MY 2019 IN REVIEW: WHAT'S NEXT FOR 2020?


Hi there! 

So here we are, at the end of another year! I for one, is so grateful that I was blessed with another year to live and dream. The year went by fast, without a doubt. It seems like it was just yesterday we were ringing in the new year and in just few short days we'll be doing it all over again! I just can't believe it and you know what they say "time waits for no one", I sure hope you made the most of 2019 and you have drafted some new goals for the up coming year. I have, and I'm excited about the year 2020...I'm eagerly looking forward to it.

This is my last blog post for 2019, so I thought it'll be great to reflect on how 2019 went and what I can improve on for 2020. I believe clarity and selfawareness is absolutely crucial  to personal growth.  I hope it helps you gain some clarity and insights on your own goals so you can make the necessary changes needed, so we can win together in 2020.



Personal Goals:

As you may know, I'm a stay at home mom of 4, so life was busy as usual, it got even more busier when I went out of my comfort zone to start blogging. Through blogging I've met quite a few fantastic blogger friends.  I even went to a couple of events, which is huge for me because you'd usually find me home with my family on any given day or night. I've realized, it's important for me to be social and meet new people and experience new things. So I'll continue to attend more events in the new year.

I also closed a chapter in my life and started a new chapter and through that I have meet some amazing new family that I adore. It was difficult, because I felt I had a history where I was, over a decade worth of history to be precise, but being there was no longer serving me. I finally closed that chapter of my life and started a new chapter with amazing group of people and I'm happy I was able to do that, its been nothing short of fantastic.



My advice is to never let history or comfortability hold you back from moving on and forward. The unknown can be scary at times, but you'll never know if you don't take action. Don't be afraid to start new if you have to but don't waste your time all in the name of history. Take a leap of faith and you'll be fine. It'll  be difficult at first, but you will find your feet before you know it.

Blog Goals:

At the beginning of the year, I set a goal to get over my fear of judgement and launched my blog where I share all the things I'm passionate about. I went out of my comfort zone and embark on a whole new and nerve racking journey.  I wanted my blog to be a place where women can be inspired to take charge of their lives, through education, happiness, and motivation while doing what they love. It was challenging getting my blog up and running but I officially launched my blog in March of 2019.

My goal was to write two blog posts per month, I was able to do exactly that except in September. It was a busy month with back to school and other family commitments.  I was not able to write two blog posts but I have a plan in place to help with the months that are super busy for me.



Through my blog, I also got to work with some amazing brands.This was huge because while doing some research almost every blogger I had asked and articles I read suggested to wait until I have at least 10,000 followers on Instagram before reaching out to brands. I started reaching out to brands in June with around 3,000 followers and almost immediately I got some yeses!

Yes I contacted lots of brands and some never got back to me, or said no. That was perfectly ok with me, it did not break me or discouraged me. I kept sending out emails and reaching out to brands. My take away lesson was, follow your guts and put yourself out there even if all odds are againest you. Just because it has been so for most people, it doesn't mean it'll be the same for you.  Just do the work needed, put yourself out there, never give up, and keep trying until you eventually get someone who believes in you and is willing to give you a chance.



I started working with brands in June 2019 as of  today as I publish this blog post, I have worked with over 20 brands. I could have never imagined it, no I still don't have 10,000 followers on IG.  I'm so gratful and I'm hopeful about landing more amazing brand deal as I grow my blog in 2020. You can do it too, just have a strong conviction about what you do and be willing to go for what you want!

Fitness Goals:

To be frank, this was the worst year for me with regard to fitness. I was inconsistent with my exercise and diet routine and gained back almost all the weight, I had lost the year before. I'm still trying to balance being a full time mom, wife, a blogger and now a business owner.  I'll get a better handling on things in the new year. I have created a daily fitness and meal plan to help me get back on track and stay on track starting in january of 2020 and beyond. I know I can do it and I'll do it.



What's next?

