Gratitude Sunday Series Guest Blogger: Carisa Muller

Today we have Carisa sharing what she is grateful for in her life.

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I have so many things to be thankful for. There are more and more added to my giant list each day. I am excited to be able to guest post for Lisa for her Gratitude Sunday Series. It is so great to keep a list of what you are grateful for, that way you don’t get bogged down with the stresses of everyday life and you remember everything you were blessed with!

Below is a short list of some of the things I am so grateful for!

My amazing husband. I truly married a keeper and my best friend, he does something new to make me fall more in love with him each day!

The amazing jobs we are blessed with. It is so hard to find a job after college but both me and my husband just feel into our current jobs and we couldn’t be happier that it worked out so well for us.

Having a roof over my head! I love our little apartment, feels more like home each day!

Amazing friends, and the fun times we have with them each week!

Relaxing nights

Blogging and the friends I have made through it!!

My cute bunny J

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This week I am grateful for:

- Great talks in church

- Being able to stay somewhat cool in this heat

- Work

- The YSA activity just for the girls last night. Some good things discussed

- Learning to work with all sorts of people

- Sleep

Who I am Wednesday...I'm a Mormon

Today is a little different. I am still doing my post but you will find it over at Anna's blog.

We've swapped blogs for the day.

Anna is also a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, also known as Mormons.

We both grew up in Mormon families and so we decided to talk about it was like growing up in the faith.

Without further adieu, here's Anna.

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Hello! I’m Anna from The Days When I’m Not a Nurse!

I’m a 23 year old currently stuck living in Idaho and I’ve been a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints my whole life.

Religion is one of those things I never really expected to blog about. It’s one of those sensitive topics…like politics. Or money. Or war.

According to the internet (because the internet is always right), the way to bring up a sensitive topic is to say things like, ‘I need to talk to you for a minute,’ or ‘there’s something you should know.’

So, readers… Can I talk to you for a minute? (Ha. I just think it makes it more awkward.)

 I’m a Mormon. 

Where's Waldo Anyone?

This is my family. I’m the youngest of eleven children. I’m an aunt thirty-three times over.

At this point you’re probably saying something like, ‘bless your mom’s heart.’ I couldn’t agree more. I don’t feel like growing up Mormon was that different: it meant 3 hours of church every each week, no dating until 16 yrs old, early morning seminary through high school, spending spring break at the family history center in Salt Lake City, no cussing/smoking/drinking, and chili/popcorn on Sundays. Ok, the last one was just a weird family quirk; it had nothing to do with Mormons.

My parents did an excellent job teaching us to love each other. For example, as children, if we did something mean to a brother/sister, our punishment was to name 5 nice things about the other person. It was hard sometimes (and probably a little insincere) but it put the focus back on positive qualities. Somehow we all formed friendships to some degree and now, as we’re all older, we still get together at least once a year and reconnect. Since we believe that families can be together forever, we better get used to it now. :)

Married since 2008

I met husband through singles ward at church. He grew up in a Mormon family too. You know how great it is to automatically have something in common with the cute boy you’ve got your eye on? And part of growing up as a Mormon, you’re taught the importance of marriage. This quote from one of our church leaders sums it up nicely: “Latter-day Saint spouses should do all within their power to preserve their marriages…they should be best friends, kind and considerate, sensitive to each other’s needs, always seeking to make each other happy.” (Dallin H. Oaks)

Here’s the most important thing I’ve figured out in my years of being a Mormon:

I like who I am.

I like the kind of person I’ve become, and it’s all thanks to the way I was raised and the way I live my life. I’m happy. Content. I’m thankful for the experience of growing up in a Mormon family and for what it’s done for me. I couldn’t imagine myself any other way.

Thanks for letting me rant!

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So go check out Anna on her

Blog, Facebook and Pinterest.

And don't forget to go over and read my post for today :D

Christmas Week: Day 6 A Special Guest

As it is Christmas Eve I decided to have a special guest to share some of her Christmas traditions.

If you don't know Jenni...then you should!

She is an awesome American living and working in Germany!

I am seriously jealous!

Today Jenni is going to share a few European Christmas Traditions that she has been a part of.

