Please Use Your Words

Sharing Some Love With a 25% Off Sale

2012-02-13T13:32:00.000-08:00

It's Valentine's Week! You know how much I love all my readers, customers, hostesses, team members, and Facebook fans, right? In case you weren't sure, I wanted to share some love with all of you by way of a 25% discount on all orders today and tomorrow. Just use the code FANLOVE2012 when you order. The discount will be applied to your entire order. Now pay it forward and share the love with a few friends who'd also LOVE to save on their UL orders! Who loves ya?

Welcome TCB Readers!! 2 More Ways For You To Win

2012-01-27T00:34:00.000-08:00

Hi and Welcome to Please Use Your Words. I'm so thrilled that Kim's throwing a Mystery Hostess Uppercase Living Party for all of you fabulous TCB readers, but more about that in a bit. I'm Torreh, a busy SAHM mom with 3 kids, old scrappy friend of Kim's, and a Senior Demonstrator with Uppercase Living. I've been with UL for almost 4 years and love love love it. I get to work with lots of fun people, bring fun, inspiration, humor and beauty into my customers' homes, represent two amazing product lines and work around my kids' school and activity schedules and my husband's business travel. For those of you aren't familiar with UL, here's a little bit of info, as well as details on two more ways to win, in addition to the giveaway on TCB.

What Is Uppercase Living
Uppercase Living is a home party company that started just over 5 years ago to provide decorative vinyl lettering and embellishments. Our expressions are designed to be removable without causing any damage to the surface underneath. Not only do we have hundreds of exclusive designs, you can create your own custom pieces using any of our 50+ fonts and colors. One of our most popular products is our line of Erasable Chalkboard and Dry Erase vinyl. You've seen these all over the web and now you can have them in your home inexpensively, without messing around with chalkboard paint. And we can create large custom wall art from your own images!! The possibilities are endless with our Photo Prints. They are beyond cool and can be used in so many different ways, like all of our vinyl products.

Lettering and Embellishments

Photo Print with Custom Lettering


Chalk Wall Calendar

Just in the last year, Uppercase Living has adopted the motto: Live A Life Inspired, striving to add inspiration to the lives of our customers, staff and demonstrators. A big part of that is our relatively new line of jewelry, Blume , which lets you take your inspiration with you. Each piece is a story that can help you tell yours. Whether it's a stamped charm or several, beads that help single moms halfway around the world support their families, or a cute little Honey Badger that reminds the wearer to Stand Strong, our jewelry is uplifting, personal and sentimental. Just in the 4 months since it was introduced, there have been countless stories of our pieces bringing strength, support and smiles to people all around the world.

What Can UL Do For Me?
There are countless ways to use Uppercase Living vinyl to decorate your home, create projects and gifts, get organized and more. Just look through the topics here for some inspiration. You'll find more on my website and my Facebook photos. Your imagination can take off and create so many different things with our products. As an Uppercase Living hostess, you can host a live or online party and earn rewards of free products when your friends place orders. And as an Uppercase Living demonstrator (like me!) you can earn money by sharing our awesome products with your friends, family and community (and by community I mean the entire United States and Canada). All you have to do is decide if you want a little (buy a few things), a lot (host a party) or ALL OF IT (become a demonstrator on my team). To find out more about hosting or joining Uppercase Living, just contact me for more information. Our February specials are fantastic if you're considering either; you can sign up for as low as $59 or even FREE!

How Do I Win Stuff?
After you enter Kim's giveaway for the two part alphabet, leave me a comment and you'll be entered to win the expression you see here:

Yours will be in Berry Red and Shoreline Blue. Get an extra entry when you send me a friend request on Facebook and let me know that you've come over from TCB.You can enter until Jan. 31. I will post the winner's name on Feb. 1.

What About the Mystery Hostess Party?

This is the best part of all! If you place an order on my site and add it to the TCB Mystery Hostess party, you will be entered to win all of the hostess benefits from the party. There's no limit to how much the rewards will be. To place your order do the following:

Go to http://tpearl.uppercaseliving.net

Create a user name and add your items to your cart (I'm happy to help with custom designs and questions). Don't forget that EVERYTHING is Buy 2 Get 1 FREE until Jan. 31
Associate your order with the TCB Mystery Hostess Party before you check out and submit your order.
Check back here for updates on on how high the rewards have gotten. When I close the party, I will choose one person who ordered to receive all the benefits. I'll post the winner's name here and contact her to discuss spending her winnings.

Notice the headboard? It's vinyl, too!

I'm so glad you stopped by. I know Kim's readers are a crafty, creative bunch. I think you'll love creating your unique visions with Uppercase Living products. Of course, you can always do what I do: copy someone else's great design and make it the perfect addition to my own home.

Surprise Your Sweetie On Valentine's Day!

2012-01-19T14:07:00.000-08:00

I have a confession to make: by the time Valentine's Day rolls around, I'm pretty much over it. I've barely put away my Christmas and Hanukkah decorations when it's time to plan for my husband's birthday on Feb. 4. I also have to contend with a birthday party for my youngest, whose birthday is Feb. 27th. Every year, my poor husband kind of gets ignored on Valentine's Day because I've had it with decorations, celebrations and gifts (thank goodness he's easily pleased by a giant box of chocolate), and don't really feel like spending a lot of money. Not that I would be upset to find a blue box with something sparkly in it for myself on Valentine's Day...but that's a whole other blog.

So, assuming that at least some of you are like me in that you'd like to surprise your Valentine with something sweet and sentimental but also easy and inexpensive, I came up with a few Uppercase Living designs. These can go on your bathroom mirror so s/he sees that you remembered first thing in the morning. They are also ridiculously inexpensive, especially with our current Buy 2, Get 1 FREE special. Of course, you can change fonts, colors, lettering in your own pieces, but you won't go wrong with either of these:

Of course, the possibilities are endless with this idea. You could make your mirror message the first (or last) clue in a Valentine's Day secret adventure or even use UL lettering to put a big giant proposal on the mirror (the ring embellishment is on me for anyone who wants to do this!). Of course, at these prices, you can do one for each of the kids, too.

Another way to surprise your Valentine is by putting an expression on her car the night before. Here's one with a frame around it along with initials. How fun to drive around town knowing that someone loves you! Don't be surprised to see her friends' husbands or boyfriends giving yours dirty looks for making them look bad. And you didn't even have to spend a fortune!

Another advantage to an early-in-the-day Valentine's surprise? Your Valentine will know right off the bat that your loving gesture must be reciprocated and has all day to come up with something wonderful enough so he can save face. Of course, he'll say he had it planned all along. That's what they always say!

UL Tip: Don't forget a bottle of Mistick to make your glass installation much easier. Allow enough time for it to dry!

Stuck for ideas? Contact me for help with a custom design.

For more Valentine's Day photos and ideas, visit my public Valentine's Day Album on Facebook.

Free, Free, and MORE Free

2012-01-14T23:08:00.000-08:00

Uppercase Living is starting off the new year with a huge bang by offering a number of great promotions to make shopping with me fun and rewarding. Our biggest promotion of the month is also our customers' favorite: Buy 2, Get 1 FREE! For every 3 items you purchase, you'll get a third FREE! This applies to all of our exclusive vinyl expressions, custom MyDesign creations, accessories and Blume jewelry. You can mix and match any combination of items and there's absolutely no limit to your savings or the amount of FREE items you will receive. Just make sure to order in groups of 3!

But wait, there's more!

Uppercase Living is sharing the love with this Berry Red expression, FREE with every order placed by January 18th. You can order directly on my website or contact me for help. You don't need to manually add the expression to your order; it will be included automatically!

How About Some More Free?

As always, you receive up to 3 FREE gifts when your order reaches $60, $80 or $100. You get to choose from two exclusive vinyl pieces, including one with Chalk Wall, and 2 Blume items. You can put the jewelry items together for a perfect Valentine's Day gift. Visit my website to see this month's choices.

Oh, And One More Thing...

Every day this month, UL is sharing even more love by giving away one order placed the previous day. Just check the Uppercase Living page on Facebook to find out each day's winner. While you're there, make sure to scroll down and check out UL's post from January 3rd for details on how you can also save 25% on an order placed next month.

There you have it - lots of ways to get FREE items in January. I love sharing these specials with all of you, so here's one more: any hostess who holds an Uppercase Living party with me in January or February will get a FREE bonus gift in addition to the hostess gifts and FREE products available for all hostesses. With all of these special offers, you're going to have a big problem: how will you narrow down your shopping list? You won't have to, because you can get so much of it FREE!

Bailey's Room: Old Hollywood Glamour

2011-12-31T10:55:00.000-08:00

Korina, one of my fabulous hostesses, is a busy mom of 4, wife, daughter, friend and elementary school teacher. This woman goes nonstop! She also has a love of words and a great eye for decor, which is great for her lucky daughter, Bailey.

While Korina was home for Winter Break, Bailey's room got a dramatic makeover! As Bailey heads into her teens, her room needs to reflect her more grown up taste. With dark furniture and photos of Marilyn Monroe already in the space, Korina knew exactly what she wanted to add. She started with a custom Marilyn Monroe quote in one of our newer fonts, Satisfaction. Korina has become quite a pro at using the MyDesign Suite on my website to create custom expressions. The quote she chose is perfect for a teenager's room, I think, especially when insecurities creep in. She placed it on a narrower space above the closet, where Bailey will see it from her bed. The space doesn't lend itself to most decorating options, but UL lettering fits it beautifully.

The focal point of Bailey's room is her bed, featuring pale grays and pinks. Korina set it off by adding our Grande Chandelier in Matte Black. The color pops on the soft gray walls, but doesn't distract the eye from the color on the bed. Elegant and glamorous, it's a wonderful addition above Bailey's headboard.

The finished room is a gorgeous space for Bailey to hang out. The decor Korina picked is sure to please for many years. I don't foresee Bailey outgrowing this room any time soon. In fact, I can think of several adults who would love a room like this. Oh, and did I mention the fabulous deal Korina got on all this vinyl (and much more) by hosting an Uppercase Living party just before the holidays? She got much of her order absolutely FREE.

I'd like to thank Korina for allowing me to share these photos of her beautiful work. I'm so pleased that I got to be involved in a small way in helping create Bailey's room. I can't wait to show you what else Korina has planned!

You can see more photos of Bedroom Decor in my public Facebook album.

Guest Blogger: Getting and STAYING Organized in the New Year

2011-12-28T11:44:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to feature my first ever guest blogger, Stacy Thomes of Strive to Organize. Stacy is a professional organizer and Super Mom with lots of great ideas to help keep our homes and lives more organized. I'm thrilled she's written this post exclusively for Please Use Your Words.

As we approach 2012 (yes, 2012) we likely have New Year’sresolutions on our mind. We all have behaviors we would like to change andtraditionally the New Year is the time to make the declaration “out loud” andcommit to making those changes. But, how do we really make them stick? Whetherit’s cooking more, eating less, spending more time with family, helping othersin need or never being late again, staying organized is the core factor behindall of these behavioral changes.

But how, you ask, do I stay organized? To tell you thetruth, it’s a mindset. You have tomake the decision to simply stay on top of things, plan ahead and believe thatyou can do it. And you can. Really.

If you really want to make a change, you have to do someresearch, on yourself. Take a few moments to ask yourself why you are disorganized, let’s take a look and analyze ourbehaviors step by step. Try this exercise;

Write down the main obstacles you come across on a daily basis on piece of paper. Be totally honest with yourself. Too much clutter in your home? Can’t keep up with the kid’s obligations? Always late? Constantly feeling stressed and rushed?
Now, dissect those behaviors by writing down the reasons you think that is your reality. Why are you always late? Why is there too much clutter? Be totally honest with yourself-no one has to see this. Just do it for you.
Now write down HOW you can change it. Do you need to hire a professional organizer to come and help do a clean sweep in your home? Do you need to work on your time management and start keeping lists? Do you need to stop over committing to too many events, volunteering and work? Asking for help and saying NO are often very difficult, but sometimes we just need to. Respect yourself and know your boundaries and ONLY do things you really want to.

