One of my favorite ways to celebrate each season is with candles. This year I acquired quite a collection of winter/holiday candles. These are just a few of my absolute favorites I picked up.
Favorite Christmas Candles
Friday, December 8, 2017
When I was a teenager I worked retail at the mall. I grew to hate Christmas music because I'd hear it all day every day from November-December. As I've gotten older my love of Christmas music has returned. I'm that girl who plays the Christmas station in the car (SiriusXM Holly) every minute of December. I thought it'd be fun to start my Christmas Holiday blog series by sharing some fun non-traditional Christmas Tunes with you!
Tuesday, October 10, 2017
Disclosure: This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #WinWithTonysPizza #CollectiveBias
Friday night lights equals football, pizza, and buffalo wings cauliflower! Wait, what? No really!
High school football is in full swing and I have a winning post-game dinner for you. Do you find yourself on a Friday night with a house full of pumped up hungry teenagers? I know I always did. My son graduated high school a few years ago, and is in college now, but I look back fondly on Friday nights at the football field. I had a very gifted band kid and it was always a joy to watch him perform. Whether you're a football mom, cheer mom, or a band mom, Friday night lights becomes a part of you.
Wednesday, September 13, 2017
I'm back with another Fall DIY in my #FallIsComing series! Today we're going to be making Pumpkin Spice Sugar Scrub. This scrub is the perfection addition to your fall 'Self Care Sunday'.
This scrub literally only takes 5 minutes to throw together and it smells ah-mazing. You likely already have all the ingredients in your kitchen too.
Monday, September 11, 2017
I think fall has become almost everyone's favorite time of year. It's so beautiful, the temperature is nice, and clothes are great [am I right?!]. It's such a peaceful time of year and is by far my favorite season. I've compiled a Fall Bucket List of ideas to make your fall the best ever!
Wednesday, September 6, 2017
If you haven't noticed yet... I love the Dollar Tree. I love finding random things to turn into something beautiful. I'm not the most creative, but sometimes I put something together and really surprise myself! Maybe it's the upcoming fall that is inspiring me. I made this beautiful floral arrangement last week and I knew I had to deconstruct it and share it with you as a DIY.
Disclosure: These flowers weren't purchased this year. I'm not sure if they have similar flowers this year, but I purchased these last fall.
Monday, September 4, 2017
Over the weekend I had my home smelling like fall heaven. Friday I went to Bath & Body Works to grab some fall candles while they were $12.50. I also picked up a few Fragrance Melts while they were 3 for $12. So in my living room I had a Flannel candle going and in the master bathroom I had Autumn going in the wax warmer. It was amazing! (I might add in a quick B&BW fall haul for you this week)
As if that wasn't enough, I decided to whip up some homemade Pumpkin Spice Granola. So we had all those lovely fall scents going AND pumpkin spice granola in the oven. I was feeling fall! Then today it got back up into the 90s, ugh. I'm so ready for fall weather.
This recipe is so easy to throw together and you likely have most of the ingredients already at home. It's perfect with milk for a little cereal bowl, or added to your Greek yogurt.
Pumpkin Spice Granola is a fantastic fall treat for yourself or as a gift! Pour the granola into mason jars and add a beautiful fall ribbon, and you've got a perfect fall gift for your bestie.
Friday, September 1, 2017
I watch a lot of house cleaning videos on YouTube. I'm not sure when that obsession started or how I ended up there. You know how you watch YouTube, then click on suggested videos until you don't even know what you're watching or why? I think that's how this happened. I'm fascinated by other people's routines and lives [I'll list a few of my favorite channels below].
I've been shopping at a local health food store for 15 years and that's when I first was introduced to Mrs. Meyer's products. My local chain stores didn't carry it then. The first Mrs. Meyer's product I purchased was the All Purpose Cleaner Concentrate in Lavender. I used it for everything. I've always been a big fan of these products and their scents.
While watching a favorite YouTuber she mentioned Grove Collaborative. I was curious and hopped over to check out the company. I was blown away at the prices of the products. Much cheaper than my local stores. I was also incredibly swayed by the great Free Gift offer at the time I signed up. The Free Gift offer was a bottle of Mrs. Meyer's Multi-Surface spray, Dish Soap, Hand Soap, decorative tray, and a 16oz glass Spray Bottle. I read the reviews and decided I wanted to give it a go.
I received my purchase today and I immediately took pictures and wanted to share it with you. I think this is a steal. I received all the products above in the picture for only $20. I purchased the Molly's Suds dryer balls [I've been meaning to buy dryer balls for quite some time now], and the walnut sponges. The rest was free!
