Spring Sports Roundup

I'm planning on attending a Tampa Bay Rays game this weekend and have "Take Me Out To The Ballgame" stuck in my head. The Lighter Side® has been located in Bradenton, Florida since 1986. One of the perks of living in this area, aside from the (usually) nice weather, is that many major league baseball teams come down here for spring training during the winter. Currently the Pittsburgh Pirates and Cincinnati Reds call the local area home for spring training, with the New York Yankees a straight shot up the road. Though I hear the 2007 World Champion Boston Red Sox are exploring the idea of moving their spring training operations from Fort Myers to Sarasota!

Red Sox fans should check out our 2007 World Series baseball. It's "autographed" with the replicated signatures of the Boston Red Sox players from that winning team. The 2008 MLB® team baseballs are similar in that they feature the simulated autographs of the current team roster and are neat, affordable collectibles.

For die-hard fans that dream of being part of the team, our Major League Baseball art print helps fuel their fantasy. Personalized for free, they'll get to see their name on one of the jerseys hanging among the other players' in the team's locker room. Just choose their favorite team!

The nice weather we're enjoying also means more opportunities for other outdoor sports, like golfing. My brother is such an avid golfer. In fact, I'm sure he's out on the greens now, putting away. I like to tee up with him every now and then. It's led to many hilarious brother/sister bonding moments. One time, when he wasn't looking, I switched out his regulation ball with this trick golf ball. If you could have seen his face when I used the remote to make the ball spin in place on the tee — right as he swung back to drive! I was banned from golfing with him for awhile, but it was totally worth it. It's a favorite story of mine to bring up at family gatherings!

Your "Rooting For The Home Team" Gift Guru,
Linda

Pomp And Circumstance

Ah, the spring air brings to mind blooming flowers, spring showers…and graduation ceremonies. My high school ceremony was held in a hot gymnasium (before the modern days of A/C) while my college graduation ceremony was held outdoors. Fortunately, it was a nice day with no rain in sight. Though the graduating class walked away with diplomas and scorching sunburns! With both high school and college graduations looming, I wanted to share my picks of gifts for the soon-to-be graduate in your life.

My first pick may surprise you, but it is just so cool. It's a "101 Things To Do With Ramen Noodles" recipe book. I lived on ramen and mac & cheese while I hit the books and pulled all-nighters, so this book is perfect for college-bound students as well as recent college grads suddenly finding themselves out in the "real world." Prepare to be amazed at what delicious meals they can easily (and cheaply) make with the simple ramen noodle!

My next three picks are each personalized mementos of this special life event. There is the adorable plush bear in his graduation cap and gown that will bear (how could I not throw that pun in there?) the graduate's first name and year. The graduation pillow and throw can be personalized with the graduate's full name, year of graduation, and name of school. Pillow and throw will come in handy for those power naps between college classes!

It doesn't matter if they graduated from public, private or Ivy-league schools. You can still tease the new grad's sense of achievement with the tongue-in-cheek Paper or Plastic T-shirt. They'll need a good sense of humor out there in that crazy world of ours!

Your "Voted Class Clown" Gift Guru,

Linda

My Mother, My Hero

Pop quiz! Bet you didn't see this coming.

Who helped raise her 8 (yes, EIGHT) younger siblings, even though it meant leaving high school early?

Who saw to it that her daughter got to experience opportunities that she never had?

Who did it all without losing her fabulous sense of humor?

The answer, of course, is my mother! Because of her, I got to play on the boys' basketball team in high school. That was something unheard of back then! (Okay, I'll give you a hint. It was back in the ‘70s. Whether it was early, mid, or late ‘70s, you'll just have to guess). To help put me through college, my mom designed and sewed Barbie clothes and sold the outfits on the weekends. And while it may have been easy to be bitter over lost opportunities, she never was. I've always found her sense of humor and take on life inspirational.

Honor the special moms in your life with Mother's Day gifts that have The Lighter Side touch. Sweet, thoughtful, and sure to bring a smile to her face. Here are five ideas to get you started.
Personalized gifts top the list! There's just something extra-special about seeing your loved ones' names and knowing the thought and time put into the selection of the gift.

Personalized We Love Photo Frame.
Personalized Our Special Tee.
Personalized Top Reasons Tee.
Personalized Top Reasons Mug.

And for the grandmothers whose ability to spoil is faster than a speeding bullet:
Super Nana Tee.

Your "Momma's Girl" Gift Guru,
Linda