Emily Bode 6/26/17 Emily Bode 6/26/17

Letter to a Girl

A walk through the park and the stories that unfold because of it.

We saw a bunch of school kids playing on our walk around the park the other day. Plaid skirts and ties, navy tees whizzing by in the sunshine – uniforms getting them acquainted with conforming early.

I recognized how the children played, how these groupings don't change much as we become adults: Two children jumping on a fallen tree branch watching the leaves dance as they balanced on the limb.

A couple of "explorers on the open sea" with little hands curled around curious eyes, their telescope for a better view of what's on the horizon.

I passed a group of girls with baseball mitts, playing catch. In the open field behind them, dodgeball – beet red and sweaty faces running around.

Learning how to win. How to lose.

And then I saw the little girl all alone, with the exception of her book. She paced between the limb bouncers and sea explorers. A safe distance on the outskirts yet within earshot. I knew her completely as she clung tightly to the world under her arm, hesitant about the one in front of her. Present, but not entirely.

She saw me as I passed by so I smiled, trying to send comfort through the worlds between us. I imagine that to her, I looked like an adult smiling back. How badly I wanted to tell her that pacing between concrete places is not a weakness. Please don't let the world make you feel small for that. That book, love, keep holding it tight. Then I wanted to tell her, “when you inevitably begin to stand out for being an individual, KEEP. STANDING. TALL.”

It is there you will find – you. Because the day will come when you're the woman walking by a park, seeing a past version of yourself between worlds, and you'll hope the same for her as I did for you;

That she soon discovers HER WORLD is the most beautiful place to be.

Emily Bode 5/5/17 Emily Bode 5/5/17

Seasonal Edit | Blush Pink & Plan-Free

Seasonal Edit: Spring

Spring is my least favorite season for all her mud and moody weather. By the end of winter, the slow pace and stillness in the Midwest are challenging. To have it followed by chilling rain and more gray skies is trying to the sun-worshipper in me. But this year I'm embracing it fully. Smiling when the rain comes down, clearing the stagnation away. Dancing when the sun comes out, the warmth on my skin promising better days ahead. This seasonal edit celebrates both.

Seasonal Edit: Blush Pink and Plan-Free for Spring | Brave Girl Design | photo by Leigh Ann Cobb Photography

Movement creates movement. And Spring is ALL about that life.

Spring is a reflection of the transitions going on in our internal lives. Have you noticed how often big life changes happen this time of year? New relationships, jobs, places to travel. Babies are being born, lovers are getting married and fresh ideas are as abundant as the magnolia blossoms. It's beautiful! The winter blues are washing away to make room for new growth.

This is ancient. This we can count on. This is nothing new.

Blush as neutral

Blush is also nothing new but this Spring it's standing out. I'm counting on this light pink, almost nude hue this season in small and mighty doses. It's so delicate and welcoming in the petals of floral patterns and tennis shoes. I'm wearing it as a classic neutral to brighten up my wardrobe subtly this season. I wouldn't be surprised if I keep it going through the summer months. I love pairing it with multiple textures in the same color family – not too matchy, but just enough.

Shop the look: dress (similar) / leather jacket (similar) / tennis shoes / hat

Plan-Free

Maybe it's because we've spent the last month in boxes or I'm wiped out from our wedding but I'm spent with planning. Anticipating obstacles, calling ahead, and timing my routes. All great habits to have to make events and life seamless but I'm balancing this with practicing presence and following my whims this season. Do you know what happens when you leave space in your calendar? Life rushes in.

Favorite plan-free travel spots: Sedona / Munising / Asheville

Seasonal Edit: Blush Pink and Plan-Free for Spring | Brave Girl Design | photo c/o This is L.

Essential Organics

If you saw my IG story last week you're probably sick of hearing about This is L. organic tampons but they're amazing! Not only is the packaging STUNNING, they're safer for your lady parts because they don't have any pesticides, rayon, chlorine, or dyes like other brands do. Personal care products are donated to female entrepreneurs in developing countries with each purchase and there's an option to subscribe to a discreet monthly delivery service. Seriously, how cool and so needed.

I've also been trying out a Nourish Organic cucumber + watercress face cleanser and taking biotin gummies by Olly in an effort to stick with my health and wellness goals for this year. My face acne is clearing up, my hair is growing, and my nails are getting stronger. Just in time for summer!

Shop the essentials: tampons / face cleanser / biotin

What are you looking forward to this season? Share in the comments below!

Seasonal Edit is a curated list of lifestyle essentials and well-designed products inspired by the seasons of the Midwest. See all edits here.

Photos by Leigh Ann Cobb Photography and c/o This is L.

Emily Bode 3/25/17 Emily Bode 3/25/17

Moon Lodge Goodbyes, A Moving Announcement

It was a warm August night. I was coming from a meditation session at the little beach down the road from our place in the woods.

We pulled up to a quaint house in a quaint neighborhood. The kind of neighborhood where lazy lawnmowers run before the week begins. Where you can smell the fresh-cut grass as the sun sets and the fireflies light up — the epitome of a rural American summer.

Two bedrooms, one bath. Two blocks away from the beach, one block from the trail.

I stepped over the threshold of the front door and knew this was the place we were meant to live. Wood floors, kitchen nook, backyard with a bonfire pit.

