Reflection : New Years Resolution #3

{Read my NYR: March Post!}
Today's post is short and sweet. This week, there will be 2 posts coming each and every day, so be pumped for what's to come! 
In all honesty, working toward feeling more motivated and giving 110% at school kinda failed. March, for some reason, was a crazy month, with something every weekend for Vocal and Spring Break just around the corner. Last week, 3rd Quarter ended, so teachers (naturally) piled everything on us those last 4 days before grades were due. I procrastinate way too much, which I've really realized this past month. It's time to get to work and finish the year off strong, so hopefully my procrastination will slowly diminish. 
I wanted to do better in Algebra 2, and that didn't happen either. I did do really well on my Chapter test (90!), but I ended the quarter with a B, which was not what I was hoping for. BUT, since we are nearing the end of the year, which I cannot believe, I hope that this quarter I will reach that goal and get an A in math. 
Come back tomorrow to see what I'm focusing on for April! 
xoxo

Show Us Where You Work Linkup

I am so excited to be taking part in this great linkup! I participated in my first ever link up at the beginning of February, and had such a great time meeting more bloggers and reading their posts! Today, I'm partnering up with Carlee from East Coast Girl in Pearls, Rebecca from Life with rMe, and Dorothy from Prep in Your Step!  

{weekend to-dos}

1. Where is your favorite workspace located? (Library, apartment, dorm room?) My favorite workspace would have to be my bedroom, because that's the only place I work! I can't stand working downstairs at the kitchen table/counter because I just can't focus there.

2. Do you prefer a sleek desk or you more of an “organized chaos” kind of person? As much as I love the look of a sleek desk, (I have a Pinterest Board dedicated to desks!) I would rather work on the floor or on my bed. I find myself working at my desk maybe once or twice a week.

3. What is your favorite kind of writing utensil? I love mechanical pencils for the most part, but it's really fun to add color to my notes.

4. Show us your calendar or agenda! I have a Lilly Pulitzer Agenda, and I absolutely love it. It has just the right amount of space for me to write everything down that I need to, and the prints and colors make me feel so much more motivated! (I've talked about how much I love utilizing my agenda here!)

{week by week, used for writing down school assignments, test dates, rehearsals}

{monthly, used for planning broadly, parties, trips, concerts/rehearsals}

{monthly (again), used just for blog posts}

5. And just for fun, what are you looking forward to most about spring? This spring, I can't wait for the pastel colors and printed shorts! And tanning by the pool or at the beach.

Where is your favorite workspace?

xoxo

Friday {Four}

With this week over, I am solely focused on getting through the next week. (which shouldn't be too much of a struggle) A week from today I am traveling to Carowinds with my freshman class to learn more about Physics, as we are currently discussing that unit. 4 days later, I will be embarking to ITALY and I am SO EXCITED. I have a countdown and I am super pumped. I'll be discussing more in detail what I'll be doing (as a continuation of my Spring Break Mini-Series; don't forget to send me topic suggestions!) and how I'm planning on packing. 
I've been surfing the web in between homework tasks (more like procrastinating) but I've found a few great links (only 4 today!)
ONE :: Falling Plates I found this video in my friend's instagram bio and I am so glad I watched it. It's such a thought-provoking and a well put together video. 

TWO :: History in High Heels

While "researching" for my Italy trip, I found the blog History in High Heels who knows so much about traveling to Italy! She has some great tips under the "travel" section of her blog. 

{via this post}

THREE :: Marley Lilly App

Marley Lilly, an online monogram shop, just launched their new app which has a feature so that you can create your own monogram (say what?!) It's such a fun app, especially getting to mess around with the colors and backgrounds. 

Marley Lilly is also sending out free stickers, so sign up to get yours here! 

FOUR :: New Blogging Friends

In the past 2 or 3 months, 2 girls from my school have started their own blogs. It is such an inspiration to see other girls that I know and love blog for themselves and do such a great job at it. 

Here, you can find my friend Carly (Through My Lens). She's a creative writer with a passion for God. She has such motivational posts and you can learn a lot from what she writes. 

You can find my friend's Natalie and Daphne's blog here (Cozy Sweaters). Natalie started this blog as a photography blog, but it has now grown to share some of their favorite artsy things and great DIYs! 

And I can't forget my friend Sarah, who blogs at Southern Charleston Class. I love all of her outfits and her posts are a joy to read! 

