Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from UFS

Our Deepest Condolences

All of us at UFS, management and our employees wish to send our condolences and our heartfelt sympathies to all those innocent folks in Connecticut who are suffering this unbearable grief and torment. We will continue to pray for all the families, first responders, and the men and women affected by this monumental tragedy. The 28 new residents of Heaven will be sorely missed.
~Claire Serafin Wiegand

Dart Boards & Cars, what else is there?

So we waited until the LAST MINUTE...Good thing UFS just received a a shipment of gift items perfect for stocking stuffing. The most unique item is the ARACHNID Arcade Dart board cabinet. It has 26 games plus 6 crickets. This originally sold for $349 and UFS is selling it for $149 plus a $50 gift card. That nets it down to $99.00 WOW!!!!! If that doesn't get you off your sofa to come shopping, how about a "Touchscreen Control" car...40% Off. These cars, Corvette c6r, and Nissan 3702 includes the 9.6 volt battery. I love those touch screen gloves. You don't have to remove your gloves to answer your cell phone. So your hands stay toasty warm while you text. UFS also has hundreds of other items equally as appealing. So before the snow flies or the cold wind blows come to UFS to finish all of shopping.

~Claire Serafin Wiegand

Deck The Halls... Twice For The Same Price!

Yea, yea I know it feels like Thanksgiving just ended but this year I'm not waiting for the last minute... I'm getting my house ready, decorated and my gifts purchased. I can't believe UFS has already marked down their Christmas ornaments, decorations and gifts to 50% off. The ornaments are magical. There are long narrow glass icicles, round chubby spheres of joyful colors, and everything in between. The pre-lit trees are awesome and eliminate so much work... there's garland, lights, wreaths and much, much more... stockings for your mantel, festive seasonal dishware, trays for cookies (yum, yum), etc. Don't forget to pick up a Nativity set, because we all know the Reason for the Season. Merry Preparing and Have a great Holiday Season.
~Claire Serafin Wiegand

Holiday Greetings!

Holiday Greetings and Merry Christmas from the staff of the UFS Furniture store sales. We want all of you to know how much we appreciate your support and your business in the past year. 2012 has been a great year for us and we hope all of our customers enjoy their purchases and are sleeping well. We send you our wishes for a Happy, healthy and prosperous 2013.

~Claire Serafin Wiegand

Be There or Be Square!

YES, it's that time of year again!!!! THE HOLIDAYS... First there's that very tasty, delectable turkey dinner, then the oldest Santa parade in the country and then the world famous HOLIDAY TASTING at UFS. It HAPPENS on Friday from 11am-4pm and on Saturday from noon to 4pm. Representatives from all the major distributors wineries, breweries and even folks from the Craft Beers will be there. These two days are HUGE. There will be 30-50 members of the the distillery industry giving away free samples. It's a real party. Sometimes there are samples of luscious rum cake, or mud slide brownies. One year we sampled chili, summer sausage and cheese. The delights for this year have not been revealed yet..... but we're looking forward to them. We'll see you there!

~Claire Serafin Wiegand

Who doesn't like candy?

Halloween is right around the corner.  Do you have your costume?  This year let's be creative.  Enough with the Obama or Romney masks.  How about something truly unique...like what you ask?  Come down to UFS and check out our costumes.....you can be a nurse, a French maid, or whatever.  Have you thought of dressing up like Lucille Ball, or a Green M and M, or maybe a Chip And Dale dancer (cumber bun and bow tie, and you're good to go)? If you need some Halloween decor we're loaded with that too.  Get prepared now so you'll have a great Halloween.   Don't forget Trick or Treat.

~Claire Serafin Wiegand

The Men Behind The Furniture

Meet the men of the Furniture Warehouse who provide our customers with the GOLD GLOVE DELIVERY SERVICE. These handsome hunks are also the repair technicians who are trained to correct any possible defects in the products. They man the warehouse and load up purchases into your vehicle. These gentlemen are remarkable. They have delivered a 200lb sofa up three flights of stairs. They've installed and assembled bedroom sets on the second floors of old Victorian houses with stairways 30 inches wide. If there's a way to get the job done our guys will do it. Stay tuned I think they're planning a calendar next.

