Life Is Fantasmic

Something Small to Smile About

2018-10-13T20:55:00.003-04:00

"Something Small to Smile About" is a community gratitude journal of sorts.
Follow this link to join & invite your friends!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/SomethingSmallToSmileAbout/

An uplifting quote or picture will be posted each day,
& members are invited to share something small (or big) that they're thankful for in that day's post.

Reflect back upon your day & find something good that happened,
something you're grateful for,
or something that made you smile.

Showing gratitude for the little things
has been one of the best ways to change my outlook & perspective on life.
Whenever I'm in a rut,
I like to look back at the things I'm grateful for
or the things that put a smile on my face
to help me cheer up & get going again.

My hope is that people will feel more excited about the little "wins" in their life,
& everything that makes them smile.
When we share positivity in a community setting,
it helps each & every one of us have a happier heart.

And on those days when we feel like everything is going wrong & we have nothing to smile about,
we can turn to this group,
feel the positive vibes,
& find something small to smile about.
♥

Just a few group rules:

<< Be Kind & Respectful >>
This is a happy place to share things that have brightened our day,
so don't say anything to bring others down.
I won't give warnings on this rule.
Be kind or be banned.
Let's work together to create a welcoming environment & treat everyone with respect.

<< Share Your Happy Moments in the Daily Thread >>
Seeing as how this is a community gratitude journal,
let's do our best to share our happy moments in the daily thread.
This helps keep the group organized.
You can share anything you're grateful for that day - big or small.

<< No Marketing, Promotions, or Spam >>
Please don't market or sell any products here.
This is a safe place for happy thoughts & community, not a place to build businesses.

If you can commit to keeping these rules,
we would LOVE to have you join our gratitude community!
Also, please invite your friends...
We want to spread happiness
- the more the merrier!

xoxo

Postpartum Emotions & Stress Away

2018-10-01T22:39:00.001-04:00

I had a LOT of postpartum emotions after my last pregnancy & felt like a hot mess.

Nothing & nobody could help me get out of my funk when it would hit,
& every little thing would send my mind thinking about the worst possible outcome.
Sometimes it would hit me like a train & I would be frozen in my thoughts,
feeling completely & utterly
alone.

Imagine you're driving down the freeway.
Someone switches over into your lane without checking their blindspot
& you have to swerve out of the way to prevent being hit.
The adrenaline kicks your survival instincts in gear
& your heart is pumping with fear,
but that feeling never leaves.
Or you feel like you're drowning & can't breathe,
when in reality,
you're just sitting on the couch.

"It's like having super powers but having no control over them.
It's the strength of the Hulk, but it comes out as anger.
It's Harry Potter's invisibility cloak, but you can't choose when you get to wear it.
It's wanting to be as brave as Batman, but being too afraid to leave the bat cave.
It's knowing you are a superhero, but you are stuck in a body/mind that won't let you.
It's wanting to save the world, but you can't even save yourself."
-- Bex A.--
<<https://bit.ly/2QkPgeT>>

Those are some of the things I was feeling, even with medication.
It was rough.

My friend introduced me to Young Living essential oils.
Although skeptical, I decided to get a kit & try them for emotional support.
I was blown away by how much Stress Away helped me get through those debilitating emotions!
I felt like a completely different person whenever I used it
& was able to calm down & regain my focus whenever I was frozen in my whirlwind of emotions.
I wasn't expecting such a welcoming community
full of hope, inspiration, encouragement, & friendships!
I can't even begin to describe the gratitude I feel for our team & especially this business.
It has truly changed my life for the better in more ways than I could imagine!

I'm not going to lie...
I still feel those emotions from time to time,
but now I have an arsenal of support that I didn't have before -
including amazing products that support my well-being
& an amazing team that cares about my well-being.
These help me overcome the challenges that come with those intense emotions much easier.

I know I'm not alone in this.
Many people deal with those same emotional challenges I mentioned earlier,
& we ALL have some sort of stress in our lives.
Stress can manifest in a number of ways,
& what's stressful to one person may not be a stressor to someone else.
BUT, we all have it to some degree...

I'm going to be giving away a bottle of Stress Away at one of my Intro to Oils classes later this month
so that someone else can benefit from this amazing blend
& the welcoming community that our team has to offer!

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:
∙∙∙ Leave a comment below ∙∙∙
∙∙∙ Follow me on IG @rootedinpurelove or join my product education group on FB ∙∙∙
∙∙∙ Join the Intro to Oils class where the giveaway will be taking place ∙∙∙
∙∙∙ Invite a friend that you know could benefit from Stress Away & this community ∙∙∙

Note: This giveaway is exclusively for those that aren't currently Young Living members. Members already have access to these amazing products & communities, & I want to bless someone that is currently lacking those things as I once was.

xoxo

Positive Affirmations

2018-08-08T14:28:00.002-04:00

I'm a firm believer in the power of conscious language & positive thinking.

Sonya Swan shares how it changed her life in this video.

I encourage you to watch it, try it, & see how your life can change as well!

Also, Oola.

What is Oola?

"It's a state of awesomeness.

It's living a life that is balanced & growing in seven key areas of health & well-being.

It's unlocking the potential for greatness that lies within each of us.

It's finding the true purpose & meaning for your life."

Take the OolaWheel test & focus on improving one of your weaker areas of life.

Anywho, here are my daily affirmations (including the Oola affirmations)...

I am fit, healthy, disciplined, & strong.

I am financially free & living abundantly.

I am unconditionally loving, patient, & respectful.

I am pursuing my purpose in life.

I am grateful, humble, & fully connected.

I am blessed with empowering, healthy relationships.

I am pursuing the joys of life.

My name is Marissa Hassie,

& I am a ROYAL CROWN DIAMOND.

I am a daughter of a king

- our Heavenly Father -

who loves me & knows me by name.