What have you been loving on the internet this week? 

xo

ps. don't forget to email me/comment below of ideas you have for my spring break mini series! 

J. Crew : City Fit Chinos

'

I LOVE patterned shorts. I purchased 6 or 7 pairs last Summer from Gap and got so many compliments on every pair. They're super cute and can be styled numerous ways - from a day shopping to a night out with friends. After seeing these printed shorts from J. Crew Factory, I knew I had to get my hands on a pair when they were 50% off - and I got them for only $16 (talk about a steal!). I had to purchase them a size up, because that's all that was left, but I love the way they fit and I think that by pairing them with a simple black belt they will look stunning. 

It's slowly getting colder (again) here in Charleston, so these shorts are being put back in the drawer; but, I cannot wait to pull them out again when it gets warmer! 

shirt : Gap shorts : J. Crew Factory shoes : Nordstrom necklace : Tiffany and Co
xoxo

SPRING BREAK : Organizing and Preparing

I leave for my Spring Break trip in 13 days.  Let me fill you in: I am traveling to Italy for 8 days with the Vocal Department at SOA. (my school) There are about 45 of us traveling, including chaperons, as we travel through the country, performing 3 times. (We get to perform at the Pantheon!). I'm super excited, as well as all the students who get to travel with us! I am starting to plan everything out, my passport is waiting, and the memory card on the camera is cleared. I cannot wait. 
In order to help you (and myself!) prep for Spring Break vacationing, I thought it would be fun to start a short series with some tips and tricks for traveling and having the time of your life. 
Today, I'm simply discussing organizing and preparing for your trip. I love the logistics of a trip and planning everything out, especially what we are doing each day. 
Pinterest Boards // I love Pinterest, and it's no secret. There are some GREAT pins and boards about travelling, packing, and destinations. I've found great tips on what to pack in a carry-on and how to make a small amount of items turn into quite a few outfits! (Some of my traveling boards include : paris is always a good idea, je voyage, and Italy Trip) My friend and I stay up on the phone sometimes, pinning items that we will use when planning this week for our trip. We are so excited. 
Lists, Lists, Lists // Lists, no matter what kind of person you are, are the best way to get organized and stay on top of it. Making a list of outfits, what you're going to pack in your checked bag/carry-on/purse, what to do the week/night before, etc., will help you so much and will lower your stress level drastically. 
Ask for Help // One of the biggest things I find helpful when getting ready for my trips is to ask for help and to say no to things that I won't have time for. Packing and Organizing for a trip can be a hassle and stressful, so asking for help is a clever decision. 
How do you prepare for a trip? xoxo
PS. What would you like to see in this mini-series? Let me know, because I want to please you! This is what I have planned:  Monday, March 31: Plane Outfits and Passing the Time Wednesday, April 2: Enjoying Your Trip

Skater Skirt

During the same trip to Forever 21, my friend convinced me to look at H&M. It was my first time going, and I fell in love. It was definitely more intimidating than Forever 21 size wise, (the H&M here in Charleston is HUGE), but it was much more organized and was easy to find what you were looking for. 

My friend has worn her Skater Skirt from H&M numerous times to school and I have been wanting one for the longest time - and this skirt was a steal for only $12. I will definitely be taking it with me to Italy because it is so comfortable and easy to style.

Top: Gap

Skirt: H&M

Shoes: BP, Nordstroms

Purse: Forever 21

xoxo

EXCITING NEWS + Out on the Town

This weekend was fantastic. 

Friday, I had All-County, which wasn't the most enjoyable activity to be participating in on my Friday night ... but, an exciting package came in the mail for me that afternoon regarding the audition I had back in February. I made my mom keep it sealed, because I wanted to be there to open it myself. I WAS ACCEPTED!  I spent Friday afternoon shaking from excitement and texting all of my friends from last year to see what their letters said - and they all got in again! I'm so excited to see them again.  (Wondering what this entails?) This summer, I'll be traveling to Greenville for 14 days to join some old friends (and new!) to participate in a summer intensive for Vocal. I'm super excited and I am making a countdown this week. (that's how excited I am!) If you're interested in Guest Posting this July (#planninginadvance), let me know! 

A shopping trip with Mommy to Towne Center to get a friend's birthday gift turned into an amazing trip to Banana Republic and Belk. BR was having a 40% off all Sale Items and I scored some great pieces, including this top. (this LBD {for my performance this summer at Governor's school} and this perfect eyelet top). OH! And this jacket which has an amazing story to go with it. Originally $250, it was marked down to $75. Then, it was 40% off with an additional 20% off because of a tiny stain that isn't even noticeable. In the end, we scored the jacket for $36! Look for a few upcoming outfit posts featuring these items!

