The last time I thought I was craving Kraft, I was really disappointed once I'd actually cooked it! It just wasn't the same as I remembered.

(I do, however, make the Annie's stuff according to Kraft directions, i.e. with 1/2 a stick of butter. I've made it according to the Annie's box before and, um, no. It needs the butter.)

My Annie's called for 3 tbsp. of milk and 2 tbsp. of butter, and it was fine. It actually tasted like Kraft, just without the chemical tang. It was a blue box, too!

CJ and I went to a Christmas Craft show today. My main goal was to get ideas for pricing and display for a show I'm doing in early December. I figured I might be able to do some early holiday shopping, but DANG, I spent too much money today.

I did find a prezzie for my dad (wine bottle flattened into a cheese tray), a goodie for CJ (yes, he saw me buy it but promptly "forgot about it"), a little thing for KCD's girlfriend, and you would think that would be plenty, right.

There was a gal selling sun catchers with beautiful Swarovski crystal drops at the bottom. I admired them and in chatting with her mentioned that I've been looking for similar drops for the large ornaments I make. She pulled out a box with a bunch of them that had minor faults to them - most I couldn't detect - and offered them to me for $3 each. These run closer to $5 - $10 each normally.

Then, as we were going down the last aisle, there was a gal selling painted Adirondack chairs. She had one with palm trees on it, but it had a sold sign. Plus her price sheet quoted them at $300 each. Yowza. But she told me she had another palm tree chair and, since it was the last day of the show, she was selling them 2 for $100. Yeah, I gave in. Even though she said she water sealed them, I think I'm going to add another coat, just to make sure.

Speaking of Kraft, what was fascinating about N's school's potluck was the foods people brought. People brought Domino's pizza, there was a ton of Bratwurst. And, one family brought a HUGE casserole size pan of Kraft Mac and Cheese.

I. Am. Beyond. Tired. So tired that I am looking forward to Veteran's day.

msbelle, if you're around, I sent something to your profile addy.

Oh wow, I just tried Annie's mac and cheese for the first time, and it is SO much better than regular Kraft. Nom.

Yeah, we have the city scoped out for places where we can buy it cheap on sale. I do put butter in it, though. And lots of other stuff. Tuna if I'm having it with JZ. More cheddar and parmesan if with Emmett and Matilda. Bits of roasted chicken, or ham if for myself.

Sometimes I spaetzle it up with some dijon mustard. Which renders it Not Mac And Cheese, but still delicious and a nice change when you've had too much M&C that week.

Thanks for the recommendations for sources for golden syrup. I live in rural Oregon and discovered that Amazon charges almost as much for shipping as it does for the syrup. I'll put it on my list of things to look for on the next trip to Portland and, in the meantime, will make a batch with honey. I'm on a cookie baking binge lately and, until you mentioned it, forgot I had that recipe.

Thank you, ita! We'd be happy to give your old tivo a new home.

My kids are reading a book to each other. OMG I am so in love with them right now. He's sounding out the words and she's helping him out.

I can't believe how much the time change is kicking my butt. Really, it's not even 7 yet? How can that be?

Really, it's not even 7 yet? How can that be?

Demons. I blame demons.

My kids are reading a book to each other.

Awww! So sweet.

My mom's told stories about how my sister would do that with me (she's 19 months older).