USimprints: The Blog

Tidy Up Traveling with these 3 Products

by Shari on March 6, 2012 in Promotional Products

This past weekend I took a somewhat impromptu get-away to the Great Smokey Mountains! Before I left the office for the weekend, I grabbed a few new products thinking that it would be a great opportunity to personally test them out.

The first one is The Hang Around. This is a new product that will be featured in our 2012 Idea Book Catalog (which comes out later this month). When I first saw The Hang Around, I honestly thought what good is a bag that only has one handle? I then realized that the one handle had a snap on it and you could attach it to multiple things.

I don’t know what the backseat of your car looks like, but I have a five year old son who feels the need to bring a toy with him anytime we leave the house. As you can see from the picture, my car tends to be a mess! What a great solution The Hang Around is! My son was able to put all of his belongings inside of it which kept the back seat clean. The Hang Around will be hanging out in my car from now on!

Mom's with Messy Mini-Vans, this product is for you!

The second product I packed for the trip was the Fold Away Duffel. The genius thing about this product is that it folds flat into an 8″ x 8″ square, fitting very easily into any suitcase. I don’t know if you’re a fanatic like me, but I cannot have the clean and dirty clothes packed together in the same bag. The Fold Away Duffel proved to be a fresh solution to my dirty laundry.

No more dirty underwear packed with clean clothes!

The third product is one of my personal favorites – The Fanny Pack. Contrary to popular belief, it has made a come-back over the past couple of years. I mean really, it was only a matter of time before people remembered Disneyland and the 80′s and thought “hey, whatever happened to the fanny pack – remember how practical and cool it was”? Okay, nobody ever said it was “cool”, but it was great for holding all of your stuff and freeing up your hands for eating corn-dogs and drinking beer at the same time!

This past weekend while I was living large as a tourist in Gatlinburg, TN – I sported the Retro Hipster Fanny Pack stowed away my belongings keeping my hands free for whatever and never looked back!

Wow, I can't believe how much stuff it holds!

And finally, in case you were concerned about the “cool factor” of wearing the hipster fanny pack, I took it upon myself to personally model how great it looks on a live body!

Yeah I know, I look pretty fresh!

Comments { 0 }

CASA of Coastal Bend | March Recipient of Cause to Promote

by Shari on March 3, 2012 in Cause to Promote

Last month CASA of Coastal Bend was chosen as the March recipient for Cause to Promote. I had the wonderful privilege of speaking with Lulana Cain, (who is a volunteer and board member for CASA). In case you are not familiar with CASA, it stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates.

Lulana explained to me that CASA are people who volunteer to speak up for severely abused and neglected children that have been removed from their homes and placed in the foster care system. CASA are appointed by a family court judge and investigate and consider all aspects, they do not answer to family members, CPS case workers, attorneys etc.

CASA’s are only for the child and only speak up for what is in the best interest of the child. Having a CASA assigned to a case dramatically reduces the time a child spends in the foster care system, thus eliminating more traumas for the child. Though a child may change CPS case workers, schools, friends, foster homes 3, 4, 5, or 6 times a year – the CASA appointed to the child will never change. They remain the only constant in that child’s life until they find them a safe, protective, loving, and permanent home.

CASA is celebrating its 20th Birthday in the Corpus Christi / Coastal Bend area, and they are turning the Birthday into a fundraiser, so that they may be able to train enough volunteers so that EVERY child in the system will have a CASA! They hope to find sponsors to underwrite the event and the promotional items they receive from Cause to Promote will be used to Spotlight their sponsors in goody bags. CASA of Coastal Bend is the fourth most under served area in the state. They hope to increase their numbers from last year which only provided CASA’s to less than half of the children in the CPS court system.

Since April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, I would like to extend an extra big thanks to all of the CASA volunteers throughout the country who are helping one child at a time in preventing abuse. You guys are real unspoken heros!

Comments { 0 }

“We’ll All Be Gone For The Summer”, Our Favorite Beach Products

by Natalie on March 1, 2012 in Fun & Outdoor, Promotional Products

I’m back for day four of Favorite’s Week to discuss my favorite beach products. It’s officially March first, and I don’t know about you but I am ready to get down to the beach for some fun in the sun. The pasty, winter bod needs some color, and I would love to lay back with a beach read surrounded by a few of my favorite things. Promotional beach gear provides you with endless advantages of imprinting your custom logo on the beach product of your choice.

Here is my list of favorites…

1. San Tropez – Tubular Polypropylene Beach Mat

I love a good beach mat to lay on in sand. This one in particular is water and sand resistant. It includes an inflatable pillow to lift up that neck a little while reading and looking down the beach.

2. Cosmo H2go Bfree (r) – 18 Oz, Double Wall Insulated Bottle That’s Bpa Free

Want to sip on a mixed drink while staring at the shore? This double wall insulated bottle includes a 12 oz. threaded cup/lid to pour your drink in. It can be used for hot or cold beverages, but because we are talking about the beach I know you aren’t planning on pouring hot coffee in it while laying out in the heat. Available in a wide variety of colors (shown below in Tangerine.)

