How to Stock Your Kitchen

We are off on another road trip starting today as an early celebration of our wedding anniversary……I can’t believe it has been 11 years since we got married and in October, we will be together 20 years!  Where does the time go?

No, this is NOT a picture of our kitchen in our forever home But we do have lots of space.  As a result, I am always on the hunt to find ways to keep things well-stocked and organized.  What about you… do you have an organized kitchen and pantry?  Are you ready with plenty of items on-hand to whip up a healthy meal anytime – without having to leave the comfort of your home?  Keep these tips in mind while you’re shopping and putting groceries away to be a prep pro!

PANTRY PERFECTION

Your pantry may not be this big (not mine BUT ours is about this big!).  Organize your pantry or cupboard in sections:

• Baking ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda.  Mine also includes chips, brown sugar and anything else I may need when baking.

• Oils & vinegar (mine are actually over my stove in a cabinet so they are easy to reach)

• Herb & Spice blends (a totally separate cabinet close to the stove so I don’t have to go to far)

• Canned goods: beans, lentils, fish, tomatoes, vegetables

• Dry goods; pasta, rice, quinoa

TIP: Put veggies like onions and potatoes in bins and store in a cool, well-ventilated place.  Mine are in Tupperware bins in yet another cabinet in the kitchen.  LOL.

STOCK YOUR FREEZER

Is meal prep a thing at your house?  The closest I get to meal prep in the freezer is having lots of frozen vegetables, and meats on had.  Extra portions of meals (aka leftovers) are also frozen for those quick easy lunches or dinners when I’m not feeling well.  For many, meal prep means making big batches and then lay soups, broths, and chili flat in resealable bags for use during the week. Always keep frozen veggies and fruit in your freezer, along with your favorite protein.

TIP: Freeze leftovers in family-or-individual-sized containers for a quick “heat-and-eat meal” for the nights when you’re too busy to cook.

FIND IT FAST IN YOUR FRIDGE

Divide your fridge into sections:

• Dairy/eggs, condiments (in the side door)

• Veggies/fruit, meat/fish/poultry on a tray or plate to avoid leaks or in drawers if you have them.

• Beverages

TIP: Keep prepped veggies and fruit near the front for quick access

SHOP WISELY 

The foods you choose to fuel your body directly impact your health. Whether you’re shopping online or stocking up on groceries to avoid the grocery line, here are some kitchen staples to keep you going:

Greek yogurt | Buy: 2%, plain, non-sweetened | Why: Fat-free can mean added sugar, and flavored yogurts can greatly increase your sugar intake.  Plain greek yogurt adds extra protein and can be “sweetened” with fruit or granola or a little Stevia.

Canned tomatoes | Buy: Low sodium | Why: We want to live well and feel great. For some people, too much sodium can make them retain water.

Olive oil | Buy: Cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil – this is the healthiest because it comes from the first pressing and no chemicals were used in extraction | Why: Light olive oils do not mean light in calories, often, it means light in flavor.

Canned beans | Hack: Rinse your beans before use and reduce sodium by almost 30%

Pasta | Buy: Look for the first words to be “whole grain” on the ingredient list | Why: You want to avoid overly processed refined grains

Nuts & seeds | Buy: Natural, unsalted | Why: Sometimes nuts and seeds are coated with partially hydrogenated oil and added salt

Canned tuna & salmon | Buy: Packed in water, low sodium | Why: It will have less sodium and added fat

Crackers | Buy: Look for “whole grain” to be the first words on the ingredient list. They should have at least 3 g of fibre per serving and be low in sodium Why: Crackers can be overly processed and made with refined grains | Hack: Make your own healthy crackers with Everything Bagel Crackers.

 

 

Finally, remember to keep the following tips in mind:

• Buy real food. Use wholesome ingredients.

• Avoid shopping when you’re hungry (in-store or online).

• Always have a list and stick to it.

For kitchen tips & tricks, recipes and more, check out Hope’s Healthy Kitchen on Facebook or my website at www.HopesHealthyKitchen.com

Have an Epic Day!

TOP 10 MUST HAVE to Be Spring Ready

Springtime is here – well maybe finally!  I know it has been a mix bag of weather here in NJ….

Whether you are planning a spring break getaway, a casual day out, or an at-home room refresh, Thirty One has your warm weather organization needs covered.

Check out these new spring faves and more in Thirty One’s Spring Catalog!

FOR ALL KINDS OF GETAWAYS

1. Deluxe Travel Tote:  This new fave keeps your spring break travel accessories clean, dry, and organized. Pack it with the outfits and swimwear you need for your trip. A bottom compartment makes packing travel extras easier than ever before.

