Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Customer Newsletter: Late December/New Year Edition

Hi Everyone!

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday and managed to get some time off to spend with family and friends. For those of you who gave Uppercase Living items as gifts, I hope they were thoroughly enjoyed by the lucky recipients. And if you used Uppercase Living in your holiday decorating, I'd love to hear the comments you got from visitors to your home. Now that you're starting to take down your decorations, does the house look a little bare? You might find just the thing to fill those empty spaces in our new catalog. Better yet, one of the over 200 expressions we have on sale might be perfect. There's still time to take advantage of our great sale and free shipping offer. Besides that, we have a fabulous new catalog and some super incentives about to debut. Read on for more details:

40% Off Sale and Free Shipping Offers End Jan. 4
Our 40% off sale has been hugely popular and you still have time to take advantage of it. Because our new catalog doesn't have space to include them, over 200 expressions and embellishments that are being transitioned to my web site only have been reduced in price for a limited time. After the sale, you'll still find them available online, but they won't appear in the new catalog. I've attached a full list of the sale items to this email (if you didn't receive the attachment, you can also view the list here). You can see photos of 9 of the sale expressions in action on my blog, www.pleaseuseyourwords.com. When your order reaches $50, not only will you get to choose a FREE monthly expression (or more!) but you'll also receive FREE SHIPPING (minimum $6.95 savings). If your order doesn't reach $50, let me know and I may be able to combine it with another customer's to save both of you your shipping fee.

Spring/Summer 2010 Launch January 6th
I just received my first copy of our brand new catalog and I can't wait to share it with you all. There are so many new items in the catalog, from new colors to full-color decorative prints to shimmer pink, red and blue, to oversized Grande expressions, new accessories and still more. There are so many fresh looks that will be perfect for our homes as we move into spring. You'll be able to start shopping from our new catalog from my website on January 6th. But in case you can't wait until then, here is a sneak peek:
The flowers are all removable, reusable vinyl. You are going to love the new Decorative Prints.

Please contact me about getting a copy of the new catalog. Hostesses will receive one FREE in their hostess kits.


Inspirations Incentive is Back...Bonuses for Hostesses, Customers and New Demonstrators

I am so excited about every aspect of our great Inspirations Incentive, that's back starting January 6. Everyone can benefit, especially hostesses:
  • TRIPLE UP REWARDS ARE BACK FOR HOSTESSES: Our fantastic Double Up Reward is better than ever because now you can triple your purchases from the past 6 months and add them to your guests' orders to determine your hostess rewards. Simply put, this means you get more FREE AND HALF-PRICE items just for having a fun and casual gathering with your friends. I'll introduce them to our fantastic new products and you get all the benefits! When your January party reaches $400 in guest orders, you will also receive your choice of our seasonal kits FREE! If you'd like to find out your TRIPLE UP amount, just contact me.
  • NEW SEASONAL INSPIRATIONS KITS FOR CUSTOMERS: Our holiday kits were so popular that we are offering NEW kits for the spring. With your purchase of $25 or more, you can choose from three seasonal kits as an additional purchase. Each includes a different FOUNDATIONS accessory and a 2 part seasonal expression in a preselected color combination. You will love these for yourself or to give as gifts!
  • AN AMAZING DEAL FOR NEW DEMONSTRATORS: If you've ever considered joining Uppercase Living either to take advantage of our generous demonstrator discounts or to start a new business of your own, there's no better time than right now! Our Essentials Plus Starter Kit is available at a $70 savings for only $129. This includes $100 in Product Credit, so your investment is only $29!!!!! $29 for all you need to introduce our fantastic products to everyone you know and share with them your enthusiasm about this great new way to decorate. I wish I could take advantage of this great offer myself!
All of these offers become valid on January 6 at noon MST. All you have to do to get started saving and earning and taking advantage of any or all of them is give me a call and you'll be on your way.

Let's Have A Party!
Winter Break is almost over and the busy holiday season is over. It's a great time to reconnect with friends at a fun and casual Uppercase Living party. Our Inspirations Incentive makes this an even better time to host a party and earn FREE & HALF-PRICE items while you visit with friends, family and neighbors. I still have several dates available in January and February, so contact me soon to get your preferred one. I will also be going through my list of customers with significant TRIPLE UP REWARDS and contacting them to make sure they don't miss out on this terrific opportunity.

Did you know you can earn the same benefits of hosting a home show by organizing a Catalog Party? Simply show our fabulous new catalog to your friends, family and co-workers and be prepared to take their orders. I'll walk you through the whole process and help you maximize your "party" to earn as many rewards as possible.

Happy Birthday!
Birthday greetings are going out to the following ladies who celebrated their birthdays in December: Marcy L., Cindy S., Vicki S., Maria A., Bonnie C. Jennie B. Heather K., Gina H., Jane M., Pam S., Holly F., Jessica D. and Lauri M. In January, these ladies will be celebrating: Deb C., Diane B., Laura M., Heather M., and Susan T. Happy Birthday to all of you. As my gift, please take 10% off any item in our catalog. If you would like to be added to my birthday list, just send me an email with the month and day. No need to discuss the year, is there?

