Red Solo Cup

WOOHOO! Today is all about the Red Solo Cup in honor of Friday! How many of you started humming the song “Red Solo Cup”? I do like that song!!!

What do you think of when you think of a red solo cup? Frat parties. The perfect cup for drinking beer. Parties. Beer Pong. Believe it or not, it is actually the perfect cup for many things, especially if you don’t have a measuring cup handy.

So, you want to make a drink and don’t have a measuring cup…. what is a girl to do? Add your favorite liquor to the first line on the bottom. That equals a shot glass or 1 oz of liquor. Now mix in your favorite mixer.

Or do you want a glass of wine? Okay, if you are like me, you would fill it up to the top, right? I mean you can never have enough wine. BUT if you fill it to the second line, you will have a 5 ounce glass of wine.

Or are you a beer drinker? A 12-ounce bottle of beer will fill the cup to the third line from the bottom. Or if you are using a keg, fill to that line for a traditional mug of beer.

What is the final top line for? Well, if you fill the glass past that, you will definitely spill if all over!

So, this is my end of the week tidbit of information to kick off your weekend. Who is headed out to buy their red solo cup?

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

Reward Yourself

It is FRIDAY!  You have worked hard whether you are a stay at home mom or you punch a time clock from 9AM – 5PM.  If you have taken any of my challenges this week, you have definitely worked hard.  Personal growth is tough.  Take it from one who knows!

Whenever you accomplish something, you should reward yourself.  I know you are thinking – no time, no money, right?  Maybe you are thinking “I didn’t do anything worth celebrating this week”.  The truth is that there is always something to CELEBRATE.  It can be getting to the gym for workout, getting caught up on the household chores or maybe you just feel good.

Rewarding yourself on a weekly basis can be beneficial for your mood, and your motivation. You deserve it, so here are 20 ways to do it…

1. Get a manicure. Homemade, in front of the television or at the salon, it will make you feel great instantly.  I make a mess with nail polish so I save time by using Jamberry.

2. Take a bubble bath. The ultimate relaxation, and take your time!

3. Put money aside for a trip. Saving a specific amount each week will help you achieve a bigger treat like a trip.

4. Go out for dinner. Whether it is to your favorite restaurant, to your mom’s house, or to eat fast food…

5. Indulge in a sweet treat. Or salty. And don’t feel guilty about it.

6. Watch a movie in bed. Slip in your comfiest pajamas and enjoy.

7. UNPLUG!!! Take time off the Internet. We all need a break from the outside world, and during that time, you’ll be able to do anything, and you won’t be disturbed.

8. Read a book. Or a magazine.

9. Pick up flowers at your local market. This little attention will bring joy into your home.

10. Listen to loud music. And don’t forget to dance!

11. Have a glass of wine. Invite your friends for dinner, and chat with them.

12. Wander around town. There are probably many areas that you’ve never seen. A little bit of surprise can’t hurt.

13. Look at old memories. This is a great way to make you smile.

14. Call a friend or a family member. Someone you haven’t talked to in a while, or someone you talk to every day.

15. Cook your favorite meal. And don’t forget to turn the music on while you cook!

16. Sleep 15 more minutes. Or go to sleep early.

17. Write in a diary. It is so liberating, and very amusing to read later in your life.

18. Organize a picnic. What better way to enjoy the weather?

19. Go to the cinema.

20. Go shopping. Window shop and try clothes on that are “not your usual style”.  Who knows you may find something you like.

Rewarding yourself doesn’t have to take a lot of money, it is a chance to pamper you.  The CELEBRATE your awesomeness.

What will you do to REWARD yourself this weekend?

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

 

Travel on a Shoestring

Are you itching for a vacation but tight on cash? I know I am….We usually travel to North Carolina in May but this year with all of the doctor appointments, there was not time.  I will be celebrating in my “pink bubble” in July and am planning some trips for the fall.  One will definitely be to North Carolina and maybe even surprising hubby with a trip to Maine.  SHHHH!  It is a surprise!!!

So this week, we are going to talk about travel tips – from saving money to being organized ensuring that you don’t forget anything.

Here are just some tips quick tips to help you save money on your next trip:

#1 Airfares:  I don’t know about you but I feel like every time I turn around there is a change in airlines – mergers, acquisitions route adjustments and more. It may not seem it but the airlines are vying for your dollars. I know the additional charges for EVERYTHING is crazy but you can still get some good deals.  Finding the best fare is the trick. I have been checking rates on Hipmunk.  I have found some of the BEST rates there.  Let’s SQUASH the myth that round-trip tickets are the least expensive option today!  I have found that one way tickets are sometimes better – combining airlines can be cost effective.  Finally, purchasing up to 6-8 weeks before your trip will most likely result in the lowest price. PLUS flying mid-week and at off-peak times like early morning or late evening will result in cheaper fares.

