Ta-Da!

DO you love my new blog design!?
I sure do!! It's been in the works for a couple of weeks now as I've communicated back and forth between my designer/blogger, Sabrina Dellinger of Hey Sabrina Faith. I definitely wanted a simpler, cleaner look and that's what got delivered! Yay! I love the color yellow and well, black is a fave too, so those had to be there! Sabrina was an absolute joy to work with! She was so patient with me and assured me that she wanted me to be picky if I didn't like something. I feel like this new design represents me better now, as I've grown and experienced so much good things this past year. It was time to be out with the old and in with the new. I wanted something bold, but sophisticated. Serious, but fun and with pops of color!

oldie but goodie

Sabrina's rates are {very} reasonable, especially considering the time & talent she dedicates to making sure you love your new design. If any of you want a new design for your blog now, or sometime this year, check out her packages and things she offers, like a cover for your facebook or etsy shop? and see her previous work too.

So yeh, this is the BIG REVEAL and Sunny Tales & Happy Mail is new & improved and here to stay for the foreseeable future! Thank you Sabrina for the new look! And thank you, my readers, for supporting me and my blog and for all the love you give me every time I post.

One of my goals for this blog since the beginning is to be a source of inspiration. A place that you feel hope or happiness and maybe have a smile on your face after you close the tab and go on with your daily life. Even though I do share struggles in my life, I don't think I portray myself to be a debbie downer nor can anyone expect happy, pretty posts all the time. No one's life is like that, for real. And Brittany likes to keep things real here. We all go through trials. We all have uncooperative hair days, food in our teeth, cars breaking down (in my case, my wheelchair), or physical ailments, but we can choose to be happy as we realize the good. The blessings we do have measure far more than that particular struggle or negative thing in our life at any given time. Let's get through it together. Thanks for being awesome people! Chat soon!

this is happening.

Let the Christmas festivities officially begin!! Happy beginning of December!

Yesterday, my friend Cherilyn that I met in jr. high came over. I got to meet her dad, who is a painter. He painted a super cute Christmas scene on our living room window. It was nice to visit with them. They are so down-to-earth and friendly.

3 generations :) Before

After!

Today, this is what was happening: writing out Christmas cards!
Oh yeh. I just made a dent in my list of who I send cards to. But hey, it's a good start!

Do you guys know Lena of Lena, B Actually?
She's so sweet and has always been great at reaching out and helping the "little guy". I've sponsored her blog before and loved it. You might be interested to link-up on her blog for Passion For Fashion as well. There a few more days left to link up your thanksgiving outfit or black friday outfit and if you don't have the time, no worries because she co-hosts it every friday. I'm helping Lena out with her blog today by guest posting because her & her family are having a bit of a stressful time.  Go check out my post for my thoughts on my favorite ways to communicate.

and don't forget this giveaway if you haven't already entered :)

we're ending the week with a bang bang and a boogie

To get you in the it's the weekend mood!

Today and tomorrow are jam packed and im just excited! You're gonna wanna peek at the end of this post. Promise! I am heading to do a little shopping with my pal amanda. We're gonna get her some makeup so I can do her makeup on saturday for the halloween party we'll be attendjng!...IN COSTUME! Have I shared what I am gonna be? oh, no, you say? well, I am gonna be a girl ninja turtle!!!!

so back to the makeup...amanda asked me to do her makeup and then that same week, Linda, one of my caregivers, asked if I could do her makeup on halloween! I was like, Okay! Yeh! I feel so honored and special that they asked me. I haven't done someone else's make up in like 5 months. I always get a little nervous beforehand, but it's a good nervous. I just love being able to be creative with color and build upon their beautiful, natural parts of their face, like playing up their eyes perhaps.


I will def take pics on saturday of makeup and costumes and post them next week! I think once my costume is all put together it's gonna look pretty dang awesome!!

And then saturday, my dear mama is coming over wtih lunch for us and we're gonna bake pumpkin chocolate chip muffins!! I haven't baked with my mom in yearrrsssss! So this will be great bonding time and something fun for us to do together. I know my mom enjoys baking, so it'll be nice, since she usually doesnt' have time for it. The recipe and how the muffins turn out, i'll post about next week too. Mmm, pumpkin, yumm.

Now, I'll leave you with a fabulous weekend treat! A giveaway in honor of Hearts and Chances ONE YEAR BLOGIVERSARY!! Alicia rounded up some of her friends, like me, to help celebrate, so here I leave you with a few words from my sister friend! You know you want to enter! :)

*****

it's official. i've been a "blogger" for a year now! a whole year!

happy birthday my little blog!

to celebrate, i was able to work with thirteen other bloggers to bring you a great giveaway.

