Show us your China Pattern

Over at Kellys Korner she is asking about china patterns. I picked mine out 12 years ago and am still using both. I did pick a fine and everday china. Early in our marriage I thought maybe I should have just picked an everyday china. Now that I am finally starting to host more family occasions I am grateful for the fine china I recieved as a wedding gift and continue to slowly add to it. I consider fine china as an investment, I didn't see much return those first few years but now I am truly grateful.

I chose a traditional fine china called Federal Platinum by Lenox. I love that this classic pattern will be in style for years to come. I can also change up the look down the road by adding some more colorful accent plates.

For my everyday I chose Mikasa Aztec Blue. I really had no idea what my colors were going to be in my kitchen so I chose this setting with its blue and somewhat brown undertones. I do like it still but I do hope to get a new set soon. Now that I know my style better and I love my kitchen, I think it will be easier to choose a pattern this time around.

Right now I really like this Ballard Designs antique white set. I figure if I get something neutral I can still use all my cool serving bowls and do not have to worry about everything coordinating. We will see, after looking at everyone else's patterns I am sure I will change my mind.

Show us your Life- Teacher Gifts

Over at Kellys Korner she is doing a great post on teacher gift ideas. I struggle with these every year(actually twice a year). There are some great ideas from other bloggers and I have a few that have worked well for me.

Gift cards/Visa cards- I think if you talk to alot of teachers they love all the thoughtful gifts, but how many bottles of lotion from bath and body works do they really need. Luckily our kids classes usually groups money together to give them a good size gift card to Target or a visa gift card to use anywhere. Then I usually add a little something personalized as well.

Christmas Ornaments- I have found a cute Christmas ornament for teachers at Bon Bon Charms. She has alot of cute jewelry as well but the teacher ornament is so cute. You can personalize it with your teacher's name and your child's name. Another site I use is Exposures for personalized ornaments. Last year I took a class photo and had it scanned on the following ornament.


I also think that if you really had a great experience with a teacher you should let her boss know. Last year I loved Abby's kindergarten teacher Mrs. Fisher. I wrote her principal a letter letting him know how great she was. I know that she really appreciated me taking the time to actually pen a letter rather then just telling her that she was doing a great job.

Make sure you pop over to Kelly's blog, I am so excited about all the teacher gift possibilities.