Monday, February 28, 2011

Falling In Love With Real Dishes Again

Goodbye Paper Plates....Hello Real Dishes
The Thrifty Kitschy Housewife Series

Something is happening to me...I am using less and less paper plates and paper cups. And I wish I could say that this transformation had something to do with being a more Eco friendly baby boomer (which I am) but the turn around has more to do with what is going on in my nest than yours.

Now I Can Handle Using Real Dishes


The reason why glass and ceramic is making a comeback in my kitchen is because the "baby" has left the "boomer". It suddenly dawned on me that I don't mind using glass dishes in place of paper. As each of my four kids has "launched", the load in the kitchen is simply more manageable, Frankly, now I can handle real dishes, whereas before, paper was a welcomed convenience.

Synaptic Activity Is Returning To My Brain: Less People In The Kitchen=Less Dishes

My brain took a long time to realize that the kids are out...but I am catching up. There is synaptic activity returning! Here is what I am realizing.......less people in the kitchen means less dishes (except at holiday time and weekend visits). But even at those times, I am starting to appreciate the beauty of real dishes again.

No More Stepping Over Legos

Oh, my I am turning into a grandma type.....no nothing is on the way....but I am appreciating the kitchen more. There is something special about the kitchen when you can drink a cup of tea in peace or stand at the sink without twisting your ankle on a Lego or crunching a pile of Cheerios.

Gotta, go, I'm going, I'm going to unpack some vintage tea cups to use....bye bye Styrofoam!

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

Turn It Over: Using Vintage Planters As Display Pedestals

Gain More Space in Your Displays By Using Ceramic Planters As Risers

Turn it over.....your vintage planters that is. Did you know that you can use your collectible ceramic planters as risers or pedestals to display other planters and objects. By the way, you can also turnover bowls and use the bottom bowl to display the top bowl. In the photo shown, the whimsical polka dot planters is a great fit for the yellow base (planter below) . Try mixing colors as well as creating displays with the same color.

Meet "The Queen Of Turnovers"


At the Coffee Trade Antique in Avon, Connecticut, Joan is the "Queen of Turnovers".
Not only does she know how to make pottery look it's best, but her knack for creating visual interest in ALL her displays is engaging.

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

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Visiting A Retro Kitchenware Haven Owned By Fritz Karch, Editor Of Collecting At Martha Stewart Living Magazine

Kitchen Collectibles Galore At The Tomato Factory in Hopewell, New Jersey

I think I may have found the haven for the best collection of vintage kitchenware anywhere. Sit down, pour yourself a cup of tea.....I fell into a place called The Tomato Factory in Hopewell, New Jersey and stumbled into a booth owned by Fritz Karch the editorial director of collecting at Martha Stewart Living Magazine.

Obsessed Collector Of Kitchen Kitsch And More

Yep...he is a ridiculous collector of kitchen kitsch and then some. Picture this, Pyrex bowls which start at the floor and go up at least two to three feet high. Refrigerator dishes in colors you probably have never seen before.
Shelves and shelves of pottery vases from the 1930s, 1940s, 1950s in white,cream, aqua, blue, pink, black, green and more.

Where Are All Those Collectibles Shown In Martha Stewart Living Magazine ?

You've seen plenty of articles in Martha Stewart Living magazine with photos of how great pottery looks when grouped together by color, varying size and shape. Well where do you think all that pottery is? I'm thinking it just may be at The Tomato Factory Antiques. I kid you not. And tablecloths, Fritz had PILES of tablecloths.

In Fritz's online staff bio he says "he specializes in twentieth-century dinnerware among may things". I can tell you some of the "other things" Fritz can't stop buying: beverage glasses, Jadeite, bowls, refrigerator jugs, dish towels, Bakelite, flatware, clocks, shakers, Cookie jars, planters etc.

