Antique Living

Cash and Cari

2011-08-21T21:10:00.001-04:00

I had a chance to get away for a weekend with my husband and accompany him on a business trip.
Knowing I would have some free time Saturday morning, I decided to do a search on the
internet for estate sales in the area.

TIP - To find estate sales using a search by zip code use: http://www.estatesales.net/

I found many sales with in a 30 mile radius, but one was only 9 miles away from our hotel.

The Estate Sale listing had many pictures of vintage hats and a beautiful collection of antique hand mirrors. All perfect additions for my vintage boutique, Flair.

When I looked up the details on the Estate Sale I discovered the sale was to be filmed for the HGTV television show Cash and Cari. For those of you who haven’t yet seen Cash and Cari, the show follows host Cari Hucksey and her team on what it’s like to run an Estate Sale. Having watched the show on TV, I thought it would be fun to get a behind the scenes look at the show.

When I arrived at the estate sale there was a long line to get in. I anxiously waited in line over the next half an hour, keeping my fingers crossed that any of the vintage hats and hand mirrors would be left .

Most of the hats were gone, everyone must have been inspired by the Royal Wedding . This is what happens when you arrive at an estate sale on the second day. However, not all was lost. I was pleasantly surprised to find a nice collection of vintage hand mirrors left. It was impossible to pick out just one or two, I finally decided on six. Knowing this was the second day of the sale, I knew I could bargain for a better price. I asked one of the Re-Purpose staff , what the best price would be if I purchased six of the mirrors, she offered a price of $75.00 . I then countered with a price of $ 60.00. She said she had to check with her boss. I was starting to wonder where she went when she appeared back with a camera crew. The show’s producer asked me if she could film our “bartering” of the hand mirrors with Cari’s apprentice. With much apprehension, she informed me there was a problem. Not only could she not accept my offer of
$ 60.00, she had to notify me the best price they could do was $100.00 for all of them. I could tell she was mortified, and felt bad for the young apprentice. She nor the show’s producers had no idea she was bartering with a professional antique dealer. I agreed to the $100.00 .

The Cash and Cari camera crew filming me with my new collection of hand mirrors.

Watch the video of Antique Living blogger,

Angelic Esser interviewed by

HGTV show Cash and Cari.

Not only was this such a fun experience to be part of the HGTV show Cash and Cari , this was a
great estate sale full of treasures. I attend many estate sales, some good and some not so good.
I have to say, this was probably one of the best run estate sales I have been to. Cari and the Re-Purpose Estate Services team was professional, cheerful and very helpful. The prices were fair and they were willing to bargain with you. Most of all they create a fun atmosphere that's makes you want to come back to another estate sale.

Check out Cari's Re-purpose Estate Services website

To find out more about the HGTV Cash and Cari show visit the website.

Spring Fever

2011-03-20T14:10:00.000-04:00

With winter now officially over, I cant wait to get my hands dirty this Spring. I look forward to planting the vegetable garden, working in the flower beds and planting the annual flowers. Just in case you need a little motivation, here are some pictures I snapped during the Garden Tour at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island
last summer.

For well more than a century, the legendary Grand Hotel gardens have provided beautiful (and oftentimes fragrant) visual enhancement of the guest experience. Century-old lilac, white cedar and maple trees serve as dramatic structure, while perennials and annuals by the tens of thousands provide abundant bursts of color throughout the Grand Hotel season, thanks to the ideal climate of a Mackinac summer. During any one visit, guests can see over 150 varieties of flowers, including geranium, rose, peony, coleus, garden heliotrope, cosmos, lily, daisy, and begonia.
-text from the Grand Hotel Website. http://www.grandhotel.com/

Bubble Lights

2010-12-15T15:12:00.000-05:00

I just love Bubble Lights. I still stare at them in amazement, just like I did on my grandmothers tree.

How do they bubble?

A bubble light is a decorative device consisting of a liquid-filled vial that is heated and lighted by an incandescent light bulb. Because of the liquid's low boiling point, the modest heat generated by the lamp causes the liquid to boil and bubble up from the vial's base. The liquid is almost always methylene chloride, but some early bubble lights used a lightweight oil. The light from the lamp illuminates the bubbles from underneath, causing them to shine.

-provided by Wikipedia

Where did they come from?

In 1935, Carl Otis filed a patent application for what was simply called "Display", a bubbling table top sign. This patent was to become the basis of his new idea: small, bubbling lights specifically adapted for use on Christmas trees. Carl's idea was not new. Sealed glass tubes with a bubbling liquid inside were first demonstrated by Benjamin Franklin.

Carl's concept for the Christmas tree bubble light, which he called an "Ornamental Illuminating Device ." was his second patent application and was finally granted in 1944. Before the patent was granted, he sent out samples to 10 of the biggest Christmas light companies in business, demonstrating how they could be used in Christmas lights. Only one company, NOMA Electric Company, showed any interest.

In 1946 Noma Electric Co. was the first company to commercially sell bubble lites in the US. These lights were HUGE sellers, and rapidly became the most popular Christmas lights NOMA had ever sold. NOMA purchased the right to Carl Otis' latest patent, and he agreed to a royalty payment of 3 cents for each light produced. NOMA made more than 25 million Bubble Lites in the first two years of production,

Carl's royalty payment paid off.

The other Christmas light manufacturers were watching the sales of NOMA's new product with great interest, and almost immediately began manufacturing their own versions of the popular light. Raylite, the second largest Christmas light manufacturer and maker of Paramount products, started making their own bubblers for sale during the 1947 Christmas season, calling them Kristal Snow Animated Candles.

Millions of bubbling lights would continue to be made up until the 1970s, and NOMA lights were always the best sellers of any of the bubbling lights. Many of the bubble lights remain in use today, still bubbling away, just as they first did during the 1940s.

Boy or Girl ?

2010-11-18T16:58:00.000-05:00

This is the question we did not know the answer to.

Our friends decided to not find out the sex of the baby.

I loved that they wanted to be surprised.

So what do you give to the couple with old fashioned values?

When I saw this child's sterling silverware set from the 1940's ,

I knew this would be the perfect gift for the baby.

I wrote the following sentiment on the card:

I'm 70 years old in a tattered box,

But I look shiny new.

It does not matter if your a boy or girl,

I will be a new heirloom just for you.

P.S. Just in case you wanted to know .
It's a Baby Boy!

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

2010-10-14T12:54:00.000-04:00

I wanted to share with you the tables I decorated for our local Breast Cancer Fundraiser. This event is held once a year with much success. I am pleased to be part of this organization which raises money for uninsured women and men in our county. Please do your part and make sure you are doing self breast exams and remind your "sisters" to do so also.

As with all design projects I usually start with an inspiration piece. I have a vintage Elk Rapids, Michigan postcard with wonderful colors and beach theme. The High Tea is held in Elk Rapids, Michigan and felt this was a great starting point for the table I called " Seashells and Sea glass ".

I was able to find an eclectic mix of glassware from different eras and pull it all together.

Vintage Hazel Atlas snack sets in Capri Blue and Amethyst .

