While deciding to give out Promotional Gifts is easy, picking what item to give can be overwhelming! There are hundreds of products to choose from, so here are a few things you should keep in mind before you order ten thousand pens with your name on them…

1. The first question you’ll want to ask yourself is ‘who is my potential client’ and ‘what product are they most interested in.’ The more you target the specific needs of your potential buyer, the better your Promotional Gift will be received. Be aware of the age group and economical bracket of your target client. Promotional pens have always been the most popular, and in many cases work. However, younger people tend to be more receptive to a flashy pen with a cool logo on the side than a very wealthy CEO who only writes with expensive, classy pens.

2. The next thing to consider is if the potential buyer is interested in your company as a shareholder. If so, a lifestyle gift is generally more appropriate. As in golf balls or tees, small appliances or computer accessories.

3. If you know what specific item or service your potential buyer might be interested in, that can be a big help. Use that knowledge to try and find a Promotional Gift item that directly relates to the product they are coming to you for. In other words, give them something you know they will use and appreciate, and of course have your company logo and slogan conveniently placed on it too!

4. Another thing you want to keep in mind is how much money your potential client will be spending with you. If they plan to spend several thousand dollars on your services, giving them a plastic keychain with your name on it seems unfitting. With big spending clients, you want to give a Promotional Gift that fits how much they have invested in you, such as a cappuccino maker for their office, a nice golf bag for them to enjoy on days off, maybe a gift of wine, or a laptop backpack…

The best way to make your Promotional Gifts work for you is to know when and how to distribute them. While larger gifts are appropriate for potentially larger clients and current clients, smaller gifts are very fitting at trade shows, or as free gifts with online purchases, for referring a friend, or for signing up on a mailing list. Items such as golf towels, mugs, hats, and t-shirts can generally be purchased at a relatively low cost but will be well received by a buyer. There are hundreds of items to choose from, so no matter what your business, you can find something right for you. A Promotional Gift will keep your company on your clients’ mind. They will naturally think of you every time they use the product, so the next time they need your services, you’ll be the first one they think of!

Furniture of rusted metal, or pieces that have the appearance of being rusty, provide excellent accents in a room filled with similar light fixtures. Besides mural wallpapers, textured walls that are left fairly rough add a sort of outdoorsy feel to the room.

It’s almost like sitting in the sunny courtyard in France, sipping wine and soaking up the feeling of warmth from the sun. The wood along the bottom of these walls is best when rough stained and combined with large beams going across the ceiling. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to redo your entire home to get these beams either. They can easily be added to an existing ceiling and made to look like extremely old and heavy beams, while actually being very new and light pieces of wood.

Natural stone floors are common country decor in France, but aren’t the type of flooring that many people already have in their homes. If actual stone flooring isn’t possible, there are sheets of laminate that look exactly like stone tiles.

Each tile on the laminate sheet is a different shade of gray, creating a very 3D effect. They are so real looking that people often reach down to touch them. This effect is achieved because of the photographic applique that is placed on top of a piece of resin. The applique is then coated in a clear substance to protect it. These sheet are extremely durable and provide a completely different feel to the atmosphere of a room. This is perfect for French decor.

Using gorgeous wool or cotton rugs to cover portions of the floor add to the overall effect. Placing a few chairs with woven seats will add even more to the room. The ultimate piece to creating a room that is truly in the style of country decor in France would be a stone hearth. These are common in French country homes and are not only used for heating, but also for cooking. There is generally a beam placed over the top where copper pots and ladles are hung from nails or hooks placed in it.

Other items typically found in French country decor include large tables that have a low-gloss to them and chairs with carved detailing. Motifs with grapes, olives, sunflowers, or roosters are often seen in many homes along the countryside.

Furniture with upholstery fabric that has a cream, yellow, or white background and a motif in the center of a contrasting color is very popular decor. Seeing as it is the countryside, all of this elegance is made complete by lots and lots of flowers throughout the entire home.

According to Chris Kissack at The Winedoctor (thewinedoctor.com), “Wine is most certainly a matter of personal taste. I find it saddening that obviously experienced critics, authors or just vocal amateurs write off certain wines because they differ from their preferred style. These people clearly have very good palettes and yet lack the maturity to appreciate that others may have equally good palettes which differ in preference from their own. This is why assigning scores (something I do, I must confess) is a little silly. What is the relevance of someone telling me ‘this is a 90-point wine’ when I know that I won’t like it because I don’t like the style, or the wines of the region from where it originates, or I know my own palette doesn’t agree with the critic?”

