An Ode to Better Homes

I believe it is time to introduce another of my weaknesses: cook books.  Are you noticing the pattern?  I especially seem to gravitate towards the small promotional booklets found easily at flea markets and antique shops.  In addition to those, however, I also love the early editions of Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook.  It had originally started with me picking up a new copy of the book after hearing such good things about it (pictured below left).

The center book was the next I acquired.  It is the 1968 edition, 4th printing in 1971.  I found it about a half year ago at a small antique shop a couple towns away.  It is in good condition, however you can tell that it was well used over it's life.  

My newest find from this past weekend is the lovely on the right.  It's a 1953 first edition in amazingly good condition.  I believe only two pages had broken free from the binder ring and the final page of the index is also missing.  Aside from that, even the tabs only show minimal wear.  I believe this may be my favorite book of them all...and not just because of the quantities and variations of Pyrex used in the illustrations throughout the book.  You can see a notable emphasis on entertaining as well as a theme of fruity desserts in this book.  I can't wait to try the recipes for Cape Cod Clam Chowder and Applesauce Cake.  

I also had a memorable experience while happily walking my new book to the check out.  I was stopped by one of the older ladies who asked me about the book and mentioned that it was one of the best cook books she had.  When another lady agreed with her, they both shared that they had received a copy of the book for their weddings in the early 60's.  It strikes me as an awesome moment that this book crossed so many generations. 

Off the Beaten Path

Although today was slightly limited on the thrifting because of work, I am proud to say I did not come out of it empty handed.  In fact, I would consider it a fantastic day.  After hitting up the local Goodwill (how I love thee), I finally got to check out a new antique shop who's location is simply in the middle of nowhere.  It was definitely one worth returning to though.  The prices were usually pretty good and the selection was right up my alley. 

The three Pyrex items were all found at Goodwill.  Front and center is a Pyrex brand creamer with a pattern I had actually never saw before... hence the research I will be doing later hehe.  Off to the right is an Au gratin Pyrex dish in a marigold color.  I haven't seen many of these floating around but when I do I try to grab them if they're a good price; they're so cute.  As you can imagine, I was crazy tickled to find the 1.5 qt Amish Blue Butterprint at Goodwill.  I absolutely love this pattern but it's usually so expensive in antique store environments.  

Next up at the new antique store was the 1992 linen towel.  Although it would have been awesome had it been older, I couldn't leave it there for only a buck.  

My favorite find of the day, however, was the vintage Waring blender.  I had been looking for one of these for some time now...and there it was...happily sitting one the (Sale!) shelf.  So not only was it a great price, but once home I also discovered it worked.  Now take a guess who made the reservoir on it?  Yuppp, it's Pyrex.  The only downside to it was that someone had actually sloppily painted the base a light yellow color.  I'm considering doing a bit of a restoration project on it to return it to it's original antique white color though, then it would be a gem. 

Good-day, Good-will

After being pounded with snow over the weekend, I was incredibly relieved when I was finally able to escape through the snow into town on Sunday.  My destination: Goodwill...one of the few forms of retail therapy a broke college student can enjoy with minimal guilt.  And my-oh-my was it ever worth braving the snow.

At the last second I was able to find the cookie jar and although I was unsure at first, I have no regrets.  I wouldn't normally have purchased it primarily because of a crack in the bottom but also because it is plastic.  I am in love with the color and graphic on it though and it will be no trouble to line it with something to keep my sweets safe. 

The sundae cups on the other hand...well I spotted them first thing from across the store.  Three of them are the same and my research shows that they are definately mid-century.  The one to the far left, however, I haven't been able to find any information on.  Considering it weighs a hefty little amount though, I'm fairly certain it's likely around that time period as well. 

Now it is time to introduce my weakness: vintage Pyrex.  I'm a bona-fide Pyrex nerd.  You can only imagine how tickled I was at seeing the Pyrex flameware saucepan sitting happily on the shelf.  I've seen very few of these in the wild and you definately couldn't beat the price.  The small plate in the back is, although newer, also Pyrex.