different. Nonetheless, we needed a car seat/stroller so we headed to Bambi Baby to make our selection and test out some products.

To be honest, even though this is our third baby, I feel like a new mom because it's been 5 years since my last baby was born. There are so many new baby products and brands these days, that it can feel overwhelming. I've heard so many amazing things about the inventory and mostly the reputable service at Bambi Baby, that we decided to head over and I'm so happy that we did.

If you are a mom or mom-to-be, chances are that you've heard of Bambi Baby at least once in your lifetime, especially if you are in New Jersey/New York. Bambi Baby has been a staple baby store here in the tri-state area for years and with time they have revolutionized the baby world becoming the preferred baby store destination for all moms and moms-to-be and now I know exactly why.

Bambi Baby prides itself in their impeccable service and VIP treatment and of course, having the best selection of top notch baby items. From the moment we pulled into the store - yes, literally, pulled our car into the showroom - we felt like we were getting the royal treatment. We visited the Paramus, NJ location and I fell in love! The aesthetics are so pleasing to the eye and it doesn't feel as overwhelming as other stores at all. The selection was amazing and Enelio (owner) was so informative and patient during our one-on-one visit. He answered all our questions and I felt super confident that we made the right selection for our new baby. Honestly, I've never experienced this kind of service.

One of the coolest parts of our visit was the Car Seat Center, you are able to get your car seat installed right on the spot and for free! Enelio showed us exactly how to use our new car seat and installed it for us. Honestly, it made me feel so good to know the car seat was installed properly and safely for baby. No other store does that. They even have a stroller repair shop on site. They thought of everything to make our lives a breeze.

I received so many DM's this week when I shared I would be stopping by the store, all amazing messages. I would 100% recommend you drop in and check it out or you book a one on one at any of their 4 locations throughout NY/NJ. If you are not in the areas, you can always shop Bambi Baby online too. I am genuinely so happy with our experience and can't wait to go back for a crib. We haven't picked a crib since we don't know what gender the baby is and both styles are like are very gender specific, so we will wait for now.

I hope this post helps you guys and inspires you to shop at Bambi Baby, trust me you'll thank me later! For now... I'm off to Instagram to share a few stories from our visit. See you there!

Thank you Bambi Baby for partnering with me for this post. In full transparency, I received baby products in exchange for this review. As always, all opinion are my own. Thank you for supporting me and reading.

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DIY FAMILY PHOTOSHOOT | TIPS & IDEAS

June 19, 2020

DIY Family Photoshoot? Yes, please! Last weekend we did a last minute family shoot at a local beach and to be honest it was short and sweet, zero stress and I love the shots we got. We had originally scheduled a professional photoshoot a couple of weeks ago but I had a little pregnancy scare and had to cancel last minute. At this point, we have so much going on that a last minute shoot sounded like perfection.

So whether you don't have a budget for family photos - they can be pretty pricy sometimes - or you simply enjoy DIY anything... this post is for you! I'm so happy with our photos and can't wait to print them and display them around the house.

Here are five ways to save money and still get some pretty nice shots during a family photoshoot:

Tip No. 1:

Ask a friend or relative that you trust or that has an eye for photography to shoot your pics. Or you can always shoot with a tripod and remote! It's actually super easy and you can have full control. I asked my cousin and she was able to capture these sweet images.

Tip No. 2:

We used my Canon EOS Rebel T7i DSLR with a 50mm lens for these but you can pretty much use an iPhone these days and get some really nice quality photos too. I say test the shots first. Select a location and shoot some pics at the time you desire for lighting and location purposes. We shot these at around 7-7:30 pm in June.

Tip No. 3:

Editing makes a worlds difference! I used Lightroom for these and was able to adjust the colors to my liking. I love Lightroom, it makes photos so much more beautiful. In my opinion, editing is everything.

Tip No. 4:

Coordinate your outfits but don't get too crazy over them. Over the years I've learned to not strive for perfection with family photos because kids are kids... and you'll be stressing more than it's worth. As you can see, we are coordinated and matching tones but not exactly the same prints or colors. I made sure the kids were extra comfortable and well fed lol!

Tip No. 5:

Have fun! Sure we "pose" for some pics but the best shots are always the ones we are just hanging out talking and laughing. The kids had so much fun on the sand and we were able to capture that on camera. Don't make your expectations too high, just go with the flow. Trust me! I've done many shoots, pro and not... and the best is to let it go and have fun!

I hope these 5 tips helped you and please DM or tag me if you decided to do your own DIY family photoshoot! I'd love to see!