Are you done? Great job! This exercise should beenlightening and reveal patterns in your behavior that can easily be tweaked tohelp you be more productive and less stressed. Just believe you can do ANYTHINGyou want BUT it is up to YOU to make those changes. Anyone can do this, butlike I said, it is all in your mindset. Empower yourself. Make a decision tomake those changes, even in tiny baby steps, one thing at a time, and you willachieve your ultimate goal.

Once you’ve gone through this process and highlighted theareas you want to work on, then look for the specific tools that will make thiseasier. Uppercase Living has a variety of products that work well in anorganized home. Their line of Erasable Vinyl (chalk or dry erase) can goanywhere from the garage to the kitchen to the kids’ rooms. You can cut a plainpiece to any shape, or use the predesigned items that fit your needs, such as achore chart to help keep the kids on track, a weekly menu (planning meals aheadmeans no more last minute pizza delivery), or a family calendar.

With Uppercase Living custom lettering, you can add yourkids’ names to bins or tubs so they have one place for their things to go. Fora child who is too young to read, a little face is also available. There arealso images such as trains, cars, planes, etc. that can help you label boxes ortubs for specific toys. Again, no reading required!

We often spend so much time helping others that we tend toput ourselves last. When we have families that depend on us, taking care ofourselves is of number one importance because if we don’t, our whole family cancrumble (and we can succumb to the desire of wine, pills and overallexhaustion!). This year, make a resolution to be kind to yourself. Consider adding an uplifting UL expression somewhere where it will be a dailyreminder to go easy on you! If your child were suffering from chronicdisorganization how would you help him or her? Treat yourself, you really dodeserve it. Cheers to a New Year and a new and improved you.

For all of your organizing needs, contact Stacy Thomes, ownerand operator of Strive to Organize located in Woodland Hills, California - http://strivetoorganize.com

For daily organizing tips, visit her on Facebook.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T16:09:00.000-08:00

I hope you're enjoying a relaxing holiday weekend, surrounded by loved ones, with happiness and joy all around. Merry Christmas.

Uppercase Living Holiday Madness Sale and Clearance NOW!

2011-12-20T13:27:00.000-08:00

While most retailers wait until after Christmas to mark down their (leftover) merchandise, Uppercase Living has a sale and clearance going on NOW through December 29th. As if that weren't enough, tons of accessories have been put on Clearance and the 20% off applies to them, too! If you've been missing some of the discontinued accessories like the Mini Punched Metal Tiles or waiting for kits like the Pre-Drilled Foundations Board with photo frames included...they're back! Of course, this is a limited time offer, and things have already begun to sell out, so don't wait to place your order.

Here are some ideas for how you can take advantage of this great sale and maybe even get a jump on some 2012 projects:

Stock up on Blume monogram and birth stone charms for all the birthdays next year.
Order lettering to advertise your business on your storefront or car. A small investment can bring lots of business your way.
Create a magnetic memo board, signed by the whole class, for the teacher's end of year gift.
Get some Erasable Vinyl to get your pantry or garage organized. Don't forget the markers!
Create a photo board for the perfect Mother's Day present.
Finally get that Grande Format expression you've been wanting. Ditto for the long custom expression that has just been too expensive, and the clock too!
Get lettering for the office: names, business hours, and mission statements are all so much more affordable. If your business has leftover marketing dollars in the budget, use it before the end of the year!
Order embellishments for your scrapbooks and cards!

These are just a few ways to save big on Uppercase Living during this fantastic sale, but there are so many more. I'd love to help you with a custom design or whatever you need. Happy Holidays and enjoy the savings!

Keep Calm and Uppercase

2011-12-02T09:26:00.001-08:00

It all started with King George. In 1939, prior to the outbreak of World War II, his Ministry of Information commissioned the now-ubiquitous "Keep Calm and Carry On" poster as a message to motivate and reassure the British population. Rediscovered in 2000, the poster has taken on a new life and you can now find it on socks, tins, stationary and so much more, with dozens of variations.

When the new Uppercase Living catalog was unveiled this past summer, I was thrilled to see the original "Keep Calm and Carry On" included. My customers were, too, and have enjoyed selecting this expression in different sizes and colors to fit their decor. Of course, it doesn't just have to go in your home. Personally, I think every car on the Los Angeles freeways needs one for its back window.

Since the beauty of Uppercase Living is our endless options for customization, it wasn't too long before I started coming up with other "Keep Calm" designs. First, this one for Halloween, which fit in perfectly with my friend JoAnne's decor.

After that, I decided to have some fun with Thanksgiving. It wasn't long before I turned "Keep Calm And Give Thanks" to "Keep Calm And Eat Pie." At the same time, I realized that there are some sentiments that aren't limited to just the holidays. Thus were born "Keep Calm And Drink Coffee" and its big sister, "Keep Calm And Drink Wine" (could tequila be far behind?).

Before long, it was time to start thinking about the holiday season. I had a couple ideas of my own, such as

and

but JoAnne insisted on

Of course, I couldn't forget Hanukkah, so I also designed

And then when the snow started to fall on the East Coast and Midwest, I realized that people might get into somewhat of a panic. To reassure them, I created

Obviously, the possibilities are endless. As I thought about all of the different embellishments Uppercase Living offers, I realized what a great addition these signs would be in sorority and fraternity houses. We have all of the Greek letters and over 50 colors to choose from. So something like this design is quite easy to create.

And so is a design to share your team spirit:

Wouldn't that be great for tailgating?

All of the designs shown here are sized to fit a 16x20 canvas (available inexpensively in most craft stores) that can be painted in any color. Of course, they can also be applied to the wall, door, cars, etc. Because they are custom designs, the size is completely flexible. In this size, most designs are under $30.

Whether it's a reminder to yourself to keep calm, or a custom gift for someone else, this is one expression that will be fun to have around. Contact me so I can create the perfect "Keep Calm" for you!

Gifts That Give Back

2011-11-30T10:46:00.001-08:00

Uppercase Living is dedicated to uplifting people through our people, products and company. I'm proud that we often reach out to help different organizations around the country. We've always supported charities through the sale of our products and this year that goes even further with our Create Hope initiative.

First, throughout our Idea Book you'll find the following expressions whose sales help us support Habitat For Humanity and their effort to create housing throughout the U.S. and Canada.

One of our most popular Blume items also helps support Habitat: the Create Hope Bracelets. My customers love knowing that their purchase helps those in their community. I love that they are fun, colorful and easy to wear (they look great with jeans!), and can be split into up to 4 separate gifts or one big one.

Finally, our Help Others collection is designed entirely to provide help and support to single mothers in Uganda. The whole collection is made using Berr Beads, beads made by wrapping recycled magazines around a bicycle spoke, then applying a resin to make them stronger and more durable. The beads are then strung by hand on different pieces of jewelry. The whole result is a collection of beautiful pieces, no two alike, but each bringing hope and self reliance to a group of mothers across the world. As a mother myself, this means so much to me, and my customers agree. But as a woman, I love the unique, colorful pieces which are like no other jewelry I've ever worn. My favorite is the Multi-color Mix Necklace, which constantly catches the attention of others whenever I wear it. I usually wear it as a bracelet, since it goes with almost everything in my wardrobe, and I can even add a charm if I feel like it.

While the multi color Help Others pieces are fun and playful, the single color ones are much more sophisticated. I particularly love the Soft Silver Necklace.

Whichever of these pieces you choose, you can feel good knowing that your purchase not only provides a gorgeous and heartfelt gift to someone on your list (even if that person is you!), but it also helps create jobs, homes, income, self-reliance, stability and most importantly hope, to families both at home and abroad. What a wonderful feeling, especially at this time of year.

You can view more photos of our Blume jewelry collection in my public Facebook album.

It's Cyber Monday At Uppercase Living!

2011-11-27T23:46:00.001-08:00

Hooray for Cyber Monday - the day when you can sit at your computer, get great deals and not have to deal with crazy pepper spray wielding shoppers! You can save on my website too. At Uppercase Living, Cyber Monday has already started. All day today you will receive 10% off all orders with unlimited savings. You will also receive FREE gifts with your order of $60 or more. I'll be available today to help you with your orders, custom designs and gift ideas, so don't hesitate to contact me. Enjoy being a smart shopper and enjoy your Cyber Monday savings from Uppercase Living.

Counting Down to Christmas With Uppercase Living

2011-11-25T14:26:00.001-08:00

By far one of my favorite things in our Holiday Mini Catalog is this year's Christmas Countdown Kit. My kids love counting the days until Santa comes so we're all about a cute set like this. It's perfect for any home with children, churches, classrooms, Grandma's house, and even makes a whimsical addition to an office.

I also love this because it is a fantastic value. For only $19.95 the kit includes the metal charger, the two part expression in your choice of colors (I got mine in Crimson Red and Electric Lime), and a magnet that moves closer to Christmas with each passing day. All you do is assemble it (if you're local, I can do that for you) and begin the fun. You can even send it as a gift directly to someone who will think of you each day they move that magnet.

UL Tip: Glue a sparkly snowflake or other embellishment to the magnet to make it extra special.

If you order your kit today, it will be an even better value because you'll also receive this 11"x11" sheet of Christmas designs absolutely FREE.

Whether it's for you or a gift, this is one decoration that will be enjoyed year after year, for the entire month of December. Happy counting!

Black Friday Goodness from Uppercase Living!

2011-11-24T11:54:00.001-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving to one and all! I hope you'll spend the day celebrating with loved ones and eating your fill of wonderful food. As you recover from the gluttony and start thinking ahead to tomorrow's shopping (or tonight's, if you're really dedicated), know that Uppercase Living has its own Black Friday Door Busters in store for you. The only thing is, with our door busters, you don't have to leave your house when it's still dark out and fight crowds of rabid shoppers for the deals. They're all on my website and you can shop from the comfort of your own couch, or even bed!

Our great deals will start at 4 a.m. Pacific time and go until 9 a.m. During that time you will save 50% on all Blume jewelry on pages 17 and 18 of our catalog, including our most expensive item, the gorgeous Out On A Limb necklace.Quantities on these items are very limited so do shop early.

You will also save on all Grande Format items on pages 72 and 73 of our Idea Catalog. This includes both styles of headboards, our most popular trees (perfect for family trees) and much more. You can see lots of photos of the possibilities for these designs in my Facebook album. Here's just one example.

Finally, all orders placed tomorrow will automatically receive this bonus sheet of Christmas designs absolutely FREE!!!! This is in addition to any FREE items you can choose when your order reaches $60, $80, or $100.

Add low flat rate shipping of just $5.95 and you've got great deals galore!

If you'd like to take advantage of any of these deals but want to sleep in really late, just email me your order and payment information and I'll place it for you. Can you say the same for the big box store with the long lines?

So enjoy family, friends and good food today. And enjoy sleeping in, hassle free shopping, and great savings tomorrow morning. Happy Thanksgiving.

Eeeeeeek!! It's A Freeeeeee Gift for Halloweeeeen!

2011-09-27T14:04:00.001-07:00

Just in time for Halloween, Uppercase Living has a new FREE gift for you! If you place an order of $50 or more by September 29, you will receive this fun expression in your choice of Pumpkin Spice or Whipped Creme as your FREE gift! And if your order reaches $60, $80 or $100 you'll get to choose even more FREE items from our September monthly choices.

Shown here on a front door, it's the perfect thing to greet your trick-or-treaters. This expression would be just as cute on our Vintage Embossed Metal Board so you can use it from year to year. I also love the idea of putting it on the back of your car and taking your Halloween spirits on the road.

To get yours simply place your order of $50 or more on my website before Thursday night. You'll automatically be prompted to choose your free gift. If you wait too long, though, the offer will vanish like Dracula at dawn. Happy Haunting!

Something New is in BLUME!

