Category: Improve your Life

The Art of Party Planning for the Stressed out Bride To Be

When thinking of a topic for this week’s blog, fortunately or unfortunately nothing else is dominating my mind more then engagement party and wedding party planning.

I am RIGHT in the thick of it, and by thick I mean woahhhhh – stressful!!!

Our engagement party is just about one week away and I am thrilled that my family is flying in from Florida and Chicago to be with us!!! I can’t wait!!! We tried to keep it extremely small, or as small as possible by only inviting family and the wedding party yet it kind of feels like we are planning a mini wedding.

And not to mention it – on top of that we really are planning our wedding, and although it is now less than 1 year away, it is a destination wedding so there is a lot of extra work involved, for example regarding notifying people early and travel accommodations.

Me being the overly ambitious person that I am, I decided to hand design and make all of my invitations so far and oversee many details. This for me is the fun part, and honestly no one else could bring my vision to life like I can, being a designer and all – that is kinda like my calling card – however it did add a lot more things to my task list.

Any way I am here to help if you are party planning by taking as much stress out of it as possible by learning from and avoiding some of my own mistakes and from some of the tips and tricks I have picked up from my now married friends who have been through it all. So here goes….

1) MEDITATE. Trust me you will need it to help you clear your mind and lower your blood pressure. This is like a chill pill for your body, mind and soul. Take one every day!

2) Schedule “me time”. Taking time to appreciate yourself is super important to help you feel centered and taken care of when you are getting torn in a million directions. Try to work out, this will help you de-stress and feel like you are doing something good for your body!

3) Remember you will NEVER be able to please everyone. Every single person in your family, your future husband’s family, your distant families and friends will all have an opinion and they probably will not keep it to themselves, good or bad. Sometimes this is helpful – other times it is hurtful but it is what it is and it is YOUR job to sort through it, make a decision with your future husband and commit to it.

4) Set boundaries and be clear about your feelings. This is YOUR wedding after all and EVERY single person who has been married or is recently married told me that at the end of the day, they worried too much about what others thought and didn’t even get to enjoy some parts for themselves that they agonized over. Remember its a PARTY, and its YOUR PARTY!!!!

5) ICKY sh*t will come up: Finances, etiquette, personal history, personal preferences and more. If you think its uncomfortable to talk about, get ready because for some reason wedding planning seems to be the perfect place that this will come up. Don’t stress. Take this as a good thing because,… well I can’t think of a good reason, but just try to see the bright side! Now that you talked about this crap, you can now move past it. Know that everyone has touchy subjects. Some people are offended or bothered by certain things, so now you know and you can navigate wisely, but still taking the last points into consideration.

6) Breathe.

7) Remember to look at the big picture. You are planning an amazing party to celebrate your love and future marriage. You are WAY too Blessed to be Stressed. Yes, I know it does happen though. The stress is natural. Even if you were planning a big office event or a fashion show, more tasks = more people to coordinate with = more stress and that’s just the way it goes. Stay cool, know that it will all work out and trust that no one will know if you don’t choose the right paper for your save the dates or if your specific shade of lilac is not the same for all vendors (ahem, our wedding color: oh Lilac why are you so elusive).

And on that note…. Happy planning!!!!!!! Haha!

Check me out as a feature on TheStyleLine.com interviewed by the amazing Rachel Schwartzmann!!!!

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

Hope that inspires you!
xoxo

Emily

June 5, 2014

Inspiration is a virtue – 100th Illustrated Blog!!!!!

100th blog! Read more for special discount code!!!

This blog marks my 100^th illustrated blog and I couldn’t be more proud.
(OF MYSELF!) Yes I said it! I am really proud of myself, and my blog of course but it took one HELL OF A commitment to do a new illustrated blog every week for almost 2 years!!!! I am taking this moment to CELEBRATE with a HELL YEAH! Four more blogs away from 2 years! I kind of cant believe it. This blog started out on a flight across the United States on Virgin Airways as I was inspired by entrepreneur Richard Branson to just do it! This blog has been something I was toying with for a few months before that and something I started out thinking “why would anyone want to read what I have to say”, but knowing in my heart that I had something to share.

I started this blog as a tool to inspire myself because I noticed there were no other blogs mainly about inspiration. Now, almost 2 years later, I have not only pushed myself every week to get inspired, to carry my word through and never miss a week but also that I have inspired so many of you! I am so extremely grateful for all of your emails to messages and me. If anything I can do has helped you in any way then I feel extremely blessed.

Writing here, weekly, to you has been one of the most fun parts of my week, and one of my most challenging at times. Pushing out content week by week that is not only inspiring, but different, vulnerable, real, close to my heart and what I’m going through at the time has been such a crazy ride.

