Currently, In September : #blogtemberchallenge

Today's Prompt : A "currently" post. Tell us what you're loving, hating, reading, etc.! 

( post set-up adapted from Brave Love Blog )

... reading Kisses from Katie. Her faith and reliance on God are tremendously apparent in her inspirational book. 
... watching lots of YouTube and 19 Kids and Counting. 
... listening to lots of Broadway! Follow me on Spotify to view all my playlists! 
... singing lots of audition music! I'm auditioning for National Choir this month (it's going to be held in Salt Lake City UT!), All-State in November, All-County somewhere in there, and Governor's School in February! 
... trying to stay organized between blogging and school. I'm also trying a new devotional out this month, so I'll have to see how that goes! 
... wishing this hot weather would end in Charleston. I'm so done with the heat, I want to pull out the sweaters and jeans! 
... tweeting all about this challenge! I love connecting with the other bloggers who are participating. 
... loving skirts and dresses. With the heat, I find it easiest to pull on a skirt or a dress. And they're so simple to create an outfit with! 
... discovering that I'm sick of selfies. I've been snapchatting non-stop this week I'm getting tired of so many selfies! #thestruggle
... hoping that I get over this cold! I've been battling a cold since I got back to school (germ overload) and it's affecting my motivation and singing! 
... praying for guidance, God's plan for me, upcoming tests, and my best friends
... enjoying the weekend. And work! I haven't shared this on the blog, but I recently began working in my church's nursery this month. I work each Wednesday night and play with kids while their parents are in service. It's such a fun environment and I love their sweet giggles!
... addicted to caffeine. I made sure to leave the house each morning this week with a cup of coffee in my hand. 
... starting homework and planning for the upcoming week. 
Do you like this style of posts? I'm kind of in love with them! 
xoxo

A Fiery Passion : #blogtemberchallenge

The ending of this week had me all over the place, but I'm back to catch up on the #blogtemberchallenge! I had an absolutely fantastic week; probably my favorite one since school's started! It was a mix of the joy that I only had to go to school for 4 days and some other fun happenings with friends. I'm so excited to pre-write this week's posts this weekend, because the upcoming prompts are a mix between fun and thought provoking topics!  I really like these list-like prompts! 
Yesterday's Prompt : 

God 

family

education

music

finding happiness in all situations

fun weekends with friends

finding the one

enjoying each minute

being the best I can be 

using my talents to benefit others

blogging + the entire community that comes with it 

encouraging others 

What are you passionate about? 
xoxo

connect : #blogeverydayinfeb

today wraps up the last day of my #blogeverydayinfeb challenge, as well as the start of a new month tomorrow. It has been so much fun connecting with so many people this month because of this little blog of mine. I participated in my first link up at the beginning of this month, Breakfast in Bed, linked up with Anchored in Love Divine for this 28 day challenge, and at the end of next month I will be linking up with Rebecca from Life with rMe for the "where you work" link up. I've learned a lot this month about the importance of connecting with readers, bloggers, and other followers on all social media platforms. It brings so much joy when I get to meet new people and interact with them, even though it's just over the internet. Someday, I hope to meet some of you, my readers, and some of my greatest blogging inspirations. 

this week has been such a great week, with quite a few 2-posts-a-day, ++Positive Vibes++, and some fun planned for this weekend. I can't wait to see what March brings for this blog. (And for how I'll do writing without prompts!)

xo

ps. is there specifically something you want to see this month? please email me with any suggestions on posts or new segments/installments. 

Daily Reads, Blogs I Love : #blogeverydayinfeb

When I started reading blogs, I slowly started braistorming about making my own. I started out by reading The College Prepster because I saw it featured on my friend's blog, Ribbons and Pearls. Over time, more and more blogs were becoming part of my morning reads, the time in the morning where I scroll through my Bloglovin' feed and start my day off right. 

These are just a few of my favorite blogs. I have so many daily reads that I couldn't possibly fit them in one blogpost. I have so many reads that I have almost 200 unread posts on my Bloglovin' feed that I can't read all in one day. 

A Preppy State of Mind 

Sarah, Classy Girls Wear Pearls // Me and Kira talk about Sarah and KJP all the time, tag each other in their Instagram posts that are absolutely perfect, and can't stop thinking about their perfect wedding that is in the future. Her outfits are brilliant and I am so jealous of her New England lifestyle. 

Carly, Chicago Prepster // Carly is such a sweet blogger with some of the most inspirational posts. 

Katie, Classic With a Twist // Katie posts tons of classy outfits that I am constantly jealous of. She has always been one of my favorite bloggers since the start. 