Largest Collection of Vintage Pottery Vases And Planters Anywhere

Fritz had one of the largest collections of pottery vases and planters I have EVER seen in one spot. And I have to tell you, his prices were very fair. Isn't all this aqua pottery dreamy? The warmer weather is coming and now is the time to buy pastel colored pottery before the rush is on. Speaking of "rushes"...don't you love it when Martha Stewart Living features an article on a particular collectible? The antique world feels the aftershocks. I am still recovering from Hammered aluminum and plastic picnic-ware. I wonder what Fritz has got planned for the next edition? If only I had an inside track. I'm working on it...stay tuned!

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

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Lighten Up Your Antique Booth Or Shop With New Color Combinations

Springy Ideas For Your Antique Booth Or Shop

Spring is in the air... all the antique dealers I know are gearing up for tag sales and flea markets so that they can replenish their inventory. February and March are in between months for many antique dealers. In many parts of the country the weather is still cold and the shows, sales and markets have not yet started again in full swing.

Mini Antique Booth Makeover

So at this time of the year, you really need to work with what you have to create some attractive displays. I generally have two kinds of booth makeovers...BIG ONES where I tear apart the entire booth from floor to ceiling, and MINI makeovers which is when I do a little gentle housekeeping and perhaps move a few things around to give the booth a zap of freshness.

Jazz Up Your Antique Booth With Some Sparkle And Pizazz

An easy solution to build some interest in your antique booth or shop is too create new color combinations. As you pack away your Christmas and holiday decor, leave the greens out and save some of the pretty Christmas balls and garland. Try organizing your greens with yellow or orange collectibles. Incorporate vignettes of antiques and collectibles with some of your smalls with flower designs. And add some of the holiday decor that you left out to jazz up your items and to give your shop a lighter, Springy look. Take a look at the plate with the green and silver balls.

Salmon Brook Antiques Ready For St. Patrick's Day


At The Salmon Brook Shop Antiques, Granby, CT many dealers have already changed over their booths for Spring. First comes the St. Patrick's themes ....the GREEN 'S are sprouting, along with the clovers. If you do not have any St. Patrick collectibles you can set the holiday tone by selecting a collection of the green ceramics, bowls, vases, plates etc. that you have dispersed in your booth or shop. Put all your greens together and you will have a new and fresh display. But don't forget to add a little yellow or orange to perk up the greens.

Good Bye Santa, Hello Easter Bunny

After the greens are our ...it will be time for new palettes. If you haven't removed the Christmas decor...what are you waiting for? Good bye Santa, hello Easter Bunny. I know it is still February and we have plenty of winter to endure...but getting into a Spring mode is not a bad idea.

Mix-It-Up : Sell More

I am getting ready to transition my booth with a new display of pink and black 1950s kitchen collectibles. I will pull apart my booth and pair together new colors . When you move around your items for sale, they actually DO SELL!
Magically everything looks new again.

Here are some new Springy color combos to try:


aqua and yellow
lavender and yellow
orange and yellow
green and cream
pink and green
soft blue and pink

Salmon Brook Shops

860-653-6587
563 Salmon Brook Street
Route 10/202
Granby, CT 06035

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

Monday, February 21, 2011

Burlington Inn Antiques, Burlington, CT Now Featuring Qualilty Vintage Clothing And Accessories

Gals Of All Ages Adore Retro Vintage Clothing Styles

What a better way to be a nifiy thrifty housewife and career gal than to dress for success in vintage clothing. Why buy clothing today that looks like the older style when you can wear the real thing at a fraction of the cost?

More Antique Stores Are Carrying Vintage Clothing

Have you noticed that there is now an increase in young women and couples showing up at antique stores buying vintage clothing. In fact I can think of several larger Multi-dealer shops that have now expanded to include booths that specialize in shoes, hats, furs, pocketbooks, dresses, skirts, sweaters, formal attire, accessories and more.

And it seems that once you bring in vintage clothing into your antique mall word gets out quite quickly. There are plenty of customers who adore dressing in vintage styles all year round. And now young girls have discovered that Vintage shops are a great place to find Prom dresses, older jewelry and evening bags at very fair prices.