Selecting and drinking wine should be fun, relaxing and enhance the experience of your meal; not cause anxiety and a state of confusion. Just because the “norm” is that white wine pairs best with “white” foods such as chicken, shellfish and light pastas, and red wine is more appropriate with heavier foods like beef does not mean you can’t have red wine with your shrimp…it’s a matter of taste. Jeff Schauer, Wine and Spirits Consultant and owner of The Keg and Cork in Las Vegas recommends the Willamette Valley Vineyards Pinot Noir. “It’s light yet a full bodied wine that caresses the palette; leaves a lasting impression and also is outstanding with food”. But like Jeff said, that is his opinion. He believes what is popular in wine today is just that, an “opinion.”

Wine is a subject of great debate; there will always be conflict and disagreements. Take food and wine paring, for example. The two should compliment each other but it’s not an exact science; there is no right or wrong way to the pairing technique. “When people feel silly about ordering a wine they have heard is not appropriate for a certain food or too sweet or for amateurs, I tell them that anyone can know it all about wine, as long as they are the one drinking the wine they know all about”, said Shayn Bjornholm, Master Sommelier and Wine Director of Canlis Restaurant in Seattle (wine@canlis.com).

The serving temperature of a wine is also part of the wine controversy and also a matter of taste. White wines and blush wines are served chilled in order to bring out the true character and aroma and prevent the flavor from tasting flat. Red wines are normally served at room temperature to keep the flavors balanced. But some prefer their red wines chilled, and that is their preference.
Tim Hanni, founder and President of WineQuest, LLC is one of the first two Americans to achieve the title of “Master of Wine”. He believes that “wine should be presented and sold in a way that respects every wine consumer’s taste preferences above all else while encouraging them to explore new wines without imposing on them or belittling their preferences”.

Because wine is ever-changing, it is nearly impossible to keep up with the volumes of information available. Unless you plan to make wine a hobby or a career, learn the basics and go with what tastes good. Wine connects the five senses but most importantly, wine appeals to your sense of sight, smell and taste. It should look beautiful in the glass, smell delicious, and most importantly, stimulate your palette. The only thing you should consider after tasting a glass of wine is if it tastes good. In the words of Dorothy J. Gaiter of The Wall Street Journal Guide to Wine, “The bottom line: There are many wine experts out there. But there is no one – no one – who is more of an expert on your tastes than you. A good wine is a wine that tastes good to you”.

Keep reading if you would like to learn more about this theoretically innovative aspect of nature called Resveratrol.

Resveratrol’s primary features include:

- Its origination in grapes, red wine, nuts and pine trees. The professional community believes that the decreased numbers of heart disease cases in France are due to the normal intake of red wine by its citizens.

- Comprehensive lab testing has revealed that Resveratrol helps ward off cancer and other harmful bacteria, fungi and viruses. This is a verified antioxidant that has the capacity to impede the development of cancer.

Some of the major issues with Resveratrol being acknowledged as a treatment for so many diseases are:

- The lack of human testing that has not yet been undertaken. Lest any of the initial statistics on human test subjects are charted, no clear conclusion can be made. As of now, tests have merely concentrated on the influence found with certain foods and wines that contain Resveratrol.

Well-ordered clinical test trials have not yet been conducted on human subjects.

- Resveratrol is found primarily in red wine. However, drinking red wine is not an option for non-alcoholics, and it could very well result in alcoholism with some individuals.

With any luck, additional medical testing will offer more insight on the effects and capabilities of Resveratrol.

Sometimes a budget might limit all of the dreams that she wants to utilize for her dream wedding. Wedding dance floor decals are a great way to add an extra touch of personalization that look like a million bucks without going over budget.

When it comes to wedding dance floor decals, the new couple has a range of choices available to them. They may want to choose to include their wedding date, their names, a custom monogram, or a chosen theme. Placing a custom made wedding dance floor decal in the center of the room is a great way to mark the place where the married couple will enjoy their first dance together. Other popular placed for the decal to also be placed are on the wall above the head table or at the entrance to the venue.

Choosing a theme helps with decorating the entire venue. Colors are a common way to coordinate wedding decoration details. With the use of vinyl decals, choosing graphics can be a great additional coordinating theme. Some great ideas are hearts, doves, initials, monogram, last name and common interests and so on. Some vinyl decal companies will let you use your own artwork to make your theme truly your own.

It is great to have a theme in matching wedding decorations on your dance floor, wedding head table, cake table, on the wall behind the bride and groom, wine bottle labels, on water bottles for the guests and anywhere else you can imagine. You can make your wedding budget extend further with the use of vinyl decals and make your wedding look like a million bucks.

