tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post6482852650799292017..comments2024-02-02T07:13:37.313-06:00Comments on Like Merchant Ships: Live Well On Less: BreakfastUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-1904315661709527912010-04-10T19:52:50.034-05:002010-04-10T19:52:50.034-05:00Yay. I found silver (plated) napkin rings, with o...Yay. I found silver (plated) napkin rings, with our Initial engraved on them. I am going to surprise everyone with them.Nicolehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12455768945054331661noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-6954162113063183842008-08-15T21:50:00.000-05:002008-08-15T21:50:00.000-05:00I love all of your ideas and I look forward to you...I love all of your ideas and I look forward to your website every day! However, I work alot of hours at our area Humane Society. It's a physically demanding position and I come home from work totally exhausted every night. I am 47, with arthritis, and don't feel as "young" as I used to be! I wish I had time for all of the special things you do for your family. So I just wallow in your website...is that what you meant by "website envy"? LOL! Oh well....I can dream, can't I?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-33564137623071986902008-06-10T20:33:00.000-05:002008-06-10T20:33:00.000-05:00You are right. It looks nice. I need to be less la...You are right. It looks nice. I need to be less lazy! :) But I'm often just feeding me so I have a hard time bothering.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-10969746840538904172007-08-02T07:16:00.000-05:002007-08-02T07:16:00.000-05:00You are so right! Thank you for this great series...You are so right! Thank you for this great series!Alice Guntherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05998555457432426192noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-45465322440777144912007-07-25T19:48:00.000-05:002007-07-25T19:48:00.000-05:00I really enjoyed this post Meredith! I feel wastef...I really enjoyed this post Meredith! I feel wasteful sometimes when I use pretty bowls instead of the packages (regularly). It might be because I live in a house with all men (and grew up with all brothers). They are so practical, but you have reminded me to remember the excitement when I regularly make things pretty. That isn't a waste of space to have a few favorite pretty things to serve in. :) P.S. I used to post as Honey...you might remember the flowers by my name. :) I don't write notes much these days, but I am reading you!Someone Beautifulhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10235213938101654290noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-70650033756710359712007-07-25T14:56:00.000-05:002007-07-25T14:56:00.000-05:00These lessons have been really great so far!I just...These lessons have been really great so far!<BR/><BR/>I just wanted to add something humorous to the thought that not using packaging on the table can ease a family into generics. I buy almost all my groceries at Aldi, and all my family and friends are well aware of how I sing its praises. <BR/><BR/>One day my husband and I were in a 'regular' grocery store, and he began to notice that the 'brands' we had at home were conspicuously missing. He asked where all the Friendly Farms dairy and Fit 'N Active snacks were.... I couldn't help but to laugh a little.<BR/><BR/>Grace in NashvilleAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-27745622603401023312007-07-25T08:08:00.000-05:002007-07-25T08:08:00.000-05:00I just had to jump on and leave a comment. I am l...I just had to jump on and leave a comment. I am loving this series you are doing. Last night we had homemade mac-n-cheese, salad and bread. Nothing earth shattering, for sure! But I took your tips, poured the salad dressing into a pretty creamer to spoon out and served the butter for our bread in a matching sugar bowl instead of the tub. The pieces belonged to my grandmother and are very antique looking. Hubs noticed IMMEDIATELY and loved the subtle changes. Thanks for the tips!! Keep 'em coming!TracyMichelehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03229503241864939021noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-34843398098685836342007-07-24T15:33:00.000-05:002007-07-24T15:33:00.000-05:00You are amazing!! This is an area I am totally we...You are amazing!! This is an area I am totally weak. I love pretty things, but can't seem to produce them in my home. I am going to start with breakfast! Thank you and God bless you for sharing your gift with us!<BR/>:o0 Rachel:o) Rachelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17479815993160905403noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-24330298173752985982007-07-24T14:13:00.000-05:002007-07-24T14:13:00.000-05:00I like your suggestions, Meredith, and wait for th...I like your suggestions, Meredith, and wait for the day when I have a table again to use more of them. We're in a small apartment and don't have the room right now for a dining table (well, we maybe could - it would just be too much furniture, though) so we do TV trays.