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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

October 15, 2015
What You Put In

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Here I am, sitting at my computer on a Saturday night at 2 am.

(written earlier this week)

Not because I have no plans, or because I just came home from a night out. No, but because this was the first time in a while I had a chance to write my blog. I missed writing it and just felt a burst of inspiration.  I have no idea how, because I have been working 12 days in a row, completely exhausted from 3 days straight of drawing for Comic Con with one day left to go (Sunday).  I am sitting here, so incredibly satisfied by that.  It is really hard to go two weeks with working two weekends in a row but the work I am doing is my passion and I am so grateful to be doing that kind of work and sharing my gift.

I am so honored to be sketching for AT&T at Comic Con and for all the other amazing Live Sketching events that I have been so blessed to draw at.  It has only been one year ago this month since I started live sketching at Bene Rialto and taking that jump of faith has completely transformed my life.  I got an out-of-the-blue request to sketch live, something that until that point I had never done. Petrified and unsure, when asked if I could do it, my answer was YES.  I technically had drawn live all the time (at my desk), the only difference was this was in front of a crowd at a fashion cocktail party.

I think my point here is that taking the LEAP of faith, when faced with an opportunity – the answer should always be YES, you can do it. If you don’t know exactly how, or are afraid, find a way. Everything is figure-out-able and there is a YouTube video for anything now a days. Trust in yourself and know that you are capable.  Also know that your past failures and experiences have all been preparing you for this day and the chances you choose to take.

My other point is that when you want something so bad, nothing can stand in your way.  The 13 days in a row (If I am able to take off half a day on Monday – if not it will be 19 days in a row), the exhaustion and tireless nights working till 5 am are nothing short of the road to get there.

“I’m not telling you it’s going to be easy, I’m telling you it’s going to be WORTH IT!” – anon.

I hope that I can share my journey with you, on the path to my dreams and that I can inspire you to live your dreams too. That really is the most important thing in the UNIVERSE! We are each blessed with an amazing gift, whether it be art, design, baking, singing, selling or making people smile and feel safe – no gift is too small to need to share it.

It is our JOB, better yet – our CALLING as human beings to find your gift, trust in it and follow your path to fulfilling your calling here on earth.  We owe it to the whole world to share our gifts, because if not, we leave the world or our community a little less bright.

Look inward, never take no for an answer, DREAM IT, see it in your mind, live it in your heart, speak it out loud to anyone who will listen and let the Universe catch up with your dream.  It is never too late.

Every yes or no decision you make is either guiding you closer or farther away from your dreams.  Don’t be so selfish as to think that being modest or self-deprecating is the way to earn brownie points.  It is your JOB to express yourself, not to burrow it away in some hidden place and deprive the world of the amazing things you have to give.  You have to give every piece of your soul to this life.  Don’t hold back.  “No” means try harder. Ask questions, fight for what you believe in and NEVER dim your light because it’s shining in someone else’s eyes.  I’m not saying to be pompous, but I’m saying to realize YOUR WORTH! Trust in yourself.

Hope that inspires you!
xoxo
Emily

Follow me on Instagram & Snapchat @EmilyBrickel

August 21, 2015
Making it!

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Illustration of Chanel brooches in honor of Coco Chanel’s 131st birthday, a woman who really made it, in her own extraordinary way.

I have some really exciting news to share… I can’t share it yet! – But it’s good, oh it’s really good!  Sorry for the extremely vague non-announcement but I’m just itching to say SOMETHING! Something exciting has happened and I finally feel like my work and my time has been validated!

I can say I am really proud of myself and my hustle, and when this happened – something shifted in me. Sometimes as an entrepreneur and in corporate or even in relationships we all work and work and work and pull miracles out of our hats, work some more and rarely get recognized.  Sometimes, when that recognition hits – and it can even be someone saying to you after you explain what you are up to that “you’ve made it”, or whatever you needed to hear (I love you, Will you marry me, You’re Promoted etc), it can make all the difference.

Although I feel, as a “multi-passionate” entrepreneur you never really “make it” because there is always so much more you want to do – it is really nice to hear that your work is making a difference out there. After all, isn’t that what it’s all about?

