Resolutions Update { February }

Happy “Leap Day”!!! It’s month #2 and my quest continues:

Join the fun and post your resolutions by adding a link to the bottom of the page.

In 2012, I will …….

• have 500 or more email subscribers to Three 31
• drink more water
• continue book club
• eat vegetarian (no meat) one day a week
• read at least 30 books + 12 with book club
• purchase an e-reader     Husband purchased me a Kindle Touch for Valentine’s Day ….. and I absolutely LOOOOOOOVE this thing!!!!!
  
• participate in 52 Letters, 52 Weeks   This is going well, I’m sending at least one letter a week.
• purchase really nice stationery set and writing pens
• make 10 new friends
• do laundry more often (instead of letting it stack up and doing multiple loads)   A work in progress.
• feel comfortable pulling a trailer
• go to a drive-in movie
• purchase an external hard-drive and organize our digital photos
• participate in photography classes     Invited by Brandy @ BellaPop to participate in her first-ever online photography class, it’s going well.
• learn to edit photos in Adobe Photoshop
• take a photo worthy of hanging on a wall
• purchase a tripod, lens filters, and a 50mm lens
• take pictures for someone
• mission trip to Haiti  co-leading a team in October, still looking for participants
• mission trip to Appalachia Region in Kentucky  My team and I are leaving Joshua, TX on March 9; my mom is meeting us at the mission site. I’m really looking forward to this experience!
• do/create something inspired by Pinterest every month  In January, I made this. In February, I learned to do this – YUM!
  
• see a performance at Bass Hall in Fort Worth
• write at least one freelance article
• be published somewhere (other than my blog) My DIY wreath was published at Craftgawker.com on January 23
• get new eyeglass frames  I went to the eye doctor and got new contacts on January 16.
• host a Game Night
• celebrate our 5th anniversary by doing something ( anything! )
• sell something at auction
• buy something at auction
• attend a professional athletic event
• improve my calligraphy skills
• support the United States Postal Service by mailing more cards (see 52 Letters, 52 Weeks)
• go hunting
• go fishing
• swim in an ocean
• host at least three (3) sponsored giveaways
• get a new couch  New furniture arrived (YAY!!!!) but living room is still not arranged like I want it. Yet. It will happen. Promise!!!
• finish the headboard for guest bedroom (use an old window frame, then sand, paint, and attach to wall)
• host at least three (3) dinner parties
• co-chair Lord’s Acre (a fundraiser at church)
• plan a DIY craft party   I hosted a DIY party January 21 at my church.
• tithe more
• save more
• eat a raw oyster (and not die)
• eat a Rocky Mountain Oyster (and not die)
• volunteer with Habitat for Humanity
• babysit for a friend
• make a new resolution every month (see below)

Monthly Resolutions

January — no soft drinks SUCCESS!!!!!
February — journal every night  I wrote in my journal 24 of 29 days in February, I’d call that “somewhat” successful.and drink only water during the day  EPIC FAILURE – ’nuff said. Blah.
March — post to my blog at least four (4) days per week and prepare a story board for the novel I want to write
April —
May —
June —
July —
August —
September —
October —
November —
December —

Do you have any resolutions this year? Share your blog post or add a comment below.

If the Mayans were right, make 2012 the best yet and join the fun!!!!!

an apology and a blog award

Y’all, I owe you an apology -

I haven’t posted in over a week, but I assure you everything’s well and dan-dee. I’ve just been really busy. I’ve also been a bit consumed with my Kindle Touch …. I never, ever, ever, EVER dreamt that I would enjoy it as much as I am. It’s addicting!

Excusing the fact my nose has been planted onto the Kindle, I wish I could say that my life is extraordinary and over-the-top and fabulous, but it’s not. Last week went by really quickly. As a matter of fact, where did February run off to? Seriously, March 1 is next week ….. scary stuff, y’all.

Anyway, moving on to the most important part of this blog post: Three 31 received a blog award ~ yay!!!!!!!

