We’ve landed in the Windy City- yep, Chicago!!

You can find us at Chicago Coffee Fest 2011, this week!  This Fest is held February 18-20, at Chicago’s Navy Pier. 

We will be amongst the 150-or-so exhibition booths, where you’ll surely find new and trendy products and other helpful information, that will boost your business and profitability!

If you can attend this event, please stop by our booth #105, to try Umpqua Oats, and of course, to meet us!  Mention that you’ve checked out our website, too! 

Also..  We currently have a CONTEST over at Facebook and Twitter (specifically for those that can attend this event), so make sure you enter!

Thanks for checking in to catch up on some of the latest with us! 

Great things are happening!  One of our highlights right now within the company, is the release of our latest flavor, “Not Guilty”!  This Umpqua Oats flavor is #8 in our line-up. 

We often run little surveys and ask for feedback, over at Facebook and on Twitter (are you following us there? We sure hope so!).  We throw out questions such as “what’s your favorite ingredient OR what would you like to enjoy, in Umpqua Oats?”  Of course we get lots of berry and other yummy answers!  However, we get quite a bit of feedback and suggestions, regarding the need for an oatmeal that’s as healthy as can be- meaning no added sugar. 

Since our fans spoke up, we listened.  It didn’t take us long to come out with exactly what was asked for!  Thanks to all of you that patiently-awaited this new flavor!

“Not Guilty” is perfect for those that would like to add their own ingredients, such as artificial sweetener, protein powder, etc.  The ingredients in the cup are pretty simple, and so natural! 

What’s in a cup of “Not Guilty”?  Rolled oats, Flax seeds, Chia seeds, Blueberries, and Apples.  (Of course you must always be aware it ”MAY contain nuts”.)

Please if you will, go browse around our website!  Take a look at the nutritional info on this latest flavor, as well as the other 7 we offer!

What a wonderful way to start off the New Year!  Did you know that January is the biggest month for consumption of oatmeal, marking its own special time of recognition?!  January is National Oatmeal Month!

So why is it, that January is the most popular month out of the year, to be recognized for oatmeal??

National Oatmeal Month is not noted for just the fact (that maybe) January to most is a cold and cozy time in the home, perfect with a bowl or cup of oatmeal in hand, by the fire!  It’s a month that so many of us try to set goals and make healthier choices, that include consumption of oatmeal!

After many of us enjoy all the tempting treats, yummy appetizers, and traditional warm family recipes during the LONG holiday season, we begin to think of what we should do, for our New Year’s Resolutions…. 

The first thing that comes to mind for many of us, is our health!  From diet to exercise, many of us are often on the lookout for what we can do to improve our health and lifestyle.

If you haven’t noticed, the weekly flier ads in your local newspaper, are likely promoting “healthier ways”, to ring in the New Year!  This is a popular time to get in on some great deals for gym memberships, workout equipment, clothing/gear, and many great buys on healthier food! 

Umpqua Oats is proud to have retailers in the fitness industry, promoting our product!  This goes hand-in-hand with the whole idea of ringing in the New Year with your resolution!  After a great workout at the gym, stop by the eatery in the center, and grab (or recommend!) some Umpqua Oats!  We get a lot of praise from boot camp members, that say what gets them through the day after that big workout, is their cup of Umpqua Oats!  This is proof right here, that oatmeal is NOT only enjoyed as breakfast, but anytime throughout the day, as a meal or snack!

With that being said..  Oatmeal will always be a big part in healthier choices, for food consumption!  It’s not just found in cookies, or thought of as bland and from the “old days”, any more!  We hope our fans have enjoyed the different flavors/mixes we’ve offered, so far!

On a little side note (that we will blog more about later this month!)…

This month, we are proud to announce our 8th cup!  This new flavor, “Not Guilty” is the latest!  Take a peek here on our website, to read all about it!  It’s by far the top pick for those particularly health-crazed Umpqua Oats fans out there!  The nutritional information is featured, so learn all about the healthy and wholesome goodness in this latest-flavor edition!

What an amazing, busy, and growing year it’s been for us! 

