Ahhh the LAST week of 2014!  This week started out crazy busy with lots of check boxes.  The last half of the week was "journaling".  We went to Texas to spend time with Jess's family.  It was an AMAZING trip!  We had such a great time.  I LOVE family time.  We went to the ocean one day, played cards && board games, visited, and ATE a LOT ahah.

Once again the owl Christmas stickers were from Dollar General.  The washi at the top & bottom of the pages came from Wal-Mart.  The Merry Christmas Washi && Snowflake/Snowman washi is from the Dollar Tree.  The page flags are from Target.  The random other little stickers are from my December Kawaii subscription box.  I made the Rilakkuma paper clip =)

I'm honestly happy to be done with Christmas decorating.  It was starting to feel limiting to my creativity lol.  I'm sad that Christmas itself is over though... I love Christmas time.  However, I'm incredibly excited for 2015!  It's going to be great!

||Thank You||

My blog has grown so MUCH in the last 6 months.  I'm so excited && happy with the direction it's going.  So many opportunities are opening up for me.  I appreciate every single one of you.  Without you, none of this would be possible.  For 2015, I will be starting a YouTube channel and opening an Etsy shop.  I can't wait to take on these new adventures with you!

See you next year!!! ;-)

5 Fandom Friday: New Years Blogging Resolutions

This week's 5 Fandom Friday is about blogging resolutions.  I have so much planned for 2015, and some of it I can't talk about yet.  However, I'll try my best to create these resolutions without spilling the beans.

||1} Post 5 days a week: I plan on posting every single week day, Monday through Friday.  I want to be more consistent and stick to it.

||2} Start a youtube channel: This is happening.  It will be planner related ;)

||3} Organize my time better: I have been so consumed with blogging the last half of 2014 and a lot of other aspects of my life have suffered.  I'm going to work on better time management and online organization.

||4} More giveaways: I love giving back and I want to do more giving this year.  Yay for you!  Ahah!  But seriously, I want to show you guys how much I appreciate every single one of you!  Speaking of which, there's a giveaway happening now for a free kawaii box!  Check it out!

||5} Creating original content for YOU: I want to continue to keep my blogger integrity.  This means only promoting things I'm passionate about.  Creating original content for you. Continuing to put my whole heart and all of my passion into this blog.  I love this little space on the internet && I love you!

week 51: Merry Christmas! [planner love]

Well we're almost to the end of the year!  As always, this is my Moleskine Turntable Planner.  Of course it's very Christmas themed.  It's been a busy week!  Lots of random things happened to throw me off my routine lol.  Heater quit working on Tuesday, Jess was ill and had to go to the hospital.  It's been a crazy jam packed few weeks.

First off I want to mention the cute 2 circle stickers on Saturday & Sunday.  One is a kawaii snowman face, the other is red & white striped.  These two stickers I took off the outside of my kawaii box!  They were too cute to leave on the box.  I had to take them off and use them in my planner.  You can enter to win a free kawaii box in yesterday's post!  Be sure to check it out!

Once again we have the Target page flags doing the Christmas countdown.  The washi tape with snowflakes, santa, && a Christmas tree are from the Dollar Tree.  They are layered over a silver washi that I purchased from Walgreens I believe.  I had to have the Christmas Daleks on this week's spread.  I made that sticker myself off an image I found online.  The red washi with white polka dots are from Wal-Mart.  There's also another handmade sticker that is on Wednesday.  It says, "Where the treetops glisten, and children listen, to hear the sleigh bells in the snow".  The pay day flag I found on Pinterest along with the teardrop sticker.  You can find them on my "Planner Love" board.

Merry Christmas everyone!

kawaii box [the cutest giveaway]

Kawaii Box is the cutest monthly subscription service. Subscribe Now and receive a box filled with hand-picked kawaii items from Japan and Korea directly to your home every month. Your box will be shipped in the beginning of each month and the shipping is absolutely free, anywhere on the planet! Each box includes 10-12 cute, original and licensed kawaii items.

Oh you guys I have something fun for you today!  Kawaii Box was nice enough to give me a free box for review && offer a giveaway for my readers!  I have been eyeballing this subscription box for quite some time now and it definitely lived up to the hype!

||Giveaway at the end of the post!||

Let's get RIGHT to it!!