Before we had degrees we sketched out our dream world. It involved a home with a heart in the gable and a lake behind us. We didn't think that sketch would come to life one year later but it did. In hindsight, of course, it did. We worked our asses off for it. We compromised a lot for it. And we fought like hell to be here. Homeowners.

We've lived in the Moon Lodge for about 3 years. It's brought us comfort, safety, and community. I haven't felt this way since my childhood. Joel & I created this together, our little cottage by the lake. Birthday parties, engagements, holidays. The Moon Lodge held us through these moments. Disagreements, doubts, and exhaustion. The Moon Lodge held us through these too. Maybe a little extra.

But then, we started to wriggle from her grasp.

The commute too long.
The winter too cold.
The home too...not us anymore.

We're leaving the Moon Lodge next month. On to a new adventure. The very things we fight for are the same things we grow away from. The time has come to grow. We're moving away from the place that held us through our first years. This next month I'll be full of nostalgia and reflection. It'll be hard to say goodbye to our neighbors, our friends, and the community we've been part of yet we're excited about this new adventure.

The Moon Lodge is not a physical place, it is within us. Housed in this life we've created together.

Shop our home as we downsize | Brave Girl blog

There's a lot we've collected along the way that we're ready to part with. For a local listing of what we're selling, head here and have a piece of the Moon Lodge as part of your home.

Photos by Leigh Ann Cobb Photography

Emily Bode 3/11/17 Emily Bode 3/11/17

Seasonal Edit | Neutral Layers & a Workout Routine

Seasonal Edit: Winter

I'm excited to introduce Seasonal Edit, a new series on the blog. Maybe it's because I've lived in the Midwest my entire life or because each season represents a different part of me but the tides of nature have always influenced my design decisions and inspirations. Each edit will be a curated list of lifestyle essentials and well-designed products inspired by the seasons of the Midwest.

To start, the Winter Edit.

In the stillness of winter I found beauty and balance in neutral layers and a workout routine I could count on when life got crazy. A fun pattern came into the mix with classic polka dots and I tried a new face lotion that had good results for my dry winter skin and really for any season.

Neutral Layers

This late winter outfit is my favorite combination to mix textures within the same color family and a pop of classic pattern. The waffle knit sweater and suede skirt with a leather jacket are a fun spin on beige hues and cozy textures that make me feel professional and comfortable at the same time. A goal I'm always shooting for with work outfits.

Shop the look: sweater / skirt / leather jacket (similar) / tights

Polka Dots

Speaking of pops of pattern, polka dots came into my life subtly until I looked around our home and realized they're kind of everywhere. From our tea kettle to my tights to my workout headband, these little guys in a neutral palette make beiges and black way more fun and inviting.

Shop the pattern: tea kettle / tights / headband (similar)

Daily Skincare

I'm pleasantly surprised with the No.7 Beautiful Skin Day Lotion and Night Cream for normal/dry skin. I'll admit the packaging sold me as I'm an unashamed lush for a beautifully designed package. Now I can also attest to how good the face lotion works for my winter skin. I never had a skincare routine before and value the importance of it now.

Routine

The final essential to my winter edit is ROUTINE. I wanted to make my health and blog a priority this year. Having a routine that includes them in my schedule allows me to make it happen. I work out at least once a week and publish every Sunday. The rest of the week can be an unplanned shit show yet I still feel awesome if I've at least done these.

Tying a small routine – like working out once a week — to my goal of improving my overall health makes this goal more digestible and less high stakes. This slight adjustment has been a great shift to my perspective and accountability. Plus working out and writing are complete mood boosters for me.

What are some routines you've implemented this season and what's inspiring you? I'd love to hear how you're getting through this final part of winter!

Seasonal Edit is a curated list of lifestyle essentials and well-designed products inspired by the seasons of the Midwest. See all edits here.

Emily Bode 3/5/17 Emily Bode 3/5/17

Design Career Advice for Young Designers to Rock The First Interview

I'm sharing a few pieces of design career advice for young designers to feel confident walking into their first few interviews out of school with a strong portfolio and a passion to begin their design careers. These are based on common themes inspired by the portfolios I reviewed at this year's AIGA Student Portfolio Review at Atomic Object. The tips focus on soft skills to effectively communicate your projects to a potential employer.

Brave Girl | Design Career Advice for Young Designers | AIGA West Michigan Student Portfolio Review at Atomic Object | photo c/o Studio-Us

1 | Tell the story behind your project

The story behind your work is as important as the work itself. The talent coming into the industry is top-notch. You're in good company but how do you stand out for your uniqueness? Tell your story.

Good starter questions to ask when developing your project's story:

What is the problem your project solved?
What inspired you to take it in that direction?
Why that typography decision? Or that color palette?

An interesting or well put together story will make a good project even more memorable.

2 | Remove filler words from your vocabulary

Remove filler words when discussing projects in your portfolio. Describe it without using words "just", "like, or "but", to name a few as these are passive words that won't give credibility to the awesome work you've spent so much time creating. I'm learning this myself after reading words to ban on Wit & Delight, a blog by Kate Arends. Let's kick this bad habit together!

3 | Share Your Work

Lastly, anyone who has posted something they made to Instagram or shown their work in front of people knows how scary it can be on display for others to comment (i.e. this blog post!).

