Sideboard Styling

So when we bought our precious town home almost 1.5 years ago {Yikes.. has it already been that long?!?}, we knew it wasn't for the long haul. It was a temporary home that was a part of our 5 year plan. But just because it is only for 5 years doesn't mean I haven't had so much fun styling our home!!

The downstairs part of our house has always been my first priority because that is where most of our guest are when we have them over. We added wainscoting, bought curtains, added updated hardware on the cabinets. All which were easy decisions, but there was a blank wall behind our couch that I knew was perfect for a sideboard/buffet and then hunt began.

Well if you own a sideboard or buffet you know they don't come a small price. and after hunting for the last 1.5 years we couldn't find one. Well let me clarify I couldn't find one that the mister wouldn't freak out about over price. So he told me he would build one and as skeptical as I was it turned out to be beautiful!

So what are you thoughts? Anything you can think of that I don't have pictured?

Sunday Snacks :)

So being gluten free we don't have a lot of snack foods around the house but when we find a snack we love we chow down!!!!

Our most recent snack is Glutino Gluten Free Lemon Wafers

We loved them so much! They honestly reminded me the vanilla, chocolate and strawberry wafer cookies that you eat as a child but these have a nice lemon creme in the middle which makes me feel more like an adult when I eat them.

We have tried the Milk Chocolate Wafers as well, they are regular wafers then dipped in chocolate and while they are good we prefer these as well.

So in our book.. we give them a 5 out of 5!

Friday Five

Well Yall today is my last Friday before I start my new job!
I am so excited but here are some things I am loving lately.

1. Uncle Maddio's Pizza Joint

Okay Yall I haven't eaten pizza sine JUNE 2014! I used to love Mellow Mushrooms gluten free pizza but they changed the crust to make it vegan and now its just not good. So Uncle Maddios opened right by our house and this week I went to lunch with some of my teacher friends during planning and tried it out. Let just say Andrew was so excited we could have our Pizza Fridays again

2. Spring Nails

I love my routine mani/pedi and now that it is spring time I am extra happy. I live for hot pinks and a little part of me dies when I have to put them away for the fall/winter. So today I am headed straight to the nail salon to get a mani/pedi in my favorite color--- OPI La-Positively Hot

3. Home Updates

Andrew and I love our town home but there are a few things we have up our sleeves. We are going to start our DIY Wainscoting Project in the downstairs so we are headed to lowes this weekend to get some pricing and and trim samples and home to start the first week in April :)

4.  The Bachelor

Yall I have watched every single season and this season I will say I didn't hate either Whitney or Becca but I knew I wanted Whitney to win and I am so glad she did! I can't wait though for the summer for Bachelor in Paradise. I know these shows are so cheesy but they are my guilty pleasure!

5.  Friends

So like every other Netflixs marathon watcher we have been watching Friends in the Tucker Household. Well last night felt like the end of an era because as Andrew and I were in bed we finished the last episode :(
We both looked at each other and I said.. Now what do we do?
So if you have any recommendations for shows you and your other both like let me know cause we are in need!!

So what are you loving this Friday

Join the Link UP and Share!

New Beginnings

So I said I had some changes that were happening and here it is. 

Today is officially the last day of my teaching career.

I always wanted to be a teacher my whole life and it never waivered until recently. I have spent the last 4 years teaching math and every year I grew, perfected lessons and implemented new ideas. I love working with the students, they are the reason why I became a teacher. But finally I realized I spent so much time working on lessons and creating things that would keep students engaged and interested in math and after I was done I realized I spent more time evaluating if parents would like what I was doing than if students would be engaged, learning and growing. That is when I knew this wasn't the career I thought it was and it was so disheartening and I knew I needed to make a change.

 I spent a lot of time praying about what to do next.

Monday I start my job at a marketing company as an client success associate (fancy name for account manager) I have spent so much time talking with the company to make sure this was a job I wanted to take and I know in my hear that this opportunity is what is best. When I told my students they were sad because we have such a great relationship but they understand and the support I received from parents was amazing.

I am so excited, anxious and nervous for this new career opportunity and can't wait to share my journey with you!

Weather's Got Me Dreaming....

Did anyone else fall in love with the gorgeous weather yesterday.

We walked both of the pups yesterday and they were in heaven and I have to say so was I.

Andrew and I went to the mall yesterday and ran a few errands and all I can say was I was smitten with the weather. I kept wanting to bust out all my spring/summer clothes but this North Carolina weather isn't allowing for full spring attire so I just started browsing new attire and I even made a few purchases. Here are a few of my favorite spring items I am wishful for !

These Jessica Simpson Wedges. I may have already purchased them in black and this neutral color and I can't wait to wear them all spring/summer long in replace of my winter booties :)

 This Boho Floral Fringe Top is awesome. I feel like you could put a long sleeve shirt under it for those windy spring days and then a tank to transition it into a full summer piece

I love white denim in the summer and have already added this pair of Paige Skinny White Denim Pants. The countdown to Easter is on so I can finally wear these!