Something shifted – and when it did, I let go of so much tension that I always carry around with me.  I felt like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders and I finally can feel free with a deeper sense of knowing.  The same thing happened when I got married to my soul mate & best friend Jordan less than 3 months ago. I just felt like everything was going to be ok, like I had roots that ran so deep I know I can with withstand any storm. That’s a deep love. That’s a security that I never really had.  I for one know that anything can be taken from you in a moment’s notice with no warning at all – I have been through the deaths of my dad, my grandpa (who became like my dad after my father passed away) and my parents and step-parents divorces.  I know things can be fleeting but for the first time in my life I am building my own family, my own career and it finally feels like I have made it to higher grounds. It’s a deeper spiritual trust and gratitude then I have ever had before.

All that uncertainty, all the fear, all the anxiety (well most of it  – ha!) felt unnecessary.  I could finally figuratively un-hunch my back and take a deep breath in and feel taken care of by The Universe. It’s hard to explain but when you go through life wondering what the future will hold and when you are standing on a step that each day you must CREATE the next step and worry or think about how it will suddenly appear and all work out, that feeling is seeing the staircase ahead of you, already built, KNOWING you can take a breather because all you have to do is show up and climb it.

Making it means something different to everyone.  They say “one person’s ceiling is another person’s floor” I don’t know what your floor or ceiling is but wherever you ARE if you are at the point in your life, where someone views it as their ceiling or a really amazing place to be, regardless of how hard you are on yourself; Take it in, accept it and be proud of yourself.

I don’t know how often we hear the praise each one of us needs to stay motivated. In the adult world, it some how seems not too often, so when you do get it, there is so much power in taking it all in and ALLOWING yourself to receive it.

The same goes for if someone says you look pretty today. If you feel gross, instead of regurgitating some self-deprecating retort, say THANK YOU and ACCEPT the praise.  I know it’s hard to do but continually accepting the little (or even BIG) victories and celebrating them is how you build a strong staircase to your dreams.

I know that we as a culture are taught to “not take what anyone says at face value”, to “ignore what they say” if it is something hurtful or fake or even “not go by what others think of you, go by what you think of yourself” – but SOMETIMES, someone says something completely genuine, deeply real and extremely proud and happy for you – take all in.

Count your blessings EVERY day, be deeply grateful for every single thing you have because if you are reading this, you too have SO much.  Think about the people in third world countries who are happy to have electricity for protection against crime. Really, deeply and wholeheartedly count and appreciate all of your blessings. That is how your life will transform and be in a place where you can accept the praise and create space for more wonderful things to take place in your life.

Hope that inspires you,
Xoxo
Emily

Follow me on Instagram & Snapchat @EmilyBrickel

August 7, 2015
California Vibes: The IVY

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This week’s illustration is inspired by scenes from our lunch at The Ivy in West Hollywood. I swear I have never seen a more gorgeous display of apples and oranges!

So this week my blog is a day delayed as I was helping my husband launch his new app PORTALBALL with Joe Girardi. It was a very exciting launch which included some early days and trips to Yankee Stadium for some private meetings in Joe’s office and making sure everything went smoothly for the launch day.  I’ve been finding myself super backed up in a bunch of work and feeling totally uninspired about how I am creating NEW work this week.  It seems to me this non-stop going, going, going drive is good while you’re in it, but it can definitely catch up to you.

If you are a creative like me, or even just taping into your feminine energy we need some time to reflect, rejuvenate and refresh. I stumbled upon this Marie TV blog when I was searching for some inspiration about how she is closing down her business for the next two weeks to let all of her employees have some downtime. She said that she did this for two weeks over the holidays and everyone came back so much more refreshed and inspired.  Taking two weeks off, a week or even a few days for me right now is a luxury that I don’t have (and I’m sure a lot of you don’t either) but what I will say is that everyone can take a full weekend off for sure. Typically, as an entrepreneur we tend to work a solid few hours on Sunday night but this weekend I feel like I really need a bit of a refresher.  Heck, maybe I’ll even take a lunch break outside today to get my juices going again.

