How To Create a Cute Pumpkin

Fall means Halloween is just around the corner, with witches, ghosts and monsters galore. I used to love this holiday because I got to make some fun costumes for Belinda and her friends.  You can start getting in the spooky spirit with Halloween totes, pillows and embroidery designs in Thirty One’s Fall Catalog – and this easy DIY pumpkin painting craft that’s perfect for big and little ghouls alike.

What you’ll need:

• Small pumpkins or gourds
• Acrylic paint
• Alphabet craft stickers
• Assorted paintbrushes

• Paper plates
• Newspaper
• Paper towels
• Cups of water

Optional:

• Glitter
• Rhinestones
• Glue

Directions:

Lay down newspaper to keep your table or counter mess-free. Use paper plates as paint palettes and squeeze out the colors of paint you want to use. Then, get painting! When you need to switch to a new paint color, just rinse out your brush in a cup of water and dry it on a paper towel.

These pumpkins can be as simple or as funky as you want! Go for one neutral color palette, or let the kids go to town by choosing the colors for their own personal pumpkins.

Spell out spooky words like “Boo!” or “Trick or treat” by placing letter stickers on your pumpkin before painting it, then peeling them off after the paint dries. Or go for a bedazzled look with glitter and rhinestones attached with glue. Check out Hallmark’s Think. Make. Share. blog for more pumpkin-painting inspiration.

Bonus tip: Opt to paint your pumpkins this year to save on the mess and cleanup of carving! Decorate your windowsill or mantelpiece with mini pumpkins, or use them as a festive Halloween centerpiece on the dining room table. Plus, they stay fresh much longer than carved pumpkins.

Looking for some place to store all of your craft supplies.  Check out Thirty One’s Get Creative line.  The Get Creative Caddy is great for crafts, work, or church. Craft time is any time when you pack up our specially designed shoulder bag with paper crafts, knitting, crochet, scrapbooking, painting and more. The stylish Get Creative Caddy has three compartments and seven pockets to organize and transport crafting and sewing items as well as toiletries, toys and travel essentials. These craft caddies partner beautifully with our Get Creative pouches and cylinders.

The Get Creative Carry-All is my favorite.  I carry craft supplies to show and have plenty of room for lots of “stuff”.  I have home health aides who use this to carry their supplies.  Teachers love it because it is roomy. Don’t leave home without your favorite project in this craft bag or sewing bag! Pack up your yarn, paper crafting and scrapbooking items, art supplies and more in this stylish and sturdy travel craft bag. The structured satchel top stays open for easy access to projects while you work, while eight pockets organize crochet hooks, knitting needles, markers, brushes and more. This craft bag can be personalized to make a distinctive and special gift.

Share your pumpkin creations with us…. Have a blessed day!

How To Take Your Style From Summer to Fall

Anyone who knows me knows I’m ALWAYS cold.  I love the heat of the summer BUT I do love the change in seasons.  Fall with the beautiful colors and the crisp air.  Is it crazy I am a hot weather girl but LOVE to wear sweaters.  Don’t try to figure it out.  LOL.  I gave up a long time ago…

Too hot for sweaters, too cold for spaghetti straps. What’s a fashionista to do?  I’ am by no means a fashionista so I am glad I was able to grab some tips from Thirty One‘s top fashionistas….

When the calendar says fall but the weather report hasn’t quite caught up, dressing for the season can be a challenge. There are some simple swaps and creative styling, which can make your summer staples work well into autumn!

Try these seven tips and tricks to transition your wardrobe as we head into fall:

1. Start with simple swaps. Begin your summer-to-fall transition by packing away your flip-flops (OH NO!!!) and bringing out the suede booties (staple in my closet) , or trading an airy cardigan for a structured blazer at work. Add a breathable scarf to any outfit for another signal fall is on its way.

2. Do a style switch-up. Trade your summery Studio Thirty-One flaps and straps for a neutral color palette to take you from August to September and beyond. Ikat Bazaar, Twill Stripe and Dotted Geo Pebble are some of our picks.

