Third Trimester Bumpdate + New Year, New Baby Giveaway

I realized the other day that I am almost exactly 2 months out from my due and I have yet to do any kind of pregnancy update on the blog beyond a few mentions here and there.  It's hard to believe that it's coming up so quickly!  So I thought with the new year, it would be a fun time to share a little bit with you about my pregnancy and also let you know about an amazing giveaway that I'm doing with some other pregnant mama blogger friends.

13

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!

12

$3 Back To School Wreath

One week.  That's how long I have left until my oldest child starts kindergarten.  I'm feeling conflicted between trying to to happy for her and not to think about it, but it's hard NOT to think about it when I'm being reminded by her every. single. day. because she's so excited.  I was one of those kids who actually really loved school (including college) so I'm glad to see her feeling positive about this new part of her life.  And with all the school supplies on sale, I decided to grab a few things and turn them into something fun: a $3 back to school wreath.

13

Book Review: Bucket of Awesome + A Giveaway

For many years I've used writing as a way to help me work through and remember things.  I have poems written after a challenging break-up.  A stack of diaries and journals from elementary school all the way through today detailing whatever I was/am going through at the time.  Even this blog is a way for me to put my thoughts down and organize them in a way that makes sense.  Writing helps me unlock memories and remember details in a way that nothing else can.  I wonder, how often do we take the time to think back on the experiences in our life that shaped us and made us who we are today?  Are they positive or negative?  Which would you rather focus on?

24

Using Natural Light In Your Photography (Plus a Giveaway!)

In today's world, cameras are only an arm length away (or less!).  Like many people, I keep my phone nearby during the day in order to check my texts or emails, but more than anything, I want a camera close by to capture pictures or videos of my kids.  But how many times have I taken a picture thinking it's going to turn out so great, only to be disappointed because of a lighting issue?  Let me tell you, the answer is a lot.  And it's frustrating!  But the good news is, using light to your advantage is a skill you can learn, especially with the help of a good teacher.

28

First Annual Gingerbread House Competition

Christmas is in full swing here at my house.  We started our countdown to Christmas with the kids unwrapping a book each night for us to read before bedtime, as well as our 25 Days of Christ.  We all look forward to the time spent together each night sharing in the fun and excitement of the holiday, while also remembering the reason for the season.

I've always been a huge advocate for traditions.  In college, I did a semester project on traditions where I had to put together a class and then teach it, complete with feedback from the people who attended.  It hardly even felt like a project because it is something I love so much!  Creating traditions in connection with a holiday is a great way to help family bond together over shared experiences.  It gives meaning and enhances our enjoyment of the holiday.  I've teamed up with At Home (who has also gracious sponsored this post) to talk about Christmas traditions and #MyReason for incorporating them into our holiday.

34

Bellissimo Bebe Bracelet Winners!

Hello everyone!  I hope you had a great Labor Day weekend.

Thank you so much to everyone who entered the Bellissimo Bebe giveaway!  Maranda is such a talented lady and I was so happy to be able to introduce you to her cute Etsy shop.  If you haven't read about her and how she started her shop, jump over to this post and then go visit her shop.  Her bracelets are darling and so reasonably priced you'll want to grab a bunch for your daughters, nieces, baby shower gifts or just because.

And now for the winners of the giveaway:

Congrats ladies!  I have sent your contact information to Maranda and she will be in touch with you for mailing addresses.

2

Guest Post: Bellissimo Bebe + A Giveaway

It's been a couple of months since I did an official guest post here on the old blog and I decided it was time I get back into that.  I love being able to collaborate with other bloggers and business owners and then introduce them to you so you can love them too!

Today, I've got Maranda on the blog.  She owns a darling little Etsy shop called Bellissimo Bebe.  Maranda and I have known each other for a couple of years.  We live in the same neighborhood, go to the same church and are in the same book club so we see each other pretty regularly.  Maranda is super talented when it comes to all things crafty and home decor and you should see their house during Halloween through Christmas!  She totally puts the rest of the neighborhood to shame. *wink* I'll let her take it from here!

(p.s. There's a giveaway opportunity at the end so read about Maranda and then go enter!)

10

My Little Sunshines 2 Year Blogiversary Giveaway

My friend, Britt Hanson, who blogs over at My Little Sunshines is celebrating her 2 year blogiversary!  Britt and I actually met about five or six years ago through my younger sister.  We were at my sister's apartment for her birthday party and she and I were the only married ladies there so we immediately bonded.  Since then, we've mostly kept in touch through social media, watching each others pregnancies and kids growing up and life in general.

Britt is teaming up with me and two other awesome bloggers in celebrating her 2 year blogiversary by giving away some of her favorite things! 

You can check out more about the giveaway HERE on her blog and to find out more about the rules for entering the giveaway.  You can also enter below.  The giveaway will run for 1 week from today and the winner will be announced next Wednesday, June 15.  Good luck and I hope you win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

0

$25 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway Winner

Thank you so much to everyone who entered to win the $25 Amazon gift card!  It was so fun to do my first giveaway and there will be many more to come as time goes on.  I announced the winner this morning on my Facebook page, but if you didn't see who won, I'm posting it here too!

Congrats Dana!  I hope you enjoy your gift card and whatever you decide to buy with it!

0

Giveaway! *CLOSED*

**GIVEAWAY CLOSED**

Happy Leap Day everyone!  I'm so excited to host my first giveaway on Sunshine and Munchkins!  I want to thank all of you for taking time out of your day to check out my blog.  It means so much to me.  I recently hit 100 followers on my Facebook page and as a thank you I am offering a $25 Amazon gift card!

And now...on to the giveaway!

To Enter:

1. Visit and 'like' my page on Facebook.
2. Share this post.
3. Leave a comment below with what you'd buy if you win.
4. *Bonus Entry* Subscribe to my email list.
5. Comment on the original Facebook post when you have finished all entries.  For example: "liked", "shared", "commented" and/or "subscribed".  (These do not have to be separate posts.)

Rules:

1. I'll be leaving the giveaway open for one week, starting today (2/29/16) and ending on Saturday (3/5/16) at midnight.  
2. You can only enter once and you must do all the entries.
3. This giveaway is only open to U.S. citizens (must live in the U.S.).
4. Must have a valid email address.
5. The winner will be randomly chosen.
6. I will announce the winner on my blog and on Facebook on Monday, March 7 @ 8am.
7. This giveaway is available to anyone who completes all the entries.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck!

28