Emily Bode 4/26/18 Emily Bode 4/26/18

Spring Capsule: Taking Weekend

Taking the weekend, letting the weekend give to you. It isn't meant to be rushed through but rather to be savored. I'm hoping mine looks like a slow morning, coffee in hand, catching up on our week together yet apart.

Spring Capsule: #denimmadewell | Emily Bode Blog | Photo by Leigh Ann Cobb

Spring Capsule: Taking Weekend | Emily Bode Blog | Photo by Leigh Ann Cobb

Moon Lodge Goodbyes, a Moving Announcement | Brave Girl blog

Some music, a rhythm to a project here and there. Or maybe to change out my winter garments to spring (alas). Most definitely a walk to the lake. With ice cream. And Tiger. As if he'd have it any other way. And rest. Plenty of rest.

Winter life is hard. It always is yet always surprising just how difficult when you're in it. I've said it many times before; a Northern winter is not for the faint of heart. It will test your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Right when you think you are through there's another week of cold in the air you must push through.

So, taking weekend is a good place to start, yes? Little by little. Hour by hour. Rest when you need it. Move around and bask in the sun when you don't. It will be beautiful because it's what you've made of it.

Outfit details
White tee (similar)
Bell bottoms (similar)

Photos by Leigh Ann Cobb

Emily Bode 4/16/18 Emily Bode 4/16/18

Creative Business Chats: A Day in the Life of a Freelance Designer

I recently did an interview and want to share as it answers questions I often receive about what I do & why I'm a freelancer. Design can be hard to define because it ranges from graphic to interior to digital to environmental and the list goes on.

My focus is on event design, stationery, and styling.

Living in the Midwest has led me to create commercially for the furniture industry, apparel companies, and wedding planners. My personal interests have guided me to skill sets like handlettering, watercolor, and organic forms. All graphics, illustrations, and curation you see here on Brave Girl are created by me unless stated otherwise.

A day in the life of a freelance designer with Joon+Co sustainable fashion | Brave Girl Design + Blog | photo by Sincerely Ashley

What is a typical day like for you?

It starts with a morning walk with my pup. Then coffee as I write out my daily plan and sketch the latest flow of ideas. Commissioned art prints, a client design project or writing is at the heart of my day. I like the days when a coffee date or shop visit sneaks in unplanned. A walk or workout, dinner, tea, and a book or show unwinds me from the day. This typical day is balanced with days full of chaos, late work nights, and playing catch up to my list of errands I've avoided until I can no longer.

What are the main responsibilities of your job?

The responsibilities are broad as a freelance designer. Not only the creative design work for clients but also invoicing, quarterly goals, and always checking in with my business plan that I'm in alignment with my purpose and my planner.

What do you like most about your work?

Creating work that speaks to my heart. Whether it's lettering a design to save the great lakes, illustrating a shirt to share a Vietnam Veteran's heart-wrenching story, or creating print materials for a boho Full Moon wedding. When I feel my craft is aligned with my heart I'm reenergized.

How did you become interested in this field?

I discovered design as a high school sophomore. I went to the career center and learned about design programs, photography, and printmaking. These techniques were similar to what I did growing up scrapbooking, crafting, sketching, and doodling letters. It showed me I could make a career out of what I enjoy & I was all in.

How did you begin your career and what do you wish you'd known in the beginning?

I began freelancing as a junior in college with logo & branding projects for local businesses and old friends. Then I worked at a design studio in West Michigan after graduating creating identity systems and marketing materials for the furniture industry.

I found college is a place to learn design "rules" and post-college you need to find how design works for you. I'm a rule-follower and it can hinder me creatively. Creativity to me is boundless by nature and rules can be stifling. I now try to balance what I learned with following my creative intuition.

What do you feel is the future of graphic design?

Graphic design will continue to evolve like it always has based on culture, economy, and society. Many say print is dying and graphic design is becoming fully digital but I disagree. Print is becoming more tactile and tangible and digital is becoming more human with UX/UI roles (user experience and user interface). There will always be a place for custom, thoughtful, and intuitive design work.

What advice or insight do you have for a student who is considering a career in graphic design?

You have to first and foremost love it. Creativity is heart work, meaning it is hard work, meaning it is work that can change the world. You have to be ok starting out with a modest salary and working hard to grow from there. You also have to be a great communicator or learn how you communicate best. When you make good, & many, connections you'll be the first designer someone thinks of when they have a design project and that is always good for your business.

Wardrobe c/o Joon + Co. Shop their Spring collection.
Photos by Sincerely Ashley

Creative Business Chats foster conversation and community amongst creatives seeking tips for getting started. Includes behind the scenes of freelance/business ownership. See all chats here.

Emily Bode 4/10/18 Emily Bode 4/10/18

Spring 10×10: Fave looks + insights

That's a wrap, friends! I've finished my second 10x10 challenge by Style Bee x Unfancy! Here's a recap and what I learned wearing 10 items for 10 days in a row. I didn't count shoes or accessories as my 10 but stuck to 2-3 pairs of shoes and added a jacket as one of my 10 this time (a challenge I wanted to do from the winter10x10).

My 10 spring items / My outfit fail turned successful

Best: Day 6 | Worst: Day 4

My shirtdress looks didn't make me feel good at all. It's 3 years old and I've worn the life right out of it. I LOVED Day 6 because it felt effortlessly me. Unbrushed hair, holey jeans, white tee, and a touch of blush. May this remind me of my Spring go-to.

Best Runner up: Green trousers on Day 5
Worst Runner up: Navy trousers on Day 3

MVP: Gray wash jeans | LVP: Blush blouse

I love the fit, the wash, and the copper button details of these gray wash jeans (from Urban Found in Holland). These jeans with a white shirt and boots are my plan for the rest of Spring basically. Not so much with the blush blouse. I loved wearing it and probably will again. It just didn't go with any of my bottoms BUT my dark denim flares so I couldn't wear it as much as I thought I would.