Shopping For Vintage Prom Dresses

I often see High School students wit their moms going bananas over dresses and coats that we baby boomers remember well.

Burlington Inn Antique
s has a nice variety of vintage clothing including a wonderful collection of early lingerie and undergarments . You will also find plenty of 1950s , 1960s, 1970s Retro style clothing.

Burlington Inn Antiques
304 Spielman Highway (Route 4)
Burlington CT 06013
860-404-1780

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

Do You Have The Chutzpah To Wear Purple And Red? Remembering Colorful Vintage Relatives

Vintage Purple Jewelry And Accessories...Just What Grandma Esther Liked

Do you have any relatives that when you think of them you think in color? For example, you may have heard me talk about my Grandmother Esther...I refer to her in one of my books as Shabby Granny. This woman I would think of as the color purple. She loved PURPLE. And she would mix purple and red together. What is your favorite color? Do you have a color palette that defines you?

Having The Chutzpah To Be Colorful

I wish I had the chutzpah to wear a purple sweater with a red blouse, but I don't! Shabby Granny on the other hand was not at all shabby ...but let's say "colorful". Grandma liked accessorizing with big round beads and a series of favorite hats. She always looked lovely, just colorful. I loved visiting her apartment. She had so many treasures stuffed inside her dresser drawers.

Buried Tschotskes

I have fond memories of her Maple drop down desk with drawers that would be crammed with old cards, wrapping paper, photographs, trinkets, souvenirs etc. Boy did I like poking around in those drawers. This desk was something of a burial ground for old tschotskes galore. If only I had the sense to hold onto all these "collectibles" instead of tossing them .

Unloading Hand Me Downs

The reason I refer to her as "Shabby Granny" is that she was the grand mom of Shabby Chic. She loved taking old pocketbooks, hats, scarves etc. from all her kids who were happy to unload their hand me downs on Grandma Esther. She was also a royal scavenger. But enough about family secrets. I just want to know what color would we say is you? I'm lime green...what about you?

Photos Courtesy of Barbara's Barn

Visit:

Barbara's Barn
Antiques, Collectibles & Costume Jewelry
127 Main Street
Seymour, CT 06483
203-268-9805

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

Using Ordinary Vintage Objects Such As Old Thermos Bottles To Create An Attractive Collection

Using Vintage Objects As Art

I like the idea of making artsy collections out of ordinary vintage objects. The Seymour Antiques Company in Seymour CT. has always provided me with plenty of inspiration and ideas.

Look how amazing these older thermos containers look when grouped together? The palette is limited to red, black and silver. The simple banded design, popular in 1930s and 1940s housewares is another organizing element making this ensemble were attractive.

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

Entertaining Retro Style With Colorful Lazy Susan Snack Dishes And Party Trays

Time To Have A Retro Party And Take Out Your Vintage Party Trays And Snack Sets

Entertaining Retro style can be so much fun. And you can really get mixy matchy here and put together snack and beverage items that are from different decades but when placed together they look really cool.

I'.m loving the Lazy Susan shown on top with great 1950s colors and ceramic snack dishes that fit together like a puzzle. Why on earth don't more people use these treasures at home parties?

Mix And Match Retro Party Serving Pieces

And look how fab the yellow ball pitcher (probably 40s) is with the 1970s snack tray? A match made in vintage heaven. I have no idea about the age of the colorful cocktail glasses sitting on the tray, but the whole ensemble works.



Using A Lazy Susan Tray For Organizing Craft Items


You will find a full range of vintage snack sets and trays out there. My experience has been that they do not fly out the door of most shops, so you will be able to find your dream colors. You can even find two tier ones like the orange and white Lazy Susan below. Besides serving refreshments with these compartmentalized dishes, they are great for displaying vintage jewelry in a shop or using in a home craft studio to organize small items such as buttons, beads, trinkets etc.!

