JoAnne's Baby Shower

When our friend JoAnne found out that she was unexpectedly pregnant last fall, the reaction from us friends went quickly from shock to delight and excitement. With our youngest kids in their last couple years of elementary school, most of us haven't been around babies for a while. Let's face it: at our age, our conversations focus more on peri-menopause than Pampers. We were even more excited when we found out that JoAnne was having a girl, after having two older boys. 

It was just a matter of weeks before we started planning the shower. Actually, I'm pretty sure our friend, Laura, called dibs on making the diaper cake before JoAnne could get the word "baby" out of her mouth. We settled on a French theme, since JoAnne was considering a few French names for the baby, with a pink, black and white color theme (actually Blush and Bashful, according to the guest of honor). The "Bébé Soiree" was on! 

It wasn't hard to divide up the work. Susan, the master organizer, offered to host the shower at her house; Sara took over the bulk of the food prep; Ginny was head of procurement; and Laura did the diaper cake. 

That left me with invitations, cake and favors. I decided that an occasion of this stature and importance merited proper paper invitations and not just an email. I found some cute pink and black scrapbook paper, pulled out my old paper crafting stuff and pulled together a simple layered invite. Favors were easy: store-bought macarons in cello bags with tags that I made to match the invitations. The cake was a little more challenging. We went back and forth on this after JoAnne was unfortunately diagnosed with gestational diabetes. But again, I decided that this baby shower required a cake. Besides, why should people have to go without cake just because of her bad luck? Ignoring my last big cake-baking endeavor, which ended with one layer on the kitchen floor, me screaming so loud the kids heard me from the garage, and an emergency run to the store for more cake mix, I decided on a pink champagne cake with raspberry jam between the layers and champagne buttercream frosting. Thankfully, polka dots went with our French theme, because that's pretty much the only thing I know how to pipe. With the cake decided on, the only thing left to do was figure out a cute UL piece to add to the decor.     

The thing about JoAnne is that she has a huge sense of humor. And also a potty mouth. I'm sure you're shocked to hear that a good friend of mine would (gasp) drop the occasional F-bomb, but it's true. In fact, she's gotten quite adept at circumventing the UL censors to create some unique custom designs. I knew that a cute little "Sweet Baby" sign just wouldn't be be quite right for this occasion. I also wanted to make something that she could use in the nursery after the baby was born. Suddenly, it came to me. Inspired by this book, I came up with the perfect idea. For the front of the tile, I used a damask embellishment in Cotton Candy behind the words "Bonjour Bébé" in one of my favorite UL fonts, Adore.

 

For the back of the tile, I wanted the same elegant look so I didn't change the fonts, colors or design. The wording, however, was something a mom or dad would utter at 3 a.m. when the precious little one just would not quiet down and drift off to dream land. It's possible that I had to submit the letters for this design in a little bit of a different order than you see here.

The pretty "Bonjour" sign was displayed right on a table in Susan's living room, along with the diaper cake and some other decorations. Halfway through the shower, I quietly flipped it around and waited for people to notice. Needless to say, there were plenty of laughs...and a little relief that JoAnne would be the one staying up with a crying newborn soon, and not the rest of us.

Doing this shower for JoAnne was an absolute pleasure. Her baby couldn't be sweeter; she is pink and perfect and has several adoring Aunties fighting over which one of us gets to hold her next. The sign will be go in her soon-to-be-Uppercased nursery and most of the time, it will be flipped to the side that says, "Bonjour Bébé."  Most of the time. Go the fuck to sleep. 

Celebrating Nowrooz the UL Way

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.

Holiday Tin Sets: Perfect for Gifts, Favors and Rudolph

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hostess With the Bonus: Day 4

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

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

Late October Newsletter

Hi Friends,

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

Coaster Extravaganza - DATE CHANGE

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

Date: Friday, November 19 (NOTE DATE CHANGE)

Time: 9:30-12:30

Place: My Home

Refreshments: Of course! 

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

Sweet and Spooky Ideas for Halloween

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

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. 

Exclusive Halloween Welcome Kit Is A Bewitchingly Good Deal!

Just in time for your Halloween decorating, here is a boo-tiful new kit from Uppercase Living. The exclusive Halloween Welcome Kit includes the Black Mini Punched Metal Tile (regular price $9.95), black ribbon and the spooky Haunted House Welcome expression in your choice of Valencia Orange, Electric Lime or Soft Silver.  This whole kit, an over $20 value if purchased separately (which isn't possible because the Haunted House Welcome is only available in the kit), is only $7.95, a frightfully good deal! At this price you'll want one to greet the ghosts and goblins who visit your home throughout the season. You can even get one for each of your little monsters' rooms. But you'll also be able to afford several as gifts for your favorite witch, werewolf and zombie.
Alas, like vampires, these kits are only around for a limited time so you can only get yours until October 11, or until they're all gone. If you're bloody smart, you'll get a Fall expression or embellishment for the back so you can flip it around and continue to use it through Thanksgiving. But if you wait too long, you won't have a ghost of a chance of getting one!
Hop on your broom and fly over to my website to order yours now (or you can just send me an email) or better yet, invite the rest of the coven over for an Uppercase Living party at your cave and I'll give you one for FREE. Qualified catalog parties count too!
Whether you buy yours or get one free for hosting, don't miss out on this Halloween treat to adorn your Haunted House. 

