BRL,
I seem to be following Rickity around this forum and agreeing with him.
When printing pictures with an inkjet printer, you want to use Photo Paper. You can pick glossy or matted as long as it is photo paper. (Each have their their uses depending on the effect you are trying to achieve with the picture.) I have tried many different brands and I have found the all work about the same.
Ink can be a different story, some cheap ink will work very well, but sometimes you get a cheap one that smudges and runs. It is pot luck when it comes to ink, but with ink from the printer manufacturer you can count on the quality being there.
Flash cards work well no matter the brand. Just make sure it has good access times. (At least on par with the card that came with the camera.) Then you will not have any problems.
Take Care,
Richard