New Music \\\

Meet Johnnyswim.

An amazing married musical duo that radiate so much love and genuine creativity.  

I saw these two perform in Washington DC recently and I haven't been able to stop listening to them since.  You know how you have that group that you listen to everyday while you tinker along with your daily routine; these two are that group for me.  

 

Another amazing married musical folk duo I've been very interested in lately is Barnaby Bright.  Their sound is so pure and just plain lovely.  Have a listen!  

TED + Barnaby Bright? Yes please. 

What's everyone listening to lately!  

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Link Loves

Loving so many articles this week on the web.  Thought I'd share a few.

PS Can't wait to reveal a few new projects that are in the works. 

I'll give you a hint: SGG.

Kaitlin + myself exploring Hamlet's castle in Denmark.

Thought Catalog "Letter to all of the Wanderlust-stricken Souls"

This article was really wonderful to read and reminisce about my travels in Europe.  If you've had the luxury to travel alone, I commend you and encourage to do it as often as you can.  With graduation approaching, this article makes me want nothing more than to pick up everything and backpack around Europe for the rest of the summer.  There is still so much I have yet to see and I'm itching and eager to just go. 

"I Am A Ukrainian." 

I'd like to think of myself as pretty 'up to date' with current events, however I was so inspired by a classmate today when she told us in Feminist Playwright class (right? it's an ah-mazing class) that she gets her news global.  She diligently checks the daily news from networks and publications of that country, not specifically American sources of international news.  I think that is amazing and I'm really interested in doing that for myself.  

This youtube called, "I Am A Ukrainian" shows the devastating turmoil in the Ukraine.  It is absolutely  heartbreaking but I'm so glad this video is going viral.  This conversation needs to happen.  

Here is another great article about the revolts occurring in Kiev right now. 

Things That Haven't Changed for Women Since the Feminine Mystique

I literally just received my $3 copy of Betty Friedan's The Feminine Mystique in the mail 2 days ago.  It was today in 1963 that the leading lady published this status quo shattering read.  A few weeks ago in Women and Politics (another ah-mazing class) we spent some time on second wave feminism and I fell madly in love with the movement.  I was always aware of its implications, but watching clips of protests and hearing from women of that time was really moving for me.  I can't wait to catch up on actual school work so I can get started. 

Any thoughts on Ukraine?  Or The Feminine Mystique?  

Let's start chatting!  

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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