Happy New Year! January Preview

Hooray! It's New Year's Eve. It's been a great year in so many ways. But, I have to admit, I'm kind of ready to get all this year-end hoopla over with and get on with 2011 already! Here are just a few little things I need to tell you before 2011 officially ends:

• Free Shipping on orders of $50 or more ends tonight at 11:59 p.m. Make sure you submit your order before the ball drops to take advantage of it. 
• January's special is Buy-Two, Get One FREE! It applies to absolutely everything, so dust off your wish list. The sales period doesn't officially begin until January 4th, but you can contact me with your pre-orders right now. Pre-orders are not available on my website.
• I am now scheduling parties for January and February. It is a great time to share the Buy Two, Get One Free special with your friends, so reserve your date and get ready to socialize, share ideas, and earn free products! February promises more specials, so choose your date before they fill up. 
• My personal special for January is FREE Installation. If you are in my area, I'll happily come over to help you install any Uppercase Living expressions. There is no fee and no purchase requirement. All you have to do is schedule a time.
• I'm working on a brand new look for my newsletter. If you'd like to receive it (1-2 times/month and your email address will NOT be shared with any outside party) you can sign up here or let me know to add you to my mailing list. 

I'm so looking forward to working with all of my wonderful hostesses and customers in the new year. Whether I do a party in your home, help you design a meaningful personal expression, or welcome you to my team as a new Demonstrator, I know my year will be better because of you. Happy 2011. 

Late December Newsletter

Happy Holidays!

I hope all of you are enjoying the holiday season, despite the awful weather that most of us seem to be having. With just a few days to go until Christmas, I want to take this opportunity to wish you all the happiest of holidays, thank you for your support this past year, and tell you about some great deals, special offers and changes coming in the new year.
FREE SHIPPING and CLEARANCE SPECIALSFrom now through Dec. 31, get FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $50! Whether you've had your eye on some pieces for your home, have some gifts to get for January birthdays or want to get a head start on Valentine's day, save on shipping when your total order, before sales tax, reaches $50. Getting to $50 will be easy when you check out the great clearance deals in the Special Offers section of my website. You will find a variety of items with deep discounts, including a pre-painted photo board set. Our popular card sets are marked down to $3.95 a pack! There's a lot more that you'll have to check out for yourself, but don't wait because all clearance items are in limited quantity. FREE Shipping and Clearance Discounts are a double deal that you won't want to miss.
LAST CHANCE To Purchase Items from Holiday Mini CatalogDecember 31 is also your last opportunity to order from our popular Holiday Mini Catalog. The exclusive items in this catalog may or may not return in the future, so if you've had an item in mind, don't let it slip away. Among our most popular holiday items have been the Halloween Countdown Set, Mr. Bones, Pumpkinhead Activity Set, Gratitude Tree with dry erase leaves, Holiday Decor Sets, Build-A-Snowman Activity Set and the fantastic Christmas Countdown Kit. But don't forget that so many of the items in this catalog are designed with an everyday option as well as a holiday one. Certainly the Gratitude Tree is lovely year-round. Other great choices are the Double Frameworks Kit, Sentiments Photo Frame Kit, Welcome Kit with Red Vintage Embossed Metal Board, Chalk Wall Placemats and of course, the iron-on vinyl sets. There are also everyday options with the coaster kits and gift tin kits. It's worth taking a final look through this catalog before the 31st to make sure you won't miss anything you've been wanting to get.
Buy Two, Get One Free Special Makes January Parties Even More FunThink about January: the holiday decorations are down and your home looks a little more bare than you remember. Plus with all the holiday activity, including family events, you're kind of ready to get the kids back to school, catch up with friends and resume your daily routine. A really great way to get back into the swing of things in January is to host your own Uppercase Living party. Get some great new decorating ideas (and fill up those bare spots you're starting to notice in your home) and get your friends together to catch up on the holiday news. Put out some light refreshments (no cookies or eggnog!) and I'll bring a fun craft so you and your friends can ease into the new year at a casual get together.

The only way to add to the fun is a great offer from Uppercase Living, so here it is: Buy Two, Get One Free!!! From January 4 to 31, you can choose one item FREE for every two you buy. This promotion applies to all of our catalog items, Photo Prints and even Custom Designs! There are no limits to the savings, so start planning your shopping list. Of course, you don't have to attend or host a party to take advantage of this special. Just place your order with me or online starting January 4. However, a party is always more fun!

I'm now scheduling parties in January and February, when our Inspirations Incentive will be offering more great benefits for customers and hostesses alike. And since it's the season of giving, I'll have a bonus gift for each person who contacts me to schedule a party and mentions this newsletter. The two incentives will definitely make me very busy in January and February, so don't hesitate to contact me to get your preferred party date.
FREE INSTALLATION Special Coming in January!I'm so excited to offer my first ever FREE INSTALLATION special throughout January. If you are one of those people who have purchased some expressions and left them in a back corner of a closet, waiting for the day you get around to putting them up, this special is for YOU!  All through January, I'll be making house calls to get those expressions out of the closet and on to the walls! While this offer is limited to those in my immediate area, please let me know if you're a little further out and would like some installation help. I'll do my best to accommodate everyone. Appointments are first come, first served, so contact me now to reserve yours.
Birthday Greetings!Happy Birthday to the following ladies who celebrated their big day in November and December: Irina M, Mary T, Mimi C, Robyn P, Melinda M, Stephanie V, Caroline B, Kristy L, Nancy S, Kristy F, Marcy L, Vicki S, Maria A, Bonnie C, Charissa B, Heather K, Susan F, Gina H, Gina H,Jane M, Pam S, Sharon B, Patti M, Jean B, Holly F, Laurie G, Jessica D, Lauri M, and my sweet friends Amanda, Liz and Jennie. My gift to each of you is 10% off any item of your choice.
Looking Ahead 
Hopefully, the next edition of Torreh's Uppercase Living News! will come to you with a brand new look. I'm working on moving my newsletter to a new provider and plan to have it ready for you by the next issue. Please bear with me if there are any hiccups during this transition.

