Everything Emily

I'VE MOVED!!! WWW.EVERYTHINGEMILYBLOG.COM

2015-01-14T07:59:00.000-08:00

If you wonder why the site it looking odd, it's because I've made the switch to Wordpress. It's been a long time coming and with the new year, I figured why not start it fresh. My time with blogger has been amazing, it's just time to move onto bigger things. Wordpress allows me to have a few more options with me blog. You can now visit me at my same address... www.everythingemilyblog.com

Thank you all for following along here on blogger! Can't wait to show you what all I have in store for the blog this year!

XO!

NEW YEAR, NEW GOALS

2015-01-01T08:32:00.000-08:00

I hate to see such a great year end, but I'm excited to see what 2015 has in store for myself and my little family. 2014 was such a fabulous year filled with traveling, moving, and a whole new chapter of life for us... I looked back at my 2014 goals and I must say I achieved nearly all of them except for a few. I look back at this past year and it has been such a learning lesson for myself and what I want to do/be in life... We wrapped up 2014 with a new home, a new place, and a new chapter so I know 2015 is going to be great! Here are few self goals and goals for my little blog this year.

Myself -

Further my education - I've been interested in completing a nutrition program for a few months now and this year I'm going to make it happen. I feel like I've spent so much time in school that I ask myself "is this right for me?" "Would I be good at it?".. It's time to stop worrying about those things and just go for it...

Be more selective - With my choices, with friends, with everything. Less is really more in so many ways... That's my motto for 2015.

Read more books.

Get established with a church in the area.

Kick the caffeine - I said this last year but as of tomorrow I will not be drinking any more soda. The side effects are terrible and until I drink just one and be satisfied, I won't be drinking them any more.

Exercise - I'm 115 pounds of no muscle tone. I always feel and sleep better when I exercise. I don't plan on getting a gym membership or anything of that sort, but I do plan on lifting a few kettle bells around the house and walking/running when the weather is nice.

Buy a home - We have already started browsing homes here in ND and I pray this is they year we are in a home we OWN. Jacob and I have agreed to not rush into anything and wait for the right home to come along... easier said than done when your third floor apartment living with a busy 2 year old and a dog.. but we can do it!

Step out of my comfort box - This year I will try new things, decorate my house in a color other than those of the neutral palette, wear things I usually wouldn't but would love to try...

and lastly...

Have another baby (maybe) - This has been a topic between Jacob and I here lately.. Not sure if we are ready with all the new changes that have recently taken place in our lives, but you never know.. I don't want Asher to be an only child. Maybe this will be the year we expand our little family. Maybe.

Blog -

Blog more - 3 days a week is my goal for 2015.

Share more DIY projects and Recipes - I love making things/cooking and this year I have GOT to share more of those.. Those are by far my most popular content and I need to stop wondering if they will go over well and just do it. If I like them that's all that counts right?!

Switch to Wordpress - I have went back and forth with this decision and I will be switching to Wordpress early this year. Blogger has been so good to me, but it's time for new platform.

Share more personal posts - I always don't know what to write or feel like I will just sound silly and this year I need to put those worries aside and share more from my heart... Lots more.

Update my social media more often.

And...

Connect with other bloggers!

Hopefully I will accomplish all of these goals in 2015. Thank you all for your support, comments, kind words, and time. You make this little blog of my a dream and I can't thank you enough. I wish you all an incredibly Happy New Year filled with lots of love and peace! May all of your 2015 goals and dreams come true!

XO!

2015 CALENDAR + PLANNER FAVORITES

2014-12-28T19:28:00.000-08:00

With 2015 quickly approaching I thought I would share a few of my favorite calendars and planners with you guys. One thing I always invest in at the beginning of the year is a good planner... I seriously use one everyday of my life. And now that I'm a busy mama they are a must! I would be lost without one. Here are my favorites! Is it bad that I secretly wish I had one of each!

1. The Journey Day - What I love about Minted books is that they can be a planner, journal, or notebook. This one is a friendly little reminder that will put a smile on your face!

