Kitsch n Stuff: The Best Source of Retro and Vintage Home Decor in Connecticut

 Gallery of Retro Home Decor 

at Kitsch n Stuff

Kitsch n Stuff is a shop located in The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, 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

Did You Ever Just Need A Hot Dog Binge?

Baby Boomers Unite: It's Time To Bring Back Hot Dogs In Our Diets 

I know a lot about hot dogs. I grew up in New York, and ate my share of hot dogs on the streets of New York. Our family also spent plenty of time at Nathan's and indulged in a variety of hot dog adventures throughout my childhood. My dad even sold hot dog in many of his coffee shops, shopping mall kiosks and restaurants. So frankfur

ters are in my genes. So is saurkraut, mustard and Heinz baked beans. But my generation (baby boomers) have been brainwashed to stay away from hot dogs, high in all the bad stuff which we are told will come back to haunt us. But every now and then one gets a crave for a hot dog. My binge came after Thanksgiving. I finished the last dog in the package a few minute ago...... I don't even feel guilty...I feel fabulous!

Vintage image courtesy of http://mattsko.wordpress.com/2012/11/15/hot-dog-bbq-1950s/
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

Recovering From Thanksgiving: Post Holiday Confessions

Post Thanksgiving Secrets 

I'm happy to report that I am almost completely recovered from Thanksgiving. I celebrated my post Thanksgiving holiday by doing very little of everything. That would include:

1. staying out of any grocery stores.
2. not cooking anything more sophiticated than scambled eggs.
3. avoiding any foods that reminded me of Turkey...that would include anything from the poultry family or light in color.
4. closing the door to the laundry room for days.
5. not tidying up unless it was critical.

I'm happy to report I am totally over it.....I just defrosted a breast of turkey I bought as back up in case I needed more turkey on the big day.  I never made it...but it's defrosting as we speak.

Readers, please share with us your Post holiday experiences.

Vintage image from the collection at http://gogd.tjs-labs.com/gallery-view?year=1954

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

Celebrating The Holidays With 1950's Cracker Appetizers

Retro Cracker Party Appetizers: When Cream Cheese Was Welcomed

Crackers....I'm thinking about the holidays in the 1950s when my dad would decorate crackers and serve as appetizers. I can picture him taking a pastry sleeve filled with cream cheese and applying the creamy spread ever so carefully to the crackers. Next he would cut pieces of lox and dress up a few rows of the cream cheese crackers. He might add cut up olives on top of the lox or leave a few plain ones for me (I'm not an olive lover).

After the cream cheese crackers, we would have the tuna fish crackers topped with a little tomato garnish. Another favorite was egg salad with a dash of Paprika.

Today, my party kitchen is loaded with Hummus and Avocado dips. My grown kids would never touch dairy and have an aversion to anything with Mayo.
Oh, how I long for some 1950s nibbles.

Vintage image from the collection at http://gogd.tjs-labs.com/gallery-view?year=1954


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

Antique Silver Care And Restoration Group Forum Featured On I Antique Online.com

Jeffrey Herman, Nationally Recognized Silver Expert Moderates Group Forum On I Antique Online. com 

I wanted to tell my readers about a great resource for care and restoration of antique and collectible silver on my site I Antique Online.com. We are delighted to have Jeffrey Herman , silversmith of Warwick Rhode Island, a nationally recognized expert and craftsmen on silver restoration and conservaton moderating a terrific group on this subject. Jeffrey covers discussions on the care, restoration and conservation of silver holloware, faltware and jewelry.

This group forum is free and you can visit the group by clicking on this link: http://iantiqueonline.ning.com/group/caring-for-silver

Here are some of the topics you  will find in our silver group on I Antique Online.com

Restoration of Georg Jensen Tankard

Started by Jeffrey Herman Apr 10, 2013.

Restoration of Sterling Ball, Black & Co. Coffeepot

Started by Jeffrey Herman Jan 21, 2013.

New Silver Polish Abrasion Ratings Guide!

Started by Jeffrey Herman Sep 18, 2012.

Repair of Cast Iron Match Safe 2 Replies

Started by Jeffrey Herman. Last reply by Jeffrey Herman Jul 14, 2012.

Don't Buy This Product!

Started by Jeffrey Herman Feb 3, 2012.

Precious Metal Fraud

Started by Jeffrey Herman Nov 28, 2011.

