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December 10, 2015
Sparkle & Shine Darling!

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Myself, Mrs. Adrienne Bosh, Chris Bosh and my husband

and Chic Sketch business partner Jordan Edelson!

Well hello lovelies, it’s been a hot minute

but so much has been going on that I need to catch you up on!

Earlier last month I had the most amazing opportunity to do live Fashion Sketches with my company Chic Sketch for the one and only Mrs. Adrienne Bosh at the launch of her new and extremely sparkly Miami boutique “Sparkle & Shine Darling”.

We met Adrienne during the Forbes 30 Under 30 event in October and had a mutual friend that wanted us to meet – suddenly we were speaking about illustrations and her glam 5-day grand opening launch parties (with an invite list that read like a Who’s Who of Miami’s chicest ladies).

I think hands down this was one of my favorite brands – and female Entrepreneurs, to work with.  Everything in the store screamed #GirlBoss and I basically wanted to move in. And oh that glitter floor.

SPARKLE AND SHINE
Adrienne and her team are so sweet and amazing to work with. If you are in the Miami area – I highly suggest you go in and get a tour by one of her personal Sparkle Consultants.  This is the perfect spot to do some major gift shopping for yourself, a friend, your home or some little ones. I’m dubbing it the “Sparkly gold-and-pink Miami version of Henri Bendel’s” (my other favorite store on the planet). Click here for website!

How many times have you thought to yourself: Where can I go for some shopping, champs, macaroons and to host my next get together with my besties. Um, here. Thanks Adrienne. (Dying).

Although at first glance the pink and glittery vibe can be perceived on the surface as purely light hearted and sweet, there is a whole deeper meaning to this empowered and inspired movement that showcases women’s strength, power and substance and of course this makes us love Adrienne even more.

The fab mamma Bosh not only launched this new store while pregnant with twins, she also engages in some major charity work with her hubs, Miami Heat co-captain and forward Chris Bosh. Their organization Team Tomorrow Inc. helps fund raise for numerous Miami organizations and charities supporting children and families who are less fortunate.  Check out her feature here on Charity Buzz.  On top of this Adrienne has launched a viral social media campaign called “Today I Can” encouraging women and mothers to reach their dreams one day at a time.  All in a day’s work for Adrienne; let’s say we’re impressed!

Thanks so much Adrienne for all of the inspiration you bring to the table, to your store and to your community.  We are all now much more sparkly on the inside and outside.  That’s what it’s all about.

Check out some photos of the week long event:


Me sketching Chris and Adrienne!


Sports Reporter Donovan Campbell and Jessica Campbell of JessicaCampbellEvents.com


Fashion Blogger Jamie Cittadino of SunflowersandStilettos.com & my friend from High School


Couldn’t leave with out some prezzies for myself!

Check out Sparkleandshinedarling.com for a peek into her store!

GIRLCODE
Lastly, as fate would have it I was drawn to this Instagram post by my neighbor @SheWinks , a fab lash studio in my building. The post was for the book signing of GIRLCODE by The Champagne Diet’s Cara Alwill Leyba.  The insta image was about female entrepreneurs, there was gold, there was black, there was champagne and lashes and it was just an elevator ride away – I had to go.

I went, got the book, spoke to Cara and remembered that my mom, another female entrepreneur, was following her blog for years. Low and behold, the fab duo Julie and Ramona of She Winks, as well as Adrienne Bosh of Sparkle and Shine Darling were both interviewed in Cara’s book Girl Code. – a must read btw. (Insert serendipity music here).

“When love feels like magic, it is called destiny; when destiny has a sense of humor, it is serendipity.” – a quote from Serendipity the movie.

A SPARKLY CHAMPAGNE-FILLED SUPPORT SYSTEM
So, being a female entrepreneur is not a sparkly walk in the park, it’s hard and we definitely need our support system of like minded women. Especially ones who also enjoy the glitter, the fashion and who dream of a “Luxe Life”, like Cara talks about in her book.

I think it’s extremely refreshing to meet not only successful #Bossbabes but also to meet ones who have just as big a vision as me, and also who love fashion, want to indulge in designer items, do good, inspire others and live a life beyond our wildest dreams.

