How To Pick the Perfect Mother’s Day Gift

Over the years, I have always had a hard time finding the perfect gift for my mom.  She is kind, giving, hard-working and of course, she holds a special place in my heart.  What about you?  Do you struggle?  Since miles (okay about an hour’s drive) separate us, we don’t get to spend as much time together as we would like or have in the past.  So, the gift of time seems to be the best thing to give her on any given day.  On Mother’s Day, I want it to be special.  It’s so important on Mother’s Day to show our moms just how much we appreciate them. Take this short quiz to find great gift ideas for your mom to make her special day amazing!

How does your mom like to spend her weekends?

1. Traveling and exploring new places
2. Hiking, picnicking or at the beach
3. Soccer games, trips to the grocery store and a million other errands – she’s always on the go!
4. In the kitchen trying out new recipes
5. Cozied up at home with a good book
6. Shopping!

Describe her personality in one word.

1. Adventurous
2. Nature-lover
3. Organized
4. Loving
5. Homebody
6. Fashionista

What’s her dream vacation?

1. Going somewhere new and exciting like Australia or Japan
2. She’s just as happy exploring national parks as she is lounging on the beach
3. A week at the spa to relax from her hectic life
4. Paris, Spain or Italy – she’s not picky as long as it has amazing food!
5. Visiting friends and family that she doesn’t get to see often
6. Exploring all of the amazing boutiques in London or New York City

What’s your budget for her gift?

1. Less than $30
2. The mid-$30s sound good
3. Let’s keep it under $40
4. Right around $50
5. Under $60
6. Less than $90

Mostly 1s: Choose the perfect travel accessory or mix and match a few for the ultimate travel solution set! The Hanging Traveler Case, Fold-Up Family Organizer, Shine On Jewelry Case or Glamour Case won’t break your bank and will make organizing her overnight bag or suitcase easier for her next getaway.  My mom loves her Hanging Traveler Case so maybe it should be the Shine On Jewelry Case this year?

Mostly 2s….If your mom loves all things outdoors, the Sand N’ Shore Thermal Tote Bundle is the perfect companion for her next adventure. From picnics and hiking to the beach, this thermal’s Leak Lock^® lining means she’ll always be ready with food, drinks and snacks to keep the whole crew going.

Mostly 3s:  She’ll love the Crossbody Organizing Tote.  This versatile utility-style bag is functional and fashionable enough to go with her everywhere! The adjustable crossbody strap and wipeable design of the Crossbody Organizing Tote will make it her go-to bag for work, the store and beyond.

Mostly 4s:  The Tote-ally Thermal or Fresh Market® Thermal is for her!

If there’s nothing your mom loves more than getting creative in the kitchen and sharing the food she makes, then the super-portable Tote-ally Thermal or roomy Fresh Market^®Thermal is just what she needs. Both have Leak Lock^® lining to hold ice to transport her creations to the next dinner party or holiday celebration.  The best part is these are on SALE this month.

Mostly 5s: The Close To Home™ Table Gallery is her perfect match

Family is important to your mom, and she loves to be reminded of her loved ones daily. The Close To Home^™ Table Gallery’s interchangeable Photo Inserts let her switch out pictures to display different special memories throughout the year.  OR, you can pick your favorite photo and grab just the insert for her to hang or display for all to see.

Mostly 6s: Give the gift of fashion with Miles of Style®.  Your mom knows accessories make the outfit, so give her a bag she’ll want to show off every day with the versatile and fashionable Miles of Style^®. Personalize this stylish handbag with an embroidered monogram for a Mother’s Day gift she’ll always cherish.

Which one is the perfect gift for your mom?  Need some more suggestions, feel free to comment below OR check out my Thirty One website.  Share a picture with us of your mom and you….

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

Travel Tips + Free Printable

I know Spring Break doesn’t come until mid-April BUT travel items are on sale in March at Thirty One.  I tend to be the proverbial last minute packer,  I always change my mind a zillion times before we finally leave for a trip. Between changes in the weather, my moods and what our plans will be while we are away – I pile all of the “maybes” together and then sort through them the day before.

