Where Would You Rather Be: Outdoors Mulching Or Junking At A Juicy Flea Market ?

What Is The Mulch Phenomenon: And How Does It Impact On The Antique Shopper ?

If you own an Antique shop or are an Antique dealer in an Antique Mall or outdoor Flea Market, do you notice a drop in business during the early Spring weeks when  people are outdoors cleaning up their property?

I call this the Mulch Phenomenon, a noticiable dip in biz when the snow is gone and the yard needs work. You would think that the warmer weather ( especially in the Northeast) would bring hunters and shoppers out of their caves and into our stores and markets, but that is not always the case.

Time To Go Out Antiquing...The Lawn Can Wait
I chuckle everytime someone makes a promise to try to deal with their lawn and flower issues earlier each year than they actually do. Kinda hard to split Hosta plants with a blanket of snow...do ya think?    

And will someone please tell me the purpose of blowing off the leaves from your  lawn when leaves from your neighbor's lawn come right back over to your lawn to take the place of your blown off leaves.

It's Flea Market Time

O.K., it's time to go antiquing.....readers where would you rather be outdoors mulching or browsing an exciting   Antique Mall or outdoors at a juicy Flea Market?  

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

The Easter Bunny Needs To Wear Boots With Traction Before Going Antique Picking

Antique Dealers with Frostbite

The problem with a cold and long winter is that the Antique shops and Multi-Dealer stores in colder climates are picked over for longer than usual. Dealers in these shops are known to rely on goods from outdoor sales and markets. You just can't set up a tag sale or garage sale on icy patches and left over snow on your driveway.

Out Antiquing: Looking For Some Good Egg Deals 

Antique pickers are not the only ones I am concerned about. For example,  I hope that the Easter bunny wears boots with traction when out there looking for some good egg deals because it is going to be a mightly slippery holiday.

Weeds Are Freezing Their Buds Off 

Usually by this time of the year, my mailbox is stuffed with companies trying to sell me crab grass control packages. Not this year.....the weeds are staying underground...they are freezing their buds off.

Stay Warm On I Antique Online.com

There are however a couple of enjoyable activities compulsive junkers can do during this long winter. You can head over to my social network called I Antique Online.com and enjoy the company of others. After that... say hello to the great people who are regulars on  our Facebook page .  Be sure to "LIKE" our page...it warms my heart on these cold days!

Top photo courtesy of  http://www.travelwestukraine.net/2012/04/beaded-easter-eggs-from-ukraine.html

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Let It Go...Let It Go...Let All Your Junk Go

"Let It Go".......Getting Rid Of Stuff We Hang Onto

"Let it go", "let it go"....oh I'm not speaking about the lyrics to Idina Menzel's song from Disney's "Frozen"....I'm talking about LET IT GO....of all the stuff  that all of us hang onto. At least that is what I thought about when I first heard this song.

What's Stuffed In Your Drawers And Cupboards That Your Can Let Go Of ?

I thought about the plastic bags of socks I have stuffed into my drawers. I'm talking about so many T-shirts accumulated over the years that I could truly cut them
into strips and make enough rag rugs to last a century.  I'm talking about closets filled with so many old blankets that the entire town could sleep over in a power outage.

De-Junking Your Junk 

I'm not done yet. Let it go...let it go.....how about purging spices in my kitchen closet that have no fragrance whatsoever. Or isn't it time to toss the containers of Matzah meal that should have been let go five Passover's ago?  While I am on that subject......when you have lived in the same house for so many decades.....you probably have to go no further than your very own kitchen to find all the collectibles you could ever want!

Set Yourself  Free...Let It Go...Let It Go

Moses commanded by G-d said to Pharaoh..."let my people go"..... and I say to you.....you will be set free if "you let it go" .......if you let all your old socks, old T-shirts, old blankets go......LET IT GO...LET IT GO!

Readers please share your confessions about what you need to let go of......junk stuff that is!

 Photos taken at Never Say Goodbye Antiques, Middletown, CT

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Go Antiquing Online: I Antique Online.com Is Like "Arrested Development for Antique Lovers"

Confessions Of A Social Media Manager 

 I have often thought that if my social network  I Antique Online.com was a T.V. show what would they call it.?

