The Bright Side Project

December Theme :: THE Gift

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 11:55:00 -0800

Hello, dear Bright Siders. December is upon us and the holiday season is in full swing. We hope you are finding yourselves full of love and joy and gratitude this season and that warm rays of sunshine have been lighting up your winter days. As we head into the end of 2011, we here at The Bright Side Project want to continue with the idea that it is always better to give than to receive, but with one caveat: it is even better to give to yourself.

I have a bit of a confession. I have been known, on at least one occasion, to purchase a gift for a loved one and fall so head over heels in love with said gift that I have then kept it for myself. (Don't worry, I replaced theirs with something equally as magical!) Surely I'm not the only person who finds themselves with such impulses. Sometimes the gift is just too good to give. In this honor, our theme for December is "THE Gift ." We are talking the kind of gifts you just HAVE to keep. The kind of gift you buy duplicates of because you want to share them with everyone you know. We are talking the kind of gifts that bring sunshine into the world, regardless of weather!

New Winners!

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 19:22:00 -0700

It's time again to announce a few lucky readers who will be taking home fabulous prizes.

If you see your name below, you must email Miss Lindsey at lindsey@thebrightsideproject.com no later than November 11, 2011 to claim your prize.

Please be sure to include your full name, mailing address and phone number so we can pass this info along to our generous contributors.

Congrats to:

Uprinting.com's winner :: Alicia

Emily Peacock's winners :: Noel and Marla Angermeier

Primele's winner :: Ali

Hand and Cloth's winner :: Jennifer Garcia

Luminology's winner :: April

The Bright Side's Windfall winner :: Christelle

Ello There's winner :: Els

Elise Mahan's winner :: Stacey Gilbert

It's time again to announce a few lucky readers who will be taking home fabulous prizes. If you see your name below, you must email Miss Lindsey at lindsey@thebrightsideproject.com no later than November 11, 2011 to claim your prize. Please be sure to include your full name, mailing address and phone number so we can pass this info along to our generous contributors.

Weekly Wisdom :: Samuel Smiles

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 11:55:00 -0800

It's that time again, for another dose of inspiration and motivation in the form of our free download of Weekly Wisdom.

Don't forget to email us if you have a favorite quote you'd like us to feature. You'll get to see your "name in lights."

To Download: Click on the image above (for your own personal use only please).
On Macs, drag to your desktop to save. On PCS, right click on the new, larger image and save as.
Enjoy!

It's that time again, for another dose of inspiration and motivation in the form of our free download of Weekly Wisdom. Don't forget to email us if you have a favorite quote you'd like us to feature. You'll get to see your "name in lights."

Giveaway :: Box Play for kids

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 10:19:00 -0800

You know how it goes: buy a child the most expensive toy in the store and they are inevitably going to get the most joy out of the box it came in. My three year old could spend an entire afternoon with an assortment of boxes and be perfectly content. As anyone with a small child knows, a cold and rainy afternoon can become absolute nirvana with the right amount of empty boxes.

However if you're anything like me, your "drawing skills" are somewhat, shall we say, limited. My daughter can't seem to look past the fact that the egg carton is, in fact, an egg carton. My black marker scribbles don't help matters, either. Box Play for kids is THE answer for making your gifts this year do double duty. Rather than discard the empty boxes, the kitschy stickers from Box Play for kids turns the containers themselves into toys all their own. Created by a husband and wife team of designers who have specialized in package design, Box Play for kids creates a world where imagination and eco-consciousness skip hand in hand through the holidays. My personal favorite are the bowling pin stickers for paper towel rolls. Don't feel you need to have kids to enjoy this either. Get one for yourself and find your recycling bin all of a sudden full of responsibility.

Box Play for kids is giving away one music set to one lucky winner. To enter to win, please answer the following question by Friday, December 23nd.

What was your favorite childhood toy?

Please begin checking the winners box on January 5, 2013 to see if you've won. Good luck!

Giveaway :: Namaste

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 11:50:00 -0800

I am a crafter at heart. Granted, my ideas far outweigh my time and energy but a few hours spent creating something by hand is some of the best therapy I know. I have friends that balk at merely the mention of the word 'craft' but I'm going to assume that you know someone who is a crafter at heart and would rather spend an hour making something than doing just about anything else. Nothing stands in the way of successful crafting like disorganization. Aside from plain old desire and free time, organization is the key in keeping the lines of creativity clear.

