a very Pinterest-ing Sunday Social

It’s been a while since I’ve participated in the Sunday Social link-up with Neely but
I couldn’t say no to this week’s Pinterest questions. By the way, do you follow me on Pinterest?

What is your favorite outfit pin?

Okay, granted my jeans aren’t as tiny as the ones pictured above, and they
don’t have any frayed areas either, but I’m in love with the hoodie and Sperry shoes.
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What is your favorite food pin?

I’ve made these cookies many times and they are soft, chewy, delicious.
They’re perfect for any occasion or when you want something sweet.
My baking secret? Don’t overcook!
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What is your favorite wedding pin?

This photo, obviously, is not from my wedding, but it sure could be!
I did, however, ride a tractor and feed baby pigs wearing my veil.
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What is your favorite DIY or craft pin?

I’ve attempted several DIY projects with limited success (obviously my talents lie in other areas) but I’m in awe of those who can create things like this mirror. Who would have thought to use pink plastic spoons?! Don’t know where I’d put it, but I still think it’s cool. 
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What is your favorite quote or verse or lyric pin?

If you disagree, bless your heart.
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Share other random pins you love.

Pink + Pearls + Mason Jar = Perfection!
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Take this advice. Your significant other WILL thank me. =)
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Are you on Pinterest? If so, leave your name and link
so I can follow your “Pinteresting” adventures. Happy Sunday. =)

Sunday Social | one, two, three, FOUR

Join the fun by linking your own post with Neely at A Complete Waste of Makeup.

Name 4 jobs you’ve had in your life.

In high school and college, I was a babysitter, nanny and golf coach. Professionally, I’ve worked in human resources, corporate marketing, youth ministries and as a middle school teacher.

Name 4 movies you watch over and over.

Just four? That’s not fair. My favorite movies include: Top Gun, Dancing With Wolves, Pretty Woman, Dirty Dancing, The DaVinci Code, Gone With The Wind, The Help, Pride and Prejudice, 300, and National Lampoon Christmas Vacation. Just to name a few!

Name 4 places you have lived.

Joshua, Texas; Commerce, Texas; Louisville, Kentucky; and Sebree, Kentucky.

Name 4 of your favorite foods.

Oh this is too difficult. I’ll bend the rules a bit and say I enjoy Southern staples like fried chicken and sweet tea, sushi and dim sum, Mexican food, and bacon. That about covers all my favorites!

Name 4 things you always carry with you.

Sunglasses, wallet, cell phone and Kindle.

Name 4 places you have been on vacation.

Orlando, Florida (Disney World); Outer Banks, North Carolina; Cancun, Mexico; and Gulf Shores, Alabama

Sunday Social | let’s get LITERARY

Favorite childhood books were …

Oh! The Places You’ll Go by Dr.Seuss for its inspiration and honesty, plus the author’s quirky rhyming. I actually have two copies of this book, one that my Aunt Georgia gave me as a little girl (because she is awesome and has always encouraged me to read) and I received the second copy as a high school graduation gift. I hold both in the highest regards.

I also love Where the Red Fern Grows about a young boy who trains two hunting dogs, Old Dan and Little Ann. If you have dogs, you’d understand. Growing up, my dad raised bird dogs and we’d go hunting together. One summer, one of them had a litter of 13 puppies. For weeks, I was in puppy heaven. Every evening after supper, I’d beg Mom or Dad to take me outside and I’d bring an armful of puppies into the house to play. Like puppies do, they grew quickly. Of course, I got attached to all of them. When one died of natural causes, I was heartbroken. A few days later, my Dad bought me a copy of this book and told me to read it. I did and I cried. There is something sacred about man’s relationship to dog.

My favorite *RECENTLY* read book is …

You really have to ask? I’ll make this easy for you — it begins with 50 and ends with Shades. You can read all about my “first time” HERE.

