Pocketful of Sunshine

What's for dinner?

2012-01-06T09:34:00.005-05:00

Sweet & Sour Meatballs!!!

The best gift I ever received was a slow cooker and now being a mommy on the run, it is my favorite kitchen appliance. So a good 90% of the recipes I share will be for the slow cooker so if you don't have one, make your life a little easier and get one. You won't be disappointed!

This Sweet & Sour Meatballs recipe is adapted for my family from a recipe I found online. Feel free to tweak it to best fit your family's taste buds.

Ingredients...

3 lbs frozen meatballs
1 jar (9-10oz) sweet & sour sauce
1 red pepper, cut into 1-inch-wide strips
1/4 cup brown sugar
3 Tbs soy sauce
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks (drained) *Sometimes I opt not to drain the pineapple juice and use it in the mix. My only warning if you choose to do this is not overcook because the acidity of the juice seems to burn the meatballs.

Directions...

1.Toss meatballs in slow cooker. Toss pineapple chunks and red bell pepper over meatballs. Mix and pour all remaining ingredients over meatballs. Cover slow cooker with lid.
2.Cook on LOW 4 to 6 hours (or on HIGH 3 to 4 hours).
3.Serve over white rice.

*Fun Tip: Reynolds® Slow Cooker Liners are the absolute best!!!!! They help prevent having to scrub that baked on mess. They are a slow cooking momma's best friend! ;-)

Hope you enjoy!!!

Sneak Peek...

2012-01-05T09:13:00.003-05:00

Wit and Wisdom

2012-01-04T08:30:00.000-05:00

People are often unreasonable and self-centered.
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives.
Be kind anyway.
If you are honest, people may cheat you.
Be honest anyway.
If you find happiness, people may be jealous.
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow.
Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough.
Give your best anyway.
For you see, in the end, it is between you and God.
It was never between you and them anyway.

~ Mother Teresa

2012 Pocketful of Sunshine Spotlight

2012-01-03T08:58:00.015-05:00

A new year is a time for new beginnings and along with my own personal growth, I want to bring new things to my business! Here are a few things you can look forward to seeing..

New Look: I have given my shop website a facelift! Redesigned the banner and background image. Same color scheme but different look and feel!!! I also added some new shopping features to make the experience a little easier.

Shop Policies:My shop policies have been updated! Make sure to take a peek before purchasing to ensure the best shopping experience.

24 Hour Monthly Giveaways: Each month, I will be hosting a small giveaway here on my blog. I will be giving away one item and two other vendors will be joining me to award one winner with 3 great prizes!!! The giveaways will be held on the 24th of each month; begining at 9pm on the eve of the 24th and the winner being drawn at 9pm on the 24th. January's giveaway is in the works so stay tuned for details!

New Creations: I will be accepting less custom orders monthly to have more time to create more RTS stuff. I would like to revive my greeting card line as well as some new creations!

Weekly Blog Schedule: Going to continue my adventures in blogging again with my weekly blog schedule and I hope to add a few fun surprises along the way. Hope you join me for the fun!

Reviews: Have you purchased or received an item from Pocketful of Sunshine? Share a review of your item(s) and shopping experience on my new Reviews section and I'll send you a coupon for your next purchase!
*One coupon per person

I hope you are as excited as I am about all the new happenings at Pocketful of Sunshine!!! Thank you for your continued support and I look forward to creating something special for you soon! :-)

Musical Inspirations... Mumford and Sons' "Awake My Soul"

2012-01-02T10:30:00.000-05:00

In these bodies we will LIVE, in these bodies we will DIE.
Where you invest your LOVE, you invest your LIFE.

