What I Got for Christmas 2013

Disclaimer: I am not trying to show off what I got for Christmas in this post, 

I am simply writing this post because I love to see what people got for 

Christmas - so please let me know what you got in the comments below!

I hope you had a joyous and blessed Christmas!

Like I said in my Christmas Day post, I really wasn't in the Christmas spirit - with the late Thanksgiving and hustling all through the month, when Christmas finally came it truly didn't feel like it was here. My parents have already moved the tree and there are few remnants that Christmas was ever here - which breaks my heart. I wish I could have been in a better spirit! (and that the weather would have been colder)

Below I have shared my most favorite gifts that I received this Christmas.

Plaid Flannel Shirtdress

Flannel Shirtdress

I had been eyeing both of these shirtdresses for a long time, and am so happy that I finally got them! I cannot wait to pair them with leggings, boots, tights, and flats.

Slim Cropped Print Pants, Stamp

I saw these pants in Gap in November and knew that I HAD to have them - thanks Daddy!

Stila Color Me Glossy

An unexpected gift but I am thrilled with its contents! All the colors are gorgeous and perfect for all occasions. There are so many to choose from that it's hard to pick out the one that I want to wear for the day!

Le Pliage Large, True Navy

My biggest gift, I am so glad that I finally got my Longchamp. I have already taken it with me out, and am in love. It is the perfect size for me, and can be used in multiple circumstances. It is perfect! I cannot wait to tote this bag around with me for years to come! 

Nine West "Sossi"

My mom purchased these Oxfords for me without me even asking for them - and I am so glad that she did. For one, they are my favorite color. And they are a style of shoe that I would never think of purchasing for myself. (The pointed toe) I have fallen in love with them and cannot wait to style them in the near future!

I also received smaller gifts, such as a new coffee mug, waterbottle, lunchbox, and perfume set! 

With all the happiness this season, do not forget the true meaning of Christmas - Jesus's birth. What a joyous time! 

What are some of your favorite gifts from Christmas? 

Love, Sydney

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For Unto Us a Child is Born

Merry Christmas!

I am sorry for the sparse blog posts this month. Once school got out, I have been trying to chill and take time for myself. (Which included getting sick Saturday night - Monday) This last week of December will hopefully bring a Outfit of the Day post for both Christmas Eve and New Years Eve, a New Year's Resolution, and maybe a Christmas "Haul" type post. I am excited to see what the close of 2013 and start of 2014 brings for my blog.

On a more "Christmasy" note,

Personally, it has been really difficult to get into the Christmas spirit this year with the constantly changing weather that is never quite cold enough to scream winter. I was, originally, very excited for December, as our Decembers in Charleston are usually cold enough to where we are wearing coats and boots daily ... not this year. I haven't needed a coat this month yet and, for the past two days, people have been walking around in shorts and a short sleeve shirts. Fingers crossed that tonights Christmas Eve service gets me into the mood!

I hope that you and your family have a blessed Christmas Eve and Day. 

Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord. 

{Luke 2:11}

Love, Sydney 

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Wish List Wednesday: Countdown to Christmas #5

2 Days until Christmas Break.

I am so glad that I survived Tuesday. As it proved to be the toughest day of this 4 day week with my Algebra 2 Test, I am glad that it is over with and I that I can begin to close this week off. The next two days (hopefully) will be a joke and will not take too much effort. I am ready to push through the last two days because the reward (18 day break!) is just around the corner.

Since it is the last Wednesday before Christmas Day, this week I am sharing my last few items that are left on my wish list. 

Accessories // Lands' End // J. Crew Factory // Gap


Lilly Pulitzer iPad Mini Case, True Navy Tiger Lilly


Le Pliage Large Tote, Navy Blue



3 Day Bender Curling Iron, Dry Bar (1.5 inch barrel)

Stilla Emerald Lip Collection

What is on your Christmas list? 