Creating (and I am working on some really cool creative things right now) takes a lot of energy and to really give it your all it is important that you feed your soul.  Not to be cheesy but here is a quote that really brought me back to what my priorities are “If you’re always listening to the noise of the world it’s impossible to hear the whispers of your soul.” @MarieForleo

For me, as an artist and designer, I need that message from my intuition in order to create amazing things. It is super important I get back on the self nurturing program that I was on a few months ago. This includes, baths, meditation, time outside (especially while summer is still here!), exercise, listening to music and getting inspired.

I almost skipped my blog this week because I have so much other work to do, but writing and drawing for me are two of my favorite things to do and they really get my juices going again. It is an outlet that I can amp my creativity and get back in my zone.

How are you feeling right now and what do you need to get inspired? Do it!

Take time for you so that you can give it all you have.
For more on this topic see one of my favorite blog posts, and especially scroll down to #7 the Fountain Theory:

Hope that inspires you.
Now go on, take a walk outside!!!!
xo
Emily

www.etsy.com/shop/EmilyBrickel

Follow me on Instagram & Snapchat @EmilyBrickel

July 30, 2015
California Style : LA SWIM and more

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(From Left to Right) Sketches of Josephine Ochoa, Alexandra Georgy of Social Behavior, Jennifer Cirone of Cirone Swimwear, Liz Eddy, The Urban Sophisticate, Cat Kennedy and Taylor Launius.

So we are back from our weeklong excursion in California, and we returned with a tan, amazing memories and LA SWIM under our belt.
It was my first time to California and let me say that Cali did not disappoint. We spent the first few days in Laguna exploring some potential opportunities, enjoying the beach life and experiencing that laid back Cali flair. What a nice way to live. It reminds me of a more relaxed version of Long Island, where I’m from, except the Housewives of Orange County frequent the local glamorous haunts.  I would not mind going back a few times a year, let’s put it that way.

Next up was Los Angeles. I love being an entrepreneur so much and having an entrepreneur husband / business partner because it means we can travel for work and pleasure at the same time.

The main reason we were there was for me to sketch the runway shows live for Chic Sketch, our fashion app that turns your latest look into a quick fashion sketch (www.chicsketch.com) at LA SWIM, held on the rooftops of The London Hotel in West Hollywood.

Here are some photos from the event. Below are the sketches from the runway. I sat front row and I created these sketches even faster than the 3-5 minutes that the above sketches took. These were sketches in less than two minutes as I tried to capture the movement and energy of the runway.


Black, nudes, sheer elements and cut out’s were my favorite trend.
Designs by: 1) Chloe Rose Swimwear 2) Leividie Lingere 3) Leonisa USA

Pops of color and playful shapes kept me dreaming of a pool and margaritas.
Designs by: 1) Frankie Swimwear 2) Leonisa USA 3) Beach Flirt 22

Florescent color blocking in geometric shapes were perfect for day, or night swims.
Designs by: 1) Beach Flirt 22 2) Leonisa USA 3) Leonisa USA

And feminine floral prints in bright pastels would flatter any beach babe. I especially loved the palm tree prints.
Designs by: 1) Leonisa USA 2) DiMarco Swimwear 3) DiMarco Swimwear
All illustrations by me, Emily Brickel for Chic Sketch

My husband Jordan and I at the show!

Me, getting ready for the show to begin.

Next up, since it was my primero visit to the city of angels, the hubs and I did some extra-touristy sight seeing. I let myself really get back in touch with my exploration side and kid at heart. This included a city tour of Hollywood homes, the Hollywood sign, Hollywood walk of fame, Rodeo drive and more. We had lunch at The Ivy where I was patiently awaiting a celeb sighting, but no dice.  We shopped at Kitson where still, no celeb sightings. We later took an Uber to the incredible Griffith Observatory where we were lucky enough to see the planet Saturn live through their massive telescope and insane views of LA. On our last day we went to Universal Studios where we took a Studio Tour of all the movie sets and went on some rides.  (Insert me going into panic mode here.) Not knowing what to expect and ultimately having some mini anxiety attacks, the hubs calmed me down with cotton candy.

