This past Sunday, April 28th, 2013, I participated in the March of Dimes fundraiser "Walk for Babies" in NYC. It was a beautiful day to get out for a good cause.

My husband's company, Standard Motor Products, is an event sponsor, and the company turned out in force! Seven-thousand people converged in midtown Manhattan at 10 a.m. on a Sunday morning to walk 3.2 miles to raise money to prevent birth defects and childhood disease throughout the world and of course right here at home.

In addition to the many corporate sponsors, Eli Manning attended the event! Four lucky Standard Motor Products employees won a raffle to have breakfast with him at PJ Clarks where he signed autographs and mingled a bit.

Fundraising is of course a huge promotional products area and there was no shortage of them at this event. Besides the embroidered apparel, there were also tote bags, stress balls, noise makers, clips, keychains, food giveaways and water bottles. 

Coca-Cola has taken a lot of heat in recent years as Americans continue to blame sugary drinks for the nation's obesity epidemic. But in a new ad campaign, the soda manufacturer defends its line of products.

The two-minute spot, dubbed "Coming Together," reminds consumers that Coke sells 180 low- and zero-calorie sodas. It spits out facts and figures about Coca-Cola's fat-fighting programs, like its sponsorship of the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. And it tells us (fairly blatantly) that we're fat because we consume more calories than we burn off -- not solely because we drink too much soda.

Watch the advertisement now:

Critics assert Coke's new commercial is an attempt at damage control following Mayor Michael Bloomberg's decision to ban sweet beverages over 16 oz. in New York City. Others say the soda brand is simply promoting its healthier options.

What do you think of Coca-Cola's new ad campaign?

Beginning today, search giant Google will offer free WiFi in the New York City neighborhood of Chelsea. The initiative, which was unveiled today by Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) and Google Chief Technology Officer Ben Fried, is in support of "Silicon Alley" -- an area in Manhattan with a concentration of startups.

According to CNET, "When folks enter the Chelsea neighborhood, which spans Gansevoort Street and 19th Street from 8th Avenue to the West Side Highway, including the Chelsea Triangle, 14th Street Park, and Gansevoort Plaza, they'll have free access to a Wi-Fi connection provided by Google." The contiguous WiFi network will be New York City's largest."Google is proud to provide free WiFi in the neighborhood we have called home for over six years," Fried said in a statement. "This network will not only be a resource for the two thousand-plus residents of the Fulton Houses, it will also serve the five thousand-plus student population of Chelsea as well as the hundreds of workers, retail customers and tourists who visit our neighborhood every day."

There are similar Google WiFi networks in Mountain View, Calif., where Google's headquarters are stationed, and in neighborhoods that house Google data centers.

Can widespread free WiFi help spark tech startup growth in New York City?

     So as some of you may know from my previous posts, I love New York City. Given the chance, I spend my free time in the "City That Never Sleeps." There is so much culture and diversity on that island of Manhattan, you are sure to always be entertained and amazed. Between the free theatre in the parks, to the extensive variety of museums, you are sure to see things in a new way and possibly learn a thing or two. So with that being said, it should be no surprise that I spent this past weekend in the city.

     Last year, as a birthday gift, I received a gift card from parents that entitled me to partake in excursions or adventures from a predetermined list. Finally getting time to do an excursion, I decided to stay local and find something that I can enjoy with my lovely lady. After perusing through the list, we settled on a lovely boat ride in the Hudson River. There was a few we could choose from, but the one we chose the Adirondack Schooner Sailing, located at the Chelsea Pier 62.

     The day couldn't have been more perfect. There was hardly a cloud in the sky, a lovely breeze blowing in, and the temperature was in the mid-eighties. We get to the pier just as they begin letting passengers aboard this mighty sea vessel. The boat looked absolutely stunning, with masts that had to be close to forty feet tall. As all forty of us board the boat, we begin to stake our spots. Just as the last one of us gets on, the captain welcomes us aboard, introduces us to his crewmates (both were wearing khaki shorts and promotional t-shirts with the sailing company's name on the left chest), and then began to back out of the pier and onto the open water.

     Even though the boat did have a motor, it was only used to get us to and from the dock. Since we had such a nice breeze, once we were out in the open waters, the sails came up and were off, heading south toward Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. It was nice that the drinks were complimentary as they were much appreciated as we sailed past the new Freedom Tower and past Governor's Island. The crew was knowledgeable and very accommondating, offering what they knew about landmarks to anyone who asked. As we made our way past the Statue of Liberty, the boat turned around, getting nice and close to the statue and Ellis Island, and we began heading back. The entire trip was a nice, relaxing, two hour excursion, which was one of the best ways to spend a day in the city. I recommend it to anyone looking to make a day in New York City.

I didn't make it to New York City's Comic Con convention this past weekend.  I can't lie -- for me, the words "Comic Con" have always conjured up awkward images of comic book nerds and gaming enthusiasts.  Nevertheless, when I discovered my good friend Nicole would be attending, my opinion quickly changed.  "If you see ANY promotional products," I begged, "please snap a photo!"  And so, while I was unable to get into Manhattan for the epic event, thanks to Nicole, we all get a glimpse into the world of comics and pop culture!

According to Nicole, the event was "super dorky, but still fun!"  She works on movie sets, has her own line of vintage items and handmade jewelry, and is very into costume and design.  So when she told me she'd be dressing up as Arwen from Lord of the Rings, I knew to expect something great.  Check out her beautiful outfit!

Apparently there were signs all over Comic Con stating that photos weren't allowed.  But, being the loyal and dedicated friend that she is, Nicole "sneaked some here and there."  Let's take a look at some promotional products that were on display at Comic Con: 

How amazing is this oversized customized tote?  The bag is imprinted with the words "Mighty Fine" and "Epic Noms," and features cupcake versions of Sesame Street's Elmo and Cookie Monster.  It's so colorful; I love it! 

While it's a little blurry, you can see dozens of super hero-themed promotional t-shirts in the background of this photograph.  I'm obsessed with the life-sized Mario, too.  How cool would that look in your living room?! 

In this picture, you can see just how crammed New York's Javits Center was for Comic Con.  I don't know if I'd have been able to handle the crowds!  You'll also notice several colorful banners, signs, and other trade show supplies in the background.  What a great way for exhibitors to really make a name for themselves!

Just looking at these images, you can tell that Comic Con was a huge success.  But it's also clear that its audience is evolving.  

Perhaps best put by The Hofstra Chronicle, "The stereotypical image of the overweight, ponytail-wearing 30-year-old with hygiene issues, feverishly digging through a stack of plastic wrapped issues for an affordable damaged copy of X-Men #1 is beginning to fade as the industry becomes both more mainstream and more profitable."  Indeed, my friend Nicole is certainly part of a new wave of Comic Con fans.  It's exciting to see such a vibrant event become more popular.  Hey, you might even see me at next year's event!