good things - Liz Posmyk
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In my kitchen - treasured old things - July 2015

2/7/2015

43 Comments

 
Vintage enamelled baking tray - Liz Posmyk Good Things
'Less is more' is among numerous quotations attributed to English poet and playwright, Robert Browning (1812-1889). As I hunt through one of my cupboards for an item that seems to have mysteriously buried itself amidst all the other stuff, I'm thinking to myself that he must be have been a wise gentleman. 

'I have way too much stuff,' complained one of my nearest and dearest recently. 'I know just what you mean,' I replied knowingly. For my home, too, is groaning under the weight of the many things that Peter and I have accumulated over the years. It's time for another clear out, garage sale or massive donation to one of our local charities, such as Lifeline, St Vincent de Paul and the Salvos. 

But there are some old and treasured items that I simply cannot bear to part with. Some of them have been in my family for years and have been used almost to death by their previous owners, but still I hang on to them. And, yes, I still use them too! 

A long time ago, a friend told me that her mother-in-law had stuck labels on the base of things so that when she departed this world her children would know who she had bequeathed each item to. Hmmm. Sounds a little crazy, to me, but there may be something in it, in a weird sort of way. Another friend and I were discussing this topic recently and noted that some of the old things that we treasure so dearly will most likely mean nothing to our own offspring. 'I've had a little purse that was given to me about fifty years ago, when I was just a little girl,' explained my friend. 'My kids aren't going to know how much it meant to me and, really, why am I even hanging on to it,' she asked. True, true. Will our children know, or indeed care about, the stories behind the paraphernalia that we have collected?  Does it matter? Should we really care?

Likewise, I have loads of 'things' gathering dust, including some of the baby clothes, books and toys kept from when my own children were little. Actually, I have two boxes of my own books, toys and ephemera, almost antiques now, like me! And there's an assortment of ornaments on display in a type of 'china cabinet'...  'saved for good'...  whatever that is. Some items belonged to my late parents, some to my two brothers, also long gone. And some were given to me as wedding gifts in 1978. And there they shall stay, I suppose, because they are 'ornaments'. Who knows what will become of them when I'm gone.

When my marriage broke down years ago, I promised myself that I would no longer keep crockery, cutlery, china and glassware in a display case. Instead, I would use and enjoy them, while I could. That philosophy also goes for the old and treasured cook's tools in my possession, some of which I have pictured here.

I'd love to know your thoughts on this, dear readers. Are you a collector or hoarder? Or are you more of a minimalist? Are there 'things' you cannot discard? Or have you been ruthless in decluttering?

Old and treasured things in my kitchen...

The enamelled baking tray (pictured top) belonged to my mother and is one of the most treasured 'old' pieces in my kitchen. I have distinct memories my mother using it when she crumbed chicken drumsticks and veal slices for schnitzel.

Another of my mother's pieces is this now vintage rotary whisk (below). I use it weekly, sometimes daily, and pop it into the oven briefly after washing it to prevent it from rusting. These types of whisks can be found in antique stores and usually sell for upwards of $20 AUD. One thing is certain, they do not make them like this any more! 
Vintage rotary whisk by Liz Posmyk
An aunt gave me her old potato ricer (below) when I was visited Budapest in the 1990s. It works perfectly and is used often. 
Vintage potato ricer by Liz Posmyk
This little enamelled pot (below) is another of my favourite pieces, although I bought it from a thrift shop a few years ago. In case you didn't notice, I have a thing for old enamelware. 
Old enamel pot by Liz Posmyk Good Things
This old fork and fish knife (below) were thrift store purchases too, because I loved the look of them. They are used by me and loved. 
Vintage cutlery by Liz Posmyk Good Things
This enamelled bowl (below) once belonged to my mother. She used it mix warm milk with fresh yeast when she was baking. 
Old enamel dish by Liz Posmyk Good Things
This little Corningware piece (below) is old and yet very well used in my kitchen. It's perfect for melting butter and making sauces.
Old Corningware by Liz Posmyk Good Things
And finally, the Salter 'Family Scale No. 45) was bought for a bargain price from an antique dealer in Newcastle. These scales are more ornamental than anything, but I just love them! 
Vintage Salter Scales by Liz Posmyk Good Things
This post has been compiled as part of the monthly In My Kitchen series hosted by my dear friend, Celia, at Fig Jam and Lime Cordial. Pop in and say hello to Celia and all our friends. 

43 Comments
Shari from GoodFoodWeek link
30/6/2015 08:19:42 pm

I love that whisk, my Nana had one just like that. And those scales are AMAZING!

