10 Tote Lover Personalities

Customers love our utility storage totes – that’s why they’re always top sellers for us – but have you ever wondered what it is about our totes that draws you in? We think that everyone has a “tote personality” based on all the fabulous features of our totes, so we took some time to think about it. In the end, we came up with 10 distinct tote lover personality traits our Customers possess. How many of the 10 do you have? Read on and find out!

The Planner

You like to get things ready for any possibility, so you probably prepare by loading up Large Utility Totes with essentials for your family’s many activities and adventures. No matter what the occasion – kids’ sleepovers, softball practice, camping trip or car trunk emergency supplies – you have a tote at the ready for every purpose.

The Mover

You’re always on the go, with kids, for work, to the grocery, etc., and portable totes that can hold a lot and are easy to carry are essential to your busy life. The Journey Backpack is a great solution for you. With its hands-free backpack straps, top handles and plentiful pockets, it’s the backpack tote for life in the fast lane!

The Environmentalist

You’re concerned about the planet and want to make sure it remains beautiful and unpolluted, which means you probably love our reusable totes. Plastic bags are a no-no in your household, so when you head to the grocery, you grab something sustainable, like our Essential Storage Totes with eco-friendly graphic messages.

The Fashionista

You NEED a tote that can hold a lot, but you WANT a tote that has style and looks good when you’re out and about. Lucky for you, our totes were made for the practical-thinking fashion-forward types. With delicious details, trend-now colors and prints, and fabulous, functional features, you’ll always find a tote to suit your style, like the New Horizons Tote. Its slouchy, oversized proportions make it the perfect beach bag, shopping tote or travel bag!

The Artist

You want a tote that’s all personality…yours! No worries, we have personalization designs you can add to your favorite tote to make it truly unique. Depending on the type of tote you want to personalize, you have the option of adding monograms, names, phrases, Icon-Its™ designs, or even photo images. Let your creativity flow and design a travel tote, storage tote, shopping tote and more for yourself or someone else.

The Pragmatist

Reliable and sturdy, that’s what you look for in a storage tote for home organization or a portable tote for carrying everything from sports equipment and camping supplies to books and tools. The Deluxe Utility Tote was designed for large loads. The hard bottom provides added stability, while metal grommets and reinforced, stitched handles give it  strength and durability.

The Space Saver

You’re all about space and efficiency, so you love to have things neatly stowed away but easily accessible for when you need them. That’s why you love our Top-A-Tote^® and Deluxe Top-A-Tote^® lids made especially for our LUTs and DUTs. Not only do they make your favorite storage totes stackable, the clear PVC on top lets you view the contents inside without having to remove them first!

The Stylist

Mix it, match it, you love to coordinate looks in your home and in your personal style! Our seasonal tote prints and colors are designed to work together to create a look that is cohesive and stylish. Create a color scheme that works with your home décor or find a tote print that fits your mood. There’s no wrong answer!

The Minimalist

Out of sight, out of mind is your motto, so when you have a few of our totes that aren’t currently in use, no problem! Our Foldaway Totes tuck inside of themselves so you can stow them away in a pocket, purse or handbag until you’re ready for shopping. Our Large, Small and Deluxe Utility Totes all collapse down to a flat position so you can easily hide them away in a closet, drawer or under a bed when they aren’t in use.

The Giver

Need a great gift idea? Our totes make the perfect gifts, gift bags or both! If you’re the type that loves to give unique, thoughtful gifts on special occasions, or just to say thank you to a friend or neighbor, consider filling up a Tiny Utility Tote or Small Essential Storage Tote with lots of small items. Make it even more special by personalizing their gift tote with a monogram, name or meaningful phrase.

 

How much do you love our totes?

Do you have a mild obsession or are you full-tilt gaga? How many personality traits describe you? Your score will tell us how big a tote lover you are!

1-3: Heart palpitations! Your love is in bloom, but there’s plenty more to come!

4-6: You’ve got tote fever! Our totes are your passion, enjoy the romance!

7-9: Swoon… you feel faint! You’ve got it bad! Romeo & Juliet have nothing on you!

10:  Full-scale obsession! Nothing can keep you and our totes apart!

Looking for more ideas or need help picking a product perfect for you????? Send me a message or comment below and I will be happy to help you.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

Feeling Defeated???

If you feel defeated or have ever felt like it, know you are not alone!

Since March when COVID became our way of life, I’ve seen many posts about people who feel like their whole life is falling apart.  I will admit, I had those fleeting moments too.  You know the feeling when it seems like no matter how hard you try, you aren’t able to do anything about it.  We want to fix, manage and control things.  The very people you thought would stand beside you forever turned and walked away.   Those days when the waves of hopelessness flooded your heart and clouded your mind, inching you closer and closer to simply giving up.   The mere thought of facing one more day filled your heart with pain, fear and too much uncertainty to manage.  Who has been there? Maybe not during COVID but at other times in your life….

As a recovering addict who battles with MS, I will admit those days still happen.  I want you to know you are not alone.  There are others who have already been there.

