Christmas Dreams & New Year's Wishes

Heeeeyooooo - Have no fear, I'm still here. Just haven't been around HERE. I had a pretty decent Christmas - honestly just thankful it's over. I love the hustle & bustle of the holidays - the shopping, the Christmas lights, the parties, the food but I'm always relived when it's time to get back to normal life. I really love shopping for others and buying them really special, unique gifts but dang it sucks to have to pay my bills after all that shopping too!

 

Christmas with my family was actually pretty smooth. To keep things in line with Thanksgiving, we had no blow ups, no tears and everything was all smiles. I actually talked my dad, brother, stepmom and my aunt & cousin into coming to Christmas Eve services at church with me too. My brother and I are working on fixing things with our relationship, and I couldn't tell you the last time I really argued with my mom. THIS NEVER HAPPENS IN MY FAMILY!! I could get used to it.

Candlelight Christmas Eve Services at my church

Ms Tilly looking all kinds of Christmasy in her new red jacket

 

I'm a redneck and all I wanted for Christmas was to shoot my brother's new rifle  - disregard my chubbiness here

So things are pretty good around these parts! Going into 2014, I'm looking forward to new episodes of Parks & Rec, new adventures, , big Jesus moments, more Luke Bryan, new relationships and working towards getting my hot body back. I'm just a simple girl!

 

Happy New Year!! XOXOXO

Weekend Update...on a Tuesday

Howdy little friends! I'm doing my weekend update on a Tuesday because I was off work yesterday to take a friend to get her boobies done and I'm a wee bit behind. My weekend was full of lots of wedding shenanigans, and thankfully we all survived! It ended up being an absolutely gorgeous wedding, with perfect weather. Some drama went down...of course...and yours truly lost her RayBans on the farm, but the good news is it's OVER!

 

And just so you know I haven't even found the time to cut my bangs yet...but it's coming!

 

Me & another bridesmaid on our way to pictures

We all used to have so much fun with each other just going out dancing all night, or even at each other's houses just being silly. It was so good to catch up with these girls!

It's always good to come home to my sweet Tilly

 



5 on a Friday

 

Party people! It's FRIIIIIIIIIIDAY! Let's link up with these lovely ladies and do the damn thing.

 

1. Thank you all so so so so much from the bottom of my little black heart for all the birthday love!!! I was a nervous wreck going into this birthday since it was literally my first one being single in 11 years. I wouldn't say it was the most exciting one since I had to keep it kinda low key on a Wednesday night, but my expectations were definitely exceeded by ALL the kind words, birthday wishes, texts, emails, presents and flowers. I can't breathe because my office has so many flowers in it. Y'ALL ARE AMAZING! THANK YOU!

 

2. JT's new single - y'all heart it yet? TKO - I love it!

 

3. I have a first date tonight! EEEEK! He is a super cute, tall, country boy - sounds right up my alley, right? Wish me luck and I'll update you next week!

 

4. The season of candy corns is back upon us....ugh! I must channel all my willpower and not let these little devils cancel out my 5am workouts!

5. Tilly shot - you haven't had a Tilly shot in a while so here you go! My sweet baby eating her pumpkin treat from Manda.

 

Happy weekend my loves!!! GO VOOOOOOOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLLSSSSSSSSSS!

Weekend Shenannies - or Lack There Of...

oh hey Monday, it's you again... I usually don't dread Mondays so much, but I just REALLY do not feel like being at work today. I can sum up my weekend pretty quick for you... Hangover City! Whew, apparently I had a little bit too much fun Friday night at Chris Tucker and I was down for the count Saturday. Literally all day just worthless. Is this where I say "I'm too old for this??"  I couldn't even rally and make it out for girl's night Saturday. Sunday, I actually drug myself to the gym before church but then was pretty lazy after. It's the weather, I swear. SO SICK OF THE RAIN!!!

me and my pals and OH, HEEEEY CHRIS TUCKER! Worst pic of me ever BTW....

Everybody likes a picture of freshly clean Tilly right?!?

Watched the Nine for IX documentary about Pat Summitt for the 3rd time yesterday....cried like a baby AGAIN. I feel thankful to have grown up in Knoxville during Pat Summitt's era. I'm blessed to have met her a couple times and she is one truly amazing woman.

 

Guest Post: Sarah - Puppy Love

My weekend was CRAY! This old gal went out 4 nights in a row and now I'm exhausted. Still playing catch up at work from being off on Friday soooo today you get the post you were supposed to get Friday! Sweet Sarah at Venus Trapped in Mars agreed to fill in for me Friday and then my auto scheduler failed me! Oh well - her post was too good not to share so enjoy!!

 

I accidentally let it slip that Nikki asked me to come guest post over at Tilly's place. I was worried I was so busy this week that I wouldn't have enough time to write the post. Well, let it be known that my pup, General Neyland (named after the greatest football coach and stadium in existence) has a little crush on Tilly. It came as no surprise to me that he offered to write the post and go visit Miss Tilly. Nikki, I hope you don't mind that I offered the guest post to Gee, I was just way too busy to get it done.

