Off with You, O' Stinky Ones!

It’s autumn now and that means that a new pest has come visiting at my house – the hideously creepy, brown stink bug. Do you have this problem, too? These pests are brown, shield-shaped, and emit a foul odor when squashed. And I’ve recently learned that stink bugs have invaded about 29 states in the continental US. Fortunately, these gross freaky bugs haven’t wreaked havoc on anyone in our home, although they usually send me into a screaming frenzy which makes my sons crack up laughing and my husband come running, exasperated with a, “Another stink bug? Can’t you kill them yourself?” The boys have taken to calling the stink bugs “Mommy’s beetle friends.” But I have empowered myself. I no longer will allow those disgustingly ugly freaks of nature to take over MY house or cause me to run screaming to the bathroom where I can bolt the door. I now have numerous 16 inch Giant Flyswatters ready to do battle with the ever present stink bug. Yes, I know the creatures will smell once smashed, but in my opinion, the only good stink bug is a dead stink bug. And the more I smash with no mercy, the less there will be to gain entrance into my stink-free home.

Stirred, Not Shaken, and with Sugar and Cream, Please

If there is one thing I can’t start my day without, it’s a cup of coffee. Even my two kids know that Mommy is useless until she’s had a few sips of her java. Ah, the sweet nectar of the gods! Once that caffeine is flowing through my veins, I’m right with the world. Are you the same way? Does your company have all the right products on hand to distribute to coffee-loving addicts? Here are a few of the Gimmees products that are perfect for the java lovers in your corporate life: a continental coffee scoop to ensure perfection each time you brew; a clear glass coffee mug; 11 ounce mood coffee mug, for when you need more caffeine to pump up your happiness; a coffee cup insulator that makes even your last sip as hot as the first; organic Fair Trade certified coffee so you know your java is fair to those who grew and harvested the beans; a hottie mug gift set because your coffee isn’t the only hot, sweet thang; and my personal favorite, the cup of coffee stress reliever for when the coffee machine in the cafeteria is broken.

Here, Fill Up My Glass

When the economy tanked, a lot of people stopped going out to dinner and instead decided to stay home and eat in their kitchens. The restaurant industry began to suffer, but today, families have returned to the eat-out scene, especially to BYOBs, which tend to be cheaper. BYOBs are great – the food is still tasty, but no one gets hit with a large tab for beverages, and restaurants don’t have to keep a bartender on staff. The next time you decide to visit a local restaurant, consider choosing a hot spot that doesn’t serve booze and bring your own. To make things convenient, Gimmees has a wide range of products to help you tote your alcohol in style, but still keeping lots of money in your wallet. There’s the Ice Wine Cooler, the Neoprene Drawstring Bag Bottle Holder, the Pacific Trail Wine Tote, and many more. So whether you are red or white, Merlot or chardonnay, sweet or dry, we recommend you visit a BYOB for a delicious and well-deserved meal out but tote along your favorite bottle to toast along to.

Brush Up on Safety.... with Gimmees!

No one ever wants to imagine that their dreams – or their home – will go up in flames. Last year, my family had a very narrow close call with fire, that if our neighbor hadn’t spotted the smoke, we might have lost our home. We are grateful to our friend for knowing what to do to quickly put the fire out. It’s always a good time to review the safety measures in your own house so that you and your loved ones are prepared for the worst case scenario. Nine times out of 10, you’ll never need to use such measures, but it’s better to be ready than to face an emergency unprepared. So, to brush up on ways to keep everyone in your house out of harm’s way, read the 101 Home Safety Tips Book and make sure all of the adults in your home read it, too. Share the information with children. This book provides critical information about child safety as well as the dangers of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning. Nothing is worth your life or the lives of those you love. Take it from me. I know!