WIWW: Show some skin + link up!

Isn't this top so fun? It is so sassy and elegant all at the same time. One of my dear readers (Rachel!!) sent this to me a while back and I finally got the chance to wear it. It is light and airy and perfect for a summer day in Texas. 

Speaking of summer, I am ready for it to be over. I am over the heat, and since I started laser hair removal I can't be in the sun anyways. Back to the pale side for Sarah! 

Randoms:

- I am so ready to start decorating for fall!

- Where has this year gone? I cannot believe it is almost September.

- Does anyone watch Devious Maids? I am hooked on that show!

- Almond Joy coffee creamer is amazing. I hate Almond Joy's but that stuff is legit.

- My Mom is the best at sending little surprise gifts all the time. She is the most giving person I have ever met. (Her and my Mother-in-law, actually!) My Mom sent me some new gorgeous earring and two dish towels reading: " You can't scare me, I teach school!" and " Both of us can't look good at the same time, it's either me or the house." I love her!

Now for the link up!!

RULES - All I ask is you link back to my blog and link to a specific post!!   (some people have been forgetting this lately and, to be honest, it is really disrespectful. 7 out of 21 bloggers linked back to me last week. I will be deleting your post if you don't respect my one and only rule. Thanks!)
- Write about something fashion related (accessories, shoes, modeling, make-up, etc.) And if you're feeling up to it, you can follow me:
Instagram @SarahTuckerUp Twitter @MrsSarahTucker

Happy Wednesday!

To see other WIWW posts, click {here}

Linking up with Because Shanna Said So, Get Your Pretty On, The Pleated Poppy, and Rolled Up Pretty! 

House Tour: Kitchen & Dining Room

I realized I had not formally introduced y'all to my kitchen and dining room.

Enjoy!

The hardest job I've ever had.

I have changed some things since these pictures were taken, but I wanted to give y'all a quick glimpse as to how the room is looking!

It all makes sense now. The seating charts, the structure, the method to the madness. Teaching. Teaching is the hardest job I've ever had and today is the first day of school.
Last week I was up at my classroom from (at least) 7am to 7pm and I left wanting to stay and get more done! Me, Sarah Tucker, wanting to work more? Yes!
When I was in public accounting I remember the first day of work being exciting, but throughout the day I remember thinking, "Oh my gosh. Am I seriously going to waste my life away doing this??" I would go home at the end of the day thanking the Lord the day was over. I would have nothing exciting to tell Chris and would wake up day after day trying to put a happy face on and be thankful I had a job.
Accounting was hard, but at the same time, I wasn't interested in it, so I never let it be so hard that it bothered me. For instance, softball. I LOVE softball and growing up I would work my butt off to play in college, which was a dream come true. I wanted it, so I worked hard at it. Accounting, not so much.

There are paperclips attached on the laminated scrapbook paper so I can display the kids work!

Now, teaching...that is like softball. I am working my butt off learning the curriculum, the method to the madness, and all the things that come along with being the best teacher I can be. And at the end of the day I don't want to stop. Time flies by when you are doing something you love. Just like softball. I wanted to get out on the field, go to practice, and throw the ball with my Dad any chance I got. It was my passion.
Now, the hardest job I've ever had, teaching, is my passion.
When the kids showed up the other night for 'Meet the Teacher', it all made sense. The path I was on, God's path, all made sense. Seeing my babies for the first time was like stepping into the pitcher's circle for a game. It was a rush, the pressure was on, but the end was so rewarding. Their faces lit up at the sight of the classroom decorations, their enthusiasm for the school year so genuine, and the smiles that melted my heart. 

This has changed. I attached the ball/glove to a clothes pin. They just transfer their pin from one folder to the other.

I have finally found my calling in the workforce. I was born to be an educator, and anyone who ever says teaching is easy, ha, you have no idea. It is the most challenging, yet rewarding thing I have ever done...and it is only day one.

My Favorite Skin Care Products

One thing you should know about me is that I have to wash my face before I go to sleep. I cannot think of one time in my life that I slept with make-up on. Not prom, not my wedding night, not any night I can think of.