HI TILLY!

{and you other people who come here for Nikki} 

 My mom, who talks about blogging non-stop, 24/7 over at Venus Trapped in Mars said Nikki needed some help today. Well, I wasn't about to miss the chance to come see you, girl. I took a bath, and put on my nicest bow tie for you. I thought I would  use this as a pupportunity to try and impress you in hopes that you will go on a date with me, Tilly!

So what do you think Tilly? Call me, Maybe?

Friday's Letters

Dear Friday's Letters - I've missed you! Dear Hair Appointment Tonight - there are certain things in a girl's life that just make her feel good & pretty. Getting my hair done is one of those things for me. I'm not sure what I will do color wise, but I need a little pick me up! Dear Jeans That I'm Wearing Today - I heart you! I haven't been able to wear  you in years. Silver Lining #1 post breakup: fitting into old clothes due to losing weight. Dear Weekend - please be kind to me. Last weekend was very bad and I could really use a good one. Let's just try to be productive and maybe have a little fun! Dear $1 Large Diet Cokes from McDonald's - thank you for being my fuel lately. I have been living on you and as a girl on a newly formed budget, my wallet thanks you too. (Hopefully my teeth won't be too mad at me with all the dark coke). Dear friends - Thank you AGAIN so much for your support! I am so blessed to have "met" you all and that you care about me! Dear Tilly - you are adorable - what do y'all think of her new haircut and sassy Thanksgiving bandana??? She has been mama's constant cuddle bug and BFF lately.

 

Happy Weekend!

 

Puppy Love

Everybody around here knows sweet Tilly! Today is my baby girl's 2nd birthday!

 

Skye and I were both saying last night that it feels like we've had her for way longer than 2 years. We like to call her our million dollar dog because she has put a hurtin' on mama's wallet since she came around. We've been through a lot with this little lady - sensitive stomach issues, getting attacked by our neighbor's dog and a week long hospital stay, hip dysplasia... we've had our fair share of battles in a short two years.

 

Before Tilly came along, we had another Pom that died in 2010. I was completely devastated and wasn't sure if I could go the Pom route again. We'd had our previous dog, Roxy, for 4 years and she was my first real pet on my own. I really love Pomeranians! I'd always wanted one and they are such good dogs with unique little personalities. Long story short - Skye found Tillly at a breeder in Nashville and we spent our anniversary in December 2010 driving to get Ms. Tilly!

 

That was her on the car ride home. We laughed so hard at her little poofy Snooki bangs. Once she pooped in my lap, I knew she was meant to be mine! :) Tilly helped me grieve the loss of Roxy and move on. She eagerly greets me every single day. She never stays mad at me for more than 5 minutes. She loves to cuddle with me.  She has the funniest personality and I wish that you could all meet her! I can't believe how big she is now and how much she's changed. She is my baby and I love her so much! (I seriously have tears writing this silly little post - all you dog lovers out there understand!)

 

Happy Birthday Tilly!

 

The Wild & Wonderful Pink Growl

I have a lot of new followers up in here and you guys might not know all the wonderful & weird things that make me the girl behind The Pink Growl. I haven’t done a “getting to know me” type of post in a while so I wanted to do a refresher. Thanks to all you newbies for following along! Here are a few facts that might help you get to know me better.

I started my blog last September. I had read some fabulous blogs for years and I just wanted to have my own little piece of the internet too. I’m not a fashion blogger, a mommy blogger or any type of blogger in particular. No OOTD posts or kids running around these parts. I just write about my life. I definitely try to keep it real and talk about even the ugly and not so happy things in my life because that’s real life. Some of my favorite topics include: Luke Bryan, Tilly (my dog), planning for my upcoming wedding & weekends on the lake.

I’m Southern to my core, accent and all. Born & raised in East Tennessee so naturally I’m a Tennessee Alum. Go Vols!

My birthday is September 18th (2 days ago) and I cannot deny that I’m a virgo.

I’m gettin’ hitched to my amazing boyfriend of 8 years on 4/27/13. You can read our Love Story here - {Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Proposal}. It’s not all sunshine & rainbows all day every day but he’s definitely the person I want to wake up to every morning. (Technically not every morning – he’s a cop so his schedule rotates every 10 days so I spend some nights solo). He laughs at my jokes, spoils me rotten and supports me through everything. I think I will keep him forever and ever!

Source: Blush Creative Photography

I work in the natural gas industry. I do marketing & business development for a public utility company.

I laugh at myself…a lot! {For example: My beautiful pup’s name is Tilly. Last week I called her TITTY accidentally and laughed about it for hours days. Don’t believe me? Ask my friend Lauran!}

I am obsessed with leopard print, gold, sequins, Coach, bargains, Pomeranians, the Real Housewives of everywhere, The Voice, college football, motocross racing and Chick-Fil-A.

I love blogging because I have met some truly amazing ladies! It’s strange to say I have good friends that I’ve never met in real life, but it’s very true. The support & camaraderie that blogging has provided me is like nothing I’ve ever experienced before. They help me through anything, no matter how far away we are. I love doing linkups because it introduces me to new bloggers!

