How to Spring Clean Your Closet

Show your closet some TLC

The birds are chirping, the sun is shining and it’s time to dust off those shorts – spring is here! You’ve spring cleaned your bathrooms, your pantry, your kitchen (pretty much every surface now smells lemony fresh and you’ve worked up a sweat), but there’s still one last space that needs a refresh: your clothes closet.

Giving your closet a good spring clean is the perfect way to declutter your wardrobe and go into the season with a fresh slate. Follow along with us as we take stock, make some small changes and get our closets spring ready.

Step 1: Clear everything out and clean your closet

Pile them on the bed, the floor, the desk – just get those clothes out so you can see what you’re working with. You’ll probably find that some non-clothing items have snuck their way into your closet, things like holiday decorations, books and knickknacks. If you have the space, store or display these elsewhere so your closet can be a one-stop getting dressed shop.

Once everything’s out, it’s time to clean. Wipe down shelves and drawers and use a broom or vacuum to sweep the floor. Most vacuums have a wand attachment that’s especially handy for reaching dusty corners, high and low.

Step 2: Put your winter wardrobe into hibernation

Those scarves, gloves and fuzzy hats have served you well, but the snow is long gone, and your sandals are just begging to be unboxed! It’s time to say goodbye to cold weather clothes to make room for spring essentials.

Start by going through all the clothes you took out of your closet. Things like heavy coats and sweaters can be folded up and stored in bins in the basement or hall closet for next season (a few Deluxe Utility Totes can handle the job). As you go, set aside anything that you didn’t wear or only wore once all winter. If these don’t fit or just don’t fit your style anymore, donate them or sell them to give them a second life.

Step 3: Take stock of your spring wardrobe

Time to repeat Step 2, but with your spring clothes. Take them out of storage (or from where they’ve been squished at the bottom of your dresser) and go through them. Set aside anything you didn’t get much wear out of last spring, that doesn’t fit or that’s a style you’ve outgrown. Add these to the donate and sell pile.

Step 4: Now for the fun part – organizing your closet!

The first step to getting your slimmed down spring wardrobe into your closet is figuring out what to hang and what to fold. This can vary depending on what clothes you have and your space, but here are some tips to start.

Hang things like blouses, dress pants, jackets, dresses and any pieces that wrinkle easily. You may also want to hang favorite items that you reach for frequently. For everything else, folding will do just fine. You can fold t-shirts, jeans, shorts and activewear. When organizing your hangers, pick a system that works best for you. You can organize your clothes by type, color or even by how dressy or casual they are.  

Another idea is when you hang your clothes, place the hangers in reverse or backwards.  Once you wear and wash an item, place it back in the closet with the hanger facing correctly.  Then at the end of the season, you will be able to which clothes you actually wore.  It will make cleaning out the closet easier each season.

 

Step 5: Bins are your best friends

A few good storage bins are all you need to pull off a mini closet makeover! Bins are helpful for separating clothes, storing folded items or organizing accessories. The Your Way^® Cube in canvas is the perfect roomy storage cube for jeans, t-shirts, pajamas, activewear and more. You can also find this bin in some fun neutral prints.

We love the Canvas Storage Caddy for accessories – its pockets make it perfect for sunglasses, belts and scarves – while the Felt Display Bin is a cute way to keep your purses and wallets all together. The finishing touch to any Thirty-One storage bin? Personalization! Add embroidered words to label what’s inside or go for a fun monogram or phrase. 

Step 6: Last but not least, upgrade your hamper 

When it comes to laundry hampers, choose one that’s large enough (to avoid clothes all over the floor) but not so big that it takes up valuable closet space. We like a soft-sided hamper like the Stand Tall Bin – interior metal rods add support and structure without being too rigid or bulky. Plus, the long straps make carrying heavy loads so much easier. This is another great place for personalization, so have fun with it!

Say hello to fresh starts

Spring cleaning doesn’t have to clean you out – just take it step by step. Soon your closet will be refreshed, full of clothes that bring you joy and so organized that getting dressed will feel like a total treat. For more bins and caddies to tackle your spring cleaning projects, check out our bestselling organizing styles.

Looking for the prefect solution to your organizing challenge?  Be sure to comment below or reach out to me.  Want to know how to get your #wishlist for FREE or at a deep discount? Let’s do a BINGO & Bags virtual social…..

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

10 Tote Lover Personalities

Customers love our utility storage totes – that’s why they’re always top sellers for us – but have you ever wondered what it is about our totes that draws you in? We think that everyone has a “tote personality” based on all the fabulous features of our totes, so we took some time to think about it. In the end, we came up with 10 distinct tote lover personality traits our Customers possess. How many of the 10 do you have? Read on and find out!

