Uppercase Living introduces 'BLUME'

As I've mentioned before Uppercase Living is about uplifting and inspiring other. They look for opportunities to brighten and strengthen people's lives. On Sept 1, 2011 Uppercase Living launched BLUME, an exclusive line of jewellery that lets us wear and share what matters most.

Blume allows you to blend meaningful messages with artisan jewellery. Each collection of jewellery takes inspiration from what encourages all of us. You can find a piece that brings to mind where you've been and where your going. Or simply customize your own to add a personalized touch.

SHINE

Deep within us all, lies a brilliant light

~Author Unknown~

FIND BALANCE

Happiness is when what you think, 

what you say, and what you do

are in harmony.

~Gandhi~

GRACE

As in nature, as in art, so in grace:

it is rough treatment that gives souls, 

as well as stones, their luster.

~Thomas Guthrie~

A NATURAL LIFE

Nature does not hurry, 

yet everything is accomplished.

~Lao Tzu~

LIVE GENUINELY

Love all, trust few, do wrong to none.

~William Shakespeare~

CREATE HOPE*

See a need and fill it.

~Author Unknown~

SEEK ADVENTURE

Do not follow where the path may lead.

Go instead where there is no path

and leave a trail.

~Ralph Waldo  Emerson~

PLAYFUL

Life is far too important a thing 

ever to talk seriously about.

~Oscar Wilde~

BE BOLD
Be bold, be bold, and everywhere to bold.

~Edmund Spenser~

HELP OTHERS*
Ber: To "be good" or to "be well"

in Kumahm, a language spoken in

Northern Uganda

SIMPLY WORDS

Better than a thousand hollow word,

is one word that brings peace.

~Buddha~

STRONG FOUNDATIONS

Do not worry if you have built your castles

in the air. They are where they should be.

Now put the foundations under them.

~Henry David Thoreau~

NEVER GROW UP

I'll never grow up, never grow up,

never grow up! Not me!

~J.M. Barrie (Peter Pan)~

The versatility of Blume jewellery allows you to show on the outside what you feel on the inside. If you would like more information on the collections pictured above, embellishments, and pieces that can be customized take a moment and browse the on-line catalogue, your sure to find yourself within, and...live a life Inspired!

*In these collections, for every piece purchased contributions are made to Habitat for Humanity.

Uppercase Living is 'Creating Hope' with Habitat For Humanity

Have you heard what UL is doing now? Uppercase Living has partnered with Habitat For Humanity in a 'Create Hope Initiative'. It is to assist them in their efforts to provide affordable housing to families in need. Every time you purchase one of these eight Create Hope expressions, 50% of the net proceeds will go to Habitat For Humanity as well as a variety of charitable organizations that share in our dedication to giving back. To purchase your Create Hope expression, available Sept. 1st, place your order here

To purchase your Create Hope expression please visit my Uppercase Living site.

Our Brand New Catalogue Is Now Released!!!

uppercase living ® photo

Last month, at our annual convention held at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas, Uppercase Living finally revealed the brand new vinyl catalogue that we've all been waiting for. It is now available for you to page through on my website. There is just too much good stuff for me to detail individually here, but here are some of the highlights to wet your appetite.

New Colour: This year's new colour is mustard seed. It's a deep and rich yellow.

New Expressions: The new expressions this year have so much depth  and meaning that it draws you into every page. So many beautiful sentiments that are sweet, fun, serious and playful; always with the most important undertone being home, family and the activities that bond families together.

uppercase living ® photo

 

New Grande Format Design:  Among these popular versatile designs, this year UL has added headboards! Recently, many designers/decorators have been replacing those heavy, bold, and ornate headboards with their own custom headboard design. In most instances it is to coordinate the bed with the room; to create a sophisticated and simple atmosphere as well as to create more space within a room. Now we have the option of applying a headboard (two headboard designs are available) to our walls in any of the 50 colours that we offer. It is absolutely stunning I believe.

uppercase living ® photo

New Fonts: The choices in creating your own vinyl lettering designs are greater than ever with the addition of 12 new fun, contemporary, classy, versatile, and beautiful fonts.