I love Him & will stand as a witness of God

at all times, & in all things, & in all places,

& I will share the Gospel through charity & service.

I am a wonderful wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, & person.

I am organized & focused

& have let go of clutter to maintain a clean home.

I know how to balance my personal, work, & church obligations.

My past has no hold over my future,

& neither does the adversary.

My word is GROWTH this year.

I pray that a year from now

I will look back & see how far I've come.

I'll be able to see personal growth in the forms of

courage,

confidence,

consistency,

& patience.

I'll be able to see financial growth

from my business & from sticking to our budget.

And most importantly,

I'll be able to see spiritual growth

as I place my faith in the Lord

& allow Him to guide my path.

GALATIANS 6:9

And let us not be weary in well doing:

for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

xoxo

One Year Later

2018-05-20T23:07:00.001-04:00

It's been a year now.

Yep.

One year ago,

I made the decision to bravely jump into the business side of Young Living
& started 'Rooted in Pure Love'

as part of my "one big thing" for MOPS.

Little did I know that this decision would stretch & mold me into a better version of myself.

I had no idea that I would become

more confident,

more outgoing,

more caring,
more prayerful,

Big Dreams

2018-03-19T23:51:00.006-04:00

Justin & I were talking about our big dreams the other day.

You know...

The kind that seem completely out of reach

unless you win the lottery, retire, & have time to do all the things.

We talked about things like flight lessons,

traveling the world,

dream cars,

airsoft arenas,

visiting every Disney park & Club 33,

giving freely,

& fun adventures that will bring our family closer.

He mentioned that Warren Buffett is once again offering to give away $1-million-a-year-for-life

any of his employees that manage to get a perfect March Madness bracket,

& jokingly asked if I would want to quit my Young Living business if we won.

Without skipping a beat,

I told him no.

Guys.

I love my job.

It has been such a huge blessing in so many ways.

I love the products.

I love the community.

I love the flexibility.

I love the compensation plan.

I love it all.

I've been able to stretch myself in ways I never thought I could

& have seen so many positive changes in my life.

Quitting is not an option.

Whether we get our "big dream" money from Uncle Warren or Young Living,

I'm grateful to know that our big dreams are within reach.

www.youngliving.com/ids

So what about you? Where would you like to travel? What are YOUR big dreams?

xoxo

Oh, hey... I have a blog. I should probably post something.

2017-11-12T17:06:00.000-05:00

Once upon a time
a girl started a blog.
It was a quiet little blog
with a very small following.
But she loved it.

Around three years ago she had some strange health concerns arise.
They made it difficult for her to think & concentrate
which in turn made it difficult to work on her blog posts.

Her regular posts began to dwindle,
but she kept her link party going
since it didn't require as much thought on her part.

Most of her symptoms began to improve
aside from the occasional flare-up,
but her anxiety continued to worsen.

Her schedule & her anxiety grew over the summer
as she prepared herself for her firstborn's segue to Kindergarten.

She could no longer maintain her blog.
Before she knew it her link party came to an end
& all was quiet.

She gave birth to her fourth child,
Little Snowflake,
at 5:30pm on 1/9/17,
exactly 100 years after the child's great-great-grandmother was born (in 1917).
Her sweet baby weighed 8 lbs 1 oz & was 20" long
which shocked everyone since her mother was induced three weeks early
due to symptoms of preeclampsia.

A few hours after delivery
they had to put the young mom on a 24 hour magnesium drip
because things weren't quite right.
Her reflexes were off,
her bleeding was heavy,
her platelets were low,
& they were still keeping close tabs on her blood pressure.
She ended up staying an extra couple nights
until the doctors felt comfortable sending her home.

She called her OB a week later
since she was still dealing with heavy bleeding
with no signs of slowing.
After a couple days of bed rest
they asked her to come back in to the office to do an ultrasound.
Her doctor looked at the findings
& scheduled for an emergency D&C
to be done right after her appt.

Apparently there was some leftover tissue left behind from the delivery
which was causing all the heavy bleeding.
After this surgery,
her platelet count improved & her bleeding stopped.

It was time for her to finally relax & enjoy her precious newborn.
Right???

Stay tuned for:
Colic & Reflux
One Big Thing

xoxo

Four.

2016-06-29T16:44:00.000-04:00

Sooo...

Justin & I have been talking about "Four" a lot lately.

No, we aren't referring to Tobias from the Divergent series.

We're talking about this Zootopia spin-off trailer...

If you haven't seen Zootopia or the trailer that was based off of,
feel free to watch this one for reference.

Hilarious, right?
I love Flash's slow reaction.

Haaa.

Haa.

Haa.

Haa.

Ha.

But really though...

"Four" is due January 30th (:

xoxo

LDS General Conference (April 2016 - Saturday)

2016-04-04T10:24:00.002-04:00

This weekend is the 186th annual General Conference

of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

I've shared my highlights in the past,

but it's been a while.

Now that my brain isn't quite as foggy,

I can type up my notes easier...

Here are my highlights from Saturday morning & afternoon sessions.

Prepare to be spiritually uplifted (:

Keep in mind these are my hurried notes & they are not necessarily word for word.

If you listen with the Spirit,

you will find your heart strengthened & your capacity to love the Lord increased.

- President Henry B. Eyring

"Draw near unto me and and I will draw near unto you;

seek me diligently and ye shall find me;

ask, and ye shall receive;

knock, and it shall be opened unto you."

Doctrine & Covenants 88:62-63

- President Henry B. Eyring

How did they know to say the things I needed to hear?

The promise that the Lord will give us words in the very moment applies especially to testimony.

- President Henry B. Eyring

We live in a noisy & busy world.

If we are not careful, the things of this world can drown out the things of the Spirit.

- Sister Mary R. Durham

Children have a natural desire to be good.

- Sister Mary R. Durham

How do we as parents increase the spiritual capacity of our little ones?