#2 Hotel Rooms:  I know that you have seen all of the commercials about the difference in hotel room rates, right?  Just like flying, sometimes the cheaper option is to arrive mid-week and depart before the weekend rush.  Maybe you can’t afford that 5-star hotel BUT  you may still be able to enjoy some of their amenities during the day. They may sell day passes to access the pool, spa or gym. Their restaurants and bars are also an easy to way pamper yourself even if you are not a guest of the hotel. There are lodging alternatives like airbnb.com or VRBO.com that offer vacation rentals at cheaper rates.  Just be sure to do your homework.

#3 Meals:  Eating out and exploring new restaurants can be part of the fun while in a new city, but it can also be very expensive. We have always either brought our own snacks and breakfast when driving OR when we fly,we find a local grocery store and stock up on snacks, easy breakfast items and bottled water.  Booking a hotel that includes breakfast or even afternoon snacks in your room rate is a great option too.  Simply eating “in” for one meal a day will save you a lot of money over the course of your vacation.

If you like to pack your vacation with activities and excursions, planning ahead is also a smart way to save money.  Websites like Groupon and LivingSocial offer discounts on tours, activities and show tickets. When doing things online, be sure you are set-up with Ebates.  This will give you money back every time you shop online with one of their stores, including Groupon and Living Social.

What is your best tip for saving money when you travel?  Share it with us…

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

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Unique Gift Ideas

Happy Saturday! I along with LOTS of other people are at the Seaside Boardwalk – Walking for a CURE for MS.  I am blessed to have my good friend, Karen Peet walking with me.  I’m praying that the predicted rain holds off…

I love finding new uses for products.  Thirty One’s Fold and File teamed with a Zip Top Organizing Tote as a mobile office, right?  Business owners everywhere use it to ensure that they have everything they need at a moment’s notice when they are out and about.  It has saved many a direct seller from a business disaster.

Did you ever think of using it for a baby shower gift?  The Zip Top Organizing Tote is the perfect diaper bag

BUT who would have thought of adding a fold and file to it for a baby shower gift?  Why, you ask?  Fill it with file folders and label them with things like:

• doctor visits,
• warranty papers (swing, crib, etc.),
• important hospital papers,
• and the list goes on.

This way the parents have everything in one place. New parents love it.

Why we are on the subject of NEW parents, Mother’s Day is May 8th and Father’s Day is June 19th.

What about as a house warming gift?

REALTOR PICTURE

June is the time for weddings so bridal showers are happening in the Spring.

How about filling a Catch-All Bin with a personsonalized pillow for the happy couple?  Maybe a bottle of their favorite wine.  Maybe a personalized cutting board.  Be creative.  You don’t even have to wrap the gift – just a cello bag from the dollar store with a pretty bow.

This AWESOME gift set is on special for the month of April…

Wouldn’t it be fun to have a personal shopper?  Someone who you just call (or text) and they do all of your gift shopping – what do you think?  Let me help you avoid the “gift faux pas” this busy gift giving season.

What special occasion do you have coming up that you need help with? Share and let’s see if we can help you find some unique gift giving ideas.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

Making Wine from Lemons

 

GOTCHA!  You really thought I was going to tell you how to make wine from lemons, right?

It is Thursday and we are only in the 2nd week of the New Year, what could possibly be stressing you out, right?

Maybe those holiday bills have started to come in.  Maybe work is not all you want it to be.  Maybe there are health issues.  Maybe there are relationship issues.  Whatever is stressing and upsetting you – you can OVERCOME it.

Now, I am not advocating drinking your troubles away BUT a nice glass of wine is a great way to relax for some.

Did you know that you can OVERCOME anything if you put your mind to it and believe you can.

Here’s 3 tips that will help YOU!

#1 Take Time To Yourself!  I get it.  It is hard to take time for yourself when it feels like the world is falling around you.  The truth is that despite the “mess”, you deserve time for yourself.  Okay, so an hour out of each day may sound CRAZY.  So start small with 15 minutes and work your way up to a full hour. During  this time, don’t worry about anything, fill your mind with positive thoughts, and do something you enjoy.

#2 Be Loyal And Respect Yourself!   I know that I am talking about this A LOT lately but it is so important.  Being loyal to yourself means that you are true to who you are, and never be sorry for it.  That means NEVER apologizing for being you.  You are AWESOME. Some may like you.  Others may not.  Isn’t that why we have 31 flavors of ice cream?  Respecting yourself means that you will not let people walk over you. That means “NO PEOPLE PLEASING”.  If there is something that you don’t want to do, respect yourself enough to say NO!

#3 Be Solution Driven! Life is a roller coaster full of up’s and down’s!  Everyone’s life has a roller coaster even if you don’t see it.  The best way  to power through life’s roller coaster of down’s is by learning to find solutions.  What can you do to work through the struggles you’re having?  Can’t see a solution? Make a list of pro’s and con’s and see what you come up with.  Maybe that will help you come to conclusion or maybe not. Either way, at least you will be able to say you did your best.  Who knows you may begin to see the rainbow at the end of the storm.

What kind of Wine Are You Making With Your Lemons?

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!