I was sitting here trying to decide what my favorite things were, and I had this rare moment of clarity. Carpe Diem, Jan, seize the moment, since this happens less frequently these days...

I realized that my favorite things are kitchen gadgets. I'm OBSESSED with them, and have been for YEARS.

My very first memorable kitchen gadget was in 1978, when with two little boys and not a lot of spare money, hubby coughed up the $175+ for me a DC7 Cuisinart Food Processor. That's all it took, I was hooked. I still have that food processor, it's been rebuilt and it's bowl has been replaced several times, but it still works great, still the workhorse in my kitchen...

And now to my favorite things, I have a million of them, but I've narrowed the list down to a much used few....

 

 

My favorite gadget of all isn't even a gadget. It's the William-Sonoma catalogs that come in the mail monthly. If you don't get them, you're missing out. But if you click here, you too can have these wonderful catalogs sent to your mailbox each month.

 

 

 

 

Zojirushi Bread Machine - John and Tonia got me this three years ago for Christmas and it's been WONDERFUL. I don't use it often, only because I have no willpower when it comes to bread, I make a loaf and I eat it! And oh does this machine make wonderful, HUGE, fluffy loaves, effortlessly. It's a bit more spendy than some bread machines, but it's so worth the extra money. It's a treasure...

 

I'm a fan of anything from Oxo Good Grips. The older I get, the more I appreciate that a lot of their products are cushioned, and easy to grip. They usually have a good assortment of Oxo products at T. J. Maxx and Marshall's, and the prices are half of what they normally are in kitchen shops and department stores. I have many items from this company but one of my favorites is the little Oxo Good Grips Mini Angled Stainless Measuring Cup - Oxo makes several different sized measuring cups but this one is tiny, it only measures up to 2 ounces, or 4 tablespoons. It's surprisingly handy, I use it often.



All-Clad Measuring Cups and Spoons, I have both sets of these cups and spoons, one regular, and my favorite, the set for odd measurements of 2/3rds, 3/4ths, and 1-1/2 cups, They're really heavy and will last a lifetime. Well worth the money.

 

 

 

Oxo Salad Spinner - A lot of salad spinners are difficult to use. You have to crank them, and they wobble and don't work well, but this one from Oxo is super. You just push on the top of it with the palm of your hand and your greens spin effortless. It's a good thing...

 



Food Saver - Our whole Family has these and we all think they are wonderful. Nothing beats a Food Saver for freezing food and preventing freezer burn. I did see in Wally World last week that Reynolds has a new vacuum sealer out and bags to go with it. It's really economical, but I have no idea of how it works. Food Savers come in many different models and price ranges, and they really do keep frozen food fresh. But you might check into the Reynolds ones if you don't want to cough up the $$ for the Original. Oh, I do buy WalMart Brand replacement bags instead of the ones from Food Saver, they work just as well and are a lot cheaper.

 

Krups Panini Press - Hubby is a big fan of hot sandwiches, so I got this a couple of years ago, and it's much used in our household. You can't beat a panini press for the crispest, most tantalizingly delicious, easy sandwiches. Pair great sandwich fixings with some crusty bread from a local bakery and you have a killer lunch...

 

 



Chico's Platinum Jeans. They come in tall and run big. I also like J Jill clothes, as they have a lot of tall clothes and artisan styles.

A & D Ointment--nurses turned me onto this for my chronically dry hands.



Meow Cosmetics--I wanted to try some mineral makeup, and was attracted by the cat names. It is only sold over the web, and is much cheaper than the Bare Escentuals and other infomercial brands.

I used Mary Kay for years but only like their tinted moisturizer now.



Wacoal bras--You probably know about these, from Oprah or others. They have good support but still have some stretch.

 

 

 

 

Zone Perfect Strawberry Yogurt Bars--I need a good breakfast food, and this is my favorite. Most of the protein bars are chocolate covered, which isn't what I want for breakfast. These Yogurt Bars have little effect on my blood sugar.

 

 

For the life of me I can only think on one favorite thing that is new to me this year that I HIGHLY recommend.
 

