Happy (Almost) November

Happy Halloween!

I am loving the fall weather here in Charleston. Last week, the weather screamed fall, but this week it is warming up yet again. I am hoping that the new month brings new, crisp, fall weather. 

I am so excited for November.

It's a new month and I am ready for new adventures. November has so many great words and feeling associated with it. Christmas is just around the corner (as well as its music at school!), Thanksgiving is just weeks away, the crisp weather is on the way. Can you tell that I am excited? While planning out my month on my wall calendar, it was odd seeing blank weeks on my schedule. October was hectic. Hopefully November will prove to be quite the opposite - calm, cool, and collected. 

The best part about  November: Wish Lists are starting to become essential. I hope to have a wish list full of items that I will add to my Christmas Wish List. 

I cannot wait to set new goals for the month. With only 2 months left in 2013 (wait. what?) there are so many things I still want to do. #crunchtime (post coming soon)

What do you want to accomplish this month?

Love, Sydney 

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Liebster Award

I am so thankful to both Kira and Katie for nominating me for the Liebster Award. I have tried and tried to have my blog recognized by all audiences, and being nominated for the award made my day. This award is for blogs with less than 200 followers, allowing new blogs that are up and coming, to be recognized and gain readers. 

Rules: 

Thank the one who nominated you and link them back! {Katie and Kira}

Answer the 11 questions the nominater gave you. 

Nominate 11 bloggers who have under 200 followers and give them 11 different questions to answer. 

Questions from Kira, Ribbons and Pearls

1. What is your blogging inspiration? I ultimately started blogging after reading your blog, and seeing how well you and Cathie wrote. It made me want to start the same thing. I also started writing after reading Carly's Blog, because she showed that blogging can bring you lots of exposure to new people, places, and ideas.

2. What do you love to do besides blogging? I love to hang out with friends, watch Netflix, read a good book, play piano, and spend time with family.

3. What are your three biggest fashion pet peeves? Black with Navy, Brown with Black, and when people pull their shirts down too far (does that even make sense?!)

4. How would you describe your style? I think my style is a comfortable preppy. I love wearing the same outfits because I know they are comfortable and that they are outfits I love.

5. It is a perfect Saturday night. What are you doing? Hanging out with my best friend, watching a movie or chatting for hours.

6. Most exotic endeavor on your bucket list? I don't have a set bucket list, but on my bucket list right now is to visit Boston.

7. What is the quote you live your life upon? There are so many quotes that I live my life upon; I couldn't choose just one. On Pinterest, I have two boards: Quotes and Faith. Whenever I need a quote, I loose myself in one of these two boards.

8. Favorite superhero? Captain America. Have you seen Chris Evans?!

9. Croissants or danishes? Croissants. Especially from Whole Foods.

10. Can you speak another language? If you can ... which one? If not which one do you wish to speak? I am currently learning French, but if I could learn another language, I would love to learn Italian or German.

11. Three random facts about yourself? One: I have a twin brother. Two: I get to go to Italy over Spring Break with the Vocal Department at my school and I am super excited. Three: I am tall, at 5' 11".

 __________________________________________________________

Questions from Katie, Classic With a Twist

1.    Describe your style in three words.Comfortable, Chic, and Put together. 

2.    What is your best piece of advice for those thinking of starting a blog? Don't hesitate. Blogging created new friendships and creates new opportunities  It doesn't matter how much you blog, but how well you blog. If you can't blog daily, I promise it will be ok. Just start blogging and see where your life takes you.

3.    Do you have a shopping budget? If so, how do you stick to it? I hate spending money, so before I buy an item I have to really consider it. I like to ask friends for their opinion, and picture myself wearing it and how I will style it.

4.    What is your favorite book? I can't pick a favorite book, but my favorite author is Karen Kingsbury.

5.    What is your favorite trend for fall? I love the color emerald green, but I also love layering.

6.    Who are your top three favorite bloggers? I love so many blogs (daily reads to the left) but if I had to pic three, other than the two wonderful ladies who nominated me, I would choose Carly, Sarah Vickers, and Mackenzie.