Gabrielle Bernstein is my mentor who promotes living your live to the fullest and achieving your wildest dreams, not feeling guilty for the pleasures you seek, not feeling ashamed or unworthy and mentally cutting the cord with those naysayers and haters. In a society where we are sometimes taught to be self-effacing – these were new ideas I had to get used to.

The girls in Gabby’s groups are also in love with fashion and want it all but seeing these women at Cara’s book signing decked in Chanel and loubs took it all to another level. It made my heart sing because until that point, it was just a theory that these women existed, are not catty and want to support other women.  I know we all have some jealous frienemies out there and to meet women who dress themselves up on the outside, and also dress themselves up on the inside is where it’s at and some place I feel like I belong.

Thank you to all of you. I really feel not alone and it has allowed me to dream even bigger and not to feel ashamed for wanting fashion and appreciating the finer things in life.

We are all entitled to live our highest truths and if you are put on this earth and whether you love fashion, travel, food or culture – Gabby, Cara and the metaphysical text “A Course in Miracles” as well as The Universe and all your fans up there WANT YOU TO HAVE ALL THAT YOU DESIRE, the FINANCIAL MEANS to do this, and the confidence to ACCEPT THESE GIFTS INTO YOUR LIFE and be GRATEFUL FOR THEM!

If you were taught to think small, like there is not enough to go around or that if you want these things you are being selfish – let go of those beliefs right now because YOU are creating your own boundaries.

“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t–you’re right.”
― Henry Ford

Start thinking you can right this instant!

This is my journey to live MY truth and to do amazing things, as well as inspire lives along the way to LIVE THEIR VISION of their best life. Join me.

Hope that inspires you!
Xoxo
Emily

Follow me on Instagram & Snapchat @EmilyBrickel

August 13, 2015
Your Place in the Cosmos

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Illustration of @MaisonValentino of @tistiswu in a
Valentino pre-fall 2015 Cosmo dress on instagram.

This week I have been feeling like I have been getting so caught up and taken over by all the things I need TO DO, that I have had less time to spend focusing on future goals and planning for that.

It is always the intention of businesses and individuals alike to expand and grow, and not just get caught up in the day-to-day. But here I am, getting caught up.  I think its super important to not beat yourself up if you don’t get all of your “To do’s” done in one day and to know how important it is to regenerate and regroup from the stress of the day.

For me, this illustration totally captures how I’m feeling and how a lot of us can feel at any given time.  Being overwhelmed by a wealth of possibilities, knowing there is so much out there, and so much we can and want to do, but where to start.  I love the ease and comfort of this girl sitting in her shimmering gorgeous Valentino gown and pondering the reflection of her own selfie.

All I want to say this week is to trust in your own capabilities and go on and conquer the world, because you know you are meant to.

Hope that inspires you!
Xoxo
Emily

Follow me on Instagram & Snapchat @EmilyBrickel

November 13, 2014
Get So You Can Give

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Our new Holiday 2014 Cards Unveiled above and available NOW on Etsy!

Get so you can give…. I know your probably thinking; don’t I mean the opposite?
No.  I’m talking about putting your air mask on first.
I’m not talking about being selfish, I’m talking about nurturing yourself so that you have everything to give.  I’m saying to focus on tuning in, charging up your batteries and filling up your bank account so that you can give your time, energy and gifts to others; after you have enough to fund and fuel yourself.

I think that having a mentality of abundance BEFORE that paycheck comes in, having the faith that everything will work out and not feeling like the victim is key to having the life you want to live. I know it’s hard, but you have to trust that things are only given to you that you can handle and so that you can grow from those experiences.

I was not always in the position that I am in now, and I am only half way to where I really want to be.  However, I have learned that in getting stuck in the lack mentality brings more lack into your life.  Likewise, having a mindset of abundance, a feeling that there is more than enough to go around, a trust that we will be taken care of and provided for in the grand scheme of things, and a knowing that if I / you get something – that does not mean there is LESS to go around.  There is an infinite supply of LOVE, MONEY, TIME, HAPPINESS, SUCCESS and anything you could possibly imagine.  To believe that these are commodities that are scarce leads to the fear that “there is not enough for me” or that “there is not enough for others if I get.” This simply is untrue.