3. Maximize your maxi. You live in them all summer – so why not stretch maxi dress season? Top your dress with a jean jacket (they go with EVERYTHING!) or flowy cardigan, or try a long-sleeved tee under your dress for more coverage.  Have you tried a tee under your dress?  What’s the best one?  I can’t seem to get that look to work for me…

4. Throw out the color rules. Bright shades like our Fields of Gold Pebble or pastels like Rose Blush Pebble have their place in fall, too! Pair Fields of Gold with navy or turquoise tones and wear Rose Blush with olive tones for a look that transcends season.

5. Play with coverage. When there’s a slight chill in the air, re-purpose your summer staples. Wear a longer knit tee under your favorite crop top, rock a wrap dress over jeans, and break out the tights (or leggings) to keep your summer skirts in the rotation.

6. Carry your bag into fall. Was our Statement Canvas Shopper your go-to bag this season? No need to leave it at the beach! Neutral materials like canvas, rope and twills can transition your tote seamlessly from your summer getaway bag to your everyday fall tote.

7. Add some edge. Stay warm, look cool! Cut the sweetness of summer sundresses and rompers with a military-style cargo jacket in taupe or olive, or a cropped moto jacket. This look can be easily dressed up or down with your accessories – think chunky jewelry or sneakers vs. heels.

8. Style your home. It’s not quite time to break out the pumpkins and leaves, but you can subtly show the change of seasons with something as simple as our Statement Canvas Pillows. We especially love our succulent-themed print designs!

What is your best tip or trick for transitioning from summer to fall?  I hold onto my flip flops as long as possible BUT my tootsies do get cold quick.  Share your tips with us…

 

How To Do Fall Cleaning….

I will be honest, despite years of growing up and helping with “fall”‘ and “spring” cleaning.. it is not one of my strong points.  When I first had my own apartment, yes I cleaned bi-weekly.  Fast forward to being a crazy busy single mom, and cleaning was not on the top of my list.  The house was always neat but there have been the occasional dust bunny.  Now, when I struggle with days of not being able to move, I can see the dust bunnies and want to clean. YES!  I said I want to clean.  Then when I feel better, I am playing catch up and still don’t get everything done I wanted to do.

So, you are wondering how someone like me, can teach you about “fall cleaning”, right?  Well this is more about “decluttering” which may or may not lead to cleaning.  BUT it will help you get organized which could make cleaning much easier..

Step #1 – Determine if your clutter is, well, clutter.  

I know this may sound like a no-brainer but sometimes clutter is hard to recognize. Yes, it is true!   Seriously, hear me out.  We live in our house day-in and day-out, so clutter really becomes part of the landscape. Maybe you don’t recognize the piles and groupings of stuff because it’s become the norm. You know the pile of mail you are going to get to.  Or the stack of papers to be filed in the office.  Maybe it is the shoes piled by the door and never making their way to the closet.  Whatever your pile looks like, we are pretty good at ignoring clutter, or just plain not realizing when it’s moved in.

So, when do you realize it is clutter?  When you can’t find something you’re looking for, or realize you have bought something you already had – costing time and money. Admit it, you have run to the store to get something only to find it about a week later (after the tags were off and you can’t return it).

Are you wondering if you have clutter?  Try this:  Take a photo of the space in question.  Start small with a drawer, a closet shelf, or a bookcase. Zoom in on the photo. How does the stuff make you feel? Are you horrified what others would think if they saw it?  Does it make your head spin wondering how this happened?  Do you use all of the stuff? If so, how often? How would your life feel if the space was tidy, leaving room to grow?

The answers to these questions are a great indicator there is work to be done.

Step #2 – Accept you probably do need to declutter

Have you recovered from the shock of seeing the pictures of your clutter?  Have you now started to stress over whether or not you can part with ANY of this stuff?