1. We can bring to their attention when they are hearing & feeling the Spirit.

2. We can prepare our home & our children to feel the still, small voice.

3. We can help our children understand how the Spirit speaks to them.

- Sister Mary R. Durham

The best immersion setting for a spiritual education is in the home

where spiritual principles can form the basis for daily living.

- Sister Mary R. Durham

Immersing our families in the Spirit will keep our children's hearts open to His influence.

- Sister Mary R. Durham

We need not fear as we see our children enter the water of life.

We have taught them to live with the guiding light of the Holy Ghost.

- Sister Mary R. Durham

Without lyrics, most of us in this conference could sing "I Am a Child of God"...

But do we really KNOW it?

- Elder Donald L. Hallstrom

God allows some earthly suffering because He knows that it will bless us.

Our hardships have eternal purpose.

- Elder Donald L. Hallstrom

"Ultimately all keys of the priesthood are held by the Lord Jesus Christ, whose priesthood it is.

He is the one who determines what keys are delegated to mortals & how those keys will be used."

- Elder Dallin H. Oaks, 2014 -

- Elder Gary E. Stephenson

How to "find the keys"

1. Prepare for missionary service

2. Attend the temple

3. Go forward with faith

- Elder Gary E. Stevenson

The Lord won't leave us stranded without keys to return home.

- Elder Gary E. Stevenson

There is not a soul alive who will not at one time or another be the victim

to someone else's careless actions, hurtful conduct, or even sinful behavior.

- Elder Kevin R. Duncan

We can forgive & we can be free.

An unforgiving heart harbors so much needless pain.

- Elder Kevin R. Duncan

As we strive to forgive others,

let us also try to remember that we are all growing spiritually,

but we are all at different levels.

- Elder Kevin R. Duncan

Can you imagine how our families, communities, & the world at large might change

if we all tried to see each other as God sees us?

- Elder Kevin R. Duncan

Some of the greatest sermons are preached through the singing of music.

- Elder Steven E. Snow

Be Thou Humble (Hymn #130)

- Elder Steven R. Snow

As we raise our children, we need to help them remain humble as they mature into adulthood.

We need them to learn to take joy in the success of siblings & friends.

- Elder Steven R. Snow

We must all strive to become more humble.

Humility is essential to gain the blessings of the gospel.

- Elder Steven R. Snow

"How does one get humble?

To me, one must constantly be reminded of his dependence.

On whom dependent?

On the Lord.

How remind one's self?

By real, constant, worshipful, grateful prayer."

- President Spencer W. Kimball, 1963 -

- Elder Steven E. Snow

God is more pleased with repentant sinners who are trying to draw closer to Him
than with self-righteous fault finding individuals who don't realize how badly they need to repent.

- Elder Dale G. Renlund

Jesus did not say IF rain descends,

IF floods come,

& IF winds blow,

but WHEN.

No one is immune from life's challenges.

We all need the safety that comes from partaking of the sacrament.

- Elder Dale G. Renlund

Our present circumstances may not change,

but through God's compassion, kindness, & love,

we will all receive more than we deserve,

more than we can ever earn,

& more than we could ever hope for.

- Elder Dale G. Renlund

Questions are an indication of a further desire to learn;
to add to those truths already in place in our testimonies.
- Elder Ronald A. Rasband

We need to help each other find Heavenly Father's answers through the guidance of the Spirit.
- Elder Ronald A. Rasband

Don't be afraid to ask questions.
They are the very foundation of the Restoration itself.
- Elder Ronald A. Rasband

Choose to follow the Lord while the world is going in another direction.
- Elder Ronald A. Rasband

Are you standing with the leaders of the church in a darkening world
so that you might spread the Light of Christ?
- Elder Ronald A. Rasband

God loves children.
He loves all children.
- Elder Neil L. Andersen

As I learned the principles of the gospel & studied the Book of Mormon,
it was as though I was remembering things I already knew but had forgotten.
- Elder Neil L. Andersen

While a child's Earthly situation may not be ideal,
a child's spiritual DNA is perfect
because one's true identity is as a son or daughter of God.
- Elder Neil L. Andersen

We need to reach out to the youth who feel alone, left behind, or outside the fence.
Let us think about them, welcome them, embrace them,
and do everything we can to strengthen their love for the Savior.
- Elder Neil L. Andersen

"For the Son of man is come to save that which is lost. ...
... Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish."
Matthew 18:11,14
As we go to the rescue, God gives us power, encouragement, & blessings.
- Elder Mervyn B. Arnold

Four principles that will help in our rescue efforts:
1. We must not delay going to the rescue
2. We must never give up
3. How great shall be your joy if you bring save it be one soul unto Christ
4. No matter our age we are all called to go to the rescue
- Elder Mervyn B. Arnold

I invite each of you to heed the Savior's call to go to the rescue.
We can do it!
- Elder Mervyn B. Arnold

The Lord raised up prophets, seers, & revelators to guide His kingdom in these latter days.
Yes, God revealed Himself to man again.
The darkness that covered the Earth began to dissipate.
- Elder Jairo Mazzagardi

"...Other sheep I have, which are not of this fold..."
John 10:16
3 Nephi 15:21-22
- Elder Jairo Mazzagardi

"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God,
that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not;
and it shall be given him."
James 1:5
He cares about His children & answers our prayers.
- Elder Jairo Mazzagardi

The ordinance of the sacrament is a holy & repeated invitation
to repent sincerely & to be renewed spiritually.
- Elder David A. Bednar

The irony of being parents is that we tend to really get good at it after our children are grown.
- Elder M. Russell Ballard

Family councils will counter the impact of modern technology
that often distracts us & also tends to bring evil right into our homes.
Electronic devices need to be turned off
so everyone can look at & listen to each other.
- Elder M. Russell Ballard

Four types of family councils:
1. General - entire family
2. Executive - father & mother
3. Limited - parents & one child
4. One on one - one parent & one child
- Elder M. Russell Ballard

