Articles Tagged with: Leopard
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December 4, 2014
Following what moves you….

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We are all moved in various directions,

moment to moment and on a daily basis.   What are we being moved TOWARDS is the question one must ask on a consistent basis.

As human beings we all have this innate antenna invisibly placed inside our heads and hearts from the moment we are born.  Following it is the hard part. We are taught to actually go AGAINST our own intuition, against our better judgment. To instead, listen to our elders, follow orders, don’t question authority and seek what we are taught is the “right thing to do”.  But that may not be what is right for us.  The “right thing” may not be accurate anymore. Times have changed.  I am not only talking about morals and ethics here. I am talking about following your own path. Making up your own mind. Carving out your future based on what YOU feel good about. Trusting your internal antenna and where it is guiding you.

It’s about expressing your own opinion, your own creativity and your own judgment on how to live your life.  What is right and wrong for YOU.  It’s about what steps to take and where you want to go.  Following the preordained path of how to do this or that, how to live a “successful” life is not black and white.  The path is not a conveyor belt.  Step off and live YOUR life. 

Don’t like how things are run? Change them. You don’t agree with what’s going on in our world? Try to fix them! Tell someone. Stand up for your beliefs, in a peaceful manner, always.  See something; say something – as the old New York adage goes.

What’s right is right and what’s wrong is wrong?  Not always the case anymore.

I feel so angered by what is going on in the world, in the media, on the news. So many crazy things happening, what is this world coming to?  I feel like it seems to get worse every year.  I feel so helpless to change it.

However, I know that all it takes is one voice. One voice to make it ok for others to remember that this is not what is right for our world now.  It’s the tipping point.  It’s about taking a stand.  It is so confusing because protests are stemming from a place of taking a stand, yet HOW it is handled and executed makes all the difference.   I am not saying I have all the answers, but I am saying that if we ALL listened to our own internal antenna, the one placed deep down there at birth, the one that is not tarnished by what society tells us to think or believe. The antenna that is not aware of stereotypes, of heartaches, of judgment, of race.  If we listened to that inner voice deep and buried behind the hurt, the anger – the voice of peace, of goodness and of love- maybe we would all be one step closer to living in a much healthier world.

Hope that inspires you,
Xoxo
Emily

Follow me on Instagram @EmilyBrickel

LAST call on custom Holiday Illustrations! Email me now at Emily@EmilyBrickel.com for rush orders!

November 6, 2014
Leopard inspiration / Fall transition & Holiday starts now

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Leopard, Fall transition to Holiday and more…

Welcome November, I would like to say I am fully OBSESSED with leopard print and how it makes me feel.

If you haven’t noticed … Leopard is everywhere and I am completely obsessed.  It’s all over the streets of NY and lately all over my back. I just found the most amazing, affordable and chic leopard faux fur coat at … Ready for this: Forever21
I’ve been needing a coat for the fall transition to winter weather. Too cold for a light fall jacket, too warm for a full on-winter coat yet, and believe me, I’m definitely not rushing it.

Whenever I wear anything leopard I feel invincible, sexy, comfy (In this jacket), fashion forward and timeless. Leopard never goes out of style. Fashion greats from Jackie O to Brigit Bardot have doned the most chic of leopard coats and have always peppered leopard in their fashion staples. Now it is everywhere this fall and I could not be more happy. Paired with black faux leather pants, denim skinny jeans or a LBD it’s a no fail way to look fabulous and put together.  Amazing news for anyone in need of a classic yet of the moment fix. From brunch to evening, the one I found was a steal at $70 so everyone can get one.

Let your inner leopard tigress out with any leopard accessory from a scarf, to booties to even leopard harem pants. Above in my illustrations are my favorite leopard looks.

In other fashion news: My Custom Designed Wedding Dress The prototype of my wedding dress is complete and I was able to try it on for the first time and am so in love. It is the most exquisite dress I have ever tried on and it is right from my brain into my life and onto my body. Not complete yet, there is much more to do but it is such an exciting process. My design, my creation, my baby, my wedding dress and a true expression of my style and personality – I am so happy I decided to design it myself!!!  If you are in need of a custom wedding dress, let me know!

