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Finally making the time to get back to monthly watercolors.
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Centennial post
Woo-hoo! We did it! Today is my 100th post on Purple Flowers! I started this little blog almost 1 year ago and started blogging 3 years before that. I'm so happy that I have a little readership to call my own and a space where I can express my creativity!
If you've been following along since day 1 (hi, mom) thank you! If you're just joining the party, don't worry it's just getting started! Big things will be happening soon!
My first post I wrote:
On May 23rd, 2013 I love coffee, Europe, traveling, exploring, photographs, typography, infographics, graphic design, web design, tumblr, sunshine, rain, dogs, baseball, higher education, public policy, community development, symbolism, politics, research, blogs, friends, books, pens, love letters, handshakes, jobs, water, running, architecture, gardens, twinkle lights, dancing, london, markets, ancients, girl scout cookies, bumper stickers, purses, airports, hugs, flags, church, classical literature, film, leonardo dicaprio, lacrosse, washington college, thesis research, professors, russia, new things, learning, cities, baltimore, company softball games, walks, peer mentoring, leadership, public speaking, teaching swim lessons, diving, exercising, avocados, salt and pepper, croissants, hazelnut macchiatos, pinterest, social media strategy, internships, capitol hill, american history, library books, coffee shops, shopping, georgetown, m street, urban outfitters, doughnuts, theatre, burmese food, ted talks, the college prepster, shoes, adoption, spreading love, making smiles, holding doors, thanking, welcoming, meeting, sunglasses, nalgene bottles, bookstores, ereaders, old bay, charleston, hilton head island, jewelry stores, dominoes pizza, highlighters, georgetown, roommates, laughing, smiling, puppies, parents, grandparents, coding, cuddling, yoga, leggings, bagels, curls, polka dots, seersucker, jolly ranchers, ranch dressing, spinach leaves, coca cola, toasted marsh mellow milkshakes, camp fires, cook outs, burgers, scavenger hunts, youtube, spotify, rain on windows, the sound of music, justin timberlake, dunkin donuts blueberry iced coffee, tall men, waking up to snow, moving, free food, salad, row houses, hills, happy people, sky lights, crown molding, dressing rooms, marshalls, sparkles, hunter green, social media, communications, marketing, progress, community service, nooks, union jacks, cork, wine, dancing music, singing in the car, historic areas, castles, nonpartisan groups, clothes out of the dryer, notebooks, monograms, royalty, grass, tribal prints, apple, black and white, expelling ignorance, french, borgen, danish parliament, love yous, golden doodles, lattes, the internet, great gatsby, early mornings, early nights, driving, radio, snuggles, happy days, porch swings, mason jars, blankets, weddings, babies, rome, mailbox, stockholm, new friends, old friends, stationery, early mornings
I still love all of those things! I am so glad that I did this and on my 1 year anniversary for this blog, I'll be doing it again soon, documenting all of my favorite things. Will you join me?
Comment below with your favorite things today!
Monday, April 21, 2014
b-e-a-utiful!
I've never really talked about my daily routine before when in comes to makeup and skincare!
These are my essential items that I use everyday and couldn't live without. I don't know where I would be without my Pond's Cold Cream...probably hiding in my room. Chloe always reminds me of Copenhagen since most of the Danish girls I hung out with wore this perfume. I've been using Bare Minerals since I was a Freshman in high school. I had some pretty awful troubles with acne and Bare Minerals was the only makeup that didn't make my skin react even more and totally gave me my confidence back. Even going to an all girls high school, it was still nice to feel like my skin was beautiful. I've never looked back. My recent obsession is Smashbox. I am so severely in love with their primers, especially their color correcting one. I not only blush easily but blemishes tend to make my face look all kinds of shades of red. And life's most important lesson, L'Oreal Mascara is the only way. With my tiny eyelashes, I've tried all the lash lengthening, volumizing mascaras out there and I will always come back to L'Oreal.
Items above include:
Smashbox Full Exposure Pallet // Smashbox PhotoFinish Color Correcting Primer // Chloe Ead de Parfum // e.l.f. Mineral Blush // Pond's Cold Cream Cleanser // EOS Sweet Mint // L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara // Bare Minerals Foundation
Do you guys have any staples for your daily look?
Thursday, April 17, 2014
The day the Lord created hope was probably the same day he created Spring. - Bern Williams
I am SO into spring right now. Maybe it's because we had a seemingly never ending winter. I've definitely adopted a 'mostly black' wardrobe for winter from my time in Scandinavia, but my spring/summer clothes are bright as can be.
