Jogger Egg Nogger 15K



Cool and intriguing name, right? That is how they suck you into this race. "Oh, you get an unlimited amount of Egg Nogg after the race!" Why yes, sir, Egg Nogg is all I ever dreamed of after running 9.3 miles. Ummm, not! Barf. By the way, the picture above is for giggles only. No, I will maybe only once never be caught running in a Santa Speedo.

I have told y'all before how I used to play softball in college, which equates to working out. a lot. Fast forward a couple years, and a marriage later and BAM, see ya gym! Wouldn't wanna be ya!

Yup, basically about a month before I married my Prince Charming I kicked the can on the whole working out thaang. I was too busy buying a house, planning a wedding, attending graduate school, and working 65+ hours a week as a tax accountant. Add all that up together and there was no room for the gym.

"I ain't as good as I once was...", as Toby Keith once sang, is my anthem right now. Back in tha day (as in college years) I would spend hourssss at the gym playing racquetball, ping pong, doing aerobics, and chit chatting. Hey, you can't forget about the face muscles! My roommates and I all played sports so we lived in the gym. It was our comfort zone, our happy place. I guess we were gym rats...hahah totally kidding! These days sitting at my desk for 8+ hours a day is an unwelcome change of pace from my past active lifestyle. Add a husband that eats pizza everyday and never gains a pound to the mix, and you get a body that just feels blah.

Blah. Let's break that down. I am not complaining of how I physically look. Is any woman ever completely happy with their body? No, but you must love and embrace what God gave you. I will never be a double zippo. Never ever. So that is not what my goal is. My goal is to just feel better. When someone goes from working out daily, to not working out in months...blah.

This brings me to the Jogger Egg Nogger. Lucky for me I have to coolest sister-in-law ever and she convinced me to run this 15K race with her...IN THREE WEEKS! That is 9.3 MILES PEOPLE! What kind of sister-in-law is she?!? A great one :)

We got to talking and we both just feel blah. Physically and mentally. We just need some activity in our lives. We decided that in reality, we can't run 9.3 miles without stopping after training for only three weeks. After talking it over, we decided we would do it no matter how much we ran or walked! Since I am not planning on running a marathon anytime soon, it just matters that I finish!

Saturday was the day we decided on this, meaning Sunday was one last day to gorge myself on leftovers from Thanksgiving and Monday started "training" day 1.

That leads me to Monday morning. I set my alarm in order to get up and go workout. I snoozed that baby for an hour! Pa-thet-ic! Omg I am embarrassed for even saying that! Ha! I laid in bed and tried to talk myself out of working out. I am my own worst enemy when it comes to going to the gym. At 7:00 AM I decided enough was enough and I was going to the gym to run two miles. No ifs ands or buts about it.

Oh. my. goodness. Why is it that on a treadmill you see the time ticking, but it seems in slow motion? I mean I swear my snooze timer is on some lightning fast timer. One second I hit snooze and beep beep beep, five seconds later it goes off again telling me my ten minutes has already passed! Liar! The treadmill timer is the complete opposite. O..n..e, t...w...o, t..h..r..e..e, and so on. Sooooo slowwww.

Here is the treadmill after my workout. Yes, I ran/power walked two miles in 23:06 minutes. Woo hoo! I didn't even die/pass out/cry-and-make-Chris-come-get-me! Maybe I felt it later when I went to work and had to walk up stairs, or maybe I felt like I was in my prime, but no one has to know that I took the stairs and cringed on every step.

Tuesday was training day 2. I was honestly just proud that I made it to the gym!! The plan was to run two miles again...but my legs felt like jell-o. I ran one mile and was perfectly happy with that. Baby steps Sarah, baby steps. (Baby steps: sign up for a 9.3 mile race after not running for months!)

Wednesday was a busy day at work, starting with an early morning tax training session. I dedicated Wednesdays as my off day. Wednesdays and Saturdays Fridays.

Thursday was exactly like Monday. Literally. I walked/jogged two miles in 23 minutes...whao-buddy...shaved six seconds off that baby!

If anyone wants to run the Dallas Jogger Egg Nogger 15K, it is $40 until December 4th and then goes up to $45. They also have a 5K for the smarter people who would rather not run 9.3 miles.

Does anyone have any advice on training for a 15K in 3 weeks?? I need some secrets, magic, and a whole lotta pixie dust to train for this race!