Even with you think you have pruned your closets, drawers and home, you will likely still pick items up and think, “Why did I keep this?”  Life tends to bring new items into our space each day, and we frequently fail to recognize the pace at which we are accumulating things.

I used to clean out closets twice a year.  Donating them to the church rummage sale or Goodwill.  The biggest one was always before the holidays especially when Belinda was younger.  I knew the gift giving season would bring a whole lot more “stuff” while there were many things sitting in the bottom of the toy box which hadn’t see the light of day in years.  Now, as I notice things are no longer used or needed, they go in the box in the garage to be donated.  Slowly, I am decluttering…

Step #3 –  Let yourself let go

How many items do you have which you have only used once a year or maybe once in five years?  It is sitting there taking up space, right?  You wonder how you could live without it.  I have a wok which I have had for years and it hasn’t been used in years…. why?  you never know.

Ownership is overrated. We often feel we need to own something to enjoy it.  How many things do you have which you could have rented or borrowed instead?  The truth is we may get more pleasure out of borrowing or renting something than actually owning it.  Sounds crazy, right?   Well, when we own something, it requires we clean it, move it, store it, maintain it, and maybe even insure it.  It all takes energy. Be open to alternative ways to access and enjoy physical objects.

Step #4 Baby steps when setting organizing goals

Yup, I hit you with a lot in just a short period of time, right?  I know it is overwhelming.  What happens when you get overwhelmed?  If you are like me, you run and hide.  NO, seriously.  Do you avoid the situation?  Most likely, when you are overwhelmed, you lose interest and momentum.  So what if you just took baby steps.  Do a little bit every day.  Continuity is key.  Do small spaces first, as you do small spaces, you will begin to see the difference around you and you will feel energized to do more.

Organizing is not an end destination, it’s a process of acquiring skills, applying them, and being committed to being organized every day.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

 

Theme Parties Can Make the Difference

I am back from National Conference and reviewing my notes to put a plan in place to ROCK the upcoming season. The most talked about parties this year were theme parties.  I will be the first to admit, this is not something I ever really thought about. I tried it once but is was so far out of my comfort zone I quickly moved back to safety with a standard party.  I was not the mom who did theme birthday parties for my daughter, just the usual birthday parties.

When it came to my business, I only thought of “theme parties” when it came to home parties.  With the increased amount of business being done on social media, why couldn’t you translate the same theme parties into Facebook parties or online parties, right?

I will admit, for me it will take stepping out of my comfort zone but I am ready to do it!  Are you ready to step out of your comfort zone to ROCK your business this season?

What is the benefit of a themed Facebook Party?  A theme party is a cohesive, professional, and guaranteed way to get your guests to take interest!  It is not just about selling the best bag (or substitute in your product); it is about your guests having fun.  Be creative, include a playlist with Spotify, the options are endless!  Include funny videos or recipes or tips from Pinterest.

Starting this month, my goal is to have at least one themed Facebook parties per month with the ultimate being one per week.  I know, a huge undertaking but it is worth it.

Let’s look at the season to plan out our Facebook parties.  Once a quarter, hold a themed party to introduce new products and seasonal items. This will ensure direct sales success all year round and keep your customers interested in your awesome products!

Despite the fact many direct sales companies have launched their Fall catalogs, we are still in summer.  It is up to you, if you still want to party with a summer theme here are some ideas:

Summer Fun: 

Bright summer graphics, fun summer music, and summer related products will shine with any of these Facebook Party Summer Themes! Create “this or that” graphics and have attendees choose their favorite product to celebrate the seasons!

• Grillin and Chillin
• Pool Party
• Hello Sunshine
• Travel Tips

Fall Themes:

Leaves crunching, weather getting cooler, clocks going back! Incorporate fall into your Facebook Parties by using any of the themes below! Create a fun graphic which asks your guests what their favorite part of fall is!