Thank You for Your Referrals
Throughout the last year, your referrals have been so important to my business. I sincerely appreciate you thinking enough of our products and the service I provide to share my contact information with your friends. If you know someone who would love to decorate her home with Uppercase Living products, is looking for a flexible business opportunity, or is a full-time Mom who would enjoy earning some extra money by spending time with other adults a few times a month, please consider sharing my phone number or website with her or allow me to contact her. I treat all of my customers like cherished friends and would love the opportunity to help your friends place an order, host a party or provide more information about our fun business opportunity.


Now that you've heard all my exciting news, I hope to be hearing from you soon. Have a happy and healthy new year. Here's to all good things in 2010.

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

New Catalog Sneak Peek!!!!

You've been waiting patiently and here is your reward: the Spring/Summer 2010 Catalog Sneak Preview. Not only is the cover gorgeous, but there is so much new stuff to love inside. First and foremost, our newest product: decorative prints. These are full-color removable and reusable images in a variety of themes and designs. Like all of our other designs, they will help make your decor unique and one of a kind. I can't wait to see how you creative people will use these in your homes. Here's a look:
I love how one of the flowers was applied to the lamp shade to tie it in with the wall decor. Here's another:
What a great theme pack! I can see this used in so many different types of spaces! But these aren't the only designs. The ones available range from whimsical to elegant and will blow you away. Those of you with country kitchens will have a hard time choosing from a couple of different sets and might just get both. Who needs a muralist anymore?

Decorative Prints aren't all that's new in our upcoming catalog. You'll find our new Grande format: larger sizes of some of our favorite decorative designs. Shimmer Vinyl is also back in new colors perfect for spring decorating (and those little girls who can't get enough sparkly pink). And brand new accessories will be great for showcasing Off The Wall designs. Not to mention tons of new expressions to fit every style of decor. You will love this catalog!

Now, I'm sure you're wondering how you can get one yourself. That's easy. Just contact me to schedule your home show or catalog party. Our Inspirations Incentive is back with so many reasons to buy, host and join Uppercase Living in January. But you'll have to wait for a whole other post to find out about that. Just pick a date and call me, you'll be glad you did.

Monday, December 28, 2009

Photo A Day - Day 9 Fun Project

You know I love things that do double duty and this project definitely fits that description. Not only is it adorable, but it really does help locate those pesky socks that seem to disappear from the laundry. The "Lost Socks" expression here is 40% off and can be applied to our pre-drilled MDF board. Just add our bulldog clips and you're done! No more searching through loads of laundry for that one missing sock. Brilliant! What an elegant way to deal with such a mundane chore.

I hope you've enjoyed these photos for the last 9 days. It's a treat for me to be able to show you the versatility of UL products and the huge number of ways you can use them in your home or as gifts. You can browse the entire sale document of over 200 expressions and embellishments on my website. Don't forget your order of $50 or more will qualify for FREE SHIPPING. The sale continues until January 4th, but I do recommend you place your orders before the last minute because our systems tend to get very busy.

If you love what you've seen for the last 9 days, you will not believe what's in store for UL in the next catalog. Come back tomorrow for a look at the cover and a sneak peek of a few of the great new things that will be available in just a few days.

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Photo A Day - Awesome Bathroom Idea

Vinyl aside, how awesome is this shower? I can hardly imagine not having 3 buckets of kids' toys in my shower, much less neatly folded towels and a live plant! I think that little plant actually ties in to the vinyl embellishments on the glass enclosure beautifully, and continues the botanical theme of bringing the outdoors in. The eucalyptus branches, which are on sale for 40% off, come in sets of 3 (there are 3 sets in this photo). Here they've been used in the etched glass color choice, which has a small upgrade fee. I love the idea of using a design like this to add privacy to a shower enclosure, bathroom window or front door, while adding beauty and keeping the light in. There are tons of designs in our 40% off sale that would be perfect for just that. And with FREE SHIPPING on orders of $50 or more, you can do up a lot of spaces for a little money.

Tomorrow will be the last sale item photo of the day...but you know what's coming after that, don't you?

Sale Photo Link Tip: The links I've provided here show you the original price of the sale expressions. You will actually pay 40% LESS than the prices you see on my site.

Friday, December 25, 2009

Photo A Day - Welcome #2 on Day 7


Where I am, it's still Day 7, so this counts as the photo of the day. I thought that most of you would be celebrating with family and friends today, so I am posting today's picture tonight and will leave it up through tomorrow.

Since so many of you are dealing with severe cold, ice and/or snow, I thought posting this photo of a bright, cheerful pineapple might make you think of somewhere warm and welcoming. In fact, pineapples are a traditional symbol of hospitality (have you ever noticed the one in Williams-Sonoma's logo?) I think one of the reasons this pineapple expression has been so popular with my customers is that it comes in sizes small enough to fit on our smallest punched tile and large enough to make a charming statement on a wall. With 40% off and free shipping on orders of $50 or more, this is a great item to stock up on for gifts.

