Articles Tagged with: friends

Good morning from my couch!!!!! + Engagement party Deets

Yep, that’s right I am sick today

but kind of enjoying it! If you know me, you know that I have been non-stop and all sorts of crazy go-go-go over the last 3 months!

It finally has caught up with me and I am enjoying the little bit of down time. Luckily enough I can run my whole business from the comforts of my beautiful pink couch (alright that’s not what my couch looks like but a girl can dream right!). I lost my voice, and have a cold…. Not too bad considering the stress and constant action I have recently put my body through.

Now that I had one of THE BEST WEEKENDS OF MY LIFE, our Engagement party – and now that that’s over I have time to chill out a bit.

I am doing yoga before breakfast and ice cream for lunch (coconut ice cream that is dairy free – for my throat of course!). I think I took the first bath of the year, and I LOVE baths. I started to crack back open the book I was reading and I feel like I have a fresh slate to plan my next adventure.

Yeah kind of loving this cold! Thanks for the “me” time / reflective / planning time. Thoroughly enjoying it.

I am still on a high from our Engagement party, which was like I said one of the best days of my life. It was like a mini wedding. Family flew in from all different states, all my bridesmaids (minus 2) were together in the same place, there was a DJ, balloons, gluten free – dairy free cake from Baby Cakes NYC , bouquets of hydrangeas dyed to my wedding color lilac, cute and sparkly little decorations from Etsy, our Save the Date invitations that I designed and night club style sunglasses with our date and name straight from the vendors of LIV from the Fontainebleau Miami (our wedding venue!!!!!) and not to mention an amazing photographer John Chan – I can’t WAIT to see the professional pictures!

There were speeches from people we love and lots and lots of hugs and kisses (hence why I am probably sick but it was well worth it). I even got to spend all day sister time with my sister who lives in Chicago on Sunday with her boyfriend and my fiancé. We walked the highline, went on multiple foodie adventures, made no plans and giggled the night away. BEST. WEEKEND. EVER.

I am still obsessed with my outfit and my fiancés outfit and every single other detail of the event.

Our families got to meet, every one was beaming and I felt so loved, so supported and so happy!!! I am SOOOOOOO extremely grateful!!!

All the stressing and planning that went into it was totally worth it because it came out exactly as I imagined and couldn’t have been more perfect. It was even held in the same place my family met my fiancé for the first time.

So now, its time to relax, revel in the glory of all of our hard work, soak in the glow of all this happiness and abundance and slow it down a bit until the next big thing!!!!! Which for now is wedding planning next month in MIAMI at our venue!!!!!

I feel so blessed and excited about everything that is to come and I am soooo grateful.

Life comes in seasons, the ups, the downs, the planning, the anticipation, the high and the lows, the recovery periods and the times to reflect.

Take time to notice where you are now. Enjoy the process that is life and don’t ever get down on yourself for where you are because that is exactly where you are supposed to be.

Lots of love and hope that inspires you!
xoxo
Emily

Follow me on Instagram @EmilyBrickel and my new account for all things fashion illustration@EmilyBrickelillustration

Here’s some pictures from our engagement party!!!!!

May 1, 2014

How to have the best weekend EVER, starting tomorrow.

Linda Farrow for Jeremy Scott Wing Sunglasses

How to have the best weekend EVER, starting tomorrow.

I don’t know about you but I am craving some warmer weather treats. This weekend is Cinco de Mayo andddd the third birthday of my beloved pup, Samba – a doubly good cause for celebration!

For those of you in New York, you understand the weather situation, – which is really quite depressing for the end of April but lets hope this weekend is just the start of warmer festivities to come.

It has been known that I am a Mexican food junkie. My fiancé knows I could live on fish tacos and guacamole and fortunately for me there is a national holiday that celebrates the act of just that!

This weekend my friends and I will get together for an annual fiesta of margaritas, chips and salsa and some piñata smashing. Just what I need for an amazing weekend.

As far as I’m concerned these are my essentials for the best weekend ever.

Brights – A little bit of bright go a long way. Think of it as Vitamin C or OJ for your soul. The effects of color therapy are widely known. Based on a 1994 UCLA research study, saturated or bright colors were shown to increase energy levels and bright colors provided more pleasure. The mind uses colors to help you focus and get excited so go throw on a bright bangle or jean and start your weekend off right.

Friends – Healthy friendship and shared laughter increases your lifespan and overall health. Good friends bring out the best in you, support you and encourage you to be happy. Make a date with some good friends and don’t feel guilty about declining an invite from those “frenemies” who harbor jealousy or ill will. Your life kinda depends on it!

