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!

• Takealong Weekender: more stylish than sporty oversized travel bag!
• Expanding Travel Case: lots of room for your toiletries and cosmetics!

 

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

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

OTHER GREAT OPTIONS!

• Picnic Thermal Tote: more vertical design holds ice and taller items!
• Fresh Market^® Thermal: Holds ice and is large enough for two 9” x 13” pans! Yes, it can do HOT or COLD!

 

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!

Why You Can’t Live Without A Large Utility Tote

Thirty One’s original (and famous) Large Utility Tote, or LUT for short is celebrating it’s 10th birthday…Don’t get why this is such a BIG deal?

Millions of these totes have been sold over the years and for many it has been your go-to tote from the grocery store to the beach and back. And with more prints to choose from than ever, now is the perfect time to stock up on them – and the accessories to make the best even better!

Check out what makes this customer-favorite so special, and how the addition of the Double Chill Thermal Set and Stand Tall Insert has upped the game on this #1 seller.  The list of the 101 most creative, practical and just plain wacky uses customers have found for the LUT  is CRAZY!!

It’s storage made portable! When the best-selling tote debuted in 2009, the original Large Utility Tote featured, and still does, a sturdy wire support around the top to hold its shape and reinforced stitching on the handles and seams for unmatched durability.  Did you know it could hold up to 100 pounds?  Yes, it has been kid tested!  It also collapses flat for easy storage.

The two-piece Double Chill Thermal Set is soft yet structured and fits perfectly inside the Large Utility Tote, transforming it into the ultimate picnic basket or tailgating tote! Or quickly snap in a Stand Tall Insert to add structure, stability and handy interior pockets.

Want to get inspired????   Here are 101 of the favorite uses shared by Thirty One Customers and Consultants.  Which one (or ones) would you use it for?

1. Warehouse store shopping
2. Wine caddy
3. Cleaning supplies
4. Gift bags, boxes & tissue paper
5. Hockey equipment
6. Christmas lights
7. Winter hats, gloves & scarves
8. Campsite dishwashing tub
9. Yarn storage
10. Basketball camp

11. Junk in the trunk!

12. Classroom posters
13. Garage storage
14. Cold cellar storage
15. Portable tool box
16. Cowboy boots
17. Take puppies to the vet
18. Camper organization
19. Under the bed
20. Lift-out chest freezer divider

21. Bathroom storage

22. Beach or pool bag
23. Fitness equipment
24. Battle ropes
25. Band equipment
26. Hide Christmas gifts
27. Photo albums
28. Hunting gear
29. Kids’ science fair projects
30. Extra diapers

31. Boating needs
32. Car cleaning supplies
33. Calving supplies & milk bottles
34. Carry sewing machine to quilting group
35. Dry/wet towels
36. Store chips in the pantry
37. Newspapers for delivery
38. Camping gear
39. Soccer balls & kits
40. Swim team gear

41. Pack for a potluck

42. School supplies drop-off
43. Scrapbooking supplies
44. Gardening tools
45. Cake decorating supplies
46. Ice fishing equipment
47. Snowmobile helmet & gear
48. Kids’ hide-and-seek spot
49. Cookbooks
50. Beauty supplies

51. Coach’s bag
52. Birthday party supplies
53. Computer repair items
54. Church youth group
55. Painting supplies
56. Weiner dog bed for road trips
57. Tae Kwon Do sparring gear
58. Carry hay to the goats
59. Nerf guns & ammo
60. End-of-school locker clean-out

61. Ultimate picnic basket
62. Clothing & toiletry donations
63. Cub Scout bag
64. Cheerleading equipment
65. Packable extra luggage for travel
66. Hot tub essentials
67. Seasonal closet clean-out
68. Mixing bowls & utensils
69. Floor tiles & grout
70. Vinyl record collection

71. Extra baseballs for practice
72. Take coffee & snacks to the office
73. Transport a large piñata
74. Deliver May Day baskets
75. Dog boarding & grooming items
76. Toy racecar tracks
77. Carry birthday presents
78. Clean laundry sorting system
79. Artificial Christmas tree branches
80. Spare sheets in each bedroom

81. Family Sunday

82. Sleepover bag
83. Extra shoes by the door
84. Farmer’s market
85. Sweet corn picking
86. Pretend airplane
87. Stuffed animals
88. Blankets & throw pillows
89. Air mattress, pump & batteries
90. Take NICU/chemo care kits to hospital
91. Cosplay costumes

92. Grandma’s crochet projects
93. Softball catcher’s gear
94. Kayaking accessories
95. Magazine storage
96. Camera equipment & tripod
97. Trading card binders
98. Baby-wearing class supplies
99. 100 feet of garden hose
100. Ham radio supplies
101. Clothesline, clothespins & hangers

So, are you convinced you need one?????  Grab them while they are on sale this month…

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

How Many Ways Can You Use a Large Utility Tote?