Green Depression Glass water goblets.

Vaseline Glass salt and pepper shakers and cream and sugar.

I gave each guest at my table a copy of the vintage Elk Rapids postcard, a ring made from seashells and a seashell bracelet used as a napkin ring.

For the centerpiece I started with a piece of driftwood for the base. I used a Japanese fishing float as the anchor and added coral , seashells and sea glass to complete the centerpiece.

The second tables inspiration came from a collection of vintage seed packs. I also was inspired in many ways by the wonderful farm markets we have in the region.

For the centerpiece I used a gathering basket with an assortment of fresh vegtables. To add a little elegance I hollowed out a head of cabbage, cut a peice of floral foam to fit , and added a dozen red roses.

I purchased a couple of yards of burlap

for the tablecloth.

I used a mix match of vegetable dishes,

some new and some old.

Finding eight matching water goblets for the table was a challenge. I decided to use two sets of water goblets . Even though they are completely different, they some how go together in this table setting. This is a good lesson to use for your next gathering. Don't feel everthing has to match. An eclectic mix can be just as elegant and little more fun.

I used faux green onions and green tulle for a fun twist on decorating the chair backs.

Flair

2010-03-11T15:44:00.001-05:00

I am thrilled to announce my new addition to the

Elk Rapids Antique Warehouse.

This boutique is a great source for Vintage and Designer Clothing and Accessories. Take a look at some of the current fashions to be found.

Vintage Vera Scarfs

A Vintage Red and White Tweed Suit , an enamel Red and White Flower Brooch and Vera floral silk scarf. I can just picture one of the young secretaries at the "Sterling Cooper Advertising Agency" from the

Mad Men TV show wearing this ensemble.

The "Mad Men" have not been forgotten. Flair Boutique has clothing and accesories

for the Daper Don's .

Designer Fashions for the devout

fashion house followers.

A vintage soft blue evening gown from

London, England.

Fine details of Sequins, Pearls and Rhinestones.

Vintage Lingerie

A nice selection of gloves for your next formal affair.

Vintage angora Kangol hats from England.

A tortoise shell lucite purse.

Shoes, jewlery , belts and much more to see.

Vintage Faux Fur full length coat.

This 100% Cashmere full length wrap coat is a steal at $ 125.00

Brown Lizard Purse.

An Art Deco Waterfall Vanity table.

Here are some AD's I have created for Flair.

Let me know what you think of them.

Favorite Finds

2010-02-08T16:10:00.000-05:00

To Paris with Love....
Here are some of my latest finds from an Estate Sale. I was told the couple did a lot of traveling around the world. I can just imagine them as a young couple heading off to Paris, France for the first time.

This 1950 " Handbook of Every-Day French " college textbook belonged to the Mrs. ( her name is printed on the inside) . I could just see her daydreaming in class about a Paris holiday.

A 1960 Michelin French " Paris" Map. The Mrs. must have passed her french lessons .

Winter Wonderland

2010-01-19T16:27:00.002-05:00

The cozy lobby at the Elk Rapids Antique Warehouse. Wonderful vintage finds for Winter Wonderland Fun. Snowshoes, Sleds, Skis and Skates.

A pine sled just waiting to be pulled out on the ice for an ice skating party.

A nice selection of vintage and antique ice skates,

A Dietz oil lantern to light the way,

A Hudson Bay blanket to keep you warm ,

and a couple of vintage Thermos for your coffee and hot chocolate.

This vintage sled brings back memories of conquering the snow hill.

Can you imagine skiing with wood skis and bamboo poles ?

I rather imagine these over a fireplace mantle in a cozy cabin.

A 1933 Valentine for your favorite ski bunny.

A nice black persian lamb hat and Vintage Valentine for your " Dr. Zhivago ".

Lucy or Martha ? Who's to blame ?

2009-12-22T15:19:00.000-05:00

Every year since I can remember at Christmas time I would watch the Charlie Brown Christmas Special. It's funny how you can watch the same show so many times and not notice something. This year I had to laugh out loud as Lucy told Charlie Brown to get a big, shiny Aluminum Christmas Tree. As we all know Charlie Brown didn't listen to Lucy and bought the infamous " Charlie Brown Tree " . What if Charlie Brown did listen to Lucy? Would the sparkling Aluminum Christmas Trees be the pathetic, laughed at " Charlie Brown Tree" ? I have to say when I brought home an Aluminum Christmas Tree this year my family was mortified. My youngest daughter wanted to know where the "green" tree was. I think the silver tree has grown on them and they actually kinda of like it now. The Aluminum Christmas Tree seems to have quite a following this year. I sold every Aluminum Christmas Tree we had this year at the Elk Rapids Antique Warehouse. Even Martha featured her Aluminum Christmas Tree decorated with a wonderful collection of antique and vintage ornaments in the December issue of Living magazine. I love how Martha Stewart can take something like an Aluminum Christmas Tree to a new level of sophistication. I'm not sure if it's Lucy or Martha to blame for the Aluminum Christmas Tree phenomenon, but I'm a fan.

The Aluminum Christmas Tree

The " Charlie Brown" Christmas Tree.

The History of the Aluminum Christmas Tree

Aluminum Christmas trees were first manufactured in 1958, remained popular during the 1960s, and were manufactured into the 1970s. The trees were first manufactured by a Chicago company called Modern Coatings, Inc. Between 1959 and 1969, the bulk of aluminum Christmas trees were produced in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, by the Aluminum Specialty Company; in that decade the company produced more than one million aluminum trees. At the time they were produced in Manitowoc the trees, including the company's flagship product the "Evergleam", retailed for $25 and wholesaled for $11.25.

The first aluminum trees could not be illuminated in the manner traditional for natural Christmas trees or other artificial trees. The common method of illumination was a floor-based "color wheel" which was placed under the tree.The color wheel featured varyingly colored segments on a clear plastic wheel, when switched on the wheel rotated and a light shone through the clear plastic casting an array of colors throughout the tree's metallic branches.

"Whether you decorate with blue or red balls . . . or use the tree without ornaments - this exquisite tree is sure to be the talk of your neighborhood. High luster aluminum gives a dazzling brilliance. Shimmering silvery branches are swirled and tapered to a handsome realistic fullness. It's really durable . . needles are glued and mechanically locked on. Fireproof . . you can use it year after year."

- Sears, 1963 Christmas Book

Here some pictures of my Aluminum Christmas Tree.

Merry Christmas to All of You.

Antique Living

Candy for Customers

2009-12-16T14:07:00.000-05:00

At the shop I like to put a dish of candy out for the customers. Right now we are giving away these candy cane coupons for 10% off your next purchase. I printed our Santa Ad for this year on business cards, punched a hole and tied on with ribbon. Very quick and easy.

If you cant make it into the Elk Rapids Antique Warehouse before Christmas Eve for your coupon,

e-mail me at antiqueliving@yahoo.com and I will send you one.

I am displaying the candy cane coupons in a glass flower frog set inside a

small milk glass compote in the open lace edge pattern. These compotes come in several sizes. I like to stack them for a bigger impact. Fill each layer with a different kind of candy. Milk glass is a very budget friendly and is fairly easy to find. Milk glass coordinates well with many other colors

and I find its uses very versatile.