The first 3 days / Halfway point / The last 4 days

Spring 10x10: Style Stats

Denim: 30%
White: 30%
Price ($25-50): 45%
10x10 items total: $310

Spring 10x10 Top Takeaway: Quality is Key

I discovered quality is key because my white tops and dress are pretty worn out. Quality isn't something I cared about in my early 20's. It's now a requirement before making a purchase. It's a mindset shift to realize quality doesn't have to equal EXPENSIVE. I try to budget for what I want and often find quality brands at thrift stores (hello $2 denim from Rock Paper Scissors). It's nice to treat yourself every once in a while of course but what I love about this challenge is it reminds me what I have is enough.

In case you missed the looks: The first 3 days / Halfway point / The last 4 days

I've mentioned throughout the challenge these #spring10x10 posts are inspiring if you're looking to refresh your wardrobe for Spring. I also recommend Stylebook app to get a feel for your cost per wear and other fun style stats like the ones I shared above from my 10x10 challenge.

Thank you for following along with another 10x10 challenge. I might be helping with a local 10x10 for the Summer so stay tuned! xo, Em

Emily Bode 4/10/18 Emily Bode 4/10/18

Spring 10×10: Last 4 Days

Day 7 | If you saw my last set of looks you're not surprised with this look and a ball cap to hide Day 4 (yes, 4!) hair. Haha. Creating isn't often pretty but it's addicting to see what comes of the mess. I worked from home to continue on creating a big project and threw on my fuzzy sweater because I was freezing.

Crewneck sweater (Target) | Striped shirt dress (Target) | Gray washed jeans (Celebrity Pink) | Perforated leather booties

Day 8 | Flares and sweater to stay warm and put together for a student portfolio event at my alma mater a few hours North of town. Worked great for a night at our local bar catching up with friends we haven't seen in a year! I like simple outfits like this that are practical, basic, and don't take much thought to put together.

Ivory sweater (Urban Outfitters) | Dark flare denim (thrifted) | Block-heeled boots

Day 9 | Saturday vibes big time! This one was fun to discover the items I usually consider as "office wear" can be worn super casual. I was concerned I wouldn't care for my professional clothing or wear it as much when I went freelance full-time. This outfit proved it's just a mental shift. Shoes alone can dress this up or down. Wore this around the house and then to play darts with Joel at the pub.

White-collar button-up (Madewell) | Navy trousers (Zara) | Nike high-top sneakers

Looks 1-3 / Looks 4-6 / My 10 capsule items

Day 10 | I almost quit on the final day. But then I put on my dress, layered with the jacket, and wrote from the couch in a blanket as the sun streamed in. The simplest of looks for the simplest of days and a great way to end the challenge.

Dress: Striped shirt dress (Target) | Long denim jacket (gifted)

Spring 10x10: Last 4 Days

I shared in the last set of looks why this 10x10 was so challenging but it's worth repeating that I struggled with this one. I'm happy for the observation though because it's brought to light that my Spring Capsule needs some love and attention. So now I'm on the hunt for a striped tee dress and a white tee. I'm thinking Joon+Co for the dress and Everlane for the tee but you might know by now it takes me FOREVER to pull the trigger on a purchase.

Where do you shop for basics like this?

Emily Bode 4/7/18 Emily Bode 4/7/18

Then & Now: The difference 4 years can make

2014 | 2018

The picture on the left is from 2014 for an Unfancy guest blogger submission and on the right from 2018 last week for Spring10x10. Unfancy is the capsule wardrobe blog that inspired me to start a capsule of my own that year. I didn't get the gig but got the sweetest "no" I've ever received. I just looked back at our email correspondence and oy! I was a bit pushy to connect. Even after I was told I didn't get the guest blogger spot I asked Caroline if I could interview her for a blog spotlight series I was doing. Then I got the second sweetest "no" I've ever received.

IMG_2447-2 — The only thing I still have from this photo is my Cuyana bag & this Lake Superior agate necklace I made.

No's are an opportunity and mostly not personal. I kept applying for other guest submissions and getting No's until I got Yes's. Soon after applying to Unfancy, I had two articles published in Driftless Magazine. I'm not saying this to brag but to share an example of how No made way for Yes.

“I’m rooting for you — like a maniac. And I think you should keep putting your particular flavor of good out there — the world needs it.”

— Caroline Joy of Unfancy

See, the sweetest right? I wasn't the right fit at the time. I now see my outfit and photo quality weren't that inspiring. However, those weren't reasons to quit writing and exploring my personal style, even though I was tempted to at first.

Through trial and error, I found what I liked wardrobe-wise. I also kept going with my blog visuals and tweaking things here and there. I don't shoot lower than me anymore and have a mini tripod with a remote for my camera phone for ease. My understanding of natural light has improved and I've taught myself how to use some Lightroom presets.

I suppose what I'm trying to say is this "Then & Now" photo is a testament to keep going. If we don't look up once in awhile we miss how far we've come in pursuit of how much further we think we need to be. You don't know what you don't know until you know it. And that comes with patience, perseverance, and most of all, time.

Do you know what's really crazy? Four years after my guest blogger submission, I stumble upon a 10x10 wardrobe challenge Unfancy co-hosts with Style Bee. At the end of the 10 days, Caroline shares my winter10x10 on her Instagram. That same day I receive 350 new friends who share a similar passion for capsule wardrobes as I do.

An old No turned into a new Yes.

You just never know how things will play out. But you have to stay in the game to find out. With all the tough yet delicate Love I can muster, Em

PS: I'm selling that camera from above right now for $150+shipping [SOLD].

