The holidays are a mixed bag at our house. Each December I struggle to balance everything on my growing “to do” list: gift shopping, holiday parties, Christmas cards, cooking, baking, and of course, decorating.

Christmas is my biggest decorating blitz. I go all out. I’ve always loved creating a magical ambience around our home–and that starts with hanging the outdoor holiday lights.

Frankly, I dread hauling out that storage box of string lights. First there’s the challenge of untangling the strands, then precariously perching on the ladder to hang them all up. Next, I piece together the maze of extension cords leading to the single electrical outlet on our porch. Finally, I hold by breath–hit the switch—and invariably blow out the circuit. Back to square one!

This unfortunate scenario has repeated itself more times than I care to remember—but not this year. This Christmas, I’m decorating our front porch with solar string lights from Allsop Home & Garden.

I first discovered this wonderful, family owned company last summer when I was looking for accent lighting in our backyard. I ordered their beautiful Japanese-style solar Soji lanterns to hang in the trees surrounding our new fire-pit seating area. I was instantly impressed with the quality construction and design of this product, not to mention the “green” efficient power source. As day turned to dusk, I loved seeing the soft glow of the lanterns twinkling in the branches as they illuminated our yard.

I was equally excited to learn that Allsop Gardens had the answer to my annual holiday lighting dilemma. Their Aurora Glow Solar String Lights have me doing a happy dance this season. These festive strands feature beautiful crackled glass orbs available in a variety of colors to suit any taste.

Last weekend I hung the lights along my front porch, and placed the solar collector panel in a sunny location. There are no electrical cords or extension cables across the walkway, and I don’t have to remember to turn them on or rig a timer. Our porch looks magical on these winter nights–glimmering with luminescent, eco-friendly light. They’re so lovely I think I’ll keep them up all year!

Starting Monday, December 9^th 2013, Allsop Gardens is giving away a set of their gorgeous Aurora Glow Solar String Lights (a $57.00 value)!  Simply visit and “like” their Facebook page at  https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Allsop-Home-Garden/123693271860 and comment on why you love #holidayglow for a chance to win–and light up your holidays with a sustainable glow!! WINNER ANNOUNCED ON WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11TH. Good Luck!