One of my bbf’s Amanda has been having fun Christmas carnival… this is week FIVE!

To be entered for this week’s prize, we are asked to post pictures of our favorite ornaments…

Here are a few of mine…

I got this one when Bailey was a little toddler. It just reminded
me of him! It is blurry but reads, “I love Christmas.”

My other favorites are the pretty engraved ones with
the kids pictures. I love these! Look how young and cute
little Bailey looks!

I have been looking at the dishwasher reviews on this site, my dishwasher is only a couple of years old but I am not happy with it lately. I usually just wash the dishes by hand unless we have a large amount.

I like this dishwasher, it has a good rating and a good price. It has an excellent reviews too. I also like this model by Whirlpool.

WizeRank aggregates consumer sentiment, reviews and opinions from the internet in order to make it easy to find the right product(s) for you. WizeRank takes the collective wisdom of millions of consumer product reviews of tens of thousands of products and distills all of this data into a single, simple number.

The WizeRank calculation is proprietary and based on math and science that has been applied to marketing research for a very long time. WizeRank works, consistently. It is the quickest, easiest way to choose wisely — and feel secure about your purchase decisions.

We are constantly researching consumer data, using our proprietary algorithm to objectively rate products from zero to 100. Because we believe in the value of collective wisdom, a product needs at least five reviews to receive a WizeRank. As more reviews are added, the WizeRank becomes more accurate.

Manufacturers and advertisers can’t buy higher ratings. The only thing that improves a WizeRank is more positive data, opinions, etc.

We just bought a new refrigerator a few months ago. I wish I had seen this site on refrigerator reviews before buying our new one.

You can click on the refrigerator pictured to see refrigerator reviews for this model.

1. Some people have commented that my new header isn’t showing up for them. It shows up for me so I’m not sure what the problem is… is it still gone?
2. I am in transition on my blog, I have changed it to it’s own domain (mylifeasannie.com) and it will take three days to completely switch over. When it does it will direct everyone to the new site?
3. I have been writing a lot of paid posts. I hope it’s not annoying you guys too much. It is just a way I can earn a little cash while being here with Izzy. Just look over those with the label “ppp” if they are annoying to you. I will still be posting my normal stuff between (maybe a little more to make spacers) like recipes and silly stuff… What do you think?
4. I bought some little pre-lit christmas trees to put in the stone pots on each side of my front door. The lights don’t work and I’m trying to decide if I want to just put my own lights on or take them back… taking them back is really a pain!
5. Christmas shopping is going pretty well, I am hoping to get close to finishing this weekend. I almost don’t like finishing too early because then I end up buying a lot of extras that are probably unnecessary.
6. Izzy’s box of Gymboree stuff came yesterday. Such adorable stuff like this cape which I absolutely love. You should have seen her yesterday rolling into pre-k… she had on her light pink outfit with little reindeers on it, the cape, her christmas jewelry… so cute! (oh, and her leopard print shoes ).
7. Tomorrow night is the ladies holiday party at church. I need to take a dirty santa gift. The limit is $10.00. I have a $10 gift card from Target and thought I’d take that, but a lady last night told me she spent more to get a nice gift. I’ve never been to a holiday party here so I’m not sure if I should find something better? I have a big bag full of bath and body stuff… should I take some of that instead or some ss jewelry I have set aside?
8. I also need to take my favorite snack… which is probably spinach dip. I went to three stores Sunday in search of the knorr vegetable soup mix needed to make it. No luck. I guess I will look somewhere else today and then buy all they have to cover me for the holidays…
9. I think I have gained back about five of the pounds I lost before thanksgiving. I started yesterday working again at losing it.
10. There is a 24 hour gym about 2 miles from me I’m thinking about joining… I’m just not sure I would ever use it and it would be a waste of money… but watching biggest loser inspires me to go sweat (well… glow) and work hard for a better physique.
11. I am so glad I have God in my life. I’m so glad that I can cast all my cares on Him and know He has me covered. Such a blessing.
12. Matt asked me today if I had mailed our Christmas cards… I said, “no, but I plan to take the kids pic this weekend.” He thinks people mail them the day after thanksgiving. I say he’s wrong. I think by around the middle of the month is the normal starting point for us normal underachievers… am I wrong?
13. This is but the tip of my thought provoking iceberg… Aren’t you glad it’s not thirty thursday? I could do it! Really I could!

