Don't Be Fooled by Collectible Reproduction Tricks

Antique reproductions or valuable china and glassware reproductions have been going on a long time. For instance there was a time when people wanted china that looked like pieces nobility used or royalty.
If you are serious about collecting a specific company or design then get to know their markings or signature design styles. Sometimes the tip off is simply the glaze color. I have my Grandparents Shawnee Corn King Teapot, sugar and salt pepper. I have seen several reproductions of this pattern. Personally the glaze is the first error. It is not the right color. It is usually way off or the green too bright. Sometimes you know it is wrong because your research tells you only certain colors or patterns were produced by a company. A company's makers mark along with other subtle details can be the key to the truth. Maybe they spelled the name wrong or maybe the mark is suppose to be raised. Perhaps the fake mark does not match the style.....Why do I say this? Sometimes fake imports would come over to the America and then marked with a fake or maybe stolen makers mark.
GLASS~ Another tip off could be mold marks. True antique glass was blown and will have a break off mark or the accurate term pontil mark. See this article showing awesome pictures. https://sha.org/bottle/mouthblowndating.htm
I do not live far from an area once teeming with great glass blowers and stained glass makers, Connellsville, PA. Obviously glass is still blown so you have to study. Glass molds with seams were used on a mass scale after 1915. When I refer to true antique I mean the accepted dating around 1850 and before as considered antique. This does not mean an item produced later is less valuable but, antique dealers may label it as collectible, vintage, folk art, old or historical importance to America or industry.
Another area of concern in recent years are wood wares. The term primitive has turned the antique market upside down. My first advice is if it looks really good then be very careful. I mentioned in a previous article about the romance with wooden tools and implements and referred to as folk art or primitives. These should be collectible due to their use and because handmade to meet the needs of the farm or home. If these pieces have been stripped, sanded and or stained then they hold no value to a true collector and disturb their age. The biggest problems are wood bowls, spatulas, bobbins, boxes, paper mache pumpkins, make do dolls and more being made by wholesale country decor companies. Some of these seasonal items set in an antique shop could fool many people. The materials being used and color should be a red flag. Ex. Was the type of wood widely used or available in the area?

You must do your homework when it comes to brands still in production. Usually the brand's markings indicate production time frames. Unfortunately, sometimes molds were sold and not destroyed by bankrupted companies and this is another issue with certain glass and ceramic makers. Make yourself aware to the company's known reproduction issues. Also be aware of general terms with high prices. People casually use the word milk glass, carnival glass, ruby red and more. Some of these general glasswares are still produced. In fact I recall when Martha Stewart's Kmart line had hobnail and milk glass pieces. You better know what you are paying for!

Research. Look for old markings books. Find old news articles as they are helpful too. When libraries have sales check for markings and collector books. Kovel's gives estimates based on recent auctions so they can be helpful too. Sometimes you can find collector clubs online. Good luck!

Purchasing Old Painted Wood and Metal, Lead in the Home

I was reading an article from a well intended amateur interior designer this morning on painted and chipped metal tiles. When I read paint, old and chipped...alarm bells went off. In 1978 lead based paint was banned. Up until then a home's paint likely had lead. In Pittsburgh there has been a lot of attention to this matter as most large apartment buildings were built in the 1950's. Local newspapers have written about sickened children from the lead.
Lead paint when not chipped should be left undisturbed. Seek professional help if there is deterioration. Like asbestos, lead gets in your home's air once disturbed. They call it lead dust. The EPA also cautions parents about hand rails and window sils due to children chewing on them.This is one of many issues. I have linked the information from the EPA. It goes over plumbing and more too. https://www.epa.gov/lead 

In summary, do not buy old chipped painted items. I know prim and shabby are in but, protect your health and buy a reproduction. Collectors think about your garage, game rooms etc filled with products. Are you endangering your health? In adults it has found to cause kidney problems, high blood pressure and who knows what else! My Grandfather smoked in his teens. He heavily worked with wood furniture, stains and antiques. He died partially from emphysema. it was a head scratcher at the time until we started thinking about possible exposures when stripping, cleaning and fixing antiques. 
I would also like to point out the serious issues with imported items over the last ten years. Lead in children's jewelry and more has made headlines. Think about where painted products are coming from and if you feel comfortable bringing these products in your air space and your children and grandchildren's air space. A home is closed up a lot. Your home is like walking into a snow globe. It could be snowing lead dust and you are trapped.

I Love My Dog

I love my dog,
I admire his look of serenity as he sits on the porch covered in snowflakes,
He gazes out to his white snowy yard and perfectly painted snowed apple tree and he smiles,
He has not a care, he is full of happiness,
When I look through the etched ice on the glass door, he looks to me in bliss,
He makes me take in his view, he knows I need a little wonderment,
So I look on with him and now I am smiling too,
I crack open the door and my sweet boy dutifully comes in without hesitation,
I towel him off and kiss his nose and look into those puppy eyes,
Love, love love.

Hearty Meals On A Budget

Successful chefs plan their weekly meals. They have to hit a budget and make the most profit out of their grocery list. I tell you this because making every dollar count requires planning and maybe a little food homework. You may need to hit the web and search for things like the longevity of a bag of spud free potatoes. Why? You will get to know how far this item will stretch if properly stored.
My Great Great Grandmother on my Mom's side had to use everything she had in the kitchen. Times were hard and as my Mom would tell me, "She could make something out of nothing and it was good."  So her skills were passed down to my Mom and then her children.
I never thought about cooking much until I was out on my own and realized most of my friend's really did not know cooking basics and were buying a lot of frozen food and boxed items. They never cooked with spices and herbs and bought vegetables in cans and bags. So let me help you out today!

