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October 9, 2014
Strut on by…

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Well Autumn is officially in the air and the fall frocks have come out to play.

I am loving all the new ways of dressing and I always feel like you have way more style opportunities in the fall weather.  Fall = layers, boots, scarves, wraps and cozy knits – but you are not quite covered up with the chill of winter yet.  Everywhere you go in NYC is a fall street fashion show and I am loving the people watching.  There are self-certified fashionistas everywhere, and many moments when I just want to stop and take some street style photos of random women so that I can draw them later (but I feel too much like a creep and I can’t bring myself to do it! HAHA!)

Anyway – I have to admit – I’m a bit distracted today! My brain is going in circles with all my major to do lists, fall business is really picking up and ramping up for holiday orders, wedding planning is 7-8 months out and this is when a lot of the major stuff needs to get done. I am on track but there is so much more we need to tie up.

There are some exciting events coming up next week and of course, Halloween at the end of the month (our favorite holiday).  Working on my costume and creating new products for the holidays is enough to make your tail spin.

So with that – I will focus on howwwwww on earth to get it all done and still look fabulous (my goal this week), without continuing to binge on chocolate bars (that was my MO yesterday).

  1. Keep on Struttin! – You still need to get to where you need to go – ready or not. Get yo’ self as ready as possible, and then CHARGE ON you glamorous little bull you.  Keep it moving and know that you are AS ready as you will EVER be right now.  Don’t let NOTHIN’ hold you back girl.

 

  1. Refresh – Start and end your day with a recap of your to do list, take time to enjoy a sit down breakfast (even if it’s for 5 minutes) and time to do a nice warm face scrub before bed. Recharging yourself is the ONLY freakin way to keep it moving. If you didn’t plug in your cell phone at night how would you be able to use it the following day?  Refresh and recharge yourself on the daily.

 

  1. Don’t be too hard on yourself.  What’s done is done and what you couldn’t get done today will get done tomorrow. Take a chill pill and remember that we are ONLY human and even Beyonce has stuff on her to do list that over lap till tomorrow. Be proud of yourself for what you DO accomplish and keep it rollin. Tomorrow is another day and you gotta de-stress before you can take the next adventure on!

That’s it for today as I gotta get back to DOING so many things but as always…

Hope that inspired you!
xoxo
Emily

P.S. THANK YOU SO MUCH TO ALL OF YOU WHO LIKED MY ETSY ACCOUNT THIS WEEK AND PARTICIPATED IN MY CONTEST!!!! Here are the two winners:

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

October 2, 2014
Take your POWER back!

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Illustration of the New Mrs. Clooney in Giambattista Valli and Stella McCartney

This week I have been utterly captivated by the woman of the moment, the new Mrs. Clooney – or shall I say Mrs. Amal Alamuddin Clooney.
She has captured the world’s eye with her style and grace in her recent wedding weekend, becoming a modern day princess by marrying one of Hollywood Royalty’s most sought after and elusive bachelors of all time.

However, she has captured the hearts and respect of women worldwide, not because she has “snagged a man” but because of her noteworthy pedigree and brains to boot.

Amal has stolen the spotlight from America’s most famous eligible bachelor, a dangerously handsome man and major A list celebrity – without any effort at all.  In every photo of her, it seems as if he is merely in the background, almost invisible as the world stares – jaws ajar – at her fashion, poise, effortless glamor and beauty.  That says a lot.

As women, we often give our power away, consciously or unconsciously.

In the happenstance of being engaged to and marrying a major public figure (or even a large personality) it’s so easy to become JUST the “wife”,  arm candy, a mere trophy.  As women we get caught up in the social norms of our society and accept, more often than not to support our man, and sometimes to take a backseat.

Of course it is an amazing thing to care for your man, your family and keep it together but I commend a woman who stays on her game and keeps the world on it’s toes.

I think sometimes we get caught up in it all and just fit in to the shoes we are expected to fill, because it is accepted, anticipated and a well-paved path that comfy shoes are meant to walk.

However, women – I say to you:

  • Remember to believe in yourself whole heartedly,
  • Never give up on the dreams that you have,
  • Stand tall in your ornate sky high stilettos,
  • Walk down the path less traveled,
  • Lead with your brain – not your boobs
  • Show your daughters HOW to live their dreams by living yours,
  • Lead by example.

Hands up to you ladies who are walking their talk.  Keep walkin’ and keep showin’ um how it’s done!

Recite to yourself:

“Today I welcome infinite possibilities with open arms. I accept the support of the universe. I know that creative abundance is available to me now. I expect Miracles.” – Gabrielle Bernstein.