People who know me, know I’m not a quitter…I never have been.  I usual face things with the confidence I will overcome and things will get better.  Honestly, there have been times when I’ve felt like giving up and waving the white flag of defeat. I’m not immune to having the feelings of being overwhelmed, weak and uncertain.  I have tried to do things my way only to find out I created more of a mess.  Those days when MS kicks my butt with brain fog, confusion and aching throughout my body.  Or the days when I  feel as if I’m not “enough” – frustrated with my weight loss efforts and life in general.  I struggle with admitting I’m powerless.  I struggle with wanting things my way.  

Recently, I saw a post about Emperor Tamerlane who was badly defeated in battle. He ran from the battle and hid in a barn. Enemy troops searched the countryside for him. By this time he was depressed, his troops had been terribly defeated and scattered, and he didn’t know what he was going to do.

It was then he noticed an ant trying to push a giant kernel of corn up over a stone wall. As he watched this ant attempt to do the impossible, he counted its futile efforts to see how many times the ant would try until it gave up.

One, two, three… twenty… forty… sixty-nine times the ant tried and failed to push the kernel over the wall. But in one last push, on the seventieth try, the ant made it. Leaping to his feet, Tamerlane excitedly said to the ant, “If you can do it, then so can I.” That day he changed his outlook, reorganized his forces, went back and defeated the enemy.

This story reminded me of the “Little Engine that Could” book I was given my first time in recovery by a friend who was also my boss at the time.  It was this book which helped to remind me on a daily basis things would get better.  Life did get better and then I thought I had things under control.  BIG mistake…..I know I squirreled but I do when I am writing (or talking, LOL).

I know you have probably heard it a million times but you can do it too!  On the outside, people don’t understand every day living with MS is a struggle for me.  On the outside things look easy but on the inside I am attempting the impossible – searching for memories, struggling to find the right words, and trying to carry on conversations.  Add my character defects (yup, I have them) linked to being a recovering addict and you have a “hot mess”.  just like the ant I failed more than once…but I don’t quit.  

I push, get exhausted, try some more, fail, rest, but still get up and try again.  I admit I am powerless in trying to fix, manage and control things.  I push through weakness, dizziness, muscle spasms, and a lack of sleep.  I push through going to meetings because I need to know I am not alone.  I push through feelings of comparison when it comes to my business.  I push and keep on pushing at everything I do. There are days when even a simple trip to the mailbox is a struggle.  

Do I still craft?  YES!  Do I still do puzzles? YES!  Do I still plan meals?  YES (if I didn’t, I never know what we would eat, LOL).  Do I still work my business?  YES (most days)!  Why do I keep pushing….. I think of the little ant who reminds us we can do it. The fight is worth it.  We can make it. Even though things look as if they are impossible, there is still some possibility there. Today, let me be the ant for you.  Remember “impossible” is actually “I’m possible”.

Don’t let the fact a situation, a person, an addiction or a health issue cause you to feel defeated. You can’t stop trying. You can’t stop pushing. Don’t let it win…now PUSH!

I haven’t written in awhile, not sure what to say or what to write about.  This morning, this was heavy on my heart so I figured someone needed to hear it.  I was also surprised by the number of people who keep stopping by my blog to check it out even though I haven’t been writing.  I’m grateful for my readers.  I’m grateful for those who support my business.  It is because I can make a difference in the life of one person I keep on pushing….

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

 

Tasty Tueseday: Zesty Spanish Cauliflower Rice

Today is another Weight Watcher’s recipe.  I haven’t had the nerve to substitute this for hubby’s favorite Spanish Rice dish yet BUT the day is coming.  I think I will make it for me and let him try it.  Wonder if he will be able to tell the difference??? LOL!

Nutrition facts: 1/4th of recipe (about 1 1/3 cups) is 100 calories, 0.5g total fat (<0.5g sat fat), 571mg sodium, 21g carbs, 6g fiber, 9.5g sugars, 5g protein. Freestyle™ SmartPoints® value 0*

Prep: 10 minutes     Cook: 20 minutes   Makes: 4 servings

Ingredients:

4 cups riced cauliflower (or 5 cups roughly chopped cauliflower)
1 cup chopped bell pepper
1 cup chopped onion
One 14.5-oz. can diced tomatoes (not drained)
1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
2 tbsp. tomato paste
1 tbsp. chopped garlic
1 tbsp. dried oregano
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. lime juice
1/2 tsp. chili powder
1/4 tsp. salt, or more to taste

Directions:

1. If starting with roughly chopped cauliflower, pulse in a blender until reduced to rice-sized pieces, working in batches as needed.
2. Bring an extra-large skillet sprayed with nonstick spray to medium-high heat. Add pepper and onion. Cook and stir until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add remaining ingredients, including riced cauliflower, and mix well. Bring to a boil.
4. Reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 6 minutes.
5. Remove lid. Cook and stir until cauliflower is tender and liquid has evaporated, about 5 minutes.

The Tote-ally Thermal may be a bit large to take for lunch BUT it is one of my NEW favorites…actually it has made a comeback! Why you’ll love it: it is tote meets cooler in this fabulous water-resistant bag. With the Leak Lock^® thermal lining which allows for ice to keep food and drinks cool, this is the perfect tote for family outings, picnics, camping, boating or any other outdoor activity. It will also keep things hot if you are headed out to a picnic or family gathering.  The long handles let you carry it over your shoulder to free up your hands, and plenty of pocket space means that there’s a place for everything.