I am so excited to say that this challenge keeps evolving and growing as I grow and will continue to do so.

Committing yourself to something right on the brink of ambition and resolve is such a learning and cultivating process and I highly recommend you do it in your life. Setting the determination to carry out a long-term goal and publicly acknowledging it (to make sure people can call you out if you let things fall through the cracks) is one of the best ways to see things through.

This process has not only helped me grow my business, but set the ground work to follow a 5, to some times DAILY workout routine, allowed me to plan out my goals, years, months and days in a much more efficient way, accomplish them, and so much more.

If you are thinking about committing to something daily, weekly or monthly – definitely do it. It is one of the best things you can do for yourself. It will definitely increase your self-confidence too, which we all can always use an extra dose of, including me!

If you have something you want to start but think, like I thought at the beginning “Why do people want to hear from me”, realize your voice is special, unique and by the laws of the universe – people who need to hear what you have to say will find you some how.

It is out there for the world to see when you do something like a public blog. If I screw up, I do so on the internet and you can’t really erase it once it is out there. This takes a lot of guts, I have to say – and I am not tooting my own horn but merely saying YOU can do it too!

Stepping out of the fear of “what if people don’t like it” and pushing through to knowing there is some one who needs to hear your message are two totally different motivations, one that will give you the courage to put it out there in a real way. I’m not perfect. Sometimes I have NO CLUE as to what I’m going to write. Sometimes I plan it out way in advance. EVERY TIME I am about to publish something I have that small ego voice telling me that it’s not good enough, that people wont like it and that it sucks. But then, that’s where the faith comes in. Knowing I feel this way, lets me know that there HAS to be someone out there that feels this way too and needs to hear this message, and that they will find it.

That is how I found so many things in life like blogs, mentors, friends, events that would lead to connections and so much more. It is the law of attraction at it’s best. You need it, it will come.

So on this 100^th blog, I would like to say to you, have COURAGE in what you have to say. Be brave in the face of uncertainty. Stand tall in the space of the unknown and trust that you will be guided.

“When you come to the end of all the light you know, and it’s time to step into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing that one of two things shall happen: Either you will be given something solid to stand on or you will be taught to fly.”- Edward Teller.

In honor of my 100^th blog, get 10% off any of my illustrations on etsy now through next Thursday. Use code 10100. Also look out for this illustration available soon as a print as well as the one that it was inspired by that is Exclusively for Pink Pizza Events, my friend and fellow entrepreneur.

As always,
Hope that inspires you!
xoxo
Emily

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

May 29, 2014

Stop and smell the macaroons

Sometimes you just have to listen to exactly what your body is telling you, and mine over the last few weeks has not just been telling me to slow down, it has been enforcing me to slow down by literally making me do just that.

Taking it easy has so many different levels and meanings to each person and with my life – I can never really stop because I run my own business so If I do – there goes my income – but I can drastically slow down when I need to and say no to things that are not inline with my purpose.

1) If your body needs sleep – shut it down early (your computer or tv) and take a nap or get to bed early. A lot of times “sleeping on it” helps clear your brain of stress and reprograms you to make clearer decisions and do work more effectively. Remember – work SMARTER, not HARDER or you’ll burn out. Read more here.

2) Schedule time for “Me” (YOU!) like baths, extra time before breakfast for a work out, meditation, walk, or to read the newspaper or blogs. Even making time NOT TO RUSH when getting ready is a ritual that will really keep the wrinkles off.

3) Do something in your pleasure zone that is just for you. For me right now it is carving out time to read my current book “Unleash the Spirit Within” by Rebecca Rosen. If I do this at least a few times a week – I feel happy, rested and relaxed. Laying in bed to read a book even for a half an hour is something that really lets me disconnect from any of the stresses and helps me feel good about taking care of myself. Think about what that could be for you.

Taking inventory of the things that are important to you is super critical so that you know where to focus your energy on and still get things done.

1) Make a list of your top 3 goals in life and if it doesn’t align with one of your goals – say no!

2) Figure out where you feel depleted or drained and lacking. Is it family, friends, work, romance or health? It will be different for everyone. Whatever it is make sure to spend some time working on that area. Balance is key and it will lead to a happy life. At the end of ones life, people have said “I wish I spent more time with my family and friends” or “I wish I had put my dreams first” or “I wish I focused more on love” or “I wish I took care of my health better”– no one ever said “Oh I wish I had finished that research paper” or “I’m so happy I put everyone else first instead of me”. It’s all about balance. Where you feel out of balance – you will regret later on. Fix it NOW!Your overall health and vitality is instrumental in becoming the vehicle by which you get to live your dreams. Eating for nourishment, and energy – not for taste and emotional satisfaction is key to your strength and wellness to get things done.