When you open the box, you'll see some cute tissue paper.  It's wrapped awesomely to protect your super amazing kawaii items.  The outside of the box had more stickers, but I took them off and upcycled them into my planner!

When you open it, you literally want to squeal!  All the cuteness!

These little cookies are not only cute, they're yummy too!  Little panda faces with different expressions.  They're chocolate with a chocolate coating on top of a cookie.  They're almost too cute to eat!

SEE!!!! <333

Okay... so they're a little wonky from being rubbed up against each other in their box.  I tried to dust them off the best I could.  But seriously... how cute?!

Oh hai, Hello Kitty cuticle scissors!  How CUTE are these?!  Okay, so maybe this post needs a warning of how many times I'm going to say "CUTE".  I can't wait for the next new false lashes I purchase so I can trim them with these!

So I'll admit to you... the first thing I did when I opened the box was put this on my head.  I did.  Truth.  I wore it for several hours lol.  

Love this cute little bunny (?)!  He has a key chain on his head so you can attach him to something.  I wouldn't advise using him as a key chain though.  It looks like it might come off easily.

Ohhh kawaii + office supplies!  SOLD! Ahah!  I'm actually not going to use these guys this year since Christmas is almost over.  They'll be packed up with my other seasonal office supplies for next year!

Craft embellishments!  I'll likely be finding a way to use these for my planner!  They are so cute and sparkly!

I'm loving this little coin purse!  Idk what I'll use it for yet.  It's soooooo soft and pretty.  Looks like fluffy cotton candy!  I just adore it!

Donut!  With SPRINKLES!  It's a little squishy charm that is absolutely adorable.

Ummm... so... I stole some of the stickers out of this for my week 52 planner pages before I got to take a picture lol.  You'll see them in next week's planner decoration though!  These Christmas themed stickers are too cute.  They're the puffy style stickers with kawaii Christmas items.  Adorb.

I love LOVE notebooks.  This one is super (yup, you guessed it) cute.  It opens up and looks like a heart.  There's a few different sections with different colors of paper.  Great for jotting down little love notes ;-)

This little holiday card that opens up to look like.........

||GIVEAWAY||

a Rafflecopter giveaway

5 Fandom Friday: My Must See List of Christmas Movies

Ooohhh I LOVE Christmas movies!  I was super excited when I saw that this was a 5FF topic!  Now... picking only 5 Christmas movies will be hard!  These are in NO particular order.  That'd be impossible.

||1} White Christmas: I love this movie.  It's only recently become one of my favorites.  I'm sure I watched it with my parents when I was young, but was just reintroduced within the last few years.  I LOVE musicals!

||2} Love Actually: This movie is everything.  If you haven't seen it, do it now.  It's on Netflix.  Go!  Such an A+ cast with a wonderful heartwarming story.  I watch it several SEVERAL times each Christmas.  I'm actually watching it right now as I write this post!  This movie makes me so happy inside.

||3} ELF: Will Ferrell as Buddy is the greatest thing ever.  This movie makes me laugh so HARD!  My family often refer to me as Buddy because I love Christmas soooo much.

||4} Scrooged: This one is from my childhood.  My parents would watch this every year and I've kept the tradition.  Bill Murray is amazing, and this film is hilarious!  Seriously, if you haven't seen this one either you need to.

||5} Die Hard: Yup.  I'm in the "Die Hard is a Christmas movie" club.  Don't argue.  It's a Christmas movie!  I LOVE the Die Hard franchise.  I'm not usually into this type of action movie, but I love these!

||Honorable Mentions||

Because I CAN'T just pick 5...

A Christmas Story

Christmas Vacation

Mystery Science Theater 3000: Santa Claus Conquers the Martians

Are any of these on your list!?  Tell me your favorite Christmas movies below!

productive things to do during christmas vacation

Most of us get a little time off from work during the holidays.  This is a great time to be productive!  Of COURSE you deserve some down time, I know I do!  I'm not talking about crazy extensive projects, just little things that will help you be more organized and feel productive.

||Catch Up on Pleasure Reading||

These last few months have been so busy for me, and I haven't finished a book since October.  I hate to admit that.  I know I plan on getting some good reading in during Christmas vacation!  I've started reading Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell, and I really want to get it finished.  I just haven't made time for it lately.  Instead of reading before bed like I used to do, I'm making lists and have blogging on my brain until I fall asleep.  I need to stop that, ahah!