It’s so interesting in life, when waiting on lines for 2 hours, in rows and rows of random people, loud noises, confined spaces and so much time to anticipate or imagine how scary the ride will be, it then becomes time to take a breath, sit down, strap in and woman up. In actuality, the rides were like 1-5 minutes each and so much fun. I used to get caught up in the anticipation of things and sometimes drove myself crazy. I finally have gotten to a place where I know that taking the leap is not even half as scary as thinking about it is. However, for some reason these rides brought me right back to my fear factor and dialed up my old response.  I thought this was a really interesting insight to point out and to take life’s experiences and check in with how you react to your outer world.

On another note, one of the highlights of the LA portion of our trip, (Housewife nerd that I am) was eating at Pump, Lisa Vanderpump of the Real Housewives of Beverly Hill’s new restaurant. We sat 3 tables away from her, her husband, their dog Giggy and supermodel Gigi Hadids’ father Mohamed and his wife Shiva. Later I got the chance to meet them, chat and snap a photo. I hate to say it but I really never freak out when I meet celebrities because I know they are just normal people who are living their dreams, and that is something to be commended. I did however privately freak out with my husband when I went back to our table.  I love Lisa because she really is one example of a woman who has it all; she is a successful entrepreneur, interior designer, and restaurateur who lives in a glamorous mansion in Beverly Hills, with a loving husband and has an amazing relationship with him, her friends and her children all while having the best closet I’ve ever seen. She is friendly, beautiful, graceful and smart.  I love seeing empowered female entrepreneurs who can have it all.

Another highlight was seeing one of my best friends from High School who is living out in LA.

Traveling, and being an entrepreneur are a lot alike. They are really exciting opportunities for opening yourself up to new experiences, people and places and for taking big risks. What’s exciting is to test your limits and to see how you react to these things, because it is your actions that define the outcome. It is your perspective that denotes the life you attract and the life you live.

I recently came across this quote and I wish I knew who said it: “Your vibe will attract the tribe.”  This is so true when radiating the level of the experiences you wish to have.  Your day is completely defined by how you see it and how you react to it.

Is it that you missed the bus and things suck, or is it that you ended up on the next bus, the RIGHT bus that would lead you to meet and see the people and places more in tune with your higher vibration? How do you see it?

Hope that inspires you!
Xoxo
Emily

Follow me on Instagram & Snapchat @EmilyBrickel

April 3, 2015
Wedding planning…. From a very honest bride to be.

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Unexpected pressures are real…TAKE YOUR DAY BACK!

2 months to go!
How to survive wedding planning and come out like yourself!

Apparently (almost) every little girl dreams of their wedding day, and If you haven’t been dreaming about it your whole life (because maybe you’ve been dreaming about other aspirations – like killing it in your career or other cool things you want to do with your life) then the media, and now social media sites will make you dream about it – “for better or for worse”.

Now, don’t get me wrong wedding planning is a lot of fun, but it is also a lot of stress.  This is supposed to be the most wonderful time of your life and your friends and family will definitely come through for you when it matters, well the important people anyway (that is a whole other story)  – but the criticism (and self criticism) along the way can be really daunting.

We just had my bridal shower this past weekend, and it was one of the best days ever!!!!  The love I felt from friends and family was so beautiful and overwhelming and I am so grateful!!!! I was showered with so many gifts, in the form of heart felt cards, hugs, kisses, spending time with my friends and family as well as things for our home and new life together. It was really so special and magical and I appreciate every second of it! It was such an incredible thing to feel how loved I am and how many people are so happy for Jordan and I as a couple getting married!

However, we are 2 months out to the wedding now and let me tell you, the pressures of looking your best are real.

I am being marketed to left and right, every half hour I get another email about having the perfect skin, hair, waistline, nails, dress, outfits, shoes, tan, décor, etc.  the list goes on and on.

Now I am definitely a glitz and glam kind of girl, I love taking selfies to show off my outfit and I love the instagram filters just like the next girl, but let me tell you – getting married, it’s thrown at you like a ton of bricks that you need to look like perfection.

PERFECTION is not REAL PEOPLE. YOU ARE PERFECT AS YOU ARE!!!!

I kind of have to vent and be honest, I can’t take it any more.  I have been officially brainwashed into obsessing about perfection and it’s not really healthy.  Of course we all want to look our best but I have been letting it get the best of me, criticizing every detail of how I look from my weight, my skin, my hair etc.  On a normal occasion I would be like, I look fine, I look great even.  Thinking about my wedding, it’s kind of a different story.