The book I wish I could live in real life …

Ummmm, 50 Shades of course. I could live the uber-rich lifestyle of private jets, Audi sports cars, and penthouse suites. I’ve not met a helicopter I didn’t like, so I’m sure Charlie Tango would suit my fancy. My dairy-free taste buds could survive on chilled champagne and black cod. It would be tough, but I know I could do it. Bring it on, Grey. Bring. It. On. Sir.

If I could be any character from a book, it would be …

Elizabeth Gilbert in Eat, Pray, Love. She chose happiness instead of letting society “norms” dictate what she should have in life. In her travels, she explored pleasure by eating in Italy (hello cheeeeese!!!!!!!!); discovered intentional prayer in Indonesia; and, finally, found inner-peace and true love in Bali. I’m profoundly envious of Gilbert’s passport. Talk about the trip of a lifetime. Wow.

FYI: This is not only a wonderfully written book, but I thoroughly enjoyed the movie too. Julia Roberts as Gilbert was exceptional.

My favorite book turned into a movie is …

The Help. The book is beautifully written even though the story depicts a darker time in our country’s history. I read the book a year before the movie was released. I went to its premiere then saw it three more times in a week!!! After watching the movie, I read the book again. The characters “came alive” for me in the movie and the multitude of awards and accolades received by the actresses, in my opinion, were well-deserved. I’m a super-fan of Skeeter and Minny. Would anybody like some chocolate pie?!?!?! =)

My favorite magazines are …

Kentucky Monthly  and  Garden & Gun

Real Simple and Country Living

Every month, my heart sings the “Hallelujah Chorus” when a new issues of Kentucky Monthly arrives. I savor every word and picture. When nobody’s looking, I sniff the pages …. I swear the smell of that beloved Bluegrass is in the ink. I am also paying homage to my Southern roots with Garden & Gun. My aunt Kathy introduced me (she IS a steel magnolia!!!!) and I’m pretty sure she’s buying me a subscription for my birthday. This magazine is beautiful and perfect for men and women. The stories are great, the photos are beautiful, and if you love the South you’ll appreciate this jewel.

I would link-up with Neely at A Complete Waste of Make-Up but I’m currently in Haiti without Internet, running water, electricity, and flushing bathroom facilities. I wrote this post last Sunday night while watching the football game. Kinda freaky huh?! Say a little prayer for us … Lord knows the team and I need all the support from home we can get. =)

Sunday Social #17 | childhood memories

What do you miss most about being a kid?

When I was little, and completely carefree and oblivious to grown-up responsibilities, I spent a considerable amount of time with my grandparents, playing golf at the country club, and in Louisville with extended family. Some Saturday mornings, I went to work with Dad (he worked as a land surveyor in the engineering department at a coal mine), we’d grab lunch at Townsend’s Grocery Store, and then head to the golf course for the rest of the afternoon. As I got older, I spent less time in the swimming pool and more time on the links. Once I was old enough to drive, I was going place to place for golf tournaments across the state of Kentucky, and other Southern states too.

I miss milk too. And cheese. And ice cream. All of the cow’s milk-laden products I used to eat and drink as a kid are no longer possible since I developed a severe food allergy as a young adult.

I also miss living in Kentucky. Granted, I left The Bluegrass State when I transferred to Beaumont, Texas as a college sophomore (August 2003) and never looked back. But there are days, too many to count, when I would rather live in Kentucky.

Did you have a nickname growing up? If so, what was it?

Both my parents detest nicknames and I’ve grown up having a similar opinion. One uncle of mine will occasionally call me “Nicky” only because he knows I don’t like it and it makes us laugh when I react. Please, do not call me Nicky. My name’s Nicole.

What was your favorite thing to do at recess?