Let's dive in and look at what I got...
Wednesday, August 30, 2017
I'm a little late getting around to checking out the Dollar Tree this year for fall items. Luckily my store still had lots to choose from. While I was there I also grabbed new Halloween stuff, but we won't talk about Halloween today. I love how the Dollar Tree has really stepped up their game with their seasonal decor. They had some really adorable festive items and I spent about $20 on fall & Halloween stuff.
I love decorating my home for holidays and seasons. My biggest seasonal decor storage bin is the one that houses fall & Halloween stuff. After this years new stuff, I'm going to have to get a new bin and separate fall from Halloween. I love decorating for Christmas, but I super duper love decorating for fall & Halloween.
The beauty of finding pieces at the Dollar Tree is you can mix it with your more expensive decor to really bulk up what you have. And if it doesn't last after the season, you only spent a dollar! However, I still have Dollar Tree items from 4 years ago. As long as you pack it up nice, you won't have any issues.
Let's get into the haul!
Monday, August 28, 2017
I read every night before bed. I don't fall asleep easily and reading before bed really helps. I read on my iPad in the Kindle app so that I can have the lights off. I don't read super fast, I'm not one of those that reads a whole book a day. I just read a little bit every night until I pass out. I can't tell you how many times I've woken up snuggling my iPad because I fell asleep reading! Fun fact: 2 nights ago I was woken up by Siri talking to me on my iPad.
This summer I've read mostly thrillers & mysteries. My absolute favorite genre is psychological thrillers. (I'm looking at you Gillian Flynn, when are you going to release a new book?!) It's quite funny that I enjoy thrillers and mysteries because I'm a huge scaredy cat. I love the thrill of 'whodunit'. You couldn't pay me to go to a spook house though!
Sunday, August 27, 2017
I'm gearing up for some pretty exciting content for you, so please bookmark me and stick around. See you soon!
Monday, May 22, 2017
[Badlands National Park]
Last summer my in-laws took us all on a family road trip to South Dakota. I have such beautiful pictures from this trip and in my effort to bring Emilee Speaks back around to a lifestyle blog, we're going to revisit this trip today.
On June 1st, 8 adults loaded up into a 12 passenger van and we took off for South Dakota. We had about a 9hr drive ahead of us. I love a good road trip! We listened to music, visited with each other, read, slept... While I love road trips, I'm a very anxious passenger. I drive 100% of the time in our day to day life, so not having that control is hard on me.
Monday, May 15, 2017
It's Callie and I's favorite time of the month again! Barkbox day! We excitedly accepted it from the postal carrier and ran in to film an unboxing for you!
This month's theme is wild west and it couldn't be any cuter. Little miss recently got her summer haircut. She started blowing her coat and I just couldn't keep it under control. We'd brush twice a day and she was still matting and tangling. So I grabbed my trusty Wahl clippers and went to town. If you're curious, I used 3/8" on her body, 5/8" on her legs, and 3/4" guards on her head. She's happy as can be and prancing all over.
Without further ado, Here's our unboxing video!
B A R K B O X
Get your first box free [and a free one for Calliope!]
https://www.barkbox.com/r/JW7VQIW00L
Wednesday, April 19, 2017
As you know, I've been using a Limelife planner for over 2 years now. I recently was given the opportunity to try an Erin Condren for free. I decided to change things up and give the EC a test run. I know... I know... I'm a little late to the planner game on that one. Honestly though, I've been super happy with my Limelife for so long. That being said, it's time to try something new.
Wednesday, April 5, 2017
I am OBSESSED with the playlist I made for the gym. Nothing gets me more pumped up than music. I hope you find some inspiration & motivation from my current gym playlist!
Thursday, March 9, 2017
Hello friends! I've had a pretty life changing couple of weeks and I can't wait to tell you about it.
Friday the 24th of February 2017: The beginning of the end for me. The end of what? The end of bad habits, sedentary days, and negative thoughts. I woke up that Friday determined to change my outlook on many things in life, including myself. I realize we're now into March, but that moment I declared '2017' to be the year of 'ME'. I'm always giving giving giving my time and energy to everyone else and putting myself on the back burner. This has been detrimental to my health and spirit. Please, don't get me wrong, I'm not making a choice to be a selfish asshole, I'm choosing to focus on myself. I don't think there's anything selfish about that! I think more moms and wives need to.