The Planner

You like to get things ready for any possibility, so you probably prepare by loading up Large Utility Totes with essentials for your family’s many activities and adventures. No matter what the occasion – kids’ sleepovers, softball practice, camping trip or car trunk emergency supplies – you have a tote at the ready for every purpose.

The Mover

You’re always on the go, with kids, for work, to the grocery, etc., and portable totes that can hold a lot and are easy to carry are essential to your busy life. The Journey Backpack is a great solution for you. With its hands-free backpack straps, top handles and plentiful pockets, it’s the backpack tote for life in the fast lane!

The Environmentalist

You’re concerned about the planet and want to make sure it remains beautiful and unpolluted, which means you probably love our reusable totes. Plastic bags are a no-no in your household, so when you head to the grocery, you grab something sustainable, like our Essential Storage Totes with eco-friendly graphic messages.

The Fashionista

You NEED a tote that can hold a lot, but you WANT a tote that has style and looks good when you’re out and about. Lucky for you, our totes were made for the practical-thinking fashion-forward types. With delicious details, trend-now colors and prints, and fabulous, functional features, you’ll always find a tote to suit your style, like the New Horizons Tote. Its slouchy, oversized proportions make it the perfect beach bag, shopping tote or travel bag!

The Artist

You want a tote that’s all personality…yours! No worries, we have personalization designs you can add to your favorite tote to make it truly unique. Depending on the type of tote you want to personalize, you have the option of adding monograms, names, phrases, Icon-Its™ designs, or even photo images. Let your creativity flow and design a travel tote, storage tote, shopping tote and more for yourself or someone else.

The Pragmatist

Reliable and sturdy, that’s what you look for in a storage tote for home organization or a portable tote for carrying everything from sports equipment and camping supplies to books and tools. The Deluxe Utility Tote was designed for large loads. The hard bottom provides added stability, while metal grommets and reinforced, stitched handles give it  strength and durability.

The Space Saver

You’re all about space and efficiency, so you love to have things neatly stowed away but easily accessible for when you need them. That’s why you love our Top-A-Tote^® and Deluxe Top-A-Tote^® lids made especially for our LUTs and DUTs. Not only do they make your favorite storage totes stackable, the clear PVC on top lets you view the contents inside without having to remove them first!

The Stylist

Mix it, match it, you love to coordinate looks in your home and in your personal style! Our seasonal tote prints and colors are designed to work together to create a look that is cohesive and stylish. Create a color scheme that works with your home décor or find a tote print that fits your mood. There’s no wrong answer!

The Minimalist

Out of sight, out of mind is your motto, so when you have a few of our totes that aren’t currently in use, no problem! Our Foldaway Totes tuck inside of themselves so you can stow them away in a pocket, purse or handbag until you’re ready for shopping. Our Large, Small and Deluxe Utility Totes all collapse down to a flat position so you can easily hide them away in a closet, drawer or under a bed when they aren’t in use.

The Giver

Need a great gift idea? Our totes make the perfect gifts, gift bags or both! If you’re the type that loves to give unique, thoughtful gifts on special occasions, or just to say thank you to a friend or neighbor, consider filling up a Tiny Utility Tote or Small Essential Storage Tote with lots of small items. Make it even more special by personalizing their gift tote with a monogram, name or meaningful phrase.

 

How much do you love our totes?

Do you have a mild obsession or are you full-tilt gaga? How many personality traits describe you? Your score will tell us how big a tote lover you are!

1-3: Heart palpitations! Your love is in bloom, but there’s plenty more to come!

4-6: You’ve got tote fever! Our totes are your passion, enjoy the romance!

7-9: Swoon… you feel faint! You’ve got it bad! Romeo & Juliet have nothing on you!

10:  Full-scale obsession! Nothing can keep you and our totes apart!

Looking for more ideas or need help picking a product perfect for you????? Send me a message or comment below and I will be happy to help you.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

Kindness Is Always In Style

 

Show it. Wear it. Share it.

Kindness has been our theme for the whole month of February.  Each day, I have challenged my followers to do some act of kindness and the results have been AMAZING!  

A little kindness goes a long way, so why not show it all year long.  You can spread kindness everywhere you go with inspiring, personalized phrases on some of Thirty One’s top-selling styles.

Now you can show your savvy fashion sense and your kind heart to the world. We believe “kindness creates change” and you can help make it happen! Choose from one of our sample phrases below or create your own!