Photos Courtesy of The Seymour Antiques Company, Seymour 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.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Society of Professional Journalists

Mosaic Table With Wrought Iron Hairpin Legs: Popular 1950s Design

Turquoise, Black, Red Mosaic Tiles Make This 1950s Table Look So Retro Cool

You had to see me crawling around this booth at the Seymour Antiques Company, Seymour CT. trying to photograph this fabulous Mosaic table with wrought iron hair pin legs .

Despite the strong rays of sun that were soaking through the window of this amazing store, I managed to get a few decent shots of this table to share.

Crafting With Mosaic Tiles In The 1950s

Very 1950s, Mosaic tables, accessories, kitchen-wares were very popular during the Atomic Era. I remember my dad sitting at the dinette table, soaking his mosaics which came on a glue backed sheet. I would help him slide the tiles off their sticky sheet. Then we would dry the tiles and he would begin making bowls, trivets, ash tarys etc.

But this table is a beauty. The colors of turquoise, black and tomato red are so classic 1950s. I could just picture a ceramic T.V.lamp sitting right on this table.

Hairpin Wrought Iron Legs

Hairpin legs were designed by Henry Glass in 1942. You can still buy  replacement hairpin legs . This is important to know because it if you find a table top you can easily add legs to get the Retro look. It also means that you may be finding tables that are not all original. If you like it...buy it!

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

Dating Old Kitchen Enamelware Pots By Color

Retro Kitchen Pots Come In A Variety of Colors: From Pastels to Harvest Colors

This photo of sauce pots that I spotted at The Seymour Antiques Company, Seymour, CT offers me an opportunity to talk about using color to determine the age of kitchen-wares.

For those of you who are familiar with my book "Hot Kitchen and Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s Second Edition" (Collectorbooks.com) you may remember that I included a ice chapter on Enamelware.

In summary, pastel colors were popular in the 1950s. Red and white was an earlier color combination. Green (as shown) was moving into the 1960s, become more Muddy into the 70s. Although not shown, other Harvests colors such as Gold, Brown, Orange were also Disco Decade 70s colors.

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

Hang Up Your Antique and Vintage Costume Jewelry On A Table Top Memo Board Display

Using A Memo Board To Show Off Your Vintage Jewelry At Shows, Shops, Markets

This post is part of my Retro Hang Ups Series where I bring you clever ways to display antiques, collectibles and vintage jewelry.

Perhaps it was the red plaid fabric that got my attention, but I was excited to see how this antique dealers at Seymour Antiques Company, Seymour, CT came up with a unique way of hanging her old costume jewelry.

While many of us have seen single Bulletin boards or message boards which hang flat on the wall. This version is a tabletop unit which is like a mini screen.

I could see this idea working very well at antique shows or outdoor flea markets. And I like the red plaid....very 50ish, even thought I believe it a more current piece.

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

Friday, February 18, 2011

Visiting "Paula's Unique Consignment", Plantsville, CT: Collectibles, Furniture, Jewelry

Silent Auction at Paula's Unique Consignment,
Plantsville, CT. February 26th, 2011


Have you been to "Paula's Unique Consignment" Store on South Main St. in Plantsville, CT ?
Paula moved into the Plantsville General Store Antique Center when Elaine retired.

By the way, Elaine and several former dealers from PGS are now at The Colllinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT.

Paula Works Hard To Fill Her Store With Fresh Finds

But back to Paula's Consignment. Paula knows the world and her store, once a popular General Store in town, is now stuffed on two floors with consignment furniture, collectibles and antiques from folks Paula has gotten to know over the years.

It isn't like Paula has all this time to go out shopping...but she does and when she isn't out hunting for great deals, the stuff comes to her. When Paula is not at her huge shop she is full time Occupational Therapist in the school system. BUT Paula comes from a very close family and everyone helps her keep the store fresh and running.

