Friday, January 31, 2014

New (And Exciting!) Things

Do you notice anything, different, around here?

A Thousand Tomorrows has a new design! And layout! And color scheme! It's all thanks to Rachel, from Sunshine and Sinatra. She listened to every question I had, and didn't start designing until she knew exactly what I wanted. 

I haven't really experimented much with HTML coding, layouts, signatures, pages, etc., so when Rachel offered her services, I couldn't say no. I had the idea in my head that sometime in the future I would find a designer, but Rachel popped up in my twitter feed at the right time, and now the blog has a completely different feel. 

I am absolutely in love with how it turned out. I'm not joking when I say if you never need someone to do blog work for you: Rachel's your girl. She will definitely be coming back in the future if there is any work I need to have done. 
{See Rachel's other work here}

What do you think?

Before...

After!



You can now take my button to your blog!

a signature!


I'm excited to see what this blog has in store for the new month. I have some fun things in the works, and cannot wait to share them with you! 

Reflection: New Years Resolution #1

New Year, new direction :: 4 steps to make 2014 your best year yet


Routines.

This month was all about routines, so that I could allow myself to start the year out strong. (see my 2014 post here, which explains my goals for each month.) I had my ups and downs, making sure my routines worked. 

Here's how it went:

Mornings // Like I said, my morning routine is pretty easy to follow. I do the same steps each and every day, including the time I wake up, how late I let myself sleep, the time I spend doing this/that. I started using my SleepTime app about halfway through the month, and have really like the results I'm getting. (post to come)

Afternoons & Evenings // My afternoons are pretty straight forward depending on the day. I know which days I have something after school and don't, so managing my time after school normally isn't an issue. The main thing that I wanted to incorporate into my routine was my exercise routine, which (sadly), really didn't happen. It's hard getting to the gym 2-3 times a week without my own car, and with my siblings other activities. It will definitely be a continuous goal throughout the next months. 
Procrastinating is still an issue when I get home from school, so hopefully through the next month I will come home and get started on homework ASAP.

Bedtime // I've gotten better and going to bed around the same time, and I feel more rested and prepared for the next day. It's a great feeling.

Tomorrow I will be discussing my resolution for February: Love

How have your resolution(s) gone so far?

Love, Sydney 

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Thursday, January 30, 2014

A Spoonful of Sugar



I'm usually not the first person to suggest going to the movie theaters to see a movie - I would much rather be sitting in the comfort of my home with pj's and popcorn. 
Saving Mr. Banks was worth getting out of the house to go and see. (see trailer here)

Based on the "untold true story", this movie truly opens your eyes to who Mary Poppins and P.L Travers really are. As both a reader, listener, and watcher of the books, Mary Poppins has always had a special place in my heart with magic and incredible music. Saving Mr. Banks tells the true story of who P.L Travers is, her relationship with Walt Disney, and the process of her unforgettable book being made into a movie. Both a movie that will make you laugh out loud and have tears run down your face, I recommend that you go and see it (or rent it) ASAP.  
I can't give too much away, but I can say that you will look at P.L Travers and her stories of Mary Poppins in a way that you've never seen it before - it's definitely an eye opener.

What great movies have you seen lately?

Love, Sydney

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Wednesday, January 29, 2014

#soasnowday

A snow day for the first time in 4 years - what?!
this calls for a snow picture from my "it's Christmastime board" on pinterest... because it is finally feeling like winter. 

snowy city

School has been cancelled today due to "inclement weather" and I couldn't be happier. Even though we just had a break, this cold weather (finally) makes me want to take it all in. Charleston is not used to this weather, and since we don't get it very often, I will be spending the day pretending I live in the north and that I have some crazy love for snow (!) and cold weather. 

Did I really just say snow?

They've predicted snow for this past night and for this morning (I may or may not be outside enjoying it right now. Who knows.) and the whole of Charleston freaked out. It's been 4 years, so I guess we have a reason to be excited. I mean, last night when I was out with my dad running an errand, I saw ice on the palm trees. Definitely not the norm around here. 
They're going to make a decision today about whether or not we will be going to school Thursday, but at this point, I'm glad that we get a day off. I normally don't go to the last days of school anyway, so I don't mind if a couple of days are added.

To make today even better, the Fault in Our Stars TRAILER released this morning on the Today Show! If you're reading this before 8:30, turn your TV on to NBC right. now.