I love to travel. When Belinda was younger, I used to spend weeks getting things together – snacks, clothes, accessories, etc.  I checked and double checked to make sure we didn’t forget anything.  Of course, we usually did.  Now traveling with hubby, I seem to do the same thing – planning out for some things since both of us have health issues but when it comes to clothes I wait till the last few days to get things together.  When I travel on my own, you will find me packing on the last day..

Here are some travel tips courtesy of “iheartnaptime.net“.  I use her free printable packing list so I don’t forget anything.

Tip 1: Fill a pill case with any medicines you might need and label them.  This is for all of those “just in case” medicines so you aren’t hunting for things while you are traveling.

Tip 2: Use a contact case to store smaller items like earrings. It also works great to fill with makeup, like foundation so you don’t need to bring the whole container.

 

Tip 3: Place a garbage sack in your suitcase to fill with dirty clothes. We have been know to use the plastic laundry bags from the hotel but I prefer to use a Thirty One large utility tote especially on a road trip!  Plop the bag in the car and just carry it right to the laundry room when you get home.

Tip 4: Place your necklaces between two pieces of sticky (plastic) wrap, so they don’t get tangled.  Then you can place them in Thirty One’s Fold Up Family Organizer.  Easy to pack AND it hangs up when you get to your destination.

Tip 5: Fill travel containers with shampoo and lotions. Then keep them in a bag in your suit case so it’s already packed.  This is so much cheaper than buying the travel size bottles, too.  I leave mine all ready to go in Thirty One’s Hanging Traveler Case.  It is even big enough to handle some full size bottles if you are traveling with the family.

Tip 6: Place a fabric softener sheet in your suitcase to keep everything smelling fresh and clean.

Tip 7: Place your shoes in a zip top bag to prevent dirt from getting on your clothes. OR use those throw plastic shower caps you can get at the dollar store.  Thirty One’s All Packed Duffle is a perfect solution for this since it has a separate compartment just for shoes!  So, it works for travel or for the gym.

Tip 8: Place your favorite snack bars (mine are Aloha bars or Graze snacks) in a snack bag on a  so you always have a tasty and healthy snack.  Check out Thirty One’s NEW Coastal Carry All which is a great alternative.  It has a wipeable interior and can hold up to 8 beach towels.  So when you unpack all of the goodies, you can use it to head to the beach or pool

 

Thirty One’s March Customer Special offers you 50% off select travel items when you spend $35.  You can get one item on sale for every $35 you spend!  Gather some friends together either in your home, at a local happy hour, on Facebook or just have a texting party……. to get some FREE products along with a great HOSTESS SPECIAL which includes the Around the Town Tote and an All About the Benjamin wallet! 

The NEW Spring Summer catalog is out too so be sure to click the link, fill out the simple survey and get your copy along with a coupon on your order.

 

Bonus: Print out a packing list from “iheartnaptime” to keep track of everything. It is a HUGE help for me.

Source: 10 Essential Travel Tips + Free Printable Packing List – I Heart Nap Time

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

Pack Like a Pro

Happy HUMP DAY!  For some, this may be a day off and the start of a LONG week-end  on one of the busiest travel weeks of the year.  Can you believe more people travel on Thanksgiving weekend then any other time of the year?  Whether you are flying or driving to your destination, packing can be a chore…  When you are driving, you can pack what you want and even over pack, right?  But what about when you are flying?  Carry on versus checked luggage?  Roll on or tote?  It is enough to make your head spin.If you are flying this holiday week, here are some quick and easy packing tips to lighten your load.

1. Mix and Match

Do you really need a different outfit every single day?  The truth is you don’t.  I have always been of the mindset to take  “just in case” clothes.   I have learned when I fly, less is more.  I use the mix and match theory.  Pack neutral colors and colors which go together, nobody will notice your wearing the same pants two days in a row.

2. Light Clothing

The best thing about denim is you can wear it day after, day, after day, and it is perfect for traveling. The problem is denim is heavy.  I never really thought about this BUT it is so true.  So why not wear it on the plane so it’s not in your luggage.  Have a shirt or two in your bag to go with your jeans and some lighter pants if you must carry extra clothes.