Other things to look forward to include the Uppercase Living Inspirations Incentive, and hopefully a large scale fundraiser to be announced in January. Of course, I never know just what's around the corner, so stay tuned to this newsletter, my blog and Facebook for all the latest information.

Your Double Up Rewards Are In the Bank!

If you've purchased anything from me in the last 6 months, your purchase amount has been doubled and is waiting to be applied to the next Uppercase Living party you host! For many of you, this can increase your FREE hostess rewards by one or even two levels. During the last several months, my hostesses saved an average of $150 to $200 just by hosting a casual Uppercase Living party! To check your Double Up Reward amount, just reply to this email or give me a call and see just how much you have already earned!

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!
I'd like to extend a special "Thank You" to all of you customers, hostesses, friends and cheer leaders who have supported me and my business this last year. I appreciate each of you and don't take for granted that you allow me into your homes and your lives, tell me your family stories, and use the products I provide to enhance the spaces you live, play and work in. The best part about my job is working with so many wonderful people and watching them enjoy their homes even more when their expressions are applied (I even got a hug from a customer when I helped transform her kitchen this month!). I look forward to working with you all in 2011 and well beyond.
May you all spend the holiday season surrounded by those you love and have a happy, healthy New Year filled with special moments.

All the best,

Torreh

Christmas Delivery Order Deadline Is Today-You Need Some Help!

This is it! Today is the last day to order items and be guaranteed that they'll be delivered by Christmas. You no longer have time to mess around and plan projects. You're down to the wire! Fear not, help is here by way of my Top 5 Holiday Best Sellers List. These are what Uppercase Living customers have been purchasing the most of from our Holiday Catalog. You can check off a lot of names on your gift list with this list alone. So here they are (in no order at all):

1. Countdown To Christmas Kit: Not only is this kit a best-seller, it's absolutely adorable in person. You can read more about it here.

2. Build A Snowman Activity Set: You'll love the giant size of this snowman and being able to use it year after year.

3. Gift Tin Kits: The Christmas Tree set seems to be the best seller company-wide but my customers also really like the "Enjoy" design, probably because it can be used year-round.The heart in the design makes it perfect for Valentine's Day. Read my cute recipe to fill the tins here.

4. Cheers Coaster Kit: Once again, my customers are bucking the trend and choosing the Medallion Set. You know how I feel about coasters. Enough said.

5. Merry Christmas Decor Set: With over 48 pieces, this is a great value. As I told you, my friend Sophia has this set displayed in her kitchen. She told me all of her Open House guests loved it. I know this is true because one has already called me to order it!

There you have it, 5 wonderful gifts that are easy to give and fit lots of different people's tastes. I'll be available most of the day Monday to help with any last minute orders, so please don't hesitate to contact me. As always, you can also place your orders directly on my website. When you're done, give yourself a big pat on the back for doing such a great job shopping, and getting it done early!

Customer Photos: Sophia's Holiday Home

My friend Sophia is an elegant hostess with a talented eye for decorating. Small wonder she is a successful consultant for Willow House (formerly Southern Living At Home). Today I had the pleasure of helping Sophia with some Uppercase Living products as she decorates for her upcoming customer Open House. With a professional floral artist on hand, as well as contractors working elsewhere on her property, her home was bustling with preparations for her big event. I arrived with my 4-year old in tow, got him settled with a toy and got to work. (I love that I can take my son to "work" with me!)

The pine trees are the perfect accent for this arched doorway

Sophia had ordered the Merry Christmas Holiday Decor Set and decided to use it in her large kitchen. It turned out to be the perfect choice. With 48 pieces, we were able to decorate two doorways, a large arch, and her French doors. Everything coordinated beautifully without looking overly cute. There were even extra holly leaves left over to add to some of the kitchen cabinets.

Despite all that, by far the best part of today's installation was when Sophia realized, after living in her home for 7 years, that she could finally decorate her range hood. Situated in a stone surround, it has been quite impossible for Sophia to hang, stick, screw in or otherwise decorate for Christmas in this part of her kitchen. Watching her delight when she realized that her problem was solved reminds me again why I love my job so much. You can bet I got a big hug when I stepped off the stool to admire the expression! The "Merry Christmas" looks fantastic decorating the focal point of Sophia's beautiful kitchen. As a removable, reusable Decorative Print, Sophia will be able to use it for years to come.

