Since I received my Promotional Econo Double Wall Tumbler, we have been inseparable. It is definitely one of my staple products for this summer.  Also its double wall design prevents it from sweating in the summer's heat. It comes in great fun colors that will brighten up your summer days and nights!  I really love this products, I have one at work and home.  It really helps me drink more water, which is necessary during the summer months! I've had to order more from my family and friends because they were always trying to steal mine! This great promotional product has my vote as one of this summer's must haves!

Now that Memorial Day is approaching right around the corner, people will start to take advantage of the warmer weather. I myself can't wait to grill some food and enjoy the weather with some good company. Come check out our huge selection. We have some great Outdoor giveways for any types of activities or events. The power of the promotional item will have a lasting affect. I've had my promotional duffel bag for years, and the imprint is still crisp. Nothing beats a walking billboard.

Parties, concerts and BBQs -- they're all better when you add beach balls to the mix. Have you thought about adding your branding to these fun summertime giveaways? Here's why it's a good idea:

1. Beach balls scream "SUMMER!"

There's no better way to kick off the summer season than by handing out beach balls at beaches and parks this Memorial Day weekend. It's the "unofficial start of summer," and people are ready to start celebrating. This promotional idea works especially well if your company is seasonal (ice cream shops, landscaping companies, etc.).

2. Beach balls add fun

No matter what the event or occasion, throw in some beach balls and it's instantly more fun. I've seen it happen at restaurants, bars and even performances. It gets the crowd pumped and improves the overall mood. Even better, when you add your company's name and logo to beach balls, recipients automatically associate your brand with the great time they're having.

3. Beach balls have a large imprint area

Without getting too technical, beach balls generally have a good-sized imprint area. What does that mean? It means that your business' logo will be easy-to-see. Plus, if you're creating beach balls for an awareness event (like a 5K, for example), you have plenty of room to add a message of support for your cause.

So get your beach balls in time for summer, and watch your brand exposure soar!

Kick back, relax and let the games begin.

I am officially declaring the beginning of summer. This will cause the sun to shine, the birds to sing, the rain to stay away and the weather to never dip below 60 degrees until fall. YEAH, I WISH I HAD THIS KIND OF POWER!!!

But you do have this type of flexibility with Motivators' outdoor promotional items. We have all kinds of great items from sunglasses to cooler bags, chairs, grills, etc.  My favorite is the deluxe cooler chair -- a chair and cooler in one -- um perfect!!! Buy now and be ready for that first BBQ of the year or the first concert tailgate.

I have been going camping with my family since I was a little girl. It has always been so much fun and honestly I prefer nature over TV, gaming, and going out. It is just so peaceful and relaxing to get away from all of our electronics.

Summer 2012 was the first year we took our daughter camping. It was such a great experience for my little family to bond with each other and enjoy the outdoors. We made s'mores, kabobs, corn and baked potatoes around a fire. We did plenty of activities including fishing, canoeing, swimming, crafts and just learning about all of nature around us.

I must admit that my husband and I did give in to our daughter watching Netflix on the iPhone; we were too tired by the end of the day to fight it. Check her out below camping 21st century-style in her folding chair. (I can't wait summer camping trip 2013!)

Even though it does not seem like it yet, spring is finally here! The weather is SLOWLY starting to warm up. You can hear the birds singing, see the kids playing in the street, the neighbors gardening, and people walking their pets in the streets, and best of all, you can see a smile on everyone's face. Finally, we are getting the dose of vitamin D that has been long overdue.

Before you know it, April will be long over, and we will be counting down to the summer. Once Memorial Day hits, it will officially be time to get all of our BBQ and beach gear ready for the next 3-4 months. I am extremely excited and can't wait to enjoy the nice warm weather. I am not the only one looking forward to the summer. This year, more than usual, especially after a very harsh winter season, many people are planning in advance for their summer events by ordering their patriotic promotional products early on. I don't blame them - after everything from Sandy to Nemo, we got hit very hard here in the northeast. Now it is time for everyone to look forward to some nice weather to boost their spirits.

Just when I thought the winter was over and that flu season had passed, it started to snow again and the flu is back in my household.

Past two weeks we have been getting very light snow and rain almost every other day here in New York. I'm very impatiently waiting for the summer weather to get here. As if that wasn't enough, my little brother and grandma caught the flu. My grandma doesn't have it as bad as my little brother. My poor baby has had a fever for two days (in the high 100s), a cough so strong that he feels like he's about to cough out a lung and his nasal passages are all clogged.

The rest of us in the house are freaking out that we are going to catch it. We have tissues, sanitizers, and medicine everywhere. Everyone is constantly washing their hands and avoiding contact with the sickly ones. I cannot wait until the temperatures are at a constant 60+ degrees. 

Even though it is now officially spring, it still does not feel like it. Every day I look at Accuweather, hoping and praying that the temperature might go up to at least 50, but I have not seen anything yet. I am so sick and tired of the cold winter months. I just want it to be summer already!! I want to be able to go out for walks in the park, and enjoy BBQs with friends and family, and just be outdoors. I want to soak in the sun and absorb the warmth. I am so excited that the weather might be warming up within the next couple of weeks; I even have all of my outdoor promotions ready to go. Time to whip out the pedometers and activewear and enjoy the nice weather.

Who would have thought that you can cook corn in a cooler? Super easy! There only a few steps to this fun and easy way to cook corn.

Step 1: Purchase a Coleman 40 quart wheeled cooler or a similar item. I like this one because it's on wheels and is great for travel to beaches, BBQs, or picnics.

Step 2: Peel corn.

Step 3: Pour boiling water over the corn (inside cooler) and let it steep for 30 minutes.

And ta-da... corn on the cob! I love the outdoors and cooking so this is perfect for the big family and friends parties!

So this is it! My last week of work before maternity leave. I will be gone until June, and am both excited and scared to be out of the office for such a long time! I am lucky enough to say with 100% honesty that I really like my job, and love my co-workers...my family. I am sure they will visit, and that I will bring our new addition into the office to say hi, but I will miss them and the day to day banter.

My other concern about being out of the office, is missing out on all of the new Spring/Summer products that get introduced. I will have to catch up on all of the new promotional products we offer so that I can better assist my customers for their events. From beach balls to bags, I will need to be updated on all of our new exciting items! Luckily I know my sales team will help me get caught up.

So this is the last blog for some time. I will be back in time to help place those 4th of July orders!