At the latter part of 2019, I embarked on new journey. I decided to turn my life long passion of Home organization and decor into a business. I have been doing it for years and I enjoy doing it. I actually opened Ig account for it in January of 2019, but didn't start posting there until October of 2019. Again, fear of judgement held me back until I decided to just do it. I have been doing all the behind the scences work from branding, to registering the business and building the website. In 2020 EMERICH DESIGNS will officially be in business!

Final Reflection:

It's funny how life works sometimes, here I am doing things  I never thought I'd do. First blogging and now a  business owner. All because I came to the realization of what it is that I want to do. I've always been the type of person that roots for others. I've always been the type of person that shares information....If I get a good deal on something,  I want everyone to know about it. If I try out something and works for me, you better believe I'll be more than happy to share it with others.


I enjoy helping people and its my passion and purpose. It's a revelation for me and I'm running with it. I want to help people live a better version of themselves through what I post and share on my blog. With my new business, I want to help people live a simplified life by getting organized, staying organized, and be themselves while thriving with impeccable style and ease. I'm happy to finally be doing what I love just by paying attention to what comes naturally to me.

I say all that to say, study your habits, notice what you do best with less efforts and build on it. I'm still learning every day, and I'm not where I want to be, but I'm no longer unclear on my purpose. My purpose is loud and clear to me and I'm doing everything humanly possible to use it to serve others either through services, motivation or inspiration. I'm so looking forward to what 2020 has in store for me and I just can't wait!


Lastly:

I want to say a huge thank you to all of you for your support and encouragements. I wouldn't be here, without all of you. Thank you for reading my blog posts and thank you for motivating me to do better and to put my best foot forward. I appreciate all of you more than you'll ever know. I'm wishing you all a fantastic 2020 and go for whatever you have in your head, even if it might sound crazy to others.

I'll be delighted if you can do me the honor of telling me how your 2019 went and what you have planned for 2020! Were you able to accomplish some of your goals? What lessons are you taking from 2019 and what are you hopeful for in 2020?



SHOP SIMILAR LOOK:




MEDAASE (thank you) and S.M.I.L.E all through 2020 and beyond! Cheers beautiful people and Happy new year!

S - SEE
M - MIRACLES
I - IN
L - LIFE
E - EVERYDAY

XX
EMELIA

GLITTERY PARTY DRESSES FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON.


With the Holiday season officially in full swing, so are the search for "what to wear to a company Christmas party", what to wear to Christmas sunday church", What to wear to Christmas banquet" and the search goes on. 

We all want to look our best as we celeberate.  It's definately the season for parties and it goes without saying most of the holiday parties happening right now requires a little glamming up.  So ditch the casual everyday look, be glamorous and have  fun with some glitter this holiday season!




The holiday season is all about glitters, sparkles and bold colours, so I got to work and picked a few of my favourite budget friendly christmas party outfit that will sure help you make an entrance to any party looking like a diva on a dime! 

I hope it's inspires to look your best this holiday season while still staying on budget. All my selections are very affordable and on budget!



If you've read my blog post, Top Three Online Stores To Score Killer Deals, you definately know Shein is one of the affordable online stores I love to shop at. It's a one stop shop for all things affordable and stylish fashion.




This V-neck Tie Waist Glitter dress I'm wearing is only $13.00. Yep you heard it right! It comes in size small to extra large, I'm wearing large.  Doesn't it look fabulous for that price?! 

You really don't have to spend a fortune to look fabulous and stylish. This dress is so comfortable, can be dressed up or down, and it's not too tight--making it easier to move around without worrying about the dreadful food baby.

Shop This Dress: Tie Waist Glitter Dress



That's it guys! I wanted to make this nice, short and straight to the point! Shein has endless selections of glittery holiday dresses to choose from.  I've linked the exact dress I'm wearing and few others below, check it out and happy shopping!






SHOP HOLIDAY GLAM LOOK



Afehyia pa and S.M.I.L.E!

S - See
M - Miracles
I - In
L - Life
E - Everyday

XX
EMELIA

MELT IN YOUR MOUTH SHORT BREAD COOKIES:CHRISTMAS EDITION.



