31 Thirty-One Bags (and how I use them)

Its official: I have an addiction to Thirty-One Gifts.

To be perfectly honest, at first I just thought they were over-priced shopping bags... but now, over a year later, I am absolutely in love with their products!

Let me begin by saying how much I love the quality of their totes. They are thick, durable and most importantly come in adorable prints! You will probably notice a pattern with my personal collection... I definitely tend to buy a lot of stuff in the same prints!

* I WILL UPDATE AS I GET MORE PICTURES *

1) Deluxe Utility Tote(s) - grocery trips

Print: Taupe Playful Parade

 We have a Costco membership, and as such we end up doing HUGE shopping trips (that and I only do grocery trips once every two weeks usually and get my produce through a local delivery service called Globally Local). These are awesome because at Costco they don't have bags or boxes for you to use. After you purchase your groceries they put them all back in your cart and you wheel them back to your vehicle. With these we simply put the bags in the back of our van and save a ton of time (which I certainly appreciate when grocery shopping with two toddlers and a newborn).

2) Fresh Market Thermal - groceries/crockpot

Print: Citrus Medallion (d/c)

This is one of my most recent purchases. Unfortunately this print is discontinued but I think it is so cute (and girly, unfortunately for my husband). The Fresh Market Thermal perfectly fits my crockpot, which is awesome for potlucks and family gatherings. It is also so great for grocery shopping to keep frozen products or dairy. It is the perfect size to fit a flat of eggs (we shop at Costco) and it also holds quite a few boxes of frozen chicken wings... mmmm!

3) Square utility tote (d/c) - front hall closet

Print: Grey Mod Dot

These were a limited time product and I regret not getting more of them! I use them on the shelf in our front hall closet to hold seasonal items... currently (from left to right) it holds pet stuff, stroller accessories and folded down 31 bags.

4) Oh-Snap Pockets - kids' stuff in front hall closet

Print: Taupe Playful Parade (with embroidery)

This isn't actually a picture of mine, but you get the idea. Each kid gets a pocket for their sunglasses, hat, shoes, lunch bag, books, etc. The girls both know which is theirs and can reach them. It is great for stopping clutter at the front door!

5) Retro Metro Bag - everyday purse

Print: Grey Mod Dot

Not much needs to be said about this bag... it is super cute and I love the canvas material it is made of, which differs from the material a lot of their bags are made of (I believe most of the Retro Metro line are made of this canvas material). It has two large exterior pockets, for keys or a phone. Inside there are two small pockets, great for a pack of gum or business cards. There is a larger zipper pocket inside as well. One of my favourite features is a little clip you can attach a key ring to inside the bag, so it is always super easy to find your keys!

6) All Day Organizing Tote - diaper bag

Print: Grey Parisian Pop (d/c)

Awesome bag. It is slightly roomier than the Zip Top Organizing Utility Tote, which was my first diaper bag from 31. With three kids I appreciate the extra room! It has one medium size exterior pocket (as seen in the picture). Inside it has two pockets, one zipper and one open. It has the metal grommets (like a Deluxe Utility Tote) so you can use the Made In The Shade Pocket, Pocket-a-Tote or Oh-Snap Pocket in it.

7) Hanging Home Organizer - desk/mail organizer

Print: Taupe Playful Parade

I love how neat this keeps my desk! All the mail gets immediately sorted using this. I use it to store coupons before I organize them, plan meals, make a grocery list, hang a calendar and have a chore chart. It is super handy and my girls can't reach it, which is a bonus!

8) Lunch Bags (d/c) - kids' snacks

Print: n/a

These are just TOO CUTE. Each of my kids has one of these for when we go out, so there is never any confusion about someone eating somebody else's snack/lunch. These are great for when we go to the park, the mall, or for a visit to somebody's house. The baby obviously doesn't eat snacks yet but it is great for bottles and soon for baby food as well! The girls both love theirs, and it holds their cheesestrings, sandwiches, yogurt, fruit, and juice boxes no problem! They are much bigger than they appear.

