Saturday, June 4, 2011

WHERE DO I KEEP MY DISHES?



If there were a Dishaholic Anonymous I would be the president of my local chapter!

I get that weak kneed, pulse racing feeling anytime I am near a  dish.

Some people collect Hummels, some trains... I collect dishes!





The Tablescaper is celebrating her second bloggiversary and is hosting a party called...


Party on June 5, 2011

I love a good party so of course I am joining in!

Today I am showing you my new dish cupboard... plus a couple of peeks at my new kitchen.

Last month, Bobby took one of the closets that flank our front door ...





And made a new dish closet for me. The wonderful thing about this closet is that it is right off my dining room and close to my kitchen. Easy access!



Nothing fancy, not even painted, but very very sturdy!



I keep my "colorful everyday" dishes in here. My good china sets are in the buffet and dining room built-in. The white dishes, well you will see a little peek later in this post.  And Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter dishes are packed away in the basement.

I try to LOOSELY organize the dishes by color.  Flatware, candles and napkin rings are all boxed and stored in the same area. I can remember where everything is at this point. But I'm thinking it might be a good idea to make a photo file of my inventory. A label on each box would not hurt either!








We are converting the other closet, that flanks the right side of the front door, into a second dish closet ! Does this mean that Bobby is planning ahead and endorsing my obsession... er... hobby? OR is he just a smart man... "Happy wife, happy life!" 




Now on to some of my white dishes.

Our kitchen facelift contractor kept the fronts of this pretty glass cabinet but made the cabinet deeper. It will be lighted! I am working on transferring my white dishes with "interesting edges" into this cabinet. It is a work in progress.



Here is a little look at another kitchen cabinet.




Behind those doors are the WORKHORSES of my kitchen, my everyday white dishes.  Do you see Mikasa Italian Countryside (sigh!)?



To more efficiently use the cabinet I added some inexpensive plastic coated wire shelves. 


Soup tureens are fun to collect and I love to put them to good use. They are displayed all over my kitchen.

This white ironstone soup tureen holds K cup coffees and teas. The other "soup tureen" (really a chamber pot) hold dog treats and chewies for one very spoiled little dog.



Congratulations to my friend The Tablescaper for 2 years of blogging excellence! Thanks for making the blogging world a bit sweeter! And thank you for your friendship, support, e-mails, concern and inspiration!

Please visit her wonderful site and see Where Do You Keep It All, Part II.


58 comments:

  1. Tracy F.June 4, 2011 at 11:54 AM

    Love this post! So many wonderful dishes. The white ones are my favorites. I have to tell you that I just made the parmesan breadsticks from yesterday's post. and they turned out perfectly! So pretty and SO delicious!

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  2. Entertaining WomenJune 4, 2011 at 11:59 AM

    I'm getting ready to take some photos of my storage in just a bit. I've decided that this is a real exercise in trust, and I find it somewhat amusing that it's taking place in cyberspace. You are much more organized than I, but I shall forge ahead anyway. If nothing else, it will be good to have an inventory of where everything is 'stuffed'. Thanks for sharing your goodies. Cherry Kay

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  3. Ribbonwood CottageJune 4, 2011 at 12:11 PM

    Hey I love your post. We are a family of dishaholics too. Hubby's grandmother handpainted roses on china...so we have several priceless sets from her plus our love for dishes. I have two china hutches and still they are not enough to house it all! I too lose my breath when I see lovely dishes. And your white dishes in the white cabinet-I had to save that picture to my white file. I swooned! Swooned I tell you at that picture...hahahah...it moved me! Love your blog, you always have wonderful things to share.
    Blessings,
    Debbie

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  4. Sherri B.June 4, 2011 at 12:12 PM

    I am loving (jealous) of all of your dishes and places for them. This gives me an excuse to go ahead and buy the extra dishes that I need (want). xo

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  5. The Sewing and Knitting LoftJune 4, 2011 at 12:14 PM

    Oh I am so happy to see some of your new kitchen! I have been patiently waiting. hehe! I too have Italian Countryside dishes. In my opinion, they are one of the best sets out there and love love love the pattern. Dishes make my heart go pitter patter too. Thanks for sharing. Hope you are feeling great these days.

