Monday, August 30, 2010

Changes and The CSN Stores


It's been busy around here since my last post found me contemplating going away party menus and kitchen tables.  The party has come and gone.  We enjoyed a menu full of summer's best ~ grilled meats, corn on the cob, watermelon, tomato & cucumber salad, pasta salad and potato salad. 
We also spent time on the lake.


 Some of us were content just hanging out in the water while Jeremy entertained us with wakeboarding and flips off of the boat. 


He always has been the more adventurous one in the family.  That's probably why he chose to go all the way to Australia for his study abroad program.

 
~ Brothers ~
Mike (l), Jeremy (r)

Later in the week we took him to the airport and wished him well on this exciting adventure.  I'm proud to say that despite stuffing a handful of tissues into my purse, I didn't need to use them.  I got by with a lump in my throat and a bit of mistiness.  Thankfully no embarassing watersheds :).

Also last week I was asked if I would be interested in doing a review of a product from the CSN Stores.  They made it possible for me to do 2 giveaways in the past and I have noticed CSN giveaways on several other blogs.  If you aren't familiar with them, they have over 200 online stores and offer a wide variety of products.  I think I could spend all day looking around at what they offer.  As a matter of fact I almost did that after receiving this generous offer :).



So, when they offered to send me a gift certificate in exchange for a product review, I knew just what I wanted to use the gift certificate for.    For the past few years I have been using a set of dishes that was perfectly fine, but they didn't match my kitchen.  I suppose I was hanging onto them for sentimental value.  They belonged to my mom and she absolutely loved them.  But, I've decided that I have many other things to remember my mom by and since she always liked her dishes to coordinate with her kitchen, I know she would understand.
So, on Tuesday I placed an order for 2 sets of these dishes:



I was pleased to find out that there was no shipping charge for this item and also no sales tax.  Yippee!
The dishes were at my front door on Friday.  As you can see by the above photos, they were packed very well and consequently there were no broken or chipped dishes.


Unpacking these new dishes led to a thorough cleaning of the kitchen cupboards.  There are now several boxes packed and ready to be taken to Habitat for Humanity.  I love how they use the proceeds from their thrift shops to help build homes for people who might not otherwise be able to afford them.  I think my mom would be happy to know that her dishes are being used for this purpose.


And I'm pleased to have dishes that match my kitchen. 



My mom's dishes were covered in flowers and had a lot of purple and pink in them.  Even though I love flowers, they sometimes seemed a little too feminine for every day.  This time I wanted something "gardeny" but not flowery.  I think these will work just fine.

And you know I can always flower them up a bit by adding fresh flowers to my napkin rings ;-).

Shopping at the CSN Stores was a great experience for me.  Placing the order was simple, the product was well packaged and arrived in a matter of days.  I would highly recommend checking them out.


19 comments:

  1. I keep hearing about this place but I have never been contacted! I guess I live too far out in the boonies. I love the dishes and they do look so nice. Good luck to him, there, sounds like an adventure! :D

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  2. I'm sure your Mom would be proud and totally understanding! These a beautiful dishes and I know you are enjoying them.

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  3. Kim, I had never heard of CSN until I saw it on someone's blog. I love your dishes! They look wonderful!

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  4. I love the dishes that you chose from CSN! They're such cheery colors, and could they possibly match your placemats any more perfectly?!

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  5. Oh so pretty...they just seem to fit into your home perfectly! Thank you for sharing! Sweet blessings for your week!

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  6. Hi Kim,
    Looks like a great time by the lake. Your sons are very handsome (great photo), and I'm sure it was hard to see Jeremy go.

    Love your new dishes! ~ just perfect...and I'm sure your Mom would be proud.

    Hugs,
    Donna

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  7. Those dishes match your home perfectly...how pretty!

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  8. Kim how pretty and fresh they look. They are right at home at your beautiful place. I have a set of Palermo made by them as well. They are wonderful and match my kitchen so I understand. *winks*

    Blessings, ~Melissa :)

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  9. Hi Kim,
    So happy for you. What a great exchange from CSN.
    The dishes are soooo pretty and go so well with your decor.
    I'm sure your Mom would understand.
    Have a great week.

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  10. Your boys are so good looking, and wow..... they look so much alike... are they twins? The party looks and sounds wonderful.... I love those back flips...

    Your dishes are so fresh and pretty! Your Mom is smiling.....

    I've never heard of CSN....

    Hugs,

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  11. Very nice! Very nice review, too. Love those dishes!

    You didn't even weep? What a good girl you are. You probably saved your darling son so much anguish. I'm truly impressed. I'd have been a mess.

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  12. Oh your new dishes are beautiful and go perfectly with your kitchen. I've seen this pattern before. I have some of the Folk Art pattern.

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  13. Great photos of your sons! Boys are so much fun! And your new dishes are beautiful! They look like you....so cheery and happy! ♥

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  14. Your new dishes are beautiful!! I looked at CSN and they really offer some great stuff and lots of it has free shipping, which is wonderful. Love & blessings from NC!

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  15. Hi Kim,
    Your new dishes are the perfect colors. I would have chosen them too!
    I know its hard to say good by to our kids and send them away to foreign lands..
    My niece for her study abroad program went to South Africa and Ireland. We missed her so much, but what an adventure she had, she spent her summers traveling all over Europe.
    Your son will have so many fun stories to share.
    Have a sweet day, hugs-Elizabeth

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  16. Hi Kim,
    I wish jeremy the best while in Australia.
    I have heard of CSN stores but never took the time to check them out, so I think now would be a great time. Your dishes are beautiful. I have always loved blue and yellow together. I know how hard it must have been to let go of your Mother's dishes, But what a great idea to give that someone else may enjoy them too.
    Thanks for sharing.
    Sue

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  17. I have thought about you and the process of saying good bye to your son. Quite impressive to see the pictures of his water skills. What fun. Your party menu sounded perfect for a summer water party. Your sons look so much alike and are good looking guys.

    I smiled as I saw your choice of new dishes. They look like they were made just for you and your kitchen colors. They are so beautiful, and of course I like the fresh flowers in the napkin ring. CSN is fortunate to have someone like you to advertise for them. They are bound to have an influx of new patrons. Great post!

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  18. Hi Kim,
    Thanks for stopping by today! Have missed you! :0) I love, love, love your new dishes and they are perfect for your BEAUTIFUL home/kitchen in particular...When can we have a tour of the rest of the house? And then to top it off I see that awesome lake picture!! Do you live on it? OH MY! So happy for your new purchase..look forward to seeing those dishes in more pics!!
    Been wondering if you are in the midst of those storms??
    Love,
    T

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  19. Pretty dishes! I've been contemplating new dishes myself. Maybe I'll ask for that for my birthday...oh yeah, that's next week Great idea!

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