Enhance your brand with the Prestige and Longevity of Leather Gifts

By Kim Vermaak

What I love about leather is the sheer luxuriousness of it. The smell has a classy established aroma to it and the feel of a genuine leather item speaks of style and taste. That’s what makes leather gifts such an appealing corporate gift. One of the great things about leather is that there are so many applications for corporate gifting. You can also build an entire corporate gifting strategy around leather. For example, entry level clients can get something as simple and cost effective as a leather business card holder. Although more expensive than many of the metal business card holders, they have excellent longevity. In fact leather gifts really do stand the test of time when it comes to wear. It is even a status symbol to have a more worn looking leather item. If it is genuine leather in comparison to bonded leather, it will wear very well. While Moleskines have become an increasingly popular brand name and one of the brands that we well a lot of, these books need to be replaced on a regular basis, meaning that to get longevity for your brand, you are going to have to replace them yourself every few months. The genuine leather notebooks covers however, are branded and given out once. Many of the A4 notebooks available at the moment form stationary stores that easily be slipped into these covers. This means that the genuine leather notebook covers offer longevity and longevity equals value for money in a corporate gift. The leather notebook would be an excellent example for a mid-level leather corporate gift. The highest end leather corporate gifts definitely come in the form of leather travel bags. This is the highest level of style and class and a sort after corporate gift by executives, dignitaries and many other high level individuals. They make wonderful golf day prizes and awards because of their high value and stylish design. Along the way there are number of leather corporate gifting items that will compliment your leather gift strategy. You can choose form desk based leather corporate gifts such as, A4 leather trays, leather desk blotters, leather desk business card holders, leather desk memo pads; leather desk pen caddies, leather mouse pads. As there is such a wide range of these leather items, it is easy to find a different item every year as part of your corporate gifting strategy. Then then there are travel theme leather corporate gifts such as, leather cosmetic pouches, leather jewellery rolls, leather luggage tags, leather passport covers and leather travel wallets Conference leather gifts include, leather A4 Folders, leather A5 Folders, leather computer bags, and leather document bags. For clients who embrace both technology as well and a timeless elegance there are a number if IPad options to choose from such as, leather IPad covers, leather IPad sleeves, leather IPad zipper folders. By Kim Vermaak Belle Regalo – Supplier of Corporate Gifts www.belleregalo.co.za For more leather ideas visit: http://www.belleregalo.co.za/gifts/Leather-Gifts.htm Contact us on info@belleregalo.co.za or 082 948 7461

What exactly does kiln firing a mug mean

Branded coffee mugs are a very popular corporate gifting item. It may appear that a branded coffee mug is just another corporate gift. However this is a much specialised branding process that requires some explanation as to why we use the branding processes that we do. There are a number of companies that do not kiln fire their branded coffee mugs, which may lead you to ask, what is a kiln fired mug? Well to help you with this, here are some Branded Coffee Mugs Frequently Asked Questions What exactly does kiln firing a mug mean? It is a print process where your logo is baked within a kiln at high temperatures. This is done to ensure that your logo and print on the coffee mug is literally baked onto the surface of the mug which will make the branding more durable. What happens if it is not Kiln Fired? Without kiln firing a logo will scratch off easily or fade quickly when used in microwaves or dishwashers. We use kiln firing simply because it is the best method for branding. Direct printing onto the surface is possible with no kiln firing. It is much cheaper but the drawback is that you would not have the durability that firing a branded coffee mug will offer you. What is The Branding Process used of a Kiln Fired Coffee Mug

The first method is where we directly print your logo onto the mug. Then afterwards the print is kiln fired in temperatures between 300-800 degrees Celsius. This branding method will be the same ceramic coffee mugs. Travel mugs on the other hand which are made from metal, plastics or a combination of both do not use the kiln firing process. Kiln firing applies to clay based products only. For multiple colour prints (excluding full colour photos or images with gradients) it is not possible to print directly as a method called a transfer print is required. The reason why it cannot be printed directly like the method above is that when the mug is printed and the second colour is applied the initial first colour is so delicate that it will literally come off with the slightest touch. Therefore we screen print it onto a transfer sheet which is then hand applied to the mug and then the mug is fired to ensure the branding stays. Types of Kilns Used There are generally two types of kilns used. These essentially are gigantic ovens. There are gas kilns and electric kilns. For information on branded coffee mugs, contact us us on info@belleregalo.co.za or visit us on www.belleregalo.co.za or call us on 082 948 7461.