Tis the season for baking! Yes it's that time of the year, and it's beginging to smell a lot like christmas at our house.  Today my son Nathan and I are sharing one of our favourite holiday cookie receipes...short bread! We love it at our house...we've already made several batches and it's not even December yet!  

Nathan loves to cook and we had so much fun baking these cookies together. It's so easy to make and so delicious, feel free to try it and remeber calories don't count during the holiday season, so eat your heart out and be Merry! 


Short bread cookies are a classic christmas cookies and it's been a staple for us for many years.  I've made it many times over the years and it always comes out perfect! So grab an apron,  put your baking hat on and give it a try!  Don't forget  to let me know how it turns out.  If you're ready, let's get baking!




TOOLS:

Hand mixer
Baking bowls
Spatula
Rolling pin
Cookie cutters
Measuring cup
Sifter
Baking sheets
Patchman paper




INGRIDIENTS:

3 cups flour

1 cup corn starch
1cup icing sugar
1 LB butter (salted or unsalted, whichever one you prefer)
Christmas sprinkles
Whipped White Frosting (1 container was more than enough)




You're more than welcome to make double batch to save time because they do freeze well. Just let them cool down and freeze them in an airtight container. Take them out of the freezer when you're ready, allow them to thaw by placing them on a baking sheet and putting it the fridge.




INSTRUCTIONS:

I prefer to get all ingredients ready before I start the process. So I measured and sifted all my dry ingriedents (couple of times) to help save time. 





Pre-heat oven to 350 (177 Celsius)
    Start by beating butter with a hand mixer until it's a creamy, fluffy consistency.
      Add in your sifted dry ingredients one at a time and slowly until its well mixed.
        Slightly flour the surface to knead and roll the cookie dough to a thickness you prefer (not too thick and not to thin, in between is ideal).




              Start cutting with cookie cutters. (I used Christmas theme cutters). Place them on a baking sheets and bake it in the oven for 10-15 minutes. Please pay close attention because it can and does burn easily.



                Once the timer goes off, Take it out, let it cool down for about 15 minutes or so, before you start decorating. You can leave it plain if you prefer. In the spirite of the holidays season, Nathan and I  opted to decorate them with Christmas sprinkles and left just a few plain.  And that's it! All done, set it out for your family to enjoy, while you clean up the mess in the kitchen, lol.






                The cookies go really well  enjoy my cookies with a cold milk, but egg nog is another great option. Yum!  

                Afehyia pa and S.M.I.L.E!







                S - See
                M- Miracles
                I- In
                L- Life
                E - Everyday

                XX
                EMELIA




                HOLIDAY SEASON - TIPS TO STRETCH YOUR CHRISTMAS BUDGET AND STAY OUT OF DEBT!


                Ah I love the holiday season, it really is the most wonderful time of the year! So much joy and happiness, time well spent with loved ones, beautiful and up lifting christmas songs playing all around us that makes our spirits smile. If it was up to me, it'll be christmas, all day, everyday. I just love everything about this time of the year!

                It's so joly and I just can't get enough of it! As the the holiday season nears with so many festivities happening around us although fun, can bring extra anixiety due to all the pressure and stress involved. There's so much happening in a short time span --- buying gifts, and attending several parties. It can and does get very expensive.  It is beleived that consumers spend billions of dollars during the holiday season. As high as the numbers are, I'm not surprised.  There're lot of spending during the holiday season due to certain pressure and notion to spend. I figured out years ago, avoiding the mall is a great way to keep myself in check during the hoiliday season. I absolutly refuse to rack up unwanted and unnecessary debts.  

                While it's important to enjoy all that the holiday season has to offer, it's also crucial to plan ahead and make great financial decisions in order to help ring in the new year, stress free without worrying about all the bills trickling in, after math of the holiday season.
                 

                Luckily, I love budgeting and planning ahead and I apply the same principles when it comes to the holiday season. So on today's post I'm sharing Tips To Stretch Your Christmas Budget And Stay Out Of Debt!

