This is a tale of the day I encountered the most expensive calendar there ever was...

As we all know, there are perks to owning your car and also perks to leasing one. Unfortunately, a few weeks ago, I learned the downfalls of ownership when I started hearing very strange noises coming from the engine. Then, there were vibrations when I would accelerate, and finally, a popping noise. When I had had just about enough on Tuesday morning, I brought my car to our local Auto Shop to get checked out.

Little did I know I would come in contact with the most expensive branded calendar there ever was! Dun, dun, dun...

As I approached the front counter, where I recognized the man before me as I had been there in the past, I was greeted by a sign that read, "Please Take a Free 2013 Calendar!" It was then that I realized I had once again come to the right shop. I knew I could trust them because they believed in promotional products the same way that I do! Just kidding, I know that is a little dramatic, but at that moment I realized that I should take the word "free" lightly as I would soon realize there was a price to pay for that calendar.

Anyways, they determined that the engine mounts had broken and the noise I was hearing was actually my engine trying to uproot itself from the hood of my car. I gave them the OK to move forward with fixing my car and also replacing my battery. When I went to pick it up the very next day, handled the damage that was my bill, I realized that although my car was fixed and noise free, what I really had to show for it all was a promotional calendar! As soon as I got back to the office, I put the calendar in place to be used for the upcoming year.

So, Thank you Gabe and everyone at Plaza Auto and Tire Center for the speedy recovery of my little baby girl!

And THAT, my friends, is the story of how I encountered the most expensive branded calendar there ever was!

So remember yesterday when we were at the beach getting tan? Remember two weekends ago when we had that BBQ? Ohh, wait a minute, that was 3 months ago. 3 MONTHS AGO!

I cannot believe how fast this year is going. Before we know it, it will be time for Christmas promotional products. It is such a great way to show your appreciation. Whether you give away a calendar or a tin of chocolates, distributing gifts will let your customers know you are thinking of them.

So the next time they need an accountant or plumber, who are they going to think of? The guy/gal who sent them that wonderful Oreo flavored popcorn, or the professional who didn't send them anything?!  Check out our awesome Santa Bert squeezie below: 

It's chilly out there, and it's only going to get colder. How can your brand use this to its advantage? Below are five tips for cozying up with customers throughout the winter.

1. Help them wake up

On a cold, winter morning, there's nothing more important than a hot cup of Joe (or hot chocolate, or tea, or ... you get the idea). Warm up your customers' day by providing them with one of our trendy mugs. They'll see your logo at the beginning of each new day!

2. Ask them to snuggle

Who doesn't love a snuggle buddy? Your customers and clients will be thrilled when you hand out comfy blankets embroidered with your company name and logo. These soft items are sure to come in handy on a frigid, winter night!

3. Celebrate the holidays

The holiday season is a time for friends and family. Be a part of your customers' lives by helping them celebrate. Why not send out corporate holiday cards this season? Doing so is an inexpensive way to reach a large customer base and send your best wishes!

4. Get them prepared

Many regions of the world will see heavy snow in the coming months. By giving away useful products like snow brushes and ice scrapers, you can help keep your customers safe during crippling winter storms. They'll be glad to have your brand on their side!

5. Ring in the New Year

After Christmas and Hanukkah have come and gone, how will your brand remain in your customers' hearts and minds? Don't forget to stay in touch! Offer special deals to consumers who return in the New Year or hand out calendars and planners.

Will you be using any of these tips this winter? Let us know in the comments!

Yesterday, my coworker Stacie and I traveled to New York City's Javits Center for ad:tech -- a digital marketing conference. Being a social media nerd, I was super-stoked for the big event. Not even the stupid nor'easter that hit the region Wednesday night into yesterday morning could stop me from getting into Manhattan for the exciting convention! 

Not only did Stacie and I get to meet reps from dozens of innovative social media, email marketing and analytics companies, but we also had the opportunity to attend several keynotes.

First, Mail Online editor Martin Clarke filled us in on the online newspaper's explosive growth. He told the audience that a focus on creating quality, "sticky" content is what makes Mail Online stand out: "At the end of the day, the content is much more important than the design."

