Hope Wissel

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!

Hope Wissel

Must Haves for Back to School

Some may already be back to school BUT for those in NJ, they still have some time to soak up the sun.  I honestly don’t know many who think back-to-school shopping is an exciting time of the year except those who graduated from crayons and glue sticks to a college campus!   I am sure many wish colleges and universities sent out a handy school supply shopping list like they did during the first 12 years of school.  This way we could put together the must-haves for those first time college students….

School in style

Good grades are important, but who said studying can’t be stylish, too? Whether you’re hitting the library, meeting a project group at a local coffee shop or running to class, there’s a Thirty-One bag for every student.

Are you a nothing-but-the-essentials kind of person? The Call Me Crossbody is the perfect size for your smartphone and a few cards when you’re on-the-go. If you need to pack a little more but still love the convenience of a hands-free bag, a Boutique Backpack can hold a few books, a water bottle, keys and more while also adding a chic pop to a casual outfit. And if you need to pack for a day’s worth of classes or need a work bag for your internship, the Around Town® Tote is perfect for books, folders and your laptop.

Dorm organization hacks

Space is limited in a college dorm room, so maximize every inch by investing in utility products which are durable, functional and come in the cutest prints.

Stow a Large Utility Tote  (LUT) under your bed to hold shoes or seasonal clothes that could take up space in your closet. With tons of prints available, from staple neutrals to whimsical cacti, you can match your LUT to your bedding or wall art. A Stand Tall Bin is the perfect size for a hamper or laundry basket, plus it comes in handy during move-in and collapses for easy storage. Guess what?  The Stand Tall Bin is on SALE this month.  Get TWO with a $35 purchase!  Finally, organize your desk or study space with a  Fold N’ FileTM, Double Duty® Caddy or Littles Carry-AllTM Caddy to hold documents, pens and office supplies.

Lunch break

You may not be packing PB&Js for the cafeteria anymore, but every busy college student needs to eat – and chances are you’ll be doing it on the go. Make snacking between classes a breeze with a lunch thermal that matches your personality. Choose a Thermal Tote in a bold, bright print or go for the Lunch Break Thermal Ltd. in elevated fabrics and finishes. With so many options, there’s a great lunch bag for every student.

Not your average backpack

You don’t have to leave your trusty backpack behind in grade school. In fact, when your classes and meetings are on opposite sides of campus, there’s no better way to stay organized and prepared than with a backpack for every occasion.

Heading over to the rec center for a quick workout? Grab a Cinch Sac or Sling-Back Bag to carry your water, headphones, deodorant and a change of clothes. Looking for something a little roomier for class? Go with the Adventures Backpack, complete with a thermal pocket for drinks and snacks, or the Crossbody Organizing Tote for organization on the go.

Weekend reset

After you’ve worked hard all week, it’s nice to have the weekend to relax, have fun and take some time for yourself. Whether it means staying on campus to hang out with your roommates or heading home to see your family for a few days, these stylish, versatile solutions will have you covered. Opt for an All About the Benjamins® wallet for a lunch date with friends, or choose a Retro Metro® Bag to bring along to the store or while running errands. If you like to spend your weekends at home, pack up an Away for the Weekender with all your overnight essentials.

What’s on your back to school shopping list? Can’t decide what bag will fit your needs, I’m happy to help you find the perfect solution for your organizing or back to school struggles.

Have a blessed day!

Home Organization

Easy Decorating Hacks

I dream of uncluttered shelves, do you?  Yes, I may be the proverbial bag lady but organizing my own home is a challenge mainly because I have “a gatherer (aka hubby)”.  He likes to pile things.  Don’t get me wrong, I used to be a piler BUT since I have trouble processing things, piles don’t work anymore.

Do your bookshelves look just like the stacks at the local library? Home libraries have much more leeway to turn away from the uniform and instead make a bookshelf more colorful, more fun and more YOU! A few decorating tips can take this utilitarian piece of furniture beyond the basics to become a bastion of your favorite books…and more.

Highlight your hobbies

Books may be windows to your soul, but your hobbies and interests say a lot about you, too. Combine them both on your bookshelves! Strategically place collections of your favorite items beside and in front of your books. Turn stacks of books into stands for small objects that you adore. Make every bookshelf represent the things that you and your family care about most.

Go beyond alphabetical

If your books are arranged from Austen to Zafón, you aren’t alone. But look past strict alphabetization (and the Dewey Decimal system!)  Instead group your books in a pleasing way to the eye – by size or by color. Mix things up by lining some books horizontally, stacking others vertically or even turning them spines-in! Don’t worry: We won’t tell your librarian!

Leave empty space, too!

Even if you have enough books to fill the Grand Canyon (I know we do in our house), squeezing them all onto your bookcase may not be the way to go. Leave some space and give your books room to breathe. Empty space on your shelves can not only give your bookcase a clean look, but it can even make a small room appear larger. (Best yet, this may be the perfect excuse to get a new bookcase!)

Forget the books

Believe it or not, books aren’t even a requirement on every shelf. Instead of banishing photos and artwork to the top of a bookshelf alone, try surrounding the books you love with the people you love! Set framed photos, pieces of art, houseplants and even layer empty frames to add personality and show off the items you love.

Hide the clutter

Bookshelves are very practical places to hold important papers and other items to be kept close at hand. But who wants to see a bunch of folders lining a bookcase? Use baskets to hide the mess within, and containers to keep files handy while portraying a much more pleasing facade.

Choose a Fold N’ File in one of your favorite Thirty-One prints to line up on your shelves, or a Close to Home Décor Box or Close to Home Caddy to add a natural wood accent to your bookcase.