                Have A Christmas/Holiday Budget

                As with anything, it's important to have a plan and stick to it! Just like with Back To School Shopping and Grocery Shopping. You need a tangible financial plan..set a limit amount as to how much you want to spend on christmas gifts per person or per family and stick to it.  For me, I prefer to have a certain amount set aside throughout the year on our charismas budget for festivities and gifting. The funds saved will be used for food, clothering, gifts and decorations. I have found over the years that having a christmas budget, alleviates unnecessary stress and spending when Christmas rolls around.

                Start Shopping Early

                Yes, if you want to stretch your Christmas budget, you can't leave the shopping for last minutes. I personally start shopping for events at the end of the season. Whether its back to school shopping or Christmas shopping! As soon as boxing day hits, I start looking for great deals with the intention of using them the following year. There are tons of clearance items right after Christmas, from cards, decorations, clothes anything Christmas related can be bought on clearance. Keep an eye out for the items, you think is gift worthy, buy them and put it your stash and bam you have a christmas gift on a budget for next year.

                For example, I knew I wanted to switch up my christmas decoration theme this year. So last year after christmas I bought almost everything I'll need to decorate our home for christmas this year. I saved so much doing that and noone can tell I spent way less to get our home all decked out for christmas. 

                Be a smart shopper and shop out of seasons and get the most for your buck, but  if for one reason or the other you weren't able to shop clearance, it's not too late. You can still get great deals through out the year, there're always deals. Have a plan as to who you want to gift and what kind of gifts you want and shop around until you get what fits in your budget.

                You Don't Have To Give Gifts To Everyone

                It's absolutely ok, not to give everyone you know a gift if you can't afford it. There's no shame in that, and you shouldn't feel pressured to do so. The people in your life should understand that and not hold it against you. As much as I love Christmas, one thing I don't enjoy is the perceived notion of having to give everyone a gift. No you don't, it's not about gifts, it's about spending quality time with loved ones and building lasting memories. Gifting is a bonus in my opanion.

                Personally, I focus on children...by this, I don't mean buying them lavish gifts, or go crazy buying them everything on their lists. It's always within reason, I have a christmas budget per child; my children know this and they are perfectly ok with that.  Once in a while I'll gift an adult something if it fits in the budget. Luckily for me, the adults in my life understand this and don't take offence to it.

                Don't Be Afraid To Decline Gift Exchanges

                There are so many gift exchanges going around this time of the year.  If you want to be part of each one brought to your attention you'll end up broke! Lets' be honest, I've been in quite a few gift exchanges in my life time and the gifts are nothing to rave about most of the time. Don't feel obligated to  join in, politely opt out and save your money for something else on your list. Simple and no explainations needed.

                No Impulse Buying

                This is especially important if you love going to the malls. There're so many beautiful, sparkly, glamorous and eye catching things in the mall. Stay out of the mall if you can, and shop online. But if you absolutely have to go out shopping...make a list and stick to it! Yes, it maybe buy one get one free, but do you really need the second one? It's not free, so think long and hard before you purchase based on sale attics. Purchase only what you need and leave.

                Donate Your Gift To Charity

                We do this from time to time, my children didn't like it at first, but we wanted to teach them about the true meaning of Christmas. We explain to them before hand, we don't just wake up Christmas morning and do it. We've actually taken them to where we wanted to donate and they've watched us give their gifts in the form of cash to a charity.  

                Before Christmas every year, they will ask "are we donating our gifts this year"? Of course we always end up surprising them with gifts, but the fact that they understand giving to the less fortunate is important is a big win for us. 

                So go ahead, make someone less fortunate christmas so special. We're so fortunate in this part of the world...sometimes we really do go over board. Switch it up this year and give your gift to someone in need, and make their Christmas unforgetable!

                Chritrismas is suppose to be fun, enjoyable and stress free. Not stressful and anxiety driven...don't go broke trying to please everyone by racking up debt that will take you months to pay off after the fact. Keep it simple, have a plan, stick to it and have a great time with loved ones, no strings attached.

                Afehyia Pa (Merry Christmas/Happy New year) and S.M.I.L.E.

                S - SEE
                M - MIRACLES
                I - IN
                L - LIFE
                E - EVERYDAY

                XX

                EMELIA

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