Fashionable Sixties Tent Dresses Are Back...But Shorter

Hip Mini Moos Moos Have Returned

Are you sitting down? The Tent style dress is hot this season. But let me be frank with you... today's loose fitting Moo Moo styles are more "top" and not so much "bottom". They are dress-ettes! There is very little "dress" in the "dress". Today's retro chicks look a lot different than your mom looked in the 50s when she wore her Tent Style Moo Moo. Or back in the sixties when the style was still blousy but shorter. Young gals today have added a new twist to comfortable......Mini Moo Moos with a lot of leg showing. Guess that leaves me OUT this fashion season.

Mini Moo Moo Dresses Are Fashionable

Unlike the Mid-century housewife who covered up everything she had to offer with her "tent style" Moo Moo dress...... today's hipsters actually show off everything they have to offer with a very skimpy version of the Moo Moo or Tent Style

"Schmatta" Means "Rags" And More......

Back in the day, I remember my father calling some of my mom's Moo Moo Dresses..."schmatta dresses". Schmatta is a Yiddish word which mean's "rag" but also was the term many Jewish immigrants used to refer to the textile industry in New York City during the 40s and 50s and earlier. And "schmatta" referred to all textiles which could be curtains, clothing, dish towels etc.

While the word "schmatta" implies "junk", "cheap" , "garbage" it became a term used to describe the entire textile or fashion industry and was used warmly not as an insult. It was a phrase that those of us that were raised by Yiddish speaking grandparents understood.

"Schmatta": From Rags To Riches

"Schmatta" was more than a simple word...it was a concept that implied how penniless immigrants came to America and were able to turn"rags" to "riches". Recently a friend explained to me that his dad's company dyed the materials that were used to make drapes. He said "my father was in the schmatta business" !

House Dress Or Fashion Statement ?

But "schmatta" was a word also used when women dressed more casually in styles that bordered on "house dress" or were considered "bargain" clothes, not meant for outside the home. Today, young gals are quite "fashionable' when they are wearing the latest Mini Moo Moos in neon colors and psychedelic patterns associated with the Hippie Generation of the 1960s.

Garment Industry Flourishes During the 1940s and 1950s

The Garment industry (district) which flourished during the 1940s and 1950s was centered between Fifth Avenue and Ninth Avenue between 34th to 42nd Street in New York City and now has almost completely vanished. Once 95 per cent of clothing was made in America. Now 95 per cent of what we wear is made abroad. Many young designers and others are trying to Save The Garment Center .

Learn More About The Garment Industry: Rags to Riches To Rags, HBO Documentary

For more information about "schmattas" and the history of The Garment Center watch this wonderful HBO documentary "Schmattas: From Rags To Riches To Rags" ( now on cable). Or read http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garment_District,_Manhattan

Photos courtesy of http://www.kaboodle.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 Iantiqueonline.com 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.

Having A Rockin' Good Time With Bret Michaels Trop-A-Rocka Tea: Will Bret Michaels Win Celebrity Apprentice?

It's Tea Time At Kitsch n Stuff

The Kitschy Collector Has a Sneak Preview of The Apprentice "Celebri-Tea" Formulas, Bret Michaels "Trop-A-Rocka Tea" and Holly Robinson Peete's "Compassionberry Tea":


Who Do You Think Should Win Celebrity Apprentice During This Sunday's Finale, May 23, 2010.....Bret or Holly? Who has the better product and campaign? Which star deserves to win Celebrity Apprentice ? Who will Donald Trump fire?
Please Leave a Comment

Diet Trop-A-Rocka™ Tea

Bret Michaels: “My new tea is taste bud tested and rocker approved. I chose to create a Diet Snapple because I am a lifelong type-1 diabetic and I know together we can find a cure for diabetes. And just like being a diabetic doesn’t mean I have to sacrifice having a rockin’ good time, Diet Snapple doesn’t sacrifice great taste. My Snapple-osophy is simple: awesome taste, the best ingredients and zero calories. And now The Best Stuff on Earth is better for me.”

Nutrition Facts for 8 fl oz:
Calories	5
Total Fat	0g	0% DV
Sodium	5mg	0% DV
Total Carb	0g	0% DV
Protein	0g
† Not a significant source of Calories from Fat, Saturated Fat, Trans Fat, Cholesterol, Dietary Fiber, Sugars, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Calcium and Iron.
‡ Percent Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Compassionberry™ Tea

Holly Robinson Peete: “Did you know autism is a global epidemic affecting 67 million people worldwide? The HollyRod foundation helps families in the autism community access affordable treatment and compassionate care, and our mission is what inspired my new Snapple flavor. Compassionberry Tea combines passionfruit and strawberry with The Best Stuff on Earth, making the best stuff even better…and more compassionate.”
Share your thoughts...who should win Celebrity Apprentice and why?