9) Cinch Top Bin - toy catch-all

Print: Tweethearts (seriously, even the name is adorable)

Our toy room is on the second floor, but somehow toys are continuously migrating down to the main floor. So in the TV room I have this bin (which I totally intend to empty at the end of every day) where my girls know to put the toys they find when we clean up before bed. I love that I can hide the mess with the cinch lid and the cute little birdies are just way too hard to resist! There are not many items that come in this print so of course I had to make sure I got something in it before it is discontinued.

10) On a Stroll Bag - stroller bag

Print: Black Chevron

My stroller (City Select, can not recommend this stroller enough!) does NOT come with a parent console/cup holder. So I invested in this nifty little bag. It has two cupholders, a small zipper pocket and a large mesh pocket. I usually use one of the cupholders for my phone and the other for a water bottle. The small pocket is great for keeping an extra soother or two. In the big mesh pocket I keep a diaper pouch (see below), a small umbrella and my rain cover. Its spring here now and that means a lot of rain! I love this product and recommend it to anybody with a City Select or similar stroller. I've also heard it is great for walkers and wheelchairs and shopping cart!

11) Zipper Pouch - diaper clutch

Print: Black Chevron

Yes, it matches my On a Stroll bag. Yes, that was on purpose. I purchased this pocket to fit inside my stroller bag. In it I keep 3-4 diapers per kid (I have two in diapers), a small pack of wipes, bum cream, a change of underwear for my oldest (just in case) and diaper baggies. It is great for when I don't want to bring a diaper bag, and I can take it out of the stroller bag and toss it in my purse. It is so handy!

12) Oh-Snap Bin - stroller cup/snack holder

Print: Black Chevron

Also a stroller product. Because I usually use both cupholders in the On a Stroll bag, I have this for my oldest to keep her drink and/or snack. My middle child has a cupholder on her seat tray so she doesn't need one, but I will probably get another one when she no longer needs to use the stroller. They are great and so versatile!

13) Large Utility Tote (& Top-a-Tote) - random kitchen stuff

Print: Daisy Craze (d/c)

 I have a bunch of little odds and ends in the kitchen that don't seem to fit anywhere else... they use to sit in a box or on the counter or stuffed in the cupboard above the fridge (which I can't reach... too short). Now I have this handy bag to keep them in! This includes any silicone baking accessories, cookie cutters, extra measuring cups/spoons, mixing bowls, extra bottles, etc.

 14) Hang-Up Room Organizer (d/c) - home school centre

Print: Turquoise Cross Pop (d/c)

This is a smaller version of the Hang-Up Home Organizer, but it is very similar. This is where I keep all my daughter's homeschool supplies. It hangs above her work table. In it there are workbooks, her notebook, rules, pencils, a pack of crayons, stickers, etc. It is really handy and again, my younger daughter (who is 2) can't reach it so it stays organized!

15) Oh-Snap Bins - baby closet organizers

Prints: Sea Stripe & Hoo's Happy (d/c)

These are awesome for organizing those tiny shoes, socks, hats, mittens, bibs, etc. We don't have a dresser for our little man so these work great! They are open and its so easy to see what you are looking for. They hang under his clothes on a second closet rod. They also attach to one another so that they all face forward. Such a smart design!

16) Your Way Cubes (& Lids) - closet organizers

Print: Taupe Cross Pop

These have big windows so you can see what is inside (sorry mine are messy, in the middle of changing G's clothes for the next size up, which means chaos in his closet). I have one for all my purses, and there are two for the baby's stuff, one for the next size up in clothes, and one for receiving blankets and extra warm blankets.

17) Euro Straw Tote - beach bag

Print: Turquoise Stripe (d/c)

Always packed to go with swimsuits, towels and sunscreen. Its not just for the beach but also great for the water park, pool, or even just to grab as we run into the backyard sprinkler! This bag is unfortunately discontinued but 31 still carries a similar bag, the Canvas Crew Tote in Turquoise Straw Stripe.

18) Essential Storage Totes - emergency bags

Print: Taupe Gingham (d/c)

 I keep three of these in the car, so in case I don't have my deluxe totes and make an impromptu grocery trip, I am covered. I also use them to gather all the car clutter. Sometimes, when we go to my husband's grandparents' place, they send us home with various baked goods and produce from their garden, and it is awesome to have one of these bags handy in those scenarios! 

