I'll Never Remember Your Name, but Don't Be Offended

Hello, I’m Karen. And you are? I don’t know about you, but I am not good with names. Oh sure, I’m great with the people I’ve worked with, been friends with for years, and am related to. But if I meet you at a party or another gathering, don’t be offended if I can’t remember your name. I’m so busy talking with you and learning about you that I forget the thing that is probably most important in your life. That’s why I’m a big fan of the lanyard. I know, I know. The lanyard isn’t the actual name tag, but it holds the name tag in a cool spot – much better than those ridiculous peel-and-toss “My Name Is” tags that everyone sticks on their chests to the right of the heart. And at Gimmees, we offer variety to fit your needs like the ½ inch breakaway lanyard or the ½ inch lanyard with key ring. So, the next time you are traveling the tradeshow circuit, make sure you have your badge and lanyard visible. I might just step up to your table to say hello, but don’t expect me to remember your name – you know I’m not good with those things!

Oh, The Madness!

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, the NCAA basketball season is in full swing. That can only mean one thing: March Madness is on the horizon! Our hardwood heroes are deep into their conference schedules, but there is plenty of time to order your cheering gear for the Tournament. How about a megaphone to help you holler to your heart's content for your favorite hoops team? Or maybe a #1 foamhand to wave maniacally, which will undoubtedly anger the opposition's fans. So many great products to choose from that you can have personalized with your alma mater's colors and logo! So whether you're a Jayhawk, a Tarheel or a Blue Devil, you can find what you need for the big game. Go Owls!

Mom's SUV Is, Well, Not Mom's

I always have a wealth of junk in the backseat of my vehicle. This is usually the result of my twin boys and their array of toys, snacks, DVDs, blankets, boxes of tissues, sweatshirts, and, well, you get the idea. So, I had to put a stop to this messy nonsense. Mom’s SUV should be Mom’s SUV. I’ve solved this problem simply. The boys each have their own nylon drawstring small sports pack to store and stash their goodies when in transit. No longer do we have animal crackers and that DVD of Alvin and the Chipmunks getting crushed on the floor under little feet. Favorite stuffed animals won’t get lost under the seats and bottled water stays in one spot instead of rolling all over the backseat. Neither one of my sons can leave the house unless he has his nylon pack with him and no one can get out of the car until all of his possessions have been gathered up and packed away. I like things to stay simple and the boys do, too. Less clutter, less mess, and now the kids know where everything is. No more “Mom, have you seen my blankie?”

Time, Date, Temp, and Day -- All at 7 AM

When I awaken each morning, I need to know a multitude of information. Of course, the first thing is that I want to know what time it is, in case there is the rare chance I can steal a few more precious moments of sleep. Then, I like to know what the temperature is. Is it going to be a sweat pants kind of day or can I slide into some capris and a short-sleeved shirt? It’s always good for me to know immediately what the date is, too. What if it’s a bank holiday? No mail. But perhaps most important, it’s critical for me to know what day I’ve just awoken to. It could be a Friday but I’m thinking it’s only Wednesday. Or it could be Monday yet I awake imagining it’s Thursday. So, it’s great to have all of this information at my fingertips – or in front of my sleepy eyes first thing. That’s why I’m a big fan of the Multifunction Desk Clock. I do nothing immediately in the morning except open my eyes to glance over at the friend on my night table and a wealth of information is right there in front of me. I’m all about simplicity and letting others (or clocks in this instance) do the dirty work for me.

I'm Not a Tool, but I Do Need One in My Car

My husband thinks I’m crazy but I’ve worried for years about what would happen if I were trapped in my car in an icy river. Laugh not, because this has happened to people who have skidded roads coated with black ice and found themselves and their vehicles submerged in cold water. This is one of my worst nightmares, and with today’s power door locks, once those locks get wet getting yourself out of the car is going to be a feat worthy of MacGyver. That’s why the 7-in-1 safety tool is a Godsend that every driver should keep in his or her car. It’s got both a seat belt cutter and a car window breaker built in. Plus, it includes an AM/FM radio, a blinking signal, and a light, so if you are stranded in a snow drift during a blizzard, you can signal for help. The 7-in-1 safety tool works by battery or by hand crank, so even if you find yourself without the right size batteries, it still works! Really, this is one product no vehicle should ever be without.

Pamper Me O' Month of January

Now that the holidays are over and I finally have a few minutes to sit down and take a breath, I realize it’s already 2010. So, the best way to let me unwind from the craziness of the gift-giving, cookie baking, and tree decorating is to take some time for myself. Many people stress themselves out during the month of December, so I think that January should be a month of peace, serenity, and pampering. That’s right – pampering! A good book, some soothing music, a nicely scented candle, and a warm drink are a few of the comforts that can unwind my stress and put my soul at ease. Want a few other ideas? How about bath crystals in a jar? Or eucalyptus and spearmint stress relief lotion? Another treat that really makes me feel good is to use a foot therapy kit. Just one hour to myself can rejuvenate my soul. I recommend that in this month of January, you give yourself an hour every now and then to do something that is kind to your body and mind. You’ll be amazed at how rejuvenated you feel and how much your stress level is reduced.