    Barb

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  6. Blondie's JournalJune 4, 2011 at 12:17 PM

    I am in dish heaven looking at your post! All of them are so pretty. I know I'd have a lot more if I had the space. What a great collection you have!

    XO,
    Jane

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  7. Marty@A Stroll Thru LifeJune 4, 2011 at 12:27 PM

    Love your closet. I am drooling over everything there and all the wonderful space. Now I just need a closet somewhere. Your kitchen is wonderful. I love the beams and moldings. Hugs, Marty

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  8. ℳartina @ Northern NestingJune 4, 2011 at 12:31 PM

    Yvonne how great that was turning your hall closet into a dish closet!! I had the hubby add an extra shelf in our pantry last year but it's still not enough! I love your collection of dishes and glasses. Love the little peak of your kitchen but I can't wait for the big reveal:) Enjoy your weekend, Martina

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  9. AmesJune 4, 2011 at 1:00 PM

    Wow you have a ton of dishes there. And you are very organized. I just had to purge for a garage sale. With one china cabinet and one hutch it was either start storing in the bathroom linen closet or let some things go. ~Ames

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  10. Becky K.June 4, 2011 at 1:12 PM

    That was fun.

    I'm guessing you miss the Mikasa Outlet as much as I do. Tanger just isn't as much fun now. lol

    I should put our dog treats into something pretty. Right now they are just in the bag they came in.
    I've done both over the years.

    I spotted that beautiful cup in your Keurig straight away. Love it!

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  11. SplenderosaJune 4, 2011 at 1:28 PM

    We are definitely cosmic twins. Everything I have is organized just like yours. I LOVE those plastic bins, every size, and couldn't live without them. But, once again, I'm not a bit surprised with this post of yours; no one could produce such beautiful tablescapes without being organized. You will never know how much of a pest I could be if we lived near each other. Sending love, gorgeous beautiful talented amazing awesome creative inspirational and wonderful, Yvonnie...

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  12. Mary @ Redo 101June 4, 2011 at 1:56 PM

    You are so organized! Love that you hubby is making space for storing your beautiful dishes. The new cabinet is looking beautiful, too. Great job!

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  13. Low Tide High StyleJune 4, 2011 at 2:00 PM

    Yvonne, the next time I host a dinner party I'm coming shopping at your house! Your cabinets and your dishware are all lovely!

    Kat :)

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  14. podsoJune 4, 2011 at 2:02 PM

    Love your cupboard doors. It's all looking good!

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  15. AnonymousJune 4, 2011 at 2:22 PM

    I am new to your blog, and I am seriously addicted! I love this post, as I also love to collect serving dishes and glassware. My husband teases that I am the Imelda Marco of dishes! :-) I'm so relieved that I am not alone!

    Your dishes are gorgeous! I love the blue and white bowls! Your husband is very sweet to build you closets to hold everything in...sounds like he is a keeper!


    Kim in MD

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  16. Katie@LeBeauPaonVictorienJune 4, 2011 at 2:30 PM

    So jealous of your dish closet! I also can't wait to see more of your new kitchen!

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  17. Yvonne @ StoneGableJune 4, 2011 at 2:32 PM

    For Kim,
    So nice to meet you!I am thrilled that you are enjoying StoneGable!!!
    Yvonne

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  18. Pinky at Designs by PinkyJune 4, 2011 at 2:41 PM

    You know, I was kicking myself last night cause I meant to ask you to see this very closet, knowing Bobby had made it for you!!! So, I have totally enjoyed this post! I also am seriously thinking of seeing if Joe will do the SAME thing for me in our foyer closet. It is a double closet so would be PERFECT....now where to store the COATS:):) Where do you store yours???? XO, and thanks again!!!! Pinky

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  19. Kathy @ Creative Home ExpressionsJune 4, 2011 at 2:52 PM

    Very organized, Yvonne! I love your closet! Great idea to use the stands/organizers inside the cabinet. I just bought two decorative ones for my dish cabinet in the hopes it will save my new white everyday dishes from any accidents. I would probably do better though to get something like you've got. We'll see how the white dishes work out first! {I've got the old ones on standby just in case}!