7.    Where do you like to shop? Gap.

8.    One item in your closet you can’t live without . . . Navy blue skirt from Gap. Or my plaid J. Crew Skirt.

9.    What are your hobbies outside of blogging? Playing Piano, Volleyball, Reading, and Organizing.

10.  One random fact about yourself . . . Read #11 from Kira!

11.  Why did you start your blog? After seeing what a great job my friends Kira and Cathie did blogging, I wanted to try it out for myself. (Read #1 from Kira!)

Here are my Nominations: 

A Preppy State of Mind

Miss Southern Prep

Summer Wind
Southern Charleston Class
Darling Prepster

My 11 Questions: 

1. Who is your inspiration for blogging? 

2. How do you manage blogging and your day to day life?
3. What is at the top of your Bucket List? 

4. Favorite Book/Author? 

5. Favorite Store/Boutique? 

6. When purchasing clothing, do you purchase for quality or quality? 

7. Daily Blog Reads?

8. Current Playlist? 

9. Favorite Beauty Product(s)?

10. Favorite Past-Time? 

11. 3 Random Facts about You?

Have a great Tuesday! 

Love, Sydney

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#MotivationMonday: Return to Blogging

This post is a montage of many different subjects that are in need of being talked about.

This past week has been insane. 

After a week of spending every afternoon at school because of the Vocal Department's production of "Beauty and the Beast", (pictures to come soon!) I finally have a little bit of time to sit back and get back to blogging. 

Since last Monday, rehearsals that where piled on top of homework, occupied each and every evening. Even though the week was very hectic, I pulled through and came out alive. 

And Thank God today is a teacher work day. Because I don't know if I could survive another long 5 day week. 

{via Pinterest}

Exodus 14:14

{via Pinterest}

Hab 3:18

{via Pinterest}

Ecc. 7:14

I love Ashley Brooke's posts on Instagram, where she captures bible verses that inspire you. Lots of times, I have never read the bible verse, never seen it; and reading it and writing it down for me to read and remember is so special. This week hasn't been easy for me, and these verses truly helped me through it.

Last weekend, I went to Jump, Jive, and Wail, a night of fun music and lots of dancing and food. The Jazz Band at my school puts on a public concert open to anyone, in which they perform great music.  I went with lots of friends and had an amazing time. It is my favorite part of high school so far. 

With this glorious day off, I will be catching up on homework, getting posts ready for the week, and having some time to get myself organized and ready for anything that may come my way this week.

How has your past week been? 

What is keeping you motivated? 

Love, Sydney 

ps. I was nominated by Kira from A Pair of Chic Pearls, and by Katie from Classic With a Twist for the Liebster award. I will be answering both of their sets of questions on the blog tomorrow, so stay tuned! 

pps. What would you like to see on the blog this season? Let me know! 

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Excuses, Excuses

These next two weeks for me are going to be very hectic to say the least.

The Vocal Department at my school, is putting on Beauty and the Beast for the next two weekends. It is a very intense schedule that I am having a hard time trying to balance. Lots of rehearsals, followed by a total of 10 performances is no easy task.

Please excuse the lack of posts in these next two weeks. I will be working hard to post some things! 

Thank you for understanding!

Love, Sydney 

ps. If you have any tips for me on staying motivated, please let me know!

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Spirit Week 2013

Spirit Week was such a fun week. 

I had fun dressing out, taking lots of pictures with friends, and laughing the whole week.

pink day! 

(emily, me, ashton, cathie)

decade day! 60s for the freshmen! 

(me, grace)

western day!

character day! 

the wiggles 

(grace as jeff, cathy as murray, myself as anthony, and ashton as greg)

america day! 

(kellen, me, mariah)

Have a fantastic weekend! 

See you Monday! 

Love, Sydney

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Book Review: Karen Kingsbury, Redemption

I have discovered, over the past few weeks, that reading truly is one way that I can settle down, take a breather, and do something of my pleasing. 