Mad kudos to the students who attended the review last weekend despite their fear to share unfinished work. It's the kind of courage you will need over and over again. The best way to get comfortable with sharing your work is to practice. Keep showing up and your experiences will develop confidence in your voice, style, and projects.

Check out this quick read, Show Your Work, by Austin Kleon

Design Career Advice For Confidence at Your First Interview

To summarize, tell an intriguing story that relates to your projects, remove filler words to tell it confidently, and share it over and over again boldly. Start to answer your own questions about how and why you're approaching the work the way you are. When you answer that you can begin to share your perspectives confidently with others.

Here are some additional tips on how to get the most out of networking events. What are some other soft skills you've learned? What are some you'd like to know more about?

All photos c/o Studio Us, a new graphic design studio coming soon to Grand Rapids!

Emily Bode 2/25/17 Emily Bode 2/25/17

Our Harvest Moon Wedding

No one is more surprised than me to see this picture of us with me as his bride, pure joy emanating from my face during our Harvest Moon wedding in September 2016. I couldn't contain my happiness during our wedding weekend and I can't contain it now.

Because I was never getting married!
And we all know what happens with our nevers.

Getting married was the first moment of my life I hadn't planned. Seriously.

Pathetic, yes. True? Very.

I never imagined the dress, the ring, or the flowers. I LOVE a wonderfully styled tablescape and obsessing over centerpieces, it just wasn't something I pinned, doodled, or dreamed of for myself. I loved my relationship with Joel and I didn't think we needed the foo-foo to feel it. This changed once we were engaged as I was very particular about details. More on that later.

So you can imagine my surprise when Joel got down on one knee after a run to the lake on an ordinary Sunday. I said "yes, yes, yes!" before he even asked me anything. It's crazy how life changes in a matter of seconds and I was stunned.

I never imagined myself as a bride.
But, we all know what happens with our nevers.

I may have never imagined a wedding but I've always known Joel and I will be together the rest of our days. It didn't mean I was fully ready before saying "I Do" though. Is anyone, really? Because I couldn't have been ready for the outpouring of love we received from our family and friends. I couldn't have been ready for how nervous I felt before the processional began. I couldn't have known I'd feel light-headed in love for my soon-to-be husband. How I was unable to take my eyes off of him. How handsome he was. All the planning in the world wouldn't have made me ready for the emotion that washed over me when I saw him across the dance floor and smiled.

I'm blessed to be with him for the rest of my life.

You can't be ready for the magic Life gives to you but you can follow it. It doesn't mean you'll know what the outcome will be or that you'll have all the steps figured out. You don't need to have it figured out to believe in Love. You must believe it will open itself up to you. Love might look different than you imagined but not knowing is the secret ingredient.

The best thing to do is take it all in and soak it all up because you deserve good love, baby. Don't let your nevers take you away from that.

I read a quote a few months into being newlyweds.

“The very definition of preparation is “becoming ready.” It is not “being ready,” or “getting ready,” or “the very act of readiness itself.” It is becoming ready: the slow growth, the missteps, the process, the transformation...”

— Erin Loechner of Design for Mankind

We are The Bode's. And we are Becoming.

There are so many more posts I'd like to write to share the details of our day because I never want to let go of the magic! Do you want to hear more? Anything specific you'd like to know more about?

All photos by Leigh Ann Cobb Photography

Emily Bode 2/11/17 Emily Bode 2/11/17

My Thoughts on the Women's March on Washington

My thoughts on the Women's March: An essay on what inspired me and what we can do to support each other peacefully.

There are moments in life we need to respond to immediately and there are moments that are best to let simmer. The Women's March on Washington needed to simmer for me. I needed to know what my own beliefs were before I hopped on to someone else's. I needed to know the foundation I was standing on, the one that will keep me standing tall when weaker foundations crumble.

I needed to reflect on why I'm so angry and where that anger is coming from. I had to dig back in my archives and recall the experiences that have made me feel belittled, confused, and mocked because of someone else's insecurities they thought was ok to hand off to me.

These experiences are on my skin and in my bones and digging them up was a process that called for solitude and personal acceptance. Humans are so very good at avoidance. I'm not saying I'm healed or have a grand plan but I'm ready to share how the Women's March made me feel and the highlights inspiring me to stand up for myself every day:

Brave Girl Blog | Women's March on Washinton | Senator Kamala Harris

Senator Kamala Harris at the Women's March on Washington

“We the people have the power. There is nothing more powerful than a group of determined sisters marching alongside with their partners and their determined sons and brothers and fathers, standing up for what we know is right. And here’s the thing, we know that it is right for this nation to prioritize women’s issues…

’Kamala, talk to us about women’s issues.’

And I’d say, ‘I’m so glad you want to talk about the economy.’

I’d say, ‘Great, let’s talk about the economy because that’s a women’s issue.’
I’d say, ‘You want to talk about women’s issues? Let’s talk about national security.
You want to talk about women’s issues? Let’s talk about healthcare. Let’s talk about education. Let’s talk about criminal justice reform. Let’s talk about climate change.

Because we all know the truth. If you’re a woman trying to raise a family, you know that a good paying job is a woman’s issue. If you’re a woman who’s an immigrant who does not want your family torn apart you know immigration reform is a woman’s issue. If you’re a woman working off student loans, you know the crushing burden of student debt is a woman’s issue. If you are a black mother, trying to raise a son, you know black lives is a woman’s issue. And if you’re a woman period, you know we deserve a country with equal pay and access to healthcare including a safe and legal abortion protected as a fundamental and constitutional right.

