Full of Hot Air
The Pitch: I finally watched "Up" this weekend (I cried) and was that movie adorable or what? On that note, Chemical Light Inc. (asi/44888) has some really adorable helium balloons (they probably don't have house-lifting abilities, but still, they would be perfect for special events). Along with the funny name, Lumi-Loons have three high-powered red, blue and green LEDs that can have seven modes and three morphing modes. Pricing for item PRO-310 starts at: 10; $2.25-R. Click here: http://www.asi44888.com/.
The Bottom Line: Up, up and away.

Mental Break
The Pitch: I've not seen "Inglorious Basterds" yet. In fact, I'm a little afraid, having heard mixed reviews from my husband and sons ("great-yet-disturbing") to my mom ("Quentin Tarantino belongs in a mental institution!"). Anyone who needs a little, shall we say, "mental vacation," would appreciate item 201K/R from Personal Health Designs (asi/77731). It's a laminated strip for your desktop or keyboard and includes "10-Second Tension Tamers" and "Your 60-Second Workstation Vacation." These are great for health fairs; workplace events; psychologists and more. Pricing starts at: 300; $1.62-R. Click here: http://www.fitstrips.com/.
The Bottom Line: Take a break.

Birthday Wishes
The Pitch: This month alone, my family celebrates no less than five birthdays: Bro-in-law (today); sis-in-law (the 10th); sister (17th…and her name is Colleen); hubby (22nd); and nephew (25th). That's a lot of Hallmark biz right there. Such a festive month calls for the perfect greeting cards and Hallmark Business Expressions (asi/59085) has just the right cards for all your business clients celebrating too. I like item 1HBE1025, because it has a picture of a lovely sunset and offers warm wishes, which makes me think of summer. It also has copper foil and an embossed border and includes a white envelope with gold foil lining. Pricing starts at: 25; $2.29-P. Go here to see all their offerings: https://hallmark.businessgreetings.com/.
The Bottom Line: Greetings and salutations.

Girls Rule
The Pitch: You've heard it on the playgrounds: "Girls rule, boys drool" (and in the ASI editorial department; we are so mature). OK, you don't really drool, guys -- well, some of you do -- but women are gaining ground all over the place. Last week, I was a webinar panelist on marketing to women (check it out here: http://www.asicentral.com/asp/open/education/Webcasts/webinars.aspx#ArchivedWebinars).  I highlighted reports showing that women are poised to be the majority in the workforce, if they aren't already. And last night, the first female director in 82 years took home the statue (you go, Bigelow). Awesome.  So, let's toast women with a nice bottle of one of the many award-winning bottles of wine from Windsor Vineyards (asi/97278). The Pinot Noir, for example, has won many medals, including a silver at the 2009 Women's Wine Competition and pricing starts at: 12; $46-V. This would make a lovely anniversary gift for clients or employees. See their reserves at: http://www.windsorvineyards.com/.
The Bottom Line: Raise your glass.

Just Ducky
The Pitch: Yesterday, I made my annual pot of corned beef and cabbage, as I do this time of year. This obviously means St. Patty's Day is right around the corner. On the topic of everything green, CelebriDucks (asi/44398) introduces Mr. Green, a 100% totally recycled "green" rubber duck. His tagline: "Green is the new yellow." Even the box this fella comes in is eco-friendly. You can even send a Green Gram with him, as well as a bar of Canard Vert soap ("French for green duck"). It's a quackingly cute combo. E-mail info@celebriducks.com for pricing on item #81072 and check him out here: http://www.greengram.net/.
The Bottom Line: Float this idea.