It grosses me out thinking about all the yucky stuff collected on my face throughout the day, then sleeping with that all over my face. Yuck.

I have switched from product to product throughout my face-washing days, until I tried Philosophy products. This post is in no way sponsored by them (or anyone for that matter), I just wanted to answer some questions about what face products I use.

My skin is neither dry or oily. I haven't ever had major skin issues other than the occasional annoying pimple. I can't speak for those who have a different skin type than me, but I am 100% hooked on this Purity face wash, and most Philosophy products. 

It is so refreshing and cleans like no other face wash I have used before. And the smell is divine. No burning sensation, or chemical smells. Just pure freshness!

I used to wash my face every morning and every night, but I read in a magazine that, unless your skin is extremely oily, you only need to wash at night, otherwise you may be drying it out. I tried that method and the results are much better. My face is not as dry. In the morning I just give my face a couple splashes of cold water (partly to wake me up, and partly to wash the excess oil off) and I apply my makeup. 

At night I wash my face with the Purity face wash and then apply Neutrogina's Light Night Cream. During the winter my face is more dry, so I also apply Hope in a Jar as needed. That stuff is the bomb.com. It goes on SO light and a tiny bit goes a longgg way. It is by far my most favorite moisturizer ever. It is a bit pricey, but it goes a long way. It also works on all skin types. 

If you want to try the Philosophy line I suggest ordering the kit. It is a great deal and I promise you will be hooked!!

Do you use Philosophy products? If not, what do you use??

Avocado Chicken Salad with the Perfect Chips

I have been attempting to eat healthier since my workouts have become few and far between. The problem is that two of my favorite foods are chicken salad and chips, my go-to items for lunches, but not the healthiest of options.

Enter Avocado Chicken Salad and Green Giant: Roasted Veggie Tortilla Chips and Multigrain Sweet Potato Chips. Yum, yum, yum! I threw this recipe together and it turned out to be a hit among friends and family. 

The most delicious and light lunch.

Avocado Chicken Salad

- 1 rotisserie chicken

- 2-3 avocados

- 2-3 tsp lime juice

- 2 tsp mayo or miracle whip

- 1/4 purple onion

1/4 cup of chives

- garlic salt

- pepper

Peel all chicken from rotisserie chicken and place in bowl. In a separate bowl mash together avocado, lime juice, mayo/miracle whip, onion, chives, and seasoning to taste. To be honest, all of these measurements are an estimation. I only added the mayo because I wanted it a bit creamier, but you can leave it out. Adding the lime juice prevents the avocados from browning. 

After you have mashed all the ingredients together, add mixture to the chicken. Chill for a couple hours and enjoy!

Now onto the chips. Can I say addicting? I literally ate the entire bag by myself in three days. No shame here. Those chips are delicious!

The picture above is what my lunch looked like for almost a week. The chicken salad gets better as the flavors sit, and paired with the chips and some sort of fruit...wow, perfection! No need to go out and buy a pricey sandwich when you can make this at home. 

I will be packing this frequently for my lunches. The chips pair great with a veggie or garden salsa, and the chicken salad can be presented on bread, lettuce, or by itself!

I am happy to have found an alternate option to my normal boring sandwich and bland chips!

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

WIWW: Maxi from day to night + link up!

Seriously? Who doesn't love a good maxi dress? Loose, flowy, flattering on most body types, and simple. Simple, simple, simple. I think every girl needs a black maxi in her closet. Maxi's for 'merica, y'all!

Did I really just say that? Embarrassing. Anyways, here is how you can transition a maxi from day to night. I would normally add wedges to dress it up even more, but I was apparently too lazy to walk ten steps in the door to my closet and make the switch, so...ya.

Obviously I am delirious from all this teaching hoopla going on, but I cannot express how excited I am to start this school year! Driving home today I was thinking about how I have never been this excited for a job in my life. And I have never left work at six at night wishing I could stay longer. Work-life balance usually wins, but I am amazed how happy I am when I am in my classroom. I was never that happy sitting at my desk for 16 hours a day during my life as an accountant. It has been the biggest blessing to get out of stinky ole accounting :)

Randoms:

- Yesterday I mentioned how I would be posting a delicious recipe last night. I lied...it will be posted tomorrow. Sawwryyy.