Do you have a favorite recipe?  Share it with me and if we print it, you will receive a FREE gift from me as a thank you.  You can send your recipes to me via email at hopews31@gmail.com

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

Your Why Can Be Anything You Want

Happy Friday…. We are halfway through the month of December AND just two weeks away from the celebrating the New Year.  For many it will mean a list of New Year’s resolutions which may or may not be stuck to during the year.  For others, it means finding their one word which will be their focus for the year.  For others (like me), it will be making sure I am focused on my why.  Sounds kind of cheesy, right?

In the direct sales business, there is a lot of talk about “knowing your why”, about having a purpose and about letting your why lead the way.  It is wonderful when in fact you know what your why is and you aren’t playing the comparison game.

I believe knowing our purpose behind everything we do in our business is what bridges the gap between where we are now and where we truly want to be.  We need to know where we want to go if we want to actually have a chance at getting there.  Sometimes, we feel stuck, or overwhelmed, or even insecure when it comes to figuring out our why.

Not everyone wants to change the world.  Not everyone has big bold visions for their business and their work.  Maybe you have a message to share or a cause near and dear to your heart.  Maybe you just want to change your own world – pay bills, stay home with the kids, or travel. Yes, your why can be about creating a good life for you and your family, doing work you’re passionate about, while building financial stability and having a fulfilling career.

The truth is:

Your why can be whatever the hell you want it to be.

Many of us play the comparison game….. I know I am not alone.  We feel like our “why” may not be as important as everyone else’s or the shoulda, coulda, woulda gremlins start to bounce around in our heads.

The truth is no matter what your WHY is, it is valid, meaningful, and as worthwhile as anyone else’s.  You don’t have to try and change the world if you don’t want to.  Your why doesn’t have to be a big impressive thing.  Your why can be you and the life you want to build for yourself and your family.

The size of your why doesn’t really matter.  

What matters most is your why motivates and inspires you to show up, do the work, and take brave and bold steps forward in your work and life along the way.  I want you to ask yourself these questions (along with me) today so we can get to the heart of our why…..

• What kind of work and life do you want to build?
• What truly motivates and inspires you to pursue this path?

Then dig a little deeper to the heart of the work you do….what are your biggest hopes, intentions, and goals (for both you and your customers)?

Once you figure it out – OWN IT.  Be brave enough to keep moving in the direction which feels most true to you.  Trust you have permission for your why to be whatever the hell you want it to be.

For me, it is always about making people smile but some days I forget and get wrapped up in the craziness of worrying what other people think.  Do I want to pay off debt?  YES! Do I love making my own hours & not working full time?  YES!  The reality is those two things do not get me up in the morning.  Some days they will motivate me to push for higher sales but the truth is….I like to make people smile.

So whether it is helping a hostess get FREE products or sending happy mail to thank someone for an order or just a card to let someone know I care – these are the things which move me forward each day.  Some days the desire to pay off debt is much less important than the need to make someone smile but I am learning to balance the two – not always easy.

YOUR WHY IS YOURS – NOW OWN IT!

So as you start to think about the new year and your focus, what will it be?  Share your why with us as a way to start owning it…

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

 

Will You be a Sponsor?

I signed up for Walk MS because I have been diagnosed with MS.  You can get the “full” story by clicking HERE!

Here is the Reader’s Digest version.  “Squirrel Moment” (or random memory)…My grandfather used to get the Reader’s Digest delivered to the house.  I can remember him sitting in HIS chair with his head buried in the book.  Then in college, my roommate’s mom worked for Reader’s Digest in Mt. Kisco, NY.  Useless tidbit for some BUT it is a memory and I treasure them.

So, in December 2015 just before Christmas we received the diagnosis. It has been 3+ years of illnesses and health challenges.  I don’t fit the profile of an MS patient because I am 58 years old.  The truth is that the health challenges that I have faced for years, now come together as part of the MS.  It took one caring doctor to listen before things began to happen.  On the outside, I look the same BUT on the inside MS has attacked my memory giving me good days and bad days.

This is a charity walk that is changing the lives of people with MS and helping fuel progress toward a world free of MS. I’d love your generous support as I prepare for my walk.

 I hope that others will join me on the Rays of Hope Team.  Walk to make a difference in the lives of others.  The Walk is on April 16th with registration at 9AM in Seaside Park, NJ.  If you want to DONATE or JOIN our team. Click the links.

We have a Facebook Page too.  I will be doing fundraisers with some of my favorite Direct Sellers over the next month, with a portion of those sales being donated to our Walk fund.  First up is Jamberry Raising Awareness Event. Click HERE.

During the month of March, I will donate 10% of ALL my Thirty One retail/party sales to the Walk, too.  Everyone will be entered into a drawing for a special “thank you” gift from me.

HOPE – Helping Other People Everyday is my goal.  My vision is for a world where “random acts of kindness” are a normal part of our day.

Won’t you help to make a difference?  Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!