If you'd like to visit Sophia's home and see her beautiful decor for yourself, you're in luck. Her Willow House event is Friday evening in the Westlake Village Trails neighborhood. You can email Sophia for directions. If you'd like to place a Willow House order, you can visit her website (lots of great items just got marked down 40%!). I highly suggest you try to drop by, as our friend Rosalie from Tastefully Simple will be there with delicious treats to sample.You'll  also find more Uppercase Living products scattered through Sophia's home. You'll love her great ideas for holiday and everyday decor and entertaining. 

Decorative Print Tip: The adhesive on our Decorative and Photo Prints is quite strong and might make it difficult to remove the Print, especially from non-porous surfaces. You can "dirty up" the back of the Print by adhering it to a tablecloth, rug or fuzzy sweater before you apply it to your wall or other surface. The lint will make it easier for you to remove the Print but will not interfere with the adhesive.

Count The Days Until Christmas With Our Fun Advent Calendar

 

All over the Internet, the crafty blogs are buzzing with different ideas and projects for Advent. If you're a DIYer, you might take a look around and make your own project. However, if you can't stand the thought of completing one more project between now and Christmas, not to mention anything having to do with hot glue, craft supplies and long lists of instructions making you want to pack it in and skip the holiday altogether, take a look at the charming Christmas Tree Advent Calendar from Uppercase Living. 

Available in three sizes, this 26 piece set can be used year after year because it is made out of the same material as our removable, reusable Decorative Prints. You'll have a different numbered "ornament" to add to the tree each day, and when there's just one day left until Christmas, you can top your tree with the star. This is a perfect gift for any family with children (old or young). You can even order it and have it shipped directly to your recipient to start enjoying right away! Actually, that might be a good idea. Because when you see this adorable set in person, you're really going to have a difficult time parting with it!

It's Back! The 2nd Annual Any Color But Black Friday Sale With A FREE Expression For Everyone!

 

Hooray! My exclusive Any Color But Black Friday Uppercase Living Sale is back! I love you all so much and hate the thought of you being stuck in a Godawful strip mall, waiting in line in the cold, just to watch the last available "door buster" walk out before you can get your hands on it, pains me deeply. I'd rather think of you sitting in a comfy spot in your home, wearing cozy socks and elastic waist pants, snuggling with your Uppercase Living catalog or browsing my website, relaxing while you shop. 

Of course, I'm offering post-Thanksgiving specials too. Before I get to them, here are the rules: 

1. There will be no discounts on products ordered early. 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.

I have several specials available all day as well as some that are only available at a certain time:

11 - noon          10% off all accessories
noon-1              10% off any Erasables (dry erase or chalkboard) items
1-2                   FREE 3" embellishment with any set of coasters
2-4                   10% off any item from the Holiday Mini Catalog
4-5                   10% off any Photo Print

          5-6                   10% off any Decorative Print
          6-7                   10% off any specialty vinyl (Etched Glass or Shimmer colors) expression
          7-8                   10% off any Custom expression

All day specials:

• Purchase the Build A Snowman Activity Set and get a FREE monogram for your snowman's hat!
  
• Purchase the Christmas Countdown Kit and receive 10% off any Valentine's Day expression to put on the back of your punched metal tile
  
• Receive $20 in FREE product and one item at half price when your order reaches $200
• Receive a FREE monthly bonus expression when your order reaches $50, two when it reaches $75 and 3 at $100
• All orders will receive FREE the Welcome expression in the photo. 

The Welcome is a FREE Gift from Uppercase Living. It's a big 28" expression that comes in Antique Bronze, one of my favorite UL colors. You can use it in your entry, family room, kitchen or even your front door! The FREE gift IS available on website orders, so if you don't wish to take advantage of any of the above specials, you can go ahead and place your order directly on my website.

Enjoy browsing and shopping and your FREE expression. And enjoy the Any Color But Black Friday Sale in the comfort of your pajamas. 

Decorate With Images Of Those You Love

Can you think of a more beautiful way to decorate your home with custom artwork? This design, created by a fellow Uppercase Living demonstrator and mom of 5 girls, is the perfect example of how our Photo Prints can bring your photos to life. Actually, larger than life. Five great close ups, simple but powerful words, and look at what she created!
What's wonderful about Photo Prints is how affordable they are! These 2x2 foot prints are only $29.95 each! Imagine the gift you can create with photos of loved ones, or the how much you'd love a wall like this in your own home. All you need to do to get started is upload a photo to my website, and that's the hard part! I'm happy to help you ever step of the way. Bring your photos to life this holiday season with Uppercase Living Photo Prints!

P.S. Check back tomorrow night for details of the 2nd Annual Any Color But Black Friday sale!

Holiday Tin Sets: Perfect for Gifts, Favors and Rudolph

So many times during the holidays, we need to give a gift to a large group of people. Other times, holiday events call for guest favors. In both instances, we'd like to give something heartfelt, unique and thoughtful. But when purchasing multiple gifts at once, it's also important to watch costs. Naturally, Uppercase Living has a solution that will suit your taste, wow your guests (or anyone lucky enough to receive one of these cuties), and meet your budget.

