Why Mother's Day Is So Much Work: Confessions of A Baby Boomer Mom

Boomers Unite: Spilling The Beans About Celebrating Mother's Day 

Now that Mother's Day is over, I can share with my readers what they already know.....Mother's Day is a lot of work!  I have talked with many moms with 20 and 30 something aged children and I hear lots of similar stories. First there is the pre-Mother's Day planning. This is the phase when your children are figuring out how to squeeze in a weekend visit with mom and still leave plenty of time   to return to their own apartments to catch up on their chores such as laundry or shopping.  Many "kids" resolve this dilemma by carting their laundry to mom's house. There is something to be said about spending quality time with mom on Mother's Day while folding a month's worth of towels.

Mother's Day Is A Juggling Act

When chores are not the issue, there is often "the juggling act factor" which can get complicated when you are trying to get sibs together for Mother's Day...many of our kids struggle with how to be in three different places at the very same time. Tell me I'm not the only one who is exhausted from trying to get everyone in the same place at the same time?

Visiting Mom For Mother's Day: Time For Negotiations 

Once our kids get the time logistics squared away there are prractical issues like who is paying for what.  This "money" phase generally requires some degree of negotiation. In a nutshell, it comes down to "mom....if you want me to visit...I'll need you to

pay for my bus or train ride".  Smart kids get their parents to pay for both the coming and the going. Smarter parents agree to pay for just one way and that is the return trip (back to their apartments).

Planning Your Mother's Day Weekend Meals: Use A Spread Sheet

Once all the details are ironed out, and everyone is in the comforts of the family home, meals are the next big matter to determine. This require a
lot of attention to what the prevailing diet is for each of your children ( also applies to adult children). If you have three or four or more kids, you may find that by using a spread sheet you   will have better control on the situation. Afterall it is not easy figuring out who is gluten free and vegan; who is lactose intolerant but would accept a soy cheese pizza if they had too, who is Paleo on weekdays but not on the weekend; who is allergic to lobster; who despises mayonaise or spicy mustard or ketchup etc.

With any luck meals are under control and gifts are shared. And that my friends is a topic worthy of another blog post. So readers tell us about your Mother's Day..... was it a lot of work? Come ohn...you are among your baby boomer bloggers...spill the beans.  

Photos taken by C.Dianne Zweig at Antiques on The Famington, Collinsville, 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

Collecting Charming Tin Canisters For Your Vintage Kitchen

Finding Unique Vintage Kitchen Canisters

I adore vintage kitchen canisters and I'm not exactly sure why, but I have a growing "collection" pinned to my "Retro Kitchen Canisters" board on Pinterest.com.

 Photo show from the amazing collection at http://tparty.typepad.com/the_tcozy/

Whether I am antiquing in cyberspace or out shoppping in my favorite stores.
As you have probably already discovered, there are some sets that seem to come up everywhere (apple and fruit themes). The one show here with a decal is a pretty unique one.

This canister is a little rough looking on the top but really quite charming even if it is an orphan (not part of a set).

Visit
Kitsch-N Collectibles Kitchen Collectibles Group

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.comDianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists    

A Kitchen Collectors Dream Collection

Retro Kitchen Lovers Dream Come True

I thought the only time I ever saw collections like this was in my dreams. I wish I could tell you if this is a photo from someone's collection or a showcase in a shop. But I simply do not know. I found this wonderful photo on http://pinterest.com/ravensrest/kitchen-kitsch/ .

While I am new to the website Pinterest where this photo was "pinned", I can tell you that I am having a ball looking at some very creative ideas and a gallery of amazing photos.

If anyone figures out where this photos was taken, please let me know. Thanks, Dianne

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

Decorating With Pastel Color Kitchen Collectibles

Grouping Pastel Color Collectibles

I discovered some fabulous photos of kitchen collectibles on Picasa by Sharon Harris.

This collection of pastel colored kitchen-wares and planters is so exciting that I am tempted to go out tomorrow and try this combination of colors for myself.