Bargain Shopping At Paula's Unique Consignment Store


Like all consignment shops, the treasures may be there one day and not the other. Right now there is a terrific red and white Hoosier style cabinet in the window which I am in love with. I would have bought it already, but space is pretty tight in my shop at the moment.

Shabby Chic In The Upper Level

I also liked the upper level of the store which was loaded with Shabby Chic style hand painted vintage furniture. The prices were very fair for many of these one of a kind pieces. And like other consignment stores, the prices of items go down overtime so that you will notice some real bargains at Paula's Unique Consignment .

Silent Auction February 26th, 2011

On Saturday, February 26th, 2011, Paula is holding a silent auction from 6-10 P.M. with over 40 lots. Included in the auction is furniture, antiques, collectibles, jewelry and home decor. Refreshments will be served and Paula promises a fun evening.

Paula Unique Consignment
780 South Main St
Plantsville, CT
860-276-5556

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

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Visiting La Vita Vintage Collectibles, Plantsville, CT

Ooh la la ..... La Vita Vintage Is Stuffed With Vintage

La Vita Vintage is a small shop on South Main St. in Plantsville, CT. which thinks it it is big shop. My goodness there is so much STUFF packed into this former home now transformed into a store that you will really have a ball digging through the goodies.
Plantsville Is A Charming Old Town

La Vita Vintage sits next to a town landmark, the former Plantsville General Store, now Paula's Unique Consignment. Plantsville has seen its ups and downs, going through phases of lots of antique and vintage shops to some dryer periods. But La Vita Vintage is bringing lots of energy back into town with a loyal shop owner who loves this quaint old town and is bringing on the pizazz.

La Vita Vintage Vintage A
nd New Clothing, Jewelry, Vanity , Housewares And More

Every time I visit "La Vita Vintage", I wonder how on earth this gal gets all the furniture, vintage clothing, knick knacks, kitchenwares , toys, vanity items etc into one shop. I like the backroom at  , La Vita Vintage that is where the kitchen collectibles are. You will find new and old housewares packed into the kitchen section.

Think Consignment And More.......


I want to be perfectly clear about what you will find when you visit this fun shop.....you will find anything and everything. It is not a fancy boutique, it is a whimsical second hand store with plenty of buried treasures.

Funny ending to my visit...... when I was leaving she handed me a flyer which invited me to think of her store when I wanted to sell off an estate? But where.... but how.......there is not an inch left to put anything?

La Vita Vintage 774 South Main Street
Plantsville, CT 06479
860-621-7799

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

Monday, February 14, 2011

Collecting Small Vintage Bisque And Ceramic Dolls And Figurines.

Adorable Charming Vintage Bisque Dolls And Figurines To Fall In Love With

How could you not fall in love with these cute couples ? Made out of ceramic or bisque these collectibles are often referred to as figurines or small dolls. While many of these novelty items were imported from Japan as inexpensive gifts, they are now tugging at the heartstrings of many collectors and becoming a popular collectible.

Small Bisque Dolls Were Toys Not Shakers

Often these tiny figurines look just like salt and pepper shakers, but they do not have holes. Many of these dolls and were probably sold as toys and not kitchen-wares. If you are really lucky you may come across an original boxed set with 4,6 or 8 or more dolls inside. Some people call these small dolls "Frozen Charlotte" dolls but they are really not the same. But you will see them listed on eBay and elsewhere with that term. You may have to use search words like "small bisque dolls", "Made In Japan figurines", "ceramic figurines". etc.

Collecting One Small Vintage Bisque Doll At A Time

I have been collecting small vintage figurines and dolls for awhile now, adding these sweeties to my home studio display whenever I can. While I like to pair the dolls together as "couples" , many of my marriages have been made by me . I often acquire the cowgirl without the cowboy or the groom without his bride. So I make a couple out of two similar dolls and they seem to like their pals.