Meredith, Monogram Meredith // Meredith, one of my more recent morning reads, is slowly becoming my favorite. Meredith is such a sweet girl and her blog is so genuine. 

Kira, Ribbons and Pearls // Kira's blog inspired me to start writing, and it's super motivational blogging with someone who also goes to school with you because you know you're not alone!

Sarah, Southern Charleston Class // Sarah, another girl I go to school with, posts her daily outfits that are adorable! We are planning on doing a collaboration in the future, so stay tuned!

Caitlin, Southern Curls & Pearls // Caitlin has a new, chic outfit everyday on her blog that I am so jealous of. They're perfect!

Carly H, The College Prepster // My first blog read and my inspiration. Her posts are PERFECT and I learn so much from her on almost every post. Carly is such a talented and gifted writer, and I hope to meet her someday! 

What blogs do you love? 

xo

HER CAMPUS! + Sponsor

I'm supposed to be blogging about my favorite recipe, but I really don't cook or bake. I would love to have the talent, but I don't think I have the patience. Sometime in March I would definitely love to post the recipe to my favorite recipe, but for now I don't have one in my book! 
Anyway,  I have 2 fairly large announcements!
I'm a Her Campus Member! After placing an application for Her Campus about a month ago, I got the "you're in!" email from the company 2 weeks ago. I'm so excited to see what this brings for my blog, and how many more blogging connections I can create! All of the ladies involved in Her Campus are sweet, accepting, and ready to help. It's such a fun, uplifting community to be part of. (See the button to the left! - It makes this blog official!)  SPONSOR The Blog! Starting March 1st, my blog will be sponsoring The Darling Prepster. After seeing how much sponsorship can bring to blogs, I decided to add my own Sponsorship page. Currently, there is one sponsorship option to choose from - and it's a great price! (not going to lie) I can't wait to see who will sponsor the blog first. 
Happy Wednesday! 
xo

Dear Me : #blogeverydayinfeb

Dear 16 Year-Old Sydney, 
I hope you've had a successful sophomore year so far. Enjoying your major, succeeding in your math and science classes, and having the time of your life with your friends. I hope you've learned how to better deal with stress, and stop procrastinating. 
I hope you've grown your faith in Christ. I know it's been a struggle since entering high school, but it's going to be worth it in the long run. Read His word on a daily basis, attend church on a weekly basis, and take part in a life group. It's all going to be worth it. You'll learn so much and will grow as a person. 
I hope you've reached your goals. You've always been a goal setter, and I hope you've reached some of them, learned from your mistakes, and have adjusted the goals in result. I hope you had a successful Governor's school audition, have made it into All-State Chorus, and have (fingers crossed) had a solo in a performance for Vocal. 
I hope you (maybe) have fallen in love. I hope you've truly learned what love is, and hopefully not the hard way. Maybe you haven't had a boyfriend yet, or your first kiss, but I hope that you have learned from someone you're close to what it really means to be loved ... and to love. 
I hope you've traveled. I hope you've been to Boston, Paris, and someplace new and exciting. Experience the world, because you have a limit on the days.
I hope you've grown. As a person, a blogger, a friend. I hope you've learned along the way and have altered how you're living in result. 
I hope you've ... learned to drive. read more. worried less. had your mind over matter. have worked out more. learned lots. discovered your style. analyzed your future. found an empowering lipstick. helped in the community. succeeded in your classes. asked for help. said no when needed. found your true friends. 
Love,  15 Year Old You

xo

Guest Post : Ashley Mason #blogeverydayinfeb

Hi ladies! I'm Ashley from Private School Prepster, and I'm going to be guest posting for Sydney today about interacting with other bloggers.

---------------------------------------------

In my opinion, there are only two really important things to remember while blogging: being yourself and making new friends. Blogging is a great way to make new friends because if you find a blog you like, you most likely have a lot in common with the girl behind the blog.

I recently did a little link-up called "connect with preps." This idea all started when I realized how many preppy bloggers, Twitters, Instagrammers, Youtubers, etc. there were. I love making new friends, so I thought to myself, why not come up with something so all of these preps can get in contact with each other? So I did. I got the email address of any prep that wanted to be involved and randomly paired two girls together. They would then be free to start emailing the girl they were assigned and most likely become friends with her!

Making new friends is an absolutely amazing feeling. You may find a few things you have in common with another blogger just by reading her blog, but you will never know how many things you have in common with her until you start emailing her.

So, my suggestion to all of you is that if you find a blog that you're interested in, get in contact with the girl behind the blog. If she has a "contact me" page, find her email address and shoot her an email. Even follow her social media accounts if you'd like. If she doesn't have a "contact me" page, leave a comment on one of her blog posts asking her for it. Never be too shy to pass up a friendship and always be on the lookout for new blogs to follow.