• Kindness Creates Change
• Kindness Can Change the World
• Spread a Little Kindness
• You are Capable of Amazing Things

 

 

 

Modern Tote in Jade Distressed Pebble w/ Modern Font in White.  If you like BIG classic bags – this one is for you! It has become my all time favorite for every day use.

Around Town^® Tote in Chestnut Distressed Pebble w/ Headline Font in White.  Another fan favorite for those who like a large bag but prefer the “north south” direction.  

 

Rubie Mini in Black Distressed Pebble w/ Script Font in White.  You can never have enough minis.. add a wristlet strap and they become a wristlet you can fill with your necessities when you go out.  Use them as a catch all so you can keep those large purses organized.

All About the Benjamins^® in Denim Distressed Pebble w/ Inline Message in Off White is one of our top selling wallets.  Enough room for your cards and even your cell phone.  Add a wristlet strap and you are ready to go.

Kindness Is Inspiring Others

Lifting someone up with a message of hope and inspiration is the perfect way to spread kindness. It’s amazing how just a few simple words on a purse, tote or bag can make someone smile and brighten their day. Of course, an inspirational message on a backpack or tote makes an ideal holiday, graduation or birthday gift, too.

Whatever inspirational message you want for your own bag or special gift is up to you. Let your creativity flow! But, in case you need a few ideas, here are a few to get you started.

DREAM BIGGER (shown on Adventures Backpack in Twinkling Plum w/ Rounded Font in Off White)  Be sure to grab one of these backpacks before they are gone at the end of this month. 

Believe in yourself (shown on Essential Storage Tote in Rose Blush Metallic w/ Script Font in Plum) These are perfect for all of your shopping needs.  Did you know TWO Essential Storage Totes will fit inside a Zipper Pouch?

 

Impossible? No. I’m Possible. (shown on Zip-Top Organizing Utility Totein Window Pane Plaid w/ Curled Font in White)

Be a rainbow in someone’s cloud (shown on Takealong Weekenderin Vintage Slate w/ Fun Dots Font in Marigold)

 

 

Let Love Shine (shown on Fresh Market^® Thermalin Charcoal Crosshatch w/ Black Font in Aqua) A grocery shopping MUST have especially during the warm summer months.  Our thermals are GREAT for either keeping things HOT or COLD.

Every day is a second chance (shown on Deluxe Utility Tote in Denim Distressed w/ Modern Font in Navy Blue) Did you know that 2 Essential Storage Totes filled will fit in a Deluxe Utility Tote?

This girl is on FIRE (shown on All Packed Duffle in Charcoal Crosshatch w/ Modern Font in Red).  Whether going on a weekend trip, or the gym this is the perfect bag.  It even has a separate compartment for your shoes.    

Need help with an inspirational saying or in picking a product to meet your needs?  Reach out and I will be happy to help!

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

 

Products shown are from Fall 2020 season, available from Sept. 1, 2020 to Feb. 28, 2021. For more information about product availability, contact your Consultant or go to mythirtyone.com.

Tasty Tuesday: Flourless Pumpkin Pancakes

It is the Pumpkin Spice time of year from coffee to cookies to marshmallows….These yummy pancakes will surely be a hit in your house.

Nutrition facts for the entire recipe: 169 calories, 4g total fat (0.5g sat fat), 420mg sodium, 16g carbs, 6.5g fiber, 4.5g sugars, 19.5g protein

Prep: 5 minutes     Cook:  5 minutes     Freestyle™ SmartPoints® value 2*  Makes: 1 serving

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup powdered peanut butter
• 1 packet natural no-calorie sweetener (like Truvia)
• 1/2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/4 cup canned pure pumpkin
• 1/4 cup (about 2 large) egg whites or fat-free liquid egg substitute
• 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract

Seasonings:

• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
• Optional toppings: lite pancake syrup, light butter

Directions:

1. In a medium bowl, mix powdered peanut butter, sweetener, baking powder, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice.
2. Add pumpkin, egg, and vanilla extract, and stir until uniform. (Batter will be thick.)
3. Bring a large skillet sprayed with nonstick spray to medium heat.
4. Add batter to form three medium pancakes (about 1/4 cup each).
5. Cook until solid enough to flip, about 2 minutes. Gently flip, and cook until both sides are lightly browned and the inside is cooked through, about 2 minutes.