Top Year End Corporate Gifts

What to give someone who has everything is a question often asked of corporate gifts specialists. Having access to a number of gifts, we often make purchase for ourselves. So for this article I will review what has really wowed me enough to spend money on myself. With so many things on the go keeping organised really makes difference, so for me these four items make a big difference. 1. The Ladies Stylish Laptop Handbag.

I love this bag because I can slip my tablet into the tablet sleeve, I can fit those need to reach quickly items, such as car keys, access cards, a lipstick, a cell phone and a small change purse into the small zip up compartment on the side. Although this is a laptop bag, I have a second company which requires that an A4 membership pack and educational support material. These fit very comfortably into the bag. I also always have a corporate gifting catalogue in the bag. In fact I have two of them, which are kitted out with the same information. I have the black bag, which fits into any wardrobe and recently because I have developed a passion for red, I also have the cherry red bag to compliment the cherry red shoes that I just bought as part of my power look. 2. The Manicure Set in Pouch

This corporate gift was so popular for woman’s month that it sold out virtually as it arrived at the warehouse. But the good news is that it will arrive in time for the Valentine’s Day gift rush. The next shipment is due on 10 Dec 2013, if customs is kind to us. The reason that I love this gift is not just because it has a cute little design, but because for years I have been driving my family insane by always frantically trying to find lip ice or lip gloss or lipstick. You see my handbags are often big and then I end up scratching around for them like crazy, getting more and more frustrated by the minute. A lipstick is an infuriatingly small thing than never seems to appear when you need it, especially when it is in a big handbag. I often pop a lipstick or lip glass into my pocket and then forget about it and buy a new one until the lipstick miracle appears when I next wear the jacket. Since I got the manicure set in pouch corporate gift, I always know where to find my lipstick. The funky little design fits into my bag easily, but when I am not using my bags, I just pop it into the car if I am dashing out and only need a purse and some freshening up. This nifty corporate gift is a definite winner, but please do remember that you will need to back order it for the New Year. 3. The Portable Boot Organiser

I actually bought this for our sales manager, who often carries around catalogue to be dropped off with our clients. But I am definitely going to get one for myself. The great thing about catalogues is that they produce sales. The frustrating thing is that if they are left lying around in the car, they tend to get bumped by other objects and then get dog ears and then when clients see a tatty looking catalogue, it just looks sloppy. But writing off many tatty looking catalogues is just really a waste of money. With the boot organiser, all these essential sales tools can be left comfortably in the boot. It is an extremely light weight item that is easily lifted out and removed if you need to transport things that take up more space. For moms it is also a great way to keep toys and other school related items neatly stored. For attorneys, you can easily keep your case files into his without having to haul all the work around. You can then just sort through your files and take out the ones that are essential for that case. Not having to carry such a huge load may well reduce your visits to the chiropractor. 4. The Executive Desk Box with Memo Pad.

For someone like me, who hates clutter, I see to attract an enormous amount of it. Some people would say that it is the law of attraction. Meaning that what you focus on is what you get, whether it is good or bad. In our office we have limited space and we have an open plan office. The amount of pen grabbing, searching for cell phone chargers etc. is frustrating and each person seems to put things into a different place. I will be buying one of these corporate gifts for every team member. It has a stylish leatherette finish. An annoying part of daily office life is that as we all use Nokia phones, everyone just grabs for the nearest charger. What I love about it is that I can store my cell phone in it and it has a little drawer that I can put my charger in. Then everyone can have their own charger in their own little drawer and we can quit squabbling about who is using the charger. It also has space for a small tablet or letter opener. Some people put their business cards where I would put my cell phone, but you can decide what works best for it. For these and other corporate gifts, contact us on info@belleregal.co.za or visit us on www.belleregalo.co.za or call us on 0829487461.

Belle Regalo supplies T-shirts and Golf Shirts for the Steffanutti Stocks Family Fun Day

In September 2013, Steffanutti Stocks had their family fun day. Belle Regalo provided the t-shirts, caps and towels for the day. We supplied both the adults and the kids t-shirts as well as the cheerleading outfits.