Musical Inspirations... Susan Cagle's "Dream"

2011-11-07T09:12:00.002-05:00

Susan Cagle: Dream

Dream, oh dream for me
And don't let it slip away
And though I'm gone I will be
Closer than one can be

I will always be by your side
And though I wait I'll ride
Our heart will always be true
And I will be close, close to you

Dream, oh dream for me
And don't let it slip away
And though I'm gone I will be
Closer than one can be

Don't be afraid
I will help you be brave
Our hearts beat as one
And true love will go on

Dream, oh dream for me
And don't let it slip away
And though I'm gone I will be
Closer than one can be

Over land and sea
I, I will be
Dream, dream for me

Dream, oh dream for me
And don't let it slip away
And though I'm gone I will be
Closer than one can be

Oh, oh dream

"GET READY FOR THE HOLIDAYS" Giveaway

2011-11-03T09:00:00.007-04:00

With only 20 days left until Thanksgiving and only 52 days until Christmas, it is definitely time to start preparing for the holiday season and Pocketful of Sunshine is here to help!

Inspired by the joy of the holidays, in this giveaway you have a chance to win a set of 6 assorted holiday greeting cards to help you get a head start on your holiday mailings and a set of 25 assorted 1.75 inch holiday circle tags to help you accessorize that perfect holiday gift for a loved one...

Each holiday greeting card measures approximately 4.25" x 5.5" or 5.5" x 4.25" folded, includes one (1) red, green, or white envelope for mailing, and is sealed in a clear plastic sleeve for protection. The winner will receive 6 holiday greeting cards randomly selected from the picture shown above.

The collection of assorted holiday circle tags was hand punched out of double sided patterned cardstock. They measure approximately 1.75 inches in diameter and the set is sealed in a clear plastic sleeve for protection. The winner will recieve 5 of each style pictured above for a total set of 25 tags.

TO ENTER...

1) Leave a comment below with your favorite holiday food/treat and holiday tradition.
2) Please leave your first name, e-mail address, or link so I may be able to contact you if you win.

TO BE NICE...

1) Please follow my blog.
2) Please be a "Liker" of my Facebook Fan Page.

Legal Stuff: One entry per person. Giveaway ends and a winner will be chosen on Friday, November 4th at 9 AM (EST). The winner will be drawn randomly via random.org. The winner be announced on this blog under the comments of this post as well as shared on my Pocketful of Sunshine Facebook Fan. You MUST be 18 years of age or older to participate. Prizes do not have cash value. There will be no returns on any of the items. This promotion is in NO WAY sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Blogger or Facebook.

GOOD LUCK!!! =D

My absolute favorite holiday treat is a pistachio pudding bread a friend of mine once shared with me. It has quickly become a family favorite and I'm asked to make this repeatedly over the holidays. Going to have to share the recipe with you all one day soon! ;-)

One of my favorite holiday traditions is going out on the eve of the Epiphany with my munchkin and collecting grass and water for the camels of the 3 Magi. It is a tradition I grew up with and always wanted to share when I had kids! :-)

Wit and Wisdom

2011-11-02T08:32:00.000-04:00

While we try to teach our children all about life,
Our children teach us what life is all about.

~ Angela Schwindt

Spotlight on Razzle Dazzle

2011-11-01T10:35:00.006-04:00

This week's "spotlight" is on Razzle Dazzle, the perfect shop to bling up your world!

Sheryl was a mom with a vision to create one of a kind rhinestone designs! Using her own original designs as well as custom designs, Razzle Dazzle produces a unique way for people to "shine" and be noticed.

The Razzle Dazzle mission statement - YOU THINK IT...WE BLING IT!

Check out my very own custom bling logo tee by Razzle Dazzle! I LOVE it!!!!! It's a fabulous way to promote myself around town! Thanks again Sheryl! ;-)

Here are some of my other favorite Razzle Dazzle creations...

College Team Spirit

Flip Flops

Angel Wings

Make sure to check out Razzle Dazzle on Facebook to view more of her fabulous designs and how to place an order!

Musical Inspirations... The Nightmare Before Christmas' "This is Halloween"

2011-10-31T08:21:00.005-04:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!!