Miss Gracie over at Gracie Sam graciously provided the opportunity and I’m very honored to accept this ABC { Awesome Blog Content } Award. Instead of smothering you with a lousy acceptance speech, I’m going to share the ABC love …… here are my nominees (everybody wins ~ unlike The Oscars later tonight!):

• Labor of Love
• Baby, You Can(‘t) Drive My Car
• Love From The Oven
• Conchsaladesque
• Design Editor
• Vicki Designer
• Life in Grace
• The Greens Go ‘Round

To accept this award, simply add the ABC Award image to YOUR blog. Then, forward this award along to other blogs that make your skirt fly up.It’s really simple to put a smile on someone’s face. I guar-an-tee it.

Hugs, love, and smooches,

 

Please be even more lovely than you already are by visiting these awesome blogs and sharing some love.

Thanks, Y’all!!!!

Small Business Spotlight: No One Without {N.O.W}

Which ONE item would you say is the most important?
Honestly, all of our items are most important because they are all a means to an end. The “end” is funding more initiatives and helping more people. The sole purpose of our business is to change lives through the sales of our clothing. Without different items to appeal to different people, we wouldn’t have nearly enough sales to fund those initiatives. Therefore, all of our pieces of clothing and accessories are of equal importance to the mission of No One Without.

Can you provide a brief explanation of your business and work?
No One Without is a For Purpose fashion brand supporting non-profit partners through consumerism. No One Without empowers our customers to be advocates for change by choosing the organization that most moves them. In turn, No One Without gives 20% of their proceeds to the chosen organization.

MAKE YOUR CHOICE ~ SHARE YOUR VOICE

We partner with organizations by setting up specific initiatives according to their needs. We then set up progress bars on our website so that fans can see how far we need to go on every initiative. Once we have met the initiative goal, we write a check to the organization.

Do you have a creative “oops” that you can share?
There are times with creative thinking when I’m so obsessed with thinking outside the box, I miss what’s right in front of me. From time to time, there’s something to be said for simple and the impact it can make.

What do you consider to be beautiful?
The question should be, what do I not consider to be beautiful. There’s so much beauty around us everywhere, even in the things the world considers ugly. We don’t have to put it in a frame, or declare it across the lands to see beauty. If we open our eyes to the things around us, it’ll pop up in almost every situation. That’s when the fun REALLY begins!

Are you self-taught or did you have a mentor that showed you the ropes?
If we really dig deep, is there really such thing as “self-taught”? Even if we don’t identify specific names of mentors, we learn from books, from programs… from people who went before us. There’s nothing better than learning from people with more knowledge than me. At No One Without, we relish in the opportunity to learn new things from people who have already been down the road we’re on. Why re-invent the wheel when you can just improve upon beautiful things people have already tried.

When did you decide to open your business?
No One Without began in 2010

Have you ever found yourself in a “creative funk”, and, if so, how did you get yourself out?
There’s always the possibility of a creative funk. That’s what being creative means. Sometimes the creativity runs out for a second. That’s where the beauty in the world we already discussed, and all those brilliant mentors we mentioned come in. We run ideas by people, grab inspiration from the world around us and above all else.. ASK FOR HELP! We’re never afraid to say we  might need a new suggestion from people who are close to us.

You have many creative outlets, which provide you with the most satisfaction?
Personally, dance will always be my one outlet that makes me the most happy. I fell in love with dance many moons ago. It has gotten me through many bad days, many illnesses, many failed relationships, and still remains. My body ages, spreads out, and breaks down with every passing day, but I still find ways to dance. Even if it’s just rocking out in my living room.

What is ONE lasting impression you want to leave in your work?
CHANGE… We want to change lives, change the way businesses do their business, change how young people will build their new businesses in the future, and GIVE BACK every chance we get.

Do you have any special plans for 2012 that you would like to share?
Fund initiatives, change lives, love people, work harder, be stronger, help others become stronger, praise God for all his blessings more every day, and be a person little girls look up to.

You are writing “A Creative Bible,” what are 5 verses (things to remember) you’d include:

1. You have to laugh at yourself, even when you think you might lose your mind.
2. Never lose your capacity to love. The love will see you through the temporary sanity lapse.
3. Constantly further your knowledge. Research new things, meet new people, read anything you can get your hands on.
4. Eat peanut butter with a spoon.
5. Dance every time you hear a beat.