Not that I am a celebrity by any means, but on your wedding day with the guests, the photos, the videos and you being the center of attention, you as the bride are kind of the celebrity of the day.  If you had all of those eyes on you and a million photos to follow, you would feel pressure to look perfect too!

On top of that, people’s opinions have me criticizing every single move I make from the invite list, invitations, place cards, dress, décor and just about every other thing that I want to do. When did the wedding become something other than about the Bride and Groom? When did the wedding become about what everyone else wants and making everyone else happy but me?

It’s pretty daunting.

Weddings are supposed to be about celebrating the marriage and the life you are getting ready to have with the person you love.

Of course there is nothing wrong with the essentials, getting your hair, makeup and nails done for the big day, proper grooming, taking extra good care of your skin, normal dieting and working out etc.

But all in all, it’s not healthy to think you need to look like one of the“Real Housewives of your Wedding”

I think that as women, we have to deal with it both ways especially in this day and age, and especially that I just turned the big 3-0. We are bombarded with extraordinary women who are supposedly all natural but are completely photoshopped or physically altered. It’s a lot of pressure to keep up!

Damned if you do, damned if you don’t.  On one side we are judged for “letting ourselves go”, gaining extra weight, looking tired, not put together, getting wrinkles, getting older – BUT on the other side we are judged for being vain, full of ourselves, looking over-done, having had work, being self absorbed, looking fake, and just about any other judgment you could throw at a beautiful woman etc.

Trying to attain a level of beauty put forth by our society is really hard and damn near impossible unless you are willing to shell out big bucks and be nip tucked to perfection or have an unhealthy relationship to food.  If getting work done is your thing, I am all for it if it will make you feel better about yourself, but do it for YOU, not for other people.

For those of you who are naturally beautiful and genetically gifted, it is definitely a fortuitous circumstance but you have to keep it up.  And still bear the brunt of getting judged for people ASSUMING you have had something done, or are fake even if you haven’t!

What is with this world. It’s crazy and overwhelming and really damaging to one’s self esteem.

I think as women we need to take our power back and embrace who we are, flaws and all.

I think the best part of all of this, is when my fiancé realized I was getting so caught up and going overboard he told me that fell in love with me just the way I am and wants me to get old and wrinkled, and will love me then too. I think that’s really what it’s all about. Realizing that your future husband loves you and that you are PERFECT to him RIGHT NOW (and forever).

I think all us brides just need a reality check and to realize that we need to stay true to ourselves, do what WE want with our wedding, dress how we want, act how we want and look how it feels good to us.

It’s time to take our DAY back.

If you are on this path, email me and we can talk. It’s so helpful to have someone else to talk to.

Women, support each other and know you are beautiful inside and out, no matter what.

That is all (for now)! Hope that inspires you to live the life you want to lead!
xoxo
Emily

 

Follow me on Instagram @EmilyBrickel

December 18, 2014
How to turn your day around in 6 easy steps!

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Illustration of the beautiful Beyonce

So last night, I got 4 hours of sleep after a full crazy and hectic day of running around with back to back meetings and projects all day. This was after I had been rushing to get ready yesterday morning in under 15 minutes. If you know me, you know that 15 minutes is NOT enough time for me to get ready.

So today after a long day and week so far with 4 hours sleep (and you know I need my sleep!!) we had to get up extra early to get ready before the hot water in our building was turned off for scheduled maintenance. Yet, to my surprise the water was nothing short of frigid before the scheduled time.

This week has also been a very exciting one with amazing new projects and ton of orders, and extremely busy at the same time. Sprinkled in the mix this weekend was some personal family health issues that are thankfully now resolved. All of that combined plus I have been overwhelmed (in a good way) with last minute holiday orders that are all going out all this week.

Needless to say, I was very cranky this morning.

So today’s blog is about turning around your day.  Anything from getting up on the wrong side of the bed, or even just being in a bad, angry, stressed or anxious mood at any point of the day, believe me it is totally possible.