1) Take advantage of the beautiful (sometimes) weather, go for a stroll and stop to smell the roses. Treat your body to the things it needs like sun, exercise, oxygen and nourishing foods. Obviously we are all human and we crave some sugary foods so for me it has to be gluten and dairy free (hence the title of macaroons – my fav) but for you it can be anything that agrees with your body – in moderation.

2) Make sure you are getting the right vitamins and nutrients. Food is nature’s medicine. If you are suffering with any type of DIS-ease then your food’s nutrients are lacking. Read this article about the truth about cancer and how to avoid it. It says: “When a person has cancer it indicates the person has multiple nutritional deficiencies. These could be due to genetic, environmental, food and lifestyle factors.” Now I’m not saying that you or I have cancer or (hopefully) will ever have it – but IMAGINE knowing how to prevent the worst possible health crisis and imagine what living this way could do for any type of dis-ease ever!!! Getting all the nutrients your body needs can completely change the game in your health. Food was made to give us natural medicine before science ever evolved. Use what your mama gave you (mama Earth that is) and eat clean unprocessed foods to fight off health crises.

3) Meditate for oxygen, stress relief and many other benefits. It helps release anger, frustration, grief and bitterness. It will also help you listen to your intuition and make the right choices for you in every area of your life. Read my last post for more info on that!

And lastly,

-Your body is your temple – not a trash receptacle where you just pile junk into it. Treat it as such.

-The spring and summer only come around once a year. Stop and smell the roses and enjoy every second of this moment because it will never come again.

-Take care of your body FIRST so that you can overflow with things to give to others.

And now a quote from the Late Maya Angelou, RIP.

“You are the sum total of everything you’ve ever seen, heard, eaten, smelled, been told, forgot – it’s all there. Everything influences each of us, and because of that I try to make sure that my experiences are positive.”
– Interview from the April 2011 edition of O, the Oprah Magazine (2011)

As always,
Hope that inspires you!
xo
Emily

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

Hope that inspires you!
xoxo

Emily

May 22, 2014

What would you do if I could give you complete freedom from fear, worry and stress?

Illustration of my friend Mila Babrikova in Vieques

What would you do if you knew you that you were guided, if you knew that everything would work out for you in the long run, if you knew you were the best in the world at what you do?

How would you act? What would you do differently?

What if you knew some of the answers that you have been searching for? What if you saw over the horizon and could see that everything would be ok.

What if you finally found out that you would end up far down the road on path that you wanted to take, at your destination?

Well – you will. You are.

Now breathe. Having an answer, checking off something on your milestone list that you know will get you to XYZ – will do that for you.

Life is meant to be uncertain – as you travel down the road on your day-to-day life. oH HowevHowever,
your destination IS certain. It is determined by your actions right now.

Use your intuition and it will guide you all the way through.
Believe in your heart that you know the answers already, right now.

It’s so funny – I have been gluten free for years. It started with me having stomach issues for years and seeing doctor after doctor, test after test, nutritionists, specialists and obsessing over what was wrong with me (because it’s not normal to feel sick every single day). Finally after researching a bunch I did an elimination diet and to the credit of my intuition I felt so much better when I cut gluten out for good (and now dairy as my food allergies seem to increased – ug!)

Anyway – I recently had a major bad reaction to something with hidden gluten in it – a lot of hidden gluten and I was sick for the last 2 weeks with some days that I could just manage to get myself out of the apartment and keep some of my commitments.

I finally got tested for Celiac disease – again, after many years of undeveloped technology, not enough research or even enough knowledge of Celiac’s or gluten allergies by the top doctors and specialists.

This time I got my answer. I got tested for the Celiac “gene” which I had no idea even existed but now I know that I do have. Years of obsessing – thinking I am a hypochondriac – thinking every single thing is wrong with me and now finally knowing – is the craziest feeling. It’s like the bricks I have been carrying of thinking I am a crazy person have finally been lifted and I have been completely validated. Validated about EVERY SINGLE THING that I thought was “wrong with me” and that all of my symptoms are somehow now all pieced together, tied up in a neat little bow with a totally understandable one explanation. They are related and they all are from Celiac’s and gluten intolerance.

I got amazing news that there are two parts to Celiac’s – the gene that can predetermine – and the manifestation of the effects of harm from gluten in your body. I got this info after having an endoscopy and other blood tests.

Thank GOD that I used my intuition years ago, trusted my body, and kept as clean off of gluten as possible because I have very little damage at all, and WONT have damage if I stay away from gluten!

If you are struggling with a food allergy or feeling sick all the time – I hope this can help a bit. Get tested for Celiac’s disease or any other thing you think you may have – because your intuition is probably right.