Expanding My Collection Top Include Cute Vintage Images of Children On Book Covers And Toy Boxes

Don't kid yourself , small bisque dolls and ceramic figurines are not easy to find. So to keep from getting too frustrated, I have had to expand my "cute couple collection" to vintage Toffee tins, boxed game covers, book covers and even Paint By Number pictures. But all of these additional objects still have sweet images of children or puppies or both.

All My "Children" Must Get Along Together

The secret ingredient that attracts me to my "objects of desire" (my stuff) is that my "couples" are all very small and they must get along well together. One way I "couple" my couples might be to place two of my small bisque ceramic dolls or figurines in front of an older book from the 1920s or 1930s , using the delightful image on the book cover as a colorful background for my little figurines which are only a few inches tall.

How My Collection Of Small Vintage Dolls And Figurines Began

My collection started when I brought home some bisque children or dolls from a dealer who had quite a few in her shop. She parted with them for $8.00 a piece and I was thrilled to have them.

Buying "Better" Small Bisque Dolls

My starting collection included several vintage figurines of children playing musical instruments, a bisque solo cowboy small doll, a lonely bisque groom and other adorable small bisque dolls of children looking very 1930s and 1940s. I originally thought that when I paid $8.00 a piece I was splurging, but I have since learned that I did alright at the time. Bisque dolls are priced much higher. I bought my first "better" couple a few weeks ago and paid $36.00 (and that was at a bargain price). They are shown here wearing the handmade outfits.

But after the first six of these small dolls, I really have been struggling to find more. But slowly I am building my collection and widening the parameters of what can be included in the collection of adorable "couples" . The red, black and white ceramic figurines above are a bit larger than the other dolls (teenagers). But they were so cute and go well with my collection.

So dear readers if you have more sweeties to add to my collection....please let me know. How about Ohio Art Tea sets, wouldn't they look great as well with my "children"?

Boxed set photo courtesy of http://www.hakes.com/item.asp?ListID=146&ItemNo=84352
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

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

"My Italian Grandmother Blog":Old Fashioned Italian Cooking

Learn How To Cook Traditional Italian Dishes From An Italian Grandmother Named Emilia

This post is in celebration of all the wonderful Italian Grandma's who have shared their delicious Italian recipes with family and friends. I stumbled about this delightful blog called "My Italian Grandmother" with a tag line which reads "Recipes inspired by my Italian grandmother. And I added some nostalgic photos from the fabulous collection at Rolling Hills Vintage .

Michele A Young Italian Cook Who Grew Up In Brooklyn

The gal who started this popular blog is named Michele, a twenty-something young woman who was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, now living in New Jersey. But she is hardly a Jersey girl (as we see on T.V.) ......she is channeling her Italian grandmother Emilia who she called Nanny, who lived with the family until the "ripe age of 98".

Meet Grandma Emilia

Nanny (Grandma Emilia never wrote down her recipes and never measured anything, according to Michele who tell the story of her blog in her "About Me" section. So without any documentation of the recipes, Michele is re-interpreting the old fashioned Italian dishes with the help of her family. Often Michele experiments with a recipe in a cookbook, adding and changing accordingly with memories of how Nanny's approached the dish.

An Italian Cooking Blog With Music And Nanny's Love

When you open to the blog home page, Italian music is playing and you are immediately introduced to recipes and photos which will encourage you to start cooking or start eating or both. The photography on this blog is bold, clear and easy to follow.
Spatchcocked Roast Chicken

Today's post on "My Italian Grandmother Blog" is "Spatchcocked Roast Chicken" . Michele writes: "Spatchcocked. I hate that word. I've read a bunch of posts about this method of cooking and a lot of people said that they love this word and think it's funny. For me it's a mouthful and I'd rather say butterflied. In essence it's the same thing. The backbone is removed and the breast bone is broken so the chicken lays flat. This results in an even cooked, juicy and golden brown bird all over! No more flabby skin on the thighs! "

Remembering Warmly "My Italian Grandmother"


What is delightful about Michele's blog is that tells the story of growing up with Grandma Emilia (Nanny). Michele warmly remembers her Grandma and as she is cooking and later writing about her experience you hear the voice of a young women trying to bring back grandma in the best way she can...through her journey as a young Italian cook.