Here is another example.

I removed the glass flower frog and added a third compote.

Try this for your next party. You can use nuts or small appetizers.

This would also make a great centerpiece with greenery and flowers or

fill them with your cherished ornaments.

Have any Ideas?

Send me an e-mail with your suggestion .
antiqueliving@yahoo.com

Winter Tablescape

2009-12-14T13:01:00.003-05:00

I wanted to share with you a Winter Tablescape I did for the Holiday Season. I was able to create this "Winter Wonderland" with items I already had on hand. The greenery was the only item I had to find. Lucky for me the Utility company cut back a bunch of large pine trees from the power lines by my home. Free greenery !

For the base I used two glass cylinder vases, one smaller than the other. Place the smaller vase inside the larger vase . Carefully fill the larger vase with the sea glass. I used a large skewer to manipulate the glass pieces to fill in any gaps. You can fill your vase with many different items. You could use candy, cranberries, small ornaments, nuts, the possibilities are endless. I like to use a filler because the greenery stems are not attractive in a clear glass vase. Fill the smaller vase with water and a flower preservative. Be careful not to get water in the larger vase.

I added to the vase my free greenery, 3 faux stems of Bells of Ireland and curly willow branches. I hung a few of my antique silver and mercury glass ornaments from the curly willow branches for a little sparkle.

I set the vase on top of a found piece of driftwood. Sprinkle the table with faux snow . I added some large pine cones, 3 silver candlesticks and a charming family of vintage celluloid deer.

I also decorated the mirror above the tablescape using greenery, ribbon, antique crystals, vintage glass ornaments and faux icicles.

A few of my Favorite Christmas Things

2009-12-11T14:19:00.000-05:00

Here are some of my favorite finds from Christmas Past at the Elk Rapids Antique Warehouse.

A milkglass Tom & Jerry punch bowl set.

Tom and Jerry Recipe

1 cup Dark Rum

1 Bottle (750 ml) Brandy
6 Eggs*
2 cups Sugar
4 cups Hot water, milk, or coffee

Separate eggs in two bowls. Add Rum & Brandy to the yolks and beat together until frothy. In the other bowl beat the egg whites until it peaks then add sugar and beat until stiff. Fold into the liquor mixture. Pour into mugs and top with the water, milk or coffee.

* Please use caution using raw eggs. Always use the freshest eggs possible. If raw eggs are a concern, use an egg substitute product.

A vintage "Glorious Angel " tree topper by Glolite Corporation Chicago, IL.

and

Decorative Metal Fence for your Christmas Tree

Mfd. by Consolidated Sales & Products Chicago, IL.

A Vintage ceramic Christmas Tree. I love the color of this tree .
I'ts not the usual green and red.

A fantastic set of Blue Ridge Christmas Tree pattern Cups and Saucers.

Blue Ridge dinnerware was produced by Southern Potteries of Erwin, Tennessee, from the late 1930's until 1956 in twelve basic styles and two thousand different patterns, all of which were decorated under the glaze.

Annalee Mobilitee Dolls

What began as a hobby for a young girl named Barbara Annalee Davis, grew into a family business-the business of doll making. A young adult in the 1930's, Annalee created puppets and dolls, unaware that this hobby would become her life's calling. She sold her dolls though various craft outlets in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. From the beginning, her dolls were in set positions, with the clothes sewed onto the doll. These were dolls for display, each with a story to tell.

In 1941 Annalee married Charles "Chip" Thorndike, the son of a Boston physician. Chip had become a chicken farmer in Meredith. Chip and Annalee worked on the farm through the 1940s and 1950s, until poultry farming was no longer profitable in New Hampshire. Needing another way to make a living, Annalee returned to making dolls.

She started in the kitchen of her Meredith farmhouse, helped by local women. Soon every corner of the house was taken over with doll parts. Thorndike not only employed several women in her home, she took work out to be completed in other women's homes. It was her husband Chip created clever wooden components for the dolls, including skis, ski poles, and little boats and it was also Chip who designed the wire frame that held the dolls in position.

The doll business was incorporated in 1955 as Annalee Mobilitee Dolls and the company continued to grow introducing new lines and innovative ideas.

A nice collected set of Vintage Shiny Brite Ornaments.

The Shiny-Brite company produced the most popular Christmas tree ornaments in the United States throughout the 1940's and '50s.

In 1937, Max Eckhardt established "Shiny-Brite" ornaments, working with the Corning Glass Company to mass produce glass Christmas ornaments. Eckhardt had been importing hand-blown glass balls from Germany since around 1907, but had the foresight to anticipate a disruption in his supply from the upcoming war. Corning adapted their process for making light bulbs to making clear glass ornaments, which were then shipped to Eckhardt's factories to be decorated by hand. The fact that Shiny-Brite ornaments were an American-made product was stressed as a selling point during World War II.

Dating of the ornaments is often facilitated by studying the hook. The first Shiny-Brite ornaments had the traditional metal cap and loop, with the hook attached to the loop, from which the ornament was hung from the tree.

Wartime production necessitated the replacement of the metal cap with a cardboard tab, from which the owner would use yarn or string to hang the ornament. These hangers firmly place the date of manufacture of the ornament to the early 1940's.

Following the war, Shiny-Brite introduced a line of ornaments with a newly designed metal hook that provided the user with two lengths of hanger. The long hook traveled through the center of the ornament and exited the bottom, where it attached to the foot of the ornament. This provided the "short" hanger. Unlatched from the bottom, the entire length of the hook was available, allowing the ornament to dangle at a greater distance from the tree limb to which it was attached. This arrangement was designed to allow the ornament to fill sparsely limbed areas of a natural tree.

The increasing popularity of the aluminum artificial Christmas tree, first manufactured in 1958, made this device far less attractive to the consumer, as an artificial tree had no gaps to be filled. The added expense of the lengthy hanging wire coupled with the diminishing need caused this feature to be discontinued in 1960.

The demand for glass ornaments waned as plastic ornaments became more popular, ultimately bringing the Shiny-Brite company to close its doors in 1962.

During its peak, Shiny-Brite had four factories in New Jersey, located in the cities of Hoboken, Irvington, North Bergen, and West New York. The company's main office and showroom were located at 45 East 17th Street in New York City, NY.

Shiny-Brite's most popular ornaments have been reissued by Christopher Radko since 2001.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A selection of aluminum Christmas light reflectors.

I have seen these used for all kinds of fun Christmas projects.

Here is a "new" never used Vera Christmas tablecloth. This holly leaf design is screen printed

on all belgian linen.

The designer behind the name was Vera Neumann, an artist turned textile designer. Vera began designing textiles in 1946 after she and her husband, George Neumann founded Printex along with partner Werner Hamm.

They used a small silk-screening machine to print designs onto linen, which Vera then made into placemats. Hamm then took the finished placemats to B. Altman, where he made the company's first sale. In the post- WWII period, army surplus silk which had been used for parachutes, became available at cheap prices. Printex started buying it, and soon they were in the scarf business, making the items in their Manhattan apartment, a loft on 57th Street, where Vera and George handled the entire operation.