Buyers of Chinese "Sterling" Beware!

Started by Jeffrey Herman Nov 25, 2011.

Dangerous & Destructive Chemical Dips

Started by Jeffrey Herman Nov 23, 2011.

Keep Silver out of the Dishwasher!

Started by Jeffrey Herman Nov 22, 2011.

Candles and Weighted Silver

Started by Jeffrey Herman Nov 22, 2011.

Don't Trust all Silver Polishing Videos!

Started by Jeffrey Herman Nov 21, 2011.

Removing Dried Polish

Started by Jeffrey Herman Nov 21, 2011.

 


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

Could My Vintage Red and White Enamel Soup Pot Really Be A Chamber Pot?

How Can You Tell If Your Vintage Red And White Enamel Pot is For Soup Or Really a Chamber Pot? 

I recently posted this red and white Soup pot on   my I Antique Online.com Facebook page and I was amused to see a comment asking if it was indeed a chamber pot and not cookware.

Clearing Up The Poop Versus Soup Dilemma?

Curious about this delicate matter myself and frankly grossed out by the possibility that one would make soup in a poop pot, I did a little homework on the subject. My, my there are a lot of Chamber Pot collectors and sellers out there so it was easy for me to get to the bottom of this query (no pun intended). This post explores the red and white enamel pot or pail, not the more decorative or humorous earthenware or porcelain pots.

Chamber Pots Were Made To Fit Under The Bed During The Victorian Era 

My conclusion is that the original post I made on my Facebook page (see photo above)  is a soup pot or cooking pot and now I will explain my reasoning. Chamber pots are generally found either with only one or no handle and a flatter tub to to be able to fit under the bed in a Victorian Era home. The deeper handled, covered pot is a utility pail, which was used for a variety of purposes and may have also played a role in household ddisposal of waste before the flush toilet.

Go "Potty" A Children's Term Derived From Chamber Pot Era 

Today we use the term "potty" when talking about children's toileting, aterm derived from the chamber pot era.

Postscript: Want to know what you can do with a chamber pot? Read http://revisionarylife.blogspot.com/2013/10/seven-things-to-do-with-vintage-chamber.html

Read More About Chamber Pots:
http://blog.wellcomecollection.org/tag/chamber-pot/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chamber_pot


PHOTO CREDITS 
Top photo of Soup pot photographed by C. Dianne Zweig at Kitsch n Stuff.

Covered Chamber pot photo courtesy of :
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Kanawha-Fletcher-White-Porcelain-Enamel-w-Red-Rim-Chamber-Pot-Lid-Orig-Label-/191437378227?

Child's uncovered Chamber pot photo courtesy of  https://www.etsy.com/listing/185580388/1930s-chamber-pot-enamel-ware-enamelware?ref=marketpt=Antiques_Decorative_Arts&hash=item2c928e92b3

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

"I'm Freaking!, I'm Freaking My Mom's Gone Antiquing"

Fabulous Christmas Holiday Displays At The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT    

I confess I was guilty of shlepping my kids when they were tots (and beyond) to way too many Antique stores and shows, Vintage shops and more. They were not happy campers when the destination was antique related.  They would protest by singing a line from "Sad Underwear" a Judith Viorst poetry book:   "I'm Freaking!, I'm Freaking My Mom's Gone Antiquing" 

 I'm not a big fan of bored kids trailing along mom and or dad in any store for too long, but i will make an exception this holiday season. YOU must bring your children and grandchildren to see the fabulous  holiday displays at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, 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

Doodle A Star For Your Christmas Tree Or Holiday Decor

Doodle A Kitschy Holiday Ornament For Your Christmas Tree 

If you have a lot of energy you need to use up, try spending some time doodling on a star to use as a kitschy holiday decoration.
You can buy cardboard stars in most craft supply stores or cut out your own form.  The star shown was colored with Sharpie markers, paint pens including metallic gold as one of the colors.
Both sides of the star were worked on. It takes a lot of time to doodle but it's fun and it's good therapy!

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

Making Handmade Christmas Tree Themed Holiday Wrapping Paper

Handmade Christmas Wrapping Paper You Can Make With Your Kids

Why buy holiday wrapping paper when you can actually make your own. This is a great family project for all age groups. While this demo utilizes a tree motif, you can certainly experiment with many holiday symbols and a variety of festive colors.  In these photos, a green and red palette is used with a Christmas tree design. Feel free to experiments with lots of different materials, colors and designs.