2. Day Away Backpack:  Stay prepped on your next hike with this brand-new go-to. Interior pockets and snap tabs for extra space mean you always have room for out-and-about essentials.

3. Insulated Bottle Crossbody: Cool water – yes, please! Make sure your water is always crisp and refreshing with our new insulated design. Bonus: The travel-friendly crossbody means you can stay hydrated without the hassle.  These are a HOT item and on the TOP 10 for must haves for the Spring.

4. Packing Cubes:  Organize your suitcase with cubes to keep your clothing safe and secure. The front mesh panels add breathability, so your items stay fresh over long trips.

FOR DAYS SPENT OUT & ABOUT

5. Fold-Over Lunch Bag:  Take snacks on the go with this new lunchtime fave — while supporting a great ­cause. For every Fold-Over Lunch Bag purchased between March 1, 2022, to August 31, 2020, Thirty-One is donating a portion to our partners at Girls on the Run®. (You can learn more about the impactful work GOTR does here.

6. Pick Up & Go Tote:  Get to the seaside early with packing and pick-up ease. This new fun fave helps you stay organized on your next spring beach day. Bonus tip: fill it with towels to keep your sand setup put together and dry.

7. Insulated Bucket Tote:  This on-trend spring essential takes snack storage on the go. Have healthy snack options on hand whenever you need them, whether on errands or your next midday meeting.

FOR REFRESHING YOUR HOME OASIS

8. Small & Medium Rope Baskets:  New rope baskets –available in two sizes – keep at-home accessories together with ease and style. Fill them with notebooks, sunglasses, hand towels, and more to make sure everything has a designated place.

9. Mini Carry-All Caddy:  Your desk has never looked so organized! Use this fave to keep all your pens, pencils, and other home office essentials in one convenient place.

10. Small & Medium Reversible Bins:  Get ready to have two on-trend looks in one. Now you can stay organized and stay on top of home style trends with reversible style options.

Feeling overwhelmed by all of the options?  Have a budget and don’t know where to start?  Email or message me on Facebook and I will be happy to help you.

Be sure to email on my Thirty One email by signing up on my website, find me on Facebook at Hope’s Purse Closet which is my VIP group or on Instagram.  Click to be a part of my MONTHLY GIVEAWAY by answering the survey

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

 

 

Products shown are from Spring 2022, available from March 1, 2022 – August 31, 2022. For more information about product availability, go to my website:  www.partywithHope.com

Summer Must-Haves for Moms

Hey mom, are you ready for summer?

As the school year winds down, we’re dreaming of sunny days, family vacays and all the fun summer brings. The kids may be out of school soon, but it doesn’t mean their schedules slow down! Summer camps, trips and graduation parties can keep your family busier than ever. But don’t sweat it – no matter what your plans are, Thirty-One has you covered with helpful products that were made for busy mamas.

Congrats, grad! Graduation gift ideas

For many moms, the kickoff to summer starts with graduation. Whether you’re the proud parent of a graduate or you’re congratulating a grandchild, nephew or friend of the family, a thoughtful gift is always appreciated. Luckily, we’re gifting experts! And with the ability to personalize almost all of our bags, accessories and organizers, there are thousands of ways to make your gift extra special. Here are a couple of our favorite graduation gift ideas.

Graduation gifts: Packing pals

If your graduate is moving or heading off to college, they’re sure to appreciate storage containers for their new space. The Move It All Bag is a packing all-star – this super versatile drawstring bag can be used to hold clothing, blankets or shoes, plus it makes the perfect laundry bag once your grad is settled in their new space.

What else might your grad be packing? Lunch of course! For those busy days when they need to take snacks on the go, a personalized lunch bag or snack pouch is a must. We love the Around the Clock^®Thermal and the Clear Clip Pouch, which can snap onto their bag or backpack.

Graduation gifts: Adulting organizers

Treat your grad to an office organizer to store their documents, notebooks and school supplies. The Deluxe Double Duty^® Caddy is ideal for keeping their desk organized – just personalize it with their name, monogram or a fun Icon-It^TM and put some goodies inside for a gift basket that keeps on giving. For an extra touch, clip on a Photo Key Fob customized with a favorite picture of you two together. 

Or, go for a personalized pencil pouch, a small but sweet gift they’ll get a lot of use out of. Tuck a gift card or cash inside for a complete grad gift they’ll love! Our top picks? The Get Creative^TM Zipper Pouch or Get Creative^TM Double Pouch.