Drinks – In moderation, having a cocktail here and there can be a really great thing. Have a mojito or fun margarita this weekend, it will help you unwind and relax from stress of the week. Opting for a fresh concoction with real ingredients like fruit, mint and clear liquor are low in calories and have added health benefits. Go ahead – make a toast!

Brunch outside – Or do anything outside for that matter. Brunching, walking, running or just enjoying the sights are perfect ways to absorb that oh-so-elusive Vitamin D that us New Yorkers are pining for. If you are lucky enough to live in a southern climate, well excuse me… go gobble up some extra vitamin D on our behalf because it is the key to so many good-for-you benefits. If you are concerned about aging, yes you need some SPF, BUT I bet you didn’t know this: Vitamin D actually helps replenish collagen production and affects as many as 2k genes in the body, especially those genes responsible for discoloration and pigmentation of the skin and hair. Hair. Yes. I mean the gene that tells your hair to be brown, red or blonde. In other words, adding some Vitamin D into your body can turn back the hands of time on grey hair, instructing your body once again to grow more colored hair. So if you are worried about getting greys in the near future – get outside more! Vit D also helps fight disease, absorb calcium and many more things.

Fashion – I don’t know about you but for me, Fashion is my heaven, my passion and it makes me really happy. Yes this may sound superficial but I promise you, it’s not. Fashion is our way of expressing ourselves and dressing to feel great – not just to impress others is like chicken soup for the fashionista’s soul. Use this weekend as your private runway. Create some looks and go for bold. Try things you are afraid people may look twice at and dress for what makes YOU happy – not for what you think is acceptable. Be boldly YOU!

and a little bit of Relaxing – I love this quote “ A Sunday well-spent brings a week of content.” Kick off your Sunday shoes and carve out a while for some DOWN time. Catch up on your fav book, lounge about in your pjs, go for coffee or just be downright lazy. You work hard all week, and your weekend was just spent fabulously – now its time to recoup.

This is how I will be spending my weekend and I really can’t wait. Soooo many things are going on – a girl just needs some fun. My motto is work hard, play harder and that is precisely what I will do.

Go forth and Fiesta this Cinco de Mayo (or Tres de Mayo) .

Hope that inspires you!
xoxo
Emily

Also don’t forget to follow me on Instagram @EmilyBrickel and my new account for all things fashion illustration @EmilyBrickelillustration

January 30, 2014

Another trip around the sun!

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It’s My Birthday and my gift to you is 25% off all of my shops using code: BIRTHDAYGIRL Now through Feb 6th!

So today is my BIRTHDAY and I am so grateful to celebrate another trip around the sun and to see what adventures this year will bring!

For some reason my internal clock always thinks the new year begins on my birthday (since technically it does on everyone’s birthday) and for that reason I always take some sort of inventory of my life and my dreams.

I would normally say that I turn 24 for the 5^th time as my fiancé can attest, but this year I am proud to say that I will be 29 years old and in these last 29 years I can finally say I am truly proud of myself. For some reason the inner wisdom of myself is really setting in hard core and I am so much more comfortable, happy and at ease with who I am and in my own skin.

29 sounds old to me, as you know this IS the oldest I have ever been so far, so its hard to fathm why the “old soul” inside of me has always felt like I was 24 my whole life (even when I was 5 and still now).

Yes the taboo stuff comes with getting older but so does the really good stuff and at least I still get carded everywhere I go, not to brag or anything (hehe).

One of my dear friends has sent me this amazing and inspiring article from the Huffington Post that I really want to share with you! I literally could not change a single word because her words of wisdom truly moved me. This was posted by a fellow Aquarii on HER birthday this Sunday by Dawn Gluskin and it is really amazing. I was going to do my own version of this but I don’t even think I could have said this any better or any more eloquently. So cheers to us, all of us who can be grateful to get another year older. Here are the 37 life lessons so far from a 37 year old on her birthday, (I couldn’t even take out some if I tried to make it 29 lessons – they are all just too good not to share)- Enjoy!

Top 37 Life Lessons So Far…

1. Happiness comes from within. We spend way too much of our lives looking for outside validation and approval that eludes us. Turns out, it’s been an inside job all along. Go inward.

2. Be grateful for everything. The good, the bad, the ugly. Our entire life is a precious gift. The pleasure, the pain — it’s all part of our path.

