The Many Uses of a Large Utility Tote

Totes come in every shape and size.  The truth is they are usually at home when we are out and about, right?  I mean how many times have you stopped to the grocery store only to remember the bags are at home or maybe they are in the car but you forgot to take them into the store.  I know, I have been there – yes, this “bag lady” does occasionally forget to take her bag with her.  SHHHH!  It will be our little secret.

Since the summer is quickly approaching, I have come up with a system to ensure the bags are in the car AND I take them in the store when I go shopping.  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 my 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.

Thirty One has a variety of totes (and thermals) which make shopping especially grocery shopping so much easier.  Here are some tips to help you pick the one for YOU:

Did you  know the Large Utility Tote has been the company’s TOP SELLER (usually #1) since it was first introduced.  The Large Utility Tote is 11.75″ High x 21.5″ Wide x 10″ deep. The structured metal frame keeps it open for bulky items and provides strength for durability. Use it to keep your closet in order, carry toys or groceries while you’re on the go, haul camping gear and so much more. It even collapses for easy storage!  AND it can be personalized!  Need a visual, check out some of these different uses:

Have kids in sports?  Want to be ready for the beach or the pool?  Team up the large utility tote with the all in organizer and a picnic thermal.

   Wedding gifts… Party Time…    Camping.

Do you need a tote for a weekend trip, or a teacher bag, or a tote for errands when you’re schlepping a lot of stuff around?  I love the fact Thirty One’s totes are multi-purpose.

Did I mention the BEST part of the large utility tote in May????  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!

 

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

Thank you Janet Kinkade the creator of JK by Thirty-One jewelry for today’s tips. Her ultimate passion is to inspire women and help them recognize their own beauty and potential. Read more on Janet’s blog, and follow her on Instagram!

I love how we set aside a whole day to honor and celebrate the women who raised us. My mom is an amazing mother. She is selfless yet strong – and the most beautiful woman I know!

Mother’s Day holds a special place in my heart because of my own daughter – Belinda.  I remember several Mother’s Days in the past, waking up to handmade gifts she had poured her hearts into making. These moments remind me motherhood is a gift and my favorite job of all despite the fact my “baby” is all grown up.

Thirty-One makes it so easy and fun to find the perfect gift for all of the special women in your life! Here are a few ideas for you:

Save the day with a fun and funny “New Mom Survival Kit”

New moms get so many gifts for baby, why not take this opportunity to put together a cute and creative gift just for her? Help ease her transition – and give her a little chuckle at the same time – with a sweet “survival kit” tucked into a reusable Zipper Pouch or Swap-It Pocket, along with a note explaining each item:

• A healthy snack to keep her energy up!
• Hand sanitizer so she stays healthy. (Moms can’t get sick!)
• Dry shampoo, because regular showers are a thing of the past.
• Yummy-smelling candle to help create calm when she needs some alone time.
• Snickers® bar and Laffy Taffy® to keep her sense of humor.
• Bag of marbles to replace the ones she’ll lose!
• Rubber bands to remind her that flexibility is key!

Take something off her plate with an all-in-one meal kit

You can pack an entire meal inside one of our gorgeous totes that Mom will love to use long after the meal is over! Put all the ingredients for a delicious dinner in a personalized Zip-Top Organizing Tote or Catch-All Bin – or in one of our new Summer Essentials like the Summer Fun Caddy or In the Clear Tote. You can even add some hand-painted soup bowls, a matching kitchen towel and potholder – and don’t forget a bottle of her favorite wine!

Why not try one of my family’s favorite meals: Taco Soup! Most of the ingredients are in cans, so it’s perfect for packing.

Taco Soup
Ingredients:
3 cans of beans (I mix red beans and black beans)
2 cans of diced tomatoes
1 can of whole kernel corn
1 can of diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 package of taco seasoning
1 package of ranch dressing mix
32 oz. of chicken broth
2 cups of cooked ground beef

Directions: Combine all of the ingredients in a slow cooker, and cook on high for 4 hours. (You can cook on low for 8 hours, instead, if you’re going to be gone all day.)

Express your love and gratitude with custom home décor

If you’re looking for a personalized gift that will last long enough to become a family keepsake, look no further than our custom Statement Canvas Pillows, Statement Canvas Wall Art and wooden Close to Home Tray! These gifts can be a creative way to show off her Personality, talk about her Passions and inspire others with her Purpose as a mother. Check out our 3 Ps of Personalization for tips to make a beautiful gift for her home that she’ll always treasure!

Stay close to her heart with a mother’s necklace

Our new Charm Catcher Necklace is the perfect way to design Mom her very own meaningful – and wearable – keepsake! Create a beautiful piece of jewelry (moms LOVE jewelry!) that she can put on every day to remind her of all the joys of motherhood.

Start with our Charm Catcher Necklace in gold or silver tone, then add:

• Family Roots Keepsake Charm, because her family means everything
• Two-tone Wax Seal Charm that represents her number of children
• Round Initial Charm with the initial of the family’s last name
• A Celebration Birthstone Charm in her birth month, or those of her kids or grandkids

What special gift are you getting your mom?  Share it with us, we won’t tell…

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!