Beat the living shit out of Phillip Dixon. No joke. I have no idea where that punk-a$$ kid is now, but if he were to walk up to me right now and introduce himself, I’d punch him in the face, then run like hell. He pushed me down on the playground one day, ruining my brand new jeans with a big ol’ grass stain and my soul was crushed. I brushed myself off, dried my tears, and took off on a holy terror to find him. When I did, he was right in the middle of the monkey bars hanging on for dear life. I did what any pissed off second-grader would do: punched him square in the gut. He fell to the ground, cried like a baby, and then told the teacher. The Shithead.

For the record: I was sent to Mrs. Neely’s office (she was the principal at my elementary school) that day and she made me apologize to Phillip. I said I was sorry, but I didn’t really mean it. I was only concerned about her calling my parents. I cried big ol’ alligator tears so she wouldn’t pick-up the telephone. Lucky for me, she did not call my parents and I kept the secret for years. Finally, on the day I graduated high school, I admitted to being a playground bully and punching Phillip Dixon in the stomach. Dad laughed, patted me on the back. Mom, however, threatened to call Mrs. Neely and get the full story. I have no doubt she probably did just that. What is it with mothers and investigative abilities???

As for the other days at recess, we had this dome that was great for climbing and everybody wanted to sit at the top because it was the only flat, semi-comfortable spot. We would also try to balance as many people as we could on the teeter-totter. We were little Einsteins.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I once answered this question in an essay I wrote in elementary school saying I wanted to be Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman. Then, once I realized the true nature of her character’s occupation, I changed my mind. I had interests in marine biology and even adopted a humpback whale with money I got for my 11th birthday. Finally, after many years of advanced-level reading and writing in high school, I excelled in college English courses and communications, journalism, and public relations. Fortunately, having a blog is my creative (and often therapeutic) outlet.

What was your favorite toy?

As an only child, I had to entertain myself. I loved playing “grocery store” or pretending to be a waitress at a restaurant. One day, Dad brought home a *REAL* working cash register. It, quite possibly, was the single greatest day of my five-year-old life. It had buttons to push and made really cool noises and even had a cash drawer. I “robbed” my parents’ wallets and my piggy bank to fill that cash drawer too. I remember the day the electrical mechanics inside the register stopped working and the drawer was stuck. Of course, I panicked because there was *REAL* money inside that didn’t belong to me. Trying to be as quiet as possible, I ran to the garage and grabbed some tools and ran back into my bedroom. An hour or so later, Mom found me in the floor prying open the drawer with a screwdriver and set of pliers. Needless to say, the drawer was opened, I returned all the “stolen” cash, and that cash register was in the garbage bin the next day.

What is the funniest thing you did as a kid that your parents still talk about?

Just one? There’s so many.

• Ran through the living room naked-as-a-jaybird then squatted and peed in the middle of the living room floor.
• Drove the golf cart entirely too fast down the hill, sliding into the swing set slide. {That was epic, by the way.}
• Took my grandmother’s diamond solitaire ring to preschool, gave it to a friend and she took it home. Her mother thought it was a play ring and was about to throw it away when the phone rang and it was my mother explaining it was *NOT* a fake.
• Begged and pleaded with my mother to let me go to the rodeo alone — everyone else had backed out on me. Even at the tender age of 16, I had a love for cowboys, boots, and chaps. Thanks to Dad’s persuasiveness and expert negotiating skills, I went, I saw, and I conquered professional rodeo from the front row. At one point in the evening, I had a very handsome cowboy land in my lap after he scaled the fence to avoid being trampled to death by an angry bucking bull. I was pretty much in cowgirl heaven. {sigh.}

 

And now I will take this opportunity to apologize for my excessive long-windedness of this post. Somebody please press the *MUTE* button.

Happy Sunday!!!!!!

Sunday Social | #16

What is something you have wanted to do but are afraid?

Setting my fears aside, I’d probably enroll in higher-ed courses and culinary school.