On the top shelf is a set of yellow Ransburg kitchen canisters. Using the colors of the flowers on the canister set, this gal than added all of her aqua, pink, yellow and mint green vases and planters.

What a wonderful Retro sweet cottage look this is!
Phot courtesy of https://picasaweb.google.com/111248025309295501158/DecoratingIII

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

Decorating Your Vintage Cottage Kitchen In French Blue And White

A Charming Cottage Style Kitchen

Blue and White are kitchen colors which to me are timeless. The French blue painted walls and white cabinets and appliances are simply delicious together. Blue and white dinner plates, platters and accessories are mounted on the walls and filled in the open cabinets. Here is where a collection of Flow Blue collectibles is a wonderful addition.And notice the touch of red in the flowers on the table to give the look an extra special zing!
See more at: http://titdilapa.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

Housewares Featured In 1954 G. FOX & CO. Spring Catalog Found On Etsy.com

G. Fox & Co. Operated In Downtown Hartford From 1847 Until 1993

You know how much I adore old catalogs of housewares. Well look at what I just found at
Faith n Hope10 on Etsy.com .... a vintage 1954 G. Fox Spring Catalog. ooh la la.....pictures of retro housewares....I am in heaven. I love finding old kitchenware catalogs.. First of all as you can imagine, it is a blast actually seeing the collectibles we love to buy, featured in these salvaged advertising booklets.

Shopping At Fox's

Second, I'm excited to have found a G. Fox catalog, because I shopped at Fox's (as we called it for years). We all miss G. Fox but are glad that a fine store like Macy's has kept the remaining G. Fox department store continuing in business.

G. Fox America's Largest Privately Owned Department Store

G. Fox & Co. was once the largest privately owned department store in the United States which operated in downtown Hartford, CT from 1847 until 1993. Gerson Fox established his "fancy goods" store on Main Street in 1847.

According to the Fox philosophy outlined on the site "Remembering G Fox & Co"
four principles were held for generations:

Four Principles At G. Fox & Co.

1. The customer is always right.
2. If you can get it anywhere, you can get it at G. Fox Co.
3. If G. Fox says it's so, it must be so.
4. G. Fox Co. is never knowingly undersold.

Upon his passing, Gerson Fox's philosophy was kept alive by his son, Moses Fox, and later by his granddaughter, Beatrice Fox Auerbach; each of them led the store to periods of greater growth and prosperity. http://www.chs.org/finding_aides/fox/welcome.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

Glasbake Kitchen Collectibles: McKee's Ovenware

Who Made Glasbake? The Kitschy Collector Gets To The Bottom Of This Mystery

Today I am getting to the bottom of the term "Glasbake" ? Here is the scoop....In 1917 The McKee Glass Company introduced "Glasbake Ovenware to compete with Pyrex ovenware which
was made by Corning Glass Works.

Glasbak was the original spelling for McKee's ovenware, but was changed to Glasbake sometime later.

"Glasbak" Versus "Glasbake" : History of Glasbake

According to Cathy and Gene Florence (Kitchen Glassware of The Depression Years) "Glassbake" was originally referred to as "Glasbak Ware" An early product brochure advertises "Glasbak" as "A Sanitary Baking Ware and Serving Ware Combined" which is made of glass.

McKee Glass Company

Later Glasbak would be spelled with an "e" Glasbake (1917-1953, followed by "Glasbake by McKee Divison of Thatcher Glass Corp., 1951-1961 and "Glasbake by Jeannette Glass, 1961-1983. Thatcher Glass sold the Mckee factory in the 1960s to Jeanette Glass.

Markings

Glasbake made by Jeanette after 1961 usually have a J prefix followed by a number on the bottom of each piece. (Kitchen Glasswares off The Depression Years-Cathy and Gene Florence. You will also see sellers refer to their items as "Glassbake". And some sellers refer to every kind of ovenware as "Glassbake" .