Thank you, Kelli for sharing your story and passion to spark change and impact the lives of others. As a reminder to Three-31 readers, for every product sold at N.O.W., a life is impacted. Make a difference! Make a choice! Make an impact!

Find N.O.W. on social media too ……

* Facebook *

* Twitter *

* Pinterest *

Blessings to you and the choices you make this day.

Love,

Dear Husband on Valentine’s Day

Dear Husband,

Happy Valentine’s Day.

Can you believe it was nine years ago when we met face-to-face for the first time?

Yeah, I know – I remind you all the time. Blah. Blah. Blah.

You’re smart enough to know that I wouldn’t be writing you this lovey-dovey Valentine’s letter unless I wanted something. Well, you’re right.

You see, I have a proposition for you. Actually, it’s for us. I don’t think I’ve reminded you lately, but our fifth anniversary is next month and I think it would be super-duper-fantabulous if we did something super-duper-fantabulous and away from home. And, we never went on a Honeymoon. This could be our Honeymoon and 5th anniversary all wrapped up in one super-duper-fantabulous package. You are one lucky guy!

Actually, I’m the lucky one. I have you. (sappyyyyyy!)

Anyway, here’s my proposition:

You know how much I love Pinterest?

Yeah.

Well, you know how much I love Kentucky Monthly Magazine?

Yeah. No. I guess. Why? What do you want?

I won a Pinterest contest from Kentucky Monthly Magazine and the prize is a Romantic Weekend Getaway at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville. Can we go? Can we go, pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeee????????????

Gaylord Opryland Hotel - Nashville, TN

It won’t cost you that much, just an airline ticket to Nashville, a few meals, and a rental car. Maybe we won’t need a rental car. I have friends and family in Nashville, I’m sure somebody will want to see our shining faces.

Anyway, here’s what you get for FREE because I am a super-duper-fantabulous Pinterest addict and subscriber to Kentucky Monthly Magazine:

• Two-night room accommodations at Opryland Resort for two people
• Romantic welcome amenity of champagne and strawberries delivered after check-in
• Daily breakfast for two in a hotel restaurant
• 20% off select spa services at Relache-The Spa at Gaylord Opryland
• Complimentary admission to the Wildhorse Saloon
• Gaylord Opryland VIP Coupon Book, valued at more than $250
• All applicable taxes, daily resort fees, and daily resort parking.

Because I’m a super-duper-fantabulous wife (and Over-Achiever), I’ve already checked a few things: airline tickets will cost about $250 per person, roundtrip, on the weekend of our anniversary AND – check this out! – you are already scheduled OFF on Friday, March 30. How CONVENIENT, right?!?!

Downtown Nashville

Alright, so what do you say to my Super-Duper-Fantabulous Romantic Weekend Getaway to Nashville?

Pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.

Thank you.

Oh, one more thing ….. if we do this, you will be directly responsible for me crossing off item #27 off of my 2012 Bucket List. No pressure.

Last thing, I need your answer as soon as possible.

I love you.

Hugs and kisses from your Super-Duper-Fantabulous Wife of Almost Five Years,

Love. Love. Love. { giveaway } WINNER ANNOUNCED!!!

Thanks to everyone who entered this Valentine’s Day giveaway. I’m happy to announce the lucky winner ……..

LUCKY WINNER is #11 – Donna Gregory

Donna, thank you so much for supporting my blog, Three 31, and entering this giveaway. Check your email to select your choice of necklace pendant and be sure to tell everybody where you got it …… of course, this post is for the pediatric patients at MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Because I love you …

Because I thoroughly enjoy when you visit my blog …

Because I want to support a worthy organization …

I’m hosting a Valentine-themed giveaway!

One lucky winner will receive their choice of LOVE-ly domino necklace designed by pediatric patients at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.

Option #1 – Confetti Heart

Option #2 – Layered Hearts

Option #3 – U Need Love

To enter, simply answer this question in a comment:

What is love?