3. Subtle shifts in perception will transform your entire life. When feeling fearful, angry, hurt, simply choose to see a situation differently.

4. In being true to yourself, you can’t possibly make everybody else happy. Still, it’s better to risk being disliked for living your truth than to be loved for what you are pretending to be.

5. The world is our mirror. What we love in others is a reflection of what we love about ourselves. What upsets us about others is a strong indication of what we need to look at more closely within ourselves.

6. Everybody comes into our life for a reason. It is up to us to be open to the lesson they are meant to teach. The more someone rubs us the wrong way, the greater the lesson. Take notes.

7. Trust. In troubled times, just know that the Universe has your back and everything is going to be alright. If you’re not there yet, trust in hindsight you will understand. Your higher good is being supported, always.

8. Never take things personally. What others do is a reflection of what’s going on in their own life and probably has little or nothing to do with you.

9. A walk in nature cures a lot. Taking in some fresh air and the beautiful landscape of this earth is amazingly head-clearing, grounding, and mood-lifting. Bonus: You can learn a whole lot about life in your observation of the awesomeness which is nature.

10. Hurt people hurt people. Love them anyway. Although, it’s totally okay to love them from a distance.

11. You have to feel it to heal it. Bring your fears and weaknesses front and center and shine a blazing spotlight on them because the only way out is through. The hurt of facing the truth is SO worth it in the long run, I swear.

12. Perfectionism is an illusion. A painful one at that. Ease up. Strive for excellence, sure, but allow yourself room to make mistakes and permission to be happy regardless of outcome.

13. Take the blinders off. Don’t become so laser-focused on your own goals and desires that you miss out on the beauty in life and the people around you. The world is stunningly beautiful when you walk around with eyes wide open.

14. Celebrate the journey. It’s not all about the destination. Savor all of your successes, even the small ones.

15. Forgiveness is not so much about the other person. It’s about you and for you so that you can gain the peace and freedom you deserve. Forgive quickly and often.

16. We are all incredibly intuitive. When we learn to become still and listen, we can tap into some pretty amazing primal wisdom. Listen to the quiet whisper of your heart. It knows the way.

17. Let your soul shine! Be authentic. There is nobody else on this earth just like you. Step into your truth wholeheartedly and live and breathe your purpose.

18. We are powerful creators. Seriously, bad-asses. With intention, focus, and persistence — anything is possible. Know this.

19. I am full of light. You are full of light. We are all full of light. Some cast shadows on their own brightness. Be a beacon of light to others and show them the way.

20. Don’t take life too seriously! Nobody gets out alive anyway. Smile. Be goofy. Take chances. Have fun.

21. Surround yourself with people who love and support you. And, love and support them right back! Life is too short for anything less.

22. Learn the delicate dance. Have big beautiful dreams and vision. Chase them with much passion. But, also hold on to them all ever so lightly. Be flexible and willing to flow as life comes at you.

23. Giving is the secret to receiving. Share your wisdom, your love, your talents. Share freely and be amazed at how much beauty in life flows back to you.

24. On that note, be careful not to give too much. If you empty out your own cup completely, you will have nothing left to give. Balance is key.

25. Say “YES!” to everything that lights you up. Say “no”, unapologetically, to anything that doesn’t excite you or you don’t have the bandwidth for. Time is one of our most precious resources that we can never get back. Manage it wisely.

26. Sometimes we outgrow friendships. It doesn’t mean they’re bad or you’re bad. It just means you’re on different paths. Hold them in your heart, but when they start to hurt or hold you back, it’s time to give space or let go.

27. Fear is often a very good indicator of what we really want and need in our life. Let it be your compass and enjoy the exciting adventure it leads you on.

28. Overcoming your fears is one of the most empowering things you can ever do for yourself. You’ll prove to yourself you can truly accomplish anything! Major self-confidence booster.

29. Our bodies are our vehicle to our dreams. Treat them with love and fuel them with the best health to feel vibrant and energized. But, never obsess over image. Looks are subjective and will fade in time, anyway. Feeling good, healthy, and comfortable in our own skin is what matters most.

30. Let those that you love know it often and enthusiastically. You can never say it or show it too much. Your time, total presence, love, and genuine concern for their wellness is the greatest gift of all.

31. The present moment is where it’s at. It’s the only one promised to any of us. Learn from your past & enjoy the beautiful memories, but don’t cling or let them haunt you. And, dream big and be excited about the future, but don’t become obsessed. Love this moment, always.

32. Life is full of highs and lows. We need them both to grow to our fullest potential. Just hang on tight and enjoy the ride.

