Junking Old Clothes: Don't Rush To Purge Your Clothes Closet

The Myth Of Organizing Your Clothes Closet

I just came across yet another magazine article  about how to organize your clothes closet.This gal suggested never folding your clothes because folded clothes get hidden and are not worn. I could  relate to that advice. But what about the all too common advice to give away old clothes that you haven't worn in a year? Do you buy into that one?


What If I Had Kept My Peter Max Scarves ?

I once thought that purging older clothes was a sane idea, but how old is old? And when is "old" "good old" versus "bad old". Think about this... what if I had kept all my Peter Max scarves or my groovy handbags from the 60s? These gems would be fabulous to have kept. So clearly, some "old" is cool and some "old" is OLD and gross  no matter when it was in vogue.

Skipping Seasons Before Unloading Old Clothes 

And what about the boredom factor? Don't you get  tired of wearing a particular vest or sweater over and over again ? Isn't it nice to take a break from a particular  garment, skipping a season or two before re-falling in love with the very same outfit or item you got tired of? Certainly it may not be wise to cart off clothes to Goodwill too soon. Let a few seasons go by and  re-evaluate your love affair with these clothes.

The Yo-Yo Effect And Clothes

Oh, and I need to mention weight and clothes. Weight goes up and weight goes down....and that is yet another reason to think twice about having a tag sale and unloading your clothes. I am finding myself coming up with all sorts of reasons why it is not wise to give away clothes too soon.


Out of Sight Out of Mind 

My solution is too pack my clothes in plastic boxes and hide them in an extra closet. Every decade or so, I find them again and think......yikes these clothes are so out of style, I should have given them away years ago.

Shoe image courtesy of http://www.etsy.com/listing/92361932/vintage-high-heels-in-red-white-and-blue

Peter Max image courtesy of http://www.northjersey.com/arts_entertainment/123980359_Pop_art_legend_still_in_style.html

Handbag image  courtesy of http://fashionmanisfesto.blogspot.com/2011/01/handbags-1960s-history-of-fashion.html


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

Where Should The Hostess Sit At The Table ?: Antique Traditions of The 1900's

Arranging Your Proper Table: Tips From The 1900's

"Good Things To Eat: How To Prepare Them", is the title of 1909 booklet prepared by The Larkin Company. In the beginning chapters are discussion of how to arrange your table including discussion of how to set your table and how to seat your guests.

In 1909, here is what a proper seating would look like:

"Ordinarily the wife or hostess sits at the head, with the husband or host at the foot of the table, the other members of the family occupying seats at the sides. When a guest is at table, if a lady, she may occupy the seat at the right of the host; if a gentleman, the one at the right of the hostess".

Source; Good Things To Eat: And How To Prepare Them", The Larking Comoany, 1909

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

Paper-Bag Cookery: Union Bag And Paper Company 1912: Antique Cooking Ideas

1912 Housewives Saved Time And Money Cooking In Union Paper Bags

I bought a box lot of vintage cook books and came across this booklet entitled "Paper-Bag Cookery: Complete Dir

ections and Recipes". This gem was prepared by the Union Bag and Paper Company in 1912.

Is Paper Bag Cookery A Thing Of The Past ?

I suppose cooking in paper bags was a great way to avoid cleaning pots and pans. I am all for that idea. You don't see much talk about cooking in paper bags anymore. Perhaps at Thanksgiving time, someone might cook a turkey in a roasting bag. But when was the last time you heard of friends cooking in paper bags?

The theory of cooking food in paper bags was that you could seal up food and preserve flavors, juices and reduce shrinkage.I suppose we could learn a lot from this 1912 cookbook that would help thrifty housewives today.

What Paper-Bag Cookery Promised:

1. Your butcher bill will be reduced at least ten per cent. Beca

use your three pound roast will come out of t

he oven weighing three pounds!

2. You can user cheaper meats and poultry because this cooking method does wonders when cooking meat.

3. Your fuel gas bill bill will be reduced by 20 per cent. Less heat is required. Yu use less burners and less heat.

4. No washing greasy pans and kettle. (THAT IS A WONDERFUL IDEA). The oven is not soiled by splattering from cooking food.

