Community Cookbooks

I love community cookbooks!  They are so much fun, as they give a sense of the time and the place that they came from.  These are usually paperback cookbooks, many with spiral binding, collected by members of a church, PTA, school, or community.   The recipes always have the contributing member's name, and sometimes have a story about the recipe as well.   The older ones that I have in my store date from the 1960's to 1970's, all the way to the present.   You'll find many to browse through at Birdhouse Books (community cookbooks).

Pictured:  a community cookbook from the New York Sons and Daughters of Liberty

Item of the Day: Vintage Cat Playing Cards

I love vintage playing cards, and these cat playing cards are so cute!   Some date back to the 1940's, up to the 1960's - 1970's.   I have drawings of cats, photos of kittens, and more.   And these items are listed as single swap cards and matched pairs of cards.   These cards look great framed, and they also make a thoughtful small gift, tucked inside a greeting card!    You'll find many more here:  Vintage Cat Playing Cards at Birdhouse Books.

Vintage Postcards Featuring Shopping Malls

I love vintage shopping malls!   I enjoy postcards and photos featuring them.  I enjoy the retro design, and the details of how people lived in past times.   I love websites like Malls of America and Sky City: Southern Retail Then and Now.  These great blogs have photos and descriptions from shopping malls, including ones that are no longer around.  

I always enjoy listing vintage postcards featuring shopping malls.  I have a few in my shop, and would love to add more in the future.  You'll find them here:  vintage shopping mall postcards at Birdhouse Books.

Pictured here:  Oxford Valley Mall in Longhorne, Pennsylvania.  Check out the Woolworth store (I miss Woolworth's!).   Lots of fun!

Background Noise

I grew up as a 1970's teen - 1980's college, and ALWAYS had music on while I was doing homework and reading for school.   I truly believe it helps me concentrate!   As a result, I always have something on while I'm working here.  I sometimes listen to a CD, and sometimes the radio, but I believe that music keeps me alert and motivated.  My favorites are oldies, jazz, and Broadway music.

On the other hand - I absolutely cannot work with the tv on.  I never turn it on during daytime hours.

If you sell online, I would be curious as to what you listen to while you are working!

Item of the Day: Anthropomorphic Train Valentine

This little die-cut vintage Valentine is especially cute!  It features a sad train engine and reads, "I"ll just give up, if you won't be mine!"   It is a Hallmark card, 1950's to 1960's vintage.  Anthropomorphic Valentines are among my favorites - they have such a unique vintage charm.   This little cutie is at Birdhouse Books (train card).  You'll find hundreds of more unique vintage Valentines in my store.