Dianne's always cooking up something new

The boat galley-style kitchen in my condo makes a kitchenalia collection out of the question for me unless I dangle everything from the ceiling! I do have a wonderful little enamel saucepan my mom left me, a 1950s apron from my aunt, and a couple of cast iron skillets I bought from Susantiques, a dealer in Aloha, OR, but that's pretty much the extent of my collecting.

Still, I love reading and learning about gadgets used in old-time kitchens, so I've found Dianne Zweig's Kitsch 'n Stuff blog irresistible. Plus, she provides valuable information links, so I can pursue topics and learn even more about them. Her current post is about, literally, sniffing out bargains and how to get rid of musty, funky odors in otherwise desirable items.

She has a website, too, at CDianneZweig.com and a collection of choice finds at the Collinsville Antiques Company in New Hartford. She writes books on collectibles, such as her latest, the second edition of "Hot Kitchen and Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Beyond." And she edits Iantiqueonline.com, the antique dealers' and collectors' social network.

So if you're intrigued with anything about kitchens, you've got to get acquainted with Dianne!

Brimfield: the pickings don't get any better than this

Ever since I first heard about Brimfield, the giant flea market/picker's paradise held every year in Brimfield, Massachusetts, I've had a craving to go see it for myself. It's so big, it's held in three separate sessions during the summer.

One look at the determined look on the faces of

these opening-day Brimfield fans, and you just want

to step aside and avoid being trampled! Photo: Collector's Weekly

Collector's Weekly just published an article, "Forget the TV Pickers, Meet the Real Mavericks of the Antiques World" about Brimfield and the gritty life of the professional antiques dealer that's a must-read for anyone who wants to go (like me) or just wants deep background about this phenomenal show. 

The article also profiles writer Maureen Stanton and her new book about Brimfield, "Killer Stuff and Tons of Money." Parade Magazine calls it “An intoxicating read that rips away the lace curtain from the antiques biz.”

And, by the way, if you're already dreaming, like me, of making it to one of next year's shows, here are the dates: May 14-19, July 9-14 and September 3-8. Maybe I'll see you there!

Witches' Night Out in Enumclaw

This is one of those holiday season kickoff ideas that tickles me, and I just had to share it. Sharon Tuggle (yes, rhymes with Muggle) in Enumclaw, WA came up with a concept for bringing folks into town for an evening of fun that hopefully will include a bit of shopping: Witches' Night Out. The poster tells it all. Just wish I could be there for the contest for "Best Witch's Cackle!" Enumclaw is known as the "Gateway to the Crystal Mountain Area" and there's a sizeable antique row in town, including Sharon's store, Porter Antiques & Trading Co.