On the Road AGAIN!!!!

WOOHOO!  Today is the day I am headed to North Carolina to see my kid!  Thank you Thirty One for the additional money (as a result of the cancelled cruise) so I could make this trip.  This is the first time in a few years I will actually get to spend Belinda’s birthday with her.  An afternoon flight on United will get to Asheville in just 2 hours.  I’m really excited.

No, this will not be me looking for my suitcase.  In the past, I would have traveled with a black one non-Thirty One bag but not this time.  I am traveling with a carry on and my purse.  Here is what I am taking:

 and    DoubleTake Tote

Yes, these are both hostess exclusives.  I usually pack way too many clothes so I wanted to see if I could consolidate everything for a 5 day trip.  Was it easy? NO!  It meant really thinking about what I wanted to wear.  Now hubby had a suggestion…. why not get some extra clothes to leave there this way I wouldn’t have to take so much when I fly down.  Interesting thought???

Here are some travel tips I am going to use this time around:

1. Make three copies of your itinerary & identification.

No matter where you are traveling to, make sure your emergency contacts (or next of kin) have a copy of your itinerary.  Pack one copy in your suitcase as well as the one in your purse.  Even though I am carrying everything on, you never know when the plane will be full and they will check your bag at the gate.  You can even take a picture of it with your phone, this way you will never lose it!

2. Ensure you have more than one source of funds.

Okay, so I am guilty of this!  It is suggested you don’t rely on a single credit card (or debit card).  If you begin charging things out of your normal pattern, you could very well be blocked because the bank will think the card has been stolen.  Another suggestion is to notify the bank you will be traveling so they are not surprised by unusual charges.

3. Consider your arrival time in a city you have not been to before

Will it be after dark? How far out of the city centre is the airport? Make sure you arrange an airport pickup through your hotel or a local contact whenever possible.  So excited because Belinda will actually be picking me up at the airport.

4. Pack an extra pair of glasses and medications.

This tip is perfect for someone who is traveling  longer than 2 weeks BUT not bad for anyone.   The truth is you should be prepared for emergencies when it comes to your health.  If you are carrying medications, keep a copy of your prescription with you and the generic names for the drugs. You never know when you will lose a bag or the airline will lose a bag.  Keep medicines in their original, labelled containers.  I tend to put them in a pill container to make travel easier when we are going for 1 week or less.  Any longer, I always carry the bottles.  It’s alway a good idea to take enough medication for the duration of your trip plus 7 days (for emergencies).  Wear prescription glasses or contacts, keep a copy of your script with you, you never know when you may need to get an emergency pair.

5. Take a photo of your luggage with your mobile phone camera

How often have you been at baggage claim only to find a zillion black suitcases.  Of course using a Thirty One week-ender could solve the problem BUT if it isn’t an option, take a picture of your luggage.  If it goes missing you can show the picture to the baggage desk staff at the airport, making it easier to find it for you.

What is your best travel tip?  Share it with us….

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

 

Thirty One’s June Hostess & Customer Specials

OMG!!!!   It’s June… last weekend was the “unoffical” start of summer.  Alright, so maybe I am pushing things BUT it was the start of the tourist (AKA shoobie) invasion at the Jersey Shore.  This month is full of graduations

  Weddings (Picture from Pinterest)

and end of the school year festivities.

I know, you are thinking… “I have NO time for a party“.  Money is tight with end of the year expenses.  What if I told you that YOU could reap all of the benefits of a “home party” without the work?  What if I could meet you at the ball park or in the parking lot at work?  What if you just carried a catalog with you and sent all of your friends to an online Facebook party that was fun?

I know “too good to be true”, right?  The truth is I have a party to fit your lifestyle this month.  And WHY am I willing to do this?  This months’ Customer and Hostess Special is WAY too good to pass up.

#1 –  June’s Customer Special is AMAZING!

Thirty One’s Customer Special for June is the MEDIUM UTILITY TOTE AND the STAND TALL INSERT for the medium utility tote!  Have you never heard of this product? Well, once a year it comes out for a limited time.  The BEST part is the addition of the Stand Tall Insert.  The perfect way to let your tote stand on its own.  It also adds pockets to the inside of your tote.

#2 – Be a hostess and the gifts just keep on coming…..

For just $200 in orders, YOU can have a qualified party. Did you know that only 6 orders of $35 will get you a $200 party?