- I cannot wait to show y'all my classroom! It is adorable and sports themed. Does that surprise anyone?

- My brother already secured an amazing job working for the stats department at his university. The boy loves sports, and has the brains for stats, so this is such a blessing. Did I mention school hasn't even started already and he already secured this position? The boy constantly amazes me. 

- My bedtime went from midnight to nine within one week....which made that five a.m. wake-up call not so painful. Chris is happy because now we are on the same sleep schedule. I, on the other hand, am not happy because I am missing all my shows!

Now for the link up!!

RULES - All I ask is you link back to my blog and link to a specific post!!   (some people have been forgetting this lately and, to be honest, it is really disrespectful. 7 out of 21 bloggers linked back to me last week. I will be deleting your post if you don't respect my one and only rule. Thanks!)
- Write about something fashion related (accessories, shoes, modeling, make-up, etc.) And if you're feeling up to it, you can follow me:
Instagram @SarahTuckerUp Twitter @MrsSarahTucker

Happy Wednesday!

To see other WIWW posts, click {here}

Linking up with Because Shanna Said So, Get Your Pretty On, The Pleated Poppy, and Rolled Up Pretty! 

Movies, dates, and becoming hairless.

This weekend was pure joy.
Chris took off Friday so we could run some 'adult' errands that we have been needing to tackle. We started off the day in Southlake meeting with a financial advisor. We don't have much money, but for what we have, we want to make sure we are planning correctly for our future. If you are ever in Texas and want a lovely shopping experience, go to Southlake. Just google it and you will see how perfect it is. 
I will admit it was slightly torturous being around so many of my favorite stores and not being able to shop, but it wasn't anything that a bag full of fall scented Yankee candles couldn't fix. To say I am ready for the cooler weather would be an accurate statement. 
After loading up on candles, Chris and I headed to lunch at Brio, a Tuscan restaurant. It was delicious and since I ate on the "lighter" side, I treated myself to gelato after!
Friday afternoon we had people come out to reseal our shower. We had a minor leaking issue and needed to get it taken care of while we were able to be home.
Friday night we hit up Redbox. I chose Parental Guidance and Chris went with the all manly Olympus Has Fallen. Anyone who knows me knows I HATE any movie other than a chick flick. Not because of the love story, or whatever, but because I genuinely HATE seeing people get hurt. You will never, ever, catch me watch UFC, or any fighting or killing movie or show. I do not like seeing people in pain, so you can bet I lasted 10 minutes watching Chris's movie before I made my way into another room to watch the more light-hearted movie. Plus, any movie that is too fake, I just can't handle. Like Olympus Has Fallen...those guys with guns and knives on them would have never even made it into the White House in real life. Fake, fake, fake. At least the chick-flicks don't have weird fake robots, or special effects, so the story-line could happen.  