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Hope that inspires you!  Like WOAH.
xoxo
Emily

Like my stuff? Please FAVORITE my Etsy Shop at:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/EmilyBrickel

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

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 18, 2014
I like the way you WERK it! My top 5 tips to the Perfect Hustle + NEWS

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Illustration of Style Blogger @SomethingNavy

The update: 
NY Fashion week has come to a close and it’s all about the hustle. Now take a trip with me (virtually of course) to, London
Milan, then Paris for more fashion shows galore.  September should basically be called fashion month, and omg can’t wait for the day when I can go to all of them!!!!

I’m working on some illustrations of my favorite looks that I’ll share with you soon!!  In the mean time – here above is an illustration of style blogger SomethingNavy. Check her out on instagram and her NYFW look.  I am loving it.

What’s coming: 
I really don’t know what it is about September that forever is engraved in us “back to school” and “back to work”. I feel like September should be the real start of the calendar year – it is the start of the New Year, in the Jewish religion anyway.  But it’s more than that, it’s the beginning again of everyone’s hustle, the last few months of nice weather before everyone hibernates for the winter months, or is bombarded with holiday soirees – whichever comes first!

I don’t know about you all but I’m feeling super productive.
I am super excited about all the projects I have coming up including a 2015 Illustrated Calendar, Holiday Card sets, Custom Holiday cards, and first of course – Halloween cards! Stay tuned for so much more to come here and on my Etsy account!!! Many more colllabos and projects in the works and…. Some really exciting news::::::

NEWS::::
Behold… an Illustration and jewelry collaboration!
Emily Brickel x Chloe and Isabel

Check out the brand new illustration I did for hot Jewelry company Chloe + Isabel!!!!!  It is so exciting to get to work with a brand like this because as it turns out, I am obsessed with their jewelry. I got a few pieces in the mail and they are sick! I can’t stop wearing them ( show photos) and I had the chance to actually create a customized shop with them where I can share my favorite jewels with you – and YOU CAN PURCHASE THEM through me! Click here to check it out. 
You can now access this link through this illustrated ad on my blog which will be on the top right hand column! Along with… ahem, ahem,…. Three new illustrated buttons to help you easily navigate around my site. Check it out!!!

These pieces look even better in person believe it or not and everywhere I go I am getting stopped on the streets with compliments and people literally grabbing my jewelry and asking where I got it! Woah.

Here are some of my favorites:

More illustrations in the works that I can’t wait to show you!!!

Anyway – back to the blog:

It’s all about the hustle. 
Here are my 5 top tips to getting your hustle on and making waves!

  1. Don’t forget YOU are the temple. Your body is the wheels that run the whole ship so you have NO hustle without your health – make sure to take care of it everyday.  Work out, meditate, and take “me” time. You know this is my best advice. Your cup will runneth over to all the places you need it to go!

 

  1. Stay organized. The less time you have to spend looking for that piece of paper, that business card or your keys – the more time you have for everything else. If you have big dreams – organization is KEY. It is a time saver and a lifesaver.  Invest in the small amount of time it takes to set up your organization because in the long run it adds up to many valuable free hours. No system is perfect and I am always looking for the latest and greatest ways to stay organized, but do what works for you and update it as you go.

 

  1. Put your game face on. You gotta show up with GUSTO. When you meet anyone new, when you try something you’ve never done before or when you are just ready to show um what you’ve got – put your best foot forward. Dress the part, educate yourself, be prepared and get excited (but not tooooo overly excited – I need to check myself here sometimes lol!).  This is your moment to convince others of what you already know – that you are MADE for this ShizNit and you are ready to make some moves. Your game face can consist of a smile, the outfit that works perfectly for the situation at hand, and a notebook or your notes section of your smart phone. Remember names, make eye contact and be your authentic you! Others will take notice.

 

  1. Ask for help. If you are overwhelmed – ask for help. Rome was not built in one day and it was CERTAINLY not built by one man.  Reach out for advice, help or tips. You will be surprised what you will find.

 

  1. Support others.  Give that help right back to anyone that needs it. When you create a giving situation, more will come right back to you.  The world is such a small place and you needed help at some point along the way! Don’t forget that! There is way more than enough to go around so never feel like giving to someone means less for you.  It is quite the contrary.  What is wrong with supporting and empowering other women (or men) in your field? Wouldn’t it be a much nicer place to live and hustle if we all supported each other’s success? Don’t get jealous, don’t put anyone down and know there is more than enough for all of us. Building others up really builds you up too in the long run.