2. DIY Bill Calendar - This fun little bill calendar from REDSTARink will keep you up to date on what's do when. I adore this little bill calendar! Such a great invention!

3. Rifle Paper Co. Appointment Calendar

4. Rifle Paper Co. Les Fleurs Wall Calendar

5. Kraft Paper Monthly Planner - This monthly planner is a super fun size and very reasonably priced!

6. Stendig Calendar - Hands down my most favorite calendar. I need to order one ASAP before they sell out!

7. Minted Photo Calendar

8. Anthropologie Woodblock Calendar - This is a super fun and unique twist to your average calendar!

Which calendar is your favorite? Do you use a planner? If so what is your go to one?

Happy Monday!

XO!

READER SURVEY

2014-12-28T08:09:00.001-08:00

I've been busy planning out my 2015 plans and goals for this little blog of mine and would love your feedback! If you guys don't mind, I would so appreciate you taking this quick little survey to help me get a better sense of what you want to read in new year! Thank you all for following along on this little blog of mine!! XO!

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey , the world's leading questionnaire tool.

CHRISTMAS MORNING

2014-12-25T18:45:00.001-08:00

Asher woke at about 8:30 this morning and was shocked at the loot Santa had left him. It didn't take him but about 15 minutes to tear through his stash of goodies. He was so excited and spent the entire morning playing with his new toys. We lounged around all day, snacked on some yummy snacks I made, and had a number of sword/nerf gun wars. This was the second Christmas we spent as a family of three and although it always feels empty without our families around, we enjoyed our day. Tonight we are having a Christmas movie-a-thon filled with more snacks and some Christmas candy I whipped up. I always dread for the holidays to end, but I am looking forward to the new year... And the after Christmas sales... ;) I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas! XO!

BEST DIY PROJECTS OF 2014

2014-12-22T07:07:00.001-08:00

With 2014 quickly coming to an end.. I mean I can't believe it's almost Christmas! I've decided to share a few of my favorite DIY posts that I did this past year. Most of these projects were silly ideas that popped in my little head and low and behold they came to life! I must I'm quite proud of a few of these... 2015 will be FULL of more super fun, easy, and affordable (you know I'm all about saving the pennies!) projects! Stay tuned and here are my favorites from 2014!

DIY WASHI TAPE WALL DECALS - What a fun and popular project this was! I had been wanting to use wall decals in Ashers room for sometime and just couldn't justify spending the money on them since this wasn't our forever home. I improvised with a few $3 dollar rolls and washi tape and what do ya know! If turned out fantastic! You can see the full tutorial here.

DIY MIFFY INSPIRED TREAT BAGS - These were so fun to make! And perfect for Easter! You can see the full tutorial here.

DIY FIRETRUCK BIRTHDAY - Seems like this happened just yesterday! Parties don't have to cost a fortune. See how to stay frugal and create this fun firetruck party here.

DIY PLANT HANGER - I love plants and this plant hanger was easy and fun to make! You can see the full tutorial here.

DIY COMPASS BANNER - I had seen so many fun banners floating around the internet and decided to make this fun one for Asher's gallery wall in his room. You can see the full tutorial here.

DIY CACTUS PILLOW - This was another fun diy that was just a random idea that popped into my head and came to life! I just adore this fun little pillow! You can see the how to here.

Happy Monday friends!

XO!

DIY BALLOON TREE TOPPER USING NORTHSTAR BALLOONS!

2014-12-16T20:24:00.002-08:00

Every year I swear our tree gets more and more awesome! This year has probably been the best yet. Our tree is full of fun ornaments, bright lights, and some vintage treasures. Growing up, my mom would always put a tree up that was probably 12ft tall. I remember we would always have to wait for my dad to string the lights on it because it was so enormous! It was full of handmade ornaments my sister and I made throughout the years, fun garland, and candy canes.. Oh the nostalgia...

