Tea Talk Tuesday : Darcy from A Memory of Us

      

Darcy from A Memory of Us

Tell us a little bit about yourself! 

Hi everyone! My name is Darcy and I blog over at A Memory of Us (www.amemoryofus.blogspot.com) A little about me -- I graduated college 1.5 years ago. I'm a Nebraska girl at heart but I followed my then-boyfriend, Tyler, to Kansas City, MO after graduating. Monday through Friday I am working as a System Engineer. Tyler proposed to me on October 31, 2013! We are in the midst of wedding planning now and are officially becoming Mr. and Mrs. April 2015! I could not be more excited. These days I am spending my time wedding planning, blog writing, hanging out with my best gals, and just living life to the fullest! 

Where did you go for college and how did you decide on your major? 

I went to Northwest Missouri State University (go Bearcats!) and graduated with a business management major and database management systems minor. My ultimate career goal is project management so that is how I landed on business management. I added in a minor when I realized I was going to graduate in 3 years without one, haha! (I still left in 3.5 years, though.) I chose to focus on computer science because of the demand for programmers. It is definitely challenging and some days are frustrating but ultimately I love writing code... especially when I get the program to do what I want it to! 

What are some of the fashion blogs that inspired you to create your own? 

The first fashion blog I ever read was Pink Peonies. After, I started discovering more that I loved... especially The Sweetest Thing. 

You mentioned that you enjoy watching beauty videos. What are some of your favorite YouTube channels? 

The Beauty Community on YouTube is seriously amazing! Not kidding when I say I can watch YouTube videos all night after work. Missglamorazzi and TessChristine are my absolute favorites! 

How were you able to grow your blog to what it is today? 

Blogging looks like it would be easy and not a huge time commitment from the outside, but really it takes so much time and work! Network like crazy. People are not just going to stumble across your blog in the beginning. You need to get your name out there so comment on other people's blogs and participate in link ups!

What are some of your apps? 

I don't really use anything that exciting... I love Instagram for social media and 7 Little Words for a fun game. 

Where would you love to travel to at the moment?

LONDON! Tyler has already agreed that London will be where we go for our one year anniversary trip! 

How do you edit your Instagram pictures? 

I really only use the filters on Instagram, however I use picfx for cropping! 

What is the biggest opportunity that has come your way since you began blogging in 2013? 

The biggest opportunity is working with brands and being able to write reviews about the products! The best moment was being featured as Lauren Conrad's chic of the week! 

What are the three makeup products that you have to use on a daily basis? 

Foundation (right now I am just using the sephora brand), mascara (Maybelline the Rocket), and I always fill in my eyebrows! I use the NYX eyebrow kit. 

What kind of camera do you use when taking your pictures for “A Memory of Us”? How about lenses?

18-55 mm lens on a dslr Nikon. 

Where can we find you on social media? 

I only use Instagram and my username is _darcyylynn_ . Hope to "meet" you there!! 

Tea Talk Tuesday : Sloane Kratzman from Sailing the Sea of Style

          

Sloane from Sailing the Sea of Style

Tell us a little bit about yourself!

I write a personal style and travel blog called Sailing the Sea of Style. I started my corner of the interwebz in August of 2012, quite randomly but it has turned into something that I will be forever grateful for.

What drew you to sailing and what is one of your favorite memories of sailing?

My dad grew up sailing and it was always been something huge in our family and life. My older brother is a sailing, so it was quite obvious I was going to be one too- ha (-: I've yet to come across a favorite memory.... so I'm not sure. 

What are your 3 favorite travel destinations?

Without a doubt, Florence, Provence, and St.Barths

How have you been able to grow your blog to what it is today?

I am about to be very cliche, but all it takes is passion and dedication. The readers will come as long as you give them a reason too.

Your outfit pictures are absolutely perfect! What camera/lenses do you use and how do you edit your pictures?

I use a Nikon D3200 with several different lenses, but I must give more credit to some my primary photographer, Alexandra Gibbs.

Who are some of your biggest fashion inspirations?

Less "who", but more "where & when". For inspiration, I look to the Euro cities of Stockholm, Coopahagen and London. And of course, the 60s and 70s. 

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Two words: no.clue. 