||Computer Maintenance||

When's the last time you ran a virus or malware scan on your computer?  When's the last time you ran a defrag or disk cleanup?  This is a good time to do that!  Just kick it off and let it run while you watch your favorite Christmas movie or bake your favorite Christmas cookies.  Your computer will thank you.

||Clean Out Smart Phone||

It only takes a few minutes to clear the cache on your apps.  You wouldn't believe how much space that will save you if you haven't done this in a while.  You can also go through your apps.  Are they still relevant?  Do you use them all?  NO?  Get rid of them!  You can also take this time to upload your photos to your computer and get them off your phone.

||Organization Project||

We're not talking completely overhauling your kitchen or anything here.  I'm talking a little project you can do while watching a movie with your family.  I'm personally going to be organizing my planner supplies.  I need to get all my stickers organized into a binder.  This will save me time when decorating, because I will be able to easily flip through and see what I have.

I hope this gives you some ideas on how to stay productive during the holiday break.  Most of all, make sure that you're spending quality time with your family.  The holiday's are a special time whether you specifically celebrate Christmas or not.  Family is so important!  Connect with family you haven't seen or talked to in awhile.  Hugs for everyone!

week 50 [planner love]

I was really starting to feel the Christmas spirit this week!  I know I've been saying this almost every week, but I cannot believe how close we are to the end of the year!  Week 50... wow.

This week I used several stickers, stickies, and some washi.  I also used a Christmas stamp set I purchased from Michael's.

I borrowed the page flag Christmas countdown idea from @the_planned_planner and @jen_plans on Instagram.  I was really excited when I saw it.  Those Target Christmas page flags come with A LOT and I wasn't sure how I wanted to use them.  When I got home with them I realized they were vertical, didn't leave much room for notation, and I really feel the image is in the wrong spot...  SO when I saw the ladies using them as a Christmas countdown, I HAD to do it.  

Here's some of what I used.  The Christmas Owl foil sticker set came from Dollar General.  The tartan pattern washi is from the Dollar Tree.  It's not "true" washi though.  It's more of a decorative "scotch" style tape.  I finally broke down and purchased a Sharpie pen.  I'm really liking it, and I think I'll have to get more colors.  I like that the pen doesn't bleed like traditional Sharpies.  And as always, there's my Frixion clicker pen in black.

3 Reasons to LOVE V8 Protein

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #LoveV8Protein #CollectiveBias

As the year ends and we start planning for a new year, most of us start to make resolutions.  Positive changes we'd like to make in our lives to benefit us for a new year.  At the top of that list is usually "health".  Whether it be losing weight, working out more, eating better, or drinking more water.  Don't wait until January 1st, start now!  Any time of year is the right time to make "good for you" choices.  I have already started myself!

One of my honest to goodness biggest unhealthy habits is not eating enough.  I'm not good at eating breakfast then before I know it, it's 3pm and I haven't eaten a thing.  I knew this had to change.  I went to Wal-Mart on a search to find the PERFECT solution!

In the Health & Beauty section I found nutrition bars & shakes.  I thought this would be perfect!  It's easy to grab and go, and I don't have to take the time to make anything.  It's also convenient and light.  In the Health & Beauty section you will find the new V8 Protein Bars & Shakes in several flavors!

There are 6 flavor options across the bars and shakes.  The V8 Protein Bars & Shakes taste delicious!  It feels like you're treating yourself to something naughty, but they're actually a good for you choice!  With 12g of Protein and 3g of Fiber, they're very satisfying and filling.  The shakes get their protein from milk, soy, pea, brown rice, and quinoa.  Including vegetables like sweet potatoes and carrots!  The V8 Protein Bars & Shakes are sweetened with honey, brown rice syrup, and sugar.

I work outside of the home 4 days a week.  Two of those days are Saturday & Sunday starting at 7am.  I'm not really a morning person, so I pretty much roll out of bed, make myself somewhat presentable, and head out the door.  Because of this I rarely take the time to bring food with me and will go the entire day without, or I'll go through the drive thru somewhere.  NOT a good for me choice.  I have started bringing my V8 Protein Bars & Shakes with me.  Tossing them in my bag the night before.  Definitely a BETTER for me choice!