By RaeAnn Johnson Collins, UL Demonstrator 

New Erasables: I absolutely love the UL Chalk and Dry Erase Walls. The versatility on how they can be used is just crazy and they are just so much fun! The new Value Pack (chalk wall) is perfect for organizing space from a pantry to a craft/toy room to your garage...and more! And that is not all...Dry erase walls are now offered in  four additional colours; Robins Egg, Fresh Linen, Green Tea, and Cotton Candy. I can't wait to post some pics of how this product can be a great addition to your home for the upcoming school year.

uppercase living ® photo

Giving Back: In my opinion the most exciting addition to the new catalogue is the 'Create Hope'. Create Hope, is an initiative to help make a difference in communities around the world. Uppercase Living plans to realize this mission through their partnership with Habitat for Humanity to assist them in their efforts to provide affordable housing to families in need.

uppercase living ® photo - 1 of 8 `Create a Hope`Expression 

Every time one of our `Create a Hope`expression is purchased, 50% of the net proceeds will go to Habitat for Humanity, as well as charitable organizations that share in the vision of Uppercase Living and that is to Give Back.

These are just a few of the newest additions to our 2011-2012 catalogue. Please take a look and tell me what you LOVE. I hope to share many ideas and pics of how UL can add inspiration to your home.

Loving Mini Collections Catalogue '11

I have been using Uppercase Living products for nearly a year and I must say I am excited about what year 2 has to offer. I am looking forward to the opportunity of continuing to help my clients bring their own unique style and personality into their homes. Whether it be through fabrics, drapery, accessories, furniture, and/or decorative lettering.

If you're looking for fresh new decor ideas that's as individual as you are, you'll want to check out Uppercase Livings latest mini catalog, The New Collections Edition! (products available Feb.7, 2011) It features eight distinct design styles (collections) that are made to complement any space with ease. This catalogue is all about discovering your unique style and then expressing it perfectly.

Whether you prefer feminine, romantic designs or more contemporary images with clean lines, there is a collection that is sure to inspire you. From Hollywood glamour and country charm to beach chic and bohemian flair, it provides you hundreds of new products, including expressions, embellishments, clocks, kits, and Decorative prints that are sure to suit your taste and fill your space.

Inside each Collection, you'll also find a large selection of expressions available in Iron-on Vinyl! Designed to complement there classic vinyl offering, the iron-on colour palette features 12 new colours that can be applied to a variety of fabrics and accessories such as pillows, table runners, place mats, and drapes.

The selection of expressions and embellishments that Uppercase Living offers is absolutely amazing. It provides a variety of solutions to offer my clients in order to help them create a unique space.

Contact me for further information on how Renewed Interiors can enhance your home with Uppercase Living.

Decorate 4 Spring with Buy Two/Get One Free!!!

We've made it through another year, and the hustle and bustle of the holidays is now over. I know for me it was crazy, but I must say the food, the smile, the laughter of children was a blessing! However, with the holidays comes debt. Buying the must-have gifts for your family members, but at the end of the day for their excitement - totally worth it!

Anyhow, I'm sure there are many individuals like myself who sit back with a hot cup of tea and worry about the debt but day dream about there next 'home project': Spring decorating. The BIG questions is 'How can we bring the sunshine in?' especially after hibernating for 4 months. Many ideas come to mind but with no funds, this is where CREATIVITY comes into play.

I've been with Uppercase Living for almost a year now and I must say they make decorating quite easy and inexpensive. I have been able to find many expressions and embellishments that have met the needs of my clients over the past year; whether it be personal or seasonal decor.

For the month of January you have the opportunity to purchase any two items and you’ll get an additional item of equal or lesser value absolutely FREE!  Choose from any item we offer, including expressions, embellishments, accessories, or even a MyDesign Suite custom expression. There’s no limit on how you can enhance your home or the FREE items you can get!

I am totally in love with this product!!! This is a perfect time to make a purchase to see how I can help you use Uppercase Living products to enhance your home and get it Spring ready!

Click here to visit the Online Catalog or email me for more information.

DIY Wreaths

I must say that I am very happy with my 'purple n silver' wreath. I did get quite a few compliments. With that said I did attempt to make two more. One for a neighbor and another for my mother. Why not?...the spirit of giving was in the air. 

Holiday 2010 is over and I must say it was a blast. The whole experience of holiday decorating is definitely gratifying on all levels. I had so much fun making my own holiday wreaths, and I can't wait for what 2011 has in store.

Wishing you all a Happy and Successful New year!

Its All About Purple n Silver

I am totally in love with this ornament ball wreath. Debbie Travis has one like this at Canadian Tire this year for Christmas. Gorgeous!!!. But being somewhat of scrooge this year; not interested in spending $29.99 so I decided I will try my hand and get creative - I'm gonna make my own wreath! This should be fun!

Anyhow, made my way to Michaels and purchased (a total of $15) all the items I need to complete my 'comprised' wreath. I decided to use the traditional wreath, but add the ornament balls as accents.