So all of this is to say my sisters and brothers that we are tired as women of being relegated to simply being thought of as a particular constituency or demographic…

We are a force that cannot be dismissed or written off on the sidelines…”

Brave Girl Blog | Women's March on Washington | Alicia Keys "Girl on Fire"

Alicia Keys "Girl on Fire" at the Women's March on Washington

When Alicia Keys starts with Maya Angelou's poem "Still I Rise", you know you're going to get chills from the power of prose.

"...Thank you for your courage. Thank you for your womanliness. Thank you for your strength. Let us continue to honor all that is beautiful about being feminine.

We are mothers, we are caregivers, we are artists, we are activists, we are entrepreneurs, doctors, leaders of industry, and technology. Our potential is unlimited, we rise...

Until everyone respects Mother Energy and everyone with a belly button must agree...We. Are. Here."

Of course, it's not the same as watching the entirety of her piece. See it here.

Brave Girl Blog | Women's March Women's March on Washington | Warrior Prayer by Lakota Women

Warrior Prayer by Lakota Women at Women's March on Washington

A few women from the Lakota tribe started everyone marching with a Woman's Warrior Prayer. With the drums and the eagle feather and the voices of a battle cry booming over the speakers as women marched, I had chills from the energy and something rose in me that felt so powerful. I was honored to be able to witness this prayer.

If you watched the Women's March on Washington or participated in one of the marches around the world that day, you know there are a lot of topics being addressed. I have come to terms I can't wholesomely support each one because I'm not directly affected or may not feel it as deeply as others yet I do wholesomely support everyone's right to have a voice for the fights and freedoms that feel closest to them.

The fights and freedoms I'm closest to right now are equality in the workplace, bodily integrity, and inclusiveness for all. I understand as a white middle-class woman it may seem I'm too far away from cultural and diversity issues to understand this fight but I'm here to learn. I've acknowledged my bubble and I'm trying to pop it (we all have bubbles to challenge). I hope I'm met with as much peace as I'm trying to exude.

These few and multiple others are a tall order and I'm confident we'll rise to the occasion to acknowledge there are key human issues imbalanced currently. We're trying to course-correct and we can do it together. I think a good way to support the positive change the Women's March lit a fire to is taking digestible bite sizes. One day at a time. If you want to be a catalyst for change, you must start on a small scale and watch the ripple effect take place.

Brave Girl Blog | Women's March Women's March on Washington | Emily Bode quote

Be a revolutionary in your circle first and watch that circle expand.

When you're at a group dinner and a friend makes a statement that feels belittling or oppressive, don't laugh along with everyone else. Ask them why they feel that way.

When your doctor prescribes pills for something you know is a deeper feminine cycle issue, say no. Go to a different doctor and tell the doctor you walked away from that the solution given wasn't a solution and you won't support it.

When you're uncomfortable in a situation because you recognize you have biases you never realized were biases, face them so you can change them. Don't hide. Don't shut down. Don't say what you feel on Facebook if you can't say what you feel to the Face right next to you. To the Face sitting across the table from you. To the Face in the mirror.

I can't say I've signed up for a group or a protest or been a voice like so many women I know and admire who courageously have been but I am doing my part in my own way. In digestible bite sizes I can handle.

And you know what, I've got to get a little tough love with women specifically. I've had many experiences where I don't feel a woman has treated me the way she's looking to be treated. In my personal experience, there are some women saying they support me as a woman in business or as a friend but they're the same person cutting me down as soon as I start to have success with my goals or want to celebrate an accomplishment.

Brave Girl Blog | Women's March Women's March on Washington | Gloria Steinem quote

We need to stop doing this to each other, myself included.

If we are to stand rooted together there needs to be less shallowness among us (seriously, you're pissed she has the same purse as you?). There needs to be less gossip behind the scenes when it appears support is being shown to another woman in her venture. What's that saying about a wolf wearing sheep's skin?

If you're a woman supporting women in any way, you need to be more thoughtful in your relationships with women. Start on a small scale and watch the ripple effect take place. One-on-one relationships have been my main focus lately because they're intimate, real, and small daily actions that make up your whole life.

If you're interested in joining me on the journey of personal awareness and community consciousness, please do. Let's meet each other where we're at.

Here are a few resources I've been supporting or am planning on attending some upcoming events:

Let's do this together. Email me at emily@emilybodecreative.com.

Emily Bode 1/21/17 Emily Bode 1/21/17

2016 Year in Review

2016 Year in Review: A recap of celebrations and goals met in my personal and professional life.

2016 was an amazing year for many reasons and challenging for other reasons. Today, I want to focus on the good!

Personal

Joel & I got married! A life-changing moment to say the very least. I have multiple posts planned to share all the magic and details.

My brother came home from California. He was stationed there for 4 years as a Marine. He lived with us for a few months when he got back and it was awesome to see him every day and have him home again.

My two best friends got engaged within months of each other! I was lucky enough to be with one of my friends when she was proposed to under the Chicago skyline. We celebrated double engagements with champagne and manicures the entire weekend!

