2016 The End Of The Microwave!

This wasn’t by choice. The microwave was acting kinda strange for the past few months.  Sometimes it felt like working, at other times it could not be bothered.  A couple weeks ago it finally quit all together and I have been without it ever since.   I must say, initially it was  strange.  I’ve always had a microwave since the 1980’s.  It’s one of those appliances that you just have.  After it was gone, I really asked myself “what do I really use it for”?  It was for the recipes that call for melted butter or boiling water.  I would also use it for quick re-heats of leftovers.  But then I thought- do I really need another one?  Yes, it’s certainly affordable- they are a dime a dozen almost anywhere you shop. But, do I really need another one?  So far the answer has been-  No.

As you know I love my Corningware. Anything that I make and have left overs of goes into a small Corningware casserole dish and gets placed in the fridge.  When I want to reheat, it comes out of the fridge and is reheated on the stovetop. (Remember certain Corningware pieces are safe to use in the microwave, range and oven.  Be sure to read the stamp). I will admit, it will not heat as quick as the usual 2:30 when it was in the microwave, but it is certainly done reheating before 5 minutes.  Also, melting butter or boiling a cup of water really doesn’t take that long on the stove..Jeesh!  Here’s the bonus- I have more counter space and I don’t have another appliance that has to be cleaned.  BONUS!!

I’m sure this approach might not work for everyone,  but anyone who has contemplated the need for a microwave- just might be surprised.

Vintage Items That Are HOT And Worth More Than You Think!

Hello all!  I wanted to pass along to you some items that shouldn’t be passed up if you’re really interested in starting a collection, adding to your collection or just want to flip some items online.  When you’re driving by that Thrift Store, passing that Garage Sale sign or antique store,  take a moment to stop by- it could certainly be worth your while.

Below are some of the hottest vintage items that have been confirmed online (some are also my predictions for the future) that are becoming hugely popular and collectible:

80’s memorabilia– these include vintage tee shirts, Atari games, cartridges, music posters, action figures and Swatch watches. Vintage Star Wars memorabilia is off the charts popular now.

Ceramic Christmas trees– HUGELY collectible!  Do a search on EBay and you will be surprised to see that these are going for $200-$300 per tree.

Vintage Hallmark Ornaments 1970’s through early 2000’s.  This is another category online where the prices are through the roof.

Vintage concert tee shirts

Corningware, Pyrex, Tupperware, Melamine and vintage Farberware cookware-  Yes, it’s true you may go to your local thrift store and come across these items, but they are becoming harder and harder to collect.  (Especially if they are in good condition with all the original pieces) People are paying big bucks for the rare pieces.

Vintage Cookbooks 1950’s-1980’s – it is very easy now to pop online and quickly find your favorite recipe.  As we continue to rely on digital media, these classic books are going to be harder and harder to find.

Vintage electronic equipment– radios, stereos receivers, TV, CB radios, clocks

Boardgames- This is another hugely popular item online especially the games from the 1960’s and 1970’s.

Vintage globes

Vintage Olympic and airline posters

Some tips to keep in mind while browsing, collecting and selling:

1.  Condition- make sure it’s in pristine condition.  Nobody wants a messed up Tupperware bowl or original board game that is missing the pieces.

2.  Do your research and check the stamps and markings on the item and find out as much history as you can.

3.  Find like minded people that share your interest in what you collect.  These are great resources to bounce off information, get suggestions or be on the lookout for you.  Nowadays you can find them within minutes online.

4. Be fair in your purchase price and with your selling price.  Everyone is entitled to make a profit- but it’s not fair to be gouged or take advantage of someone.

Any of the above items would be a great start if you’re interested in starting a collection. Give it a try, I’m sure you’ll be happy you did!

Shop. Collect. Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What I’ve Learned From Collecting

 

Image by:  StillWorksImagery via Pixabay

I have collected many items throughout the years.  As a kid it was baseball cards, comic books, Atari games, records, cassette tapes and sheet music to name a few. When I moved into adulthood it became DVD’s, MP3’s, recipes, Hallmark ornaments and now I’m into vintage barware, Corning ware and Tupperware.  If you say to yourself, “I’ve never really collected anything” think again.  You’ll be surprised at the things you probably collected without really even knowing it.  Have a good DVD library, that’s a collection.  Have a great selection of shoes, that’s a collection.  How many cookbooks do you have stored in the closet?  Guess what, that’s a collection.  What really makes a collection a passion or hobby is the use of the collection and that is what I’m going to talk about today.

Back in the early 90’s I went through a phase where I was a DJ.  I had an awesome collection.  Mostly, record albums and 12″ singles.  I never really counted them, but lined up I’m sure it was an easy 15-20 feet long.  Since my collection was used everyday, my passion to find new music, new albums and find rare pieces of vinyl was what keep this collection alive.  However; when I was no longer doing DJ gigs, that passion changed. The collection was no longer “alive”.  I believe many of the collections I had through the years ended the same way.  Once the collection is not longer used it just became something that I had and stored.  Rather than being an active collection, it was just hoarding.

My personal belief that the key to starting a successful collection and maintaining that collection is to ensure that it stays active and “alive”.  Many people tend to collect and they are afraid to utilize that collection.  It ends up in a box at the back of a closet viewed by no one.  I was chatting with one of my Spice of Life collector friends and I explained to her that I’m really ensuring that the items that I collect, I use.  I’m not allowing myself to collect something that I’m just going to end up storing as I could easily move into the “hoarding” side of collecting.  Now, I realize that hard to find collectibles and extremely rare one of a kind items are a different case, these are something that should be treasured and kept safe.

But in the end, something that you enjoy so much that you feel the need to collect, should be enjoyed and shared with others.  When I’m standing there trying to decide which glass I want to use from my Thorpe collection for happy hour, it makes that drink taste extra special and that’s when I realize…. it was all worth while!

Shop-Collect-Enjoy!