Fall Transition to Holidays: November marks the time to prep for the holidays and now is the best time to start.  With marketing efforts of major retail chains pushing the holiday season forward (even starting the day before Halloween – MAN that’s crazy!), it seems that the early shopper may get to avoid the insanity that has become Black Friday. Now I don’t know If I agree or disagree with this sudden push of Christmas lights and red starbucks cups on October 31st, but I can get in more of a holiday mood now that it’s November.

Holiday gift ideas: 
If you are ready to take advantage of the early holiday push,
Now is the time to order your custom Holiday illustrations now as gifts, for your family or business Holiday Cards or just your holiday Marketing Material.  Custom illustrations take 2-4 weeks depending on the work involved and if you want to get these out for Black Friday – we are now officially 3 weeks out! (WOAH) Email me at Emily@EmilyBrickel.com to order.  If you are looking to send out custom holiday cards to your friends and family, place your orders as soon as possible. I have a holiday line up already in progress and if you want to start mailing your cards out in early December, factor in a week to a few days for printing (I do rush orders if needed) and also time to mail them!

The New Holiday Collection from Chloe & Isabel of gorgeous jewels and baubles just launched this week and I already picked up a few items. These are so gorgeous for bridal as well (weddings on my brain much?) and show stopping for holiday parties, new years and especially holiday gifts


Check out the lookbook here!

Order your custom Holiday illustrations now as gifts, Holiday Cards or Marketing Material.

Hope that inspires you!
Xoxo
Emily

Follow me on Instagram @EmilyBrickel

February 27, 2014
Breaking Free

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“The Brave may not live forever, but the cautious may not live at all.”  – Sir. Richard Branson

The key to getting what you want in life is to be bold, to be brazen and to ask for what you deserve and what you want.  It is to take ACTION in the face of fear and uncertainty and to be disciplined to never give up, no matter what.  It is to be unswayed by public opinion and to violently trust your own intuition.

If something is holding you back in life, its time to recognize why.

Admit that you are afraid for whatever reason to push forward. Acknowledge your fear but move forward anyway.

Find people who inspire you and who you can look at their trajectory to see how they did it.

Life is way too short to care about what anyone thinks about your fashion sense, your life/career/love/personal choices, your “unchoices” and anywhere in between. (I need to take my own advice in this!)  SO make bold choices!

Live boldly and for your heart.

Make a decision, and when you make it – embrace it.

Don’t think so much – ACT.  Don’t over analyze (like I do sometimes) and just DO IT!

The best decisions I ever made in life are those that I didn’t over think and just lept face forward in with my intuition and trusted that it was the right thing to do.

Trust that YOU know what is right for YOU.  Go with it.

Understand that people generally have good advice and intentions but sometimes they are doing so based on their own fears, with the intention to protect you. Playing small is safe. Staying safe is not where success grows.

“Dream big and live your life the way you want to.” – my mom (!!)

Sit in silence and discover what it is that you choose.

As always,

Hope that inspires you!

Xoxo

Emily

 

February 13, 2014
Spice it up!

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10 things you can do NOW to get your sexy back.

There comes a time when a wakeup call is needed.

You create a style, a system, a path, a groove, a method to your madness. Although it works for you, it may not work for everyone and sometimes someone will come along to shake you up and get you on your toes again.

Whether it be the way you work, how you work out, your friendships or, on this Valentine’s day blog edition: your romantic relationships, and your (ahem) playtime  – you may have hit a plateau. A comfortable routine or a daily getup where you become predictable has many benefits – but sexy is not one of them.

Ever stop to think you may become boring to other people?  Are YOU boring yourself? Change the way you do things.

Get out of your own way and stop fighting your own growth!

We only grow when we get out of our box – when we challenge ourselves and get creative.

Here are 10 things you can do now to spice up your life. Apply this to ALL areas and don’t limit yourself!

The element of SURPRISE! This week do something unexpected.  Then make it an unpredicted habit.

1. (LOVE) Grab your man and take control.  Take advantage of a timeframe or scenario during your day that he is not expecting and get at it! Put on a little sexy outfit underneath your day time attire so you will be ready with an extra pinch of spice.

2. (FIT) Change your diet around and swap out meals to confuse your metabolism and burn more calories.