Emily Bode 4/4/18 Emily Bode 4/4/18

Spring 10×10: Halfway Point

Halfway there! This is the part of the challenge where more creativity has to happen because everything's been worn at least once.

Day 4 | I wore this to work at the coffee shop. The striped tee is my shirt dress. I was able to front tuck it in without it being too bulky because of the high waist. Adding the long jacket helped to not tuck anything in the back. Have I mentioned how much I love these flare jeans yet? They're an instant fave & the $2 price tag continues to have me in awe!

Striped shirt dress (Target) | Long denim jacket (gifted) | Dark flare denim (thrifted) | Block-heeled boots

Day 5 | My favorite dress-up outfit so far! I love how these pants fit and the looser shape. The fuzzy sweater came in clutch for these chilly days and braiding my hair kept it out of my face when it hailed & rained. I've been playing with different hairstyles and lip color as well because I like how that compliments a look. I wore this for date night with my Love to the bakery down the street.

White-collar button-up (Madewell) | Crewneck sweater (Target) | High-waisted green trousers (Gap) | Block-heeled boots

The first 3 looks / My 10 capsule items

Day 6 | I worked from home all day so I didn't get ready until later. I love the copper buttons so I knotted my button up to show them off a bit and added my blush pink neck scarf. Chilly for the weather but I'm boycotting the snow by acting like it isn't happening. Which really means I'm just cold but whatever. :P I added a jacket and scarf for playing darts with some friends at the pub at night.

White-collar button-up (Madewell) | Gray washed jeans (Celebrity Pink) | Block-heeled boots

Spring 10x10: Halfway Point

Admittedly I've been discontent this 10x10. I was so AMPED for the winter10x10 and was anticipating the same reaction this time but I think it's for 3 main reasons: 1. I'm in the middle of 2 big deadlines for a branding project (think: tall building) and event design (think: an uber-detailed build) so my focus is there. 2. There aren't many items in my Spring capsule that feel like ME. 3. The picture quality of my looks isn't great. I know that's not the point of this challenge but I take pride in having things how I envision them. Quality has been sacrificed for the reasons above and also because we moved so I don't have my new photo spot down yet. :)

I kind of like the super grainy look though. It's visually showing how imperfect and messy things can be so I like the message the Universe is sending me! Also to keep going with something even if it isn't perfect. No need to quit. At some point you just have to send it, right?! & be happy with what you created even if it misses your nearly impossible mark of quality. You might never reach that & that's ok because you're amazing & worthy anyway.

I've been so inspired by the #10x10friends looks though! The way people are layering and the colors they're wearing are just so good. Follow along on Instagram for some Spring inspiration with the #spring10x10 hashtag.

What are your favorite brands for shirt dresses &/or sweaters?

Emily Bode 4/2/18 Emily Bode 4/2/18

Urban to Rural: Spring Cleaning

"Spring cleaning is not a metaphor, my dear."

I woke up to this text from my mom this morning. As I sit here drinking my first cup in our old house that is again, our new house, it's the message I needed to hear. Joel and I moved BACK to our little Moon Lodge by the lake last weekend. A back story: last Spring we moved to a one-bedroom apartment in Grand Rapids for one year simply because we wanted to try it. After college, each of us considered moving to a larger city like Chicago or Grand Rapids. Soon after we got married something inside us felt the need to try it out. We just couldn't stop wondering where that path might take us so we headed East for a year.

That path brought us right back to our two-bedroom cottage on the lakeshore one year later. Neither of us regrets our time in the city. It brought so much growth to each of us. And definitely in our Marriage the way we treat each other in moments of transition or change.

So here I am in the now clean kitchen after organizing a dozen of boxes and bags getting ready for a new day in an old place that feels like a new place. I can't quite describe how odd the feeling is but I think my mom's text about spring cleaning says it perfectly. What is so hard and so beautiful about the Spring is it's a season of buds growing and waking up from the dark, cold Winter. I'm cleaning out these little crevices in our cupboards as if our year in the city almost didn't happen. Even though these cupboards and these rooms are the same, I can feel inside that I am not, and it's so reenergizing.

It's a fresh start.

We have a lot of plans for this little cottage of ours now. How we want to update it and have it better reflect who we are and the lake life we love. I rarely talk interiors here and I'm not sure if I will. But between our move and a large project I'm working on maybe, I'll share more on that topic.

Now I'm off to work on that large project I mentioned for the day and to organize and clean the living room tonight. Sometimes the only constant is change, my friends. May we soak it up as gracefully as we can.

Follow me on Instagram to see what else I've been up to lately! xo, Em

Emily Bode 4/1/18 Emily Bode 4/1/18

Spring 10×10: The first 3 days

Day 1 | I wore this to a casual meeting downtown and will definitely be wearing it again. It's super simple with a sweater and ripped jeans. I like the lighter denim (got them at Urban Found in Holland) with ivory and light tan booties. Even though it's still cold this outfit got me in the mood for Spring!

Ivory sweater (Urban Outfitters) | Gray washed jeans (Celebrity Pink) | Perforated leather booties

Day 2 | Definitely took a look from my Mom's playbook with this outfit. The top used to be my mom's and I found these flare jeans for $2 in the bargain bin at Rock, Paper, Scissors! I had them altered but I wish I would've gotten them a bit shorter. I wasn't sure how I'd feel about this light blush color with my winter skin – I thought I'd look too washed out. But I actually love the tone on tone. It feels delicate and feminine with some subtle bell sleeves.

Blush blouse (gifted) | Dark flare denim (thrifted) | Block-heeled boots

Day 3 | For a cozy Sunday I put on my ivory sweater again with navy trousers and loafers. I originally picked these trousers for some work meetings coming up but I like how casual they can be! I even wore this to walk Tiger and regretted it...still too cold! It was perfect for a couple of episodes of Nashville with Joel on the couch though.

