Can I just say that I love love love football season?! I’m a bit of a fanatic. Honestly, it’s kind of sad. But I just love the atmosphere. The slightly chilly weather, the cheer of the crowd - and of course, the tailgating festivities. How could you not love all that?

We all get a little college football crazy around the Absorbent, Ink. offices. We’re mostly Kansas Jayhawks fans, but there is at least one K-State Wildcat and one Nebraska Husker on staff who are fanatics for their own teams. The rivalries can be pretty intense – but we still love them, anyway!

I started this post because I just watched the promo video for my team’s 2009 season and I must say, it got me pumped. Not only because I think it’s gonna be a great year (Champs ‘09! Woot!) but also because it’s another season to show off my great Absorbent, Ink. items for tailgating and spirit wear.

Before any game, we will probably be eating, drinking and lounging at the tailgate with friends. If you’ve got a great group of friends or clients, you can personalize products to commemorate the season. It’s essential to have a lounge chair, a cooler, and depending on who’s grilling, an apron complete with grill utensils. A larger group of family, friends and clients could show their spirit in loud style with inflatable noise makers. Also, lanyards will show our spirit while making sure no one loses their keys in the stands. How sweet!

Now that I have all my Absorbent, Ink. spirit gear and tailgating props, I’m fully ready to cheer the ‘Hawks on! All these items can be printed to have any logo on them, so the options are limitless. With all this spirit, I hope your team will win a few games too!

Rock chalk!

Abby Ink

Whether you’ve seen “Office Space” or not, everyone knows what “The Mondays” are. After a weekend full of nothing but relaxation and more sleep than usual, you wake up to the sound of your unrelenting alarm clock. You can press “snooze” as much as you want, but it’s not going to make your morning routine any easier. Making breakfast, brewing coffee and driving in traffic all seem to go that much slower on Mondays. And don’t even get me started about the moment you actually sit down at your desk; it’s as though someone clicked the “slow motion” button on the remote for the remainder of the day.

This is a subject matter that most of us can relate to. And since people like being understood and able to easily relate to other human beings, distributing promotional products that will distract your clients from their Mondays could be prove to be a very positive thing. Allow me to make some educated suggestions.

Everyone loves photographs, especially in this day-and-age when the only kind of camera to own is a digital camera, which makes picture taking, uploading and sharing so easy. People love to litter their desks and homes with framed pictures of family, friends and scenery. So why not make everyone happy and hand out Absorbent, Ink.’s Back to Back Photo Frames? These neat frames swivel, so you can choose two different pictures to place in each frame and decide which picture you feel like gazing at for the day (whether it be your significant other or your dog). Being able to freely swivel your pictures around and stare at your beloveds is a certified cheerer-upper.

Another snazzy idea could be T-shirts. Absorbent, Ink.’s Boxercraft Women’s Burn-Out Tees have that soft, worn-in, vintage feel to them, so recipients know they at least have that little bit of comfort waiting at home (or perhaps under their suit jacket) to get through the dreaded Monday. Printing your company’s logo and maybe a catchy phrase on the shirt will remind your clients that along with being a reliable business, you understand that it’s the little things that count when it comes to starting the work week.

Regardless of which promotional product you choose to provide as vaccinations against “the Mondays,” the main idea is to ease your recipients’ minds and remind them that time flies when you’re… well… maybe not having the most fun, but at least able to have a sense of humor about it all!

Here’s to getting through the work week,

Abby Ink

American Idol has been on for how many years now? I remember the first season with Ms. Clarkson. My, has she come a long way or what? Eh, maybe she hasn’t, but that first season was something to remember. Then again, first seasons always are since they tend to make or break an entire series.

But that’s all beside the point. I won’t bore you with my view on television politics. I will, however, share with you some pretty interesting information I stumbled upon during my morning surf (on the Web. Wish I could say in the ocean, but then again, I’d probably end up in the hospital or something. Ah, and I digress). Michelle Bell, Counselor magazine’s senior editor, blogged back in November about “Rollabanas.” Rollabanas are nifty self-rolling mini banners that can be printed with full-color images or just words advertising and promoting your organization’s name. Besides being portable, the Rollabana has optional suction cups on its ends allowing you to stick the Rollabana to your car window or somewhere in your home or office. These promotional banners are an accessory and advertisement rolled into one. Absorbent, Ink. is now offering this unique product (currently ON SALE!) for you and your recipients to enjoy.