Saturday we woke up bright and early for a very special appointment. What appointment you ask? Laser hair removal. This is the part where my Mom said, "Now, are you going to blog about that?" and my answers was, "Duh, because it was flipping hilarious!!"
You see, a couple months back I bought a Groupon for Chris and I to get laser hair removal. My cousin has gone to this place in Dallas for a while now and loves it. When the Groupon came up, we thought we would give it a try. Chris has very sensitive skin under his neck, so when he shaves for work he always breaks out, so that is part of the reason he never shaves! For me, what girl wouldn't want to get rid of her underarm hair? That's what I thought.
So into the appointment we go not knowing what to expect. Chris goes first and I can clearly see he is in PAIN. His neck is already extremely sensitive and I hated watching him hurt. At the same time I was thinking, "If my tough husband is in this much pain, there is no hope for me." 
Before I knew it it was my turn. Holy crapola. Ouuuccchhhhh. Maybe I am a wuss, but that laser isn't playing around. My Groupon was for two small areas. I chose underarms and bikini line. Once again, what chick wouldn't like to get that taken care of. (Boys, if you haven't noticed, this part of the post may not be for you!). Let me back up and say that this salon allows Groupon pricing to anyone who has a Groupon. I mentioned I would someday love to get my legs done, but didn't think that someday would be Saturday. Our laser lady left the room for a moment after Chris was done and while she was gone Chris suggested I go ahead and get my legs done. I thought about it and then decided why not?
Now back to after my pits had just been lit on fire, it was time for my legs. Our laser lady said she would start at my ankle and work up to my bikini line. I was pleasantly surprised that the legs were a breeze. It hurt directly on my shin bone, but other than that I felt like I was finally catching a break.
Then, dun dun dun, came the "chu chu" area - as our technician lady called it. There is no need to go into detail, but let's just say it probably sounded like someone was giving birth in our room. Chris has a cool towel on my head as I was sweating and listening to the lady say I will not regret this decision. Hard concept to grasp when there is a laser 5x hotter than the sun zapping your bikini line, aka "chu chu"!!
After taking the first step to becoming hairless, we headed to Chris's parents. His Mom and I went shopping for decorations for my classroom. It was beyond fun! I can't wait to reveal what I have done!
Saturday night we continued our date-weekend and went to see We're The Millers. Hilarious! We also tried out a new restaurant that turned out to be a hit!


Sunday was spent doing the normal things. Cleaning, prepping for the new school year, grocery shopping, Insanity, and relaxation. 
This weekend was just what Chris and I needed. It was full of quality time, laughter, and fun. Even though we have only been married a little over a year, it is important for us to continue improving our relationship and this weekend was one for the books! Linking up with Join the Gossip and Sami's Shenanigans.

How do they do it?

Just popping in today to say that I have yet to pre-plan and write my posts in advance. So, because of my lack of planning combined with the school year starting back, I've got nothing for you today. How do you teacher bloggers do it??
Now tonight is a different story. I will have a yummy Avocado Chicken Salad recipe paired with the most delicious chips ever!
See you tonight!

How Christianity Is Evolving Within Our Culture

Last month I guest posted on Tavia's blog about Christianity.
Today I am going to be focusing on how Christianity is evolving within our culture. I am going to hit on a few points that really get me fired up about this topic. I wanted to post this on my blog in case anyone missed it. I am very passionate about this topic and do not intend to offend anyone.
1. The bible verse tattoos. This has nothing to do with tattoos, but it has everything to do with living a Christian lifestyle. It all started in college when I noticed person after person getting religious tattoos, throwing pictures of it on Facebook, and then posting pictures that, as a Christian, I was offended by. Drunk at parties when they are underage, wearing provocative clothing, etc. all while in every picture you can see the cross hanging around their neck, or bible verse stamped on their body. Really?? Christianity has evolved within our culture in a way where we think that if we speak about God, write the words of the bible on our body, and go to church every Sunday, we are a Christian. Wrong.
You see, being a Christian demands more than a couple hours in church every Sunday and the commitment of Philippians 4:13 stamped on your back. If being a Christian were easy, everyone would be doing it. What everyone is doing is devaluing the importance of Christianity by making it seem like all it takes is a life-long commitment to a tattoo and owning a bible in order to be brought into those pearly gates.
2. Posting bible versus on social media, going to church, shouting out on social media how Godly you are....only when the going gets rough. When people are happy they very rarely post bible versus (sadly). But, when the going gets rough it is like this person flipped a switch and, because they are needing God, they all of a sudden acknowledge His presence. Let me say something. God does EVERYTHING for a reason and He knows when you are 'using' Him and guess what, He doesn't care. If even for a moment you speak His words, He is happy because that is one step closer to Him. But, just like a sport, you have to consistently practice Christianity. You can't just pray when you get broken up with, or lose a loved one. You can't just go to church on Christmas and Easter. You have to practice and not 'show-boat' your Christianity.
3. It is all about the "cool" churches and saying you go to church. I have met so many people who 'go to church.' What is sad is they go to say they go and they are not spiritually present. Although this concept really saddens me, the fact that they are at church is a step in the right direction. To be honest, sometimes I cry in church because I am so moved by His word and His presence that I know He is with me, listening to my prayers, and hearing me rejoice. I wish everyone could experience that feeling, but simply going to church doesn't get the job done. Praying before dinner because that is what you grew up doing doesn't get the job done. If there is no passion in any of these actions then they are meaningless. 
As our culture evolves Christianity is becoming more of the 'cool' thing as opposed to what it was made for; to develop a relationship with God. People spin the bible their own way, skip around from church to church depending on what celebrity attends, or how the music is. No one is focusing on God, but more on how 'being a Christian' will make them look in a crowd. 
It is a sad development, but as Christians, it is our duty to NOT turn our backs on those who may be lost, but instead help lead them to find God and develop a relationship with Him. Some people may say, "Oh, we don't like that person because they aren't a Christian..." when it is our duty to be disciples and spread His word. 
Christianity doesn't have a 'look.' It isn't the brown-haired girl in the perfect dress, or the mom with the bob-haircut who feverishly takes notes every week. It could be the tattoo artist, the ex-hooker, the recovering drug attic, the teacher, the lawyer, the couple looking to God to save their marriage, or the lost teenager just trying to find their place in this world. 
You see, as Christianity evolves, so do we as people, but one thing always remains the same. In order to call yourself a Christian you must maintain a relationship with God. A deep, loving, spiritual relationship that is deeper than any tattoo, or Facebook status, and cooler than any church you have ever been to.  Happy Thursday! **In no way do I aim to offend anyone. This post is 100% my opinions discussing a topic I am very passionate about.   