Learned of my Irish heritage. It was a wedding gift from my Grandma. To know where I come from was one of the most special gifts I've ever received.

Travel

Aruba My first time out of the country. We watched the sunset behind the Caribbean Sea each night, palm trees and relaxation were our silhouettes for an entire week. We took a Jeep around the island and explored the heritage. I made 7 wishes out of 7 stones piled high and dove into a natural pool, surrounded by vibrant fish and sea urchins.

Biba Dushi, Living the Sweet Life.

Asheville We road-tripped to Asheville for our Honeymoon. Live music, breweries, and hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains was THE BEST way to unwind from the whirlwind of planning our wedding for the past year. I got to see Black Mountain College and Joel got to climb Mt. Mitchell, the highest peak East of the Mississippi.

To Be Rather Than to Seem, the North Carolina motto I brought home with me.

Beaver Island It was our 4th trip to the little Michigan island 50 miles west of Charlevoix, this time on the tiniest plane I've ever seen (my mom was co-pilot, that's how tiny). We helped my Dad with a basketball clinic during the day and roamed our favorite hangouts the rest of the time. There is only one of everything on the tiny island so we saw it all. It's charming and always a nice reminder that slow and simple things are always most important.

If once you have slept on an island, you'll never be quite the same, from a poem on the wall of my favorite BI bar, Donegal Danny's.

Professional

Promoted to senior-level designer at work. I had been at Nucraft for 9 months when I was promoted. This was a big deal to me because it's something I've always wanted to achieve since my days in design school. A lot of sweat and tears and lessons to get here and a role I really enjoy!

Attended The Yellow Conference in L.A. I was honored to attend this creative woman conference and listen to 2 of my favorite designers and artists, Elle Luna and Jessica Hische. I've always admired their approach and beliefs as women in design. Seeing them IRL was a real magic moment. I was in a room full of entrepreneurs, creatives, leaders, and go-getters. The energy and the feminine power were uplifting and unforgettable.

Creative Mornings event with Mayor Rosalynn Bliss of Grand Rapids. Another uplifting event closer to home where our mayor talked openly about the challenges she has in our city to create positive change, what she's doing about it, and urging us as creatives in the community to be more involved with local politics. I left feeling like I can make a difference and that we can all make a difference together.

Was a professional reviewer at the AIGA Student Portfolio Review Years ago I was a student being reviewed at this event. To be able to give back as a reviewer this year was so much fun. The projects by students soon entering the workforce were thoughtful, intimate, and inclusive. I haven't seen a better example of designing for a bigger purpose, and in such quantities, as I did at this event.

I also had 3 goals for the year and am happy to report I met each of them in some sort of way:

1 | Openness to fellow creatives

I can get very protective about my work and don't share much about the challenges I have with others so I actively wanted to meet more creatives and be a good listener to their experiences and not be so guarded to share mine. My promotion helped give me confidence with my work and to network more. I attended some great events where I met amazing people in the Grand Rapids creative community doing great things.

2 | Less Debt

I have a lot of student loans and before this year, was sinking in them. I went to Financial Peace University by Dave Ramsey and learned how to make a budget, how to stick to it, and how to use the "snowball" method to reduce my debt faster. It was quite the learning curve but I paid off one loan in 6 months! I also set a budget for our wedding that we stuck to and had some leftover that we used to tackle a house item debt!

3 | Removing the nonessential

Although I'm far from being a minimalist, I try to keep only essential objects in our home. The Moon Lodge is modest in space and I don't like clutter. I started with my closet last year – I have 180 clothes total in my closet for 4 seasons, including shoes and accessories! Any non-joy items were donated once a month and I got really intentional about being a conscious consumer when I did shop. A free capsule wardrobe workbook from Caroline of Unfancy got me started on this goal a few years ago and it's truly changed my outlook.

Woo, what a year! Of course, there were challenges and improvements I'd like to make but the celebrations are more fun to remember during the most difficult months of the year in moody and cold Michigan. I know we have our work cut out for us in 2017 due to the state of our nation's politics but I'm also looking forward to both of my best friends' weddings, a few trips we're planning, and focusing on my health and wellness in the next year. Cheers and Happy New Year!

Emily Bode 1/8/17 Emily Bode 1/8/17

What it really means to be in a relationship with your creative partner

When you commit to your creative partner, there are a few things you need to be ready for:

Anything in your daily life is potential inspiration for your next project. Those dirty underwear in the bathroom? Could be the catalyst to your creative partner's next drawing series.
What seems like manic or obsessive episodes are coming from somewhere much deeper. Your partner probably needs 1 of 3 things; sleep, food, or a hug. Careful with this one, they might do everything in their power to convince you they need none of these things. Hug them anyway.
They'll forget simple daily tasks like feeding the dog or brushing their teeth. Practice patience when you come home to a cold, wet heap where you left them (the laundry, not your partner) after asking them to switch the wash to the dryer. It isn't because they ignored you. It's because they lost track of time in a story that's been calling out to them all weekend.

Do you understand what you've gotten yourself into by being in a relationship with a creative?! Their sensitivities to recycling the cardboard from every package brought into the house. Their need to save antique doors that you'll keep moving out of the way in the garage until the doors are too rotted to do anything with. It'll drive you mad most days.

