A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS

This past weekend, a couple of girlfriends came over and we baked up a storm. I love to bake. I love measuring the ingredients, mixing them up and (the best part) EATING them. :) We baked for about 3 hours straight and had brownies, rice krispy treats, cupcakes and (yum) lemon bars to gorge, er...I mean taste. In addition to the mixing, scraping and baking, we also did a lot of washing...and re-washing of our 2 mixing bowls, 1 rubber spatula and 2 bake pans. There were MANY times when I thought to myself, "I can't wait to get ____ off my registry."

Mr. Latte and I registered at 4 different stores and learned a lot through the process. We learned how to tell the difference between bone china and porcelain (hold it up to the light) and what 18/8 and 18/10 stainless steel means (percentage of chromium vs nickel). We learned why so many couples register for big ticket items (that discount on all unpurchased items is awesome!). We also learned there are a lot of free gift offers when you register for certain items.

A couple of our favorites:

- Wusthof 10"x14" hardwood cutting board when you register for $450 or more of Wusthof items.

- LeCreuset cookbook when you register for 6 or more LeCreuset pieces.

- Calphalon non-stick 8" fry pan when you register for $600 or more Calphalon products.

- Shun 3 1/2" paring knife when you register for $450 or more of Shun items.

- Serving Spoon or Fork when you register for 5 Yamazaki Hospitality serving utensils.

There are even more completion incentives! For example, when your guests purchase Wusthof products from your register that total $450 or more, you receive a Wusthof Classic Straight Paring Knife (Mr. Latte is keeping his fingers crossed for this one).

The items that I'm keeping my fingers crossed for?

C&B 3-Tier Cupcake Stand. I bake a lot of cupcakes. I have a killer cupcake recipe that drives the fans crazy. I have stacks of cupcake books with pages upon pages of creative cupcake decorating ideas. I even have a cupcake carrier that allows me to transfer 2 dozen iced cupcakes safely from location to location. The only thing I'm lacking is this display stand. I had to barter with Mr. Latte for this one...I think I let him add a big red popcorn bucket.

Kitchenaid Stand Mixer. This was numero uno on my list of things to register for. As soon as the doors opened, I ran to this mixer like I was on Supermarket Sweep. I think I paused for a millisecond before scanning this sucker up. Why the pause? I saw her in a gorgeous Martha Stewart Blue. I love you, Martha, but had to go with the pretty pink color I've been coveting for years.

Kate Spade Belle Boulevard Flutes and Dessert Set. Like Pengy, I am in love with the Belle Boulevard line, from the dinner plates down to these gorgeous champagne flutes and dessert knife set. I'm hoping to have these in my possession before July so that Mr. Latte and I can use them for the toasts and cake cutting at the wedding!

C&B Pure Teacups. I know, weird to be all googly-eyed over teacups. But they are just so darn dainty, with their curvy handles and pretty silhouette. I think I love them because they remind me of my childhood toy tea set.

What are your favorite registry items? Have you registered for any items that have gift incentives?