wholeheARTed giveaway from uniq'leigh allison

Today is the first wholeheARTed giveway! When the WholeHearted movement/inspiration/revolution launched, I told you that there would be artistic celebrations of living and loving authenticially and with our wholehearts.

The first giveaway is this gorgeous sterling silver cuff bracelet from artist and inspiration jewelry designer Allison Barelli of Uniq'leigh Allison. It is gorgeous!

It says "I LIVE AND LOVE WITH MY WHOLEHEART" on the outside and on the inside - like a little whisper to yourself - it says "I CHOOSE AUTHENTICITY."

I've worn mine for the past two days and both days people have stopped me to ask about the message. (C'mon - you can't be surprised that I bought one for myself???).

My good friend Farrah introduced me to Allison's work a couple of years ago. Allison made me a charm bracelet with photos that Farrah took of Ellen and Charlie. Her jewelry is amazing. There's something really solid and heavy about her silver that feels wonderful to the touch. Oh - and the box and the packaging - just yummy!

Allison began her creative journey in North Carolina where she attended East Carolina University, School of Art and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Metal Design in December 1997. Following graduation, Allison traveled south to the beautiful city of Savannah, Georgia.

In the spring of 1998 she opened her gallery and working studio, Uniq'leigh Allison. After working in the City Market area of Savannah, Allison and her husband, Tim, relocated to Houston, then Colorado (which is where they live now). They have one child and are expecting their second.

Allison is in the process of revamping her website - it should be up and running later this spring. For now, if you're interested in her original and unique sterling silver pieces, you can contact her at 1.866.WHIMSEY (944-6739) or email her at uniqleighallison(at)yahoo.com. The cuff bracelets are $60.

If you'd like to win the bracelet pictured above - it's this easy: leave a comment telling us one WholeHearted thing that you plan to do for YOURSELF this week! I'll draw a random winner on Wednesday night!

Thanks for being with me on this journey!

Update on Wednesday, March 25, 2009 by Brené Brown

Congrats to Jennifer (comment #106)! I just sent you an email so I can get your address and ship this hunk of love your way.

I  love all of the self-care going on around here. I'm inspired!

Thanks for playing along. Another WholeHeARTed giveway is around the corner.

PS: I found this cool little random number generator. You have no idea how much I adore things like this and reading all about the theories behind them. Freaky. I know. 

Comments

[dawnfh]

ohhh! I love the cuff and I love the bracelet you wear too. I plan to, this week, go bra shopping followed by a pedicure....How great does that sound? Now that I think of it, is that wholehearted enough? I also plan to curl up in my bed to watch my favorite TV shows alone, uninterrupted and maybe finish my book by Gore Vidal. WIsh me luck. I am the first comment, the pressure, I hope it is okay.

[Allison]

I am studying abroad is South Africa right now, so I've felt especialy uncomfortable taking time for myself here- in this place where there is so much work to be done.

But, this week- I WILL go enjoy Cape Town's beautiful beaches... and leave my work at my house. I WILL take time to journal, and I WILL go to that yoga class I have been meaning to attend.

Beach. Journal. Yoga. This will be a great week.

[Lolly Busey]

This week, I am giving myself permission to just be. Sounds simple, perhaps, but for the control freak in me, I feel I have to always be doing, accomplishing, working, whatever. This week, when I get home from work, I am going to just be....just be alone, just be reading, just be resting....
Thanks, and my fingers are crossed here in Virginia for the lovely bracelet.
~Lolly

[Devon]

This week I plan to gather my courage and submit some of my photographs to an art exhibit. While photography has been the focus of my word of the year: enrich, I have not thought of entering them into the exhibit or thought of them as "artworthy" until now. Thanks!

[Deirdre]

Oh, love that bracelet. If we have budget $ left over for our Mom's Retreat in May, we have to order one to give away there. Love that message & it's beautiful too!