A wedding is a special event that deserves to have extra special touches. Adding a dance floor decal may be just the touch that will take a wedding reception from good to great in the eyes of both the bride and groom and their guests. These personalized decal items prove that it is not necessary for an individual to spend a huge sum of money in order to get something that is unique, creative and incredibly memorable.

When it comes to commemorating that special day and making it an event that is truly to be remembered, custom dance floor decals are a great choice.

· Rick Steves Convertible Backpack (which also served as a carry-on bag)

· Piel Leather Waist Pack.

There are a lot of options for these bicycle trips and I choose Dordogne in the Aquitaine region in southwest France. There is a wondrous array of castles, chateaux, caves and, of course, kilometer after kilometer of vineyards. I favor red wines and there was ample supply along the trip. There are lots of choices too, for bicycle tours… the self-guided made the most sense for me. I didn’t want to travel in a pack, wanted enough time to enjoy and the flexibility to do what I wanted: my schedule, my pace, and my time frame.

The Piel leather waistpack was useful for my tickets, money, cell phone and the GPS that I decided to rent for the tour; the Rick Steves convertible backpack was essential for all else. Most tours will actually haul your bags from one site to the next, but I chose to carry mine along on my back. I’ll be the first to admit that cycling clothes pack a lot smaller than street clothes, but there was ample room for both.

What this coating does is change the refractive light properties which produces a burst of multi-colored brilliance. Various shades of blue and green make this a cool gem. Its hues certainly are reminiscent of the islands.

It doesn’t really come from the Caribbean

-Natural topaz is found all over the world from Asia to the United States. But, the primary supplier of this gemstone is Brazil. Pakistan, China, Myanmar, Russia, Madagascar and Mexico are just some of the other locations that contain mine deposits. So, the stones in that Caribbean topaz pendant likely came from Brazil, but could have come from anywhere.

Special occasions

- While it is officially yellow topaz that is the birthstone for November, any color variety can technically be used because they all share the same properties. That being said, a Caribbean topaz and diamond bracelet makes for a unique and surprising birthday gift for the girl who loves her sparkly accessories. Of course, there doesn’t have to be a special occasion for this gemstone.

Magical properties and other benefits

- The topaz has been a popular gem for thousands of years and, as a result, there are special properties attached to it. One such property is the power of invisibility when the body is threatened not likely, but it is fun to imagine. Medicinally, a ground up gemstone sprinkled into wine was used to cure the effects of asthma and improve eyesight.

A Caribbean topaz ring just might expose poison in food and drink. This gemstone must have been very popular among royalty and dictators! It is also believed to improve mood, improve fertility and have an overall calming effect on the body.

How to take care of Caribbean topaz jewelry

Made up of aluminum fluoride silicate, the topaz is a durable stone with a rank of 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This usually means that maintenance is simple, but because of the thin layer of titanium coating the underside, more care should be taken when cleaning. Stay away from harsh chemicals and stick with a gentle soap and warm water or an ammonium-based solution. Also, never use abrasives on this gemstone and the ultrasonic cleaner is not recommended.

If the titanium coating gets scratched, the light refraction is interrupted and the rainbow of colors is compromised. So, be very careful when cleaning Caribbean topaz earrings and other pieces. Because the underside is fairly well protected by the setting and the untreated top is quite hard, it is ok to wear this gemstone every day.

Designer gems like Caribbean topaz jewelry offer a unique way for women to accessorize. Because it can be found in earrings, pendants, bracelets and necklaces, she can enjoy a variety of looks. She can even add some diamonds for a dressier accessory. Whether it is set in gold or silver, it makes the perfect accent to any outfit.

The coastal resort is located in southern Lanzarote and is one of the most popular destinations for tourists heading to the Canary Islands.

Its proximity to north-west Africa means that it has a temperate climate throughout the year.

Indeed, Lanzarote isn’t just a great location to visit during the summertime and its annual average temperature of 22 degrees C means that it is ideal to visit for a sunny break during the winter.

As well as its warm climate, its waters are a typical 19.5 degrees C, so you can expect to be able to go for a splash in the sea at any time of the year. Being able to recline on its sandy beaches, bask in the sunlight and have a swim in December is definitely a unique experience that sets Lanzarote apart from other holiday destinations.

And once you have decided to take a trip to the island, you may want to consider staying in villas in Playa Blanca.

This small seaside resort was once a fishing village, so visitors will be able to get a taste of traditional life on the Canary Island and catch a glimpse into authentic traditions and ways of living.

If you want to get a better idea of how the locals spend their time, go for a walk to the small villages that surround Playa Blanca. Stroll through the cobbled areas, visit the churches and take a seat at their small cafes and restaurants.

