A bright idea! Lighting options for the new year... PLUS a giveaway!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. I received products and/or compensation in exchange for this post. 

Happy Monday! Here we are, already heading into the third full week of 2015. Time is speeding by. And, as always, as time goes by, innovative products hit the market, intending on making our lives better in one way or another. Of course, that's not always the case (take GMOs, for example).

One of the areas that keeps evolving is in the realm of lighting options. From torches to gas lanterns to the incandescent light bulb, society is ever reaching for the best possible lighting solution. 

When CFLs hit the market, we thought we finally had it. But, in my opinion at least, we were wrong. There were so many issues with CFLs, from the danger of releasing toxins when they broke to the problem of safe disposal to the rather crappy lighting they provided.

That's why I was happy with the GE bulbs. I really like the energy savings that accompany LED bulbs, and I'm happy with the way they light a room. I tried some out a year ago and have continued to enjoy them.

Recently, GE contacted me to check out some more of their light bulbs and I happily complied. They sent me quite a few of their energy-efficient soft white 60w incandescent modified spectrum replacement bulbs (43w), which use 28% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. No, they're not as energy-efficient as CFLs, but like I said, I'm not a fan of CFLs and all their baggage. The estimated yearly energy cost for one of these GE bulbs is only $5.18 per year (based on 3 hrs/day and they'll last nearly a year. So they're cost effective and cast a warm light using less energy than the other bulbs. 

Actually, I was pleasantly surprised when I received the incandescent bulbs, as I thought they were no longer allowed to make them. 

In addition, I received a couple of GE LED soft white 60w replacement (10.5w) bulbs that are dimmable and are estimated to cost just $1.26/year and last 13.7 years. Of course, the duration is based on 3 hrs/day and barring any active ball-throwing children, mischievous cats, or klutzy adults in the home!

These bulbs also have a warm glow to them, so they're a perfect light choice for any room. 

But choosing light bulbs is not always easy, is it? As a matter of fact, as time passes, this is becoming quite the difficult task. I hope these infographics can help you sort through the "clutter" of the lighting aisle. After looking them over, don't miss your chance to win one of three great GE Lighting Home Makeover packages:

• Beautify House Makeover Package -- $200 worth of GE bulbs
• Beautify Room Makeover Package -- $100 worth of GE bulbs
• Bathroom Makeover Package -- $30 worth of GE bulbs

GE Lighting is providing the product for this giveaway to help you learn about the different light bulbs available as, like I said, the plethora of options can seem daunting at time.

For each lighting purchase you make, be sure to choose the right fit, the right brightness, and the right color and effect. And don't forget to consider the energy savings and lifetime of the bulbs. For more information, please visit the GE website.  

Enter below on the Rafflecopter through 12pm PST on January 30, 2015. Sorry, this contest is open to U.S. residents only. GE Lighting is not running this giveaway, but they are providing the products.

Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway