My sister and I are opposites in many ways. She likes AC/DC; I like the Eagles. She likes mystery novels and horror books; I like lighter fiction. She's a fan of (and good at) just about any sport; I'm no athlete and never was one. We have different taste in clothes, home decor, and cars. 
Yet in 1991 when we were both planning our weddings, we wound up choosing the exact same dinnerware. We don't have fancy dishes--these are simple stoneware with blue borders. After laughing about the coincidence that we had chosen the same dishes, we decided that there was no reason to change our choices. One similar thing among so many differences did not mean that we were going to have identical homes.
Eighteen years and several children later, I'm down to only seven dinner plates and six bowls. I don't have all my serving pieces anymore either. Most likely the situation is the same at my sister's house. If we put our dishes together, we might come up with a service for twelve.
And unfortunately, that pattern we both liked enough to choose eighteen years ago has been discontinued. So it might be time for both of us to go shopping for dishes again. I wonder if she'd pick the same style I choose?
COUPON TIME
If your broken dishes need replacing, these deals can help you get a bargain on new dinnerware and serving pieces.
40% off Formal China Accessories at Lenox.com 
Plus, orders over $75 will receive free shipping!
Valid through: April 10, 2009
Standard shipping only.
Free shipping on orders over $69 at JCPenney 
Use the "checkout + promo code" option and enter BBPERS9 in the promotional code box.
Valid through: April 11, 2009
Some exclusions apply.
10% off your order at Brylane Home 
Enter code BHW010910 in the Promotional Code box in your shopping bag and click APPLY.
Valid through: March 31, 2009
15% off orders over $50 at Domestications 
Enter Promotion Code D9AFFC in your shopping cart.
Offer ends: March 29, 2009 11:59pm ET
Free Shipping on a purchase of $100 or more at SmartBargains 
Use this link to activate the coupon.
Valid through: March 31, 2009 11:59pm PT