With the last round of formals and senior events approaching, it is dress season. Luckily, Old Navy has some amazing style this season that are cheap and appropriate for any occasion, including work!
Items posted above include:
Steve Madden Booties // Bamboo Cutlery // Floral Kimono // ASOS Midi Skirt // Old Navy Jersey Dress // Ikea Flowers // Fruit & Water Carafe // H&M Dress
What are you loving this Spring?
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Spring Break 2014: Savannah
The last 'spring break', ever.
However this year was my first spring break that I traveled with friends! It was a wonderful adventure and I learned a lot about myself and my 3 friends over 25 hours of driving throughout the week.
While we were there we took a day trip to Savannah since Hilton Head Island is only about an hour away. It was the perfect little escape mid week amidst the beach, laying by the pool, and catching up on work. Marie and Ashley are both talented photographers and took so many gorgeous photos of our time there. Here are a few of my photos that I edited with VSCO CAM.
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I've been to Savannah about 5 times and I fall more in love every time. I could honestly see myself living there one day. It is the most romantic city; the right mix of Old South and 21st Century. Besides the rich history, I wasn't too overwhelmed with the whole 'Southern' culture thing that typically turns me off. The food is amazing, the festivals (specifically St. Patricks Day), the squares, the history, the waterfront; it really has the whole package. I secretly wish that I could go to Savannah College of Art and Design and do Graphic Design.. if only *Le Sigh.
Where were your latest travels? Have you spent time in Savannah? What was your favorite part?
Monday, April 14, 2014
Being A Real Person
I'm going to be making some pretty big decisions in the next month. Like, huge decisions.
I think I have my mind made up already, it's just about signing the paper work. I've been doing a lot of thinking.. on the treadmill, in the shower, at my desk, walking to class; where I want to be, what it is I want to be doing, how I want to spend my time.
In preparation of those big decisions, naturally I planned out my kitchen! Thanks to Polyvore and mostly Ikea, I know how I'd love my little space to look!
I think I have my mind made up already, it's just about signing the paper work. I've been doing a lot of thinking.. on the treadmill, in the shower, at my desk, walking to class; where I want to be, what it is I want to be doing, how I want to spend my time.
In preparation of those big decisions, naturally I planned out my kitchen! Thanks to Polyvore and mostly Ikea, I know how I'd love my little space to look!
Items include:
Ikea Table // Ikea Shelf // Tea Towel // Bread Bin // Nespresso Machine // Pantone Coffee Maker // Ikea Lamp // Ceramic Cups // Pantone Thermal Cup // Bodum Coffee Maker // Ikea Kitchen Cart // One Kings Lane Casserole // Anthropologie Latte Bowls // Ikea Chairs
Have you used Polyvore to sketch out your interiors?
Ikea Table // Ikea Shelf // Tea Towel // Bread Bin // Nespresso Machine // Pantone Coffee Maker // Ikea Lamp // Ceramic Cups // Pantone Thermal Cup // Bodum Coffee Maker // Ikea Kitchen Cart // One Kings Lane Casserole // Anthropologie Latte Bowls // Ikea Chairs
Have you used Polyvore to sketch out your interiors?
Friday, April 11, 2014
Equal Pay Day!
Really jazzed about this week; why? Because women deserve equal pay for equal work.
Women all over the country have come together to support a great cause, the desire for equal compensation of the same exact job done by a man. Seems pretty simple, right? In fact, it almost feels dumb thinking about it. How do I wrap my brain around the fact that women with the same levels of education as men, doing the same work as men, are paid less than men, just because of gender. Millennial women can't seem to comprehend that this is still an issue . I'm guilty of it! "This is 2014." "I know that my work is just as valuable, if not more valuable than a man's work." However, it's true.
President Obama has signed an executive order to ensure the equal compensation should take place, regardless of gender and sexual orientation.
I've worked with some wonderful men, and I've worked with some not so wonderful men. However I've been so lucky to have been surrounded by powerful women who take charge of their everyday, and empower others along the way. They work hard and diligent and have creative minds that are innovative and inspiring. Some of my best mentors, supervisors, professors, and friends have been women. I am so passionate about this issue because I believe that my value as a professor is just as great, or greater than a man. My gender does not determine my abilities or my hopes and dreams.
One of my favorite organizations, the Levo League sponsored the day joining with other great organizations such as Bossed Up, Lean In, and The Huffington Post.
Sponsors also included Senator Kristen Gillibrand, Eugenia Koo, Bill McGowan, and Kathy Calvin.