I bet you’re wondering what the American Idol punch line is gonna be, aren’t you? Two words: Justin Guarini. Memory not working for you? He was the curly-haired runner-up during season one. Still not ringing a bell? He also starred in the smash cinema hit (not so much) From Justin to Kelly alongside his former competitor, Kelly Clarkson herself! Really, the point is that Guarini is the spokesperson for Rollabanas. That’s right. He’s gonna stick these little banners all over his car windows and maybe even sing a tune about it (if we’re lucky).

Order these creative and out-of-the-ordinary banners for your organization today and remind your clients that the only time you suck is when it’s on their windows.

Justin Guarini 4ever,

Abby Ink

I am not really a huge fan of exercising. I don’t mind it, but it’s not the first thing on my mind when I wake up in the morning. But realizing that exercise is essential to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, all I need is a little prodding (OK, sometimes a lot) to get into my exercise gear and head to the gym. But on days when I get off work late or when it’s raining and I don’t feel like stepping out of the house, I feel I have a legitimate excuse to skip exercising (Oh, happy day!). I leap at the opportunity to turn into a couch potato and spend the rest of my day in front of the T.V.

But one fine day, my boss just had to go and ruin my bliss. He handed out exercise mats and pedometers to all the employees and gave us all some good news (at least that’s what he thought it was). He happily informed us that research proves that when your employees exercise, it reduces absenteeism and improves the quality of work. Yoga in particular provides mental AND physical relaxation so, according to him, it’s the perfect exercise for us. So a friend of his, who is a hot-shot yoga instructor, was going to come in once a week and give us lessons free of charge. At that moment, I could actually see all my exercise-free days jumping out the window.

So, if your organization is looking for ways to get your employees to exercise, too, then Absorbent, Ink. has got you covered. Exercise and yoga mats and pedometers will definitely give your employees a push in the right (??) direction.

Oh, in case you are wondering … yes, I am still holding a grudge against my boss. It’s getting smaller. Like my tummy.

Still running,

Abby Ink

Chuck Norris – America’s own personal hero. I don’t know when Chuck Norris jokes became such a fad, but they did and it is hilarious. Best known for his role on “Walker, Texas Ranger,” Chuck Norris is a keen, lean fighting machine. Since we recently received an order from Chuck Norris’s official Web site, chucknorris.com, for our Dual Star Key Tags, I have decided to dedicate this blog entry to the man himself.

Here’s a list of facts about Chuck Norris from chucknorrisfacts.com:

Chuck Norris does not sleep. He waits.

Chuck Norris counted to infinity – twice.

Chuck Norris doesn’t wear a watch – HE decides what time it is.

Chuck Norris can slam a revolving door.

Chuck Norris can sneeze with his eyes open.

There is in fact an “I” in Norris, but there is no “team”… not even close.

There is no “ctrl” button on Chuck Norris’s computer. Chuck Norris is always in control.

Have you had enough? Probably for today. But thank you, Chuck Norris, for choosing Absorbent, Ink. as your promotional products provider! We can all learn a thing or two from Chuck.

Love,

Abby Ink.

When the first Harry Potter book came out in 1997, I was instantly hooked. A kid’s book, you say? I have seen nine-year-olds, 16-year-olds and 53-year-olds reading Harry Potter and we all love it just the same. I have read every book (at least twice by now), so you can guess that when the movies came out, I was ecstatic! I was also a part of every midnight book release and movie premiere whether I was at the front of the line or crowded somewhere in the middle.

The last midnight premiere I attended was in July 2007, when the fifth installment of the film was released, and boy, did that turn into an interesting event! It was a warm summer night and as I approached the movie theater, I saw that the line was already backed up into the entire parking lot, making its way to the entrance of a local Hooters restaurant (how appropriate and magical). All of my friends were being less than fun this particular weekend, so I ventured to the movie alone with a shimmer in my eye and a pep in my step (and a lightning scar on my forehead that only I knew existed).

When I reached the line I was surrounded by wannabe witches and wizards of all shapes and sizes. It was intimidating, but I stood my ground. Just because I was alone in this Muggle-polluted situation didn’t mean I had to feel insecure about it. But the line became more and more crowded and the space around me was becoming smaller and smaller. Suddenly, I was experiencing an extreme case of claustrophobia. I was gripping my movie ticket so hard it had become sweaty and crumpled. I closed my eyes and thought about wands, incantations, butterbeer and the Great Hall’s famous feasts, but none of it helped.