What are your three favorite outfits that you’ve featured on your blog in 2014? All time?

These three are some of my favorites- 1,2,3

What are you most looking forward to about high school?

Just a new adventure.

What are your favorite parts about the city?

The endless culture and new experiences.

What three locations would you recommend to a friend to visit when they are visiting NYC?

1- The High Line

2- Lunch at BG

3- Brunch at August and shopping on Bleecker St.

Where can we find you on social media?

@sailingseastyle

xoxo

Tea Talk Tuesday : Sydney from Summer Wind

  Meet Sydney from Summer Wind! Not only do we share the same name, but we also share the same love for blogging! I've been following Sydney's blog since before I began my blog and I absolutely love reading Summer Wind every morning. Read below   to learn a little bit about Sydney's exciting and fast                                    paced life in Pittsburgh, PA! 

Tell us a little bit about yourself!

I was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA and headed south to get my undergrad degree in PR at James Madison University! Once I graduated, I moved back to Pittsburgh and I now work for a luxury event planning company. I started Summer Wind on a whim my freshman year of college in 2009 and haven't looked back! 

What are some of your favorite places in Pittsburgh?

Without a doubt, Mt. Washington which is an overlook that shows off the entire city. It is breathtaking and my favorite place in all of Pittsburgh. As for food, Little Tokyo is the absolute best for sushi!! 

What are some of your favorite apps? (Both productive and fun!)

Hmmm.. well for photo editing, I absolutely love VSCO cam! I say pay for the extra filters- some are so great! I also really like the Starbucks and RueLaLa apps-- makes coffee drinking and shopping on the go super easy! 

 Favorite summer reads?

Well, I just finished The Fault In Our Stars last month and I was obsessed-- but definitely not a beach read since it is so sad! I recommend Summer at Tiffanys-- a really cute book and an easy read! 

What are some of your favorite Summer/Fall fashion trends?

I am loving the midi skirt trend-- so ladylike and fun! Other than that, I'm not really a trendy kind of girl-- I like to stick to classics! 

What are some of your favorite posts that you've written?

Ohhh this is a hard one! I've written almost 1500 posts on Summer Wind! I love looking back in the early years of Summer Wind since it is like a diary and recaps my college life! It's so much fun to look back on the great memories! 

What are some of your daily reads?

I wish I could say that I have daily reads, but because of my demanding work schedule, I don't get much blog reading in! I really love Atlantic-Pacific!

 How did you decide on James Madison University and what drew you to Public Relations and Writing?

I actually had no idea about JMU before I applied-- my parents had heard good things, so I applied and then went down once I was accepted and absolutely fell in love! I was originally a business major, but decided I wanted something a little more creative and when talking with my adviser, he suggested I take a few classes in PR... I fell in love! I also have always loved writing so it just felt natural to minor in writing--plus it pairs with PR really well! 

What did you love most about joining Zeta Tau Alpha (ZTA)?

Definitely my friendships. I'm in my 'bigs' wedding in September and I can confidently say that I made friends for life in ZTA! 

What is your favorite travel destination?

Ohhh.. such a tough one! I would have to say our family's lake house in Georgia because it is so beautiful and when I am down there, I am surrounded by all of my family. I am currently having a severe bout of wanderlust and dreaming of traveling Europe! Hopefully sometime in the next year or so :)

Where can we find you on social media?

I am on all sorts of social media! @SummerWind41490 for both Twitter and Instagram as well as Pinterest and Tumblr!

I hope you enjoyed this installment of Tea Talk Tuesday! If you have a blog of your own and would be interested in being featured, please email me at athousandtomorrowsblog@gmail.com. I would love to hear from you! 

xoxo

Write it Out

I love back to school shopping! For some reason, I find it super enjoyable to run around Target trying to find everything I need for each class. One of the highlights for me has to be picking out a new agenda. Throughout Middle School,  I just used the agenda that was supplied by my school, but starting Freshman year I've gone out and gotten my own so that I could choose one that is fits all my needs. 

This year, I went with a simple yet large agenda from Target (very similar to the blue sky planner below). Last year, I used a Lilly Pulitzer, but I did not like how it fell apart after a year of use. They are so adorable and are definitely in style, but the quality wasn't there! (Don't get me wrong though, the Lilly agendas this year are ADORABLE!) 