Love, Sydney

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Late #MotivationMonday

3 Days until Christmas Break.

What a fun weekend - Friday night spent with my best friend, watching Romantic Comedies and laughing until our stomachs hurt. Saturday involved a very wet rugby game, resulting in myself and Kellen drenched... and still laughing. And Sunday was full of homework and Grey's Anatomy. 

Yesterday was a slow day at school and after school. After today is done, my biggest hurdles are out of the way and only one more quiz stands in my way before break.

I am ready to kick the rest of this week in the behind.

Late #MotivationMonday: 

What is motivating you this week, especially with 

Christmas just around the corner?

Love, Sydney

ps. What would you like to see in 2014?

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Popcorn and Tea

Happy Friday!
4 School Days until Christmas Break.

This weekend: Last minute Christmas 

   shopping for friends

The amount that I have been reading has greatly decreased since the beginning of the school year. When I get home from school, the last thing I want to do (most days) is read another book. Even though this is the case, I have still found a few books (and movies/television) that I am in love with.

Lunch in Paris

I don't remember how I found out about this book, but I ended up really enjoying it. It was not a difficult read (as it is non-fiction), and has a cute story line. At the end of each chapter, Elizabeth has put a few of her own recipes that she grew to love while living in Paris.

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

This book is hands down one of my favorite reads to date. It is an unbelievable story with an incredible ending. As it is also non-fiction, it can be full of science at times, yet the story itself is so compelling. I can't even sum up how much I loved this book.

Grey's Anatomy

I started watching Grey's Anatomy last Friday, and I cannot stop watching.The episodes are thrilling and so hard to stop watching. It is set in Seattle, WA at a major hospital, portraying the lives of interns and doctors.

The Heart of Christmas

A Non-Fiction movie, The Heart of Christmas tells the story of a family whose son is diagnosed with cancer. His mother starts a blog and documents everything that happens to her son, which in turn touches the lives of many other families. I will definitely be watching this again this Christmas! 

Holiday Engagement

Such a cheesy plot but I loved watching it. Holiday Engagement made me laugh multiple times!

I am currently reading State of Wonder and have heard amazing reviews about it. 

What books and movies are you currently loving? 

Love, Sydney

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Wish List Wednesday: Countdown to Christmas #4

When writing my "Countdown to Christmas" posts, I am constantly finding new items that I want to add to my list - it's becoming an issue!!

This week, I am featuring the items on my list that are accessories. I LOVE Kate Spade rings, and Monogram Cutout Necklaces. 

Goreski Glasses Ring

Skinny Mini Bow Ring Silver

Scallop Ring

Tam Tam Designs Monogram Necklace

What is on your wish list this week? 

Love, Sydney 

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Favorite YouTubers

Lately, I have found myself spending more and more time on Youtube, watching countless videos and finding new users every day... most of them being British. I love getting new recommendations, leading to hours spent watching all their videos. 

Favorite Twitters // Favorite Instagrams // Favorite Pinners

College Prepster

favorite instagram, twitter, pinner...

Cupcakes and Cashmere

I love her "Ask Emily" videos - simple 4 minute videos that answer numerous questions about almost every topic.

JacksGap

The most adorable twins from England, their videos are creative and hilarious.

Pointless Blog

I found Alfie after watching Zoella, and he is so adorable! #Zelfie

Sarah Belle

I love all of Sarah Belle's videos; none of them seem to disappoint. 

Tanya Burr

Vivianna Does Makeup

Zoella

MoreZoella

I love getting new recommendations, so who are your favorite Youtubers? 

Love, Sydney

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Weekend Look Book: Christmas Masterworks Concert & Parade

Last week, I mentioned that I had a busy week that would end with a wonderful concert that, ended up being wonderful by Friday night. It was an amazing experience performing alongside the High School Symphony. Their director was amazing and the collaboration was most definitely a learning experience. 

Soprano Section

Both Departments - over 175 of us! 

Mariah, SHN

Kellen, SHN

from L to R: Emily, Kellen, SHN, Natalie, Brittanie, Daphne, Maggie, and Caroline

Performing in this concert was such a great learning experience, and put me into the holiday spirit.