$50 cash, a $5 giftcard to applebees, and ad space galore! check it out.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

hey holli!

Today, I am going to gush about a fellow blogger who has turned into a dear friend that I correspond with regularly when I'm not in la la land lol. She is one of my biggest fans and is one hot mama from Texas! yeehaw! I love Holli because of her honesty, terms of affection she uses such as hunny, and for just being so fun. Plus, it doesn't hurt that she shares a love a coffee like i do.

I am so excited for her because she is getting married this August and is in full-on wedding planning mode! Everyone, I'd like you to meet Holli of Holli's Hoots and Hollers who also happens to be one of my lovely sponsors.

Are you a music lover? Then you might be interested in linking up on Holli's blog every tuesday for Tuesday's Tunes. It's a great way to discover other bands or songs you've never heard before or revisit some songs you haven't heard in a while, like this one day a few weeks ago and chuckled when I heard Men without hats's "safety dance." 

thanks girl for taking me back!

I did a mini interview with Holli. Let's get to know this Texan beauty more.

 1. I see you love 80's music. I instantly think of MJ's Thriller. just curious, do you know how to do the thriller dance? I do know the thriller dance

2. What is your favorite quality about your soon-to-be husband & why? His sense of humor. He makes me laugh everyday

3. What are your fave sweet treats? Ice cream and pecan pralines

4. What is a book you are currently reading? Do you even enjoy reading? lol. I love to read. I read everything . I'm currently about to start a book written by Johnny cash called the man In white

5. Any fave quotes or scripture verses you'd like to share? Proverbs 31:25 is my power verse and thinking if getting it tattooed

6. top 3 movies you can watch over & over again? Steel magnolias , Forrest Gump , wizard of oz

7. what is something random we wouldn't know about you by reading your blog? I'm pretty open on my blog but this is my first time to be married and I couldn't have kids due to bad plumbing .

you can connect with Holli via twitter or pinterest! say hello, i know she'd be happy to hear from you!

my lungs sound like crap

Dudes & dudettes, you know how i sort of complained on how I wasn't feeling that great, thinking it was allergies? Wellllllll, yesterday I saw my primary dr and lo and behold I have an upper respiratory infection!! Dr. put me on a z-pack and cough medicine. I also got an xray last evening to make sure I don't have pneumonia.

We'll hopefully get a phone call from the dr's office today to let me know yes or no, hopefully no! I sound like crap! all this gurgling and hacking at times! bah! But i am not gonna leave you with that crappy news....oh No!

Here i am bringing you happy news that I am participating in Tara of Penniless Socialite's group giveaway!! And i just discovered that her blog got a makeover and I LOVE IT, even though her blog design before was sassy and chic! But you gotta go check it out and see her cat's silhouette! that's my fave!!

You know, I feel that the equivalent of stalking other people's blog JUST to see their design and Ooh and ahhh over it is nearly the same as checking out your neighbor's or strangers home decor...these are the places we thrive! Right?! haha

a Rafflecopter giveaway

new name & new design

Oh it feels so good to be back to blogging today!!

My new blog design is complete! What do you think? I am excited to finally & formally announce the new look & new name of my blog! I've never had a complete custom blog design before, so this is some exciting shtufff!

Welcome to Sunny Tales & Happy Mail 

formerly Bee Littlequeen!

I want to give a huge thank you to Leslie of From A Daughter Designs for my fabulous blog makeover! She was so patient with me and took my ideas and turned them into this masterpiece! This new design is so me. She was a joy to work with! You can check out her shop for any other designing services you might need in the future!
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I know it's tuesday, but I want to talk about my Easter weekend. 

On saturday, two friends of mine: shawn & steph (bro & sister) came over. We hadn't seen each other in 6 years! I met shawn & his family when he and I were 12 years old! Their family lived right around the corner [literally] from my dad's house. We had rubio's for lunch & just had a blast catching up and taking pictures. Also, Shawn, who is a computer whiz, cleaned up my laptop a bit and ran scans since I obviously don't know exactly what I am doing. 

Easter Sunday, the day Jesus Christ was resurrected is such a holy, amazing day in my faith. I mean, a man who died for humanity rose from the dead by the divine power of God! AMAZING!

My dad, stepmom and sister came over for a visit then. I am 30 years old and I still happily receive an easter gift from the easter bunny aka Janet, hehe. 