But you must remember the fullness they bring to your world over the frustration:

They turn dirty undies into a reverent series of drawings, exposing the integrity of a young and hardworking couple who puts Love before anything else.
They fill your heart with thoughtful letters of moments you would've missed had they not written the words.
When the laundry lay sopping and forgotten, remember they could be putting the finishing touches on a story you've never heard before. The one about you, and them, and your life together. The one you'll tell your kids, and their kids, about.

You already know this if you're in a committed relationship with a creative partner. You're the brave soul who keeps them going after all. Touchy ones, those creatives. They always need so much validation. But they need you to keep pining away at the discovery of their masterpiece. They count on your faith in them. Don't give up.

You are the person they soon discover is the masterpiece they've been looking for all along.

Emily Bode 11/16/16 Emily Bode 11/16/16

I'm Late, Keep Going

Do you ever feel like you just can't catch up? Let's use today as an example. It's 7:30 am, I need to leave for work in 10 minutes. I try to dedicate 30min-hour to writing each morning so I get all off-kilter when I can't.

So far my dress is too short to be acceptable in an office environment – or even a nightclub, really – so I added tights that are a far cry from matching. I'm wearing an old plaid shirt underneath the hooker dress because the buffalo plaid shirt I would've had is now out of my size. Whoever said the early bird gets the worm was definitely talking about shopping at Madewell online.

I go to put creamer in my coffee and it comes out like cottage cheese. Apparently leaving it on the counter last weekend did have an effect on its consistency. It was the good almond-based creamer too. Damn. The entire time I've been getting ready there's been a nice soothing background sound of my aging kitty, Belle, as she cries out for attention and my adorable german shepherd, Tiger, whining for cuddles. I step over them, a quick pat on the head because I'M RUNNING LATE guys.

These mornings remind me of when I was little watching my mom get ready for work. There was a lot more juggling and a lot less whining about clothes she didn't have the way I remember it but that feeling of not being able to catch up looks similar. I wish I could be so go with the flow these little things didn't bug me and I'm sure it's from some deeper reason that I'm rushing around too fast to hear what that is.

I like to think there's plenty of women rushing to work today, mismatched with her black coffee and trying to do the best she can for her family, education, independence, whatever it is she's hustling towards because I know damn well she's hustling. If that's you, keep goin' girl. And don't forget to enjoy the sunrise on your way to work.

xo, Em

Emily Bode 11/15/16 Emily Bode 11/15/16

Thieves EO + Help From a Friend

We've been sick since Sunday, as I mentioned yesterday (still aching for the mountains!). I'd used my last few drops of thieves essential oil the night before and was slowly on the decline as I slogged through the afternoon at work.

So I put in a quick EO order with my friend, Amber, and complained to her about how I really haven't been taking care of myself lately and I'm not sure what to do about it. All my usual basics weren't working and feeling overworked between my full-time job and this favorite space of mine was leaving me exhausted, falling into bad food habits, and lack of movement.

Amber shared many great reminders about self-care, at-home cold remedies that don't involve medication (woo!), and some of her daily routines in the morning and before bed. I went with her nighttime routine last night – hot shower, a good book, and warm drink – and woke up wide awake this morning, feeling good! It was the first time I've had a full night's rest in over a month.

I guess what I'm trying to say is, sometimes we know how to take care of ourselves. We've made our own routines, have our own special remedies, and can get by when we need to. But more often than not, we need help. We need each other. And we need reminders from the people in our lives that it's ok, give yourself a break, and rest!

You can bet I'll be doing the same nightly routine tonight. I feel too good not to! What are some cold-weather remedies you have? How do you heal when you're drained?

Keep a lookout for Amber's new blog, The Earth Conscious Sisters for more health and wellness tips for mind, body, and soul. I'll share more about the logo I made for them once they've launched. I'm so excited about it!

Emily Bode 11/14/16 Emily Bode 11/14/16

Your Relaxed Mind

“A relaxed mind is a creative mind. ”

— Cold Season Yogi tea

Sometimes it takes an adventure to a Northern Michigan island to get back to your relaxed mind. Other times it takes jumping in the car on a lazy Sunday to go see the November Supermoon rise over the bayou. And then there are other times where your relaxed mind wakes you up in the middle of the night and demands that you listen to her. That you must stay home because there is such a thing as working too much with your mind and not enough movement with your body. That you're worn out with all the list-making, tasks, and being there for everyone else but yourself. When your relaxed mind wakes you up, it's best you listen to her.

Because she is the real you.

Emily Bode 11/10/16 Emily Bode 11/10/16

Brave Girl 2017

I've been thinking a lot about this little space of mine lately. What it started out as, what I want it to become, how it's being perceived in balance with how I think it's being perceived.It drives me nuts some days because I don't always know the direction for Brave Girl. She's had about 3 evolutions in 3 years.

2013

First, it was a place for experimenting with my creativity as an outlet to my 9–5 job out of college. It was a lot of natural-ingredient recipes and chakra-healing.

56DA7E6E-9FE3-4FC0-8AD6-005EBCB23AF6-4317-000005638204C5AE.jpg

2014/15

Then it became my main outlet to share my brand design projects and guest blog. I designed the site and worked with my good friend and developer, Justin, to make it entirely customized. The About page is still my favorite.

