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!

How To Bundle Up for Summer Fun

 

Waves crashing, burgers grilling, bees buzzing – summer has finally arrived, and the outdoors are calling. Excited for that trip to the beach? Lounging poolside? Camping trips and backyard barbecues? Us too!

To help you start planning, we took a few of your faves and created fun, destination-ready bundles for all your summer adventures. Each bundle features our super-fun summer prints (and even a few personalization ideas to help make your adventures even more memorable)!

(Pictured L to R): Picnic Thermal Tote in Charcoal Crosshatch w/ Camper Icon-It^™ in Caramel and Platinum; Large Utility Tote in RV There Yet w/ Rounded Font Message in White; Zipper Pouch in Soft Camo w/ Compass (II) in Caramel; Essential Storage Tote in RV There Yet; Round About Cooler Tote in RV There Yet.

Feelin’ Campy

Whether you’re camping, glamping or wandering cross-country in a fancy conversion van, it wouldn’t be summer without trips to the great outdoors. So, the next time nature calls, don’t forget these road trip essentials in our new RV There Yet print:

Large Utility Tote: blankets, hiking gear, flashlights, bug repellent, games

Essential Storage Tote: snacks, first aid, eating utensils, plates, napkins

Round About Cooler Tote: ice, soda, water, juice, hot dogs, condiments

Need more cooler space? Our Picnic Thermal Tote in Charcoal Crosshatch is a great choice (and it holds ice, too). What about some place to keep all those little essentials organized? Our Zipper Pouchis the perfect add-on and coordinates nicely in Soft Camo.

(Pictured L to R): Large Utility Tote in Rays for Days; Round About Cooler Tote in Rays for Days w/ Popsicle in Hot Pink and Turquoise; Essential Storage Tote in Rays for Days w/ Large Serif Initial in Hot Pink; Small Essential Storage Tote in Rays for Days.

Catch Some Rays

Sandy beach, neighborhood pool or weekend at the waterpark, splash into summer with this awesome pack & go bundle in our new Rays for Days print:

Large Utility Tote: towels, toys, floaties, cover-ups, hats

Round About Cooler Tote: ice, sports drinks, water, popsicles, juice boxes

Essential Storage Tote: goggles, books, sunglasses, sunscreen

Small Essential Storage Tote: phones, ear buds, reading glasses, lip balm

(Pictured L to R): Large Utility Tote in Tie-Dye Stars w/ Large Serif Initial in White; Tiny Utility Tote in Gnome of the Brave; Round About Cooler Tote in Tie-Dye Stars w/ Rounded Font Message in White; Clear Clip Pouch in Gnome of the Brave.

Grill & Chill

Planning for lots of summer celebrations and backyard barbecues with family and friends? Get in a festive party spirit with this bundle of bestsellers in Tie-Dye Stars and fire up the fun:

Large Utility Tote: plates, food containers, tablecloth, cups, chips

Essential Storage Tote: utensils, napkins, condiments

Round About Cooler Tote: ice, beverages, grill meats, cheese, produce

Know what goes great with Tie-Dye Stars? Our Gnome of the Brave print, of course! Our Tiny Utility Tote is ideal for condiments or utensils and our Clear Clip Pouch is the perfect place to keep hand sanitizer, sunscreen, wet wipes and more.

(Pictured L to R): New Horizons Tote in Patchwork Stripe w/ Popsicle Icon-It™ in Powder Pink and Hot Pink; Small Essential Storage Tote in Popsicle Party; Cinch Sac in Popsicle Party w/ All Caps Stamp in Navy Blue; Essential Storage Tote in Popsicle Party; Zipper Pouch in Patchwork Stripe w/ Sandy Flip-Flops Icon-It™ in True Turquoise and Navy Blue.

Popsicle Party

Kids love summer for the trips to the zoo, amusement parks and playgrounds. You’ll love how easy and enjoyable those trips are with this sweet solution set in our Popsicle Party print:

Large Utility Tote: diapers, snacks, wipes, water, umbrella

Cinch Sac: hat, sunglasses, medication, first aid

Clear Clip Pouch: sunscreen, phone, hand sanitizer

Looking for a couple more bags for your adventure with the kids? We recommend our New Horizons Tote and Zipper Pouch in Patchwork Stripe. The New Horizon Tote’s roomy interior and slouchy, casual shape make it ideal for hats, extra clothes, umbrellas and other larger items, while the Zipper Pouch is a convenient place for keys, wallets, tickets, receipts and other small essentials.

