Travel Tips

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!

 

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

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

OTHER GREAT OPTIONS!

 

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!

Hope Wissel

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.

Hope Wissel

Tasty Tuesday: Italian beef and Lentil Stew

Thank you Weight Watchers USA for today’s recipe……

Last week, I took the plunge!  I signed back up for WW Online.  I know going to meetings can be overwhelming for me and it is hard to focus BUT I wanted to get off the few pounds which crept back on over the last year or so.  I am determined to get back to my goal weight.  It will help with the walking issues I am having with MS and I will feel better about ME!  So, watch for some YUMMy recipes to come your way….

The weather is getting colder and I am a soup/stew nut!  I could eat it for lunch and dinner   every day…. Slow-simmer soup is a cold-weather comfort food and makes the house smell so GOOD! This one takes just 20 minutes of prep and your slow cooker does the rest.  The result is a flavorful soup with tender pieces of beef. For the lentils, opt for green or brown lentils. They hold their shape better and add more texture than red lentils, which dissolve as they cook (ideal for a smoother soup). Dry lentils don’t need to soak like dried beans do before adding them to the soup.   It is a good idea to rinse them and remove any debris. You can substitute 2 cups of fresh green beans, cut into 2-inch lengths, for the zucchini, and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley for the basil.
Total Time:  7 hr 20 min     Prep:  20 min     Cook: 7 hr     Serves:  6

Ingredients

  • 1 small, chopped uncooked onion(s)
  • 1 medium clove(s), minced garlic clove(s)
  • 1 large, diced uncooked zucchini
  • uncooked lean beef round: 16 oz, cut into 1-inch chunks, or 1 pound
  • ½ tsp, crushed dried oregano
  • 14½ oz, undrained canned diced tomatoes
  • 1 Tbsp canned tomato paste
  • ¾ cup(s) dry lentils
  • 4 cup(s) canned beef broth
  • 1 tsp table salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ cup(s), fresh, slivered basil
Instructions
  1. Place all ingredients except basil in 5- to 6-quart slow cooker; stir well. Cook on Low until beef is very tender, 6−7 hours.
  2. Stir in basil and cook 5 minutes longer.
  3. Serving size: 1½ cups

Headed to a tailgate party.  What better way to warm up then with a cup of soup!  Thirty One’s Market Thermal is the perfect way to keep things HOT….The Fresh Market Thermal is a stylish, portable thermal that’s large enough to hold two 9″x13″ casserole dishes. A must-have for family picnics, tailgating, trips to the beach, days on the boat, potlucks, grocery shopping or weekend camping. Its water-resistant Leak Lock® thermal lining means you can add ice to this cooler bag to keep food and drinks cold. Need more room? The sides unsnap and expand to give you more space inside. Long handles allow you to carry it over your shoulder when you need to be hands-free. The Fresh Market Thermal also features a zipper closure for securing contents and an exterior front pocket to hold other important items.

Have a blessed day!

Hope Wissel

Tasty Treat Thursday: 502 Baking Company

 

Last day of the month and I decided to share with you an AMAZING bakery…..   Here is their story:

Toni Marie and Judy Celeste were independent bakery owners (Sweet Marie’s Bakery and All You Need Is Cake, respectively). They first met when they were vendors at the Brick Farmers Market  They decided to combine their talents and created 502 Baking Company. They are dedicated to producing quality, hand crafted baked goods made with care. Their scratch bakery is conveniently located on Brick Boulevard in Brick, NJ

As you can guess, I met these two lovely ladies at the Brick Farmer’s Market.  It was love at first bite when I tried their macaroons.  Every week, I stopped and picked up a few along with some other yummy treats for hubby.  I tried different things and each one was more delicious then the last.

In January, 2019 they opened their bakery in Brick.  They offer pies, cookies, cakes, special occasion cakes, danish, scones, pignoli, cannoli, turnovers, cupcakes, brownies, crumb cake, cheese cake, breads, bagels, donuts and so much more.  They have a few tables so it is a great place to grab a cup of coffee and a treat to catch up with friends.

In addition, to their own homemade yummy treats they support other local small business owners by carrying a sampling of their products…..

You know my friend Rachel from Wicked Good Spice Mixes Co or at least you should since she is a regular on our Tasty Tuesday blog.  There is an array of spices and vinegars for every taste bud.  Need some recipes, check out Tasty Tuesday or go to their website.  My favorite is peach or pear balsamic vinegar with some olive oil on my salad.  Light and a little goes a long way!

Have you ever heard of Holly Jolly Jams?  Holly Jolly Jams are homemade in small batches with a low-sugar recipe, using only the freshest ingredients, hand-picked or locally purchased when available.  I first tried these at a craft show and stock up on them every time I see her at a show.

Need gluten free or vegan products?  They have you covered with some treats from Starseed Bakery. Starseed Bakery is a 100% Gluten, Dairy, Soy, and GMO Free Bakery in Rockaway, NJ. Committed to the NEW Definition of Healthy Food. For all those with food restrictions, we’re your solution. You can indulge in delicious breads, bagels, all occasion cakes, cupcakes, pies, cookies, muffins, seasonal favorites and more without the worries of gluten or other allergens. Enjoy our wide variety of vegan options, grain free, sugar free and natural sugar products. We are committed to sourcing ingredients which are organic, safe, fair trade, local, non-GMO, no pesticides, herbicides or chemicals.

