Eyelash Extensions: Yay or Nay?

Hi friends! Happy Friday! This week has been a busy one, but I am excited for a weekend with my boys and our friends!

Today I want to talk about eyelash extensions. In all the picture above I am wearing no eye makeup!

A few months back I got eyelash extensions in preparation for our trip to Maui. I love having eyelash extensions because it cuts back on the time it takes to get ready. Plus, on vacation I hardly wear any makeup, so at least my eyes look awake!

The initial appointment to get the eyelashes out on takes almost two hours. Y'ALL, TWO HOURS. I am not an A.D.D. person, but I was so fidgety. And, this wasn't even my first time getting them! Then, you have to go back and get them filled every 2-3 weeks. I went back and got them filled right before we left for Maui and, Y'ALL, that took well over an hour! Like, I just don't have time for that! 

Most moms would say, "Enjoy the time to relax," but all I kept thinking was how much time I was losing away from Graham and how many other things I could be doing. And, if I am being honest, if every other week I get two hours of free time, that is not what I want to be doing.

Now, I am saying this from my personal experience. Don't get me wrong. I LOVE eyelash extensions! Please don't misunderstand me. But, I just had to stop going because I couldn't sit still that long and I felt like it was a waste of time. I can put my makeup on in less than 10 minutes, so it wasn't really saving me a whole lot of time.

Fast forward to when they started falling out and, holy cow, I was left with no eyelashes. Everyday (weeks after I got them filled) I would have tons of fake eyelashes fall off and take with them a real eyelash. It was so sad when they all fell off because I used to have great, real eyelashes and I feel like I am left with nothing.

So, all-in-all, I don't hate them, but I don't think I will get them again anytime soon. I can't sit still for that long and I can't handle being left with no eyelashes.

What's is your experience with eyelash extensions?! Do you love them?

Also, does anyone with contacts recommend a great eyelash serum? I have tried a few different kinds, but they irritate my eyes really bad!

Have a great weekend!

New Favorite Shoes + Link Up

Right before school started my dad took me on a little back to school shopping trip. I think it is true that I'll always be his little girl, because he sure treats me like it. And, I don't mind one bit!

After I had Graham I got rid of most of my flats because they just. weren't. comfortable. Starting back up for the school year, I knew I needed some and, honestly, I thought these looked terrible just sitting there on the shoe rack. Then, I saw a sales girl wearing them and they looked SO CUTE! And, now that I have them, I have to agree. So ugly off your foot, SO cute on!!

Happy Wednesday!

An InLinkz Link-up

Recent Finds + Link Up

Recently, I haven't been getting out of my favorite Nike running shorts and workout tanks. Graham has ISR swim lessons every. single. morning. and from there we always run errands or go play with a friend.

Yesterday I told y'all a secret I've been keeping, so that took up much of my time the last week or so interviewing and whatnot. By the end of the night, when I have someone around to take my pictures, I'm already a hot, sweaty mess from the day's activities that the last thing I want to do is change to go take pictures!

But, I didn't want to miss out on telling y'all about some of my recent favorite finds!!

This dress has become a weekly wear. For only $19.99, I can't believe it has pockets! It is really stretchy, so soft and comfy,  and really long! I'm 5'3" and typically wear a S/M (more medium!) because I love things to have some room. I read the reviews and everything said size down, so I went with the small and I probably should have gone with the extra small because the neck scoops down pretty low and it is really long on my short body!! But, I've already spilled a martini on it and, if you're wondering, it washes great! Wash and hang dry/lay flat to dry and you're good to go!

I posted the top picture on my instagram a few days ago and y'all were going nuts over my cactus tee! I've worn it so much and feel like I've posted about it so much, but there were still quite a few of you dying to know where I got it! It is only $14.99! Once again, it is super soft and stretchy! I am wearing a medium, but should have got the small because it goes down really low under the arms! I just love my mediums because they're so roomy :)

AND, we have to talk about these Spanx leggings everyone is raving about. I went to Nordstrom because I haven't had a real bra that fits since before G was born and, with me starting back to school, I figured I needed to get that situation taken care of. I successfully fell in LOVE with these Spanx bras (I bought two!) and then noticed right outside the dressing room were these raved about Spanx leggings, so I thought I'd try them on. 

