Coffee Break Anyone?

Hey Yall! Just popping in to invite you to a very unusual setting for me today for

 Tablescape Thursday.   

I've been taking a break and thought you might enjoy one too.  Life has kept me hopping quite a bit lately with very little time for blogging so you may not see me quite so often.  It's all good and I'm enjoying gaining more control over my time, slowing down and enjoying the coffee, so to speak.  So...maybe you'd like to join me?

The table is all set and ready for a variety of friends!

I've pulled out all my favorites to offer up something as special and individual as you are.

Here's what has inspired this coffee break today.  My newly acquired sterling silver coffee set. 

 My husband and I recently inherited this from his father after he passed away.

  As much silver as we had already inherited there was still a bit more to be divided among the siblings.

  I was quite surprised and thrilled to learn that the other siblings already owned silver coffee sets.  Thrilled because this set is also engraved with our last names initial.

I asked if I would be expected to serve coffee now at Christmas and was told, "Of Course"!   

So, I guess I'd better practice right? 

I added a few spring napkins.

And, a basket of spoons to stir with. Yes, I do know these are teaspoons, but I don't have any coffee spoons.

These gorgeous flowers I cut right out of my backyard. 

I was going to put them in my crystal vase but it was too wide at the top and I liked the way this decanter held them closer together.

This tree is a snowball viburnum if I remember correctly...I think!

To the right I have set out some cups and saucers for those of you with more refined taste.

These two rose patterned cup and saucers I also inherited, though quite a while back from my MIL.

I have lots of these, they are from my Nana's china.

I also have lots of these from my wedding china.

There is a set of these from my everyday, and some Christmas patterned teacups not shown here today.

Needless to say, this is why I was so happy when I won the Lenox China and was able to get a pattern that did not have cup and saucers.  This is much more my style shown here!  I can enjoy a great big cup of coffee with these.

Now, on this side of the table I've prepared for those of you who are more down to earth and enjoy a good hearty cup of coffee as much as I do.  Let's take a look at a few of my favorites.

This is one of my oldest and most favorite cups.  It's almost too faded out but I just adore it still!

This one is from waaayy back in my early career days as a travel agent.

This sweet cup came with a floral arrangement  from my Mom one year.

I loved the color on this one and keep it still even though sadly it is chipped on the rim.

These match some dishes I also have.  The pattern is called Market Basket.

I know I've shown you these before, I just love the footed look, don't you? 

Well ladies, as you can see, I've got coffee cups up the wazoo! 

Do you think I can fill all these cups from this pot?  I may need a few!

 Sooo, care to join me?

I'd love to sit and chat a bit over a nice cup of Joe!

I'll make the coffee and you can bring the treats, okay?

(Big Smiles)

Thanks for visiting today, it's always a pleasure!

Until next time,

Mary

Dear Friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God.  Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.

 – 1 John 4:7

This verse, and the paragraphs that follow in 1 John 4: 7-21 speaks of God's love and ours.  Again, we see an illustration of Love that is an action and not just a feeling.  Love that reaches out beyond mere kindness.

Bringing these verse's to action in our lives is often difficult, but a willing heart is necessary.  We cannot share our Love for God and for each other if we are not willing to take action.  It does require something of us in that we have a choice to share our love and follow Christ example.

I pray for the help of the Holy Spirit to work within me to share the Love of God in ways I would not otherwise be able to do.

Thank you for spending Sharing Jesus Sunday with me.

I hope your afternoon is blessed!

Mary

twin baby boys have a conversation - part 2 ORIGINAL VIDEO

Good Morning Bloggers!  Just in case you have missed this on the news or any of the late night talk shows, I thought I'd post it for your here.  It is so worth your time to watch this video clip.  It will bring a smile to your face and joy to your heart!

This is no Aprils Fools Joke, it's the real deal!

Th

Raymond Waites and Lenox Tablescape

I don't know how many times I have been taught the lesson, but I do think it is sinking in.  What's the lesson?  Well, it is that patience pays off!

  I truly believe this is a life lesson that God really wants me to learn for some reason.  I won't bore you with the details of why I believe this, but trust me it is definitely one I am being taught!

Do you remember a few weeks ago I showed you these kitchen towels I found that I was going to make into place mats?  Sure you do! Well, here they are!

Pretty good job, huh?  LOL!  Sike!!!

Well, I just couldn't believe that those gorgeous Raymond Waites kitchen towels did not also come in place mats and I was right!  Woohoo!

I am so glad I waited before cutting up that kitchen towel.  I finally went to another Tuesday Morning across town this week and look what I found.  Place mats and napkins in this beautiful pattern.  It is part of the  Chelsea Home Collection by Raymond Waites.  I just knew they had to have made them! There is also an oven mitt set and apron that coordinates with this as well.

I was so thrilled to have found this I just had to set a table scape, wouldn't you?

I decided to use the Butlers Pantry Gourmet dinner dishes...

...combined with the Butlers Pantry Buffet salad plates.

Just look how cute these napkins are against the Lenox china.  Love it!