What is spring without a new Lilly Print. I am loving this print and with out vacation to Cali coming in June this dress would be a perfect addition to my closest.

One of my favorite things about spring is breaking out all the fun pastels and bright prints! I have been eyeing this pendant from Kendra Scott but wouldn't buy it cause it wasn't the right color for winter but I think I might have to give in soon!

My list could go on and on but these are just a few things I can't get out of my head. What are you dying to buy or pull out of you closet for spring?

A weekend of us

The last month for Andrew and I have been crazy.

We started it with a lovely weekend away for Valentines Day

But then Andrew's grandfather took a turn for the worse and we were back and forth to Charlotte to be with family and give/receive support.

That time with family was so needed. When we typically go home we are home for a weekend or holidays and we are constantly on the go. This time was different. It was full of movie watching, family dinners and just time enjoying each other. While I hate the circumstances that brought upon this type of family time, I really enjoyed this time with family.

Now we are back in Raleigh and for the first time (Andrew says ever) I have turned down plans with friends. I have a charity event at school tonight but after that our plans for the weekend haven't been created. We are just going to spend the weekend relaxing and spending time just the two of us. 

We both know because of my big change I made (I'll be sharing what it is next week) our life is about to get really crazy so for now we are enjoying us and some down time.

What are your weekend plans? 

Any guesses as to what my announcement is for next week?

Windy in Wilmington

Yes, yes I know Valentines Day was last month but it technically hasn't been a month  :)

Andrew and I have had a pretty crazy month with his grandfather passing away so it was nice to have a weekend away before we had to deal with it all.

We have both lived in North Carolina for a long time (Andrew forever, me for 14 years) and neither of us have ever been to Wilmington to visit. So we decided to pack up Valentines Weekend and spend a weekend at the Hilton Riverside and just relax. 

We honestly made no plans or reservations and that is really not like me but it was so nice to just decompress.

We definitely enjoyed the room service and that conveniently there was a Ruth Chris in our hotel. We ended every night there with a few drinks.

Our trip was supposed to be our gift to each other but Andrew got me a birthstone bead for my Pandora!

Surprising for February it was really nice on Saturday while we were there. I had been wanting a lighter army canvas jacket and scored this one at Banana Republic for 40% off! I love it so much I went back and bought the vest last weekend!

Andrew and I love history and being touristy! We took a trolley ride around downtown to learn a little more of the history of Wilmington.

Ending our last night! We had a great weekend and can't wait to return to Wilmington when its warmer!

Life Lately

So this blog of mine has taken a back seat for over a year now.

I got to a point in my life where I was so stuck, I wanted to know where my "best me was" and where I wanted to be. I wanted to be happy in all aspects of my life and not just my home life.

It was something  I was struggling with for a while but how can you make a change into a complete new world but maintain your normal OCD mind set.

Well a little over a year later I am finally taking that leap.

Here is to my next step...I am so excited, nervous, anxious and the list could go on!

2014 here we go ...

As I look back on the past year I think about all we have accomplished. 

We are not big on resolutions in our house because they remind me of a quick fix.

Instead we focus on things we want to accomplish and make list

No surprise here, this type A girl is making a check list to check off.

And yes I know we are already 6 days into 2014 but hey who cares.

1. Worry less about being in control knowing that the Lord is on our side
2. Grow in our faith through giving and serving

3. Andrew will finish his dissertation and complete his defense.

4. Andrew will get a job he loves

5. We will buy a house 

6. Andrew will graduate in May with his PhD (Horray)

7. Learn and utilize more 21st Century Skills in my classroom through flipping the classroom

8. Become even more aware of what we put in our body

9. Save more, travel more

10. Visit Mickey :)

11. Make it through this year teaching and figure out my plans for next year

12. Continue what is best for my body through whole foods
13. Show grace and love
14. Enjoy and be joyful

So there we go.
14 things for 2014
Are any of these on your list?

Weekday breakfast problems

So lately I have been starving after breakfast.

And by starving I mean its 8:30am and my students ask if I ate breakfast because my stomach is growling so freaking loud its embarrassing.

( I will say I eat breakfast at about 5:15 and lunch around 10:30)

So clearly my cereal isn't cutting it.

And also I should throw in I hate breakfast in the morning.

I love brunch, hate breakfast.

This is first world problems at its finest!

Its to early, I'm not fully functioning and the last thing I want to think about is food.

So I decided to take the 30 day green smoothie challenge to replace my breakfast.

This way I can take my smoothie with me in the morning and drink it as I please.

I am using a plan through Simple Green Smoothies and it just started last week. 