There are 2 more photos to go before I post the sneak peek of our Spring/Summer 2010 catalog. I'm hoping to get my copy tomorrow and am already excited about some of the new items we'll be featuring inside. I can't wait to share them with you.

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Photo A Day - Welcome to Day 6

What's there not to love about today's expression? For starters, it's on sale for 40% off (with free shipping when your order reaches $50!). And then, it's just so cute! We all know that birds are a really hot decorating and crafting motif right now (I can just picture Kim from Today's Creative Blog smiling and nodding). The little bird on this expression adds the perfect trendy touch that makes your home feel cozy and welcoming. In its smallest size, it fits nicely on a Foundations MDF board and would make the perfect gifts for newlyweds moving into their first home. It would also look great in a veterinary office and of course, a traditional country kitchen. Wouldn't it make you and your visitors smile each time you enter your home?

Merry Christmas Eve to those who are celebrating tonight. After the ribbon and paper have finished flying tomorrow, check back for another photo of our awesome sale expressions.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Photo A Day - Day 5


I really love this sentiment (and I love it even more when it's on sale for 40% off!). Isn't it so peaceful and welcoming to walk into a home and feel like you can set your worries aside and relax, if just for a short time? Using our Foundations accessories, you can create a board of your own that does double duty as a place to hang scarves, hats, keys, and all those things that tend to gather near the front door. This is a great idea for a housewarming gift. With so many options for paint color, vinyl color and knobs and hooks, you can make a truly one of a kind piece that will be a perfect complement to any decor. And you'll smile each time you glance at it, knowing that you're not just crafty but a really smart shopper too!

We're now more than halfway through the Photo A Day countdown of sale items before I post the sneak peak of our new catalog. Don't forget that this sale won't last forever and neither will the FREE SHIPPING on $50 orders special. See you tomorrow for another photo.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Photo A Day - Dreamy Day 4


Aren't these clouds dreamy?

The cloud theme pack is another big one, with 18 solid and outline clouds in 2 colors and a range of sizes! They are so easy to group, scatter, and float in a nursery, child's bedroom, guestroom, playroom or any space that needs some peace and whimsy. And, of course, they are now 40% off and can be part of a free shipping with $50 order. What kind of space would you choose for these fun clouds?

Check back tomorrow to see another of our over 200 40% off sale expressions.

Sunday, December 20, 2009

A Photo A Day - Day 3

Today's photo is of the Floral Blocks Theme Pack. This two-color theme pack is huge! It comes with 5 large blocks and 10 small ones that can be mixed in tons of ways. I love the idea of using them as a border, as you see here. Another great use for the floral blocks is to use the large ones on a wall and the small ones to tie furniture, accessories and decorative pieces in with the decor.

At 40% off, you can get more than one set of this great decorative set and completely transform a room. Don't forget you'll get free shipping with orders of $50 and above.

Come back tomorrow for another great 40% off expression.

A Photo A Day: Day Two

Here we are with another great expression from our 40% off sale. How many of us know a little boy who is fascinated with dinosaurs, and can name them all, even the most obscure? Wouldn't this "I Dig Dinosaurs" with the friendly brontosaurus be really cute in that boy's room? You can pair it with another sale expression, a "Dino Crossing" sign that would make the room decor complete. At these sale prices, it's a no-brainer to pick up both!

Check back tomorrow for another photo, and don't forget free shipping on your order of $50 or over.

Saturday, December 19, 2009

A Little Holiday Treat: A Photo A Day



For today and the next 8 days, my treat for you will be a photo of a new SALE expression each today. Each of the expressions you'll see are included in the over 200 that are currently 40% off and qualify for FREE SHIPPING when your order reaches $50.

Today's' expression is done in two parts and looks lovely when you add your own family name to it. It would look great in a living room, study, entry or family room.

Check back tomorrow for a new photo...and more decorating ideas. After I've posted the last photo, you'll get an exclusive Sneak Peek of our next catalog!

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Extreme Makeover Home Edition Photos

So, did you watch? Did you love the transformation? Wasn't it a great story. Admit it, you got a little weepy, didn't you?


Good job to my eagle-eyed readers who spotted the two UL expressions that were used. Thanks for participating in my little contest. The winner's brand new catalog will be on its way as soon as I get mine (can't wait!).

Above you see one of the ways the EMHE design team used our products. I love this because you'd never know this was the "Bloom" growth chart. The designers carefully cut away the lettering as well as the numbers and were left with a gorgeous spray of flowers complete with fluttering butterflies. What a great way to dress up plain white hardware store cabinets.

You can view the rest of the pictures from the EMHE episode here.

