SOPHOMORE YEAR!

Today's the day! It's the first day of my sophomore year in high school. (BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY THE AFTER PARTY SALE! It's going to be my "congrats you survived Monday/the first day of school" present to myself!) I'm super excited to go back to school, shop some Lilly Pulitzer, see all my friends, and see what my classes are all about ... but I'm not to keen on the 6:00 wake up this morning! 
It's definitely not easy going back to school after a fun summer - I spent 2 of the best weeks of my life at Governor's school, had a fun family vacation, and got to spend time with friends and family while home in Charleston. It was the epitome of a relaxing summer.
There's a lot that is going to change this year. For starters, I'm no "freshmeat" anymore, and there's definitely more to my academics and their contribution to my GPA. I have more on my shoulders academically and extra-curricular wise, so there's more time management needed! I'm hoping on accomplishing goals, small and large, and really putting all I have into my work, in and out of school. #gotheextramile But there's definitely one thing that's heavier on my heart today, as I drive into school with my Dad and brother for my first day of 10th grade year. I've mentioned here how amazing of an experience I've had at Governor's School the past two summers, (I blogged about this summer, since this corner of the internet didn't exist when I went last summer!) and the great impact it's had on me since. What's laying on my heart most, is that this could possibly (and (fingers crossed!) hopefully) be the "last first day" I'll spend at my home, at my school I've spent 5 years attending. I cannot tell you how much I've prayed, letting God know how much of a desire this is on my heart and for my future, how much I would love the experience. (And trust me, that praying isn't stopping today!) It's something I really want and hope for, something that I'm going to work hard to do. It's something I'm truly passionate about, because I love my art, vocal, and having the gift from God to sing. There's something so special about it, how you can impact people's hearts and lives with just one song. There's something so special about that environment that's hard to put into words, and is something that I hope you'll be able to experience yourself with your own art, whether it be blogging, music, dancing, drawing, or the hundreds of other things you may pour your heart and talent into.  I cannot wait to share this year with you, all of the ups and downs, highs and lows. I am so thankful for this community and all of you reading this, as you are my constant motivation and inspiration, something I could never replace or take away from my daily life and routine. 
Without further ado, the start of school means we're back to #MotivationMondays! I love motivating you (and myself!) each Monday morning. I'd love to view your fun and motivational boards on Pinterest, so please, share your links below!
     { Christine Caine via } { Romans 12:12 via }
    { some things fall apart via } { go the extra mile via }
Have a great Monday and a blessed week! 
xoxo

Branding, Organization, and Selling Yourself as a Blogger

It has been almost a year (July 1 2013!) since I started my little corner of the interweb here at A Thousand Tomorrows, formally known as Everyday Southern Prep. I have learned so much and have found that writing is a hobby of mine that relieves stress and lets me create new ideas and content. It has been an absolute joy writing this past year and I cannot wait to see what is to come. 