<BR/><BR/>To anonymous with the in-law problems - I greatly empathize with you! My in-laws can be the same way in so many ways - very particular. My SIL's boyfriend (now her husband) was once "reprimanded" for adjusting the showerhead! For the most part, they've been pretty good/patient about my son (2 1/2 now) visiting, but it frustrates me when they're unwilling to do some of the little things to child-proof when he's around (outlet covers, temporary drawer locks, etc). A lot, you just have to grin and bear it, unfortunately.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-57457493037036795082007-07-24T13:45:00.000-05:002007-07-24T13:45:00.000-05:00I have to add this: Caught up in garage-sale feve...I have to add this: Caught up in garage-sale fever, I once bought an ugly, overdecorated set of silverplated candleabras. <BR/><BR/>But ... <BR/><BR/>now that the girls and their friends are at the teen/tween age, they are ever so much more civilized when we have dinner with candles in those ugly candleabras. <BR/><BR/>I think it adds an air of elegance to their imaginations.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-65800515255590103202007-07-24T12:04:00.000-05:002007-07-24T12:04:00.000-05:00I discovered your blog yesterday, and I just love ...I discovered your blog yesterday, and I just love this post! It was a great reminder about how simple it can be to make the day more beautiful. Thanks for the ideas!Sadiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00773975417048783313noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-37913961821075994572007-07-24T11:58:00.000-05:002007-07-24T11:58:00.000-05:00Thanks for answering, Meredith. And I suspect tha...Thanks for answering, Meredith. And I suspect that you maintain patience and humor when dealing with family foibles. (Elise painting, for example.)<BR/><BR/>I have seen people 'wrapped around the axle' about little things that don't matter in the grand scheme of things, when the tension produces a bitter, complaining attitude. <BR/><BR/>So, attitude always HAS to come first. <BR/><BR/>I think the 'small beauties' post just struck a raw nerve ... prolly because we'll be visiting mil before school starts up again.<BR/><BR/>And all the neat towels and elegant silver just don't make up for the 'ziplock tirades.' My kids are afraid to be kids in her perfect house.<BR/><BR/>Wish you or your readers could offer some suggestions for visiting people like that. I TRIED the hotel route -- and the in-laws got highly insulted that we wanted to stay somewhere other than their house.<BR/> <BR/>anonymous againAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-2842131880105411772007-07-24T10:52:00.000-05:002007-07-24T10:52:00.000-05:00Such a great idea- thanks for sharing how to make ...Such a great idea- thanks for sharing how to make the table pretty. I also you note on dishtowels. I love going to my towel drawer and having a beautiful, neat stack to choose from.<BR/><BR/>Take Care,<BR/><BR/>TrixieAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-13700299771201205162007-07-24T09:43:00.000-05:002007-07-24T09:43:00.000-05:00Anonymous, I think your cautions would apply to ju...Anonymous, I think your cautions would apply to just about any homekeeping task.<BR/><BR/>Grace is in the attitude.<BR/><BR/>My blog is about the practice of cheerful frugality, and all the ideas I share come from that perspective.<BR/><BR/>I suspect that people who complain and criticize about little things also complain and criticize about everything, frugal or not.Meredithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08455517419708043340noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-55242629667246049682007-07-24T09:39:00.000-05:002007-07-24T09:39:00.000-05:00Tracey, I would not leave milk in an open pitcher ...Tracey, I would not leave milk in an open pitcher in the refrigerator. Use a small container, and pour only what your family will drink at one meal. I would save milk from meal to meal, but would not pour the whole jug in.<BR/><BR/>You can find old-fashioned milk bottle reproductions with tops, too.Meredithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08455517419708043340noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-39768745244881179432007-07-24T09:09:00.000-05:002007-07-24T09:09:00.000-05:00I'm already really enjoying the series this week. ...I'm already really enjoying the series this week. I do many of these things already but find myself getting slack on little things like commercial packaging at the table- why would I want to wash an extra bowl? I love putting bread in a basket or arranged on a nice plate instead of flopping it on the table in a bread bag. :-)I also hate buying "tub butter" just because I hate how it looks on the table and I'm often too lazy to