Using ornament hire hooks I attached the ornament balls to the wreath and I must say that took sometime. Especially, when trying to make a perfect circle. FYI - this takes patience if you are a perfectionist like moi!

Well, after two days I completed my purple n silver wreath. Using silver flower picks to add drama and character. I plan on making a few more before the holiday season is over. Hopefully, I can call myself an wreath expert! Ok, lets not get carried away, LOL

Would love to get your feedback as well as hearing about your creative wreath ideas.

Edible Wreaths

Photograph by Burcu Avsar

I came across this 'fun' edible wreath on the Food Network. Oh my gosh, it is to die for. But who said that wreaths could not be made with food? I think it is a fabulous craft idea for the whole family. The beauty is these wreaths can be made anytime throughout the year to add something different to everyday events.  Check out the site for more edible wreath ideas!

The Traditional Holiday Beverage

Ever since I can remember the holidays always involved the famous Sorrel beverage. Yes, it's true this beverage can be bought in stores, but there is nothing like homemade sorrel during the holidays.

Sorrel is a holiday beverage, and the main ingredient is the sorrel plant. The plant is referred to has the hibiscus flower. It is used to make a sort of tea that is served either hot or cold. The drink has a displeasing taste, so many people decide to cover the sour flavor with ginger and/or cinnamon. These flavorings help make the beverage a recognizable holiday drink in the Caribbean.

Picture by Andrew Scrivani for The New York Times

Sorrel is available in other parts of the world, just called a different name. In Latin markets hisbicus flowers is known as jamaica and so is the beverage. In West Africa the flowers are known as roselle and bissap and in Nigeria the drink is called zobo

Interested in making Sorrel click here

I would love for you to try the recipe and let me know your thoughts on the famous holiday beverage. Can't wait for Christmas day to sit back with my glass of sorrel in one hand and a plate of corn pudding, fruit cake, and ice cream in the other.

Inexpensive Holiday Decor

Every season it can be a challenge to make my home feel festive without spending a fortune! This year I've thought of creative ways to bring the colours and joy of the season into your home and mine, without the hefty price tags. The key is to choose everyday items that you can creatively add your personalized colour and decoration to. They will soon become heirlooms in your home that you will want to bring out year after year.

Using natural elements: To save money and bring in organic materials, use natural elements such as pine cones and twigs to transform a simple article into personalized holiday decorations.

• Use glass vases of varying sizes and fill with small ornaments. Ornaments can match your decor in 1 or 2 colours, or use metallic paint colours to add drama and visual interest. Place twigs inside of the vase and use as a centerpiece place on your fireplace mantel.

5-minute-vases_300 Whitney Tesler, on Flickr

• Take pine cones and collect them in a decorative vase. The vase can be stemmed or consider using a hurricane lamp. Decorate the stemmed vase with festive ribbon or for natural touch use raffeta tied in a bow. Stencil holiday symbols on the vase such as trees, bells, snowflakes to add a holiday touch. 

Holiday ornaments and decor: Ornaments and decorative elements can double as holiday elements that make your home feel festive, and will make guests feel welcome when you entertain.

• Tie string around existing ornaments and use push pins to hang from the ceiling . Use varying lengths of ribbon in coordinating colour to make your room have a new dimension of fun! Metallic ribbon looks great for parties while fishing wire will make the ornaments appear to float! You choose the look that fits your home. 

Oh Christmas Tree! by Homes and Gardens

• Looking for taller holiday ideas for a foyer, entryway, or small spaces? Try taking a tall glass cylinder vase and place holiday wrapping paper inside; a colour of your choice. Or even a small medium sized pail and spray paint to match holiday decor. Use tall spray painted twigs and wood reeds to give height and colour to your space. This same idea can be duplicated around your home in varying colours and sizes.

Your holiday home shouldn't depend on your wallet. With these inexpensive ideas your home can go from everyday normal to designer decorated. Try these tips today and let me know if you have any saving tips to share too!

Why not 'Embellish' for the Holidays

As a demonstrator for Uppercase Living, I have been made aware of many things that I would not have been otherwise. This company offers beautiful decorative lettering, embellishments and expressions that can be applied quickly and easily to walls, tiles, wood blocks, and other meaningful places.

It is just absolutely mind boggling what you can do with this stuff; I mean just use your IMAGINATION the possibilities are endless!