Our Gift Tin Kits are the perfect many-gifts-in-one. Each set has 4 tins, 4 vinyl decorations in your choice of design and color, and 4 gift bags. Even the ribbon is included! You can fill these with anything from candy to jewelry and make the packaging a special part of the gift. For those of you who need affordable business gifts, this is a great solution. It's also a nice way to recognize several people in one business establishment, yet give each person and individual present. The variety of designs available makes it easy to choose one that will suit your event, recipient or mood! They would make great favors for weddings or showers this time of year and can easily be customized to match the event's colors. These are so cute that you might just want to purchase several sets to keep on hand for different occasions throughout the year. 
One great idea to fill these tins is Reindeer Feed! Of course, you never forget to leave out cookies for Santa, but those reindeer get tired and hungry from their long flight, too! Mix up the following in as many batches as you need:

3/4 c. uncooked oatmeal
3/4 c. sugar (can also use bird seed or shredded wheat cereal)
1/4 c. red or green decorative sugar crystals (more kind to our animal friends than the traditional glitter)

Print out the following on decorative paper and attach it with your gift:

      Santa's reindeer, on their magical flight,
      Travel thousands of miles, all in one night.
      A sparkly snack sprinkled over your lawn
      Will be just the treat for them to munch upon.
      With full and happy tummies, they'll soon be on their way
      To help Santa deliver the toys in time for Christmas Day.

You just might find that this becomes a new holiday tradition for your family.

Holiday Gift Tip: Pair a tin of Reindeer Feed with a "Cookies For Santa" charger set for an inexpensive and merry holiday gift set. 

Money Saving Kit: To save even more, recycle baby food jars to fill with reindeer feed. Add a reindeer or other themed embellishment, cover the lid with wrapping paper and add a cute ribbon!    

Hostess With the Bonus - Day 7

It's time. The last day of Hostess With the Bonus. I dragged out the "week" a little, to give as many people as possible the chance to earn a FREE BONUS GIFT when they schedule an Uppercase Living party with me for November, December, or January.

Today's bonus is the Punched Metal Tile in Berry. You can choose whether you'd like the 8x8 or 12x12 size. I chose red because it's perfect to use now for the holiday season. But after New Year's, you can put a heart embellishment or other sweet expression on it and use it through Valentine's Day. Speaking of Valentine's Day, customers and hostesses with qualifying orders/parties in December and January can choose Valentine's designs for their FREE gifts. There are lots of cute ideas, some of which I'll be posting some here soon. To see the full Monthly Special Sheets for November, December, and January, just visit my Facebook page.

There you have it, a full week's worth of FREE gifts for my awesome hostesses. I appreciate you all so much. It's wonderful to be able to work with such lovely ladies, and I'm looking forward to all the parties that have been scheduled during this special promotion. To add yours to my calendar, just contact me today and start thinking about which of your FREE hostess gifts you'll put on your gorgeous new red tile.

Hostess With the Bonus: Day 6

I took the weekend off from Hostess With the Bonus, mainly because my family was in the middle of Soccer madness. Soccer season may be coming to an end, but Bonus gifts for hostesses continue!Today's Bonus is our very popular acrylic block. This lightweight accessory is perfect for decorating on both sides to make it do double duty. You can fill it or leave it empty, or even add a light to the inside. There are so many ways to use this fantastic accessory. You'll probably want more than one. But your first one is on me when you contact me today to schedule your in-person or online party for November, December or January.

Here's a look at the block complete with a 2-part holiday expression and a ribbon. I love the idea of leaving this particular block out during the entire holiday season and encouraging your family and guests to drop some change in. Then, after Christmas, you can donate the contents to a local charity and prolong the giving spirit of the season. How will you use your FREE Hostess Bonus?

The Bonuses Continue....This Time For New Demonstrators!

If you've ever considered joining Uppercase Living, this weekend might be the perfect time! As we welcome the fabulous Uppercase Living Road Trip (just another way our great company supports us Demonstrators...when we can't go to them, they come to us!) to our area this weekend, you can take advantage of a Road Trip Special available only for those people who sign up and join my team by Tuesday morning.

When you sign up for Uppercase Living, you get a Starter Kit filled with everything you need to get off to a great start with your new business. In addition to business supplies, catalogs, samples, and more, you also receive a credit that you can use on anything you want for yourself or to display. With this weekend's special bonus offer, you'll receive an extra $50 in Uppercase Living product that you choose! This fabulous deal essentially makes it possible to begin your Uppercase Living business for only $25!

There are lots of reasons to join my Uppercase Living team: from the opportunity to help your family financially, to being able to earn fabulous trips and incentives, to having the chance to share our fantastic products with people who may not even know they exist. Remember your excitement the first time you saw one of my catalogs or visited my website? Now imagine being able to share that same excitement while you help your friends and customers decorate their homes in a totally new and unique way.

It's not often that you get the opportunity to do something this great with such a small investment. This weekend, you have the opportunity. Grab it before it's gone by going to my website and clicking on Join My Team. Follow the steps and get ready for a great journey with lots of fun, support, and countless benefits in store for you!

Hostess With the Bonus: Day 5

Good morning! We're at Day 5 and I love today's Hostess Bonus. If you contact me and schedule a November, December, or January party today, you will receive an exclusive set of 20 mini words. These are not available to purchase. The only way to get them is by hosting or attending a show. At my recent holiday Open House, this was the most popular raffle prize, and it's not hard to see why. Look at all of the different things you can do with a great little set like this.