33. We are all connected as one human family. Nobody is better or worse than anyone else — just at different stages of our journeys and dealing with life the best way we know how. Recognize that the other person is you.

34. Practice daily gratitude for all the blessings in your life, large and small. Not only is this a high vibe practice that feels amazing, in practicing regularly you are creating space for even more abundance — of joy, love, health, and prosperity.

35. We are not the center of the universe, although our ego can make us feel that way at times. Step outside of that way of thinking and see the world and other people’s perspective in a whole new beautiful light.

36. The world needs more love, light, and laughter. Go be love.

37. You are the guru. For much of our lives, we have been told what do, how to think, what looks good, what “success” is. You don’t have to buy into any of it. Feel free to peel back the layers. Think for yourself. Break the mold. When you stop doing what everybody else wants you to do and start following your own intuition, you will be ridiculously happy.

Here is the full link to that article by Dawn Gluskin.

And now for all of you who made it all the way through that – A very special Birthday SALE for you! Get 25% off any purchases on my etsy or my website OR through me directly when you place a new order for custom work, prints or products!!! Use code BIRTHDAYGIRL from now until Feb 6th!

Thanks so much and Thanks Jessica for sending this to me <3

Hope that inspired you!

Xoxo

Emily

Shop on www.etsy.com/shop/EmilyBrickel or www.EmilyBrickelIllustrations.com and use code BIRTHDAY girl for 25% off now through Feb 6th! xo

January 9, 2014

Starting over

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So it’s already the first week of January 2014 and although I think new days are pretty good for starting over – New Year’s are really good for starting over.

Whatever it is, your image, your branding, your look, your priorities and your goals – now is the best time to start. And, if you fall off the bandwagon, the moment when you realize you fell off – is a good time to start again.

I love the start of things – it’s open to so much possibility and hope. Hope for a great new year, amazing memories and life changing milestones. Hope for a better tomorrow, a year of health, of happiness, of love, of peace, of a cure, of answers.

The mindset you have is really the way to accomplish all of your dreams and to attract a brilliant year and life your way. I don’t know about you but I believe in the power of positivity, in “The Secret”, in “you get what you give”, in sending out positive energy to get positive energy and vice versa.

I believe in energy – inspired energy, and the conspiring of the whole universe to give you exactly what you wish for.

Each year I start out with goals for milestones and dreams to accomplish. Sometimes I hit them and sometimes I don’t. However, what I realized in this last year – and when I really started feeling true happiness – is that it’s really about the feeling that you have that will set your heart free and make you feel like you finally accomplished your goals. This is something Danielle LaPorte recommends – acknowledging the feelings you want to feel for this year and marinate in that. Not the goal – but the feeling.

For example I want to feel happy, loved, cherished, respected, butterflies, inspired, satisfaction, passion, joy, healthy, strong, fit, beautiful, empowered, courageous, determined, chemistry, connection, bold, authentic, safe, real, powerful, divine, blessed, humble, accomplished, like I make a difference, and excitement!!!

Feeling these would make me so happy – as opposed to (for example) loosing 10 lbs but still not feeling healthy or getting a great job but not feeling inspired or satisfied. Do you see what I’m getting at?

If you could gain 5 lbs of muscle and feel strong, that is better than loosing 10 lbs and feeling gross. Stop thinking about what society or what others view as success and decide it for yourself!

Perspective is everything. It is 100% about not being the most beautiful, or richest girl in the world but FEELING like you are. As opposed to being literally dubbed by magazines and society as being the most beautiful or richest girl in the world yet not liking what you see in the mirror, not thinking you are beautiful or having all that money can buy but having any riches of the heart.

Life is what you make it. Make it what you want to feel.

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”― Maya Angelou

Flip that on yourself. You may even forget what you said or what you did in the past – but you will never forget how you felt. Use this to guide your future.

This week’s illustration is a tribute to the beautiful Olivia Palermo with congratulations on her recent engagement to Johannes Huebl

Hope that inspires you!

xoxo

Emily

December 5, 2013

How to Master the Holiday Soiree

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Happy December! Surely your calendar is getting dotted up with invites and parties galore. Now’s the time to put on some sparkle and glitz to get ready for the holiday party scene ahead. Office parties, friends get-togethers and family events are right around the corner. So that means it’s the perfect time to look extra special and be extra interesting. Whether you are single, taken, married or networking – holiday parties are the perfect time to expand your social roots.