That’s it for my blog this week! I hope that didn’t overwhelm you – I know that was a lot of information but I can’t help but be so excited!!!
Let me know if you have any questions and feel free to click around my site, and email me if you are interested in early custom orders for holiday, or even some jewelry (can you believe that!?)

Hope that inspires you to up your hustle!
Tell me all about it at Emily@EmilyBrickel.com
Xoxo
Emily

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 21, 2014
Summer Vacation!!!

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Hello from Miami!!!!!!!

I am currently on vacation in one of our favorite spots, planning our destination wedding!!!! It is so exciting to think about personalizing our wedding from the small details all the way to the big picture and to be sure to incorporate both my fiancé’s and my personalities!

It is such a fun yet stressful time but we are trying to enjoy every minute of it!!!

Anyway – on with the blog!

You – go on vacation. Yes I’m talking to you!
Summer is the time to spread your wings, dig your feet into the sand and open up to possibilities.  So even if you cant get away from your day-to-day, take a few hours a week to get in vacation mode.

Step outdoors, get to the nearest beach or park and nurture your soul by taking time out for yourself. Eat dinner outside, walk around barefoot, and catch the sunset. Roast marshmallows, tell ghost stories, fall in love, fall deeper in love, giggle with your girlfriends and just be grateful. We wait all year for this time don’t we? Make sure you are making the most of it.

Plan your next moves, write in your journal, figure out your next path or adventure. Take the summer Fridays, leave early, get some drinks, be young and reckless (for a few hours at least).

So what are you still reading this blog for? Come’on get outta here!!!!

For me…. I’ll be around, …lounging away on the beach or maybe by the pool, having a cocktail, and planning up a storm of a life and a storm of a wedding!!!!!! And by storm I mean a fabulous, fierce and breathtaking one!!

Hope that inspires you!
Xoxo
Emily

If you wanna come along with me on my fabulous vacation …..
Follow me on Instagram @EmilyBrickel and my new account for all things fashion illustration @EmilyBrickelillustration

July 17, 2014
A Forever kind of love

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Sometimes life has a way of getting ahead of us,

things start to go really fast and we get tunnel vision.  We forget to remember the little things and forget to notice the details.  We forget that kindness goes a long way and that you can catch more bees with honey than with vinegar.

Sometimes you get stuck in that tunnel vision and don’t notice how you make others feel.  How you make others feel is key because as Maya Angelou once said “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Maybe you are just not happy if you are not being kind to other people.

It’s not about who did what to you years ago, it’s about how you’re going to treat them now when they need you the most.  It’s about what YOU will bring to the table because you are better than holding grudges.  It’s about forgiving others and yourself and loving unconditionally because if you think about life from the other person’s shoes it’s probably not as nice as yours if they are in a bad place.  Only people that are hurting inside, hurt others.  Are you on the giving or receiving end of this? Maybe both?

The next time someone screams at you or does something really hurtful, know that they are hurting inside at that very moment. Understand that with compassion.

Forgive yourself.  If it is you that you are holding a grudge against, get to the root of it, understand you did the best you could in that moment and forgive yourself.

Forgive the people who hurt you.  See it from their eyes.
Every action is a RE-action to how they were feeling when they hurt you.  It’s the journey that they are on that got them to make these choices and it is their path to make these mistakes and to learn from them. They are doing the best they can with where they are at.

Life is so much fuller when you love and break down walls that you once put up.

Drop the grudges. Life is so short, and people and relationships make it all worth it.  People and relationships are what make life worth living – so look at your relationships and see where YOU can show up – even and ESPECIALLY if they can’t.

Not everyone is as loyal as man’s best friend (your pets), but you can communicate and tell someone if they’ve hurt you. You can also forgive them in your own head and never tell them at all – but the energy in that relationship has now shifted to a more positive one and all your interactions will be more positive.

Be kind to yourself.  You are also fighting a hard battle – every one is.  We all go through ups and downs and we need each other for love and support.  Be that support.

Have compassion.  Be the forever kind of love you would like to receive from others and beam it out to the world and to those who hurt you most.
“Be the change you want to see in the world.”- Ghandi (And be the change you want to see in how people treat you).

“Holding on to anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.” – Anonymous.

Do it for you, forgive others at least to heal yourself.  Let it go and be that forever kind of love that we all need.

~Dedicated to those who need it most.

Hope that inspires you!
Xoxo
Emily

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Copyright Emily Brickel Edelson 2018. All Rights Reserved