BUT if you jump to a $600 party which is MY party average, here is what you can get:

#3 – Now, what if I told you that you could EARN extra money while chauffering the kids to activities or sitting on the beach?  What would you do with that money? Maybe you could pay off some bills. Pay for the kids summer activities.  Maybe it would just give you a chance to hang out with your friends.  Do you want to know the details?  Here is the inside scoop:

For just $99, you get over $350 in FREE product

PLUS with $600 in orders, every month for the first 4 months, you get to pick ONE of these AWESOME bundles.  That is an additional $600 in FREE product during your first 4 months in our StartSwell program.

PLUS you have the chance to earn DREAM REWARDS…. Collect points from May 1st – September 30th and you can earn up to a $1,300 gift card!

PLUS, if you collect $1,000 in PV during your Startswell, you will receive the Away We Go Roller for FREE!

Yes, you read this right….FREE product, gift card AND commission.  YES, you are going to get paid to have fun and collect all of these FREE perks.

So, there are THREE opportunities with Thirty One this summer:

Which opportunity is for you? Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

The $99 Gift

Over 5 years ago, I was given a gift.  A gift that changed my life.  A gift that keeps giving to me every day.  Do you know what that gift was?

A pink box filled with purses, totes and accessories. I know you are wondering “how could a box of purses change my life?  Believe me when I tell you that I learned, that this is so much more than just a purse! I came into Thirty One looking for friendship, looking for some extra money and of course, for the discount.  What I gained is more than I ever bargained for… I gained a group of sisters who are there to encourage me when I am down, celebrate me what I WIN and pick me up when I fall.

If you have ever thought about becoming a Thirty-One consultant, now’s the time!

What you will get for $99?

In 7 days, you will receive a BIG HOT PINK BOX! In the box will be over $400 worth of products and business supplies (catalogs, order forms, fliers, etc…enough supplies for your first 4 parties).

Some of Thirty One’s most popular products are included in the kit. With the products and supplies included in the box, you will have everything you need to get started!  What product are you most excited about?

Now Set Up YOUR LAUNCH PARTY

So what is a launch party?  It is a chance for you to share your NEW passion with friends and family.  At your launch party, you’re going to be the hostess AND the consultant!

What Next?

Host your launch party and get PAID. You’re basically going to pay yourself back for the kit you purchased! An average launch show is $600.

PLUS: 

You get to earn FOUR of these kits for FREE!!  Start Swell is an incentive for new consultants, giving you a chance to earn even more FREE products and business supplies in your first 4 months. This is extremely attainable for everyone! Thirty-One wants to REWARD you by having a strong start! Hold just ONE average party (or sell $600) during each 30 day period, you will get YOUR choice of these beautiful kits!!

Let’s Recap what happens in the FIRST 30 days:

1. A $150 in COMMISSION…which is MORE than the price of the kit. You already made some EXTRA money!
2. You’re earning ALL the hostess benefits… which for a $600 show is $100 in FREE product!
3. AND…you’re earning your first start swell kit for FREE!!

NOW, there are TWO BRAND NEW INCENTIVES:

#1:  Get your FREE Away We Go Roller:

Incentive #2:

Dream rewards! Earn up to $1300 in GIFT CARDS right before Christmas.

Yes, you can get ALL of this for just $99!!!!  Amazing right?  I know you have a million questions, right?

Well, in addition to all of this AWESOME stuff you get from the company, you get ME and my entire upline AND downline.  So you get support from to help you on your journey.

Worried that you won’t be able to do it?  To remain active with Thirty-One, consultants only need to submit $200 in sales every rolling three months. A qualifying party for Thirty-One is only $200! Easy Peasy!!! No hidden fees. We get paid by direct deposit on the 10th and 25th of each month.

So, what are you waiting for?  Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

 

Cruising on Vacation

If you have never been on a cruise, you don’t know what you are missing.  My first cruise was a gift from my mom – it was 7 glorious days on Princess Cruise Lines in the Caribbean.  It was the FIRST vacation that I actually relaxed – no phone, no email, just sun, fun and relaxation.

Yes, I love visiting North Carolina. Yes, I do relax – at least a little.  The truth is that I don’t truly shut down my electronics and I think that is the key.  So if you are looking to take a cruise and think it is WAY too expensive….. think again!

You have decided to take a cruise.  Now comes the daunting task of pick what type of cruise.  Fear. Dread. Overwhelmed!  There are religious cruises, intellectual cruises, party cruises, celebrity-themed cruises, political cruises and the list goes on, with options numbering in the thousands.