I just want to tell YOU that this goes to show how powerful and miraculous your intuition is, and if you are not in tune with it – to get in tune with it now! It will guide you on every aspect of your life.

It truly is your internal guide – your internal compass as my mentor likes to say. I “knew” this all along and for years but I never really had as big of a slap in the face as THIS episode. I listened here and there, but now – Hey Intution, I’m all EARS!!!!! Tell me more!

So what would YOU do if you knew your intuition was the guide for everything, seriously – no joke – every single move you make. What would you do. What would you STOP doing. Who would you stop seeing. What would you tell those people and the special people in your life?

Speak your truth – act on it and literally follow that little voice in your head.

Not to get all deep on you – but there are two voices in your head (and that is normal.) One is your EGO voice and one is your INTUITION voice.

Gabrielle Bernstein – my mentor says that your EGO speaks first and loudest, and its not Freud’s Ego. It is basically your fearful self.

Your ego is here to protect you and guard you from harm, which was especially helpful when we were cave people but not so much now.
Our ego will tell us to NOT go for our dreams, that we are NOT good enough and that we are NOT loved. However – your ego speaks first and loudest. This is obviously not the voice to listen to. Tell your ego you are not going to be eaten by a tiger or die from starvation like our cave people ancestors may have. Unfortunately for us- we still have that ego voice even though 9 times out of 10 is no imminent danger.

To get to hear your intuition voice you must silence your mind.
This means meditation and it really is the only way to get there aside from being in-tune with it already. If that sounds weird to you or you think that you don’t have the time? Just try it.

This is the answer to having freedom from fear, from worry and stress.
Anytime you feel fear, worry or stress. Stop, drop and meditate. If you don’t want to meditate, take a walk or a shower. Those two actions help me get back there to hear my intuition or “Ing” as Gabby calls it.

This is the key to amazing things people. It’s the key to living your life with certainty and to get you to your dream destination. We are all equipped with this amazing guidance system. Tune in to activate yours.

For more questions or info on any of the things I mentioned in this blog, email me at Emily@EmilyBrickel.com

Learn more about Gabrielle Bernstein here.
Also don’t forget to follow me on Instagram @EmilyBrickel and my new account for all things fashion illustration @EmilyBrickelillustration

Hope that inspires you!
xoxo

Emily

May 15, 2014

Let your intuition guide your story

I am so excited to share this illustration with you- it is one I am really proud of and was used in such a cool way as the basis for the website www.LaurenWeberTV.com

The illustration was designed so that you can click around different pieces of her inspiration board and be lead to learn about parts of Lauren’s website and story.

Today I want to inspire you to share some of your story.

And today, my story is about trusting your intuition, following your heart and being real all the way through.

I almost didn’t have the strength to write my blog today (which will be yesterday by the time you read it) because I have been dealing with a terrible food allergy reaction from last Tuesday (yes a week and a half ago!!!!) that has been reappearing every few meals I have eaten since. Today (yesterday for you) I finally had a much-needed upper endoscopy that I kind of have been avoiding for a while.

To give you a quick backstory – through many trial and error elimination diets, nutritionists, doctors, gastroenterologists, etc, I have figured out that I am allergic to gluten for the last few years and now possibly dairy in the last year and my reactions seem to be getting worse. I think that stress amplifies it and finally – through evolving technology I am getting tested (again) for Celiacs– which I really hope I don’t have- through blood tests and biopsies.

It sucks not to be able to eat the food I want – and I am a big foodie, but over time I have learned that I would rather feel good than enjoy a few minutes of eating something that will make me sick.

Through out the years so many doctors have told me that there really is nothing wrong with my stomach and I don’t have these allergies – but only recently has technology and the food industry caught up with what my intuition has been telling me all these years.

I can usually tell what foods I can’t eat beyond the obvious breads, pastas and sauces. My intuition is sometimes is so good that I can tell if chicken or other things that I ordered “gluten and diary free” to the waiters is lightly coated in flour or not. Listening to that intuition – however sometimes isn’t as easy as it sounds.

It is so much easier to listen to your brain, listen to what you have been told and to easily believe you should “trust” that person is telling you. (Onlyt to get sick after realizing you were right and it did have flour – #rude)

I don’t really want to bore you with my food allergy experiences- though I could certainly write a book on it. However, I do want to convey that your intuition is really there to guide you (in all circumstances)– and you need to stop shooing it away.

Trusting your body, what foods to eat and what not to eat is massively important to support the health and vitality you and I need to live our purpose and do what we are meant to do in the world. It is so much bigger and so much more important than a “diet” or loosing weight. It’s about intuitively eating for nourishment.