The "vera" trademark was first used in 1947. In 1948, the business had out-grown the loft and was moved from Manhattan to Ossining, NY.

By the 1950s business had grown to the point where Vera employed a team of designers. These designers were responsible for taking the original design which was done by Vera herself in the form of a 36" scarf, and translating it into other products.

In the 1960s a clothing line was added to the scarves and household linens. Blouses and dresses were made from the Vera textile designs.

In 1974, Perry Ellis went to work for Vera as a merchandise manager. He asked if he could submit designs for the clothing lines, and Vera encouraged him to do so. She liked his work, and he became a designer for Vera. In 1976 he was given his own division, Portfolio by Perry Ellis for Vera, which he designed for three years before starting his own company.

Please Come and Celebrate Christmas Past with me at The Elk Rapids Antique Warehouse.

2009-12-09T13:43:00.004-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-25T14:53:00.002-05:00

I am thankful for the opportunity to share my

Antique Living Blog with all of you.

Peace and Plenty

I wish to you

on Thanksgiving Day.

Angelic Esser

Favorite Finds

2009-11-10T15:37:00.003-05:00

The Antique Living Blog will be sharing with you every now and then some of our favorite finds. Hopefully you too will feel the same adrenaline rush as I do when I find these treasures.

Enjoy!

This is my latest find , a bundle of sweet baby clothes I found at an Estate Sale.

The clothes needed some TLC. After some hand washing, mending and pressing, they were brought back to the original splendor.

This little girls jacket with matching hat is just precious. I wish I had this for one of my girls when they were little. This is a heirloom quality jacket , that could be passed down from generation to generation.

This coat is available for purchase at the Antique Living Etsy shop.

www.etsy.com/shop/Antiqueliving

Recipes from the Past

2009-10-29T12:16:00.000-04:00

Many of us enjoy remembering the dietary delights of our youth. A favorite casserole mom used to make for dinner or a luscious cake grandma made every time we came to visit. Antique cookbooks are a great place to find these recipes from the past.

Perhaps you have always wanted to cook a classic French dish such as Coq au Vin. Pick up a copy of” Mastering the Art of French Cooking” by the great Julia Child. Do not feel like preparing a gourmet French meal? Try a simple old-fashioned dessert. The Chicago Culinary Institutes 1940 cookbook “250 Delectable Desserts” swears to “end each meal in triumph! “ The seasonal recipe for New England Pumpkin Pudding is a great recipe for anyone on a gluten-free diet.

Many recipes from the past used fresh local ingredients in season. Just last week my husband, daughter and mother- in- law visited a local orchard to pick apples. The fruits of their labor yielded the best “Paper Bag Apple Pie” I ever had. A vintage recipe from the cookbook “Real, Old-Time Yankee Apple Cooking” insures a “perfect bake every time”.

Not much of a cook? How about a fun retro drink recipe for a swanky cocktail party or a traditional punch for the holidays? A 1933 book “Quiet Drinking “ would serve as a reliable guide for classic cocktails .This book must have earned its title due to being published the same year prohibition was repealed. If you have more formal entertaining to do, many antique cookbooks also included guides on the proper etiquette of entertaining. Since I have the memory similar to a strainer, I am constantly checking these books to see what side of the plate I place the fork, spoon and knife.

Whether you are searching for a casserole like Mom used to make, or a menu for an elegant dinner party, recipes of the past are sure to please the palate and nourish the soul.

Coq Au Vin, a recipe from the cookbook " Mastering the Art of French Cooking " by Julia Child.

2 1/2 to 3 pounds cut-up frying chicken, skin on and thoroughly dried (I used skinless boneless breasts and thighs instead)*
4 ounces lean thick-cut bacon
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper
1/4 cup cognac
2 cups red wine (Pinot Noir, Burgundy, Beaujolais or Chianti)
Avoid bold, heavily oaked red wine varietals like Cabernet.
2 cup homemade chicken stock or low-sodium chicken stock or broth
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 cloves garlic, mashed or minced
1 bay leaf
1/4 teaspoon thyme
Brown-Braised Onions (see recipe below)
Mushrooms (see recipe below)
3 tablespoon all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons butter, softened
Parsley sprigs

Dry chicken thoroughly in a towel. Season chicken with salt and pepper; set aside.

Remove any rind off the bacon and cut the bacon into lardons (rectangles 1/4-inch across and 1-inch long). In a saucepan, simmer the bacon sticks in 2 quarts of water for 10 minutes; remove from heat, drain, rinse in cold water, and pat dry.

In a large heavy frying pan, casserole dish, or electric skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil until moderately hot. Add the bacon and saute slowly until they are lightly browned. Remove bacon to a side dish. Place chicken pieces into the hot oil (not crowding pan), and brown on all sides. Return bacon to the pan, cover pan, and cook slowly for 10 minutes, turning chicken once.

After browning the chicken, uncover pan, pour in the cognac. Flambé by igniting with a lighted match. Let flame a minute, swirling pan by its handle to burn off alcohol; extinguish with pan cover.

Pour the red wine into the pan and add just enough chicken broth to completely cover the chicken pieces. Stir in tomato paste, garlic, bay leaf, and thyme. Bring the liquid to a simmer, then cover pan, and simmer slowly for about 30 minutes or until the chicken meat is tender when pierced with a fork or an instant-read Cooking Thermometer registers 165 degrees F.

While the chicken is cooking, prepare the Brown-Braised Onions and the Mushrooms.

When the chicken is done cooking, remove from the pan to a platter, leaving the cooking liquid in the pan. Increase heat to high and boil the cooking liquid rapidly until approximately 2 cups of liquid remains.

While the liquid is boiling, in a small bowl, blend the 3 tablespoons flour and 2 tablespoons softened butter into a smooth paste; beat the flour/butter mixture into the approximately 2 cups hot cooking liquid with a whisk. Simmer and stir for a minute or two until the sauce has thickened (the result will be a sauce thick enough to lightly coat a spoon - just thick enough to coat the chicken and vegetables lightly). If sauce is too thin, boil down rapidly to concentrate; if sauce is too thick, thin out with additional spoonfuls of chicken stock. Taste the final sauce, adding more salt and pepper if necessary.

Before serving, reheat the onions and mushrooms (if necessary).

Storing: Chicken is now ready for final reheating, but can be set aside in the sauce until cool, then covered and refrigerated for 1 to 2 days. To reheat, simmer slowly, covered, over low heat. Baste and turn chicken every 2 minutes until thoroughly warmed through (6 to 8 minutes). NOTE: Do not overcook chicken at this point.

To serve immediately: Shortly before serving, bring the sauce and the cooked chicken to a simmer, cover and simmer slowly for 4 to 5 minutes, until chicken is hot through. NOTE: Do not overcook chicken at this point.

To serve: Either serve from the casserole dish or arrange the chicken on a large platter. Pour the sauce over the chicken. Arrange the Brown-Braised Onions on one side of the chicken and the Mushrooms on the other side. Decorate with sprigs of parsley.
Makes 4 to 6 servings.

