Hmmm, I can't be of much help, as I seem to have been afflicted with the same disease!!!

I know, we'll sue these people!!!

We just remodeled our kitchen between Thanksgiving & Christmas so I was of the idea to get a lot of new things anyway & this forum has just fed that idea to the max!!

I'm sorry I can't help you, I doubt anyone on this forum can, they've all gone crazy too!
{{gwi:1413031}}

LOL...purplemoon...welcome to the 'club'...LOL
Uhmm...I don't think anyone here can help you to control your new addiction...we are all enablers and I don't even think a twelve step program would help at this point...LOL
dish-a-holics are us...lol
For me it was also Judith's stackingplates and side table vignette that started getting me hooked...
As I admitted in one of my previous posts...my family ...even when I was growing up...was one of the families that never set down together for dinner...I would like to change that...I don't particularly like to cook...I can (my father was a chef and my parents had a restaurant when I was growing up)...but I don't like to...but I figured...the days I don't feel like cooking I could always serve take out on my pretty table settings and make it special...LOL
I am sorry to say unless you want to be enabled we won't be able to control your new 'addiction'...LOL

yachter...new kitchen means new cabinet space...doesn't it?...more room for goodies...LOL

Purplemoon, "Two Dixie cups and styrofoam plate" LOL That is just too funny! My family is just about the same way. Plain, simple foods. I'm scared of all of the stores, but I've only managed to stay away from Michael's (so far) which is extremely dangerous for me. It sounds like you had a good shopping day and I'm sure you'll find a way to use it all very prettily. It sounds to me like you might have to buy a few more china cabinets. ;~)

Yachter, You can't sue us. Most of us probably don't have a dime left. We've spent it all on dishes! Or is that just another way to get more dishes?? LOL Yachter, where did you get that picture of me? That was one of my finer moments.

Tamgypsy, You told them the pure, simple truth. There is NO help here. Who is their right mind would discourage anyone else from buying more dishes, either for the dining table or a pretty vignette? None of us, I'm sure!

Oh, my goodnes you all are cracking me up. There are a bunch of talented comedians in this group!

Purple moon, I would not worry about having fancy food on dishes, in fact the dishes make the simplest food look wonderful. There is an old saying "you eat with your eyes".

When I was intensely doing Weight Watchers and was eating "their frozen dinners" I would heat them up and "remove" them from the plastic container and put them on my own dishes, that way I felt I was still having "normal" food while I was on a diet.

On average, I cook fairly simple, every day stuff, spagetti, chili, chicken, eggs etc. In fact it is so much harder most of the time because I am alone now, cooking for one is the pits, but I like to think I'm worth the effort to set myself a nice table, I always did it when I had a family, why should anything change just because I'm alone most of the time.

Once you initiate your family to this they will enjoy it, with all the teasing my DD gives me about my dishes, she too is particular about having nice dishes and stemware and enjoys putting up a nice table most of the time.

Well, I am sure having fun with all of you, it's great to be able to have people who I can relate to, not to mention make me laugh like crazy!

Oh my, this has been hilarious! I really needed a good laugh and the dixie cups/styrofoam almost had tears running down my face!

Purplemoon, I'm new here myself and I've just gotta say I don't think there's any help or hope for us. Judith's stacking plates are worse than any drug ever made...talk about addictive! LOL!

Oh well, I'll probably die broke...but at least I had a good time. LOL

You ladies are the funniest.

Judith you sure started something - and now you have a title!! I have to say you are great at visual merchandising and make a prettier table than I have ever seen at any of the china stores. You have imagination and a good eye for color and texture so everything you do looks great. I come on every day, several times a day, and the first thing I check is the Tablesetting posts. I like seeing how everyone decorates the center of their tables and the unique things they use.

When I had a gift shop my favorite thing was "decorating" -or playing is more like it. Although I never sold dishes I did like setting up vignettes (sp). I love the ones you do and have started collecting a few pieces for the table in my bedroom. Will post pictures soon.

PurpleMoon, Yachter, and dreamgoddess - I don't think I have welcomed you yet. You are going to love this forum, the ladies are so nice and are eager to share.

Well I was very relieved to read the posts this morning and find y'all aren't a bunch of gourmet cooks who do this fabulous job of throwing dinner parties. Just a bunch of dish-nuts---at least you don't buy and take a hammer to them like those of us on the Mosaic forum.
Thanks for the very warm reception on your forum, I love it here already.

