Jewels, I loved your list. I was also blessed to see that I have a few of the things on your list…don't really like my Vitamix (finally gave it to a friend), but I could'nt live without my kitchenaid pasta attachment or my Canon Rebel that my father in law gave me when he realized it didn't use film (LOL). My husband (and Santa) know that the way to my heart is in the housewares department at Kohl's or any bookstore gift card.Do you know of anywhere (preferably online) that still sells the old style copper spritz cookie makers? All the ones I've found are plastic and break after a few batches. My mom used to have a copper one that she sold at a garage sale (Arrgh! Mom! Why?). I've not found any. Anyone?

Hey Kim… thanks for the heads up about the vitamix, you may have saved me a small fortune. Why didn't you like it?Here is a link to a copper cookie press I saw for sale for $18.00 http://www.goantiques.com/detail,copper-trim-cookie,1659291.htmlI'm sure you will be able to find one online. I know what you mean about the plastic ones… I find them harder to press dough out of as well.

Hi Jewels…I am not a fan of the vitamix either…I used to work in a juice bar and those were the blenders that we used. They were hard to take apart and clean. Plus I didn't think it pureed that fast. I laughed so hard about you being afraid of your grill blowing up….Hope Santa brings you all that you deserve…

I didn't like the vitamix for the same reason as kimmie…hard to take apart and clean. I felt as a mixer it probably worked ok (apart from the bother cleaning it) but as a juicer I hated the texture of the juice. I tend to be very big on textures, and I felt like I was drinking katsup or salad dressing…I love my Juiceman Jr. juicer for my carrot juice. I have just a normal GE blender from Sears that I use just fine for blending, crushing ice, etc, or I use my food processor. I think buying a Juiceman juicer, normal blender, and normal food processor costs way less than one of those vitamixes anyways…another reason not to like it.Thank you so much about the cookie press. I also find those plastic ones to be a pain to use…my kids can't easily work the trigger on them, nor can I for that matter!

Hi Julie Anne,I love your selection of gift ideas.The pasta maker is a wonderful gift. My mother has one and is forever making fresh home made pasta, which is great, as I always have fresh pasta on hand.I personally do not have a cookie press gadget as the one pictured, however I do have individual cookie cutters of various shapes/themes.I guess I may have to purchase one as it makes things much easier.Good luck with your chosen items, I'm sure Santa is listening.Aussie Mum

Hey Aussie Mum… I'm sure you could roll the dough out (pretty thin), and cut the shapes, although the presses are not expensive and fun for kids to work with (kind of a cookie version of a water gun).Thanks for the heads up Kimberly and Kimmie… kitchen equipment that is hard to clean usually just gathers dust on my counter. I'll keep using my food processor and blender instead of investing lots of toads in a vitamix. You just saved me a ton of money!

Jewels, I love reading your blog! Your sweet spirit shines through your words. I am sure that Santa will bring you some very special gifts in the new year–because you are most deserving of the very best that life has to offer!

I truly believe you have found your calling. I LOVE reading your blog – and it just oozes SOUL! kiss kiss, xoxoJulia Negron

I bought the pasta attachment and love it! I have an old pasta cutter that I use to make ravioli (didn't hear great things about the ravioli maker from Kitchen Aid). I had a pasta class at my house last year and used it, it works wonderfully! If you'd like to try it out before you get it, feel free to give me a call and come on over, it's always fun cooking with you!

Thank you Tarai, that is so sweet of you, but to be honest… what I REALLY want is a healthy, happy, successful year, and wish the same for you, and to everyone that reads this.Laura… Lets do a mother/daughter pasta day here. Taj comes home this weekend, so maybe the following weekend?

Dear Julie Anne,My spritz look like splats! They never seem to hold their shape. Would you recommend chilling the dough before pressing it? My German MIL makes fantastic spritz, so I'd love to please my husband with a good batch of his favorites this year!