Have you ever thought about it?  Do you think totes are just for the grocery store?  Or maybe you think beach bag? Or purse (okay maybe not a large utility tote)?  The truth is totes come in every shape and size, right?  If we stop to the grocery store, how many times have you forgotten the bags at home or maybe they are still in the trunk of the car…. admit it, I’m not alone, right? Yes, this “Bag Lady” does occasionally forget to take her totes with her….. SHHH!!!  It will be our little secret.

Let’s talk about Thirty One’s Large Utility Tote for a minute…. Did you know it has been the TOP SELLER (usually the #1 spot) since it was first introduced?  You may ask why?  It is just a tote… but not just any tote.  No, it doesn’t have magical powers…..

The Large Utility Tote is 11.75″ High x 21.5″ Wide x 10″ Deep.  It has a structured metal frame which keeps it open for bulky items and provides strength fo durability.

The top use is for grocery shopping….I have a simple system to ensure the totes are in the care when I head to the store. Once I unpack the totes, I set them by the door so they are in plain sight when I go out to the car the next time.  They are always put in the truck of the CRV.  So, how do I remember to take them with me?  On the days I am grocery shopping, I put my purse in the trunk.  Yup, I can’t go shopping without my purse, so when I open the trunk to get my purse, I pick up my totes.    Sometimes I will place them on the seat next to me.  I don’t know about you but I need to have things written on a list OR right in front of me in order to remember them.

Add a Double Chill Thermal to your large utility tote and you have the perfect way to keep your frozen foods solid during the hot summer months.  Okay, so most of us are battling the frigid cold right now but summer is just around the corner. This set of two water-resistant Leak Lock^® thermal inserts lets you pack ice without worry, and side handles make these soft-sided cooler bags easy to carry.  Great for grocery shopping, a day at the beach or a picnic.

Everyone is into decluttering these days…. why not use a large utility tote it to keep your closet in order.  Can you imagine how many blankets you could fit in one if you used the Tidying Up method of folding???  It even collapses for easy storage!  AND it can be personalized!  Shoes all over the floor?  Why not try dividing a tote with bottle dividers from the liquor store?

     

Have kids in sports?  Admit it, their equipment is ALL over the trunk of the car.  There is always something that goes missing – a glove, a sock, a shirt – why not make it easy by putting a tote in the trunk JUST for sporting equipment or after school activities.  How about tailgating at all of the games/ practices this spring?       Know someone getting married?  The large utility tote is a great wedding gift…

Did I mention the BEST part of the large utility tote in February????  It is on SALE!!!  Who doesn’t love a sale right?

Why not grab TWO and split the cost with your bestie!

So many uses for just one bag… which one is calling you?

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

 

Tasty Tuesday: Healthy Lunch Box Ideas

I know it is WAY too early to think about “healthy school lunches”, right?  BUT these are also some great ideas to use for trips to the beach or the park or even those outdoor activities this summer.

I never thought of Belinda as a fussy eater, she just knew what she wanted and it was one battle I did not want to fight.  So for lunch was usually carrots and dip or peanut butter and no jelly.  She wanted nothing to do with anything “green” but she did like “finger foods” for lunch so baby carrots were always good.

I’m sure some of you have a problem getting your kids to eat healthy.  Although I think it is a little easier these days.  Thanks to Thirty One for these yummy ideas!  We’ve searched far and wide to bring you the most delicious snacks you can easily swap out to boost your kids’ nutrition. (And they’re all perfect to pack in our colorful and hard-working insulated lunch bags!)

Swap out PB&J for a PB&B

We all remember pulling a pale, squashed PBJ out of our lunch bags as kids… with that dark purple splotch of jelly seeping through the soggy white bread. (Bleh.)  I loved it BUT Belinda didn’t do jelly.  Why not give your kids a healthy sammie worth celebrating? A peanut butter and banana sandwich on whole wheat or put it in a wrap.  It is packed with 17 g of protein, 7 g of fiber, complex carbs and healthy unsaturated fats. This combo can help kids feel full and energized throughout the afternoon.  Slicing up half a medium banana instead of spreading on two tablespoons of jam adds potassium and cuts out 10 g of sugar! You can even layer in sliced strawberries for a touch of sweetness and a big dose of vitamin C.

Swap out juice boxes for a reusable water bottle

Single-serving drink boxes are convenient and fun, but many also contain artificial color, flavoring and preservatives. Even 100% fruit juices can contain up to 20 g of sugar per pouch!  Instead, try infusing a pitcher of water with citrus slices, torn fresh herbs or muddled berries at home. Combine together herbs and fruits (like strawberry-basil or blueberry-mint) for a refreshing change of pace. Leave your pitcher to infuse overnight in the fridge and pour into a leak-proof water bottle.

Our roomy new Lunch Buddy Thermals feature an elastic-topped mesh side pocket that’s perfect for toting the kids’ water bottles to school and back each day. (And the fun prints are irresistible!)

