Book Review: Delirium

I read a lot of books - mostly the band wagon books, but I also have other book obsessions that I don't talk about much. Like the Kennedys. Since elementary school, I have been sucked into the world of the Kennedys. I have one on my nightstand right now called Brothers. I've read so many books about them I couldn't even list them all for you. I digress...

 

The most recent book I read was delirium by Lauren Oliver. I started and finished this book in the same day. It was an interesting, but easy read. It's a trilogy and sort of Hunger Games-esque. I wouldn't say sci-fi, but it is set in a futuristic world where people are trying to cure the modern day American problems - In this case the problem is love and the delirium brought on by being in love. It's not an overly done love story though because you know I hate those. It was recommended to me several months ago by a blog friend and I bought it but never got around to reading it - because HG books got in the way! The book ended with a bit of a twist, but I don't want to ruin it for you. I'm very curious to see how they work it out in book 2 - pandemonium. I will definitely be picking that up and reading it this weekend. Book 3 - requiem doesn't come out until Spring 2013.

Here's the summary from goodreads:
Before scientists found the cure, people thought love was a good thing. They didn’t understand that once love -- the deliria -- blooms in your blood, there is no escaping its hold. Things are different now. Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the government demands that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Holoway has always looked forward to the day when she’ll be cured. A life without love is a life without pain: safe, measured, predictable, and happy.

But with ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena does the unthinkable: She falls in love.

 

I would definitely recommend this book if you were into the style of Hunger Games. It was better than I thought it would be after reading the summery. Another one also recommended to me if you're into this style is Divergent, which I have not read yet but I've seen it around everywhere. Who has read that one? Tell me about it!

 

It's supposed to be a little bit rainy here this weekend so I will probably spend a lot of time reading. Tell me what I should read next!

Wedding Wednesday

And here we are at my 2nd Wedding Wednesday! I am beyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyond f@#&*+$king excited to present to you a little sneaky peaky at our engagement pictures! After this post, you have my solemn promise not to mention these engagement pictures again until I get them all back in about 4 weeks. Then I will probably continue to blab about them and show them to you....I know I'm totally that girl and I can't help myself.

 

All pictures are courtesy of my wonderful photographer Stephanie from Blush Creative Photography {Knoxville, TN}. She also travels around if you are looking for someone for your special occasion. Here's her FB page.

If I had to pick a least favorite, it would be #3. Just because I think our faces look awkward maybe? And I think my legs look chubby in #3 - just sayin. I love them all though! I CANNOT wait to see the rest in a few weeks, plus she's also designing our custom save the date design!

So, what do ya think?? Worth the wait???

Weekend Update

I know we always say this, but I reeeeally hated to see this weekend go! The Corey Smith concert was incredible and of course we FINALLY had our engagement pictures yesterday! I have three teaser photos from our session for you but those will have to wait for another day this week because I'm low on time today. I can't wait to show you though! (And I'm sure you can't wait for me to stop talking about the darn things!)

 

Don't forget to enter my Color Me Rad 5k Giveaway! You only have until this Friday to tell me your most awesomestly hilarious team name and I will randomly generate a winner! OH YEAH and I have another AMAZING giveaway lined up for you in September in honor of my birthday month! :) HOLLA to all my fellow Virgo ladies out there!

Find me on Instagram {nikkib918} to follow all my weekend pictures before they hit the blog.

 

I about died!

Corey in all his glory

 

TGIF!

this reminded me of Tilly so I had to! No idea why this poor pup has a peg leg...

Happy Friday friends! For the past 2 weeks or so now I've been sucking at being a good blogger, but my work life has overtaken my life! Traveling last week then catching up this week, then a little traveling again next week. Things are work are so great right now, but when I'm that busy it doesn't leave me much time to play in bloggy world.

 

Because of this crazy schedule I've been working lately I thought I would treat myself to a massage last night. It was the worst massage I've ever had! haha It was awful! I carry all my tension and stress in my shoulders and lower back. She didn't focus on those areas at all - even though I specifically told her to. Then she proceeded to give me a semi-scalp massage and facial - which did feel good, but she got the massage oil stuff all over my face and hair! Ick! If that shit makes my face break out before our engagement pictures this Sunday I will hunt that bitch down!

 

I have a lot going on this weekend, but they are all fun exciting things. I'm getting my hair done tonight to fix this... I promise those dark roots are worse than they look in that picture.

 

I'm also going to the gym tomorrow morning for the first time in probably a week. I know, I'm awful. I'm running my first 5k in 6 weeks and I'm going to die if I don't get to running! Speaking of the Color Me Rad 5k - have you entered my giveaway to win free passes to sign up for the race when it comes to your town??? I forgot to mention it in that post, but I'm drawing the winner next Friday!

Saturday night my brother and I are going to see Corey Smith in concert - and this is probably the 5th time we've seen him. LOVE HIM! Plus, I'm looking forward to some sibling love time! Then Sunday afternoon we have our engagement pictures. It's basically the perfect weekend - me time, brother time and love time with Skye!

 

Here's to a fabulous weekend!

I've Got The Runs

You like that title, don't you?? It's very Dusty of me! (remember my hilarious friend Dusty from last week??) Okay so right now you're probably thinking that I have a serious bathroom issue, but you're wrong... this post is actually about running. Get it, runs? You better be laughing or at least giggling. I bet this post will be some interesting google search results!