May Designs // Lilly Pulitzer // Kate Spade // Blue Sky Susy Jack 

What agenda are you using this year? 

Independence Day Inspiration

Happy Fourth of July! 
I love the high energy of everyone in Charleston on the Fourth. I have the pleasure of living in a city where there are many great places to watch fireworks and celebrate Independence, so tonight myself and my family are heading out to Sullivans Island to watch the "boomers", as my little sister calls them.  I love getting dressed up for holidays, indulging in new dresses and ensembles to wear just for a day, but when it comes to the Fourth, I've got it covered with red, white, and blue. Throughout the past week, many of my favorite bloggers have been showcasing what they're planning on wearing, which is definitely helping with my own outfit inspiration!
{ via Moda and the Mar }
{ via Classic With a Twist }
{ via The Blonde Prep } 
{ via Styled Snapshots }
{ via Atlantic-Pacific } 
{ via A Preppy State of Mind }
{ via Southern Curls and Pearls }
{ via Southern Curls and Pearls }

{ via Citrus and Style }

What's your favorite look? What are your exciting plans for the Fourth of July? 

xoxo

P.S. Sorry for not posting yesterday ladies, I was getting lots of scheduled posts ready for my time away at camp! 

Tea Talk Tuesday : Jackie from York Avenue

  

Happy Tuesday! I hope you're enjoying this series as much as I am. I have really loved reaching out to some of my favorite bloggers and getting to know more about themselves and their blogs. This week, Jackie from York Avenue has shared a little bit about her life as an Operating Room Registered Nurse in the Big Apple! 

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself! 

I'm an Operating Room RN by day, and in my spare time I work on my blog and pursue a few different hobbies. I've recently fallen in love with photography, and my DSLR has definitely been one of the best investments I've made. In addition to that I love reading, baking, and exploring NYC. I grew up on Long Island, which is very close to the city, so I always came to visit Manhattan as a kid but never really imagined that I'd end up living here. I'm so glad that I did! I have a lot of fun trying new restaurants, going to different parks, visiting museums, and just walking around exploring different neighborhoods. 

2. What is it like being an Operating Room RN? 

Working in the Operating Room is great! It's exciting, interesting, and fast-paced, and I work with amazingly smart and talented people. No two days are the same and I'm constantly learning new things. 

3. Where did you go to college and how did you decide on your major?

I went to SUNY Fredonia in upstate New York for two years and then finished up my last two years of college at Stony Brook University on Long Island. I decided on a Psychology major because I found the subject to be fascinating, and still do! Psychology is a huge part of everyday life, though we don't often think of it that way. After I finished my Bachelor's in Psych I went back to school for nursing because I knew that it would be a really interesting career path. It's full of variety and you can do so many things with it, so I definitely think I made a good choice! 

4. What are your three favorite brunch spots in NYC?

I'm obsessed with brunch, so I'm constantly looking for new favorites! Sarabeth's is one of my top choices. I've been to their Upper East Side and Central Park South locations, and both are lovely. I love the atmosphere, and their pancakes are amazingly delicious. Another place I've only been to once, but which really stuck with me, is called Clinton St. Baking Company, on the Lower East Side. There's always an insane wait, but it was actually worth it. Their hot chocolate and pancakes were seriously AMAZING. My mouth waters just thinking about it! Note to self: go back as soon as possible! Lastly, I really like Alices Tea Cup. They also have a few locations (the Upper East Side one being my favorite, of course!), and I just love how whimsical and cute everything is in there. Aside from the charming decor though, the food is actually quite delicious as well! They have the most fantastic buttermilk scones with clotted cream and jam...so yummy! It's a fun place that you'll really only find in a city like New York. Places like that are part of what I love about this city!

5. What drew you to NYC, and what do you love most about living there?

I came to NYC because I was incredibly lucky to get an amazing job here. After nursing school I decided it would be great to really get out on my own and see what city life would be like. So far, it's been amazing and I'm so glad that I moved here. I also wanted to stay close to where my family is, so this is really the ideal place to be. 

