I purchased a plastic skillet turner at Target for 99 cents. Nicely designed (with the correct angle) and only one piece, so the handle will never come loose. I'm going to buy a couple more so I'll always have one if the others are in the dishwasher.
I bought a bottle of Wholesome Sweeteners brand organic raw blue agave (amber variety) syrup that was on a half-price sale at a health-food store. Blue agave syrup has a low glycemic index of 32, and it tastes pretty darn good on pancakes. (The amber variety has a slight molasses taste.)