Two Year Blogiversary + A Giveaway

Happy 2 year birthday to my blog!  Or as we bloggers like to call it: our "blogiversary".  These past two years have flown by and so much has happened.  When I started Sunshine & Munchkins, my goal was to share my thoughts, advice, projects and recipes with others in the hope that I could spread a little bit of sunshine and happiness.  But the truth is, as much as I love blogging for blogging sake, it really wouldn't be as fulfilling without you: the people who read my posts, take time to comment and go on to share them with others.  I also recently hit just over 1K followers on both my Facebook and Instagram!  And that is why I've decided to express my appreciation in a couple of ways: first, by sharing what I've learned; and second, by doing a giveaway!

Community over Competition
I am a researcher by nature.  I like to gather as much information as possible before making a decision and weigh the pros and cons.  So when I first started throwing around the idea of a blog to friends and family, I got a variety of responses, ranging from "What's a blog?" to "Isn't that pretty saturated?" to "Go for it!  I'd totally read your blog!"  Obviously, I decided to start a blog and in doing so, I found myself among a community of women with all different backgrounds and situations and ideas and niches.  Some were super successful, making a full time income from their blog.  Others were more like me, beginners who had no idea what they were doing.  Over time, I've found myself somewhere in the middle where I make a little bit of money, but mostly I do what I do because I've seen that it makes a difference and brings others joy of one kind or another.  I've learned that blogging is not a competition and if I treat it that way, I'm the one who loses.

Working With Brands and Companies
Over the last couple of years, I've had the opportunity to work with some amazing brands and companies.  When my husband and I went to Florida in March, we were able to stay an extra night at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort for a deep discount plus character dining that wouldn't have been possible without my blog.  I've received clothes from companies that I love.  I've learned about amazing causes and products that companies support and have been able to share them with others in turn.  My family and I have been able to participate in some fun activities at no cost.  Do I get free stuff?  Yes.  But is it really "free"?  No.  I have to spend time away from my family to write the post, take and edit the pictures, and then promote the post on social media.  But something else that I want you to know is that I will only share about products, services, companies and brands that I actually like and use.  My reviews are honest and 100% my own.  I'm not being bought off to share something sketchy with you because I value you, your time and your trust.

Connecting with Others
As a stay-at-home mom, there are days when the first adult interaction I have is when my husband gets home from work.  The rest of my day is spent with my kids and managing our home.  One big perk that I didn't anticipate when I started my blog was the opportunity to connect with others from all over the country (and even a few outside of it).  Communicating and connecting with other like-minded women is fulfilling in a different way than doing the same thing with my husband or kids.  I've even been able to meet a few of these amazing women (like Justine from Little Dove who I met this summer).  So thank you for being there, wherever that may be, and contributing to a little piece of my sanity.  We all need each other and I'm grateful for you.

And now, on to the giveaway!  I've decided to share some of my favorite things with you as part of one big giveaway.

The winner will receive the following items in the prize pack (over $100 value):

• Happy Planner stickers pack
• Utah Truffle Bar (creamy, melt in your mouth chocolate)
• $30 Hobby Lobby gift card 
• $30 The Nest on Main gift card (check out their website here)
• DCWV 12x12 Letterboard
• set of letterboard letters/symbols

To enter, you'll need to complete all the required entries.  (There is an opportunity for extra entries as well, but to qualify, you have to complete all the required entries first.)  The giveaway will run from today, December 4th thru Thursday, December 7th at 11:59pm MST.  The winner will be announced at noon MST on Friday, December 8th on my Facebook page and will also be contacted via social media.  (If I don't hear back from the winner within 24 hours, I will contact a new winner and they will have 24 hours to reply and so on until the winner replies.)  Open to U.S. residents with a U.S. mailing address only.

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