My Bridals: A Photo Dump

Have you ever got all these pictures of yourself in a gorg wedding gown, then forgot to show them to your dearest friends and family?? Ya, my own Mom has only seen three of these pictures. I failed. I guess 5 1/2 months after you are married isn't too late to showcase your bridal pictures, right?! Without further ado, here ya go, a photo-dump of my bridals taken at the Dallas Arboretum. If you haven't been there you are missing out. Seriously...I mean look the backdrop I was working with. It could have made a trash bag look like a million bucks! Thanks again Audrey and Jessica for taking these beautiful pics!

Have you taken pictures at the Arboretum before? There were brides everywhere when I went! I got called a princess about 48 times by the most adorable princesses-in-training. They were just presh.

Side note...my friend, Leigh, helped me make my bouquet. She is basically Martha Stewart, except for...well we don't need to go into that :)

Hope you're having a great day!

Linking up with Long Distance Loving and:

Deals & Steals Hop: A Little Linky Par-tay

Who in the the world doesn't love a fantabulous (fa-tab-you-lus) deal?!? If you don't like a bargain, you aren't human. Seriously. Harsh? Then maybe you should start enjoying the wonderful experience that comes alnong with a good deal. Hmph!

For all of you who like to save those dolla-dolla bills y'all, I have compiled a list - or shall we call it a grouping? - of some of the best deals and steals for the holiday season. Sing it with me now, "Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah-hallelujah, halle-lu-jahhhh." You're welcome.

Now let's get down to bid-ness.

Target. The love of my life. Behind Chris of course. I wrote here about a dress I got for $7. No, that was not a typo, $7. I will (almost) never pay full price for something at Target because I know it will go on sale for dirt cheap. Here are a few of my favorite things from their website at the moment.


This dress would be perfect with a skinny brown belt, some leggings, and riding boots. Btw...this hottie is only $6.98. Uh-huh, now you know why I get giddy at the sight of a good deal.

Don't shy away from dresses now that winter, or in Texas, Sumter (some days it feels like summer, some days it feels like winter), is upon us. Leggings, cardigans, and boots can turn a summer outfit into a winter-wonderland of an outfit!!

 

Ummm hello? Black leggings, black boots, and a killer statement necklace?!? Come to momma! This dress is a whopping - drum roll please - $6.98. Yes please.

Once again, make this outfit winterfied. Some people think you can only wear pants during the winter. Clearly I don't always like to wear pants...

This sassy little thing rings in at a mere $19.98. You could wear this with flats during the day and change to heels for date night, ladies! Go, go now and buy it!

You could easily change out the belt on this dress, add a few pops of color and BAM you will look like a million bucks...in a Target dress! Winning.

Click here and go see all the fabulous things Target has on sale right now. Some of these shirts and dresses would be a perfect stocking stuffer, or gifts for your girlfriends, or daughters. Since I know Chris would never order me clothes online, I'll go ahead and ease the pain for him and just do it myself. You're welcome, Honey, you're welcome.

Let me clarify something. Target items are considered steals. I mean dresses for under $10, that is a steal if I have ever heard of a steal. The following items are more in the deal category.

Moving on now to another gift from Heaven, Francesca's. I have been spotted wearing items from this glory-of-a-place here, here, here, and here. I would point out more links where I have worn a Franny's find, but you might think I have an obsession. It truly is a wonderland. 

Here are a few deals from the mother ship.  

How perfect would this bright bag be to bring life to a dreary winter day?

Carry this green-thang with you while wearing neutrals and it will be sure to "spice up your life. people of the world, spice up your life!" Enough with the Spice Girls, we've got deals to talk about!


I have this blouse. I wore it here. Y'all loved it just as much as I do. Thanks for all the great comments about it! With that being said, I know it will be a piece I will wear for years to come. Therefore, it is considered a deal, a bargain if you will. Can I getta Amen?

I have worn this shirt once with black skinnies and riding boots. I die. Mmmm, it was perfect. What was also perfect about that occasion was that I was having lunch with Sheaffer. It was quite a glorious day. 

One last deal and steal I want to mention is located at Ross and TJ Maxx. When you let me loose in there I am focused like it's the last pitch of the world series, except I actually win (c'mon Rangers! can we get a World Series title already?!?). Not to dis my Rangers, but I usually hit a home run when it comes to finding a steal in these places.

Remember these jeans? This skirt? How about this dress? And this leopard shirt I wore to conceal my turkey filled belly on Thanksgiving? Yah, you got it, they are all pieces I snagged for a steal at either Ross or TJ Maxx. A party in the car may have happened after I purchased those items. You will never know.

To wrap up this little deals and steals post I thought I would throw something in for the men. Can't just think about me, me, me alllll the time ;) Let's keep our thoughts focused; Sears it is. The go-to for all females looking to please that male in their life.