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Napoli Restaurant Alert link
30/6/2015 09:17:13 pm

I'm a little bit mixed, some things I cannot let go of, and others I just mercilessly throw away. Just did a massive clean out. I do wonder what my boys will do with my dolls and play China tea set one day!

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Jennifer @ Milk and Honey link
30/6/2015 11:41:07 pm

What a great collection of kitchenware. My mother had a Corning ware dish just like yours.

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Jane @ Shady Baker link
1/7/2015 12:38:40 am

Lizzy, as you know I do love some old things...this is a trait I have inherited from previous generations of collectors. I try hard to keep my 'things' to a minimum but people (mostly older members of my family) just give me stuff because they know I appreciate it.

Some things I have packed up with little notes about their history, hoping that one day someone might be interested. But, if they don't I am sure it wont be the end of the world.

I absolutely adore than enamelled baking tray. I wouldn’t be letting that out of my sight! It is in such beautiful condition and what lovely memories it must hold.

Thank you for sharing this special collection with us.

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SeattleDee link
1/7/2015 02:14:00 am

Ah yes, the challenge of "stuff", treasures we spend years collecting and then need to set free. I am a collector, working on weeding the collection bit by bit.

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Dhanya Samuel link
1/7/2015 02:47:15 am

Lovely to see your vintage collection; especially loved the weighing balance.

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Mandy link
1/7/2015 02:55:52 am

Oh Lizzy, I hear you about the hoarding thing, although I am usually only guilty of that in the kitchen. For the rest, it is all my Pete's fault. :-D I truly have a weakness for buying things for the kitchen and really should wear a big sign when I am out saying I should not be allowed to put anything in my trolley unless it is needed.
I absolutely love your potato ricer - wish I had one like that and I have the big version of your Corningware casserole dish. I usually use it as a Dutch oven for baking crusty loaves.
I must say, I generally use everything in my kitchen, on and off depending on what the occasion is.
Have a beautiful and happy July.
:-) Mandy xo

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Gerlinde link
1/7/2015 03:28:04 am

I have the same Corningware dish in my kitchen and I also use it all the time. The scale is gorgeous.

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John / Kitchen Riffs link
1/7/2015 03:48:23 am

We have way too much "stuff" too. It seems to multiple overnight, doesn't it? We have the same Corningware bowls. Really useful.

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Glenda link
1/7/2015 04:09:22 am

Hiya Liz, I love all your things but that fork looks absolutely exquisite. What a great find.
I have too many things but I don't care I have enough room for them. When we finally choose one house I will have to seriously cull but until then all is well.

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Julie Stevenson
1/7/2015 04:40:51 pm

Glenda how are you ever going to choose, reading your blogs. My bet it's the country one.

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kellie@foodtoglow link
1/7/2015 06:28:11 am

I am not a great hoarder. I'd like to be in a way, to have loads of things to look at and remember shat part they played in my earlier life, but I crave space too much! I do have a few treasured items from my Mum but nothing I have now has any real sentiment attached to it. I think that is because for the longest time I didn't really believe that I would properly settle her in the UK and didn't dare acquire the things that make things homely. I love your old bits and what they mean to you. You are lucky. :)

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Misky link
1/7/2015 09:11:37 am

I have enamelware that I use regularly. It's wonderful. And that whisk is a gem. Lucky you, Liz. As for keeping things, I'm quite happy to donate things that I don't use often enough to charity. Cupboard space is valuable in my kitchen, so things need to earn their keep!

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Amanda link
1/7/2015 01:00:16 pm

I have a china cabinet full of never-used items that I just can't motivate myself to deal with. Things like the lead, cut crystal pieces that were given to me by a long-dead aunt, or the very fine, gold rimmed crystal glasses that were a wedding present, but can't go into the dishwasher. So - we just look at them.

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Eha
1/7/2015 01:56:49 pm

Love your enamelware Liz, love my own few pieces also. Am laughing at some readers calling these items 'vintage' - don't think my rotary whisk every gets put away and I still have heaps of Corningware - thought everyone did :D !! Hmm: perchance I'm 'vintage' also!!!

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Nancy | Plus Ate Six link
1/7/2015 02:09:06 pm

I'm having the exact conversation with Mum this week. They are moving into a retirement home and downsizing and she is getting upset than no one will care about the 'things' that mean something to her. I've promised her that I'll look after everything for her so now I'm looking into a storage unit in Melbourne for her! I know one day I will love standing in my kitchen and using her stock pots though so I'm OK with it all.