On the search for the perfect way to organize just about everything, we stumbled across Namaste. Purveyors of eco-friendly and gorgeously crafted handbags and accessories, Namaste knows what it takes to keep life organized. From large messenger bags to small knitting/crafting specific bags, each one is designed with you in mind. Rather than large pouches where everything gets lost, you'll find all of your essentials at your fingertips in specially crafted pockets. Anyone who likes to craft (or anyone who just plain has a lot of stuff to lug around - I'm looking at you, Mom) will swoon over these bags. In fact, I'm swooning right now.

Namaste is giving away one Circular Case to one lucky winner. To enter to win, please answer the following question by Thursday, December 22st.

What is your craft of choice? If you don't consider yourself particularly crafty, what craft would you like to attempt?

Please begin checking the winners box on January 5, 2013 to see if you've won. Good luck!

Giveaway :: Scotch Naturals

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 14:53:00 -0800

It happens every year. The holidays come ringing in and my fingers start singing for some festivity of their own. I can go the entire year with bare, natural nails. But once it starts to smell like winter, it is party time on my fingertips. I am one of those ladies that swoons when she finds nail polish in her stocking. True story. It is the one gift I have always loved since I was small. The one thing that has changed is my level of taste. Gone are the days of cheap, toxic polish that doesn't last. I am much more particular and aware of the brands I support and much prefer quantity over quality.

Scotch Naturals has become a new favorite, to be sure. Offering an eco-friendly alternative to the toxic nail polish we're all used to, Scotch Naturals is water-based and free of all toxic chemicals. Don't be fooled by their feel good approach to nail polish; their palette is vibrant and varied and you will find the perfect shades for yourself or that special someone in your life who loves to celebrate their nails as much as the next person. And by 'next person', I mean me.

Scotch Naturals is giving away one Cocktail Trio (including three WaterColors, Top Coat and Base Coat) to one lucky reader. To enter to win, please answer the following question by Tuesday, December 20th.

What is your absolute favorite holiday tradition?

Please begin checking the winners box on December 22, 2011 to see if you've won. Good luck!

Giveaway :: Graphic Image

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 11:01:00 -0800

While making my list and checking it twice this season, I noticed a pattern developing through the years. There is always someone who could use a new bag. From a simple and glamorous clutch to a wonderfully sleek and masculine messenger bag, the gift of a great bag is something that works for almost anyone in your life. It's the quintessential gift that keeps on giving. Form meets function meets style and beauty.

Our friends at Graphic Image are launching yet another brand this season and you, dear readers, are the lucky ones with the inside scoop. Gigi New York is a gorgeous collection of personalized, python embossed bags and journal covers in a palette worthy of even the most discerning customer. The tote bag is the perfect carry-all size and the all in one bag is the answer to keeping all of your miscellany wrangled. Don't forget the personalization for that extra touch that puts this bag over the edge into the land of "THE gift." You're welcome.

Graphic Image is giving away one Gigi New York Teddie Tote (in winner's choice of color with optional monogramming--a prize worth $230!) to one lucky reader. To enter to win, please answer the following question by Thursday, December 15th.

What is on the top of your wishlist this holiday season?

Please begin checking the winners box on December 22, 2011 to see if you've won. Good luck!

Giveaway :: Sseko Designs

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 11:48:00 -0800

December is upon us, full of celebration and family and giving. Since this is the time of year we generally find ourselves looking for just the right thing to gift to our loved ones, let us help you on your journey. In the spirit of showcasing "THE gift" to give to that special someone on your list, let's start with that stylish woman that loves statement pieces designed to last.

Every woman needs a good clutch. True story. With an oversaturated market of mass produced bags, it can be easy to wonder where to turn to find something unique and well-crafted. Well, dear readers, we have the answer for you: Sseko Designs. Every product from Sseko Designs is hand-crafted by Ugandan women who are working to provide income for the University educations as well as stimulate the economy in their communities. In fact, you might remember when we featured the stunning sandals previously on the BSP. Sseko Designs is now offering 'The Pleated Clutch' in five different fabric options. This is the type of bag you buy for your friend and then find yourself borrowing frequently. It is chic and relaxed, ready for early coffee or late night drinks. It is "THE gift."

Sseko Designs is giving away one "Pleated Clutch" in the style of their choice to one lucky reader. To enter to win, please answer the following question by Tuesday, 13th.

What is in your purse right this very moment?

Please begin checking the winners box on December 15, 2011 to see if you've won. Good luck!