Aquaphor by Eucerin.  For me this borders on Jan's addiction to Carmex.  I use it to heal, protect and moisturize dry skin.  I LOVE it.  No odor to compete with your favorite fragrance or for those who have sensitive systems to fragrance, no problem.  This is from a woman who has very dry 60 year old skin that needs all the help it can get. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My favorite things?????
 
My RING!  ha ha ha! And Biscuit, our dog and my fiancee, Eric...
 

I like Arena Eye Shadow from M.A.C - it's very natural and is the perfect base color.  I wear it every day. 

Soft muted golden peach with opalescent shimmer (Satin)

 

 

Eric loves his Vegetable Chop and Measure that Mom got him from Williams-Sonoma for Christmas last year.  We use it all the time. 

 

 

I love my Velour LoungeWear from Target.  I have them in 3 colors - black, brown and white and wear them ALL weekend long.  So comfy and look great.  Perfect for running errands and lounging around the house.

 

 

 



Christmas … the music, seeing family, etc.

Our Christmas tree, we bought a Hawthorne Fir, 9.5 ft. Prelit Tree from Cosco - they are sold out, now...

Crest toothpaste, Whitening Plus Scope Extreme Cinnamon Ice - I can't live without it.

 

Lucky Jeans Style: F0C5A81 - for girls that have bootie.


Big and I mean BIG Chocolate Diesel Watch.


Kenneth Cole Reaction chocolate jacket.

 


Shuffle Board… the one at bars not in retirement communities.


Mac and cheese followed by Apple Pie...




Visiting sin city… Las Vegas

A Day of Pampering at Blue River Canyon Day Spa

 

Shopping for childrens clothes at Gymboree, I am totally addicted to this store.They have matching hair bows,barrettes, clips, sunglasses, tights, socks, purses, jewelry, hats etc. It can easily be sensory overload and I love it! 

I also love the comfy shoes found in the new Walking Company Store. I can't wear heels so I bought a pair of their shoes and danced all evening at a recent wedding. I love the Uggs and had to have a pair of them, too. I then needed a pair of black boots and they feel just as awesome. You can't go wrong in this store. 

My latest favorite perfume is "L" - from Gwen Stephani.

 

 

I think the Vitalicious Brownies and Muffin Tops are the best diet food to come out in years. Jan, your WW Taco Soup, ranks right up there with Vitalicious Brownies.

 

 

 

Then to  really make a day special,

I indulge in a Sugar Free/ Fat Free Gingerbread Latte at Starbucks. (2 Points)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amazing Concealer (www.amazingcosmetics.com).  It is REALLY good and a small tube will last a LONG time.  I am addicted to it.

Neutrogena Moistureshine Gloss in Dreamy.  I can't tell you how many compliments I get on this ... and I swear it costs like $6 at the drugstore ~ so it's so worth it.

 

 

 

 

Assets Nylons/Underwear at Target.  These are from Sara Blakely who created Spanx ~ they're just the way cheaper version that work just as good.  All my friends wear them when they have their body-skimming dresses on. 

 


Artwork by Gustav Klimt (www.allposters.com).  I have been on a search for art in my home and I have been mesmerized by his work.  He was an Austrian painter (1862-1918). 

 

Osborne Solaz Wine (www.osbornesolaz.com).  What do I love about it?  It's cheap ($4 a bottle), it tastes OUT OF THIS WORLD, and I love wine ... so who could ask for more?  Very well rated wine and very unknown.  My friends always love it.

 

 

 

Shutterfly.com.  I make albums here for friends and my family, and they always knock the socks off of everyone and they're inexpensive, too.  They cost less than developing pictures and buying an album, and you get to choose a theme, add captions, etc.  Makes great gits.

 

Gap Jeans.  I am quite fond of their low-rise stretch boot-cut jeans.  I get them from the outlet for $20 and they look just as good as 7 For All Makind, True Religion, or any of those $200+ jeans I can't afford.  And they're especially great for tall chicks (like myself) who need the length when you put on boots with heels.

 

 

And last ...