I am a week behind but I decided to just do it one week longer :)

They send you a shopping list and 5 recipes each week so you don't have to drink the same smoothie everyday.

So Saturday ( The worst day of all days) I got my list and headed to trader joes along with everyone else in Cary/Raleigh and came home with my loot!

Tonight I am going to prep all 5 smoothies in my mason jars so each morning I only have to wake up throw it in the blender and add almond milk and I am good to go.

Minimal prep at 5am is essential!

So I will let you know how it goes.

If you have any other recipes let me know!

I would love to add them to my list cause I want to keep doing it after the 30 days is up!

Why Young Marriage is Amazing

Hi blogging world. I am back.

Who knows for how long but the husband is knee deep in dissertation writing and I need something so I don't distract him and I have missed this blog.

So I think I should stop reading things on the Internet. It really breaks my heart and my spirit about humanity.

Lately this article has been going around the Internet

23 Things to do Instead of Getting Engaged Before You're 23

At first I thought nothing of it and then the next things I know everyone is sharing it with the words Amen, I feel you, Finally.. etc.

So I read it and then I wonder... did they really read it?

I was engaged at 21, married at 22 and now I am almost 25 and am reaching our 3rd year of marriage!
Is this path for everyone, absolutely not.
But neither is any other path I have taken in my life.

Yes I know more marriages fail than survive but do you know why.

Not because they are young, 

Not because they are old

Because they are selfish.
Because they don't understand what it means to truly compromise.

Just like the girl writing the article who has know idea what a blessing marriage is.

So let me tell you why her 23 things are more amazing when your married.

(Ps. I saw someone already do this so I am not taking credit but I can't find the post so I can't link it)

1. Get a passport, go on a honeymoon. Travel the world, travel the US, travel your state. There are so many things to do you can't do it all before you get married.Two bank accounts are better than one allowing you to save more and travel more! 

2. Find your thing? Getting married doesn't mean you loose yourself. It means finding someone who appreciates your interests even if it doesn't interest them. Then they support you 100% even when you want to quit!

3. Instead of making out with a stranger make out with someone you love and are crazy about. And what makes it better is knowing they are just as crazy about you.

4. Adopt a pet.. we have 2. What makes it better is it that when they wake you up 2 am while you are house training it will remind you may not be ready for children! And if you are ready for children, more power to you!

5.  Band.. no thanks, thats not my thing. I say learn to cook, sew, or better yet learn something together!

6. If you haven't made a cake by the time your 23, I'm sorry. Come to my house and live for a few weeks. We make far to many and I feel like you are missing out on way more things in life than cake.

7. That tattoo you get, when you are old an wrinkly tell me how great you think it looks. And that marriage it will still be there too if you work at it. It will actually bring you joy.

8. Instead of exploring a new religion, understand what religion is. A deep commitment of faith and once you have found it you will never leave it. And then find a man who love Jesus and loves you for loving Jesus and watch the blessings flow.

9. Start a business. Guess what I am doing it and it is hard and frustrating. Lets go back to number 2 where if this is your thing, then you have a free worker and unconditional support.

10. Cut your hair. Trust me after you get married you'll want to do it too. Trust mean, you will have only been growing out for a year!

11. Please this one is dumb. Date two people? This is what is wrong with society. Let's try date your spouse. Date them everyday for the rest of your life and watch your relationship grow.

12. I'm not a builder so I am going to relate this to building a meal. Build a meal and enjoy it with your family. Your spouse will be grateful.

13. And with that meal you are making in # 12. Go ahead and get it from pinterest. You know you have millions on there you haven't tried!

14.  Join the Peace Corps, go on a mission trip, or better year serve and love your community. Find unreached and under served people that you and your spouse are passionate about and love on your community.

15. Disappoint your parents? If you are 23 and haven't done that you are lying and we have bigger issues.

16. IDk what Girls is so I don't know what to relate it to but what I prefer and need on occasions is while the husband is out with the guys, gather your girls, wine and a nice chick flick and call it a Friday night. You need it, he needs it and the fact you both understand that is great!

17. Nutella, wine whats the difference! I prefer wine and what I described in 16

18. Make people feel uncomfortable. That's just rude. Try meeting people and growing friendships. You never know when you'll meet someone and wonder why you didn't meet them years earlier!

19. I'm sorry I'm not on the Crossfit bandwagon but I am all for Hot Yoga. Who better than yourself to stay fit an healthy for than your husband.

20. I would prefer to not hang out in the window naked. I have more respect in my body and who sees it.

21. Write your feelings in a blog. Hey I started this because I got married, took a break and now I am at it again. Its a creative outlet at any stage.

22. Yes I think I established that she is selfish and why she isn't ready for marriage. Selflessness is trait this world needs to learn more of at all stages in life. 