19) Keep-It Tote - sewing kit

Print: Grey Wave

This holds my sewing accessories: thread, scissors, pins, measuring tape, needles, zippers, etc. It's is super cute and convenient to have everything in one place. The open top is actually awesome because I can just toss stuff back in when I am done with it.

20) Suite Skirt Purse - "date night" purse

Print: Sea Plaid (d/c)

I don't like to take my bigger Retro Metro purse when out with my hubby, but I still like to have a good sized bag to keep my wallet, phone and keys in. I tend to keep a ton of stuff in my bag even when just out for a couple hours (I like to over-prepare, just in case). This bag fits more than you would think!

21) Zip-Top Organizing Utility Tote - Steeped Tea bag

Print: Sunny Stripe (d/c)

I sell Steeped Tea (loose leaf teas), and this bag holds all my samples, catalogues, order forms and tea-brewing equipment. It also matches my business cards and is in the Steeped Tea colours. Score! It has five solid exterior pockets, and two mesh exterior pockets. It holds its shape well and has held up against a lot of weight in catalogues!

22) Retro Metro Crossbody - for the farmer's market or mall or yard sales

Print: Plum

I love all of the places mentioned above, but often I don't want a big bulky bag. I want something discreet but big enough to hold my wallet phone and keys. Enter the Crossbody! It is really cute and kind of grungy looking, which I love! Again this is that Retro Metro canvas material that I am fond of. I really recommend this bag because it is cute and funky!

23) Made In The Shade - coupons and discount cards

Print: Taupe Cross Pop

This is actually made to hang on a car visor, but I found it to be super convenient for coupons, store cards and gift cards. The card slots hold the club cards for various stores, such as M&M's, Costco, HMV, etc. The large pocket holds all my coupons. The smaller pockets hold discount cards, stamp cards and gift cards. I can leave it in my purse, attach it to my Deluxe Utility Tote or use it in the car on the visor.

24) Small Zipper Pouch - Kobo case

Print: Natural (w/Turquoise)

This perfectly fits my Kobo book reader... who knew? It is great! It has some padding so I feel safe throwing it in my purse (okay, maybe not literally throwing, but you get the point). It is a good price too compared to Kobo brand cases.

25) Retro Metro Rolling Weekender (d/c) - well, I use this as a weekender!

Print: Sea Plaid (d/c)

The weekender is kind of self-explanatory, but it also works as a great overnight bag for me and my three kids for those sleepovers at nana & papa's. When I was pregnant with my youngest, I had this bag packed to be my labour/hospital bag, because of its size and convenience. It carries like a duffle yet rolls like a full-size piece of luggage. I loved the rolling part because at nine months I did NOT want to pick this bag up, so rolling it was much more convenient! The wheels are solid, not flimsy ones that feel like they are going to break off.

26) Large Zipper Pouch - makeup bag

Print: Brown Woodblock Floral

This is great for my makeup (I don't have a ton). It's all together so if I need to do my makeup on the car I am good to go, or if I am going away I just toss it in my suitcase (my Rolling Weekender).

27) 24/7 Case - travel toiletries bag

Print: Black (boring, I know... it was for the hubby)

It fits all of his travel size toiletries, razor, comb, pyjamas and an extract-shirt, so this is all he needs for an overnight bag.

28) Fold N' File - diaper caddy

Print: Taupe Cross Pop

Matches the Your Way Cube in the baby's closet (where I store it). I keep a dozen diapers or so, wipes, extra so others and bibs. Super convenient!

29) Perfect Party Set (Thermal) - picnic bag

Print: Citrus Medallion

30) Around the Clock Thermal - work lunch bag

Print: Black (again, for the hubby)

31) Hang-up Activity Organizers, Pack N' Pull Caddy & Flip-Top Organizing Bin - car organizers

Print: Taupe Gingham (d/c)

If you live in Canada and find yourself in need of some 31, I know a great consultant! Here is her 31 site (and here she is on Facebook).

And alternatively, click here if you are planning a camping trip with your 31 to see some of my camping hacks :)

Camping with Thirty-One Gifts

For the first time since developing a full-fledged addiction to Thirty-One Gifts, we have gone on a family camping trip. And I can not even begin to explain why I preferred this trip over past camping trips! It was so organized and easy to pack and unpack. Everything had a designated tote and place. It all fit so nicely into the back of our van.