 From votives, to candles, to vases and frames, there is almost nothing that won't look better with the addition of one of our mini-words. Whether you visit your local dollar store or look through your own odds and ends, you'll be thrilled with how one little word can dress up something plain to make it into the perfect decor item, party favor or gift. Your assortment will include a large variety of words in a number of colors, as well as some shimmer colors.

Go for it and schedule your in-home, catalog or online party today and your mini word sampler will be on its way to you! 

 

Hostess With the Bonus: Day 4

We're more than halfway through the Hostess With the Bonus giveaway week and I'm really enjoying treating my hostesses to even more FREE gifts than ever. Of course, you didn't think I'd get through the week without featuring our most affordable and versatile accessory, did you? Today's bonus is a pack of our glass coasters. I love love love these, either for yourself or for gifts. They can be changed up in so many different and inexpensive ways. And it's easy to create 4 individual gifts with just one pack. Whatever someone's hobby, passion, or obsession is, you can create a coaster that will be perfect. From photo coasters for family, to monogrammed ones for your elegant friend, golf themed ones for male business associates, and a coffee theme for your girlfriend who has a serious caffeine habit, these are just crying out to be personalized.

Get a set FREE just for scheduling a home or online party with me in November, December or January. Contact me today to get this particular bonus, then think about what you're going to put on your set.

Hostes With The Bonus: Day 3

Welcome to Day 3 of my Hostess With The Bonus giveaway week! As you know by now, each day this week, I'm giving a different bonus gift to anyone who schedules a party with me for November, December or January. Today's bonus is a pack of our brand new note cards. Each set includes 8 cards and vinyl expressions for you to decorate them with. This is such a cute gift for anyone who loves to stay in touch with personal notes. It's also great for those who like to make cards, but don't want to go through the trouble of gathering a lot of supplies or spending too much time on each card. The photo here shows our holiday card selection, but you can also choose from our everyday designs. You get to choose which set you'd like when you contact me to confirm your party today. The hardest part will be picking which one you'd like and whether you can part with it when it arrives!

Special Gifts for November Hostesses and Customers!

Just as I was feeling pretty clever about my Hostess With the Bonus giveaway, Uppercase Living one-upped me with two very cool offers for Hostesses and Customers. Starting today, through November 23rd, every customer who places an order of $40 or more will receive a FREE Holiday Expressions Assortment!!

Over 50 holiday themed words and designs in Soft Silver will help you create cards, ornaments, frames, gifts and so much more this holiday season. Hooray for free!

Hostesses whose guest orders reach $200 will also receive this 11 x 11 sheet of expressions, a $16.95 value, absolutely free.

Speaking of hostesses, there's one more bonus for them: when a party reaches $400 in guest orders, the hostess rewards will automatically bump up a level, giving the hostess even more free and half price items than she would normally earn.

There are so many bonuses flying around that I can hardly keep track. The bottom line is this: spend $40, get some free goodies. Host a party, get lots of free goodies. The Hostess With the Bonus becomes the Hostess with the Bonus, the Other Bonus and Some More Bonus. Well-played, UL, but the whole thing was my idea first!

Hostess With the Bonus Giveaway: Day 2

Today's bonus gift for everyone who schedules a party with me today is this awesome winter sampler sheet. There's plenty here to decorate mugs, cards, cell phones, frames, votives and more. It would also be great to use on a set of our coasters. You can add a little holiday cheer to lots of different items with this great 10x10 set, a $12.95 value. All you have to do is contact me today to schedule your Uppercase Living party for November (limited dates left), December or January, and this cute set will be yours in addition to all of the great incentives you would usually get as a hostess.

As an extra bonus, hostesses who close their parties by November 30 will get a big extra bonus that was just announced and so will their guests. But you'll just have to wait for my next post to ready about it! To schedule your party and receive today's bonus, contact me today!

HOSTESS WITH THE BONUS GIVEAWAY: DAY 1

Here we are, Day 1 of my Hostess With The Bonus week. Anyone who schedules a party with me today will receive our exclusive, limited time only, Cookies For Santa Charger Kit with her qualifying party order. This $25 value can be yours FREE, along with all the other benefits of hosting an Uppercase Living party.

Each day this week, I'll be giving a different FREE BONUS GIFT to anyone who schedules a party in November, December, or January. If this is the bonus you'd like, you'll probably want to have your party in November or December, so Santa can have his cookies on this cute charger when he comes to visit on December 25. Contact me today, to confirm your party date and reserve your Cookies With Santa kit.

50 and Counting!

 

Thanks to one of my lovely friends on Facebook, I know that there are now 50 days left until Christmas. For us adults, that translates to "Holy cow, only 50 days? How will I ever get everything done?" But if you're a kid, those 50 days may as well be 500. My kids have been asking how many days since the end of summer! 

Our adorable Christmas Countdown Kit answers the question in very cute style! Available for a limited time, the kit includes our 12x12 punched metal tile in Berry Red (for those of you who haven't seen it, it's such a pretty shade of red), a two party expression in your choice of colors, the Chalk Wall piece for the countdown, and the exclusive Black Easel that's only available in this kit. With all those pieces included, it's a fabulous value at just $32.95.  