This little doo-dad to my left here can make magic happen. It did in our bedroom ;) It is on sale now for just under $12. Go get it and make all your DIY dreams come true.

By the way, this is a great way to get your man involved in your DIY activities. Just tell him you are about to use a hammer, or any other tool for that matter, and he will come running and asking what you need done. Believe me, it works. Men dread the thought of their walls (among other things) being ruined by a "female" using power tools. I will say, I have surprised Chris with my handy skills. I have also embarrassed myself greatly. Ya win some, ya lose some.

Go here and check out all the great deals Sears is having on their tools! Remember, you may be buying for him, but you are the real winner :) Oh wait, it isn't all about me...oops!

So there ya have it. Some of my favorite deals and steals for this holiday season.

Although I love clothes, shoes, and accessories - maybe I have an addiction - I try to always remember the reason for the season. I constantly remind myself of all of the things I do have and pull back the reigns on the greedy train. I have a great husband, family, home, and puppies. Shoes and clothes will come and go, but I scored the deal of a lifetime with what I have already been given. I am truly blessed.

If you want to follow me along this little journey of mine, be sure to:
- Follow me on this here blog o'mine
- Follow me on Instagram - sarahtuckerup
- Follow me on Pinterest - sarahtuckerup
- Follow me on Twitter - @mrssarahtucker...warning - I never tweet...sorry to be boring.

Happy Thursday!

Linking up over at Pinterest Told Me To:

Days 21-27: What I am Thankful For

I kept a running post on what I am thankful for. Here is the compilation. Can you believe this weekend it will be DECEMBER?!? Wowza!

Day 21: Today I am thankful for not having to go to the grocery store. Seriously, have you seen that place, ehhh zoo??

Someone had to put Turkey on the table! Ok, this was two years ago, but the picture was relevant!

 Day 22: THANKSGIVING. 'Nuff said.

Day 23: Today I am thankful for elastic waste bands. Seriously. After all I ate on Day 22, there was no way I was putting jeans on.

Day 24: I am so very thankful for a wonderful weekend in the Hill Country visiting my family. Love them to pieces.

Day 25: I am thankful that my super-smart-planner-self bought Christmas decorations last year the day after Christmas, that way Chris and I would have decorations for this year...since it will be our first Christmas as Mr. and Mrs. Whoop! (No, I am not an Aggie!) He proposed December 17th, 2011, so I knew we would be married for Christmas 2012.

Day 26: I am thankful for the motivation to get back into working out thanks to a little (actually long) race that my sister-in-law asked me to run with her. If I don't post on December 16th it is because I died running 9.3 miles. Details on the race we are running to come later this week!

Day 27: I am thankful for my sister-in-law being born 22 years ago today! Happy Birthday, Laurs! You da bestest sista in de whole wide world!

I will wrap up the "What I am Thankful For" series on Friday, aka the last day in November for those of you living under a rock :)

This is me, this is who I am

I am a newlywed. I am a daughter, sister, and friend. I am a student. I am an accountant. I am a proud puppy momma. I am a God lover and picture taker. I am a bit silly, and sometimes serious. I love to laugh. Gosh, I love to laugh.

That is me, Sarah, and WELCOME to my blog! I sure hope you will stay awhile! This is my space to document my life as a newlywed to this handsome hunk. Isn't he adorbs?

We live in this little house...

...with these little pups. Ok, I lied (you just met me and I am already lying to you!), they aren't little, but they will always be my little pups.

So here is the dish on the deets above.

I married my prince, Chris, on June 16th, 2012 (check out our wedding video here!!). If that doesn't scream newlywed, I'm not sure what does. I am the daughter to two of the most loving and giving parents anyone could ever ask for. I am the sister to the world's best brother and I was blessed to get my sis-in-law, Lauren, as a package deal with Chris. I have had the same best friend since the third grade and I am currently getting my master's degree in business administration (I know, it is hard to contain your excitment when you hear about that exotic degree!). By day I work as a tax accountant and by night I am a wife, student, and puppy momma. I love, love being a wife. Yes, I was that child that planned my wedding by age 7..ok age 8, but who's counting?!

I recently lost my Meme in August. She was my pride and joy. I inherited her wedding ring and proudly display it on my left finger. Everyday I look at it and think of her and her sweet, sweet smile. She was my first grandparent to go, but she left me with my Granddad and other two grandparents and I couldn't be more blessed to have them in my life. It pains me to think that she is not here anymore. I am still coping. I had a breakdown last week during Thanksgiving. Chris assured me it was ok. God bless him.

