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 www.sunography.net
EXPAND
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...
Fly Baby Fly
At the time I am writing this, my kids are 11 and 13 and somehow I already feel like I have empty nest syndrome. My daughter will be 14 in three months; ‘officially’ a teenager (in my eyes, 13 is still a tween). Next year she’ll be starting high school and my son will...
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
Kale and Quinoa Salad with Apples and Goat Cheese
© Sunshine UrbaniakAre you on the kale kick? I admit I take breaks. But this salad is always met with open arms. It's the perfect blend of hearty kale and sweet ingredients so you don't feel like you're munching on your lawn. A trick to softening the kale is to make...
Grilled Steak Tacos
© Sunshine UrbaniakMy grilled steak tacos have such amazing flavor, and it's due to the yummy marinade. In only three hours, the marinade transforms flank steak into a delicious, tender piece of meat, ready to be thinly sliced and enjoyed, paired with a cilantro-lime...
Mushroom and Spinach Quiche
© Sunshine UrbaniakQuiches are a great baked dish good for any time of the day—breakfast, brunch, even dinner. Pair it with a yummy side and it's quite a filling meal. I love serving quiche alongside a spring mix salad with a balsamic vinaigrette. The contrast in...
EXPLORE
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...
Five Tips for Designing Small Spaces
Don’t let IKEA have all the fun—you too can design a small space spectacularly! If you asked 10 interior designers how to design for small spaces you’d probably get a lot of different ideas because each space has its own story to tell. What works in one room may not...
Clever Accent Walls
© BRIO Interior DesignThe idea of an accent wall may sound like an exciting way to add pop to a room, and it’s certainly easier than painting all of the walls but don’t break open that can of paint just yet. Your room needs to meet certain criteria in order to...