With this being said, I have learned lots of important things you need to consider while blogging, such as the importance of organization, branding, and "selling yourself" on social media. Each blogger has their own little differences when it comes to branding themselves, whether it be how they describe their blog, style, or content. I have read so many blog posts about blogging tips, how to brand yourself on twitter, instagram, pinterest, etc. (and how to utilize these social media platforms!), creating the best content, and organizing each week. 
For me, organizing is the key to blogging. I use a master calendar along with an Excel Spread Sheet to log every post and its views and reader response. I do not have a calendar solely dedicated to blogging, because the calendar I use is fine for both school and blog work. I simply pencil in the post I want to plan for that certain date.  Recently, I plugged all my posts into my Google Calendar. I cannot carry my calendar around with me, as it doesn't fit in my purse, so if I need to quickly glance at my blog plans, it's all accessible on my phone. It's also easy to edit! 
Carrying around a small notebook is always a good idea for every woman, but for us bloggers, notebooks can hold thousands of blog post ideas and inspiration. I find myself taking notes on my phone, on scratch pieces of paper, and napkins, so having one notebook to compile all these ideas makes it much more organized (key theme here!) and easy to read/navigate.  I mentioned that I have recently started using Excel. As well as logging each post with its views and response, I log my blog ideas here as well. That way if I were to misplace my notebook, its all on my computer. 
With my blog growing slowly each day, I have been thinking about investing more in different items to help brand myself and the blog. A simple solution? Business Cards. They can be customized just for you/your blog and can say everything needed - name, email, web address, social media handles, and phone number. 
Keeping a weekly to do list for your blog can also help tremendously. I tend to keep a master to do list for the entire week, whether it be errands, school, home chores, or blog work, but staying organized in that way also helps - and you feel great when you're able to scratch something off of the list! 
One thing that every blogger will tell you when you ask them how they were able to grow their blog and connect with others will be the usage of Social Media Platforms. Sharing links, mentioning other bloggers, following bloggers, and linking up with blogs when possible will greatly increase your traffic and (hopefully!) keep some readers for the long run! I always had a love for Instagram before I started blogging, but since then my love for Pinterest, Twitter, Tumblr, and Google Plus (and even emailing!) has shot through the roof. If you can allot a simple 10 minutes each day to a few of these platforms and share your own posts as well as others, you're going to capture at least one persons eye (fingers crossed) and allow them to then go on and share about your personal blog. 
Lots of these tips seem to apply to blogging, but some can even apply if you're going into a job or interview - selling yourself is HUGE in these settings as well! 
Being a high school sophomore (eek!) can be rough because of the constant judging when it comes to quirky things that most people don't do - such as blogging. There are 4 girls I know of (now 3, since Kira has moved on to another local high school) that blog in my grade, and just a couple upperclassmen. Having to share what you do and love can be tough with people that don't always understand how you love writing your heart out to the tiny corner you've made for yourself on the internet, but being able to stand up and strongly state that is something even I'm still struggling with. I don't know how long this blog will last, but being able to share what I love with you, my readers, really inspires me to keep writing. (I'm getting sappy!) 
I'm going to save my feelings about this blogs growth and readers for my 1st Birthday Post, but just know that  I have learned so much from you as my reader and I am so thankful for you. 
xoxo

Reflection : New Years Resolution 4

{Read my New Years Resolution “Guide” from January!}

{April Resolution : Exercise}

I was really pumped for this month back on April 1st, but by the 30th I am completely drained. School just got really busy and the motivation to get out and work out was low. (And I mean low).

I think that seeing even Carly from The College Prepster get out and run after a day at work gives me some motivation! And seeing that Kira, someone I see every day and is also drained (what High Schooler/College Student isn’t?!?) but still goes and works out motivates me.

I really want to get out and run, bike, do some core exercises, etc., but like I said, the last thing I want to do when I get home is go back out. I am mentally and physically drained when I get home.

What are your tips? Because I would love to hear them!

Come back tomorrow to see how I am going to tackle next month, which I am pretty pumped about.

xoxo

DON'T FORGET ABOUT THE GIVEAWAY!

#MotivationMonday + Countdowns

Happy Monday! 

Last week was really rough. It may have been the fact that I was adjusting back to school after not being there for almost 2 weeks, or the fact that the amount of makeup work I had to get and complete was out of control. Also, service hours are due this week so I was scrambling to get the last few completed before the deadline. 

I'm seeking some serious motivation as I am getting into that mode where I just don't care and want school to be over and summer to be here. (Literally counting down the day While freshman year has been great and has flown by, it's also been really tough in its own ways and I can't wait to reflect more on it here on the blog in the near future! 

Stay tuned for the next 3 days, as I will be ending my posts about Italy and completing 1 or 2 last (and requested) travel posts! After that, I will go back to the old “schedule”, with more Lookbooks, #MotivationMondays, Outfits, and maybe some posts from some of my favorite bloggers! I can’t wait to see what comes to the blog this summer. 

What's motivating you this week? 

xoxo

P.S. What's your thought on me changing the domain? (If so, to what?) Let me know by emailing me or commenting below! 

Music Down in My Soul + #MotivationMonday

Happy Monday! (And St. Patrick's Day!) if you're reading this early enough in the morning, make sure you're wearing GREEN today! You don't want to get pinched! 
This weekend has been crazy. I had a vocal performance Friday, Saturday, and Sunday,  (+ rehearsal Thursday) and had tests to study for and extra credit to complete for school. I was running around and finally had time to sit down and have a few hours for myself to blog and get some work done yesterday evening. I blogged a lot, and there are 5 posts coming to you this week! Saturday was also spent in bed, because I was trying to save my voice for the performance that night. I

My best friend Emily came Saturday night to the concert! It was so nice having her come and see me perform - I'm so thankful for her!