~Claire Serafin Wiegand

Purses to the maxx!

These fabulous purses are displayed on the TJ MAxx television commercials. Big Deal!!! UFS carries these designer bags in multiple colors. These Joy Mangiamo purses are roomy and organized so you don't loose your lipstick in the bottom. They have a faux snake skin finish with a patent leather sheen. You could be a Maxinista and surely pay more or become fabulista and purchase it at UFS.

~Claire Serafin Wiegand

Why stand in line? Let UFS do the work for you.

UFS has just launched a new program. It's called Get It Now. You go online and shop, decide what you want, and order it. In an hour it will be ready for you to pick up at the service desk. So whether it's a case of Miller Light or a bottle of wine; UFS has simplified your shopping and hopefully saved you some time. We all know that's the one thing none of us have enough of. Keep watching the website because come the holidays there will be all kinds of packages available... like your Thanksgiving wine package with the best libations to accompany your turkey, or your Bear-Packer game package with the beer, cheeses, sausages, chips, cups, and napkins. The Get It Now design team is constantly working on expanding and developing. The best is yet to come. Get on our website and let us do the work for you. You'll be glad you did!

~Claire Serafin Wiegand

Picking up your Spirit by literally picking up Spirits!

UFS does a lot of business in the beer, wine and spirit department. Unfortunately this necessitates daily deliveries except for Sunday. Six days a week we receive a delivery from one or more sources, raining down cases and cases of spirits. It's awesome to see the delivery drivers and the merchandisers working diligently from 7AM to 9AM unloading the trucks and refilling all the vacant spots on the shelves. No, I have not single handedly created all those empty spots myself. Hmm... would be fun though.

~Claire Serafin Wiegand

Check Out The Newest Addition To UFS...

Have you been to the UFS liquor department lately? We have a new addition, a tall, pale complected gentleman in a navy tee, red vest, holding a Number One. Yes you've got it... Gentleman Jack Daniel. Seriously Jack Daniels is the oldest distillery in the USA. It is located in Lynchburg, Moore county, Tennessee which was incorporated in 1841. The distillery is 25 younger than the town itself, approximately 146 years. This location for the distillery was selected because the Hollow contains the perfect water to make whiskey. It is cool, pure, iron free cave spring water. Since its beginning Jack Daniels has had 7 Master Distillers, the most current one being Jeff Arnett. Jeff and his predecessors have guarded the secret process for years. We do know, however, that the process for developing the 80 proof whiskey includes mellowing the delectable beverage twice through charcoal to achieve its smoothness.

So I know you want to know if he was really real. Yes, he was born the youngest of ten children (no wonder he was into the booze), in 1849. Shortly after his birth his mother passed away due to birth complications. Several years later his father remarried and had another three children (WHEW). Jack, himself never married or had children. He had an untimely death in 1911 from blood poisoning which began in his toe. Rumor has it one morning in anger he kicked his safe when he couldn't remember the combination. Infection set into his toe and spread throughout his body. A common joke at the distillery is that Jack could have cured his infection in his toe had he dipped it in a glass of his own whiskey. 

Come to UFS and see Jack all decked out and sample some of the Honey whiskey with its sweet, delectable and tantalizing taste.

~Claire Serafin Wiegand

A Little Taste of UFS

"I know you guys have that tasting after Thanksgiving."

That's what we hear from customers most often when asking if they've attended our tastings. The truth is you don't have to fight the Black Friday crowds to see what all the fuss is about. UFS has between 30 & 40 smaller tastings throughout the year.

We bring in our product specialists and industry experts to help answer your questions and develop your palate. We don't want you endlessly wandering the aisles. We want to share the experience with you, making it easy for you to get honest answers and the right product at the right price. The best part... IT'S FREE!!! That's right, all you have to bring is your I.D., and be over 21 of course.

Come join the fun! Our next tasting is this Saturday 8/18 from 12-4pm. We will be sampling Sierra Nevada Products. Hope we see you then.