• Harvest Time
• Back to School
• “Fall” Back
• Trick or Treat

Winter Time:

Winter is a special time to spend with friends and family. Use Winter Facebook Themes as inspiration for your holiday online parties! Use a graphic asking for the guests favorite seasonal song and add it to your Facebook party playlist!

• Thanksgiving
• Twinkling Lights
• Gifts for All Occasions
• Snow Day

Spring Themes 

The days are getting lighter and the sun is shining brighter! Spring is the time to refresh and rejoice for warmer days are ahead! Have guests share their favorite part of the Spring Season! I know mine is longer, sunnier days!

• Dad’s & Donuts
• Celebrate Mom
• Flowers & Blooms
• Spring Clean

Facebook party themes are great to spark your creativity.  It will help you to increase your sales and entice hostesses for future parties!

Struggling with boring Facebook parties?  Don’t have much interaction.  Want to stand out in the crowd of Facebook parties?  Facebook Party themes are a great way help you grow your business and your team.  Find graphics with tips and ideas, use funny memes, customize the products you will highlight, and even include a customized music playlist for your guests to listen to while they participate!

What are some of your best tips for a themed Facebook party?

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

 

Holiday Rush?

A strange title for a blog post but I am feeling the holiday rush right now.  You walk into the store and you see Christmas decorations being set up, right?  Really?  The kids just got settled into the back to school routine.  Halloween is at the end of the month.  Then there is Thanksgiving. THEN it is Christmas.  At least the calendar says that is the order.  To the retailers, it is a time to see how fast they can cash in on the holidays.

I’m not here to rush the holidays.  I like to savor the Fall Season, even though I am excited the girls will be home for Thanksgiving.  I am not a fan of cold weather so the fall lets me be comfortable in my jeans and hoodie.

I don’t want to rush the holidays BUT I do want to be able to save you time and money so you can enjoy them.  October starts an exciting time at Thirty One.  The customer specials are all geared to help you with making the most of your holiday budget.

Now, I am sure you are thinking…”here comes the pitch for a party“, right?  I believe this is the calm before the storm.  A chance to enjoy some “ME” time with friends.  A chance to have a coffee break while the kids are at school.

What if said YOU could reap all of the benefits of a “home party” without the work? What if I could meet you for coffee or at restaurant for lunch 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?

Check out this month’s “stuff” and then let me know what you think….

#1 – October’s Customer Special is AWESOME!

Thirty One’s Customer Special for October is the All About the Benjamins Wallet AND the Littles Carry All AND a Mystery product.  I LOVE the Benjamins – a great wallet and it is the perfect size for a wristlet when you add one of our straps.

The Littles Carry-All Caddy is the perfect gift for just $5.  For teachers, add a box of tissues and some hand sanitizer with their favorite gift card.  Add a plant or some homemade cookies for a co-worker.  So many options and even the holiday littles are on sale.

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

Did you know that an average Thirty One party is over $600 in sales? So what does that mean? Check out all that YOU get

There are some extra perks with being a hostess this season….FIRST, you will get an early pass to the December Outlet Sale to shop.  If you have been to one of our sales, you know how exciting that is.  SECOND, there is a NEW Hostess Exclusive for just $25… the medium utility tote bundle which is a medium utility tote, a stand tall insert and a lid.  Oh, did I mention it comes in the Snow Daze print which was one of our biggest sellers last season?
#3 – Now, if paying CASH for all the gifts at Christmas interests you, then we need to talk.  You could earn some extra money while chauffeuring the kids to activities or sitting at the field while they practice?  What would you do with an extra $300? How about $500 extra?  Or are you more interested in having some ME time? Time with friends away from the kids?  Or do you just love FREE products? Whatever your reason (or dream), Thirty One can help you reach it!

PLUS you can get up to $600 more in FREE products over the next 4 months with our StartSwell program. Which one is YOUR favorite? You could get up to 4 of them!

 

See how this “purse gig” can make a difference in your life or someone you know…

 

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