Karen

No, Karen, we are just your everyday mixed nuts. I can't say I haven't thought, what can I make with this???? when I did break a plate, though!!

Hey purplemoom, welcome to a forum with women who have a wonderful sense of humor, and can also be of great 'service' in making your table look beautiful. I seriously belive there is anything they cannot help you with! I don't think you're exclusive to the 'queen of stuff' society~i've been collecting and 'gathering
stuff for probably the last 6/7 years, and it still hasn't shown signs of stopping. one of my DD's is particulair also~the other two are satisfied with just about anything. DH will 'come to grips' with your fettish. You can 'teach' him to appreciate a pretty table. I think you hit the nail on the head whewn you used the the term 'dish nuts'!LOL

Judith, cooking simple ecxcept for holidays is my middle name. I have even learned to 'doll up' a tuna casserole and salad.

Dreamgoddess, I like your theory of dying broke. Afterall. it's all for a worthy cause, right? LOL

PF, I couldn't agree with you more!

Kathleen, dish nuts/mixed nuts~a nut by any other name is still a nut! LOL ;o)

Keep the humor coming!! I need a pic-me-up as I am having extensive dental work~at 9am I was sitting in the detist's chair getting 4 teeth extracted, a root canal, and a crown worked on. Temp was put in and i'll be getting implants. I'm in a slight amount of pain and have already taken a dose of 800 mg. of ibuprofen. He gave me a prescription of Vicodin, but i'm not one to take heavy duty meds, but time will tell. Anyway, bring on the humor!

patty_cakes

Awww...patty...I feel for you...I've been there...I am in the final stages (last year) of a 5 year dental plan....I had a total of 6 rootcanals and several crowns and implants and crown bridge combinations...still one bridge to go...I hope you won't be in too much discomfort...only thing that kept me going was that i would have a 'pretty' smile...:)

Want me to send ya some of the broth over that I have to eat now ....since I spend all my money along with all the other 'nuts' here on dishes...LOL

Kathleen your post made me think of my DD's mother-in-law.
Now this lady is very classy, wealthy, and has what I call a mini mansion and is a hostess extraordinaire'. But totally down to earth and fun and wonderful, and LOVES thrift shops. I went to see her Xmas decorations....oh my Lord. Think I left my jaw on the floor by the front door. What cracked me up was to find she's a hoot with re-purposing stuff and not throwing things out. One of her 23 Xmas trees had some lovely crystal goblets and tiny china cups on it, so pretty. She laughingly told me not to look to too close cause they were all broken pieces she couldn't bear to throw away, so she hung them on a tree. I loved it. And promptly told my DD not to ever laugh at ME again for being a packrat and loving "stuff". Maybe I'm not the only nut in the family afterall.
As for my DH learning to appreciate nice dishes, thank you for the great laugh at that one! He's rather oblivious to things and literally wouldn't notice if he was eating off fine china or a paper plate. He practically lives on the golf course but has the wonderful attitude of "whatever makes you happy, Dear". Which is my dogs, my STUFF, and my dishnut pals who are spending his money now.

Karen

Here is a link that might be useful: Sangaree Whippets

Oh patty, you poor thing, I hate going to the dentist, they have to give me stronger meds because the regular stuff doesn't work (I can feeeeeel the drill)!!

I'm jealous, at least you two get broth, this month it's only going to be microwaved water with a sprig of rosemary thrown in. But, I will tell you, I will eat that microwaved water out of the prettyist bowl available! LOL (I need to lose weight anyway)

This is what happens when you buy one bunny too many.....

ATTENTION:
*** classes now forming for "Bunny-A" (BA),Wednesday nights directly after "Too Many Dishes A"-(TMDA)

At least I can skip my Weight Watchers (WW) meetings, hey, that will save me about $48.00 per month, leaving me more money to purchase dishes.... Life is good.

Wow! You gals are a hoot! Is this what happens when you all get '"snowed" in? I'm loving reading all your posts on here. LOL

Purplemoon--no problem on your "dish budget"--as long as you overlook DH's golf expenses, he will gladly agree to you buying lots and lots of dishes! I know,-- mine used to be an avid golfer too! I think PF is married to one too, right PF?