~Dan Miller

Home Repairs and Alcohol Mix Well... right?

UFS has some hidden treasures, one of them being Hardware Terry (an affectionate nick name). Terry has worked for UFS for a number of years and she excels in the hardware dept. If you need to know how to repair a toilet, rewire an outlet, paint a wall or build a house, Terry is your "Go To" Person. She can walk you through it as well as showing you where the necessary supplies are. UFS carries tools, paint, nails, fasteners, cabinet hardware, and everything you need to get the job done. Before you leave make sure you stop in the Beer department for a six pack to celebrate when your repairs are completed.

~Claire Serafin Wiegand

As if we needed another reason to have a good time

As I'm sure you're aware BED BUGS have reappeared and are becoming an issue. As such many researchers are studying the problem. A study from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln found that bed bugs avoid blood with a high alcohol content. Feasting on human blood is how these little critters grow and reproduce. Those feeding on alcohol laced blood eat less and lay fewer eggs than their sober counterpoints. The more alcohol in the blood they consumed the less they grew. These finding will be presented at the National Conference on Urban Entomology in Atlanta. Why do you suppose they don't do research on how to get rid of the pests? Is someone telling us it's ok to drink more especially before bed?

~Claire Serafin Wiegand

Back To School

It's the middle of the summer and you know what that means...BACK TO SCHOOL. You'll have to budget for the school supplies, fees, new uniforms and new shoes. (I never understood how shoes fit in May but in Aug they're too small. Oh the joys of parenthood.) Next to Christmas I think this is the most expensive time of the year for families. It's a good thing UFS carries all the supplies you need. The back packs are attractive and sturdy enough for any rough and tumble child. UFS also has pens, pencils, crayons, markers, rulers, glue, etc, everything a young scholar needs to be successful in any grade. So, kids, enjoy the rest of your vacation and be ready to shine on the first day of school. You're a generation of extraordinary individuals, all you need are the tools to discover your potential.

~Claire Serafin Wiegand

Did Someone Say... Food?

This morning I wandered around the UFS Food Department. In addition to the frozen pizzas, meat selections, and canned goods they also carry delicacies like pickled beets, artichoke hearts, capers, etc. Standards are also on the shelves, like pasta salad, spaghetti, spaghetti sauce (some laced with vodka), sardines, canned green beans, asparagus, etc. My favorite is the Third Street Italian salad dressing in sweet or traditional which is made in Taluca, Illinois and very reasonably priced. So, guys, UFS is much more than just frozen pizza and fried pork rinds. The Food Department is growing and the selections are expanding. Come in and see for yourself.

~Claire Serafin Wiegand

St. Jude Doing Amazing Things for Amazing People

It's that time of year again. The St. Jude Runners left Tuesday morning for the Memphis to Peoria run. They have been running for St. Jude since 1982. It's a 465 mile run which has raised 12 million dollars. St. Jude's Hospital is a medical treatment facility for children with cancer. There are no fees for the families with sick kids. It is supported by donations from all over. The runners are just a small part of the healthy heros who support St. Jude. One of our UFS family is a 33 year survivor of St. Jude's, Tammy Lepretre. Without St. Jude's, Tammy and her family could not have afforded the catistrophic costs of cancer treatment. Without treatment the world would have missed out on a very special lady. She is only one example of the thousands of children helped by St. Jude. Next weekend, July 21, 2012 the St. Jude telethone will air. Tammy and her mother, Tina, will be working at the telethon between 10pm and 11pm answering phones and taking pledges. We're asking all of our employees and customers to call Tammy and Tina and make a pledge. No amount is too small.


THANK YOU!

~Claire Serafin Wiegand

UFS Has Baby Supplies? Who knew!