This year I wanted to do something fun for our tree topper. We usually stick to the classic star but I wanted to change it up! I had a wild idea up my sleeve to use a balloon for a tree topper this year. I figured it would be fun and different. I reached out to my favorite balloon shop ever, Northstar Balloons, and like usual they had exactly what I was looking for.... (You may remember the number "2" balloon I used for Asher 2nd birthday party and if not you can see it here)... I went with a letter "L" since it is the first initial of our last name and I love how it turned out. It defiantly finished off the tree and really made it sparkle! And best of all it was SO easy to make! Here's the how to!

You will need:

A Northstar Balloon of your choice! I went with their smaller letter balloon.

Fishing Wire

-Air your balloon up. These balloons come with a straw for you to air up.. so easy!

- Clip the loose ends. Cut any loose tags off of the balloon but be sure not to cut the balloon!

- Tie to tree using fishing wire!

Pretty easy huh?

I hope you all enjoyed this easy DIY post and be sure to check out Northstar Balloons on Facebook and Instagram.

ADJUSTING...

2014-12-15T20:50:00.000-08:00

Next week will mark one month that we have been here in North Dakota. So far we are really loving it. The area we live in is a larger city but has such a small town feel to it. Everyone seems so nice and kind. My husband, Jacob, is transitioning to his new job quite well and is really enjoying it... Each night he comes home and tells me how his day was and it's so nice to hear all about it and what he is learning.. My biggest fear about us getting out of the military was transitioning into civilian life. We were so used to everything being so by the books, and military like, that the transitioning phase totally terrified me... It's definitely been easier than I expected and I'm so thankful that we have started this new chapter. I do miss my friends so very much. The apartment complex we are currently living in is full of retirees. Jacob and I were just talking the other day that we are pretty sure we are the youngest family in this place.. And I have yet to see any kids other than our own.

Asher and I have been spending our days at home, running errands, and playing cars... lots and lots of car playing. We were both so used to me working a few days a week in California and him attending daycare (which he SO enjoyed) that us having lots of free time has been a challenge.. A good challenge! I'm trying like crazy to keep him entertained with lots of crafting, trips to the library, and since we can't go outside on most days, I occasionally let him run the halls of our apartment complex.. He enjoys it and it burns off a little energy. I was hoping to get him into a small preschool program here but the wait lists are INSANE. Last week I enrolled him into a few three year old classes and I hope he is able to get into one of them in the fall. Until then we are going to stay busy and enjoy our time together. I forgot how much I loved mid day baths, making forts under the coffee table, and taking naps with my little love bug. He makes my heart so full!

I'm so thankful for the smooth adjustment this move has been. I'm hoping in the late spring we are able to move into a real home and stay put for awhile. I'm so ready for house projects and all the fun things buying a home has to offer! You can keep up with our daily adventures by following me on Instagram or Facebook. I'm pretty active on there and am always gramming pictures of my handsome little bug!

XO!

WEEKEND FAVORITES

2014-12-13T07:11:00.001-08:00

Happy weekend friends! We are taking it easy on this lovely Friday night... Asher went to bed earlier than usual so I'm taking advantage of my free time by catching up on emails and planning out our grocery list for tomorrows trip. This week I found some amazing pins... Here is just a few of them. You can see more HERE. I hope you all have an amazing weekend!

Festive Favorite

Freshly Picked Cranberry Moccs... Umm amazing!

I adore this look... So simply yet so stunning!

Adorable garland...

Total polish envy...

I'm obsessed with this flooring and that rug!

no words needed for this print... its perfection.

I need these boots... How cute are they?!

Happy Weekend!

UMI SHOES REVIEW

2014-12-12T06:58:00.001-08:00

As Asher gets older, what I put on his little feet has become something I'm super selective about.. He is forever splashing threw puddles or should I say snow now... I am always looking for shoes that are durable, stylish, and long lasting. And now since we live in a colder region, warmth is a necessity. I've been a fan of Umi Shoes for quite sometime... Umi delivers everything you could ever want in your little ones shoe and SO much more. These shoes (pictured below) have become one of my favorite pairs of shoes we have ever owned. Here's why...