Contest ends at 9:00pm (Central time) on Tuesday, February 14.

Love,

Blog Tips for Beginners

I’ve been thinking about doing a “blog tips” post for a while, but put it off because I didn’t want anybody to accuse me of putting the cart before the horse ….. or horse before the cart. Whatever. Basically, I don’t want y’all to think I’m a know-it-all. I hardly know anything at all. But  I do know one thing: blogging is a great way to share life experiences and connect with others. Below are my Top 10 Blogging Tips (ahem, Suggestions) for Newbies:

If you have other suggestions, please add them in a comment!

Suggestion #1 ~ FREEdom is yours

Unless you understand HTML jargon or must have a dot.com, consider Blogger.com or WordPress.com  to be your blog host. I’ve had success with both and they offer a variety of designs and layout options. Plus, both provide simple, easy-to-follow instructions to create and publish posts. 

Learn from my 73-dollar mistake: a “premium theme” is not that special.

Suggestion #2 ~ Simplicity Is Key

When choosing your blog design and layout, keep it simple. Remember who your audience is and their ability to navigate a webpage. Having navigation tabs on your page (i.e. Home, About Me, Blogroll, etc.) are helpful too.

My Mom, bless her heart, is not technically gifted. Luckily, she navigates my blog using the search option, tabs located at the top of the page, and, in times of desperation, she calls me on the tell-eee-fone. I love that woman!

Suggestion #3 ~ Post regularly

I know several people who’ve started a blog only to neglect it after a day or two. This is annoying and frustrating. I realize blogging is time-consuming and requires the effort to keep it updated on a regular basis. If you are going to blog, commit to it. Even publishing once or twice a week is better than once a year!

Suggestion #4 ~ Includes photos/images in your posts 

This is one of those tried-and-true suggestions that’s applicable to blogs, scrapbooks, and presentations. Nobody wants to stare at a bunch of words on a page. Add pictures and/or images into your posts, they’ll make your content more interesting and easier to read.

Suggestion #5 ~ Be willing to learn

I’ve said it a gabillion times: I don’t know everything!

There are lots of people in the blog-osphere and they know MUCH more than Yours Truly. But I have a willingness to learn. I’ve always thought it was crucial to be around people who are passionate about their skill and learn from them. Back in my competitive junior golf days, I competed with players who were much better than I. They challenged me and, in turn, made me a better player too. The same is true with blogging: you have to be willing to learn.  

Suggestion #6 ~ Less is more

This is a skill that, after two years of blogging, I’m still honing. I look back at my early posts and gasp, “HOLY TOLEDO!” because they are too lengthy, poorly written, and lack any focus or purpose. Honestly, they’re embarrassing! 

When you are preparing a blog post, type everything in a draft and come back later to revise. Read and re-read your material. Delete excessive words and phrases. Delete useless information. Keep the content concise and use language that’s easy to understand.

Perhaps the biggest blogger basic: check for grammatical and spelling errors.

Suggestion #7 ~ Have realistic expectations

No offense to The Pioneer Woman, but if you’re just starting a blog, don’t expect a bunch of visitors on the first day or The Food Network to knock on your door for a TV show. It takes time to build a network of supporters. It will take time, but don’t get discouraged: Just Keep Writing!

Suggestion #8 ~ Visit other blogs

As much as I enjoy writing and blogging, the connections I’ve made with other people is what I cherish the most. I’m grateful to the people who regularly visit my site; offer kind words of encouragement to keep going (especially through those Writer’s Block moments!); and the vast majority of them have fantastic blogs.

Visit blogs of all kinds and show support by adding comments, share posts to social media, or emailing the author(s). You’ll be surprised at the relationships that blossom from your generosity and interest in their material.

Suggestion #9 ~ Use social media to your advantage

Blogs are just a tiny piece of the whole when it comes to social connections. Fortunately, there are ways to connect your social media (i.e. Facebook, Twitter, Google+, etc.) accounts to a blog. You can also link your blog to Pinterest, which I think is super-duper cool since I’m a Pinterest-addict. Don’t judge me.