I started this blog as a way to keep our family and friend's in-tha-know about what was happening in our totally-awesome-and-whirlwind newlywed life. We have been DIY'ing (check out our headboard!), and painting, and just loving every moment of this thing they call marriage. After buying our house in April, I have been decorating like a mad woman! Things are coming together and we couldn't be happier.

Life as a newlywed sure isn't perfect, but it is perfectly imperfect with the love of my life. I hope you stick around, and click around. Email me at tuckerup123@gmail.com or comment below if you have any questions, comments, or just want to say hi! I always love a good afternoon hello, don't you?

If you haven't gotten your Tucker Up fix you can follow me on:

- my blog! click the "join this site" button to the right

- Instagram @sarahtuckerup

- Twitter @mrssarahtucker

- Pinterest @sarahtuckerup

- or you can "like" my not-yet-finished Facebook page appropriately titled Tucker Up :)

Thanks, again, for stopping by! Happy Tuesday!

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a lot to be thankful for: thanksgiving 2012

This Thanksgiving was ah-maze-ing to say the least. I mean, isn't any day that you don't have to go to work a great day?! This was my first Thanksgiving as a married woman and Chris and I decided we were going to celebrate with my family. We have celebrated with his family the last two years, so my family it was!

One sucky thing about Thanksgiving: traffic. How do you avoid it? You leave Thanksgiving morning instead of Wednesday afternoon like every. other. person. in. America. We woke up early Thursday to make the four hour trip south and it was such a nice drive. Driving with this view reminded Chris and I we have SO MUCH to be thankful for.

We were in Austin (almost to my parent's house!) and this was the look Wrigley gave me.


"Seriously Mom, how much longer?!?!"

Once we got to my parent's it was full help-Mom-do-whatever-she-needs mode.

I had to make chocolate pie for Chris. Ok, here is the story on that. His Mawmaw makes him chocolate pie every year for Thanksgiving and it is his FAVORITE. He literally eats a whole one by himself. For an appetizer. Anyways, I wanted to make him one since we wouldn't be seeing his family this year. I got the recipe from Mawmaw and...ummm...I am embarrassed to say that it was terrible. It was runny and clumpy and (insert 1000 other words to describe a terribly made pie) I completely failed. I was so bummed. I think I will need another lesson from Mawmaw on how she makes her famous pie because mine was famously horrible.

Once I got over the fact that pies are not my expertise, I helped with whatever needed to be done. Finally, it was time to stuff-your-face-as-much-as-humanly-possible. Oh wait...this is my husband BEFORE we ate...



I guess the drive wore him out...

The below picture was the only picture I got because I was too busy...well, stuffing my face! Those dishes were my great-great grandfather's. I inherited them, but they are still living in my closet at my parents. Mom decided to whip them out for this special occasion. My clumsy self almost dropped them 10 times and just about gave everyone a heart-attack.

In attendance was Chris and I, my parents, brother, maternal grandparents, Granddad, my Aunt Susan, and her two kids, Erin and Austin. It was a great group!

This was the first Thanksgiving since my Meme's passing and I would be lying if I said it wasn't tough. The emotions hit me the night before we left. I couldn't sleep and for some reason all I could think about was Meme and how I so wish she was still here. I laid silently and a few tears fell until I drifted to sleep. Fast forward to Thursday on our drive down there. We were about 20 minutes from my parent's and I had a breakdown. Luckily I have the best husband ever and he reminded me to think of the good times and keep my spirits high.

Although Meme is no longer here, I am so blessed to have this man as my Granddad. Here is Sam, me, Granddad, Erin and Austin.



After we ate, there was a lot of this going on.

Yes, those are Buckee's boxers that I am wearing. Buckee's is the bomb. End of story. I changed after we ate due to the fact that my stomach grew 3x its normal size and my jeans were no longer comfortable. C'mon, everyone has that problem on Thanksgiving, right??

I got to spend a lot of time with this little angel.



Friday night my brother had a playoff football game. If you follow me on Instagram (sarahtuckerup) you saw that he won! Proud big sister right here. He is a senior this year, and quarterback of the football team, and I am so stinkin' proud of him. I hope they win this weekend so I can make it next week to cheer him on again!

After his game we had family game night with all the cousins. We stayed up until 3:30 AM playing Catch Phrase. THREE THIRTY IN THE MORNING. I don't know about y'all, but even in college I didn't stay up that late. It was so fun. My throat hurt the next morning because of the intense laughing that was happening the night before.

Saturday morning Chris and I headed back to Dallas. We are just so grateful to have had such a wonderful holiday.

Sunday was full Christmas mode. I can't wait to show y'all our decorations and all of my Christmas DIY projects!!

Hope your Thanksgiving was wonderful.

Have a great Monday :)