Funny, being Monday morning I already wrote out by big fat To DO list for the week, and I can't say there is much on there that is for me (even though they all are in a roundabout way)...so I'm going to add a few more.

Today it will be washing and chopping veggies so I have something healthy & easy when I want to snack. I'd actually prefer veggies but often go for the easier grab-a-handful snacks.

[Lee]

I plan to take some time this week to take care of myself: grab the camera and take a walk to the harbour and see the changes Spring is bringing. I'm hoping to make the walk a habit. To make the first few steps into a habit of wellness.

[Bonnie]

What a gorgeous cuff! As a full-fledged member of the Wholehearted Movement I am 1) going out today to purchase the book Everyone is Beautiful and 2) tell myself that I am beautiful everyday this week and really try to believe it. The internal critic is homeless as of...NOW!!! :)

[Kimberly L.C.]

This week I will take the time to go and exercise. I feel so much better physically when I have exercised, but I usually feel so self-conscious at the gym that I avoid going. This week I am going to go to the gym and really work to focus on my process and my exercise and not what people think of how I look.

[Amanda]

Beautiful!

This week I'm going to sit down and plan my workouts, because getting the gym and randomly wandering from weight rack to weight rack is not empowering me. I recently did my first unassisted pull-up, and I'm feeling very motivated to get to two in a row!

[ishly]

I wholeheartedly promise not to be so hard on myself this week! And to allow myself the room to make mistakes, just as i don't expect those around me to be perfect either!

[Deb]

I am almost finished with Brene's book so this week I plan to practice some shame resilience. I am going to a poetry reading where the writing elite where I live will be in attendence. I have realized I feel shame in their presence, like I am less than because I don't have a Ph.d or haven't even written a book. I am going for myself, because I love this poet's writing and I will go, listen and glory in the words that make me feel so beautiful and full.

I am also having lunch with a very supportive friend on Friday and will share what I have learned about myself from Brene's book. : )

[C.R.Kelley]

Oddly, this *assignment* leaves me a little teary, because I've been spending a bit too much time in EscapeMeVille recently. As I consider a response, my brain is flooded with everything I need to do "for myself" to rejoin myself in a more healthy moment. Naturally, I get overwhelmed, the sun peeks through the trees in EscapeMeVille and soothes my soul, so I take a long, deep breath and decide to stay.

So, here I go. I will begin the process of cleaning house -- literally and figuratively. :-) The goal will be to proceed wholeheartedly and with the vigor required (eventually) to be peaceful and invite others in.

[Chrissy]

This week I plan to take the time to read a book and relax- just a little bit of time just for me. Thanks for the giveaway- so pretty!

[Dee Dee]

I'm going to buy that bracelet my-own-self if I don't win...in addition to continuing to share one of the wholehearted cards with everyone who seems like they could use one and discussing them with folks I've already given them too.

[Devan]

Lovely! I'm going to wholeheartedly get a massage while in Florida!

[Helena]

I am finding myself making life changes again and at 50 no less. The words on the bracelet 'speak' to me. Beautiful! Today I shall fully participate in the Mermaid Warrior course.

[kerry beth]

i am so glad the kids are back to school this week. i will get back to my exercise regimen and sanitize my house. both things are an important part of me taking care of myself and my family. i will continue to make myself available to my loved ones and do as my friends the Andersons say: "live & love out loud and on purpose!" i will continue to seek god in the everyday so that i may serve the universe as i am meant to :)

[cheri andrews]

I started my day today with a photo of the scale (not a happy number) and a picture of me in all my glory (shorts and a tank don't hide much). I'm starting my fitness journey TODAY and it all began with 6 1/2 minutes on the treadmill (.35 miles) which is up from Friday (my first time on the treadmill in years) when I managed 5 minutes and .25 miles before I was totally winded. So for myself, I've vowed to take better care of me starting right now! It isn't all about the numbers on the scale or the jean size - it is about feeling and looking physically fit and I'm on my way! And won't that bracelet just look lovely on my new fit self??? Honestly, I LOVE the sentiment and would just melt from happiness if I won that bracelet!!!