Ivory sweater (Urban Outfitters) | Navy trousers (Zara) | Caramel loafers

This season's 10x10 feels so different than last season. Maybe it's because we've been moving all weekend so wearing my first 3 outfits with a different backdrop & lighting has created additional challenges. Or maybe it's because I struggle most with Spring style. Balancing lighter hues with cold weather doesn't come naturally to me. I like warm or cold, not this in-between. I'm pretty black and white that way. :P

I'm definitely going for casual vibes this challenge and accessorizing very little for simplicity so I'm liking what's coming from that. I'll be back in a few days with my outfits on days 4 – 6. In the meantime check out the #spring10x10 hashtag on Instagram. I love seeing how everyone is styling their items. There's a lot of brighter neutrals like rust, bright pink, and marigold and some springy patterns that are inspiring me!

How do you balance the cold and celebration of Spring in your wardrobe? Any tips?!

Emily Bode 3/30/18 Emily Bode 3/30/18

March Blue Moon

Life lately in tune with the monthly full moon cycle.

March Crow Moon – March Blue Moon

Hello! The March Blue Moon is the 9th post in Full Moon Monthly, a blog series that recaps life lately and what's on the horizon. This is the second full moon in March. It’s a rare occurrence to have two full moons in one month which is why it’s called a Blue Moon. Even rarer is January had a blue moon too! 2 blue moons in 3 months, CRAZY. It won't happen again until 2037. I'll be 46! (source).

Since the Crow Moon at the beginning of the month, there have been some fun photoshoots, a road trip with girlfriends, and growing my print shop.

Mystic Mamma's March full BLUE moon reading

March Blue Moon

Bella Grace Magazine Feature

One of my stories We're All Hustling and my Instagram is featured in Bella Grace magazine, Issue 15! Read more about why it feels so special to me [HERE].

Spring 10x10

It's here! Remember the Winter 10x10 I did this winter? Lee and Caroline are co-hosting another 10x10 challenge for the spring that started yesterday, March 30! This season is extra special because designer Elizabeth Suzann will be participating and doing a few giveaways throughout the 10 days. See my 10 pieces and more details on how to join [HERE]. It's definitely not too late to join.

Ferris Design Portfolio Review

Every year the design program I graduated from hosts a portfolio review where the Seniors share their final projects. The picture above is my class's review 5 years ago! This month I'll be reviewing some portfolios. It's fun to hear the students speak about their work. They don't realize how far they've come or how great they are because it's EXHAUSTING prepping for this thing but they're amazing & inspirational!

Related: Creative Business Chats

March Crow Moon

Joon + Co Spring Photoshoot

A Friday afternoon with Ashley and Becky shooting Joon+Co looks in my apartment is a Friday well spent! Ashley is such a talented photographer and Becky's eye & knowledge for sustainable fashion is a true gift. It was so reenergizing to have a casual workday with girl talk and belly laughter. I'm excited to show you more photos from the shoot!

International Women's Day 2018

Celebrated International Women's Day with a little photoshoot atop a parking garage with some Grand Rapids creatives. More about why we did it before getting kicked out! [HERE].

Nashville for Dre's bachelorette

I went to Nashville for one of my best friend's Bachelorette party’s! We ate and drank our way through the city and stayed in the cutest Airbnb in East Nashville. I will definitely be going back! I loved all the live music and the overall vibes there.

Brave Girl Print Shop: Summer 2018

Thanks to everyone who participated in my print shop Instagram survey last month. I have a lot of new prints in the works since last Summer and have taken your requests on how to improve the buying experience for you. I love the tangibility of art prints and I'm excited to get them in my shop and onto your walls next season! More to come with this for sure.

Full Moon Monthly recaps life lately and what’s on the horizon. See all moons here.

Emily Bode 3/28/18 Emily Bode 3/28/18

Spring 10x10: My 10 capsule items

Spring is here! Time to do my second 10x10 challenge. It starts tomorrow March 30th put on by Lee, Caroline, and this time special co-host designer Elizabeth Suzann. The challenge is to create 10 outfits from 10 items for 10 days in a row. More details here.

I discovered a lot about my style from the Winter 10x10 so I'm excited to see what this one will bring. I'm doing lighter tones for Spring but still have warm layering pieces picked out because Spring in Michigan is deceiving. It looks warm outside but it definitely isn't! Weather's calling for 30-40° temps with a mix of rain, snow, and wind over the next 10 days and I HATE being cold. I think I found a good compromise with my selections though.

My palette inspiration

I had an inspired palette this time thanks to a recent Spring shoot for Joon+Co with Sincerely Ashley; blush, sage, and ivory tones. I have NO black but doing a darker pair of bootcut denim and trousers and almost no patterns. I've found I like mixing textures more than patterns. It seems to give the most simple of outfits more depth.

Here's a sneak peek of some looks I'm planning. I'm using Stylebook app to organize and document everything this time. It tracks cost per wear and has a calendar to plan ahead of time. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND it if you're looking for a way to organize and see different options. I'm so glad Tieka and Megan shared it with me a while ago. I could do an entire post about this app alone, haha, but I'll save that for another time!

