BIG ANNOUNCEMENT … 12.12.12 Link-Up

Calling all bloggers ……. mark your calendar for Wednesday, December 12 and join the 12.12.12 Link-Up hosted by Yours Truly here at Three 31.

The theme of your 12.12.12. post must focus on the number TWELVE (12).

Be creative and original. Make a list. Make a collage. Share photos you’ve taken. Show off all those DIY or craft projects you’ve accomplished (or failed) in 2012. Whatever you wish!

Here are some other suggestions:
12 recipes
12 photos
12 tips for ____
12 favorite blog posts
12 favorite Pinterest pins
12 best/worst Tweets or Facebook posts
12 lessons learned in 2012

Then, on Wednesday, December 12, come back here to Three 31 and add your post’s URL to the link-up widget at the bottom of my 12.12.12 post. You’ll have the opportunity to visit other blogs participating in the 12.12.12 Link-Up with a simple click of the mouse. Easy-peasy!

You still have plenty of time to prepare your post and join the fun. In the meantime, share this link-up by adding this button to your blog or Facebook page. You have my permission!

Get those creative juices flowing and start preparing your 12.12.12 post. Share and promote this on your social media pages and encourage your friends to join the fun!

See you on 12.12.12. =)

 

GIRL POWER (a guest post)

Hello, Three 31 loyals! I’m Julie and you can find me at A Beautiful Day. I am mom to one amazing tween son and two rather rowdy fur babies. I love my beautiful life!

Can’t really say that my blog has a theme, as I am pretty much all over the place. But I try my best to keep things real the best way I can. I am thrilled to be guest posting here today while Nicole is doing God’s work in Haiti. I would love to have such an experience someday! Honestly, people, I am *NERVOUS* to be here. I am kind of lacking in the witty department and when I am looking for my daily dose of wit or a fit of laughter that threatens to cause me to pee my pants, Nicole’s blog is the first place I stop!

When I first started blogging, I really didn’t give much thought to the actual social aspect of the blogging community. I spent a considerable amount of time deciding whether or not I really wanted to jump in and commit to a blog. Needless to say, I jumped in but I was clueless. However, the longer that I blogged and the more I put myself out there, I started meeting really incredible people. Most specifically, I’ve met women who are warm, kind, compassionate, and genuine. Some I have been oh-so-fortunate to meet in person while others I’ve corresponded with via blog comments and emails.  No matter the line of communication, I have been blessed in ways that never would have happened had it not been for starting my little ole blog.

On the flip side, there are storms and mayhem. Because, let’s be honest, there is a flip side to EVERY story. I truly believe that bloggers have a responsibility to be courteous to one another. I am not naive enough to believe that just because we all have blogging in common we will mesh like peas in a pod. We are naturally drawn towards some bloggers while others are not “our cup of tea.” That is normal and completely expected.

Last week, three blogs I read religiously have posts about another blogger lashing out at them for decisions that they have made and posted on their own blogs. I don’t know about you, but my blog is MY place to post what I am feeling and, occasionally, the place where I go to vent. As bloggers, we willingly open ourselves up and put the good and bad out for all to read — some more than others. I do not, however, feel that gives other people the right to make cruel remarks or pass judgement. If you are offended by something written, walk away. Or stop following that particular blog. If you disagree with a choice someone has made and you feel that strongly about it, privately email them and RESPECTFULLY state your opinion or, again, walk away. After all, there are lots of blogs in the sea! There is a lot of merit in the old saying, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.”

What I am trying to say is let’s respect and support each other. Let’s NOT tear each apart or bring one another down. We are better than that ….. we ARE better than that!

I love the manifestos from The Smile Collective, and I thought that this one couldn’t be more fitting:

I hope you will visit my blog, A Beautiful Day, and say hello. I love meeting fellow bloggers and finding new stories to follow.