Never retire without kneeling together,
holding hands,
& saying your prayers.
- Elder M. Russell Ballard

Schedule councils in advance
so children can anticipate & look forward to special time alone with mom or dad.
- Elder M. Russell Ballard

Children desperately need parents willing to listen to them.
- Elder M. Russell Ballard

With Heavenly Father & our Savior's help we can make our homes a little bit of Heaven on Earth.
- Elder M. Russell Ballard

Combined with prayer, a family council will invite the Spirit of the Lord.
Inviting the Lord to be part of our councils through prayer will help us grow closer together.
"Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings; and he will direct thee for good..."
Alma 37:37
- Elder M. Russell Ballard

A family council that is patterned after the councils in heaven,
filled with Christlike love & guided by the Lord's Spirit
will help us to protect our family from distractions that can steal our precious time together
& protect us from the evils of the world.
- Elder M. Russell Ballard

Family councils will assist us to be more successful & happy in our precious relationships within the walls of our home.
- Elder M. Russell Ballard

Since I didn't share everything

I encourage you to listen to or read the other wonderful words spoken at Conference...

(I'll get the links up once they're available)

Saturday morning:

Where Two or Three Are Gathered by President Henry B. Eyring

A Child's Guiding Gift by Sister Mary R. Durham

I Am a Child of God by Elder Donald L. Hallstrom

Where Are the Keys and Authority of the Priesthood? by Elder Gary E. Stevenson

The Healing Ointment of Forgiveness by Elder Kevin R. Duncan

Be Thou Humble by Elder Steven E. Snow

"That I Might Draw All Men unto Me" by Elder Dale G. Renlund

Saturday afternoon:

Standing with the Leaders of the Church by Elder Ronald A. Rasband
Whoso Receiveth Them, Receiveth Me by Elder Neil L. Andersen
To the Rescue: We Can Do It by Elder Mervyn B. Arnold
The Sacred Place of Restoration by Elder Jairo Mazzagardi
Always Retain a Remission of Your Sins by Elder David A. Bednar
Family Councils by Elder M. Russell Ballard

xoxo

831

2015-08-31T08:31:00.000-04:00

My husband wrote this back in 2004.
Yeah... He's pretty awesome (;

8 - 3 - 1

Eight letters, well...seven different ones.
So completely inconsequential.
Already in this little story they have all been used.
Twenty six letters in our alphabet,
what would make these so special?
Their arrangement,
into three words.
These three words have the power to change lives
when used correctly.
Over 350,000 words in our language,
and these three among them.
No other words share the same power as these do.
These words must not be thrown around freely,
there has to be meaning and feeling behind them
or they will lose their power.
Only the special ones,
dear to your heart
must hear these words.
These three words have only one meaning.
They are used individually every day in everyone's lives,
but only when they are combined together
do they achieve this one unambiguous meaning.
It can be very difficult to master this ancient power,
but once you do,
your life and the life of the person you share these words with
will be changed
forever.
This may be a very small change
or it may be a course-altering change.
One will not know until the words have been used.
What are these powerful words?
Oh I'm sure you've figured it out by now.

Eight letters, three words, one meaning.

-JTH-

xoxo

Saturday Dishes - Less than 30 minutes

2015-06-19T22:00:00.000-04:00

This week's theme is:
< 30 minutes

Let's round up all of our recipes
that take less than 30 minutes from start to finish!

If you're new to the party

welcome to Saturday Dishes
where every week is a new theme...

Your job is to post your recipes that coincide with that theme!

Easy peasy, right?

Don't have a recipe that goes with the theme?
No worries!
Just sit back, relax, enjoy the other posts,
& be sure to check out the index & upcoming themes
to see what you can post in future weeks!

Saturday Dishes is hosted by:

5 Ways to Tell Dad You Love Him (Without Actually Saying It) from Pebbles and Piggytails

Superhero Dad Printable Hershey Bar Wrappers from Smart Party Planning

Bacon Explosion from Cooking with Carlee

If you were featured
feel free to grab a button!

Next week's theme is:
Cold Summery Treats
so come back next week to share yours!

Now on to the linky...
Link up your recipes that take less than 30 minutes,
visit other posts,
& make new friends!

Keep spreading the word so we can see new faces at the party!

If you'd like to be a guest host send me an email so that I can get you on the calendar,

& let me know what themes you would like to see in the future.
I'd love to use your ideas!

By linking up at Saturday Dishes, you are giving permission for Life is Fantasmic to feature your posts with one image on social media with links back to you.

An InLinkz Link-up

xoxo

Saturday Dishes - Father's Day

2015-06-12T22:00:00.000-04:00

I'd like to give a huge shout out to Cristina from A Bountiful Love

for being such an awesome guest host last weekend!

Thanks so much!!!

If anyone else would like to be a guest host
send me an email so that I can get you on the calendar,

& let me know what themes you would like to see in the future.
I'd love to use your ideas!

This week's theme is:
Father's Day

I know Father's Day isn't until next weekend
but it won't hurt to have ideas a week in advance, right? (;
Share all of Dad's favorite foods & gift ideas with us today!

If you're new to the party

welcome to Saturday Dishes
where every week is a new theme...

Your job is to post your recipes that coincide with that theme!

Saturday Dishes is hosted by:

Baked Ziti from Olives-n-Okra

Peachy Keen Salad from Lorraine's Resources and Rewards

Triple Layer Brownies from Yesterfood

If you were featured
feel free to grab a button!

Next week's theme is:
< 30
so come back next week to share your recipes
that take less than thirty minutes from start to finish!

Now on to the linky...
Link up your Father's Day recipes & gift ideas,
visit other posts,
& make new friends!

Keep spreading the word so we can see new faces at the party!

By linking up at Saturday Dishes, you are giving permission for Life is Fantasmic to feature your posts with one image on social media with links back to you.

