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11 garage sale finds you should never pass up

Vintage furniture Want to snag the biggest bargain on vintage furniture at a garage sale? The key is to wait until the end of the day. By then, the sellers are wondering how they are going to get that heavy old sofa off of the grass and back into the living room – and they’ll be more likely to take your initial offer. Be careful with upholstered items (bed bug alert!), but once you’re confident it’s clean, try to look past garishly coloured fabric and eye-popping patterns: you can always reupholster a piece of furniture to better suit your sense of style. Artwork Garage sale artwork is a great way to add some colour to your home. It’s fun to pick up art for two reasons: You might learn about interesting local artists, or, even if you don’t like the image, you can always repurpose the frame. This is key for larger paintings and drawings, because big frames can be so expensive. Haggle if you want, since art is subjective and the sellers might not have too many interested buyers. Also, odds are that they’re tired of looking at it and just want it gone. Vintage jewellery Not to sound old-fashioned, but they don’t make jewellery like they used to – costume jewellery included. Since the popularity of items like brooches has declined over the years, you can usually get a deal on these accessories, and if you like, the possibilities for upgrading them are endless. Give tarnished silver a good polish with a paste of baking soda and warm water. For gold, paying a few bucks for solid pieces should pay off – you can always sell them for scrap or have them melted down to create something new. Kitchenware When you see pots and pans at a garage sale, look for rust, non-stick surfaces that are scratched or flaking, and chemical coatings that might leach out into your food. Cast-iron ware, on the other hand, can be salvaged and restored no matter what the condition – and it’ll last forever. Also, if you find the following items in good working condition, snap them up: stainless steel baking items, kitchen timers, serving utensils, Pyrex or ovenproof glass baking dishes, and quality knives (you can always take them in to be sharpened). Just make sure to wash these great garage sale finds well before use. Small kitchen appliance If you’re in the market for an ice cream maker, single-serve smoothie blender, or rotisserie, consider scouring garage sales first. People hold sales to sell off unused items that take up space on their countertops, and bulky, highly-specialised small appliances are often priced to move. You’ll usually be able to scoop them up for a fraction of their retail price – even if they’ve only been used once or twice. Jackets When it comes to apparel, jackets can be among the best garage sale finds. Since sellers spring-clean before their sales, bulky or unworn winter coats and vests are some of the first things to hit the to-go pile. Check for holes and wear before purchasing, and dry clean or give a good washing before putting in the closet for next year. For children, buy the next size(s) up and store in a closet for future seasons. Tools Tools like drills, saws, nail guns and compressors can be great garage sale finds. As long as the seller can prove that they’re in good working condition, snap them up. Ask how old the product is and how much it has been used over the years. Always keep an eye out for rust, which usually means the integrity of the metal is compromised, making the tool more dangerous to work with. Silverware Odds are you can pick up a stylish silverware set for cheaper than what you can find new at most stores, plus you’re likely to hear a cool back-story to boot. There’s also a chance that what you’ve got is actual silver. How can you tell? On the back of silver-plated items there will be markings that can include the company name, the country in which it was made, a product number, and the E.P. (electroplate) marking. Don’t miss this garage sale find! Bicycles Bikes can be a great garage sale find, but it’s important to take them for a test drive before you commit to the purchase. Hardcore bargain-hunters might consider bringing a wrench to adjust the seat and get a real feel for how it rides, paying particular attention to the condition of the brakes and tyres. (Although tires can always be filled with more air, check the treads for wear and the sidewalls for cracking.) For kids’ bikes, the owner’s children might not have used the item much before they outgrew it, but ask. Exercise equipment This is one of the best garage sale finds! A lot of people lose interest in their fitness gear quickly, which means you can get the equipment you’ve been looking for at half the price or better. Look for big-ticket items (elliptical machines, treadmills) as well as other indoor merch like hand weights in the spring, when New Year’s resolutions are long forgotten. Research the equipment first: It’s important to know where certain machines tend to wear out the most. Books Bulk up your home library with new favourite reads, especially children’s books (kids outgrow their books quickly as their reading comprehension increases) and hardcover classics. Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/food-home-garden/home-tips/11-garage-sale-finds-you-should-never-pass-up-2?pages=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.