Brother bubba had to work til 8pm that's why he couldn't make it. We had a good time and us girls laughed because my dad totally fell asleep on the couch, poor dad, so tired.

dad's fairly new kicks

our pretty toes all matched!

bunny wanted his toes in too

my dress: target.// earrings: gift from alaska. //headband: target

Then yesterday, my mom came over! She has a few days off from work. We and James headed to Ross where my mom bought me a new navy blue & green maxi dress and a tank tunic ( in the future for What I Wore Wednesdays).  After Ross, we went to Target so i could return some yoga capri's I had gotten a couple weeks ago because they were too big and needed on size smaller which they happened to go on sale sunday for $12, originally $15...so yehhh! I then had jack in the box for dinner: sausage croissant & peach tea, why thank you.

I hope you all had a lovely weekend and that your week is off to a good start. Oh & i noticed that my blog has reached over 300 followers via google friend connect (i know it's going away soon)...do you know what I am thinking??? Giveaway soon!! Thank you for reading & leaving me sweet comments.

makeup & movies monday

happy monday! 

My day has been off with a slow start. feeling sleepy..*yawn*! 

I've been getting distracted watching makeup tutorials on youtube hehe. I love the Pixiwoo sisters, which i just got the Real Techniques travel size brush set from Christmas,(THANKS MOM!) that Samantha Chapman (one half of pixiwoo) designed! I feel almost professional now! and Kandee Johnson is so lively and cute. I just love seeing how other women: self-taught or professional create different looks and what products they use.

So, how are you today? the weekend was spent mostly lounging around watching movies: argo &  playing for keeps. Arizona had some down pour of rain, grey skies that left me feeling a bit gloomy saturday. my attitude needing adjusting or maybe just some sleep? lol watching movies was relaxing enough.

Argo: 4.5/5 stars!

Ben Affleck is a genius and made this movie as real as possible. My whole body was tensing up during this movie. I was rooting for his character Tony and the six Americans who escaped the overtaken U.S. Embassy and were in hiding from the Iranian government! I am really happy that Argo won Best Picture at the Oscars. He and his whole team did a great job.

Playing for Keeps: 3/5 stars!

This was a good slightly fluff comedic/romantic/drama. I really like Jessica Biel. Gerard Butler? how could i say no to him.  hubba!! I was sort of getting tired of the all the women throwing themselves at him, aka repeat offenders (mainly Catherine Zeta-Jones's character as well as Judy Greer's character) but the last 30 minutes was redeeming and Gerard/George finally got his act together.

With it being monday and talking about makeup tutorials above, let's continue the lightness. I'll share a couple new makeup products I've gotten recently.

You might have remembered me mentioning the Flower color play cream shadow by Drew Barrymore that i wore in an outfit post recently? Well, i loved it so much I ended up getting two more shades.

Here is awesome blossom and good on mari-gold.

swatches: good on mari-gold on top// awesome-blossom on botton

pretty jars

I've tried them both but have failed to snap pictures. I am thinking they will both be well for upcoming summer. The marigold is definitely gilded and I like it!

Plus, I have SOME FUN news for ya! I am taking part of an awesome giveaway that  the lovely Pamela of Pamela's Heavenly Treats, (maybe you know her and the scrumptious recipes she makes?) and some other Fabulous ladies have contributed to!

Do you love to craft? Do you love to scrapbook ? Then this is PERFECT for you!

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$50.00 Michael's Gift Card

You can buy a lot of scrapbook paper, yarn, washi tape, baking supplies oh how I LOVE this store!  Since I am a baker, its like Baker's Heaven!

Special THANK YOU to my wonderful lovelies for being apart of this fabulous giveaway

HOST ~ Pamela's Heavenly Treats

The Taylor House / The Pretty Bee / Big Apple Mami 

 Bee Little Queen / Pretty Living PDX  / Cooking on the Front Burner 

 Persnickety Plates / Delightful Deets / Eventually Cottage 

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  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Terms and Conditions of Giveaway

This giveaway is not sponsored by MICHAEL's Stores. You must live in the USA to win giveaway! Make sure you are honest, I will be checking each entry! Winner will have 48 hours to get back to me to claim there prize if not another winner will be picked! This giveaway was made possible by bloggers and shop owners! 

who i am, who you are

I originally had a doctor's appointment to get my trache changed, which is routine and painful, but my doctor's office called me yesterday to reschedule, so instead of doing that, I get to have fun doing blogging stuff today! yay! I'll have to do a write up of the whole trache change experience. Just another part of living life being ventilator dependent.