Materials

18 X 24 Canson Recycled Sketch or Drawing Paper (comes in pads of 100 sheets).
Acrylic paint
Do-A-Dot Art Markers
paint brushes
crayons, markers, color pencils
stamps (can find ad craft stores)
textures for printing i.e. bubble wrap, corrugated paper




Thanks to Ginny August  from the Farmington Valley Arts Center for demonstrating this project.


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

Kitschy Collector's Vintage Holiday Gift Suggestions

Shop Vintage And Retro: Old is Kitschy And Collectible 

Ho Ho Ho, it's that time of the year when cute Santa's are snoozing almost everywhere you look and Christmas songs are still playing in your head even when you do not have the radio station turned on.
I'm not even Christmas if you catch my drift, but I sure have a great time shopping...anytime!  Yes, I have been to Home Goods and Marshalls more times that I would like to admit this past week, but there is nothing in my mind more exciting like buying VINTAGE. Here is a list of great gift ideas that you can easily find for fair prices at Antique Malls and group shops.

 Kitschy Collector's Vintage Holiday Gift Suggestions 

1. Glass or silver entertaining serving dishes.
2. Wine glasses, barware, decanters
3. Antique or collectible jewelry
4. Vanity sets or perfume bottle(s)
5. Vintage handbag, clothing, scarves
6. Children's books, puzzles, toys
7. Holiday ornaments and decorations
8. Aprons, potholders, dresser scarves
9. Cookie jars, ovenware, pyrex
10. Art books, Coffee Table books, art, phootography, prints,  globes, desk accessories  

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 Advice For Older Adults: Label Plastic Storage Boxes With Color Coded Labels

Making Your Parent's Move More Colorful: Using Color Coded Labels For Plastic Storage Boxes

Help!!! I am addicted to clear
plastic storage boxes. In fact I think the obsession has spread to my entire family. Recently I joked that the family crest should be a Sterilite plastic container. Today I wanted to remind my readers that when they use plastic boxes for family moves, be sure to label your boxes, preferably with a color coded system to indicate where the boxes will be going once they reach their destination. For example, green=bedroom or yellow=kitchen. I found variety packs of labels in colors at Walmart.

Use Colored Masking Tape To Mark Boxes Fragile

You also should label which boxes have glass items. To mark fragile boxes, I found masking tape in colors also at Walmart. I suggest writing  GLASS GLASS GLASS across the tape and adding this tape (along with the label of contents) to each box both on the top and across the side. You can also cut up index cards in a variety of colors to usse as labels. In this case, you can use Scotch tape to fasten the labels to your boxes.

If you are moving an older adult to an Assisted Living or smaller apartment (or college kids), you may want to also use plastic boxes that can slide under a bed or easily fit into a closet to give you extra storage capacity.

Read more about this topc in my section Caring For Aging Parents: Vintage Mom and Dad

Also visit my site I Antique Online.com and check out Estate Mavens: Help With Estate Liquidation

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

Collecting Vintage Stenso Lettering Sets: The Modern Way To Stencil Letters In The 1950s

Remember Buying "Oak Tag" To Make School Posters Using Stencils?

The days of using stencils for making posters and signs are essentially over since our computers took over that function. I do remember buying "Oak Tag"  paper (poster weight paper) as a child and then laboring with pencils and stencils and then magic markers to create school projects. Truthfully, I'm   glad that part of the creative process has been replaced with more convenient and easier
methods.

Old school and office supplies however are very popular collectibles and this 1950's Stenso Lettering Set wa recently featured at Kelley Street Vintage on Etsy.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

Isn't Time We Revived The Decoupage Your Lunch Box Fad?

Who Remembers The Decoupage Lunch Box Craze?   

Remember these old lunch boxes? This one is from the 1960s and spotted at Pinky of Saratoga on Etsy. com  Isn't it time to revive that fad? Do they even sell the lunch pails anymore? Readers please let us know more about this subject. Did you decoupage your lunch box ? Whaat do you remember about this hobby? Spill the beans please.  Is it time for a revival?