Nicole, thank you so much for turning over your blog — Three 31 — to little old me. I am thrilled and hope that I have provided an insightful post for your followers. I pray that you are having a safe and enlightening trip to Haiti and can’t wait to have you back in the U.S. to hear all about your journey!!!!!!

Button Swap | say hello to my bloggy friends

I had every intention to post this on Sunday, but my weekend just got hectic with the DSL going out (again). I drove to the church because I had to send a very important email and thought it would be a good idea to post this now instead of later. Who knows when we’ll have internet again. Seriously, AT&T, you need to get your shiz-nit together. Two technicians visiting my neighborhood in a week is ridiculous. Anywayyyyy.

Starting in July, I’m doing a button swap at Three 31. If you’ve blogged for a while, you know what a button swap is. For newbies like me, it’s unfamiliar territory.

Without further ado, I’d like to introduce the SEVEN bloggers who’ve graciously agreed to swap blog buttons with me. When I sent the request (it was more of a beg, but who’s getting technical?), I never expected the response to be so overwhelming. My goal was two or three, but bloggers have a way of surpassing goals and this is proof that we mean business!
These seven fabulous ladies are cooler than cucumbers and rock my socks with their awesomeness. Visit their blogs, “friend” them on Facebook, “follow” them on Twitter, whatever you have to do to show them some LOVE. Their blogs’ buttons are displayed on the right sidebar, check them out.

{ blog } • { facebook } • { twitter } • { pinterest }

Lisa is a dear friend and former colleague (she taught me all the ins-and-outs of marketing proposals … bless her heart). Funny thing is: we’ve never met in person. She’s the inspiring force and one who convinced me to start a blog way-back-when. She recently redesigned her blog, LDA Press, and it looks amazing. It’ll make you crave a beverage and an ocean view.

{ blog } • { twitter } • { pinterest }

Anna is A Sweet Southern Mess. She’s an adorable Southern gal in Tennessee who loves Jesus, sweet tea, and camo … my kind of gal … AND she’s reading 50 Shades. Oh my, we’re two peas in a pod. She recently asked me to write a post for her blog, and of course I said yes. Check it out HERE!

{ blog } • { facebook } • { twitter } • { pinterest }

Jennifer moved to Texas recently and her blog is Finding My Way In Texas. She personifies generosity and is extremely kind. Her blog posts are so uplifting. I’m so excited she’s swapping her button with me ~ thanks Jennifer!

{ blog } • { facebook } • { twitter }

Rebecca is a Southern gal living in Florida and blogs at Let Them Eat Cake. Want to hear something strange? She doesn’t eat cake. Huh? Yeah. That’s what I said!!!!! Cake or no cake, I love Rebecca and her blog …… I’m eating a cupcake in her honor.

{ blog } • { facebook } • { twitter } • { pinterest }

Tiffany’s mind produces lots of Blabbering Thoughts { pun intended }. Just reading her posts makes me smile. Which reminds me, she has a smile that puts mine to shame. I love reading about her weekend adventures, trying her recipes, and living vicariously through her very exciting life. Love ya, Tiffany!

{ blog } • { facebook } • { twitter } • { pinterest }

Tranae is the fabulous blog owner of Becoming Fabulous. It’s a beautifully designed blog (that she created herself … wowzers!) with an impressive “bucket list” of items she wants to complete by 2014. She’s given me a ton of ideas that I want to incorporate onto my own list.

{ blog } • { facebook } • { twitter }

Jen is an lovely lady married to the marvelous Micah. They live in sunny Arizona.
I’m forever indebted to Jen as she graciously explained to me ~ in idiot’s terms ~ how to create HTML code for an image. I told y’all she was lovely … and sweet … and kind.

There you have it … seven of the sweetest, most kind, adorable, gracious, kind, and beautiful blogging friends a sweet-tea-drinkin’-blogger could ask for! Button swappers, if I win the lottery, we’re all going on a trip. My treat.

Big hug! Have a fabulous weekend! Hugs & kisses!