5. There is no danger from half washed pans and germs lurking in the corners.

6. No cooking odor in the house.

7. You don't have to watch your food cook.

8. Cook everything at once in the bag.

9. You can bake, roast, boil, stew in the bag.

10. A novice becomes an expert at once!

Warning in booklet: Do not use ordinary bags, they will make your food taste like paper.

Source: Paper Bag Cookery: The Union Bag and Paper Company, 1912

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

Checking Your Antique And Vintage Pots And Pans For Size

Retro Housewives Measuring Pots And Pans For Size

Housewives in the 1950s apparently had plenty of time to think about "how big their pots were" and other cooking ware essential facts. In a booklet called "The New Cook's Cook Book", attention was paid to good cooking rules.

1. Be sure your recipe is reliable. (LOL)

2. Read recipes carefully. (LOL)

3. Check the list of ingredients. (LOL)

4. Note the cooking time.(LOL)

5. Check the pot and pans for size.

Excerpt from "The New Cook's Cook Book"

Check your pots and pans for size. A cake baked in too big a pan is a sad affair, indeed. A cake baked in too small a pan is like a hall when the ball is over-amess in your oven. And what a stew you're in if the pot you're cooking in isn't big enough! Baking pans in the oven need elbow room, so you'll even want to check for size to see that they fit when you're planning an ovcn meal.

Pointers on Measuring Pots And Pan Sizes

Inside measurements of a pan are the ones that count. If in doubt about a cake or pie pan, take a tape measure or ruler and see what it meas

ures from the inside rim to the opposite side.

When in doubt what a casserole or saucepan holds, measure with water first to see what it holds.

When no measurements marked: If your pot does not have measurements shown, mark measurements on the bottom of the outside of the pot with your brightest nail polish.

Source: The New Cook's Cook Book, 1953, Edison Electric Institute

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

The Thrifty Kitschy Housewife Series: Caring For "Galoshes" And Other Bad Weather Apparel

Advice From A Collectible Homemaker's Handbook: "Keeping Your Galoshes, Rubber Boots And Raincoat in Tip Top Shape"

Yes indeed there are still folks who wear galoshes and who worry about keeping their rubber boots, umbrellas and raincoats in tip top shape. I consulted a vintage booklet called "Worcester Telegram Homemaker's Handbook (1940s or 1950s?) to help my thrifty readers learn more about "Bad Weather Apparel".

Rubber Boots

To store rubber boots, pack the inside of each boot with tissue paper. Cover the outside with castor oil and store in a dry dark corner of a closet or cellar. Never store in the attic or near hot water or steam.
Mending Galoshes

Torn galoshes can be mended as follows: Use black or tan adhesive tape as a mending tissue. It is easy to apply and will hold securely if the work is carefully done.

Cleaning Rubber Raincoats

To clean a rummer raincoat, use lukewarm water and white soap. Wipe off with clear water and hang out to dry. Never use benzine or gasoline on rubber.

Rusted Umbrella

Clean the rust spots off with fine steel wool or a good cleaner. Then apply a little vaseline to the hinge to protect the framework from rust. When drying, so not open, but place handle side down in umbrella stand to dry. This prevents water from settling in the rib joints and causing rust.

Washing Galoshes

Just put them in the washing machine. Wash them thoroughly, rinse in warm water and dry in a warm place. They will come through unharmed and clean inside and out.

Children's image courtesy of http://www.etsy.com/shop/claudiasfinds?ref=seller_info

Photos of postcards courtesy of http://www.etsy.com/shop/Mioritza?ref=pr_shop_more

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

Vintage Ideas For House-Cleaning

Frugal Housekeeping Ideas
The Thrifty Kitschy Housewife

There really is no need to spend oodles of money on household products to keep your house in tip top shape or free of unwanted visitors. Just grab a cup of tea and read this post and you will be well on your way to becoming a nifty thrifty housewife.

To Kill Moths in Carpets:

On the floor, spread a cold, damp cloth on the carpet, iron it with a hot iron, and the steam thus caused will kill the moths.