My 10 selections

My next 10 days is a lot of design time in the studio and a few meetings or weekend plans so it'll be more casual than the winter 10x10. New items I'll be wearing are a pair of block-heeled boots from Target, gray-washed jeans, and the denim bootcuts I have to pick up from being altered. I got those bad boys for $2 in a bargain bin! I can't WAIT to wear them in a couple of outfits this challenge. Not counting shoes or outerwear again but I did sneak a jacket in this time. I'm trying little by little. Here are my spring 10x10 pieces:

4 Tops

White-collar button-up (Madewell)
Fuzzy crewneck sweater (Target)
Ivory sweater (Urban Outfitters)
Blush blouse (gifted)

4 Bottoms

Gray washed jeans (Celebrity Pink)
Navy trousers (Zara)
High-waisted green trousers (Gap)
Dark bootcut denim (thrifted)

1 Dress

Striped shirt dress (Target)

1 Jacket

Long denim jacket (gifted)

Spring 10x10 starts Friday, March 30th

I'd love it if you'd join me! You can make it as involved or laidback as you want it to be. The community is the main reason I do this challenge because everyone is supportive and can get fresh ideas for your wardrobe! I'll be on Instagram showing daily looks in my stories and more in-depth posts every few days here so make sure to follow on Instagram! If you post a photo, tag it with these hashtags for 10 chances to win a $100 gift card to Elizabeth Suzann: #ES10x10 #spring10x10 #10x10friends

Let's do this chicas (and chicos)!

Emily Bode 3/12/18 Emily Bode 3/12/18

Bella Grace Magazine Feature

Brave Girl featured in Bella Grace magazine, Spring Issue 2018 | Brave Girl Design + Blog

I've been published in Bella Grace, a magazine dedicated to celebrating the ordinary and embracing the beauty of slow living. Or should I say Tiger & I have been featured in Bella Grace?

Joel and I went shopping last weekend to spend Christmas gift cards. My dad often gives me gift cards for books so we stopped into Barnes & Noble first. There it was at the checkout, the Bella Grace Spring Issue.

We laughed at seeing Tiger's big mug get an entire page and relived a crazy day before work which is the story on the right page.

There's also a portion where I share what living a Bella Grace life means to me with photos from my Instagram of my lettering, everyday life, and snaps from a seasonal capsule wardrobe shoot with my friend Leigh Ann.

You can find the Bella Grace Spring Issue at Barnes & Noble and Michael's for $20 or subscribe to the quarterly publication. The paper alone is worth the value but seeing the beautiful photography and stories of ordinary moments from hard-working and humble women is a true inspiration.

Thank you for all your continued support of this little corner and mission of mine. I really enjoy every comment, encouragement, and celebration of the ordinary moments you share with me. At the end of it all, it's the ordinary moments we'll remember as extraordinary.

xo, Em

Emily Bode 3/11/18 Emily Bode 3/11/18

Self-Care for Creatives: Know Thyself

Self-care prompt: Know Thyself

This is the final post of the #iamlovingme challenge. I thought I'd share more about essential oils or taking a bath at the end of a long day this week. After being immersed in the Enneagram and 16Personalities test this week though, I want to talk more about that and here's why:A lavender-infused bath after a long day sounds luxurious to me but if you ask my husband he'd say it's torture to just sit there staring at a wall. ha. He's the first to go for a long run after a busy day to unwind. That's zen for him. Whereas I hate running and would rather just sit in fresh-smelling standing water until it got cold. :)Month of self-care posts: Week 1 / Week 2 / Week 3 Self-Care for Creatives: Know Thyself | Brave Girl blog, #iamlovingme west michigan blogger campaign | photo by Sincerely Ashley

Photo by Sincerely Ashley

We all have different ways to unwind and best ways to take care of ourselves based on who we are, what drives us, etc. Enter: personality tests. I think they can be used as a starting point to discover self-care practices. We're all so unique and carry different perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds. Learning more about ourselves can help us to accept ourselves and that can radiate to accepting each other's differences and similarities. Self-Care for Creatives: Know Thyself | Brave Girl blog, #iamlovingme west michigan blogger campaign

Self-care prompt: Know Thyself by taking a personality test

One of the things the Enneagram test talks about is how a 1 type like me has this constant inner critic they battle with. She can be loud and mean and might be why I'm so hard on myself. But someone with a different Number has a different set of challenges and motivations – hence, why a bath sounds so good to me and not at all to Joel. :)

16 Personalities Test

16 Personalities is a free test, loosely based off the Myers-Briggs test, that takes around 10 minutes to take. It provides an in-depth look at how your personality handles career, relationships, and your strengths and weaknesses. You can pay around $30 for a full synopsis on your personality if you're crazy like me and want to read ALL THE DETAILS. :)I'm The Advocate (INFJ - T), what are you?!

Enneagram Test

Here's a free test for the Enneagram with the caveat that Enneagram is actually an ancient personality test where a quiz isn't needed to find out your "type". You just need to read the different descriptions and whichever one is speaking to you or is a bit hard to read because it feels so true to you, that's the type you are. HOWEVER if you need a starting point here's the free Enneagram quiz I took.I'm a 1w2, also known as The Perfectionist or Reformer. What are you?!These resources have been really helpful as I learn more about my personality and how I interact with others : [amazon_textlink asin='0830846190' text='The Road Back to You book' template='ProductLink' store='bravegirlspir-20' marketplace='US' link_id='20ed795a-263b-11e8-98b8-532978b177b6'] / The Road Back to You Podcast / Enneagram Institute

Do you like personality tests? What were your results if you've taken one of the tests listed above? Tag a photo with #iamlovingme on Instagram and share your type and thoughts on this with me or in the comments below, of course. :)Have a great week! xo, Em

CREATIVE BUSINESS CHATS FOSTER CONVERSATION AND COMMUNITY AMONGST CREATIVES SEEKING TIPS FOR GETTING STARTED. INCLUDES BEHIND THE SCENES OF FREELANCE/BUSINESS OWNERSHIP. SEE ALL CHATS HERE.

Emily Bode 3/7/18 Emily Bode 3/7/18

International Women's Day 2018

I've never celebrated this day before. It felt too big. How could I make an impact at all? I let my fears get the best of me so I just stayed small and quiet about it. But then my friend Ashley brought up her vision to honor it. I couldn't get her vision out of my head – we can do something to celebrate International Women's Day and all it stands for. Our dreams of an event were mighty, my friend. And they were a bit last minute for the logistics required.