WIWW: Little White Dress + Link Up!

A little white dress and boots. Nothing simpler, yet so perfect for a Texas summer night. Add a cardigan and leggings for when it gets cooler.

For teaching, I found out we can wear jeans three days a week and the other two days have to be business casual. I can't wait to turn dresses like this one, and this one, into fall staple pieces as it cools off. Boots, leggings, and a cardigan are going to become my new best friends.

Speaking of my new job, it's awesome. Yesterday as I sat in my empty classroom I was overcome with joy knowing that in a few short days I will be fulfilling my dream of becoming a teacher. It is jaw-dropping to think I went from public accounting to teaching all within a summer. If that isn't a blessing, I don't know what is!

GET THE LOOK:

Wednesday randoms:
- It is tough going from sleeping in and moving at your own pace all day, to teacher training! But, I wouldn't trade it for the world! - Chris and I got invited to a destination wedding in Aruba. We are definitely contemplating it, I just don't know if Aruba would be my first choice. All I think of when people say Aruba is women getting abducted... - Chris and I started Insanity on Sunday. It is kicking our bass like no other.   - I am over the heat. Bring on the cooler temps, Texas. - I post my first VLOG on Monday. I promise if I ever do another one I will say "ummm" less and it won't be 17 minutes of precious time wasted. 

Now for the link up!!

RULES - All I ask is you link back to my blog and link to a specific post!!   (some people have been forgetting this lately and, to be honest, it is really disrespectful. 7 out of 21 bloggers linked back to me last week. I will be deleting your post if you don't respect my one and only rule. Thanks!)
- Write about something fashion related (accessories, shoes, modeling, make-up, etc.) And if you're feeling up to it, you can follow me:
Instagram @SarahTuckerUp Twitter @MrsSarahTucker

Happy Wednesday!

To see other WIWW posts, click {here}

Linking up with Because Shanna Said So, Get Your Pretty On, The Pleated Poppy, and Rolled Up Pretty! 

The Best Yellow Cake Cookies

This recipe is everywhere on Pinterest and it is amazeballscookies. I made these cookies on Sunday and have eaten all but four of the entire batch. My philosophy is, "The quicker I eat them, the quicker they are out of the house." A motto to diet by :)
What you'll need: - 1 box of yellow cake mix - 1/3 cup oil - 2 eggs
Preheat oven to 350 and bake for 8-10 minutes. Try to not eat them all within the first five minutes. 
You can also add chocolate chips, or toffee, to make them even more divine. But just plain ole yellow cake cookies do the trick for me!
Happy Tuesday! I get to start decorating my classroom today, so I am super pumped.
Linking up with Ashley and Jessica