To Clean Soiled Wallpaper:

Take half a loaf of bread and gently rub the soiled portions, working always in a downward direction. As soon as the bread is soiled cut off a thin slice.

To Drive Away Red Ants:

Keep a small bag of sulfur in the drawers or closets they frequent, and they will disappear.

Remember this advice comes from an early 1920s reference booklet. I am only sharing ideas from Lily Haxworth Wallace, the author.

From "Household Hand Book" by Edwardian expert
Lily Haxworth Wallace, early 1920s.

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

Tips Every Frugal Retro Housewife Needs To Know About Keeping Home

Retro Reliable Household Advice The Thrifty Kitsch Household Series

If you have not completed a proper degree in household management, than this post is sure to help you become the frugal housewife you always wanted to be. Thanks to experts like the esteemed Gold Medalist (Flour) gal, Lily Haxworth Wallace, we have lots of retro reliable advice.

Things Worth Knowing About Managing Your Household

To Avoid Slipping on Icy Sidewalks:

Cut good sized discs of felt and attach these with rubber cement to the soles of a pair of rubbers. Two sets will probably last all winter and the feeling of safety is wonderful.

To Wash Water Bottle

That have become stained,put in newspaper torn into shreds, then half fill with hot soapy water in which has been dissolved a little washing soda, Let stand for about a half hour, shaking occasionally. Rinse with clear water, drain and dry.

To Prevent Salt From Lumping:

Mix it with cornstarch in the proper proportions of three teaspoons of cornstarch to one cup of salt.

Rag Bags:

In an upstairs closet or store room, have several bags of varying sizes, in which may be placed as they accumulate, pieces of dress materials, trimmings, old cotton and linen for repairing, etc. It is a good plan to have the bags made of a piece of the same kind of material that they are to contain, so that no time may be lost in searching for the right one.

To Clean a Sponge:

That has become slimy and unpleasant, soak it in milk for several hours, wring out and rinse thoroughly in warm water to which has been added a teaspoon of carbolic acid.

A Few Drop Of Oil of Lavender:

Scattered through a book case, in a closed room, will save a library from mould (sic) in damp weather .

Photo are the courtesy of :
Kelley Street Vintage
http://johnhlavinka.blogspot.com/
http://www.collectibles-articles.com/

Let us know if you try any of these tips and remember these are the household hints of an Edwardian expert.

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

How To Remove Stains From Clothing: Thrifty Retro Housewife Ideas

Stain Remover Tips:
The Thrifty Kitschy Housewife Series

This post should help all of you Retro gals finally figure out how to get stubborn stains out of your laundry. Back in the day... laundry work was a real pain. so housewives had to perfect the art of washing and caring for clothes with home remedies, using such things as tomato juice, salt, lemon etc. All the zillion products that we find in the stores today to help us cope with nasty stains just didn't exist in early homes.

So, I have searched this topic and now share with you the wisdom of Lily Haxworth Wallace, an expert on Home Management back in the early 1920s. (Tomato jar photo is from a wonderful blog called Oodle a Kadoodle Primitives


Laundry Work: Removing Stains From Clothing

To Remove Tea And Coffee Stains:
Stretch the stained place over a bowl and pour boiling water through the strain.

To Remove Ink Stains:

While fresh soak in milk, sing fresh milk as it becomes discolored. If the stain has been allowed to dry use salts of lemon, first wetting the spot, then rubbing the salts on and rinsing well with cold water. It may sometimes be necessary to repeat the process.

To Remove Wine or Fruit Stains:

Put a layer of salt on the stain as soon as made and treat with boiling water the same as for tea stains.

Delicate Woolens:

Soft sweaters and babies garments which will not perfectly survive the most careful washing can be cleansed by a dry washing in wheat flour. Rub and squeeze in the flour just as you would in water, but work gently. Shake out the soiled four and if needful go over the garment again with fresh flour. By this method the garments do not lose their shape and are ready for use as the cleansing process is completed.

Automobile or Carriage Grease:

Grease can be removed from silks and fabrics which will not stand washing, by covering them with magnesia (powdered) rubbing it well into the fabric and letting it remain for two or three days. Brush out and remove any clinging powder with a soft cloth.