So instead:

"Hey, will you join me on the rooftop of a parking garage?"

"Will you celebrate with me? We're a bit overdue celebrating who you are, who I am, and that we're all in this together."

Maybe it doesn't have to be so big after all. Maybe all it takes is a quick text, taking our place above the city, and looking to one another with an unspoken understanding:

“We got this."

"I'm here for you."

“Thank you."

The ladies here (left to right):

Ashley of Sincerely Ashley, @ashleywiergenga: Photographer, Marketing consultant, Lifestyle Blogger
Kristin Jones of Kristin Jones, @kristinjonesy: Stylist, Creative Director, Lifestyle Blogger
Franceska Garza, YouTube channel, @franceskax: Makeup Artist, YouTuber
Maria Roelofs, Graphic designer, @marroleo: Designer at DesignVox, Social Media for AIGA West Michigan
Elyse Flynn, @elyseflynn: Creative Director at DesignDesign, AIGA West Michigan President, Collaborator at Not Design

Photos by HZPhotos

Emily Bode 3/5/18 Emily Bode 3/5/18

Winter Capsule 2018: Neutrals for my (hopefully someday) studio

We're at the point of Winter where the smell of Spring is in the air but we're not quite there yet. Last week we had a tease of warmth and sunshine. All the snow melted and I kid you not, everywhere I went people were smiling and had more energy than I've seen for months, myself included. I'm so grateful we made it through February!

For some reason, February was especially challenging this year. I couldn't seem to stop being hard on myself about my business, our marriage, family time, etc. I definitely lean towards being too hard on myself and the long, dark, cold days made it difficult to get out of the funk I was in. However, light can be found in the dark days. I've spent most of them dreaming about the studio I'd like to have one day.

After hanging out at the new E + L Salon in Eastown with my friend and photographer Colette, I started to realize what I'd like in a studio space of my own. The salon has large windows to let the natural light in and this great reclaimed wood bar where I sketched with my coffee.

Erin, one of the owners of E+L, had the space so cozy with coffee brewing and a delicious-smelling candle burning. The overall feel of the salon is instantly inviting with the owners and what they stand for. I cuddled right in while Colette and I shot a few outfits and chatted about our work, goals, and websites.

One of my goals is to show you guys more outfits from my capsule wardrobe and how it can work for a freelance career lifestyle. I dress for a myriad of things because no 2 days look the same. I often pull inspiration from the projects I'm working on to get dressed. It helps put me in a fresh state of mind for the things I'm making.

I've had this knee-length sweater from Zara for a few years. I always pull it out this time of year because it's Spring-y with lightweight fabric but still long-sleeved for warmth. I LOVE its neutral color and the high slits up the sides. I'm not sure why but when I wear it Superpower by Beyoncé pops into my head. Outfits are NOT THE SAME, at all. Like I said, I’m dreaming.

Function with comfort for meetings and creating

Pairing it with faux leather leggings, black booties, and gold jewelry elevates a functional and comfortable look for a lunch meeting or heads down creating day. It's essentially leggings and a sweater but the materials and cuts make it more refined. And now I realize those are the same things I hope to have in my own studio someday; functional and comfortable with rich materials and classic lines. A warm cup of coffee for any guest or client who walks in and a cozy candle to make my space inviting.

What does your dream studio look like? What work do you dream of doing there?

Here's to hoping, Em

Outfit details:

Knee-length sweater (similar)
Faux leather leggings (similar)
Booties (Jessica Simpson – similar)
Hat (thrifted)

Photos by The Lipstick Lens

Emily Bode 3/3/18 Emily Bode 3/3/18

Self-Care for Creatives: Take a Break

The #iamlovingme challenge I started last month has proved how little I've been taking care of myself. I realized myself is at the end of the list from observing my daily self-care routines. Probably why I was out sick with the flu recently. Joel made a rule I COULD NOT go on any screens and I'm so grateful for his gentle nudge because I couldn't seem to turn work off on my own. What was most eye-opening to me was how wound up I was and I didn't even know it. My body was showing signs (waking up in the middle of the night, night sweats, irritability, foggy head) and I ignored them, rationalized them away. Isn't it scary how easy that is?!

All the screen-time made me not even realize what my body was trying to tell me! I think my tech use has gotten way out of control and it's become a health issue for people whose jobs are centered around screens (influencers, bloggers, designers, writers, etc.). Any resources or rec's you like on this topic? I want to learn more about it.

Self-Care for Creatives: Take a Break | Brave Girl blog, #iamlovingme west michigan blogger campaign

Self-care prompt: Take a Break

The flu & too much tech-inspired this week's self-care prompt. If you've been grinding like me this winter, TAKE A BREAK. Not an Instagram story showing you're taking a break, like a true break where no one knows you even did it. From the phone, social media, the noise. Whatever distraction is keeping you from checking in with yourself. Or just giving your mind a moment of silence or simply being.

“I have found the strength of retreat and silence that taps the feminine power of introspection and receiving answers. It has been good to understand the art of self-exploration, because through the feminine principle, I have learned the wisdom of loving myself.”

— Wisdom Keeper, Clan Mother of the Second Moon Cycle, from the book The 13 Original Clan Mothers by Jamie Sams

I've been trying to change an unhealthy pattern I've struggled with since college. Every 6 months or so I come down with a really intense cold that puts me out for 3-5 days. My body aches and my head pounds yet I still try to push through. But then I just can't keep going at that pace and all I do is sleep. It's the only time my mind, body, soul truly rests and it's because I'm so broken down I can't do anything. This is NOT healthy! But I don't know what to do about it. I've been trying a lot of things to become mindful and restful as a daily habit in hopes to shift this cycle. The stress will crush you little by little. I've been making lifestyle changes the last couple of years and trying to learn more about my body and what's healthy but there are things I'd like to tweak and be more aware of. Any resources or rec's you have with this would be great to know also!