3. Digital Entertainment

Let’s be honest, will you actually read the book you are carrying or will you be trolling the internet, listening to music or playing a game?  Don’t over pack with books and reading materials. Use a Kindle or an app on a iPhone or iPad.  I love this idea if you must have an actual book: buy one at the airport, then return it to the same bookstore at a different airport. You’ll get 50% back.

While you are sitting at the airport, do some people watching for some great travel tips.  The expert travelers travel very light while the novice is loaded down with lots of bags and struggling.  By using these lug-less luggage tips on your next trip, you’ll look like a pro, just like them!

Here are some of my favorite Thirty One products for traveling…  The Glamour Case is great for traveling or to organize your bathroom space at home.  It has four brush holders and a clear PVC zip pocket which keeps your cosmetics, toiletries and other beauty needs at your fingertips. The zip closure and top handle strap ensure transporting it is neat and easy

The Fold Up Family Organizer (#1) hangs up wherever you need it – in closets, the garage, the kids’ rooms, the bathroom (shower rack when traveling) — anywhere there’s a bar or a hook. It has four separate zip-close clear pockets, so you can sort anything from your craft supplies, to beauty products.  This is a great way to travel with activities for the kids – fold it up, snap it closed and carry it easily with a top handle strap. OR let them carry their own.

As for suitcases, the All Packed Duffle (#3) and the Retro Metro Weekender (#2) are my all time favorites.  I usually use the weekender and hubby travels with the duffle bag.  The weekender is the perfect with an adjustable, detachable strap, you can turn it into a shoulder bag or crossbody bag with ease. It has an interior zipper pocket and exterior flat pocket so you can keep valuables separate and secure. I love the fact this bag will fit under the seat of the plane or it is durable enough to withstand the baggage handlers.  If it gets a little dirty, toss it into the wash.  Yes, it is machine washable.  The All Packed Duffle is perfect for the gym, weekends away, sports, camping, overnight or whenever you need a fabulous carryall. The exterior compartment keeps your shoes separate from the rest of your clothes, while two interior mesh pockets keep things in place during transport. Carry it by hand or sling it over your shoulder.

So whether you are flying or driving this holiday weekend, be safe.  Enjoy the moments with family and give thanks for the many blessings you have had during the year.

What is your best travel tip when flying?  Share it with us.

Have a ThirtyOne-deful day!

Holiday Road Trip Survival Guide

 

This week starts one of the busiest travel period of the year…

Why this week?  In NJ, it is teacher’s convention add to that Election Day  and it makes for a week (or almost a week) off from school for the kids.  Next up is Thanksgiving then Christmas.

What about the weekend trips to see the leaves change?  This is what I think about hitting the road…. So, whether you’re going away for a long weekend or just a day, road trips can definitely add to the holiday joy – and stress. But from packing to snacking, Thirty-One has some helpful tips that will have you looking forward to the journey as much as the destination!

 

Savvy packing

My husband always jokes about the packing skills.  I can fit LOTS of stuff into a small space and still see out the back window.  It comes from all of the trips to cheering competitions and craft shows.  Organized packing can mean fewer bags, and fewer bags means more room to stretch your legs on the long car ride! For your clothes and other essentials, load up a couple of All Packed Duffles or Fold-Over Weekenders. These travel bags are just the right size for holidays away, and their soft edges mean you can squeeze several into your trunk more easily than boxy suitcases.

Blankets and pillows are road trip essentials, whether they’re for napping on the way to your destination or extra bedding once you get there. Instead of letting your backseat become a sea of blankets, fold and store bedding in a Large Utility Tote (LUT) in your trunk so it’ll be easy to access during pit stops. You’ll be all set to snuggle up by the fire with family and friends, and LUTs are also great for keeping all of those carefully wrapped gifts safe and sound!

Packing toiletries for travel is always tricky, but the Fold Up Family Organizer is a great option to store all your bottles and brushes. The clear zipper pockets make it easy to see what’s where without products falling out during the drive.

Smart snacking

Packing snacks can help you save money and time on the road. Juice boxes, string cheese sticks and fruit like grapes or apple slices are all easy, no-mess snacks for kids and adults alike, and they fit perfectly in the Fresh Market Thermal. This cooler keeps all your food and drinks secure during long road trips and then folds up nicely once its empty, giving you even more leg room. Or, load it up with holiday leftovers for the trip home!