Brown-Braised Onions:
12 to 24 small white onions, peeled (or double the amount if you want to use tiny frozen peeled raw onions)*
1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt to taste

While chicken is cooking, drop onions into boiling water, bring water back to the boil, and let boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat and drain. Cool onions in ice water. Shave off the two ends (root and stem ends) of each onion, peel carefully, and pierce a deep cross in the root end with a small knife (to keep onions whole during cooking).

In a large frying pan over medium heat, heat the olive oil, add parboiled onions, and toss for several minutes until lightly browned (this will be a patchy brown). Add water to halfway up onions and add 1/4 to1/2 teaspoon salt. Cover pan and simmer slowly for 25 to 30 minutes or until onions are tender when pierce with a knife.

NOTE: Onions may be cooked in advance, set aside, then reheated when needed. Season to taste just before serving.

Mushrooms:
1/2 pound fresh mushrooms, washed, well dried, left whole if small, sliced or quartered if large
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 tablespoon olive oil

Prepare mushrooms. In a large frying pan over medium heat, heat butter and olive oil; when bubbling hot, toss in mushrooms and saute over high heat for 4 to 5 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove from heat.

NOTE: Mushrooms may be cooked in advance, set aside, then reheated when needed. Season to taste just before serving.

New England Pumpkin Pudding

Butter a 1 1/2 qt. casserole dish.

Mix well
3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1/4 teaspoon cloves
Blend thoroughly into
2 cups (1 lb can) canned pumpkin
Add and stir in a mixture of
3 eggs, slightly beaten
1 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup milk
Pour pumpkin mixture into casserole.

Bake at 350 F about 1 hour , or until a silver knife comes out clean when inserted halfway between center and edge of pie. Cool slightly.

Decorate top of pudding with Whipped Cream.

Paper-Bag Apple Pie
6 to 7 cups peeled, sliced apples
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup flour + 2 Tbs.
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
unbaked 9-inch pie shell
2 T. lemon juice
1/2 cup softened butter

Combine apple slices, 1/2 cup of the sugar, and 2 tablespoons of the flour;add nutmeg and toss well into mix. Turn into the pie shell and sprinkle with lemon juice. Combine remaining 1/2 cup sugar with the remaining 1/2 cup flour, rub in the butter, and sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples. Place pie in large, heavy paper bag. Fold end over twice and fasten with paper clips. Place bag on cookie sheet. Bake in 425 oven for 1 hour. Split bag open and remove pie to cool.

Serves 6 to 8

This is a delectable pie. The apples will be very tender, the top golden. And somehow the paper bag insures a perfect bake every time.

Try one of these drinks for your next Cocktail Party

Traditional Swedish Christmas Glug
-This will impress your guests and make your house smell wonderful.

16 oz Brandy
16 oz Red Wine (Burgundy or Claret)
16 oz Port Wine
1 Tablespoon finely chopped Orange or Lemon Peel
1/4 pound Cube Sugar
1/4 Pound seedless Raisins
5 Cardamon Seeds
1 Cinnamon Stick
5 Cloves
1/4 Pound Blanched Almonds

Combine the Red wine and Port in saucepan over low heat. Place orange peel, cardamon seeds, cinnamon and cloves in cheesecloth. Tie cheesecloth securely. Place in wine mixture. Simmer for 20 minutes, then remove. Place cubes of sugar in metal strainer. Rest on top of the saucepan. Set Brandy aflame and pour slowly over sugar. As lighted Brandy is poured over sugar, it will carmalize. As an alternative, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar may be dissolved in Wine. Brandy is set aflame and poured into Wine. Serve in heated mugs.

Moscow Mule
This is one of my favorites. The first time I was served this cocktail was in Calumet, MI located in the heart of Copper Country.

1 1/2 Part Vodka
Ginger Beer
1 slice lime

Serve over ice in a chilled copper mug.

Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue

2009-06-23T17:30:00.005-04:00

June is the most popular month for weddings. A tradition that was started by the Romans choosing to marry in the month of June to honor Juno, the ancient Roman goddess of marriage.
Just recently, I attended the wedding of a dear family friend. When it came time to buy the wedding gift, I struggled with the tradition of purchasing a gift from the bridal registry. Eliminating the guesswork of what to buy the newlyweds, every bride registers for exactly what she wants or needs.
So what is my dilemma? As I scanned the registry I found many nice gifts, but I knew that back in the antique store I could purchase a similar gift with higher quality and a better price.

Antique stores are the perfect place to find sets of china, silverware, fine linens, crystal, and stemware. I have sold many exceptional sets of china for the price of one place setting from a department store. In addition, I have yet to find linen from a department store that matches the quality of antique linens. The next time you are invited to a bridal shower or June wedding, consider buying a gift from an antique store. I guarantee you will find the perfect wedding present.

I would like to share with you the "perfect" wedding present I found at the
Elk Rapids Antique Warehouse for my friends wedding.

Of course when I found these Tiffany Crystal Candlesticks, I wanted them for myself. I exercised great restraint , knowing the Bride to Be would love them. I added a pair of taper candles from a local candle store, my favorite dinner recipe and the following sentiment on nice card stock all wrapped up in the original tattered Tiffany blue box.

Something Old
-A pair of Tiffany Crystal Candlesticks from an Antique Shop
Something New
-A pair of beeswax taper candles
Something Borrowed
-A favorite recipe for a candlelit dinner
Something Blue
-A woman’s favorite, “Tiffany Blue”

I am happy to tell you the wedding present was a favorite of the newlyweds.

An Elk Rapids High Tea

2009-06-19T13:34:00.004-04:00

I had the pleasure once again to design a table for the Antrim County High Tea for Breast Cancer Prevention. As a table designer you create a table design and provide the table settings for 8 guests.

The Antrim County High Tea for Breast Cancer Prevention is a 501(c)(3) non profit organization with a mission to: "provide awareness and education, eligibility screening and initial medical testing for breast cancer. The primary focus will be to assist all individuals living within Antrim County, Michigan who are not otherwise covered by public or private medical programs and whose personal financial capability would discourage preventative testing.”
ACHT began simply driven by two local women who wanted to make a difference in their community. Today they are supported by over 550 individuals and more than 200 local businesses.

Please take a look at the table I designed.

The table setting is a fine bone china from England. The pattern is
"American Beauty" by Royal Albert. This beautiful china was loaned to Antique Living by Carl and Rose Hatfield of Potbelly Antiques. I had the pleasure of choosing a set of china from Carl and Rose's personal collection of 35 sets of china . If you are ever in Grayling, MI stop in and see their Antique Shop,
Potbelly Antiques
4729 N. Down River Road
Call ahead for hours 517-348-8578.

The green depression water glasses are the Colonial Block pattern by the
Hazel Atlas Co. 1934-1937. The glasses were loaned to Antique Living from the personal collection of Marilyn Dork of Miss Marilyn Antiques. Stop by the
Elk Rapids Antique Warehouse to see her charming antique booth.