Suggestion #10 ~ Be smart

If you’re going to have a blog, be smart about it. Use your brain, and for goodness sakes, use common sense. Don’t be naive. Remember that blogs are posted on the Internet and an audience of 9348109324829857 people could be reading your material. (Well, maybe not that many, but a lot!) If you set your blog settings to public, which most people do, your blog can be seen by anybody, anywhere, anyhow. Please, do not post personal information that could be dangerous to you or your family. If you have children and want to protect their identity, create funny nicknames for them and refer to them as “Cupcake” or “Lil’ Britches” in your posts. I refer to my husband as “Husband” because 1) that’s what I call him in real life and 2) he’s funny like that.

Happy Blogging!

Love,

Bella Pop Class ~ Week One

Last summer, when it was 3547234 degrees in the shade, I signed up for a photography class with Bella Pop Photography. The topic for the afternoon was Manual Settings. I didn’t have a clue what “manual” meant, but I knew that I needed as much help as I could possibly afford.

You may remember that it was last summer when I acquired a fancy-schmancy DSLR camera, a Nikon D5000. After charging the battery, I turned the camera on, put it on “Auto” mode, and started clicking away. I’m such a brave, adventurous girl!

Granted it was hotter than the hubs of H-E-double-hockey-sticks that day, but I managed to learn a few settings (including aperture – featured in the photo above) that I had only read about in my ancient-of-days photography/journalism classes.

A few weeks ago, I got a sweet email from Brandy (owner of Bella Pop) asking if I would be interested in an online photography class she was hosting. Of course I accepted her invitation. I have so much to learn that I honestly feel UNDER qualified, even for a beginner’s class. There are lots of really talented people in this “class” and I’ve really enjoyed viewing their work this week.

As you read in my post yesterday, last week was H-E-double-hockey-sticks. But, after church, I ventured outside (wearing several shirts plus a hoodie and wool socks) with my camera. The weather is a bit different from seven months ago!!! We’ve gotten a few inches of rain so grass is beginning to grow again in the pasture. I also grabbed a Christmas ornament I found on the hutch in the dining room (don’t ask!). I thought the purple would contrast nicely with the bright green grass. What do you think?

Please remember, despite my novice post-processing skills using Photoshop, the images below are completely un-edited. They are directly from camera to blog post. EEEEK!!!!

As I was sitting in the grass, I heard knickering and footsteps behind me. A moment later, Blue was standing right in front of me. The photo, in my opinion, isn’t very good because his light color blends in too much with the light skies overhead. But, nonetheless, I’ll share anyway:

While Blue was grazing near me, I couldn’t help but notice his feet. It’s been a while since he’s had new horseshoes and it’s obvious too. This guy is in desperate need of an equine pedicure! Fortunately, our farrier is scheduled for a visit this week.

Check out Brandy at Bella Pop Photography, her skills will knock your socks off …… unless, of course, you’re not wearing any!

Hugs,

“The Gospel of John” by Margaret Feinberg { Preparing for Lent }

If you’ve been reading my blog for any amount of time, you have seen the name Margaret Feinberg.

As an author and professional speaker, she blesses readers and audiences with heartfelt messages. As a person, she’s approachable and authentic. Margaret is genuine and it doesn’t hurt that she has an adorable dog (Hershey), handsome husband (Leif), loves the outdoors, and has an undeniable joy for Jesus!

As the Season of Lent approaches (it begins on Ash Wednesday, February 22) and Christians anticipate the Celebration of Easter (Sunday, April 8), I’d like to encourage you to consider one of Margaret’s DVD Bible studies. Specifically, the study on the Gospel of John. I used this curriculum when it was my turn to lead Sunday school class. In addition the video, I used the Participant’s Guide and coordinating questions to lead discussion over a six-week time period. Everyone in my class enjoyed the DVD series, and I think you will too!