Hostess gifts – Always come with gift in hand to any party you attend. Find time to locate the most thoughtful gift you can for the host of the evening. It is the thought that counts here so think about gifts that would make the host or hostesses’ life just that much easier. Wine is always a good idea, but try to bring a sparkly center piece or candle holder to add to their already put together décor. Bring some hand-baked cookies, a dessert or other food to lighten their load when supplying food for guests. Or if your hostess is bound to be exhausted from all of the holiday cheer she is spreading, gift her something she would not ordinarily buy for herself – something for an at-home-spa treatment, a sparkly manicure set, slippers, makeup (with gift receipt) or a beautiful piece of jewelry. What ever it is make sure you think it is something they would actually really enjoy.

Holiday Cards – Prior to any holiday season begins, one must stock themselves with unique and beautiful holiday cards that express your personality. Let’s face it – there are plenty of generic holiday cards out there but what about the prepster or the chic city girl? Try to find a set of cards that can address all holidays and all types of recipients while still showing YOUR personality so that they never have to wonder who it’s from if you sign it first name only.

For extra special sets– try my illustrated holiday cards here: on Etsy or here www.EmilyBrickelillustrations.com

And use code: IAMGRATEFUL at check out for 50% off during an extended Cyber week.

What to drink – It’s a holiday party and unless you’re at a high end swanky restaurant the drink menu will probably be pretty traditional yet festive. Don’t be the obnoxious guest who asks for a really specific drink that is hard to make and hard to understand. Unless you can quickly and concisely tell the bartender (or host/ess) how to make it – stick with something easier. Remember the tight quarters of guests surrounding you and the bar will have onlookers either annoyed or impressed by how you order your drink. These are people you potentially want to talk with and network. If you can order a festive cocktail on the menu that is featured for the night, a glass of wine or champs then more power to you. This equals less time at the bar, more ability to easily grasp the stem of you glass (as opposed to a rocks glass), as well as additional fingers to grasp a cocktail napkin and occasional hors d’oeuvres. If you really must ask for something unique (perhaps as bait to start a conversation later on) ask what the bartender recommends for something with one specific quality, like something sweet, strong, with rum or with vodka. Now grab your drink and head to the nearest interesting conversation or your dearest friends.

Outfits – Here is where you have the best chance to express your personality and whatever message it is that you want to convey. Want to show people you are changing careers or just got a raise? Dress like it. Do you want to come off professionally and on a serious note? Well show’um your new chic blazer. Dare to dabble in fashion to your advantage and allow it to mold the impression others get of you. Have fun and try to add some sparkle. Opt for colors close to the drink you may be having. Wearing the season’s hottest trend “winter white”? Then stick with white wine or champagne. Donning the latest cranberry hue? Go for red wine and don’t worry about getting bumped by the occasional passers by. If you get spilled on no one will notice!

Holidays are absolutely a time to be warm and merry but if you plan to take lots of photos, stick with a figure flattering ensemble that wont make you look 10 lbs heavier like if you were to wear a trendy chunky knit sweater. If you must – try to belt it but instagrammer-be-ware, you are going to have to werkkk those angles like never before. I say, not worth it. Photos will be flashing from all angles and no one looks cute swallowed up in fabric.

For shoes – here is your chance to be extra daring. Bring out the over the top shoes and really let them be a conversation piece. Colorful, sparkling or really high, this is a place to have extra fun – especially if you love shoes as much as me. Whoever minded another woman complimenting you and asking you where you got your shoes anyhow?

For handbags – avoid the clutches. These are ideal for dinner parties where you can set your clutch down as you sit. For holiday parties and cocktails alike you will be scurrying around the room from couch to kitchen, from conversation to bathroom and so on. Choose a handbag that is festive, on the smaller side but can be worn over your shoulder or on your wrist. Bags with chains or straps are important. Nothing is worse than not being able to shake someone’s hand, give out a hug or grab up a delectable passed appetizer because you have a cocktail in one hand and your purse in the other. No swag there. Also – size matters. Make sure your bag can hold your cell phone/s (all of them), lipstick, other makeup touchup and the necessities. Holding a purse AND a cellphone that wont fit is not a way to enjoy the party.

Conversation – brush up on the latest news, get ready to spill your most recent endearing stories, have your elevator pitch ready (and business cards) and keep a breath mint and mirror on hand. Frequent teeth checks for rouge food should happen on a consistent basis. No one wants to be remembered for the girl with food in her teeth, and no business deal will get done without being recollected as such. Steer away from politics if possible, or if you are in a political crowd, make sure you can back your opinions up with facts and stats.