DURABILITY - These shoes are probably the most durable shoes we have ever owned.. He wore these for a few weeks before I snapped these photos of them and they still look brand-new. They are made with a durable leather that is long lasting and doesn't wear quickly. They seem to withstand snow as well.. There snow on the ground almost everywhere here and when he happens to get into it I don't worry too much with these shoes. The soles are tough and withstand the everyday activities of a busy 2 year old... Jumping, kicking, running, etc...

EASY TO PUT ON - I love a shoe lace free, easy to slip on shoe. These are easy to put on and since Asher is Mr. Independent these days, I let him fasten the velcro. And they stay on!

QUALITY - The quality of these shoes are perfect! They are well made and will defiantly last! It is so hard to find shoes that are nice quality and these shoes exceed that!

STYLISH - You can dress these shoes up or down... They are SO versatile! They are also a perfect everyday shoe as well. Asher is wearing the "Julius" in Stone Multi and we LOVE them!

You can shop for your Umi Shoes HERE!

Also be sure to follow Umi on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest!

Happy Friday!

DIY WOVEN CHRISTMAS TREE WALL HANGING

2014-12-08T18:17:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago, while shopping for a few Christmas decorations, I ran across a beautiful woven Christmas tree at Anthropologie. Of course it was totally out of my price range, but I couldn't stop thinking about it.. I knew there had to be a way to recreate one that was a little more of my taste and affordable.. Very affordable.. So with a little yarn and my weaving loom, I created a cute little piece that I am really loving!

This project was a tad bit time consuming. I managed to finished mine in about two days.. That was in-between chasing a busy toddler, cleaning up messes, and doing other daily tasks. Cost wise, this projects was less than $5 to make! Awesome right?! I bought a $3.49 spool of yarn from Joanns and happened to have a 40% off coupon making it dirt cheap! I contemplated using other colors but with my minimalistic taste, I decided to just keep it one color.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED -

Weaving Loom

Plastic Needle

Yarn

Basic String (for your loom)

Scissors

HOW TO -

For those of you who don't know how to weave this tutorial here is simply amazing and SO helpful! Weaving is pretty easy to do and I find it pretty therapeutic!

I started off by setting up my loom. My loom is a DIY one I made from an old picture frame and nails. You can follow this tutorial here to make your own.

After you are done setting up your loom began weaving a few rows to hold your tassels into place.

If you don't know how to make tassels I suggest following this tutorial here. Place your tassels where you want them on your tree.

Continue weaving in a triangle all the way up until you have reached the height you would like your tree. Add tassels where you would like them and if you prefer no tassels, feel free to leave them off. Once you have completed your tree, tuck you loose threads in, cut, and tie the edges to keep it in place.

Hang where you would like or this would even make a terrific gift!

I hope you all enjoy this fun and easy DIY! And if you recreate this project please share!

Follow me on Instagram to keep up with my daily happenings!

See my Christmas pinterest board here!

XO,

Emily

HOLIDAY BONANZA GIVEAWAY!

2014-12-08T06:24:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Holidaze Giveaway Bonanza! Over $5,000 worth of goods- broken up into 4 giveaways for mom, boy, girl, and baby. That means 4 different winners! Now let’s meet the hosts of this fantastical event:

Make sure to stop by their blogs, by clicking on each image, for extra entries.

These giveaways will run from December 8^th-24^th. You can enter each of the giveaways, but can only win one. Make sure to SCROLL DOWN to see all the goods we're giving away! 4 Giveaways, 4 separate rafflecopters! Good Luck my friends!!!

Second is the Girl Giveaway worth over $1,200:

1 Pair of Freshly Picked Moccs
Bear hat from Love My Alannah
Secret Pocket Cape from North American Bear Co.
Sophie & Lili Color Me Doll from North American Bear Co.
Little Red Riding Hood Topsy-Turvy Doll from North American Bear Co.
Dorothy/Toto Topsy-Turvy Doll from North American Bear Co.
Infinity Scarf from House of Mia
$50 Shop Credit from Truly Sanctuary
$20 Shop Credit from Stay and Co.
T-shirt from Mini Souls
1 Pair of Susie Custom jeans
Breeze Playard from 4moms
Heart patch leggings from Cute Heads Kids
$30 credit from Ewmccall
$50 shopping credit from Frankie and Sue
$75 from Sugar Shacks Teepees
Silk cord necklace from FAERY of TALES (sterling silver)
Mama Said Tees
$35 gift card to Solshine Clothing
$50 shop credit from Poppy Lane and Co
$40 shop credit to Loved by Hannah and Eli
a Rafflecopter giveaway