From left to right: Your Way Cube (with Lid), Deluxe Utility Tote, Large Utility Tote (with Insert), Deluxe Utility Tote (with Pocket-a-Tote), Your Way Cube and Fold & File.

1. Deluxe Utility Totes (2)

I used one for bedding (blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, etc.). It was put right into the "bedroom" area of the tent. I used a cinch-top lid (not pictured) so I could fit our pillows on top of everything else. Once emptied I put it back into the van and kept all our non-perishable food in it. The other was for general camping stuff (toys, flashlights, ropes, playmat, tarps, sunscreen, bug spray, games, etc.). This was left in the tent to as a drop-off for any of these items when not in use. This kept the floor of the tent clear.

2. Large Utility Tote

This was for out "camp kitchen". I used it to hold our cutting board, scissors, can opener, dish soap, coffee press, cooking utensils, garbage bags, plates, napkins, plastic cutlery, etc. I left it in the van so no animals would try and find it and break into the tent (there were raccoons that stole food from us when camping last year). I took it out during mealtimes and put it away when we were done.

3. Pocket-a-Tote

I used this for matches, a lighter and fire starters. I attached it to one of the Deluxe Utility Totes and kept it in the tent for making fires.

4. Fold and File

I used this as a diaper caddy. I kept diapers for the two youngest as well as wipes, diaper cream and extra soothers. This stayed in the tent, where I changed diapers (to avoid any bugs biting bare bums).

5. Your Way Cubes

I had one of these for each "bedroom" in the tent. One was for the girls' room, and held all their clothes and extra shoes. The other was for our room, where we kept our clothes and clothes for the baby (who slept with us). They also serve as end tables in the bedrooms!

6. Littles Carry-All (not pictured)

This was for holding bug spray and sunscreen and hung near the door of the tent. Convenient and easy to take outside to get the kids protected from bugs & harsh sun rays.

7. Euro Straw Tote [Canvas Crew Tote] (not pictured)

I used this as a "bathroom bag". It held towels, toilet paper (the campground's was thin and papery so I brought my own), shampoo, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste and hairbrush/comb. I would tote it to the bathroom every morning and evening and it had all our toiletries handy.

8. Fresh Market Thermal (not pictured)

I used this for produce (our meat and dairy I kept in a hard-shell Coleman cooler). I had ice packs in it and it kept it quite cool for a couple days. I wouldn't use this for any meat/dairy products if you are camping for more than one night because we added ice to the Coleman cooler and there was a ton of water inside afterwards and I didn't want to wreck my FMT.

Comment below with your favourite Thirty-One product to take camping!

xoxo
- M

10 Confessions

Here is a glimpse into my mind and how it works. I guess I feel often misunderstood and misinterpreted, so I hope this will help at least some of you to understand me (or even yourselves!) better.

1. Once I am friends with someone, I never stop being friends. Even if we haven't talked in years or got into a fight, I still consider you a friend. The "unfriend" button on Facebook does nothing to stop me!

2. If I ever come across as arrogant, know from the bottom of my heart I am not. I am very self-conscious and shy by nature. Sometimes I try to over-compensate and end up coming across as a jerk. If I have ever acted rudely to you, I am sorry.

3. I don't know how to flirt. Seriously. If I am "flirting" with someone, it is entirely by accident because I don't know how to flirt. My version of flirting used to be completely ignoring the guy for fear of scaring him off. (I'm still not sure how I ended up married.) If I am actually talking to you, I'm not flirting. Sorry.

4. Calling someone "miss" is one of the highest forms of respect I can pay. This probably stems from calling all my Sunday School teachers "miss" when I was young, and some of those women were the most influential in my life.

5. If you ever think I am mad at you, I am probably not. When I have any sort of altercation with someone, I usually assume they are upset / angry with me and try to avoid them so as not to make things worse. Thus it looks like I am the one who is upset / angry.

6. I may know a lot of people, but that doesn't mean I am "popular". In high school I was casually friends with a lot of people, and because of this not many people pursued a close friendship with me. I regret not having the confidence to do so myself, but I was a teenager. Confidence wasn't exactly my thing. I enjoy knowing lots of people, but I revel in my close friendships.