Lorri Christou, senior vice president, strategic marketing and communications with CLIA says that preparation is key when it comes to ship selection.  I LOVE this graphic that appeared in the Washington post.  Check it out and see what tips it gives you.

If you are new to cruising, here are some tips.

Use a travel agent who specializes in cruising. Yes, there are still travel agents even in this digital world. They can help you get up to speed on the different ship options and destinations.  They can help with booking flights.  NEWS FLASH!  Travel agents can often help you get better deals than you can find on your own.

Don’t overcommit. I know that there is LOTS of things to do not only on the ship but also when you get into port.  Be careful.  What do you really want from your cruise vacation?  Rest and relaxation? Adventure and socializing? A mix of the two?  Remember this is a vacation.  How many times have you come home from vacation saying “I need a vacation from my vacation”?  Schedule some things but also leave some down time for you to relax and enjoy the sea air and read a book (or get some extra sleep).

Introverts can enjoy cruises, too. Do you struggle in social settings?  Are you a home-body?  The truth is that was my hubby.  When we went on our first cruise, he was ready to just sit and read.  Once we got on the ship and started to explore things, he actually found it fun.  There are a variety of cruises with something for everyone. The dining rooms offer a variety of table sizes, so guests can opt for a two-seat table, a 12-seat table or anything in between.  We were with family, so we sat together but when we were in the buffet areas, we mingled with other guests.  Some cruises are more social while others more low-key. Splurging on a room with a balcony can also offer more privacy for those times when you just want to be by yourselves.

Cruising is a great way to see multiple countries in a short amount of time.  I love that you  unpack once and basically the ship does all the work for you.

Where are you dreaming of cruising to?  Share your tips and thoughts with us.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

Travel on a Shoestring

Are you itching for a vacation but tight on cash? I know I am….We usually travel to North Carolina in May but this year with all of the doctor appointments, there was not time.  I will be celebrating in my “pink bubble” in July and am planning some trips for the fall.  One will definitely be to North Carolina and maybe even surprising hubby with a trip to Maine.  SHHHH!  It is a surprise!!!

So this week, we are going to talk about travel tips – from saving money to being organized ensuring that you don’t forget anything.

Here are just some tips quick tips to help you save money on your next trip:

#1 Airfares:  I don’t know about you but I feel like every time I turn around there is a change in airlines – mergers, acquisitions route adjustments and more. It may not seem it but the airlines are vying for your dollars. I know the additional charges for EVERYTHING is crazy but you can still get some good deals.  Finding the best fare is the trick. I have been checking rates on Hipmunk.  I have found some of the BEST rates there.  Let’s SQUASH the myth that round-trip tickets are the least expensive option today!  I have found that one way tickets are sometimes better – combining airlines can be cost effective.  Finally, purchasing up to 6-8 weeks before your trip will most likely result in the lowest price. PLUS flying mid-week and at off-peak times like early morning or late evening will result in cheaper fares.

#2 Hotel Rooms:  I know that you have seen all of the commercials about the difference in hotel room rates, right?  Just like flying, sometimes the cheaper option is to arrive mid-week and depart before the weekend rush.  Maybe you can’t afford that 5-star hotel BUT  you may still be able to enjoy some of their amenities during the day. They may sell day passes to access the pool, spa or gym. Their restaurants and bars are also an easy to way pamper yourself even if you are not a guest of the hotel. There are lodging alternatives like airbnb.com or VRBO.com that offer vacation rentals at cheaper rates.  Just be sure to do your homework.

#3 Meals:  Eating out and exploring new restaurants can be part of the fun while in a new city, but it can also be very expensive. We have always either brought our own snacks and breakfast when driving OR when we fly,we find a local grocery store and stock up on snacks, easy breakfast items and bottled water.  Booking a hotel that includes breakfast or even afternoon snacks in your room rate is a great option too.  Simply eating “in” for one meal a day will save you a lot of money over the course of your vacation.

If you like to pack your vacation with activities and excursions, planning ahead is also a smart way to save money.  Websites like Groupon and LivingSocial offer discounts on tours, activities and show tickets. When doing things online, be sure you are set-up with Ebates.  This will give you money back every time you shop online with one of their stores, including Groupon and Living Social.

What is your best tip for saving money when you travel?  Share it with us…

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

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