Wit and Wisdom

2011-10-26T11:40:00.001-04:00

"Don't linger on the old!"

~Dina Greco Haya

Spotlight on Whimsical Creations

2011-10-25T09:37:00.008-04:00

This week's "spotlight" is on Whimsical Creations, a delightful shop filled with handmade polymer clay creations!

Melanie is a crafty momma of 2 who has been creating with polymer clay for about 15 years. She started out making ornaments out of salt dough as a child with her mom. Melanie also loves to scrapbook, paint, make jewelry, enter giveaways and take photos.

Whimisical Creations is your one stop shop for polymer clay bow centers, ornaments, magnets, figures, pendants, beads, place card and photo holders. I LOVE snowmen and last week I was able to purchase my first Whimsical Creatons piece. When I saw this little guy, I just had to have him!

Here are some of my other favorite Whimsical Creations items...

Nativity Ornament

Girly Owl Bow Center

Swirly Santa Ornament

Pumpkin Place Card/Photo Holder

Rapunzel Princess Ornament

Make sure to check out Whimsical Creations Facebook and her Blog to find out more about her life, family, creations and things she finds along the way!

Musical Inspirations... Randy Newman's "You've Got a Friend in Me"

2011-10-24T09:52:00.001-04:00

This week's pick is inspired by my 4yr old son and his love for "Toy Story". May he always know that not matter what, Mommy loves him!

Wit and Wisdom

2011-10-19T09:37:00.004-04:00

"Pick battles big enough to matter, small enough to win."

~Jonathan Kozol

Musical Inspirations... Israel Kamakawiwo'Ole - Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What A Wonderful World

2011-10-17T15:50:00.005-04:00

On a gloomy rainy day like today, this song just warms my heart and inspires me to live life to the fullest!

Hope you enjoy it as much as I do! ((HUGS))

What's for dinner?

2011-10-14T08:13:00.001-04:00

Beef Tips & Gravy!!!

Easy peesy recipe and it is absolutely delicious! I found this recipe in a slow cooker group I was a part of a couple years ago. Feel free to tweak it to best fit your family's taste buds.

Ingredients...

1 lb beef stew meat
2 cans Campbell's Beef Gravy
1 envelop Lipton Onion Soup Mix

Directions...

1.Toss cbeef stew meat in slow cooker.
2.Mix beef gravy and onion soup packet together then pour over meat.
3.Cook on LOW 6 to 8 hours (or on HIGH 3 to 4 hours).
4.Serve over white rice with a side of steamed broccoli.

*Fun Tip: Reynolds® Slow Cooker Liners are the absolute best!!!!! They help prevent having to scrub that baked on mess. They are a slow cooking momma's best friend! ;-)

Hope you enjoy!!!

Sneak Peek...

2011-10-13T09:55:00.003-04:00

Wit and Wisdom

2011-10-12T08:49:00.003-04:00

"We worry about what a child will become tomorrow,
yet we forget that he is someone today."

~ Stacia Tauscher

Spotlight on HollyCraft Originals

2011-10-11T09:34:00.008-04:00

This week's "spotlight" is on HollyCraft Originals, a whimsical shop filled with handmade fabric appliques and more!

Holly is a stay at home mom who loves to do crafts! All of her handmade fabric appliques are made from upcycled denim and corduroy along with fabric leftovers from other larger projects. Each of her embellishments are sewn by hand. HollyCraft Originals offers a large variety of handmade fabric appliques for use on t-shirts, totes, hats, papercrafting and tons of other fun goodies for people of all ages! You can also find handmade fabric applique keychain, greeting cards, coffee cozies, skirt sets, and bookmarks.

Make sure to check out HollyCraft Originals on Facebook and her Blog to keep up with all her fabulous creations!

Some of my favorite HollyCraft Original items...