Many Thanks to both of you for helping me to support the Antrim County High Tea for Breast Cancer Prevention.

2nd Saturdays Outdoor Antique Market

2009-06-09T09:24:00.003-04:00

I am excited to announce the first Antique Living show. Please join us on 2nd Saturdays this summer for an Outdoor Antique Market at the Elk Rapids Antique Warehouse. Antiques, Vintage Finds and Unique Treasures are waiting for you to discover.

Long Lost Lilacs

2009-05-21T13:14:00.004-04:00

When your in the Antique business, there is always something you wish you would have kept for yourself. As the lilacs begin to bloom in Northern Michigan, I am gently reminded of the lovely lilac dishes are parted with last year. I can only imagine the new owners delight, as she sets her table this spring with the lovely lilac dishes.

Take a look at the pictures. I think you would agree.

Pussy Willow's

2009-04-22T09:02:00.005-04:00

I just love pussy willow. I had to share with you these fun pussy willow dishes from W. S. George circa 1954. The W. S. George Pottery Company was a United States pottery manufacturer with facilities in Ohio and Pennsylvania between 1904 and 1960.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Pussy willow is a name given to many of the smaller species of the genus Salix (willows and sallows) when their furry catkins are young in early spring. These species include (among many others):

•Goat willow or goat sallow (Salix caprea), a small tree native to northern Europe and northwest Asia.

•Grey willow or grey sallow (Salix cinerea), a small tree native to northern Europe.

•American pussy willow (Salix discolor), native to northern North America.

Before the male catkins of these species come into full flower they are covered in fine, greyish fur, leading to a fancied likeness to tiny cats, also known as "pussies". The catkins appear long before the leaves, and are one of the earliest signs of spring. At other times of year trees of most of these species are usually known by their ordinary names.

Did you know in The Sound of Music when Maria asks Marta what one of her favorite things are, she replies "pussy willow" (during the song "My Favorite Things") ?

My "Deer" it's finally spring.

2009-04-13T17:01:00.004-04:00

A sure sign that the long Northern Michigan winter is finally ending is when the deer come out of the woods and into the open fields to graze upon the grass covered in snow for many months.

This was my inspiration for this centerpiece. I created this as a celebration of the new spring season using the following items.

The base for the centerpiece is a found piece of driftwood.
(I use this all the time and change with the seasons.)

The faux birch bark candle is from Target.

Deer moss for the forest floor,available at any craft store.

Several collected rocks from my daughters.

And a charming family of vintage celluloid deer I acquired from an antique auction.

Happy Easter from Antique Living

2009-04-09T09:19:00.005-04:00

Just wanted to share with you some of my favorite Vintage Easter finds from the Elk Rapids Antique Warehouse.

A rusty iron basket with a folk art chick and a lovely Easter egg candy container from Western Germany.

A couple of charming Egg Cups.

The Thrill of the Hunt

2009-03-23T17:05:00.004-04:00

Over the past week, my daughter could hardly control her enthusiasm as she looks forward to the Easter Egg Hunt at Lakeland Elementary. Every year I watch with amazement as the excited children frantically scramble to find their Easter treasures. How can plastic Easter eggs filled with candy bring so much joy for these children? I call this phenomenon "the thrill of the hunt," i.e., the joy of searching for and finding a “treasure”, that certain something you have been looking for.

Working in the antique business, I am often witness to that same excitement in adults. Like when an avid collector of Roseville pottery acquires that rare Della Robbia pattern for their collection, or someone finally finds the perfect size antique table for their home, and there is always the person who is looking for the replacement piece of Spode china they broke last Thanksgiving. That moment of discovery, when you cannot believe your eyes, an endorphin rush takes over your body, and you experience the triumph of holding the elusive object in your hands. The only thing better, really, is when you find that item at a bargain price!

The “thrill” of the hunt is not always guaranteed, as anyone who has ever visited a dark and dirty antique store, traveled to a bad flea market or waited in a long line for a disappointing estate sale already knows. Who knew there were so many coffee mugs, plastic toys and tired doilies in the world? However, more often than not, I find fascinating items, a handcrafted wood dough bowl, a gorgeous piece of costume jewelry, or a fantastic mid-century lamp. Browsing antique shops, estate sales and flea markets is as much for entertainment as it is for consumption. I find myself easily entertained by the history of all the antiques and there is always something that sends me traveling down memory lane. When life was simple and finding great joy in a few Easter eggs filled with candy was the “thrill of the hunt”.

Here is my list of favorite places to hunt for treasures.

In the right frame of mind

2009-02-24T16:27:00.008-05:00

One of my favorite “up-cycle“ projects are the transformation of antique frames into pretty and practical works of art.

Custom cut a piece of foam board to fit your frame. Using spray adhesive apply sheet of cork to foam board. Place board in frame; secure in place with angle brackets at each corner. Finish off the back of your frame using brown craft paper. Cut the craft paper to size and apply the craft paper with a glue stick.

Here are two large ornate frames transformed into cork message boards. These would look lovely in a chic home office or studio.

I applaud the person who came up with chalkboard paint. There are so many items that can be transformed using chalkboard paint (this subject itself deserves its own post).
Custom-cut a piece of hardboard to fit your frame. Spray on chalkboard paint, applying at least three coats; let dry between coats. Allow paint to dry for 24 hours. Once cured, prepare surface for chalk by rubbing side of chalk over entire surface and erasing. Place board in frame; secure in place with angle brackets at each corner. Finish off the back of your frame using brown craft paper.

I use this chalkboard at the shop to relay messages to our customers.

The possibilities are endless when using fabric to make a message board. You can use a fun retro barkcloth and paint the frame to match for a teenagers room or maybe a beautiful floral print for a garden room, or use a leftover piece of fabric from your decorating project to coordinate with your new space. I could go on and on.

Cut a 3/4-inch-thick Homasote fiberboard to fit a large frame, or have your hardware store cut it for you. Cut a piece of fabric and batting 2 inches larger all around; place face down on work surface. Center fiberboard over batting and fabric. Wrap one side of fabric and batting to the back. Using a staple gun, attach fabric and batting to board, beginning with one staple in the middle of the side, 1 1/2 inches in from the edge. Wrap fabrics over opposite side, and secure to board with a staple directly opposite the first. Repeat with other two sides. Continue stapling fabrics, working out toward the corners, always adding staples in pairs on opposite sides of the board, ensuring fabric stretches evenly. If you want to add another layer be creative and add a coordinating ribbon in any pattern on the surface. Use upholstery tacks to secure ribbons. Place board in frame; secure in place with angle brackets at each corner. Finish off the back of your frame using brown craft paper.

Here is a message board using some fun vintage fabric.

Love From the Past

2009-01-22T14:46:00.010-05:00

My love of ephemera naturally attracts me to old Valentines. I would like to share with you some of my favorite Valentines. Lets escape back in time and take a peek at the culture, style and language from the past. These Valentines give us a glimpse of our ever changing society over the years.