Giveaway :: Stubby Pencil Studio

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 12:54:00 -0800

We are an arts and crafts kind of house. My man is a fine artist while I tend to stick to the crafting side of the spectrum. Our three year old gets the best of both worlds and it is amazing to watch her imagination take the reins lately. Her favorite activities tend to lean toward art and literature and one of the biggest challenges we face is keeping her well stocked with supplies while trying to stay eco-conscious and on budget. We firmly believe in providing our daughter with good quality supplies and not the cheap (and sometimes toxic) mass produced varieties. They just aren't always easy to find.

Kate Rosenthal opened Stubby Pencil Studio in 2006 and word quickly spread about her high quality, eco-friendly products with friendly prices. These are products that foster creativity and value the greater good. For my daughter, I'm eyeing the Finger Printing Art Kit, the People Pencils (genius!) and the Watercolor Preschool Set. I am also completely smitten with the Eco Highletter Yellow and feel compelled to buy a handful. In honor of this month's theme, The Art of Giving (apropos!), let me also point you toward the Under $10 section where you can find tiny bits of joy for stocking stuffers, Secret Santa gifts or inexpensive gifts for the little ones in your life. Giving is an art and art is giving.

Stubby Pencil Studio is giving away a holiday art tote to one lucky winner. To enter to win, please answer the following question by Wednesday, December 7th.

What was the first art project you remember making?

Please begin checking the winners box on December 8, 2011 to see if you've won. Good luck!

Giveaway :: House of PlumRed

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 12:13:00 -0800

Does anyone else find themselves "needing" new clothes right around this time of year? Between all of the parties, famiy functions, gift buying excursions and general merriment it is imperative to have the right ensembles. However, spending on ourselves seems a bit indulgent when we have so many other people we're taking care of. But shouldn't we be treating ourselves as well? If we're so concerned about giving to our loved ones this season, shouldn't we also worry about numero uno?

Michaella Pahl and House of PlumRed make it simple and painless to treat ourselves without breaking the bank. Committed on offering fashion under $50, House of PlumRed focuses on "bringing out the bold in a woman without breaking the bank." I am personally looking at the "Faux Raincoat" and the "Caramel Candy Striped Cami Dress" to add some pizazz to my winter wardrobe. Browse through the shop and check our their Facebook page to see what strikes your fancy. You could also buy something beautiful for someone close to you but I'm really liking the idea of giving to ourselves, aren't you?

House of PlumRed is giving away one "mmm Tan Leather Jacket" to one lucky reader. To enter to win, please answer the following question by Tuesday, December 6th.

The Bright Side Project

December Theme :: THE Gift

New Winners!

Weekly Wisdom :: Samuel Smiles

Giveaway :: Box Play for kids

Box Play for kids is giving away one music set to one lucky winner. To enter to win, please answer the following question by Friday, December 23nd.

What was your favorite childhood toy?

Please begin checking the winners box on January 5, 2013 to see if you've won. Good luck!

Giveaway :: Namaste

Namaste is giving away one Circular Case to one lucky winner. To enter to win, please answer the following question by Thursday, December 22st.

What is your craft of choice? If you don't consider yourself particularly crafty, what craft would you like to attempt?

Please begin checking the winners box on January 5, 2013 to see if you've won. Good luck!

Giveaway :: Scotch Naturals

Scotch Naturals is giving away one Cocktail Trio (including three WaterColors, Top Coat and Base Coat) to one lucky reader. To enter to win, please answer the following question by Tuesday, December 20th.

What is your absolute favorite holiday tradition?

Please begin checking the winners box on December 22, 2011 to see if you've won. Good luck!

Giveaway :: Graphic Image

Graphic Image is giving away one Gigi New York Teddie Tote (in winner's choice of color with optional monogramming--a prize worth $230!) to one lucky reader. To enter to win, please answer the following question by Thursday, December 15th.

What is on the top of your wishlist this holiday season?

Please begin checking the winners box on December 22, 2011 to see if you've won. Good luck!

Giveaway :: Sseko Designs

Sseko Designs is giving away one "Pleated Clutch" in the style of their choice to one lucky reader. To enter to win, please answer the following question by Tuesday, 13th.

What is in your purse right this very moment?

Please begin checking the winners box on December 15, 2011 to see if you've won. Good luck!

Giveaway :: Stubby Pencil Studio

Giveaway :: House of PlumRed

House of PlumRed is giving away one "mmm Tan Leather Jacket" to one lucky reader. To enter to win, please answer the following question by Tuesday, December 6th.

What are you thankful for right at this very moment?

Please begin checking the winners box on December 8, 2011 to see if you've won. Good luck!