Are you a tea drinker?  Pick up some “Oh You, TEAse”. It is the mission of Oh You, TEAse to provide excellent quality, superior taste and a naturally occurring smile within each cup. Pinkies up.  Want to create a great gift?  Why not combine one item from each of these small businesses in a basket?

Plan ahead and I will gladly help you customize a tote for you.  How about a Fresh Market Thermal filled with goodies for a  new homeowner or a graduate. The Fresh Market Thermal is a stylish, portable thermal large enough to hold two 9″x13″ casserole dishes. A must-have for family picnics, tailgating, trips to the beach, days on the boat, potlucks, grocery shopping or weekend camping. Its water-resistant Leak Lock® thermal lining means you can add ice to this cooler bag to keep food and drinks cold. Need more room? The sides unsnap and expand to give you more space inside. Long handles allow you to carry it over your shoulder when you need to be hands-free. The Fresh Market Thermal also features a zipper closure for securing contents and an exterior front pocket to hold other important items.

Who do you know who would love either a basket of goodies or just a few treats from this amazing bakery?  Be sure to let us know what you tried and how you liked it.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

 

 

 

Tasty Tuesday Recipes

Tasty Tuesday: Kids’ Snack Ideas

Never fear! Here are some practical and creative solutions for you to try to make you parent of the year in the eyes of your kids – or at the very least, parent of the week in the eyes of the team.

Healthy snack ideas

It may be tempting to bring treats the kids will love like cookies, chips and soda, BUT you might not get high marks on the nutrition front from the coach or the other kids’ parents. Don’t be known as the “junk food” mom or dad when there are plenty of healthy, delicious snacks the team can enjoy. The idea is to keep them energized during the day, not give them sugary treats that will cause them to crash later on. These healthy options will keep little athletes going strong!

  • orange slices
  • bananas
  • apple slices
  • disposable cups filled with berries
  • mini boxes of raisins
  • grapes
  • small bags of carrot sticks
  • fruit kebabs on wooden skewers
  • watermelon slices
  • cucumber slices
  • sunflower seeds
  • celery sticks with cream cheese
  • squeeze-pouch applesauce
  • pumpkin seeds
  • string cheese
  • pretzels

If you want a little variety to your treats, consider creating little sandwich baggy packs or plastic containers with a little bit of everything. Mix berries, grapes, apple slices, cucumber slices and carrot sticks in individual baggies or containers – one for each child. With individual servings, the kids can eat as much as they want and then come back for more later. (Just make sure to bring along a permanent marker to write their names.)

Of course, if you bring fresh fruit or veggie snacks, you’ll want to keep them cool for the long haul, so we recommend packing them up in a roomy insulated cooler that can hold ice. The Fresh Market® Thermaland our Tote-ally Thermal are perfect options due to their larger size and Leak-Lock® water-resistant thermal lining that allows for loose ice.

  • water-resistant Leak-Lock® lining allows for ice
  • sides unsnap for additional space
  • exterior flat pocket holds utensils and more
  • zip closure

Tote-ally Thermal

 

  • water-resistant Leak-Lock® lining allows for ice
  • exterior flat pocket holds utensils, etc.
  • extended straps for easy transport
  • zip closure

Team tip: Personalize your favorite family thermal with your child’s sport in his or her team colors. Choose from icons for sports teams, band, hobbies and more in our Personalization Studio. Don’t forget to add your team’s or school’s name for extra spirit!

Creative snack ideas

Now, if you really want to go for the parent-of-the-year award, these fun ideas just might get you there. Your kids and their teammates will love these creative treats that are not only fun to make and look at, but nutritious to eat as well. Click on each treat for directions on how to make them.

Healthy drink ideas

Aside from the snacks, make sure your kids teammates have plenty to drink to stay hydrated. Be sure to avoid sugary beverages like soft drinks, fruit punches and sports drinks that are often loaded with sugar and sodium. Here are a few healthy options to consider.

  • Bottled water (minis are particularly nice)
  • Fruit juice boxes or pouches
  • Coconut water or sweet chia water
  • Homemade iced tea with lemon
  • Homemade lemonade with agave juice instead of sugar

Things to remember

Be conscious of food allergies. Things like nuts, gluten and dairy can keep a kid on the team from getting his or her snack. Check with the coach or other parents to make sure there aren’t any allergies to what you decide to bring.

Consider making extras. Oftentimes, your kids’ teammates will have younger brothers or sisters in attendance who also want to have a snack. Although it’s not your responsibility, it is a nice gesture to make a few extra snacks in case the need arises.

Don’t overdo it. You don’t need to provide the team with a meal. Keep it simple and nutritious without filling them up too much. You don’t want to ruin their lunch or dinner!

There’s nothing wrong with pre-packaged. Some parents may feel a bit uneasy about homemade food and any allergens or germs their kids may encounter. Pre-packaged items like apple slices, carrots, applesauce and nut butters may be the best route. It all depends on how well you know the other parents and your own comfort level. Find out what other parents provide. Pre-packaged doesn’t have to mean unhealthy.

Don’t forget the extras. Be sure to provide napkins, plastic wear, garbage bags and plates as necessary. Sanitary wipes are also a good idea if bathroom facilities are sub-par or far away from the playing field.

What is YOUR kids’ favorite snack?  Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!