DIY and a Giveaway with Furrow & Feather

Today I am so excited to share about the cutest new etsy shop, Furrow & Feather! Katie Egbert the incredible artist behind these adorable shadowbox framed vinyl hand lettered quotes is just the sweetest and she sent me two to DIY for my home! I had such fun deciding where to put them and what to use as the background for each. They come with a chip board background perfect for personalizing and so I used some vintage fabric and some spray adhesive to brighten up the wall in Josie and Zeb's nursery. I love how the Hello Sunshine one turned out!

For the Home Sweet Home frame I used a piece of the Orla Kiely wallpaper I had saved from our old home as a little memento and put it on a shelf in my kitchen. These frames are so fun and unique and are a perfect addition to any photo wall. They would also make a great gift idea for anyone special in your life!

Katie is so generously offering a Shadowbox frame to one lucky reader too and I couldn't be more excited! Thank you so much friend for sharing your beautiful work it's truly lovely and unique! Check out Furrow & Feather HERE and Katie's incredible website HERE enter below for a chance to win! a Rafflecopter giveaway

saturday morning muffins and music :: a giveaway with Reeve Coobs

I met my sweet friend Reeve through the wonderful world of blogging and Instagram. She has been such a dear voice online the past few months always full of words of encouragement and prayer I truly feel so blessed to have met her! Reeve is an incredible singer/songwriter and her new album, What Love is All About debuts on November 1st. She sent me an early copy and I have been listening to it ever since it arrived. I love her gorgeous voice and deep beautiful lyrics and have found myself singing along with the catchy melodies. Night Owl is my most favorite track on the albumn and after reading the story and evolution behind the song I love it even more (you can read about it and listen to it HERE).

This morning felt like a baking morning and since we have about a dozen over ripe bananas sitting on the counter I decided to experiment with some vegan banana nut muffins and listen to Reeve's beautiful voice. I love her heart and the way she bares it so beautifully on the album...and the muffins turned out really yummy so I thought I would share the recipe...

Vegan Whole Wheat Banana Nut Muffins (makes 24)

•  2 cups of whole wheat pastry flour
• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 2/3 cup of packed brown sugar
• 2/3 cup of evaporated cane juice
• 1/4 cup ground flaxseed 
• 4 teaspoons of baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 4 bananas)
• 1.5 cups of canned coconut milk
• 3 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
• 6 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup no sugar added applesauce 
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 375° Fill 24 muffin cups with liners. Combine the flours, sugars, flax, baking powder, cinnamon and salt and set aside. Combine the banana, coconut milk, vinegar, oil, vanilla extract and apple sauce and pour into the dry ingredients. Mix and then seperate into the muffin tins. Bake for 22 minutes until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

And Reeve sent a copy of her cd for one of you, I am super excited to get to share it - enter below for a chance to win! Hope you guys have a truly blessed weekend, and thank you Reeve for sharing your gifts it's beautiful to behold! xoxo

a Rafflecopter giveaway

sponsor spotlight :: an interview with Brachel Boulevard + etsy giftcard giveaway!

I am so excited to welcome Rachel from Brachel Boulevard here today and to introduce you to her darling blog! She is a mother of two living abroad with her sweet husband Brandon, currently in Barcelona. She writes about their adventures together and shares fun recipes and craft ideas with lots of pictures of her adorable kids! I did a little interview with Rachel so that we could get to know her a bit more...and make sure to check out the fun giveaway at the bottom. Rachel is generously offering one reader a $25 gift card to Etsy. There are just about a million things I could think of to buy with one of those! OK without further ado, here is miss Rachel:

1. What is the name of your blog and the passion behind why you write it?

Our blog name is Brachel Boulevard. The term "Brachel", our self-proclaimed "celebrity couple" name, started as a joke. (Brandon + Rachel=Brachel) 4 years, 2 children and 14 countries later, it has come to represent all of the amazing things we have done together as a couple.

Our blog is our journal. We write about our travels, our ups & downs, our lives as a whole. I am a history major so I am passionate about preservation. Our blog is the way we reserve our memories. 