An InLinkz Link-up

xoxo

Saturday Dishes - Potluck

2015-06-05T22:00:00.000-04:00

This week's theme is:
Potluck

We're having a potluck this week
& YOU'RE INVITED!!!
Link up your favorite potluck recipes!

Here's what to post:
A-F (Main Dishes)
G-L (Sides & Salads)
M-R (Desserts)
S-Z (Drinks)

Totally kidding!
You don't have to go by that list.
Bring whatever recipes you want to share (;

If you're new to the party

welcome to Saturday Dishes
where every week is a new theme...

Your job is to post your recipes that coincide with that theme!

Saturday Dishes is hosted by:

- Marissa @ Life is Fantasmic -
Facebook ♥ Twitter ♥ Google+ ♥ Pinterest ♥ Bloglovin' ♥ SoundCloud

& this week we have a special guest host as well!

- Cristina @ A Bountiful Love -
Facebook ♥ Twitter ♥ Google+ ♥ Pinterest ♥ Bloglovin' ♥ Instagram

Stay a while & check out our blogs!
We love seeing new faces & new followers on social media,
& comments make us smile (:

Last week's theme was Salads!
Here were a few of my faves...

Perfect Summer Pasta Salad from Mom's Messy Miracles

Definitely going to be making this soon!

Grilled Peach Salad with Goat Cheese Honey Dressing from Vegging at the Shore

Those grilled peaches sound amazing!

Doritos Taco Salad from Pebbles and Piggytails
Can't go wrong with a taco salad!

Cristina's faves may be different than mine
so check out A Bountiful Love to see her features as well!

If you were featured
feel free to grab a button!

Next week's theme is:
Father's Day
so come back next week to share your Fathers' Favorites
as well as any gift ideas you may have!

Now on to the linky...
Link up your perfect potluck recipes,
visit other posts,
& make new friends!

Keep spreading the word so we can see new faces at the party!

If you'd like to be a guest host send me an email so that I can get you on the calendar,

& let me know what themes you would like to see in the future.
I'd love to use your ideas!

By linking up at Saturday Dishes, you are giving permission for Life is Fantasmic to feature your posts with one image on social media with links back to you.

An InLinkz Link-up

xoxo

Saturday Dishes - Salads

2015-06-01T16:43:00.002-04:00

Sorry the party is starting a couple days late.

I was getting ready for a garage sale all of last week & I am utterly exhausted.

We had 11 tables set up in our garage.

ELEVEN!

I'm still trying to recuperate.

This week's theme is:
Salads

Share your leafy green goodness,
potato salads,
pasta salads,
fruit salads
& more
at this week's party!

If you're new to the party

welcome to Saturday Dishes
where every week is a new theme...

Your job is to post your recipes that coincide with that theme!

Saturday Dishes is hosted by:

- Marissa @ Life is Fantasmic -
Facebook ♥ Twitter ♥ Google+ ♥ Pinterest ♥ Bloglovin' ♥ SoundCloud

Stay a while & check out my blog!
I love seeing new faces & new followers on social media,
& comments make me smile (:

Last week's theme was Memorial Day.
Double features at the next party.
Exhausted, remember?

Next week's theme is:
Potluck
so come back next week to share your perfect potluck dishes!

Now on to the linky...
Link up your scrumptious salads,
visit other posts,
& make new friends!

Keep spreading the word so we can see new faces at the party!

If you'd like to be a guest host send me an email so that I can get you on the calendar,

& let me know what themes you would like to see in the future.
I'd love to use your ideas!

By linking up at Saturday Dishes, you are giving permission for Life is Fantasmic to feature your posts with one image on social media with links back to you.

An InLinkz Link-up

xoxo

Saturday Dishes - Memorial Day

2015-05-22T22:38:00.001-04:00

This week's theme is:
Memorial Day

Happy Memorial Day weekend everyone!
Please share your favorite Memorial Day meals
or some recipes that were handed down by loved ones that have passed.

If you're new to the party

welcome to Saturday Dishes
where every week is a new theme...

Your job is to post your recipes that coincide with that theme!

Saturday Dishes is hosted by:

- Marissa @ Life is Fantasmic -
Facebook ♥ Twitter ♥ Google+ ♥ Pinterest ♥ Bloglovin' ♥ SoundCloud

Stay a while & check out my blog!
I love seeing new faces & new followers on social media,
& comments make me smile (:

Last week's theme was Beans!
Here were a few of my faves...

Memorial Day Baked Beans from Lorraine's Resources and Rewards

Cheesy Black Beans & Rice from A Bountiful Love

Slow Cooker Baked Beans from Yesterfood

Crockpot Refried Beans from Glo's Kitchen

If you were featured
feel free to grab a button!

Next week's theme is:
Salads
so come back next week to share your scrumptious salads!

Now on to the linky...
Link up your Memorial Day recipes,
visit other posts,
& make new friends!

Keep spreading the word so we can see new faces at the party!

If you'd like to be a guest host send me an email so that I can get you on the calendar,

& let me know what themes you would like to see in the future.
I'd love to use your ideas!

By linking up at Saturday Dishes, you are giving permission for Life is Fantasmic to feature your posts with one image on social media with links back to you.

An InLinkz Link-up

xoxo

Saturday Dishes - Beans

2015-05-15T22:00:00.000-04:00

This week's theme is:
Beans

Holy frijoles!
You can share your bean recipes this week (:

If you're new to the party

welcome to Saturday Dishes
where every week is a new theme...

Your job is to post your recipes that coincide with that theme!

Saturday Dishes is hosted by:

Chicken Fajitas with Homemade Tortillas from A Bountiful Love

Strawberry Citrus Salsa from The Whole Serving

Fried Ice Cream Bars from Cooking with Carlee

Nuts

Homemade Almond Milk from Gluten Free A-Z

Roasted Sweet Vanilla Pecan Butter from Strength & Sunshine

If you were featured
feel free to grab a button!

