Tuesday, August 30, 2016

Baby Boy Clothes || Prepping for Fall

1 // 2 // 3
4 // 5 // 6
 7 // 8 //
Graham has grown out of most of the cute clothes people bought him and we are now entering the stage where it is time mom and dad start buying him clothes. We were gifted so many 0-3 month clothes and I finally feel bad for forcing him into some of his onsies.  

I'm obsessed with Baby Gap, so everything above is from there. And, everything up there should be arriving on our doorstep in the next couple days. You can bet I'm going to play dress up with Baby G!

Happy Tuesday!

Monday, August 29, 2016

I've got something brewing...

...but I can't spill the beans just yet! Very soon I will be unveiling something I've been working on for awhile now and I can't wait to let the cat out of the bag!

Not only has my G-baby been taking up a lot of my time, but this new little baby (the not-human kind) has been filling my time where Graham isn't. Not to mention school starting back up! Can I have a couple more weeks of summer, please?

I don't want to divulge too many details, but I can give you one sneak peek...


Eeeek! Happy Monday, friends!

Wednesday, August 24, 2016

WIWW: Confessions + Link Up

I confess...Monday was the first day back to school and, whew, I forgot how exhausting it is! I realized I haven't been in the classroom since March 30th and I forgot so many things...like how to login to the announcements, how to turn on my projector, etc. By the end of the day I felt like I had just ran a marathon, but it is nice to be back in the swing of things.

I confess...I'm addicted to Bachelor in Paradise.

I confess...Ray-Bans are so worth the money. They are just so comfortable.

I confess...Graham is still waking up 1-3 times a night and I'm counting the days until he sleeps through the night...whenever that may be. We started giving him rice cereal and he loves it! But, the doctors are right; it is a total myth that filling them up with rice cereal will help them sleep through the night!

I confess...I've lost my working out mojo. It has been so hot lately, and now that school has started, I just want to get home and snuggle G. Maybe these cute leggings will get me back on track? Maybe?

I confess...I miss summer. It seems like it flew by and I feel like I spent the majority of it in a new mom fog, so I'd like a re-do, please!

I confess...I wish I would have had a reason to buy one of these beautiful beach towels or any of these fun floats, but, alas, I figured out that newborns and pools/100 degree weather don't mix, so inside we stayed.

I confess...these adorable socks are going to make some great stocking stuffers and gifts for my friends come the holidays!

I confess...pretty books make me feel like an adult. Then as Graham drools on them I am quickly reminded that I'm an adult mom and I no longer can have nice things.

I confess...these are the cutest thermoses I've ever seen. They'd make drinking my coffee with 20 ten your olds much more enjoyable :)

I confess...I'm adding two adorable pictures of G because school has got me all frazzled and there has been nothing cute about my outfits. But, I do love reading all the blogs that are linking up with me! It is a nice brain break during my lunch break.



Happy Wednesday!

- All I ask is you link back to my blog and link to a specific post.

- Write about something fashion related!

- Instagram @SarahTuckerUp  and Snapchat (the.tuckers21) for more outfits and randoms!

Thanks for linking up and to see other WIWW posts, click here. 

Wednesday, August 17, 2016

WIWW: Transitioning + Link Up











This outfit is perfect for transitioning into fall. Even though we are still scorching here in Texas, I'm dreaming of cooler weather and cuter outfits. You can't go wrong with a bucket bag, grey jeans, and a white tank.

Also transitioning is how I am now a working mom. Yesterday I wrote about my thoughts and feelings regarding going back to work and I really appreciate all the sweet emails. You sure know how to make a momma feel like she ins't alone in this world!

Happy Wednesday!

- All I ask is you link back to my blog and link to a specific post.

- Write about something fashion related!

- Instagram @SarahTuckerUp  and Snapchat (the.tuckers21) for more outfits and randoms!

Thanks for linking up and to see other WIWW posts, click here. 

Tuesday, August 16, 2016

On being a working mom...


As most of you know, I've taught 5th grade for the past three years now. Before I became a teacher I worked as an accountant. I have my MBA and have always been pretty ambitious...

Until I became a mom...

Not that I am not ambitious anymore...

It is just that my little G man made me a pile of mush!