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  20. SweetladyelaineJune 4, 2011 at 3:23 PM

    WOW! You are so organized...ME???? Not so much! Wait until you see my dish closet! Thanks for sharing and giving me the inspiration that I CAN have a neat closet. I guess I should be kind to myself realizing I have only lived here for 5 months and 1-1/2 months, I have been sick.
    Blessings My Friend,

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  21. Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart)June 4, 2011 at 4:06 PM

    What fabulous places you have to store all your beautiful dishes. I love the line Happy Wife, Happy life~~ too cute.. our hubbys do the sweetest things for us. I adore the chamber pot on the kitchen counter , would have not thought of using mine that way... as always I enjoyed my visit.
    hugs ~lynne~

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  22. LisaJune 4, 2011 at 4:14 PM

    I was going the say something nice, but I have to be honest - I am so jealous! My house is the size of a shoebox and I am extremely limited with storage. I'll have to live vicariously by you...
    Hugs,
    Lisa
    theenchantedoven.blogspot.com

    ps. hope you are feeling better

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  23. rumaJune 4, 2011 at 4:39 PM

    Your work is embraced in your gentleness.

    Traditional doll decoration

    For all peace.
    Greetings.
    From Saga, Japan.
    ruma

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  24. Trace4JJune 4, 2011 at 5:08 PM

    Love love all your dishes.
    You are blessed!! Sweet hubbie too.:)
    Granny Trace
    www.grannytracescrapsandsquares.com

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  25. MariaJune 4, 2011 at 5:32 PM

    Hi Yvonne ~
    I am sighing all through this post!
    ...thinking I will always love dishes too!
    Your storage solutions are works of art!
    {love your little coffee = vitamins sign ;o)

    Stopping by to wish you a lovely weekend*
    Maria

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  26. Miss JeanJune 4, 2011 at 5:32 PM

    As a fellow dish-a-holic, I salute you! You are so fortunate to have the closets in the house to use. Hmmmmm, do I really need a closet for coats and a vacuum? I have dishes in the buffet, cupboards, big storage cupboards in the garage, in boxes in closets and under the bed. Yes, it's a sickness, but a very nice sickness!

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  27. Barbara F.June 4, 2011 at 5:33 PM

    I am simply in awe! I could spend hours just looking at all your beautiful dishes! xo,

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  28. SoniaJune 4, 2011 at 5:36 PM

    Wow, you have some lovely dishes and what a great hubbie to embrace your collection by building out your closet! I am sure he enjoys the beautiful table and wonderful food you prepare. Your new kitchen is looking wonderful..what I've seen of it!

    Miss Bloomers

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  29. Cher' ShotsJune 4, 2011 at 5:59 PM

    I have three complete sets of china and two sets of everyday dishes ... but I could easily become a dishaholic if I didn't keep myself in check. LOVE your dishes and tablescapes.
    'hugs from afar'

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  30. lanakwaustin@att.netJune 4, 2011 at 6:18 PM

    I can't wait to see every single inch of your new kitchen re-do!!! I love the new dish closet--your husband is a smart man--yes, indeed, a happy wife is a happy husband!

    Hugs/blessings,
    Lana

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  31. MarlisJune 4, 2011 at 6:24 PM

    Your is all so lovely and organized. I'm envious. I loved those blue and white bowls.. omg.. and the new kitchen cabinets that are soo deep, how wonderful. This is a great party!

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  32. AnonymousJune 4, 2011 at 6:40 PM

    From one dish collector to another, I support your addiction, err, I mean hobby. Not only was I drooling over your fabulous storage areas, but over the dishes and accessories in those storage areas.

    I have been eagerly awaiting this party and bless The Tablescaper's heart for throwing it; seeing where fellow dish collectors store their goodies is as much fun as seeing the fabulous tablescapes they create with those dishes.