WeddingSaviors Contributes to a 'New Beginning'

The Wedding day has come and gone and what a beautiful day it was! The very creativity and uniqueness that Sarah and Larry possess was made evident in this wedding; theme: 'Alice in Wonderland'. It was everywhere, not to be missed, and it was beautifully and elegantly done. In every detail, you can see the effort that was put in by all team members involved it was a wedding that Sarah and Larry would never forget. 

What truly made this wedding a dream come true was the passion and dedication of the Wedding Planner, Astra Dwyer from On Your Day Events. Her wealth of experience and love for her job ensured that the days events along with the coordination of the vendors went off without a hitch!

Christmas Is Fast Approaching

Christmas is soon approaching... It's time to put up the Christmas tree, hang stockings, hang garlands over staircases and/or fireplaces, adding decorative accessories all over the house as well as preparing the tableware for that Christmas feast. However, for some it also includes leaving out cookies and milk for Santa, how fun! Truthfully, I haven't done it - no fireplace for Santa to come down, LOL

Well, why not welcome Santa in style with our exclusive Cookies for Santa Charger Kit! It is the perfect way to display homemade treats or decorate for the holidays. Available for just $9.95 (round) or $11.95 (square) over a $25 value. It makes a great gift for family, friends, neighbors, and teachers - at these prices you can give one to everyone on your list!

Customer Celebration Day #3: FREE Fall Sampler!

Customer Celebration Days continues with another fabulous free expression! On Friday, October 15, from 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. (MT), every customer order* that is submitted will automatically** receive a FREE fall expression (a $10.95 value)! 

Customer Celebration Day #2: FREE Vinyl Sampler!

Get ready, because our second Customer Celebration Day promotion is set to begin! On Monday, October 4, from 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. (MT), every customer order* that is submitted will automatically** receive a FREE Vinyl Sampler (a $14.95 value)!

WeddingSaviors.ca "Introduces Sarah & Larry"

Oh my gosh!!! Summer is over, 2 kids in school with 1 at home. I guess I can try and get some work done :-)

I've spent the majority of September preparing myself for the holiday season. Researching trends and decor ideas that have surfaced for Fall/Winter 2010. But before I start sharing with you what I've found, I've decided to share some 'Wedding News'.

Wedding Saviors is now 'Introducing Sarah & Larry' the winning couple of the FREE wedding to be held on Oct. 22, 2010. 'Introducing Sarah & Larry

You Wanna DIY, Eh!

I recently had to prepare for a Interior Decorating seminar, and I must say it took me awhile to decide on what topic to share. I researched a lot of do it yourself projects and I must say quite a few of them are very detailed in sharing the 'how to'. For example, TV shows like 'Trading Spaces' and 'Devine Design' definitely share tips and ideas of how to go about decorating a room as well as providing low-cost ideas to get high-end results. These shows have a way of getting you really excited about starting your own home project; I'm about to jump on the ban-wagon and decorate my daughters room, LOL.

Do Your Walls Talk?

For the past couple of months I have been fascinated with wall decor and expressions. The idea of adding your unique personality to your walls excites me!

Just to give you some history...late last summer I was on the hunt to find a company that could custom design a specific expression for my dining room walls, preferably a company in Canada. I came across Splash Wall Art in Oshawa,ON. They provide great products at reasonable prices but again in US funds. Needless to say the hunt ended successfully. I had the expression, "Home is where you treat your friends like family and your family like friends' customized and delivered.

Giving back to Habitat For Humanity

Every day at 2pm I try my hardest to watch Steven and Chris (http://www.cbc.ca/stevenandchris/), if I'm home that is. I really enjoy their guest decorator, Deb Nelson who is all about decorating on a dime. She is full of creative and cost-effective ideas to help you transform your home.

What I learned from her during that episode is we can give back to our local communities in a very positive way. Deb Nelson was able to purchase some sleek, modern looking cabinetry hardware for $40, brand new.


Habitat For Humanity have built what is called 'ReStores; about 58 locations across Canada. This is a store that, "accepts and resells quality new and used building materials. They generate funds to support Habitat's building programs, while reducing the amount of used materials that are headed for overflowing landfills! They are an environmentally friendly store that makes sense!" I took this right from the website, http://habitat.ca/restoresc648.php

So keep this in mind when your looking for building materials and/or products. It is a great way to get things that you need at a great price while supporting a charity. Check out http://habitat.ca and click on ReStores.

For Durham Region click here

The Bride & Groom Is....

Congratulations to Larry & Sarah. We look forward to working with you in the near future to create a bedroom that is warm, inviting, and most importantly reflects the both of you as husband and wife.

Again, Congrats!!!Now the real fun begins.

http://www.weddingsaviours.ca/top_couples-2010_durham.html