Le Mystere "Dream Tisha" bra from Nordstrom.  I know ... it costs $72, but this bra makes me look great.  It never stretches out, it washes well and it's made really, really well.  I saw this on Oprah a few years ago and she wasn't kidding.  It's great!

 



Madison Mules Undercounter Sink

Bunny Pillow

 

This little mouse is drawn above Barb's baseboard,next to her kitchen cabinet...
Her Grandchildren LOVE it...

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Pumpkin Bread

Praline French Toast

 

 

General Foods International Limited Edition Pumpkin Spice flavored coffee drink mix - ohmygosh it's good!  Also, check out
the recipe page - very scrapping cute, and full of great looking drinks.

 

 

 

 

Puffs Plus With The Scent of Vicks, so soft, comforting smell, just the thing for a stuffy nose this winter...

 

 

 

- This is CRAZY hard...

MAC Beauty Marked and Woodwinked- two of MAC’s best eyeshadows.  I have used Beauty Marked for years and it is a black with some shimmery purple to it.  Perfect for smoky eyes.  And Tonia gave me Woodwinked for Christmas last year and it’s that goldish color you always see the stars line all the way around their eyes with.  Really cool.

 

Michael Kors Brookville Satchel in Luggage- goes with everything and is the absolute best tan color ever.  Rich, warm, goes with black and brown…love love love it!!!

 

 

My Sapphire Flat Iron- 2 inch wide and a comb to keep for getting kinks.  Wonderful.

 

iPod Video- I have had more fun with this.  I have music as well as entire seasons of my favorite shows and White Christmas and the picture is perfectly clear.

 

 

Frye Harness Boots- I had been eyeing for a couple of years and finally got them last year.  I have worn them so much and they are getting perfectly broken in.  They even look cute with skirts.

 

 

 

 

Cuisinart Food Scale- I love it for baking.  Much better for measuring.

 

 

Argent Stemware from Pier 1- really different and special.  Love it!



Oil of Olay Definity Highly Defined Moisurizing Foaming Lotion


Oil of Olay In Shower Body Lotion

 

I've loved Levi Jeans for Years - 515 Petite Boot Cut Low Rise Fit GREAT!

Senseo RED Coffee Maker - makes best cup of tea ever... yep, tea, I'm a tea drinker, not a coffee lover...

 

 

Red Kitchenaid Mixer

Red Santoku Kitchenaid 7" Knife



My most favorite thing of all to look forward to is, not one, but TWO weddings in our family! Both of our children, Rob and Mandi, are getting married next year, Rob and Stacie in August, Eric and Mandi in October.

 

 

 

Blistex Conditioning Lip Gloss, Cherry Splash. I'm a Lip Gloss Junkie, and this is the BEST!

 

 

Fantasy Cologne... I hate to admit this, because it's Britney Spear's Cologne, and I'm NOT a fan, but this stuff is great, it smells like cotton candy. Actually, it's Sam, my daughter's cologne, but I "borrow it."

 

 


John Frieda Clear Color glaze. Really does make your hair shining. It's great to use to freshen up the color.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beegie Adair Trio Albums


 

 

 

Knowing Perfume, Estee Lauder


 

Bath and Body Works Sun Ripened RaspberryShower Gel

Bath and Body Works Lilac Wallflowers


 

 

Eucerin Calming Cream, this really does make you go ahhhhhhh, as soon as you slather it on...

 


Flossies, Dog Chews - London is a BIG fan of these. Buy them locally at Give a Dog a Bone... The M&M's are HUGE fans of these, also...

 

 

 

Totally loves her Canon 30D - it takes amazing pictures...

And the new Canon 400MM Prime takes it to the next level.


 


Every year at this tiime I make calendars, lots and lots of calendars for friends and family. I have searched high and low for just the right paper – needs to be photo paper for inkjet printer, double-sided so I can print photos and the days of the week, one on each side, heavy weight, doesn’t bleed through, and reasonably priced. I found it, finally! It’s Epson Premium Presentation Paper, Matte, Double-Sided # S041568 and I’m as happy as a clam at high tide.

 

All graphics used in building this page courtesy of the incomparable MoJackson