1) First, take some extra time for YOU if you are able to.
Spend an extra 5-10 minutes in your bathrobe while you eat breakfast.  Make or get a nice healthy and hearty meal for yourself that you can sit down for at least 10 minutes and slowly enjoy (as opposed to eating while pacing back and forth between the bedroom and bathroom while doing my makeup as per usual in the am!).

At any point in your day, when you feel the tone taking a turn for the worst, stop and take some time for you.  Take a walk outside, grab a snack, call a friend, just do something that makes you happy that’s a quick pick me up.

2) Stop and take a nice deep breath. Center yourself and calm it down.

3) Next think of all the things you DO have, and how grateful you are for them. The heat in your apartment, your food, the fact that you even have hot water to be turned off for maintenance, your clothes, your work, family, significant other and friends etc. The list can go on and on but literally think of all the things that you are grateful for, especially this time of year.

It’s so easy to get in the “wrong” holiday mood -I’m talking about Grinch mode here – with all the festiveness, crowds, spending and holiday marketing pressuring you to feel happy. Sometimes it just has an adverse effect.

Now is the time to center into what it really means for YOU to enjoy the holidays, and that doesn’t mean blowing your bank account on things you think you need to be spending on.  Things like family, friends and how much we have already are really important things to remind yourself of, particularly when around every corner you are being prompted to also NEED this new shiny thing.

4) Treat yourself. Today I treated myself with a grande… did I say grande? I mean Venti soy Oprah Chai latte, an Ethos water and a gluten free, dairy free chocolate peanut butter cup pack from Justin’s organic at Starbucks. The $10 I spent was completely worth it since I have a long time ago cut off my Starbucks spending unless for things that I deem “special occasions”.  To me, “special occasions” qualify as getting 4 hours sleep and deserving to feel good and awake at my next meeting.

You decide what you need for the day.

5) Listen to your body. Lately I have been feeling claustrophobic with all the winter layers I have been wearing, so today I opted for bulkier, baggier more comfortable yes still obviously chic apparel.  Your body knows what it needs, even those little details, so listen to it closely.

6) And if all else fails, use this little trick that I leaned a while ago from one of my spiritual guru’s seminars. Sing to yourself (in your head please) to the tune of any of your favorite songs, but because it’s being played everywhere I have been signing it lately to Mariah Carey’s “All I want for Christmas is you.” I changed the words I my head to repeating the mantra “I’m so grateful”. Now sing it in your head to that tune and fill the words in that you want. Trust me this may sounds silly, juvenile or whatever you want to say but it is guaranteed to make you feel better, happy and grateful and a sure fire way to turn around your day.

Hope that helps on a day that you need the extra inspiration!!!

Xoxox
Emily.

Follow me on Instagram @EmilyBrickel

November 27, 2014
Thanksgiving Guilt

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This is a SMALL piece taken from my 6 Week Holiday Insider Mini Series… just so you can get a taste of what you are missing!

What to eat, what to taste, what to fill up on and what to indulge on to keep your waist line ready for the upcoming holiday parties. Strategies for social eating and drinking to feel good, not overindulge but still participate in the act of social consumption while actually ENJOYING yourself and avoiding the guilt of feeling sick later. This is just ONE small excerpt from my 6 Week Holiday Series and one of the first week’s MANY insider tips and insight. I will not be showing this again in my blog or any piece of it from the remaining 5 weeks unless you subscribe to it! This is just a taste. If you are interested, you can still sign up here.  You will receive any past weeks you missed plus be on track to receive the new one each week!

Here’s HOW. (Wana know how I know all of this? Read about my experience here)

Thanksgiving, although it gets a bad rap – is actually a really healthy meal if you treat it as such. You have your turkey, cranberry sauce, potatoes or sweet potatoes and veggie sides.  Eat those things that you can identify and you will be fine. Pasta does not grow on a bush. Can you identify that as a natural grown food product? No. Ok take it easy on that then.  Now if you eat all the fatty toppings and added unnecessary ingredients, you may be in a different situation (read: not good).

First load up your plate filling ½ of it with green veggies. Feel free to ask what’s in it or how it’s made to understand if you are consuming a whole lot of butter and crap on top of it. Then the next ¼ of your dish should be turkey. Go for the lean white meat.  Go easy on the gravy. Add some color like cranberry sauce and sweet potatoes to the remaining 1/4th and you have a nice healthy and FILLING meal there.