Glasbake: From Oven to Refrigerator
The beauty of "Glasbake" was that it was designed to be able to be used for cooking, serving and storing. More and more, returning to the use of glass in today's kitchen is becoming popular on environmentally conscious homeowners.

Can You Put Glasbake in The Microwave?

The term "Heat Resistant" is used on many Glasbake products instead of "Oven Proof". According to Cathy and Gene Florence (Florences Ovenware, Collectorbooks.com) , heavier Glasbake mugs can withstand use in the microwave. You will find some later editions of Glasbake mugs actually marked Microwave safe.

The Florences suggest testing earlier mugs by putting them in the microwave for ten seconds and seeing if the mugs gets hot. If it does, it may not withstand the microwave. The Florences do not discuss other types of Glasbake ovenware pieces. pieces.

Patterns and Styles Of Glasbake

Flamex

The "Glasbake" product was made in a variety of glass styles and patterns. For example, Sears and Roebuck sold "Crystal" Glass Cookware called "Flamex" which came in sets or individual pieces. Are you holding onto your hats? Flamex sold as a ten piece set for $1.49 back in the day.
You could even find a huge oven roaster (think Turkey) for $2.25. Mark Hargreaves produced a CD on Flamex, for more information about this topic visit: http://www.oldstuff.com/

Safe Bake

Safe Bake is a "Glasbake" product in heart shaped baking dishes. This product has a "Saben Glass Company" but is Glasbake.

Cameo With "Urn" Glasbake and "Cameo" Glasbake

Made by McKee Divison of Thatcher Glass manufacturing Company. Cameo Glasbak was advertised to serve oven-to-table in glass that looked as lovely as china. The advertisements read " Cameo in Glasbake contrasts classic Grecian figures in white against a background of soft Olympic Blue. There is also a "Cameo" pattern.

Currier and Ives

The Jeanette Glass Company issued a Glasbake pattern called "Currier and Ives". Currier and Ives is also made by Federal and Fire-King wares according to Cathy and Gene Florence. A full boxed set of this style would sell for $140-150.00.

"Wild Rose" Glasbake"

A floral rose pattern on white glass, this pattern is quite attractive and sought after.Prices are higher for these pieces because of their sweet look. You will find lovely photos of "Wild Rose" in a butter dish, refrigerator dish (two sizes) and also in a lovely covered canister set in Florence's Ovenware book by Collectorbooks.com.

Bakers and Casseroles of Glasbake

Probably most of us are familiar with this cute individual bakers. I have heard many people refer to them as "soup bowls". But they were originally advertised as "French Casseroles". They come in a variety of colors. Some complete sets come with serving tiles to place under the baker or casserole.

More Ovenware Patterns Of Glasbake

Blue Floral
Blue Fruit
Brown Floral
Daisy Days
Fleur de Lis
Grecian
Green Floral
Ivy
Mushroom
Red Floral
Snowflaake
Wheat
Queen Anne
Hen baker
Glabake patioware
Glasbake baking Shells

Other Glasbake Products

Hottles (serve coffee, soup, hot beverages).
Measuring Cups
Cereal bowl
Florette platter
Flamex saucepan
Mix Master Bowl Sets
Mugs
Percolator
Glasbake & Range-tec
Covered individual casseroles

Read More;

Florence's Ovenware by Gene and Cathy Florence, Collectorbooks.com

Kitchen Glassware of the Depression Years by Cathy and Gene Florence, Collectorbooks.com

McKee Kitchen Glass of the Depression Years by Barbara E. Mauzy, SchifferBooks

Flamex Information: http://www.oldstuff.com/

Photos Courtesy of :
http://www.etsy.com/shop/vintagejunque
http://sewshesews.wordpress.com/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/BusyBree
http://www.etsy.com/shop/PreserveCottage