Sunday, December 13, 2009

TONIGHT: Extreme Makeover Home Edition and a Contest


You can bet I have my DVR set for tonight's episode of ABC's Extreme Makeover Home Edition. After waiting since July to find out how the team of designers will use our products, I'm excited to see them finally in the home. Mary J. Blige will be featured on this episode as well; it's sure to be a great show (in other words, pull out the Kleenex).

As if this in itself isn't exciting enough, I'm having a little contest to celebrate the occasion. All you have to do is send me an email to torreh@gmail.com and tell me which expressions or designs were used and which room each was in. So for example, you can say, the Bloom Growth Chart was in the playroom. You don't have to have the exact names of the expressions, just so I know which one you mean. Everyone who gets them all right will have her or his name entered in a drawing. The winner will receive (drum roll, please) a copy of our brand new Spring Summer 2010 catalog as soon as I get it in. If you're not local, postage is on me. I just might include a few other little goodies in your package too.

So sharpen those eagle eyes and make sure to email me your entry by 3 P.M. Pacific time Monday.

Friday, December 11, 2009

The Gifts Keep On Coming!


Just when I thought things were slowing down for the season, Uppercase Living announced a great new double promotion! As we prepare for the launch of our new catalog in January, over 200 of our current expressions will no longer be featured in the catalog, but will remain on my website. The great news for you is that these are all ON SALE FOR 40% OFF! You can view a complete list, with images, of the transition expressions here.

But there's even more good stuff! When your order reaches $50, you will receive a FREE EXPRESSION (plus more at $75 and $100) plus FREE SHIPPING! Choose one of these expressions when you place your order in December. If you'd prefer a pretty Valentine's Day expression, I can hold you order until January before I submit it. Either way, you have some great options to keep for yourself or to give as gifts. The Happy Holidays and Valentine's Day expressions will go perfectly on our rectangle MDF boards. If you scroll down to the previous post, you'll see an example of how the Happy Holidays expressions was embellished with gold glitter for a two-color look.

A 40% off sale, FREE SHIPPING and FREE EXPRESSIONS: it's like three presents, all wrapped in one. But if that's still not enough for you, I'm hearing rumors that our Incentives Promotion in January is going to offer great hostess benefits. You can have all this and apply the Double Up Benefits to your January party for even more good stuff from Uppercase Living. Really, it's almost more than one can wish for!

Smart Shopping Tip: Many of the discounted expressions are for the fall and winter holidays. It's a great time to stock up on these great deals, but don't wait until next year to apply them to accessories like blocks, boards and tiles. If you do and there's a problem with your item, it'll be too late for an exchange.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Ideas for November Incentive Expressions

The November orders have all been submitted and the last few shipments are making their way to all of you. For many of you, your packages will include one or more of our exclusive free incentive expressions. If you're still wondering how to use them, here are some unique ideas:

This exclusive hostess expression in Soft Gold and Pine Green has been applied to the Scalloped Charger. Vinyl Effects solution has been added to the candles for added dimension, then faux holly leaves and berries were hot-glued on.


This expression achieves a two-color look with just one color of vinyl. If you look closely, you'll see that every other ornament is gold. Applied to a Foundations MDF board painted with Whipped Creme Toolbox Paint, the vinyl was then further embellished. The selected ornaments were covered with Vinyl Effects, then dusted with gold superfine glitter. Once the excess glitter was removed, the sparkly ornaments above were revealed.


By far the most popular free expression in November was the elegant "Welcome" you see above. Most people ordered it in Matte Black to apply in their entryway, but doesn't look great here in silver. Do you believe it is displayed in our best-seller Frameworks frame with interchangeable inserts which has been spray painted silver? Silver wired ribbon and sleigh bells add a perfect holiday touch, but can easily be removed after the season.

I'd love to see how you've used your monthly free expressions. Email me a photo and you might find yourself featured here.

Monday, December 7, 2009

The First Noel: Angie's Nativity

If you've ever seen an Uppercase Living catalog, you know that it's BIG and full of ideas and expressions on every single page. I've never had a customer NOT be able to find something that would be appropriate for her needs. Usually, the opposite is true. There really is something for almost every occasion, space, taste, environment and budget. A case in point is our selection of Christmas items. Whether you tend more toward "Bah Humbug" or go all in, you will find something to love. My customer, Angie, certainly did.



Angie decorates in gold and burgundy for the season and showcases her nativity scene on her fireplace. The expression she chose fits the spot perfectly, as does the color: soft gold, of course.
I love how festive the fireplace looks with the stockings hanging from it. I know Angie is trying to figure out a clever way to remove the expression from her wall so she can put it back next year. Personally, I think she'll like it so much that she'll leave it up year-round.

Sunday, December 6, 2009

I Told You This Day Would Come

Today is the last day to order your Uppercase Living products for guaranteed delivery by Dec. 24th. It's also the last day to order the items in our holiday mini-catalog, including kits and Shimmer Vinyl. Orders placed after today will be processed as quickly as possible, but they aren't guaranteed to arrive before Christmas.

If you need help placing an order today, please give me a call or email me. How many people are you going to cross off your list with one quick order?

Friday, December 4, 2009

December Customer Newsletter

Happy Holidays!
It's definitely the busy time of year and we're all juggling parties, shopping, school activities and decorating. It's also a fun, happy time of year and I hope you're getting the chance to enjoy some moments of holiday spirit in between the scurrying around. I do have a few things to tell you about this month but I'm keeping it short because I know you've got things to do!
Ornament Party Tonight!
Tonight is my Project Night but if you didn't pre-register, you can still come by and make some unique, fun and inexpensive ornaments for yourself or to give as gifts. The large ones, especially, are lovely for all those gift exchanges where you need to bring a gift that will please everyone. I will be offering discounts on all orders placed tonight, which will still arrive before Christmas. Friends are welcome to join you but please RSVP today so I can make sure to have enough supplies for everyone. I will give you location and time details when I receive your RSVP.
Holiday Ordering Deadline is MONDAY!!!!!
Our deadline to order for guaranteed Christmas delivery is this Monday December 7th. That is also the final day to order from our Holiday Catalog and get expressions in our special Shimmer Colors. If you'd like to place an order, please don't wait until the last second because our computer systems always get really busy then. I'd love to help you with your order this weekend, so please just call or email me.
Uppercase Living to be Featured on ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
I am so excited to announce that our products will be showcased in a home on ABC's Extreme Makeover. I can't wait to watch the episode, which will air on Dec. 13 at 8 p.m. Watch my blog, www.pleaseuseyourwords.com as we get closer to that date for a contest to see who can spot all of the different UL products in the home.
Going to the West Side!
I'll be venturing out to the West Side to participate in a boutique at a gorgeous home in Beverly Hills on December 15th. If you or a friend would like to stop by, please let me know and I'll send you the time and location details. Some great vendors are going to be there so come get unique gifts.
UL in 2010
I have been blown away with all of the innovations from Uppercase Living this year. From Chalk Walls to our great line of accessories to the amazing Photo Prints, UL has been leading the way for exceptional decorative and gift items. There is sure to be more to come in 2010, starting with the release of our new catalog in January. If you would like to be among the first to see and earn free products, schedule your own Uppercase Living party in January or February. Your friends will love to socialize and learn about a whole new affordable way to decorate and you will love the rewards you'll earn as a hostess. My schedule is flexible and I still have some open dates so call or email me to reserve yours.
Happy Holidays
It has been a pleasure to work with all of you wonderful friends, hostesses and customers this year. Thank you all for your support and enthusiasm for my business. My job definitely doesn't feel like "work" when I get to spend time with so many lovely people sharing a product that I enjoy so much. I can't even count how many new friends I've made! I hope you have a peaceful, happy holiday season with your loved ones and that the new year is your best yet.
Hope to see you tonight

Monday, November 30, 2009

Oooh La La - Heather's Kitchen


When I decided to become an Uppercase Living demonstrator, I knew there would be lots of things about my new job that I would love. What I didn't think about was how many interesting people I would meet and how many lovely homes I'd be invited into.

Earlier this month I did a party at the home of one of the busiest women I've met yet. Heather is an active mom who is passionate about her involvement in her child's school; she teaches, travels, is an avid decorator and a competitive baker. She is a devoted friend and amazing hostess. Now that I've tasted her creations, I'm not surprised that she has has won numerous ribbons for her baking and shot two Food Network pilots . This woman knows her stuff: just check out this gorgeous table she set for her Uppercase Living party. Aren't her guests lucky?

I met Heather about 9 months ago when she was a guest at her friend's Uppercase Living party. Drawing upon her expertise in contracting and decorating, she quickly sized up my catalog and declared that she's seen similar products in showcase homes. She chose a few expressions for her home, but wasn't satisfied with our standard offerings for her kitchen. So she chose our expression, "Eat Well, Laugh Often, Love Much" and decided to translate it to fit her French theme kitchen. The translating part was easy for Heather, because, of course, she's fluent in French. Together we worked on a design that incorporated Fluers des Lis in two sizes. Mind you, this was before the upgraded MyDesign Suite was available so creating a design of this size was not easy. Nevertheless, Heather had a vision and she was undeterred.

What a thrill it was when I visited Heather's home to see that vision beautifully executed in the perfect spot in her kitchen. I don't know how many times I heard her guests say, "Have you seen the lettering in her kitchen?"

When I joined Uppercase Living, I knew that I would love seeing our products used in unique applications to express my clients' personality and individuality. Heather's kitchen is the perfect fit of product, client and design. My only challenge now was to create a hostess gift for Heather that would fit in with her ooh la la decor. Luckily, UL made that easy: Fluers des Lis coasters, of course!

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Just When You Thought the Any Color But Black Friday Sale Couldn't Get Any Better

Are you ready? Do you have your catalog all marked up? Do you have your email to me with your Any Color But Black Friday Sale selections, just waiting for it to be time to send it?

Just in case you're still thinking about it, here's one more reason to send in your order tomorrow: FREE UL FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

Every order that I receive tomorrow will receive one sheet of the exclusive expressions you see here in our limited-time-only Shimmer Gold color. Here's just a small idea of what you can do with these.
Scroll down to read all about the great deals available starting at noon Pacific time Friday. Don't you love when something great gets even better?

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

"Any Color But Black" Friday Sale

All around the nation this Friday morning, even late Thursday night, legions of Americans will be interrupting their weekend of food, family and gratitude to participate in a barbaric ritual perpetrated by retailers that has come to be called "Black Friday." These poor people will be waiting in lines, huddled against the cold, to be among the first to grab a coveted "door buster" and get a marginally good deal on a holiday item. Baited by the stores and malls, these valiant shoppers fight for parking, take their place in those early morning lines and hope it will all be worth it. Instead, they could be sleeping in their warm beds, enjoying an early morning walk, or having a slice of leftover pie with their families, all still in their cozy pajamas. Tsk, tsk. Is this what Thanksgiving weekend has come to? Black Friday, indeed.


I am here to show America a better way. Announcing Torreh's First Annual Any Color But Black Friday Uppercase Living Sale.

Now, instead of being on your feet in line, you can shop from your favorite seat at home, a cup of something warm by your side, all comfy and cozy in your leopard print Snuggie. If you don't feel like it, you don't even have to put on a bra.

Here are the rules:
  1. There will be no discounts on products ordered before noon. So don't wake up at the crack of dawn thinking you're getting ahead of everyone.
  2. Quantities are not limited. Get as much as you want, and then tell your friends and they can get as much as they want too.
  3. Discounts and promotions are not valid on website orders. You must call or email me.
  4. Only the promotion at the time of your call or email is valid at that time. However, you can plan ahead and order at more than one time.
  5. Discounts do not apply to current party or Open House orders.
  6. There will be no hitting, running, fighting, or grabbing items out of the hands of aggressive shoppers.
Now that we have that out of the way, here are the hourly deals:

Noon-2 P.M. 10% off all accessories

2 P.M.-4 P.M. Free chalk pen with all Chalk Wall purchases

4 P.M.-6 P.M. Get one free 3" embellishment with each set of coasters purchased

6 P.M.-8 P.M. 10% off all items in Shimmer Vinyl or Etched Glass - includes upgrade fee!

8 P.M.-10 P.M. FREE SHIPPING

But wait, there's still more! These additional promotions are in effect the entire day:
  • All orders of $200 or more (before tax, S&H, and discounts) qualify for hostess benefits and additional free product
  • Your pre-discounted order will be eligible to earn free monthly incentive expressions
  • Refer a friend discount: if a friend who's not currently my client places an order and tells me she or he was referred by you, you both get an additional 5% discount off your order.
  • Schedule a party discount: schedule a future Uppercase Living home party and receive 10% off your entire order placed Friday.
  • Free Value Pack offer applies to all Photo Print orders of 4x4 or greater
(this is the part where you start humming The Battle Hymn of the Republic)

So now, America, the decision is yours. Will you crawl out of your warm bed on a cold morning to fight for a few good deals? Or will you shop smarter, not harder, do something fun, enjoy spending time with your family, and have a stuffing and mashed potato sandwich while you browse my catalog and website and save money from your favorite chair. I think the choice is obvious.

Monday, November 23, 2009

Another Great Idea for UL Coasters

Can you tell how much I love our coasters for holiday gifts? This great idea is from another one of our creative demonstrators, who created these for her children's teachers. Each teacher only needs one for her desk and since it has her name on it, she doesn't have to worry about someone taking it "by mistake." Although, who wouldn't want one of these? Add a packet or two of hot cocoa or a gift card for coffee to make this a gift that will be used and appreciated.

This idea could be easily adapted for the ladies at the hair salon, friends in the office or any group of people who work together.

Let me know if you need help creating the perfect set of coasters for the people on your gift list.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

For You Lovers of Restoration Hardware: Tami's Entryway

If you've ever stepped inside Restoration Hardware and felt the rich, inviting tones of their blue-gray and deep chocolate brown color palette, you can imagine the look of my friend Tami's entryway (I love this color combination so much I used it for my own bedroom). She's spent a lot of time and effort adding on to her home and it looks fabulous. Decorator touches don't overshadow the fact that this is a busy, loving family with four active boys.

Tami is relatively new to Uppercase Living, but she started off with a great choice. Yesterday, the two of us installed the expression you see above a table and a grouping of photos in her entryway. Blurry cell-phone photo aside, it was really the perfect expression, size and color for this spot. What a lovely way to be greeted each time you enter this home. I can't wait to see what Tami does next!

Send me your photos of UL expressions in your home and you just might see them featured here!

View this expression on my website here.

Monday, November 16, 2009

Limited Time Photo Print Promotion


If you've been holding out on getting your own Photo Print, wait no more! Starting today, through Dec. 8, you will receive a FREE Photo Print Value Pack with your purchase of any 4x4 or bigger Photo Print.