Finally, they began to let the hordes of people into the various theaters showing the premiere that evening. My stress levels did not get any better. As if standing in the line surrounded by kids hadn’t been hectic enough, I was now literally fighting and thrashing my way to a seat. You would think finding one seat for yourself on a solo date to the movies would be easy. Hardly. You see, during midnight premieres of movies (especially movies with younger followings), children tend to travel in large groups and save 13 seats or so. After tripping over four people, spilling a bucket of popcorn and almost falling down the stairs entirely, I was able to find a lone seat in the nosebleed section. I was content at last!

There is no need to go into the details of my actual viewing experience or discuss the confusing and crowded walk out to the car – all of these things can be left to your imagination. But I will say that after this entire situation was all said and done, I realized something. These midnight movie premieres, although exciting and fun, can cause a lot of anxiety. Instead of using my ticket stub as a stress reliever, I thought, it would’ve been nice to have something else to squeeze in my hand.

Then it hit me. EUREKA! Companies wanting to promote their names and also appeal to what will be one of the biggest movie outings this summer would be wise and ahead of the game to order Wizard Stress Balls as a fun, interactive product to hand to their clients during this “Harry Potter” summer season. These little stress balls are shaped like a wizard who looks like a mix between Merlin and Dumbledore himself! They are the perfect promotional product for a movie event such as this. With the newest installment hitting theaters this July (like a month away!), waving your company’s wand and imprinting these Wizard Stress Balls with the company name would reach your Harry Potter-addicted customers in an understanding and very outside-the-box type of way. Whether your clients hand the product off to their children or keep it for themselves to remain calm during the premiere, these Wizard Stress Balls will work magic to make any stress disappear.

Remember… “It is our choices … that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities,” Dumbledore says. Choose this promotional product, and your stressed-out-from-attending-a-movie-premiere clients (and their children!) will thank you for the rest of their Muggle lives.

Wands up!

Abby Ink

Due to recent friend-turbulence, a messy break-up and the stress that came along with finals and the closing of another semester, I have acquired a new best friend. This friend is the best kind of friend - a friend that won’t ever let you down, is very good at listening, can cheer you up in an instant, and if it gets too feisty you can simply engulf it.

“What on earth could make for this good of friend and how can I get one,” you ask yourself? Well, let me tell you. My new best friend is … chocolate! And luckily for the world, my best friend can be easily shared and distributed, and can also be an extra (delicious) way to spread the joy of your company to the world.

Whether you try chocolate CDs and golf balls or chocolate-covered pretzels and chocolate-filled cookie tins, Absorbent, Ink. can provide a new best friend for anybody who is having a rough day, a long week, or who just needs some comforting and cheering up.

Oh boy. The AC’s not working today. It’s 82 degrees in here. The guys are installing a new one. And it’s got me thinking about summer fun. The pool. And listening to Captain and Tennille.

It’s also a great time to remind you about some of the great products we offer for summer promotions! Here are some of my favorites.

Beach Balls - Great for the beach, at concerts, or other outdoor events.

Sunglasses - Gotta stay cool. And look cool at the same time.

BBQ Sets - Love cooking with fire. And they make great gifts.

Stainless Steel Water Bottles - Durable and BPA free, these have become our most popular line of drinkware.

Flying Discs - One of our most popular promotional items.

Coleman Coolers - Great for keeping cold things cold on a hot summer day.

Koozie Can Coolers - Yep. I’m good with drinking a beer on a hot summer day.

Garden Tool Sets - Another fine promotional gift for the warm seasons.

Insulated Coolers and Bags - We’ve recently expanded our line of insulated bags. Some great totes in here!

Thermometers - In case you really want to know how hot it is.

Maybe I should remove the one in my office. Gotta get my mind off the heat!

If you happen to be in a few select cities you may find a random wallet on the ground from Burger King. Inside, there’s a note from The King to keep the wallet, cash ranging from a $1 bill to $100 bill, a gift card to Burger King, a “driver’s license” featuring The King, and a map of Burger King restaurants in the area in which the wallet was dropped.  If you are one of the lucky ones, snap a picture of you and the wallet and send it to us!

Toys not only inspire young children, but motivate adults who are in the wrong career, as well. A direct mail campaign for Monster.com emphasized the importance of a job that fits by distributing packages of toy soldiers containing one gun-wielding pink ballerina. The bag reads, “Stuck in the wrong job?” Apparently a lot of people felt like the ballerina in the soldier bag because new IP visits and registration increased significantly.

Source:Direct Daily