Nutrition Facts for 8 fl oz:
Calories	90
Total Fat	0g	0% DV
Sodium	5mg	0% DV
Total Carb	22g	7% DV
Sugars	22g
Protein	0g
† Not a significant source of Calories from Fat, Saturated Fat, Trans Fat, Cholesterol, Dietary Fiber, Sugars, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Calcium and Iron.
‡ Percent Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie

Also read my blog: http://cdiannezweig.blogspot.com/2010/05/bret-michaels-and-his-charity-american.html

Background:

Snapple tea was launched in 1987 .The first flavor was Snapple Lemon Tea. the name "Snapple" came from a carbonated apple soda that was part of the original product line.

Information Courtesy of http://www.snapple.com/

Bret Michaels Website: http://www.bretmichaels.com/default.shtml

Bret- Celebrity Apprentice: http://www.nbc.com/the-apprentice/contestants/bret-michaels/

PR- http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/snapple-launches-the-celebrity-apprentice-inspired-teas-handcrafted-by-bret-michaels-and-holly-robinson-peete-94717799.html

Photos of glasses courtesy of http://www.etsy.com/shop/OMan77

Tea Ladies Photo courtesy of http://twoladiesinwaiting.wordpress.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 Iantiqueonline.com 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.

Collecting, Decorating And Baking With Bundt Cake Pans

The Art Of Collecting Bundt Pans

Some people make an art out of baking delicious Bundt cakes, while others find the art within the pan itself and love collecting these old world treasures.

The Cake With The Hole In The Middle

With an estimated 60 million Bundt pans existing across America, it is easy to find a variety of these German inspired fluted cake pans used to make the "cake with the hole in the middle" popularized in a very funny movie "My Big fat Greek Wedding".




My Big Fat Greek Wedding And The Bundt Cake

If you recall in the hit movie, My Big Fat Greek Wedding", the groom's mother brings the bride's mother a Bundt cake and in several hilarious exchanges , the mother of the bride-to -be calls the cake a "bunk" cake and serves the cake with a potted plant in the middle.

The Settlement Cookbook

Bundt cake recipes show up in America in the early 1900's and can be found in The Settlement Cookbook by Lizzie Kander. Originally made as ring shaped coffee cakes, Bundt cakes were first referred to as German bundkuchen, made in ceramic pans and familiar to Germany, Austria and Hungary. The early old world pans were fluted and very heavy made of ceramic or cast iron.

Introducing Nordic Ware Aluminum Bundt Pans

"In 1950, the landmark pan was introduced, after the Minneapolis Chapter of the Hadassah Society asked Dave and Dotty to produce a kuglehof pan, similar to the one the society's president had received from her grandmother in Germany. Dave produced the pan from cast aluminum for the Hadassah Society and a few for the Nordic Ware trademark, which he sold to department stores using the name, bund pan. (The word bund means a gathering-thus a bund cake, with its characteristic fluting, was a cake suitable for a gathering or party.) Nordic Ware created the pan and filed for a trademark to protect its creation, renaming the pan the Bundt pan." http://www.nordicware.com/about/founders.

Bundt Pans Come In A Variety Of Shapes

There has also been many variations to the original ring shaped design including rectangular shapes, hearts, roses, flowers and even Star of David Bundt pans ( Nordic Ware). See
http://www.jewishrecipes.org/kitchenware/bakeware/star-of-david-bundt-pan.html

Vintage Bundt Pans Are Reasonably Priced

You will find Bundt pans made of ceramic, cast iron, Graniteware, glass, tin, aluminum, copper in a variety of colors and sizes .
Prices vary according to materials, age, rarity and condition but for the most part, there are lots of Bundt pans in the very reasonably priced category that you can pick up for a few dollars. Look out for dents, chips, rust. Companies that made Bundt pans are Nordic Ware, Mirro, West Bend. Anchor Hocking, Jeanette Glass, McKee etc.