Has time ever stopped?  Is money not being printed right now?  Does the success of one person mean no one else can succeed? If someone is extremely happy, does that mean that no one around him or her can be happy?  Have the banks of Love ever run dry.  No. Of course not.  You may have thought at some point in your life that a person you love, was the owner of ALL of your love, and you could never love again after that person.  When time went on, as it always does, you discovered you could love again, maybe even more than you ever thought possible. This is true with having children I’d imagine. You have no idea you can even love MORE than you ever have, and yet – you do.  Love does not run out.  You must just continue to tap into it.  Everything is possible if you unlock your mind and heart to the possibilities that are out there for every one of us.

Give love to yourself FIRST, if you feel you are not getting the love that you want.  Give time to yourself FIRST, if you feel you do not have enough time for others. Invest in yourself FIRST, so that you have the riches to give to others after your boat is afloat.

Don’t forget this, and don’t forget to put yourself first in these ways because you are no good to the world if you do not love yourself, if you don’t make time for yourself and if you don’t invest in yourself.

Scrap the defeatist attitude; scrap the victim mode (if you are taking that up), choose to believe that these energies are plentiful, abundant, ever flowing and continually changing and reinventing themselves.   Choose to take ownership of your life, your happiness, your success, your time, your love and your world.  The holidays are coming. You have the power to live in an abundant world, if you only give to yourself first.

As always,
Hope this inspires you.
Xoxo
Emily

Follow me on Instagram @EmilyBrickel

NEW Holiday Cards available now on Etsy

These and more styles!!!

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September 25, 2014
Custom making your dreams!

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Illustration from London Fashion week Tom Ford – Backstage!

Available on etsy in the next few days!

You have NO idea how excited I am!!!!
I am practically bouncing off my chair and I can’t contain myself.
I just went to meet with my sample makers today to check on my wedding dress and it is looking AMAZZINGGGGGGG. Dreams come to life, paper drawings coming to fruition. It is the thing I LIVE for – being a fashion designer – and I am so excited that I get to be blessed enough to go through this process again, this time with MY wedding dress.  It is even more spectacular then I could imagine and I am SO EXCITED!!!

I feel so free.  That’s what happens when you feel like your dreams are unfolding just the way they are supposed to be. It’s pretty crazy and it feels great.  You no longer have to push, you just show up.

The only way I can describe it is the difference between waiting for happiness and feeling like “you will just be happy ONCE this happens, WHEN xyz, AFTER you get this and that in order, ONCE you make the money, WHEN you have the man, AFTER you have that purse, etc…..”

…and feeling like “everything is happening exactly as it is supposed to and I am so extremely happy and grateful to be right here right now, and I trust the process. I know that I am shooting for the stars and I know I’ll get there and right now I’m enjoying every step of the journey.”

My mentor says it best “Those who are certain of the outcome can afford to wait, and wait without anxiety.” – ACIM.

Well I’ve been waiting!

If there is something you are waiting for that you know in your heart of hearts is your deepest desire : TRUST that the Universe will conspire to move mountains to make your dream happen.  Not because it is magic, but because it’s your JOB to share your gift with the world – and if you are NOT sharing your gift with the world, then you are doing it and everyone around you a MAJOR disservice!!!!

“Live your dream in your heart and let the Universe move everything to bring your dream to you. Feel your dream, feel the presence of the Universe inside you, KNOW that the Universe is guiding you, and then allow the Universe to realize your dream!” – The Secret.

I know this may sound crazy if you don’t already believe what I’m saying but try it for yourself.
Something like this always reminds me of what my mom used to tell me when I was younger and wishing my dream would come true (wishing for this my whole life)….  She said “All overnight successes are 10 years in the making”.

And it’s true. Not that by any means I have achieved all of my dreams as of today but I have achieved so much and I KNOW that my lifelong dream of being a fashion designer is something that I am living now, even if it’s on the small scale – that means the world to me. And one day I know that I will live it on the large scale, because that is what I have always seen for myself.