Self-care prompt: Give yourself 30 minutes of solitude a day

So, let's try it out this week! Let's focus on work and then turn it off. Like really turn it off when the day is done. I just signed up for March Meditation Challenge by AM Yoga – 28 days of meditation to see if meditating daily will help to quiet my mental chatter and slow down a bit. It's a free challenge. I'd love you to join me if it feels right for you. There's a FB group for accountability with other people who are in the challenge too.

Other free resources I enjoy:

The challenge is technically over but I'm still going strong with #iamlovingme on Instagram. Follow along & tag your self-care tips and techniques. I'd love to learn more.

How do you diffuse mental chatter? What are some healthy tips & techniques you do to reduce stress?

Have a great week! xo, Em

Creative Business Chats foster conversation and community amongst creatives seeking tips for getting started. Includes behind the scenes of freelance/business ownership. See all chats here.

Emily Bode 3/1/18 Emily Bode 3/1/18

March Crow Moon

Life lately in tune with the monthly full moon cycle.

January Blue Moon – March Crow Moon

Hello! The March Crow Moon is the 8th post in Full Moon Monthly, a blog series that recaps life lately and what's on the horizon. The March moon is also considered the Worm Moon because it's when the ground becomes soft enough for worms. It's the last moon of winter when crows are cawing their farewells to winter and welcoming Spring soon. Hallelujah! (source). Since the Blue Moon at the end of January, it was a pretty rough February so I'm very happy to say good riddance & hear the crows again.

Mystic Mamma's March full moon reading

March Crow Moon

Joon + Co Photoshoot

We had a photoshoot today for Joon + Co's upcoming Spring collection. Ashley of Sincerely Ashley shot the looks and Becky (Joon + Co's founder) styled them. I've been in a rut since my winter 10x10 but these pieces have me inspired for Spring. Hanging out with these talented and full-hearted ladies was so much fun and makes me appreciate our creative community so much. I'm excited to share more soon!

Related: My Capsule Wardrobe

New Brave Girl Prints

New prints coming to the shop for Spring! I'm excited to keep growing the collection. One of my friends suggested selling a PDF of my prints so you can easily download & print quotes from your own home. I think it's a great idea! What do you think? Would you buy prints like this in my Etsy shop?

Related: Print shop

Weekly Lettering challenge with Lauren Hom

Some large winter projects have wrapped up so I'm excited to continue my weekly lettering challenge this month. I'm trying not to put too much pressure on myself and just going at my own pace since it's a personal project. I'm hoping to do more watercolor with the weekly prompts as I'm really loving the looseness of the medium.

Nashville for one of my best friend's

I'm so excited to be going to Nashville at the end of the month for one of my best friend’s bachelorette party! She knows nothing of what we have planned but I think she's going to LOVE it. I've never been there but have heard great things. Any recommendations?!

January Blue Moon

Self-Care Love with Lexi of In The Hutch

I initially planned to have 4 weeks of self-care tips for you by this moon because February is a hard month. But plans changed when I had the flu for a week! Pretty sure that was my body saying you need to do the things you're encouraging others to do. Thanks, Universe. Message received. Taking a break is my next one, completely inspired by the reminder the flu gave me; slow it down, chica.

Related: #iamlovingme on Instagram

Mardi Gras with a zydeco band

I went to my hometown for my friend's bridal shower at the end of my flu. It was supposed to be a quick stop for the day. But there was a beer release at the bar in town, then a zydeco band started setting up, and suddenly I had on a Mardi Gras mask and kept collecting beads! My parents are very fun people. After a pretty heavy & hard month for all of us, some blues music and lots of laughter with my people were the ultimate cure. These things have always been healing. Grateful to have had the reminder. Laissez les bons temps rouler, friends.

Freelance Design Chat at GVSU student group

Chatting freelance design with the AIGA GVSU group was awesome. Joel came with me and offered tax & job advice to the students. It's hard to describe how happy & whole it made me be speaking about freelance design with my husband. I don't do this alone, that's for sure, and I'm so grateful to have had a platform where we could both share our experience with my business to students. I'd love to do more speaking events like this in the future.

Related: Creative Business Chats

Voted Top 100 Women Blogs to Follow

I was voted Top 100 Women Blogs to Follow by Feedspot! It's definitely an accomplishment I'm so grateful for and has me reflecting on the last 4.5 years on this blog of mine. So much has changed since I first started and it's really beautiful to reminisce on the unfolding. Even the hard stuff feels a little dreamy after something like this. I wrote more about it [here].

Full Moon Monthly recaps life lately and what’s on the horizon. See all moons here.

Emily Bode 2/28/18 Emily Bode 2/28/18

Living & Loving By the Lake

Homwork #3: Living & Loving by the Lake

This week's Homwork prompt was to put a spin on the overused phrase "Live. Laugh. Love." and make it your own.

I've loved playing with watercolor and lettering since working with it for a client project (more to share on that soon!). Not only how it looks but how it feels. It's made me realize loosening up my hand is what's been missing for me in my lettering. This watercolor approach is helping me discover other styles of lettering I enjoy. I don't have to maintain the same one all the time. An eye-opening statement for me.

When I get really wound up about a full client & project schedule, everything about me tenses up from my neck to my hands to my mind & heart. Not good. Not healthy. Then the water comes along. Softly. Unassuming. Always there. Reminding me what I'm made of.

How do you feel about the water? What does it do for you? xo, Em

Find each week's lettering on my Instagram. Or join the creative challenge anytime and receive emails from Lauren with the next week's prompt. Sign-up here.