2016

Now, Brave Girl feels like a mix of all 3. Some of these categories either aren't my love language at this time or can be refreshed so they're more aligned with categories I love talking about more. BG is in a transition (aren't we all?). After a lot of reflection, I want this space to maintain the essence of why it started while making space for the room she needs to grow. I want to show more of my graphic design work, more of my inspirations, and more of my life.

Life. Style. Design.

I also want it to be a space that fosters more connection. So one of the biggest things I'm looking to update is the comments section! I know I haven't made it easy for you to share your thoughts with me here. It definitely wasn't intentional and is a buggy part of BG that I want and need to improve for you. Do you agree?

2017 – Coming Soon

Starting 2017, Brave Girl will have a little refresh to clean up the categories, post more consistently, and be more of a community that fosters creativity and human connection.

Thank you for all of your support over the years with Brave Girl! It truly lights me up to see every comment and connect with you on our desires, our inspirations, and our humanness. It keeps me going when I'm not always sure where BG is headed next. We're all human and don't know what's next, no matter how carefully laid out our plans are. At the end of the day, Brave Girl is a visual representation of this. Of our messiness. Our wildness. The pull of our creativity in all its forms. Most of all, Brave Girl is a pillar for all of us brave women and men who KEEP. SHOWING. UP.

Thank you for being here with me, thank you for showing up. All the love, Em

It's my 100th post! It's Veteran's Day! There is no better day than today to celebrate courage, service, and gratitude for you (self-love y’all) and for all the men and women who've served our country. Because my comments section isn't updated yet, post an example of courage that inspires you on Instagram with #thanksfromabravegirl

Emily Bode 11/9/16 Emily Bode 11/9/16

This Week: Love & Links

I went to the YWCA Tribute! luncheon yesterday and saw a group of women being honored in their different industries for their service and change they're making in the West Michigan community. We gave each one of them a standing ovation. I left humbled and with the urge to serve.

This article about designers not being the same as artists turned me off until I began reading. I enjoyed the tough love perspective and resonated with Joe's examples of how to bring your creativity to a business meeting. The waters are hard to navigate because a lot of designers don't really talk about it. I'm happy Joe did. He's inspired me to talk more openly about being a graphic designer and the challenges associated with it.

To and from work I listened to Garance Dore's podcast Pardon My French on How to Build a Brand Your Own Way with Grace Bonney of Design*Sponge and Anna Bond of Rifle Paper Co. I respect each of these women so much as they've built their blogs and businesses from the ground up. I hope to do something similar someday. I also have Grace's new book, "In the Company of Women", on my Christmas wish list!

I have my eye on this buffalo plaid shirt and got a blush velvet duster on major sale this week for my Winter Capsule Wardrobe.

How has your week been?! What's been on your mind lately? Any fun design links I should know about?

Love, Em

Emily Bode 11/8/16 Emily Bode 11/8/16

A Moment of Silence

How can I know the way when I'm speaking out before looking inward? I need a moment of silence. This nation needs a moment of silence. Not to memorialize, not to give honor, not to remember a time in history. We all need a moment to ourselves. The answer is within you.

Emily Bode 11/7/16 Emily Bode 11/7/16

Soul

“We will leave for others what we should do with the soul.”

— 365 Tao, Daily Meditations, Deng Ming-Dao

My grandma shared the history of our Irish heritage as a wedding gift last winter. I never knew our ancestry until the newspaper articles and a note listing our lineage.

It traced back to our great-great-great-grandma in Ireland. She came to America during the potato famine and lived with family in Chicago until she met my great-great-great-grandpa, a farmer in Michigan. She raised children on the farm, had an extreme work ethic, was strong-willed, stubborn, and tender-hearted.

We will leave for others what we should do with the soul.

I wanted to know more. Her inner thoughts, maybe her fears or names of other people she shared the boat with to get here. Her time in Chicago? Maybe life on the farm?

My curiosity might have something to do with the 20-some journals I've filled so far. One of the desires to write for Brave Girl. When I pass, there will be more information than anyone cares to know on my inner thoughts, my fears, the names of the people who have made an impact on my life. A lot of it could get lost in time, space, damage. Some of it will stay, hopefully, the most important stuff.

Maybe I'll be a great-great-great-grandma someday and my surviving family will say, "She had an extreme work ethic, was strong-willed, stubborn, and tender-hearted."

We will leave for others what we should do with the soul.

Emily Bode 11/6/16 Emily Bode 11/6/16

How To Build A Following Organically*

Be kind.

Be of service with your skill sets.

Be grateful exactly where you are.

*Not limited to screen-time.

Real-time is highly recommended and very preferred.

Now go kick Monday's ass.

Love, Em

Emily Bode 11/3/16 Emily Bode 11/3/16

A note on authenticity in your creative business

Happy Friday! What did you think of yesterday's post? I was so excited Joel came to the forefront to share his expertise on the power of influence in professional relationships. It was more business-oriented than maybe you're used to for Brave Girl but we felt it's an important topic for my reader base.

As I mentioned yesterday, when it comes to technical and business jargon, I zone out a bit. It isn't because I'm not smart or serious enough to understand the terms and concepts, it just isn't my love language. It made me wonder if other creatives feel that too? I know a lot of solopreneurs, bloggers, and small business owners who are geniuses at expressing themselves and relating to their tribe but hate talking finances, SEO analytics, or quarterly goals, myself included.