School’s out! Summer fun solutions

The final bell has rung and the kids are loose! Summer means cookouts, pool days and trips to the lake for many families. The right products can make packing for these outings quick, easy and organized, which means mom can spend less time tracking down beach towels and more time enjoying the fun.

Summer fun: Totally chill cookouts 

Backyard barbecues, tailgates, picnics in the park – if you’re not eating outside this summer, you’re missing out! We love family cookouts, and packing for them is easier with a couple tote bags and a cute cooler bag. The Round About Cooler Tote can hold ice inside, which makes it perfect for keeping drinks and food cool. Use a Large Utility Tote for chips, buns or picnic blankets, and keep napkins and silverware organized in a Tiny Utility Tote. Just like that, dinner is served! (P.S. Love these prints? Check out our New Arrivals!)

Summer fun: Days by the water

For trips to the beach, lake or pool, keep the essentials handy with a bag + pouch duo. Pack up towels, snacks and the kids’ change of clothes in the Everyday Essentials Tote, which we like to call mom’s best friend because it has pockets galore! Toss sunscreen, headphones, phone and keys in the Clear Clip Pouch and you’re ready to lounge while the kids splash around.

Happy camper! Get ready for summer camp

If your kids are headed off to camp this summer, help them pack for the great outdoors with bags built for adventure! Looking to earn some mom bonus points? Personalize their duffle bag or backpack with a cute critter icon and their name for a bag that’s twice as cool (and twice as hard to lose!).

Summer camp: Packed & snacked  

To carry everything on that trusty camp packing list, go for an All Packed^® Duffle or an All Packed^® Mini Duffle (depending on the size of your camper!). For smaller items, clip on an insulated Clear Clip Pouch to store things like granola bars, snacks, sunscreen or bug spray.

Summer camp: Day trip sidekicks

For camp outings spent at the pool, lake or hiking, make sure the kids have a smaller day bag to carry. For younger kids, the Cinch Sacis just the right size, and because it’s a drawstring backpack it’s easy to open and close. For older kids, the Adjustable Sling Backpackhas plenty of pockets for items like their water bottle and phone.

Hit the road! Road trip car organization

After a busy school year, summer is the perfect time to plan a family vacation and get away for a while. Road trips are a great option for those looking to save a bit of money, plus they give you the chance to explore on the way to your destination. The only downside? Fitting everyone’s luggage in the trunk! For a smooth ride, try these travel-ready styles.

Car organization: Trunk bunch

When it comes to efficient packing, the Large Utility Tote is a champ. When topped with a Top-A-Tote^®, it’s easy to stack, meaning you can make the most of your trunk space! Another great overnight bag option is the roomy New Horizons Tote – bonus, it doubles as a cute beach bag!

Car organization: Backseat buddies

The key to any road trip? Snacks! If you have a bit of space, pack a Fresh Market^® Thermal full of goodies for the road. Or, give each kid a Clear Clip Pouch with some small snacks to munch on.  For mom, the Everyday Essentials Tote makes the ultimate road trip bag. It has plenty of pockets for things like tissues, hand sanitizer and wipes, and the roomy inner compartment is great for books and games. Now, where to?!

Mom, consider summer handled 

No matter what you’re up to this summer, stay organized and stress-free with solutions from Thirty-One. Host a party to earn cute, functional styles for free plus other rewards, or become a Consultant and start earning extra money for summer activities by working from home. Join our mission to celebrate and support women with fun, flexible opportunities!

May is the PERFECT time to host or join……..As an insider, you can help your friends grab some great tote deals at the Terrific Tote Sale starting on May 21st.  

Join our Thirty One family by May 31st to earn the cost of your kit BACK!  It’s Money Back May.  Ask me for details..

 

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

 

How To Get Organized and Be Happy!

From storage cubes and caddies to soft-textured bins and baskets, we have home organization solutions to help turn cluttered spaces into pleasant places to spend time working and relaxing. It doesn’t take much time at all, just a little planning and a little shopping at mythirtyone.com!

As  they say, work before pleasure, so let’s get to work and organize your home office space first.

 

Without the proper storage and organization solutions, papers supplies and other office materials can start to run rampant. Even shelves become disorganized.

 

Make your workspace wonderfully organized

Working from home is common these days for adults and kids, so make sure your workspace is clutter-free and manageable. Our home office organization solutions are a great way to set you and your family up for success.

Just a few caddies and bins can keep your office space organized and efficient. The colorful prints and personalization designs available on our storage solutions add style and personality to your desk and shelves. A fun pop of color on the wall can bring a boring space to life.