20 September 2013 is National Recycling Day

20 September 2013 is National Recycling Day. It forms part of the Clean Up SA Week which is from 16 September to 21 September 2013. Here are some tips of how to make recycling work for your office. Assess your office or work environment and determine what type of recyclable waste you produce the most of. Take note of which materials will be the easiest for your staff to recycle or collect. Make sure that everyone at the office knows how your recycling project is going to work. Identify a collector of recyclables who will collect or buy from your office, or a charity organization that would benefit from the recyclables. Ensure that your office has a well-managed storage facility for the recyclables that is easily visible. Separate your waste – keep wet (waste) and dry (recyclables) apart. Benefits of Recycling include: Less energy is used when recycled materials are included in the manufacturing process. Benefits the South African economy as it decreases the necessity to import raw materials. Opportunities for income generation and alleviation of poverty through job creation. Prevents litter Contributes to a cleaner, greener and healthier South Africa. Less waste, creates more landfill space. Take pride in your environment and start recycling today. Some Gifts Green Grass Mini Shopper 110gsm laminated non-woven 22.9 ( w ) x 11.4 ( d ) x 30.5 ( h ) with pre-printed eco-logical & grass designs R 10.78 excl VAT and branding Eco-Logical Optical Mouse & Mousepad bamboo & ABS optical mouse: 8 ( l ) x 4.9 ( w ) x 1.3 ( h ) / recess for domed sticker / version 2.0 / 800 DPI bamboo Mousepad: 21 ( l ) x 15 ( w ) x 0.8 ( h ) R 148.48 excl VAT and branding Eco-Tech Memory Stick - 2GB 100% biodegradable & compostable PA version 2.0 pre-printed recycled paper presentation box: 9.5 ( l ) x 3.5 ( w ) x 2.5 ( h ) R 80.98 excl VAT and branding Essence Eco-Logical Notebook Reduced price for clearance. We are making way for new stock, so this price is reduced. ESSENCE ECO-LOGICAL NOTEBOOK made from 100% recycled paper 17.8 ( l ) x 14 ( w ) x 1 ( h ) INCLUDES PENCIL MADE OF RECYCLED NEWSPAPER 100 PAGES RULED WITH SOY INK SPIRAL BOUND NOTEBOOK R 17.53 excl VAT and branding Happy shopping!

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is in October

Breast Cancer Awareness "Go Pink" for October. Help bring attention to Breast Cancer Awareness Month, get people talking about breast cancer, and raise money for research. 160g Ladies T-Shirt

Description A ladies’ option in an industry standard weight. Garment features ladies-specific lines and neck shape. Durability is enhanced by double top-stitched neck rib, hem and sleeves. • 160g 100% Super carded cotton jersey fabric • Round scoop neck • Shaped sides for more flattering, feminine fit • Abbreviated sleeves Start and awareness campaign with your clients and staff, to improve breast cancer awareness and also start exercising as a critical part of reducing risk of breast cancer.   Glass Water Bottles

A glass solution to keeping water, freshly squeezed juices or milk drinks tasting exactly as they were intended - fresh and delicious - the funky 500ml glass bottle is perfect for everyday use. With the big scare of BPA and cancer, this is an ideal corporate gift for breast cancer awareness month. Polyester sports bag

Drawstring bag – ideal for the gym or other sports like swimming. Start and awareness campaign with your clients and staff, to improve breast cancer awareness and also start exercising as a critical part of reducing risk of breast cancer.   Cookie Mugs

A cookie mug is a mug with a cut out section at the bottom to slot a cookie into it. This is a wonderful breast cancer awareness gift as it sits on the desk and is a constant reminder of reducing risks of breast cancers. 210g Ladies Vest Description Features include self-fabric trim on neckline and armholes with top-stitching. Available in three feminine colours. Ideal garment for sports or cami application. • 100% Carded Cotton 1x1 rib fabric • Shaped body for flattering appearance • Scooped neck-line Bling ladies torch