The same is true for so many situations. Listening to your intuition about where to go, what to do and what to avoid is imperative to your wellbeing.

If you feel like you are not in the place in your life that you want to be – ask yourself – do I let my intuition guide me? The answer should be clear. Start listening and you can live your dream life.

Use this lesson with people, friends, family and work. Getting a gross feeling from people you may not want to be around? Do you feel uncomfortable in a certain situation? Listen to that feeling – that is your intuition telling you something. It is all laid out in some divine plan for you, but it is up to you to trust your instincts and pave the path you want to go down.

I will keep this short and sweet because my intuition says that I need to rest- but on that note – let your intuition guide YOU.

And as always,
Hope that inspires you.
Xoxo
Emily

If you want me to help tell your story for your blog, business or website with a custom illustration email me at Emily@EmilyBrickel.com

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

May 8, 2014

Angels among us – Awaken The Spirit Within

Sometimes I get signs that there are Angels and some kind of amazing force guiding me and helping me along my journey.

I have always been interested in this sort of thing based on my experiences and the stories I’ve heard from my family.

Regardless of the religion I have been raised I always have felt just really spiritual and connected to something greater than me without really knowing why or what it was, just trusting that there was something.

Gabrielle Bernstein, my mentor is really the one who taught me that in my adult life to pray and that praying really is just a conversation with whatever you believe is out there, guiding you. It’s not even about any religion – it’s about your own personal spirituality. Gabby says “praying is asking for help and meditating is listening for the answer.” So I do that. A lot. I mean imagine if you could have a direct connection to something divine giving you personal feedback. Pretty cool right.

I often ask for signs from God, The Universe, my spirit guides and guardian angels (whatever you believe is out there for you) to guide me, to confirm if the path I’m heading down and daily decisions I make are the right ones and to help me make decisions along the way. I always pray before I create any kind of art, project or blog that I be guided to create something of the highest good for as many people as I can help or inspire and to share my gift with the world. That is why I feel I have been called to write on this topic.

I was watching one of Gabby’s weekly vlogs and she introduced this spiritual medium of whom I have heard before and have seen on Doctor Oz, Rebecca Rosen. I clicked, found her book on Amazon “Awaken The Spirit Within”.
And I started to read the preview but was so captivated that I could not draw my eyes away. I had to get the book.

Ever since my father passed away when I was 12 and my grandpa passed away 11 years after that, I am captivated by all things related to spiritual mediums and people who can “talk to those who have passed”. If I could talk to my Dad or Grandpa just for another second I would do anything.

Planning a wedding, I’m missing my Dad and Grandpa. Making decisions and making moves on my career path, I’m missing them. In all of the seasons, and all of the holidays, I am missing them. So I talk to them everyday in my mind and I call them part of my “light team”, my team of people who have passed, including ancestors who are watching over me. It connects me to them in some way and strengthens the spiritual relationship I have with them. If that is the only way I can talk to them for now, I’ll take it.

I have learned through all the books I have read on this subject that even in death, they never really leave you. Their spirits are always present for you to call upon at anytime.

So, on that note (and after that long introduction) I wanted to share a few things with you that could possibly inspire you or make it easier if you are missing anyone who has passed away.

My family has always received signs that they are being guided, or that someone is saying hello in the form of white feathers and pennies. Keep an eye out – you may be getting signs in other ways. They are meaningful, don’t just dismiss them.

From the book “Awaken The Spirit Within” Rebecca writes that sometimes after people pass away, family members loose their faith in God, that they struggle to “believe in a God who would allow such a tragedy to take place, ….(and) not just because this tragedy happened to (our) family but because many happen around the world every day to people of all ages and stations in life.” Rebecca says that sometimes spirits send pennies to remind them to have faith, because on the U.S. coin it says “In God We Trust.” – Reading that sent shivers down my spine. Now the pennies we have been finding in our homes right by our feet all these years make sense. (And no they did not just fall out of our wallet)

Rebecca says there are many different types of Angels and that “Angels are highly evolved spiritual beings… who watch over us and keep us safe.” She says “Within your lifetime, you may have sensed this warm and loving angelic energy around you, felt it guide you or help you heal during troubling times. Angels are very inventive. They send us signs and arrange coincidences or “synchronicities,” as a way of letting us know we are on the right path.” She says to all on them 24/7.

There are so many stories I can tell about things that have personally happened to me and my experiences, so if you are interested feel free to ask.

But on that note, I’ll leave you with one more excerpt from her book.