put some in a pretty bowl.:-)Thanks for the encouragement to continue taking the time. It really is the little things that make our home life so much richer.Mary Annhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03129793790973176351noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-62254027187192315242007-07-24T07:31:00.000-05:002007-07-24T07:31:00.000-05:00Another thought: If you find YOURSELF gritching a...Another thought: If you find YOURSELF gritching and grouching, then the grace notes are becoming a point of resentment and stress. <BR/><BR/>For example, your mind is saying, "Why is everyone else goofing off, and I'm in here folding dishtowels?" Or "Why am I the ONLY one who does this job?" <BR/><BR/>Now, there are ways to gently train family members, but take their preferences into account.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-8583400411092367492007-07-24T07:27:00.000-05:002007-07-24T07:27:00.000-05:00Oh, Meredith, I think this advice needs to be used...Oh, Meredith, I think this advice needs to be used with caution. I'll give a good bad example ... and I'll stay anonymous:<BR/><BR/>My mother-in-law loves the 'grace notes', fancy touches, what-have-you. But she makes herself awfully unpleasant while insisting on them.<BR/><BR/>So, if you are the kind of person to rant and rave because a child used THE WRONG PITCHER for the milk... Or the kind to stress the family because company's coming ... and the silver still shows tarnish, then please forgo the finer touches.<BR/><BR/>I once heard my mil complain for nearly 20 minutes because my child chose the wrong size ziplock. She sees these kids maybe 7 days a year, and she's making gritchy-grouchy-perfectionist memories, not warm and loving ones.<BR/><BR/>So, if grace notes are freely given, they're fine. If they become a point of family stress, I say, "back off."Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-25348756980530893492007-07-24T06:52:00.000-05:002007-07-24T06:52:00.000-05:00I love putting our cereal in a pretty jar and serv...I love putting our cereal in a pretty jar and serving milk in a pitcher. It is amazing how far those little things can go!Monica Wilkinsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17235919587298518908noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-49899459506918463002007-07-23T22:43:00.000-05:002007-07-23T22:43:00.000-05:00Hi Meredith,Still love your name (and I may borrow...Hi Meredith,<BR/><BR/>Still love your name (and I may borrow it if we have a girl!!) and am enjoying your blog!<BR/><BR/>Speaking of making jam, there's nothing better!! We also freeze a ton of sliced berries, too. They are such a perfect treat in winter. I like to make a ton of tiny jars of jam to give away as little gifts (hostess gifts, Christmas, etc.) throughout the year. Inexpensive and always very much appreciated. <BR/><BR/>Thanks and have a great day!<BR/><BR/>Mary from Vocation of MotherhoodMary in MNhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00652306259735923959noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-11232889496795786652007-07-23T22:14:00.000-05:002007-07-23T22:14:00.000-05:00Our families are worth the effort. Why do we go t...Our families are worth the effort. Why do we go to so much effort for company and not for our nearest and dearest? I'm preaching to myself here!DonnaBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13890459804766354255noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-32000575393817652532007-07-23T20:41:00.000-05:002007-07-23T20:41:00.000-05:00Just...WOW! is all I have to say! You did a great ...Just...WOW! is all I have to say! You did a great job showing how little things mean a world of difference!Tammyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16139188188043795169noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-88378424569402171122007-07-23T20:03:00.000-05:002007-07-23T20:03:00.000-05:00Lovely series, really enjoying it.Lovely series, really enjoying it.Sherryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07837891971321870301noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-22873187390996200182007-07-23T19:24:00.000-05:002007-07-23T19:24:00.000-05:00This is so precious. Serving your family as you w...This is so precious. Serving your family as you would unto the Lord. <BR/>Thank you for the encouragement.Day by Dayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18052444167758768268noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-20406963543536437832007-07-23T18:18:00.001-05:002007-07-23T18:18:00.001-05:00Meredith - This may be my favorite week so far! I...Meredith - This may be my favorite week so far! I am loving all the courses - this is so much fun and so inspirational:)<BR/><BR/>These are wonderful ideas and I'm so encouraged not to "put off" the nice things until the kids are bigger.Shannonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10142994274994642731noreply@blogger.com