The fun thing about the kit is that you can start counting down anytime. I know there are those of you who just might start counting the days until next Christmas right around New Year's!

Countdown Tip: If you look closely in the photo, the expression has been placed slightly off center. The expression is designed this way for added interest. If you prefer to have yours perfectly centered, position the present first, then cut the 2nd part in two pieces, placing the bow and the words separately.

Bonus Tip: Order a coordinating Valentine's Day expression to go on the back of your Red Tile and let it do double duty! You'll be ready for Valentine's Day as soon as your Christmas Decorations are put away!

Hostess With the Bonus Promotion Starts Monday!

Hopefully, you already know that anyone who hosts a qualifying Uppercase Living party, either in person or online, earns FREE and half price products of her choice. If not, I'm not doing a very good job of informing you, am I?

You might not know that all of my hostesses also receive a "Thank You" gift from me to show my appreciation for their time and allowing me to come into their homes and present our great products. Sometimes the hostess gets to choose her gift and sometimes I choose, but I always pick things that I'd want in my own home. So if you're thinking of hosting, look forward to an extra gift from me!

Because we're thinking about the holidays, and I'm feeling extra grateful for my wonderful hostesses, I'm having a Hostess With the Bonus promotion next week and giving out even more gifts to everyone who hosts and online or in-person party. Each day starting Monday, I'll post a different bonus gift for anyone who schedules her party that day only. The bonuses are mostly in the $15-$20 value range, if not more! All you have to do is check here or my Facebook page each day to find out what that day's BONUS is. When you see one you like, just contact me to schedule your party and you'll receive your gift when you have it! Easy!

BUT, if you just hate suspense and surprises, and want to know what all the BONUS gifts are before you choose, just reserve your party date before Monday and you'll get to pick from all of the week's prizes. You'll also get first dibs on available party dates during the busy months of November and December. You can even choose a date in January and still get the BONUS!

Keep in mind that our deadline for guaranteed delivery by Christmas is December 6. So don't wait too long to have your party if you think your guests will want to order holiday gifts. Perhaps you can host a craft or project party where your friends can work on holiday gifts. Maybe you'd like to schedule a "Girls' Night" in later in December where your friends can escape from the hectic pace of the holidays and choose things to make their home beautiful year round. We can even have a game where the word "Christmas" is forbidden. The last person who avoids saying it would get a prize! Then again, if you'd like to have a casual get together for your friends to reconnect after Winter Break, schedule your party for January. Either way, you'll get a BONUS!

If you're not located near me, or your guests aren't located near you, it's no problem. You can still participate and have an online party. Your guests can order on my website and their items will be shipped to them directly. You'll still get the credit for their purchases!

All you have to do is decide if you want to find out the BONUS gifts one at a time or if you want to choose. Then contact me with your preferred date and let me know if your party will be online or in-person. I'll make sure you get your BONUS along with all of the other great things you get just for hosting. I'm definitely looking forward to all of your parties and being able to give away so many great things. Who's going to be first to get hers?

NEW! Exclusive "Cookies for Santa" Charger Kit

Here's another holiday surprise from Uppercase Living! Just released is the new "Cookies for Santa" charger kit, available only until our limited supply runs out. Each kit comes with your choice of a Round
Scalloped Charger or a Square Charger and the adorable 10" x 10" "Cookies for Santa" vinyl expression in Crimson Red. Both of these kits are valued at over $25 but are available now for just $9.95 for the Round Charger Kit and $11.95 for the Square Charger Kit.

Keep in mind that these completed kits are to be gently hand washed. No dishwasher or submersion in soapy water, please.

At this price, you can afford to check off lots of people on your gift list. Think neighbors, teachers, or the perfect hostess gift. To order, visit my website and choose item #700076 for the Scalloped Charger or #700077 for the Square charger. There is no other purchase necessary and no limit on how many you can purchase. Judging by the  response to our last holiday kit, I do expect these to sell out quickly, so please don't wait too long to order yours. I'll be placing an order tomorrow evening for local delivery; add yours and save on Shipping!

I'd love to hear what you think of this cute kit, so leave me a message and let me know, and don't forget to tell me how you plan to use it: for yourself or as a gift.

The Gratitude Tree: A Beautiful Reminder for Thanksgiving and Year-Round

 By far my favorite item in our Holiday Mini Celebrations Catalog is our Gratitude Tree with dry-erase leaves. I do love everything in the catalog, and the holiday products in our main catalogs, but I find this one particularly meaningful, and so does my family.

The Gratitude Tree entered our home in late September when I got my first shipment from the Holiday Mini. My (thankfully tall) husband helped me put it up and my daughter started putting the dry erase pieces on the leaves. We decorated our tree exactly the way we wanted, with several leaves falling as if a strong wind had shaken them loose. I pulled out my set of dry-erase pens and immediately wrote all 3 kids' names on some leaves. Then I told my family it was their turn to start filling more leaves with things they're thankful for.

I was instantly touched and surprised at their responses. I expected answers like "M&Ms" and "ice cream." But I loved hearing them come up with "my family," "school," and even "God."

I loved the insights I got into my kids' minds, and knowing that they don't take for granted some of the things that are so important in our family. Even my husband, who's not always the biggest fan of "stickers on the wall," is really enjoying this special item.