I want to share something exciting with 2 lucky people regarding the upcoming Color Me Rad 5k that I'm doing! Remember me telling you here that I was finally going to accomplish my goal of doing my first real 5k? Well thanks to my lovely friendship with Kelly from Messy.Dirty.Hair, I got hooked up with Chantelle who works for Color Me Rad! She's AH-MA-ZING and so so sweet! So sweet in fact that she has given me TWO free sign up giftcards for the Color Me Rad 5k to giveaway to YOU! Yes, you! That girl who has been meaning to make a goal to do a 5k, but just hasn't had the motivation! (Don't worry, that's been me too!)

Two giftcards to sign up for FREE for the Color Me Rad 5k in your town!
Regular Registration Price is $40.00!

So I know we've all seen The Color Run activity going on in blog land. The Color Me Rad is a similar style, due to the fact you get smothered in color! It's non-timed so basically it's a great way to jump start your running career - or just have a kick ass time, if you're a more seasoned runner. Here is a link to their website that shows all the cities the race has booked now thru July 2013 BUT if you're city isn't on here then we can always try to get it added!

If you live in or near Reno, Denver, Jacksonville, Raleigh, Billings, Phoenix, Vegas, Austin, Miami, Tampa, Houston or Detroit (just to name a few) then I'm talking to YOU!!

Wanna know how you can win these registration cards for the Color Me Rad 5k???? It's simple! Just leave me a comment & give me you're most creative idea for your team name for running the race and I will randomly pick a winner. Make me laugh!

Oh and by the way, my team name for the Color Me Rad 5k in Knoxville, TN on October 6th is I've Got The Color Runs! We are working on our hilarious outfits and I'm so so so so so excited to share this with you!

Weekend Update

Hi my pretties!! I have missed you all so very much! I had a blast on my mini vacay work trip in Clearwater, Florida! It was my first time visiting there, but I would definitely head back. It's gorgeous! Our hotel was amazing, the beach was beautiful, the drinks were strong and I actually kicked ass on my presentation. (woot woot!) Thank you to all my lovas who guest posted for me while I was out last week - you loved them right?? How could you not??

When in Rome...or Florida..do as they do and eat Gator Bites! Yum!

I had such a lovely weekend getting caught up on sleep and cleaning and watching The Hunger Games twice. We were supposed to have our engagement pictures yesterday afternoon, but due to the fact that Mother Nature decided to downpour, we had to reschedule. I had been looking forward to it for months so I was a little bummed about rescheduling. However, I am thankful for a flexible photographer who gives me the opportunity to get the perfect backdrop for our pictures! Next Sunday better be a beautiful day!

Don't forget to stop over at Messy.Dirty.Hair today and check out her giveaway that I'm a part of! If you like Target & Essie (plus other goodies) you won't want to miss it.

Simply Sarah

This little lady is a girl after my own personality. I love her style, her wit and of course her cuteness! Plus, she likes to have a good time, and I think we could make some embarassing drunken fun memories together! She is one of my fabulous sponsors so please take a minute to check her out over at simply sarah.

Hi there Pink Growl readers!

I'm Sarah and I blog over at simply sarah.

I'm super random but you'll learn to love it.

or not. 

I'm so happy to be here filling in for Nikki while she's 'working' in Florida ;)

Hopefully she snuck away to have some cold ones on the beach.

I know we're all still feeling the blistering heat of summer

and don't get me wrong, I love summer, but I also find myself looking forward

to the quickly approaching fall. So today I figured I'd share with y'all some of the things

I love about fall. {don't hate}

#1 going to the pumpkin patch.

via

One thing you'll learn about me is that I am constantly changing my nail color. I love 

finding new colors to try and essie is my absolute favorite.

 Clockwise: 1/2/3/4/5/6/7

fall fashion. love it all.

Clockwise: 1/2/3/4/5/6

trying not to get fat with all the pumpkin, cinnamon, apple deliciousness.

And of course, what good is fall without football?!

I'm a huge Colts fan.

I love Eli Manning.

I went to VCU

But I cheer for Virginia Tech.

Go Hokies!

Oh, and the most important thing about fall......

my birthday! :)

Well lovers, thanks for having me! And thanks again Nikki for letting me 

take over your space! I hope y'all will stop by and say hi :)

happy weekending!

xoxo.

An Organized Mess

Miss Jade from An Organized Mess is also one of my new August Sponsors. She's the perfect gal to follow up Dusty from yesterday. Not only is she sooo cute...see below... but she's hilarious. I love to surround myself with funny people. Show her some love and enjoy!

Hello there to all you Pink Growl followers!
RAWR!

I'm so excited to be Nikki's guest on the blog today.

I suppose you'd like to know who the witty kitty is that typed these here words, so allow me to introduce myself...

My name is Jade (otherwise known as 'Plain Jade') 

& I blog over at An Organized Mess.

If you're looking for honesty, complete randomness, & sarcastic humor -- 

I'm your girl! 

Otherwise, you're in the wrong place!

A few things you MUST know about me:

I LOVE:

My two precious balls of fur: 

Alice & Ralph 

(Yes, I give my animals human names. Yes, it's the cool thing to do.)
That's right, folks! I'm a crazy cat lady.
Who doesn't love kitties?
As Emily Maynard once said, "They're mini lions!"
If that's not super cool, then I'm not sure what is!

All things pickle flavored or just pickles in general.

I'm like a classy version of Snooki....

eCards because they are hilarious & make my day 20x better....

Quotes because they make me smile...

Oh, & of course my awesome friends...

If you want to know more about me come on over & take a peek around my blog. 

What will you find there?

Anything from DIY crafts, recipes, celebrity gossip, & {most of all} my every day thoughts. 

You can also find me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, BlogLovin', & Pinterest.

Yes, I'm kind of social media obsessed.

Don't Judge Me....