Casual Cargo Bag – Not Just a Diaper Bag

First, my “baby” has turned 30 years old so I definitely don’t need a diaper bag BUT I do LOVE this bag.  I have actually been using it every day for the last few weeks.  It is AMAZING!

For those of you who have been around Thirty One for awhile, you may remember the original Casual Cargo Bag… it was actually the #1 choice by moms in 2014.  Don’t believe me, check out www.babycenter.com.  I know you are wondering why did it go away, right?    Like all good things, it went away and came back even more AMAZING!  How can you improve on great, right?  Well, we did!  

The NEW Casual Cargo Bag is part of Baby by Thirty One.  So, it is officially a diaper bag but it is so much more! It’s an easy-to-wear, everyday canvas cargo tote for anyone who’s on the go. Do you commute to work?  How about travel to practices with the kids?  Spend a lot of time on the road playing mom taxi or for work?  This bag is a great solution!

Let’s start with its extended top handle straps and detachable, adjustable strap which gives you the versatility to wear it as a shoulder bag or a crossbody bag.  It is in a cotton/canvas fabric with a polyester lining.   The crossbody strap let’s you keep your hands free when chasing after the kids.  It has two exterior pockets with magnetic closures which is the perfect spot for your keys or maybe the baby’s binky.  I have my business cards in one along with a note pad to gather potential customers contact information.  I know you are wonder, why didn’t I say these pockets were good for your cell phone.  Because there is actually a cell phone pocket on the outside which will fit most phones including some of the new larger ones.   No need to go digging around in your bag when you are juggling the baby.

Let’s move to the inside which has multiple pockets and LOTS  of space.  My favorite new feature is an interior thermal pocket with a leak lock lining.  This is a great spot to keep a snack and a bottle of water.  I haven’t put it to the test to see how much it can hold but there is quite a bit of room.  It did hold enough snacks/ light food for a recent vendor event.

Also on the side is two flat pockets AND 2 elastic side pockets which are great for bottles or containers of snacks.  Top it off with a zipper closure and you are ready to hit the road with a stylish, yet functional diaper bag.  Did I mention you can have it personalized too?  The best part is when you don’t need a diaper bag any more, it is still a GREAT bag to use every day.  It is roomy but not HUGE.

The next question is – “Is it washable?” I have to admit the company does not recommend washing this item.  They do recommend wiping it with a damp cloth using mild soap only and then air drying.  I will tell you I have customers who have tossed this into the washer on a gentle cycle and air dried it who give it rave reviews when all was said and done.

At a cost of $68, this durable, fun, functional and stylish bag is the perfect gift for the new or soon to be mom.  How about for the college student or even the work at home mom.  If you want to see this product up close – contact me for a product experience (one-on-one product showing) or have a home party where you can get all the things you will want to keep the new nursery neat and tidy…

Whose ready to shop??? Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

How to Detox from Your Cell Phone

Well, it is the Thursday before Memorial Day Weekend.  It is when we get the first taste of what the summer will bring as the “shoobies” make their way to the Jersey Shore.  This is always a tough weekend for me…. not it isn’t because of the influx of people; it is the weekend I am reminded of the loss of my aunt, Elsie AKA “my buddy” in 1999.  Yes, I squirreled for a moment, sorry back to today’s blog post…………..

Does the picture look like you 99% of the time?  When your phone isn’t in your hand, scrolling Facebook, reading emails or sending text messages, where is it?  I will admit mine is usually close by at least within arms reach.

How often has your Hubby or family or even you wished you could have “phone-less” time!  I mean a time when the phone was either shut off, put away or on “do not disturb”?  Are you starting to sweat at the thought of missing out on notifications?  Are you already picturing the fight with the kids over not being able to talk to their friends?

Most days, my cell phone is on “do not disturb” so the only people able to reach out to me are family.  Why?  So I can stop being obsessed.  So I can work my “at home business” on my time not when ever any calls or texts.  It wasn’t long ago I realized the ONLY time I have been totally “unplugged” from everything (cell phone, computer, tablet) was when we were on a cruise.  It is an automatic switch when I get on the ship, it goes off and it doesn’t come back on until we reach the car on our drive home.  I know a week worth of emails and messages can make your head spin but the truth is, we all need it once in awhile.