Tuesday, February 28, 2017
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser, MARS Incorporated. All opinions are mine alone. #DineWithCesar #TreatWithCesar #CollectiveBias
How adorable is my baby?! Ahh I can't take it! Calliope is now a big girl, she turned 1 this month. Since she turned one it was time to transition her off of puppy food to big girl food. I also wanted to make her a new super adorable food bowl for her new food. So I'm going to share that DIY with you today!
Monday, February 13, 2017
As we're moving further into February a lot of people will have already abandoned their resolutions and goals. Fitness related goals are the number one resolutions made each year, and usually the first to go. Today I'm going to offer up some awesome advice and tips to help you keep your goals!
One of the easiest ways to get more active is simply moving! Make sure that you're getting your steps in for the day. As a blogger, some times it's really difficult for me to do this since so much of my day is spent in front of a computer. So I compiled a list of ways to get more steps in and get myself moving!
30 Easy Ways to Get More Daily Steps
||1} Dance it out! I recommend turning on some hip-hop and do your thing. Don't worry, no one's watching.
||2} Pace when you're making dinner.
||3} Vacuum more.
||4} Park further away from entrances.
||5} Stop using your remote. Get up and walk to the tv.
||6} Stuck on a long call? Walk around!
||7} Walk around the grocery store a few times before you start your shopping.
||8} Stopping for the Starbucks you crave? Park and go inside, don't go through the drive-thru.
||9} Take your pup on a walk. Great bonding time for you and Fido.
||10} Do NOT go to bed until you've met your goal. Walk around and pick up the day's clutter before bed to help get more steps in.
||11} Don't skip through commercials, get up and walk in place or around your home.
||12} If you need to go somewhere that is less than a mile away... WALK.
||13} Pace around while brushing your teeth or blow drying your hair.
||14} Go to the mall and window shop while doing laps.
||15} If you have stairs, go up and down them a few times before you have a snack.
||16} While out running errands, walk around your car a few times before getting back in.
||17} Play fetch with your dog and run around with them.
||18} Pace around while your morning coffee is brewing.
||19} Set an alarm to get up and move every 30mins.
||20} Take your dog on a walk around the block every potty break instead of just opening the door and letting them go in the backyard (I live in an apartment and I don't have a yard. When I adopted my pup, my steps doubled daily because of potty walks).
||21} ALWAYS take the stairs.
||22} Bring your groceries in one bag at a time.
||23} Challenge your friends on FitBit, make it a game!
||24} Choose the bathroom furthest away. You can do this in an office building that you work at or at home. We have 3 bathrooms and I always go to the bathroom furthest from where I am.
||25} Wash your car by hand.
||26} Go on a walk on your lunch break.
||27} Do the laundry more often.
||28} Pick a word or "thing" that happens in your favorite show often and get up and walk around your couch 3 times every time it happens.
||29} Get a FitBit or some other step tracker. You'd be really surprised how motivating that can be. I love my FitBit and the new bands I recently got for them.
||30} Decide right here right now that you're worth and make a plan to utilize these tips. Put them in your planner and do it!
I have found that these 30 things have really helped me get more steps and more activity in my day. You don't have to go on hour long walks every day (though that'd be great!), just find ways to MOVE while you're doing your ordinary tasks throughout the day.
Hope this helps! Happy walking!
Thursday, February 9, 2017
Since last week's voice over video wasn't a complete disaster, and I've made peace with learning that I sound like a vapid valley girl... (no really, I had no idea!) I've decided to do another voice over for this week's plan with me.
Moving along in February with more cutesy lovey dovey decor!
||WHAT I USED||
♥Limelife Planner: http://rwrd.io/zmu219r (Receive $10 off your order when you use my link)
♥Washi: Michael's & Target
♥Stamps: Sweet Stamp Shop
♥Ink: Versamagic Chalk Ink Sea Breeze http://amzn.to/2kmj4Y8
♥Paper Clip: My Etsy Shop https://www.etsy.com/shop/emileespeaks
♥Marker: Fine Point Sharpie http://amzn.to/2k2Mlet
♥My every day pen: InkJoy Gel Pens http://amzn.to/2kSKA2S
♥Page Flag Punch: http://amzn.to/2lnO5v6
Wednesday, February 8, 2017
I'm trying something new for 2017. My wallet was falling apart and I decided I wanted to try using a personal sized planner as a wallet. I picked up this Recollections brand planner from Michael's and it came with inserts. I used a coupon and got it all very cheap. I didn't want to get a Filofax since I wasn't sure if I'd like using a planner as a wallet. So far, I'm loving it!
