How Should You Go About Collecting and Purchasing Antique Silver?

Now days everyone I meet seems to enjoy browsing the many antique shops around and have started a collection of some sort. One item that seems to be particularly popular to collect is vintage silverware, because it is relatively easy to find.

Originally some people started off their collection by getting a few pieces which they would use for serving at dinner parties or even collecting a full set to be used on special occasions. Whatever the reason, it is wonderful to know a little about this particular antique and hopefully help when you are looking to purchase pieces in the future.

The first thing you need to consider is whether you wish to buy sterling silver or silver plate. During the 1700 and 1800's setting your table with sterling silverware it was a sign of wealth in England, Europe and America. However, because of the invention of electroplating during the last century, the use of silver plated cutlery has become an affordable luxury in the average family household. Certainly silver plated pieces are what you are more likely to find when searching for antique silverware. Usually these pieces will have the maker and company's name on who had produced them. However, sterling silver pieces are much rarer to find and usually on have a maker's name or initials on them along with the location where they were made.

The next thing you will need to consider is what sort of pattern you are going to collect. There are hundreds of patterns and styles as well as many different makers of these items. The best of way of avoiding only having a half set of one particular pattern is to look for ones that you can mix and match. This is one of the best ways of putting together a good quality set of vintage silverware and by the end you should have a service that is not only practical but is a pleasant visual experience when arranged on your dining table.

From the 1870's to about the 1920's the popularity of silverware being used was at its peak. Many makers of silverware would make up to 100 different pieces of a particular pattern. Certainly during Victorian times dining had become a very elaborate affair, with sometimes as many as eight or more courses being served to the guests. Each dinner would obviously begin with soup, this would be followed by a salad course, then you would have a fruit course (supposed to help cleanse the palate) and then the other courses would follow i.e., fish, meat, desert, cheese and more fruit. So you would find that there were a large variety of forks, knives and spoons laid out on the table to compliment each course. Certainly when searching for a particular pattern that you are collecting in the myriad of antique shops around you will not only find knives, forks and spoons you may find a set of lovely demitasse spoons (used with coffee) or even the more rarer of items terrapin forks (which would have been used for eating turtles)! As you look around the antique shops for pieces to add your collection you will occasionally find pieces that have been repaired. Although this does not generally ruin the appearance of the item, it may be reduce its value, but if the item shows slight signs of wear it does not decrease its value (it just shows that it was a much used and loved item). What I would suggest you do not purchase is items that have been extremely tarnished. Items that are often highly tarnished will hide signs of damage and any imperfections on them and they even may have been altered to make them appear rarer than they are. It has been known for spoons to have been cut sometimes so that they in fact resemble an ice cream fork or have been pierced to look like a sugar shifter (both of which seem to be extremely rare items to find).

Now you have made that all important purchase you will now need to know everything possible on how to preserve the items beauty and value. At all times these items should be stored in a dry place, preferably if possible a silver file or drawer. Cover the pieces with a soft cloth to prevent any tarnishing and when they need polishing use only a non abrasive silver polish and a soft polishing cloth. Again you must remember to wash and dry them thoroughly, using only warm water with a weak detergent mixture in and soft cloths to dry them with.

If you become serious about building up a good collection of silverware it is an idea to educate yourself on collecting silverware. Not only can you purchase books on the subject over the internet or go to your local library or bookstore, you could even carry out a search on "antique silverware" at any one of the search engines available on the web (such as Google).

But for now just have a great time rummaging through the many aisles and stalls at various antique shops or markets searching for the most beautiful pattern of vintage silverware you could imagine.

Why Granny Flats Are Better Than a Nursing Home

There comes a time in our lives when we have to think about things like retirement and nest eggs. While being old slows us down, it shouldn't stop us from continuing to enjoy our lives, long after we've hung up our working gloves. If anything, this should be a time when we begin to enjoy ourselves, including the fruits of a lifetime of hard work.

Many of those approaching retirement age first consider a place to live. These days, nursing homes or special care homes are not the only alternatives a senior citizen has when they decide to move out of their family homes, which may have grown too big or proven to become a little unmanageable. Granny flats, also known as "mother-in-law-apartments," "granny suites" or "accessory apartments" are fast becoming a more appealing prospect for senior citizens who would rather use their hard-earned money traveling abroad.

A granny flat is a separate dwelling unit built on properties that are normally for one dwelling unit only and has its own entrance, living area, kitchen and bathroom. It is usually built over a rear detached garage, above or below the main floor of a single-detached dwelling, attached to a single-detached dwelling at grade or detached from the principal dwelling, very much like a guesthouse.

For senior citizens and their families who've found nursing homes too impersonal and expensive, for sons and daughters who've found they really can't bear to have Mom living so far away, the granny flat is the best option. Not only will it keep your family together, but your elderly relatives will also be able to enjoy a sense of privacy and independence that they are loath to lose. They, as well are assured that they have someone close by they can turn to for emergencies like driving to and from the doctor's office for check-ups or grocery shopping.

For the families of senior citizens, another reason why granny flats are better than nursing homes is the fact that energy bills are considerately lower since this occupies a smaller space. One of the main reasons senior citizens are forced to move out of their family homes is because they can no longer manage the bills that large houses incur.