You may be able to sample the best of the island’s cuisines here, including its fresh seafood caught by fishermen. Make sure you also taste local goats’ cheese and wine, as these are two of Lanzarote’s specialities.

A visit to the island at any time of the year presents a unique opportunity to learn – and see – more of its impressive geological history. As a volcanic isle, you’ll notice many conical mountains peeking into the sky as there are more than 100 volcanoes here.

This activity also means it has an impressive lunar landscape to explore. One of the best places to do this is to head to the Timanfaya National Park, which takes up 35,029 hectares and nearly half of the entire island.

In 1993, it was declared as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO to protect the area, as it has a unique rocky landscape, as well as special breeds of flora and fauna.

Outdoor and nature enthusiasts are likely to find this an interesting place to explore and you should make an effort to come here during your Christmas holidays if you want to see the moon-like land firsthand.

No doubt one of the main reasons you’ll want to come to Lanzarote during the wintertime is to enjoy its warm weather and beautiful shores.

If this is the case, Papagayo beaches are well-known for being among the best in the Canary Islands and you may want to head here if you’re staying in Playa Blanca.

This unspoilt shoreline means you can really escape the rigmarole of daily life as you bathe in the sunshine – a perfect way to spend your Christmas holidays.

Beer tastes great only when it’s cold. Adding ice, however, is not a good solution because it dilutes drinks and takes away the flavour, the fizz and the “kick”. The best solution for beer drinkers is to encase the beer container in a neoprene wrap that are fondly called koozies, stubbie holders or stubby coolers.

Personalizing them is a breeze. All you have to do is choose the colours you like, pick out the shape or style, and send your supplier a copy of your logo or special message, and you have in your hands one of the most powerful marketing tools ever invented.

Here are some ideas you can use for creating your promotional coolers:

Use various shapes

Get barrel shaped stubby coolers for your beer cans, slim shaped ones for ladies coolers and cruisers, coolers with bases for holding glasses and long bottle necks for holding wine bottles. Barrel shaped stubby coolers are the most versatile among the lot and can be used over and over again. For you’re A-list clients, try giving away coolers that fit in a stack of cans. Zippers added to the fabric keep them closed. The neoprene material is highly versatile, allowing you to create various shapes with it.

Give colour-coded coolers

Stubby coolers can cool beers, soft drink bottles, wine bottles and more. They can be manufactured to look masculine, feminine, funny or even simple – completely matching your product or your brand. Distinguish the males from the females and order barrel shaped coolers in black or navy blue which is suitable for men, and slim shaped coolers in burgundy or red for women. Custom-print funny messages as well, one that is appropriate for males and another that females will find cute.

Design your own coolers

While most suppliers may have ready-made templates for you to choose from, they do allow you to create your own design and take care of printing it for you. Advanced printing technology used on neoprene makes it easy to print anything you want on your items; you are limited only by your imagination. Regardless of your design, always add your logo or business name or both including one contact detail for people to remember.

The 2012 Summer Olympic Games will take place from 27th July to 12th August 2012, followed by the 2012 Paralympic Games from 29th August to 9th September in Stratford, East London. This will be the third time London has hosted the Games, having previously done so in 1908 and 1948. Most of the Olympic events will take place in Stratford, Newham, which is only an hour’s journey from Suffolk by train or car.

Suffolk UK Olympics 2012 – Day Trips and Short Breaks in Suffolk

Suffolk is a fun and fascinating place to visit if you’re coming to the UK Olympics 2012, either as a participant taking a break from training, a journalist covering the event, or a spectator visiting with family or friends. You will find plenty of great days out and things to do, attractions, events such as music concerts, festivals, art exhibitions and plays, as well as beautiful rolling countryside, sunny beaches and English Heritage. But better book your accommodation quickly as we’re expecting a rush!

August is a glorious month to visit Suffolk as it is one of the sunniest places in the whole of the UK! In 2009 despite a wet Summer elsewhere in the UK, Suffolk was the driest part of the country, as coastal areas such as Aldeburgh and Southwold experienced a micro-climate – there are not many places in the rainy UK that can say that!

If you do arrive on one of the rare wet weather days, there are still more than enough Rainy Day Activities in Suffolk to keep everyone entertained!

Suffolk UK Olympics 2012 – Travelling from London to Ipswich, Suffolk

Travelling from London to Suffolk is very easy – drivers can hire a car and simply jump on the A12 and expect to arrive in Suffolk in no time. Catching the train from Stratford to Ipswich also couldn’t be easier, and takes about an hour. Train and coach travel are quick and cost effective options. Loads of great deals and bargains can be had when booking train or coach tickets in advance and especially during the School Summer Holidays, and there are often Group Saver discounts on offer too.