When you first open it up, there's a flap on the inside where I keep a few sticker sheets. Since this planner doesn't have card slots in it, I had to improvise. I knew I wanted my debit card right in front... I mean, hello? That's what gets used the most! What I did was take a piece of scrapbook paper (the pineapples), laminated it, cut it down, and punched it. I picked up a package of these pockets from Michael's and I used E-6000 glue to glue the pocket onto my laminated scrapbook paper. I've been using this for about a month and it's held up perfectly!
Recollections has so many cute accessories that go with their planners. I picked up a package of folders. This is the first one in my planner. I use it to keep receipts.
Can we talk about how cute this folder is?! I really haven't used this one for much... yet. What I'll likely be doing is using the first folder for personal receipts, and the second for business receipts.
Each month tab has a super cute design on it. This is February! I put 6 months of planner inserts into the wallet, and took January out when it was over. Since any important information on these pages would be transferred to my main planner anyway, I don't see the need to keep old months in it. My planner pages in this wallet I update each morning. I sync the day with my main planner at home. I write down errands that I need to run, any appointments I may have, etc.
I took an old paper pad from Michael's and took out about 15 pages. I cut them down and punched them. The Recollections inserts didn't come with a "notes" section and I need paper to jot things down on. I also cut a slit in each hole so I can pull these pages out if I need to, and put them back in.
Since this guy doesn't have card slots in it, I sat down with my fuse tool and some page protectors and made my own! I'm going to do a video this month on how I made these so keep an eye out for that. Behind my 2 card sleeves is another folder and a checkbook.
I'm not sure how long this setup will hold up. I've got a lot of DIY going on in this wallet, but so far it's doing great! I'll have to check in and update you guys in a few months and tell you how it's going.
Do you use a personal or mini planner as a wallet? What planner do you use for it?
Wednesday, February 1, 2017
You've been asking, and I listened! Welcome to my FIRST voice over video! Whew, let me tell you that it wasn't easy. It's so weird to listen to yourself and talk about what you're doing. Mad props to the youtubers that do this often. I'm sure I'll get the hang of it soon though...
I LOVE Valentine's Day. I love pink & red & hearts and all that girly stuff, so I love decorating in February. This week's layout uses very little supplies and is an affordable look.
||WHAT I USED||
♥Limelife Planner: http://rwrd.io/zmu219r (Receive $10 off your order when you use my link)
♥Washi: Michael's & Dollar Tree
♥Stamps: Sweet Stamp Shop
♥Ink: Versamagic Chalk Ink Perfect Plumeria http://amzn.to/2jvzpNN
♥Paper Clip: My Etsy Shop https://www.etsy.com/shop/emileespeaks
♥Sticker Book: Michael's ($1)
Monday, January 23, 2017
January's box is our second Barkbox. I had full intention of taking photos of our first box, but we were so excited and ripped into it immediately! Miss Calliope has really enjoyed her Barkbox toys & treats all month long. I know we're only 2 months in, but so far we're loving it!
Callie has a lot of toys. She loves her toys. She has a toy box in the living room and every morning she drags out every single one, and plays with every single one in little doggy circuit training hah. Now I just need to train her to pick up her toys at the end of the day... My living room looks like a toddler's playroom!
I decided to get a Barkbox subscription because with the money we were spending on trips to the local pet store, we might as well be getting a fun sub box with unique toys and treats. I think the pricing is fair and so far completely worth it.
Let's jump in!
This month's box is travel themed. Every month, the packaging in your box matches the theme. Look at the custom tissue paper! So cute.
This month's description:
Pack your bags! We're going traveling with this month's BarkBox. Whether you're schlepping to Kathmandu or shuffling to the kitchen, we've included everything your dog needs to trot the globe like a pro. Now the only question is: will your pup smile for their passport photo? Tasty treats are WAY better than the in-flight meal, and the tough chews and fun toys are perfect for making a long flight fly by. Just don’t forget your passport!Each Pup in the Air box is thoughtfully curated with 5 items.
||NOTE||
The regular subscription box comes with 2 toys, 2 treats, and a chew of some sort. When I subscribed, I was gifted the additional premium toy add-on for free. So you'll see 3 toys in our box.
Dentists Say "Play Twice A Day" Toothpaste: You’ll both be grinning after tug of war with this toothpaste and brush-shaped toy. It has a stretchy give that will offer your dog’s toofers the tension they crave when it’s time to play.
Suitcase: Can we all agree flying would be so much better if we got to sit among dog passengers? With this toy designed to look like suitcase, we are one step closer to living in that perfect, perfect world. Until then, the durable ballistic nylon stitching means your K-9 co-pilot will be busy commandeering the precious cargo inside: a squeaker toy.