Reading is a nice way to start off your day - I read my favorite blogs every morning when I wake up, I try and read on the bus with some music playing, and sometimes I will get some afternoon reading done on the bus also. 

But reading at night is my go-to relaxer. 

Every night, I read. I turn my lights off, switch to my bedside lamp, and let myself get lost in a good read right before I let my head hit the pillow.

Throughout the past few weeks, I have started (and completed) one of the series by Karen Kingsbury. 

This series is all about getting you introduced to the Baxter Family, the "star" family in many of her series and books. I find myself getting lost in the lives of each and every character, relating to them in some sort of way that makes it irresistible to put the book down. 

I am taking a break from Karen Kingsbury's book, and reading the Nicholas Sparks' novel At First Sight. 

Do you have any books to recommend for fall reading? 

Let me know the titles by commenting below, emailing me, or finding me on social media.

Love, Sydney

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Wish List Wednesday: Kate Spade

It's Wednesday! And PSAT Testing Day! And Kira's birthday! 

I have been meaning to do a Kate Spade Wishlist, and finally got around to making one.
There are so many adorable items.
My friend Emily and I have an obsession. We will send pictures back and forth of things we love from Kate Spade ... and from other stores we love. 

I love all of their jewelry, especially the rings. Because I wear my three "signature" rings every day, I would love to add a few more to my collection. 

Gold Scallop Ring // Cream Scallop Ring // Gold Skinny Mini Bow Ring // 

Goreski Glasses Ring // Twist and Shout Ring // By the Book Pendant // 

Goreski Glasses Necklace // Skinny Mini Bow Bangle // Skinny Mini Bow Studs 

Kate Spade's watches are to die for. They aren't over the top but they are still classy and unique. 

 Apple Metro Watch //  Metro Watch

#BeauBag! I have seen this bag all over blogs, instagram, and twitter, and have fallen in love. 

And we can't forget the adorable pencil case! 

What are your favorite items from Kate Spade? 

Love, Sydney 

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Good Morning!

Every morning, I read the same blogs, at the same time, in the same place.

Reading blogs when I get up in the morning is just part of my routine. I love to start my day off reading something - and reading blogs is my way of accomplishing this goal. 

Gal Meets Glam // The College Prepster  (featured here) // Design Darling, Mackenzie Horan (featured here and here)// 

Tam Tam Design // Ashley Brooke Designs (featured here) // Cupcakes and Cashmere // 

A Preppy State of Mind // Sweet Southern Prep // Amy Stone // Classic With a Twist // 

Classy Girls Wear Pearls 

I have found the best app/website: Bloglovin. Most of these blogs have accounts with Bloglovin, making it easy and simple to read all of my favorite daily reads accessible at once. 

And guess what? A Thousand Tomorrows is now on Bloglovin! 

What are a few of your daily reads?

Love, Sydney 

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#MotivationMonday: PSAT Week

I am excited for yet another week with wonderful weather. This week is Spirit Week (expect lots of pictures and a follow up post come Saturday), PSAT on Wednesday, Tech Rehearsals for the Vocal Production of Beauty and the Beast, and quite a few tests and quizzes. 

Thank God for weekends. I need that time to get myself back in order. 

The College Prepster

What will be the toughest things you will need to overcome this week?

Love, Sydney 

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Inspiration: Mackenzie Horan, Design Darling

<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/11044591/?claim=fh7qar8x2vt">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>

Mackenzie Horan, author of Design Darling Blog and owner of the adorable shop Design Darling, the Boutique. 

After finding out about the College Prepster, I saw Mackenize featured in a few of Carly's posts, and I was immediately drawn to her blog.

 

Mackenzie is another one of those women that I look up to and just say "wow". She lives in the most amazing place (NYC!), loves Navy (favorite color), and owns her own shop/writes her blog. I could spend hours at a time just reading her posts and looking at the items in her shop.