Ipswich is a great place to arrive in. It’s Suffolk’s county town and proudly boasts many historic and fascinating buildings, whilst also being modern and dynamic.

For families, a day out to Jimmy’s Farm, Ipswich is fun for all. You will get to meet the farm animals, kids can have fun on the Nature Trail and Jimmy’s Adventure Playground, and there are regular Farmers’ Markets and event throughout the year.

For adventurous families there is Anglia Indoor Karting, Ipswich, a premier Indoor Karting track that is sure to get everyone’s pulse racing! There is ‘Kubz Karting’ for under 8′s.

Equally exciting and sporty is Suffolk Leisure Park, Ipswich. Here you will find a variety of facilities including 3 dry ski slopes, tobogganing slope, climbing wall and high ropes course, plus the Lodge Restaurant & Bar. And also Sailing Days, Ipswich – the perfect Yacht Chartering Experience on the East Coast! Boats are available for day sails out of Ipswich and longer trips to places such as Southwold, plus evening sails with onboard meals included.

If you are a foodie, just a mile south of Ipswich and within minutes of the A14/A12, the Suffolk Food Hall, Ipswich brings together the best offerings of local food & drink. Here you will find a butcher, fishmonger, greengrocer, baker, wine merchant, and a beer cellar, so are sure to go home with something tasty!

For refreshment, Quayside, Ipswich is a fresh and modern all-day cafe, restaurant and bar on the Ipswich Waterfront.

For a unique meal out, enjoy some fine French cuisine at Mariners Restaurant, Ipswich, a popular French Brassierie on a 110 year old Dutch boat at Ipswich Marina.

There is so much to see and do in Ipswich (not to mention other nearby towns & villages such as Woodbridge, Aldeburgh, Lavenham, Stoke-by-Nayland, Felixstowe and Sudbury, not to mention the rest of Suffolk!) that you may well decide to stay overnight or for even longer!

Staying at the Hintlesham Hall Hotel, Ipswich is the ultimate way to indulge as this grand hotel with spectacular grounds provides luxurious rooms, attentive staff and fine dining. There are also Health & Beauty treatments available, and a fully equipped gym complete with swimming pool – this is sure to please the athletes amongst you who want to take a break whilst still staying in shape.

Also of interest to those with combining sport and leisure is the adjacent Hintlesham Golf Club, Ipswich.

Suffolk UK Olympics 2012 – Visiting Suffolk

Once you have reached Ipswich, should you want to explore what the rest of Suffolk has to offer (and there is a lot!), travel connections by road and rail are easily accessible across the county.

‘Variety’ is a key word when describing the towns and villages of Suffolk. Some are medieval, others are contemporary, many are peaceful and plenty are thriving – all are charming and accommodating, and promise a warm and friendly welcome to all.

Some delights of Suffolk you can discover includes the preserved medieval village of Bury St Edmunds; Britain’s 7th most desirable village, Long Melford; areas on the Suffolk coast such as Lowestoft, and Southwold; home of horse racing, Newmarket; and the haven of peace and relaxation, Orford.

Continue reading to find out more about what Suffolk has to offer those of you on a Day Trip from London to Suffolk and also those on a Short Break in Suffolk.

You will be spoilt for choice when trying to decide how to spend your Days Out in Suffolk. There is a full selection of Things to Do in Suffolk, and also Great Value Days Out in Suffolk, so you will be able to find something to suit all interests, ages and budgets.

To keep the children happy and entertained there are fantastic Kids’ Days Out in Suffolk, and the chances are you will be lucky enough to catch one of the many Suffolk Festivals that occur yearly.

Suffolk is home to a number of excellent Art Galleries where you can snatch up a unique piece of art and view one of the many Art Exhibitions that take place throughout the year.

In the evenings you can treat yourselves to dinner at one of the great many Suffolk Restaurants that serve every possible type of cuisine, from local, home-cooked fare to first-class fine dining – and everything in between! A lovely way to spend a night is to Eat Out in Suffolk and then take in a Music Concert.

Suffolk UK Olympics 2012 – Staying in Suffolk

As you have seen, Suffolk makes for a great day out – so much so, in fact, that a number of people who visit Suffolk for the day often return for longer stays.

When staying overnight or longer, there is every type of hotel and accommodation that you can think of, including Suffolk Hotels – where a number of bargains, deals and Special Offers from Suffolk Hotels are waiting to be snatched up – plus Suffolk Bed & Breakfasts and Suffolk Inns & Pubs.

We hope you have a great time when entering or watching the UK Olympics 2012, and look forward to seeing you in Suffolk soon!