This six-week study includes short video segments (filmed in a beautiful art studio and gallery) where Margaret explores into Scripture and leads participants on a journey of faith, redemption, and restoration through the Gospel of John. While the stories are familiar, I’d never considered the multi-faceted meanings, and underlying messages, Margaret explains. Her lessons open my eyes (and my heart) to apply ancient Scripture to my daily life.

I was particularly moved during session two, When God Sees Through You. In the fast-paced society in which we live, it is easy to conceal ourselves in the crowd. Or, move so quickly we are a blur. But Margaret, in her captivating prose, reminds us that no matter how distracted we become with idols, or our flawed human-ness, God continues to pursue us. It was Jesus that walked among the weak and meek; He did not only see people physically, but He saw through them and knew who they really were from the inside out. Forget first impressions or fancy masks, the Son of God sees our true selves! This recognition, just like the experience of The Samaritan Woman, is part of God’s healing and redemptive power.

Today, and every day, may we seek the areas in our life that need healing and restoration.

May we seek the beauty in the magnificent and mundane.

And, find those in our own communities who need real relationships and authentic demonstration of love and faithfulness.

To view other materials written by Margaret, please visit her website by clicking HERE. There is a complete library of her products, including books and DVD studies.

All things are beauty-full,

glutton for punishment

Lately, I’ve felt like I’m taking two steps forward and five back. I can’t get ahead.

This past week, I began a new Bible study in Sunday school; worked extra hours after school; went to Wednesday night small-group; and created a display board and wrote a speech for a global missions event yesterday. 

The new furniture arrived Tuesday, but the old stuff is still here and we’ve not yet moved the TV to the other wall. Until that is complete, the new stuff is covered with sheets of plastic and in the middle of the house between the kitchen, dining and living rooms. Eeek!

no wonder the house is a mess, my face is breaking out, and I have stomach ulcers

I just realized the calendar on the fridge is still showing December 2011. I’m more than five steps behind, more like five weeks!

The long-term substitute assignment I began in November ends Friday, also the end of the six-weeks. Which means Yours Truly will be buried up to her eyeballs in paperwork, parent notifications, and verifying grades for report cards. I’m a glutton for punishment because I accepted another assignment that begins next Monday and lasts through April. There are 13 teachers currently pregnant at one middle school. Don’t worry, I refuse to drink the water … that’s got to be the cause of their condition!

On a brighter note, I’m preparing for two mission trips in 2012. The first one is March 10-17 (spring break) in Kentucky. A group from my church will be working and staying at the Henderson Settlement in Frakes, located in the Appalachia Region near Cumberland State Park. While the Appalachia is one of the most beautiful places in the U.S., it also one of the poorest. Originally, I didn’t think I would join this team, but my Mom was interested and I didn’t want to prevent her from having this experience. I consider it a privilege to serve fellow Kentuckians and make an impact in my home state. Plus, this will be my Mom’s first mission trip ~ what a blessing this will be!

The second mission trip is in October and I’m co-leading a team to Haiti. Alan, the other team leader, and I have been working with our pastor to coordinate specific details and attend special trainings and promotional events. The event yesterday was to promote global ministries in the Central Texas Conference of The United Methodist Church, and it was a compliment to our church that we were invited guests and asked to present. We’re hoping the ”seeds” we plant will encourage other congregations to grow and develop their ministry outreach programs.

If you’re interested in joining our team and traveling to Haiti in October, spots are available. Send me an email, contact me on Facebook, or leave a comment on this post if you want more information.

Supposedly, there is a popular football game on the tee-vee tonight. Did you get that memo? Super Bowl commercials are usually the most popular, but I’m looking forward to Madonna’s half-time performance. Of course, let’s hope no “wardrobe malfunctions” occur.

For some unknown reason, the school district I work for is closed tomorrow. A day of rest after the Super bowl? I won’t argue! I’m going to savor the fact that Husband has to get up and go to work while I’m warm and toasty tomorrow morning. My plan is to sleep till noon (or after) and reheat leftovers for supper. Lifting a finger is  NOT on my to-do list. Heck, we have a TV in our bedroom, I might stay in bed all day!

So, who will win the Super Bowl?

New England Patriots        ~ or ~         New York Giants

Hugs,