2011-09-26T10:56:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I posted here. When I go a long time between posts, it's usually for one of two reasons. Either life got crazy and I just couldn't make it here, or there is something so big that I can't find the words to tell you about it adequately. In this case, it's the latter (though life sure is crazy around here). On Sept. 1 Uppercase Living launched a brand new product line and it's taken me this long to post because there is a lot to say.

Our new line, called Blume, is a unique collection of personal, sentimental, unique and beautiful jewelry. That's right, I said jewelry! I'm sure you're wondering how jewelry fits in with Uppercase Living's home decor offerings. After all, aren't we a vinyl company? That's exactly what I thought when I first heard about Blume. I just didn't see the connection at first. That has definitely changed.

Uppercase Living's motto is Live A Life Inspired. From our customers, to hostesses to demonstrators and home office staff, the company seeks to uplift and inspire on a daily basis. This has always been the case with our vinyl expressions. Now, with Blume, you can take your inspiration with you. The pieces are all designed with a story, a message, or a feeling in mind. There are pieces that can be personalized with letters or numbers, embellishment charms with inspiring messages, monograms and symbols and even a bracelet that you can embellish with included vinyl designs (the photo actually shows the blank bracelet with a vinyl vine on it). Sweet birthstones keep your loved ones close to your heart. There are even products designed to help the world by giving back both at home and internationally.

You might be wondering where this leaves our vinyl offerings. It leaves them in great shape, judging by our brand new Holiday Mini Catalog. It is full of fun and meaningful ideas for the holidays from Halloween through New Year's. UL has done a fantastic job with this one and our vinyl products continue to impress.

As a testament to UL's commitment to us demonstrators, they have made it so easy for us to add Blume jewelry to our offerings. We have separate catalogs but combine both product lines to maximize orders and party sales. By combining the two, our customers get more free gifts and Double Up Rewards, and our hostesses also benefit by earning more FREE products from bigger parties. They can use their hostess benefits on either product line and get some of each. New demonstrators can choose whether they want to focus on our traditional vinyl, Blume jewelry, or both, like me.

So there you have it: 6 weeks of pondering since my last post to tell you this exiting news. I encourage you to take a look at Blume and see what about it inspires you. You're also welcome to come to my upcoming Open House and try on some pieces in person. I'll be sharing more stories about this unique line here in the future and of course, photos on my Facebook page. But for now, take a look at the following video and get ready to BLUME with Uppercase Living.

Back to School With Uppercase Living: Getting Your Greek On

2011-08-08T01:19:00.000-07:00

Every year, it seems Back To School time comes earlier and earlier. As my kids grow and my circle of friends expands, I'm realizing that "Back to School" means different things to different people. For me, it means buying jeans and sneakers and wondering about school lunches and kindergarten schedules, while adjusting to having a middle schooler for the first time. For my neighbor who works at home, it means the last few days of the countdown he started on the last day of school. And for others, it means dropping their babies off at dormitories and frat houses, saying "good bye" until their kids come home for Thanksgiving break.

For many, many young people, the college experience goes hand in hand with Sorority and Fraternity life. Students in the Greek system love to wear their letters with pride. It's on their clothing and jewelry...and now it can go on their walls and so many other places.

One of the best kept secrets about Uppercase Living is that we have the entire Greek alphabet in a range of sizes and all of our great colors. One of our smart Senior Directors took full advantage of this when she dropped her daughter off at the Pi Beta Phi house at the University of Kentucky this weekend by applying a variety of colorful expressions.

The main installation is the Sorority's letters that you see above. Of course, all college students need a memo board on their doors for notes from roommates and friends who stop by. So our Pi Phi got an Uppercase Living dry erase Erasable with a frame and again, the same Greek letters from the wall, in a much smaller size.

Throughout their history, the women of Pi Phi have been associated with Angels, so Mom chose an Angel expression for above her daughter's bed in a color that perfectly complements the fun bedding.

On the adjoining wall, she created a custom expression about angels using two different fonts. Our vinyl lettering is the perfect solution for these walls because at the end of the year, the letters can be simply removed without causing any damage to the painted surface underneath.

Of course, doors and walls aren't the only places that can be adorned with those Greek letters. Think water bottles, cars, bikes or scooters, mirrors, and all those gifts for little sisters!

If your college student isn't in a sorority or fraternity, you can still send some lettering to school to decorate their dorm rooms and apartments. Keep your focus on the home team, school colors and lots of Erasables (stay tuned for a post on how Erasables can make going back to school a little easier).
Regardless of what kind of lettering you and your student choose to decorate with, it will add an element of fun, school pride and most important of all, a subtle reminder that someone at home is thinking about that student with love. Who knows? It might even motivate them to call home once in a while!

Thanks to Uppercase Living Senior Director Felicia Garrett for sharing these photos of her daughter's room.

FREE Expression Creates Cute Thanksgiving Project

2011-08-05T09:00:00.000-07:00

Before you send me a nasty email about posting a Thanksgiving project in August, take a look at this fun idea. It's just too cute not to share right away. Besides, the expression you see here can be yours FREE with a qualifying order or party during August.

Without getting too sentimental or philosophical, I ardently believe that gratitude should be expressed daily, and I try to get my kids into that important habit. I loved our Gratitude Tree in last year's Holiday Catalog (psst...don't tell, I still haven't taken mine down). This little project can encourage your family to do just that, not just during Thanksgiving but throughout the year.

Making this little project is easy:

You'll need your expression which you can get FREE with a qualifying order in August, a pre-drilled MDF Foundations board (isn't it great that they now come painted?), and 7 clothespins. The clothespins in the photo have been dyed different colors with fabric dye. You could also dye them all the same color or cover them with scrapbook paper. Another option would be to use our Vintage Knobs or Metal Hooks and hang the little notes of gratitude with yarn or pretty ribbon. If you're using clothespins, glue them to your board to with wood glue, hot glue or glue dots. When the glue is dry you can clip little notes right to the board.

To purchase the Uppercase Living lettering and Foundations board for this project, just contact me or visit my website. Don't forget to send me a photo of your finished project.

August Project of the Month: Keep Calm and Carry On

2011-08-04T01:34:00.000-07:00

A new catalog brings with it lots of new options for monthly project ideas. One of my favorite new expressions inspires this month's: a prepainted (thank you crafting Gods) square Foundations board adorned with this simple instruction: Keep Calm and Carry On. You may have seen this message on posters or other items in trendy boutiques recently. It's based on a British poster designed in 1939 during World War I. For me, it serves as a daily reminder to not lose my mind and continue with the 3,000 or so items on my to-do list. It really is a good message to embrace. You can get both the board and the lettering, in the color of your choice, for just under $31. I think this is a perfect back to school gift for teachers, or a great gift for anyone with a high stress job. Keep in mind that the expression also comes in a smaller size, which would be perfect for the inside of a locker, as a little hidden reminder inside a kitchen cabinet, or even on the back of your car.

To learn more about the history of this unique expression, check out the Wikipedia entry. And, of course, to order your August monthly project, keep calm and contact me.

Our Brand New Catalog Has Arrived!!!!

2011-07-30T22:14:00.000-07:00

Last week, at our annual convention at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas, Uppercase Living finally revealed the brand new vinyl catalog that we've all been waiting impatiently for. It is now available for you to page through on my website. All the new expressions are also there for you to browse or search. There is just too much good stuff for me to detail individually here. But here are some of the highlights to whet your appetite. Hostesses always get free catalogs, so contact me to schedule your party and I'll get one out to you ASAP. And now, here's the scoop:

Brand new color: This year's new color is Mustard Seed. It's a deep yellow that is not only decor-friendly, but the perfect shade for softballs and water polo balls for all those sports teams. I think it will look particularly beautiful on darker walls and/or paired with Navy, Slate Gray (a very on-trend combination right now) or Vintage Bordeaux.

Tons of new expressions: I love our new expressions. So many beautiful sentiments with more contemporary fonts and styling; sweet, fun, romantic, serious and playful; always with the most important undertone being home, family and the activities that bond us together. There are so many inspirational words for your walls. Here's one of my favorites:

Big Changes on Accessories: You'll notice that our Accessories section has been streamlined. The MDF Foundations boards all now come painted white!! There's a gorgeous new Vintage Embossed Metal Board in Berry, which previously had just been a seasonal item. Best news of all: lower prices on all Frameworks!!

New Grande Format Designs: These versatile designs continue to be popular. Among the botanicals and other designs are my favorite: headboards! Over the years I've designed many headboard replacements for customers who just couldn't have the real thing. Now I can add two actual headboard designs to the options. Here is the wrought iron look:

12 New Fonts: The choices in creating your own vinyl lettering designs are greater than ever with the introduction of 12 new fun, contemporary, classy, versatile and gorgeous fonts. Which do you like best?

A Brand New Hostess Rewards Plan: Our new, simplified hostess rewards plan gives you more FREE and half price products than ever before when you host a fun Uppercase Living party. Every hostess with a qualifying party gets at least 2 half price items in addition to her FREE products. Plus, you'll earn FREE products based on every single dollar your guests spend at your party. More goodies for you! As my calendar fills with hostesses wanting to share the new catalog with their friends, party dates will be more difficult to fine. I'd love to schedule yours!

Fun New Additions to Erasables: We love our Chalk Walls because they come in handy in so many ways. Plus they are just so much fun! The new Value Pack is perfect for organizing any space, from a pantry to a craft room to a garage...and more! Our Chalk Markers are now available in red and blue. And guess what else:

I can't wait to share more ideas for this fun and versatile product with you. Look for my "Back to School With Chalk Wall" post soon.

Returning Favorites: To celebrate Uppercase Living's 5th anniversary, some customer favorites have been brought out of retirement and back to our new catalog. You'll be able to find them all with the special logo throughout the catalog. Here's one I love that is not only cute for a bathroom but perfect for a dental office:

Those are just some of the highlights of this fantastic new catalog. Others include leopard print, the Serenity Prayer, owls, lots of great clocks and so much more. Once again, the possibilities for lettering and design are virtually unlimited. I would love the opportunity to help you create a uniquely personalized space with our products. Design and consultation services are always FREE and you can even earn your products FREE when you host a party. Just let me know how I can help you. And if you love working with me, I would appreciate your referrals. I consider them the highest form of praise. I look forward to working with all of you and sharing the great new products in this catalog, and many many more new things with you.

Summer Splash Ends Today!

2011-07-15T00:00:00.000-07:00

It's finally here: the last day of Summer Splash. The last day to Buy 2, Get 1 FREE. Your last opportunity to get Hermione FREE when you buy Harry and Ron. Your final day to create an awesome word cloud and get a third of it FREE. The .... hmmm, www.thesaurus.com isn't inspiring me with any other synonyms. Hopefully, though, you get the picture. Today is the last day of our fantastic Buy 2, Get 1 FREE special. There is definitely time for you to get your orders in. I will be available throughout the day morning and afternoon tomorrow for anyone who needs help. You can also order all day on my website. Just make sure you place your order by 11 PM Pacific Time to take advantage of the Buy 2, Get 1 Free special. Or the Buy 6, get 2 free. Or Buy 9, get 3 FREE...

Rotate Your Way Into Great Design

2011-07-13T01:36:00.000-07:00

Have you heard? There is a whole new way to create custom expressions in MyDesign Suite. The brand new Rotation Tool is giving me all kinds of ideas and I wanted to share a few of them with you. With the popularity of subway art, and word clouds like the ones on Wordle, I've been wanting to play with some custom designs made of multiple words within a theme for a while. However, without the ability to rotate individual elements, the MyDesign suite on my website just couldn't produce an accurate preview of what it would look like with our products. Fortunately, that is no longer the case.

Inspired by some of my colleagues, today I created this design as a possible addition to our home. While I still need to find the perfect spot for it, I am absolutely in love with this concept. I love how personal I can make the design, using all of our names as well as our anniversary (which we refer to as our family's birthday). Of course, the mix of colors and fonts is just a taste o what's possible with our products. The most fun part is how easy it was to rotate the words "love" and "Julia."