3. (WORK) Look up some new methods to organize your day, or try a new style of getting things done! (ahem my art! – new prints see link at bottom of post!)

4. (FAB) Go on websites like pinterest, polyvore or grab a good ol’ glossy mag and scroll/flip through some major fashion moments. Pick a style that you profess you would “never wear” and challenge yourself to see how you can take one element and shock people with your style (in a good way hopefully).

Have fun and see what works! “Life is a big experiment. The more experiments you make the better!” – R. W. Emerson

Turn it upside down. Flip the switch on your normal routine.

5. (LOVE) Make plans for this Valentine’s day or sometime soon at a totally new creative place.  Try for a new spot on the other side of town that you seldom haunt.  Get active with your hands and body involved.  (Maybe not what I’m thinking but you can try that too!) I mean try some indoor rock climbing, a pasta making class, or Japanese bbq where you cook your own dinner.  Getting the senses involved in a way that is out of commonplace will spark some curiosity and a sense of adventure.

6. (FIT) Get outta town! The same things for the above LOVE tip you can work into your fitness routine. Look up some new classes to take, youtube new techniques or trainers and bust you’re A$$.  Pick the moves you HATE to do and always try to escape. Those are the ones you really need to do. Challenge yourself and see what you’re made of.

7. (WORK) Get inspired by what you want to accomplish. Take an hour to step back and look at the big picture you are tirelessly working so hard to get to. Notice the path you have taken and see what works and what doesn’t. Take the to-do’s that you have not seen much progress with and try a completely different way of doing it.

8. (FAB) Switch up your look. If you normally wear neutrals, or brights – switch it up. If you generally go for a minimalistic look, go the opposite route and vice versa. Changing up your look with a few accessories, adding or subtracting layers or a new hair style is just enough push to turn your style upside down and turn heads down the street.

See what you’re made of!

9. (ALL) Challenge yourself TO THE CORE. Ask for 3 people’s trusted opinions of you and what you could change in order to grow and see what they have to say. You may not like hearing it at first but the world is bigger than your view of it.  Take these comments to heart and see what you can do to be a better lover/friend/boss/employee/person all year round.

10. (ALL) Make the spice rack easily accessible. If you don’t see it… it isn’t there? Maybe not so much, but of sight, out of mind? Yes.  Keep track of your little “spicy moments” in a way that is fun and easy like writing it on your calendar. Remember when you were little and your mom gave you a sticker for doing your chores? This is the grown up version of that. Engage a fun way of keeping track of your spontaneity by drawing a star on the calendar. This way you can look back and see all the spicy moments you created at a glance.

Too much effort? Don’t worry about it! Just shrivel up and get boring! K?

Oh, I’m joking… sort of…

Happy Valentines day, and remember – whether or not you believe this day was created by Hallmark to sell cards or by St. Valentine himself, it’s not just about YOU! It’s about showing others how much you love THEM. Step aside your ego and know that there is always room for improvement. Strive to get outside the box to add that pop of adventure and excitement to all things in your life and for all people in your life!

You decide how much effort you put into your personal growth and making others around you happy.

Take some of these tips to feel FRESH, energetic and SEXY – this valentines day and every day!  Commit to trying new things at least once a week and really stick to it to have a life that you love.  Fill it with invigoration and forego the stale patterns you may have picked up along the way.

It’s never too late to learn some new tricks!

Hope that inspires you!

Xoxo

Emily

Do you like our new Illustrated Leopard print cards? We are trying something new – let us know and email us back at info@EmilyBrickel.com

Purchase now on etsy in the link below for  “Hey Valentine”, “Shine Bright” and “Thank you” cards and prints!

Shop here! 

xoxo

 

December 12, 2013
The Next Step

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Here you are. Right in between the step you were on and the one you are about to go to.  Right smack in the middle of making some big or small changes.

It can be somewhat concrete or it can be just a state of mind, but so many times in life – there you are – making that shift. Perhaps you don’t even realize it until you have some quiet time and take a look behind you.

There is nothing like realizing how far you’ve come or how things have transformed in hindsight. Sometimes it’s sad and sometimes it’s brilliant. Sometimes you can be nostalgic and sometimes you are looking forward with anticipation.  Occasionally you can be both, and right at the same time.