2. Tell us a bit about yourself and your family

I'm a twenty something bookworm with a wanderlust that will never be fulfilled. Luckily, my husband has been infected with that same wanderlust. Brandon is a numbers guys, a cancer survivor and amputee. He is an inspiration to me and our children. Corbin is three and loves all things super heroes. Elizabeth is our little princess that is very attached to her Mommy (which I love most of the time). 

3. A favorite date night memory with your sweetie

Brandon found a new exhibit at a museum that played music and had the words of the songs rotate around the room. We went on a date to the museum, spent the majority of the time looking at beautiful paintings and then he brought me into this music exhibit room, and started slow dancing with me.  We were the only ones in the room, and it was super romantic. He has yet to top that date! 

4. A favorite indulgence

Some of you are gonna laugh at this but it's totally Regency novels! Ha ha I can sit down start reading a Regency novel & forget to make dinner! When I read, I indulge, I don't stop until it's done. 

5. What countries have you lived in and which one is your favorite/why?

We have lived in the US, Belgium, & are currently living in Spain. The US will always be home but I must say Spain is making it's way up the ranks! 

6. One thing you are looking forward to this Fall?

The sound of crunching leaves under my feet. It's the simple things like that that make me smile! :) 

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So fun to get to know you a bit Rachel - that date night sounds pretty dreamy for sure! Thank you so much for being here today it's a joy to find new blog friends!

Here are a few of Rachel's current favorites on etsy - for a chance to win a $25 gift card enter the giveaway below it will be open until October 3rd. And don't forget to stop by and say hello to Rachel too!

one. two. three. four. five.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

his and hers diy with Minnetonka Moccasins plus a giveaway!

I was so incredibly honored to have the opportunity to work with Minnetonka Moccasins recently on a his and hers DIY. I have been a huge fan of their moccasins for a long time, the pairs I have are so super comfortable I really love them. I chose to personalize the Suede Ankle Boots for myself and the Moosehide Double Bottom Softsole moccasins for Chris with a heart and arrow applique to create a sort of best friends pair. I am super excited to be sharing the entire project over on the Minnetonka blog today! Minnetonka is also generously giving away a pair of the Suede Ankle Boots to one lucky reader - perfect for fall! You can enter below until next Thursday the 19th. Check out the full post over on the Minnetonka site here! *giveaway open to US residents only

a Rafflecopter giveaway

an Easter giveaway with Noonday Collection (closed)

I absolutely adore Noonday Collection and was honored when they sent me the beautiful Olivia Necklace from their new Spring line. Noonday is an incredible company whose entire goal is to create a pathway out of poverty for families through fair trade. They also fund adoptions and fight against the abandonment of children. You can read more about them and other opportunities on their site HERE.

And they sent along a second Olivia Necklace for one of you guys as well. All you need to do is leave a comment below and I will randomly select a winner on Tuesday April 2. Thank you Noonday for all of the amazing things that you do it is a gift and blessing to bear witness to it! xoxo

Update: Congrats to Reeve! You won the necklace I will be in touch to get your address...thank you to all who entered!

A Pretzel Party With Auntie Anne's

 

Auntie Anne's is celebrating their 25th birthday this year and so in honor of their big day and their brand new Honey Whole Grain pretzels they sent us a super fun pretzel party pack full of streamers, twisty straws, stickers, the game twister and a fun play list of music to keep the party pumping. We decided to share our pretzel loot with Jenny and her crew a few nights ago and had a fun time getting our pretzel on...we also watched the finale of Biggest Loser (yay Danni!)...all in all we had a great time. My favorite part was probably the moment after I picked up the pretzels at the mall, got into our van where Chris and the kids were anxiously waiting and immediately devoured a Honey Whole Grain hot from the oven. So good and so reminiscent of my first job working at a toy store in the mall!

Thanks Auntie Anne's for the sweet gift...and guess what they sent along party favors. The first five commenter's get four free pretzels c/o Auntie Anne's so you can get your pretzel on too, just leave your email address in the comment so I can get in touch!

a giveaway with elevate the everyday

Last week I shared Tracey Clarks new book, Elevate the Everyday with you guys and I am so super excited that she has generously sent over copies for three A Bit of Sunshine readers to enjoy just in time for the holidays too!! If you would like a chance to win simply leave a comment  on this post and I will choose a winner on Sunday December 23rd! 