And, now I get it. They're amazing. They're so well made and I felt like I could go in public with these on without having to worry if anything was showing through. I'm wearing a medium and was not about to stuff my body into a small. They are high wasted, so they really suck it all in!

An InLinkz Link-up

Why I Don't Shop The #NSALE + Link Up

The other day on instagram I was feeling spunky and decided to do a "try on sesh." With the Nordstrom sale going on, that's about all my feed is. MUST HAVE jeans and MUST HAVE shoes and XXXXXXS sizing. I am honestly just sick of it and ready for my instagram to go back to normal :)

During my "try on sesh" I was sporting a maternity tank and some Nike running shorts. I did it as a fun poke at the fact that I'm not presentable 99% of the time. I wanted in on the "try on sesh" action.

Well, little did I know that y'all LOVED it and were cracking up with me! 

As I got to thinking about it, I really felt a pull at my heart to thank God for keeping me focused on the things I NEED in life. I NEED shelter and food and my family. I NEED water and fellowship and a good support system.

What I don't NEED is an 80th pair of jeans or another MUST HAVE blouse. Do I want all those things? YES! 100%! But, I don't NEED any of it.

As a society, we are followers. We follow everything, but the one most important thing we should be following (in my opinion) gets lost within all the #NSALE, #tryonsesh, #bloggingworld.

Jesus had followers without shoes, clothes. He had people follow him when He looked his worst. He saw the best in everyone and gave His life for us to live freely!

When I think about NEEDING things, I can't help but get a pit in my stomach thinking about the people who think they do NEED a new white tee, or a new pair of shoes. If you want it, cool, but I highly doubt anyone NEEDS ripped up jeans or a cardigan with a hood. We all can live without it.

Honestly, it takes a lot of self control to not go crazy and buy things. Of course I want these cute booties that everyone and their mom is buying and the cardigan that is as soft as a baby's bottom! Of course I want those things! But, I truly have plenty. I have enough and I'm living with that because I want to put my money and time into things that are not going to go out of season next year.

On the other hand, it is a bloggers job to promote their "product." Their job is to try on and "buy" (then they usually return 90%) clothes and show them off. You, as the read, buy it, they make a commission, etc. I seriously commend them because being a blogger, much less a fashion blogger, is hard work!! I love that they get to make a living doing what they love!! I truly love that!

What I pray for is that this world we live in stops NEEDING new things just because they're on sale. Or NEEDING something just because someone they idolize has it. I pray that little girls who follow people on instagram have enough self confidence to grow up and know that they can wear Nike shorts and a tee shirt and still have the same worth as someone decked out in designer clothes. 

If you've been a reader here for awhile, you know I did a YEAR OF NO SHOPPING back in 2013 and it was, truly, a life changing experience. I didn't buy a single piece of clothing or shoes for the entire year. Through that challenge I matured into knowing that my worth doesn't come from Earthly objects. What I wear didn't matter and what I had was (more than) enough! 

I am thinking about doing another no shopping challenge! I spoke about it on an instagram story and many of you seemed really interested! If I start up a challenge group, who would be interested?? We would start small...like no shopping for three months, but eventually I'd love to go another year!

So, because I'm a blogger who isn't shopping the sale because all I NEED is my Nike running shorts and a maternity tank, here are my favorite picks if I were shopping the #NSALE!

Happy Wednesday!

peep-toe booties

navy peplum

grey peplum

black jeans

booties

crossbody bag

Nike running shorts (my love language)

poplin tunic

An InLinkz Link-up

Something's Coming + Link Up

I've been busy working on updating Tucker Up and rebranding! In my head this would be a fast process, but, in reality, a 15 month old named Graham rules the roost! So, slow and steady wins the race.

Here is a sneak peek!

dress

shoes

earrings

An InLinkz Link-up

WIWW: Little Black Dress

Happy Wednesday, friends!

Today I want to elaborate a little on Monday's post. I realized I just left you with three measly pictures and didn't really show you how awesome that dress is! Unfortunately the dress is back up to $20, but still...TWENTY bucks for a really versatile dress. You can't beat it! If you have questions about links, refer back to this post!