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

Collecting, Decorating And Baking With Bundt Cake Pans

The Art Of Collecting Bundt Pans

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

The Cake With The Hole In The Middle

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




My Big Fat Greek Wedding And The Bundt Cake

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

The Settlement Cookbook

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

Introducing Nordic Ware Aluminum Bundt Pans

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

Bundt Pans Come In A Variety Of Shapes

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

Vintage Bundt Pans Are Reasonably Priced

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

Handmade Bundt Pan Covers

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

Photos Courtesy of :

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

History of Bundt Cakes

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

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

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

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

Recipes

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

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

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


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

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

Retro Blogger Exhausts Her PC

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

Kitschy Collector Mourns Her Blogging Friend

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


So Many Kitsch n Collectibles

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

When You Feel Lousy: Go Antiquing

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

CODE 7 : Very Bad News

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


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

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

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

The Kitschy Collector's Idea Of Retro Cooking And Housekeeping

Are You A Retro Kitchen Collector Who Loves Vintage Housewares But Hates to Cook?

I am one of those baby boomers who loves to buy cookbooks, kitchen collectibles, kitchen decorating books but who is not a big fan of cooking (or housekeeping).

How Many Cookbooks Can One Non Cook Buy?

Why on earth do I own every single cookbook out there? And I keep buying more. I love the pictures and envy the gals and guys who can whip up a great dish.

What's a Great "Dish" ?

But my idea of a " great dish" is something totally different. I frankly get more excited about finding a box of Fiestaware than the goodies that some folks serve on the plates!

Loving Those Adorable Crocheted Potholders

And why do I adore vintage crocheted potholders when I hate using the oven. I am much happier hanging these adorable handmade collectibles on my kitchen wall than fooling around with burning hot pots.

Everything And The kitchen Sink

The sink however is a different story. I like the sink...because the sink is where I wash all the dusty and dirty vintage kitchenwares I acquire. The sink is my friend. And I confess, I will spend more time fussing over kitchen collectibles than washing supper dishes.

Too Busy Shopping For Kitchen Collectibles

And I also admit that I will spend more time polishing up an old collectible toaster than sprucing up my set of everyday pots. In fact, as many of you already know, those of us who are hooked
on collecting housewares really have no time for cooking and housework!

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.

Decorating Your Retro Kitchen With Yellow Kitchen Housewares And Collectibles

Yellow Kitchen Kitsch For Retro Style Homes

Yellow kitchen kitsch is favored by many collectors of vintage and retro kitchen collectibles.
While red and white kitchen collectibles get scooped up very quickly, "yellow" is also a hot color. Yellow is known as a primary color and was quite popular in 1940s and 1950s kitchens. Often dubbed The Colorful decades yellow was a common color for kitchen cabinets, counter tops appliances and kitchen sets. With yellow as the foundation color in Postwar kitchens, manufacturers produced coordinated housewares and decor.

Retro Housewives Love Yellow Because It Is A Cheerful And Sunny Color

Cheerful and sunny, yellow is a perfect color to make any retro housewife happy and content. You will find plenty of yellow vintage kitchenwares available because it has always been a best seller.

What Are Kitchen Collectors Buying?

Collectors look for glassware, mixing bowls, canisters, bread boxes yellow handled kitchen tools, vases, pitchers, dish towels, doilies, salt aad pepper shakers, tablecloths etc.

Different Kinds Of Yellow

It's great to try to keep in the same color family of yellow.

There are many different kinds of yellow, such as buttery yellow, sunflower lemon, lemon yellow etc. Deeper yellows look great in retro kitchens, while pale yellows work well in Cottage style kitchens, especially mixed with aqua.

Pairing Other Colors With Yellow Collectibles

Yellow is an easy color to pair with other colors. It's almost like a neutral. You can have so much fun adding other colors to a primarily yellow palette. I adore yellow and black housewares. Another fab combo is yellow and green. In these photos, a yellow checked tablecloth is used and is just darling. Yellow and white offer a country crisp feeling and gingham creates a warm and cozy setting.

Photos are the courtesy of Retro Revival on Etsy.

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.