Holiday gatherings usually mean food and lots of it. Whether you’ve whipped up a tasty casserole or some decadent desserts, bring something special to the table with our Perfect Party Set. Just the right size to tuck securely under a seat, this cooler helps you transport all your hard holiday work safely to the table.

Activity tracking

Nothing makes time fly like keeping yourself occupied during a road trip. If you’re looking for some inspiration to help pass the time while travelling, try out these ideas:

• Audio books or podcasts are a great option if passengers have differing music tastes, and they still let the driver be involved! Download a couple of funny podcast episodes or holiday-themed books before your trip to switch things up from the radio.
• Plan fun pit stops. If you’re going to be spending hours in the car, map out some fun stopping points that will give you an excuse to get out and stretch your legs. Check online before you depart to see if there are any monuments, bakeries or nature sites along your route.
• Journal challenges: Get the kids’ creative juices flowing! Give each passenger a Journal Trio journal and some pencils. Throughout the trip, call out challenges like “draw a picture of Grandma’s house” or “make up a story about what Santa does the day after Christmas.” It’s fun for kids to share what they’ve come up with, but it’s also fun for you to think up the challenges!

Fashion hacking

A long car ride in your most stylish holiday outfit? After a few miles, those scratchy sequins might make you wish you had opted for sweats. Instead, travel fashionably (and comfortably) by taking your basics and dressing them up with JK by Thirty-One jewelry! Add a little sparkle to a plain sweater with the bold Fringed & Fabulous Necklace or a dainty pair of Gallery Earrings. You’ll feel comfortable and ready to celebrate as soon as you roll up to that holiday party.

Keeping your jewelry secure and organized while travelling can save lots of time, headaches and untangling in the long run. Jewelry organizers like the Baubles & Bracelets Case are perfect for separating delicate chains from dangling earrings so that you can have yourself a stylish little holiday.

When you’re taking a holiday road trip, every item needs to pull double duty, and that includes your handbag! Travel in style with classics like the Organizing Shoulder Bag or the new Colorblock Tote. These fashionable additions complete any outfit, and no one needs to know that you’ve tucked extra socks or toiletries inside!

What hacks help you travel during the holidays? Let us know with the #thirtyone hashtag!

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

A Product Favorite: Scentsy

I was introduced to Scentsy many years ago at a vendor event.  I swapped some of my angels with a consultant for my angel warmer (now discontinued) and some melts.  I did not know I would fall in love with them.

I want to introduce you to a friend and fellow direct seller, Tammy Brown who is a consultant with Scentsy.  I met Tammy when her mom became “addicted” to organizing with Thirty One.  Here is her story:

Hello! My name is Tammy Brown and I have been a Scentsy consultant for over 2 years now. I was first introduced to Scentsy during a friend’s Facebook party. I ordered a warmer and a few different bars so I could try it out and once I got everything I instantly fell in love. I started making a wish list and decided my wishlist was rather large. I was originally going to just host a party, but then the thought of being my own boss crossed my mind and I decided to take the plunge. I am so happy that I did. I love the company and the opportunities they give for incentives. I love sharing the Scentsy product with whomever i can during parties and events. I know everyone’s schedules these days are crazy, so I love being able to have a Facebook party for someone and seeing their friends and family members interact in games and activities from near and far.

I love hosting parties and invite you to try out Scentsy if you haven’t already and even if you have tried it, please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to host your own party.  The most popular is a Facebook party, but I can also do home or basket parties.

If you have questions about the products or would like to host a party, I would love to hear from you.  My email is ScentswithTammy1427@gmail.com.  I also have a website where you can look around and see everything Scentsy has to offer. And a Facebook group you are welcome to join. I post updates about news and specials that Scentsy is offering.  CLICK HERE to join!

My favorite scents are the “clean ones” but with summer here, I like to have the island smells in the house. They remind me of the cruise I will be taking in September.

If you have never tried Scentsy, reach out to Tammy for some information or browse her website.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!