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Maureen link
1/7/2015 04:19:12 pm

I'm a user not a hoarder except for cooking utensils. I might use my mouli once a year but I know where it is when I want it. I don't have anything in my cabinets and cupboards that is saved for best. When I croak there won't be family here who'll want my stuff and it's too expensive to ship stuff back to my kids. So I'm enjoying everything. :)

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Julie Stevenson
1/7/2015 04:38:07 pm

I so enjoyed your post as I have the exact same things in my kitchen slightly varied though they may be, loved and cherished like yours.

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bushboy link
1/7/2015 05:03:22 pm

I love enamalware too. My enamalled cast iron cooking pots get used all the time. The scales are superb. I should do a copy cat blog with some of my kitchen treasures, they are great to share with people who appreciate solid kitchen ware from days gone by :)

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Anna @ shenANNAgans link
1/7/2015 06:55:52 pm

Gorgeous, especially love the bone handled fish knife. I have a couple of those floating about my kitchen too. Not for using, but for decoration.

Not really a collector, and def not a hoarder. Rather minimalistic I am.

And yes to 'things' I cannot discard, although we have moved around a lot and found that a lot of stuff is let go of for easier moving.

Hope you are having a ball lady. Miss you. xo

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EllaDee link
1/7/2015 07:14:54 pm

I love your old things. When my last marriage broke down I vowed I'd no longer collect things... yeah, right... that didn't last long and I now have a partner in crime! Old bits & pieces follow both me and my husband home. My Dad calls our house "the museum". I particularly love kitchenalia used by cooks before me, so your gems really speak to me. We often laugh at the enormity of task ahead of whoever has to sort out the detritus of our lives after we pass. Ah well :)

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Kyrstie@A Fresh Legacy link
1/7/2015 07:27:04 pm

What a beautiful collection of memories and objects. I admit to being in a hording phase when it comes to kitchenware, my favorite things though have come from my family and I would never clean them out.

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Beck link
1/7/2015 08:36:07 pm

Liz I have a rotary beater just like that from my mother! I also have a couple of lovely large silver spoons from my mother in law...I really do love the memories and feelings that go along with special things like these :)

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Tandy | Lavender and Lime link
1/7/2015 10:08:11 pm

I love your rotary beaters. My mom has had the same ones since she got married 45 years ago. I am not a hoarder and often donate my unused kitchen things to the children or a charity :)

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Krista link
1/7/2015 10:51:32 pm

I'm definitely a collector, though I had to become minimalist when I moved to Australia. It was such an emotional thing to leave 90% of belongings behind, giving and selling it all to make room for my new life. It was worth the trade though. :-)

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Hotly Spiced link
2/7/2015 06:43:33 pm

I do love all your things as there is a lot of nostalgia value. I too have things that aren't of much value in a monetary sense but have huge value sentimentally. I do love the scales and your old enamel dishes xx

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Brenda Sambrook
2/7/2015 07:45:35 pm

Liz, similarities...... I still have my old books and toys, including an old, toy pram, my Barbies etc and lego and some clothes my mother mad for me. I used them when my children were small, and naturally bought add ons for them. ALL are now safely boxed for when I get to become a grandmother. The kitchenalia I have less of - but recognise many pieces in both my mum and mother-in-laws home. Tend to collect old cookbooks now - fascinating.

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Vicki @ Boiled Eggs & Soldiers link
3/7/2015 01:33:35 am

I love that you have things with meaning in your kitchen, I remember the same whisk when I was growing up. We are about to make a big move so a clear out is needed. I've been going through the thought process about starting to use the "good" stuff as I'm not quite sure what we are saving it for!

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Ambra Sancin link
3/7/2015 02:32:06 am

isn't it amazing how we love some things more than others? Some are practical, some are just well designed, others are just plain kooky. I started an occasional series on my blog called 'Lurking in the Cupboard' where I write about strange things I find in my mother's cupboards - some that she still uses. I particularly like the engraved, silver nutcracker that belonged to her grandmother. Works like a dream!

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Fiona Ryan
4/7/2015 12:53:55 am

Lots to love in that haul Liz. I’m having a massive clear out as part of preparing for our renovation and have been really strict with myself but there are just some things that seem to ‘stick’.

Thanks for the tour.