Next week's theme is:
Memorial Day
so come back next week to share your Memorial Day favorites!

Now on to the linky...
Link up your best bean recipes,
visit other posts,
& make new friends!

Keep spreading the word so we can see new faces at the party!

If you'd like to be a guest host send me an email so that I can get you on the calendar,

& let me know what themes you would like to see in the future.
I'd love to use your ideas!

By linking up at Saturday Dishes, you are giving permission for Life is Fantasmic to feature your posts with one image on social media with links back to you.

An InLinkz Link-up

xoxo

Saturday Dishes - Nuts

2015-05-09T22:02:00.002-04:00

This week's theme is:
Nuts

You may have noticed the party is getting a late start this week.
My husband was in the hospital for kidney stones & I lost track of my days.
If that wasn't bad enough,
he had to go there on his birthday & stay overnight.
Pretty nuts, right?
Show us your nutty recipes this week.

If you're new to the party

welcome to Saturday Dishes
where every week is a new theme...

Your job is to post your recipes that coincide with that theme!

Saturday Dishes is hosted by:

- Marissa @ Life is Fantasmic -
Facebook ♥ Twitter ♥ Google+ ♥ Pinterest ♥ Bloglovin' ♥ SoundCloud

Stay a while & check out my blog!
I love seeing new faces & new followers on social media,
& comments make me smile (:

Last week's theme was Cinco de Mayo!
I'll pick double features next week.

Next week's theme is:
Beans
so come back next week to share your best bean recipes!

Now on to the linky...
Link up your nut recipes,
visit other posts,
& make new friends!

Keep spreading the word so we can see new faces at the party!

If you'd like to be a guest host send me an email so that I can get you on the calendar,

& let me know what themes you would like to see in the future.
I'd love to use your ideas!

By linking up at Saturday Dishes, you are giving permission for Life is Fantasmic to feature your posts with one image on social media with links back to you.

An InLinkz Link-up

xoxo

Saturday Dishes - Cinco de Mayo

2015-05-01T22:41:00.000-04:00

This week's theme is:

Cinco de Mayo

It's a fiesta to celebrate Cinco de Mayo of course!
Share your favorite Mexican dishes, fiesta ideas, & traditions (:

If you're new to the party

welcome to Saturday Dishes
where every week is a new theme...

Your job is to post your recipes that coincide with that theme!

Saturday Dishes is hosted by:

- Marissa @ Life is Fantasmic -
Facebook ♥ Twitter ♥ Google+ ♥ Pinterest ♥ Bloglovin' ♥ SoundCloud

Stay a while & check out my blog!
I love seeing new faces & new followers on social media,
& comments make me smile (:

We were in Florida on vacation last week
hence the Seafood & Anything Goes themes
so I didn't pick any features.
Here were a few of my faves from the past two weeks...

Seafood

I guess the next seafood I try should be sweet & spicy salmon

since two different recipes were shared!

Parmesan Crusted Salmon w/ Sweet & Spicy Sauce from A Bountiful Love

Sweet & Spicy Orange Glazed Salmon from Yesterfood

Anything Goes

16 Delectable Cupcake Recipes from Dreaming of Leaving

Little Dudeman turned 5 this week!

Happy birthday little guy! (:

Great Steak Rub from The Mad Mommy

Justin, if you're reading this: Mother's Day dinner...

hint hint (;

How to Be Imperfect (& Love It!) from Pebbles and Piggytails

*cue the Backstreet Boys*

"What makes you different makes you beautiful."

Petnames by mGraphicDesign
Aren't those letters the cutest ever!
She made me one of these when I was little & I still adore it!

If you were featured
feel free to grab a button!

Next week's theme is:
Nuts
so come back next week to share your nuttiest recipes!

I'll also be hosting a Star Wars themed link party on May the 4th
that you won't want to miss!

Now on to the linky...
Link up your Cinco de Mayo ideas & Mexican recipes,
visit other posts,
& make new friends!

Keep spreading the word so we can see new faces at the party!

If you'd like to be a guest host send me an email so that I can get you on the calendar,

& let me know what themes you would like to see in the future.
I'd love to use your ideas!

By linking up at Saturday Dishes, you are giving permission for Life is Fantasmic to feature your posts with one image on social media with links back to you.

An InLinkz Link-up

xoxo

Saturday Dishes - Anything Goes

2015-04-24T22:00:00.000-04:00

This week's theme is:
Anything Goes

That's right...
You can share ANYTHING today!
Recipes, crafts, rants, you name it!
No strings attached.
Well, almost...
I just ask that you keep it family friendly (:

If you're new to the party

welcome to Saturday Dishes
where every week is a new theme...

Your job is to post things that coincide with that theme!

Easy peasy, right?

Don't have something that goes with the theme?
No worries!
Just sit back, relax, enjoy the other posts,
& be sure to check out the index & upcoming themes
to see what you can post in future weeks!

Saturday Dishes is hosted by:

Next week's theme is:
Cinco de Mayo
so come back next week to share your marvelous Mexican recipes!

Now on to the linky...
Link up Anything Awesome,
visit other posts,
& make new friends!

Keep spreading the word so we can see new faces at the party!

If you'd like to be a guest host send me an email so that I can get you on the calendar,

& let me know what themes you would like to see in the future.
I'd love to use your ideas!

By linking up at Saturday Dishes, you are giving permission for Life is Fantasmic to feature your posts with one image on social media with links back to you.

An InLinkz Link-up

xoxo

Saturday Dishes - Seafood

2015-04-17T22:00:00.000-04:00

This week's theme is:
Seafood

Those who know me well know that I really don't care for seafood.
That's probably why we haven't had a seafood theme yet.
But just because it's not my thing
it doesn't mean that YOU don't have delicious seafood recipes to share with one another!
So share away, & I will do my best to pick features (;

If you're new to the party

welcome to Saturday Dishes
where every week is a new theme...