Now for the link up!

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

- Write about something fashion related!

- Instagram @SarahTuckerUp for more outfits and randoms!

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

An InLinkz Link-up

Soak It All In

Graham is approaching the 1.5 year mark and life is so fun. Chris and I were talking the other day about how fun this age is and how we want all babies to come out 1 year old. Not literally, obviously, because ouch, but because this age is so stinking fun.

Our days are filled with going to the pool, going to the park, going to the grocery store, playing at home, playing with friends, and a whole lot more. At this stage, it is easy to become exhausted and wish you could just lay him in his Rock 'N Play and take a nap, but each day I'm focusing on soaking it all in. Soaking in his smell and his laugh. The way his eight teeth look in his tiny mouth, or the way he dances to just about every sound (even when the printer was printing something! Ha!). I'm so blessed to be able to hang with him everyday and I'm loving soaking it all in.

Speaking of soaking it all in, these flats I'm wearing are made here in the USA! The company, SOAK, says, "SOAK slide sandals are sleek and innovative women's sandals designed to give you a more comfortable shoe option for any occasion." I have to agree with them! The design is so sleek and I feel more put together than throwing on my flip-flops. They are so easy to throw in my bag to change out of heels or when we go from the gym to the pool

But, if I'm being honest, they are a bit hard to keep on my feet. If they had one more strap across my foot, or a wider strap, they'd stay on much better. They're fine just walking to the pool, but the moment Graham turns on his turbo-boost, the shoes have to go. I do love the width, though! Having very skinny feet, I find that many flats are too wide, but these fit perfectly!

If you'd like get your own pair of sleek sandals, you can use the code TUCKER15 to get 15% off your order!

Happy Tuesday!

$15 Dress Three Ways

Man, Monday hit and it hit hard! Chris slept with the monitor on his side last night which meant I didn't wake up to any of Graham's coos during the night. Somehow I subconsciously put a pillow over my head to block out the noise of Chris getting ready for work and when he kissed me goodbye, you'd have thought you were waking me from the deepest slumber ever. #notpretty

Now I'm here watching my 15 month old throw all his breakfast to the dogs while repeatedly saying, "Mommyyyyy, mommy, mommmyyyyyyy, mommy." This is the life!

Moving on to this adorable, yet so simple little black dress that is currently $15. FIFTEEN DOLLARS!!! It is PERFECT for basically anything. It is super light and a great length to be appropriate for all occasions.

Take a look at how I styled it three ways!

Look #1: I've styled this for a dressier look. You could always swap the wedges for heels and go even dressier. My kimono is great if you're going to an event inside where it may be chillier. And of course this Kendra Scott necklace is a must because it goes with everything!

- $15 dress

- necklace

- wedges

- kimono (yes, I got it from Walmart!!)

- sunglasses

Look #2: This is probably my favorite look because it is so super casual and comfy. This would be a great fall transition look, or it could be summery depending on where you live and if your state is an oven like Texas.

- $15 dress

- flannel

- booties

- sunglasses

Look #3: Hello, perfect summer outfit. Now all I need is a patio and some wine! This is my go-to look lately. Nothing beats denim and neutrals!

- $15 dress

- denim jacket

- Tory Burch sandals

- sunglasses 

Happy Monday, friends!!

PS: If you've been following along on my instagram (@SarahTuckerUp) you might notice that I'm sharing more of my outfits (when I do actually get dressed up!). People seem to love things that are affordable and that's my whole wardrobe, so I'll be sharing more outfits in the future!

Off The Shoulder + Link Up

top

shorts

shoes

Okay, I admit that it took me some time to warm up to this trend, but after putting on this top from Tobi, I'm sold! I wore this to dinner one night on our vacation and it was perfect for a beachy location. And, the back! Guys, the back is so cute! I honestly didn't even realized the back crossed until I started putting it on and couldn't figure out how to properly get it over my head :)

Now all these pictures have me wanting to be back in Florida...on a beach...reading a book...

A girl can dream, right??

Happy Wednesday and thanks for linking up!!
Linking up with The Pleated Poppy!

An InLinkz Link-up