This is an example of a pop-up Valentine from 1900 and printed in Germany. The forget-me-knot flowers, birds and ships were common themes for German made cards of this time period. The red heart was rarely used.

A later version of a pop-up Valentine also printed in Germany with the following sentiment on the underside.
To My Valentine!
I love you and you love me
But let me say it once again
I am yours and you are mine
Sweethearts- all the time!

An early "mechanical" Valentine with a moving sail was printed in Bavaria for
Ernest Nister, London. Early 1900's

This Valentine was made by the Whitney Manufacturing Company of Worchester,Massachusetts, an early American manufacture of children's Valentines. Grace Gebbie Wiederseim Drayton drew children such as this one for the Campbell Soup Company from 1904 to 1924. As a very prolific artist, her work often appeared unsigned. Her sister, Margaret Gebbie Hays, wrote the verses that accompanied her work. This design is very similar to Drayton's work, if not her work.

The verse inside reads:
Dear little Valentine speed on your way
Carry a message for me to-day
If only the postman could take me too
Dear sweetheart, how quickly I'd come to you.

This Valentine was printed in the USA and signed 2-14-36.
The inside sentiment reads:
Dan Cupid's dart has pierced my heart-
And you're the reason why;
That's why I wait without your gate,
And hope for your reply!

A vintage ski motif printed by the Carrington Co. of Chicago, ILL.
signed 1933 says:
Don't keep your heart clear out of reach
I want it to be mine
Because I think you are a peach-
So be my Valentine.

These 1930's Valentines depict adorable children and animals. All printed in the USA.

A stand up Valentine with a red-cheeked little girl baking some sweets for you.

A mid-century Valentine featuring a book of matches , a time when smoking was glamorized.
The inside verse reads:
We'd make a fine " Match "
My Valentine!

A little Valentine History...

The oldest known valentine still in existence today was a poem written by Charles, Duke of Orleans to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London following his capture at the Battle of Agincourt. The greeting, which was written in 1415, is part of the manuscript collection of the British Library in London, England. Several years later, it is believed that King Henry V hired a writer named John Lydgate to compose a valentine note to Catherine of Valois.
In Great Britain, Valentine's Day began to be popularly celebrated around the seventeenth century. By the middle of the eighteenth century, it was common for friends and lovers in all social classes to exchange small tokens of affection or handwritten notes. By the end of the century, printed cards began to replace written letters due to improvements in printing technology. Ready-made cards were an easy way for people to express their emotions in a time when direct expression of one's feelings was discouraged. Cheaper postage rates also contributed to an increase in the popularity of sending Valentine's Day greetings. Americans probably began exchanging hand-made valentines in the early 1700s. In the 1840s, Esther A. Howland began to sell the first mass-produced valentines in America. Howland, known as the Mother of the Valentine, made elaborate creations with real lace, ribbons and colorful pictures known as "scrap".

Reprinted from History.com

2008-12-08T17:19:00.011-05:00

One of my fondest memories around Christmas was baking in the kitchen with my Mom. While growing up my mom would bake all of her favorite cookie recipes to give away as gifts. My mother accumulated many amazing recipes over the years from old cookbooks and magazines, by asking her friends for their cookie recipes, and of course, from my grandmother. Another great way to find fabulous recipes is through a cookie exchange party. It's a great excuse to get together with friends and family, enjoy new cookie recipes and catch up over a glass of milk.

Here are some ideas for a Cookie Exchange Party “Antique Living” style.

Invites

Well in advance, set a date for the cookie exchange and send invitations to as many people as you can comfortably accommodate.

Guests will get a hint of the theme for the party.

Details

Have everyone bring 3 dozen cookies.

Keep a master list of cookies so everyone doesn't bring the same thing. There's no point in holding a Cookie exchange if you all bake sugar cookies.

Recycle vintage cookie tins lined with wax paper for your guests to take home their cookies.

Refreshments

Keep it simple. Serve coffee, milk and a sampling of the guest’s cookies.

Set up a buffet table with retro kitchen ware.

I set up this table with items from the store.

Favors

Have everyone send in their cookie recipe in advance. Print all the cookie recipes on photo copied blank vintage recipe cards. At the end of the party give out a Cookie Recipe Book with all of them bound together with holiday ribbon attached to an old cookie cutter.

My Bittersweet Love Affair

2008-11-14T10:56:00.007-05:00

Gardeners in North America either love bittersweet vines or hate them. Bittersweet plants can kill trees and are difficult to eradicate from your landscape. But during the fall season bittersweet vines put on a display few other plants can rival, as the deep yellow skin of their berries bursts to reveal an orange jewel within. And not to be outdone by the berry, bittersweet plant's fall foliage blankets its victims in yellow splendor. To grow bittersweet vines or not to grow bittersweet vines: truly a bittersweet decision for gardeners.

With Thanksgiving just two weeks away I thought I'd share some simple ideas for using bittersweet for your Thanksgiving holiday. These were all made with antiques I have in the shop. No need to use the same old vase. The idea here is to be creative with what you use for your container. The centerpieces were all created with the same bittersweet and pussy willow bouquet.

A charming brown and white transferware pitcher.

A Thanksgiving Table set with the brown and white transferware pattern " Charlotte " by Royal Staffordshire, amber candlewick glasses and using the same pitcher and bowl centerpiece.

A nice old corn planter . This would look wonderful in a fall display on your front porch next to a bounty of pumpkins, gourds, cornstalks and hay bales.

An unusual large fishing creel, one of my favorite "containers" to use for centerpieces.

An American Toleware canister with stunning fall colors.

A primitive Rug Beater with our bouquet of bittersweet attached with ribbon.This would be a great alternative to the typical wreath on the front door.

A fun vintage Indian planter

A minnow bucket filled with bittersweet will sure to please the fisherman in the family.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

2008-10-06T11:48:00.008-04:00

The Origin of Halloween
The Celts, who lived 2,000 years ago in the area that is now Ireland, the United Kingdom, and northern France, celebrated their new year on November 1. This day marked the end of summer and the harvest and the beginning of the dark, cold winter, a time of year that was often associated with human death. Celts believed that on the night before the new year, the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred. On the night of October 31, they celebrated Samhain, when it was believed that the ghosts of the dead returned to earth. In addition to causing trouble and damaging crops, Celts thought that the presence of the otherworldly spirits made it easier for the Druids, or Celtic priests, to make
predictions about the future. For a people entirely dependent on the volatile natural world, these prophecies were an important source of comfort and direction during the long, dark winter.
To commemorate the event, Druids built huge sacred bonfires, where the people gathered to burn crops and animals as sacrifices to the Celtic deities.
During the celebration, the Celts wore costumes, typically consisting of animal heads and skins, and attempted to tell each other's fortunes. When the celebration was over, they re-lit their hearth fires, which they had extinguished earlier that evening, from the sacred bonfire to help protect them during the coming winter.
By A.D. 43, Romans had conquered the majority of Celtic territory. In the course of the four hundred years that they ruled the Celtic lands, two festivals of Roman origin were combined with the traditional Celtic celebration of Samhain.
The first was Feralia, a day in late October when the Romans traditionally commemorated the passing of the dead. The second was a day to honor Pomona, the Roman goddess of fruit and trees. The symbol of Pomona is the apple and the incorporation of this celebration into Samhain probably explains the tradition of "bobbing" for apples that is practiced today on Halloween.
By the 800s, the influence of Christianity had spread into Celtic lands. In the seventh century, Pope Boniface IV designated November 1 All Saints' Day, a time to honor saints and martyrs. It is widely believed today that the pope was attempting to replace the Celtic festival of the dead with a related, but church-sanctioned holiday. The celebration was also called All-hallows or All-hallowmas (from Middle English Alholowmesse meaning All Saints' Day) and the night before it, the night of Samhain, began to be called All-hallows Eve and, eventually, Halloween. Even later, in A.D. 1000, the church would make November 2 All Souls' Day, a day to honor the dead. It was celebrated similarly to Samhain, with big bonfires, parades, and dressing up in costumes as saints, angels, and devils. Together, the three celebrations, the eve of All Saints', All Saints', and All Souls', were called Hallowmas.