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Spending the holidays abroad makes me miss my home (the United States) ever so much.  I miss the seasonal Christmas TV commercials, the radio stations that play Christmas music 24/7 and, you know, my family.  That's why I am incredibly thankful to be celebrating Christmas this year with my family in Oklahoma!

Staying in Europe for Christmas wouldn't have been the end of the world, though.  There are plenty of ways to enjoy the season in Germany and Austria.  My favorite German/Austrian Christmas tradition is attending the lovely little Christmas markets.  

Today I'm sharing some photos of Christmas markets in various cities.

The Nuremberg Christmas market is quite possibly the biggest, most famous market around here. Last year, I went, like, 500 times.  It was well worth it, too.  

The Salzburg Christmas market might be my favorite.  Does this have to do with the fact that Salzburg is my favorite city on earth?  Probably!  It's a magical city -- even more magical at Christmastime.

The Wurzburg market is equally as beautiful as the markets in the aforementioned cities.  Walking from booth to booth, sampling the food, trying the legendary Gluehwein and buying little trinkets for loved ones at home is my favorite way to pass the time there.  

If you haven't ever been to a Christmas market in Germany or Austria, I highly recommend it.  Nuremberg, Salzburg and Wurzburg are all wonderful but you can find a market in nearly every single city.  It's one European tradition that I hope to maintain for years to come! 

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Sounds like an interesting time! I've only spent Christmas in another country once. Thankfully it was still with my family :D They mean everything to me.

I managed to make my famous Christmas treats today and I'll share them with you tomorrow!

But I'm going to bed now to await Christmas Morning!! :D 

Gratitude Sunday Series Guest Blogger: Catherine Newman

Hey Everyone,

Welcome to another Gratitude Sunday. This week I am happy to have Catherine over on my blog.

She is a gorgeous girl and I love her blog. She manages to find the most amazing quotes and is usually just what I need at the time.

But I'll let her introduce herself, here's Catherine.

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First off, I want to say how grateful I am for the opportunity to do a guest post for Lisa! I think she started popping up on my blog back in January and she has honestly made my day with her posts on her blog or her comments on my posts. It has always been so nice for me to know that there is this darling someone Down Under who cares about what I write and what I’m doing in life. She truly has so much charity and she is so genuine. Thank you SO much for the opportunity to blog here today, Lisa!

Things I am grateful for...

My family. I have been blessed with an incredible family who loves me. We love to go on drives, cook, watch movies and sports, and laugh until we cry. I honestly don’t know what I’d do without my family. They are my ultimate support and I am so glad we can be together forever.

Photographer from here

My friends.  I have been blessed with great friends who care about me and support me through the trials I face. We also have a great time and most of the time, we just hysterically laugh about everything and nothing.

My job and my major. I am grateful for the opportunities I have to work and go to school. I am so very blessed to have a job that will work around my school schedule. I love my school and my major—Speech Pathology. Every day I go to school, I get so excited about what I’m learning and I thoroughly enjoy my classes. Nerdy? Probably. But I honestly am so grateful I found something that fits me so perfectly. I can’t wait for the day that I can work and bless people with the things I’ve learned to hopefully give them the opportunity to express themselves and speak more clearly.

My faith. I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Being a member of this church grounds me and I know with a surety that Jesus Christ is our Savior and made it possible for us to repent and return to Him someday. I know that God lives and loves each of us. I know that The Book of Mormon is true. I know that we have living prophets here on Earth today that are inspired and I know that Joseph Smith restored this true church to the Earth today. I am thankful for this testimony I have and the strength I have gained from my faith. {To find out more, go here}

And all of the little things in life like my car and the miracle of when you finally find a place to park on campus, my zebra Snuggie, watching episodes of “Psych”, Fall and everything about this glorious season, anything from Bath and Body Works, iTunes, emails and texts from friends, high heels, rain, Temples, ballpoint pens, my dog, mountains, basketball, Mexican food, Rocky Road ice cream, toothbrushes, Just Dance Wii games, Hugo Boss Orange Perfume, Audrey Hepburn anything, green arrows at stoplights, good deals on anything, and the list could go on and on...and on.... 