I can not believe we are less than a week away from the big day...I will be back later on with a roundup of last minute homemade gift ideas! xoxo

Sponsor Welcome and Giveaway with Linkel Designs (CLOSED)

I am so thrilled and honored to introduce you to one of my new sponsors today, Linkel Designs. The  shop is full of fun and affordable baubles - lots of bright pops of red, gold and blue perfect for gifting this holiday season or for a little something to wear to all the festive parties happening this time of year.

Kelly, the amazing woman behind Linkel Designs is an artist, musician and Mom to two little boys. She writes an adorable blog, The Pretty Bee  takes beautiful photographs and is all around inspiring. I am loving her blog right now, full of beauty, truth, recipes, and crafts...it's a good one you should definitely check it out!

Kelly is offering a $30 gift certificate to one lucky reader for her shop this holiday season. To enter leave a comment below, a second entry if you like her on facebook or google friend connect just leave a separate comment letting me know you did so.

What would you buy if you won? Personally these peppermint vintage earrings are calling my name. Use coupon code SUNSHINE to save an extra 10% on your order this month, thanks so much Kelly it's a joy to have you!!

{the giveaway will be open until next Wednesday December 12th}

sponsor a bit of sunshine - super sale!!

If you have been wanting to try out advertising for your shop or blog this is the perfect opportunity! I would love to partner with you for the Summer to help get the word out about your little neck of the woods online. For a limited time I am offering $15 Large ad spaces which include both July and August!! I will keep the sale going through the end of next week at least. If your interested email me I would love to work with you!!!

And congratulations to Jenny you won the Shabby Apple gift card giveaway - I got pretty excited when I saw your name pop up!!!

Happy Friday everyone I hope you have a super wonderful weekend!

shabby apple giveaway *closed*

Today I am so thrilled and honored to partner with Shabby Apple to bring you guys an awesome giveaway for a $50 gift certificate to spend on anything fun your heart desires!

I love their new Lighthouse collection a whole lot the Beachcomber dress in particular makes my heart pitter patter! Their retro swim line is also adorable and perfect for the season ahead.

And these cuties from the New Mama section - adorable! Perfect for nursing Moms, it is always so hard to find cute dresses suitable for nursing.

To enter simply head over to the Shabby Apple website and choose what you would pick if you won. Entries must also follow Shabby Apple on Facebook HERE and the giveaway is only open to residents inside the United States. Winner will be announced this Friday June 29th!

And as an added bonus for the next month readers of a bit of sunshine can use this code: abitofsunshine10off to receive 10% off of your entire order, good luck everyone!

easter bunny in the grass vase and a giveaway! (*closed*)

The girls at Oh My Crafts were so sweet and sent me a little package of fun things recently. My most favorite was the Martha Stewart fringe scissors. I could not wait to get my hands on them and instantly wanted to cut everything in sight into the perfect fringy mess.

I have a few fun projects in mind with these but couldn't help but whip together this silly and whimsical Easter project using a recycled soup can and simple tissue paper. I thought these would be a great way to present a friend or your kids teachers with some pretty flowers this Spring. 

Ingredients:

1. soup can

2. pipe cleaners

3. tissue paper

4. fabric stripes

5. fringe scissors 

6. double sided tape

7. packing tape

8. doily or other decorations

9. flowers

Make some little bunny ears using two pipe cleaners and then tie a knot at the bottom with the fabric scraps and wrap up the entire length of the ears covering the entire thing.

Next measure out a folded piece of tissue paper to fit around your can and using the fringe (or other) scissors cut fringe along the top to make the grass.

Tape the tissue paper down and then add a bow with more fabric scraps or a doily and bow like I did in the finished project.

Lastly I taped the bunny ears inside the can with some heavy packing tape to keep them secure and protect them a bit from the water.

Fill the can carefully with some water and pretty Spring flowers and your all set. Could be a cute center piece for an Easter brunch too - just a silly little Easter craft to get your juices flowing today.