Owl Keychain

Flower Clippie Headband Set

Owl Thinking of You Card

Rocket Applique

Owl Bookmark

Musical Inspirations... LMFAO's "Party Rock Anthem"

2011-10-10T10:30:00.002-04:00

"Everyday I’m shufflin"

Ridiculous song but it sure get's me in a movin' and groovin' mood that definitely boosts my productivity! I hope it does the same for you! =D

What's for dinner?

2011-10-07T09:02:00.003-04:00

Tex-Mex Chicken!!!

The best gift I ever received was a slow cooker and now being a mommy on the run, it is my favorite kitchen appliance. So a good 90% of the recipes I share will be for the slow cooker so if you don't have one, make your life a little easier and get one. You won't be disappointed!

This Tex-Mex Chicken recipe is adapted for my family from a recipe I found online. Feel free to tweak it to best fit your family's taste buds.

Ingredients...

4 boneless/skinless chicken breasts
1 packet taco seasoning mix
1 green pepper, cut into 1-inch-wide strips
1 red pepper, cut into 1-inch-wide strips
1 can corn (drained)
1 can black beans (drained)
1 16oz jar thick & chunky salsa (mild, medium or hot depending on personal taste)
1 cup shredded cheese (I prefer the Mexican but sometimes use 4 cheese or chedder)
1 cup of sour cream (optional)

Directions...

1.Toss chicken in slow cooker. Sprinkle taco seasoning over chicken. Pour all remaining ingredients except shredded cheese over chicken and then cover with lid.
2.Cook on LOW 6 to 8 hours (or on HIGH 3 to 4 hours).
3.Before serving, I like to shred the chicken with a fork right in the slow cooker and mix with the other ingredients. Serve over white or yellow rice. Top with shredded cheese (and we like a bit of sour cream).

*Fun Tip: Reynolds® Slow Cooker Liners are the absolute best!!!!! They help prevent having to scrub that baked on mess. They are a slow cooking momma's best friend! ;-)

Hope you enjoy!!!

Sneak Peek...

2011-10-06T09:10:00.002-04:00

Wit and Wisdom

2011-10-05T08:30:00.000-04:00

"To the world you may be one person,
but to one person you may be the world."

~ Bill Wilson

Spotlight on CrazySocks Crochet

2011-10-04T08:25:00.001-04:00

My debut "spotlight" inspires me to move to a place with actual seasons so I can own some of her creations and have a blast learning the art of crochet! =D

Danyel with CrazySocks Crochet is a fabulous friend, wife, mother of 2 and a very talented "hooker". CrazySocks Crochet offers a large variety of crochet patterns, knitt patterns, custom handmade hats, photography props, housewares, and tons of other fun goodies for people of all ages!

Danyel also has a terrific CrazySocks Crochet Blog where she has a fun and funky blog schedule full of humor, free crochet & knit patterns and shop specials including her latest Deal of the Week. She currently has a Stocking Crochet Along so make sure to stop by and join in on the fun!

You can also find CrazySocks Crochet on Facebook to keep up with all her happenings!

Some of my favorite CrazySocks items...

Dinosaur Hat

Mighty Mohawk Hat

Slouch Hat

Soap Savers

Musical Inspirations... Natasha Bedingfield's "Pocketful Of Sunshine"

2011-10-03T09:39:00.005-04:00

To debut my Musical Inspiration Mondays, what better song then one that inspires me and my shop in more then just a name!

Hope it inspires and brightens up your day as much as it does for me. Wishing you all a beautiful Monday!