Do you have any blogger friends?

xo

Joys of Blogging : #blogeverydayinfeb

Blogging has truly brought me great joy. I have learned lots, made new friends, and (I hope) am becoming a better writer throughout it all. 
Throughout the past two or three weeks, some of my favorite bloggers have written amazing posts about blogging. 
I have become more creative when it comes to writing, and can brainstorm more efficiently. I love to utilize any and all social media platforms, and try and interact with everyone that I can, especially on Twitter and Instagram. 
It's been such a great experience. I now have this growing time capsule that is always growing. I write about all kinds of topics and document certain times in my life. 
THE COLLEGE PREPSTER 
It's no mystery that I LOVE Carly from the College Prepster. She has written some brilliant posts about blogging that I have gone back and read time and time again. Learning new things from such an accomplished blogger is such a great learning experience. 


Motivation Behind Blogging // Why I Blog + Blogging Tips // Why Why Why
PREP IN YOUR STEP Dorothy is absolutely adorable and is becoming one of my favorite bloggers. After participating in Breakfast in Bed at the beginning of the month, she has become one of my daily reads.  One of her most recent posts is my fantastic and perfect for any (and all!) bloggers.
Blogging Tips and Advice 
Another Helpful Blog Post : HTML Coding Every Blogger Should Know // 3 Things I Wish I Would Have Known About Blogging // So You Want To Start A Blog
What is your favorite part about blogging? (Or Reading Blogs?)
xo
Posts featured on ATT about Blogging : Daily Reads // Blue and Pink //  Return to Blogging // Mackenzie Horan // Carly, College Prepster

Anxiety/Stress/Fear : #blogeverydayinfeb

Anxiety. Stress. Fear. Three words I despise, but have learned how to handle.
This post couldn't have come at a better time. 
These past 2 days, and these past 2 weeks in general have been insane. Last Monday, I left school stressed, tired, and struggling to find motivation. My agenda was a mess and I was beginning to lose it.  The ice days were the best thing that could have happened that week. I was able to re-evaluate my situation, organize myself, get caught up on work, and have some time alone. After picking school back up on Valentine's Day, I couldn't have been more excited for the long weekend and more time for myself. 
After these past two days, I don't even remember having Monday off, because this week has felt like a stressful, full 5 day week. Going into the week, I felt organized, energized, and ready to go. I had my blog posts planned, was ready to allot time Wednesday night to blog more, and I was overjoyed that my concerts were postponed. (I don't know how Sarah is still standing, she just participated in our school musical and performed in 10 shows.)
That all (completely) changed when I finished Tuesday. (read : French "pop" quiz, French verbal test, Math test, English paper, Science Quiz/Reading, PE test, Vocal Concert Thursday) 
Thursday was rough. Our Vocal Concert, that was 12 hours away, was giving my anxiety because of how under prepared I felt. I took a math test that I felt good on, until I realized I messed up on 8 of the questions. And French - I had a pop quiz that I didn't do so hot on, and have an oral test coming soon that I'm freaking out about. 
I was under so much stress, I had a complete break down Thursday night. I couldn't think, had so much on my mind, and the to-do list was infinite. I called up a friend, talked it out, and go to work. I can't say how I did on my quiz and test yesterday, but I know one thing : I'm surprised that I made it through yesterday without breaking down a second time, falling asleep in class, or being in a terrible mood. I may have gotten five hours of sleep, but I was (surprisingly) energized and ready to work. 
Today, I'm supposed to be sharing my tips for dealing with anxiety/fear/stress. But I think it's sometimes more valuable to read about a real life situation and show that you're not the only one stressing about every little thing. Yes, I have tips, but I've gotten used to certain stress levels that I just deal with it when it gets thrown at me. 
MY TIPS FOR A STRESSED YOU ::
Don't be afraid to Ask for Help or Say No // How self explanatory is this? Ask for help from a friend, parent, or teacher. If you have too much on your plate, ask someone to help you out with something simple that will ease the stress. Also, don't be afraid to say no! If you can't add something else to your list, don't. It will only cause more stress and anxiety.
Call a Friend! // I had to call a friend Thursday night in tears. Call someone you trust and know will let you talk and will give great advice back to you. Sometimes hearing your best friend's voice is better than talking over text.