With my kids still on my mind, I created a couple more designs, ~~because it's so much fun~~ in the interest of research.

What's great about these designs is that they are quite affordable and can be created to fit any space and budget. Right now, they are even easier on the wallet because of Buy 2, Get 1 FREE. In the "brothers" design, for example, 3 of the sections are FREE!

There are so many different ways to use this great design concept. Here are just a few:

In a kitchen with cooking words such as bake, chop, mix, stir, etc.
Repeat the same word in multiple languages. Good ones would be love, welcome or family.
As wall art for a beach cottage or mountain cabin.
As a wedding gift with the couple's names, wedding date and either romantic words or words that are meaningful to the bride and groom.
In a photography studio as a backdrop for family pictures.
As contemporary church decor with words of faith.
In a dental office with gentle reminders such as brush, floss, don't chew ice, and more.

There is still time to save on your perfect design; Summer Splash and Buy 2, Get 1 FREE go on through July 15. Start playing around with the MyDesign suite and create some individualized artwork or send me a list of words you'd like incorporated in your design and I'll create it for you. Either way, don't miss out on the great savings. It's so exciting to share with you yet one more way Uppercase Living personalizes and beautifies your life.

How Big Is Harry Potter?

2011-07-01T23:38:00.000-07:00

The closer we get to the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2, the more the excitement builds for our exclusive Harry Potter Photo Prints. There have been some questions about their size, so this video should give you a good reference point. You'll notice that each contour cut Photo Print also comes with a contour cut movie title.

Watch carefully and see if you can figure out which movie character is not actually a Photo Print.

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Don't forget, you can get a FREE print when you buy 2 others before July 15.

A Note About Joining Uppercase Living

2011-06-28T23:18:00.000-07:00

Part of what I do as an Uppercase Living demonstrator is mentor and support others who begin their own UL businesses. I love this part of my job. It's so much fun to hear the excitement in a new demonstrator's voice as she realizes the possibilities are with this amazing company. I love hearing the different reasons people decide this is what they need to do: to help their families financially, to earn enough for a new car payment or family vacation, to do something fun and creative as a break from a mentally grueling full-time job, to fill the time when the kids are finally all at school, or to get away from the kids and spend some time with adults. The reasons are as diverse as the individuals who have joined our company in the last five years.

As Uppercase Living celebrates its 5th anniversary this year, we demonstrators anticipate a whole new level of innovation and growth. Just this week, UL has announced an unprecedented product, the Harry Potter Photo Prints , our first foray into licensed images, along with a new patented adhesive. Clearly, Uppercase Living is looking to the future and it looks pretty bright! No wonder that each day we get to welcome new demonstrators from all over the U.S. and Canada to our company.

But now, for the first time, Uppercase Living will undergo a freeze on new demonstrator sign-ups from July 1 to July 25. This is necessary as UL gets ready to roll out some exciting changes which will be announced at our upcoming annual convention. Anyone who joins before then will be able to conduct business as usual throughout the freeze period. In fact, there is a benefit for signing up now. However, if you'd like to join my team but don't do it before June 30, you'll have to wait until the freeze is lifted on July 26.

I always advise anyone who approaches me about joining Uppercase Living to do it when the time is right for her or him. This time, however, I'm saying "Don't wait. Do it now!" There are definite benefits to joining before the freeze begins and I'd be happy to discuss them with you personally. Like I said, each person I talk to has a different set of reasons for joining and questions before she makes her decision. Let's talk about yours!

Calling All Witches and Wizards. Muggles, This Is Not For You!

2011-06-27T17:51:00.000-07:00

Like so many of you out there, I am a big fan of the Harry Potter books. I discovered them the summer my daughter was born, while I spent endless hours holding a sleeping baby (the little stinker would NOT sleep in her crib). I quickly caught up and waited anxiously for each subsequent book to be released. Each time I'd disappear for a few days until I finished the book. They are extraordinary. Now, I'm looking forward to sharing the books with that same baby who caused me to get hooked on them, since she turns 11 next week and is at that perfect Harry Potter age.

Knowing how many of you also love Harry, I'm so excited about Uppercase Living's exclusive release of Harry Potter Photo Prints, larger than life vinyl decals of Harry, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger! Just in time for the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2, these are going to be fantastic for your favorite Potter fan, not to mention perfect party decor!

Each is 47" high and features a new, patented adhesive that is strong but still gentle on your walls, making the prints removable and reusable! This will make them an ideal choice for dorm rooms and apartments, even office cubicles! Their size will blow any traditional poster right out of a the water!

The Harry Potter Photo Prints are available for a limited time for only $49.95 each. However, if you order them before July 15, you can use our amazing Buy 2, Get 1 FREE Summer Splash special and get your third one FREE. No need to choose your favorite, because you can get a complete set! And if you order all three, you'll also receive 2 of our monthly bonus expressions FREE as well! No need to hit your stash of gold at Gringotts; this offer is magically affordable!

Getting your Harry Potter Photo Prints is almost as easy as waving a wand. You won't need any Floo powder, or magic spells. You won't even need a promotion code! Just send me an email or visit my website and search for Harry Potter. Don't wait too long, though, because on August 31 the Harry Potter Photo Prints will disappear. And unlike Dumbledore's Phoenix, they won't reappear once they're gone. Place your order now, and while you wait for Hedwig (or your UPS man, if you live in a Muggle neighborhood) to bring it, enjoy this trailer for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2

Tricky Installation? Try this Quick Release Technique!

2011-06-21T22:54:00.000-07:00

One of the questions I get asked most often is "Will Uppercase Living vinyl work on my textured walls?" The answer is definitely "YES!" You can definitely put our expressions on textured surfaces, but you might run into a little bit of a challenge when it's time to remove the transfer paper. Here is one technique that will help you if that happens:

Another technique? Give me a call and I'll help you through it! Simple.

Inspired By Papa: A Legacy to Live By

2011-06-06T23:42:00.000-07:00

Isn't Facebook great? Where else can you read you friends' horoscopes, see where they had lunch, get a feel for their political views and see picture after picture of their kids, not to mention tend a farm, fight zombies and mobsters and get poked? Now, I'm as big a Facebook junkie as you'll find out there, but I pride myself on my ability to, ahem, skim my News Feed, glossing over most of the silly stuff. Once in a while though, I'll see something that stops me right in my tracks. That's what happened when my friend Kerry posted this photo of a note her late father carried in his wallet every day.

Wow.

I was struck at the depth and simplicity of these words. What an amazing code to live by. And what a tremendous legacy for Kerry's father, affectionately known as Papa to his grandchildren, to have left behind.

I asked Kerry's permission to play around with her dad's words and try to create a custom Uppercase Living design that would adequately convey their great meaning. I felt, as special as these words are, they would make a beautiful focal point in the family home, serving as a unique reminder of Papa. I came up with this design:

I'm not sure my design does justice to the original note. Maybe Papa's name should be added somewhere. Another idea would be to create a Photo Print from a scan of the note, with Papa's own handwriting. There is so much that can be done with an item this special: surround the words with Photo Prints of the grandchildren; create multiple copies of this expression so each of Papa's children can have one in their home; make a smaller version that can be framed along with a photo of Kerry's dad, and more. I just love the idea of these special words becoming part of the home, and keeping Papa's words and wisdom alive for his family every day.

Next time you're on Facebook reading through the canned status updates, the YouTube videos and the gross jokes, slow down a little. You just might find a gem like I did.

Thanks to Kerry and her family for sharing her father's words and allowing me to share them here with you.

June Project of the Month: Patriotic Coasters for July 4th

2011-06-06T12:11:00.000-07:00

Even though it's cold and drizzling here today, summer is definitely on the way. It is by far my favorite season and I'm looking forward to kicking it off with fireworks and BBQs on the 4th of July. The perfect accessory for those celebrations on the 4th is this month's special Project: a set of patriotic coasters custom designed just for the day. Of course, you can get a couple of sets so that everyone has a place to set down those cold drinks. But if you happen to be a guest, and not a host, for the 4th, these are the perfect hostess gift for you to take. These are also a terrific year-round gift for any of our wonderful military families or anyone who loves being an American.

This project kit includes the set of 4 plain glass coasters, 4 star embellishments and the words God Bless The USA perfectly sized to fit each coaster. The words will come mirror imaged, to be applied them to the bottom of the coaster. It will read perfectly, but the top of your coaster will be smooth because all of the vinyl will be underneath. Just apply the word first, then the star.

Tip: To help with a smoother installation, use Mistick application solution and the wet installation method.

The best part about this month's project is that the entire kit qualifies for Buy 2 Get 1 FREE! You'll be able to get each kit for $27.50 (plus tax and S&H), a 25% savings!

If you'd like to get together a group of friends to make these coasters at a project party, I'm happy to come over and help. Just contact me to set the date. Your friends will also get the Buy 2, Get 1 FREE special on the coasters and anything else they purchase. And you might just earn yourself some FREE products just for hosting.

Whether you give this month's project as a gift or keep it for yourself, it's sure to be enjoyed for many and at many BBQs to come. And don't worry, mustard will wipe right off!

Summer Splash Savings are Back!

2011-06-04T15:09:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again! I don't know who's more excited: me, because I can't wait to share all the Summer Splash news with my customers and hostesses, or my customers who are going to snatch up the great deals. Without further ado, here are the details of this year's Summer Splash:

Buy Two, Get One FREE!
From June 6 to July 15, receive one item FREE for every two your purchase. It's just that simple. The least expensive item of the three is FREE. My customers have always LOVED this special. It's such a great time to stock up on initials, accessories and holiday expressions. It is absolutely perfect for anyone planning a wedding, Bar/Bat Mitzvah or other special event. The savings apply to absolutely everything we offer: catalog designs, custom expressions, iron-on vinyl, Mini Catalog kits, foundations and accessories, Photo Prints, and everything else! There's no price limit, either. For every 3 items you purchase, the least expensive will be yours FREE!!! This is a deal you won't want to keep to yourself. In fact, you're better off sharing the news at your very own Uppercase Living party, because...

Hostesses Get BONUS Rewards
I love spoiling my hostesses and giving them all the FREE and discounted products I possibly can. Our Summer Splash Hostess special allows me to do just that. During this limited promotion period hostesses earn FREE rewards as a percentage of every dollar spent at their parties.

The more your guests order, the higher your percentage of rewards can be. And don't forget, you get additional exclusive FREE expressions and a bonus half price item for each party that your guests schedule.

I've made some extra time available on my calendar so every hostess that wants to take advantage of all of these great rewards can do so. Don't wait too long to schedule your party because I know my calendar will fill up fast.

Tips for Two-Part Expressions

2011-06-03T10:21:00.000-07:00

I love our two-part expressions! The second layer always adds more interest, color and fun. They can be a little tricky to install, however. Here's a video with three tips to help you line up the handy registration marks when you apply a two-part expressions. As always, feel free to contact me for additional installation help.

Getting Started with Uppercase Living

2011-06-02T09:18:00.000-07:00

When I introduce people to Uppercase Living for the first time, they often tell me that there are so many options that they don't know where to start. So I thought I'd post some FAQs here to help all of you get started, too.

1. What is Uppercase Living lettering made of?

All of our products are made of vinyl. Our matte vinyl, like in the photo above, is designed to look hand-painted. Our Decorative and Photo Prints are made of a thicker vinyl. All of our products are completely removable but only Decorative and Photo Prints can be successfully reapplied.

2. What surfaces can I apply your products to?

Our vinyl goes on just about any surface! Of course it goes on walls, even when they are textured. But you can also put it on glass, mirrors, fabric, canvas, wood, plastic, tile, cars, frames, furniture, metal, and more! It does not work well with oil paint or paint with a sand or suede texture mixed right into it. It is also recommended for application over a proper paint job, preferably with primer, that has been rolled, not sprayed on. Builders' grade paint which has a high water content does not typically work well with our products. If you are applying your expression to a freshly painted wall, we recommend waiting 2-3 weeks for the paint to completely cure before applying the vinyl.