It is so important to me to find things each day to be grateful for and I know that having a grateful attitude turns what you have into enough! 

Thank you!

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Thanks Catherine for sharing what you are grateful for with the rest of us.

This week I am grateful for:

- Changes...Japan has been good for me

- Chances

- Friends

- Mistakes in Japanese...that I am starting to recognise and fix

- Progress

- Small blessings all over the place

Gratitude Sunday Series Guest Blogger: Makayla Graham

Hey Everyone, Today I'd like to introduce you to an awesome girl from right here in Tassie.

We share the same birthday, so from the beginning she just HAS to be awesome!!

She also is studying to eventually be a teacher, like me.

I guess we are both pure awesomeness :D

Say hello to Makayla!

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Hey there everyone, isn't Lisa just awesome? :) 
I'm Makayla, i am the face behind Makayla Graham Photography. I also have a personal blog. 
I am so excited to be a guest blogger in the Gratitude Sunday Series. I am seriously SO blessed, but also super busy and need to take more time out to be grateful. 
Here are some things that i am grateful for (in no particular order):

- Awesome, fabulous, amazing friends who are SO much fun, who make me laugh and who know me so well 
- The freedom that we have in our awesome country  
- The ability to get an education and to follow my dreams to be who i want to be (a teacher & a photographer) 
- My family. They are a little but crazy but i love them ;) 
- The Book of Mormon. This book is seriously awesome. I love reading it! (i have posted a challenge over on my blog at the moment actually if you want to check it out ;) 
- Sunshine! It makes me happy :) 
- My great-grandparents, they are seriously awesome - i love them to bits! 
- My nursery class at church - they are the cutest little kids! They constantly make me laugh, and also surprise me with the things they say and do, i love working with them each sunday.
- Amazingly strong relief society sisters whose example inspires me to do and be better. I love my sisters :) 
- My photography - it gives me a creative outlet and a chance to make something pretty. Taking pictures makes me happy 

And i am especially grateful for this last one: 
- My faith, without it who knows where i would be. I am very grateful for the gospel in my life and the blessings & teachings that it brings me

To celebrate gratitude, if you book a photoshoot with me in November you can recieve a 40% discount. Just tell me when you contact me that you saw me on Lisa's Gratitude Sunday Series :)

You can find me at my personal blog

and my photography blog

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So what are you waiting for??

Go check out Makayla's blog...and if you live in or are soon visiting Tasmania, take her up on that discount!

This week I am grateful for:

- Seeing happiness in people's faces, particularly their eyes

- Kat finding an echidna in our front 'garden'

- Evaluating my life

- Blessings

- Life Lessons

- Music, for every mood

- Church...made me think a lot today

- Getting to sit with my Bro & SIL in church

- Seeing how cute my Bro is with children...oh man they need to have a kid soon!!

Gratitude Sunday Series Guest Blogger: Jessica Barnes

G'day peeps! 

YAY for my 200th post!!

So this week you get to hear from the girl I share my house with...

You've seen her before but I'll let her introduce herself 

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Hey everyone!

My name is Jess

I am Lisa's AWESOME!!...random housemate & friend. 

I too have a blog, pop on over and say 'hi' if you like! Would love to hear from you all :)

So what am I grateful for this week...

1. The Gospel in my life, and the blessings and teachings that it brings to my life.
2. My family and friends, the examples that they are to me and the support they give me.
3. My work, I love my job, sure there are days that I hate it or that I wish that I would strangle the people that I work with, but overall I love it, and I work with amazing managers.
4. An amazing Chiropractor! We have a love/hate relationship, but over all he is awesome! Plus he is nice, and he's also really cute.
5. My Curly hair, over the last few years I have really come to love it, and this year I have learnt to really look after it, curls are high maintenance!
6. Going out to dinner to yummy places with friends!
7. Being able to catch up with my amazingly talented cousin Lauren! So proud of what she has achieved in her life so far! Much more to come from her!
8. Random times with Lisa, being in funky moods after work. Random moments of laughter.
9. My blog, I love blogging, I am not a creative type of person, by this is my little bit of me, so I get to express myself through it. I also love how many awesome new people I have been able to meet through it.
10. I am also grateful that Lisa and I get to see Kat this Saturday, after her 7 week trip to the US. She will finally be safely home and we'll be able to enjoy her company again, listen to her stories, have a girls night full of country music and American goodies!