    The sneak peek of your kitchen was icing on the cake!
    Tammy

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  33. LoriJune 4, 2011 at 7:06 PM

    Wow ~ I always knew you must have a lot of dishes but this proves it! What a wonderful closet full of special treasures!

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  34. AnonymousJune 4, 2011 at 7:27 PM

    Wouldn't it be wonderful if there were a dish lending library where you could check out dishes for a special occasion and then return them for someone else to enjoy (& store!)?

    Kathy Fritz

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  35. Sonya@Beyond the Screen DoorJune 4, 2011 at 7:59 PM

    Thank you for sharing this with us! You've just answered a question I've had for quite a while! I knew you had a lot of beautiful dishes and wondered how you stored them all! I can understand your "hobby". What is it about dishes and linens?

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  36. FABBY'S LIVINGJune 4, 2011 at 9:15 PM

    Oh this is wonderful! I so enjoyed looking at this very organized treasure keeping!! You're the most organized lady I've visited today, wow, it's great, I love it! I don't know if I'll take pics, I'm a little overwhelmed by my treasures which are all over the house! Thank you for sharing it with us!! Hugs. FABBY

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  37. KathleenJune 4, 2011 at 9:47 PM

    Oh so nice and neat, not cluttered like mine! Love your new cabinets. I agree, having it all near the kitchen and dining room is the best. Going up and down to the basement is tiring!
    I know that's only part of your stash! Your linens must take up a few more closets!
    Thanks for the tour, I loved it!

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  38. Beverly@southernhomesweethomeJune 4, 2011 at 9:55 PM

    Great idea! I do have room to buy some dishes. We don't need a hall coat closet THAT much!

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  39. SarahJune 4, 2011 at 10:53 PM

    What a wonderful new dish closet. And to think there will be a twin! Lucky you! Your kitchen looks terrific. The white dishes are perfect for the glass front cabinets. ~ Sarah

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  40. Susan Nowell @ My Place to YoursJune 4, 2011 at 11:52 PM

    Yvonne, your Bobby is definitely a smart man! Your first (of two!) new dish closets is fantastic. Sturdy is good! I enjoyed seeing how you display some of the rest of your collection. Thanks for sharing!

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  41. The TablescaperJune 5, 2011 at 12:07 AM

    Yvonne:

    How lucky for you that you have a fabulous dish closet and sweet hubby is on his way to making dish closet number two. He is a smart man!

    Your kitchen looks wonderful. I can't wait to see more of it!

    Thanks so much for coming to the party and sharing!

    - The Tablescaper

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  42. bjJune 5, 2011 at 6:12 AM

    I love your new dish closet..perfect!
    And, you are getting ANOTHER one..even more perfect. :)
    Everything looks fabulous. So neat and in order.
    hugs, bj

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  43. SharonJune 5, 2011 at 8:40 AM

    Oh my goodness! You certainly have the dishes! I have three sets of fine china that I've inherited from my in-laws and now I know what to do with them! I also have a set of everyday dishes and my good wedding china. When we move I'll be sure to follow your example of the "dish closet", superb idea!

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  44. shaeJune 5, 2011 at 8:46 AM

    Yvonne, I love all of your beautiful dishes, and they're so neatly organized! {I think my favorite thing to do other than tablescaping is organizing!} I even spied a few that I have, too!I looked for a way to email you, but didn't find a link. I don't think I've ever actually introduced myself, but I wanted you to know that yours was one of the first blogs I started following, & I always look forward to your INSPIRING posts! I'm relatively new to blogging myself, but a few weeks ago, you commented on one of my tablescapes & I was truly HONORED! Thanks for always putting so much time & effort into your beautiful posts! God bless, Shae @ Confessions of a Dishaholic

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  45. LynnJune 5, 2011 at 8:56 AM

    Great storage Yvonne! The kitchen looks beautiful and I love your little sign about coffee:@)
    About the cranberry jam, it's really sweet not tart, but I think the sugar could easily be cut back because there's so much pectin in cranberries.

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  46. RenéJune 5, 2011 at 9:12 AM

    Boy would I ever love to shop from your dish selection. I have often wondered how you store all that goes into your beautiful tables settings. Now I know. It is all so pretty Yvonne.