3. 9″ – Pail And Shovel

It would not be a real beach trip without a trusty pail and shovel combo. Whether you are still a kid at heart or have kids of your own, sand castle building competition is seen up down the coast. Plastic sand pails are great promotional giveaways for resorts, vacation spots, beach clubs or spas! Also available in pastel color combos!

4. Malibu – Sunglasses Made Of Recycled San Material

One thing you definitely don’t want to forget on a trip to the beach is a pair of sunglasses. The Malibu’s come in an assortment of fun colors. Custom sunglasses are the perfect way to market your company or brand. They are also a great wedding, prom, or party favor.

5. Diamond Collection – Embroidery – Midweight Colored Beach Towel, 35″ X 60″

Another beach must have is a imprinted beach towel. You just can’t go to the beach without one! Promotional beach towels are a great marketing tactic to colorfully and creatively show off your logo.

6. Mood Stadium Cup

At the beach, don’t be afraid to drink in style with our favorite mood stadium cup. These custom stadium cups are available in 12 oz. and 17 oz. sizes. They come in 11 vibrant colors and a full color digital imprint. Color changes when you pour ice cold liquids in it. Perfect for any outdoor event!

Now all I need is to plan a trip! Tomorrow is the final Favorite Week post. Stay tuned!

Comments { 0 }

Our Favorite Journals, Jotters + Sticky Note Pads

by Natalie on February 29, 2012 in Promotional Products

It’s day three of Favorite Week. Today I am picking out my favorite journals, jotters and sticky note pads. These are great picks to throw in your purse or bag when you have some kind of “Aha!” moment worth remembering. Custom sticky note pads are very useful in the home or work place when you want to want to mark something in book, magazine or jot down a reminder, message or phone number. Our promotional journals and jotters range from eco-friendly to leather bound books.

Here is a list of my favorites….

1.Hard Cover Sticky Flag Jotter Pad

This promotional jotter is the best of both worlds. You have your jotter, but then pop open the top for a variety of sticky flags! There is also a decent amount of space for a nice, clean imprint.

2. Sticky Book ™ – Sticky Pad Book

I love this little sticky book mainly because from the outside it doesn’t look like one. It comes in a wide variety of colors, and would be a great mailing piece in a muslin bag or grouped with other products. This self adhesive note pad keeps sticky flags and notes on hand and organized. It’s very compact and easy to take with you where ever you go!

3. Neoskin – Non-refillable Hard Cover Journal With 96 Ivory Lined Sheets

This imprinted journal comes in several vibrant colors. Hard covered journals are my personal favorite because it keeps all of your thoughts and notes safe from rips and tares.

4. Gnome – Mini Jotter Combo With Memo Book And Ballpoint Plastic Mini Pen

Do you always carry paper but seem to forget the pen? I know I do. This mini jotter combo is a polypropylene memo book (non-refillable) that comes with a ballpoint plastic mini pen along with an elastic pen loop on the cover. Keep your pen safely in the elastic, so when a bright idea sparks you are ready to write.

Check back for two more days of favorites!

Comments { 0 }

Not Your Average Tote, Our Favorite Personalized Tote Bags

by Natalie on February 28, 2012 in Promotional Products

It’s day two of Favorite’s Week and I’m back to share with you my favorite custom tote bags. Personalized tote bags are also a great giveaway, gift, promotion, etc because when one receives a free bag who doesn’t use it? A tote bag is an everyday life item that company’s or individuals can use a strong marketing device. People take tote bags to the store, gym, beach, to leave in the car, work and while traveling just to give a few examples.

Here are a few of my favorite tote bags for 2012.

1. Laminated Non-woven Large Shopper Tote

This shopper has gained popularity in the last few years. You may have seen it around town with Lululemon’s logo on it. I, personally, use my various size Lululemon totes for everything from carrying magazines on the beach to bringing my lunch to work. They are very strong and durable, but what makes them even greater is the fact you can get one with your own company’s logo on it! Available in Black, Lime, Red, Royal Blue, White.

2. Eco-responsible Newport – 10 Ounce Natural Cotton Tote Bag

I’m in love with the fun colors of this natural tote bag. I think it would be perfect with a tan logo imprinted on front. It’s such a fun summer bag to carry around.

3. Eco-responsible Econo – Natural Cotton Tote With Contrasting Handles

I love this simple cotton tote with the pop of color handle of your choice. It’s a great book bag or bag for conventions. The creative options for the imprint are endless! It’s lightweight and can fold flat for easy storage.

4. Non-woven 80 Grams Polypropylene Tote

Here is another simple tote bag available in a wide variety of fun colors. Like the bag above, it also gives you several options for a creative imprint. Reusable, recyclable and hand washable… major plus!

Stay tuned. The week is only 2 days in. More favorites to come!