Thursday Link-Up | It’s OK

Welcome to my first edition of It’s OK Thursday, hosted by Neely. This should be interesting, I have no idea what to say!

IT’S OK …..

to be the new kid on the bloggy-blog-block

to restart the dryer to avoid folding clothes

to not edit a photograph perfectly

to be a tad-bit jealous of graphic designers

to smash every bug to an unrecognizable condition to ensure it won’t jump on me, or attack me, or bite/sting me

to be a happily married late-20-something without a small human calling me Mom

that my blog is small

to crave sushi at 3am

to stay up late

to read 50 Shades multiple times … it stays on my Kindle’s front page

to be spoiled

to say thank you

to be home sick

to be addicted to reality TV, specifically The Real Housewives

to laugh-snort when watching Tim Hawkins videos

to sing every lyric of every song on country music radio

to be goofy-giddy about watching Matthew McHottness in Magic Mike

Well, how did I do?

Washington, D.C. | a sneak peak

Y’all, this fat girl is TIREDDDDDDDDDD. Ohmygoodnessgraciousgollygeez. I think I’ve walked 100 miles since yesterday morning. Of course, I can’t forget to mention that D.C. is experiencing a RECORD HEAT WAVE this week. Sonofabiscuit, it’s really hot, y’all!!!!!

I’m keeping this short because Husband and I are going to dinner soon, but I had to share some of the photos I’ve taken in the D.C. area. Yesterday, I opened the gate of Mount Vernon (George Washington’s estate). No joke, I was literally standing outside the Texas Gate waiting for somebody to welcome me to the property. While waiting, and hoping no one was watching from behind a tree ( or worse! ) a security camera, I used the self-timer on my camera to take a photo of myself. It was quite the event, let me tell you. At least I got one worthwhile shot in the endeavor. Inside the welcome center, I watched a video, narrated by Pat Sajek (Wheel of Fortune, anyone?), inside a 200-seat auditorium. It was a private showing just for me! Later on,
I enjoyed a “private” cruise on the Potomac River via the Spirit of Mount Vernon.
Seriously, I was the only person on the boat!!!!!!

After spending the morning with George Washington (not literally, you know he’s dead, right?),
I drove to Arlington National Cemetary. I had to make a detour because I got confused at a traffic circle and went the wrong way. I eventually got to where I wanted to go though. Darn road signs in bad locations! The cemetary was crowded but I walked to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and watched the Changing of the Guard.

This morning, I left early – butt crack of dawn kind of early – and a very nice man from the facility drove me to the METRO train station, about 10 minutes away. I boarded the “red” line and rode the train into D.C. I can’t say enough *GOOD* things about public transportation, especially transit/people movers. Buy a ticket, board a train, and off you go. Whoever developed that concept was genius. I spent the morning walking around the ENTIRE National Mall (and now have the blisters on my feet to prove it!) and was in line to go inside the National Archives before 10:00am. I can now say that I’ve seen the original Declaration of Independance,
the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. I also saw the original Magna Carta. Very. Cool. Stuff.

I ate lunch at Old Ebbit Grill and the crab cakes were DEEEEEEEEEEE-lish. They were so good I had two. I ordered a side salad thinking it would be small, but it was as big as my head.
The citrus vinegarette was tasty too. And Helen was my waitress. She was super-duper cool and awesome and helpful and insightful and diligent and attentive and concerned about my allergy and friendly and nice and wonderful …. if you know Helen that works at OEB, tell her I said hello. Thanks. Oh, and the plush velvet seat cushions felt oh-so-heavenly on my tired-tush.

Was that too much information?

After lunch, I went to the Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church for its mid-week worship service at noon. I listened to some great music, a powerful sermon, and met some fantastic folks. I was so engrossed by the old architecture, stained glass windows, and pleasant conversation, that I didn’t take a single photograph. EPIC FAIL.