Am I being too sassy, how about "Going To Jail Yard Sale" or  "Don't Ever Curb Your Enthusiam For A Juicy Tag Sale?"

Social Networks Are Like T.V. Dramas

If you want to know the truth...sometimes I Antique Online.com, the largest social netowork for antiques and collelctibles is not at all like a T.V. comedy, but more like a dramatic T.V. series.  There are some days that when I sit at my computer managing the site, that I'm thinking to myself.... who has more drama queens, my family or the site?  And I mean, with over 14, 500  members you can get a lot of sub-plots going on. The winter is still here ......are you hooked on I Antique Online.com yet? Stay warm.....pull up a chair and go antiquing online, it's better than T.V.
!

Are you a member of I Antique Online.com yet? You can join us right now click here: http://iantiqueonline.ning.com/

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Downsizing Your Home: Delay Tactics We Use To Hold Onto Stuff

Do You Save Old Things In Hiding Places To Avoid Parting With Your Collections?  

How can I be writing about downsizing a home when I am one of the biggest savers on the planet.
Besides collections of  this and that, I also am a bookaholic. I suppose I should be proud of my extensive collection of books since I hated reading in grade school. But it really is time to unload some of my "diet books" and "cookbooks" . I can't even believe I bought a book about how to convert every recipe by cooking with TOFU.

Are Your Closets Stuffed With Home Decorating Magazines? 

Oh and before I forget, I also buy way too many magazines and have stacks of  "Country Living", "Martha Stewart Living" and the once popular Mary Engelbreit "Home" piled up in one of my bedroom closets. I won't even go into the
discussion of how many old ski jackets I have hanging around or turtleneck tops I keep stored in plastic boxes. The turtlenecks went out in style for me when I no longer needed to keep my neck WARM because my hormones took over than job!

Why do we buy so much and save so much? Some people like ME....have what I call delay tactics which result in moving saved stuff around  instead of dumping old stuff.

Ways To Delay Dumping Stuff You Own That Needs To Be Gotten Rid Of

1. Open up an antique booth and move some of your collection to a new space (cheap storage).

2. Hide your old clothes that you don't wear anymore in plastic boxes instead of giving to others.

3. Bury boxes of children's toys in places in your home that you can't get to.

4. Schelp ridicuous memorabilia and junk (i.e. rusty road sign

your kid came home with in High School) up to your attic and hope the A/C mechanic doesn't kill himself when he is up there.

5. Pretend to be cleaning out stuff when in truth you are just organizing stuff to accomodate more stuff.

6. Keeping multiple refrigerators and freezers so that you can buy six loaves on bread and freeze and then decide the bread is too old to use.

Readers please add your delay tactics to this list on how you hold onto to stuff instead of throwing out.  








C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Common Excuses We Use To Save Old Or Outdated Vintage Stuff

Are You A Saver of Old Vintage Stuff? 

Do you save the winter time to organize your clutter? If the answer is is not exactly "yes",  then we are in the same club. I tell myself in the warmer months that I'll have plenty of indoor time during the winter months to straighten out

my piles of STUFF. I convince myself to save the big clean out projects for a nice snowy day.

Are You In The Mood To Visit Your Basement ?

Every now and then, I actually venture down to my basement and take a looky around and think.....I'm not in the mood today, maybe next week. And as you might imagine, weeks creep by and I'm back to Spring time and the last thing I want to do is stay indoors and clean out my basement when the weather is warm and the birds are chirping.

Common Excuses We Use To Save Old Or Outdated Vintage Stuff

I have developed a list of the common excuses we use why we do not throw out clutter that accumulates in our basment. Please feel free to add to this list.

1. You never know when you might need birthday plates with fire engines on them.

2. Graduation paper cups.....2011 can become 2014 or 2021very easily.

3. You might need children's boots in case some stray children show up at your door and want to build a snowman in your front yard.