Handmade Bundt Pan Covers

For some adorable handmade Bundt pan covers, take a look at: http://www.etsy.com/search_results.php?search_query=bundt+pan+covers&search_type=handmade

Photos Courtesy of :

http://modishvintage.blogspot.com/2010/02/colourful-vintage-kitchen.html
http://www.jazzejunque.com/
http://www.plaidponyvintage.com/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ndworkin
http://www.mommyskitchen.net/
http://www.weddingcake101.com/

History of Bundt Cakes

http://www.nordicware.com/about/founders

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A27813-2005Jan21.html

http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/turningpoints/search.asp?id=910

http://busycooks.about.com/od/howtobake/a/bundtcake.htm

Recipes

http://bundt-cake.com/
http://www.squidoo.com/bundtcakerecipes
http://www.jewishrecipes.org/kitchenware/bakeware/star-of-david-bundt-pan.html

12 Things You Can Make With A Mini Bundt Pan
http://www.preparedpantry.com/pdf/mini-bundt-cake-guide.pdf

Collecting Bundt Pans
http://www.etsy.com/search_results.php?search_query=bundt+pans&search_type=vintage


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 Iantiqueonline.com 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.

Todays Bridal Showers Are Way Beyond The Dimestore Era

Bridal Showers a la Trump

Remember the good ole days, when you attended Bridal showers and the Bride- to- be got very practical gifts, perhaps a can opener or some hand made pot holders or maybe a lovely apron or two? Times they are changing, now brides are "registered" in some very beautiful places and the wish list reads like a Trump shopping extravaganza.

Aluminum Pots : 1950's and 1960's Favorites

If you were back in the 50's and 60's, you could be sure to receive all the things you needed to prepare, cook or bake meals for your family. And for more elaborate gifts your girl friends, sisters, aunts and mom might chip in and buy you a set of aluminum pots or a lovely canister set for your counter top. Yes, even aluminum pots and pans were considered a "big" gift.

Dimestore Out: Tiffany In

Those were considered "important gifts" in the atomic era. Today, young brides to be are older (25-40) and in many parts of the country open boxes holding gifts made of crystal , silver, china etc. Once "wedding gifts", the new shower party has trumped the Dimestore era.

Photos courtesy of http://www.etsy.com/shop/thevintagesupplyco
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 Iantiqueonline.com 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.

Move Over Cherries, Collectors Love Retro Strawberry Collectibles

Move Over Cherries, Hello Strawberries

While cherry designs on kitchen collectibles are very "forties" and even "fifties", it appears that strawberries can claim the sixties, seventies and eighties as their featured years for popular image and fame.

"Strawberry Fields Forever"

Think about it, "Strawberry Fields Forever" (Beatles 1967) and Strawberry Short Cake character (1970's -80's) and Central Park's Strawberry Field (John Lennon Memorial 1985) inaugurated on what would of been John's 49th birthday by his widow Yoko Ono..

Groovy Strawberries

Yes, the groovy generation loved strawberries on clothing, pocketbooks, housewares, glassware, textiles, wall decor etc. Along with mushrooms,butterflies and daisies, you will find plenty of
strawberries on wallpaper, kitchen towels, tablecloths, mugs, glassware etc.

Meet Strawberry Shortcake

There is something very adorable about strawberries which is why the Strawberry Shortcake Character charmed little girls throughout the disco years. And boy do we all love Strawberry shortcake dessert. So it is no wonder that millions of children fell in love with the character of Strawberry Shortcake. Toys, dolls, lunchboxes, clothing, games, dishes etc. all were made with the American Greetings
character Strawberry Shortcake. Today, plenty of collectors adore these collectibles.

Photos Courtesy of :
http://www.etsy.com/shop/FunkyTime
http://www.etsy.com/shop/CheekyVintageClose
http://www.etsy.com/shop/johnnyvintage

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 Iantiqueonline.com 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.

Kitschy Collector Mourns Her Hard Drive: Time To Go Out Antiquing

Retro Blogger Exhausts Her PC

Say goodbye to my hard drive. I believe I killed the poor thing. How this unfortunate untimely death occurred is beyond my clueless computer mind. But my techy son returned from college last night and made the pronouncement. A new hard drive with a much larger storage capacity is on it's way.

Kitschy Collector Mourns Her Blogging Friend

What went wrong? Did I tucker this three year old computer out with all my blogging? Heck I was just getting started ? Was this event a message from above that I was spending too much time on-line and not antiquing enough ? Or perhaps my "mother board" and hard drive weren't getting along. (Welcome to the family).


So Many Kitsch n Collectibles

The truth is I had so many photographs of kitsch n collectibles stored on the computer that signs of overload were starting to emerge. Essentially my computer was suffering the equivalent of Congestive Heart Failure.