Need to go grocery shopping for your ingredients?  Why not check out Thirty One’s Pink Sky Super Solution Set..You can step up your grocery game with a great deal on the Deluxe Utility Tote in Charcoal Crosshatch, plus 2 Essential Storage Totes in Perfectly Plaid designed to fit right inside. This handpicked solution set is also perfect for sports or band practice, home or garage organization and toting all those holiday gifts. But hurry – limited quantities are available, and only until October 31, 2019! (Please note that this item is not eligible to qualify for the Monthly Customer Special) Personalization is not available for this set. No substitutions.  It usually retails for $110 but can be yours for $75!  Think of all of the possibilities.

Have a blessed day!

Thankful Thursday: 31 Mom Hacks

Are you ready for some tips, tricks and secrets veteran moms have sworn by for years?

Just a few household items, some creativity, and you can make those long summer parenting days just a little easier while keeping the kids happy, too!

Did you know according to a NEW Groupon survey, most parents are ready to send their kids BACK to school after 13 days of summer vacation?  Are you one of those parents?  I would have to disagree with this survey.  When Belinda was growing up, I loved summers.  It was a nice break from the craziness of school, sports, competitions and more.  When she was younger, she spend mid-week in Ocean Grove with family and weekends at home.  Once she got hooked on gymnastics – life changed but summers were fun.

These hacks may not change your life, but they might save your sanity – and give you more time for the things which really matter.

1. Save time in the morning by putting your children to bed in their school clothes. (Boy moms, especially, swear by this one!)  Would you do this?
2. Recycle used coffee creamer containers or use our Hide & Peek Pouch for on-the-go snacks. They fit perfectly in diaper bag bottle pockets and car cup holders.
3. Place two layers of fitted sheets and waterproof mattress pads over your little ones’ beds for easier cleanup of overnight accidents.  Genius!
4. Keep a portable, Cinch Sac or a Picnic Thermal Tote in your car for wet or soiled baby clothes.
5. Did you know the shoulder tabs on infant bodysuits are meant to help you pull a soiled outfit down instead of up over the baby’s head? Who would know this? LOL!
6. Save trips from the car to the house by keeping a Deluxe Utility Tote in your trunk for all of your shopping bags.
7. Use a makeup brush to apply diaper rash cream to help keep your hands clean.
8. Poke your ice pop’s stick through a cupcake liner to catch drippy messes and keep hands and clothes clean.
9. Cupcake liners are also an easy way to protect kids’ drinks from bugs during picnics. Just put one over a plastic cup and pop a straw through the top.
10. Make more room in your diaper bag by keeping an Essential Storage Tote, packed with an extra blanket, toys and a change of clothes, in the car.
11. Lay painter’s tape over your door locks to prevent toddlers from locking themselves in their room.
12. A pool noodle under the fitted sheet makes a great impromptu bedrail.
13. You can also cut a pool noodle in half lengthwise and wrap it around a door to prevent slammed fingers.
14. Line a collapsible Stand Tall Bin with a garbage bag to create an on-the-go trash can for camping trips.
15. Use a hanging shoe storage bag to organize blocks and other small toys.
16. Keep a sliced apple from browning before lunch by wrapping it in plastic wrap.
17. Detangle doll hair with a little dish soap and conditioner. OMG!  I wish I knew this before….
18. Use a pizza cutter to slice pancakes and waffles into bite-sized pieces for little fingers.
19. Make any footed PJs slip-proof with a little puffy paint on the soles of the feet.
20. Sunshine can be a surprisingly effective baby stain remover. Just leave the item of clothing outside to dry and watch the stain fade in just a few hours.

 

21. Fill a Double Duty Caddy with art supplies so it’s ready to go on rainy days.
22. You can machine wash your kids’ plastic building blocks and other toys in a mesh delicates bag. (Just don’t put them in the dryer!)
23. Hang bibs on the back of a highchair using removable hooks.
24. Free up space in your child’s lunch bag by using a frozen juice box as an ice pack.  Did you know lunch thermals were on sale this month????
25. In a pinch, you can quickly childproof cabinets with hair ties.
26. Store ice pops vertically in the freezer to make them easier to cut open.
27. An empty blow-up kiddie pool makes an impromptu play pen indoors or outdoors.
28. Pack kids’ outfits – tops, pants, socks and accessories – in individual bags or Zipper Pouches for easier travel.
29. Give each child his or her own Large Utility Tote to carry their laundry to the washer and back from the dryer.
30. Freeze homemade baby food in an ice cube tray for perfect portion sizes.
31. Create a giant dry erase mat with a dollar-store shower curtain.

What are some of YOUR favorite mom hacks? Share them with us….

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!