What is Your Passion?

The New Year triggers LOTS of talk about setting BIG goals, and following your passion.  So, what are you passionate about?

Passion is defined as: a strong feeling of enthusiasm or excitement for something or about doing something.

 

Sadly, for me……I feel like my MS has stolen this from me.  😦  I have always kicked off January excited about what the year would bring…. Over the years, my passion for things has changed – I have to admit I don’t think I was really passionate about anything (or at least I don’t remember) until I started volunteering with the South Jersey AIDS Alliance.  That is when I started to understand what the word passion was all about.  My passion for those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS continues even 25+ years later.  It may not be as evident now but there was a time when everyone knew it was my passion. Then my passion became a larger group of underserved populations (the homeless, the underemployed, etc.) when I began working for Bethel, a non-profit with a soup kitchen, food pantry and many other programs.  Making a difference in the lives of people was what I wanted to do……

Then Thirty One entered my life.  In the beginning it was just a hobby then it became a passion. Sparks are flamed by my hostesses, my customers and my team.  it brought in a steady income and allowed me to make a difference in the lives of others.  Now, 10+ years later, my passion seems to be smoldering.  As I kick off the new year…..I can’t seem to latch on to a goal or get excited.  I still LOVE ❤ ThirtyOne and the life it has given me yet I am struggling.  I know I can still make a difference, but I need to figure out how.

Did I let Satan steal my passion?  Or is God leading me towards another path?  You may know what I mean – those days when nothing feels right, no excitement or joy in what you are doing, just kind of going through the motions.  These days I always wonder…….is this an MS thing, or a recovery issue?  I ask for guidance and yet nothing comes, WAIT, right?  God’s time, not mine.  Can I stamp my feet & throw a tantrum?  Will it get me the answers?  LOL. Probably not.  I feel like it would take longer to hear them.

I’m enjoying cooking again – the new bigger kitchen combined with trying new recipes created the spark.  I don’t always understand how you can be creative when you have to cook dinners every night?  I never knew how good I had it.  When Belinda was growing up, it could be the same thing multiple nights since there was always a practice (gymnastics, field hockey or cheering) to rush off to.  When I moved in with hubby, he worked night shift so I only needed to cook 2 meals per week.  Yes, I was spoiled and didn’t even know it.  LOL.  Fast forward to retirement and a BIG (okay big for me) kitchen and I am enjoying trying new things and sharing about them.  Is it a passion?  Who knows – some days it seems like it and then some days it seems like a chore?

Creating angels and sewing has become another new escape.  I am exploring.  I have the Etsy store which does okay and I am booking craft shows on a limited basis for the spring.  Creating sparks another part of my brain which helps with my MS issues too.  I also love hearing the stories of why people pick certain angels as they talk about family and friends.

Working through the steps in my recovery, and learning about me is an ongoing journey.  I’m reading again too – light things which don’t take much thought.  I’m learning MS has stolen many of my emotions and feelings while in my addiction I stuffed the feelings.

I came across an old link from John Maxwell’s word of the day which was PASSION.  Click the link to hear him talk about this AWESOME word. it will definitely trigger some thoughts…

Whether it is your business or something in your life……. I ask you again – what are YOU passionate about?  I would love to hear about it.  Share your passion with us.

Have an Epic  day!

Mother’s Day Gift Guide 2021

Mom, this one’s for you

The soccer game cheerers. The dinnertime heroes. The kissers of scraped knees and givers of the best advice. Moms are kind of magical – which is why on their special day, they deserve a celebration as amazing as they are. For someone who gives so much, Mother’s Day is the one day a year that’s all about mom. It’s a day to say thanks, to show our appreciation and to give something back.

If you’re having a tough time thinking of gift ideas, don’t worry! We’re kind of experts on moms, and we’ve put together some of our top Mother’s Day gifts for all the moms-to-be, mamas and grandmas in your life. Once you find that perfect present, make it even more special with personalization for a gift she’s sure to cherish for years to come. Come on, let’s get gifting!