When You Feel Lousy: Go Antiquing

Oh, dear me, I feel terrible. And when I feel lousy, I just want to go out antiquing, like I have been doing all week while I have been waiting for a diagnosis.

CODE 7 : Very Bad News

But the diagnosis came last night, CODE 7. My son broke it to me gently....."mom it is not good news.....". I have not gone into panic mode (yet) because I had a back up hard drive. I am trying to work a little from my husband's computer....but all the goodies are on my computer. May she rest in peace.


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

http://www.etsy.com/shop/PreserveCottage

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 Iantiqueonline.com 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.

Decorating Your Pink Retro Beachy Swan Themed Bathroom

What Would You Put in a Retro Beachy Bathroom?

Think pink......pink and black...and swans.... oh my...my mother in law has a pink and black bathroom. While some people are "upgrading" their "dated' bathrooms, plenty of cool chicks and others are returning to a retro beachy look. I say beachy because I LOVE BEACHY! My idea is to use the pink and black as a guide and to add the whimsical retro vintage accessories and collectibles.

1950's Pin and Black Bathrooms

What could be more fun than pink tiled walls, black counters and floors and darling black hand towels. So deliciously fifties. And how about swan themed wallpaper? (Try Hannah's Treasures Vintage Wallpaper ). By the way, Marilyn who owns Hannah's treasures has hundredths of patterns of older wallpapers. I showcase many of her papers in my book, Hot Cottage Collectibles For vintage Style Homes.

Using Vintage Swan Planters In A Variety of Ways

And don't forget the ceramic pottery planters of sea shells, pelicans and of course swans. The wonderful thing about swan planters is that you can use them for so many different things besides plants. They make charming jewelry and trinket holders or practical places to keep your soap. Also try rolling up smaller towels and placing them in a swan planter. Look how nice the swans looks all together. Wouldn't it be sweet to create a collection of swans on a cute shelf in your retro beachy bathroom?

Metal Vintage Bathroom Acesssories

You could really have a great time, creating your pink and black bathroom. There are also plenty of vintage metal accessories available such as tissue holders, waste paper bins, hampers, shelving etc.


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

and Coffee Trade Antiques

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 Iantiqueonline.com 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.

Dressing The New Bride: Ideas From The 1950's

Dressing The New Bride: Ideas From The 1950's

"Besides the household possessions you bring to your new husband, it's customary to bring a wardrobe that is sufficient to last you through the first season of your marriage".
Suggested Clothes For The New Bride:

A new going away dress or suit.

Half a dozen new nightgowns and slips.

A pretty new housecoat.

A Couple of new blouses.

More Wardrobe Ideas:

"Or it may be a start - from- scratch new wardrobe, including a dozen new outfits and a fur coat".

"Lingerie items may very well be given to you as shower presents but otherwise your personal trousseau, great or small, is provided by your family or yourself".

References:
The ideas posted here were first discussed in "Good Housekeeping's Complete Wedding Guide", Edited by Elizabeth Stewart Weston, Bridal Editor, Good Housekeeping Magazine, 1957

Photo courtesy of http://www.etsy.com/shop/vintageJones and http://www.mainstreetmallonline.com/patterns/store.php?ref=4&category=cat8&action=Display

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 Iantiqueonline.com 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.

Entertaining With Coca Cola; Retro Ideas For A Mother's Day Picnic

Entertaining With Coca Cola: WAKE UP MOM

Are you having trouble waking up? Well I imagine in the early 1950's, you would be wide awake. It seems that Coca Cola was always on the menu!

I just read through a booklet called "Easy Hospitality: Home Entertaining On A Budget Basis", (1951) distributed by the fine folks of The Coca Cola Company who wanted all of us drinking Coke all the time.

This booklet is a hoot. Here are some of the names of possible party theme ideas and recipes. Of course with each recipe and meal suggestion, guess what...Cocoa Cola is on the list.