I had until July 8th to decide if I was going to renew my contract for this coming school year. I literally waited until the last minute to decide. At the time of my decision I was in the midst of G's three month sleep regression/growth spurt, breastfeeding at all hours of the day, and running on fumes. I longed for adult interaction and to somewhat feel like myself again. So, I hesitantly signed my contract and came to grips that I'd be teaching another year.

Then, Thursday came....and I cried the entire way to school, at school, in the middle of introducing myself, when I got home, and before I went to bed. I bawled to Chris on the phone that I was DYING INSIDE and that I was for sure not going back after June. #dramacticmuch?

Friday was much better, but I still missed being home with G, watching GMA, playing and napping, going out and about, and snuggling.

Then the weekend gave me the refresh I needed.

Now it is Monday night and I have come to terms with the fact that I will need to just take one day at a time. Am I anxious for June to come? DUH! But I know that I became a teacher for a reason. I teach my demographic for a reason. My school babies need lovin' and I know that G is getting more than they will ever experience.

I know God put me in this position for a reason and I'll be a better mom and wife for it, but I sure so miss my G baby during the day!!

So, as I still transition into this whole working mom role, please pray for me and this upcoming school year. I am more than thankful to have stayed home with Graham for four months and now it is time that I share some love with my cherubs at school!

Have a great Tuesday!

Wednesday, August 10, 2016

WIWW: 5 Favorites + Link Up

Today is my last day of summer break. I'm equal parts happy and sad. I will talk more later about my decision to return to work after having Graham, but for today I wanted to take a look back at five of my favorite outfits. I've been living in my mom uniform, so these pictures remind me that I do have a sense of fashion hidden behind my yoga pants and spit it tees!

top // pants // shoes
This white look give me all the feels. I seriously feel so fancy wearing all white. Don't y'all? 

pants // top // necklace
The fact that these floral pants are as comfortable as pajama bottoms makes this my most favorite outfit, ever. 

dress
I think I've worn this dress a million times and I never get sick of it. 

necklace
Everything about this screams classic. Denim vest, little black dress, a neutral sandal...yeesssss.


Another easy, classic look. You can't go wrong with all neutrals, or this jacket. It is the most worn jacket I own. Perfect for our not so cold winters here in Texas.

I'm hoping next week to have some new pictures and outfits for y'all since I'll be back to having to actually get dressed each day. What a bummer, right?! It is probably for the best because my yoga pants are starting to wear thin and I'm running out of clean t-shirts :)

Happy Wednesday!

- All I ask is you link back to my blog and link to a specific post.

- Write about something fashion related!

- Instagram @SarahTuckerUp  and Snapchat (the.tuckers21) for more outfits and randoms!

Thanks for linking up and to see other WIWW posts, click here. 


Tuesday, August 9, 2016

Tips For Pumping While Traveling


Traveling while being away from your baby can be sad, but also a pain. If you are breastfeeding, maintaining supply while you're away means you need to pump just as often as you'd feed your baby. For me, that meant every three hours I needed to hook up and milk.

Let me preface this by saying I feel incredibly blessed to be able to feed Graham and provide for him, but I'm not a lover of breastfeeding (totally being honest!). I don't think it is "best" because I believe it is best that your baby be fed, however that needs to happen. But, since I have a good supply and have no reason to stop, I needed to figure out how I'd pump while away from my baby for four days.

After reading different blogs, and now going through it, here are my tips for successfully pumping while traveling without your little one.

1. Pump and dump. I know some people really need to save their milk, but I have over 200 bags stored up, plus I was drinking wine all day, so pumping and dumping was the most logical thing to do. And, it made it so much easier. If you need to save your milk, you need to make sure the hotel has a fridge, make sure you have ice packs to travel back with, and be ready to disclose everything to security at the airport. Honestly, I pump about 12oz in 8 minutes, so I'd need a freaking Yeti to get my milk back and that just was not going to happen.

2. Bring along a cardigan or a nursing cover. I have a nursing cover and it was so easy to put that on and be covered up. I was pumping at a wine tasting and the ladies didn't even notice...until they heard my pump! Ha! My nursing cover goes all the way around my body, so I didn't have to worry about my back hanging out.

3. Be willing to whip it out anywhere. I literally pumped across the Golden Gate Bridge, in the Uber, at a winery, in a restaurant bathroom, on a ferry, on a wine tour bus, and all over the airport.