Umpqua Oats might be a popular product (that’s boomed as quick as it takes to prepare!), but remember that here in the Umpqua Valley, we like to keep things close and personal!  This especially means how much we value all our friends, fans, retailers, distributors, and anyone that’s had a great thing to say about the product! 

As the old saying goes, for those here in the Umpqua Valley, “you should never forget where you came from”!  That’s how we feel about our product!  We enjoy sharing a little piece of home with you, in each and every cup of Umpqua Oats! 

Remember Umpqua Oats was founded by the 2 of us (Sheri and Mandy), with the wonderful support of our husbands, and of course our kids (teens, tweens, and little ones).  Family is important to us, as we all work along together, to keep Umpqua Oats rollin’! 

With the busy schedule of work, kids, sports, and the need to be here-there-and-everywhere every day, we still find it highly-important, to take a look around, and listen to what you all have to say about the product!  So when we get a moment, (after dinner and getting the kids settled~ as often as possible!), we read our friendly emails, and search around online, for what others have to say! 

Boy, is there quite a bit of praise out there in the blogging world, about Umpqua Oats!  Who would have thought our product would be loved in so many places? 

Below is a special blog that we particularly noticed recently!  It reminds us that this fun and busy journey, is all so worth it!  Thank you Katie D.!

When I was little I had a dog named Muffin. She was so tiny and sweet and adorable. You know what’s not adorable? Muffin tops….and the delicious, yet generally terrible for you, muffins that help you get them! I was recently disgusted to find out that my favorite poppyseed muffin was loaded down with 650 calories! It wasn’t even one of the big ones, so this was an eye opener.

Muffins are generally packed with butter, sugar and flour…things that not only add inches to your waistline, but also burn off quickly in your body leaving you hungry an hour later!

I had to find something better to have for breakfast that would satisfy my sweet tooth, and my hunger. Recently, my favorite local coffee shop (Cutter’s Point) started to carry Umpqua oats. I love oatmeal…but I usually have to add brown sugar to make it taste good, and by then i’m never sure just how good it really is for me. Cutter’s Point carries at least 5 different kinds of Umpqua Oats, with assortments ranging from nuts and fruit to chocolate peanutbutter. My favorite so far is “Mostly Sunny” with raisins, craisins, apples and cinnamon. It is delicious and keeps me full well through the middle of the day. It comes packed in a handy cup, needing only to add hot water and a spoon. At only 270 calories, I’m feeling much better about my mornings these days!!

 
Katie D.
http://blog.seattlepi.com/carrotsandcake

Thank you very much to all of you that have blogged about Umpqua Oats.  Who knows, maybe one day we’ll contact you to see if we can post your blog here!

Hello friends! 

How is 2010 rollin’ by so quickly?  Who would have guessed that it’s already to the Holiday season! 

Coffee Fest in Seattle went wonderfully for the company!  Great to reconnect and see many existing retailers and distributors, as well as meeting new ones!  We appreciate all of you that stopped by, and gave us your time, to check out the product!  It was a busy event, about 5-6 hours away from the beautiful Umpqua Valley, but such a highlight for the company to take part in!

Don’t forget our Holiday 3 Pack Special is available NOW!  We have some that are ordering several of these at a time, given the fact that we’re offering a $4.00 flat rate shipping fee, no matter how many you buy, as long as the package is shipped to the same address.  Of course this is for shipping just within the continental 48 states.  However, if you’re outside this area, you can order, but shipping rates vary by the delivery destination. 

Have you began following us over at Twitter?!  Don’t be shy, if so!  Tweet us, we love hearing from those of you that enjoy the product!  Same for Facebook!  We have made over 1,000 friends, and our Fan Page is still moving along, too!  We post there daily, it’s a great way to keep up on things, and enter contests for free product!

It’s been so neat to hear the response from our fans that spotted Umpqua Oats on CBS!  Dave Price, a news anchor for CBS, is making his own journey back home, from Alaska (review the story, it is really neat and interesting!)!  The product was spotted at Kaladi Brothers Coffee, in Alaska!  Seeing Umpqua Oats during Dave’s journey has been such a wonderful reminder that the product is doing well!  Let’s hope that Dave grabbed a cup or 2 to take along on his journey!  Safe travels, Dave!!