Hope you all have a great week,

And thank you to Lisa for letting me guest blog today!!!

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This week I am grateful for:

- My blog & followers...it's an outlet and I'm grateful that you all listen to me :D

- Sunshine...it really does lift the spirit!

- A loving Heavenly Father...I just need to put my trust and faith in him more

- Skyping with my whole family...that was one loud household!

- Ibuprofen...I hardly use it but needed it today

- A fun 'chill out' session with Jess & Camilla

- Being able to make it through the book for my Japanese Film and Text class

- Motivation!! :D a little more anyway :P

- The funny karaoke exhibit at MONA....still makes me laugh :D

- Both Jess & I winning a free Magnum off our late night purchase

- Life...as always! 

Gratitude Sunday Series Guest Blogger: Mandy Voisin

This week I'd love to introduce you all to Mandy!

She is one seriously beautiful and talented girl.

I first fell in love with her blog when I read the story of how she and Kevin (her hubby) met.

Part 1, 2 & 3

GO read it now! :D

Here's Mandy:

Things I am grateful for:

1. Waking up to my husband's messy hair and smiling face every morning.

2. Living in a country where we can worship any way we choose.

3. Literature. The good kind.

4. My body that allows me to move and experience life on this earth.

5. Homemade popcorn every night - it's a ritual.

6. My education. Nothing has ever made me feel so fulfilled. 

7. Seasons that add variety. 

8. Nature and all of the beauty that accompanies it.

9. Poetry.

10. Sisters

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Isn't Mandy just awesome and sweet?!

Thanks for guest posting! :D

Some things I am grateful for this week:

- Getting my ipod back safely...serious blessing!

- Little comforts

- Skyping with Kat

- Extra work

- Being alive

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Also a special mention today to all those affected by the 9/11 attacks of 2001. Today, 10 years later so many are still affected. I am so grateful for the knowledge that I have that families can be together forever and that those who lost love ones can be with them again.

My thoughts go out to those affected by September 11, 2001.

Gratitude Sunday Series Guest Blogger: Elise Blaha

Morning all!

So last week's post was late and this one is really early... :D

Today's guest is Elise.

She is amazingly talented and has a wonderful shop, which you should definitely check out! She works from home and does a darn good job of it.

You should also go check out her blog after too! It's awesome and has lots of crafty things, which I love!

Here's Elise:

Simple yet effective huh?!

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This week I am grateful for:

- Time to think and realisation moments

- Being able to "work" with two very funny girls

- Hearing from Kat while she's in America (OOOO-SA)

- Camping out in the lounge room in Jess and my cubby house

- Sara Lee Ice-cream

- Playing frisbee in the rain...and not falling over so I could drive home somewhat dry

- Opportunities

- Friends to give advice

- Followers...you are seriously awesome!

Don't forget if you want to be a Guest Blogger all you need to do is click the button below and e-mail me the details

And if you haven't already...you should definitely go enter my giveaway! It's ending this Wednesday so get involved for your chance to win :D

Gratitude Sunday Series Guest Blogger: Jen Baggiero

Hey Everyone!

Another guest blogger today...sorry this is a little late...Today has been pretty busy.

Hope you enjoy!

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A little intro on Jen:

Jen from Almost Grown-up: Reading, Writing, and Adventures in Quasi-Adulthood

Jen is a 2010 graduate of the University of Central Florida, where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing. She has unfortunate addictions to diet sodas, Chapstick, and books. She blogs about her daily life, random thoughts, reading, and writing. She’s currently working on her first novel, but is looking forward to starting a new project very soon. Visit her at http://www.almostgrownup.net

Now on with the show...

First of all, I'm grateful that Lisa is letting me guest blog! I've never blogged anywhere but my own site and the Page Turners book blog before, so I'm very excited.

I'm also grateful...