“Lately, everywhere I go – to the gym, the grocery store, my neighborhood Starbucks – I notice people who look like they are sleepwalking through life. Distracted, disconnected, I see them stumbling around, going through their everyday motions, but not fully awake to their lives.… Both women and men of all ages, from kindergarten teachers to CEO’s, show up at my doorstep lost and confused, like they haven’t yet had their first cup of morning coffee. They plead with me to give them clarity. They want to know ‘Where is my life going? Why do I feel like I’m running in circles?’ Some show up searching for deeper understanding. They want to know, ‘Rebecca, can I ever truly be happy and fulfilled in life.’ Some boldly ask ‘What is the point of my life? Help me understand what I’m meant to do.’ They are desperate for answers and they look to me to give them clear direction.”

She goes on to say “As babies, we are energetic bundles of divine love and light – pure vessels containing God’s powerful DNA- and yet almost as soon as we are born into this physical world, we begin to forget what we’re truly made of and where we come from. We fall asleep. Or rather our spirit nods off and our mind takes control of the wheel.”

“Ninety percent of the world lives in a mind existence; most of us are stuck in our heads. Given those numbers, odds are that you, too, are thinking your way though life.” ….. Read more here.

So, did you forget your purpose, or are you living fully awake and connected to your divine bloodline and in tune to what you are meant to do? Need help? Just call upon your angels.

As always,
Hope that inspires you
Xoxo
Emily

May 1, 2014

How to have the best weekend EVER, starting tomorrow.

Linda Farrow for Jeremy Scott Wing Sunglasses

How to have the best weekend EVER, starting tomorrow.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hope that inspires you!
xoxo
Emily

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

April 24, 2014

It’s in the bag! – My 7 step guide to combatting stress and overwhelm in minutes.

So I think I may have bitten off a little more than I can chew…. But for now I know I am nearing the home stretch!

Aside from helping to plan my best friend’s bridal shower, planning my engagement party with a lot of moving parts (better late than never!), taking on a 2 month online business course to learn some cool new things, starting a new workout DVD program and on top of that a second workout program that starts next month – I also have been successful at committing to meditating at least 5 days a week (the most I have ever consistently done) and am running my full time business, weekly blog, working on some really cool projects, having a social life and spending some QT with the ‘yonce (#FeYonce that is. If you don’t know…. Now you know click here, it’s a thing.) I really want this shirt but I digress…

SO – I’m VERY proud of myself, but also stressed, overwhelmed and tired… until I do these amazing tricks. Then I know everything will get done.

Wanna know how to do it all and get S%IT done?

Listen up because here’s what to do:

1) FREAK OUTTTTT… dun da na, dun da, dun da Freak out! (cue the music) ….then get it together! Get those funky feelings out – move them out of your body, feel the crap outta them, breathe it all in and let it all out. Give it an hour or so then move on.

Now that the crazy is out of the way….

1) Write a Master List. Get out a notebook like mine (here). Put pen to paper and create three columns. Business, Personal, and Other. List out every single crazy crap thing you have to do, want to do or think of doing in the distant or near future in the appropriate columns. I have tried this before and made only one list that was uncategorized, but that kind of overwhelmed me when I went in later to prioritize things.

Trust me – this way is amazing! When you are done doing this go back through your list columns with a highlighter.

Highlight only the things that you have to do TODAY.

3) Prioritize Go back into your list and put an empty check box next to the things you need to get done THIS WEEK.

4) Schedule all of the things you decided MUST get done today and MUST get done this week into your calendar with times so you actually do it. Repeat this process each week.

Now the weight should be off your shoulders. You have gotten every worry out of your head and onto paper so your mind is clear of clutter. Hopefully now you are de-stressed and ready to tackle the tasks.

Taking it a step further…. Here’s where it gets juicy…. Click HERE To read the rest of my blog!

5) Do things in advance. I NEEEEEE-VEEEEERRR use to be someone to do things in advance, nope just call me Misses Prooooo-crast-in-ator.
BUT, one day I decided to channel my anxiety about the future and anticipation about the fun and scary things to come into action. Have a bridal shower / wedding coming up? Go buy the gifts and cards NOW. Who cares if it’s 3 or 4 months in advance.

The way I look at it is that’s one more thing to cross off my list and move on to the next. Have a busy summer coming up? Plot out all of your trips on a calendar that you can stick next to your desk 3-4 months out at a time, this way anytime you are trying to figure out any logistics, glance over at your calendar and enjoy some peace of mind that most things are already taken care of.

6) Don’t question yourself. Unsure of what to do? FLIP A COIN. Make heads a Yes and tails a No. Ask the question – Should I work with this person / hire this person / go to that event / follow that path, or whatever you want to know. Flip the coin.

IGNORE WHAT THE COIN SAYS!!! Go with your reaction to what the coin says. Wha?????? Yes, you heard me.