Comments { 0 }

“Cheers (Drink to that)”, Our Favorite Custom Drinkware

by Natalie on February 27, 2012 in Promotional Products

This week I have decided to blog about my 2012 favorites. Some are new, others just continue to be my “favs.” I am kicking off which will now be known as Favorite Week 2012 with my new favorite custom drinkware. Drinkware has been huge in 2012. It seems as every vendor I’ve looked at has at least 1 new cool or unique drinkware item for the new year. Here is my list of favorites…

1. The TORINO.

A new spin on widely popular double-walled, acrylic tumbler.It’s skinnier, my friends, and who doesn’t love skinny! Another thing I love about this product is the fact that it comes in a number of cool colors. Apple (green) is pictured below.

2. The Vibe + Vue.

I love these imprinted milk bottles. I think they would be so perfect for a cute party with cookies or to use in a sweet shop (i.e. Bakery, Cupcake shop, etc.) They are 22 oz. and could even be used as a vase!

3. Promotional H2go Bfree Hybrid

Need a new custom water bottle to fill for the gym or to keep in your car while running errands? This is your bottle. It has a snap on lid that will guarantee you not to spill in your bag. Like the Torino, it comes in a wide range of vibrant colors.

4. Drinking Jar

The mason jar continues to be a popular fav here in Tennessee. I do not know what it is, but things just taste better in a jar. These would be perfect at a restaurant, bar, or even for a rustic wedding.

5. H2go g10d

Use this new glass to go for hot or cold liquids. It even has a strainer for tea or just to block the ice. Available in 10 or 12 ounces. This bottle would be great to keep drinks cold out on the beach!

Well that about sums up my favorite drinkware for 2012! There are so many options it was hard to narrow it down to just five! Don’t believe me? Go see for yourself….

Comments { 0 }

Get Your Logo on Mardi Gras Style!

by Shari on February 2, 2012 in Events & Promotions, Promotional Products

One of our Branding Reps Adelaide Collins recently had a customer inquire about a promotional idea for her new store opening in New Orleans in February. Adelaide offered her several creative options, and her favorite ended up being the idea to order beaded necklaces. They decided the necklaces could be handed out during the Mardi Gras festivities to promote her Grand Opening on February 27th. This is a great and easy way for anyone to promote their business while having fun throughout the Mardi Gras weekend. If you are a resident of New Orleans, please check out her store Hattie Sparks located on Adams Street.

Here are some other cool Mardi Gras themed products to consider for your next February promotion!

Comments { 0 }

Happy Amelia Airhart Day!

by Shari on January 11, 2012 in Events & Promotions

Today is considered to be Amelia Earhart Day. Some consider it to be July 24th (her birthday), but regardless January 11th is the anniversary of Amelia becoming the first person to fly from Hawaii to the US mainland in 1935.

In the spirit of Amelia (one of the world’s most celebrated aviators) we’re spotlighting on a handful of our favorite aviation themed products!

Women, like men, should try to do the impossible, and when they fail, their failure should be a challenge to others.

~Amelia Earhart

Comments { 1 }

Let’s Get Physical | Promotional Health Products

by Natalie on January 6, 2012 in Get Fit | Stay Healthy, Promotional Products

So here we are somehow back to the first week of the year. Where did 2011 go? I seriously feel as if I blinked my eyes, and it ended. Moving forward… I am a firm believer in lists, so naturally I love New Years Resolutions!

I, like most people, have Get Fit/Stay Healthy as number 1 on my list. In 2011, I was fairly good at making a cameo at the gym (much better than years prior), and I would like to continue this into 2012 with even more motivation. As a woman, I am easily motivated by a new pair of running shoes or any other workout gear. Here is a list of products I think should be found in your gym bag for 2012…

1. A super cool customizable water bottle.

2. A Promotional Pedometer- easy way to see that your steps turn into miles.

3. Clip and Go key holder so that your keys don’t get lost in the black hole of your bag.

4. A fitness towel, hand sanitizer, and bandages to fight germs.

5. A terry cloth headband to channel in your inner 80s self.

6. Fitness Journal to help track your progress.

I’ll see you at the Fitness Center!

Comments { 1 }

Warm, Fuzzy & Cozy | A Few of My Favorite Things

by Shari on January 6, 2012 in Promotional Products, Seasonal

We’re all familiar with that catchy classical song in the Sound of Music when Maria sings about her love for things such as ‘raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens, bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens’. These are the things she selects to fill her mind with when times are bad.

I grew up in hot and sunny Arizona, and so winter in the south is a bit more chilling than what I am used to. I’m the person that crosses my fingers every year and hopes that the Groundhog does not see his shadow. No doubt that Maria and I have different views on what are considered to be ‘bad times’.

Over the years I have learned the fine art of layering clothing and the importance of warming up your car 20 minutes before you leave the house. I have also discovered ‘a few of my favorite things’, which make the cold weather a bit more tolerable.

#1. My Travel Mug full of hot coffee that makes me warm, I rarely leave home without it.

#2. Fleece Glove, Hat and Scarf Set. I love the feel of the fuzzy fleece and how easily everything packs into the drawstring pouch.

#3. A Luxury Plush Blanket – this blanket is amazingly cozy and cuddly soft! I know, you probably thought I would have put down a Snuggle Me Blanket and honestly if I owned one I might be typing a different story.