EC & B4BC

Posted on February 23, 2016 by admin

Cancer awareness is a cause that has always been close to our hearts. This year the fight became personal when one of our own EC team members, Sam, was diagnosed with breast cancer.

As our entire team watched her battle (and win!) with grace, courage and steadfast determination we were inspired to create a revamped cancer awareness line and partner with an organization that could take our efforts even further.

Boarding for Breast Cancer (or B4BC), a foundation dedicated to breast cancer education and prevention, was the perfect partner to spearhead our fundraising efforts. With 50% of proceeds from sales of the cancer awareness collection going directly to the organization, we were able to raise over $4,000 in October alone.

Sam herself became even more involved and got to see firsthand the incredible support and work that B4BC is doing at this year’s “Chasing Sunshine” retreat.

She shared her experience with us, saying that at first she felt apprehensive committing to the weekend, being only two weeks post-surgery and understandably mentally and physically weak. A born fighter, Sam never complained and never appeared afraid, remaining strong for her two children and inspiring us all.

She was worried that the weekend would be rehashing the pain, fear and the injustice of the disease. Her tumors were gone but the wounds were literally and physically still fresh and she did not want to dwell. I’ll let Sam’s quote speak directly to her experience:

“I was 100% incorrect in thinking I was walking into a weekend of “woe is me,” rehashing diagnoses and treatments. The weekend was filled with positive people, positive experiences, genuine empathy and a sympathy and sisterhood that only someone who has traveled this devastating path can understand. Everyone helped me with the activities I was physically unable to perform and we shared some amazing conversations and experiences. We all felt so grateful to be alive, and I just felt so fortunate to connect with such a supportive organization and group of women.”

We are so proud to be associated with both Sam, everyone at B4BC and all of the fighters out there beating, battling & going to bat for a cure for cancer.

WHAT WE’VE GOT PLANNED….

Posted on February 18, 2016 by admin

Crazy to think it’s been three years since I last was blogging! I’m so excited for this new look and feel that reflects the changes (not just to my hair!) and improvements we’ve made as a company, and can’t wait for all that’s in store!

From sneak peeks into photo shoots, current fashion trends that inspire, guest blogger features & my tried-and-true entertaining and organizing tips, our revamped blog will be a unique mix of content: pop culture, entertaining, organization, motivational quotes, fashion, DIY projects and more! I am so excited to be able to create a colorful space to celebrate my favorite things and give a peek into the chaos of my day-to-day life.

Come join me on this next adventure….

Outfit of the Day, the EC way! #ECootd

Posted on February 18, 2016 by admin

I’ve always been obsessed with fashion and have been “collecting” clothes since high school. Yes, it’s true, I still have some faves from the 80’s and 90’s that I’m glad I hung on to (seeing my daughter in my Jake Ryan t-shirt after forcing her to watch 16 Candles with me was a highlight.)

Someone on our Marketing team suggested that we photograph some of my work ensembles to show more of my personal style and personality and showcase just how fashion trends can influence the collection and designs seen on the website.

The result? An ongoing #ECootd series that will appear in our Design & Style section from time to time. For details on what I’m wearing in this picture, read on!

(blazer: H&M, denim shirt: JCrew, cuffed jeans: Mother, slip-on shoes: Stella McCartney)

SETTING SMART(ER) GOALS

Posted on February 18, 2016 by admin

It’s been more than a month since we set our resolutions and in this stretch of striving to continue without breaking them, goal-setting becomes even more of a trending topic than usual. If you’re someone who hates not meeting goals, maybe you make the mistake of setting the bar too low. Maybe you get overly ambitious and challenge yourself by setting unattainable goals. The key to success here is by being realistic, and being…(dare I say it?) SMART.

The SMART system has been around for years and is an effective way to measure the goals you plan on setting, by ensuring that your goal meets each of the 5 tenets. Whether you like setting monthly goals and writing it on your mirror, make yearly goals when you decide your New Year’s resolutions, or like to set weekly or even daily goals, check out the SMART method below (and print our FREE downloadable worksheet!)

By making sure that your goals meet all of the SMART criteria, (Specific, Measured, Achievable, Realistic, Timely) you ensure that you are setting yourself up for success with checkpoints that allow you to take a second look and reevaluate. Physically writing down your goal and visualizing it is a positive way to hold yourself accountable and makes you more likely to see your goal all the way through to completion.

Plan fun rewards for when you hit your goals, make an inspiration corkboard to hang in your room and visualize yourself achieving and succeeding! Print the attached download and hang on your fridge, keep on your desk or tuck into your LifePlanner™ as a reminder of what to remember in goal-setting!

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD YOUR SMART CARD!

UP, UP & AWAY: CELEBRATING OUR 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY!

Posted on February 18, 2016 by admin

We had so much fun at this photo shoot, I just had to share! Here are some highlights from our big 10-year anniversary campaign…

We filmed in our Los Angeles warehouse, putting up a green screen and bringing in the LARGEST balloons I have ever seen!

There were outfit changes, a huge fan to make that natural windblown look (ha! look out Beyonce!) and “movie magic” all done in post production to make it look like I was being carried away into the sky! My team had fun with their solo balloon shots too.

At the end of the shoot, my team surprised me with a HUGE and adorable cake. I must say, our 10 year anniversary was pretty sweet! I hope you enjoy the the behind the scenes peek as we celebrate a decade of happy organization & inspiration.

Click here to see our Newsletter with the final images!