NEW CHAPTER

2014-12-05T05:52:00.001-08:00

Those of you who follow me on Instagram know that the past two weeks have been crazy for my little family... To make a long story short, back in October Jacob few to North Dakota to interview for a job with a railroad company.. Fast forward 6 weeks or so and he finally received his final offer with the company and a start date that was exactly 2 weeks out. So in the past two weeks we have moved from sunny California to a rather bone chilling North Dakota, signed a lease on a temporary apartment (until we find a home we want to buy!) and this week Jacob started his new career. Phewww!! What a busy few weeks it's been. Now that we are getting settled we are so blessed and excited for this new chapter in our lives. I was a little hesitant to move to ND, but so far it's been a great state! I just have to get used to the cold! I will back to my regular blogging schedule next week! Stay tuned for this new chapter in our lives! It's going to be amazing! XO! Emily

SALVATION MOUNTAIN

2014-11-18T21:35:00.001-08:00

Last week we took a trip down to Salvation Mountain... Since we've lived here in California, Salvation Mountain has been on my "must see" list and I was so happy we saved it for last! If you don't know about Salvation Mountain you can read about it HERE. It was seriously unlike anything I have ever seen and SO incredible in person.. Just writing about it right now gives me butterflies! We had such a wonderful spiritual connection that I think we had been longing for... I truly think we kept putting off visiting this place for a reason. It was like God knew we needed to visit Salvation Mountain at a time when we needed it. I was so blown away (and still am) with the experience and defiantly think that everyone should see it at least once in their lifetime. Here are a few pictures of our trip... These seriously don't do it justice!

Salvation Mountain is located in Niland CA... That about and hour give or take from Palm Springs.

XO!

2014 HANDMADE HOLIDAY - BABY & CHILDREN PT. 2

2014-11-17T07:57:00.001-08:00

Welcome to the 2nd annual Everything Emily Handmade Holiday Gift Guide! I'm am so thrilled to be sharing another guide with you all this year and this one is so amazing! I love shopping small during the holidays and these handmade shops featured below are a few of my favorites! Be sure to "click" on the shops to access them and view their featured items. Also be sure to use the generous discount codes they provided below on your purchases! XO!

Her Bunnies Three - Handmade Sweetie Dolls and other fun items for the Sweeties in your life.

Featured Items - Girl Sweetie Doll, Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Sweetie Doll

Discount Code - HANDMADEHOLIDAY

Everything Emily

I'VE MOVED!!! WWW.EVERYTHINGEMILYBLOG.COM

NEW YEAR, NEW GOALS

2015 CALENDAR + PLANNER FAVORITES

READER SURVEY

CHRISTMAS MORNING

BEST DIY PROJECTS OF 2014

DIY BALLOON TREE TOPPER USING NORTHSTAR BALLOONS!

ADJUSTING...

WEEKEND FAVORITES

UMI SHOES REVIEW

DIY WOVEN CHRISTMAS TREE WALL HANGING

HOLIDAY BONANZA GIVEAWAY!

NEW CHAPTER

SALVATION MOUNTAIN

2014 HANDMADE HOLIDAY - BABY & CHILDREN PT. 2

2014 HANDMADE HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE - BABY & CHILDREN PT. 1

2014 HANDMADE HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE - HOME & PAPER

2014 HANDMADE HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE - ACCESSORIES

WEEKEND FAVORITES

MINTED FAVORITES AND A GIVEAWAY!

DIY CACTUS ORNAMENTS

VETERANS DAY

HALLOWEEN 2014

ALL NAT-UR-AL

GLUTEN FREE BLUEBERRY PANCAKES AND DAISY COTTAGE CHEESE