4. In case your GPS fails you can choose one of the 768 tattered and torn maps you are saving.

5. They may call a Retro day at the beach this summer and your boom box radio will be fabulous!

6. It might be fun to have a Halloween picnic this summer and set the table with black and orange plastic forks and knives from a 1982 Halloween fest.

7. You can re-gift all the coffee mugs that your kids gave you that say Happy 40th, 50th, 60th etc. birthday. You can give them back to your kids!

8. Harvesting old jigsaw puzzle down in the basement is not such a bad idea...  you may one day find the missing pieces in your kitchen drawer,

READERS, please add to this list!!!!!!!!!!

Airplane and puzzle  photos are courtesy of House of Young http://houseofyoung.bigcartel.com/products 

Elephant image courtesy of Chock-A-Block on Etsy.com http://www.etsy.com/shop/ChockaBlock?ref=l2-shopheader-name

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

What Are You Saving In Your Office Drawer That Has Past It's Prime Time ?

Are Your Old Office Supplies Collectible Or Trash?

It is one thing to save an old typewriter because it brings back fond memories (o.k. not so fond memories of having to make corrections on term papers over and over again). But it is another thing to hold onto bags of aging rubber bands. You think you are being practical by accumulating lots of terrifc rubber bands in all sizes, but guess what, old RUBBER BANDS get brittle and fall apart!

When Was The Last Time You Cleaned Out Your Office Drawer ?

When was the last time you cleaned out your office drawer?  What exactly is still in that drawer? Highlighter markers that are dried out? Staplers without matching staples? You get the point.....there is a lot of stuff in your desk drawers that you are saving way past their expiration date.

Collecting Office Drawer Stuffers

Which brings me to my next thought. Why do we save so much stuff that we know is not really "alive" or useful anymore. O.k. I'm exaggerating a little bit, a dried out magic marker  or rubber band was never really "alive" and "now not alive",  but let's agree these office drawer stuffers are more similar to a fossil than the Philodendron sitting on your window sill. What good is a ink depleted marker or a rubberband that is ready to crumble?

I say when office drawer occupants are no longer able to perform their duties it is time for a honorable burial.  

Photos courtesy of   http://www.etsy.com/shop/kelleystreetvintage

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Way Off The Beaten Path Looking For Antiques And Collectibles

Getting Lost When Out Antiquing

When you are out antiquing, one small move out of the ordinary and you could find yourself on a country road in new territory. Some people frown because they are not where they are supposed to be. For me, it is as blessing in disguise. I love getting lost while out antiquing and discovering the smaller shops that just may not be on "the antique maps" that so many owners get together and print.

Following The Antique Trail To A Point

Don't get me wrong, local antique maps are great for following the trail of antique stores located in a particular geographic area. But often, the maps do not tell the whole story. Shops come and go and often the descriptions on these printed pamphlets can be deceiving.

Good Junk Or A Dump

Over the years, how many of us have been burnt, holdng one of these antique maps in our hands, and showing up in person to a store which sounded good on paper but is a miserable DUMP.  We eagerly thought we would be walking into a treasure trove when in reality we walk into the equivalent of
poop palace.

Good Junk Is Appetizing

Now let's be clear...there is JUNK which is fun JUNK.  But there is also JUNK that belongs in the trash.

Here is what I call junk that belongs in the trash .... lots of wet, smelly, moldy

boxes and bins filled with dusty, rusty,  broken garbage. There is very little in the way of collectibles, vintage or desirable anything.

Orderly Junk In An Organized Shop A-1 RATING 

On the other hand, a great junk store  (or collectibles shop) has a mixture of everything and is relatively a neat and somewhat organized place that is kept up. You enjoy poking through piles, boxes and front porches.
In a great store, you are not terrfied that something "live" will jump out at you. Photos  shown are from The Junk Shop Of Canton , CT  a  shop with an A-1 JUNK RATING.

Readers feel free to  share your thoughts. Also tell us about your A-1 Junk haunts.

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Holiday Shopping At The Junk Shop Of Canton, Canton, CT

Offbeat Holiday Gifts AT Off The Beaten Path Places

This time of year, you can divide shoppers into   several categories according to their shopping styles and habits.