Swap out applesauce for apple slices

Packing a large, sliced apple instead of a cup of applesauce can double your kids’ fiber intake (5.4 g vs 2.7 g), boost their vitamin C (10.3 mg vs 2.7 mg) and provide them with the beneficial antioxidants contained in the skin of the apple.  Kids love to eat raw apples plain as a healthful snack, or dip slices in a delicious nut or seed butter for added protein and a salty kick. If you want to keep the convenience factor, toss in a whole apple or nab a segmented slicer tool to make quick work of lunch prep.  If you do decide to sometimes opt for applesauce, look for healthier varieties made without added sugar or artificial preservatives. Or make your own unsweetened applesauce, and be sure to leave the skins on!

Swap out chips for nearly anything else

Do your kids crave something salty to go with their meals? (Us too!) Steer clear of the fat, sodium and calorie bombs that are potato chips, which have been scientifically linked to weight gain, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.   Instead, why not offer your kids one of these tasty (and nutritious) treats?

• Roasted pumpkin seeds
• Deli turkey-wrapped cucumber slices
• Nuts (Be sure to check your school’s allergen policy first)
• Edamame, boiled or shelled and roasted
• Air-popped popcorn (It’s a whole grain!)
• Cheese cubes
• Whole wheat pretzels
• Celery sticks with nut or seed butter and raisins, or with cream cheese and dried cranberries
• Swap out pudding cups for Greek yogurt
• Kids love spooning up creamy treats at lunchtime. But when you’re packing their lunch bags, think Greek: While the calorie count and amount of calcium are essentially the same, a serving of Greek yogurt can provide as much as 20 times the protein of an individual pudding cup.

Stick to plain Greek yogurt for the least sugar, and add sliced berries or a little honey for sweetness. If the kids want the flavored kind, choose one with sugar near the end of the ingredient list: The first three ingredients should be milk, live and active cultures and fruit.

Keep their yogurt – and the rest of their healthy food swap-outs – cool until lunchtime in a classic Thermal Tote personalized with your child’s name and favorite embroidered Icon-It design. Your kids will be eating healthy and noshing in style!

 

What is your kids’ favorite lunch?  Share it with us…. Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

How to Pack the Perfect Picnic

 

The sun is shining and it’s a beautiful day!  Well, one can dream, right?  The Jersey Shore seems to have more clouds then sun lately but we know it won’t be long, right?

With the Memorial Day weekend here is just about a week, a picnic is a wonderful way to celebrate!  There will be lots of barbecues and tailgating happening during the holiday weekend and we want to be sure you are prepared.  So here are some tips from Thirty One to help you pack the perfect picnic….

Whether you are picnicking alone or with a group of family or friends, we have a tote or thermal just for you!

For the gang….

When you’ve invited all of your daughter’s soccer pals or each of your son’s camp buddies to join you on a picnic, only Thirty-One’s Large Utility Tote will do!  A best-seller since it was introduced, the Large Utility Tote is big enough to pack everyone’s favorite foods. The wire support around the opening means it holds its shape, and you can see all of the food and drinks you have packed so you don’t forget a thing. Add a Top-A-Tote to keep the contents covered and secure.

For the family..

Create some memories by taking the family dinner outside! The Perfect Party Setreally is perfect – perfect for keeping food either hot or cold in one of its two thermal compartments. Each water-resistant section is large enough to fit a 9×13″ pan, making it a flexible option for any picnic. Place your hot casserole in the bottom compartment, and don’t forget a dozen cupcakes on top!

A picnic for two

Whether you’re picnicking with your bestie or your special someone, the Picnic Thermal Tote is an ideal option. Tall enough to fit your favourite bottled beverage, the tote even has a Leak Lock thermal lining for ice to keep things cold. The zip-around closure makes it easy to load and unload, and the adjustable, detachable strap means you can keep your hands free. Remember to stick a few extra napkins in the exterior front pocket!

A picnic for you

At work or at home, the Lunch Break Thermal is the convenient choice when you need a picnic all to yourself! Throw it in your car, tuck it in your office refrigerator or take it to the beach – the durable fabric will make it your thermal of choice when you want some time alone. The extended handles allow you to throw it over your shoulder in a moment, and the exterior pocket is roomy enough for your keys, phone or wallet. So go ahead: Make your escape!

On the go

Life is busy, and the Around The Clock Thermal is ready to follow you at lunchtime, snack time or anytime! If you’re not quite sure where you’ll be throughout the day, this thermal is one of your most versatile options. The thermal lining means you can be confident your food will stay cool, and (bonus!) it’s water-resistant to make clean-up a breeze. Large enough for lunches or a variety of snacks, the interior mesh pocket and front exterior zipper pocket also are handy options for storage. If you’re on the go from dawn to dusk, this thermal is the one for you!  Need a visual…. it will hold a 6-pack with some room for a few snacks.

Picnics are a blast, so make sure you have some fun with whichever picnic thermal or tote you choose! Don’t forget: A monogram or other personalization adds a special touch to a special meal, all season long.

Thank you ThirtyOne for today’s blog post…  Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!