Monday through Friday I spend the majority of my day in front of my laptop.  Blogging, working on social media, and completing other business.  Around 3pm every day I start crashing.  I'm sure this is when my morning coffee caffeine wears off, ahah.  I've started using my V8 Protein Bars & Shakes as a snack to pull me out of my afternoon slump.

When I'm out running errands or doing some shopping, I tend to not remember to eat until I'm famished!  Then I will end up eating something bad like fast food.  I've started making sure that I have a V8 Protein bar & shake with me.  This actually saved me when I was out doing some last minute Christmas shopping!  It was kind of an impromptu trip that I hadn't planned on.  I didn't have breakfast that morning, and luckily I had a V8 Protein Bar & a Shake in my purse!  It satisfied me and fueled me for more running around!

I love my V8 Protein Bars & Shakes!  I highly recommend them!  Have you tried them yet?  What flavors do you like?!

how to connect with me on social media

Social Media: websites and applications that enable users to create and share content or to participate in social networking.

I LOVE social media.  I love creating && I love sharing!  Social Media has done an incredible job bringing like-minded individuals together regardless of geographical location.  If you think about how far it's come in just the last 8 years, it's pretty damn impressive.  Technology rocks you guys.

Today I'm going to tell you the BEST ways to stay connected to me!  I want to make sure that each & every one of you are benefiting from following me on all my social media.  Each platform has it's own perks and content.

|Twitter|

Twitter is fast paced, short, && sweet.  With 140 character limit, you have to get pretty creative at times.  I have more followers on Twitter than I do on any other platform.  I'm very grateful for all of you! <33

*What you will find on my Twitter is: blog post updates, giveaway reminders, time sensitive calls to action, and random thoughts.  

*What to expect:  I tweet probably 5-15 times a day.  I'm not spammy and you won't see me filling up your feed unnecessarily.

*How to find me: @emileespeaks

|Facebook|

I have a Facebook page specifically for my blog.  I'll be 100% honest with you... I'm not as active on it as I should be.  I've been working on that though!

  

*What you will find on my facebook page:  I share updated blog posts.  I've been working on sharing other random tid bits on there to be a little more interactive with my 500 followers.

*What to expect:  1 MAYBE 2 posts per day.  It's not super active, but it's a good resource.  Especially when I launch the super secret surprise for 2015!

*How to find me: EmileeSpeaks

|Instagram|

Instagram is my most favorite right now.  I'm building quite a large planner community over on my instagram && I'm loving it!

*What you will find on my Instagram:  Planner stuff... lots & lots of planner stuff!  Ahah.  Stationary pics.  Blog post updates.  My cats.

*What to expect:  I post about 1-3 times a day on Instagram.  I'm veryyy active with my readers though.  I'll like and comment on your photos.  I'm on instagram more than any other social media.  I will also be launching instagram exclusive planner related giveaways.

*How to find me: emilee_speaks

|Pinterest|

What the HECK did we do before Pinterest?!  I'm asking.  Bookmarking web pages is sooo 2009.  I seriously live in fear of the day Pinterest meets its demise.  I have so many things pinned!

*What you will find on my Pinterest:  Everything.  No really... everything.  I have 87 Boards.  Each specifically named & categorized.

*What to expect:  Depends on the day.  Some days I'll only pin a few things, some days I pin ALL THE THINGS!  You really need to follow my boards though,  I've curated some great stuff!

*How to find me: EmileeBlogs

|YouTube|

Okayyy... this is a little preemptive.  I only have 1 video on youtube, and it was a random unboxing video to music for a sponsor of EmileeSpeaks.  HOWEVER, I have big plans for 2015, EmileeSpeaks, Planners, && YouTube.  So stay tuned... subscribe now! 

*What you will find on my YouTube:  One sad lonely video recorded via phone.

*What to expect:  I can't tell you yet... that falls under SUPAH DUPAH SECRET things to come!

*How to find me: click here

I hope this helps you find me on Social platforms and give you an idea of what to expect.  You can always click on the social media icons in my sidebar.  They will also take you where you need to go.

Super duper awesome things are coming && I know you won't want to miss any of it!  I look forward to seeing you on other platforms! <333