So friends, I just want to say [again] how thankful I am to be part of the blogging world. I feel so cool! lol. When people ask me what do i do? How do i spend my time? I confidently tell them, "I am a blogger." Do people ever ask you these kinds of questions? Alot of people don't "get" what we do and what the community is all about. Some get the facial expression that it's not "alot of work" or not that "valuable", but i totally disagree!

Being a blogger is another title to the list of things that i do that help make me who i am. Not only am I a blogger, but i am a cardmaker, a crafter, a letter scriber, a photographer, a makeup artist ;), a friend, a internet junkie, a reader, a daughter of strong parents, a writer, a tv watcher, a indie music & coffee snob, a bargain shopper, a couponer, a believer, a sister, a list maker, a day dreamer, a movie watcher/reviewer, a baker, but most importantly a child of God.

Within God's kingdom, I find my worth. I know who i am. My pastor often reminds me, "it's not what you do, but who you are."

I love being a blogger because I get to meet so many awesome, different people. I get to learn about different lives, perspectives and attitudes. Not only the differences, but I discover common things we like or similar beliefs we hold. I get to find out who you are through your blog. And I've "talked" with some AMAZING people!

I can tell you that i absolutely LOVE being a blogger and all of the other things I mentioned. But, i LOVE being a child of God. I love that even though i am not perfect by the world's standards, I am perfect in His eyes. I know I am loved by my Heavenly Father as well as my family and friends. This love, gives me confidence and makes me extend that love & kindness to others.

I want to take a moment to introduce you to some women I've "met" in blogland, who are also some of my sponsors. They have extended love & kindness to me. Each of these unique ladies hold so much creativity, warmth and friendliness. They each help make the blogging experience better for all who know them! They are part of a community of sisters &/or brothers supporting and uplifting each other. Sorry to get so sappy on ya, but it's true! Take a minute to check them out or visit them & say Hello & that Bee Littlequeen sent you!

{MEET JAZMINE }

of Life as Young Mom

Twitter // Facebook // Hellocotton // Bloglovin // Delicious Treats by Sweet Girls // Instagram: @mrsjazmine88

Hi dolls, I'm Jazmine and I blog over at "Life As A Young Mom". I'm a wife, mommy to two beautiful little boys and a fur momma to a chihuahua name "Bonecrusher" (don't judge me on the name) lol. I'm a full time worker and student working on my bachelor's degree for Healthcare Management. I should be done by summer of 2014. I'm also the Co-Author of Delicious Treats by Sweet Girls, which is a food blog that I share with 2 of my fellow coworkers. I love to cook, bake, read, SHOP, and of course spend time with my boys, family and friends. 

Feel free to stop by look around and stay a while.  

 {MEET ALLISON}

of Feeding My Temple

 blog // twitter // facebook // fitness coach

I'm Allison. A 26 year old mom and wife. Follower of Jesus. Sister to 2. Living in Oklahoma. Feeding My Temple follows my life as I try to balance feeding my body, mind and spirit with the Word, fitness, and amazing food.

 {MEET KELLY}
of the Houtz House Party

 blog// facebook// twitter // bloglovin // pinterest

I am a wife to my best friend and a stay at home mama to 4 little people. Our oldest son just turned 3. We have 19 month old twin boys and our little lady is 5 months old! I love to share the daily crazy here with lots of photos and stories about our little family. I also share favorite recipes, “fashiony” things as I learn them (that is like starting from square ONE for me, let me just WARN you now!) and my ever evolving faith in Jesus journey.

 {MEET KENDRA}
of A Proverbs 31 Wife

blog // pinterest // facebook // twitter // bloglovin

 Hello Bee Little Queen readers! I am Kendra and I blog at A Proverbs 31 Wife. I blog about life as a wife and home maker. So that means if you were to visit one day I may have a yummy recipe for you. The next day it could be a cool craft, and the next day... well, you get the idea. :) I love the Lord and my family so there will often be a sprinkling of both in my posts as well. 

I know some people like to be invited so here it is, your official invitation.

{MEET HILARY} 

of Measure Once, Cut Twice

Facebook // Twitter // Blog // Shop

Hi there! My name is Hilary and I'm a craftaholic. My free time is spent creating DIY projects and posting them over on my blog. I just opened an online store called Measure Once, Cut Twice {The Shop}. We are a full service dye-cut printing shop here to serve those without a dye-cut machine like a Silhouette or Cricut. My goal for this shop was to offer super low pricing for personalized images. I'm talking super low, like less than $.04 per square inch of vinyl low. We are willing to cut anything and everything that our machines are capable of cutting, just ask! Here is a code for $5 off your $30 purchase. Also, all new customers can use the code NewbieLove to receive an extra 10% off!