Grass Stains:

Wash the stained part in alcohol and rinse in clear water, while the stain is fresh, if possible.

Perspiration Stains:

Should be removed by rubbing with soap and laying the garment in the hot sun.

Machine Oil Stains:

Should be rubbed with soap and cold water. Hot water may make these stains permanent.

To Remove Mildew:

Rub over the marks with juice of a raw tomato, sprinkle with salt and lay in the sun. repeat the process if necessary two to three times.

Remember: These hints are from the early 1920s.....I am only the messenger not the laundry maven who came up with these tips. By gosh, I barley know how to turn on my washer and dryer!

Please let us know if you try any of these gems.

Photos shown are from these great blogs:

http://oodlekadoodleprimitives.blogspot.com/2010/08/canning-week-tomato-soup-recipes.html
http://www.etsy.com/shop/kelleystreetvintage
http://mycountryhomedecor.com/pro1054207.html
http://www.sportingcollectibles.com/kitchenalia.html

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

Fresh Frugal Ways To Preserve Lemons

Preserving Food Tips For Retro Homemakers
The Thrifty Kitschy Housewife Series

Are you keeping your FISH LEMONS CHEESE mixed in with your milk or butter? Shame on you. You clearly are not running a well run kitchen! Read on and you will see just how you should be preserving your strongly flavored food

Learn From A Vintage Balabusta

I know something about this topic because while I'm buried in SNOW (and can't go out hunting for antiques and collectibles) , I have been reading every page of "Household Hand Book", a booklet published long, long , long ago. I am becoming such a kitchen maven . My secret source is Lily Haxworth Wallace, A Edwardian Era balabusta. I am actually picking up a lot of useful information from this properly prepared award winning homemaker, author, lecturer.

So, I will share with you her ideas about FISH LEMONS CHEESE

"or any strongly flavored food, should not be placed in the same compartment with milk or butter.

Steps To Preserving Lemons The Old Fashioned Way By Lilly Haxworth Wallace

"1. A kitchen economy is to grate the rinds from lemons as soon as the come in from the store,or at any any rate while they are still fresh.

2, Add an equal quantity of sugar, place in small jars and cover closely.

3. The fresh flavored essential oil is preserved, and the lemon rind is ready for use when needed for frosting pies or puddings or for flavoring , instead of being wasted as is so often the case where only lemon juice is called fro in a recipe.

4. Incidentally, the lemon juice, mixed with thick sugar will also keep for several weeks if kept tightly closed and in a cool dry place."

If you try this, let us know how things turn out. Remember this post is based on Lily's ideas .

By the way, Lily Haxworth Wallace was the author of Rumford Cook Book and a dozen other books on cooking and home management. According to a blog called "On Food and History" Lilly emigrated to the United States from England in 1900. She was a specialist in home economics and lectured and taught cooking skills to women throughout the country.

Lemon Pie Recipe

2 Tbsp. corn starch

3/4 cup sugar

1 cup boiling water

1/4 cup lemon juice

1 Tbsp. butter

2 eggs

Salt

Grated rind 1/2 lemon

2 Tbsp. sugar

Combine corn starch and 3/4 cup sugar. Add water slowly, stirring constantly. Cook over hot water, stirring constantly, until thick and smooth. Add slightly beaten egg yolks, butter, lemon rind and juice, and a few grains salt. Cook 2 minutes. Pour into baked pastry shell. Cover with meringue made of the egg whites and 2 tablespoons sugar. Bake in slow oven (325 F.) 20 minutes.

Read More about Lemon desserts:

http://joyofdesserts.blogspot.com/

http://www.chroniclebooks.com/index/main,book-info/store,books/products_id,2126/title,Luscious-Lemon-Desserts/

Top image courtesy of http://joyofdesserts.blogspot.com/
Juicer photo is courtesy of http://augustvintage.blogspot.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.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Society of Professional Journalists

Monday is Wash Day: Hints For Thrifty Housewives

The Proper and Systemic Method of Doing Housework
The Thrifty Kitsch Housewife Series

Back in the day, many pamhlets and booklets were published to help women conduct the proper and systematic method of of of doing housework! Lily Haxworth Wallace, a Gold Medalist Graduate of the National Training School of Cookery compiled a booklet for Rumford Baking Powder on how to run a well planned household.
(Edwardian Era).

