Good Things by David

My wonderful cream and green enamelware canisters from the early 1930s deserve to be recorded and displayed as reference for every collector out there.  What I try to do here on the blog is not only share ideas and creations, but I also hope to guide people in the right direction with correct information about a particular subject.  Nothing is more frustrating than doing an online search and coming up empty about the things I like to collect.     After opening a dialogue with several individuals here and abroad, I came to realize that no one had really written about the canisters that I love having in my colonial home.  Little did I know when I was able to acquire these, that it would lead to a new bounty of information about a particular company specializing in steel objects for the home.     Vintage Cream & Green Enamelware Canisters If you were to quickly glance at these cream and green enamelware canisters sitting on my large kitchen island, yo...

Appraising your collection of Martha by Mail cookie cutters can seem like a daunting process.  After my last post, The Martha by Mail Cookie Cutter Index, I received a lot of feedback from collectors wanting to know more about their burgeoning cache of MBM cookie cutters. One avid reader of the blog, who happens to be a superb cookie decorator, baker and an inveterate collector of Martha by Mail cookie cutters, had been looking into having his collection appraised this past year. Numerous emails went back and forth between the both of us discussing this subject. Really and truly, this prompted me to write up that index which is now officially in the books and easily accessible to all Martha by Mail collectors. I asked James if he would be willing to share his experience with us so that we could make informed decisions regarding our collections.  Thankfully he was gracious enough to answer many questions that I had for him. Thank you, James!  This is invaluable ...

The latest publication to come from the kitchens of Martha Stewart Living is a beautifully photographed, well-organized and practical cookbook dedicated to newlywed couples.  One should look at Martha's 'Newlywed Kitchen' as a sensible, attainable and delicious compilation of recipes for anyone starting a home. In this book you will get tips on how to stock a pantry, what essential kitchenwares to buy for your home, choosing the right china and linens for the table, and of course, a good amount of recipes for weekday meals, weekend brunches, desserts and even holiday get-togethers.     Personally, I think it's rather genius to have a cookbook with recipes that make two servings, instead of the usual four and over.  Martha's book will not only be useful for the newlywed couple, but it will be exceptionally helpful for any couple who wants to cook fresh, delicious meals, without having to waste time, energy and resources making large quantities of food.  ...

As many of you know, I love collecting jadeite.  I've written extensively on this subject here on the blog, and if you follow from time to time, you will note that I continue to display and use my pieces throughout the year.  A couple of weeks ago I was asked by EstateSales.org if I would be interested in sharing my thoughts, knowledge, opinions and tips on collecting jadeite.  As enthusiastic as I am on the subject, I jumped at the chance!   The article that the folks at EstateSales.org have written, provides you with great information if you're an enthusiast or a collector of jadeite.  It's a great thing to have information online for existing collectors and potential collectors of this green glass, because knowledge is power.  The more we know about what is available at estate sales, flea markets, antique malls and stores, the better off we are about making informed purchases.   Please click on the link below to read what EstateSale...

Dear Readers, I've started a small group on Facebook for collectors of American jadeite, which will encompass American made jadeite from ca. 1930 through present day.  What I want to do with this group is allow us collectors the chance to share our passion for collecting this beautiful glass, whether it's vintage Fire King, McKee, Jeanette, Fenton, or more contemporary Martha by Mail Fenton, L. E. Smith or Mosser Glass.  I think it's important to allow discussion of all jadeite that was produced and is being produced in this country, so that we may help one another in our pursuit of collecting jadeite.  I see no reason to restrict it to one specific era. Getting emails from enthusiastic readers with questions about their jadeite finds or "mystery pieces" happens on a regular basis.  What I always do in those cases, if I don't have an answer for them, is to turn to my trusted friends who are pros in the realm of collecting jadeite.  Those indivi...

Organizing a cookie cutter collection irrespective of its size, doesn't have to be a daunting task.  As long as you have some organizing bins or containers from your favorite housewares store or office supply source, assembling cookie cutters into groups based on style or season, is as easy as 1-2-3.  Whether you hand-write labels or create some using a software program, do make sure that every cookie cutter is accounted for.  Locating a particular shape for your next baking project will be much easier this way. Choosing a location to keep these kitchen tools handy and in one place is something else to carefully consider. In my mudroom located in the annex of our home, I have a set of built-in shelves which house my home office.   Click here to read that post in case you missed it a few years ago. As you can see, this cabinet had a hodgepodge of items, ranging from cake stands and baking pans, to felt rounds and spools of ribbon.   After...

My American yellowware collection gets taken out of storage the first week of September.  I fill my kitchen with these pieces of pottery every single autumn, because I love the warmth that they add to my shelves, counters and table. The months of September, October and November wouldn't be the same without some yellowware to help me bake and cook. I've talked about collecting yellowware before, which you can read about by clicking here .  This is an excerpt from that post: " Yellowware originated in England in the late 18th century and potters skilled in its construction who emigrated to United States began production here in earnest throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland and the Ohio river valley in the early 1800s.  By the mid 19th century and well into the early 20th century, yellowware was found in many kitchens throughout New England as a result of its durability and affordability.  Characterized by its distinct, yellow-firing clay taken from ri...

Christmas came a little early for me.  The KitchenAid Pro Line 7qt. mixer is one kitchen electric I've had my eye on for quite some time and just last week, right before Christmas, I treated myself to one.  The timing was right, the price was right and the rest is history. KitchenAid 7qt. Proline Mixer I have to say that if you're having any doubts or are wondering what the 7qt. mixer is like, I'm going to tell you my opinions regarding this mixer versus the 6qt. model with the glass bowl that is everywhere. 7qt. mixer (left) & 5qt. mixer (right) My trusted 5qt. Proline gray mixer (upper right) that I've had for ages is always in my kitchen ready to assist me in my culinary endeavors.  I love that mixer and will never get rid of it.  However, it was time I upgraded to something larger and more powerful.  What you must understand is that I've already owned a large 6qt. Professional mixer (white), but I was never enamored with it.  Alt...

As we enter the New Year, everyone is looking to keep one's home clean, organized, free of clutter and stocked with the essentials.  I'm no different, because my home is where I like to have everything within easy reach and be able to do a number of projects at a moment's notice.  As much as I like to think every space within my home is organized, there is always room for improvement or change.  The new year gives me the opportunity to start with a clean slate. Going through my various homekeeping posts I decided to give you a highlight from some of my favorite ones.  These are the tips and lessons that I adhere to at home since they have served me well over the years.  It's never too late to learn something new, return to an old favorite or think about tackling one of those problematic areas at home. If you have a moment over the weekend, figure out what needs to be done around the house.  Make a list of those areas which need organization and then...