6. What are some of your interior design inspirations (people, locations)?

For interior design, I'm constantly inspired by anything that Michelle Adams does. She has an aesthetic that I really relate to, and I usually love anything designed or styled by her. I love the edginess of Kelly Wearstler's home goods, and I'm also always inspired by other bloggers, such as Elements of Style and Live Creating Yourself. ABC Carpet and Home and Anthropologie are two stores that always get my creative juices flowing as well!

7. What are your three favorite food related posts you’ve written?

Great question! I love writing food posts, since I'm a huge fan of baking and food photography. I was really proud of my Snickerdoodles post, because it was one of the first I did with my DSLR and I just really loved how the photos came out. I also love my second birthday cake post, because I just love that cake and the memories I have of baking it with my family every year (it's a bit of a tradition). My Olive-Oil Granola post is a favorite as well because I like the photography and I love that recipe, which I've made a zillion times! 

8. Favorite books and movies for summer?

For summer, I'm psyched to continue reading the Game of Thrones books. I just started the first one after getting obsessed with the TV show, and I'm loving it! I'm also excited for The Vacationers by Emma Straub, which seems like a great summer read, and to try The Fault in Our Stars, after seeing the movie and really enjoying it (through the amazing amount of tears it brought on!). I'm not too good at keeping up with movies, but I am excited for the Gone Girl movie to come out! 

9. What is your current go to bag?

My current go-to bag for summer is my Madewell Perforated Transport Tote. I have the tote in black and use it constantly, so when I saw the perforated version I knew I had to scoop it up! I've hardly stopped using it since it arrived, which is how I know it was a wise purchase. It's so lightweight, holds a ton, and it's completely versatile. The neutral caramel color goes with anything, and the perforations are a perfect little touch for summer. 

10. What is one of the biggest achievements you’ve had since you began blogging?

My biggest achievements since starting blogging have definitely been my home tours on The Everygirl, Houzz, and Apartment Therapy. I was pretty shocked and incredibly flattered that these great websites wanted to publish my apartment, and it was so incredibly exciting to get to share my space with such a wide audience. It's really interesting seeing how different photographers capture the space in different ways, and I'm just really grateful for all three experiences. 

11. What is one piece of advice you would give to high school girls? College?

For high school girls, I would say be yourself! It's so hard at the time, but don't worry about fitting in with the cool kids or what other people are saying and doing. Don't follow the crowd. Looking back on high school, I wish I had just been more relaxed and not worried so much about what people were thinking of me. For college girls, I would say try to figure out what you're passionate about. College flies by and then it's time to make major decisions about what you want to do with the rest of your life, so pay attention to where your talents lie and what subjects and activities make you happy. 

12. What’s your favorite section of NYC other than the UES (Upper East Side)?

Other than the UES, which I'm obsessed with, I actually really like the Upper West Side. It's similar to the Upper East, but has it's own distinctive personality. It's gorgeous in terms of architecture and the beautiful side streets lined with townhouses, and Central Park is right there, which is just lovely. There are many great shops, bakeries, and restaurants. It's somewhat residential and not too crowded as far as NYC neighborhoods go. I just think it's very picturesque and has a great vibe. 

13. What are some pieces you feel every woman should have in her closet?

As far as fashion goes, I live a very casual life! I wear scrubs to work so I can't really speak to work clothes, but for someone like me, I would say a great fitting and COMFORTABLE pair of jeans is a must, along with a great pair of white jeans and black jeans. I think an army green jacket is always great, and lately I've been all about Converse sneakers paired with skinnies. A great, perfect fitting white tee is a classic and a must (I love the Everlane u-neck), and a stylish raincoat is very important too. Great rain and snow boots are also a city essential, which I've sadly yet to find! A few standout, high-quality bags can also elevate any outfit I think, and they're great investments if you pick something classic. 

14. Where can we find you on social media?

I'm on Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads...stop by and say hello if you'd like!

Have a great Tuesday! 

xoxo

P.S. If you have a blog of your own and are interested in being featured in "Tea Talk Tuessday" please shoot me an email at athousandtomorrowsblog@gmail.com. I would love to hear from you! 