These deeper dive topics are what keeps your ship afloat and running smoothly when you can't be in front of the screen or when you need to do the work, as well as reach more people.

Joel & I were talking more about this last night as we were celebrating his first blog post (he's so popular, god) and the phrase, "Remember why you started". I don't want to lose sight of what Brave Girl is for me and what I want it to be for you. But I'm ready to keep growing and trying out new things that I feel are a closer representation to what Brave Girl is and who I am as a writer and designer.

Remembering why you started is always a good memory to look back on but it isn't a check post for authenticity. Why you started isn't always why you're still here.

Tag your daily biz vignettes and fresh office style with #bravegirlofficestyle

Emily Bode 11/2/16 Emily Bode 11/2/16

Guest Post: The Power of Influence

Brave girls! This is my first guest blogger in over a year and I’m super excited to introduce him. Joel is a genius when it comes to the modern workplace. As an IT recruiter, he has over 4 years of experience in what it takes to navigate relationships in your career &/or business. He’s basically been my career coach the last few years. As a creative who prefers pretty visuals over business talk, the way he explains things makes me realize I can hold my own as a professional in the biz world and still maintain my creative integrity. He also happens to be my hubby of two months. Heart eyes over here. Seriously, so proud of him! I hope you find his tips on the power of influence in professional relationships as helpful as I have. xo, Em

Written by Joel Bode

As my first guest post on Brave Girl, I want to share 3 tips that will help you create and maintain your relationships in the workplace. The expectation of most workplaces I come across is to be heads down in your work and to focus on direct accomplishments. While these are important to your daily productivity, I want to focus on the long-term benefits of creating influence amongst your co-workers, customers, and social network. Being aware of these few steps as you go about your workday will create long-lasting relationships and a strong network of supporters.

1. Understand vs. being understood.

Inspired by one of my favorite books, the best way to create influence is to understand the other person’s point of view. What’s important to me may not be as important to you so how can our differing goals & objectives align? My role as a recruiter has a lot to do with matchmaking a person to a company based on that company's culture and mission (and you thought all I did was LinkedIn message you about your skillset all day!). If you want to develop a positive relationship with your co-worker, ask them questions to gain knowledge and insight into their goals & objectives first.

2. Seek points of common alignment.

Once you understand what your co-worker is trying to accomplish, find alignment between their goals and yours. It creates a give-and-take relationship that encourages trust and creates positive effects for both of you. If I say I can help you achieve a goal you’re after you'd listen, yes? And if I deliver on the help I promised, no matter how small, I’ll start to be considered in future situations where that kind of help is needed again, yes? And it’ll most likely be needed again.

3. Genuinely care for your tribe.

Please know that most people you come in contact with are part of your tribe in some way. I once talked to a candidate who competed in dodgeball at the national level (yes this does exist and is not just a movie). I came across a relatable article I thought he’d be interested in so I sent it to him. He was excited to hear from me and ended up sending me a contact he knew was looking for a new job. I eventually helped his friend get a job at a company he was excited to work for. We developed a mutual respect for each other and will potentially help each other in the future due to our positive interaction. Make it a point to connect on a deeper level with someone you’ve come in contact with. Send a “thinking of you” email and you may be surprised at the response you get.

Whether you’re trying to build a business or further your career in the workplace, don’t forget the power of influence you have by simply understanding what’s important to those around you. In return, you'll always be the first person they think of which will open more doors than just getting a lot of work done or staying in the office later than anyone else. Focus on the relationship between your co-workers, customers, and new acquaintances and you’ll eventually become friends.

Emily Bode 11/1/16 Emily Bode 11/1/16

Consumerism & the Scarcity Mindset

Nothing like looking at your budget the month after you get married to reevaluate your spending habits.

I'd been using the zero-dollar budget to keep track of my expenses and start saving last January when I took a Dave Ramsey Financial Peace class. I even paid off an entire student loan completely in 4 months! It was a mindset switch that took some getting used to but it was the most freeing move I've ever made with my finances.

I fell off the wagon right before our September wedding and haven't done my healthy habit since. I definitely didn't budget for 3 sets of fake eyelashes, acne cream for my stress-induced breakouts, and all the other shit I got at Target days before our wedding (like a white case for my sunglasses because it was WHITE, jeez).

Now, I'm back on the wagon, and this time with a partner! Joel's joining me for November's zero-dollar budget and I'm really excited (yes, these are the kinds of things that excite me, friends).

One of the most interesting observations through this process has been realizing how crazy consumerism is in America and this scarcity mindset that comes along with retail marketing. Go into any store right now and you'll see. The Christmas decorations were practically pushing out the Halloween decorations two weeks before Halloween even happened! Not only is this emotionally confusing (who sticks Santa next to skeletons, seriously?!) but it's reinforcing this idea that we'll never have enough or be enough.

When you don't have it in your budget to buy more sequined pumpkins for your holiday mantle – and you don't have credit cards to rationalize just one more package of glittered leaves – you start to get resourceful with what you do have. Your actual desires and wants start to surface as a result and you have two choices:

1. Save for next month when your budget renews and get all the sparkle at 70% off.
2. Go outside to discover a plethora of real leaves all around you, bring some inside and realize what you just had to have wasn't what you really needed.