Sometimes the best meat deals are found at a local butcher shop or a family grocery store that does their butchering at the store. Seek these out and compare. If you're on a budget but, want meat protein then you need to look for certain types of cuts at cheaper prices. Look at inexpensive steaks that say rib cuts. Some areas have different names. These are tender cuts with some fat but, can be less chewy than a sirloin steak. If you are a person who eats huge meals this cut may not satisfy you. The key to making cuts good is using a meat pounder. This breaks down the tissue. Some people marinate to also get the same results. I pound out thick chicken cuts too. A piece that looks full in the center and generous can sometimes be tough in the middle or dry by the time it is done. Pound it a little.
Buy meats in anticipation to use left overs for another meal. 
Outside of summer I rarely don't use left over baked chicken for chicken noodle soup. Take left over peas, carrots, celery and fresh spinach and add to the pot. Don't throw out left over vegetables! Another cheap left over trick for chicken or breakfast sausage is pizza! Take a jelly roll pan and line with tin foil. Roll out a $3 Pillsbury crust from a tube. Take pizza or leftover spaghetti sauce and get started! Taco seasoning mixed with the chicken is a hit along with pineapple toppings in my house. Chicken salad for lunch or work lunches is another option. Add celery and grapes to the mix. I can't eat iceberg lettuce but, I do buy baby spinach in the bag. I get a ton of salads out of this $3 bag and I add spinach, cheese and sometimes mushrooms to morning omelets. These toppings also mix with pizza. See the interchangeable recipes!
Spaghetti Sauce. There is just so many possibilities besides noodles. Extra chicken, makes chicken parmesan. Crush saltines or buy small can of panko and will have for a awhile. Pound chicken thin, lightly toss in egg wash and pat in crumbs.
Of course sauce and ground sirloin make a meat sauce. You will need to experiment with herbs to find your perfect mix. I use oregano, marjoram, basil, garlic, sugar to cut acid. Ground sirloin with chuck makes a good meat loaf. So if you buy extra meat you can freeze a meat loaf for another day. Meat loaf is extremely easy and makes good cold lunch sandwiches.
Another option for sauce is meatballs. You can make your own or buy a bulk bag. I can get a large bag at GFS for $10. I cook the meatballs in my stock pot. I drain most of the fat and add sauce. I make enough for about 8 sandwiches. Instead of my husband eating lousy lunch meat sandwiches he gets these once a month. Of course any sauce recipe goes great with a salad.
Salad. Iceberg and baby spinach go a long way. Eggs also go far. Get creative with salads. Left over cold peas are great in salad! Add hard boiled eggs, left over meat. Go Pittsburgh style and add fries on top! Of course add lettuce or spinach to sandwiches for extra nutrition. I love adding fresh spinach to soups towards the end.

I do a basic egg and pasta dinner. It is an old inexpensive recipe used in tough times. I use fettuccine noodles. First whip 2-3 eggs with salt, pepper, milk and I add finely chopped fresh garlic. Add grated parmesan or other cheese to mix. Cook your noodles. When you drain leave about 2 tablespoons of water in bowl. Don't put back on burner. Dump your mix on noodles and quickly toss. You don't want eggs to set. Add more salt or cheese to liking. Some people add bacon or chicken to noodles. Common to use bacon grease instead of water but, I prefer not to use extra fat.
Quiche is another easy often over looked dish. Maybe the name scares people! Quiche is basically eggs like a pie. Left over ham is yummy with onion, celery, salt and pepper and parsley. Just buy frozen pie shells and keep in freezer until needed. Quiche is awesome for breakfast or lunch and dinner. Serve with soup or sandwich at dinner for a more robust meal.
Also hard boiled eggs done on Sunday are a great way to get protein on the run in the mornings and better than potatoes chips for lunches.
Cheese. I try not to over indulge in this yummy fat. Sometimes the already shredded bag cheese is more expensive than just buying a block either at the coolers or at the deli. You can slice and grate your own. I find grating my own makes me use less.
Potatoes can be done in so many simple ways. Top chefs when asked what they want after working the line...Meat and boiled potatoes. My husband had no idea parsley potatoes existed. One of my favorites! Chunked boiled potatoes marinated in butter, parsley and salt. Of course you can fry small chunks in the morning too! ,
Mashed potatoes plus+pie crust, ground beef, vegetables=shepherds pie.
Vegetables. I have found going to a local vegetable market is the best way to save money. I can get several items for $20.00. If you have this option compare prices. I have a hard time with seeds. It does not deter me. I buy cucumbers and hull out the middle. When you slice it makes rings. Kids seem to think this is clever. I love fresh celery with a dash of salt. I actually love unadulterated vegetables. I grew up handed raw vegetables in the kitchen while someone was cooking. This was a good thing! My Mom takes a y peeler and takes off the stringy surface of the darker green celery. This is safer for kids and easier to chew. Add peanut butter to celery or apples. Great for lunch! Radishes are an old root vegetable with a little kick. I personally eat these when I have cravings. The crunch and kick seem to curb it. I think people get really caught up in having a huge dinner plate full of stuff. In the 1950's our salad plates were their dinner plates. It was also not uncommon to have a glass tray of vegetables on the table and a relish tray. I grew up with both and love!
Don't be afraid to buy a giant head of cauliflower or broccoli. Cut the stem, break off flowers and boil. So easy. Don't forget to buy onion to heighten dishes and great for cardiovascular health. Peruse the vegetables aisle and get creative!
Isn't this like a puzzle once you start brainstorming basic ingredients??? You can do a lot. Get yourself and family from eating out of boxes and bags. Seriously the research and articles about the sugar snuck into these shelved items is astounding. It is no wonder Americans crave sugar. Eat better and hit your budget with some creative planning. Good luck!