23. Celebrate New years with your spouse and make plans and goals for the rest of your life! I love a good checklist :)

So girl who wrote that article. 

Yes its fine that you don't want to get engaged before 23.

Maybe your not ready
Maybe you haven't found your person

Maybe your don't understand what marriage is about.

And guess what, that's okay.

But don't talk about it like its the worst thing because one day you'll do it and wish you would have meet that person sooner so you could experience all those previous years together because life after marriage is amazing :)

Weekend Recaps:)

My last two weekends have been 3 day weekends so the fact that this weekend was the normal 2 day weekend has me in a funk:(

I am having a rough time at work so I am literally living for the weekend.

I mean even me who is totally not ready for a baby is counting down till Andrew graduates in the thought that if I want to I can take the plunge so I don't have to work anymore.

It stinks, I hate the feeling :(

But back to my recap :)

Friday:

After a long week Andrew took me out to wind down.

I am so grateful for such an amazing husband who strives daily to lift me up and praise me!

We headed over to our favorite spot, Cafe Caturra for some Wine and amazing breads and spreads:)

Saturday :

We had a ton of errands to run in the morning but were anxious to get home and do some relaxing with the pups before we went to dinner at a friends house.

But before we headed back to the house we stopped for our usual snowballs.

Love me some watermelon and sour tsunami :)

Then we came home and snuggled with some fur babies all day!

Sunday:

We spent Sunday Morning worshiping the Lord at the Durham Bulls Baseball Stadium.

There were over 11,000 people in attendance and over 500 were baptised. I am so happy to be a part of the Summit Church. 

It was so amazing to hear all of our voices together. 

After the service we went with so many Friends to Mellow Mushroom for some delish pizza :)

Sunday night I spent my time watching nothing else but 

What did you think about the winner?

Personally I wanted Miss. Oklahoma.

She won me over in the 20/20 special when she said she was the Oscar Myer wiener jingle winner and I wanted to see her go all the way!

Hope you had a great weekend!

I'm cleaning out my closet and posted some stuff for sale on the blog!

Check it out here!

Shop Shop Shopp:)

So I kinda have a problem.

I love shopping. 

My closet is at max capacity so I need to clean out.

I have seen other bloggers sell so I am gonna try it out.

Please email me at hart.tucker@gmail.com or comment on this post with which item you would like to purchase. All purchases will be done through paypal.

Shipping is $5 per address not per item.

Navy Blue and White Skirt

Size 4- Ann Taylor Loft

$10

Ann Taylor Loft

Size 2

$10

Size Medium

Francesca's Collections

$10

Size Medium

Francescas Collection

$10

Size Small

Francescas Collection

$5

Size Small

Francesca's Collections

$5

Size Small

Nordstrom Rack

$5

Size XS

New York and Co

$5

Size XS

Nordstrom Rack

$10

Size XS

Loft

$5

Size Medium

Forever 21

$5

Size Small

Nordstrom Rack-Never Worn

$15

Size Small

Nordstrom rack

$10

Five on Friday

I love this post every week because I love reading other's post and finding new favorite things!!

1. Bobbie Brown

Girls, I have been a MAC Eye Make-up girl my whole makeup wearing career but lately I feel like the quality of their products and service have been lacking.

I decided to try something new and really had no idea what and I ended up at Bobbie Brown and the makeup artist put on the Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner.

I AM IN LOVE

It really does stay on all day and goes on so perfect.

2.Chalkboard Signs

Our Pastor has been talking about memorizing more scripture so you can pray scripture and I have been looking for a way to display a verse weekly in our house.

I am loving these chalkboard versions.

I think a trip to Michael's is in my future so I can do a little DIY!

3. Starbucks Refreshers

I don't know why but I have been pretty anti-coffee lately.

It is beyond me cause I love it but I still need my daily fix.

Thank goodness for these Starbucks Refreshers cause they are giving me life on Friday Mornings when I have to be ready for all the children that are getting ready to walk into my classroom.

The very berry hibiscus is my fav :)

4. Wine

I love wine. In particular all types that are white and labeled pinto grigio.

A few summers ago I found my very favorite bottle when browsing Total Wine. I always look at the top 20 lists and this one was in the top 5 and had a pretty bottle so I was sold!

Who knew it would quickly become my favorite. Sad thing is its a summer wine and they don't carry it as often during the winter:(

I have a bottle and I'll be enjoying it this weekend along with my last taste of all other things summer :)

5. New Items

I am so excited about all the new stuff I have for the shop:)

I have made so many sales in Raleigh from word of mouth that I am excited to be able to focus on promoting the etsy shop to expand my business.

Look at some of these amazing pieces I added this week

Check them all out here :)

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ShopCarolinaBliss

Well here's to my Friday I plan on enjoying a nice Starbucks Refresher on the way to work and my favorite glass of wine tonight before its gone for the summer :)