Whatever it is… take the leap of faith and trust “that one of two things will happen, that there will be something solid for you to stand on, or that you will be taught how to fly.” – unknown.

Hope that is exactly what you need to hear and hope that inspires you!

Xoxo

Emily

 

 

July 18, 2013
Stop Procrastinating

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We all procrastinate from time to time, but is your procrastination actually holding you back from much greater things.

Here is the ultimate procrastination guide for those times when you really can’t get moving and what it says about your project and state of mind.

1) Think about the reason why you are procrastinating?

Are you overwhelmed, scared of the outcome, dreading more responsibility if you succeed, fearful of what others will think of you and, or the project once it is completed? Or does it put more pressure on you? Etc., etc. etc.
2) Determine what’s going on for you in the moment when you put something off and try to pinpoint the exact reason and how you are feeling about it.  This will help you identify how to proceed.

Usually when you are procrastinating, what you are putting off is either something:

A)   really important to you.

B)    really important to someone else.

C)   Something you really WANT to do but are afraid to do.

D)   Or something you really DON’T want to do because of a deeper reason.

When we procrastinate it usually involves something of a polarizing nature. Generally things that are blasé are easy for us to prioritize and check off our list.

Procrastination is another way of holding us back, a not-so-helpful defense mechanism if you will.  Our “fear mind” is telling us that it’s way too scary to proceed since we are going to be out of our comfort zone, however being out of our comfort zone is how we grow. When we surpass the limits we have previously set for ourselves of course it will scare the ISH out of us but hey, would you rather stay stagnant? No.

3) Figure out the worst-case scenario. What if you attempt this supposed “cataclysmic project”? What will actually happen if you succeed:  Will your peers or close relationships hate on you? Perhaps, but haters gon’ hate (that’s what they say in those rap vids right?) and most of the time, that means you’re doing something right.  Never dim your light just because it’s shining in someone’s eyes!

What will happen if you fail? Will you die? Not likely. Will you be completely ostracized? Probably not.  Will you get right back up again? Yes, you will (at least eventually) – and – if you feel like you can’t then take the time you need, lick your wounds and get your strength back.  Everyone fails at some point or another. The only people who fail A LOT are the people who are successful (because they never gave up)! And just to bring the point home: the only people that NEVER fail are the people that NEVER tried!!!!!

It took a long time for me to learn this lesson, and I still have to remind myself of it sometimes but it is so incredibly important!

Most of the time the worst-case scenario is not as bad as we originally thought and we really are our own worst enemies.

4) Now figure out what will happen if you DON’T complete (or start) this project you have been putting off?

That right there will probably be enough to light a fire under your tuchus.

Whomever the work is for (you, a boss, friend or peer), they will be mad at you and sometimes that is worse than your figment worst-case scenario.

5) The fastest way to stop procrastinating is to… STOP procrastinating!!!!  Get on that desk, put pen to paper (or whatever the situation calls for), say a little prayer and just start.

6) If you are really having trouble, tell yourself you will only start this for 15 minutes. Then stop if you feel called to, or keep going. Whatever feels good to you. Take a short break if you need to but knowing that you already started will make it much easier for you to get back on it after your break.

The worst regrets in life are not the things you accomplished but could have done better; they are the things you NEVER EVEN STARTED to begin with.

Hope that inspires you, now go on and get on it!

Xoxo

Emily

June 6, 2013
How to be Juicy and Delicious

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Illustration of Nasty Gal Lush Life collection

Summer is pretty much here and I am inspired by the juicy and lush fruits of the season, the delicious raspberries, peaches, grapefruits and tropical humidity that we had last week – everything just seems juicier!

It’s time ladies to feel just like the ripe picks of the season that we are and just feel all around gorgeous!

Confidence boost #1. Werk that Body.  I noticed over the winter my workout routine totally took a nosedive and it really effected how I felt. I felt too tired to work out, I was eating all the right stuff but still couldn’t figure out exactly why I was feeling sluggish.

Over the last few months I decided to rev up my workout routine for the obvious reasons. Among them were to get in shape for summer, but most of all to feel good every day.

I decided to start working out in the AM instead of the afternoon or night as I had been doing for years and I noticed a HUGE difference in my motivation, my energy, my mood and more!