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  47. Tablescapes By DianeJune 5, 2011 at 9:27 AM

    Hi lovely lady.
    I love your sopt!! Iam also Jealous of all your dishes !! I know going out looking for dishes make my heart jump for Joy. Thanks so much for your lovely comments on my Where Do I Keep My Stuff!! I hope you have a Great Weekend.
    Diane

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  48. AnonymousJune 5, 2011 at 10:35 AM

    Yvonne, what a fabulous idea to reno your front closets into dish storage. Go Bobby!! I just started tablescaping at Easter, so have been spending some time getting organized and hoping to stay that way from the beginning. I appreciate you sharing your ideas with us!!

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  49. The Decorative DreamerJune 5, 2011 at 10:40 AM

    You have so many beautiful dishes and your tablescapes are always so stunning! I love seeing how organized and clean your cabinets are. So pretty!

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  50. Luncheons at the JunctionJune 5, 2011 at 12:10 PM

    Yvonne, I feel right at home here! How organized you are. I'm a little put to shame - must get out my label maker. What a fantastic collection you have! Thanks for sharing.

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  51. Poppy @ With a Dash of ColorJune 5, 2011 at 3:58 PM

    I love how you organized your dishes according to color.. such an awesome idea! and your kitchen looks so gorgeous! You have a beautiful collection of dishes, loved the tour. Thanks for sharing with us!~Poppy

    http://withadashofcolor.blogspot.com/

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  52. africanaussieJune 5, 2011 at 7:58 PM

    I wondered where you kept them all! Yes you are obsessed, but lucky for us who sigh and dream over all your wonderful table settings. I especially love the white collections in your kitchen

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  53. xinexJune 6, 2011 at 12:29 AM

    Gorgeous dishes and wonderful storage, Yvonne! Everything looks so organized...Christine

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  54. Sam Hoffer / My Carolina KitchenJune 6, 2011 at 6:49 AM

    Yvonne,
    I don't think I know anyone as organized as you are. With that many dishes and accessories, you would have to be I suppose. Your Bobby is a doll and much more tolerant of your collecting than my husband.

    I'm so glad you stopped by my kitchen. It gave me the opportunity to find you and your gorgeous blog. I'll be following along so I don't miss anything. I look forward to getting to know you better.

    I'm off to check out those cheesy Parmesan bread sticks below....
    Sam

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  55. AimeeJune 6, 2011 at 11:08 PM

    Your collection of dishes is just AMAZING!! I'm looking forward to seeing pictures of your finished kitchen! I'm sure it will be fantastic!! :)

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  56. Anita at Cedar Hill June 6, 2011 at 11:35 PM

    I was loving the photos and the recipes, and the verses and then I saw your dish collection. Oh, now I don't feel so alone. I have 3 sets of French silver, 2 sets of Reed and Barton, two sets of mongramed silverware, and some assorted pieces. For dishes, I have complete sets of spode christmas, spode rosebud chintz, fiesta, desert rose, Miksasa Stafford blue, Noritake Shenandoah, and odds and ends of Portugese, French, English, Italian, Bavarian, and Japansee dishes. Delighted to be following you.

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  57. Cherie in GreendaleApril 13, 2012 at 11:15 PM

    Hello Yvonne, I love what you have created here. I ran across it while google-ing a dish pattern I am looking for. Epoch berry grove e528 they were made 1990-1993. sooo darn pretty. If any one has a set they would like to sell I would be interested. OR where else some good places to look in Wisconsin. Maybe some of your followers may know? So far I have 10+ soup bowls 3 saucers 1 lonely coffee cup, and 4 salad plates. I have a housekeepers budget and what I am finding on the internet is gauging. ($59 + shipping for 3 plates)yikes!Thanks Cherie

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  58. The Blue FarmhouseJune 21, 2012 at 8:56 PM

    You and I are definitely "kindred sisters" when it come to dishes! Just ask my kids....honestly we could eat for weeks and never run out. I think I need a cup of coffee because I have lots of reading and looking to caught up on!

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