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

Spooky Displays of Vintage Halloween Collectibles Featured At The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT

Halloween Collectibles Featured At The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT

Once again The Collinsville Antiques Company of  New Hartford, CT has an amazing selection of Vintage Halloween collectibles. Just thought you might want a sneak preview of some of the holiday displays now being showcased at Collinsnville. The best I can tell you is that this amazing booth is closer to one of the center aisles in this huge 22,000 square feet emporium.

Vintage Holiday Party Goods And More

I will let you in on a secret, one of the dealers is a designer of holiday novelty items and he has over the yearsamassed a huge collection of  original vintage Halloween decor, party goods, costumes, masks and more.
If you visit the Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford regularly you may know that this dealer changes his booth with each major holiday.  

While you will find a mix of some updated designs of novelty items,  there is still a treasure trove of  vintage and antique Halloween collectibles currently on display in this special booth and throughout the store.

Photos taken by C. Dianne Zweig

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

Collecting Vintage Holiday Gift Boxes

Delightful 1950s Christmas Gift Boxes Popular Among Collectors of Vintage Holiday Collectibles 

The best time to buy vintage Christmas collectibles is in July or as far away from "tis Season". I get all mushy for older holiday gift boxes, especially circa 1950s.  Perhaps it is simply a flashback to childhood joyful times pulling at my heartstrings.

This 1950s Christmas gift box was spotted at The collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, Ct and photographed by C. Dianne Zweig.

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

Old Style Hoosier Cabinets Popular In Smaller Homes For Added Storage And Working Space

 Smaller Hoosier Style Cabinets Provide Additional Storage And Work Space In Cramped Apartments and Homes

Hoosier cabinets or baking cupboards were popular in the early 1900's as an all in one baking station providing "counter space", storage for baking supplies such as flour, sugar etc and baking utensils. Often when you go out to shop for this type of cabinet today you will usually find them painted off white or white, "Depression era green or unpainted in an origianl wood finish. 

Every now and then I will come across an    artsy type who painted their Hoosier style cabinet   purple or lime green, but for the most part, Hoosier style cabinets are found in cozy grandma-ish paint decor. 

The name Hoosier name was derived from the Hoosier Manufacturing Company of New Castle, Indiana. Other companies made similar style cabinets but many people refer to all varietites of cupboard with pull out sliding countertops as "Hoosiers". 

Many young couples who are living in small apartments or homes find that the addtion of a petit hoosier cabinet provides them with much needed added storage and work space.  

This adorable cabinet shown was photographed by C. Dianne Zweig at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, 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

Moving An Older Parent: Getting Through The Meltdown Phase

Emotional Fallout When Moving An Older Parent

If you thought moving your older parent(s) was going to be easy as 1, 2, 3, you are living in a cave! Besides the demands of the actual move....packing up decades of tschotskes, there is the emotional avalanche which comes with the whole process. Did I mention mood swings? Moving is a big deal for everyone...but for someone in their late eighties or beyond a move can shake the emotional tree like an unwanted storm. So be prepared for a bit of a roller coaster ride as you begin to help your older parent make a significant change.

When Older Adults change Their Mind About Moving

There will be somedays when your mom or dad announces that they have changed their mind and they are not moving. Or you may find that your loved one channels Gandhi and decides to advance a peaceful yet defiant protest, refusing to sign any importqant paperwork involved in a planned mood.

When Older Adults Are Ambibvalent About Moving

My advice would be to be gentle with mom and or dad and to let some of these storms pass. There will be a lot of ambivalence about moving and confused emotions. Leave some breathing time for an older adult to have their tantrums and meltdowns. Let the dust settle (no pun intended). Ask any adult child who has been through the moving ordeal with an older parent......it all works out and often for the better.

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

Vintage Steubenville Woodfield Leaf Pattern Snack Set Delights Mid Century Buyers

 Steubenville Pottery Tea and Toast Set

Some people call them "Tea and Toast Sets", others refer tho these colorful vintage pottery ensembles as "Snack sets". Made by the Steubenville Pottery Company of Ohio, these 1940's gems are finding their way back into today's kitchen. The style is called Woodfield. Photograph taken at Kitsch n Stuff, Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, 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

Creating a Kitschy Colorful Backdrop Usng Vintage Metal Trays When Displaying Antiques and Collectibles

Vintage Metal Snack Trays Make Fun Displays Behind Glassware

Vintage metal snack trays are wonderful backdrops when displaying antiques and collectibles. I especially like to add color and interest behind vintage glassware and find the older 1940s and 1950s snack trays to be just the right size and shape for a kitschy look in my shop "Kitsch n Stuff". Notice how the colors of the tray and the glassware compliment each other.