Side note* Ladies if you claim you have no energy or time to work out, working out in the morning is the best thing to do.  By working out in itself you actually create more energy through out the day!  When you wake up just jump into your gym clothes and get sweaty. The best time saving bonus is you don’t have to take an extra shower after your workout because your post workout shower is also the first shower of the day!

After my change in workout time I have been jumping up out of bed really excited to get my exercise in.  I end up working out more times per week and I start my day already feeling accomplished and proud of myself for ticking that off my list – how’s that for a confidence boost!

NOTHING is sexier than confidence and the toned curves you get from upping your gym time wont hurt either!

I personally workout in my living room to some fun DVD’s so I don’t waste time getting ready for the gym. If you want to save time I highly recommend it!

Confidence boost #2. Pop of color. Ok so we all have some clothes in our closet that are really bright and funky right. It’s been the trend plenty of times and for sure we have accumulated some fun vacation ready garb. Time to break it out. I don’t care if you are going to the office or only to get some groceries but forget that tendency to grab some neutrals. If you want to feel juicy and delicious inside and out add some color, even a bright lip gloss and stroll out that door. Confidence boost #2 right there!

Confidence boost #3. Unleash your inner sex kitten. Now that you are toning up and breakin’ out the brights, time to be unafraid of dressing for YOU.  You know… like you used to do when your mom let you dress yourself in pre-K.  Do the grown up version of that!  Wear fun dresses, don’t be afraid to be sexy, take fashion risks, pile on the accessories and “special occasion shoes”.  You only live once and your closet surely isn’t enjoying the clothes as much as you would be wearing them.  I am not saying to commit a fashion faux pas but stretch beyond your comfort zone and put more fun into getting dressed.  Oh, and when people ask you “Where are you going dressed like that” just smile and give them a mysterious glance.

Confidence boost #4. Taking “Me” time.  This is so important not only to cure anxiety, boost your mood and feel more fulfilled, it can actually save your life!  Taking time just for you to think or relax is crucial for women especially. It lowers cortisol levels, which is great for your immune system, weight loss, blood pressure, lowering cholesterol, decreased risk of heart disease and other diseases. Try things like reading a book, taking a walk, journaling, having an uninterrupted cup of tea, or set time aside to do something you really love.

Confidence boost #5. Feeling fulfilled.  Of course we all have projects that we wish we could do or wish we had the time to do but that are not really relevant to the demands our daily lives. When life gets in the way it’s so easy to keep pushing off the thing you really want to do most but then resentment will build up. Blocking out 30 minutes to an hour once a week or more, solely devoted to doing something deeply fulfilling will make you feel ravishing and really boost your happiness.  By slowly chipping away at the project you are passionate about and putting it FIRST before your daily grind is finished you will feel so much more fulfilled about everything in general making your other to-do’s so much more pleasant. Feeling delicious and juicy comes from the inside first so when you are really proud of yourself you will radiate confidence.

Confidence boost #6. Get your sexy on and dance. I just recently was invited to a day long conference where a few times through out the day we were lead to move and dance in really crazy ways. At first my mind was totally against it, not wanting to look ridiculous in front of other women but then I got into it (once I realized I would look ridiculous if I DIDN’T partake) and started to have SO much fun! Ladies, lock your doors and put some music on. DANCE like no one is watching (when of course, no one is watching… I’d double check on this one) and shake those hips.  Get into it, get your stress out and have some fun. By the end of it if you are doing it right you will probably be hysterical laughing or at least smiling, and either one will be a huge confidence boost.

Confidence boost #7. Work on that Posture.  Annoying as it may be, check yourself multiple times a day and roll your shoulders back. Do it when you are sitting, standing or walking and do it often. Good posture will make you look and feel more attractive, taller, thinner andddd you will breathe and actually digest your food better making you healthier which gives you glowing skin.  There’s research behind this.. check it out!

And now ladies reset and repeat. Do these things as much as possible and you will feel so juicy and delicious that your date/boyfriend/husband will find you irresistible. Just be careful… with power comes great responsibility – and you may have to try extra hard to thwart them off (or not!)

Hope that inspires you!

Xoxo

Emily

 

February 13, 2013
Valentine's day love!

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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

 

 

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