[Elle]

Oh, it's lovely! Thanks so much for sharing!

I am going to buy flowers for the whole house, since spring is taking its sweet time getting here, and make my home more of a refuge with beauty. I'm going to burn candles, listen to beautiful music, and cook yummy, healthful things.

[Stacy]

I would love the cuff bracelet.

This week I'm working on not allowing myself to be caught up in any sort of shame or guilt -- after reading your post last week. It hit a nerve, for sure.

So far, so good. And, that's good enough.

[Rebecca]

I love this bracelet! I am going to wholeheartedly stay in the moment and not get wrapped up in fear of the future!

[Conni]

I am going to design a picture wall of my kiddos for ME...been thinking of it and was worried what it would look like..to weird?? Oh well, I don't mind what other people think of it..I want it..and I'm gonna do it THIS WEEK!! Painting the wall and hanging a ton of pictures!! I know I will ove it and smile everytime I walk by (with a load of laundry, or a pile of toys, or dishes!!)...thanks for the cahnce to win.

[Sarah]

This week I'm allowing myself to actually FEEL and EXPRESS the anger I have regarding a situation that is out of my control. I spend so much time making certain that others are doing okay that I find myself stuffing and denying my own emotions.

[Rock]

I will take a half hour each day to sit and just be still with myself. Reflect on compassion creativity and connectedness and practice a random act of each.

[Sheryl]

Today I took the day off and took myself to the gym (which I desperately needed). Later today I am going to sign up for Karen Maezen Miller's Mother's Splurge retreat and practice some sketching (and try not to judge my progress).

[teryll]

This week I will meditate at least twice. Cheers!

[Julie Schultz]

I'm going to stop punishing myself by not buying nice clothes, because I'm ashamed of my body. I will decrease the black and add some color.

[Megan C.]

I have a HUGE fundraiser for work on Friday. I plan to not get super stressed about it. I plan to set aside some specific time this week for ME, even in the midst of all the stuff I have to get done before Friday. Even if it is just taking a bath or reading a book I want to read...it will not have to do with work. I am also going to finish the paintings that I started this weekend!

[Sylvia]

Hello!

I just borrowed your book. I have "stuff" to do this week but I will make time for two things:

1. start to read the book
2. meet with my dear friend

flow and joy to everybody :)

[Gargi]

May be it is a coincidence that I read the blog at the time when I was thinking about doing something like this.. I have a sort of a relationship with a guy whom I really love.. at least thats what I think.. but somehow I am so afraid that it may not work out.. just like the other ones in the past.. I somehow stop myself from being true about my feelings and truly sharing with him my innermost self.. most probably I am too afraid of being rejected. Don't know if he cares.. but at least I will try and be more genuine and will see how it works.. I hope I am able to be myself with him.. I also feel it is even more challenging because he is so far away..

[Amalia]

For me this week?
Well, I did just have a successful shoe shopping binge.
But what I'm really doing for me this week is taking care of the things that I can control and turning the rest over to God. Sometimes I'm a little too much of a busy body/ control freak.

[Katy M]

Lovely, lovely, lovely!

I wholeheartedly will try and get through a day just being and not critically analysing everything I do!

[Michele]

Read, read, read. I have found that it is nearly impossible to be worried and immersed in a good book at the same time. So, much of my 'me time' is spent with my nose in a book. I loved "Everyone is Beautiful" - great book. And, lovely bracelet. Brene, you're getting me hooked up with all kinds of good things.

[kelly rae]

starting tomorrow, working out everyday. i made a pact with a special someone who has inspired me to get off my butt!

xxo

ps-i hope i win! gorgeous work!

[Lelainia Lloyd]

This week, I am allowing myself time to reflect on what's really important to ME right now and giving myself permission to let go of anything that no longer serves my highest good. I am simplifying my life without guilt or apology. I am standing for myself.

