{please visit allibeans here}

We couldn’t very well do a ‘Back to School’ themed project without offering the ubiquitous pencil case, now could we? We searched high and low for one that would rival all the other pencil cases in the neighborhood, one that would make you smile each time you pulled it out of your Cambridge satchel (or the bag/back pocket of your choice).  We think Alliebeans creator, Allie Yiu did a fine job of filling the spot.

San Francisco based Yiu is an architect by day and pouch maker by night (and like myself a lover of all animals big and small but especially small, okay I threw tat last part in–projecting). Yiu is so committed to her animal love that she donates a portion of her sales to various animal charities each month.  This month she is donating 10% of her sales to the Marine Mammal Center which makes this guilt free shopping in my book!   Allibeans is a collection of ‘practical products’.  Yiu’s design philosophy is simple–she asks herself if she would use it?  If the answer is yes it goes in the line. You will find items such as phone pockets, the ‘porta’ pouch (perfect for your i.d. and credit card), the adorable baby box pouches with key ring which the product description begins–‘the cutest littlest pouch to have ever existed…’ All of Yiu’s fabric follow her ‘keep it simple’ philosophy but have just enough ‘oompf’ to keep them from ever veering into boring country. We think that Yiu may just grab the title of ‘pouch princess’ soon.

Alibeans  is giving away to one winner one tangerine pod pencil case, 2 twig pencils and a set of cat chips fabric covered magnets. In order to win, please answer the following question by Saturday, October 3, 2009. Yiu is also offering all you Bright Siders a 10% discount (not including shipping) until Sunday 09.27 midnight just mention the code: brightside at check out.

If your life was made into a movie what would it be called?

Please start checking the winner’s box on Wednesday, October 7, 2009 to see if you won. Good Luck!