Ladies metal LED torch with gem stones. Shine a light on breast cancer awareness with these great torches. Ladies Breezeway Golfer Description The ultimate ladies golfer with shaped body, side vents and curved side panel inserts. Top quality finishes all around. Available in eight exciting colour ways. • 100% 170g performance fabric • Feminine Two-tone sport styling • Zipped placket styling Coloured Barrel Metal Ballpoint Pen Description • Coloured Zinc Alloy Barrel • Chrome Ring • Chrome Clip • Twist Action Mechanism • Chrome Tip • TC Tip With German Documental ink – Black Pens make great breast cancer awareness gift as they are small and are used so regularly and serves as a constant reminder about breast cancer. Luggage tag "Kemer" Trendy & colourful luggage tag – large branding area! Combatting stress is a powerful ingredient against cancers including breast cancer, so encourage your staffs, family and clients to take a break even if it is just a few weekends away.   Wax Highlighter with Ballpoint Pen Description • Plastic Colour Body • Ridge Detail • Twist Action Mechanism • Wax Highlighter Breast cancer awareness month is about highlighting the risks of breast cancer. This pink highlighter makes and excellent corporate gift for breast cancer awareness month. Sunscreen Sunscreen is a great defence against skin cancer. Use this has a handy reminder to care for your help and prevent cancer. This makes a super corporate gift for any event.   Knotted Sling Bag Description • 180D Nylon • Mesh Sides • Main Zippered Compartment • Nylon / Mesh Knotted Shoulder Strap Exercise is a critically important part of preventing cancer. So start a campaign with your staff to start exercising. This corporate gift is an ideal breast cancer awareness gift to highlight the benefits of exercise in the fight against cancer. Weekend Sports Bag Description • Large Main Compartment • Carry Handles • 600D Nylon Construction • Front Zippered Compartment • Adjustable/Removable Shoulder Strap   Pocket Tissues Sometimes when bad news arrives, you need a good cry to process the shock. Instead of hiding behind our fears, let’s bring breast cancer out into the open and share our feelings and fears about breast cancer. Tissues serve as a reminder that we need to be empathetic to those who face breast cancer and to give them the support that they need to be strong and fight back. Super 6 Panel Brushed Cotton Cap Description • Fabric construction • Embroidered self-coloured eyelets • Pre-curved peak   Olympic Six Panel Cap • Fabric Construction • Polymicrofiber Peachskin • Self-Fabric Velcro enclosure to accommodate adjustability Active Military Cap • Fabric construction • Embroidered self-coloured eyelets • Pre-curved peak   Travel size sewing kit Travel size sewing kit for any wardrobe emergency. Twill Visor • Fabric Construction • 4 Needle strict twill sweatband • Self-fabric Velcro enclosure to accommodate adjustability   Automatic umbrella 190T polyester automatic umbrella with wooden hook handle. Protection for the sun is always an excellent defence against cancer. A parasol or umbrella is an excellent way to convey that message.