Always have a “get in” and “get out quick” escape phrase in your back pocket if you need it. Use the “get in” phrase when there is a specific single you are eyeing across the room, a potential contact that you want to make sure remembers you or a friend that is being swallowed up by gushing guests. Allow the “get out quick” phrase to be your getaway route in situations like the following: If you are being bombarded by rude or annoying continuous questions that you would rather plead the fifth on, if you see that potential mate or contact heading toward the door, coat in hand and you haven’t had a chance to mingle yet, if you feel offended by something someone is saying to you or (no offence you-terrible-conversationalists-you) if you are in the middle of a very dry discussion and you are longing to hi tail your way out of there.

What could these phrases be? They will require some creativity, personalization, pure interest in what conversation you are about to enter into, and swave.

Genuine compliments are always great ways to get into a convo, adding your opinion or making a tasteful joke. Just make sure not to rudely interrupt others but instead, try to enhance the conversation and stand out. This will surely get you remembered.

And for the escape route phrase? Best tip: keep it authentic, no matter what. Be kind, unpretentious, thoughtful and to the point.

Now off you go and don’t forget – eye contact and firm handshakes win all.

Hope that inspires you to get into the holiday spirit!
xoxo

Emily

October 17, 2013

The Story you tell… becomes the life you lead.

Perception is everything. Reality is totally different. Now, That’s not to say if you dress up like a cat you will be a cat, but … (maybe just for Halloween!)

Reality is actually completely different for everyone. Your reality is different from my reality and each of our realities are different from your parent’s and siblings realities, your friends realities and your coworker’s realities. How is this possible? Because it is our PERCEPTION of reality that changes from person to person, and that is why perception is everything.

If you perceive your life to be hard, and a struggle, it will be. If you perceive the road to be long and the battle to be tough, it is. If you perceive your life to be full of joy and abundance, so be it.

If you think of yourself as ugly or to have a big nose, that is the reality you live in, and you truly feel that way – going on, day in and day out, feeling bad about yourself. Meanwhile, someone else may think your nose is the most perfect nose they have ever seen and that you are really beautiful. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

If you identify yourself as intelligent, you live in a world where you ARE intelligent. You feel you make smart choices, based on the choices you have seen others make and based on those around you. However, that doesn’t mean someone else can think the exact opposite is true, and be correct – in their own reality – and based on their experience perceive your choices to be ignorant and inept.

It is all based on perception. Your analysis of yourself is based on how you view others around you, their behaviors and your past experiences. From that you draw a conclusion.

That teaches us to all be a little more compassionate. Someone you may be judging may just as well be judging you. When in an argument, someone else’s point may seem preposterous, yet when you try to see things from their eyes you can see that each reality may be true.

The Earth was deemed flat based on our perception of walking, sailing and driving on land. The Earth was deemed round upon our discovery of flight and our view from higher altitudes.

Ok, ok – what am I getting at you ask? It is a very simple yet complex point. We create our own realities. Our minds and thoughts organize themselves in a way that informs the world around us. The thoughts we think inform the feelings we have, which then create the energy we release into the world. Those around us recognize the energy we give off subconsciously. The energy we feel determines our day, our mood and compoundly, our life.

If all this is true, then why couldn’t you change your whole life as you know it. You can.

Change your perception of being the VICTIM to the VICTOR of your life.

Change your perception that “It can’t be done” to “You need 99 no’s to get 1 yes,” and that “impossible is nothing.”

You have to make the choice EACH and every day to live in Faith, or to live in Fear. The stories that we tell ourselves from our past are lodged so deeply in our psyche that we believe them whole-heartedly.

We believe that we are worthless without those external things we seek. We believe that because it happened once, it will happen again. We believe that our future will be based on our past suffering.

“Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you will certainly most always be right.” Henry Ford.

Change your story. Declare that although it happened in the past, it does not have to be our future. Decide that your family’s story or struggle is not your own. Choose to have faith that your past occurred to teach you lessons to deal with your future so that you don’t have to replay history.

Choose to tell the story you WANT to live, as opposed to the story you keep telling from your past and decide that NO LONGER is your truth!

Choose the story of your life.

Hope that inspires you!

Xoxo

Emily

Special thanks to my mentor Gabrielle Bernstein who ingrained this theory into me and I wanted to share it with you!f

P.S. Im giving away $50 off your Order of Custom Illustrated Holiday Cards for the Early Birds, Now – Nov 8th with code: EARLYBIRD13

October 3, 2013

Fall Glimmer

Add a little glimmer to your day for Fall.