Natasha Bedingfield - Music - More Music Videos

Natasha Bedingfield: Pocketful Of Sunshine Lyrics
Songwriters: John Shanks;Natasha Bedingfield;Danielle Brisebois

I got a pocket,
got a pocket full of sunshine
I've got a love and I know that it's all mine
oh.oh,oh
Do what you want,
but you're never gonna break me,
sticks and stones are never gonna shake me
oh,oh,oh

[Chorus]
Take me away (take me away)
A secret place (a secret place)
A sweet escape (a sweet escape)
Take me away (take me away)
Take me away (take me away
To better days (to better days)
Take me away (take me away)
A hiding place (a hiding place)

[Interlude]

I got pocket,
Got a pocket full of sunshine
I've got a love and I know that it's all mine
oh,oh,oh

Wish that you could,
but you ain't gonna own me
do anything you can to control me
oh,oh,oh

[Chorus]

[Hook]
There's a place that I go
That nobody knows
Where the rivers flow
And I call it home
And there's no more lies
And the darkness is light
And nobody cries
there's only butterflies

[Chorus 2x]

[Chorus & Interlude]

The sun is on my side
Take me for a ride
I smile up to the sky
I know I'll be alright

The sun is on my side
Take me for a ride
I smile up to the sky
I know I'll be alright

JUST FOR CROCHET LOVERS!

2011-04-12T20:36:00.002-04:00

CrazySocks Crochet Shop and AmeliaCalvin are celebrating milestones and have already started the festivities by hosting the first of a HUGE Giveaway!

To help them celebrate, I've joined in on the fun and giving away a custom set of 25 circle tags.

Check out the CrazySocks Crochet blog and join in on the fun!

GOOD LUCK!!! :-)

*The winner of the giveaway will be drawn randomly on Tuesday, April 19th. Please read the rules before you enter.

Did Someone Say Giveaway?!?!?

2011-03-28T06:44:00.007-04:00

Get ready for the great big giveaway!!!!!

Holly with HollyCraft Originals has reached 2000+ "likes" and to celebrate she is hosting a big giveaway! 20 vendors are teaming up to celebrate with Holly including Pocketful of Sunshine!

There will be 5 fabulous prize packs awarded!!!

Head on over and "like" HollyCraft Originals and "follow" her blog for more details.

GOOD LUCK!!!!! :-)

*Giveaway ends Friday, April 1st.

February Giveaway... Spring Fling!

2011-02-23T08:00:00.000-05:00

To celebrate the very much anticipated arrival of Spring, I'm giving away this set of 15 floral themed business card thank you notes...

These business card thank you notes are a great way to show your appreciation to your customers and promote your business! They are also great for holding gift cards to give away to family, friends, employees, coworkers, etc.

This set of 15 cards are made with double sided heavyweight cardstock. The front is embellished with a circle pop out “Thank You So Much” flower image. The inside of the card has slits to tuck your business card and room to write a personal message. The inside and outside edges of the cards and circle pop out are chalked in brown for that finishing touch.

These cards measure approximately 4" x 2.5" folded and the set is sealed in a clear plastic sleeve for protection.

To enter the giveaway...

1) You MUST be a "Liker" of my Facebook Fan Page.
2) Leave a comment below with your favorite Spring activity!
3) Please leave your first name with an e-mail address or link so I can contact you if you win.

One entry per person. Giveaway ends and a winner will be chosen on Friday, February 25th.

GOOD LUCK! :)

My favorite Spring activity is taking our munchkin to the zoo! He absolutely loves animals, especially feeding the giraffes!!! His contagious smile and laughter throughout the entire feeding is one of those things I never get tired of and it's those memories that will live in my heart forever! :-)

January Giveaway... Love is in the Air!

2011-01-11T09:08:00.000-05:00

February is coming! And all across the country, chocolates, valentines, flowers and loving gifts will be given all in the name of Love and St. Valentine.

To celebrate the season of love, in this month's giveaway you have a chance to win a set of 3 Valentine's Day Cards...

Each card measures approximately 4.25" x 5.5" or 5.5" x 4.25" folded, includes one (1) white envelope for mailing, and is sealed in a clear plastic sleeve for protection.

To enter the giveaway...

1) Follow my blog.
2) You MUST be a "Liker" of my Facebook Fan Page.
3) Leave a comment below with your favorite Valentine's Day memory!
4) Please leave your first name with an e-mail address or link so I can contact you if you win.