Look at what’s behind

Pay attention not only to what’s on your shelves, but what’s behind them, too! Hanging wallpaper or painting the space behind your bookcase is a great way to add some zing and draw eyes to the shelves. Unsure about which color to choose? Start by looking at the hues that already fill your room on items like chairs and pillows.

How have you made your bookshelves uniquely your own? Do any Thirty-One products line your bookcase? What are your favorite items on your shelves? Share your thoughts with us….
Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!
Hope Wissel

Summer Kick Off Party

A new month and LOTS of newness in Thirty One.  I am so blessed to be part of a company which helps us reach new heights every month and this month is NO exception.

I am so excited to see not only Flip Flops come back but also some of our favorite retired products with a fresh new look….

As a result of my AMAZING customers, I again have the opportunity to present “Promising Picks” which is how products are tested to be featured in future catalogs.  The only way to order Promising Picks is through a party….. Hmm?  Maybe it is time for a 31 minute Facebook Party or a catalog party or a trunk party or a home party?

My new Facebook parties have me LIVE with you and your friends for 31 minutes highlighting YOUR top 10 favorite products. A personal shopper coming right into your home. I will go live at the designated time for some fun and games then we close your party within 48 hours of the LIVE event.  Easy peasy, right? No fuss. No mess.

The best part is all of the NEW items in April at Thirty One

#1 – April Customer Special……  It is the perfect time to order for Mother and Father’s Day, graduation, weddings, birthdays  or maybe just a chance to get your home organized.

   

#2 – NEW Personalization Options: 

#3 –  The starfish icon is so cute on our pillows and make a great gift.  Do you love the Midway Hobo purse but wished it could be personalized?  Now it can…. you can make it your own!

 

 

 

 

 

#4 – April’s Hostess Special may cinch the deal for you…. This set can be yours for $30 with a $600 party.  It includes a Zip Top Organizing Tote, a Fold n File and a Rubie Mini.  Believe me it is not hard to get to $600 in sales…. an average Facebook party is $500 and believe me YOU are not average.  Look at what you can get at each party level…..

#5 – Can you thing better than being a hostess in April? Maybe it is starting your own business with one of our Spring Enrollment kits.  Join our Thirty One family with our Summer Essential Enrollment Kit for just $50!  You get to pick which set AND you get to pick your own personalization.  Just getting your tax refund back?  What better way to make your money work for you then starting your own business…

Not only do you get paid to party BUT you will also have the chance to get up to 4 of these amazing kits for FREE each month for the first four months.

So, who is ready to join in the fun?

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

Clear the Clutter

Organizing on a Shoestring

I love finding simply solutions to those messes in our home which make us crazy.  Pinterest is full of them.  Of course, I get lost in the never ending black hole of liking and saving posts.  Yes, I will dream of doing some of them when the truth is, it will never happen most of the time.  What about you?  Have your tried some of the AWESOME things on Pinterest only to have an epic fail?

Here are some tips I HAVE tried…….

  • Wet gloves or Mittens creating a mess?  Why not put up a retractable clothes line in your utility room or your mudroom wall or in the bathroom.  Have some clothes pins handy for hanging them up.  Put it down low enough so the kids can hang wet mittens and gloves to dry overnight.

  • Do you find coins in the washer?  Does your hubby leave change all over the table or dresser?  Get rid of those tiny piles of coins by saving in style. Get a designer piggy bank to keep it wherever you’d like to dump your change. OR use a Thirty One Zipper Pouch

     

  • Edit your hangers. Wire hangers make me crazy.  They bend easily so we are an all plastic house.  Pick a style which works best for you – wire, plastic or wood and unify the hangers in every closet.  If you use plastic, how about a different color for each person in the house.  Makes putting clothes away so much easier.
  • Use pillboxes to stash your earrings and rings when traveling.  Pick them up at the dollar store. Another alternative is Thirty One’s Shine On Jewelry Case.

  • Use a wall-mounted broom and mop holder, or tie ribbon loops on the end of poles and hang them from hooks in your closet, garage or utility closet.

  • Make a party kit. Do you have items you just use for parties or holidays?  Are they taking up valuable space in your cabinets?  Do you spend endless hours searching for things when you are ready to party?  Stash napkins, extra glassware and plates, votive candles and holders, extra vases, cocktail picks and other necessities in an old wine crate or a ThirtyOne Deluxe Utility Tote. You can pull it out pre-party or pre-holiday entertaining so you don’t waste valuable cupboard space or time.

  • Are medical records becoming overwhelming?  Use a binder to store all medical records and information for everyone in your family, including each pet. Use dividers for each family member and include plastic pouches or expandable pockets to contain receipts and tiny record cards.

  • Store photos in archival-quality, acid-free boxes until you have time to organize them in albums.

  • Place your shredder where you intercept daily mail. If that’s the kitchen, so be it.  This is one way to eliminate piles of “to be shredded”

  • Put a small plastic caddy, like Thirty One’s Swap it Pocket, in your gym bag so you can manage hair care and skincare products without dropping anything.

  • Stop losing lock combinations and computer passwords once and for all. Jot everyone’s codes and combinations down in a notebook and store it in your family’s fireproof lockbox.

  • Get a gift-wrap organizer and stock up on a year’s worth of wrap and ribbons, or ready-to-fill bags and tissue. Try Thirty One’s Stand Tall Bin to keep role of wrap organized.  Guess what?  It is on sale in April for just $15 with a $35 purchase.

Finally, plan a closet cleanout once per season. Less mess makes staying organized a lot easier.

What is YOUR favorite simply solution to everyday mess?  Share your tips with us.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!