Yet another lovely winner of the OpenSky/Kenneth Jay Lane sweepstakes below. Rachel Wright, we salute your silly-chic!

Take a look at that headline.  About a year ago, our CEO, John Caplan, and I discussed launching the OpenSky Goodness Channel—in which we could use the power of our network not only to enable discovery of the best products curated by trusted experts for our members, but we could also do some good.  A year later, here we are.

I am thrilled and honored that our first Goodness Channel event is to partner with Julianne Moore and Save the Children on the sale of their limited-edition Valentine’s Day cards.  My husband and I have been buying these cards every year since Julianne started the tradition five years ago, so it is a treasured Valentine’s Day event in our house.  This year, Julianne selected some of her very favorite children’s book authors and illustrators to create the designs, and they are fantastic—filled with love and spirit.  My daughters can’t wait to receive theirs in the mail and get to work on creating their class Valentines.  I had a few samples, so I was able to give them a preview!

Each and every penny of the purchase price of the cards is going to the critical domestic health, education, and literacy programs of Save the Children, a cause that is a very personal one for Julianne, as you can read about here and here.

I’m also delighted that we are able to augment our cards offer with another offer:  all three of Julianne’s incredible Freckleface Strawberry books, signed by Julianne: https://opensky.com/julianne-moore/product/signed-copies-of-the-freckleface-strawberry-series-by-julianne-moore. These books are just the best, all about being yourself, and are beloved by my daughters.  What a great gift this bundle is for a special kid in your life, or for all the birthday parties kids go to.  I think this is one gift that the other parents will really be excited for their kids to get!  OpenSky will be donating all of our proceeds from the books to Save the Children.

So—bottom line:  I hope that everyone who reads this will consider purchasing these great cards for their Valentine’s Day celebrations, and the Freckleface Strawberry books for all the kids you know.  You will know that you are making a difference for kids across our country and giving them a better chance in life.

Thanks to Julianne and Save the Children for partnering with us.  I’m looking forward to working with both again.  And thanks to you for reading.  Watch this space for more news on the OpenSky Goodness Channel.

Today on OpenSky we’ve got a super exciting, exclusive offer. Guru, motivational speaker, life coach and author Gabrielle Bernstein is giving you the chance to take 30% off a 1-year membership to her awesome site, HerFuture.com.

HerFuture.com is a social networking site that connects women looking for mentors with women looking to mentor. Sorry- no boys allowed!

Featured in the New York Times as “a new role model”, Gabrielle Bernstein is making her mark. Expanding the lexicon for the next generation spiritual seekers, Gabrielle is a #1 bestselling author of the book Add More ~ing to Your Life: A Hip Guide to Happiness and Spirit Junkie: A Radical Road to Self-Love and Miracles.

Gabby’s All-Access Club includes:
-monthly audio and video content from Gabby
-full access to the members-only forum
-monthly bonuses (e-books, audio, video, exclusive content, etc) from Gabby’s inner circle of experts
-special contests, offers and discounts
-pre-sale offers on select events
-free access to select live streaming online lectures

Check out the offer here: https://opensky.com/gabriellebernstein/product/gabbys-all-access-club-1-yr-membership

Last Tuesday night, the OpenSky staff held our annual holiday party at Wildwood Barbecue in New York City. Among the flowing libations and delicious food, we reflected on the amazing year we’ve had and toasted to another wonderful year ahead.

We’d like to thank YOU, our incredible OpenSky members, for making 2011 so special and we promise to keep bringing you a unique experience in the year to come.

It’s not a party at Wildwood Barbecue without a cowboy hat!

(The posting below was contributed by the lovely Monique Valeris, author of decor blog Decor Musings)

Even after you feel that you’ve finished decorating your home once and for all, you’ll find that it will need a quick update from time to time to give it a dose of energy. When this happens, there’s no need to panic or resort to breaking the bank.

There are easy, affordable ways to freshen up your home in no time. Consider these tips:

Throw pillows.

Not only do throw pillows amp up the comfort level of any sofa, they are the perfect way to incorporate a pop of color, pattern or texture into a room to give it a new and different feel.

OpenSky item: https://opensky.com/padmalakshmi/product/zaanha-kandahari-pillows — these neutral-colored pillows would work well in any space.

Artwork.

I recently started a gallery wall in my living room to display my ever-growing collection of art, which mainly consists of flea market finds. It made me realize that art really does wonders for a room. It can give a space more character, especially when you mix and match frames (I went with everything from brass to wood).

OpenSky item: https://opensky.com/kristincavallari/product/eccolo-frame-brown–turquoise-bundle — Who knew frames made of horn could look so chic?

Lamp shades.

You’d be surprised how a table lamp you’ve owned for some time can look totally different after simply switching out its shade. If you currently have a simple, white shade, why not opt for one in a bold color to give your lamp new life?

Coffee-table accessories.

Once in a while, I rework the accessories on my coffee table to include anything from a new interior design book to a souvenir purchased on a vacation abroad. Think about how you can change the set-up of your table to keep things fun. Even rearranging a few items can make a difference.

OpenSky item: https://opensky.com/michelevarian/product/oscar-wilde-library-candle — I live for a good scented candle. It has a way of making me feel relaxed and really does make a home feel more like a home.

OR

OpenSky item: https://opensky.com/mlb/product/live-love–decorate-signed-copy-by-martyn-lawrence-bullard — The perfect coffee-table book for design lovers.

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Follow Monique Valeris’ thoughts on home décor on her blog, Decor Musings (http://www.decormusings.com).