My favorite things from Oprah's favorites

Yesterday Oprah presented her highly anticipated "Oprah's favorite things," an episode in which she shares with the audience her favorite things and the lucky ones who attend the show get to take home one of each of these articles.

In previous years I have checked out some of her recommendations for gifts and for myself. She is very influential in shopping habits. I remember a few years ago she picked one item from the Bath and Body Works products (a pumpkin mask or something similar) and I wanted to buy the product, but it was sold out for months after her program aired.

Obviously not every object on the list is of everybody's liking. So I thought I will pick my favorite things form this year's list.

Samsung SC-HMX10C. This camcorder is small and powerful at the same time. It is not cheap at almost $800.

Toywatch watches. I love the colors; Oprah also does. These watches are a great gift. They start at $150 and go all the way to $1,500.

The Artisan Stand Mixer. This is a classic appliance in all American kitchens, has wonderful quality and looks so beautiful. I do not have a mixer (because I do not bake much), but I have always wanted one.

The Discovery Channel's 11-part series Planet Earth. I watched the whole series (I think) on TV, and as Oprah said, it is breathtaking. Our planet is so beautiful and there are so many unscrupulous people trying to destroy it
for money or convenience.

I picked 4 out of 20. I also like the movie collection, but at almost $900, it is a bit expensive.

A few years ago I cooked Oprah's suggested menu for New Year's eve, the whole menu for 2. I had a hard time getting all the ingredients, because I did not know some of them, but it was easy, different, low cost and really delicious. I looked for the recipes to include them in this post, but they are not in website anymore, but I think I will try some new recipes this coming holiday season.

You can see some of the products: Oprah's favorite gifts 2007