Entertaining Ideas 1951: Serve Coca Cola

Below is a list of titles for recipe suggestions and party ideas. Courtesy of "easy Hospitality: Home Entertaining On A Budget Basis"
Party Ideas

"Saw Your Lights On"
"Picnic When Mother Has Had A Hard Day"
"After A Committee Meeting"
"Husband Gone To Rotary"
"Winter is Over"
"Hot Night Special"
"Sis Entertains"
"After a Square Dance"
"The Sewing Circle"
'Overnight Hike"
"Weekend-Guests"
"One More Fry"
"Addressing Christmas cards"
"After A Game of Bridge"
"A Gang At The Door"

Here is an example for Mother's Day from the booklet: "Easy Hospitality" (1951)

Picnic When Mother Has Had A Hard Day
"Entirely Done By The Men Of The Family"
Chicken and Sliced Tongue With Pickled Onions
Garlic French Bread
Stuffed tomatoes
French Dressing
Macaroons
Vanilla Ice Cream
Black Cherry sauce

and of course

COCA COLA


Photo of vintage Mustard and Ketchup bottles are from the collection of http://www.kitschykoo.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 Iantiqueonline.com 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.

Preparing Your Kitchen: Wedding Advice From Hip Vintage Mom's

How To Become The Perfect Housewife: Ideas For Brides From Hip Vintage Mom's
Attention brides to be...if you really want to become the perfect housewife...you can learn a lot from gals of the 1950s on how to set up your future kitchen. There were very few clueless homemakers back then because brides- to- be were prepared by their moms, grandmother's, popular home magazines, classes in school and lots of advice books on how to prepare their kitchens for Prince Charming. .

New Brides Love Kitchen Gifts

During the Atomic Era, housewife- to- be often bought her housewares from the local Dimestore or ordered her kitchenwares from catalogs from Montgomery Ward or Sears. Many new brides might also select special gifts from Stamp Redemption Centers such as S & H or others. Oh the good ole days, when you could bring home a lovely cake saver which matched your canisters and serving trays.

It's not too late to help the new bride in the kitchen.

Preparing Your Kitchen: Hints For The Retro Bride - What You Will Need
Kitchen-wares

1 rolling pin
1 egg beater
1 food chopper
1 grater or set of graters
1 small reamer for lemon juice
2 strainers
2 flour sifters
1 tea kettle
6 knives (chef, butcher, carving, utility, pairing. slicer).

Baking

1 0r 2 cookie sheets
1 0r 2 pie tins
1 loaf pan
2 cake pans (8 or 9 inch)
1 set of mixing bowls
2 sets of measuring cups (dry and wet)



Cookware

1 large roasting pan (with rack)
1 or 2 casseroles
1 pressure sauce pan
2 frying pans 10 inch and 7 inch
2 saucepans
1 double boiler
1 dutch oven or large covered pan

Reference Information: Courtesy of Good Housekeeping's Complete Wedding Guide, Edited by Elizabeth Stewart Weston, Bridal Editor of Good Housekeeping Magazine, 1957.

Photos Courtesy of

http://www.etsy.com/shop/vintagegoodies

http://jazzejunque.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 Iantiqueonline.com 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.

Offbeat Vintage Cabinets And Shelves Look Great Mounted On The Wall : Ideas From The Brooklyn Mercantile

Got Any Hang Ups?
Check Out The Brooklyn Mercantile

This is another article about HANG UPS...not the kind you suffer with, or rude phone dis-connects...my kind of HANG UP is mounting a cool looking shabby chic cabinet on the wall to display antiques, collectibles and objets d' art.

Taking Home Decor Into Your Own Hands

By now you now you know that I stop to photograph "cabinet kitsch" wherever I go. This weekend, my journey took me to Brooklyn Mercantile in Park Slope, Brooklyn, New York. Brooklyn Mercantile describes itself has a shop where you can finally take home decor into your own hands. They specialize in crafts, sewing notions, quilts, upholstery fabrication, textiles and classes.

Hanging Up A Blue And Yellow Offbeat Chippy Painted Cabinet

The goal at Brooklyn Mercantile is to help customers finally give voice to their own home creations. And there are plenty of artsy examples in this shop to fire up your creative juices. I loved the offbeat cabinet and yellow chippy painted cabinet that hangs over the front desk area. Apparently so does the owner, who told me that she fell in love with this piece at a flea market and had to have it.

Mounting Old Shelves On The Wall

When you are out looking for store fixture...consider pulling an ordinary divided shelf unit off the floor and mounting it on the wall instead.

Old open record cabinets make great shop or home displays for collectibles of various sizes. And if you find a funky cabinet, but it has doors, or a wood finish that you don't love, just take the doors off and buy some spray paint and you are good to go!

Visit The Brooklyn Mercantile at http://www.brooklynmercantile.com/

Photo of fabrics courtesy of http://cherrypatter.com/2010/01/brooklyn-mercantile-general-store-for-fabrics-custom-work-hand-made-upholstery-organic-fabrics-sewing-classes-quiltmaking-plus-stitch-therapy-on-5th-avenue-park-slope-brooklyn/

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 Iantiqueonline.com 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.