Well I've kept the secret as long as I can. One of my children is expecting, August 12 is the day. Being captive on the furniture side I didn't realize all the "Baby Stuff " UFS carries. If I knew if it was going to be a girl or a boy (they don't want to know) I would be so much more accurate in my selections... So I had to be creative... a pink camo diaper bag could work... Don't you think? Diapers are fine unisex... and so are the little, tiny bibs, adorable outfits that say "Daddy is the Boss", and little socks. (Really can anyone's feet be so small and precious?). To say this is not an exciting time would be a lie. You watch your children grow and developed, come into their own, select a partner, and recreate the reality that you lived. Wow... How blessed are we! Can't wait to see how much better they do with the whole parenting thing. (I know they're not going to like the pink camo diaper bag). I'll keep you posted.

Get It While It's Hot!

You know there's nothing better than a GRILLED PORK CHOP, all juicy and succulent, or a grilled brat, piping hot and smothered in roasted onions. (My mouth is starting to water just writing about them.) Next time you're at UFS come around lunch time so you can treat yourself to one of these delicious sandwiches. They are out there grilling 7 days a week and food is available from about 11am to 2 pm or when they run out. If pork chops and brats are not on your list of favorites they have other choices on their menu. (I don't remember the others, only the truly outstanding ones.) This is just another benefit of shopping at UFS. Come down and find out for yourself.

~Claire Serafin Wiegand

Bon Voyage

As you know UFS has a very extensive Beer, Wine and Spirit department. One of our key employees in this department has decided to leave us for the sunny seas and shores of Florida. Affectionately known as "Liquor Laurie," Laurie Gerber, has hauled cases, stocked shelves, organized aisles and answered customer's questions. She always had a smile on her face and a very pleasant, upbeat attitude, (even when some of the management team was hollering. Who could that be?) So Good Luck Laurie! You were an asset to our team and we all will miss you (especially Tom).

~Claire Serafin Wiegand

Cleaning our closet... everything but the skeletons!!

Why not have a beautiful closet? That's the question I asked myself. We're moving so everything in my closet is going to have to come out of my closet and go into the new closet. After I unload the stuff that has shrunk and no longer fits (Shrinking clothes yea, right) and the outdated outfits, I'm going to put the remainder of my wardrobe on those fancy no slip Joy Mangano hangers. I think I'll just get red ones because that's my favorite color. UFS carries the single hangers and the multiple hangers that accommodate four pairs of slacks, or maybe I'll get the Wonder Hanger that was advertised on TV. You know the one you can hang five shirts on, then un-kook it from the rod and let it dangle. Supposedly it triples your closet space. (Every self-respecting female knows there's never enough closet space.)

~Claire Serafin Wiegand

Full Metal... Uhh... Deals!

Clearly it's a GUY thing. I can't imagine getting excited about authentic and recycled Army equipment. Did you know UFS carries grenades....OK they're replicas but the batons aren't, nor are the Czech M52 steel helmets...(paintball, anyone?) We also have an item called a "Czech Rucksack" which comes in many styles.  All of them are a lovely Army green and remind me of backpacks for camping. There are Army medical kits, something called a "quartermaster", and a metal locker for your best treasures. No self respecting woman would want these items, all the same color, no matter how efficient the function. So Guys, it's up to you. Before your next camping trip, hiking adventure, or fishing extravaganza come to UFS and load up on these extremely functional Army Surplus supplies. You won't care about the color once you see the price.

~Claire Serafin Wiegand

Spring Has Sprung!

Spring has definitely sprung. When I was growing up it was this time of the year my mother would tackle her deep, deep cleaning. Unfortunately I have inherited the gene and have been cleaning cupboards, etc which brings us to the topic of this week's blog. The kitchen is the first place I started. Upon investigating I didn't realize my dishes were in such bad shape...I had a set of NICK ware rather than dishware. Good thing UFS has these beautiful dish sets,at $59.99 with a $30 gift card. I just can't decide which set I like most. Then there are my storage containers...the cabinet that explodes each time the door is opened, with lids flying and containers all over. The amazing part is that none of them matched...So I bought myself a whole new matching set and while I was there I bought a new tea kettle, and new pots and pans, and new wine glasses. (Should have gotten a bottle of Apothic Red to put in them). I love my new cabinets all shiny, clean and organized.

~Claire Serafin Wiegand