We all get caught up from time to time in a mundane routine and work, no matter what it is you do. Just remember that every day can have a little glimmer in it no matter what is on the schedule for you – especially this fall holiday season.

Relationships: A lot of times we let our social life go by the wayside when we are super busy. I know as an entrepreneur working late until 3am most nights, there really is no room for 5pm happy hour. If you work a 9-5 you still may need to go to the gym, come home, make dinner, care for a family etc. If you do have a schedule like that – of course it will be worth it in the end to see your accomplishments come to fruition (work, fitness, family etc.) but in between make sure to take some time for fun.

Step away from your normal routine if you feel drained and uninspired. Just going for lunch (or a pumpkin spice latté) with a girlfriend will help bring the zing back to your day. Talking with friends also really can rejuvenate you. Even a phone call will totally help.

Fall is the perfect time to nestle in with friends for coffee, drinks, fun and girl talk to battle the chilly weather blues.

I know I recently felt the blah’s coming on and was so caught up with a lot of work that I needed to finish and thought about canceling my plans. However, just carving out an hour or two to see a friend really put things in perspective and reenergized me.

Relationships are what life is all about and it is important to have a balance in your life. Friends, romance, family, work; if any one of these four types of relationships are off kilter you will notice it in your energy.

It’s strange to think that this can literally affect your energy but drowning yourself in work or only a few of these types of relationships can bring on the feeling that there is something lacking.

Get creative, get feminine: No need to wait for a dull day to do something special (or sparkly for that matter). Make it a point to really take care of yourself and know that the more you do that the better your work in the world will be. You will revive the creative juices inside of you by doing something imaginative.

Have girl time with yourself. Take that trip to the bookstore, go candle shopping, do something DIY, break out the glitter and pinterest boards to make some sparkly fall decor, or bake a fun fall batch of muffins. By enjoying the little things that are feminine and creative, your left-brain will be activated and anything you need to do will get a little easier because you will have a fresh and inventive mindset. As a woman on a schedule, going by the to do list is a fairly masculine energy that we in the millennium have come to accept. It’s so important to tap back into the feminine things you enjoy to reenergize yourself for those hardened tasks.

Nest in: Sometimes our home or office needs a mini-facelift. Whenever things feel stale reorganize your space, purchase a fall scented candle, add some fall decorations and really get into the nesting zone. When you do this you will feel like you are nurturing your soul. Cuddle up to those close to you and enjoy your updated surroundings. Visual stimulus really help to provide soothing experiences for our mind, body and soul. Treat your space as a temple. Take it easy when you have to and prep for the fall festivities.

Hope that inspires you!

xoxo

Emily

March 7, 2013

Evolve

This illustration is of an editorial of my gorgeous friend, model and entrepreneur Tash Moore of www.PeaceLoveThreads.com and Agency Model Management.

So many times in life we evolve, we grow out of our old skin and we need to shed – like a snake – to rid of old habits, old belief systems and limiting thoughts.

When the skin we are in feels tight, and it is not comfortable for us anymore then naturally, you must shed the constricted constraints into a place where you can breathe again.

If you are not shedding, but you need to – you will feel it. You will feel it in your energy and your attitude. Remember we are here to take in new information all the time and change our habits that are not working.

Just because you were taught something, or choose to believe in an “impossibility” does not mean you are correct. Just because you believe something is scary, does not mean it actually is if you only try.

When you treat life as an experiment, take smart risks, and keep educating yourself on the matters of this world, you learn – you expand. When you are curious and release old thoughts, when you “see your fear and do it anyway”, in all aspects of our life you can then grow in to your new skin.

Then, learn some more and repeat the cycle, shed, and regrow. If we are not doing this than we literally are staying stagnant.

Sometimes we hit a glass ceiling at each level of existence.

Sometimes your old beliefs aren’t cutting it anymore.

Sometimes, you have to evolve with the times.

Go with in and nurture your internal beliefs and ask yourself – is this really worth holding on to? You will find that when you release it is the most powerful and freeing thing you can do for yourself.

Dig deep, and shed.

Hope that inspires you!

Xoxo

Emily

February 13, 2013

Valentine's day love!

This year for Valentine’s day, what are you going to do to show your love?

Whether you’re single, in love, attached, have a crush or just a fling; show your guy, girl, yourself, your friends, family or kids some major love this year.

