But, I also prefer patterned plates with either nice big designs or multi-colored, not mono-colored

How about one of these, all cheap enough that you replace them in a couple of years if you get bored: very showy [link]

Oh, and one more: [link]

I like this one: [link]

A friend actually has this, and it's very purty: [link]

Grace is in the hospital again (the fancy celeb hospital!)

I have strep, but I went to work anyway (I made sure to lick the pens of folks who irk me). K has recurring strep; she went to work today and coughed on people.

I ALSO have the same baby carrier as Amanda Peet.

I have no public transportation.

But I just ate panera and now have to go to the eye appointment with Noah. I'd cancel and reschedule, but there is no way I can get this chunk of time.

Chocolate chips? Bacon bits? Possibly not together.

But, I also prefer patterned plates with either nice big designs or multi-colored, not mono-colored. I like showy, splashy stuff, but I fear getting bored with the same showy pattern and don't like the idea of replacing stuff because I'm bored.

Kathy, we have "Polish Pottery" which my mother is completely OBSESSED with, but I do like it. We don't have a set, just a bunch of different plates in different patterns that we like. Most are in the same color family (blue and yellow) so they sort of match without actually matching. I think you might like some of their stuff. These folks [link] have dinner sets showcased on the front page but on the menu you'll see a selection for "Plates and Platters" which leads you to the individual plates if that's how you want to roll.

This site looks good too, and also has sale looking stuff. Hmm! You can find the plates in the "tableware" section. [link]

But a bobby pin has, like, a scoop-y effect!

and sharp edges!

Ooh, that stuff is so pretty, Nora!

Ooh, that Polish stuff is nice!

I also started looking through cooking.com, and found some nice Tuscan-inspired pieces, such as this one, which comes with a nice dessert plate, too.

But I just noticed that it's handwashing recommended, and screw that! I don't have a dishwasher yet, but am looking forward to getting one eventually and not having to handwash my plates.

I love ours. There's a warehouse in CT I want to get to to pick up a couple new dinner plates and small mugs. Also, more cereal/soup bowls.

A lot of the patterns I see now are a lot fancier than the stuff I have from 6-7 years ago.

I like this one, too, even if it a bit less colorful, and it's dishwasher/microwave safe.

Kathy, polish pottery is oven safe, microwave safe, and dishwasher safe. It's hefty and sturdy.