On My Radar { 06 . 27 . 14 }

This week was super chill, which was just what I needed. In just 9 days I head off to camp for two weeks, so this next week is going to get hectic, between writing multiple posts for my time away and getting packed, rehearsed (I have to perform the first day I get there!), and finalizing the last few details. 
ONE :: The Fault in Our Stars + Anne Frank Kiss I LOVED The Fault in Our Stars (crying one minute and laughing the next, what's not to love?!), and soon after I saw it with my friend Cathie, this article from NBC News popped up on my Facebook News Feed. I don't necessarily agree fully with what the reviewers and critics are complaining about, but it was interesting to see their point of view and to see what made them cringe halfway through the movie.  After Hazel and Gus climb 3 flights of stairs to see Anne Frank's home, Hazel (with her terrible lungs) is out of breath. One of the most culminating moments of the book/movie is when Gus and Hazel share a memorable (and adorable) kiss in Anne Franks' living room. But, critics aren't so happy with the scene because they don't approve how such a happy moment can take place in one of the saddest moments in history. (I'd like to hear your perspective, comment below!) 
TWO :: JacksGap Collaboration I love Jack and Finn Harries (#mcm forever and always) and their very creative videos and daring adventures. One of Jack's recent videos is a challenge/collab with his viewers/readers of his blog and videos, to make a short video stating the following : What Do You Fear and/or What Do You Love? The boy's goal is to create the largest YouTube collab, and I definitely want to take part - and would love it if you would join me! 
{ via this post }  THREE : Eveleyn Henson Free Downloads A while back, Carly from the Chicago Prepster blogged about Evelyn Henson's adorable tech wallpapers! Since then, I've been obsessed and have so many saved to my phone to change at different times! Eveleyn makes lots of the quotes/wallpapers you see all over Pinterest and Tumblr which I am in love with. 
FOUR :: Gentle Ways to Take a Break Summer is the perfect time to take a break, especially between camps, jobs, internships, school, and chores! This post shares 55 ways to take a break - some are easy to think of and others are more creative. I am definitely going to continue referencing this throughout the summer and into the school year! 
FIVE :: 10 DIY Projects from Design Darling Summer also means lots of free time, and I am always looking for fun projects to do instead of blogging or reading (or watching Netflix, no shame)! I really want to try painting the inside of my door, creating a porcelain jewelry stand, or the gold leaf frames before summer ends! 
What links are you loving this week? 
Have a great weekend! See you girlies on Monday! 
xoxo

Flying on a Jet Plane

Just as summer means lots of time spent on beach vacations, it also means lots of time spent on trains, planes, and automobiles! I've spent plenty of hours on planes and in cars, so (as I said yesterday with my beach bag essentials), I could pack a carry on bag in 5 minutes. Honestly, I end up packing things that I never use, but better safe than sorry, am I right?!

(I tend to just grab my book or iPad when I'm actually on the plane or in the car. #theessentials)

The Essentials : 

iPad + Phone

Gum 

Sunglasses

Hair Brush 

Extra Phone Battery 

Blanket 

Magazines 

Headphones

Books

Notebook + Pen

Coin Purse/Wallet

Water Bottle

Other little things to keep in a carry on include a scarf, fuzzy socks (who wants cold feet?), eye mask, some makeup, and an extra change of close in that rare case that your luggage gets lost! 

What's in your travel bag? 

xoxo

Let's Go to the Beach, Beach

Living 20 minutes from the beach, I have spent many days out in the sun, whether it's on the boat, beside the pool, or lying on the sand. With this said, when it comes to throwing my beach essentials into a bag and going to the crisp white sand, its down to a science. 

You cannot spend your day at the beach without a few things that aren't that hard to forget - your bathing suit (top / bottom), a cute cover up (I tend to go to large tees/nike shorts!), a towel, and some sunscreen. 

Some other fun essentials to bring include a fun print bag, some cute sandals/flip flops, body spray, sunglasses (similar) and croakies, and a hairbrush. Being able to brush out your hair (if it's possible after a day at the windy beach!), is nice and refreshing, and will make washing it later a lot easier.  

I have talked a ton about easy and fun reads for summer, so taking a few magazines and a book to the beach is always a smart idea! I just started The Night Circus and I have to force myself to put it down at night so that I can get a few hours of sleep! 
And lastly, don't forget to hydrate! Bringing your own water and a cute coozie will make drinking H2O that more enjoyable! 