We all need it and the love you share with those around you will be passed on through random acts of kindness! When YOU make others happy, their day gets a little brighter and they will in turn show love to those they love – even if it’s just a smile.

Sometimes you never know exactly just how much others need it. With all the suicides, crimes, hate and murders in this world, Valentines Day can be a day to show your love to everyone – not just romantic love. It is our job as individuals to raise the energy of the world and improve even one person’s day. The love people in pain are shown may be just enough to prevent a suicide or horrific crime that may have taken place by those who feel lost and hopeless.

If you are feeling down that maybe you don’t have that romantic love you are pining for, just surrender. Let it be and trust that in time you will have that love that you are looking for. Sometimes there are lessons to be learned along the way, and maybe that lesson is to be grateful for all the love you have in your life. Be grateful for your friends, your family love, all of those unconditional loves you have – maybe from a pet, the love you have for yourself (and maybe that is the love you need to focus and work on in order to find romantic love.)

Show love for all that you have, for that Starbucks coffee you can afford, for the job you have, the coworkers that are there for you, even the loves you’ve lost.

Sometimes celebrating the loves you have had, relished and lost are enough to find hope and trust that the universe has something better in store for you!

“Sometimes it is better to have loved and lost, then never to have loved at all.”

Appreciate everything you have, and show love to that Starbucks barista because maybe they are having a rough day too.

No matter who you are, or where you are – we all just want love. So show it to every one you meet for this week and have the greatest valentines gift of all: The gift of inspiring others.

That, my friends is my greatest gift and my most favorite thing to do all week to have the opportunity to inspire even just one person!

Hope that inspires you!

Xoxo

Emily

October 11, 2012

Life Happens, invest in…

I’ve been sick the last few weeks, and totally missing my friends!

However, being sick is not really my excuse. I’ve been busy, been overwhelmed with the daunting task of running a business and working on another from home and attempting each month to make more than enough money to live on. It’s a fulltime job and a half, It’s a 23 hour a day baby you have to care for. It’s crazy but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I have dreams to accomplish man!

Regardless, I miss my friends so much and there is NOTHING like a little catch up time with one of my girl friends. I am so excited that today I will hopefully be seeing one of my friends and I know in time and this month I will see more of them. Does this sound like you? I know I’m not the only one. As time goes by and we all get older its so crazy how much time we don’t spend with our girlfriends. I mean we used to spend every waking moment together way back in grade school and college. What happened? Life happened. But what we need to do is “make our romantic relationships more brotherly and our friendships more romantic.”

Sound strange? Let me explain: Gabrielle Bernstein said it best with this quote above. It means infusing our passions back into our friends and doing things that light you up. If chatting over coffee and getting all the scoop lights you up, then do that. If its about calling or skyping each other if you can’t meet in person do that. Write a note saying how much you love them, do something special for that person. Pick up a little gift or think of them on an extra special day in their lives. Those are the things that add some spice back into your friendships and your girlfriends are completely something to be cherished. Life happens, but your true friends are there along the way through thick and through thin, loving you, telling you have lipstick on your teeth or sharing their deepest darkest secrets. To all my besties, I LOVE YOU SO MUCH! You know who you are!!! (in alphabetical order because I love you all in different ways)

The girls who have been there for me for many years:

Ashley, Christina, Jeanine, Jess, Kerry, Kim, Lory, Mei-Li, Meital, Milene, Michelle, Mona, Stephanie, Yammi, and my Mom and sister Rachel.

The girls who have been there for me for many years:

Ashley, Christina, Jeanine, Jess, Kerry, Kim, Lory, Mei-Li, Meital, Milene, Michelle, Mona, Stephanie, Yammi, and my Mom and sister Rachel.

And the new ladies who I have met in recent years: Arielle, Christina, Emily, Gabrielle, Jessica, Julie, Katie, Kim, Maggie, McKenzie and Tash.

Hopefully I didn’t leave any one out – My 3 weeks of bronchitis has def been giving me some brain fogs.

I could not have gotten through the tough times with out you! I LOVE YOU all! xoxox

Hope that inspires you

xoxo

Emily

Good morning from my couch!!!!! + Engagement party Deets

Yep, that’s right I am sick today

How to have the best weekend EVER, starting tomorrow.

Linda Farrow for Jeremy Scott Wing Sunglasses

Another trip around the sun!

Starting over

How to Master the Holiday Soiree

The Story you tell… becomes the life you lead.

Fall Glimmer

Evolve

Valentine's day love!

Life Happens, invest in…

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