Each value pack is a $14.95 value and includes:

  • 18" Photo Print of your image
  • 10" Photo Print of your image
  • 2 8" Silhouettes (all black) of your image
You can use these to decorate smaller spaces such as lockers, boards, and even your car. For all of you Open House guests who have wanted a Photo Print as small as my sample, this is how you get it. My favorite thing to do with these is to put a photo of your young athlete on the car when you drive to games and tournaments. The kids will absolutely love this. The free Value Pack also makes it more affordable to give smaller Photo Prints as gifts. One pack will give you 4 holiday gifts!

There is a ton of information on Photo Prints on my web site, but you can always contact me to brainstorm or work on some ideas. When you upload your photo to my site, make sure to email me a copy too. Then, take a picture of the finished product and send me that as well. I'll post before and after photos here. I can't wait to see the creative ways you all find to showcase this awesome product!

Friday, November 13, 2009

Project Night Order Deadline Extended

Uppercase Living has been getting orders out speedy quick, so I feel comfortable extending the deadline to order your projects to this Sunday, November 15. If you need help with color choices or ideas, please just ask.

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Fun Hannukah Project

Thinking about Hanukkah projects tonight, I came up with this great one. Everyone knows that the best part of Hanukkah is piles of crisp latkes (never soggy) topped with applesauce, sour cream and green onions...all at once. Mmmmm...

And what better to serve all those latkes on than our glass charger, customized with this expression and a dreidel? Yes, that's right. You can serve food on Uppercased dishes. In the case of this piece, I will order the vinyl pieces mirror-imaged for you so that they can be applied to the bottom of the glass and never come in contact with the food. A quick hand wash with soap and water when you're done and it continues to look great. I like this so much I might have to make one for myself.

And of course, it doesn't have to be just for Latkes. Change it to "Got Cookies?" "Got Grandma's Brownies?" "Got Pie?" or whatever your family loves to eat.

Order the kit to create on your own or work on at my project night. Latkes not included (cause I ate them all).

Saturday, November 7, 2009

More Project Night Ideas

I've already told you about my Project Night on Dec. 4th. So you know that you can pick from the kits in the Holiday Catalog, the projects I've created or come up with your own, like my friend Karynn did. As you make your final project choices (don't forget the ordering deadline is just a few days away) here are four more ideas for you to consider. What I love about all of them is their versatility and your ability to completely customize them. Each gift you make can truly be one of a kind.

1. Photo Coasters: Uppercase Living coasters embellished with vinyl squares to protect the photos that you provide. Gifts don't get more personalized than this. 2. Glass Candle Tray: Embellished with an "etched glass" medallion, this charger becomes an elegant gift that can be displayed on the included easel when it's not holding the candles you add.


3. Reversible Holiday Chipboard Accordion: I love items that can be used for more than one holiday. This cute chipboard accordion has a Christmas greeting on one side and is ready for Valentine's day on the other.

You choose the embellishments and colors; I'll provide the coordinating background paper and ribbon. Paper and ribbon will vary from what's pictured.

4. GIVE Box: You may have seen this in my last newsletter but I love it so much that I had to feature it again. This is our acrylic block embellished with our two part "Give" expression. The block includes a top that turns it into a bank. The idea behind this item is to fill it with spare change throughout the holidays and then donate the contents to a charitable organization at the end of the season. Although it's pictured here in shimmery holiday colors, I think it's worth keeping out and using all year, both at home and at work.


Contact me for pricing or to reserve your kits. Remember, you don't have to attend Project Night to work on these kits.

Friday, November 6, 2009

November Customer Newsletter

I hope everyone had a safe and happy Halloween. I really love Thanksgiving and the time leading up to it so I'm looking forward to the next several weeks. This is also the busiest month of the year for me. Between holiday specials, lots of parties, new demonstrator specials and at least one project night, there is a ton going on...all of it fun!

Project Night Dec. 4
There is still space available for my Dec. 4th Project Night. If you've never attended one, they are so much fun! You can choose from the projects here, choose a kit from our holiday catalog (let me know if you still need one), or create your own projects to work on (I'm happy to help you put some ideas together). It'll be a relaxed evening (we can all use that in December!) where you can work on your projects, chat with friends, enjoy some snacks and leave with your completed project. I will also be offering a discount on all orders placed that night.

You do need to pre-order so I can have your materials ready. If you can't attend but would still like to make some items, I can order the supplies and get you the kits with assembly instructions. In order to make sure I have everything here in time, please have your orders to me no later than Nov. 10th.

