AND I'm done!

Ladies and Gentlemen, my thesis is complete. It is turned in and awaiting a final score.  Lots of love, passion and hope went into the making of this thesis project.  

My research question and title changed about 5 times during the creation and writing process but it ended up being: 

Partisan Media and A Polarized America: A Study of Twenty-Four Hour News Networks and Their Lack of Policy Discussion Surrounding The Supreme Court Ruling of The Affordable Care Act.  

Mouthful.

A huge thank you to all of my family and friends that sent over edits and words of encouragement!! It wouldn't be done today if it weren't for you!  

In the spirit of completing a huge goal, I am feeling such good vibes for the months left of school to follow!  I'm SO anxious to get started doing the things that I love, incorporating exercise into my daily routine, waking up early, applying for jobs, finishing small creative projects, and jumping into big ones.  

In order to keep the inspiration flowing, I had to pass on this beautiful interview from Marie TV that I found through The Daily Muse.  As I'm currently filling up my Google Calendar with times to yoga, knit, and paint, it's important to remember Goal Setting.

"Knowing your core desire feeling is really about you becoming an intentional creator of your life." - Danielle LaPorte

I would love your feedback on this video?  Did you guys feel the same inspiration that I did?  Danielle LaPorte is a spiritual goddess and I feel like a new woman after watching this. Has anyone read The Desire Map?   One of my favorite pieces of advice was towards the end when she discussed a common occurrence among women: the questioning thought of, "Do I deserve these desires?  Am I good enough to have dreams this big?"  The answer is MOST DEFINITELY YES!! Shine on ladies and let your dreams grow big :)! 

Good vibes to you, wonderful readers!  

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Dreaming of free time

I wanted to take a break from reading news transcripts to give my fingers a taste of the extreme amount of writing I'll be completing in the next 6 days.  With a full draft due this weekend, my thesis is really picking up and I'm dreaming of activities and projects that have nothing to do with the partisan news coverage of Obamacare.  

Here's a list of things I'm gonna do when my thesis is over. 

1. I've started a spreadsheet of jobs to apply for.. I think I'll apply for them so I'm not unemployed. 

2. Start making big things happen with the Smart Girls Group. 

3. Really though, I'm finishing that scarf I started over 1 year ago in a different country before the polar vortex roles around for the 6th time.

4. I'm gonna fangirl on twitter and make some more internet pals, cuz I love the ones I have now. 

5. Designing my own business cards.

6. Sending notes to all my pals. 

7. Starting to do the yoga.

8. Reading everyday, all day.

9. I want to start writing about things I care about.. like the media, politics, feminism, professional development, closing the gender pay gap, #leaningin, art, culture, gender and race, theatre, city planning, bikes, europe, travel, and being scared of writing. 

10. I'm going to paint.

What are you going to do once you find free time? 

xxoo

Chilly Mexico

Yes, I am in Mexico while it is 10 F at home, but its chilly here too! Like I don't have a tan and I wish I had brought sweaters.  Just wanted to send a little update! Hope everyone is staying warm wherever you are!

Ad Swaps + Sponsors

So excited to announce my first Ad Swap with Milk + Crown! 

I was so impressed with the way Kristyn organized her sponsor page that I contacted her for some advice.  We've been emailing back and forth for the past few months and she was SO supportive and helpful when I decided to start ad swaps and sponsorships on my page.  Kristyn's writing is eloquent and beautiful, and most importantly, very real.  Her etsy shop has some gorgeous, simple, everyday jewelry that I'm loving. 

My favorite pieces are 

+

She's been an incredible resource and I'm SO happy to be launching this feature with her!  I've already seen a growth in my daily numbers.

I'm offering 3 free ad swaps on my blog per month as well as introducing paid sponsors and other offers in the coming months.

If you'd like to ad swap for free there are two spaces left for January, please email me

hilary.purpleflowers@gmail.com

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"Man marks the earth with ruin, but his control stops with the shore." - Lord Byron

I'm leaving on a jet plane. 

Hopefully I'll be able to update with pictures, but if not, follow me on instagram to stay up to date with my travels! 

img 1 // img 2 // img 3 // img 4 // img 5 // img 6

Off to Mexico for 10 days!  Be back soon with finished books and a tan! 

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Mark your Calendars

Have you secured your 2014 planner? 

Same.  

Mine is from Sugar Paper + I. LOVE. IT.

But I also love to hang up calendar printables above my desk to have big projects in front of me. 

I found these on Pinterest and I think I'll be printing them as soon as I get back to school.  I just love them! 

Be sure to click on the image to go to elli.com to download!  

Let me know what calendars and planners you are using to stay organized this new year!  

Happy 2014! 

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