Ideas for FREE September Gifts

It's time for a preview of  September's FREE expressions and some ideas of how you can use them in to make some cute projects this fall. As a reminder, each month Uppercase Living gives you a choice of up to three FREE expressions with qualifying orders. Hostesses can choose from six expressions for FREE; it's just another great benefit of hosting an Uppercase Living party.

In addition to the "Think Pink" expression I recently posted about, customers can choose the Halloween Skull and Crossbones. It's shown here in Bright White on a Black Vintage Metal Embossed Board. You can add Shimmer Effects to make it sparkle on those dark fall nights.  

Another fun choice for Halloween is the Trick Or Treat free Hostess expression. In this photo, it's been applied to our new (and fabulous) Double Frameworks insert, covered with decorative paper, on top with a magnetic insert on the bottom. I love the clever candy corn in the corners. Two Lemon Chiffon and two Pumpkin Spice 2" Candy Corn embellishments were switched around so each corner gets a two-color design! The best part is that you can change out the embellishments and the inserts for each holiday, season or event in your family.

 After Halloween, hostesses might choose this FREE expression to decorate their homes for fall. This warm autumn welcome is shown in Terra Cotta and Pumpkin Spice and has been applied to the large Cocoa Punched Metal Tile. Don't forget that you can choose something different for the back of the tile. We love accessories that pull double duty. 

Although it's hard to choose, this elegant frame is my favorite of these ideas. I love that the two-part hostess expression has been cut apart to accommodate the shape of the frame. This gorgeous accessory is one you'll keep around long after the season.

To view this month's FREE expressions visit my website and just decide if you're going to place an order, host a party, or both! My fall schedule is filling up quickly. Don't wait too long to get your preferred party date.

For You Lovers of Pottery Barn: Everything Is Coming Up Roosters!

Earlier this year, when Uppercase Living introduced our brand new Decorative Prints, I kind of scratched my head and wondered about them including a rooster set among the first few designs. Of all the possible choices, I thought, why start with something as random as roosters? Imagine my surprise when I opened my latest Pottery Barn catalog and saw a number of different items using, you guessed it, roosters! Once again, it seems that the UL designers were ahead of a trend by including those and all the other roosters in our catalog.

As it turns out, roosters are a symbol of luck and good fortune, and who doesn't want some of that good fortune represented in their home decor? Tuscan legend has it that one rooster's crow once saved an entire village from danger.

The tremendous variety in Pottery Barn's roosters lends them to lots of different decorating uses. From bright and whimsical, to understated folk art; from small details to large pieces, there's a way for everyone to include this cheerful trend in their decorating.

Whether you're ahead of the trends, have always loved roosters, or you'd like to add a little French Country flair to your home for the first time, Uppercase Living also has a choice for everyone.  Of course, the most vivid are those original Rooster Decorative Prints. The artwork on these is beautiful and the feathers are so lifelike. The touches of red would tie in beautifully with any other red items in a room. You can use these guys as a set or scatter them throughout your kitchen, living room or entry. I think they would look really cute on a back splash or just hanging out right above the baseboard. They come in 3 sizes to give you lots of options.

The rooster motif is also available in our matte vinyl. This choice gives you almost unlimited versatility for not only are these two rooster styles available in all of our 40+ colors, but they also come in sizes ranging from 3 to 18 inches. The smaller sizes can be applied to individual tiles in a back splash, used to create a border or applied to our coasters to create a decorative accessory or gift for a rooster lover. 

The larger size can be applied alone or in a grouping right to the wall.  It can also go on a tile or board to create a decorative accent. Here, a rooster in Whipped Creme is shown on our new Punched Metal Tile in Berry. You can continue the French Country theme by looping a ribbon through the holes and hanging it from our new Fleur de Lis medallion.

A more subtle effect is achieved by applying the rooster embellishments in Etched Glass on a glass kitchen door or cabinet front. Another idea is to use the Welcome Rooster in the black square Frameworks, as shown here. This is another idea of a great piece for your own home or for a sweet gift. The red vinyl picks up the tones in the cabinetry without being a perfect match.

For something completely different, try our brand new Barnyard pack, part of the Erasables line. Also available in dry erase vinyl, this set lends true country charm and whimsy to a kitchen. But it's just as cute in a child's farm themed bedroom, playroom, or even a classroom.