Wow, it’s nearly that time of year, AGAIN..  To some it’s exciting, but to others, it just means another big battle for a spot in the parking lot..  Who likes getting out in the cold weather, while dragging around amongst all the others out there, in overly-crowded stores?! 

Ask yourself these simple questions:

Is there someone across the US (in the continental 48 states!) that’s always hard to buy for? 

Are you looking to be more economical this year, hoping to avoid a big shipping bill, for gift-giving across the miles? 

Do you have a traditional gift-exchange with your family, friends, or co-workers, that’s set at such a reasonable amount, your options are limited for shopping? 

Do gift certificates seem unimpressive and just too simple these days?? 

If you answered YES to any of these questions, we have a solution….  A BIG solution, for a LITTLE price!

This Holiday season, Umpqua Oats is offering a nifty 3 pack of Umpqua Oats!  The gift pack consists of 3 full-size cups of Umpqua Oats, stacked securely and jazzy in a clear cello bag, with a nice oversized ribbon finish.  There’s also a “To & From” card with our logo on it as well, attached to the ribbon.  (Yep, we here at Umpqua Oats will write a little message on the card for you, if you’d like!)

So you’ve heard why we recommend our Holiday 3 Pack, but you must also hear why it’s a great deal!  Think about it..  What can you get for under $10, and shipped for less than $5, sent anywhere within the 48 continental states??  Ya, not much of anything! 

Umpqua Oats is happy to offer this fantastic gift idea!  For $9 you get the gift-wrapped 3 pack, but it’s only $4 more, to have it shipped directly from our headquarters (to one of our 48 continental states), here in the beautiful Umpqua Valley!  (Factoring in the time and nice wrap items that it takes to create this gift pack, further assures you, that you just can’t beat this offer!)

So you might wonder where this little, yet big incredible deal is hiding, on our website..  Well, sometime in the next week, it will be featured here, so check back often, til you see it! 

Oh..  On another little note, it’s also perfect for that someone who already has EVERYTHING!  They don’t have everything, til they have some Umpqua Oats, right?

Our fan/distributor feedback is always such a positive boost and great reminder, of how well Umpqua Oats has come along! 

Here’s a little bit of something that has brought lots of smiles, here at Umpqua Oats! 

Thanks Mindee!

Sheri & Mandy –

Holy Pumpkin Seeds your Oatmeal is good!!!  I  picked some up for the first time this morning at Coffee Rush (Take A Hike). After I inhaled it in 2.5 seconds I chuckled reading your soccer mom story….particularly the “slow down” part – LOL.    My business partner, Julie, and I started Boogie Wipes (saline wipes for kids noses) and we love to hear from people when they like our product so I wanted to take a second and tell you both to keep up the good work.  Your product is awesome and I’m thrilled to discover two savvy Mompreneurs behind it.  I will now stop religiously at Coffee Rush for my morning hike with Umpqua Oats.

Mindee

CMO/Co-Founder – Little Busy Bodies, Inc

PS- I’m also thrilled to report 3 hours later..I’m still full, it totally kept my morning snacking at bay!  You’re a God-Send!!

Hello friends! 

Wow, things are still going so wonderfully-well and busy for us, which is a great thing, right?!! 

Lei’d Back, the newest flavor release, has done awesome so far!  Have you tried it yet?  Aren’t you a bit curious of what’s inside this newest cup of Umpqua Oats? 

Well, those of you that haven’t had the chance to grab a cup of it yet, just be prepared to fall in to a daydream that you’re in Hawaii, laying out on the beach, enjoying a cup of wholesome healthy goodness!  Oh, well, uh…  You can pretend that’s what you’re doing anyway, haha! 

Lei’d Back is a concoction of our famous oats, cashews, Macadamia nuts, coconut, and papaya.  It’s been dubbed, “A Vacation in a Cup!”  Quite tasty, and a yummy way to start your day in the morning, or hey- anytime of the day, as a snack or meal!  

Many agree that Umpqua Oats is a great-pick-me-up, rather it be while out cycling, or even after a long day of cleaning your house!  Kids love it too!  We get all kinds of praise from parents about how they have a picky little eater at home, but once their child has tried our product, he or she’s more open to trying other “healthier” things!

