ABOUT
Sunshine Rising was created by Sunshine Urbaniak, a graphic designer, a photographer, a fine art painter, a foodie, a gardener, and a cozy homebody. No matter what she ventures to do, her creativity leads the way. Whether it’s graphic design, photography, painting, cooking, gardening, or interior design, the common thread is creativity. And now writing is the latest new creative focus being explored and sharpened here—an inspirational living blog site— a destination for all things positive.
Things that you can read, eat, explore, and expand from—to inspire you to live a better life—in every way possible. Read about the joys and struggles of life—from overcoming fears, becoming a happier parent, or connecting with your life purpose. Cook up something new and inspiring with our delicious recipes for all skill levels. Expand your spirit to reach higher and your soul to dig a little deeper. This website is here for you.
Use it. Learn from it. Grow with it.

Wife, Mother, Designer, Photographer, Foodie, Gardener, Homebody
SUNOGRAPHY
A quick introduction to Sunshine’s macro flower photography. She sees her photographs as pieces of art, abstract art made by nature. Just like a painting, every flower is an original piece at that moment in time, and she tries to capture it in all its splendor.
In 2011 seven of her photographs were chosen to be a part of The Bellagio Hotel and Casino $70 million guest room remodel. Her photographs are in the guest corridors on floors 4-28. A year later, the new Spa Tower was built and also features her photographs in its guest corridors as well.
You can see her work at sunography.net
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New Year Intentions
For most people, the new year inspires resolutions, which sounds good, but the truth is they can lead to disappointment when not achieved. That's because most people don't have a plan for their resolutions. They simply start listing all the things they want to change...
Embracing The Shadow Season
For many, fall means pumpkins, the changing of leaves, cooler air, and cozy sweaters. It’s that magical time of year when we transition from warm summer days to the dark, cold winter nights. Those three months when the Earth slowly falls into a long slumber, preparing...
Making a Healthy Fall Transition
© FilippoBacciI was enjoying a morning walk around my local river a couple of weeks into the fall season. It was a chilly morning, but the sun was warm on my face. I couldn't help but notice all the leaves changing colors, flocks of geese gathering to prepare their...
EAT
Prosciutto Mascarpone Pizza
© Sunshine UrbaniakI once had the pleasure of eating the 'sonja pizza' at Diavola Pizzeria in Geyserville, California. It was heavenly and left me craving more. A week later I tried recreating it at home. Aside from the fact I didn't have a wood-burning pizza oven, it...
Creamy Chicken Mushroom Pasta with Red Bell Pepper
© Sunshine UrbaniakI once worked in a restaurant in Oakland, California that served this creamy pasta with chicken, andouille sausage, mushrooms, and red bell pepper that I loved ordering. As usual, eventually, I ended up trying to recreate it at home. This recipe...
Coconut & Curry Chicken Bisque
© Sunshine UrbaniakI first had this soup from Safeway in California, in one of those take-home containers you find in the prepared food section. I fell in love with the rich flavors—red curry, coconut milk, ginger, and lemongrass. The broth alone was like gold. After...
EXPLORE
Designing with Indoor Plants
Monstera aka “Swiss Cheese Plant” © FeelPicAt one point in my life, I had over 30 indoor plants. But then my husband and I started havings kids, and I gave some away. Then we moved across the country, and I had to part with many, taking only about five with me. That...
Area Rug Tips in Home Design
© MagnoliaWhen designing a space, area rugs are an essential element to consider. Interior designers most often start their plan by choosing a rug first and building the room around it because rugs are the anchor of a room. They ground the space as well as the...
Planting a Shade Garden
Shade gardens can be stunning if planted properly and come with some advantages, like slower growth and longer-lasting flowers. Of course, there are also challenges like soil that’s too wet, encouraging root rot or slugs, or soil that’s too dry, unable to get adequate...