Halloween Comes to America

As European immigrants came to America, they brought their varied Halloween customs with them. Because of the rigid Protestant belief systems that characterized early New England, celebration of Halloween in colonial times was extremely limited there.
It was much more common in Maryland and the southern colonies. As the beliefs and customs of different European ethnic groups, as well as the American Indians, meshed, a distinctly American version of Halloween began to emerge. The first celebrations included "play parties," public events held to celebrate the harvest, where neighbors would share stories of the dead, tell each other's fortunes, dance, and sing. Colonial Halloween festivities also featured the telling of ghost stories and mischief-making of all kinds. By the middle of the nineteenth century, annual autumn festivities were common, but Halloween was not yet celebrated everywhere in the country.
In the second half of the nineteenth century, America was flooded with new immigrants. These new immigrants, especially the millions of Irish fleeing Ireland's potato famine of 1846, helped to popularize the celebration of Halloween nationally. Taking from Irish and English traditions, Americans began to dress up in costumes and go house to house asking for food or money, a practice that eventually became today's "trick-or-treat" tradition. Young women believed that, on Halloween, they could divine the name or appearance of their future husband by doing tricks with yarn, apple parings, or mirrors.
In the late 1800s, there was a move in America to mold Halloween into a holiday more about community and neighborly get-togethers, than about ghosts, pranks, and witchcraft.
At the turn of the century, Halloween parties for both children and adults became the most common way to celebrate the day. Parties focused on games, foods of the season, and festive costumes. Parents were encouraged by newspapers and community leaders to take anything "frightening" or "grotesque" out of Halloween celebrations. Because of their efforts, Halloween lost most of its superstitious and religious overtones by the beginning of the twentieth century.
By the 1920s and 1930s, Halloween had become a secular, but community-centered holiday, with parades and town-wide parties as the featured entertainment. Despite the best efforts of many schools and communities, vandalism began to plague Halloween celebrations in many communities during this time. By the 1950s, town leaders had successfully limited vandalism and Halloween had evolved into a holiday directed mainly at the young. Due to the high numbers of young children during the fifties baby boom, parties moved from town civic centers into the classroom or home, where they could be more easily accommodated. Between 1920 and 1950, the centuries-old practice of trick-or-treating was also revived. Trick-or-treating was a relatively inexpensive way for an entire community to share the Halloween celebration. In theory, families could also prevent tricks being played on them by providing the neighborhood children with small treats. A new American tradition was born, and it has continued to grow. Today, Americans spend an estimated $6.9 billion annually on Halloween, making it the country's second largest commercial holiday.

Halloween data from History.com

Here are a few pictures from the Shop

Silhouettes
Silhouettes have an eerie shadowy quality to them reminding me of Halloween

Silhouette cutting hearkens back to early 17th century France, when silhouette artists were hired to entertain royalty with their free-hand cuttings of lords and ladies in all of their elaborate finery and hair-pieces. Silhouettes are, in fact, named after the French Minister of Finance in 1759, Etienne de Silhouette. He spent much of his time perfecting his favorite new pastime, the art of cutting silhouettes. Thus was born the name "Silhouette."
Silhouettes migrated into the rest of Europe and eventually became exceedingly popular in 18th century America, where they were employed as a way of capturing dignified portraits of American aristocrats, politicians, and common folk alike.
Silhouettes are still popular today, although the number of silhouette artists has since decreased to about 15 in the entire country. Even though the actual silhouettes remain greatly sought-after as wonderful and lasting encapsulations of people and events, artists are still rare.

Ouija

I remember playing the Ouija Board when I would have sleepovers with my girlfriends.

An Ouija board is any flat board printed with letters, numbers, and other symbols, to which a planchette or movable indicator points, supposedly answering questions from people at a séance . The fingers of the participants are placed on the planchette that moves about the board to spell out messages

The modern board was invented around 1892 by Elija J. Bond and William Fuld in Baltimore. All rights to the Ouija Board were purchased by Parker Brothers
in 1966. The Ouija Board sales are second only to Monopoly.

Antiques Roadshow

2008-08-22T16:29:00.012-04:00

Back in March I discovered the Antiques Roadshow was coming to Grand Rapids, Michigan. You needed to apply online for tickets before April 25th and they would let you know by the end of May if you won tickets. The day after I applied online, I was working at the Antique store and was happy to share my excitement of the chance of winning tickets to the Antiques Roadshow with my friend and fellow antique dealer Bill. He of course went home that night and also eagerly applied online for the chance to win tickets to the Antiques Roadshow. Over ten thousand people applied for the chance to win two tickets to the Antiques Roadshow. May came and went and I did not win tickets to the Antiques Roadshow. But can you guess who did? BILL
After several months of taunting me he finally asked if I would like to go. Going to the Antiques Roadshow was a great experience. I really enjoyed seeing the "behind the scences" part of the show and how it all works.

You are allowed to take two items to the Antiques Roadshow
for a free apprasial.
We waited in line with our 2 items for apprasial for
3 hours before we even moved on to the live set area.

My first item was an original oil painting.

My second item was 14 original water color drawings of B-26 Bomber nose cone art done by the artist ( airplane mechanic )who also drew the art on the airplanes. These drawings created quite the buzz and I was able to talk with several different top appraisers from the show. The nose cone art was appraised at $300.00 each .

See a photo of this nose cone art drawing on the B-26 Bomber at

http://www.b-26marauderarchive.org/PH/Noseart/P1981.htm

Some of my Favorite Things

2008-06-10T13:52:00.005-04:00

Welcome to the Antique Living Blog

2008-05-02T13:14:00.003-04:00

Every year I look forward to the new Spring season after
another long Northern Michigan winter. Spring has always
symbolized to me new growth and beginnings. The birds
start to return, the flowering bulbs break ground
and the cherry trees start to flower. I could not think
of a better time to create a new " beginning " of my own.
I took on the task this winter to establish a new website
for the shop and to launch my own Blog site. Spring is here
and I am pleased to officially start blogging. I am looking
forward to sharing my " Antique Living " with you.

Angelic Esser