I have to admit that even I've been surprised at the versatility of roosters in decorating. With a few accessories and a vinyl piece or two you can play with this fun trend without making any permanent changes or major investments. Sure, you could buy a $400 ceramic rooster, but you can spend much less on Uppercase Living roosters and have a lot left over to decorate the rest of your home too!

Celebrating Dad (without going broke)

Dads love a good deal, don't they? They love to tell you about how they shopped around, did their research and finally negotiated a deal that the salesperson admitted he wouldn't even give his own relatives. As you think about how you'd like to honor the dads in your life on Father's Day this year, take a lesson and get yourself a great deal, too.

By know you should have seen my earlier post on these great kits. Each one comes with a painted Foundations piece, in this case the Metal Board and the 12x12 MDF board, which is already painted and ready to go. You choose the color of the expression, quickly put it together and give Dad a sweet and unique gift.

Now, during Summer Splash, these kits (and all the others in our Celebrations catalog) are 20% off!


If the dad you're shopping for is a golfer, here's the perfect expression for him.

Put this on the back of his car, on an office wall or in his Man Cave. Throw in a gift certificate for a couple rounds of golf and you've made his day. Search my website for more golf ideas.

If you're shopping for a dad who prefers fishing, here's a great choice:

This expression really brings to mind the peacefulness of spending a day fishing out in nature. This would be equally beautiful on the wall or on Dad's boat.



This is another great fishing expression that would look equally great on the wall or on a board for Dad. Coordinate the color of the expression with his boat, truck or cabin. Of course, you can always get Dad both of these expressions because they're now Buy One, Get One FREE!!


As usual, I've saved my favorite idea for last. This time it also happens to be the most affordable. Dad's favorite gadget, be it a laptop, iPad, Kindle or even a Nintendo DS, can be easily embellished with Uppercase Living. In this case, Dad's name is Own and he loves basketball. With Buy One, Get One FREE this whole design costs $6 or so! There are so many fonts and designs to choose from that you can find something perfect no matter what Dad's into.


Non-Father's Day Tip: Use UL lettering to put the kids' names on their hand held gaming devices to prevent endless rounds of "he's playing with miiiiiiiiiiiiiine."

As you make your choices for Father's Day gifts, don't forget Buy One, Get One FREE makes every purchase a great deal. Whether you tell Dad or not is up to you.

Cheap and Easy Gift Giving with Buy Two, Get One FREE

UL's Buy Two, Get One FREE promotion is in full swing and lots of smart customers have been saving a ton on their purchases. Whenever a great deal like this comes along, I always recommend that people stock up. For some of my customers this presents a mental block. With so much product to choose from, it can become difficult to choose items for the future without concrete details available. Never fear, though. I'm here to make the process easier.

Using this promotion to purchase several gifts at once, will not only save you plenty of money, but lots of time and stress, too. Just follow my simple steps and you'll be done in no time.

First, take a look at your calendar and make a list of all the occasions that you'll have to purchase gifts for in the next few months. In addition to specific dates and holidays, keep in mind milestone events such as retirements, graduations and the end of the school year. As you're doing this, make a list of each person who you'll need a gift for on each occasion. For example, under Mother's Day, you might have your mom, mother-in-law and grandmother.

Now, this is the part where you can save yourself a ton of time: figure out how many people you can give the same type of gift to, with a slight variation if needed. So for Mother's Day, you might choose a metal charger with a Mother's Day expression on it, but you would vary the color scheme to match each recipient's favorite colors or decor. Or for your children's teachers, you might choose to give a set of coasters with different monograms or a different embellishment depending on each teacher's interests.


From here you can begin to make your shopping list. Most likely, you will have a Foundations (accessory) piece and a vinyl expression (or a set of them) for each person. Here's the part where you realize just how much you can save: as you tally the number of items you will need, remind yourself that every third one is FREE. So, if you need 6 acrylic blocks, for example, you'll receive 2 FREE. And here is where you can really save. If you've done your homework and picked out enough items to reach $200 (not including the free items) you can submit your order as a party order, get even more free items and FREE SHIPPING.

Let's face it. Many of us find ourselves in a difficult financial situation right now. We're cutting corners where we can and that may include gift-giving. But there are certain people and occasions that we just can't and don't want to ignore. A little planning and smart shopping can let you stay within budget and give a thoughtful, personalized gift. If Costco could provide the perfect individualized hand made gift program, this is what it would be like: the perfect gift priced as low as $10-$15 apiece. If you're short of ideas, I've got plenty and they won't cost you a thing!

Peace Out!

Great news! Uppercase Living now offers a Peace Sign! At almost every party I've done my customers have asked about one for their tweens and teens, and even themselves. I'm thrilled that we now offer this in all of our colors (I'm thinking Shimmer Pink would be cool!) in sizes ranging from 2" to 18". I might have to make me a set of Peace coasters right away. This is just so groovy!