Type A Holiday Shoppers

There is of course the Type A shoppers who seek out holiday gifts with a list and a plan. These organized folks head to their nearby mall and stay focused on what they want to buy and for whom they want to gift.

Cyber Holiday Shoppers

Another large group of shoppers stays addicted to Amazon.com and other online selling sites and are people who avoid leaving their cyber world.  Don't get me wrong, I like the privacy of shopping at my desk or crunched up on the couch too, but that is not the same experience as being out in the trenches.

Junk Shoppers Unite

And then there are others who hunt for treasures anywhere and everywhere but the expected places. I feel akin with the third  group of mavericks that flock to junk stores and thrift shops trying to spot a bargain or an unusual item. And BTW,  I never bring a list with me, preferring to just fall into an unusual or kooky find for me or a loved one.

The Junk Shop Of Canton, CT

One of my chief hunting grounds at all times of the year is The Junk Shop of Canton, Canton, CT. Located right on the main road (Route 44) this very old building has been around for years, surviving hurricanes, snowstorms and maybe even plagues.

The Junk Shop of Canton wouldn't dare  come apart at the seams and leave regulars like myself lost without a place to rummage through especially through the holidays

During  a recent visit to The Junk Shop of Canton, the store was stuffed to the limits. I like it when Eric, the owner has unpacked some really good truckloads of  "junk". And truthfully often Eric's "junk" is more exciting than the mainstream antique stores in the area.

At The Junk Shop Of Canton, you will be able to find vintage musical instruments, art supplies, kitchenwares,  lighting, furniture, retro, tools, artwork, toys, pop culture, barware, books, holiday decor, glassware,

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Never Wear A Suit And Tie When Junking For Antiques: Imagining Mitt Romney At The Brimfield Flea Market

Who Would Handle The Brimfield Flea Market Better: Obama Or Romney?  

Now that the election is over, I can breath a sign of relief and return to the road antiquing without having to worry about  unseating our current president. Thank goodness I will not have to hear about another guy who is clothed in an expensive suit and tie claiming he can be president because he knows how to run a business.

Setting Mitt Romney Loose In Brimfield

If we really wanted to test the real business savvy of Mitt we should have given him two hundred bucks and set them loose in the Brimfield Flea Market for twenty minutes with the goal of returning with the most bang for his buck.

Sloshing Around The Brimfield Market Without An Entourage

And if we wanted to challenge  his endurance, I would have sent him during one of those very hot summer days without a shopping cart, paid helper or entourage. Or we might send Mitt after a torrential rain storm when the fields are somewhat soggy.  Now we are cooking....can you picture Mitt back in his own state of Massachusetts, sloshing around  a muddy Brimfield mingling with the hard core sellers?

Never Wear A Suit And Tie When Junking For Antiques And Collectibles

I could just visualize Mitt's outfit,  a pin striped shirt, navy jacket and a red tie.  Dressed to the nines, I'm betting Mitt would be in for a surprise when he picks up an item and asks the price. Rule number one when you are out junking, you never dress too spiffy when you are about to haggle with a hardcore picker turned  antique dealer.

Nix The Chauffeured Limo When Out Antiquing

The second bit of advice I would have  for Mitt would to tell him not to arrive to Brimfield in your chauffeured driven limo. Trust me it is not a good  bargaining tactic to show up in a fancy car.  Nor is it a good idea to bring Ann with you. Which brings me to my third pearl of wisdom when going to Brimfield, keep the jewelry home. You can not successfully whine about the price of a collectible when you  or a loved one is over accessorized.

My Money Is On Obama

Yes, the true test for me of which man Obama or Romney is truly the wiser of the two when it comes to business deals, is which one can navigate Brimfield like a pro. My money is on Obama....and now I can rest comfortably today and head out antiquing without any reservations.

Readers, I welcome your tips, comments and ideas.