I am an uber-nerd when it comes to school, sitting in lecture halls, writing essays, and yes, reading. Call me weird (WEIRDO!!!) and insane (CRAZY PERSON!!!!) but I miss being a student. A dear friend is finishing her Doctorate and, while her coursework is way beyond me, the subject is still interesting. I think I have this “quirk” because I like listening to educated, knowledgable people. What I mean is this: when people talk about something they are passionate about, people listen. I like listening. I like to learn. (Which is probably a major contributing factor in my desire to read!!!)

As for culinary school, I’m more afraid of professors (instructors? chefs?) having the tyrant-attitude like Gordon Ramsey, rather than the tenderPaula Dean. If somebody yelled at me, or threw my food in the garbage, my heart and soul would be shattered. I’d never cook again.

Where do you see yourself in five (5) years?

Oh, I don’t know … I wasn’t sure I’d survive this weekend, but here I am!!!!!! {I’m hanging on by a thread.}

I’d like to have a career that is satisfying and rewarding. A few more pages in my passport stamped. I’m still *unsure* about the whole idea of becoming a parent. I have issues and questions that are not easily resolved or answered. It’s a tough world, do I really want to add a child (that’s singular, by the way) to the chaos? I hope I am a better person, wife, daughter, friend, and Christ-believer than I am today.

What are your hopes for your blog?

I hope people are still reading this gobbly-gook tomorrow, next week, next year, down the road. I never imagined it would become what it has or I’d make so many connections, but I’m enjoying this “hobby” of mine. At this moment, I don’t have any interest (or the knowledge) in trying to make money through my blog. Let’s face it, I don’t even know what monetize means. {sigh} I’d like to improve my creative writing and photography (back to the student in me) and attend a blog conference.

Do you see yourself staying in the town/city you currently reside?

For the sake of Husband’s sanity and happiness, I’m going to say yes. I would be a liar-liar-pants-on-fire if I said I didn’t want to go back to Kentucky, but here’s the reality: I’m happiest when others are happy. Husband is happy and, when he’s happy, I’m happy. Lucky for me, airplanes and automobiles were invented. I can live with this reality.

What is your morning routine?

Alarm goes off at 6:00am.
Roll over and snooze till 6:30am.
Get out of bed sometime between 6:35 and 6:55am.
Use the facilities.
Brush teeth.
Apply moisturizer and BB cream to the face. Top with powder or bronzer.
Apply deodorant to both armpits.
Change into school-appropriate clothes.
Check email, Facebook, and blog for messages and comments. Respond if necessary.
Add shoes to thy feet and a jacket or pullover.
Out the door by 7:30am.
Wave to Blue (he’s usually standing next to the gate)
Order a Route 44 sweet tea at Sonic around 7:35am.
Get to school around 7:50am.

Happy Sunday!!!!!!

Sunday Social | this and that

While I wait for the real “chill” of fall to arrive, enjoy another Sunday Social, a link-up hosted by Ashley and Neely. This week’s questions are a bit random, but totally entertaining and worth reading.

Besides the obvious essentials (food, water, shelter, and clothing),
what are *FIVE* items you can’t live without on a daily basis?

In no particular order:

1. Charmin Ultra-Soft toilet paper
2. toothbrush and toothpaste (they go together, right? Can’t have one without the other?!)
3. A hair-tie because I *HATE* if my hair is touching my face or neck. Ughhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!
4. Contacts and sunglasses (these go together in my world too … can’t have one without the other)
5. my Kindle

* Toilet paper … obviously.
* Toothbrush and toothpaste … no need for explanation.
* People ask me all the time why they never see me wear my hair down and it’s very simple: I don’t like to be hot and I don’t like my hair to touch my face. I wear it up *ALL* the time. Daytime, nighttime, all the time, it doesn’t matter. It’s too long (I’m so overdue for a hair cut right now it’s ridiculous) and really curly, but I have no interest in styling it every day. That is such a waste of time to me. Remember, too, that I spent more than half of my life on a golf course wearing a cap and Oakley sunglasses.
* Speaking of sunglasses, I’m also very fond of mine. The ones currently atop my head are Dollar Store specials. I might ask Santa for a nice pair of shades, but I doubt he’ll bring them. I don’t really need them.
* I never imagined how much I’d enjoy my Kindle e-reader, but I never leave home without it in my purse or school bag.