Project Mah Jongg: Exhibit At Museum Of Jewish Heritage

"Crack", Dot", "Bam", "Soap"

I am so excited to tell you about Project Mah Jongg opening at Museum of Jewish Heritage, Battery Park, New York City, May 4th, 2010. Oy, I can already hear the tiles clicking and the women shouting out "Mah Jongg! I knew the symbols on the Mah Jongg tiles before I could read. (My mother was a seasoned player).

"Mah Jongg Lady"

The photo shown of "Mah Jongg Lady" was a whimsical three dimensional figure ( styled like a Mah Jongg tile) that I created out of a painted brick for a local Cancer charity auction in Connecticut. (We had to create "art" out of a brick". ) By the way, never will I attempt epoxy glue again.

Mah Jongg Lady evolved in my mind quite easily as I grew up surrounded my Mah Jong ladies, including my mother and all of our neighbors in Brooklyn and than in Fresh Meadows, New York.

Mah Jongg In The Catskills

I remember my mother getting ready to play Mah Jongg in the 1950s. She played both evening games and daytime games during the summer (in The Catskills).

During the weekly evening games, mom would pull out the bridge table and chairs and cover the table with a plastic quilted cover and tablecloth. I can't believe I now sell similar items in my shop , "Kitsch n Stuff".

Mah Jongg Night: Candy And Refreshments

The best part of Mah Jongg night for me ( as a child) was the refreshments. What would Mah Jongg night be without filled candy dishes, cakes, soda etc. Mom would let me sample the goodies before I was tucked in for bed. But, of course I could still hear the gals calling out "bam", "dot", "crack", "soap,. the names of the tiles which form suits.

Project Mah Jongg At Museum of Jewish Heritage

The upcoming exhibit "Project Mah Jongg", takes place in a 1000 square foot hexagonal gallery and will chronicle the artifacts associated with the game as well as Mah Jongg's social and cultural history for Jewish women in America. According to The Museums website visitors to the exhibit will experience the ambient soundscape created by sound designer Timothy Nohe who has reproduced the sounds and voices of women playing the game.

The exhibit, designed by Abbott Miller of Pentagram, features artwork by Christoph Niemann, Isaac Mizrachi, Maira Kalman, and Bruce McCall and was curated by Melissa Martens. An accompanying publication called "Mah Jongg: Crak, Mam, Dot", edited by Abbott Miller and Patsy Tarr is available in The Pickman Museum Shop


About The Museum: From Their Website:
"The Museum of Jewish Heritage is A Living Memorial to the Holocaust. "Created as a living memorial to those who perished during the Holocaust, our Museum honors those who died by celebrating their lives - cherishing the traditions that they embraced, examining their achievements and faaith, and affirming the vibrant worldwide Jewish community that is their legacy today" .

Learn More About The Exhibit, Museum And Mah Jongg:

http://www.projectmahjongg.com/about.html

To Read More About Mah Jongg click on this link: http://cdiannezweig.blogspot.com/2009/10/mah-jongg-and-martinis-vintage-mah.html
Group photos shown are the courtesy of http://www.projectmahjongg.com/about.html

Books About Mah Jongg

Mah Jongg - Companion Volume to the Exhinbition " Project Mah Jongg" Published by the 2wice Arts Foundation http://www.pickmanmuseumshop.com/mahjocovotop.html

A Beginner's Guide To American Mah jongg by Elaine Sandberg http://www.pickmanmuseumshop.com/begutoammahj.html

A Mah Jongg handbook: How to Play, Score, and Win by Eleanor Noss Whitney http://www.pickmanmuseumshop.com/mahjohahowto.html

Mah Jongg Made Easy by National Mah Jongg League http://www.pickmanmuseumshop.com/mahjomaeainb.html

The Great Mahjong Book: History, Lore, and Play by Jelte Rep http://www.pickmanmuseumshop.com/grmabohiloan.html

References And Articles About Mah Jongg Collectibles

An Interview With Antique Mahjong Set Collector Carol Ann Harper http://www.collectorsweekly.com/articles/an-interview-with-antique-mahjong-set-collector-carol-ann-harper/

Mah Jongg Musuem: http://www.mahjongmuseum.com/

Mah Jongg Sets http://www.collectorsweekly.com/board-games/mah-jong

Mah Jongg Gifts http://www.funwithmahjongg.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 Iantiqueonline.com 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.