...For $5 Tuesday movies at my local theatre. It is so hard for me to part with my hard-earned money; I’m constantly resisting the temptation to throw my money at them and sob “Take it! Just take it!” (I just want to see what would happen). But I love to go to the movies and $5 is much easier on my wallet than the usual ridiculous $9-$10 ticket.

...For the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2 and Pottermore! The movie was amazing and I’m happy that Pottermore is working to keep Harry and the gang livin’ on.

…For the Library and my new Kindle, which keep my IV of books coming at a steady drip.

…For entertaining tweeters, authors, bloggers, and vloggers. I’m sure you have your own favorites and don’t need to hear mine.

...For 20SB’s Vlog Day, which actually made

me want to do another vlog when I actually have the time.

…That Chapsticks are inexpensive. I’m beginning to think I have a problem.

…To live (for one more week) in a city that has anything I could wish for: my university, a major downtown area, tourist locations galore, shopping, museums… I could make this list longer, but I’ll spare you. There’s enough to keep me busy. Let’s just leave it at that.

...To my parents' friend, who had supplied both them and me with many good, sturdy moving boxes. And they’re from Barnes ‘N Noble! Which makes me feel bookish, giggly, and strangely giddy.

…That I was actually able to sell my (too) low-impact exercise bike so I didn’t have to move it!

...To have friends who are willing to let me invade the

ir space for the month between homes so that I'm not entirely homeless. I may change my address for the month to:

“Jen The Futon in the Living Room c/o Ashley and Katie”

…To be debt-free since my parents instilled a deep and worthwhile fear of debt in me from an early age. I still remember my dad giving a Career Day speech when I was 10 and mentioning a stereo that took him years to pays off. I was wide-eyed with horror. That was why we had that ugly stereo? (We still have it, by the way, only I’ve now grown to appreciate the fact that it still functions this many years later)

...For a family that is always there for me

…For parents that are also my friends.

…For friends that make me laugh. All the time.

...To have figured out a way to save my money so that I can be a home-owner someday.

…For my flash drive, which allows me to transition from computer to computer, writing with ease.

...For my degree. As much as I make fun of myself for “wasting my time” studying English, I think it's made me a better writer.

...That I've finally figured out a crucial piece of my unfinished NaNoWriMo novel from last year. I really believe that it's only because of perseverance.

...For a renewed determination to write. The more I read author accounts of conventions, tours, and readings, the more determined I become to live that life myself someday.

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Thanks Jen for sharing with us some on the things you're grateful for.

Go check out her blog :D

This week I'm grateful for:

- Being able to go to Sydney for the weekend with my Mum and Sister for Time Out For Women (It was AMAZING!!)

- The Gospel...really grateful for that this week

- Life itself...it is all too quick and I want to make the most of it

- Facetime with my niece

Gratitude Sunday Series Guest Blogger: Stephanie J

Hey People,

This week I am really pleased to present our next guest blogger...Stephanie. I love her blog and once you've read her post, please go and check out her amazing blog. She is super fun! :D

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Hi Friends!

It's Stephanie @ Stephanie & Such and I am thrilled Lisa asked me to participate in Gratitude Sunday. Why? Because sometimes I don't count my blessings enough. I focus on the negatives and forget to remember everything I DO have going for me. Not only that, Sunday is my favourite day for reflection. So fancy that, that today is Sunday! So thanks Lisa for letting me share the things I am grateful for!

On of my favourite quotes (okay actually just google it. But is it my NEW favourite quote) says,

"Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it"

- William Ward -

Awesome right?

Well, you ready? Huh Huh?

Here you go :D

1. Health. Now that I am an adult (when did this happen?) I realise how important it is to stay healthy. And what blessing it is to have a healthy body! Life is good.

2. Mother Nature. I am such an outdoors girl and could probably go on about this topic for a while.

3. Family! My parents always taught us that family is #1 and no matter what they will always be there. I am so grateful they implemented this into us kids, because my siblings are my best friends!

4. Going off the last one: My parents are THE best. I am obsessed with them. They will drop everything for me. It is such a blessing to know at the end of each day that they love me and want the best for me.