If all of these boxes apply to you, you’re clearly in need of a detox

• When your thumb on your dominant hand is sore from all the scrolling
• You look at your phone first thing when you wake up
• A panic attack is around the corner when your battery is running low
• You get anxious when being separated from your phone
• You lack concentration and check your phone too often (even unconscious)

Did you answer yes all (or most) of these?  Then you are in desperate need of a cell phone detox!

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Start with 8 hours of disconnection – you’ll feel restless at first, but getting used to being phone free takes time.  The easiest way is to turn it off an hour before you go to bed and don’t turn it on until you have had your coffee in the morning.

2. Throw a phone free dinner – see how the conversation changes.  People actually talk and listen to each other.  Oh and no photos of food.  Dinner is a no brainer for me.  I don’t do the phone at dinner, especially on the nights hubby is off.

3. Go out in nature and connect to the real world.  The weather is nicer so this is a whole lot easier to do. No pictures or checking your phone.  Depending on where you go for a walk, you may need to take your phone in case there is an emergency.  I carry mine in my pocket when I go for a walk only because of the MS.

4. Set a phone curfew to turn phones off after 8PM and have a relaxing night.  Okay, so this may be a little bit tougher but I am willing to try it.  The problem is when I switch off the phone, the iPad is close at hand to check emails and Facebook.  How do you totally unplug?

5. Grab a magazine, a coffee and go soak up some sun by yourself!  This sounds great in theory but my books are on my iPad which then keeps me connected to the internet if I am close to the house.  UGH!  Solution – I have been buying some old fashioned books at yard sales so I can start reading “electronic free”.  Then I donate them back to the church rummage sale.  A win for everyone.

So, be honest… how many times a day do YOU check your phone?  I’m getting better but it is still a process.  How about you, are you willing to give it a try this holiday weekend?

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

CELL PHONE DETOX

Good Morning! It is Saturday on a LONG holiday weekend and where is YOUR phone?  I have to admit that mine will be sitting by my side.

Hubby said yesterday, you need a “phone-less” vacation!  I was surprised because I thought I did really good when we were in North Carolina.  I didn’t check the phone as much as I usually do and I actually out it away so that I couldn’t hear it ring.  MAJOR steps, right?  The truth is the ONLY time that I have been totally “unplugged” from everything (cell phone, computer, tablet) was when we were on a cruise.  It is an automatic switch when I get on the ship, it goes off and it doesn’t come back on until we reach the car on our drive home.  I know a week worth of emails and messages can make your head spin but the truth is, I need that once in awhile.

I came across a great blog from “Chapter Friday” that talked about this exact thing.  There are few of the small steps I may try since a cruise is probably a year off…

Here’s what you need to do:
1. Start with 12 hours of disconnection you’ll feel restless at first, but getting used to being phone free times time.  I am asleep for about 7 hours does that count?  How about the 8 hour shifts at WaWA where I only check my phone on my half hour break?

2. Throw a phone free dinner party see the engagement and proper listening increase, oh and no photo’s of food.  Dinner is a no brainer for me.  I don’t do the phone at dinner, especially on the nights that hubby is off.

3. Go out in nature and connect to the real world.  Now that the weather is nice, this is a whole lot easier to do.  I need to go for a walk.

4. Set a phone curfew switch off phones after 8PM and have a relaxing night.  Okay, so this may be a little bit tougher but I am willing to try it.  The problem is when I switch off the phone, the iPad is close at hand to check emails and Facebook.  How do you totally unplug?

5. Grab a magazine and a coffee and go soak up some sun by yourself!  This sounds great in theory but my books are on my iPad which then keeps me connected to the internet if I am close to the house.  UGH!  Give me an old fashioned book and let me start reading.

So, be honest… how many times a day do YOU check your phone?  I gave up counting but I am willing to try at least a few of Chapter Friday’s suggestions.  Are you?

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!