Making Homemade Manicotti, Ravioli,
Cavatelli and Tagliolini.

Michele writes: "Growing up Nanny made homemade, Manicotti, ravioli, Cavatelli and Tagliolini. She made them all by rolling out the dough by hand. I remember when she made the Manicotti and Ravioli it seemed like it would take forever before we would start cutting (my favorite part because I could help). Nanny always said it had to be thin enough for you to see through it. In the past few years I have gained more knowledge about cooking and realized that what Nanny made were not really Manicotti but cannelloni. Manicotti are crepes made from a very thin batter and cooked in a pan on the stove. Since I'm baking challenged and am not very good with a rolling pin this seemed like something I could do. I never thought I would be able to say I made homemade Manicotti but I did !"

Homemade Manicotti (Adapted From Rao's Cookbook: Over 100 Years of Italian Home Cooking by Frank Pellegrino). Michele writes: This recipe can be found on page 55. I only used the recipe for the crepe part. For the filling, I just went with what I know.
Michele writes:" I made some small changes to the recipe. I used an 8 inch nonstick omelette pan and used much less batter than stated in the recipe. Instead of oil I used cooking spray and cooked them slightly longer than 30 seconds (at least it felt like longer). I got over 20 crepes which was probably because my pan was smaller than a crepe pan but the size was perfect in my opinion"

Crepes

Serves 6

Ingredients:

2 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Approx. 2 tbsp vegetable oil (I used cooking spray)

Directions:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. When well combined, whisk in flour until smooth. Set aside to rest for about 1 hour.

2. Heat a nonstick crepe pan over medium-high heat. Lightly brush it with vegetable oil and return to heat. Pour a little less than 1/2 cup of batter into the pan, swirling to cover the bottom evenly. Cook for about 30 seconds or until it is just set and the bottom is lightly browned. Turn the crepe over carefully with a spatula or a fork. Cook for an additional 15 seconds or until set. Remove from pan and place on a piece of waxed paper. Continue cooking and stacking crepes until you have at least 14. The extra 2 will allow for breakage.

Filling:

I don't measure the cheese for the filling. I just taste it before I add the egg and add more cheese as needed.

2 lb container of part skim Ricotta
1 lb part skim Mozzarella block (of course fresh mozzarella can be used)
Locatelli Romano cheese approx 1 cup
parsley fakes
1 large egg
salt and pepper to taste
Marinara sauce, prepared (I used 2-28 oz cans crushed tomatoes and had enough for two batches of crepes)

1. Mix ricotta, Romano cheese, parsley, salt and pepper. Taste. Adjust seasoning according to taste and then stir in one egg.

2. Slice mozzarella into matchstick size pieces.

3. Lay crepe on flat surface. Place about 1 tablespoon of ricotta (more if larger crepe) into the center of crepe and spread out to edges. Add mozzarella to center. (If you cut them into long sticks which I did with second batch you only need one stick). Fold one edge halfway over and then fold the other side to form a packet. Don't roll them or they will be too thick. They should be sort of flat.

4. Spread a layer of sauce onto a baking pan. Lay Manicotti side by side and arrange Manicotti until the pan is filled. Add another layer of sauce on top and sprinkle with Romano cheese.

5. Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes and sauce is bubbling and cheese is melted.

Manicotti can be frozen two way. Arrange rolled crepes on a wax paper lined pan and freeze for about 1 hour. Take out of freezer and put the frozen Manicotti in a freezer bag between layers of wax paper. Store in freezer until ready to use. You could also prepare with sauce and place the whole pan in the freezer if you have the space. Let defrost and then bake when ready.

Kitchen collectible photos courtesy of http://www.etsy.com/shop/RollingHillsVintage

Visit My Italian Grandmother

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