Party Planning - November Hostesses Earn Even More Rewards
Although my November calendar is fuller than ever, I still have some Open House dates available, particularly in the second half of the month. This is a perfect time to have some friends over, spend some time catching up before the busy holiday season, and get some shopping done. I'll have lots of holiday ideas on display, but you and your guests might just decide you'd rather decorate your own homes, especially if you're expecting holiday visitors. Some fun themes for this time of year include:

  • Cookies and cocoa
  • Wine and cheese
  • Weekday brunch -moms shop while the kids are at school
  • Chocolate lovers
  • Cozy evening in - light the fireplace and make a big pot of soup
  • Margarita fiesta
If you have a particular date in mind, please let me know as soon as possible so I can get it on my calendar. You'll be glad you did because hostesses with $400+ shows that close by Nov. 30 will get a 50% bump in their hostess rewards:

Many of you have Double Up Rewards of $100-$200 and they count toward the minimum you need to take advantage of this great promotion. Why not save on your own holiday shopping and get double the credit on purchases you've already made?

If you'd rather have your party in December, you'll love the hostess and guest specials. As long as your party closes by Dec. 7th, you and your guests will be guaranteed to receive your products by Dec. 24th.

Gingerbread House is Still Available
Our Gingerbread House kit is a huge hit and still available. I have to tell you that it is much cuter in person. My kids have already had so much fun decorating and re-decorating. We are going to love taking out this fun 80+ piece kit year after year. Many of you are ordering these as a gift for families with little ones. At only $19.95 with a $50 purchase, it is a GREAT value for gift-giving.



The Gingerbread House kit is only available until Nov. 15th so don't miss out on your opportunity to get it.

Crazy Low Price on Essentials Starter Kit
So many of us are searching for an extra source of income as we approach the holidays. If you're looking for a fun, flexible way to help your family's finances, consider joining my sales team now. Not only is it our busiest, most profitable time of year, but UL is offering a great deal on our $99 starter kit. You will receive DOUBLE the product credit to choose whatever you want up to $50. Whether you get items to display or for your own home, you'll essentially be starting your business for about $49. Enjoy helping clients beautify their homes, have fun at parties and get to share our great products with people you already know. Contact me to for more information on this fantastic opportunity and to begin earning now.

Holiday Ordering Deadline
For those of you who love the last minute stress of working against a deadline, you can look forward to a crazy scramble of putting together your order on December 7th. For the rest of you who have enough stress in your lives already, please plan on submitting your orders before then for guaranteed delivery by Dec. 24.

Find Me On Facebook!
I've created a Facebook page for my Uppercase Living business. Join now to hear about specials, ideas and events. My husband thinks this is just an excuse for me to spend time online "working." We know better, right?

A Family Holiday Project for All
Although I can't take credit for this idea, I love it enough to want to share it with all of you. This holiday season, create a Family Giving Box. Using our acrylic block and Give expression with present embellishment, create a bank that your family will fill with spare change throughout the season. At the end of December, your family can vote on where to donate the money. I love how this simple project helps make the holidays more meaningful. You might love the idea so much that you'll keep your box out year round.



Black Friday Sale
I hate to add to the frenzy but I have to admit I just love getting a good deal on Black Friday, the crazy shopping day after Thanksgiving. Ever since having small kids, I've used them as an excuse NOT to get up at the crack of dawn to go fight for parking, service and that trendy item everyone has to have for the holiday season. I figure there have to be others out there like me who'd rather sleep in AND get good deals. In honor of us smart shoppers, I'll be having my own Black Friday Sale after Thanksgiving. Stay tuned to my blog and a special edition of my newsletter for details. At different points in the day I'll be offering various specials such as discounts, additional FREE items and even FREE shipping. But in honor of my desire to sleep off my Thanksgiving feast, neither one of us will have to get up early to participate.

Here, There, and Everywhere
In the coming weeks I have plans to hold Open Houses from Ventura to Valencia (and even Van Nuys!). Some of my events will be open to the public so if you'd like to catch me in your town, check my calendar on my website and see if I'll be in your neighborhood.

Who Doesn't Love a Good Recipe?
Have you visited my Uppercase Living website recently? Next time you do you'll notice a new recipe section with materials lists and step-by-step instructions to recreate some of the most popular projects you see pictured in our catalog. You will love not having to guess at sizes, colors or techniques.

Birthday Greetings
My last couple of newsletters have been so lengthy that I've left out the birthday section. But that doesn't mean that the birthday discount has gone away. If you celebrate your birthday in October or November, you can enjoy 10% off any item as my gift. Happy fall birthday ladies.

Everything Else
I sincerely appreciate those of you who forward this newsletter to friends and family. Your referrals are the greatest compliment and truly help my business grow (and make my day).
Thanks for reading. I hope you have a great November and end it surrounded by loved ones for a lovely Thanksgiving.
Torreh

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Great New Feature on my Website

You've no doubt seen some of the great photos in the Uppercase Living Catalog & Idea Book or throughout my web site and wondered how to create a similar look. Now, UL has taken all of the guesswork out of project planning by providing recipes for some of our most popular projects.


By going to the Products tab of my website and clicking on Recipes you will find several projects to choose from. Each project includes a complete materials list, including non-Uppercase Living items, and step-by-step instructions. You can even add all of the UL items to your shopping cart at once without having to search through the site for each one.

Check out some of these great projects. You just might find the perfect gift or decor item.

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