"Monday: Although it is the habit of many to wash on Monday, and while this method has much to recommend it, it has also some disadvantages, the principal ones being that it necessitates either soaking the clothes on Sunday, or leaving them in the water from Saturday night, neither of which is advisasble (sic)."

Tips On How To Put The House In Order On Wash Day

Monday is the day to keep free. Monday is the day "that the average house will be found to need rather more thorough attention".


1. Sort linens and mend holes before washing.
2. Keep Monday for doing needlework, repairs, etc.
3. Have the maid boil clothes while breakfast is prepared.
4. The Mistress must undertake the care of the bedrooms and also wash the breakfast dishes, so the maid can devote all her time and attention to the washing.

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

Kitschy Thrifty Retro Christmas Decorating

Christmas Decorating Ideas from A Nice Jewish Girl aka The Kitschy Collector
Here is a post about Kitschy Christmas decorating from a nice Jewish girl who was born in Brooklyn surrounded by Menorahs. As the Kitschy Collector I do get around to all the Antique Malls, Flea Markets and second hand stores....And as expected this time of the year, I'm finding plenty of thrifty nifty Christmas decor from generations past. The best part of buying older Christmas decorations is finding new ways to use these colorful attractive ornaments and tchotkes (a little Yiddish for Christmas).

Buying Christmas Decor At Flea Markets

Some of these treasures are really worth paying attention to. Last week at the indoor Flea Market in Plainville, Connecticut there was quite a stash of older boxed and bulk Christmas ornaments, lights and decor. In one booth I thought I was back in my favorite Five and Dime Store where much of these items would be sold in the first place.

You could decorate your entire house for pocket change.

Re-Cycling Christmas Ornaments & Bulbs

Now while it is pretty safe to buy older Tree ornaments, it gets a little tricky when buying older
lights, bulbs and plug in items. It might make sense to ask the vendor if you can try out anything requiring electricity! BUT here is something retro cool to consider......do you have to use light bulbs as bulbs? Consider filling a glass bowl or colorful ceramic bowl with colorful light bulbs or even old bulb ornaments. Or mix a variety of Christmas bulbs and ornaments of different sizes, shapes, colors and textures.

Kitschy Christmas Wreath

Another Christmas Cool Idea is to form a Christmas wreath from a collection of older Christmas ornaments and bulbs. And be daring...add some other Christmas kitsch to your design such as Elves and wooden cut outs. Go crazy.....have some fun.

Kitschy Floral Arrangement

Oh, did I fall in love with this idea I found on http://fleamarket.about.com/. You know how we all save the pretty package toppers and corsages from the holidays. Well how about making a "kitschy floral arrangement". Stuff those glitzy kitschy things into a retro vase and be totally hip this Christmas.

Other decor such as lighted candle sticks (which may or may not work now) ....could be re-cycled into a Christmas center piece. When I look at a great collection of older ornaments and decorative holiday accessories at a Flea Market, I wonder...how might I use these fabulous kitschy and cheap holiday decor in a new way.


Christmas Kitsch To Look For:

1. Stuffed toys (Reindeers, Santas, Elves, Snowmen).
2. Old ornaments
3. Plastic decorations.
4. Snow Domes
5. Tree huggers
6. Package and gift toppers.
7. Corsages
8. garland
9. Beads
10. Christmas light bulbs
11, Wood cut outs

Photos Courtesy of :

http://fleamarket.about.com/od/decoratelikeapro/ig/Christmas-Kitsch/Retro-Christmas-Glam.htm

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3254/3125815557_0d5e6da9a3.jpg

inds.org.uk/flickr/photos/tagged/as/kitsch

http://thevintagelist.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.

Diving Into The Topic Of Freegans And Frugal Living

Freegans Compared To 1930s and 1940's Frugal Housewives

While doing research on junk collecting I kept coming across the term "Freegan" and decided it was time for me to dive right into the subject (no pun intended). Being totally clueless about Freegans, my first thought was whether Freegans and Vegans were related? In essence the words do share a relationship; both Freegans and Vegans are concerned with "excluding" certain practices. Many Freegans are Vegans who forsake all animal products. Freegans forsake "consumerism".

What Are Freegans?

Freeganism (which started in the 1990's) is an anti-consumerism lifestyle whereby people employ alternative living strategies based on "limited participation in the conventional economy and minimal consumption of resources".Freegans are scavengers who live off consumer waste.

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

Freegans are interested in eliminating wasteful consumption. They are big on rescuing, re-cycling, re-purposing and re-using everything. Advanced Freegans live totally off goods recovered from trash or thrown away. Freegaans rummage through supernmarket trash, dress in hand me down clothes and furnish their home from cast off furnish. Many items are found on the street or from groups such as freecycle.org or at so called freemeets or swap meets.

Freegan-Inspired Lifestyles

While many Freegans adopt the whole package, others live a Freegan inspired life or what some call Freegan-lite. Freegans have been compared to frugal housewives of earlier generations, learning how to conserve, save and repair. http://www.savingadvice.com/blog/2008/10/24/103132_freegan-tips-for-the-frugal.html

Freegan Tips For The Frugal

1. Swap- organize group swaps in your home. Invite friends to exchange such items as books, clothing, art suppplies, plants etc.

2. Get Stuff For Free: Check out Craigslist and Free Cycle online.

3. Rescue Food Before It Gets Trashed. Collect excess food from bakeries, restaurants and volunteer to bring to a Shelter or Soup Kitchen. Bring containers to work...and collect extra food from group functions.

4. Dumpster Dive: While you don't have to actually go into a dumpster, you can rescue old furniture, useble household items and perfectly good trash from others, curbsides, and dump sites.

5. Host a Free Martket where everything is literally free. http://www.reallyreallyfree.org/

6. Particicpate in community gardens. Grown your own food and share with others.

7. Barter: Exchange gooods and servces.


Freegan And Frugal Resources

Freegan Info
http://freegan.info/?page_id=2

Not Buying It
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/21/garden/21freegan.html?_r=1

Freegan Meet Up Groups
http://dumpsterdiving.meetup.com/

Freegan Info
http://freegan.info/?page_id=2

Freegan Tips For The Frugal
http://www.savingadvice.com/blog/2008/10/24/103132_freegan-tips-for-the-frugal.html

Reuse Centers For Artist Supplies
http://generationgreen.com/text/reuse_materials.html

Bottom Feeders
http://home.earthlink.net/~astrology/confessi.html

Dumpster Diving
http://www.allthingsfrugal.com/dumpster.htm

http://www.thelivingweb.net/dumpster_diving_for_fun_and_profit.html
http://www.jgpress.com/IBArticles/1999/MJ%2015.htm

http://oksr.tripod.com/dive.html

Curbside Diving
http://www.angelfire.com/id/furrania/refuse.html

Garden Junk
http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/junk/

Frugal Living
http://frugalliving.about.com/od/bargainshopping/p/Freegan.htm

Free Cycle http://www.freecycle.org/

Craigslist.org

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.com

Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com

Dianne is a member of:
The American Society of Journalists and Authors
The Authors Guild, Inc.

Using Vintage Kitchenwares to Organize Your Trinkets and Notions

Goodbye Plastic Bags- Hello Green Vintage Kitchen

Storing trinkets and odds and ends in plastic bags is not cool these days. Environmentally conscious folks have taught the rest of us to give up on the world of PLASTICS in favor of using materials that can be re-cycled such as glass and metals.


Plastic Bag Guilt: So Now It's Time To
Re-Use, Re-Cycle, Re-Purpose

The message is getting through, "green" is "in" .....and as a result of all this pressure to "save the earth"....I'm starting to change my habit of using new things instead of salvaging old things. In fact, I now experience a guilt attack when I even think of buying Ziploc bags. While I am not totally plastic-free yet, I am well on my way.

Looking Out for "Green Neighbors"

But there are some days that I break down and reach for my Ziplocs. On these days, when I'm in the market, I pray that I'll make it to the check-out counter before I am spotted by one of my very "green" neighbors. I have learned to hide a box of plastic storage bags under a large box of cereal in my cart to save face.