ORGANIZE. // Utilize your Agenda and Calendar! Write out everything: due dates, tests, appointments, extra-curricular activities, etc. It will help you to plan out each night as to what you can/can't handle. 
Take YOU Time. // After studying for an hour, get yourself a cup of coffee, go for a walk/run/bike ride, read a magazine; even a simple 15 minute break outside will help you clear your mind and motivate you. 
Pray and Motivate. // Pray continuously. Spend time reading the word, asking for guidance and peace, and focus. It's sometimes hard to see God in all the rush, but when you do it's worth it. 
I've really missed blogging, and I can't wait to finish up my February Blog Challenge! It's been such  great experience and has helped me to stay organized when it comes to blogging. I hope to share my experiences with you at a late time!

How do you deal with stress/anxiety/fear?

xo

Little Known Facts : #blogeverydayinfebruary

Although this blog is written by me, and I share a lot about what my goals are, what I'm working towards, or what's going on in my life. There are some things I feel like I've never mentioned, though.
Here we go :: 
1. I have a twin brother, named Nick. I'm 8 minutes older. 
2. I would much rather take 2 maths and 2 sciences than take any form of History/Social Studies.
3. I've always been independent when it comes to school, studying, and getting my homework done. I just need to be able to motivate myself and I'm fine. 
4. Once I find a Netflix show, I can't stop watching it. (i.e.: Gossip Girl (currently), Grey's Anatomy)
5. I have to buy most everything in tall or long, because I'm 5'11".
6. (This may be known), but I think I have an unhealthy obsession to most every Social Media platform.
7. I was baptized when I was 12 at our family's Episcopal Church. 
8. I want to go to college anywhere but South Carolina. I would love to go to college in Boston (or anywhere in New England)
What are some little known facts about you?
xo
ps. Is there anything else you want to know about me? Feel free to ask me anything below, or email me any questions you may have! 

3 Words - 1 Style : #blogeverydayinfeb

My style has greatly changed since 6th grade. My closet was only t-shirts. Mid-seventh grade, I finally started getting into a more "put together" style. Finally, by 8th grade, I "locked in" what I liked and didn't like, bringing me to where I am now. (Go farther back than that, and it has really, really changed.) Looking back, it's hard to believe where I am now to where I was then, but I feel that now I really know what my style is, know what I'm most comfortable, and am slowly (but surely) finding out what looks best on me.

Versatility // Being able to wear an outfit to school but also a fun dinner with my friends makes my wardrobe easy to mess around with. I can wear a certain skirt/blouse combo and know that it will look stunning that night when I'm just hanging out with friends. Being able to wear versatile pieces makes my closet have endless possibilities.

Classic // I hope that the majority of the pieces in my closet will stay in style for the next few years. You can't go wrong with a navy skirt, white button down, J. Crew chino shorts - they're going to be classic, staple pieces no matter what.

I've found that being classy is also a lifestyle, too! 

Comfort // I want to feel comfortable in what I wear; I want to feel like I can conquer the world with the right shirt, feel like I can "ace" a presentation because of my shoes, and feel like whatever I'm wearing, I don't feel like I'm uncomfortable and just waiting to get home and get into some comfortable pjs. (Although, some days, this is just a must).

What 3 words would you use to describe your style?

xo

5 Favorites (Maybe 6!) : #blogeverdayinfeb

Happy Monday! 

I have today off, as it's President's Day, and I plan to spend it getting ready for the upcoming week: blogging, tests/quizzes, and some homework! 

My 5 (6!) Favorites are from J. Crew Factory - I can't get over the great items and amazing deals. 

these shorts (similar) // I saw these shorts on the J. Crew Factory website about a month ago, fell in love, but they slipped out of my mind. (I have an eye for ANY printed short.) Walking into the sale section of my local J. Crew Factory, these shorts caught my eye and I couldn't say no. I got them for $15. (what a steal!) I am so glad I did ... #springcancomenow.

Any recommendations for stores that carry cute printed shorts? Gap was my store last spring.

Retro Frame Sunglasses // While at my J. Crew, I stumbled upon these Retro sunglasses, but (stupidly) passed them up ... and I'm regretting it. I don't have a pair of sunglasses, and I need a good pair. These are unique and adorable. I may have to go back or order them online, I'm still thinking about them! (Input please!)

Nautical Chino Short // Not printed, but the gold accents are perfect. 

Optic Dot Mini // I think I have one polka dot item in my closet, and it's navy. (go figure) This skirt is cute and perfect for Spring.

Peter Pan Collar Dress // I don't have a single item in my closet with a collar, let alone a Peter Pan one. This dress would be perfect for school but also for a Sunday Brunch! 