Mother’s Day gifts for moms-to-be

For expecting moms with little ones on the way, gifts to get ready for baby will be much appreciated. Personally, we think a cute and functional diaper bag or organizing pouch is the way to go – we’re talking pockets galore and plenty of space for all those new-mom must-haves. When baby arrives, she’ll be so happy to have your thoughtful and useful gift! For an added touch, tuck some self-care spa essentials inside that she can use when she needs a moment to relax.

Gift Ideas

Our top picks for diaper bags go to the Everyday Essentials Tote and Zip-Top Organizing Utility Tote. Pockets? Check. Plenty of room? Check. Cute prints that she’ll actually want to wear 24/7? Double check. And to up their organization even more, pair these bags with a Zipper Pouch or Size Up Expandable Pouch. Pouches are so handy for storing extra baby clothes, bibs, binkies and more.

Make it personal(ized)

For a thoughtful touch, personalize her bag or pouch with an embroidered Icon-It^TM, message or monogram. Add a sweet Fox or Elephant Duo Icon-It^TM, baby’s name or one of these cute phrases:

• #momlife
• Oh baby
• Blessed
• Baby on board
• The adventure begins
• Dear Mom, you’ve got this

Mother’s Day gifts from moms with young kids

Once the kids learn to walk, mom’s life is nonstop. Errands, sports practice, school activities, play dates – the calendar is always full, and organization. Is. Life. The perfect gift? A gift basket full of her favorite things that she can repurpose later for organization!

Gift Ideas

When it comes to gift baskets, there’s nothing more versatile than the Canvas Storage Caddy. This small storage bin is soft yet structured and has a top handle to make carrying it around the house or out and about a breeze. Plenty of pockets provide added organization, and the neutral canvas goes with any space – plus it looks great with all kinds of personalization! Fill it up with whatever mom loves – coffee supplies, baked goods, spa essentials. Here are some Mother’s Day gift basket ideas we love.

Make it personal(ized)

What do you think mom will use her new caddy for after she’s finished all the gift basket goodies? Use that to inspire your choice of personalization! Here are some ideas for icons and phrases.

• For crafty moms – Craft Queen (with Art Supplies Icon-It^TM)
• For board game storage – Play on! (Message personalization) 
• For home organizing – Homebody (with Home Outline Raised Embroidery)
• For first aid supplies – Get well soon (with Stethoscope Icon-It^TM)
• For coffee supplies – I love you a latte (with Coffee Mug Icon-IT^TM)

Mother’s Day gifts for moms with teens

By the times the kids are in high school, moms are multitasking pros. The diaper bag may have been retired long ago, but mom still needs a purse with plenty of room for when she’s running around. This Mother’s Day treat her to a tote that’s not only roomy enough for her lifestyle, but also stylish and organized to boot!

Gift Ideas

Looking for that perfect purse that checks all of the boxes? With these all-star options, you can’t go wrong! With its colorblocked details, secure zipper pockets and wipeable interior, the Step Up Tote is a functional bag that’s also cute as can be. For a classic and relaxed vibe, the crossbody Window Shopper Ltd. is a Customer favorite. And for moms who mean business, the Modern Tote in a fun pattern or pop of color is the perfect treat.

Make it personal(ized)

When it comes to purses, a classic monogram using mom’s initials is the way to go. Try these timeless and on-trend options.

• Old World Monogram 
• Border Initial 
• Bracket 
• Circle Monogram 
• Diamond 
• Dotted Line 
• Inner Circle Initial 

Mother’s Day gifts for empty nesters

Once the kids have left the house and headed off to college or on new adventures, it’s time for parents to plan some adventures of their own! Mom will love these travel-themed gifts that she can use on her next big trip or weekend getaway. 

Gift Ideas

For a small but thoughtful gift perfect for packing, we love gifting mom a makeup bag or travel pouch. The Half-Moon Pouch is a stylish option that’s great for storing makeup, lip balm or hair accessories. For travel shampoo and conditioner, toothpaste and other toiletries, go for the Glamour Case or the roomy Hanging Traveler Case, both of which have wipeable interiors!

