3 Practical Wedding (big ticket) Gifts or things you really need for your kitchen

Oh, hey. I (still) have a blog! I forgot how much I enjoy writing. 

Wedding registries are a pretty bizarre concept. Just think about about it. But I decided to write about them anyway.
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This year many of my Facebook friends are getting married.
I remember the feeling of being engaged like it was yesterday.
I remember the feeling of panic and stress one gets trying to fit all the pieces of the (wedding planning) puzzle come together (actually, I don't remember this part because I never experienced it. More on this later).
I remember the emotional rush one gets thinking about your lives together.
I remember the fear one gets thinking about your lives together.
One of my favorite memories? Registering for stuff. Let's be honest. I only enjoyed it because I got to hold the scanner and scan to my hearts' desire. Really.

Once reality set in, I realized that I need to return half of the stuff I registered for. I mean, really, pinch/prep bowls are cute. Celebrity chefs use them on t.v. So you need them too! But I found them not very practical. I am one of those people who just want quality essentials...bakeware, spatula, Pyrex mixing bowls etc. Over the years, I have either donated or thrown away most of the stuff I received from our wedding registry. Over the last eight years (that's how long we've been married...to each other!), I have made my kitchen my own by purchasing practical items. I was making dog food the other night (little Joe is spoiled rotten, this I know), I began to think, "how in the world have I survived so long without this item?!" Here's the top three items I love and think every home needs:

1. Dutch Oven. I purchased this four years ago as a house-warming gift to myself. We were moving into a house with a bad-a kitchen and decided I needed a Dutch oven. For a long time I never really used it. But I use it. ALL. the. time. I use it for everything. Big pot of dog food. Soup. No knead bread. I love my Dutch oven. 
2. Kitchen Aid mixer.  I actually had mine for 17 years. I got it for my 12th birthday. I sent it to the mixer hospital once and the trip almost costed the same as getting a new one. But my mixer has so much sentimental value, I just can't give up on her. Yes, the newer ones have better technology and features. But I can't part with this beast.
3. 9-cup Cuisinart food processor.  What doesn't it do? We made hummus, shredded cheese, and shredded veggies with it. Joe's homemade food calls for shredded zucchini and carrots. This is guy is so versatile that I really don't mind how much space it takes up.

Also, I recommend getting good quality silicone spatulas. Don't settle for less. Make sure they are silicone and not plastic. Also, go to the restaurant supply store (or even Costco) to get bakeware. I have two half sheet pans from Gordon Food Service that have lasted me for years! 

About not experiencing the wedding planning panic and stress...We actually got married on Mackinaw Island, MI surrounded by immediate family. We had a pig roast for extended family and friends a few months later. The package price included a wedding planner and all floral and cake stuff. Basically, all I did was show up. I am a huge advocate of courthouse and/or elopement weddings :) so much less stress, plus it cheaper. 

I'm off to Target to purchase The Notebook. It's only $4!