When the road was covered in an uncertain fog and I could no longer see 5 feet in front of me, it was scary, and depressing and disheartening.
Walking through the uncertain fog was even scarier, continuing to take baby steps even though I had lost my way was extremely hard and I felt like giving up, turning around and curling into a cocoon so many days BUT, the fog has lifted my dears. I can see my dream again and even though I don’t know where the road will take me, I know that from past experience if you hold tight to your dreams and never let go, the fog will pass and you too will be on your way – slowly but surely to living a life beyond your wildest dreams.  It can happen. All you need is faith.

Here is a sneak peak of me draping my wedding gown, the first major milestone in the process of designing and making my dress – one of the most EXCITING things in my life to date.   I am so excited, and I’m so excited for YOU to be with you on your journey to living a life of your dreams!

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Hope that inspires you!
xoxo
Emily

P.S. Check out my new branding on my websites:

And check out my first fashion line at 
www.RockHardAtelier.com
September 4, 2014
Get Connected

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Illustration of Anna Dello Russo & Friend at MB Fashion Week 

To break it all down – life is about connection and that means consistently connecting to what we love.

When we open up to this basic yet underrated foundation of ensuring that our day includes things that bring us joy and light us up, all of our life will be enhanced (especially the not so fun times).

Get connected to the things you love, on a daily basis, no matter what.
This means having a daily ritual – one that you can call on to ground you and start your day.

Simple things like your morning coffee to your workout are sure-fire ways to connect to things that give you peace and happiness.

On a larger scale, it’s about connecting to your true passions, your purpose and the people you love.

Take a moment to redefine the rituals you blindly go through every day to see how you can create a rejuvenating retreat starting from the moment you get out of bed. Focus on the things you have always wanted to accomplish and get connected to that. Write it down and visualize how you want it to go.

The dreams you were given were created uniquely and especially for YOU because you have the tools innately to achieve them. 

Never doubt your dreams or your intuition. Whenever I have done so it lead to so much agony and internal conflict it is crazy – crazy and beyond unnecessary.  Give in to the greater purpose of your life and don’t be afraid – you were BORN to do this!

Today marks the start of Spring Summer 2015 Fashion Week in Lincoln Center and I am beyond excited to be getting back into my dream of being a fashion designer and really connecting to all of my passions.

I can’t wait to see all the new looks the designers showing this season have dreamed up. Each season it serves as fresh inspiration for me to see the magic of the runway and dreams come to life…..

Hope that inspires you!
xo
Emily

P.S. Check out my new branding on my websites:

And check out my first fashion line at 
www.RockHardAtelier.com

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

August 28, 2014
Stand Tall and Sparkle

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Illustration of JLo in Charbel Zoe Couture at the MTV VMA’s

There’s times in life when you just have to put the petal to the metal and go out there and DO IT.

With big risks comes big rewards, like I said last week. The SCARIER the better.

Jump in – face first into the unknown and trust that you will learn how to fly.

Fear feeds on doubt and indecision. Trust your gut and figure out what it is you want and need to do.

“Don’t be afraid to fail, be afraid not to try.”

Sometimes what you’re most afraid of is the very thing that will set you free.

I just made a huge decision in my life this week and honestly – it was the scariest thing I did in YEARS and also one of the most liberating, exhilarating and amazing experiences.

I committed to designing and MAKING my wedding dress!!!!!!!!!!!

One of the best things and biggest accomplishments I have ever created  in my life was start my fashion line (RockHardAtelier.com). One of the hardest things I have ever done in my life was NOT be able to continue to fund it in the last few years.  So I stopped.

I stopped LIVING MY PASSION.  I skirted around the issue and lived AROUND my passion.  I did the closest thing I knew how to, to draw, to illustrate. But that is only PART of my dream.  I know I am put on this planet to be a hugely successful fashion designer and to dress women all around the world and to make them feel gorgeous and empowered. This feeling is the truest most freeing, and certain fact I have ever known.

To stop in the face of fear, uncertainty and doubt has honestly been slowly killing me. Due to lack of funds – I was stopped temporarily. Due to being scared out of my mind of failure and EVEN MORE scared out of my mind of success I stopped all together and nothing has ever been the same.