Judith, I think we will all be signing up for those classes. Ohhh! That might be fun, we could all bring our bunnies or dishes for "show & tell". ;o) And talk about "gourmet", I think you are one for sure--you even "dressed up" your cup of hot water! LOL

Purplemoon, where are your pics of all your great purchases? You know we love pics. I might know what bunny you bought because I was looking at a big one there too. Standing on his hind legs with a basket? Is that the one. I didn't see any iron bunnies! Please post a pic here, so I don't have to go hunt for it over on GJ. Besides, we might convince you they would look great on a side table vignette. Ha ha

Patty, so sorry about your dental work. Isn't it great to be able to sign on here to get your mind off the pain? These gals will keep you laughing for sure.

Sandi you are so right--money all spent on bunnies and dishes. Sorry Yachter. Hey, hope you have lots of nice storage in your newly remodeled kitchen--you are gonna need it!

Tam, you have a good heart--down to nothing but broth to eat and you're willing to share with Patty!

Kathleen, if you visit Garden Junk or Stained glass/mosaic, you'll know exactly what to do with those broken dishes. I haven't tried it yet, but I am tempted. Sure could make some pretty serving trays, or even birdhouses to use for centerpieces or vignettes.

Luvs

This has certainly been an interesting post! Broth and microwaved water! Everyone has a great sense of humor. LOL

Patty_cakes, I hope you feel better very soon. Going to the dentist is not fun at the best of times and you had a lot done. Take care and get some rest.

Luvs, dear, I think you missed the point of Judith's classes..When you go to Alcoholic Anon they don't let you talk about the latest cocktails!!!!LOL So Ba and TMDA, we would have to talk about the 12 steps.. Well we have one covered we all ADMIT we are addicted!
Patty hope you feel better soon so you can sink your teeth back in to shopping!

Thanks gang~I feel better already!

Purplemoon, I absolutely adore your Whippets! I've been wanting to adopt a Greyhound for the last three years, but with four cats, thought that might be a bit much. Since i'm down to two, it could happen soon. There's a lady who I met in Pasadena that flies all over to rescue them~Flights for Greyhounds~or something like that. I know I can adopt one here too, and am really looking forward to that day!

Tam, i'm glad to know I have someone who can relate. You're right about the pretty smile! :)

Judith, I have always been the biggest baby, but decided like Tam, I wanted a beautiful smile, and it was worth the price of a little pain. Actually, my New Year's resolution was to take care of *me*, and that was one of things on my list. It took me approximately 29 days to even make the appointment, but now that i've started the work, i'm feeling very self confident. I HATE the drill too!!!! I'm getting implants because I feel *I* deserve the best, so will pay a little bit out of pocket. I took an anti-anxiety drug a half hour before I left home, and could feel the effects by the time I got there~not Valium since I can't stand to be feel out of control in any way!!LOL He did have to give me more of the novacaine also, said my body used it up quickly~that's because of sheer anxiety!!

Luvs, when I got home I took the ibruprofen and came right here! LOL

Sandi, believe it or not, i'm not in any serious pain! Just sitting here drinking a cup of tea and enjoying 'being' with you all. ;o)

patty_cakes

Ok, going to work backwards on these posts, so I can remember who I spoke to!

Patty, vidodin taken just when needed (as dental work) won't be addictive and will help with the pain. Long story, but have very bad back problems & know alot about pain pills & their effects and what NOT TO TAKE! It can be a road to hell if you get hooked on any of them!! Lucky for me I'm off all pain pills & dealing with my back thru Physical Therapy and NO PILLS! Also, anti-anxiety meds can be very addictive too, so be careful, just use as needed. Sorry to be on the soap box about this, but feel very strongly that dr's don't tell you & will prescribe anything without any concern as to how they will affect the patient!

Paintingfool, thanks for the warm welcome, nice to meet you too!

Sandi, sorry I stole your picture for this thread, it was just so appropriate! LOL

Tam, oh absolutely, more cabinet space, but I told DH how much neater the cabinets are since we now have the new, taller cabinets & all the space I have & he says "let's keep it that way!" Hmmmm. Is that a hint for me not to get into this "dish thing"?????

A new kitchen does inspire you to upgrade everything, I had a ton of mis-matched coffee mugs, it's one of those things you keep around forever, people give you a mug as a gift & you can't bear to throw it out, so you end up with a cupboard full of mis-matched mugs that you are ashamed to serve anyone from.