There has never been a minute I have ever regretted painting these metal napkin rings white.  I got them for .50cents at a yard sale last year.  This is a great tip for old napkins rings, always think about repainting them and how that would look.  It really can change your whole perspective on them.

I like how my Oneida stainless has just enough floral pattern to coordinate well with these place mats also.

I liked the crystal for this setting because it doesn't compete so much. 

For my centerpiece, I put together a spring floral arrangement.

The shutter board base I used came from Old Time Pottery purchased last summer.  I have the flowers in another vase that is sitting inside of this as I didn't want to make it a permanent arrangement.

The flowers are nothing special.  I am always amazed at what you can put together with just a few bucks from the DT.  They even seem to look much better after getting them home, try it, I highly recommend it. 

I also have a few more goodies to share with you.

Like my Butlers Pantry salt and pepper shakers. 

And this cute white iron birds nest candle holder.  Isn't that a sweet little birdie perched on the side?

But surprise, surprise!  Look what else I can do with these place mats.

I can reverse them to use a different pattern on the back, or mix and match as I have done here.

Fresh and Springy right?  I just love mixing all sorts of textiles and textures.

And here's the best news.  If you love Raymond Waites fabrics Tuesday Morning has lots of other colors and patterns in stock right now to choose from.  I was told not all stores get the same things in, so if you live near more than one you may want to check them both.

Thanks for stopping by today for

Tablescape Thursday

and I hope you will let me know if you did.

Have a wonderful afternoon!
Mary

"New" Initial Outfitters Catalog Preview

Woohoo!  I am soooo excited!  Our new catalog has come out and I have a bundle on the way.  I am so anxious to see it!  Yesterday, we had an online webinar to preview the new items.  That was the first time I have ever done one of those and it was very cool..I love the technology we have now days, don't you?

Here's a few preview pages I've put together for you from our new catalog.  I'm focusing on our jewelry lines today because I thought you might want to take a look too! 

   

First up is our newest turquoise pieces.  I am especially excited about this page, I just love turquoise!

Beautiful new key and locket necklace.

Lots of beautiful vintage looking chains for layering.

I love the multi colored glass pieces!

Isn't this floral enameled cross adorable?

We've added new charm starter sets.  What a great deal for $24.00.  There are several different sets to choose from that include the chain and 3 charms.

Look at this fun necklace on the top left and the multi bracelet too.

 I really want this midnight beaded necklace shown on the bottom here.  Gorgeous!

Just look at these two new rhinestone bracelets!  I love bling and am very excited about these!

The owl is a new favorite among our consultants this year.

This is a new and really cool multi-purpose set.  It can be worn as a short necklace, long necklace, bracelets, or belt.  It is available for purchase in two different options; 3 or 5 strands.  Each strand has it's own clasps for multi-purpose options.  Talk about versatility!

This is our best value hands down.  The shell pendant, beaded necklace and earrings are being sold as a set for only $26.00.  Additional $5.00 for engraving.  What a beautiful deal!

And let's not forget those sweet little girls when shopping for presents.  Though, I really love these chains shown above myself and would wear them too.  In fact, I have the dainty little one the bottom right corner of this photo and absolutely adore it!

Hope you've enjoyed taking a peek at some of our newest items.  If you are interested in any of these products be sure and visit me at

www.initialoutfitters.net/marykeels

to order any of all the above.  Feel free to email me any questions you may have too.  If you are interested in hosting a party for your friends or becoming a rep yourself please drop me an email too.  I may not live in your area but we can be on the same team.   I'd be happy to find you another rep in your area if you want to host a show.  It's a great way to earn your own jewelry for free.  But trust me, you might want to just be a rep yourself because this jewelry sells itself!   There are ladies all over the country taking advantage of our wonderful hostess specials and incentives, and becoming reps too.  We added 65 new reps in February and are breaking records again already for March.  It's a great time to sign up.  Let me help you get started too, you won't regret it!  

Remember...Easter, Mothers Day and Graduation is just around the corner!

Be among the first in your area to host a show and see our new products.

Thanks for stopping by today for

Take a Look Tuesday.

I hope you enjoyed your visit!

Mary 

HOW do you save money?

Hi Ladies!  Here I go again off on a rant of sort..but..this is a good one and quite appropiate for

Mary's Meditating Mind.

I hope you will stick around and read this one.  I think it's great food for thought!

If you've followed me as far back as when I blogged under Sailing Simply you know I have a history in retail.  More specifically I have a history in retail that was in a small Mom & Pop family owned business.  I am putting this post out there to give a voice for all small business owners, retail employees and women in general.

People please, please, please think about where you are spending your hard earned money!  Every time you make a purchase you are supporting someones business as much as you are supporting those that work there.  Way too often, especially in these economic times we get so caught up in saving a buck that we think nothing of whom we are actually supporting down the line when we spend our money.   Hey, I am as guilty as everyone else, but because I am also trying to run my own business I do think about it a little more.