Love, Sydney 

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Wish List Wednesday: Countdown to Christmas #3

Happy Wednesday! 

I cannot believe that Christmas is less than 25 days away; I feel like there is so little time to get people's presents this year because of such a late Thanksgiving. (crunch time!)

Christmas is starting to feel more real each and every day with the Christmas Concert this Thursday and Friday - so excited. 

This week's Countdown to Christmas features Lands' End! 

5 Pocket Colored Jeans

I've gotten my cords for the season... time for colored jeans! 

Bracelet Sleeve Popover

Love the color scheme!

Navy Corduroy Leggins

Corduroy Leggins? What could get better than that?!

Open Top Long Handle Canvas Bag

I am starting PE next semester, so a canvas bag (navy and monogrammed) would be perfect for taking what I need to and from school. 

What's on your wish list this week? 

Love, Sydney 

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Confirmation Sunday: What I Wore

As promised, this post is all about my Confirmation this past Sunday.

Confirmation, for Episopalians, symbolizes the affirmation of faith that we as students accept for ourselves, as most of us were baptized as infants or young children. Confirmation is us showing the church that we accept this faith and that we are now adults in the church.

As a rising freshman, this past January I started Confirmation classes in order to prepare myself for the ceremony on Sunday. The classes covered topics such as the bible, our church, our faith, and who Jesus is.

After completing the classes in early April, we took a break for the summer and joined the High School Youth Group when school started back in the fall.

Two weeks ago, we had our final meeting and learned about the logistics of this past Sunday - where we needed to be, what we needed to be prepared for, learning about the service itself, etc. 

The biggest part: writing a testimony to share in front of my peers, including all of their family. Talk about nerve wracking.

I spent time over break picking out a bible verse to share, and a chunk of Saturday was set aside for writing the testimonial itself. My goal: short and sweet, but to the point and heart felt. 

Below is my testimony, and a few pictures from the big day.

This year has flown by, and with it, has presented both challenges and celebrations. I have grown as a person and as a Christian. I prayed more than I ever have and searched for scripture at every hurdle. One that sticks out most is 1 Peter 5:7 which says, "Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you." I know that God has planed my steps and that He is willing to carry my worries and troubles. I am excited to embark on to this new chapter in my life. 

~

Abby, SHN, Katie

SHN, Dad, Abby, Mom, Nick 

SHN, Abby, Katie, Nathan 

Abby, SHN, Katie 

I wore: Lilly Pulitzer Briella Dress, "Tickle the Ivories"

Love, Sydney 

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Favorite Twitters

I have loved putting together my favorite social media posts these past few weeks - it's fun to share them and learn who your favorites are! 

Favorite Instagrams // Favorite Pinners

This week, I am highlighting my favorite twitter accounts. Throughout the past few months, and with my start of blogging, I have become more and more obsessed with twitter. It is so much easier to scroll through than Facebook or Instagram, and I love retweeting inspirational quotes and tweets that make me smile. 

@KarenKingsbury 

One of my favorite authors, Karen Kingsbury writes amazing Christian Realistic Fiction books. 

(Reviews: Redemption Series // Between Sunday Mornings)

@katemwhite

Carly had the privledge of participating on a panel discussion with Kate White, and I instantly fell in love with her. She has so much motivation and is such an encouragement to all women.

@KJP

Dating the gorgeous (and perfect) Sarah from Classy Girls Wear Pearls, KJP's tweets are humorous and inspirational.

@NBCNews

Is there a need to explain? I need to stay up to date with the current events.

@Nordstrom

A must follow - I can't even explain.

@ProperKidProbs

Amazing blog and hilarious tweets!

@sarahbelle93

My favorite pinner, instagram account, and tweeter? Sarah Belle is beyond perfect. (Can I just be her?)

@sarahKJP

The perfect Sarah Vickers (Classy Girls Wear Pearls). Such adorable tweets and always shares pictures of her flawless outfits.

@TODAYshow

Another way to stay in the know about current events!

What are your favorite twitter accounts?

Love, Sydney 

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