I also bought all new matching mugs that day at Home Goods when I got the daffodil yellow plates & threw out every mug I had, well except the DH's favorite one, didn't think he'd appreciate that!

Also, want all new everyday dinnerware, plus all the pretties you ladies have been showing in pictures. I need to get out to TJM and Marshalls before all the cute bunnies are gone!

Patty, I admire your bravery. I need major dental work and the idea has me so terrified I haven't made the appt yet. Bravo for you!!!!

Luvs, I wasn't sure about posting pix of my "Marshalls Rabbits" here since I've not done a table thing with them, tho boy if I got suggestions on that it would be SUPER. I won't put these on GJ forum, tho do have some other rabbit stuff to put there. Soon I promise.

Yachter, great plan on throwing out the old mismatched mugs EXCEPT DH favorite!!! We moved across town three years ago and I did a pretty good job of purging stuff, of course then I met the Garden Junk gals and wondered WHY I did that.
LOL. But seriously, as much as I love rooster stuff in my kitchen and rabbits anywhere, why haven't I bought dishes to USE in either of them? Pretty dumb huh? Hopefully it's never too late to learn. I'm facing a "serious" birthday next month, maybe I can go for the sympathy-factor with my family and request stuff they normally wouldn't get me.

Karen

Morning all! Feeling much better but my mouth is still a bit swollem which make me have Julia Roberts lips. LOL I only had to take that one ibuprofer, as I have had absolutely no pain from the extractions, and minor swelling from the root canal. I don't think i'll be going out in public yet, because of the lip thing.LOL

I started my chicken broth last night which means i'm already saving money. LOL And drinking tea too.

Tam, I took Vicodin once and it made my stomach so upset it was more unbearable than the pain itself. The ibuprofen has worked fine, so will take that when necessary. I've had 5 childrem with the help of very little sedation~something was fastened on my wrist, I took a whiff when I had a pain, and that was all I needed. I had my first child when I was twenty, and back in my day, not too much was told to pregnant women, just to take your prenatals. My water broke, and when I got to the hospital upon examination, was told I was dialated to 8. Now not knowing anying, I asked 'how far I had to go'(thinking 20!)and they told me 10~my DD was born in 45 minutes, and i've never had over a 6 hour labor. As for the anxiety/anxiety drugs, been there, done that, and wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy! It stopped after menopause, as did migraines, and PMS. My youngest DD deals with anxuety alsmost every day, and does have to rely on drugs. Hopefully, hers will stop with menopause. Now everyone *really* knows me!LOL

Karen, go on line and look for dentists and read their bio. I KNEW I wanted to go with implants, as I had a bridge in for over twenty years, and didn't want one again. I also know from being personally lax in taking care of my teeth, there was the possibility of more extensive work needed such as root canals, deep cleanings, etc. Find a dentist who can do everything so you don't have to be shuffled back and forth for various treatments. I liked this guy as soon as I met him, but maybe that's because he's old(62), like me. LOL he actually still teaches at the UofC and publishes on-line journals to help other dentist with implant surgery. He's had patients from as far away as Italy If you have any sort of insurance, get started now! Making that first appointment will boost your self confidence. If you would like to read about him, i'll give you his website.

I don't know what that 'serious' birthday might be for you, but mine was turning 30. I'm twice + four that now, and feel better than I did than! There hasn't been a birthday I have been sad about! Life is a series of experiences, and there isn't one, good or bad, that I would change! I have truly been blessed.;o)

patty_cakes

patty, I am glad you are feeling well, gosh I would think that you would be in pain, you definately have a great dentist.

yachter, it sound like you have a plan going there, welcome to the dish nut club. Yep, saving your hubbies mug was a good strategic move. LOL I hope you get lots of great "dish presents" for your B-Day.

Karen, there are no SERIOUS birthdays, only serious when we don't get to have one. Whatever the number, enjoy it!

My fam is happy if I tell them WHAT I want, easier for them to shop. However, it is annoying when dh asks, I tell, and then he says what do you NEED that for!!!
So I often buy something and say, I bought it for my birthday! I always like it and never have to return it!