Today (7/31/10) happens to be the last day of getting in on our great promotional sale for Lei’d Back at our official website!   Currently Lei’d Back is 25% off, plus we have a great free shipping plan, as long as you’re in the contingent 48 states (with an order of 2 or more cases, any flavor)!  Go check out all that info once you’re done here!  Get it delivered right to your door or workplace, it’s that easy!

Oh, some have asked that haven’t had the pleasure of enjoying Umpqua Oats yet, how to prepare it.  It’s very easy!  All it takes is 2/3 to 3/4 cup of boiling water, and a spoon!  Our directions are simple:  Shake.  Add boiling water.  Cover with lid.  Steep for 2-3 minutes (meaning let it sit there, with lid on).  Stir well.  Enjoy! 

Once you’ve had a cup, or if you eat oatmeal at least once in a while, you’ll get a feel for how much water you like in your Umpqua Oats.  (For example, if you want it thicker, then use less water.) 

You don’t have to be at home to enjoy the product!  Use hot water from your canteen/travel pack while out on the trails, camping, or even your worksite!  Also, if you’re out on vacation (and need water for your Umpqua Oats), it’s pretty easy we hear, to ask a kiosk station (for example, an espresso counter) or eatery for some hot water! 

You can’t go wrong with the simplicity and scrumptious wholesome flavor of Umpqua Oats!  The young and old love them, so what are you waiting for?  Check out or Locator here on the website to find your nearest distributor, or place an online order!

Have a great weekend!  We sure will, here in the beautiful and oh-so-sunny, Umpqua Valley!

When you first start out with this sort of business, you never realize just how busy you’ll really be!  So with that said, here’s to the start of keeping a current blog running for all our friends (this means distributors too, as we’ve chatted with many of you over time, and are glad to have met you!) and fans out there!

Our sole priority over this past year has been filling orders, building our commitment with our much-appreciated distributors, and making sure everyone is happy and lovin’ their Umpqua Oats!  We’ll try to post at least once a week- we don’t want to overdo it, but we do want to keep you updated on what’s going on, and what new products will be out!

Well, we’ve gone from our original 4 flavors: Mostly Sunny, Kick Start, Monkey Bars, and R U Nuts?, to now having 7 in the line-up!  As the company is progressing in orders and reaching so many distributors throughout the US and Canada, we’ve realized the thing to do, would be to add more and more yummy flavors, to give our fans a constant variety in their cup!  It’s neat to hear someone tell us their favorite is a certain flavor, but have it change, when a new one is released!  That always assures us we’re doing the right thing, people are happy, and people are enjoying the product as much as we’ve hoped for!

Added in the last few months, have been the newest 3 of 7 flavors: Take a Hike, Old School, and Lei’d Back.  Boy, it’s been fun making these yummy recipe concoctions, having our families try them out, to then seeing them all do awesome on the market!  We know we all love our Umpqua Oats, but the response to the product has been amazing!

Since the product was developed March 10^th 2009, we’ve been to trade shows, events, all sorts of things to spread the word about our healthy, wholesome and yummy product!  It’s been great meeting new people; other business owners like us, dreaming of succeeding as we are, from the creation of such a practical good thing that the young and old can enjoy!

The response in our local tight-knit community to Umpqua Oats has been amazing!  Had they not all believed in us, and the product, who knows where we’d be today!  People are enjoying Umpqua Oats nationwide, and now up in Canada!  We have people in other countries email about the product, so we hope one day we’ll be able to do more internationally!  Let’s keep our fingers crossed!

Well, that’s a short little tidbit of what’s going on around here for now!  Although we are so, so busy, we wouldn’t trade this success for anything!  Thanks to all of you, for your support and enjoyment of our product!

PS- Well most of you that visit here, probably have seen us over at Facebook and Twitter.  If you haven’t checked us out there yet, please do add us at those sites to follow along!  We list up-to-date info, and even do contests that ANYONE can try to enter in to, for free Umpqua Oats!

Stay tuned to our blog coming soon!