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

McDonald's Collectors Club A Fun Organization For Foodie Collectors

Collecting McDonalds Toys And Memorabilia Is A Grown Up Hobby

McDonalds collectors might like poking around a site called McDonald's Collector's Club, an unofficial but fun website for members who enjoy Happy Meal toys, souvenirs, memorabilia, ephemera related to the fast food empire.  When you visit this club's website you will find sections titled "The 1st Happy Meal", "Special McDonalds Glasses", "McDonalds Convention Items" , "Some Interesting and Unusal McDonalds Items and More", "McDonalds Collectibles 1940s,50s,60s. For background and history on McDonalds read http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_McDonald's.

I recently added a Group Forum to I Antique Online.com called "Foodie Collectibles" . A young group which is just rooting this is a place for al of you who like restaurant, roadside, fast food collectibles.

Photo shown taken by C. Dianne Zweig at Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, 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

Decorating Your Vintage Kitchen With An Adorable Memorandum Holder

Collecting Charming Vintage Notepad Holders

Vintage memorandum holders make charming additions to today's kitchen styled in collectibles and decor from the colorful era of the 1930s-1950s. Popular patterns and themes include dutch couples. Scottie dogs, chefs, fruit, Aunt Jemina, cats, owls,  etc.

In the 1950s, many of these cute products were made in plastic and had other accessories that went with them such as spoon rests, wall decor etc. These sweet accessories were also common advertising giveaways.

Photo courtesy of  https://www.etsy.com/listing/199108222/fine-art-photograph-vintage-look-w?ref=shop_home_active_20

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: What To Do With Old Computers and Electronics

Recycling Old Computers And Electronics When You Are  Cleaning Up

Finally, the decision was made to unload the growing mound of old computers and stereos that were taking up a great deal of space in our basement. The "tower" of electronics had to go but where and how? There was a flurry of hope for discarding all this clunky stuff when a Super Goodwill store openedup in our town this summer. But Goodwill is picky and they said nah!  I got a few "no's" from others as well and then learned about the Electronic Recyle Program at Best Buy  and with the help of my son and his friend our stash of outdated computers etc. found a new home.

First Step Before You Trash A Computer Is Destroying The Hard Drive 

In the pile were computer towers, monitors, keyboards, old speakers, broken stereos and outdated electronics of all kinds. My son alerted me that before anyone handed over any
computers, that the hard drives needed to be destroyed. You got to be kidding, ....I had no clue we needed to do that. Nor do I have any idea where to find the hard drives. He did and along with a couple of hammers, my son, his friend and my husband they went outside and smashed the hard drives.

After the whacking party,  my son and his friend loaded years and years of saved electronics to the back of my car and drove it to Best Buy. It was a fabulous feeling....all this plastic and metal junk gone...finally.

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

Another Whopper Tag Sale At The Farmington Valley Arts Center, 9:00-2:00, September 20th, 2014

Farmington Valley Arts Center, Avon, CT Artist Boardwalk Tag Sale: September 20th, 2014

If you missed the Artist Boardwalk Sale at The Farmington Valley Arts Center earlier this summer, you will get another chance to shop on September 20th, 2014, Visitors to this non-profit Art Center Fall Tag Sale,  will find fantastic treasures including brand new art supplies, creative materials, paint, supports, art tools, artwork, decorative items, jewelry and more at amazing bargains.

The last sale attracted a HUGE crowd.  There are over twenty artists in residence who will  open their studios for this special sale. Save the date, Saturday, September 20th, Farmington Valley Arts Center, two floor of great stuff!

Be sure to also visit the fabulous Fisher Artisan Gallery for gifts and functional art and the Drezner gallery, both on the first floor of The Farmington Valley Arts Center. 

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

Retro Geometric Patterns Are Popular In Women's Apparel Today

Flashback: Colorful And Hip Geometric Abstract Designs Are Attracting Younger Buyers

Hyannis, Mass has a downtown area which is hopping with cafes, pubs, fine dining and lots of young visitors. Retro designs are back in women's clothing and attracting many younger buyers.  

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