I'm going to spend the day inside with a good book, lots of coffee, and preparing myself for the rest of this hectic quarter. It's only just begun, but it's proving to be a tough one. 

Love, Sydney 

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Keep Moving

It's already Tuesday and I am in desperate need of some motivation. Monday's are hard enough, but I had to return back at school at 6 for All-County, and stayed there for 2 and a half hours singing my little heart out. 

As it is only Tuesday, and snow is in the forecast tonight/tomorrow, I am hoping and praying for delay cancellation of school. 

I've recently had an obsession with pinning every inspirational quote I find to my legibly beautiful board. It's a great place to go when I am having a rough day, or just seeking for some simple words of wisdom. //


Studio Mucci: MLK. Keep moving forward. Amina's favorite quote

ONE DAY... Someone will walk into your life and make you see why it never worked out with anyone else.

What's inspiring you this week?

see you back here thursday!

Love, Sydney

ps. Is there anything you'd like to see on the blog in the future? email me! (in about me page)

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Monday, January 27, 2014

Weekend Lookbook

I had the most fun Friday night.

My friend, Emily, invited myself and another friend, Sterling, over for a fun sleepover that would include PF Changs, photo shoots, and lots of girl talk.
It was so much fun.

Below, I've included some of my personal favorite pictures from the weekend. 



and we were all wearing lilly.


like the socks?

post dinner photo ops:







i love my friends.

I spent my Saturday curled in bed watching Netflix and (essentially) doing nothing, with a fun dinner with some very good family friends. This was followed by Sunday, hustling around trying to get ready for this crazy week. 

Love, Sydney 

PS. IT MAY SNOW. 
WHAAAAT.

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Friday, January 24, 2014

Links I Love : Giveaways!

This week was not my best. We returned back from the 5 day weekend and I had no motivation to be back at school. I (thankfully) had something to look forward to this weekend - a fun night out with friends! I am so glad this week is over and hope to get my motivation level up so that next week will be better.

This week, I thought I would do something that I haven't ever done (but have seen done here and here) - it's a "link roundup", except that I put my own spin on it and made it something fun - a post full of giveaways! 


Enjoy!



Lilly Pulitzer School Supplies
   On The College Prepster (who, must I say, has the best giveaways), enter TODAY, because it is the last!


Tres Chic Boutique Giveaway
   With Southern Girls Wear Pearls - and everyone will receive a prize! When you enter, you will win either a $5, $10, or $15 Gift Card to the Tres Chic Boutique. 


Organized Chaos Giveaway

For Bloggers : Add Space!
   On "Fal Finds Happiness", perfect for any and all bloggers! 13 days left to enter!

and there's another with the Darling Prepster!


Ad Space Giveaway! 
   Only 7 days left to enter, but again, perfect for any blogger or someone looking for Ad Space! 


Society Social : Project Sofa
   Are you looking for a new addition to your house? Society Social is giving away a custom couch. WHAT?! 

kindle2

Kindle 4!

What are some of your favorite giveaways this week?

Love, Sydney 

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Thursday, January 23, 2014

Silver and Gold :: Favorite Jewelry

I love jewelry; and more specifically, anything silver. I seem to stick to the same jewelry each day - my 4 rings, pearl earrings, and my Tiffany & Co necklace. I have more pieces to choose from in my collection, but there is something with the comfort of the same pieces each day that I like. Stepping out of my comfort zone with my jewelry is not something I want to do on a daily basis.







// Skinny Mini Bow Ring (similar)

What are your favorite jewelry pieces?

Love, Sydney 

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Lean and Fit :: Workout Routine

I recently got a request from a reader for a post about my workout routine, after she saw my January Routines post

Just do things

In November last year, I started attending a local gym, N:Motion. It's a donation based gym and it has an amazing atmosphere. I go to a class where you focus on 3 components: Ride, Flow, and Lift. Ride is spinning on a stationary bike; I absolutely love it. Flow is yoga and stretching, and lift works with weights and core strength.

One of the main motivations of the class is the music. It is a christian gym, so the music is very uplifting and sets a great vibe for the workout.
I try to attend the class at least 2 times a week, sometimes 3.

To be completely honest, my workout routine is still being put together, and I can't wait for it to become a main part of my routine.

I've also started using the app "MyFitnessPal" after seeing a review by Monogram Meredith. I am really enjoying it! 

What do you include in your workout routine?