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

What A Good Junk Should Be: Not A Wannabee Antique Store

Hunting For Junk In All The Right Places

 When I go out junking, I  am always hoping that the junk shop that I visit is truly a Junk shop and not a wannabee Antique shop. For me, the best Junk stores mix together all their stuff in random combinations of goodies! When STUFF is too organized and too nicely displayed, the buyer begins to wonder if they are in a JUNK shop or a Vintage shop. There is a difference of course. 

Hunting For A Bargain

Those of us who live to go out junking for fabulous finds want to poke around in piles looking for our treasures.  Psychologically we feel that if we hunt for collectibles buried in dusty stacks of odds and ends then we deserve to get a bargain. If the owner of the shop has taken the time to clean and feature their items for sale in charming displays, you can generally assume that someone is going to have to pay for the "merchandising". 

Poking Through Piles of Junk 

Junk  shoppers are not interested in sweet vignettes. We want junk in the raw. A box of doll heads; a pile of cigar boxes; a drawer filled with old magazines. It doesn't bother us one bit, to walk into a back room loaded with everything jumbled together or unpacked boxes fresh off the truck.  Most of us  would be in junk heaven to be allowed to help a junk dealer sort through a new load. Oh...how I  can't wait to go picking in the morning!

Images courtesy of  Junk Shop Of Canton, Canton, CT

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

What's In My Basement Just In Case I Might Need It Someday ?

What Do You Hold Onto Just in Case ......

Well, let me discuss what is in my basement which I'll be passing onto my kids if I don't get down there and do some cleaning up.I wonder if there is a Reality T.V. show out there looking for the gems that I have packed away.

What's In My Basement Just In Case I Need It ?

1. Boxes of my old report cards and poorly written book reports in case I need to prove I really got through grade school.

2. Old Nursing or Psychology books in case you want to read about how Schizophrenia is caused by bad mothers (once the prevailing theory)!

3. Paper plates, cups, napkins for nursery age kids just in case my kids stop hanging out in Pubs and start hanging out in playgrounds.

4. Boxes of broken toy parts and missing puzzle pieces......in case I decide to make something out of them? The urge has not happened in thirty years!

5. The original boxes to speakers, telephones, answering machines and other products in case I need to return them (after 20-25 years).

6. Dusty, musty, nasty area rugs from dorm rooms...in case we need them for the dog......are you kidding....my dog would never lay a foot on these shabby things.

7. Old torn winter outer jackets....in case my husband needs them to wear while painting....not happening in this lifetime!

8. Dried out cans of house paint....in case I need to match a color? I couldn't remember what color goes where? And by now the original paint jobs have oxidized past recognition.

9. A gigantic plastic Ficus tree which outgrew its welcome in case I need to fill in the corner of a room.

10. A huge box of dried out old magic markers and pens in case I need a "cap", "inner spring" or find a way to reconstitute ink.

Please add your "in case" scenarios in the comment section.


C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Society of Professional Journalists

"Refind Green Designs": A New Vintage And Collectibles Shop In Downtown, Manchester, CT

Thrifty Kitschy Shoppers Will Love "Refind Green Designs" In Downtown, Manchester, CT

I was off to Manchester CT to one of my favorite haunts when I stumbled across a brand new vintage shop called "Refind Green Designs". Cheryl the owner was as friendly as can be and was still unpacking oodles of vintage clothing, retro items and goodies galore.

You'll Have A Ball Meeting The Owner of Refind Green Designs

Cheryl is the type of person that you feel like you have known for years. She makes you feel real comfortable and wants to push the stuff right out of the store so she is very fair.

After spending a bit of time with Cheryl, you feel like you are with your BF ...having a hoot , shopping and chatting away.

Filling Up Shopping Bags With Goodies

I filled several big shopping bags before I left "Refind Green Designs". Cheryl climbed up on a ladder and pulled down all these very dusty but great advertising tins and bottles.

Funky Retro Finds in Downtown Manchester, CT

She had a lot of very funky collectibles in the store , all mixed together in a rather random matter that seemed to work quite well. I especially like the way she used an old metal locker to display vintage clothing. And boy did she have a lot of clothing everywhere. While I was visiting the shop, Cheryl was putting out dozens of vintage lady's hats.

Vintage Versus Thrift?