One of the best things about Uppercase Living is the ability to completely personalize your home. The Gratitude Tree not only adds personalization to your home, I think it also adds meaning. I can definitely see this item being a year-round addition to a kitchen or family room. Of course, it's just the thing for the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving. If you're hosting Thanksgiving this year, I suggest displaying this tree prominently either in your entry, kitchen or dining room and having the dry-erase pens handy for your guests to write down what they are thankful for. And if you're going to be a guest for Thanksgiving, consider taking this for your hostess. For the price of a nice bottle of wine, you can take a meaningful gift that will be a conversation starter this year and a reminder of your thoughtfulness for years to come. Don't wait to order this exceptional Uppercase Living product. It's only available for a limited time, and you'll want to start enjoying it as soon as possible.

Uppercase Living Tip: After you complete filling out your Gratitude Tree, take a photo. You'll love going back after a few years and watching how your family's thoughts and the things they are thankful for will change.

Customer Celebration Day Oct. 28: A FREE Expression and Two New Kits!

Hooray for Customer Celebration Days! I always love giving my customers more than they expect and, in this case, that means they get a FREE Happy Holidays expression with every order placed this Thursday, October 28. Not only is this an exclusive expression, not to be found in our catalog, but it's yours in Shimmer Cranberry, one of our beautiful specialty colors, without the usual upgrade fee!

I love the idea of this expression right on the wall above a fireplace, as you see here, or above a doorway to welcome guests who visit during the holiday season. Of course, it is the perfect for adorning your front door to spread the holiday cheer outside. Other ideas for this versatile FREE expression include applying it on a platter to serve holiday treats, placing it on a mirror, or even on your back windshield to spread holiday cheer everywhere you drive! However, since most of you like using our seasonal expressions from year to year, our Foundations accessories are the perfect choice.

An obvious choice to display this expression is the Vintage Embossed Metal Board in Creme. This lightweight piece is great for your own home or office, or for gift-giving in the enclosed gift box.

You can kick your display up a notch by applying it to the Pre-Drilled MDF Board (seen here painted in Whipped Creme Toolbox Paint).  Our Bulldog Clips have been added to it with a little bit of seasonal ribbon. The clips can be used to hold special holiday cards, photos, or even letters to Santa. As a variation on this design, you can use our Vintage Knobs instead of the bulldog clips and hang ornaments from them to mirror the expression. Make sure to leave one knob for mistletoe!

When you purchase the materials for either of these projects, you'll receive the lettering for FREE, essentially creating your own kit!

For the Vintage Embossed Metal Board Kit, just order the Board (Item #300155)and your expression will automatically be included with your order.

For the Pre-Drilled MDF Board Kit, you'll need to order:
Pre-Drilled MDF Board (#300132)
Whipped Creme Toolbox Paint (#300144)
Set of 4 Bulldog Clips (#300134) OR Vintage Knobs (#300136)

Bonus Offer #1: If you purchase the Pre-Drilled MDF Board Kit, I will provide the ribbon to complete your project in style!

Bonus Offer #2: Local customers who order the Vintage Embossed Metal Board Kit can choose to have me assemble their project for them at no charge. You'll receive your metal board ready to hang or give as a gift! If you're not going to have me assemble your board, consider adding Mistick to your order to ease application.

I anticipate a very busy day at Uppercase Living on Thursday, so please get your orders to me no later than 4 PM on Thursday. I can't wait to share this shimmery expression with you all and seeing how you use it to begin your holiday decorating or gift-giving this year.

Late October Newsletter

Hi Friends,

Does it feel like fall where you are? Hopefully the Halloween costumes are ready to go, you've stocked up on candy for the trick or treaters, and you're looking ahead to a fun few weeks of fall festivities. As you can imagine, this is the start of my busy season so I wanted to give you a quick heads up on what I have going on for all of you.
Coaster Extravaganza Party November 19

Please note the new date for the Coaster Extravaganza party at my house. The time remains the same: 9:30-12:30.  All you need to do is pre-order your coasters and I'll have lots of words and embellishments here for you to create unique and useful gifts. Each set of 4 coasters costs only $15. I will have an assortment of seasonal and everyday words and designs to help you create a variety of designs. You can also order custom embellishments or lettering for your coasters or choose from the limited-time coaster kits in our holiday catalog. The hats in the photo are just one of the many embellishments you can order to dress up your coasters!There is no limit to the number of coaster sets you can make. Of course, there will be the usual drawings, giveaways and a 10% discount on all orders placed at the Coaster Extravaganza!

I must receive your pre-order by October 29 in order to have your supplies here on time. Please let me know how many sets of coasters you'd like to work on and if you'd like to add any custom words, monograms or embellishments by the 29th. If you'd like to participate but can't make it to the Coaster Extravaganza, just let me know and I'll keep your supplies on hand for you and help you assemble them when you come over to pick them up!

If you've purchased any projects that you need help assembling, feel free to come over on November 19th and I'll happily help you put them together. There is no product purchase necessary if you'd like to come over and assemble any items.