Decorating Vintage Kitchens With Retro Housewares

Fruit Themed Housewares

Fruit themed kitchen-wares were very popular during the colorful eras of the 1930's 1940's and 1950's. Housewares such as kitchen canister sets, pottery, glassware, wall decor, tablecloths, textiles, bowls etc were adorned with images of fruit.

Popular Vintage Fruit Images

Buyers wil find vintage kitchen accessories decorated with cherries, apples, pears, pineapples, bananas and grapes. Fruits represent sweet and pleasant times and are viewed as warm and home centered.

The Meaning of Fruit Images

Every culture has given meaning to particular fruits. The apple may be a symbol of temptaion, but it is also a symbol of life, ass it is a perfect fruit that carries its won seeds of renewal.

The Hebrews view the pomegranate as a symbo of fertility. The Chinese accept the orange as a sign of good luck. Pineapples were symbols of hospitality in Colonial America. Fruit is celebrated as a luscious gift from Mother Nature and has always been a familiar image in kitchens.

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.

Vintage Cake Savers Are Popular in Today's Kitchen

Friends Like Martha Stewart

Everyone has a few friends who could pass for Martha Stewart.... you know these types...these are folks who love to entertain.... are wonderful bakers and are talented home chefs. These gals (and even a few guys) also seem to have all the right kitchen gadgets and equipment.

For example, when these Martha Stewart types are invited to a friend's home for dinner, they bring a lovely dessert cake packed snuggly in a cozy Cake Saver or Cake Keeper.

Introducing Cake Carriers
(aka Cake Savers or Cake Keepers)
You have seen these handy cake carriers, the newer ones are generally made of plastic (such as Tupperware or Rubbermaid) and fit tightly over a Bundt style cake keeping in the moisture and protecting the shape of the cake. Cake keepers are used for both toting cakes from place to place or for storage both in and out of the refrigerator.

Re-Usable is "Greener"
For example, a cake made with cream or icing may need to be kept cold, and a Cake Saver is an ideal cake protector. Ecologically conscious cooks also like using cake carriers for storage because they are re-usuable and help keep the kitchen "Green".

History of Cakes
Although cakes have been made for centuries, the earliest cakes were more like breads and were either flat or loaf style. In the 1800's with advances in baking powder and baking soda (which replaced yeast) cakes could rise better and could be made in a variety of molds and styles.

Cake Savers reach Popularity in Dimestore Era
Cake Savers reached popularity in the 1930s,1940s, 1950s when many new kitchen appliances and convenience foods were being introduced into the home accompanied by free recipe booklets.

Housewives were also encouraged to bake at home with dozens of family magazines promoting the latest baking powder, flour products and appliances to make kitchen chores easier.

As a buyer and seller of kitchen collectibles, I'm always interested in learning more about the items I sell. Cake savers are readily available and sought after by collectors who like keeping a retro style kitchen. In my first book, Hot Kitchen and Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s, I show numerous photos of different types of cake carriers.

Years ago, cake carriers were first made of metal, baked enamel or glass and later followed by plastic which gained popularity in the 1950's. their covers sat loosely on top of a bottom piece which could serve as a plate. You can generally date the age of a cake carrier by the materials it is made of and the general design of the product.

Some Cake Keepers are designed with a handle attachment for both easy carrying and added help for keeping the lid in place.

Cake carriers were often part of matching kitchen-ware sets which might include a bread box, canisters and a match safe along with other kitchen accessories.

Who Made Cake Savers?
Some companies such as Harper J Ransburg of Indianapolis, were known to hand paint designs on their wares. Today you will find plenty of vintage cake carriers for sale from a variety of different companies such as Decoware, Lincoln, Ransburg, Kromex, Westbend, Lustroware etc.
They usually sell for $18.00-25.00. Unusual or hand painted enamel varieties may sell for a bit more.

Photo Credits
http://www.vintagegoodies.etsy.com
http://www.seymourantiques.com/
http://www.collinsvilleantiques.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.com

Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com

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