What is your all-time favorite book and WHY?

You can laugh if you want, but the more I read 50 Shades, the more I understand and appreciate relationships. In some, we are broken, scarred, or damaged. But, in others, we are healed, restored, and, validated. Dismiss for a moment the “kinkery” and you are witness to the importance of relationships. The human soul needs them.

What do want to accomplish before the end of 2012?

Well, of course I’d like to cross every item off my Resolution List but that’s highly unlikely. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I will receive a positive reply on an opportunity I applied for through my church. It would be an AMAZING experience and definitely worth blogging about — *IF* I’m selected to participate. I also have my resume/application submitted for a full-time job.

If you could go back and re-live *ONE* year of your life, which would it be and WHY?

I don’t like these types of questions because there are too many moments in my life worth re-living and it’s hard to pick just one or a particular year of my life. Our wedding day was pretty spectacular; so was the day I graduated from college. I’d like to go back to that golf tournament where I missed a short putt to win a junior championship; or learn how to sew from my grandmother and great-grandmother.

What do you wish people knew about you without you having to tell them?

I’m an only child. Overly-sensitive. Relationships matter. If afforded the opportunity, I would be a modern-day Dr. Ruth. I over-commit myself because I have a difficult time saying no. I prefer snail-mail to e-mail. I’ve never been farther west than Odessa, Texas.

Happy Sunday!!!!!!

Sunday Social | all about the blog

Let me begin by saying I had the most *FUN* last night at the Texas Bloggers meet-up at A Piece of Work in Fort Worth. I’ll be posting about it , plus uploading pictures and showing off my “masterpiece” very soon. Let me tell you, though, I am *NOT* quitting my day job to become an artist!!!!!!! I would give a new meaning to the term: Starving Artist.

It’s time for another Sunday Social, a link-up hosted by Ashley and Neely. This week’s questions are a similar to Week One, but with a specific focus on blogging and what it means to me. I don’t say it nearly enough, but I am so grateful to every single blog reader who takes time out of their busy day to read Three 31. Thank you! Thank you!

Now, let’s get this social going.

What is the name of your blog and how did you come with with it?

Three 31 (that would be the blog you’re reading right now) is named after the day Husband and I got married. Our anniversary is March 31. Thus, the third month of the year (*THREE*) on the thirty-first (*31*) day in 2007. It was a lovely day, literally and figuratively.

The guy in the snazzy penguin suit is Husband. The girl in white is me.

Just putting that out there, to clear any confusion. =)

What do you love most about blogging?

I love signing into my account and seeing notifications about new followers and comments. The fact that someone would take time out of their day to stop at my blog, read my ridiculous-ness, *AND* leave a comment, that’s pure bliss. It’s also validation. It makes the time and effort put into writing, photography (not to mention my severe lack of editing skills), and social media networking worthwhile. Of course, I would be inconsiderate if I did not acknowledge the *PEOPLE* that make networking possible. I have met some incredible people —- shout out to all my girls that I met at the Texas Bloggers event last night too —- and I would not hesitate to contact any of them in a time of need.

What are your two favorite posts you’ve published?

I’d be a liar if I didn’t include the post describing my weekend spent with Mister 50 Shades, Christian Grey. It is the most popular post on my blog, and for very good reason.

I wrote this plea for help a couple of weeks ago asking for gifts and donations to benefit a fundraiser at my church.
( fyi: THERE  IS  STILL  TIME  TO  PARTICIPATE  AND  DONATE  GOODS  AND  SERVICES ) I greatly appreciate, and am extremely humbled, by the response. Some donations have come from complete strangers. It’s amazing how this networking idea — when put into practice — works!