My next project party this season will be an Ornament Extravaganza. Stay tuned for details! Limited Dates and Times for Uppercase Living Parties Before The HolidaysMy calendar is quickly filling up as my hostesses schedule their parties before the Holidays. In fact, my weekends in November are already becoming full, although some spaces still remain. I do have several weekday mornings (Mondays and Fridays) and weeknights still available if you'd like to have your party before our holiday ordering deadline. Please don't hesitate because I'd hate to have you miss out on your preferred date. Don't forget, online and catalog parties might be the perfect solution if you're too busy to have a home show, or if your guests are just scattered too far and wide.
Uppercase Living Special Event Coming to Southern California!On November 13th, a very special Uppercase Living Road Trip will be coming to Rancho Cucamonga. With updates and presentations from our fantastic Home Office staff, make and take projects and a yummy lunch, it is sure to be a great day. There will even be a sign up special for anyone who joins Uppercase Living and becomes a new demonstrator on that day. Tickets ($15) are very limited, so please let me know if you'd like one. Customer Celebration DaysHave you been taking advantage of the Customer Celebration Days? So far we've had three days where ever single order placed on that day has received a FREE UL expression, just to say "Thanks for being such a great customer!" The items are seasonal and not available in the catalog. We get very little notice when they'll be coming up, so watch my blog or become my friend of Facebook for the most up to date info on when the next Customer Celebration Day will be.
Don't Let Your Double Up Rewards Languish!
If you've placed an order with me in the last 6 months, then you've earned Double Up Rewards that can help you earn extra FREE and half-price items when you host a qualifying party. Depending on the amount of your Reward, you can significantly increase your hostess benefits. All you have to do is schedule a fun and casual Uppercase Living party where your friends can shop all of our great ideas for home decor and holiday gifts and you earn bonus freebies! Contact me to check on the amount of your Double Up Reward and its expiration date.

 

I hope you all enjoy a safe and happy Halloween. Please wait until your kids are at school Monday to steal their candy!

 

Coaster Extravaganza - DATE CHANGE

If you've spent any time at all reading Please Use Your Words, you know that I'm a huge fan of our versatile, affordable, fantastic coasters. I think they are the perfect solution for gift giving, party favors, theme decor, and so much more. It's no wonder that they are among my best-selling products. Due to their popularity during the holiday season, I've decided to dedicate a whole project party just to making coasters. Here are the details:

Date: Friday, November 19 (NOTE DATE CHANGE)

Time: 9:30-12:30

Place: My Home

Refreshments: Of course! 

Each set of 4 coasters costs only $15. I will have an assortment of seasonal and everyday words and designs to help you create a variety of designs. You can also order custom embellishments or lettering for your coasters or choose from the limited-time coaster kits in our holiday catalog. There is no limit to the number of coaster sets you can make. Of course, there will be the usual drawings, giveaways and a 10% discount on all orders placed at the Coaster Extravaganza! 

As you think about your gift list, don't forget that coaster sets make terrific hostess gifts and are great to have on hand for a last-minute gift exchange or invitation. No more scrambling when you have the perfect thing ready to go! The sets can be broken up to create individual, inexpensive gifts as well. Here are lots more ideas of how you can customize them to make your gift giving both simple and personal.

If you'd like to take part, but can't attend, just let me know how many sets of coasters you'd like to make and what you'd like on them. I can deliver the kits to you (or have them shipped directly if you're out of town) or even assemble them for you. 

So, glance through my catalog, go through your gift list, and let me know how many sets of coasters you'd like to work on at the Coaster Extravaganza. I must receive your order by October 29 to guarantee on-time delivery of your items. I'm so looking forward to spending a morning with a great group of people and helping all of you create fantastic holiday gifts. I won't even tell if the gifts you make are for YOU! 

Customer Appreciation Day #3 - FREE Expression With Any Order Placed October 15

Hooray, it's time for yet another Customer Celebration Day!! This has been such a great program from Uppercase Living.  We never know when another Customer Celebration Day is coming or what the FREE gift will be, so it's fun to find out right along with our customers. This time it's a gorgeous expression that's perfect for the fall. "Gather Here" comes in Soft Copper. I've had this expression on my Willow House metal drink bucket and I always get compliments on it. Those of you who came to my recent Open House may have noticed it. Here are a few other ideas for this versatile FREE gift:

 

The size of this Customer Celebration special is similar to our Simply Words collection, perfect for the rectangular Frameworks. The top section of this Double Frame holds the Galvanized Metal insert covered with some seasonal scrapbook paper and a turkey embellishment. The FREE expression fits the bottom of the frame beautifully, while faux leaves glued to magnets turn this into a gorgeous, seasonal home accent that comes in handy as a memo board. Best of all, you can completely change the look with different inserts for any other holiday or season.

The Gather Here expression looks equally beautiful on our Glass Charger. With a coordinating Cornucopia Embellishment, it's a beautiful centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table or the perfect hostess gift. You can even use the charger as a tray and pile it high with treats for that lucky hostess!

Finally, look at how lovely it is displayed simply in a Chocolate Rectangular Frameworks. The neutral colors in this combination make it perfect for almost any decor.

I'd love to hear how you plan to use your FREE Customer Celebration Day gift. To make sure you get one, just call or email me to place your order by Friday October 15. You can also shop on my website; your gift will be automatically added to your order.

I am so happy that Uppercase Living is helping me thank all of you wonderful customers with such a versatile gift, just in time for autumn. It feels great to know that our expressions will be part of so many of your holiday gatherings.