I love her apartment, and her posts are enjoyable to read. She is one of my morning reads. (post coming soon.)

I love all of her outfit posts, her posts where she lists her favorite items (and items on her wish list!), her giveaways, and anything in between. 

Is Mackenzie Horan one of your daily reads? 

Who is your inspiration?

Love, Sydney

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Wish List Wednesday: Fall Favorites

Although Fall hasn't totally set in here in Charleston, I am so excited to go clothes shopping for the new season. 

I cannot wait to pull out my riding boots, jeans, and cute skirts and dresses (with tights and leggings, of course!). 

These are some of my favorite clothing items for the upcoming season: 

Geo Dot Mini, BR

Printed Peter Pan Collar Tee, J Crew Factory

Real Straight Chords, GAP

Pleated Mini, J Crew Factory

Real Straight Jeans, GAP

What are 5 items on your fall wishlist? 

Love, Sydney

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Organization 101: Wall Calendar

Last Christmas, I got the perfect gift - a dry erase wall calendar. 

Best. Gift. Ever. 

I love my agenda (don't get me wrong) but this wall calendar is a large visual that I can easily glance at whenever it is needed. 

While writing events on my calendar, I have my Lilly Agenda open, since that is my main planner with everything in it. This monthly calendar is just a large visual aid, allowing me to clearly see times and dates for any possible event. 

I only have 2 colors of pens for my board, but I am looking into purchasing a few more, so that I can color code events. 

Do you utilize a wall calendar? 

Love, Sydney

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List Love - Assignments for the Week

Happy  Monday! 

I have made it very clear that I love Pinterest; and this Friday, while spending time getting organized for the weekend and coming weeks, I found the best item I have pinned to date. 

An Assignments for the Week lists. 

Yes, I love organization, (my agenda) and this simple (yet adorable and classy) list is perfect. 

Find the pin here ; blog post here.

It is the perfect little sheet to sit on my desk and keep me on track. 

I am trying to utilize it this week for the first time - I will update you next week on how it ends up!

What ways do you like to stay organized, other than using an agenda? 

Love, Sydney 

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New Month, New Downloads.

Happy Thursday!

Ashley Brooke Designs and Tam Tam Design both posted their monthly downloads - and I'm in love. 

Blog post here.

Blog post here.

I already have Ashley Brooke's Design set as my iPad home screen wallpaper, and the Tam Tam Design wallpaper set as my iPad lock screen and my computer desktop. 

I am obsessed. 

Follow their easy and simple download instructions on their blogs! 

Love, Sydney 

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Wish List Wednesday: Simply Jessica Marie

In August, the Chicago Prepster wrote a product review for the Etsy Shop Simply Jessica Marie - and from the moment I saw the monogrammed canvases, I fell in love. 

My past Wish List Wednesdays have included lots of prints (or at least if feels like they have) - I love quotes and I have wanted to fill the wall above my desk with prints of quotes. 

Inspirational Art Print: Color Life with Love and Curiosity

Custom Personalized Striped Mint and Gold

Blue and Gold Custom Personalized Monogrammed Canvas

Inspirational Art Print: Live with Purpose and Passion

The art prints add quotes and inspiration to any space; and the monogrammed canvases adds personalization. 

What is on your wish list this week? 

Love, Sydney 

ps. Next week's wishlist: fall style. 

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Rabbit Rabbit, Happy October!

Happy October!

Once again, this month is going to be very busy. I have more performances this month and another crazy schedule. 

This fall, there are some things that I really want to do - I made that obvious here. I am so excited to get a new wardrobe (although it may be stressful - online shopping here I come), and get outside and do fun activities - have fall photo shoots, hang out with friends, sit outside and do homework, and finally get hot Starbucks drinks. 

This month is full of vocal events (anything in pink!), a few birthdays, PSAT, and then a few other little events here and there.

My Lilly Agenda is keeping me grounded - without this organization, I would be a mess. 

What are you most looking forward to in October? 

Love, Sydney 

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