Make it personal(ized)

Take the travel theme one step further with some adventure-inspired embroidery on your gift.

• Adventure Kit
• Ready, set, go!
• Wander
• Away We Go
• Compass Icon-It^TM
• Here’s to new horizons
• Let’s get lost
• Vacay all day

Mother’s Day gifts for grandmas

Don’t forget to say a big thank you to grandma this Mother’s Day. Of course, she’ll love anything the grandkids give her, but to make her day extra special, give her a gift that’s picture perfect.

Gift Ideas

A Photo Key Fob personalized with a picture of the grandkids makes the sweetest little gift that grandma can clip onto her purse, wallet or keys. Or, put card-sized family photos inside the Half-Moon Card Wallet or Rubie Mini for her. She’ll love the beautiful accessories, but she’ll love the precious memories tucked inside them even more.

Make it personal(ized)

When personalizing the Rubie Mini, think about what word or phrase would brighten grandma’s day. Here are some ideas.

• LOVE
• HOPE
• Spread kindness
• Proverbs 31 (or another bible verse)
• FAMILY
• BELIEVE
• Choose happiness

Here’s to you, mom

Whether you’re celebrating a stepmom, grandma, wife, friend or yourself this Mother’s Day, remember that when it comes to gifts, it’s the thought that counts. For even more great gift ideas for mamas, head over to our Mother’s Day shop. Happy gifting!

Need help???? Send me a message and I will be happy to help you select the perfect gift.  

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

Home Organization Quick Hits

It’s easy to ignore the little spaces in your house when cleaning, after all, out of sight, out of mind, right? But in reality, clutter under your bathroom sinks, in your laundry room or in the trunk of your car can be resolved in minutes with the right combination and sizes of totes, bags, storage bins and caddies.

Check out these “quick hit” home organization solutions which only take a few minutes to complete. All you need are the right small space storage solutions, and we can help with that. Read on!

Shown: Double Duty^® Caddy in Tip Top Chevron; Your Way^®Rectangle in Tip Top ChevronQuick Fix: Bathroom Organization

Let’s start under the sink with cabinet clutter. Get everything out of there to start and separate the items into groups of how you use them. For example, put all your bath and shower products together, all your towels together, beauty and hair care, etc., then ask yourself:

 

• How many groups do you have?       
• How much of each group do you have? 
• What size containers will I need to hold these items?
• What type of containers do I need?
  • One with a handle for carrying?
  • One that makes it easy to see what’s inside?
  • One that will fit inside the space comfortably?

Once you have your answers, it’s time to find your storage solutions. We can help! In addition to the products shown above, we recommend:

• Your Way^® Cube for towels, toilet paper rolls, cleaning supplies
• Tiny Utility Tote for hair accessories, curlers, brushes
• Littles Carry-All^™ Caddy for small toiletries like toothpaste, eye drops, first aid supplies

 

Shown: Double Duty^® Caddy in Tip Top Chevron personalized with Background Initials in True Turquoise.

Next, let’s tackle the jumbled mess on top of the sink. Do you share a bathroom with a roommate, husband or kids? You might need to organize the drawers in your vanity or even the counter space around the sink. While it’s important to have easy access to things, you don’t have to sacrifice counter space to achieve it.

A couple of personalized Double Duty^®Caddies or Deluxe Double Duty^® Caddies not only help organize toiletries and cosmetics, they help you quickly identify what’s yours. Even if you share your bathroom, you can still have your personal space and belongings neatly organized.