3. You have so many choices. Where do I start?

Our tremendous variety is what makes our products appear as if they were custom designed just for you. With so many options, it can be difficult to pick just a couple. My recommendation is for my customers to start with one room, wall or small project to begin with. As you become more familiar with the products, you will find it easier to work on larger spaces and focus your choices.

4. Is UL vinyl difficult to install?

NO!!! Our products have been designed so that our customers can easily apply them without special tools or expertise. Your order will come with a Transfer Tool to help you install, and later, remove your expression along with detailed instructions.You will find installation information help and tips right here and my website also has instructional videos to help you. When a project is just too large for you to handle alone, I am available to help!

5. There are so many things I want. Do you offer a discount plan?

YES! We have several ways to help you get more product for less money. First, each time your personal order reaches $50, $75 or $100, you will earn a FREE expression from several choices that change each month. When your order reaches $200, you will become eligible to earn FREE and discounted product of your choice. But you can also earn FREE and discounted items without spending a penny: simply host a casual get together where I can come and show your friends how our products can transform their homes. As your guests' orders increase, so will the amount of FREE product you earn. Online or catalog parties are also possible.

6. I absolutely love your products. How can I get involved with this business?

Uppercase Living offers a fun, flexible and profitable business opportunity that is also very affordable. Whether you want to join UL for a fun hobby, flexible part time income, or full time career, there is a way for you to reap the many benefits we offer. Contact me now to find out more.

While there is so much more to Uppercase Living than I can cover here, I hope these FAQs have given you a good introduction to our wonderful products. If there is a topic that I haven't covered, simply leave a comment and I'll post more information.

More Great News for Canadian Customers, Hostesses and Demonstrators

2011-05-18T15:21:00.000-07:00

It's all good news from Uppercase Living for those of you north of the border. Responding to requests from our Canadian demonstrators, UL recently revamped our production and shipping process for orders headed to Canada. This has resulted in faster shipping times across the board, not just for Canadian orders but for those in the States as well.

What's more, our demonstrators in Canada have been doing a fantastic job getting the word out about UL. But there's so much more room for growth! Uppercase Living is only a five year old company and has been doing business in Canada for far less than that. Imagine the tremendous opportunity that's waiting for anyone who wants to grab it and create unlimited success!

This month's FREE SHIPPING special makes it a particularly good time to place your UL order. Not only will you benefit from the faster shipping times, but you won't spend a cent on shipping. And if you'd like to be among those successful Canadian demonstrators who are representing Uppercase Living, earning an extra income and having a lot of fun to boot, consider joining my team and getting your new business off the ground. There's so much more great news to come from Uppercase Living. You won't regret taking advantage of our great opportunity, but you might regret letting it get away.

Tips & Tricks for Specialty Vinyl

2011-05-09T22:32:00.000-07:00

One of the things that sets Uppercase Living far above our competition is our large variety of color choices. Our expressions come in 39 colors of matte interior vinyl, many of them exclusive to our company. But our matte vinyl is just the beginning of our color story. We also offer several types of specialty colors and finishes. Here are some descriptions and tips for each type to help you make an informed choice next time you place an order:

METALLIC VINYL - Just like our matte interior vinyl, the color of our metallic vinyl goes all the way through. It is applied the same and "behaves" the same. There is no additional charge for metallic colors.

SHIMMER VINYL - Shimmer Vinyl has separate color and shimmer layers. It is not the same color all the way through and therefore cannot be manufactured in a mirror image. Shimmer Vinyl is a little more delicate than our standard matte vinyl and requires a bit of a gentle touch; it is easier to accidentally stretch out during installation, so be careful pulling off the transfer tape. There is an additional charge for Shimmer Vinyl.

ETCHED GLASS - Our Etched Glass color has been consistently popular since it was introduced. It has a stronger bond than our standard matte vinyl and is therefore not recommended for painted surfaces. We do recommend using Mistick wet application solution for applying Etched Glass (and all our vinyl) to glass and other nonporous surfaces. An additional charge applies to Etched Glass expressions.


Etched Glass embellishments applied to drinking glasses.

PREMIUM BOND - This is the unsung hero of our color palette. Premium Bond vinyl is intended to withstand most weather conditions, making it a perfect choice for outdoor use (think mailboxes, store windows, and signs). It is considered a permanent addition and definitely not intended for painted surfaces. The stronger adhesive will likely take some paint with it when it is removed. However, you might just decide to use it on one of our Foundations pieces because of its glossy finish. There is no additional charge for Premium Bond.

Of course, I am always available to help you choose just the right type of vinyl for your project. Don't hesitate to contact me to brainstorm how using Uppercase Living specialty vinyl can help your vision come to life.

Canada Update - A Year Later

2011-05-08T14:18:00.000-07:00

It's been just over a year since Uppercase Living expanded north into Canada, so I thought it might a good time for an update on how it's been going. The news is great!

Not only did Canadian sign-ups outpace American when the opportunity became available, we now have Canadian demonstrators promoting as high as Director with several who have Senior Director in their sights.
As all Canadian orders are calculated in U.S. dollars, the current exchange rate favors Canadians. What a deal!
Our current FREE SHIPPING special saves Canadian customers even more money than Americans. If you're in Canada, don't miss out on this great deal!
There is virtually an entire country's worth of opportunity available for anyone who joins Uppercase Living right now. But unlike the beginning of our Canadian business, there are also successful demonstrators there who can share knowledge, information and support to anyone starting out.

For anyone in Canada who joins my team now, it really is the best of all worlds: a great product, with very little competition; free shipping for customers; amazing upline and corporate support; untapped opportunity and a great deal on the Business Builders Starter Kit. To learn more about how you can join this fabulous company and get your business off the ground whether in the U.S. or Canada, contact me now.

Free Shipping!!

2011-05-05T08:58:00.000-07:00

Another month and another great special from Uppercase Living. This month, all customer orders will come with FREE SHIPPING! For those of you who order on my website, this is a minimum savings of $7.95. The savings are even greater for my customers and hostesses in Canada. In fact, Canadians, this is the best time yet to host an online party to get free shipping for your guests and free product for yourselves. There's no promotion code to remember; the savings are applied automatically.

Add to that our hostess special of at least $70 in FREE product and 2 half price items and you have a great month in the making. I have plenty of available party dates and can also do online parties anywhere in the country. So get out your calendar and your wish list and let me help you get everything on it for FREE!

May Project of the Month: A Double Duty Graduation Gift

2011-05-03T10:26:00.000-07:00

Maybe it's because I'm a little wistful at the thought of my daughter graduating 5th grade and my son graduating preschool, but this month's project kind of calls out to me. I can see it used in so many different ways. As shown, it's a perfect personal gift or centerpiece for a graduation party. The colors can match school colors and you can change the name or leave it off altogether. But what's great about this design is that it's been applied to our Vintage Round Embossed Metal Charger so that it doubles as a magnetic photo board, too. It's a great, lightweight graduation gift that can go to college or a new apartment and hold memories from Senior year (or Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings, in the case of my son).
This same expression (or any of our other graduation expressions) can also be used with our Square Charger. Not only would it give a different look, but party guests can sign it with a permanent marker, such as a Sharpie, as a lasting keepsake for the guest of honor.

June holds not only graduations but also Father's Day, and this idea would be also be a perfect gift for Dad or Grandpa. Magnets make it easy to change out photos so there's always a fresh batch of family pictures on display. Or, if you choose the Square Charger, the kids can each write a message on it.

Of course, either of these designs would be a perfect teacher's gift. They can also be modified for bridal showers and weddings, two more of spring's big celebrations. However you modify these designs for your needs, keep in mind that all orders receive FREE SHIPPING this month. I'd love to help you create the ideal design for each of your spring occasions. Enjoy this month's project and share your ideas here too!

All About Argyle

2011-05-03T09:06:00.000-07:00

Ever since the Preppies were taking over the world in the early 80s, I've loved argyle patterns (preferably in dove gray and baby pink, but that's just me). I find them classic and timeless but also contemporary and fun when the scale or colors are updated. All these years later, argyle is still a popular pattern in fashion and decorating. Its neat, linear pattern makes it a good choice for borders, but hand painting an argyle border requires stencils, two different size brushes, numerous steps, mess, clean up, a steady hand and a LOT of patience.

Luckily, there's an easier way. Uppercase Living borders are among our best kept secrets. Available in various sizes and all of our colors, our borders also come with registration marks to make lining them up for a seamless look foolproof. As you can see in the following photos, our 2-part argyle border can look tailored, bold, or fun and easily fit into any decor.

In this photo, the border is used to cover the seam where the two paint colors meet. Its dark tone ties in with the bedding and makes this an ideal look for either a masculine or feminine space.

In the photo above, the argyle colors also tie in with the bedding, but the pattern is placed a bit higher on a solid color wall. Not only does this draw the eye up, but it also fills a space where a headboard would be. The vibrant color makes a traditional pattern look fresh and contemporary.

Here, the argyle is in a larger scale and has been placed above the chair rail. Adding some black to this room grounds the color scheme and ties in with the chair. The size makes it a good choice for a bold kids' space.
However you decide to use it, you'll love the ease and simplicity of applying your argyle border. Think of all the money you'll save on paint, wallpaper, or redoing your drywall because you got so frustrated trying to get your lines straight that you punched a hole through it.

Decorative Tip: Argyles aren't just for walls. Add them to accessories in the space to tie the wall border together with the rest of the room. You can put them on lamp shades, windows, frames, closet doors, mirrors and furniture. If you want to take your argyle with you, you can even put it on your laptop.

Installation Tip: The following video will teach you how to apply your border precisely and easily. View more helpful videos on a variety of topics on my website.

Score One For The Teacher!

2011-04-20T18:24:00.000-07:00

After years of tying shoelaces, catching passed notes and hearing lame excuses, the teachers finally have their day! With our brand-new (and very limited) special offer, the teacher can exact revenge by offering up his or her own lame excuse: My Dog Ate My Lesson Plan. Take that!

Is this kit not the cutest gift for your favorite teacher? The 6x6 expression comes in Robin's Egg and you'll have your choice of an Artichoke (shown above), Creme, or Cocoa Mini Punched Tile with a coordinating ribbon. The best part? The whole thing is only $9.95. The other best part? The Spring Fever 20% discount can also be used on this kit! At that price, you can get one for every teacher, not just your favorites! I love that with the end of the school year coming up, Uppercase Living has provided a kit that is fun, different and so affordable.

Make your gift do double duty by adding a "Well-Behaved Women Rarely Make History" expression to the back for just a few dollars more. But remember, this kit is very limited in quantity so don't wait to order yours. In fact, I'll be placing an order for these tomorrow morning for my local customers; I'd be happy to add yours to it and assemble it for you as well.

For those of you who order this as a gift, here's some homework: after you give this finished set, come back here and post what your lucky teacher said about it. Please use complete sentences.

Not For The Well-Behaved

2011-04-16T01:26:00.000-07:00

Well-Behaved Women Rarely Make History

Think fast. Who does this expression remind you of? I can think of so many awesome women I know who broke the rules and were better off for it. These women may be brave, stubborn, loud, or a little rough around the edges. What they aren't is well behaved. Not content to smile and watch the world go by, they are passionate and jump into any task with fists flying.

Uppercase Living is celebrating these ladies with their latest special release. Available in any of our 50 colors, it's the perfect size (about 4" x 5") to put on a locker, laptop, mirror, frame or so may other places. The best part of this expression is the price: it's just $7.95 but it's eligible for our 20% April promotion and you can even use the $5 coupon you received if you made a purchase in February or March. There is no limit to how many you can order, but the 20% discount is only good this month. You can pair the expression with one of accessories to make a complete gift or accent for your own home or office. Here are some ideas:

Get one of these for your favorite rule-breaking friend. You know, the one who's just a little more bad-ass than the rest of the girls.
Did your mom or grandma face some particularly difficult challenges in her life? Get this as a perfect Mother's Day gift to honor the ones who didn't behave well and made a different in your life. Order by April 25 to guarantee delivery by Mother's Day

Do you know a Mom who's dealing with a particularly feisty toddler daughter? Get this for her as a reminder that her stubborn baby girl may just grow up to be a successful, history-making rule breaker.