What's in your summer beach bag?
xoxo

These Shoes Were Made for (Beaching)

I love summer shoes! There is so much variety, so many beautiful color options. After spending too much time on social media (Tumblr and Pinterest especially) I have loved seeing how other bloggers and teens style their favorite summer (comfort) shoes.

For me, once the weather is suitable for open toed shoes, they're coming out of their boxes! Here in Charleston, our summer shoes come out as early as the end of March/early April, so trying to find cute pairs to tide us over from then until September/October is both a challenge and fun! 

My go to shoes for summer have to be my Jack Rogers and some casual sandals from Target! (You cannot go wrong with Target sandals. who's with me?)

Gap Two Band Woven Sandals // Gap Espadrille Wedge Sandals // Platinum Classic Jack Rogers // Authentic Original 2 Eye Boat Shoe // Morganne Suede Flats // Classic Espadrilles Sandals // Abbee d'Orsay Flat // Rainbow Leather Flip Flops // Sperry Saylor Wedge // Leta d'Orsay Black Flat // Gap Classic Leather Sandals

I really wish I could pull off some type of wedge (or heel in general) but I'm so cautious about it because of my already 5'10" height. 

Let's not forget to mention that by putting together this look book there are now 11 new pairs of shoes I really want need. 

What are your summer comfort shoes? 

xoxo

  

Camp Checklist

{ A Day at Camp }

Yesterday I shared what my typical camp outfits look like for two weeks, and today I am sharing the essentials I wouldn't think about leaving the house without! Even though I am not really camping (I'm staying in dorms on a High School Campus), the majority of these items are applicable to all camps. 

I've gone to summer camps for as long as I can remember, since at least 2nd grade, so I've experienced my fair share of time away from home. It's never easy the first day or two, but once camp gets going, my fears and nerves go away and I end up having the time of my life! (read : I don't want to go back home!) After leaving home for two weeks last summer and not knowing what to expect, I left home with some essentials that I wish I would have taken with me. In result, this summer my packing list is down to the specifics! 

Links ::  CamelBak Water Bottle // Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate! Moleskin Classic Notebook // For taking notes in classes/sermons or "journaling" while you're away! Pens // Something to write with, need I say more? Stationary // Write home, send snail mail to friends! Stamps // You need a way to send your snail mail!  Kind Bars // Snack are essential - also include oreos, gummies, and chocolate!) Old Navy Flip Flops // You never know how dirty the showers are going to be, so cheap/old flip flops are essential! Watch // Keeping time, and as a music student, a metronome!  Fifteen Minutes & Someday, Someday Maybe // (or any easy and light read!) I love reading before bed while I am at camp instead of watching Netflix on my mini iPad, so bringing some fun books with me is a must!  Pop Up Laundry Bag // Carry your laundry to the washer and dryer in style! It's also easy to keep it all in one place and transport it easily.  Shower Caddy // When sharing a bathroom with other girls, toiletries get mixed easily, especially when it comes to the shower! Keeping a cute caddy or simply a plastic tin is an easy way to keep your toiletries separate from everyone else's!  Kate Spade Crossbody // While at camp, we are allowed to go out into the city of Greenville twice a week with a counselor. A small crossbody (or purse of some kind!) is always smart to bring to throw your phone, wallet, and other small essentials into for a fun night out.  North Face Recon Backpack // I am so glad I decided to bring my backpack to camp last year, because it was the easiest way to carry all of my essentials (binder, waterbottle, notebook, pens, book, phone, etc.) around!  Kate Spade Coin Purse (similar) // A small and functional way to keep your money and ID with you!  Quilted Toiletry Bag // Same deal as the shower caddy, it's a fun and stylish way to keep your toiletries neat and together!  Headphones // If you're allowed to bring electronics to camp, bringing headphones is not a bad idea!  Sunglasses // Pretty self explanatory, but if you're planning on spending a lot of time in the sun and outside, make sure you protect those eyes! (and hydrate!)  Some items I didn't include that I know I will be taking for my specific camp include sheets, towels, quarters (for the laundry machine), lanyard, and laundry detergent + dryer sheets.  What would you take to your summer camp that isn't on this list? 
xoxo P.S. Before I leave, (and don't worry, there will be scheduled posts!) I will make sure to share my address for camp with you - so feel free to use some cute stationary!