Depending on the size of your counters and drawers, you might want to consider these recommended storage options, too:

• Clear Clip Pouch for toiletries or travel-size products
• Get Creative^™ Double Pouch for manicure/pedicure supplies or essential oils
• Glamour Case for cosmetics, accessories or skin care products

 

Shown: Large Utility Tote in Denim Distressed Pebble personalized with Headline Font in Navy Blue; Tiny Utility Tote in Denim Distressed PebbleQuick Fix: Laundry Room Organization

Laundry rooms can become a messy dumping ground for piles of clothes that need sorting. Instead of a family free-for-all of dirty laundry, why not get organized with storage solutions for clothes, detergents, and all your other laundry needs?

Our Large Utility Totes are way better than laundry bags or baskets, because after everything is washed and dried, clothes and be folded neatly, packed, and carried over the shoulder hands-free to their destination.

Need to organize your laundry supplies, too? Try a Tiny Utility Tote or a Medium Utility Tote if you need more space. Have to go somewhere outside your living space to do your laundry? Our unique laundry totes make transporting your clothes and laundry needs easy.

Depending on your needs, we have a bunch of other great laundry storage options for you and your family. Here are a few of our faves:

• Stand Tall Bin – makes a great easy-carry hamper for any bedroom or bathroom
• Move It All Bag – ideal for college students or anyone carrying clothes to a laundromat
• Your Way^® Cube – keeps all your laundry products together and easily accessible

 

Shown: Takealong Weekender in Vintage Slate personalized with Large Signature Initial in Caramel; Expanding Travel Case in Vintage Slate with Large Signature Initial in Caramel; Multi Bottle Thermal in Windowpane Plaid; Zipper Pouch in Windowpane Plaid personalized with Headline font in WhiteQuick Fix: Diaper Bag Organization

New moms know the importance of good diaper bags and baby totes. These essentials help keep you organized when you have errands to run and a baby to bring along. Instead of shoving everything you need into one large bag, separate items into small totes and then place those bags into a large tote for easy carrying.

We have a lot of great diaper bag and baby tote options to choose from. Consider these baby organizing solutions for your daily needs:

• Adventures Backpack – makes a great hands-free baby or diaper bag
• Away For The Weekender – shoulder bag with pockets for diapers, food, toys and wipes
• Around The Clock^® Thermal – easy, hands-free thermal bag for keeping baby food cool

 

Shown: Large Utility Tote in Charcoal Crosshatch personalized with Modern font in Black; Foldaway Tote in Off to Shop; Quick Cinch Thermal in Buffalo PlaidQuick Fix: Vehicle Trunk Organization

When you have kids who play sports, pets that love the park and lots of places to be, then your car, van, or SUV’s trunk may look like a disaster area. Never fear. We have ideal trunk storage solutions and trunk organizers for your car or SUV.

Our car storage totes help keep grocery bags from tipping over, sports equipment from rolling around and emergency supplies organized and ready for use. Have some other car storage needs in mind? Here are a few more recommendations to help you get organized:

• Deluxe Utility Tote – our biggest storage tote can handle tools, sporting goods, groceries and more
• Deluxe Double^® Duty Caddy – perfect for holding small tools, flashlights and other emergency needs
• Your Way^® Cube – keep pet toys, car washing supplies, or road trip necessities ready for action

Have questions or need help picking out the perfect organizing solution…… send me a message, 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

Summer Travel Tips

Summer has arrived and it is time for vacations.  Did you know the last two weeks in July and the first two weeks in August are when most people go on vacation?  Where are you headed on your next vacation?

We are planning to travel in the fall when the weather is a little cooler and the kids are back to school.  Hopefully there will be less traffic.  I don’t know about you but I am 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 even though it is a bit of a struggle these days. 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 things out 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.  This is a HUGE help with those things you always seem to forget or don’t think you will need.

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. In the past, we definitely would have 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 zipper pouch or glamour case.

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 Beach Ready Tote 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 July Customer Special offers your favorite lunch-sized thermals for either $10 or $15.    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  have a texting party……. to get some FREE products along with a great HOSTESS SPECIAL which  is  the  NEW  Family  Picnic  Thermal  for  just  $20.

The NEW Fall Winter catalog will be out too soon 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!

 

 

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

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!