Scalloped Shift Dress // I have seen SO MANY instagrams, tweets, pins, blog posts, etc., about this fantastic dress, but I haven't been able to say yes to the price just yet. I saw it in the store and was drawn directly to it, but just couldn't say yes. 

Which one of these items is your favorite? 

Do you know where I could find any look-a-likes for a better price? 

xo

ps. Come back at 10:00 for a second post, featuring my favorite pants from Gap! 

pps. The blog has an instagram! You can find it at @/athousandtomorrowsblog!

A Hard Lesson Learned : #blogeverydayinfeb

Yesterday and Today's blog posts are getting deep ... yesterday, I was talking about my dreams and goals, and today I'm talking about a hard lesson learned. But, with this said, I'm glad that I get to participate in such a fun challenge! 
Trying to come up with a hard lesson learned is harder than I thought. Not trying to say I haven't learned a lesson. Because I have. (trust me) I've learned lessons about friends, my family, my faith, and quite a few other things.
I've had quite an adventure with friends, learning who my true ones are and what kinds of qualities I want in a friend. Transitioning from middle to high school was quite an adjustment because I don't see the same people all the time. It may be the same campus, but it feels much more spread out. 
I had been sitting with the same group of girls for 3 years, and a few of us felt like it was time for a change, to branch out, and just meet some new girls. I joined a new table, but for some reason, it just didn't click with me, I wasn't feeling "at home". 
After a month or two of trying, I branched off from that group with 2 of my girlfriends, and started (finally) feeling like we were home. We have a small group of about six girls, but it's honestly the best group. We have enough girls to have a fun Friday night, and not too many where it's a hassle to get us all together. 
The Lesson I Learned? I finally learned what it felt like to have the best group of girls after a few months of struggling. I had to pray quite a few times, had to trust that it would just all work out in the end - and I am so glad that it did. I could't be more thankful for my girls, as they pick me up when I am having a rough day, make me laugh until I'm crying, and let me talk for hours when I need to vent. 
Faith is a big component. It's all in my head and I can't begin to write it all. It's been tough, as freshman year has been kicking my butt and I (sometimes) can't see the purpose in everything, but I know there is one. 
What's your "hard lesson learned"? 
xo

Chase Your Dreams : #blogeverydayinfeb

I really had to think about this post, about how I was going to write it. Because my dreams/goals are a big(ish) thing to me. 
I like to have a plan. But at the same time, I also don't want to have the next 10 years of my life figured out. I don't have an age to where I want to be married, have kids, have a job, I don't plan where I want to be when I'm 23. Yes, I look forward to the future and what's in store, but I don't want to have my kids names picked out and my wedding venue planned without knowing where I'll even be when the time comes.
But I have goals. I like certain colleges (Boston College, U Mass U Penn, University of Wisconsin Madison, Johns Hopkins), so I want to try and be accepted to them. I am interested in certain professions (Registered Nursing, Nurse Anesthetist), and I will continue to look at other options. I really want to audition for a school in Greenville and attend it in 11th and 12th grade. I'm shooting for attending next years ACDA National Choir in Salt Lake City, Utah. I think it'd be really fun to get to sing a solo for the Vocal Department before I leave/graduate.  And all of this is just in the next 4 years.
I don't want to set too big of goals for myself, and then cry when I don't reach them. I need to set goals that I know I can strive for and know that I can accomplish. I've set goals for myself before. Heck, I've accomplished goals that I don't purposefully set for myself, like getting an A on a test, accomplishing all my homework before a certain time.
I need to remember that I have time. (And so do you!) You don't need to accomplish everything in one day. You're given tomorrow for a reason. Yes, we all are disappointed when we don't accomplish a task that we were trying to complete in a day, but sometimes getting that extra day to work on it is better for us. Maybe that second day something clicks in our head, turning that simple task into something you're now very proud of.
And I know that God knows where I'll be, that he will direct me, and  I'll be where I need to be. (Even if I don't understand why.) 
I'm really excited to see what the future has in store, what dreams I will chase, and what goals I'll accomplish. 
xo

Valentine's Box Swap! #blogeverydayinfeb

Happy Valentine's Day!

Near the end of December, I signed up to participate in a Valentine's Box Swap with other bloggers. You basically got paired with another blogger, emailed back and forth, and then sent them a box filled with goodies for Valentine's Day. It was such a great idea, and was a great way to network with another blogger. (Let me just say, blog friends are GREAT!)

I was paired with the wonderful Brianna, from Endlessly Beloved. She is super sweet and such a great blogger. I find her posts to be very genuine and they make me smile. She's also a blog designer, so check her out if you ever need some work done for your blog. 

Make sure to check her blog out today for her post about the #vdayboxswap!

xo