Your job is to post your recipes that coincide with that theme!

Saturday Dishes is hosted by:

Garden Resurrection Tree from My Thrift Store Addiction
I love that He is Risen sign!

Free Easter Bunny Letter from Smart Party Planning

I love that one of the downloads has a reminder about what Easter is really all about.

Bunny Butt Pancakes from Cooking with Carlee
I love that adorable bunny butt!

Oh yeah...
& if you were featured
feel free to grab a button!

Next week's theme is:
Anything Goes
so come back next week to share whatever you'd like!

Now on to the linky...
Link up your spectacular Seafood recipes,
visit other posts,
& make new friends!

Keep spreading the word so we can see new faces at the party!

If you'd like to be a guest host send me an email so that I can get you on the calendar,

& let me know what themes you would like to see in the future.
I'd love to use your ideas!

By linking up at Saturday Dishes, you are giving permission for Life is Fantasmic to feature your posts with one image on social media with links back to you.

An InLinkz Link-up

xoxo

Saturday Dishes - Easter

2015-04-11T11:44:00.001-04:00

This week's theme is:
Easter

Share your Easter recipes, traditions, decor & whatnot this week (:

If you're new to the party

welcome to Saturday Dishes
where every week is a new theme...

Your job is to post your recipes that coincide with that theme!

Saturday Dishes is hosted by:

Fresh Strawberry-Orange Syrup from Pebbles and Piggytails

Lemon Drizzle Cake from Europe's Calling

Starbucks Lemon Loaf from Yesterfood

Sparkling Holiday Punch from Lorraine's Resources and Rewards

Oh yeah...
& if you were featured
feel free to grab a button!

Next week's theme is:
Seafood
so come back next week to ~~shore~~ share your spectacular seafood recipes!

Now on to the linky...
Link up your Easter stuff,
visit other posts,
& make new friends!

Keep spreading the word so we can see new faces at the party!

If you'd like to be a guest host send me an email so that I can get you on the calendar,

& let me know what themes you would like to see in the future.
I'd love to use your ideas!

By linking up at Saturday Dishes, you are giving permission for Life is Fantasmic to feature your posts with one image on social media with links back to you.

An InLinkz Link-up

xoxo

Saturday Dishes - Citrus

2015-03-29T21:23:00.000-04:00

This week's theme is:
Citrus

Sorry the party is starting so late this weekend,
but better late than never, right?
Little Dudeman was having some major headaches last week
& it totally threw off my groove.
Anywho...
I would love for you to share your citrus recipes today!

If you're new to the party

welcome to Saturday Dishes
where every week is a new theme...

Your job is to post your recipes that coincide with that theme!

Saturday Dishes is hosted by:

Shoestring Curly Fries from Vegging at the Shore

Irish Potato Cakes from HoneyBears & SydneyBeans

Filipino Picadillo from A Bountiful Love

Oh yeah...
& if you were featured
feel free to grab a button!

Note: There will be no Saturday Dishes next weekend due to Easter...
The following week's theme will be Easter
so you can share any recipes, traditions, & whatnot on April 11th.

Now on to the linky...
Link up your Citrus recipes,
visit other posts,
& make new friends!

Keep spreading the word so we can see new faces at the party!

If you'd like to be a guest host send me an email so that I can get you on the calendar,

& let me know what themes you would like to see in the future.
I'd love to use your ideas!

By linking up at Saturday Dishes, you are giving permission for Life is Fantasmic to feature your posts with one image on social media with links back to you.

An InLinkz Link-up

xoxo

Saturday Dishes - Potatoes

2015-03-20T22:00:00.000-04:00

This week's theme is:
Potatoes

You know...
PO-TA-TOES.
Boil 'em, mash 'em, stick 'em in a stew.
Yep, I had to throw that Samwise quote in there from LOTR (;
Share your favorite potato & sweet potato recipes today!

If you're new to the party

welcome to Saturday Dishes
where every week is a new theme...

Your job is to post your recipes that coincide with that theme!

Saturday Dishes is hosted by:

Green Food Dinner Ideas from Pebbles and Piggytails

Leprechaun Tea Cookies from Famished Fish, Finicky Shark

Irish Cream Trifle from Europe's Calling

Luck Potion from Anna Can Do It

Oh yeah...
& if you were featured
feel free to grab a button!

Next week's theme is:
Citrus
so come back next week to share your favorite citrus recipes!

Now on to the linky...
Link up your Potato recipes,
visit other posts,
& make new friends!

Keep spreading the word so we can see new faces at the party!

If you'd like to be a guest host send me an email so that I can get you on the calendar,

& let me know what themes you would like to see in the future.
I'd love to use your ideas!

By linking up at Saturday Dishes, you are giving permission for Life is Fantasmic to feature your posts with one image on social media with links back to you.

An InLinkz Link-up

xoxo

Saturday Dishes - St. Patrick's Day

2015-03-13T22:00:00.000-04:00

This week's theme is:
St. Patrick's Day

I know the Ultimate Pi Day is this weekend
so Pies would have been a more fitting theme.
However, we had a Pies & Cobblers theme back in September
so I felt like doing something different today.
Feel free to check out that Pies party since it's still open
& link up any Pies you may have made for this once in a lifetime moment,
but today's party will be all about St. Patrick's Day!
Share any green recipes, traditions, crafts, & whatnot relating to the holiday (:

If you're new to the party

welcome to Saturday Dishes
where every week is a new theme...

Your job is to post your recipes that coincide with that theme!

Saturday Dishes is hosted by:

Chocolate Coconut Pie from So Much To Make

Chocolate Macaroon Pie from Cooking with Carlee

French Silk Pie from Cooking with Carlee

Oreo Sundae Pie from Bitz & Giggles

If you were featured
feel free to grab a button!

Next week's theme is:
Potatoes
so come back next week to share your positively perfect potato recipes!