Did I mention that I walked 21249481 miles today?

Alright, that’s all you’re gonna get tonight. I’m starving and Husband is ready to leave for supper. I hope you’re having a fan-tabulous week wherever you are and staying cool. I was told by two separate individuals to take this heat back to Texas ASAP. It was cool and comfortable last week but as soon as the Texans arrive, the mercury goes above 100. Don’t worry, folks, we’ll be gone before the weekend!

~ Nicole ~

 

Sunday Social ~ Week One

Neely and Ashley have created this weekly Sunday Social link-up and, while I’m a bit late, I’m happy to participate. Besides, this is something I really enjoy about blogging: meeting other bloggers. Check it out!!!!!

How did you come up with your blog name?
Three 31 is our anniversary date. Husband and I were married on Saturday, March 31, 2007. It was a pretty awesome day and full of fun too. I’d do it all over again tomorrow!

What is your favorite thing about blogging?
The friendships I have made for sure. I would really love to go on a vacation trip with several of my gal-pals that I’ve met through blogging.

What have you have discovered because of blogging and now can’t live without?
Two things: my Kindle Touch and Nikon DSLR camera. Both were recommendations of Lisa.
I never thought I would enjoy the Kindle as much as I do and my photos are getting better.

Facebook or Twitter? and why?
I’ve used Twitter more in the last month than I have in two years, but Facebook is still my favorite. Perhaps that will change as I learn to utilize Twitter better. I’m new to all this fancy-schmancy stuff. I don’t even TEXT, who would’ve thought I’d be able to blog?!

If one celeb read your blog who would you want it to be?
I would love if Bethenny Frankel read my blog. I’m not a stalker – REALLY! – but I watched her on Martha Stewart’s The Apprentice, The Real Housewives of New York, Bethenny Getting Married, and Bethenny Ever After. I’m really excited about her new talk-show starting this week on FOX, it’s produced by Ellen DeGeneres (my second choice for celeb blog reader!!!!). Y’all don’t think I’m a stalker, do you?

What is something you want people to know about your blog?
It’s not perfect ~ it’s far from pretty ~ but it’s 100-percent me. The stories, the experiences, everything on here is authentic, real, and genuinely me. I wish more people commented because a comment, to me, is a real connection to my blog’s readers. I respond to every one of them because I care and I appreciate the person who spent the time reading my post and sharing their thoughts. I’m a comment-holic, I admit my disease. I also want to be acknowledged and accepted and comments make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

 

Until next week’s Sunday Social,

A to Z of Me (and new friends)

For the past few days, I’ve really embraced the world of Twitter. It’s extremely time-consuming, but I’ve made a lot of new friends and subscribed to more blogs too.

I’ve said it before but I think it’s worth saying again: there are some
seriously talented people in the blog-o-sphere and I’m in no way, shape, or form in the same ballpark as them. I am, however, very impressed and I have a bad case of blog-stalker syndrome.

Please say hello to my new friends:

• Kendra @ Like A Bird
• Laura @ Our Reflection
• Tammy @ Three Different Directions
• Erika, Brittni, and Jenna @ Twenty Tweets
• Carly @ Texas Lovebirds
• Kimberly @ A Night Owl
• Salena @ A Little Piece of Me
• Karly @ Three in Three
• Ange (The Jersey Girl) @ Hairspray and High Heels
• Mrs.White @ Little Homemade Housewife

I saw the following list at Like A Bird, this is the blog of Kendra. You should  stop by and say hello. You’ll also see her brand-new-still-got-the-new-car-smell baby boy, Jeff. He’s quite tiny and very handsome!

A. Age: 28

B. Bed size: King!

C. Chore that you hate: All of them? Laundry is a beast.

D. Dogs: As much as I love dogs (and cats), Husband and I currently have no pets, except Blue (the white horse). I want a dog. I actually want two of them. I’m thinking two Basset Hounds named “Hatfield” and “McCoy.” They’ll feud for my love and affection and hugs and kisses and I’ll be in heaven because big ears and wet kisses make me swoon.