7. I don't usually ignore people on purpose. I have a very deep-rooted fear of annoying someone, so I will often avoid talking to / texting / Facebook stalking them so that I don't make them sick of me. If you think I am ignoring you, I am not upset or anything. Just reach out first and I will respond. Sometimes I am also just oblivious.

8. I am rarely too busy to hang out. I am just often convinced that no one actually wants to spend time with me, so don't like to reach out to get someone to hang out. I will rarely push if someone says they are busy, because what if they just said that because they don't want to see me?

9. If we are close, I will give a lot of attention to your significant other. This is not because I am flirting. It just means you are important to me, and he (or sometimes she) is important to you, so I am putting an effort into being on good terms with them.

10. I am always searching for approval. This is probably a by-product of being the "baby" sibling. I desperately need verbal approval from people for most of what I do. I have yet to figure out if this is a good or bad thing. This doesn't mean that I do everything to please others, but I do hope that someone is pleased with everything I do. (If that even makes sense.)

Hope you are having a great day! xoxo

- M

Ten Things That Make Me Happy

So, I've been having a bit of a crazy afternoon. I burnt myself boiling water for tea, our renter's had a plumbing problem, my two-year-old climbed into the one year old's crib and smeared poop everywhere, then PK decided to move her kittens under an end table (not the best location, dearest kitty).

I decided to fight this overwhelming feeling of WHY ME, I am going to make a list of ten things that make me happy.

1. Nature
I love the smells, the noises, the soft breeze. Give me trees and creeks and wild animals running around and I am a happy lady! Camping, hiking, and even just sitting in the backyard are all great ways to get some R&R.

2. Coffee
The caffeine releases hormones that make you feel happier. I love relaxing with a hot cup of coffee. The warm taste, the rich smell, the smooth texture... mmm! My mouth is watering. My favourite kinds are chocolate, peanut butter and pumpkin!

3. Chocolate
What goes better with coffee than chocolate? I love chocolate. White, milk or dark. With nuts or peanut butter or caramel. Ice cream, bars or hot. Any chocolate, any time. Again, chocolate has caffeine. Thus the happy! Do you think they have chocolate in Heaven?

4. Music
While live music is preferable, I can settle for listening to a CD (okay not a CD, I listen to my Rdio app or Youtube.) Just like with chocolate, my tastes can vary greatly. One day I'll want some classical, next time some 60's rock, then maybe some country (Taylor Swift is country, okay!), etc, etc. Music is a great motivator and encourager for me. I hear God in music. My favourite is probably when my husband serenades me with the piano... although my daughter is getting pretty good and makes a close second!

5. A Clean House
It is relaxing and inviting. It is the perfect space to be creative and to have fun. When my house is clean, I want to bake, paint, write, even sing! Unfortunately my two-year-old doesn't like having a clean house. Haha!

6. Baking
I have no idea why I don't do this more... probably because I'm a bit of a perfectionist and hate it when I burn something or it just tastes nasty. But I love the satisfaction at seeing a rack full of cooling cookies.

7. Camping
Nature and campfires and hiking and exploring... what's not to love? Granted the bugs can be gross at times, but that's what bug spray is for!

8. Packing
I enjoy organizing a suitcase or diaper bag or beach bag or whatever. I love trying to prepare for the unexpected. I love making lists for packing and the satisfaction of checking things off my list.

9. Hammocks
There aren't many feelings better than relaxing in a hammock with birds singing overhead and the wind blowing through the leaves above you. Utter bliss!

10. Riding Horses
This one is a tough one, because I don't have unlimited access to horses... but in the experience I have, on the back of a horse is a wonderful place. I have always really liked horses, and riding them is just an extension of that. I feel empowered and at peace simultaneously. It is my happy place.

What are your favourite things? Comment and let me know!

xoxo
- M

Birth Stories - Overview

So I decided I am going to share my birth stories from my three babies. I hope they might be helpful to moms-to-be to know what to expect (and maybe what not to do!) and maybe be helpful to new moms who wonder if anyone is going through the same thing.

Here is the story from my first little girl. (Will update link when I have it published!)

Here is my second daughter's story.

And here is how my little man came into the world.