No file drawer? No problem! The Fold N’ File^®  is a portable file box specially made for holding everything from tax filings and receipts to bills and insurance forms. For kids, it’s a great place to keep all their tests and papers from school neatly organized by class and subject.

The Double Duty^® Caddy and Deluxe Double Duty^® Caddy keep office and school supplies together and at the ready. With lots of pockets and compartments, they’re the ideal storage caddies for pens, pencils, scissors, notebooks, rulers and all those desk top necessities.

Don’t cram your desk drawers full of all those office supply essentials, like little containers and boxes of paper clips, staples, tape, sticky notes and push pins – keep them in a Felt Storage Bin. These handy little storage bins don’t take up much desk or shelf space and they’re perfect for personalization with a monogram or statement.

The Your Way^® Cube and Your Way^® Rectangle provide convenient storage options for any home office environment. Ideal for storing important contracts, forms and records, or larger office needs like printer paper, computer cords and adapters, instruction manuals, reference materials and more. And when you purchase the Your Way^® Cube Lid or Your Way^® Rectangle Lid, they become stackable storage containers for all your non-disposable essentials.

Create a cozy corner just for you

If you’ve ever dreamed of having your very own room to craft, relax, read or sew but don’t have the luxury of that extra space in your home, we have a simple solution for you. So, gather up those things you love and find a corner in your house to make your own – we’ll take it from there!

That oversized chair and ottoman in the family room is a great place to put your feet up and relax, and the floor lamp next to it make it the perfect reading nook. Claim that chair for your own and create a cozy reading space! Load up all those cozy comforts in a Felt Display Bin – blanket, slippers, books, reading glasses a bottle of vino, a glass and a corkscrew – and keep it tucked away under the end table or next to the chair for easy access whenever you’re ready for your next chapter.

That sofa in the den is a quiet place the kids never use. Stake your claim and make it your personal knitting nook. Flip on the TV or the stereo and chill out as you complete your latest creation. The Felt Storage Bin with that embroidered “R” is the perfect choice to hold all your yarn and knitting needles, plus it lets everyone know this is mom’s turf now.

So, you just got into crafting. Sounds fun! Now all you need is a place to enjoy your new hobby. What about the breakfast nook in the kitchen or that swivel chair and table in the guest room? Wherever you make your creative space, be sure you’ve got everything you need ready and waiting for you when inspiration hits. The Canvas Storage Caddy is a great craft storage solution with lots of pockets around the outside and a large open space inside. Personalize it with something befitting of your new interest… how about “Craft Queen”?

Need help in organizing other areas of your home?  I’m happy to help.  We can do a virtual “product experience” where I can help you with ideas for even those most difficult areas.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

How to Organize the Playroom

 

We’ve all been there: stepping on rogue blocks strewn across the floor, digging colored pencils out of couch cushions, rounding up stuffed animals from every corner of the house. When kids are having fun, clutter often follows – but having an organized playroom or arts and crafts station can help! Tidy up your little ones’ play area with these simple ideas.

 

1. Group similar toys together

The first step to any playroom makeover is taking stock of what you’re organizing. Does your child have stacks of books or coloring pages galore? Is your Picasso-in-training into finger painting? Whether you’re sorting stickers, markers or plushies, keep similar items together so that finding exactly what your little one needs is easy.

 

 

2. Choose the right sized storage

Once all the toys and supplies are sorted, find a container to fit. For construction paper, stickers and other stationery, a sturdy file organizer like the Fold N’ File^® is perfect (this style also makes a cute desk organizer for your home office).

For small toys like building blocks, toy soldiers, pencils or sidewalk chalk, small storage baskets or decorative felt bins like the Felt Hanging Bin are a super convenient choice – plus, there’s the added bonus of being able to hang this bin by its faux leather loop to take advantage of wall space! For books or stuffed animal storage, there’s no better choice than a roomy storage basket like the Felt Display Bin.

3. Give each kid a personalized bin

The best playrooms are colorful, fun and all about the kids! To help your storage containers and décor match that fun atmosphere, spruce them up with embroidered personalization. This is a great way to get the kids involved in this mini playroom makeover!

Play around on our website with Thirty-One’s personalization preview to see what your product looks like with an embroidered dinosaur, llama, butterfly or other fun icon. If you’re organizing each child’s toys in a different bin, let them choose their icon and add their name for a basket they’ll love putting their toys away in!

What room in your house needs to be organized??? I’m happy to help with some suggestions…

For more storage and organization inspiration, follow us on Instagram @thirtyone and on Pinterest @thirtyonegifts

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!