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Elizabeth link
4/7/2015 02:12:08 am

Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful IMK this month... I love enamel because it is so easy to clean! I only have one of my nanas old baking dishes, but I have a few of her serving dishes... I love old wares as many times they are better than the new items as you quoted correctly "they don't make things like they use to" and if they do it cost a fortune! :-) thanks for sharing! Liz xx

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David link
4/7/2015 03:48:09 pm

While I don't consider myself a hoarder, I do find it difficult to part with things that have sentimental value... My mother's garlic press, for instance. I have been allergic to garlic for as long as my mother has been gone. Yet, I cannot bear to let go of it. Sentimental to a fault, I guess! Lovely post, Liz! Love the baking tray and the scale, especially!

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Kirsty link
4/7/2015 08:18:59 pm

Hi there Liz. I love your Salter scale. I have a very similar one, but its not as stylish (and pretty) as yours :) Cheers, Kirsty

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e / dig in hobart link
4/7/2015 08:37:25 pm

it seems everyone's mum had one of those rotary beatrers - mine did too. i remember playign with it :-)
i try not to be a hoarder - so every summer holidays i go thry my kitchen cupboards,laundry cupboards, garage shelves, and try to be ruthless - 'do i really use this?' i store special things but i can be tough.

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Sandra link
4/7/2015 09:32:10 pm

I'm in clean out mode too, because we're moving house. I use everything I own too, nothing is kept for best, but there are some bits and pieces that never get used and just have to go. I especially love your fish knife and fork

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@ChristineSalins (Food Wine Travel) link
5/7/2015 12:52:23 pm

Yes, Liz, the perennial problem of what to keep and will anyone treasure it like we did... I love all your beautiful old kitchen things. I have exactly the same rotary whisk that belonged to my mother (and many more of her kitchen gadgets). I'm glad I have them. It makes me feel some sort of connection with her even though she is long gone. But I wonder, too, if my children will love them like I do.

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Joanne T Ferguson link
5/7/2015 10:30:35 pm

What a gorgeous whisk Lizzy! I still have one! I still treasure the old things in a new nostalgic way!
Thanks for this month's kitchen view and allowing me to walk down memory lane!

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Moya link
6/7/2015 08:25:39 pm

Such a beautiful post Lizzy, I often wonder what will happen with all my stuff and I have collected plenty over the years. My sister has my Mothers vintage whisk like yours... its a beautiful piece. Thank you for sharing pieces of your kitchen that are close to your heart :)

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Johanna @ green gournet giraffe link
6/7/2015 11:35:46 pm

My mum had a whisk like that and I love the look of them but use them so rarely that I can't justify space for one. But I mostly love them for reminding me of watching them made as invisible machines on playschool. So yes I am a sentimental collector and some things I don't let go of are the ones that I hold dear because they came from people who were important to me. Lovely post.

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Choclette link
11/7/2015 09:34:00 am

Your treasured pieces look well worth hanging on to. I'm a hoarder and rather wish I wasn't as I live in a tiny space and I hate clutter. But stuff isn't just stuff, it's memories, ours and other peoples.

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sherry M link
19/7/2015 07:01:04 pm

mum used to have an old hand whisk with the ball bearings. a friend bought me one from the tip shop a while ago. i love it! i have lots of enamel ware too. i keep buying kitchenalia even tho i don't need it but it is so much fun isn't it?

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Kim | a little lunch link
20/7/2015 01:33:50 am

Liz, I was away during this month's IMK, but I had to pop in and see what you were up to. :) I'm so glad I did... your post literally struck home in more ways than one! After our recent "downsizing" (aka fire) the significance of things was something I had to deal with -- still deal with! -- as I decide what to replace. Your point about "who will want this" was also one I dealt with while visiting my Mom, who was intent on "sending home" anything and everything from her 60 year stash of household treasures. Some of it was so personal (ex: vacation souvenirs that held no meaning for me) that I had to decline as graciously as I could. (Plus it helped that we only had The Man Of Few Words' pick up truck to haul things in and could legitimately claim "no room!") Keep the things that mean the most to you -- pass on the family treasures (someday) with a story attached -- or a copy of this post! -- and enjoy 'em while you can! xo

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Miss Food Fairy link
21/7/2015 08:12:51 pm

Hope you're having a lovely time in the UK Liz. I wish I could fall in love with enamel ware - I find I'm not delicate enough but they certainly bring memories of my nanna :) Those scale are too cute - I wonder if you could get them reset so you could use them. Love your old-school potato ricer too. Love seeing your goodies in your kitchen Liz #IMK xx

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    Photo of Liz Posmyk, Food Writer, Cook and Traveller

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