Happy to help - besides, it's that last day @work before Christmas ...
First off, I have a JAA PPL, not an FAA one, so i'm not sure of the details. However, I have been using a borrowed FAA IR course on DVD - it is a good way of learning, but it is very expensive compared to a book or two. If you aren't a book person then the DVD or computer-based courses are good, but if you don't mind the old-fashioned way you can probably do it a lot cheaper.
Agree completely with FFF, as usual, but if you are getting a JAA licence i'd also get the PPL Confuser, which is a book of sample exams that are 'very similar' to the real thing. Also agree with FNG re David Robson's aerobatics book. I've got a copy (again on FNG's recommendation!) and it is very good. Basic Aerobatics by Szurovy & Goulian is also good. I've never got on with Langewische though.