Emily Bode 2/15/18 Emily Bode 2/15/18

Voted Top 100 Women Blogs to Follow

Brave Girl has been voted Top 100 Women Blogs to Follow by Feedspot! I've been wondering how to tell you or if I should even share it. Then I decided I'm just gonna. Forget the games or thinking too hard. So there it is.

Brave Girl is in a lineup of blogs and websites I've admired for years like Darling Magazine, Ms. Magazine, Entrepreneur, and The Every Girl. To say I'm excited and proud is an understatement. It's also a testament to you – for being here with me. For reading my words and on multiple occasions both online and in real life, you've shown up for me. You've encouraged me to keep sharing my message and deep feelings as a woman, a creative, and messy human being. You've given me the dose of tough love I need when I'm about to give up and you say, "Girl, you better not quit. We need you to be you."

So THANK YOU for standing next to the fearful girl who timidly spoke her message to find her strength and encourage others to own theirs. Your courage is contagious. See the full list of inspiring women-led publications here. xo, Em

PS: Celebrate with me by sharing a moment where you've felt courageous recently, small or big, in the comments. What did you do? How did you feel?!

Photos by Kristin Jones

Emily Bode 2/14/18 Emily Bode 2/14/18

Winter Capsule 2018: Dazey LA Graphic tee

Winter Capsule 2018: Dazey LA graphic tee

I don't usually consider tees a winter wardrobe piece because I hate being cold. However, pairing a cute graphic tee with fleece pants and a crisp blazer changes things.

I paired my Dazey LA tee with buffalo check bottoms because I like the looser type graphic with the more rigid check pattern. I've found I don't like matching exactly yet like using same color families. A little quirky because I'm a little quirky.

Layering with a collared button-up and blazer dresses up the tee a bit. I could wear this to a fun client meeting or art directing a photoshoot. These pants are SO warm and soft. They're pajama pants I found for $12 on clearance at Madewell Chicago last Summer and they've been hanging out in my Winter Capsule ever since. Don't you just think WINTER. CABIN. BONFIRE. when you look at them?!

Winter Capsule: Dazey LA graphic tee

This outfit makes me think of how my brother and I always used to be in costume of some sort growing up. One day we'd be soldiers in the jungle with our puffy green vests and war paint and the next we were clowns practicing for our circus debut (side note: I hate real circus', I will NEVER go).

Dressing fun and quirky is my way of wearing rose-colored glasses in this world. Of acknowledging the light and play. I've been called naive, innocent, and flat out gullible for my rosy-tinted perspective. I actually lost $16 to a panhandler a few weeks ago because of it. He had a really good story in my defense.

See the world through rosé colored glasses

After that incident, I think it's less expensive to have a more skeptical view. But I also think it's a constant battle to stay positive. There are so many things happening around us, to us, and to the people in our close circles that are extremely painful, challenging, and evil. And some days the rosy hue is most definitely storm clouds of gray.

Getting back to the lightness and brightness is a battle worth fighting for.

We're a long way from perfection but I do hope for progress. And when I'm deep in the dumps I try to remember the good things amidst the heavy. Like, the sun came out yesterday. Did you see it? I'm reading a book about the moons. He made me brussels sprouts and got me rosé because he noticed I was out. And my momma asked me to be her Valentine. These are good things friends, let's say them out loud.

What's one thing that was AWESOME for you this week?!

If you're feeling rosy or need a little visual reminder use the code BODE at checkout for 10% off your order: Dazey LA xo, Em

Outfit details:

Graphic tee (Dazey LA)
White collared shirt (Madewell)
Buffalo check pajama pants (Madewell – sold out)
Blazer (thrifted)
Beret (gifted)
Booties (Jessica Simpson – similar)

Photos by The Lipstick Lens

Emily Bode 2/12/18 Emily Bode 2/12/18

Self-Care for Creatives: Why it isn't a luxury

Get your sweat on: walk, run, yoga...

As I mentioned last week, I'm doing a self-care challenge this February with a little help from my friends. I did more digging into what self-care is and want to share why you don't need to make purchases to take care of yourself. Reading Self Care 101 on the Girl Boss website shifted my perspective on self-care big time. I often associate self-care with buying things but it isn't the only or even the best way to practice it.

How to practice self-care as an entrepreneur (source: Girlboss)

Self-Care for Creatives: Get your sweat on | Brave Girl blog, #iamlovingme west michigan blogger campaign | photo by Leigh Ann Cobb photography

Luxurious or large proclamations aren't necessary to practice daily self-care. It's all about the intention behind our actions really. Of course healthy food, fitness memberships, and workout gear will cost something but I'm talking about using a purchase as an excuse to delay working out (I'm so guilty of this!). I've rationalized starting yoga only once I buy a new pair of yoga pants.

Just YouTube yoga, lay down a towel, and move those hips to downward dog, chica!

Self-Care for Creatives: Get your sweat on | Brave Girl blog, #iamlovingme west michigan blogger campaign

Self-care prompt: walk, run, yoga...

So let's get our sweat on this week. Especially with it being a week full of love. However that shows up for you, go for it. You might not even need new gear. This time of year is SO HARD for me to simply MOVE and it definitely affects my mind, body, well-being in a nasty way. I have a few more days of my yoga membership at Funky Buddha Yoga Hothouse so I'll be sweating it out there, taking Tiger for long walks, and a fun dance class with a few girlfriends that I always feel amazing after doing.

Resources if you need a starting point: AM Yoga meditation & flows free podcast (thanks Megan!) / Bad Yogi YouTube free videos / WERQ class at Live.Dance.Move for $6 drop-in

Let me know if you're doing it with me by tagging a photo or story of your workout with #iamlovingme on Instagram. I'd love to cheer you on. Have a great week! xo, Em

Creative Business Chats foster conversation and community amongst creatives seeking tips for getting started. Includes behind the scenes of freelance/business ownership. See all chats here.