Kathleen, my DH actually prefers your method--I buy it, tell him thank you for the present and we are both happy! LOL

Patty--you've heard that old chinese proverb, haven't you? "He who has the most birthdays-lives the longest." Ha ha Loved my 40th, got a new sportscar for that one, loved my 59th, got to retire from banking, now the 60th is coming, and I figure it is just mind over matter--if I don't mind, then it won't matter. ;o)

Luvs

Kathleen, I usually tell my grown kids they can't go wrong with gift certificates to Michaels or Home Depot with me.
And with the two men I live with (husband and father), they are perfectly happy to be told what I want. Men, gotta love 'em.

Patty, my "serious" birthday is 60 the end of March. I loved turning 30, didn't like turning 40, hated turning 50, and have been soooo depressed at turning 60. I think if I felt good, it would be different. Living in pain 24/7 tho, and having to give up so much activity and becoming more housebound---well my 60 feels more like 90.

Luvs, why am I not surprised you are turning 60 also.
I'm beginning to think we were sisters in another life. By the way, a good friend of mine gave me a "birthday thought" to make me face next month in a much better frame of mind.
I am not having my 60th birthday, I am having my 21st Anniversary of turning 39. LOL, I like that.

Karen

Karen, I agree with Kathleen. Forget the numbers and enjoy the day. And the presents! I'm so sorry you have had to give up a lot of your activities. Don't give up though. Maybe you can find other hobbies you will enjoy.

Patty_cakes, I wish either of my 2 children had been that easy. No such luck though.

Kathleen_li, I always ask for cash so I can buy what I want and my DH says almost the same thing except he says you don't need that! Well, I may not NEED it, but I WANT it! LOL

Hey Karen, if it makes you feel any better--I'm going to "hit" 60 before you do--like the first week of March! You may be right--we do seem to like allot of the same things--dishes, bunnies, garden junk, plants, forums, etc. etc.etc. Sandi, she may be in allot of pain, but she has determination--you should check out her posts on the GJ forum--she keeps going and going in spite of it. I really admire that--not sure I could do it.

Sandi, I am learning that I need to give specific ideas for gifts. After so many years, people feel that they have given you everything already and it is hard to think of something new. I know I struggle with coming up with gifts for my family members too--it is hard to know what they would like unless they tell me! Now I can ask for stemware, pretty plates, centerpiece items, placemats, tablecloths, decorating books or mag subscriptions, and always the gift certificates so I can select whatever I like.

Luvs

Luvs - we solved the problem in my family on gift giving. I expect each one to give me a list of what they would like - say for Christmas - on that list they need to put where it can be purchased and include a picture if possible and the approximate price (I have a budget). They list everything in priority of what they really want down to what they could use. They do this for the grandchildren also. The kids love going through the Sunday sales flyers and cutting out what they want. Mind you, it doesn't mean they get everything on the list (usually the do get it) but at least I can get what they really want. My hubby loves the idea because he feels good when he actually buys me something that I love.

This year my list consisted of a RYOBI scroll saw with a 16" throat, purchase at Home Depot - no problem, my daughter found it and it was under the tree. I also asked for tall glass candle holders with gold stems, purchase at the Navy Exchange or at Belk's - it also was under the tree. This way we all get what we want and I don't have to spend hours shopping trying to find something for them - I absolutely hate shopping - unless it is for china stemware, or things in the hardware store, etc. We started this custom after I received 3 butterfly pins for Christmas. I have over 300 pins and wore one every day - but I am not fond of silver jewelry and have told my family that for years but for some reason they forgot and the 3 pins were all silver. I wore them and never said anything but several days later my daughter remembered and was so upset that she had picked up silver. And my husband bought me beautiful diamond earrings that same year - 1.5 carat total weight yesterday, today, and tomorrow style. It was a wonderful surprise - but guess what - they are in white gold!! That is when we decided to start this new tradition. It has worked wonders!! And for our 40th anniversary he bought me a 3 carat total weight heart necklace - and it was in yellow gold - yea!!!

Purplemoon - I will be 58 this year but my grandchildren still think I am 39 - LOL. They can't understand how Poppa can be 68 and Gigi is only 39, I told them that it is the way I feel inside, not how I look. They are so young they believe it. And for the longest time I told everyone that I was close to 40 but after 10 years they raised their eyebrows a bit - I just ended with "just not as close as I use to be". It's too bad the body can't keep up with the mind.