How comfortable is your bed? Mine is pretty comfortable! I even missed sleeping in my own bed while we were in Florida this October. I think the select comfort would be a good choice for us, because Matt would probably prefer a firmer bed. We chose somewhere in the middle. Here are some reasons to choose an air bed…

Why Choose an Air Bed?

SWISS STEAK
1 round steak (approximately 1 1/2 pounds), see note
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper
All-purpose flour, for dusting
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 (14-1/2 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 medium onion, cut into strips

1 medium bell pepper, cut into stripsCut steak into serving-size pieces. Season, to taste, with garlic powder and salt and pepper. Dust meat with flour. In heavy skillet, brown both sides of meat in vegetable oil. Transfer to Dutch oven. Combine garlic, tomatoes, onion, bell pepper, and 1 tomato-can measure of water. Pour over steak and simmer over low heat until meat is tender, about 1 1/2 hours adding water, if necessary to keep meat partially covered. Season, to taste, with additional salt and pepper. Hint: Cook this in a slow-cooker, according to manufacturers instructions, on low for a most fabulous dinner. Low heat on a slow cooker is about 200 degrees F and high heat on a slow cooker is about 300 degrees F.

Visit Sandra for more!

Human Touch announces the addition of the Human Touch HT 7450 Zero Gravity Massage Chair to their extensive line of massage chairs and massage products. This incredible chair virtually reverses the adverse effects of gravity on the body! The HT 7450 incorporates Human Touch’s unique massage technology, called the Quad Roller System, which includes four precise techniques that imitate those used by massage professionals: Percussion, Rolling, Compression, and Kneading. The experience combines the sensations of hands rapidly tapping on the back, gentle rolling, alternating strokes and relieving spinal pressure, and kneading to work out knots and ease soreness. The HT 7450 Zero Gravity Massage Chair calibrates the body frame of the individual sitting in it and adjusts according to that individual’s unique physique, so each massage in the HT 7450 is perfectly focused on the right areas of the body. The speed, intensity, location, and technique can then be adjusted according to an individual’s preferences, or specialized Accupoint programs can be used for particular types of relief or relaxation. Additional options include a soothing heat feature or a luxurious foot massage, all customized to the individual’s preference!
Human Touch is the creator of the best products for foot massage and foot pain, and chairs for body massage for relaxation or sensual massage. Human Touch massagers are ideal for those who suffer from back pain, neck pain, spinal pain, poor circulation, arthritis, and diabetes-related foot problems such as neuropathy, skin problems, and foot ulcers. Human Touch chairs, calf massagers, massage ottomans, and accessories are ideal gifts for the stressed-out, over-worked, achy, and tired! After a long day at the office or at home, a Human Touch massage is relaxing and invigorating! Human Touch products also make great romantic gifts for the loved one you want to pamper. A full line of amazing Massage Chairs and products is available now at www.humantouch.com!

Remember I mentioned how much Izzy loves school and letters?
Here is a picture her teacher emailed me, they were reading a book together.
Did you notice my new festive layout? What do you think?

If you are sending eCards this holiday season here is a great way to raise money for Toys for Tots, by simply sending free eCards to your friends and family. Here’s the scoop, Month2Month.com is a totally free, high quality eCard web site that has joined with Toys for Tots and will make a contribution for every holiday card is received. Their site has no advertising, doesn’t require subscriptions or sign-ups or downloading toolbars.
Here’s where to find Toys for Tots free eCards! And the cards are great…better than what you’d find on those other sites that charge for subscriptions. This is what the holiday spirit is all about, giving. So let’s all take advantage of this and PLEASE!!!! Pass this along to everyone you know. Their site can be found at:

http://www.month2month.com.

Happy Holidays!