Food Coloring Paste/Gel

I was informed by "W"s pre-school teacher that gel/paste food color is the best to use for easter egg dyeing if you want those vibrant colors. We used these and they turned out beautifully and I really like that you don't get a smudge spot where the dye rubs off on the bottom when you sit it out to dry. The pinks wouldn't dissolve in the water/vinegar for some reason, hence our spotty egg.

Smaka Cheese Slicer

I am a big fan of cheese slicers. One problem, most of them are poor quality. I've bought expensive slicers and believe me, no matter what the cost, if they're 2 pieces (wooden handle), they will eventually break. So I snatched this one up at IKEA. It's great and cuts thick slices. They also make my favorite grater.

MCP Premium Fruit Pectin

All pectin is not created equal. Don't waste your time with other brands. I promise if you use MCP, you will never use anything else again for freezer jam. Just one hitch...it's almost impossible to find. Amazon was sold out, but is carrying it again now. The only local place that I have found is Winco for an amazing $1.98 a box, enjoy!

Swedish Meatballs (Köttbullar)

My mom used to make this dish a lot when I was a kid. I made it the other day....yumm...with this recipe. Except the sauce. I used this (GRÄDDSÅS). (Oh, and no onion and I just used ground beef, do you get the idea I don't like onions? That's because I don't) Served over jasmine rice cooked in the rice cooker. Also commonly served with noodles, mashed potatoes and/or a side of lingon berries.

Animal, Vegetable, Miracle

If you are interested in being self-reliant....you should read this book. If you're not interested in being self-reliant, but you think gas prices are too high...you should read this book. A gift from my Mother :)

ON Slouchy Canvas Sneakers

My birthday's coming up. I want some of these in every color. (so cute in person, and that is red, not pink)

Deruyter Chocoadehagel Puur

I went to an island named Curacao (part of the Dutch Caribbean) when I was a kid, maybe 8 or 10. My parents went there for a swim clinic (my dad was a triathlete). Mostly what I remember are packs of wild dogs, almost getting drowned, Papiamento (the language, mix of spanish, english, & dutch), but I also remember hagel puur (bread (not toast), butter, choc sprinkles). Apparently, this is a pretty common breakfast choice in the Netherland Antilles/Holland. I just had some today, yum.