Love, Sydney

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Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Happiness is Only Real When Shared - Weekend Lookbook

This weekend was such a blast. My dad's brother and his family came into town for the first time and visited us for the long MLK Jr. weekend. My uncle ran the Charleston Marathon, my sister, Abby, had her 6th birthday party, and we had some great food.

I was the designated photographer for the weekend, which was quite fun. Below I've shared a few pictures - enjoy!


at waterfront park before the party


how cute are these giraffes?

 ready to paint!







my Uncle Chris running the marathon!

What did you do for your long weekend?

Love, Sydney

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Saturday, January 18, 2014

Excuse the Dust...

Happy Saturday!

I've spent the past few nights making changes here and there on the blog - what do you think?

I would love to hear from you and have you tell me exactly what you think ... such as suggestions and thoughts on the background, heading, color scheme, etc. 

Please email me at sydhuss16@gmail.com with your comments! (Or comment below!)

Love, Sydney 

Friday, January 17, 2014

20 Minute Morning: Outfit #1

What a week.

Monday started off slow, with (thankfully) no midterms. I got my first midterm grade back and was truly stunned by what I got - in a good way! (Aced my Physical Science Midterm!) Tuesday came around and my 2nd midterm greeted me. (Got my grade back, and got a B!) Wednesday couldn't have been better because a) my last midterm was scheduled for (Got an A!) and it was the end of the week. (YES!) Wednesday was also my little sisters birthday, and so naturally we celebrated with going out to dinner, cake, and presents. It was so sweet to see her face light up when she got to blow out her candles on her birthday cake. She was so excited to be 6! Come Thursday, my dad's brother's family arrived from Colorado and are spending the long weekend with us. My Uncle is running the Charleston Marathon, so they decided to make a family trip out of it and come and (finally) visit us in Charleston!
I also had the pleasure of beginning a friendship with Brianna from Endlessly Beloved. I was able to get into contact with her thanks to a blogging box swap from Darling Prepster and can't wait to become close friends with a fellow blogger.

On to the topic of this post: 20 minute morning.
I have found that as the year goes on, my motivation to get up in the morning and put on something that takes (actual) effort on a daily basis is getting old. I love getting dressed up, don't get me wrong ... but it's really nice to have a break sometimes and still look adorable.
With this being said, on these types of days, I love to grab my favorite pair of skinny jeans and pair it with one of my favorite blouses, shirts, or scarves. It's simple yet classy, and it's effortless.
Thus was born, the "20 Minute Morning".

Below I have shared my first installment of this mini series. I found this adorable sweatshirt type shirt at Gap this past weekend and couldn't pass up the deal. I paired it with an infinity scarf that I borrowed from my friend, Emily. (It was the comfiest thing EVER.) To finish off the look, I paired the outfit with pearl earrings, a few rings, and nude flats. 












If you want any outfit details, please comment below and ask!
Like I said, I loved this outfit and can't wait to share with you my next "20 Minute Morning". 

See you Monday! 

Love, Sydney

ps. What would you like to see on the blog in the future? Please let me know below! 

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Book Review: The Rules of Inheritance

I saw The Rules of Inheritance at Barnes and Noble, and after reading the back cover, knew that I needed to get it from the library ASAP. I could talk about this book for hours and it was one of those books that I could not put down. 

The Rules of Inheritance: A Memoir
{Barnes and Noble} {Amazon}

Do not let the fact that this book is a memoir scare you. The concept of the book was magnificent and (like I said) could not put it down ... or stop talking about it. 

Claire, now a Grief Psychiatrist who works with Hospice centers, shares her true story about both her parents sudden deaths, occurring only a few months after each other.
Claire's mother is diagnosed with colon cancer when Claire is 14. At the time, her father is in remission from his cancer. Claire's mother goes into remission after months of chemo, radiation, and lots of surgery. When Claire is on her way to college, her mother's diagnosis comes back and is worse than ever. (Read to find out what happens to her mother!) In just a matter of time, her father's cancer comes back and is aggressive. (Again, you have to read it for yourself to find out her father's outcome). 
The book is broken down into 5 parts - each reflecting a stage of grief. Also, each chapter reflects a certain year in her life. For example, in one chapter she may speak of her year when she was 14, and the next she may right about her year as a 19 year old.

You have to read it for yourself to see how she gets through the difficult time, and to see what happens to those closest to her.

What books have you been reading recently? Any suggestions?
Love, Sydney

ps. Find me on Social Media to the right!

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