Now on to the linky...
Link up your St. Patrick's Day recipes, crafts, traditions & whatnot,
visit other posts,
& make new friends!

Keep spreading the word so we can see new faces at the party!

If you'd like to be a guest host send me an email so that I can get you on the calendar,

& let me know what themes you would like to see in the future.
I'd love to use your ideas!

By linking up at Saturday Dishes, you are giving permission for Life is Fantasmic to feature your posts with one image on social media with links back to you.

An InLinkz Link-up

xoxo

Saturday Dishes - Chocolate

2015-03-06T22:00:00.000-05:00

This week's theme is:
Chocolate

It's about time, right?
I can't wait to see all of your decadent chocolate recipes!
Choosing features next week will probably be difficult... (;

If you're new to the party

welcome to Saturday Dishes
where every week is a new theme...

Your job is to post your recipes that coincide with that theme!

Saturday Dishes is hosted by:

Sweet and Sour Chicken from Miz Helen's Country Cottage

5 Minute Beef and Broccoli from The Mad Mommy

Peanut Chicken with Sesame Asian Veggies from Strength & Sunshine

Oh yeah...
& if you were featured
feel free to grab a button!

Next week's theme is:
St. Patrick's Day
so come back next week to share your luckiest
St. Patrick's Day recipes, traditions, crafts, & more!

Now on to the linky...
Link up your Chocolate recipes,
visit other posts,
& make new friends!

Keep spreading the word so we can see new faces at the party!

If you'd like to be a guest host send me an email so that I can get you on the calendar,

& let me know what themes you would like to see in the future.
I'd love to use your ideas!

By linking up at Saturday Dishes, you are giving permission for Life is Fantasmic to feature your posts with one image on social media with links back to you.

An InLinkz Link-up

xoxo

What's going on.

2015-03-05T11:51:00.002-05:00

You may have noticed lately that I've only really been posting the Saturday Dishes link party.

I've had plenty of other things that I've wanted to share:
LDS General Conference highlights.
Little Dudeman's Sonic the Hedgehog Halloween costume.
Yummy recipes.
FHE ideas.
MOPS highlights.
Our Valentine's dinner.
Family updates on our sweet kidlets.
& much, much more...

But something has prevented me from blogging regularly
& I'm not quite sure what it is.
Whatever it is has impacted my thought process & creativity quite a bit though.
Even this post has taken me a couple weeks to write.
Not cool.

Since so many friends have been asking me for updates on what's going on
I figured it would be best to just put the facts in a post.

I have been living with a constant brain fog since roughly October/November.
It takes every ounce of energy that I have to concentrate & focus at times.
I have been having headaches almost daily.
Some mild.
Some severe.
I've been experiencing frequent dizziness.
I've been having occasional bouts of debilitating heartburn that gives me an intense headache.
I'm smelling unrecognizable smells that my husband doesn't smell.
My circulation reminds me of third trimester pregnant circulation.
I've been losing a lot of hair lately
& although that could be attributed to just having a baby
I found a decent sized bald patch this morning behind my left ear.
Those are the main symptoms
but there have been other weird things as well...
Like the pads of my fingers feeling like they were smashed by a hammer one at a time,
switching fingers every day or two for a couple weeks.
I can't remember all the random things right now,
but you get the idea, right?
Weird stuff.

In addition to all these symptoms
I've had some abnormal blood work...
First, a positive ANA
which led to a referral to a rheumatologist.
I have an aunt with lupus so we thought it could be that,
but at the visit the Dr said that from what she could tell it didn't look like an autoimmune thing.
She had me get some more complex lab work done just to be sure
& most of that came back normal
but there were some tests that came back with an abnormal clotting factor.
My IP-CH50,
dRVVT ratio,
& Dilute Viper Venom Time
all came back high.
I'm supposed to have repeat labs done in May.
If things are still wonky I will be referred to a hematologist,
but if they're fine I just follow up in one year.

I also saw a neurologist for my headaches & dizziness.
He wants me to track my headaches to see if perhaps it's just migraines.
I've been tracking for a few weeks now & am no closer to finding any triggers or patterns.
Some of the symptoms make sense for migraines,
but for the most part they aren't as painful, long-lasting, or severe as the one definite migraine I had in Sept 2013.
I can't even pinpoint what part of my head they are originating from.
Meanwhile, the brain fog seems thicker & the dizziness is becoming a ~~more frequent~~ daily occurrence.
I've been having extra anxiety since I don't know what's going on
& I'm sure that isn't helping the headaches.
I've requested an MRI to rule out some of the more scary possibilities for piece of mind,
but the process of getting said MRI has proven to be a lengthy one.
I got a call yesterday morning saying that the neurologist has ordered a couple things:
An EEG & an MRI of the brain with & without contrast.
Hopefully the hospital will call me to schedule those soon
so we can either get answers or rule some things out.

I recently discovered that I have some maternal relatives with hypothyroidism.
Although my TSH came back within normal limits
it was on the lower end
& the Dr didn't check the T3 or T4.
When I called my primary care doctor to see if those tests could possibly be ordered
I was told that it was unlikely I had a thyroid problem since my TSH was fine
& my symptoms are a mix of both hypothyroidism & hyperthyroidism in addition to other things
so I guess they figured it wasn't worth looking into further at this time.
If we don't get any answers with the neurologist they may revisit that idea.

So in other words...
I don't know what's going on.

I've been trying not to make a big deal about it because I don't want it to be a big deal.
But I've come to the realization that since it has affected me
every. single. day.
for quite a few months now,
that no matter how severe or minor this is
I need some extra prayers, support, & uplifting thoughts.

I'm extremely grateful for my family & friends that have already shown me so much love, support, & help with the kids.
I really am doing my best to stay optimistic about this whole thing
but that isn't always easy,
so thank you for being understanding & patient with me.

xoxo