Send off those graduates with one of these great reminders. You can even choose the expression in one of their school colors. Put it on an acrylic block filled with quarters for laundry or a stash of emergency candy.

However you decide to design your gift, don't forget that all accessories are also 20% off this month when you use the code SPRINGFEVER. However you choose to display these great little decals, you'll love having them and you'll love saving so much on them even more. If you've got a unique idea or special person in mind for one of these, I'd love to have you comment and let us know about it.

Inspired by Erin: Marital Milestones

2011-04-08T21:44:00.000-07:00

My friend Erin has an uncanny ability to translate emotions into vinyl. A true UL pro, she has a way to turn the simplest words into the most meaningful designs (don't tell her I steal a bunch of them). A devoted wife and mom of 5 beautiful daughters, it's not surprising that most of her designs are inspired by her family.

As you know, one of the many reasons I love Uppercase Living is that our products allow you to express what's unique, personal and meaningful to you. There are no "cookie cutter" designs; you create what you love. With her latest design, Erin has taken this concept to the next level and created an actual history of the important dates in her marriage. The words in the above expression had been swirling in her mind for some time. She knew she wanted to use them in her bedroom but wasn't sure how. She finally hit on the idea of listing the milestone dates in her relationship with her husband - the day they met, got engaged, their anniversary and their daughters' birthdays, among others - and using them as a background for the design. It really doesn't get any more special than something so personal. The dates make me think of a secret code that only two can solve. This expression, measuring over 50 inches, will be a focal point in Erin's master bedroom and serve as a reminder of all that she and her husband have been through together.

As a record of a couple's relationship, this is an amazing anniversary gift. But the concept can be used in so many other ways. For example, as a wedding gift it can list the couple's engagement date and wedding date with room for more and the expression,"The best is yet to come." In a child's room, dates made up of small numbers can go up the wall vertically, creating a growth chart punctuated by the dates the child started walking, talking, etc. Imagine the dates as a border, encircling a room and evoking memories each time you glance at them. Or create a smaller version on our Vintage Embossed Metal Board using the kids' birthdays as a backdrop for a special Mother's Day gift.

Looking back on our relationships, there are those days that stay in our memories with crystal-clear clarity. Erin's design gives them their proper place: front and center, paired with a few simple words that convey a lifetime's worth of emotion.

April Project Of The Month: A Teacher's Gift With Class

2011-04-02T06:00:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited to tell you my latest news. Starting this April I will feature a different project each month. My vision for the Project of the Month is to offer you a complete kit that you can assemble to create a unique gift or home accent with little effort. I'll do the planning and the choosing. You just tell me how many you'd like and what color you'd like them in. It doesn't get much easier than that!

To kick off, I have a kit that you can use to create the ideal end-of-year gift for your kids' teachers Pictured here, your kit will come with our Square Frameworks in white and an exclusive expression for your favorite teacher. Even the ribbon is included (please note that you will receive white ribbon and not the pattern shown in the photo). You can choose the expression in the photo above, or customize it further with a different expression. How about "World's Greatest Teacher" or "Teachers Make the Little Ones Count?" Of course, you can also create a custom expression and include the teacher's name. The best part of this kit is that once assembled, you can have all of the students sign the frame with a permanent marker. The younger the students, the cuter their handwriting will be. And if they are a little older, they can add a personal note along with their name.

Psst, room moms: the other parents in class will love you for finding this fabulous gift. Not only is it customized and personal, but it's absolutely affordable. Our April 20% off special brings the cost of this kit to well under $50 (before tax and shipping charges). You'll probably have enough left in your budget for a gift card or a bouquet of flowers for the teacher.

You can contact me to order this month's kit or place your order directly on my website. Make sure to use the coupon code SPRINGFEVER to receive your 20% discount.

I hope you enjoy the new monthly Projects. I'd love to hear from you about what you'd like to see in the future. And I definitely want to hear how those lucky teachers like their gifts.

Customer Photos: Raquel's Inviting Home

2011-04-01T18:43:00.000-07:00

Those who are fortunate enough to get invited to my hostess, Raquel's, home might feel so welcome and at ease that they may never want to leave. If you're lucky, like I was when I went to do her Uppercase Living party in February, you'll be greeted by a sweet little girl even before you enter her home. She'll enchant you with her sing-songy voice as she leads you to the front door. Once inside you'll be welcomed by the beautiful Raquel and another, smaller, smiling little girl who clearly dotes on her big sister.

Raquel created this custom design to adorn the arched entry to her kitchen.

As you glance around Raquel's home, you notice the family photos first. Carefully arranged into attractive groupings, they showcase happy members of this close family. This is a home where there is no shortage of love.

There's also no shortage of style. The walls are painted in rich colors that are both trendy and elegant. The furniture is comfortable, attractive and perfectly accessorized. When you comment on how beautifully Raquel's home is decorated, she admits with a smile that that her husband, Jose, is actually the one with the eye for design. It seems like no detail was left missing, except for the finishing touch that Uppercase Living lettering adds to a room. Luckily, Raquel found me and added meaningful words to her home, unifying the look and expressing the emotion behind the decor.

The photos show you some of the expressions Raquel chose at her party. The custom "Mi Casa es Su Casa" (Spanish for "My house is your house." See, I told you her home is welcoming!) is directly across from her entry. What a lovely greeting for visitors to this bilingual home. A gorgeous portrait of Raquel and Jose is crowned by the romantic expression, "Every love story is beautiful, but ours is my favorite."

Of all the expressions Raquel chose, I think the most perfect for her home is the two-part "FAMILY where life begins and love never ends" placed above one of the family picture groupings. Notice that big A monogram? True to the decor in the rest of the home, it's right on-trend but personal at the same time.

It is such a treat for me to spend time with my hostesses and their friends and family. Raquel is definitely one of those people who I'd love to be friends with, even if she wasn't a customer. Her tight-knit family and friends were such lovely guests. I'm looking forward to hanging out with this group again next month. I'm sure that Raquel will once again choose an expression that is simple, decorative, and a beautiful expression of the warmth and love in her home.

New Business Builders Starter Kit Available For A Limited Time

2011-03-25T12:23:00.000-07:00

Uppercase Living has always been all about choices, not just in the tremendous variety of products we offer but also in the ways you can start and run a business as a UL demonstrator. Starting Saturday, March 26, a new Starter Kit offers yet another option for those who are ready to grab this fantastic Uppercase Living opportunity and create a successful new venture for yourselves. Introducing the Uppercase Living Business Builders Starter Kit:

Available only for a limited time, this kit, valued at over $500, is only $279. It is only $80 more than our Essentials Plus Starter Kit but is so much more substantial. Incidentally, it's just $30 more than I paid for my kit back in the day and I didn't get nearly this much cool stuff. This kit includes:

$150 in Uppercase Living products of your choice
Display Kit - $100 value with 3 expressions and 3 accessories
One Year Premium Website with Shopping Cart - $59.95 value

With just those components, you've more than covered the price of the kit. But you also get additional catalogs and business supplies which will only help you get your business going better, faster and stronger! Of course, you'll receive support not just from me, but from an amazing group of fellow Demonstrators and a Corporate Office who is totally committed to your success.

For those who don't want to make this much of an initial investment, our other two starter kits also include a bonus. If you choose our $99 Essentials Kit, you'll receive an extra $25 in product credits to use on whatever you like. With the $199 Essentials Plus Kit, you will get an extra $50 in product credits for a total of $150. A word of warning, all of these specials are only available through June 4.

Having been in this business for nearly three years, I totally understand that it is different for each Demonstrator. Some of you just want to cover your addiction to Uppercase Living and plan to share your Demonstrator discount with family and close friends. Others want a chance to make a few hundred extra dollars a month while not taking significant time away from your families. And others are ready to commit to a UL business, make the most of this opportunity and take advantage of everything it offers. Whichever choice is right for you, there is a corresponding Starter Kit . I'm here to support you in all the ways that will make you succeed and reach your individual goals.

I'd love the chance to learn about your goals and together decide which kit will be best for you. Comment here or email me to learn more. I'm so excited for anyone who decides to jump in with this great company and look forward to welcoming you to my team!

Celebrating Nowrooz the UL Way

2011-03-21T21:57:00.000-07:00

You've seen me post ideas for a variety of different holidays, but this one marks a first for Please Use Your Words: a UL idea for Nowrooz.
Nowrooz, which literally means "new day," is the Persian New Year, celebrated on the first day of spring (the perfect time to celebrate a new year, in my opinion). In Persian households throughout the world, you'll see a table set with a number of traditional items. The "haft seen" is not unlike a Christmas tree in that every family has one, each is unique and all are beautiful. Unfortunately, this lovely tradition has fallen by the wayside in my own home, having fallen in priority below endless homework, baseball practice and the rush of daily life (plus, where am I going to find a clear surface to adorn?). This year, I was inspired to make up a vinyl version which I quite like. Think about it: I can use it year after year, nothing rots or gets smelly, and no messy egg dying.
I'd love to see how you use Uppercase Living in your holiday celebrations, so share your photos and ideas with me.

Collections Mini Catalog Sneak Peek and Giveaway

2011-02-11T02:04:00.001-08:00

Have you gotten your first glimpse of our new Collections Mini Catalog yet? If not, what are you waiting for?!
It's full of gorgeous NEW products,a huge variety of new clocks and the coolest thing ever: iron on espressions! It is divided into distinct collections which will allow you to mix and match the coordinating product and always have a designer-inspired look.

Each collection has its own kits, clocks, and/or borders so that you coordinate everything. All you have to do is choose your color! To help you become familiar with it, I've designed a little contest. Just browse through these photos and choose which collection is your favorite. Comment here or on my Facebook page and your name will be entered into a drawing for a free expression. You have until tomorrow night to get me your entry. Good luck!

Photos, Family and Furry Friends: Mary Ellen's Home

2011-02-05T18:08:00.000-08:00

After a long and successful career in a prominent orthodontic practice, Mary Ellen retired recently to begin a new chapter in her life. She remains as busy as ever, helping take care of her grandchildren and a new puppy and running her own small business. Personally, I think she had to retire because she just didn't have enough time for work!

Two of Mary Ellen's loves are her family and her dogs, which is obvious in the way she surrounds herself with photos of them through her home. She chose the expression below to beautifully complete a wall of family photos.

When it came to the wall showcasing pictures of her beloved dogs, Mary Ellen couldn't find just the perfect expression in my catalog. No worries: we just used the MyDesign Suite to create a custom expression instead. Once we settled on the perfect saying, it took just a few minutes to determine the right font, colors and dimensions.

Installed on her wall and surrounded with great pictures, it becomes a visual focal point for the display.

I can't wait to see what Mary Ellen will come up with next. However, now that she's retired, it might be a while before she has time to sit down and plan another decorating project!

Get INSPIRED for FREE!

2011-02-01T23:30:00.000-08:00

One of our biggest incentives of the year, Inspirations, is here again and as always, there is truly something for everyone! Between Feb. 7 and March 15, customers, hostesses and new demonstrators will love the bonuses coming their way:

Customers-In addition to the FREE gifts we offer each month with qualifying orders, customers who spend just $50 during Inspirations will also get to choose one of our most popular designs for FREE! Orders over $100 will get two free gifts, and orders over $150 will receive three, all in the color of your choice. This is in addition to the FREE expressions they would already get.

Chances are you either already have one of these expressions in your home or at least one is on your wish list right now. Just go ahead and add them to your order FREE and enjoy decorating even more spaces in your home than you budgeted for. So many of these expressions would make a gorgeous gift for a wedding, housewarming, or lots of other occasions. All you have to do is pick which FREE expressions you'd like and choose your colors.