Plastic Boomed in 1950s

It's easy to understand why so many of us Baby Boomers are plastic maniacs. After all we grew up sitting on couches that were covered with plastic, ate cereal in Melmac bowls and watched mom host a Tupperware Party. Let's face it, most of us grew up on plastic and it is hard to let go.

So now the trick is to begin to wean ourselves off all this plastic stuff and to look for other ways to store foods as well as organize the odds and ends which clutter our drawers and counters.

Meet Pink Grapefruit Style on Etsy

Keeping one's home "green" can be a fun project. It is a new way to think about how to re-purpose or re-cycle what you have at home. One of my favorite vendors on Etsy is a shop called Pink Grapefruit Style . This gal is the queen of vintage trinkets and treasure and has really mastered a variety of ways to keep small objects in place using old muffin tns, ice cube trays and loaf pans to hold odds and ends. So now it is time for you to re-visit your basement or attic and turn your old housewares into clever storage containers.

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

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.com

Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com

Dianne is a member of:
The American Society of Journalists and Authors
The Authors Guild, Inc.

Don't Throw It Out: Advice From Frugal Forties Housewives

A Vintage Guide To Thrifty Living
This is another installment of sage advice from the 1940's housewife on how to run a thrifty household.

DON'T THROW IT OUT

1. Old Flannel Pajamas: when they are ready to toss....cut them up into squares, bind several squares together and use as potholders.

2. Odds and ends from old dresses while really old , look new when made into hats, purses, scarves, etc.

3. Old plastic shower curtains can be converted to aprons. Or use them to cover porch pillows.

4. Old cotton stockings can be ripped down the seem and used as dust cloths.

5. Worn out blankets...try taking two or three worn out blankets and stitch them together covered with a cotton print. Now you have a warm comforter.

6.Old linoleum can be cut into small pieces and made into placemats.

7. A Retired curtain rod makes a handy shoe rack. Just tack it on the closet door, and hang the shoes by their heels on it.

8. Old but laundered socks, pulled over shoes not in use, or when they are packed for travel will keep them like new and separated from other packed items.

9. Old paint brushes become pliable when soaked in hot vinegar.

10. Leaky vases can be stopped by melting paraffin over the leaky spot and let it harden.

Source "1003 Household Hints", 1947 Edited by Michael Gore

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.com

Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com

Dianne is a member of:
The American Society of Journalists and Authors
The Authors Guild, Inc.

Go Green with Funky Flower Power Vintage Plastic Totes

Go Green with Vintage Plastic Totes

As everyone is going “green” and carrying re-usable shopping bags to the grocery store, I was wondering how cool it might be to show up at the supermarket with a funky flower power plastic tote from the sixties? Gosh.....vintage is so in right now. These mod vinyl bags are relatively cheap, so you could actually buy an assortment of bags and try out different patterns on different days.

Retro Style is Hot Even in Shopping and Beach Bags

During a recent visit to The Old Carriage Shop Antiques Center in Bantam, CT a haven for vintage clothing and jewelry I spotted one booth with a rack full of these sixties gems. Bright florals, paisleys and polka dots seemed to be the major themes of these colorful plastic shopping bags. Some bags had matching straps and other totes were fitted with a hard plastic handle.

I found a variety of sizes and styles offered for sale at around fifteen dollars. I was surprised to find these bags in really good shape. They just don't make shopping totes like they used too!

These Bags are the Real Deal...Not Reproductions

And even though you can find similar bags being reproduced and being sold as retro style vinyl bags...I can assure you..these treasures were the real deal.

Miami Beach Here We Come

Seeing these mod totes reminded me of how my grandma Esther Esther would schlep these plastic beach bags to Miami Beach during the 60’s. I have to laugh when I see the “twenty-something” crowd flocking to some of the same hotels and motels grandma stayed in back in the day. In fact many of these hotels were re-done and now make up the South Beach area where the Martini crowd has moved in and the Bingo Ladies are long gone.

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.com

Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com


Dianne is a member of:
The American Society of Journalists and Authors
The Authors Guild, Inc.