Next week, I am feeding my spirit and filling up my creative well. My life is a work in progress and right now it's undergoing some serious renovations.

[Emme]

As I write this I'm sitting in an airport far from home, about to go home after a weekend getaway with just hubby and me. So, that counts as a "for me" this week, right? I'm also planning to write, paint and take lots of pictures this week. Taking time for all these things are a pretty big deal for this momma of 4 under age 9. :)

[Colleen]

This week I plan to take time to read a little every day- something that I enjoy immensely but lately have felt too busy to indulge in.

PS: The bracelet is gorgeous!

[Edith]

You know, I think I should ask myself this question every week. Maybe I'll try to make a little habit of it. I'm going to run. I've gotten out of the habit, but with the weather looking up a bit, I'm going to go for it. Here's for burning lungs!

[Jen H]

I am going to reclaim my life as my own and start with creating an alter as a space that is a sacred space for me to rejuvenate myself.

[Christine G.]

This week I will Wholeheartedly - Plant some beautiful spring flowers in the pots of those that didn't make it this winter, read something uplifting everyday, give my family and friends a hug and tell them one positive way that they make a difference in my life and move my body and love it!

[meg]

I will authentically speak the truth of my emotions as I feel them... as long as I am not dealing with work communications

[sperlygirl]

carve out some quiet time for several yoga sessions and some peaceful time to connect with this little one growing in my belly.

[Mina B]

What a wonderful post and giveaway! This week a yoga studio near my house is starting a candlelight yoga class on Wednesdays. I plan to go!!!

[Stephanie]

I am going to stand in the truth I know as I advocate for my 3 1/2 year old at his IEP meeting Monday re: his speech delay...I will not let others tell me that what I know to be true is not "truth"

[Karen]

I'm having a decadent 1 hour full body massage followed by a 1 hour pedicure. Yummy!

[Missy O]

The love wholeheartedly this week, I will practice forgiveness for myself for being overweight. My four year old admitted tearfully to me on Saturday night that she called me "fat" to one of her friends. I have never shamed myself in front of her, and I have actually embraced my body more since she's been born than ever before. But during our conversation, after I told her that it was true that Mommy had some pounds to lose, i felt ashamed for putting myself and my daughter in this position. I am better than this, I thought. I can make better choices. And so this week, I'm going to. That's the authenticity I plan to embrace this week. I will not hide my feelings behind food.

[Jeanne]

It sounds crazy, but I'm going to start getting up at 5:30 to do yoga three days a week and I feel great about it. I read an interview with Michelle Obama where she talked about getting up early for herself and said it was easy since she finally realized that if it was for her kids or husband she'd be up and at 'em.....why couldn't she do the same for herself? This really clicked with me even if intellectually I've heard it before.

The bracelet is beautiful and getting lucky would be lovely!

[Heather]

I am writing a paper this week and everytime I do this I feel WAY out of my comfort zone. But I also feel incredibly authentic because I am presenting ME to the world. My thoughts mingled with theory and data. It's so difficult but so rewarding.

In an effort to live wholeheartedly I will remember to encourage myself to keep going when I'm trying new things. With creativity, I can give my thoughts life and write in a way that no one else can but ME.

[tracy g]

I did it today, and it almost made me cry. I talked to my students honestly about all the things i have never tried because of feeling afraid to think about the possible end results or of my fear being embarrassed (they are nine). i shared a real petrifying experience that illustrated my point. i asked them if anyone had ever experienced something similar...they all raised their hands and 3 students volunteered to share with our class.you should have seen their little faces...such a wonderful experience and day...made me so happy and grateful to share a moment in time with my nine year olds, so fresh from God.

[Jennifer]

As silly as it sounds....I plan on getting some extra sleep and pampering myself this week. I've been running on empty lately and really need to take care of myself. I think I'll get in my jammies...watch some mindless tv...read a great book...and most importantly get some sleep.