Love our new summer prints? Turn them into wallpaper for your phone! 

Download your favorite prints to your phone and enjoy them throughout summer and beyond!

 

Products shown are from Summer 2021 season, available from June 1 – July 31. 

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

 

Cooler Destinations for Summer

Warm days call for cool drinks and snacks, especially when you’re away from home enjoying the sun or getting work done! Our selection of insulated lunch totes, kids’ snack bags and family-sized cooler totes for large parties and gatherings is just the solution you’ve been in search of!

 

We made finding the right size and type of cooler tote easy for you by pairing our recommended styles with popular Summer destinations. Check out our handy graphic to find the best insulated cooler to help you chill out this season!

1. Heading to the beach or pool?

We recommend: The New Horizons Tote + Clear Clip Pouch  The tote will hold your beach towels, book and other “stuff” which the clear clip pouch can keep your suntan lotion from melting in the heat.  I love the canvas fabric on the tote which is also a great solution when hitting the farmer’s markets or flea markets this summer.  The washable fabric makes it easy to care for if it gets dirty.

OTHER GREAT OPTIONS!

• Adjustable Sling Backpack: carry essentials hands-free!
• Fresh Market^® Thermal: holds ice to keep food & drinks cold!  This large thermal is also a great way to see your ice cream from melting on the way home from the grocery store.  Pack all of your frozen items in it with the refrigerator items on top and your will be surprised how solid the freezer items still are when you get home even on the hottest days.

 

2. Off to the office?

We recommend: Thermal Tote OR Around the Clock^® Thermal .  Not sure which one to pick, it all depends on what you take for lunch.  A visual is a “6-pack” will fit in the Around the Clock Thermal with some room to spare.  The Thermal Tote is great for the kids for their school lunches.

OTHER GREAT OPTIONS!

• Zipper Pouch: great for office supplies, small electronics and more! 
• Everyday Essentials Tote: lots of pockets to keep your work items organized!  This is the NEW favorite for the beach, the gym, school, crafters and teachers.

 

3. Off to a lake cabin? Leaving for a camping trip?

We recommend: Large Utility Tote + Essential Storage Tote   You can never enough of either one of these bags!  The large utility tote is a must have for everyone – beach, grocery shopping, sports equipment, car clutter and so much more.  Did you know TWO Essential Storage Totes will fit in a Zipper Pouch?  This makes them easy to store.

OTHER GREAT OPTIONS!

• Journey Backpack: when you want to do a little hiking or biking!  The best part is this has a thermal pocket to keep your drinks and/ or snacks cool.
• Move It All Bag: don’t forget blankets, towels and extra clothes!

 

4. Taking a road trip? Family vacation by car?

We recommend: All Packed^® Duffle +All Packed^® Mini Duffle  Where will you be traveling to this summer?

OTHER GREAT OPTIONS!

• Takealong Weekender: more stylish than sporty oversized travel bag!
• Expanding Travel Case: lots of room for your toiletries and cosmetics!

 

5. Family picnic in the park? Neighborhood backyard BBQ?

We recommend: Round About Cooler Tote The NEWEST Thirty One thermal.

OTHER GREAT OPTIONS!

• Picnic Thermal Tote: more vertical design holds ice and taller items!
• Fresh Market^® Thermal: Holds ice and is large enough for two 9” x 13” pans! Yes, it can do HOT or COLD!

 

6. Planning a kids’ playdate? Taking the kids to the zoo? 

We recommend:Cinch Sac

OTHER GREAT OPTIONS!

• Tiny Utility Tote: a handy storage basket for toys and other playtime essentials!
• Snack & Go Pouch: Food safe snack bag for kids to keep treats in when away for the day!

Not sure which thermal or tote is perfect for you?  I am happy to help you find the right combination for all of your needs.  Believe it or not, each bag has over 31 uses so one bag may actually solve more than one of your dilemmas.

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.