I love to read. I don’t spend a lot of money on clothes or makeup. Walgreens is one of my favorite places to spend my lunch hour. I’m a Miller Lite kinda girl. I battle my weight and breakouts constantly. My hair is ever changing. I’m a band wagon jumper. I tell it like it is. But none of that stuff matters to you if you really know and love me.

Want more? You can also find me on

 Twitter, Pinterest, or Instagram.

 

Weekend Update

Well I wish I was here to tell you that I tailgated my ass off this weekend. Unfortunately (for me) that is not the news I have to report. I didn't go to the first UT home game for the first time since I was probably 17. My Vols did bring home a BIG win over GA State though so I can't complain too much. And you can bet your sweet ass I will be there next week when ESPN College GameDay is in town and we play those nasty Florida Gators...no offense to all my gator loving readers :) I still love you guys!

We'll do more football trash talkin' later in the week, but for now let's link up for Weekend Update.

Baby Gunner! I did get to hang out with this sweet face on Saturday - look at him dressed in his UT orange & white!

My rental car is a Jersey girl!

This crazy girl was just laying there relaxing with her paw resting in her mouth...weirdo!

I FINALLY found this book after 2 weekends of searching all over town! I snagged the last copy at Target.

This is what I will be doing tonight...My favorite show is coming back on and I can't tell you how excited I am!

Labor Day Weekend Lessons Learned

I wanted to share with you a few lessons that I learned over the rainy labor day weekend:

 

1. Car wrecks suck! See a picture of my poor wrecked car here. I'm feeling much better today and my soreness is starting to fade away, but I miss my car! I should find out today or tomorrow whether they are going to total it or try and fix it. I'll keep you posted! I am very thankful for all your sweet comments the other day - luckily, the only damages were to cars and not to bodies.

 

2. Nothing makes you feel better when you're gloomy over a smooshed car than this little face! A close 2nd would be watching the #retroMTV The Hills marathon allllll weekend long. I forgot how much I loved that show!

 

3. I can't find the pandemonium book anywhere! I looked all over Knoxville this weekend. Guess I will have to order it on Amazon. I'm ready to find out what happens next. It was a rainy Labor Day weekend - thanks to Hurricane Issac - so no lake time. It would have been the perfect time for me to hibernate with a book.

 

4. I hate veils! I went on my first outing to try on wedding dresses yesterday. I was worried about it because I typically am not a big fan of trying on lots of clothes. I get frustrated easily when things don't look the way I want them to. However, I had a blast and I felt so pretty! I brought my MOH, aunt, cousin, soon to be mother-in-law and step mom with me. It was like playing dress up! I found 3 gorgeous dresses, but since it was my first time I wanted to check out a few other shops before choosing a winner. But lesson learned: veils are not my style! They remind me of creepy corpse brides - weird, I know!

 

5. The life of a cop's wife during football season will frustrate me to no end. I try not to complain very much about Skye's work schedule. We are so blessed that has a job that he loves and I'm so proud of him for the work he does. BUTTTTT...I do get a little pissy when I have to spend holidays alone and HE'S NOT OFF FOR ANY UT FOOTBALL GAMES THIS YEAR! I could die. I know that's so stupid and minor, but it's the way I feel so there. Grrrr!

 

Let's get excited for a 4 day work week! WOOT WOOT!

Weekend Update {InstaLOVE}

Y'all it's Monday again...boooo hissss! I hope you guys had a loverly weekend and you're ready to tackle this work week. I have an terribly insanely busy week at work but I will try my best to stay connected. Especially since all next week I will be out of town (for work, not pleasure) and you will be hearing from some lovely guest bloggers.

For now let's focus on my awesomely relaxing weekend - You can find me  here on Instagram and keep up or just search me by {nikkib918}.

Can I just go ahead and tell you that the best part of my weekend was the discovery of 2nd day hair?? OH MY GOSH WHERE HAVE I BEEN?? How did I never know the baby powder on greasy roots trick before now? My mom failed me by not teaching me this when I was in high school! I've been washing my hair every.single.day for my whole life. 2nd day hair is amazing, I'm kind of obsessed with it now. I ALMOST attempted 3rd day hair today, but decided I'm not that brave yet. I'll save that for a weekend. Thank you all who gave me great hair advice last week! I can't wait to try all them all!

Goals for this week: get my workout on at least 3x, eat clean, only wash my hair every other day, cook dinner every single night, keep it all together despite my insane work week.

My stylist gave me this Biolage conditioning treatment back in June & I hadn't used it. Used it Saturday - love it!

Me & this lazy bum took a 3 hour nap Saturday - ahh so refreshing!

Thanks to all your awesome advice last week on my how to fix damaged hair post, I attempted 2nd day hair for the first time ever. LOVE it! #babypowderup

It came hell & high water yesterday evening when I had to run errands with my 2nd day hair, but it managed to stay in tact. #winning!

My Sunday night ended with more cuddle time with this cute lil furry face. She's mama's best pal when daddy's at work.