Sunday morning I made myself a wonderful brunch to fill myself up before my performance. 

Time for some #MotivationMonday! Last week was super rough for me, so I'm hoping this week is better and is filled with ++Positive Vibes++!

still wishing my New Years Resolution of February ended up in a relationship. Oh well. (: 

What's motivating you this weekend? 
xoxo

happy birthday daddy + Motivation Monday

Happy Monday! 

After these past 2-3 weeks I've had, I'm so glad that today I am turning in a paper that has caused me so much stress, tomorrow is a Algebra 2 quiz, and there's nothing too big for the rest of the week (fingers crossed). This weekend really was a nice one. I spent Saturday at home, watching Gossip Girls, getting work done, and had my pictured regrammed by The Every Girl (I freaked out!). Sunday wasn't a #sundayfunday, but was #workhard day. Spring Break is less than 45 days away and I am so excited, so I know that March will be a long month. (Speaking of Spring Break, does anyone have a countdown app that they recommend?) 

And my Instagram account (@/athousandtomorrowsblog) got over 100 followers in less than 4 weeks. Follow me if you haven't done so, it's a great way to stay in the know with the blog! 

++POSITIVE VIBES++

{via}

{via}

As well as it being the start of a new week/month, it's also my amazing Daddy's birthday. I am so thankful for my Dad; even if we don't get along all the time, he's always there for me and is offering help all the time. He is my biggest supporter and loves to listen to me laugh and talk. 

Here goes a major #throwback.

Know how I'm always talking about my twin? That's me and him when we were 2. 

That's right. I was a dancer.

our happy little family - my little sister (she came 8 years later)

Have a Marvelous Monday! What's motivating you this week? 

xo

Love Must Be Sincere & Connecting : #blogeverydayinfeb

This month, I'm concentrating on Love, so naturally that's what I am learning this season. I covered the subject a lot on the original post, but throughout the month I'm learning more and more. Focusing on love during a month that's all about it makes it that much easier to achieve my goal. 
I've realized one thing - I think it's actually a good thing that I'm single. I get to spend more time with friends and not have the drama that seems to accompany high school relationships. I get to spend the weekends with my best friends; this weekend I went to see a play with 2 girlfriends, and Saturday night at a movie with another. We can all plan something fun for Valentine's Day because we're all alone (ah. again. #lonerlife) But we have more fun together. 
I've also seen (more clearly) that it's hard to love yourself in a world that is constantly making comparisons to other people. I don't know if it gets easier as life goes on, but in high school it's a constant struggle. Yes, maybe I want to give up a certain food, but I also want to live my teenage life, because I'll never get these years back. Maybe I want to workout 5 days a week, but I think that (personally) I would rather spend 2 or 3 of those days with my family or with friends, or focusing on school (nerd). I'm trying to make it a habit to go and workout, but some days it just doesn't work. Yes, it will be easier when I can drive (still need to get my permit), but for now I have to deal with what I have. Overall, I'm still working on this aspect but, over time, my goal will be accomplished. 

But I'm also learning how important it is to connect with other people in the "blog world". There are such great people out there that are bloggers, and they're willing to help you if you ask - no matter what. They'll give you feedback if you need it, tell you how to change a font, color scheme, who's best to do a blog redesign, or to sponsor for. It's amazing.  Twitter is such a great way to connect, which I've found to be very true throughout the past few months, so much that I'm becoming addicted. 
What are you learning this season? 
xo