Here are a few of my favorite images that they circulated throughout the day.
Don't forget to #Ask4More
Where are you in your career? Have you asked for more?
Monday, April 7, 2014
Take Note
Some awesome reading material for your Monday lunch break.
Love, love, love this article. I am deeply in love with all things Levo League and so into Live In The Grey! A really thoroughly look at this powerhouse lady's everyday.
Okay, gorgeous voices. This has been circulating a bit but I just can't get over it. Leighton Meester, I have a huge girl crush on you.
3. Instagram Lifestyle Accounts from What Dress Code: I am so into Instagram. People allow us to visualize their life in such a beautiful way!
4. April 2014 Issue of Smart Girls Guide: Our new issue is live on the Smart Girls Group! So proud of this issue and excited for the issues to come! I absolutley love being a part of this process.
5. Lena Dunham on Bill Simmons: I'm just really into Lena Dunham and everything about her. I just want to have a conversation with her over coffee.
What are you reading/listening/watching these days?
Saturday, April 5, 2014
Fitness
On my recent spring break trip I brought my great pal, Ms Maire, who I totally forgot is a fitness instructor. Boy, were we in store for an active week. What I thought was going to be a week of laying on the beach turned into a week of gym time, long walks, and lots of veggies. I couldn't be more grateful than Marie kicked all of our butts back into shape. I was an NCAA athlete for the first two years of my college experience and since I've stopped due to a shoulder injury, I've put fitness on the back burner. It's so easy to do. With meetings, thesis writing, job hunting, project management, and the whole 'school' thing, how do you pencil it in? Recently, I've been getting up super early and running before class. It gives me energy and a 'can do' attitude for the rest of the day.
I've been using the Nike+ Running app since last year. It keeps me motivated and tracks my courses as I run throughout Chestertown. There is no better feeling that clocking in a run and watching the mileage increase. Currently, I'm using the Coach tool. It provides me with a training program to my abilities and pushes me each week to run a certain amount of miles. I'm at 6 miles for this week and hopefully clocking in 4 more before Monday morning.
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One of my 101 thing in 1,001 days goals is to run 30 miles in 30 days! That's what I'll be doing this April! Join me in making time for your health!
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Laite
Remember my lovely sponsor, Milk + Crown? She has launched a new jewelry website, Laite | Jewelry Atelier. I don't know all of the final details yet, but I know that she's been working super hard! Her new Instagram account can be found here!
The full collection will be available April 15th! I have had my eye on a few pieces from her previous collections, so I cannot wait to see what she has in store for us!
Make sure you sign up on www.laitejewelry.com for sneak peaks of new pieces, discounts, and more!
Congrats Kristyn!! I'm so proud of how far you have come!
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Favorite Bloggers
Yes, things are still crazy busy, but I'm starting to really get back into blogging & bloglovin.
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While I'm not able to read through my Bloglovin feed everyday, it is great to catch up on the blogosphere. I love their 'mark as read' feature and the ability to collect the posts that you've liked. I get so many great ideas for blog posts; I just want to showcase how wonderful all of these women are! Here are some of my favorite lady bloggers.
1. Whitney Blake: I emailed Whitney about blog design when I was still on WordPress years ago for design advice. I wasn't really sure how to change my blog/grow my blog without actually investing money into it. Her business, Heart & Arrow Designs is really taking off! I love that she uses her income from design to travel around the world!
2. Amy V. Norris: Amy is the most divine coffee drinker there ever was. She is a first year at King's College in London and spends her days exploring the boroughs and their coffee shops as well as spending countless hours reading and writing. Also, she mentioned me in her latest blog post. xo
3. Diverging Skies: My friend Emma Way from Washington College puts so much effort into her precious blog, Diverging Skies. She chats all about traveling, being a college student at WAC, and budgeting your money to achieve your dreams! She's got quite the following and I'm so happy that we've recently connected; there aren't too many bloggers here on campus! I'm so excited for her to be writing a piece for the Smart Girls Group magazine, in our June issue.
4. The Londoner: I am so infatuated with this London lady. While she makes eating scrumptious food look effortless and calorie-less, her photos are creative and fun! Her recent trip to NYC has me dreaming of Bolt bussing up North and her photos of the High Line make it simply irresistible to stay away.
5. The Fox & She: Who doesn't love a good Shiba Inu puppy? Blair and her #littlefox live in Chicago where she designs, paints, and travels, all while looking effortlessly stylish. Her instagram's of her precious pup also make me so happy and I very much admire her talent and creativity!
Comment below with some of your favorite bloggers!
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