Upadted National Braai Day Gift Selection

Belle Regalo has updated our webpage for National Braai Day gifts. Heritage Day, 24 September, is a public holiday on which South Africans across the spectrum are encouraged to celebrate their culture and the diversity of their beliefs and traditions, in the wider context of a nation that belongs to all its people. What better way to show your South African Spirit than a South African supporter’s cap. This is a truly South African gift for National Braai Day. • 6 panel • Heavy brushed cotton • Pre-curved peak , woven fabric print , embroidered finish on edge of curved flag , self fabric velcro strap. • Colours availbale: white, bottle, navy and black ________________________________________ Cooler Bag with Braai Set Code: BC0013 This great braai gift has it all. It is a wonderful gift for National Braai Day and Heritage day. National Braai Day gift ideas make excellent corporate gift ideas for any occasion. • Padded Heat Sealed Interior, 2 Side Zippered Pockets, Removable/Adjustable Shoulder Strap, 2 Backside Pockets, 1 Front Pocket • Includes: Bottle Opener, Cutting Board, Braai Spatula, Braai Tongs, Braai Fork, 2 Knives, 2 Forks, Salt & Pepper Shakers, 2 Serviettes ________________________________________ LED Braai Light BH0049 The position of the braai in some cases does not have the best lighting, so the LED Braai light is a nifty little light. It has magnetic feet to secure it into position. Or you can use the clamp to secure it. The flexible tube which is connected to the hone shape head with LED lights helps to move the lamp into position. This is a very innovative corporate gift and a new one for our National Braai Day/Heritage Day corporate gift offering. . National Braai Day gift ideas make excellent corporate gift ideas for any occasion. ________________________________________ 150g Cotton Apron BR0029 Even gents enjoy dressing well and also complain when there is a fatty spill on their clothes. Many braai expert has moved some boerewors and a spray of water and fat shoots out of this South African favourite onto the “braai master’s shirt” So this very basic corporate gift is very practical. . National Braai Day gift ideas make excellent corporate gift ideas for any occasion. ________________________________________ Supporter's Gear Official licensed product of the South African Rugby Union, SA Rugby branded back neck tape, ribbed contrast neckline, SA Rugby branded left chest embroidery and back neck embroidery, SA Rugby branded side winder, contrast surface interest side panel inserts. ________________________________________ 18 Piece Braai Set BH0011 This great corporate gift has everything that you can think of as a braai set. We love that it comes in a nifty carry case. It even has skewers for mielies, so that you don’t have to burn your finger as you bite into their delicious buttery flavour... National Braai Day gift ideas make excellent corporate gift ideas for any occasion ________________________________________ 9 Piece Tribal BBQ Set Code: BH0022 Zipper Closure, Tribal Stripe Trims, Front Pocket Includes: 3 Carving Knives, Steel Tongs, Fork, Steel Spatula with Bottle Opener, Bottle Opener/Corkscrew . National Braai Day gift ideas make excellent corporate gift ideas for any occasion ________________________________________ Portable Braai/Cooler Set BC001 This small and easily transportable braai is a two for one corporate gift option. The carry bag for the braai is also a cooler bag, so while you are braaing and need something cool to drink, your cooler bag is close at hand. A great quick and easy National Braai day/ Heritage day gift. • Portable Braai Grill • 23cm Top Grilling Area • Grill/Cooler Bag Carrying Case • PEVA Lining • Insulated Cooler Bag • Rubber Carry Handle • 1 Meter Adjustable/Removable Shoulder Strap • Durable 600D Exterior... National Braai Day gift ideas make excellent corporate gift ideas for any occasion ________________________________________ Stainless Steel Two Section BBQ BH0036 Throwing some “meat on heat” as they say is a great love of South African men, so no corporate gift offering would be complete without a portable braai option. Although it is made of stainless steel, it has a wooden handle for ease of carrying when it is still hot. It is a nifty little office gift as there are some office friends who like to have the occasional braai with their colleagues as work and this one packs away nicely. • 2 Stainless Steel 21 cm x 32 cm Grilling Sections • Chrome Plated Briquette Grates • Stained Wood Handle • Tube Legs With End Caps • Vent Holes • Clasp Locking Lid ________________________________________ South African Flag Why not show the South African flag this Heritage Day at your National Braai Day Celebrations. ________________________________________ 6 Can Mini Fridge BC0016 We love this 6 can mini fridge because it has a car adapter, so you can hook it up to your car and keep your favourite canned beverages cool. For Heritage day when everyone is having a braai you don't have to stay at home. You can venture off knowing that you can still keep your beverages cool. • Holds 6 Beverage Cans • Removable Shelf • Carry Handle • Hot and Cold Settings ________________________________________ 21 Litre Cooler Bag - 420D - PEVA Lining BC0009 No braai is complete without a cooler bag. These 21 litre cooler bags come in a range of three colours and have great capacity for your National Braai Day activity. Cooler bags make great National Braai Day gifts as well as corporate gifts. • Leakproof Fully Insulated PEVA Lining • Mesh Side Pocket • Adjustable Shoulder Strap • Mesh Front Pocket • Rubber Carry Handle • 420D Polyester Exterior ________________________________________ Picnic Chair Backpack Cooler - 420D - 600D - PEVA Lining Code: BC0007 • Foam Insulated With Heat Sealed PEVA Lining • Front Zippered Pocket • Insulated Bottle Holder • Durable Metal Frame • Comfortable Camp Seat • Collapse for Easy Storage • Durable 420D & 600D Construction ________________________________________ 4pc Wood Handled BBQ Set Code: BH0039 • Includes: Spatula • Basting Brush • Braai Tongs • Brass Grill Brush and Scraper • 600D Carry Case • Brown Trim • Double Zippered Closure • Carry Handles • Size : 56cm x 16.8cm x 4.5cm ________________________________________ South Africans celebrate Heritage Day by remembering the cultural heritage of the many cultures that make up the population of South Africa. Various events are staged throughout the country to commemorate this day. Former Western Cape Provincial Premier Ebrahim Rasool addressed the public at a Heritage Day celebration at the Gugulethu Heritage trail in 2007 in Gugulethu. In Hout Bay, there is an army procession and a recreation of the battle fought there. In 2005, a media campaign sought to "re-brand" the holiday as National Braai Day , in recognition of the South African culinary tradition of holding informal backyard barbecues, or braais. On 5 September 2007, Archbishop Desmond Tutu celebrated his appointment as patron of South Africa's Barbecue (Braai) Day, affirming it to be a unifying force in a divided country (by donning an apron and tucking into a boerewors sausage). At the end of 2007 National Braai Day changed its name to Braai4Heritage and the initiative received the endorsement of South Africa's National Heritage Council (NHC).