4. Store your pump in a big bag or backpack and keep the battery pack and tubes hooked up. I kept my pump all ready to go that way I only had to put on my cover, put on my hands-free bra, and hook up. Having the tubes and battery all ready to go made it easy to just turn the switch and start. I didn't even have to get the pump out of my bag.

5. Make sure you have a battery pack. You won't always be near a plug!

6. Be okay with all your parts getting dirty, and staying dirty. I texted Chris the first morning I was gone and told him to get on Amazon and order me all new parts. I was sitting in the family bathroom at DFW, pumping, and realized there was no way to keep all my parts super clean. Knowing I had all new parts when I got home made me feel better about times when I didn't have a place to wash them.

7. Buy these wipes. Even though I'd prefer soap and water, these wipes helped keep things from getting really gross.

8. Find the nursing rooms in the airport. Almost all airports have them and SFO has really nice ones everywhere! It was a luxury being able to sit in a recliner and pump before we got on the plane.

9. Bring lids to the bottles you pump in to. When I pumped across the Golden Gate, I didn't have any place to dump my milk because we were on a bus, so I just capped it and dumped it out later on.

10. Bring several gallon size bags. I didn't want my purse or backpack to get milk drops all inside, so each time I rinsed out or wiped down my parts I'd just throw them into a gallon size storage bag. Then, when we got back to the hotel, I'd clean them with soap, let them dry, then the next morning I'd store them in a fresh gallon bag and toss the used one.

11. Bring the cream. I use this kind and it was a life saver. I'm not used to pumping so much and it was so painful!!

12. Wear a nursing tank or bra all the time. These are my favorite! Wearing a tank is so much easier than having to pull up or push down a real bra. Personally, I wore a nursing tank everyday and it was really easy.

13. Wear nursing friendly outfits. Even though you aren't nursing, you are still having to whip them out frequently. You can read all about my nursing friendly (and cute) wardrobe here!

14. Don't let it stop you. I was bound and determined to not miss out on anything because I had to pump. It was not convenient bringing a giant purse everywhere, but I was able to make it work without always having to excuse myself to a bathroom.





Do you have any additional tips for pumping while traveling? I'd love to hear!

Monday, August 8, 2016

Napa Valley Guide for a Girl's Trip


As you know, last week I got back from four glorious days in Napa Valley for my best friend's 30th birthday. There were six of us total and it was the perfect spot for a girl's trip! From the weather to the food to the wine (duh!), Napa is really a great spot to live it up with a bunch of girls!

I figured I'd let you all know what we did and where we went in case you are wanting to venture out to wine country. We are all middle class girls who don't ooze money from our pores. Sometimes I feel like travel guides can be a little unrealistic when the person writing it is either getting paid, the trip was paid for, or they are just rich. I am none of those things, so if you're a normal human like me, here is what we did while in Napa!

Where we stayed:

Fairfield Inn and Suites  - American Canyon
The birthday girl had a connection to someone who works for Marriott, so we got a great deal at the Fairfield Inn in American Canyon, which is just about 20 minutes south of Napa. It was only $77 total per person for the three nights. We stayed in a room with two queen beds and a pull out couch. There was breakfast daily and the staff was so nice! There was a pool, but we never found time to swim. We were too busy drinking wine :) We really wanted somewhere we all could stay in the same room and all of the hotels in Napa only let four to a room, plus they were all super expensive, so we decided to just stay a little out of Napa and it worked out fine. We also thought about Airbnb, but we wanted the option of a pool (even though we didn't swim) and most houses in Napa don't have a pool.

How we got around:

We were obviously going to be drinking, so we knew renting a car was not an option. We decided to Uber everywhere and it worked out great! From SFO to our hotel we each had to pay $21. Then it was really easy to split the fare everywhere else we went. We did have to get the UberXL each time, since there was six of us, but it usually wasn't an issue. A couple times we just ordered two regular Ubers and split up. It was nice not having to navigate or worry about where to park. Lyft is also really big there, but we didn't use it. Most of our Uber drivers were also Lyft drivers and they said to try both because each one will send you free ride coupons because they are competing with one another.

From Napa back to San Francisco on Sunday morning we took the Vallejo Ferry to Pier 41. It was only $13 and a fun way to see the city from the water. We did a bus tour of SF on Sunday and then Ubered to SFO for our departing flight.