If I have learned anything in this life it’s that IMPOSSIBLE is NOTHING. Right now I may not have the funds to support a major fashion line and company but I know that I can’t give up and I know that making this wedding dress is the truest form of expression of myself. It will be the most loving thing I can do to put my heart and soul not only into my future marriage and husband, but also to love and support myself.

I have been looking all over, trying on dresses, wanting to be able to purchase one, wanting to fall in love with that special dress and I realized – no matter how gorgeous or “perfect” the dress is for me – It will never be everything I want.  I will never be my design.

I have the permanent mind of a fashion designer – even if I try to shake it there will always be things I want to tweek, change or improve. I wakeup everyday thinking about what I WISH was in my closet and what I would design.

Fast forward so much stress, anxiety, suppression and pain – I realized that I need to just practice what I preach. I need to surrender to my calling and create the dress of my dreams.

And the process has begun. I just took a huge leap of faith, trusting that the UNIVERSE will have my back. And it DID. In a huge life altering way.  I got major signs along my journey. Everything from Owls made of sequins (something my grandfather used to collect was Owls), huge 530’s on buildings (our wedding date) and the exact lace I used to design one of my best friend’s and bridesmaid’s wedding gown 4 years ago. I know that I am on the right path and the Universe is CELEBRATING, letting me know that I am supported.  I know that there is just so much more to come.

This is what has been holding me back for so long. Fear. This is how I just busted through my blocks to living a life of my dreams.  Just DOING It. Going for it. Looking fear in the face and knowing that Inaction will be the worst thing I could do.

Take this journey with me now. Leap into your dreams with the faith that you hold buried deep down in your heart – the faith that you know is there – with the faith that built these NYC skyscrapers.  Stand tall and sparkle!

Hope that inspires you!  Like WOAH.
xoxo
Emily

P.S. Check out my new branding on my websites:

And check out my first fashion line at 
www.RockHardAtelier.com

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

August 21, 2014
You Get What You Give


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ILLUSTRATION OF LILLY GHALICHI

The Universe gives what you give.

I am currently sitting on my floor trying to unscramble my brain of all the things that I am stressing out about and I went on instagram for inspiration. This is what popped up: “The universe takes us as seriously as we take it”- Marianne Williamson via Gabrielle Bernstein – a quote on my instagram feed.

Thank you! That was all I needed.
If I am not sure on my decisions, constantly doubting myself, then how can the universe co-create what I desire?…. It can’t.

Try telling a restaurant what kind of food you want to order and if you can’t make up your mind and are too confused, adding ingredients, substituting ingredients, questioning if the ingredient is a good idea, etc.  – what do you think they are going to give you? They will have no idea what you want either until you make up your mind!

Making up your mind and committing to making a move or decision that is scary (big or small) can really drive you crazy if you go back and forth between what your heart says and what your head says.

Sometimes you need to sit down right were you are, close your eyes, take a deep breath, clear your mind and just be. The answer will probably come right to you (like it did with this instagram post- thanks Gab)

Trust in the universe and what you desire will be delivered.

Having faith means being unwavering and standing strong in your conviction.

With big risk comes big reward. If you are struggling to decide if you want to do, take a big leap. Feel the fear and do it anyway.  I have a huge decision to make, one that is currently scaring the crap out of me. And for no good reason too! I know in my logical brain that I have done this before, I know it can be done, I know I’m more than capable but still my fear voice is having a huge yelling fest of a party. F that.

Life is short. Easier said than done- oh I know all about it.

The pressure you put on yourself is likely greater than the pressure anyone else ever could. Go with it.
Nothing has to be perfect. It will be scary, but it will be so worth it in the end.

Trust yourself. Trust the Universe. Trust in God and the divine plan that is for you and you alone to take.

“You can’t live your dreams if you don’t take the steps to bring them into reality. ”

Hope that inspires you!

Xoxo
Emily. Now watch as I – shaking in my boots go practice what I preach!

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

August 14, 2014
Express yourself so you don’t Depress yourself.