Too often we are spending our money in those big box retail stores that are NOT as wonderful as you would like to believe they are.  Just this morning, in the news today is another lawsuit against Walmart again for not promoting women within the work place. You may be thinking you've heard this before and you certainly cannot afford to elimate Walmart from your shopping adventures but I am not asking you to do that.  I am asking you to THINK and consider what you are supporting each time you make a purchase from Walmart.  Walmart is notorious for cashing in on the success of other vendors products by making them more affordable for the masses.  They can do this easily because they have tons of researchers (or spies) who watch market trends and growth in several areas.  They also use this concept when considering opening new stores in any area.  Yes, they are watching!  But they do not appear to be overly concerned with how that store will affect an area any more then they are about destroying a market for entrepreneurs who may have a similar more costly product.   And, if this lawsuit is any indication they may not be overly concerned with equal employment opportunities for women. 

 Big box stores can offer discounted prices because they are supported by an industry that gets discounted rates on products for the massive quanties they purchase.  What small business owner can possibly compete with that?  I used to always cringe whenever we had a unique gift item that was very popular that eventually hit the big box market.  When that happened I knew it was time to discontinue carrying that product because we could no longer compete with pricing on those items and our market had just flatlined.  In short, we could not even buy the items at wholesale for what some of the big box stores can sell them to customers for.  The margins can be that huge!  Unfortunately most customer don't know that and can get very upset that they have paid more for your item then it is being offered by a big box store.

  Contrary to what you may believe most small business owners are not making big bucks and sitting in luxury homes and driving luxury cars on their days off.  They are not vacationing all over the world and living it up like some of the corporate heads of big box stores are.  These Mom and Pop stores are usually in it for the love of retail, the customers and to support the welfare of their own families.  These independent business owners are attempting to live the American dream and we need to continue to support them!

I am proud to also be a part of a business that supports its employees as well as it's customers.  As an independent consultant in direct sales I can offer you money towards your purchases for also encouraging your friends to shop with you.  I don't know of any retail store out there that will give you money back for bringing several of your friends shopping with you.  Even though, let's face it ladies we usually do bring our friends shopping with us, often.  Just try walking into a store asking for a discount because you brought in customers.  They will most likely enjoy a great big giggle or will look at you like your confusing them.  LOL!

  Being able to offer these advantages to my customers is what drew me to this business in addition to the fabulous custom products.  I can do this because I do not have the overhead that brick and mortor business owners have.  I am not asking you to support me over a small business owner you may know and support.  However, I am constantly shocked by the amount of ladies I know who would prefer to walk into a store and purchase something from someone they don't know or support a big box store to save an immediate buck, without giving one thought as to what and who they are really supporting.

  Don't you remember the time when if you couldn't afford Joe Blows prices you saved up until you could or did without.  I am not suggesting we should all do without but I am suggesting we should be thinking about how the business's we support are in fact supporting themselves and others.  I am not just picking on Walmart here today let me assure you there are many big box stores out there that have some of the most rediculous employee conditions you can imagine.  Conditions that not only do not pay their employees for what they are expected to do, but force employees to push and sell you items that you do not need or really want  like credit cards.

  Has anyone else noticed the increasing rise of store credit cards?  Hello?  Who's idea was it that we need a credit card for every big box store we shop at?  Would you believe me if I told you every retail employee who works at these stores that offer credit cards are forced to offer them to you as part of their job.  Some retailers even go as far as deducting pay, hours or even employment for not meeting a quota of credit cards activated.  I'm not making this stuff up.  Do you really think you are saving money by owning their cards?  If you are smart enough to pay off your cards before those high interest rates kick in, you can bet they are still getting you into the store to buy more with those special sales.  Some are even tracking your purchases and offering you special discounts on products you are most likely to buy.

   I am not against knowing your customers preferences and offering deals on that, because that just makes good business sense.  But, I do not support limiting those specials only to customers who may also be at risk for greater debt should they not pay off those credit cards immediately.  I just don't see how this is really supporting your customers.  It's not! 

Okay, so I'm sure you've heard enough by now and if you've read this all the way through, thank you!  I hope you will stop and think next time you make that purchase.  I understand completely about needing to save money but sometimes we really need to thing about HOW we need to save money.

That's what I'm thinking!

Thanks for listening!

Mary  

“A new command” I give you; Love one another.  As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  – John 14:34

Studying this verse from Jesus, we are not only shown again the importance of Love, we are also instructed into action.  We are given a command, of what we are to do, and how we are to follow through.   

   When you study the life of Jesus you will find a Love that is quite different from the Love most of us understand.

  Many of us have no problem loving others who are easy to love.  Or, we have no problems loving those whom we feel are worthy of our Love.  Perhaps we may even feel like we are following his command because we have Love in our lives. 

But in this verse we are told we must Love others "as" we have been Loved by Jesus.  When I am honest with myself, I often find this type of Love hard to do.  Because I am commanded to obtain this level of Love, I keep trying even though I often fail and have to be reminded. 

 This means loving others even when I have been wronged, or ignored or are in disagreement.  Loving others even when it is inconvenient or uncomfortable.  It means putting aside my own pride and self righteousness and sharing the Love of Jesus with others, even when I don't feel like it.  In this life, the opportunities to practice this type of Love are endless...to love others as Jesus loved us.

Thank you for spending 

Sharing Jesus Sunday 

with me!

Mary