And as an added bonus Oh My Crafts also sent me a $25 gift certificate for one lucky reader to purchase some fun crafting supplies too. To enter you need to "like" the Oh My Crafts facebook page HERE and sign your name in the comments below. Extra entries given to fans of A Bit of Sunshine so let me know in a separate comment if you "like" my page too or if you follow via google friend connect or reader. Contest will be open through the end of the week and a winner chosen and announced on Sunday April 1st! Good luck everyone and happy Spring!

Oh My Crafts Site, Facebook page, Blog

cyber monday giveaway!

Happy Monday everybody. Did you have a wonderful holiday weekend? Ours was nice and full as per usual and we most certainly felt so blessed to be able to spend Thanksgiving with loved ones.

I have a fun little sponsor giveaway for you guys today just in time for cyber monday. Three little goodies up for grabs to one lucky reader!

First up is this super adorable advent pendant banner kit from the amazing Lisa at the True Vine.

The kit includes everything you need to create this gorgeous folk inspired advent calendar and includes 25 hand-lettered mini cards paraphrasing the story of Jesus' birth with Scripture references. Such a fun tradition to add to your holidays!

Lisa is an incredible Mom of ten who blogs over at The True Vine check her out HERE!

Next we have this adorable red satin and feather headband from Lexi Lou for the sweet little girl in your life. So cute I want one for Josie I love the feathers! Lexi Lou has tons of fun and affordable hair accessories check out Lydia's shop HERE!

And lastly I am super excited to include a copy of the brand new e-licious e-cookbook from Jenna over at Newlyweds. Tons of delicious and easy recipes including crock-pot meals, weeknight ideas and date night recipes too. I am paying close attention to that last one since it's about time I got back to dinner at eight over here isn't it :)!

Jenna is also offering a coupon code for %20 off at checkout just use the code ELICIOUS20. You can also sign up for updates via Jenna's facebook page HERE!

Just a few little goodies to get you into the cyber monday mood. To enter simply leave me a comment here and I will post the winner of all three prizes on wednesday november 30th!

I hope you all have a wonderful day today. I will be wrapping up the capturing our blessings project with Kristen this week and have a few fun crafts to share plus some other exciting updates your not going to want to miss!

(UPDATE!!! Through the end of today, tuesday november 29th Jenna is offering her e-cookbook for only .99 cents with the code CYBER99 - get it while it's hot!!)

Noonday Collection + Amazing Love and a Giveaway

Good morning friends and happy Thanksgiving week! I can hardly stand the anticipation as the holidays get into full swing!

And yesterday after getting the sweetest surprise visit from my bestie Claire when she heard I was sick at home and not at church (she raced over with pumpkin spice :)) I got to sit with my gorgeous sister in laws and mother in law too and sip peppermint mocha's and plan some of our holiday festivities (and had major girl bonding) it was such a gift and now I am feeling all warm and cozy and hopeful for the deep blessing that is the holiday season!

Today I am so honored to start off a week of fun giveaways with the incredible story of Noonday Collection. Whitney is my feature sponsor this month and let me tell you this woman is incredible. She has such a beautiful heart and works as an ambassador spreading hope and changing lives through the sales of fair trade goods handmade by women around the world. Empowering them to change their lives and the lives of their families and communities by way of working with their hands creating the most gorgeous jewelry, accessories and home goods.

I know that I will be purchasing several gifts this holiday season through Whitney and I am thrilled to know that the gifts I give will not only bless the recipient but deeply bless the woman who crafted them!

Whitney is offering a $50 gift certificate to one bit of sunshine reader this week to get you started on your Christmas shopping but I encourage you, please take a look at Noonday Collection. Put these items on your own wish lists and consider purchasing something through Whitney to give this holiday season. It will change lives and the stuff is adorable too so it's a win win!

This giveaway will be open through Friday November 25th simply leave a comment here letting me know what you would purchase with your prize. Extra entries will go to those who "like" Whitney's facebook page HERE as well as those who follow a bit of sunshine too...leave separate comments for each entry letting me know ok!

Happy Monday everyone may your week leading up to Thanksgiving be wonderful and may you truly be able to meditate on the deep blessings in your own life! xoxo

(all images courtesy of Noonday Collection - check out Whitney's blog HERE and her Noonday page HERE...thank you Whitney your an inspiration!)