Robin Williams, Lauren Bacall Tribute

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This week has been a very sad week

in Hollywood and in our own backyard.  As we all have been in mourning of the death of legend and creative genius Robin Williams, the next day came news of the death of Femme Fatale and Old Hollywood fashion glamazon Lauren Bacall. Lastly, as they say such things come in three’s – Revel, the Atlantic City hotel will shut its doors September 1st and that is the hotel that my fiance proposed to me in over a year ago.

For a 2-year-old hotel, it held so many memories to my friends and me.  Summer trips, bachelorette parties and the most magical night on our engagement and engagement photoshoot, all gone into the history books.  For such a beautiful, modern new hotel full of hope and promise to renew the old grandeur of Atlantic City and bring a younger demographic in, I can’t believe it’s closing after just 2 years. I had visions of telling my future children about our engagement and that vision included being able to visit that hotel and create more memories there.

Just like the closing of a hotel with so many guests buzzing in and out of the amenities and so much potential left; the death of a Hollywood funny man and huge talent has pulled hard on our heart strings. Even though most of us have not even had the opportunity to meet him, Robin Williams was part of our family. He was part of all of our childhoods growing up and left us with a sense of magic and hope, a tenderness that told us of what the real world would bring yet an anticipation of a happy ending.

From dealing with such issues as divorce, the point of view of a father trying to see his children after the separation in Mrs. Doubtfire (from which I can personally relate to) to showing us a magical “Whole new world” in Aladdin, captivating us on the edge of our seats as the all powerful Genie of the Lamp, and making our hearts and imaginations flutter.  From electrifying one-liners in interviews and award ceremonies to teaching us about growing up in movies like “Good Will Hunting”, “Patch Adams”, “Dead Poets Society” and many more cultural phenomenons like “Hook”, “Jumanji”, “What Dreams may Come” and “The Birdcage.”  The list goes on.

It’s sad when the world looses such a tremendous talent, and especially when we learn that there was an immense sadness going on behind the eyes of a man who spent much of his entire life making us laugh.  Suicide is never an easy topic of discussion and as painful as it is for the world to comprehend, my empathies go out to his family and close friends because I can only imagine how they are feeling.
I kind of have been captivated this week by reading all the blogs and articles about Mr. Williams, his life, his legacy and the effect he has left on the world.  Here are some great ones.

The New Yorker: The Genius of Robin Williams in “Aladdin”
MTV News: The Genie, Robin William’s Most Important Roll.
Huffington Post: The Moment’s We Fell In Love with Robin Williams

And the are so many more, as well as instagram and twitter posts sharing so many memories, and of course the biggest tear jerker of all, saying “Genie, your free.”

We were so captivated by his character as the Genie because of the vulnerability, the honesty and the tenderness with which he told the story of being yourself, and escaping to freedom from feeling trapped.

Here is another one, and something that really stuck with me when you think about suicide and depression :
The Daily Love: Goodbye Genie, You’re Free

Quoting from this last article from the Daily Love: “So, we know that depression has something to do with the brain. I believe it also has something to do with the spirit. My therapist told me many years ago that re-pression (of feelings and actions) tends to lead to de-pression.” – Mastin Kipp

If that is so than you must show an ex-pression of your love, your gifts, your pain, your sadness, your joy and all of your feelings. This is all necessary to live a life fulfilled, in order to leave an im-pression on the world around you.

Mastin goes on to say “It means that our spirits are meant to be free. They are meant to create, to Love and be Loved. When that process halts itself because of repression, we can get depressed. We are meant to be free. When a series of events happens in life that prevents that freedom, naturally we lean towards depression. Because there’s a part of us that knows that we aren’t living our purpose.”

Part of being human is feeling sad, the ups, the downs and even being depressed sometimes, but you need to reach out and express it in a healthy way, in whatever way possible you can.  I have felt depression many times in my life and I’m sure you have too. To cry, to write a letter telling someone how you feel, to create, to walk, to FEEL the feelings as opposed to repress the feelings and to know that the sad is still part of LIVING – IS living.

I always used to say, “Life is like a heartbeat, incredible highs and incredible lows, but when the line stays neutral… you’re dead.”

If you or anyone you know is suffering from depression, reach out, tell someone how much you love them, share a touch, a talk, and a memory. Pass it on.

Check out the AFSP, Amercian Federation for Suicide Prevention to learn more, help out or seek the help you may need.  There is always a better way, a better day and a better future even if you don’t believe it right now.

Hope that inspires you to live life to the fullest,
xoxo
Emily

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

August 7, 2014
Diamond in the Rough

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Everyone is capable of being their own brilliant diamond.

“Diamonds are nothing more then chunks of carbon that stuck to their job.”  -Malcolm Forbes

Diamonds are the most indestructible element on earth, and yet they were formed of crushing pressure and intense heat. The diamonds that shine the brightest are the ones that have gone through the most intense of ringers.

We as humans are put through constant pressure and trials in order to polish our sharp edges and create a dazzling luster – one that anyone could see from miles away.

“Never dim your light just because it is shining in people’s eyes.” – anon.

Being where ever you may, perhaps the farthest out of your element can be the perfect training ground to polish your diamond in the rough.

Take a look at where you are getting pressure, what triggers something big or painful for you and note that is where you will begin to create your own diamond. What are you avoiding? What is pinning you up against the wall? Take note and get comfortable in the face of uncertainty.

You will never become that diamond if you don’t feel your fear and do it anyway.

Hope that inspires you!
xoxo
Emily

If you’re looking for an added dose of inspiration, check out my girl health coach Arielle Haspel’s new cooking series  with Glamour Magazine that just launched last Friday. Here is the first episode. Watch here to catch her creating an easy-to-make, guilt-free summer dessert.

Also check out her recent style feature here!

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

July 3, 2014
How to bounce back from mercury retrograde and fight overwhelm to have the best summer ever.

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FOURTH OF JULY – INDEPENDENCE DAY EDITION

I’m not sure how many of you follow astrology or believe in this sort of thing. For me, I know OF mercury retrograde and I know that that is a time period when technological things and agreements can go ary. I do know that as human beings, we are made up of 90% water, and I believe that the moon being able to affect the rise and fall of the tides may in some way affect the our body that is made up of water.  That said, astrology is something that I find perpetually intriguing and if I can understand it better or use it to my advantage I’m all for it! If you are too then read on!

I am not an astrologer by any means but to say I am on and off again obsessed with Elle.com’s Horoscope section is an understatement. I adore the Astro twins and always heed their advice. However it was brought to my attention that there is a shadow period after mercury retrograde which I had no idea about.

If you are feeling cloudy and overwhelmed, there may be good reason. Being that I write a blog about inspiration, I am all about getting OVER the overwhelm and helping you create a life and career that you are inspired by.

Here’s how to know if you have been effected:

Mercury is the ruler of communication and mercury retrograde happenings include any kind of technology mishaps from emails bouncing back, calls being dropped, verbal miscommunications and unclear plans. If you keep trying and trying to make that connection but your phone restarts, your computer is on the fritz and your intended point came out as fuhckuzt – don’t stress – you have been mercury retrograded.  It has been warned that you should not make major decisions or enter into contracts at this point, but now that mercury retrograde has ended as of July 1st, we are now in the much unknown shadow period where it is the “light” version of all the affects of retrograde. Things will start to fall back into place but the lighter effects of retrograde may still make a dent (as opposed to a heavy mark) in your plans.

What to do about it:

Cut yourself some slack and know that this is something beyond your control.  Stay in a heightened sense of zen when faced with transit delays, computer problems, or dropped calls. Know that this is your time to “repair and restore.”  Take advantage of this time to suss out unclear plans, take inventory of what you are grateful for (says my friend and a professional confidence coach Maureen Saladino), explore your goals for the next few months and hone in on what you want to accomplish.

Coming off a big project or event, it is likely that a clean slate can prove the cause of overwhelm, not knowing which option to choose in a sea of many. Stay in tune with your inner guide and determine the plan that is right for you.

Summer, like summer vacations back when you were in school is the time to expand into freedom, let go, sink into surrender and decide on the fun summer activities that will make your heart strings flutter.

Revel in the freedom and openness that this time creates and sink your teeth in with a relaxed way of being.  Know that whatever choice you make will be the right one.

It is Independence day this week after all –
Hope that inspires you!

xoxo

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

Copyright Emily Brickel Edelson 2018. All Rights Reserved