E. Essential start to your day: Pee first, then wash my face and brush my teeth.

F. Favorite color: This is really hard because I can’t choose just one. I love color and my wardrobe includes tops of all shades. Right now, I like cool, refreshing shades of blues and greens and cheerful shades of bright coral, pink, and orange.

G. Gold or Silver: My wedding band is white gold.

H. Height: 5 foot 11 inches.

I. Instruments you play: None.

J. Job title: Oh this will be interesting. I’m a substitute teacher and full-time wife, daughter, and friend. I’m not a “paid” church staff person, but I’m constantly doing church stuff: mission trips, newsletter editor, media team, and laity representative.

K. Kids: I want one someday. Maybe.

L. Live: in the country, 20 miles south of Fort Worth, Texas.

M. Mother’s name: Mom. (tee hee hee) Her name is Charlotte. She’s a jewel. You can read more about her HERE.

N. Nicknames: Five-Twelve. Cupcake Lady. One uncle still calls me Punkin and another uncle occasionally calls me Nicki because he knows I hate it and it makes us laugh. No one else calls me that for a reason, I get upset. No more nicknames, please!

O. Overnight hospital stays: Several, when I was younger. It’s been many (more than 10) years since I’ve been in the hospital overnight.

P. Pet peeves: Cabinets and drawers left open (HUSBAND!).

Q. Quote from a movie: “You is kind. You is smart. You is important.” (The Help) and “Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn.” (Gone With the Wind)

R. Right or left handed: Right

S. Siblings: None by blood. Several by choice.

U. Underwear: Cotton = Comfort …. that’s all I’m saying.

V. Vegetable you hate: Okra and brussel sprouts and eggplant.

W. What makes you run late: Nothing. I’m always early, I HATE being late!

X. X-Rays you’ve had: Knees. Fingers. Fortunately, I’ve never had a broken bone.

Y. Yummy food that you make: I haven’t received many complaints. I think my cupcakes are pretty phenomenal, as is my green bean casserole.

Z. Zoo animal: Lions and tigers.

That was fun!

If you do an A to Z of you, please send a link back to me and let me know so I can check it out and get to know you too!

#photoadayMay – Group 2

Thanks to fatmumslim, I’m participating in her #photoadayMay this month. Want to join me? Check out her site!

Here is group TWO of my photographs:

May 6 — ME!

I really hate for my photo to be taken. I cheated and took a photo of my Facebook wall on the computer screen. Let’s move on.

May 7 — someone that inspires me

There are so many people that inspire me. I’m blessed with incredible people from all walks of life that guide me, teach me, challenge me, entertain me, and nurture me. For the sake of this post, I’m breaking the rules because I did not take this photo of Lisa. Besides, it’s hard to take a photo of someone who lives in Virginia. Please, visit Lisa’s blog and tell her I said hello.

May 8 — a smell that I adore

It’s hard to describe the smell in the back woods of western Kentucky. Luckily, I have this picture from a trip to Kentucky last summer ….. I’m on a roll of breaking the rules, so forgive me …… that takes my breath away every time. The trees, the water, the sky, it’s peaceful, sacred, and, most importantly, it’s my Kentucky home. I miss it. A lot.

May 9 — something I do everyday

Humor me. I doubt the world is ready for the offspring Husband and I have the potential of creating. It’s better for everyone that I take these pills every day. Seriously.

May 10 — a favorite word

Again, my sense of humor is on overload.

This photo challenge is really difficult for me. I don’t take my camera with me wherever I go on a daily basis and I’m always scrambling to complete this goal. I envy those with cell phones that take pictures. I won’t bore you with the ancient features of my cell phone: it dials numbers and receives incoming calls. Is there an app for that?!

Anyway, happy shootin’ and see you next week for Group 3 photos!