Granny flats can also be built according to your personal preferences. With many home designs available ranging from single to five bedrooms, you will surely find a granny flat that will suit you and your elderly parents' requirements. Going online will yield a lot of the information you need, as well as the laws and regulations concerning the construction of granny flats in your area. Take note that there may be some council areas that prohibit construction due to zoning laws so again, the importance of doing research is being stressed to avoid any future complications.

But the biggest benefit of granny flats for most people is that it can also be a great investment. When you do your research and plan everything right, not only will you be able to have your elderly parents close, you will also be able to manage your finances more effectively. Thanks to the SEPP (State Environmental Planning Policy) you will be able to build granny flats on your property and rent it out for increased yield and good depreciation benefits. They could also help you significantly if you are struggling with loan repayments on your property.

Last Minute Costume Ideas: Mickey Mouse

Last minute costume ideas are sometimes hard to come by for Halloween. I have found that the Mickey Mouse costume is often one of the best overall choices available to you. It's a simple choice and the approach to the character, in terms of the quality and fun detail of the costume, means a lot. If you find a high quality costume you may find that there is no better choice for you. A description and some things to consider when choosing a Mickey Mouse costume follows.

The classic double black bump ears of this character will sit on your head using a headband. For the top you are going to need a white dress shirt with large black buttons. Over that is a black coat that is going to fit around your frame and help to give you a friendly overall appearance. For the pants, you will find that they are a cherry red color with white circles on them. This will give the full appearance of the world's most beloved character, while a gold bow tie is going to complete this Mickey Mouse costume.

With this costume, you are going to find that a lightweight polyester material will hold up well when you are using it. This will ensure that you are going to remain very comfortable when you are wearing this Mickey Mouse costume, no matter where you are headed out to. This will help cement its position among the exceptional last minute costume ideas for your next Halloween outfit.

What you need to consider as you are preparing to get decked out for Halloween is to look over the accessories that can be used for this costume as well. If you're like me, authenticity is quite important. If I'm going to dress like Mickey Mouse, I want to look like Mickey Mouse. These additional items help to aid the overall appearance of the costume and they will leave a lasting impression.

One of the most important options is the rubber cartoon hands. For your Mickey Mouse costume, this is going to give the classic gloved appearance that the character has. Along with that, you can't swoon Minnie if you don't have a face painting disguise kit to add makeup to your face in order to create a replication of this popular character's face. Your shoes are important, too. Pick up the loafers that go with the costume to help fully complete the outfit. Sneakers won't fit in, in this case.

When you consider the different costumes out there, you will want to take note that many choices come in a variety of sizes. This means that you can often find the costume you are looking for in children's sizes and adult sizes, for teens and 'tweens' as well as Plus Size. That should come as good news to our big brothers and sisters who are weary of searching for a costume designed for anorexics.

The Mickey Mouse costume is certainly going to be one of the best 'last minute costume ideas' that you might consider. If you find one that has the quality of workmanship and attention to detail - and, if you don't skimp on the accessories, it is a Halloween costume that will leave a lasting impression. It is a fun and whimsical choice that is going to be noticed by everyone who attends a party with you. Best of all, you are going to find that this is a costume that you can certainly use, no matter what type of party you are going to and people are going to love it. It will also be a selection you can use beyond the holiday as well for general costume parties and even the birthday party of your child.

How To Be a Successful Step Parent - Bonding With Your Step Children

Anyone who says step parenting is not hard work has not experienced it for themselves. The good news however is that the hard work and patience could pay off and potentially lead to a happy family unit. It does not have to be doom and gloom for a step family all the time.

There are some ways in which one can become a successful step parent and one of such ways is through bonding with the step children.

So how does one bond with one's step children?

Getting involved in activities

As a step parent, one of the quickest ways to bond with the children is by showing an interest in their hobbies and activities at school. Get to know what they like doing and make time to ask questions and if possible join in if they allow you. For activities at school, you could go with your spouse to attend say for example the cricket classes and stay to cheer them on, etc.

Doing things together

Another way of bonding is by doing things together. This would not involve your spouse, just you and your step children. Do not be put off if on the first or second occasion, they refuse to engage or even allow you to go out with them. If you persist, one day they may relent and allow you to be a part of their interests.

What you choose to do with the children does not have to be anything complicated. It could be something as simple as preparing a dish together or going to see a movie you know they like. You might even decide to do something outside your comfort zone probably like playing a computer game with them.

Keep the memory of their birth parent alive

This is mainly for if the other birth parent is deceased. Try as much as possible to keep the memory of the parent alive by making references to them and saying nice things about them. You could also help them with pictures and other keepsake items they have. This is a sensitive topic, but if the child wants to talk about their dead parent, then do not discourage them at all. By being understanding and willing to help them - you are creating a bond and you would have found yourself a new friend as well.

On the other hand, if the other parent is alive and your step child wants to talk about them, allow them to do so and make sure you never make a disparaging remark about them. Encourage them to talk about their parent if that is what makes them happy.

For these two situations, if your step child sees that you can be trusted with such things as their other parent; they will begin to warm towards you because they will find that they have someone in the house they can talk to. In addition to this, your step child will not see you as a threat in terms of their biological parent and you may find that they connect more with you because of this.

Whilst there are various ways to bond with one's step children, these are just examples of some of them.