The Happy Minimalist Enjoys Life with OttLite

If you're looking for a unique Father's Day present, check out this book by Peter Lawrence -- The Happy Minimalist. It's one of those books that really makes you think about life and what is important. Peter talks about how to live simply without feeling deprived. The book is practical and inspirational at the same time.

And what does the man who lives so minimally have? An OttLite! He's had it since 1997. One of Peter's tips is to "slay the energy vampires" by reducing electricity costs, turning off appliances and switching to energy efficient lighting. Here's what Peter says about OttLite ...

"I have a portable lamp that I use when I read. I bought that lamp in 1997 and have yet to replace the bulb. It is not only better for your eyes, it also saves energy."

New Craft Blog Speaks from the Heart

Check out this new blog from craft design expert Kathy Peterson and health expert Barb Dehn, RN, NP. Craft for Health is all about the healing power of crafting. Kathy said she's had stories pouring in from all over from readers who have turned to crafting to work through grief, pain, stress and more.

There is such a healing power with crafting. When my grandmother passed away, I picked up a cross stitch needle for the first time and stitched my way out of grief. I felt connected with her somehow, by doing something she loved. Then sharing those pieces with my newborn niece and nephew really continued the circle for me.

Now that I have kids of my own, I plan to pass this tradition on to them. Crafting teaches us appreciation for creating something with our hands. In our instant-gratification society, I want my kids to learn patience and that good things take time and effort. That’s what my grandmother taught me in everything she said and did.

At OttLite, we've captured stories about the Power of Creativity in a video series.

 

These teachers and artists share how creativity has changed their lives and the lives of their students. Crafting is powerful and healing all at the same time. Please share your stories with us!

I Love My OttLite!

My favorite part of going to a trade show or event is when someone sees my OttLite shirt and says, "I LOVE my OttLite!" I just smile from ear to ear!! So, we decided to capture all these incredible stories of how OttLite has helped people enjoy what they do even more.

Take a look at these fun videos from the gang at Keep Me In Stitches in Tampa, Florida. This place is so cool -- filled with color, great fabrics and flooded with OttLite lighting in the overheads. It's like walking into the sunshine :-)

We would love to hear your OttLite story. Please send us your video or an e-mail today!

Artists of America - Helping Foster Children

We received an incredible e-mail from a very special artist -- Diedre Burke. She works with a group called Artists of America. Their mission is to provide art classes for America's foster children and at-risk youth. Their goal is to "improve lives, one child at a time."

Diedre sent us a picture of her with a portrait she painted ... using her OttLite lamp! Here's what she has to say about OttLite:

"As an artist, I use Ott Lite Bulbs when I paint, so I know personally how vitally important the quality of the light a person uses is!"

We want to thank Diedre for sharing her story with us and for all the work she does sharing the incredible gift of art with kids. THANK YOU DIEDRE!!!!

For more info on Artists of America, visit www.artistsofamerica.info