Hostesses- Your Double Up Rewards are now Triple Up Rewards!! That means you get even more FREE and half price products when you host a qualifying party. And our new Booking Reward gives you an extra half price item for each of your guests (up to 3) who schedules a party, too!

New Demonstrators- Sign up now to join Uppercase Living and get our biggest Starter Kit yet! Not only will you get tons of business supplies and product to get your started, along with $100 in product of your choice, you'll also get over $100 in bonus kits. These kits are designed to display our products at all the parties you'll be holding, but they're so nice you'll want them in your own home. When you calculate the value of the kits and the your free product credit, you'll realize that you'll be getting your business supplies as well as this amazing opportunity practically for FREE! I hate to tell you that my starter kit was priced well above this one, and didn't have nearly the same amount of product.

Existing Demonstrators- You can bet there are great incentives for you, too. But you'll have to be on my team to find out all about them!

Needless to say, Uppercase Living has outdone itself with plenty of Inspiration to go all around. If you haven't seen it yet, you'll be further inspired by our gorgeous new Collections Mini Catalog. I have so much to tell you about each part of this incentive. Let's chat and determine the best way for you to take advantage of it. I'm thrilled to share Inspirations with all of you, and thank you for allowing me to bring this fabulous incentive to your homes.

Hostess Tip: If you're hosting a party during the Inspirations incentive, place an order of at least $50 before your show. You'll earn 2 FREE bonus expressions, and your purchase amount will be TRIPLED and added to your party total. One purchase will earn you FREE product twice!

Final Days to Buy Two, Get One FREE

2011-01-28T13:25:00.000-08:00

A BIG GIFT for You to Celebrate UL's 5th Birthday!

2011-01-25T08:38:00.000-08:00

Today is a Big Birthday for Uppercase Living. This great company is turning 5. Today, and throughout the year, you'll be seeing big things from UL, all centered around that number 5. Today's amazing special is for those of you who have ever given a thought to joining my team and becoming an Uppercase Living demonstrator (best job around!).
Today only, you can get our regularly $99 Essentials Starter Kit for only $55!! This is a fantastic opportunity to join a young company that has only good things in its future. Your recently improved starter kit not only includes everything you need to get your business started, but a $25 product credit too! Whether you'd like to do this to share our generous discount with close family and for yourself, on a part time basis, just to get out and talk to some grown ups once in a while, or you're going to go for it, turn this into a big business and help your family's bottom line every month while you earn a fabulous exotic vacation every year, you won't see a better deal on the Starter Kit.

I am personally committed to the success of each person who joins my team. I would absolutely LOVE to have you join and help you grow your business, loving every step as much as I do. My website contains a ton of information for you, including the details of our Business Opportunity. I am also available all day today to answer questions and help you take the first step on this fantastic journey. You can email me or call me at (818)309-7768.

When I joined Uppercase Living, I had 3 small children, including a toddler. It was NOT the right time for me to to be starting a new business. I jumped in anyway, knowing that I'd regret losing the chance to get started with this company at such an early stage. I haven't regretted that decision once! I love my "job" and I want you to have as much fun as I do. Go to the Join My Team tab on my website and click on Join Now. I can't wait to say "Welcome to Uppercase Living!"

Customer Photos: Ashlyn's Nursery

2011-01-19T23:16:00.000-08:00

I have always loved babies. I love them even more now that my own babies are getting so big. So I get pretty excited when a mom brings her baby to one of my parties. That's how I met Miss Ashlyn. She and her sweet Mommy, Charissa, attended an Uppercase Living party late last year. Ashlyn was a perfectly behaved guest. She napped quietly during the presentation, then woke up for a snack before treating us all to smiles and a peek at her gorgeous blue eyes.

Charissa looked through my catalog for something to decorate Ashlyn's room. Inspired by this design, the Moxie Butterfly, she considered several color combinations before settling on a Green Tea butterfly with Concord Grape lettering. Her choice fit perfectly in Ashlyn's butterfly theme nursery, but the sophisticated color combination is one that will serve Ashlyn even when she's a big girl.

Last week, I got to help Charissa install her new design (and get another visit with Ashlyn). The custom expression went on with no problems. True to form, Ashlyn woke up from a catnap halfway through our installation and once again cooed and smiled and giggled and gave me serious baby envy. Before I could run away with Ashlyn, my own 4 year old (who was a trouper and let me work while he played quietly - I'm so lucky I can bring him to work withe me) informed me that it was time to leave. So I bid Ashlyn a sad farewell, hopeful that I would see her and her Mommy at another Uppercase Living party soon. Before I left, I was able to snap a picture of Ashlyn with her newly decorated wall. As gorgeous as the expression is, the picture is so much better with Ashlyn in it! Enjoy your butterfly sweet Ashlyn!

Greet Spring With A FREE Expression!

2011-01-17T22:14:00.000-08:00

What's better than Buy Two, Get One FREE? A FREE gift on top of it! I'm thrilled to let you know about a one day only FREE Gift special. Every order placed Tuesday, January 18 will automatically receive this cute "springtime" expression in Electric Lime. It's perfectly sized to go on your front door or the back of your car. It will also fit on any of our 22" x 4" accessories for a fun seasonal display. Here are some other ways to use this FREE gift around your home this spring:

For a cute accessory that you can use year after year, you can cut the expression between the "g" and "t" and apply it to our Frameworks photo frame which has been spray painted white.This photo gives you such a great look at the sweet detail in every letter of this expression.

Create a cute "clip" board by adding your free expression to our Pre-Drilled MDF board (here shown painted with Lemon Chiffon Toolbox Paint). Add your choice of clips or hooks and you've got a great project!

This sweet wall hanging was created by cutting the free expression to our Metal Charger and accentuating it with some butterflies and a Mini Bloom. Hanging from our Daisy Medallion, it's another cute accessory that you'll be able to use year after year. You can even use the included magnet to turn it into a photo board.

The best part of this deal is not just that you get a free springtime expression with every order, but that our Buy Two, Get One FREE special also applies So get your orders placed Tuesday and enjoy the benefits of a great special and a sweet springtime deal.

Newsletter News

2011-01-13T23:07:00.000-08:00

Have you noticed? As I promised last month, my newsletter is now coming to you in a brand new format. Hopefully you've received your first two editions and found them informative and easy to read. You will always find at least one photo to inspire you, news about products, events, and promotions, and a special box containing current specials and free monthly gifts.

As with any upgrade, this one also brings a few changes with it. One is that your Internet provider might be marking the newsletter as Spam and not delivering it to your inbox. If you haven't received the last couple of issues, you might want to check your Spam or Junk Mail folder, then mark the newsletter as "Not Spam" to make sure you get it promptly in the future.

Another change is that I will no longer be posting the entire newsletter here. Instead you'll find a link to the most current issue in the side bar. You will also find a link where you can subscribe to my newsletter and have it delivered directly to your inbox. Of course, once you subscribe to my newsletter, you will also have the option to unsubscribe. One thing that remains the same is that I will never share your personal contact information with a third party.

I've made these changes with the aim of improving the service I provide to you, my valued clients. I hope you will contact me with your feedback on the new newsletter format and suggestions for what you'd like to see in future issues.

Tackling Kids' Chores With Chalk Wall

2011-01-09T15:04:00.000-08:00

When is a kitchen cabinet more than just a kitchen cabinet? When it does double duty to help a family stay on top of homework, chores and kids' behavior.

Let me back up a little. At the beginning of the summer I happened a upon a scheme to reward my kids with stars for playing nicely, doing their chores, making good choices, and all those things I was constantly nagging them to do. Each morning, I posted a handwritten list of tasks on the refrigerator and they crossed each task off as it was completed. For this they received a star or two on my scribbled "star chart," also stuck to the fridge.

All of a sudden, my nagging stopped. If they wanted to do something and their chores weren't finished, I pointed to the "Jobs List" with a sad look. They knew what they needed to do. And if they decided to misbehave, or fight or hit, or do one of the other things that erodes my patience, they might find their hard-earned stars disappearing with a flick of my eraser. The kids know that when they fill up their stars, they'll get a new toy or a special outing, and they can also use stars to "buy" certain privileges. Things like a special treat, extra screen time and sleep overs with each other can all be purchased with stars. Of course, if they wait too long to start their homework, they might also have to purchase a "Finish Homework After Dinner" pass.

Over the next few months, the star chart became a regular part of our days. I made sure not to overwhelm them with too many tasks or ones that were too difficult or time-consuming, keeping in mind each one's age, ability and attention span. They enjoyed crossing things off their list and watching the stars accumulate, and I realized that I had stumbled into a good tool. So I decided to make the "Star Chart" and the "Job List" a more prominent fixture in the kitchen, and get the scribbled lists off my refrigerator at the same time.

I turned, of course, to Uppercase Living Chalk Walls. Because my kitchen doesn't have a lot of wall space, I decided to use the unused space inside a cabinet door. This particular cabinet is large, and low enough to be accessible to my kids. I used one of our plain Chalk Wall Rectangles (a fantastic value at just $14.95, it's also available in Dry Erase) and cut it in half to get two narrow rectangles. Then I took on the fun task of jazzing up the plain chalkboard with fun lettering and embellishments. Using our MyDesign Suite, I chose a playful font and bright colors for the kids' names and the words "Do this....Now Go Play!" With our Chalk Pens, I can keep track of each child's stars (and easily erase them when unfortunate choices are made) and change out my list of tasks as often as I like. The ugly list is off my refrigerator and has been replaced by a fun and attractive addition to our kitchen (that hides as soon as I close the cabinet). Best of all, I've been able to significantly decrease the amount of nagging I had to do to get my kids to help out with chores. They've realized how quickly these tasks get done and love the feeling of accomplishment that comes from a fully crossed-off list. Of course, they're kids and no system can change that. All of us have good days and bad days. But I'm happy to report that the good seem to outnumber the bad in this instance. Chalk one up for Mom!

Don't Blink Or You'll Miss These Amazing Specials!

2011-01-04T23:21:00.000-08:00

Two great specials are going on right now and I can't decide which to tell you about first. Both are for a limited time, and both are sure to save you money. One you've already heard about, so I'll start with the one you haven't:

Our brand new exclusive Valentine's Tile Kit was introduced today. Available only while supplies last, it is a $20 value and includes the Berry 6"x6" tile, the "Be Mine" expression in Bright White or Cotton Candy and a coordinating ribbon. While the tile alone usually sells for $9.95, you can get the entire kit now for only $8.95! I love this for home decor, gifts, and even as a cute way to dress up an office. It would also be a perfect favor for a Valentine's party. What's even better is that you can even get this entire kit FREE! Just contact me before the kits sell out to schedule your Uppercase Living party and this kit will be my gift to you.

Speaking of FREE, our Buy Two, Get One FREE special is going on NOW! You can go a little crazy decorating with this great special: mix and match any trio of products and get the least expensive free. From Photo Prints, to Chalk Walls to your favorite accessories, and of course all of our catalog items and custom designs, you can save on everything! Make sure to order in groups of three, and always get the third free. The only thing you can't include is the Valentine's Tile Kit, because it's already so deeply discounted. This special is only good until January 31.

You can get the best of both deals when you schedule your own Uppercase Living party for January. Get the Valentine's Tile FREE and share the Buy Two, Get One FREE deal with all of your friends. Then, sit back and enjoy your FREE and half price hostess rewards. It's a Happy New Year, indeed.

Happy New Year! January Preview

2010-12-31T20:25:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-21T12:37:00.000-08:00

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!

2010-12-06T00:22:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-02T23:35:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-30T09:32:00.000-08:00

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!

2010-11-25T15:00:00.000-08:00

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:

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.
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.
Discounts and promotions are not valid on website orders. You must call or email me.
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.
Discounts do not apply to current party or Open House orders.
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

2010-11-24T10:15:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-18T14:30:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-18T11:47:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-15T09:45:00.000-08:00

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!

2010-11-12T22:13:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-12T08:32:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-11T09:15:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-10T09:35:00.000-08:00

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!

2010-11-09T23:00:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-09T09:28:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-08T09:27:00.000-08:00

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!