Where we ate:


When we got to the hotel Thursday afternoon we were all starving, so we walked to Tacos Michoacan. It is just this little hole-in-the-wall taco place, but it was delicious (and so cheap!)! We fueled up on some tacos and then headed back to the hotel to shower and get ready for dinner.



Thursday's dinner was at Mustards Grill in Napa. We had the best waiter who was so accommodating! We all tried different things and everything was delicious. I had the pork-chop, which is what they are known for. I will say that the other place I'm about to mention blew this place out of the water, but this place was still delicious!







Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch in St. Helena was, quiet possibly, the best meal I've ever had. From our appetizers of meatballs and their warm burrata to our entrees, everything was seriously amazing. I had the salmon and it was so fresh. I'm not used to fresh fish (since Dallas isn't exactly close to water) and now I might be a fresh fish snob. So. Good. The whole restaurant and grounds are perfections as well.







Saturday we spent the day in Yountville, which is a little town that looks like it is straight out of a movie. We went to the famed Bouchon Bakery and it was worth all the hype. Between the six of us, we got just about one of everything and everything was so good!


In San Francisco we played total tourists and ate crab cakes, fish and chips, and clam chowder at Fisherman's Wharf.

What we did:


Of course no trip to Napa would be complete without a wine tour! Last time Chris and I went to Napa we did a Platypus Wine Tour and it was such a great experience that we decided to book it again for this trip! Friday was the designated wine tour day and our guide, Sandy, did not disappoint! It was us six girls, a newly engaged couple (like two days new!) and a couple on their honeymoon. Somehow the theme of the day was "Let's get weird!" and it all got taken to another level when everyone found out I'd have to pump throughout the day! Ha! Milk shots anyone?! Totally kidding...












On the tour we visited four wineries: Silenus, Bremer Family Winery, Hopper Creek, and St. Clair Brown. Each of them were very different, but equally great! Sandy picked the wineries for us and she wanted to give us four different experiences and she did just that. It was the perfect mix from traditional wineries to more modern and urban wineries.









Saturday we went to a couple wineries on our own. Our first stop was at The Sip Shoppe at Swanson Vineyards. When we walked up their was a man playing French music in the courtyard and it felt like we were in another country. The whole place is magical! We sat outside (hello! no sweating!) and Rosemary was so kind and made our experience more than we could have imagined. We were going to cancel this stop because we were running out of time, but at the last minute decided to go and it ended up being our favorite spot. The wine and atmosphere were perfect. Their actual Sip Shoppe is circus themed, so the inside is just like a circus tent! I didn't get a picture in the shop, but my three pretty friends did!




Our final winery stop was at Castello di Amorosa which, in my opinion, is completely overrated. It was PACKED. We didn't have an appointment, so to even go inside and look around (plus a tasting on your own) was going to be $25 and we were not about to pay that just to walk around. If I want to see a real castle, I'll go to Europe. I just wasn't that impressed. And, so many people, ugh.




Sunday was our San Francisco day. We decided to quickest way to see the city before our flight was to do a hop-on hop-off bus tour. We didn't ever get off the bus because of time constraints, but it was the perfect way to see the city, quickly! We saw all the highlights and I got to see so many places and hear about so much that I had no idea about even after previously spending a week in the city. It helped that we did the tour on a Sunday morning before all the people were out. When we got back to Pier 39 there were so many people! We definitely beat the tourist rush.

Other recommendations:

One thing we didn't get to see was the Ferry Building. Chris and I went several times on our trip a couple years ago, but we never made it there this time. If you have time, I'd highly recommend walking through!

Plan time to actually hop-off and on the bus. I still have yet to take a picture of the Full House houses, but I've been really close two times. We didn't want to get off the bus because the next bus didn't come for 30 more minutes, so we opted to stay on.

Don't be afraid to stay outside of Napa. Uber was so great and easy that if you can't afford to stay in Napa, don't worry. All the hotels are really nice because of how many tourists they get, so you really can't go wrong.



Plan to spend more time in Yountville. We were only there a couple hours, but we could have spent all day there.

 Take your girls and leave the men behind :) I'm sort of joking, but in all actuality...Napa is romantic in a sense that you have this dream of sipping wine with your loved one, but if your man is anything like mine, he would much prefer sports and a Coke. Girls are the ones who love the patio dining with a glass of delicious wine, so if you're debating a couple's trip or girl's trip (I've now done both!) I'd go with the girls!

I hope this helps for anyone wanting to visit Napa Valley!