Keynotes were also delivered by Julie Marchant-Houle, VP Marketing and Global Portfolio Leader for Revlon, and other big names in marketing including Julie Roehm, Senior VP of Marketing for SAP and Stephanie Fierman of MediaCom.

And while I am a self-proclaimed social media addict, I also consider myself a promotional products enthusiast. I was beyond ecstatic when I noticed exhibitors passing out giveaways. Check out a few of my favorites: 

This seems to have been one of the longest weeks I can remember. As of last Monday, we have dealt with Hurricane Sandy, flooding and massive damage in the Northeast, people losing their homes and cars, no electricity, water, and other utilities, gas lines like we have never seen before, today's Presidential election, and the nor'easter expected for tomorrow and Thursday. It must be an exhausting time to be a journalist or news anchor. I feel as if the events of this past week have been non-stop and overwhelming for all of us. I cannot seem to keep up with everything that is going on.

Yes, the storm was devastating and there is so much damage all over. It is definitely going to take a lot of time to recover from this, especially for those who have lost all they have. However despite all the hardships we are facing today, I believe that we should not forget that there is always a tomorrow, and we need to make sure to use out right to vote for the candidate we want running this country. Everyone has their differences and their own political views, which are the factors that will drive their voting decisions. Campaign giveaways are everywhere trying to influence voters up until the last moment. However, right now, I feel in all of NY and NJ, everyone needs to get out there and VOTE - not just because it is their right, but also to show that they have hope for the future. After all, every single vote counts, and that includes YOURS!

One thing I love about election season is the freebies. I don't care who you are -- when you're handed a complimentary gift, you like it.

My friend (who's pro-Obama) recently received an email with the following subject line: "❤ this: FREE bumper sticker!" The message -- which was sent from the Obama campaign -- asked supporters to Like the president on Facebook. Once you're connected on the social network, you get a free bumper sticker!

Whether or not you agree with the president's politics, you've got to admit the bumper sticker is a pretty cool campaign giveaway. Does anybody know if the Romney campaign is doing something similar?

A few weeks ago my girlfriends brother stopped by for his first visit to our new apartment.  He didn't really know what to get us for an apartment warming gift, so at his most recent trip to Modells, he picked us up 2 New York Jets promotional travel mugs.  At first I thought they were cool but I wasn't sure how much use they would get.  After a week of using my new money managing website, apparently it wasn't too keen on me getting Starbucks/dunking donuts twice a day.  So I began to brew my own coffee at home and leave it in the refrigerator for iced coffee whenever I wanted.  It's been great for convenience and that website says I save about $30 a week or $120 a month or $1,560 a year.  It gets pretty in depth!

It's my first day back from my vacation but my head is still in the Bahamas. My boyfriend and I had an amazing time these past couple of days; it was hard coming back. He thought it was funny how many promotional products I brought with me.  I brought: sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses, frisbees, pens and, my favorite, the collapsible water bottle.  I brought this to hold our water during the day and the more exciting drinks at night, like the Bahama Mamas!  It came in handy and the collapsible design made it perfect for the suitcase. This is definitely a great travel item!

In my time I have gone on many trips.  Many overnights to casinos, many weeklong adventures to tropical places, many day trips where I had many items to bring with me, and just couldn't find a comfortable place to put it all.  Where do I put my bathing suit and change of clothes?  Where does my laptop and phone charger go?  How do I store my hat without folding it?  Where will all my toiletries go?  I guess a large suitcase will work, but who wants to lug one of those around the airport or casino?  Not me anymore!!  At least not since I purchase my very own Oakley kitchen sink custom backpack.  I mean this thing has padded pockets and a vented top, it has a rubberized bottom for leak or wetness protection, it even has a button that will employ two hands to massage your back while hiking!  Ok maybe not the last one but it's still awesome!  So check out some of the pictures and get your own!

How will you... stay warm this winter?? You may think of promotional products are just for branding, marketing and advertising, but whether you realize it or not they are a part of our everyday lives in many ways. With over 40,000 products on our site, there is a lot to browse through and to choose from, but with the winter season quickly approaching, the ideal promotional giveaway these upcoming months has to be promotional outerwear if you ask me. This way, everyone will think of your company / brand every time they keep warm this winter season. I would love for all of my customer to have a "warm and fuzzy" feeling every time they use the promotional giveaway I gave them, wouldn't you!