2010-11-06T05:45:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-11-05T11:54:00.000-07:00

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

2010-11-02T10:45:00.000-07:00

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

2010-11-01T11:24:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-10-27T00:03:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-26T12:04:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-21T23:37:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-13T23:45:00.000-07:00

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.

Getting Up and Around: JoAnne's Rotunda

2010-10-10T23:23:00.000-07:00

JoAnne had a problem. Her gorgeous home has a rotunda! Most of us don't have a whole lot of extra space in our homes, much less a rotunda. As you can imagine, it's difficult to decorate a space with rounded walls. JoAnne was feeling a little stuck about how to proceed when we met at her friend's Uppercase Living party.

During my demonstration, I mentioned that our expressions can fit rounded objects such as vases, wine glasses or candle holders. All of a sudden, JoAnne realized that she had found the solution for decorating her rotunda. It took her some time to choose the perfect expression for the space, and then a little more time to actually apply it after it arrived. A few accessories and narrow frames holding photos of her adorable boys fill the space below the expression, which unifies the space and fits the curved wall beautifully. Now not only do JoAnne and her family have a beautiful space to enjoy, but visitors to their home are greeted with a lovely foyer and a warm, welcoming expression that describes this sweet family perfectly.

If you have a space in your home that's a decorating challenge, don't give up on it! Let me help you brainstorm a solution that you may not have thought possible. Like my friend, JoAnne, you could end up with a unique result that's as enjoyable for you as it is welcoming to your guests.

October 2010 Customer Newsletter

2010-10-06T10:08:00.000-07:00

Hostess Center Helps Maximize Your Hostess Rewards
Ever since the new Hostess Center on my website was unveiled this summer, hostesses have loved using the tools it provides to help them maximize their free benefits for having a party. It's easy to send out invitations, keep an eye on RSVPs, send reminders, and best of all, watch your rewards add up as your guests place online orders! By far the most exciting part of the Hostess Center is that it allows you to invite friends and family from anywhere in the US or Canada to place orders associated with your party and earn hostess credit for those purchases. This not only gives hostesses maximum flexibility, but it also lets them have online-only parties no matter where they are located. I'd love to help you earn the most hostess benefits possible by using the fabulous Hostess Center. Contact me to schedule your fall party and I'll make sure to help you navigate this fun tool.

Limited Time Left to Take Advantage of FREE Starter Kit Special for New Demonstrators
Our FREE Starter Kit Special ends October 11 so if you've been thinking about joining this great company, don't miss out on the chance to get your Starter Kit for free. It's a great time of year to start with Uppercase Living, as your friends and family will love our products for holiday decorating and gifts. I'll be here to help every step of the way and help you earn all of the many rewards available as an Uppercase Living Demonstrator. No matter where you're located, I'd love to talk with you about joining my team (my goal is to have team members in all 50 states!). Call or email me today so we can set you up to take advantage of the FREE Starter Kit and more!

Coaster Extravaganza Coming November 15
My first project party of the season will be a Coaster Extravaganza on Friday, November 5 from 9:30-12:30. Each 4-pack of coasters will be only $15 and you'll have dozens of choices for words and designs to decorate them with. You can even customize them by pre-ordering custom letters, monograms or designs. Don't forget, you can break up a set of coasters for individual gifts (think office gifts, teachers, hair stylists, manicurists, etc.). Email me with your order before Monday and you can also get the FREE Customer Celebration Sampler. Please RSVP as I won't have many extra coasters on hand. If you'd like to have your own project party with your friends, contact me to set it up. A fun time for everyone, completed projects to take home, and hostess rewards for you!

Popular Items In Our Current Catalogs
Our two current catalogs have so many new ideas that it's difficult to know where to start. If you're feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices, perhaps this list of our most popular items will help you narrow your focus:

Dry-Erase or Chalk Wall Chore Chart
Birthday Countdown
Christmas Countdown
Card Kits
Snowman or Pumpkin Face Activity Kits
Gratitude Tree with Dry Erase leaves
Punched Metal Tile
Chalk Markers - vibrant colors with no dust or mess

If your wish list is bigger than your budget, host a party and get that wish list for FREE. My hostesses have been earning anywhere from $70 to over $100 in FREE products plus half price items with their qualifying parties. Contact me to select a date before my fall calendar fills up.

Congratulations Raffle Winners!
Thanks to everyone who attended my Open House last Sunday and Monday. It was great to see some friends I hadn't seen for a while and meet new ones too. It's always fun to tell people about all the ways Uppercase Living can help them in their decorating and gift giving, but it's also great to hear fresh ideas that I haven't thought of. As you know, I love to spoil my customers and hostesses, so I had lots of raffles and giveaways. Here are the lucky winners:

Eiffel Tower Sampler - Rosalie Meyer
18 Word Assortment - Lisa Daley
Coasters for Coaster Extravaganza - Susan Tannenbaum
Home Sweet Home Expression - Cynthia Wennberg
Bird On Branch Sampler - Mimi Crandall
Warmest Welcome Expression - Liz Petridis
Birds, Leaves and Flowers Sampler - Jo-Ann Capelaci
10" Monogram Door Prize - Micky Buono
10" Monogram Thanks For Bringing a Guest - Sophia Rohde & Laurie Hurley
GRAND PRIZE 2x2 foot PHOTO PRINT - JoAnne Beatty

Congratulations to all the winners. Please contact me ASAP so I can arrange to get your prize to you!

Happy Birthday!
As you can see by the long list of raffle winners, I love to give presents, so I'm giving a 10% discount on one item to all of the ladies who are celebrating a birthday in October: Blanca D., Rosalie M., Janet S., Kathy S., Sarah F., Erika B., Karynn B., Lisa Z. and the truly fabulous Sadaf. I feel so fortunate to count you ladies among my friends. I hope you have a wonderful birthday.

I know I'll be talking to many of you between now and the holidays. Never hesitate to contact me if you're stuck for a gift or decor idea. I love brainstorming with you!

Customer Celebration Day #2 - FREE SAMPLER Monday October 4

2010-10-03T00:16:00.000-07:00

Less than two weeks since our last Customer Celebration Day comes another one!! The next one is Monday October 4, and once again, everyone who places an order that day will receive a FREE vinyl sampler.

The sampler, a $14.95 value, comes in Soft Gold and has enough designs for several projects. This time of year, you can use it to create a number of gifts, or something special for yourself. Here are just a few suggestions:

Applied to the black Punched Metal Tile and accented with pink Mini Blooms, it makes a sweet magnet board with a French flair. It would also look lovely on any of the other color tiles.

The dandelion design in the sampler looks stunning on our new square Photo Frame. Here it's been paired with a "Breathe" Simply Words expression, but I think it would look beautiful by itself, as well. Whether you keep it for yourself or give it as a gift, this elegant piece will be treasured.

Of course, you know I was going to include a coaster suggestion in this post, didn't you? Yes, I love our coasters, and this sampler lends itself very well to a coaster project or two. I think the best thing to do when you get it home is put together a set of coasters with the snowflakes or small leaves, wrap it in holiday paper and put it away. In a couple of months, you will need a hostess gift or small item for a gift exchange and you'll be ready to go!

Of course, you can mix the designs from the sampler with other Uppercase Living expressions, like on this Acrylic Block. The leaves have been added as a border to add extra interest and color to the Give Thanks expression.

All you have to do to receive your FREE Customer Celebration Sampler is to place an order on Monday Oct. 4. You can email me or order directly from my website. I'm so glad Uppercase Living is offering this great gift to thank all of you wonderful customers. I hope you'll email me photos of how you use it in your home.

Nate Berkus and Gossip Girl Michelle Trachtenberg Love Vinyl Wall Art!

2010-10-01T11:49:00.000-07:00

On today's show, celebrity designer Nate Berkus and Gossip Girl actress Michelle Trachtenberg discuss the versatility of vinyl wall art, especially for apartments! I love the designs she shows, and she also talks about how great vinyl is for families with small children. Chalk Wall, anyone?

Sweet and Spooky Ideas for Halloween

2010-09-28T09:48:00.000-07:00

With yesterday being the hottest day EVER (no really, it was the hottest day in recorded history in LA) it's difficult to get my mind around the fact that it's time to get the Fall and Halloween decorations out. We have flames shooting out of the hillsides, air conditioning running nonstop and are trying hard not to stick to our furniture. It definitely feels like summer but one look at the calendar tells me that cooler temperatures are not far away and neither is our (somewhat sad) version of fall. Knowing that Halloween is a big holiday for many of you, here are some ideas decor and gift ideas.

Before I get to Halloween, I just want to point out that it's easy to get double duty from accessories and decorations this time of year by going with a fall theme instead of just Halloween. The pumpkin in the photo about is a great example. Using a big fall leaf embellishment and several small ones turns this plain craft pumpkin into an elegant accessory that can stay out until the Christmas decoration appear. If you'd like to make it more appropriate for Halloween, you can always add a Jack O' Lantern face on one side and leaves on the other. The faces come in a variety of designs in lots of sizes, so you can use them in many different ways.

I like using them on larger craft pumpkins so that I can use them year after year. It's definitely a good investment over the long run, plus I don't have to deal with slimy pumpkin guts! You can also apply a couple of these faces to a mirror in your home for a fun Halloween "trick."

A good idea for Halloween decor is to apply your vinyl expressions on boards, tiles or plaques so that you can reuse them each year. That's what I did on this punched metal tile to warn guests at my door:

I ordered this expression in Shimmer Orange to make it really pop against the Black Punched Metal Tile (love this new color addition!). I added a little of our black ribbon and have a great piece I'll use every year. My daughter thinks this refers to her brothers. Little does she know...

Another Halloween piece I love is this cute "Eat, Drink and Be Scary" in Green Tea and Concord Grape. It might be difficult to see in the photo but I applied some Shimmer Effects to the purple parts to make them shimmer and shine a little more. I love the look. This expression is shown on the Vintage Embossed Metal Board in Black. This is another great, versatile Foundations piece because it can be hung vertically or horizontally. With its not-too-scary faces, this expression is perfect for my family. Two of my kids are still too young to enjoy the scary aspects of Halloween, and the other one is too, but won't admit it.

The last idea I'd like to share with you today is this cute vase I found on clearance a while back. It was much too plain so I added a spider and some lettering to make it the perfect little Halloween accent. Some orange ribbon and a spooky branch finish off the look. This is great to use if you don't have a lot of wall space but would still like to decorate. As always, you can make it do double duty by adding some silver snowflakes to the other side and using it through the winter.

Whatever you decide to use for your Halloween decor, don't wait very long to order your pieces. The sooner you receive them, the sooner you can begin to enjoy your fun items.

Customer Celebration Day - Ideas for FREE HALLOWEEN EXPRESSION

2010-09-22T23:07:00.000-07:00

Uppercase Living's first Customer Celebration Day is TODAY! Hooray. I love being able to spoil my customers so I'm thrilled to give you all a FREE Halloween expression for any order placed today until midnight (MT). This cute expression, in Valencia Orange, comes in a special size available only today, perfect for our rectangular Foundations pieces, your front door, a black tray, treat bowl or anywhere else that needs a little spookiness!

Putting it on our Black Vintage Embossed Metal Board is a no-brainer: no painting required and it's easy to save it to use year after year. If you'd like to spend a little more time on a custom painted background, try the Rectangular MDF board. Here it's been painted in Matte Black and distressed slightly.

One of my favorite places for this expression is this cute metal tub. You could use this to bob for apples, hold cold drinks or display pumpkins and gourds. You will love pulling this tub out every year!

If you feel like getting even more creative, check out how cute the same expression looks on the Pre-drilled MDF board. Painted in Lemon Chiffon with Terra Cotta edges, the white knobs have been embellished with spooky spiders crawling in all different directions.

All you have to do is place an order today and your FREE Halloween expression will be included in your shipment. I'd love to know how you plan to use yours, so leave me a comment and share where you'll display yours this Halloween.