One entry per person. Giveaway ends and a winner will be chosen on Friday, January 14th.

GOOD LUCK! :)

My favorite Valentine's Day memory is from long ago when my now husband and I were just high school sweethearts... My love spent all day in the kitchen baking me a cake in the shape of Winnie the Pooh! He spent hours decorating it with yellow and red pipe frosting. It was so cute and extremely delicious! ;-)

October Giveaway... 'Tis the Season!

2010-10-06T11:02:00.013-04:00

Pocketful of Sunshine is preparing for the holiday season and you will soon be seeing holiday items throughout my shop!

Inspired by the joy of the holidays, in this monthly giveaway you have a chance to win a set of 3 holiday greeting cards...

Each card measures approximately 4.25" x 5.5" or 5.5" x 4.25" folded, includes one (1) red or green envelope for mailing, and is sealed in a clear plastic sleeve for protection.

To enter the giveaway...

1) Follow my blog.
2) You MUST be a "Liker" of my Facebook Fan Page.
3) Leave a comment below with your favorite holiday tradition.
4) Please leave your first name and e-mail address so I can contact you if you win.

One entry per person. Giveaway ends and a winner will be chosen on October 31st.

GOOD LUCK! :)

One of my favorite holiday traditions is going out on the eve of the Epiphany with my little guy and collecting grass and water for the camels of the 3 Magi. It is a tradition I grew up with and always wanted to share when I had kids! :)

1000th Fan Celebration Giveaway!!!!!

2010-09-20T09:44:00.008-04:00

WOOHOO!!!!! I now have over 1000 fans on my Facebook Fan Page!!! Thank you all for your continued support and for being such wonderful fans! :)

To celebrate, I'm giving away this set of 15 business card thank you notes...

These business card thank you notes are a great way to show your appreciation to your customers and promote your business! They are also great for holding gift cards to give away to family, friends, employees, coworkers, etc.

This set of 15 cards are made with double sided heavyweight cardstock. The front is embellished with a circle pop out “Thank You Bunches” image. The inside of the card has slits to tuck your business card and room to write a personal message. The inside and outside edges of the cards and circle pop out are chalked in brown for that finishing touch.

These cards measure approximately 4" x 2.5" folded and the set is sealed in a clear plastic sleeve for protection.

To enter the giveaway... you MUST be a "Liker" of my Facebook Fan Page. Comment below with your name, e-mail & your favorite flower. One entry per person. The winner will be randomly selected tonight!

GOOD LUCK!!!!!

September Giveaway... FALL FUN!!!!!

2010-09-17T09:00:00.015-04:00

Hello and welcome!!!!!

Pocketful of Sunshine is back in action and what better way to celebrate then with kicking off my monthly giveaways!

Fall is in the air. Everywhere you look you can see Halloween and Thanksgiving decor. And we most definitely can't forget all the YUMMY treats that each Holiday brings!

Inspired by the fun of the season, for this giveaway you have a chance to win a set of 3 "FALL FUN" Greeting Cards...

Each card measures approximately 5.5" x 4.25" folded, includes one (1) white or cream envelope for mailing, and is sealed in a clear plastic sleeve for protection.

To enter the giveaway, just leave a comment below with your favorite children's or your own favorite childhood Halloween costume and you will be automatically entered in the drawing. Please leave your e-mail address so I can contact you if you win. One entry per person. Giveaway ends and a winner will be chosen on September 30th.

GOOD LUCK! :)

My favorite costume that my son has worn for Halloween (so far since he is only 3, LOL!) is "HANDY MANNY". With my son's Autism, actual costumes that you buy at the store really aren't his liking so I purchased him a pair of jeans, contruction boots, a "Handy Manny" toy tool belt and grandma sewed together a green and white tee. He looked absolutely adorable!!!!!

My favorite costume I wore as a child was a pirate costume my mom sewed together for me and she even made a treasure chest for me to use as my goody bag!