dance recital season

In honor of my dance teacher of 15 years, Judy Matassa, for instilling "A Love of Dance" within my heart.

Oh it’s that time of the year, when you're busy doing everything from sewing costumes to staying late at dance class to perfecting all of your dance routines. Tis’ the season to be completely worn out, anticipating the reveal of the recital theme, thrilled to get your next costume, and so ready to be on stage. You are praying your pointe shoes last until the recital, and that you don't break anything before the recital.

Amidst all of the dancing and sewing, you are also trying to figure out what gift you will be getting your dance teacher and dance friends. Of course there is always the option of flowers, but I would come home with so many flowers after a recital that I'd barely have enough vases to use them all! I would have loved a cute, personalized gift that I could use after the recital!

A. Ruffle Cinch Sac $25
B. U R U Mini Wristlet $17
C. Medium Rosette $8
D. Small Rosette $5
E. Key Fob $5
F. Icon Hang Tag $7
G. Zipper Pouch $15
H. Pinch-Top Eyeglass Case $15
I. Littles Carry-All Caddy $12
J. Mini Zipper Pouch $12
K. Wristlet Wallet $25
L. Organizing Utility Tote $30
M. Ruffle Mini Zipper Pouch $18
N. Cosmetic Bag $30
O. All-In-One-Organizer $20

Items such as the rosettes, key fobs, and zipper pouches are small, cute gifts you could give. For someone close, you could think about a personalized bag they could use for their shoes, bobby pins, hairspray, and anything else they may need for the recital and dance class.

For the months of May and June, I will also be able to provide you with adorable dance themed water bottles that can be personalized for all of your friends at dance from Ellery's Design in addition to my Thirty-One products! A friend I went to school with at East Carolina University makes these great  personalized  products. For $8 for the small bottle or $9 for the large, you can add these products to any Thirty-One purchase!

gift ideas for college graduates and new professionals

Last May, I graduated from East Carolina University with a BSBA in Marketing. I’m so fortunate that I found a job working in the field I went to school for right out of college. Right out of college, meaning a week after I walked across the stage at graduation, came far, far too soon!  Boy, was I ill prepared with little or no organizing and office essentials for the first few months of work. 

I have discovered a few items that I love to use, and could have greatly used that first week of work!

The “Cindy Tote” is one of my favorites for work. It is a professional looking bag that easily accommodates a laptop. The "organizing utility tote" is another one of my favorites because of all the pockets on the outside and the perfect amount of room for a filing box inside. My "thermal tote" fits in the fridge at work perfectly with my lunch and snacks. I use my "wristlet wallet" when I go to company events that I would prefer not carry a purse. I can fit my phone, business cards, and ID perfectly in the wallet that can be carried around my wrist. I just ordered my "Hang-Up Home Organizer", and I'm looking forward to having a place for my calendar, task list, and other things on my wall instead of cluttered on my desk.

Personalization such as “Pirate Alum” or a classy monogram would be a nice addition to any of the products as well! There are gifts that can fit any price range for the perfect graduation gift. I wish the best to all of the new graduates and new professionals!