Eat slow. Put your fork down between bites. Talk to others at the table and have a conversation. Don’t race and don’t scarf down your plate. Enjoy every bite and remember why you are so grateful.

The Devil is in the seconds and the dessert.

If you are drinking, (a lot) you are way more likely to over indulge. Take a break between seconds and assess how you FEEL. Are you stuffed, getting there or what?

If you do get seconds, try for YOU to serve yourself and do it next to a skinny person or no one at all. Serving yourself lets you choose what you like and what you want more of instead of feeling like you must eat everything on your plate that someone else puts there.  Choose one or two items you absolutely LOVE and wait all year for and put half of your original helping on your plate. At this point your EYES are way bigger than your stomach can handle, so tread lightly!

Serving yourself next to a skinny person helps with peer pressure, you will see what they are eating and try to keep in line with their portions.  Avoid the peer pressure to fill your plate just like everyone (heaver than you) else.

Remember- Thanksgiving is just ONE meal. There will also be dessert that you will want to try. There will be coffee, there will be more wine. Take it easy on the main course. I’m sure you have been snaking all day too.  Remember how you want to feel and look tomorrow.  Your body is NOT a trash can.  Just because typical American custom is to lay back in the Lazy-boy chair, un-button your top button, cradle your stomach and moan in pain does not mean this makes sense for YOU. Won’t you be more THANKFUL for the meal if you don’t have buyers’ (or eaters’) remorse?

Desserts.  Yes you can have them. Stick to items with fruit in the name. Apple pie. Pumpkin pie. Have a “small sliver” which you well know means a normal size compared to the heaping servings that everyone else will get. Thanksgiving puts people in a, shall we say “giving” mood. They want to GIVE you too much food because that is how they (a lot of people) show love and affection for you.  Tell them you want “a LITTLE”. This is the only way to score a normal size piece and make them aware of how much they cut. Show them if possible how big you want.  Take a little of everything. Sure you can try everything but in SMALL portions.  Want some ice cream on top of that apple pie? Make sure it’s warm (if you’re going to eat the cal’s you better make them taste the best it can be), plop ONE scoop of ice cream on top and slowly indulge in the delicacy.  SLOWLY.

There will be leftovers.  Chill the F out! You can eat more of this deliciousness tomorrow too so no need to eat as if the world is ending!

Coffee after? Sure. Sip it slowly.  Get regular (not decaf) to help you burn those extra calories off and give you more energy to move around a bit. Decaf is short for “Lets go into thanksgiving food coma immediately”.

If you have food allergies make sure you make everyone aware and stick to it. Just because it’s a “holiday” does not mean you are taking a vacation from protecting yourself from harm! Don’t feel pressured to eat something just because they say “oh a little bit wont hurt.” I deal with this all the time. Just simply replay “Yea a little bit will possibly get me sick for the rest of the night, a lot will send me to the hospital.” They will get the hint and steer that plate clear away from you and onto the next victim.”

Food is to be celebrated, honored, appreciated and used as sustenance, nutrition and to provide health and to SUPPORT us – NOT to binge and feel like crap after. Don’t take the Thanksgiving spirit and turn it into something it should not feel like (Guilt). Enjoy it and appreciate it.  There were many times in my life I did EXACTLY the opposite of this (just about every prior year). Now, I can view food on a totally different level, one of fuel to run my temple of a body, not as trash to stuff myself and torture my body.

I am fully aware that stress is a major trigger of why we over indulge, but I address that and many more ways to overcome stress, anxiety and create your calm back in my Mini Series.
Hope that inspired you to have a wonderful, THANKFUL Thanksgiving!

For more tips like this check out how you can get a hold of my Holiday Insider Mini Series information. Act quickly, the price has already gone up. 

Black Friday is TOMORROW!!
Shop MY shop on Etsy using code THANKFUL2014 to get 25% off ALL orders untill Monday!
Shop my Chloe and Isabel shop for the most gorgeous jewels to receive 30% – 40% off select items untill Monday.

Hope that inspires you!

xoxo
Emily

Follow me on Instagram @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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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

Copyright Emily Brickel Edelson 2018. All Rights Reserved