Gaining Strength and Courage : #blogeverydayinfeb

So far, I've really enjoyed the daily prompts from #blogeverydayinfeb. It's definitely helping my writer's block, and it is also helping me in order to post more and (hopefully) better posts, because I'm concentrating on one topic.
This post is a PSA: one with encouragement. It may be the weekend, but you may be seeking some inspiration for the next 2 days, maybe you're already in need of some encouraging for the next week, etc. Whatever it may be, let it go.  
These 2 encouragements are ones I found on Pinterest this week. (Man. I talk about Pinterest way too much.) I LOVE blogging about motivation (hence "#MotivationMonday is a weekly thing here on the blog), and I've always seen myself as a good motivator towards my friends and family.  Tomorrow's the day - the big audition - and I'm not sure how I feel about it yet. I know I'll have nerves, but I am a child of the Lord and I will not be moved.  Do you have any public encouragement today?
xo

Audition Week

In 6 days, I'll be auditioning for a summer intensive that I really want to attend - I'm in need of some serious motivation. (I feel like I say this on a weekly basis ... maybe it's a problem!)
Sunday night was a little bit of a low for me - I had an IGP the following morning, a math quiz, blog posts to be written, homework to be finished, and an audition to worry about on top of it all. Stress was at an all time high. But I had such a fun weekend with one of my friends.  So deciding between having fun and getting work done was rough. This is also the first FULL week back, with no delays/teacher workdays/holidays/snow days since Christmas Break. 
I'm nervous yet confident at the same time. (How exactly does that happen?)
I'm really relying on my Pinterest Board, "Legibly Beautiful" this week. These are just a few of the quotes that will be pushing me this week. 


How do you survive the roughest weeks?
xo

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.






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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Midterms #2 and #3! #MotivationMonday

I survived my first midterm. 

Whaaaat.

I took my first midterm on Friday and (thankfully) got through it without having a panic attack and completely stressing out the morning of. With tea in my hand and a good breakfast I was calm and collected and I feel as though I nailed my first midterm. (fingers crossed!)

Tomorrow I have my second midterm (English, on Romeo and Juliet), followed by my last midterm in World Geography. With a 5 day weekend coming up, I could not be more motivated to get through this week and enjoy another break. 

Don't doubt your amazing abilities.

     On occasion, I doubt that I am capable of walking into a classroom and nailing a test. While taking midterms, I have to be confident and know that I have prepared myself. If I doubt myself, I will kill the dreams that I have of my grade. I can't let myself doubt my abilities. 

I am capable.

     I may doubt myself, but I am capable of amazing things. (Pretty self explanatory). I have my Father God on my side who knows of my talents, my mom and dad cheering me on. I can do this. (#Hustle.)

What motivates you during exam week?

Love, Sydney 

ps. Follow me on social media! (Links to the right!)

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Hustle: Midterm #1

I have my first ever midterm tomorrow and I cannot even begin to express the fear and stress I am feeling. The first midterm I have is in Physical Science, and I don't know what to expect.


Must remember: Failure is not fatal. 
    It's just one grade. Sure, it may be a large grade in the gradebook, but it's one class that in 4 years I won't even remember. I can't freak out if I don't do as well as I wanted; I can't set my personal expectations too high.


Must remember: I have to WORK.
    Yes, I don't have to freak if it isn't the grade I dreamed of, but I also can't take the easy route to getting the grade I want. I have to study and work; I have to ask questions and be ready to find things for myself. I have to take the route that won't be as easy to achieve success I want.

 Isaiah 40: 30,31  “Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

How did your first week back at school go?  and How will you get through the next week? 

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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Motivation Monday: 24 Days to Christmas

And we meet again. On Monday. 
14 academic days until the next break starts. 
allow the countdown to begin.

I am excited for this week, as on Thursday and Friday the High School  Vocal Department and High School Symphony Orchestra are putting on their Christmas Concert; it is semi last minute, as we still have a good bit of work to do, but somehow it will come together. 

We have a great list of beautiful songs, including 3 pieces from the Messiah by Handle, O Holy Night, and Canticle of Joy (my personal favorite). I cannot wait to hear the symphony open up our concert and play along with us for the first time - It will give me chills.  

With a concert at the end of the week, and rehearsals each day before, this week will present it's struggles - organization is greatly needed. (did someone say time management?) 

Yesterday, I was confirmed. (I will be posting pictures as soon as I upload them onto the computer!) It was a great experience. I had to read my testimony (under 3 minutes - eek!). I will be including that with my "What I wore" Post. 

Motivation for the week: 

What is motivating you this week?

Love, Sydney 

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