Squeakin' on a Jet Plane: This cushy toy is perfect for business or pleasure. Your dog can get to work shaking out a very bumpy ride, or, because it’s so plush, use the plane to dock a worn-out snout. And remember. Every time the aircraft squeaks, a pupper gets its wings!
Duck Chew: 7", Rawhide Free, 100% American made, great for teeth and gums
Snack Rings with Lamb & Cheddar: First class ingredients like real lamb and cheddar cheese make for one smooth sailing snack. These grain-free treats are shaped like mini circles so they’re easy to catch. The soft texture leads to a chewy bite, so they’ll keep your dog distracted as you get to the next stop.
Farm Fresh Chicken, Pea, Kale, & Quinoa: These dried jerky treats are GMO free and made with whole muscle USDA inspected chicken. If that isn’t feel-good enough, consider the additional ingredients of peas, quinoa and kale fresh from the farm. Your dog won’t even know how good he’s being during snack time. We won’t tell him if you won’t.
||BREAKDOWN||
♥Crunchy Duck Chew: $3.00
♥Toothpaste toy: $8.00
♥Farm Fresh treats: $8.00
♥Snack Rings: $6.00
♥Jet Plane: $8.00
♥Suitcase: $10.00
Value =$43
Price of Box (w/6 month subscription) =$24.00
We'd LOVE to gift you your first box for FREE! Just hop on over to Barkbox using my special link: https://www.barkbox.com/r/JW7VQIW00L
Callie and I also filmed an impromptu unboxing video on snapchat. I uploaded it to YouTube and you can see it now...
Thursday, January 19, 2017
I haven't been using my MO2Ps much in my spiral bound planner. I have been doing my monthly planning in my filofax. So I had these blank month pages and I wasn't sure what to do with them. Then I decided I wanted to 'memory keep' on my month pages.
I went to a RHCP concert on the 14th and gathered some memorabilia to put together these pages. I decided to film it when I sat down to create. So I hope you enjoy!
Sunday, January 1, 2017
I love New Years Day... I love new beginnings, goals, plans, and aspirations. A new year sends us into reflection and self discovery. Who are you? Where are you? Are you who you want to be, and where you want to be? Have you lived the previous year being the best version of you?
Resolutions have long been the brunt of mockery. The statistics for resolutions are somewhere around 80% failure. Failure. What a harsh word for self improvement. Of course we don't reach every goal every year. That's just how life works! You learn more each year on what changes you need to make in your life to achieve your goals. It's a process, Rome wasn't build in a day!
Goodbye 2016.
I don't recall making resolutions for 2016 and it was probably one of my most unproductive years. 2016 was stagnant and I allowed it to be. I put so much focus on the 'hustle' that I was just asking myself to make excuses. This morning while listening to podcasts I heard Gary Vaynerchuk tell his listeners to "suffocate excuses". I wrote it down immediately. Suffocate excuses. What a powerful visual. Those 2 words are going on the dashboard of my Filofax for 2017. I'm ready to put 2016 behind me and move forward on a more positive path. Balance is something I'm working on for 2017. I tend to go all or nothing until I burn out and lose motivation to even breathe.
Hello 2017.
This morning while I enjoyed my coffee, I started making my lists. My goals and plans. Pure brain dump. I have a pretty good start here on how I want 2017 to go. Not just in my business life, but my personal life. Which let's be real, as an entrepreneur there's a fine line between those two lives...
I'm not going to make a bullet list for you of what I want for 2017 (yet). But basically the focus will be on balancing the weight of all my balloons. Evenly distributing myself and my time. For example, when my Etsy shop is hopping with orders, my blog and youtube get ignored. When I have a lot going on with the blog, Etsy and Youtube get ignored. I have a plan to make sure my time is more even across the board. That's the goals for the 'work' me. My personal goals are a little more stereotypical. Make better choices for my health, get into the gym more, etc etc. I'm also getting myself back into the Flylady routine for my housework. I fell out of that habit last year and I felt the struggle from doing so. For me, the Flylady cleaning routine/schedule just makes everything so streamlined and easier to keep up with. Another focus for me personally this year which piggy-backs on Flylady is sticking to a morning & evening routine. When I start my day off in an intentional way, things just go smoother. I feel better and more productive.
I plan on sharing more details of all of this with you when I share my 2017 Filofax setup (coming this week). You'll see how I'm using my Filofax to implement these changes in my life for the new year.
What are your plans for the new year? Do you make goals and resolutions? I'd love to hear about it!