I’m breaking the rules here (go figure), but I have to include this Q&A with Husband too. It cracks me up. What you see, is what you get. This was our *ACTUAL* conversation.

What tips would you give to someone new to the blog world?

Just like in life, surround yourself with authentic people. I know I’ve said it already, but networking is a popular tool for bloggers. You have to be willing to put your true self out for everyone to see (or in this case, read). For me, honesty is a deal breaker. If you are honest and allow me to see (read) your good, bad, ugly, goofy, and serious, we’re going to be instant friends. Also, set realistic expectations. I’m not on the same playing field as The Pioneer Woman, but I seriously doubt she became a blogging sensation, cookbook author, and Food Network star overnight. When designing your blog, PUH-LEASE keep the layout neat and the font legible. For example, if your background is paisley, sidebars are chevron, and fonts are so small even I cannot read them, I’m leaving your site immediately. If the pictures are so large that it takes a while to download your page, I’m leaving. Simplicity speaks volumes, at least for me, when looking at blogs. Finally, if you’re going to blog, commit to it. Post on a regular basis. I’m not saying I’m the bee’s knees of the blogging world, and I certainly don’t post seven days a week, but I try to keep my publish schedule consistent. Blogging takes a lot of time and effort, and I don’t consider it easy either. I do, however, enjoy it immensely and look forward to continuing this journey!!!!

p.s.Three 31 reached 20,000 all-time views this weekend and I literally squealed like a fat pig in a mud hole. =)

What is the best blogging experience you’ve had? Or lesson learned from blogging?

Without repeating items from above, I have to say that new friendships, inspiration from other bloggers, and the challenge of being a blogger are the best experiences. I think blogging is a challenge, at least for me, especially when it comes to improving my content and taking photos. Looking back on older posts, I cringe. But, then I remember that each post is a stepping stone towards my improvement. Of course, the good Lord knows I have written material and then screamed later, “WHAT WAS I THINKING?!?!”

Which three blogs do you visit daily?

I’m cheating here too. You’ll have to visit my Front Porch Pals and check out all of the wonderful blogs that I visit regularly.

Happy Sunday!!!!!!

Sunday Social | Week Two

Neely and Ashley have created this weekly Sunday Social link-up and I’m really happy to participate. Besides, this is a simple { and very fun } way to meet other bloggers.

{ LET’S GET THIS PARTY STARTED }

What’s your favorite movie of all time?

This question is always difficult for me ….. and causes me stress. So, I’ll do what I always do in stressful situations: consult Husband. He said:

For warriors in loin cloths protecting their women, you like 300. For pretty scenery, you like Eat, Love, Pray. For half-naked guys playing beach volleyball and flying fast jets, you like Top Gun. For slutty-but-happy-ending, you like Pretty Woman. Aren’t you going out with the girls later this month to see that strip club movie with Matthew-What’s-His-Name?

I totally agree with what he said!!!!!!!!!!

{Yes, I’m going out with the girls to watch Matthew McConaughey in Magic Mike.}

What is your favorite movie quote?

From one of the classics, Gone With The Wind, with Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh:

What is the best movie to watch for a girls night in?

How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days … Matthew McConaughey, need I say more? Did I mention I’m going out with a bunch of girls to watch Magic Mike? Oh, well, I’m going to see Matthew McHottness. I am. I am. I am.

What’s the best break-up movie?

Don’t laugh, but I’m going wayyyy back for this one. I’m going back to 1996 with Bette Midler, Diane Keaton, and Goldie Hawn (those lips!!!!!!!!). First Wives Club is hilarious.

Who’s your favorite celeb eye candy?

Do you really have to ask?

Sweet Jesus.

June 30 can’t come soon enough.

Which movie star’s closet would you want to raid?

Queen Latifah. She’s tall. She’s got boobs. And she has curves.

{ I need a cold drink of water. And a cold shower. Good riddance. }

Until next week, y’all!!!!!!!

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,