5. Kids! Umm hello, I am a kid lover. My nieces make me feel so important and so cool (Instant self esteem booster). Love them.

6. Work. Wow, did I just say that? But seriously. I am grateful that I have a job. I am so much happier in this new environment that I am working in, I am actually happy and excited to go to work! When I was in Washington, I didn't love my job. It was a hassle. People were rude and snoody. Here in Utah though? It is seriously awesome. I love everyone I work with and have so much fun every day.

7. Diet Coke! Yep. It's the simple things people.

8. My younger brother Scottie! This kid is serving a two year mission for our church in San Fernando, California (where a lot of celebs live!!) hoping to bring people closer to God. He is having a blast, and has reminded me that religion is an exciting thing! And I love this picture of him because missionaries are often seen riding their bikes!

9. America. So cliche, but so true. It amazes me that people do not live in such a privileged country as we do.

10. Technology. Although it can be evil, the internet can be a beautiful thing. It can be uplifting and inspiring.

11. Chick-Fil-A. World's best fast food (basically the fries have the trump card).

12. TV: ANything involving the Kardashian's (sad I missed Khloe's Vegas party), Gossip Girl, Modern Family, Lost and Dateline.

13. My Straightener. See this post.

14. My bed. No joke. So cozy. I get so excited to jump in it at night! Who doesn't love a good nights rest??

15. Road trips! I love seeing new places and faces. Wanna go on one? I am DOWN.

16. Church. I love going to church each week to be reminded of the things that matter most.

Do you like how my list got shorter and shorter? Ha ha. But still, I was glad I did it. My life is great! and sometimes I need a good little reminder. Wether it's in my journal or on my blog, I am totally participating in Gratitude Sunday from now on and YOU should too!

What are YOU grateful for??

Thanks Lisa! You are the best! Can't wait to read next Sunday's post!!

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How seriously awesome and gorgeous is Steph?!

Just a couple things I'm grateful for this week:

- Bonfires with friends

- Sunday afternoon relax time

- Trials...they wouldn't be called that if they weren't difficult.

- Camp outs in the lounge room

- Hugs :D

Gratitude Sunday Series Guest Blogger: Jessica Andrews

Hey Everyone,

Welcome to the very first guest post here on L!$@'s Life!

Today I am please to introduce Jessica to you all. Being a follower of this blog has its benefits as Jess is offering some great discounts at her shop....but you'll have to keep reading to find out more.

Here we go, Welcome Jessica! :D

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HEY everyone,

my name is Jess & I am half the brains behind booqi boutique, Kyle (aka the hubby) is the other half.

I love Lisa's idea of taking time out to be grateful. Sometimes life seems to rush by so fast (especially with a 1 year old) that I forget to stop and just take a moment to be thankful.

So here are somethings I am grateful for:

- I am truly thankful for my best friend,my husb

and, who is just perfect for me. (He encourages and supports my crazy ideas and never rubs it in when they don't work out so well.) For his steadfastness, his solidness & everything else about him.

- I am utterly (mostly) thankful for my gorgeous son who showers me with unconditional love, I am not a perfect Mum but everyday I look into his big blue eyes and it makes me want to be better and better just for him.

- I am grateful for the winter weather at the moment because it reminds me how I love the smell of rain, the feel of sheep wool on my toes and the taste of warm chocolatey goodness down my throat. (things which can happen any other time of the year but just seem that little sweeter in winter)

- I am unbelievably grateful for my other family (you know the ones) the sisters, the friends who should be sisters/brothers. For their stories, their laughter, their love. We move away from each other but I always feel like I am with them & they are with me.

- Lastly I am absolutely, most of all, thankful for the big man upstairs.

To celebrate gratitude, and to show you just how grateful we are to Lisa's readers. Drop by booqi boutique & after purchase just type *GRATITUDE in the comments section of your invoice and booqi will discount you 10% off. If you drop by booqi's blog and become a follower type in *GRATITUDE#1 to nab an extra 5% discount. *ends June 30th, postage not included.

Thanks so much, booqilove x

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I few things I am grateful for this week are:

- Time with family (both needed and appreciated)

- having things to keep me busy

- understanding people around me