If you asked “Should I go to that event” and the coin said YES, but your immediate reaction was “NOOOO!! I don’t want to go”. Then listen to your gut reaction.

This is a clever trick I picked up along the way, reinforcing that you will have an intuitive reaction to what the coin is telling you to do. That is how you know what you feel about the direction to take. It’s not about the coin, it’s about tapping into your gut.

7) If all else fails, Revert to the experts. One of my favourite quotes of all time bestowed to me by the late, great Rabbi Harvey Weil a.k.a. my grandfather is “He who knows all, knows that he knows nothing.” – Socrates.

There are so many things to learn and know right at this very second, but it is impossible to know everything. If you think you do, you are wrong! Do what you can, figure it out to the best of your abilities. Then if you can’t figure it out – find an expert. It is not your job to know everything but you can find others who can enlighten you along the way.

That’s it for now but remember these steps any time you are stressed and dealing with overwhelm. Take one step at a time and don’t be afraid to lean on others.

I want to know what you think! Leave a comment below and tell me about it!

As always,
Hope that inspires you!
Xoxo
Emily

April 17, 2014

Spring means Growth!

First of all I would like to say an early Happy Mother’s day to all the moms out there! It seems like so many people I know are having babies!
It is really so amazing to see some of my friends giving birth or getting pregnant, I guess it must be something in the air!

I give all those moms out there SO much credit because I don’t know how you guys do it!!! Also a special shout out to MY mom who is the best, most amazing mom any one could ever ask for.

I think Mom’s don’t get enough credit. All the things that come with the job (see this video)
And barely a thank you some times. The only time people notice is when you are NOT there. It’s a hard gig but pretty much the most important job in the world so Thank you Mom, and Mom’s everywhere! You are appreciated! I love you!!!!

I remember all of the amazing times we had, from decorating arts and crafts to creating themed birthday parties with my mom and sister. My mom always encouraged us to be creative, never stop thinking, and to grow and live our dreams. My mom always told me I can be ANYTHING I want to be, and I believed her! If you feel like you take your mom for granted, remember you are lucky to have her in your life because some people don’t!

Mom’s harness growth and spring is a time of growth and rebirth. A time of spring cleaning, of renewing and it’s especially appropriate that we celebrate the spring holidays with family.

Passover is this week and Easter is upon us. It really is such a special time to be with family and share in the renewal of these holidays and moments.

Take the time these few weeks to slow down, enjoy family, enjoy the changing of the season and take a look at your big picture.

Now is the time to plan and reorganize how YOU and your business will grow. Make it anything you want, but figure out the steps to growth that are right for you!

An early Happy First Mother’s day to my friends Val, Kerry, Meital, Jaime and a happy Mother’s day to all of the other moms out there (especially Mine!) !!!

We are growing over here on the blog, and the etsy shop. We just got a fresh spring look – up on the etsy shop- check it out here.
And keep an eye out for this Mother’s day Illustration above available on my etsy shop later today in print and card form!!

Hope that inspires you!
xoxo
Emily

And be sure to follow me on instagram for an inside scoop on a day in the life! @EmilyBrickel and my new account for all things fashion illustration @EmilyBrickelillustration

April 10, 2014

Confidence Booster: my top tricks to inspire and April’s Illustrated Essentials.

This month’s Illustrated Essentials see below!

Here is a juicy little secret about me that only my inner circle really knows: I don’t have as much confidence all the time as you may think!!!

I am my own WORST critic and there are times when I have a major lack in confidence, however I know it’s something that a lot of us all can relate to. It’s hard sometimes to constantly compare yourself to others and judge yourself accordingly. With the rise in social media and #selfies the emphasis on your virtual projection is everything. (And sometimes not in a good way).

Yes it is 100% true that if you run a business – like me – it is truly important to focus on branding (which is part of my business and my business services incase you didn’t know. Click here for more info) , and obviously if you are a business, or anyone else for that matter, who wants your worst photos to be put on blast? Um, no thank you!

However truth be told, we all have bad days – including me. Today was one of them to be precise. I am just a normal person with normal insecurities. We can all beat ourselves up at times over the silliest of things. The constant judging and comparing in our minds can be really horrible. From body image, to keeping up with the Jones’, to what we wear and where we go – it can all be scrutinized on the public platform we call our facebook, twitter or instagram feed.

I just try to do the best that I can and I am here to help you feel the best you can too!

My job is to INSPIRE you and create beautiful things like illustrations, products, fashion and posts for you to enjoy!!!

So here are my top go-to tricks to boost your confidence and make life a little better.