Saturday night, I celebrated a friend's 15th Birthday with dinner Downtown and a movie back at the house. It was so much fun and we took tons of pictures! The weather was perfect and it couldn't have been a better night. 

The newly remodeled Palm Avenue - I've yet to go inside, but I cannot wait to see what they've done to the store! 

This house felt Downton Abbey-ish. 

Sunday, I spent the day studying with friends for a Socratic Seminar we have today, and getting blog posts ready for this week. I'm so glad that I had such a fun weekend before this packed week ahead. 

How did you spend your weekend? 

xoxo

Friday Five

What a week it's been! 
There has been so much on my schedule, my to do list is overflowing, and my brain is full. Somehow I made it through this week successfully after the crazy weekend I had filled with  performing. It's coming to the end of the 3rd Quarter, so teachers are dying to get the last few hundred grades into the grade book. (Read: finish 2 books + test/quiz/socratic seminar on both, math test next week, PE mile run/push up test/basketball test, french extra credit + oral assessment + 84 question World Geo test). I'm hoping that after this next week, my schedule will be free and I will be able to just worry about Spring Break. (posts to come about how I'm preparing!) 
This Friday, I thought I would try something new. I see so many of my favorite bloggers doing on my radar posts, Friday Fours/Fives, and Links I Love, SO I thought I would join the bandwagon and try my first "Friday Fives". Being on the computer so much this week for school meant lots of time procrastinating on social media platforms. 
ONE: Man Sings "Let it Go" In 21 Different Voices I watched this fantastic video and couldn't stop smiling. This 22 year old college student sang the new Disney hit "Let it Go" from Frozen in 21 different Disney voices. (You can read more about it here)

TWO: Pretty Little Liars Season 4 Spring Finale

Myself and the entire twitter universe were all speechless after Tuesday's PLL episode that didn't answer all the questions I had hoped it would ... in fact, it made me think of even more questions. I don't want to give away any spoilers to anyone who hasn't gotten the opportunity to watch the episode, but WOW. I don't know what to think. My thoughts cannot be summed into words. 

THREE: March Madness

I'm taking PE this semester, and the unit we are currently working on is Basketball. As some extra credit, we were able to fill out a bracket for March Madness. I pretty much wrote down random teams, and my winning team are the Wisconsin Badgers (GO BUCKY!). My parents laughed when I told them some of the teams I paired up and who would win the game. Oh well. 

FOUR: Stress Relieving Social Media

as seen on Instagram: @/athousandtomorrowsblog or @/sydhuss

After a rough night filled with homework, I allowed myself to jump into bed after my shower and pin away. I've recently had a "break" from Pinterest and have fallen in love with Tumblr (let's be real: It isn't blocked at school. Of course I will love it.) After the past few nights of Pinterest, I've fallen back in love and want to pin even more. (you can follow me here!)

FIVE: Volatility and Paper vs. Digital

The College Prepster's daily posts never seem to fail when giving inspiration, great advice, and a smile. Each week I find myself liking a post on Bloglovin' simply to find myself going back and reading the post again and again. This week, Carly talked about Volatility (I loved the "steps" she put along with the post!) and Paper vs. Digital. She made some great posts about using digital more often, but how much she really missed using Paper - and I have to agree! As it is fantastic to have everything on your phone and with you at all times, I absolutely love writing things down on sticky notes and making to do lists. 

    

One last thing: Remember that audition that I talked about back in February? The results for it were mailed out Wednesday and I am dying to know what the result is. Stay tuned, because I will definitely be announcing the verdict as soon as I know! 

Happy Friday! Have a great weekend and I'll see you back here Monday! 

xoxo

Comfort and Class

This is one of my favorite, go-to outfits. I have had this Gap skirt for a little over a year now, and I probably wear it 2 or 3 times a month. It's comfortable and worn; I want it in every color imaginable. I love adding the touch of navy with the top (and now with my Jacks!). Put a pair of tights underneath and I'm ready for a cooler day. 

Today I'm attending All County after it was rescheduled from January due to our Snow Days. I'm excited to see how much I learn and how the choir comes together! 

top: Gap

skirt: Gap

shoes: Jack Rogers

xoxo