Now you know I like to be straight up with my readers. This tiny vintage shop is located in what is known as The Manchester Mall on Main Street in Downtown, Manchester, CT. This very old building leases out tiny stores to a variety sellers of mostly thrift like merchandise.

Refind Green Designs Is A Shop With Vintage Attitude!

It's a real hit or miss type of place and I only stop by when I am in town visiting Silk City Antiques a Mullti-dealer shop which is a few doors down from "Manchester Mall" (not to be confused with Buckland Mall). "Refind Green Designs" in the very front of this Mall building is a cute little shop that seems to have a lot more interesting stuff than the neighboring shops . I have a feeling Cheryl will keep up her shop with fresh inventory and lots of energy!

Historic Downtown Manchester, CT

The Manchester Mall is part of the Downtown historic area which grew in the 1900's in response to the Cheney Manufacturing Company, producers of silk textiles. Cheney was once the largest manufacturer of it's kind in the United States. At one time, the downtown area had Woolworth's, Montgomery Ward, W.T. Grant and many other
department stores.

Visiting Downtown Manchester, CT Restaurants

Today, the Downtown district is trying hard to revitalize the area. Tucked away in some of these old building is some very good restaurants. My favorites are Corey's Catsup and Mustard (featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, Dives) , Mulberry Street Pizza and The Landmark Cafe.

Refind Green Designs
811 Main Street
in The Manchester Mall
860-550-1954

Postscript: this store is closed at that adress 11/6/12

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Society of Professional Journalists

Obsessed Collectors Of Holiday Knick Knacks

Are You A Tchotchkaholic ...Do You Adore Holiday Knick Knacks ? Now There Is A Collector's Support Group For You Online

On the popular social network , I Antique Online.com. there is a group called "Joanie Loves Tchotchkes". Currently 37 tchotchke lovers have found each other and enjoy meeting online and discussing their passion for knick knacks, odds and ends and collectible STUFF!

Adorable Stuff We Love To Collect

Recently one of the members of the group Antiques in Bethania responded to my question about "what a 12 Step Program for tchotchke lovers might look like?". About one hour later, Antiques in Bethania added this hilarious post (reprinted below). With her permission I am sharing this fun 12 Step Program with you. I have added the photos of these adorable Christmas decorations because tis the season for collecting more knick knacks than at any other time. If I wrote this post a little earlier in the season, I would add "Chanukah" to the general theme.

The I Antique Online 12 Step Program For Tchotchkaholics (Reprinted With Permission).


1. We admit that we are powerless over Tchotchkes —that our lives have become unmanageable due to our treasured Tchotchkes.

2. We believe that there is a power greater than ourselves which allows Tchotchkes to restore us to sanity.

3. We have therefore made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to this power as it is not us who are insane, but the rest of the world.

4. We have made a searching and fearless inventory of our Tchotchkes.

5. We have admitted to ourselves, and to other human beings that one can never have enough Tchotchkes.

6. We are entirely ready to stand up and be accounted for and to show the world our Tchotchkes.

7. We humbly ask our friends and family to understand this is not a shortcoming but is saving the destiny of something that may be destined for the trash pile.

8. We have made a list of all persons who would be harmed by this, and are willing to make amends to them all by buying more Tchotchkes.

9. We will make direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others because there is no such thing as "anything you put away in a closet so no one will ever know you bought such a thing is a Tchotchke , or, "There can be, in the meaning of the word, an element of owner’s shame, or, a Tchotchke in Yiddish, "may refer to a person who is a misfit, a nobody, a slut, an ineffectual person."
.
10. We will continue to take personal inventory of our Tchotchkes and when we feel we are missing something that will bring joy to our collection, we will promptly admit it, and immediately head for the nearest antique mall.

11. We will seek mediation by our conscious contact with others who understand our need to amass Tchotchkes by keeping in mind that we, or one of our heirs could wake up one day and be a multimillionaire because of finding our hoard of Tchotchkes.

12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we will carry this message to Tchotchkaholics everywhere in the world and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

Please feel free to add your feedback in the comment section below.

Dianne


C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Authors Guild, Inc.