1. Take a time out. Step away from whatever you are doing that makes you feel bad and go somewhere else, anywhere. Changing your physical location can stimulate your senses and improve your mood. Go outside, take a bath, or go play with your pet. Changing your scenery will do a lot to increase your happiness quotient. If it is really bad, consider changing your surroundings more permanently like changing jobs, apartments or living situations if you can.

2. Stop, drop and Meditate. I know you’ve heard it before meditation really can do wonders for your happiness and your health. A meditation a day keeps the sad face emoji’s away. Meditation helps you tap into your intuition and your internal compass to make the right decisions for you. It is also essential to help you find your purpose. Some wise man once said “Happiness is simple, it is having someone to love, something to do, and something to look forward to.” and I think that wise man was Elvis! (Ha!)

Without those things you have a recipe to be depressed. Trust me, I’ve been there. Meditation can show you how to discover what to do and what to plan. Having someone to love can be a family member or friend. It doesn’t have to be a romantic situation only, but if you are romantically involved, love on that partner and appreciate them!

3. Spring clean your social media!!!!! Now this is a big one. Unfollow those who drain and follow those who INSPIRE!!! Your social media is probably the first thing you look at in the morning (ahem instagram) and the last thing you look at night. Unfollow those creeps who do nothing but complain on facebook blast, or post photos that make you feel gross, whatever that may mean to you.

You don’t have to cave into victim mode – you do NOT, I repeat you DO NOT have to click every tragic news story or animal cruelty video you come across on your facebook feed. (Public notice: you know who you are, PLEASE STOP THE MADNESS and only post things that UPLIFT people!!! Yes there are horrible things in the world going on but JOIN A CLUB to HELP THE CAUSE, try to make a difference or STOP dwelling in the negative energy!!! All you are doing is creating more traction for the news to focus on that crap and all you are creating is a knot in people’s stomachs!)

YOU CREATE the life you want to live. By putting it out there it will come back to you ten fold, especially if you are trying to inspire everyone in your lives too. Make your social media profiles filled with inspirational quotes, images and beautiful things that lift the energy of yourself and those reading or viewing your posts. It’s just like that earth day campaign – pick up the TRASH and plant some FLOWERS. That is the only way to have a beautiful world. Don’t post photos of how horrible the trash is, make a change and clean up your side of the street!

4. Talk it out. Sometimes things just need to be said. Grab a trusted confidant and the Kleenex box and go full throttle. Ask for them to listen to you and then maybe they will even have some advice. Talking about your feelings with those you hold dear is a great way to bond and feel the love of that other person – which is probably exactly what you need when you are lacking in the confidence department. Don’t worry about sounding stupid, be vulnerable and perhaps the person lending you their ear will be able to see it from another perspective. Example: “I feel like crap and I gained 5 lbs, and I hate my _________ Fill in the blank” Fellow friend: “OH stop it, you look beautiful there is nothing to worry about” (HUG) – Yeah even that stupid nonsense that is really not earth shatteringly important is still great to vent about because you never know, you may just really have needed the reassurance and the hug!

Whether it be these trivial quips about your own self-image or major issues like your finances, a death in the family or worse – like thoughts of suicide or major catastrophic events – talk about it. Getting over grief and problem solving with someone who cares may just be the difference between life and death. (RIP to those who have lost a loved one to suicide, I have just read 3 stories this week about that and I have lost a family member to suicide in the past. It does get better! Don’t loose hope <3 )

5. Gratitude list. This one may sound kind of cheesy but it works. Make a list of everything you are grateful in your life, AND about YOURSELF. List out all the parts of your body you do love starting with all the organs that keep you alive, all the limbs you have that others may not be so lucky to have due to tragic events, all of the blood cells that beat through your heart, and try to find some parts of your outer self that make you feel beautiful. Be grateful for all the things in your life you are happy about, and that you are so lucky to have. Beauty is not only on the outside, but the inside too. Add to your list the roof over your head, the warm blankets on your bed, your pillows, your food and all of your luxuries. Not everyone is as fortunate as we are and to remember that helps us remain EXTREMELY grateful.

This week I start a new series called Illustrated Essentials and I am trying it out to see if you like it! Please write a comment in the space below telling me what you think about today’s post and Illustrated Essentials so I can continue giving YOU more of what YOU LOVE!

As always, I hope that inspires you!
xoxo
Emily

April’s Illustrated essentials:
Lilacs and iris’ for your soul
A good book like Gabrielle Bernstein’s Miracles Now.
Green Tinted Aviator Sunnies
Your favorite bright patterned dress
A sparkly thing or two to keep you fascinated like neon and crystal jewelry.
YELLOW and brights.
A bath.
A healthy start like a good breakfast!

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Confidence Booster: my top tricks to inspire and April’s Illustrated Essentials.

This month’s Illustrated Essentials see below!

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