Home & Garden

11 garage sale finds you should never pass up

<h2>Vintage furniture</h2> Want to snag the biggest bargain on vintage furniture at a garage sale? The key is to wait until the end of the day. By then, the sellers are wondering how they are going to get that heavy old sofa off of the grass and back into the living room – and they’ll be more likely to take your initial offer. Be careful with upholstered items (bed bug alert!), but once you’re confident it’s clean, try to look past garishly coloured fabric and eye-popping patterns: you can always reupholster a piece of furniture to better suit your sense of style. <h2>Artwork</h2> Garage sale artwork is a great way to add some colour to your home. It’s fun to pick up art for two reasons: you might learn about interesting local artists, or, even if you don’t like the image, you can always repurpose the frame. This is key for larger paintings and drawings, because big frames can be so expensive. Haggle if you want, since art is subjective and the sellers might not have too many interested buyers. Also, odds are that they’re tired of looking at it and just want it gone. <h2>Vintage jewellery</h2> Not to sound old-fashioned, but they don’t make jewellery like they used to – costume jewellery included. Since the popularity of items like brooches has declined over the years, you can usually get a deal on these accessories, and if you like, the possibilities for upgrading them are endless. Give tarnished silver a good polish with a paste of baking soda and warm water. For gold, paying a few bucks for solid pieces should pay off – you can always sell them for scrap or have them melted down to create something new. <h2>Kitchenware</h2> When you see pots and pans at a garage sale, look for rust, non-stick surfaces that are scratched or flaking, and chemical coatings that might leach out into your food. Cast-iron ware, on the other hand, can be salvaged and restored no matter what the condition – and it’ll last forever. Also, if you find the following items in good working condition, snap them up: stainless steel baking items, kitchen timers, serving utensils, Pyrex or ovenproof glass baking dishes, and quality knives (you can always take them in to be sharpened). Just make sure to wash these great garage sale finds well before use. <h2>Small kitchen appliances</h2> If you’re in the market for an ice cream maker, single-serve smoothie blender, or rotisserie, consider scouring garage sales first. People hold sales to sell off unused items that take up space on their benchtops, and bulky, highly-specialised small appliances are often priced to move. You’ll usually be able to scoop them up for a fraction of their retail price – even if they’ve only been used once or twice. <h2>Jackets</h2> When it comes to apparel, jackets can be among the best garage sale finds. Since sellers spring-clean before their sales, bulky or unworn winter coats and vests are some of the first things to hit the to-go pile. Check for holes and wear before purchasing, and dry clean or give a good washing before putting in the wardrobe for next year. For children, buy the next size(s) up and store in a cupboard for future seasons. <h2>Tools</h2> Tools like drills, saws, nail guns and compressors can be great garage sale finds. As long as the seller can prove that they’re in good working condition, snap them up. Ask how old the product is and how much it has been used over the years. Always keep an eye out for rust, which usually means the integrity of the metal is compromised, making the tool more dangerous to work with. <h2>Silverware</h2> Odds are you can pick up a stylish silverware set for cheaper than what you can find new at most stores, plus you’re likely to hear a cool back-story to boot. There’s also a chance that what you’ve got is actual silver. How can you tell? On the back of silver-plated items there will be markings that can include the company name, the country in which it was made, a product number, and the electroplate marking. Don’t miss this garage sale find! <h2>Bicycles</h2> Bikes can be a great garage sale find, but it’s important to take them for a test drive before you commit to the purchase. Hardcore bargain-hunters might consider bringing a wrench to adjust the seat and get a real feel for how it rides, paying particular attention to the condition of the brakes and tyres. (Although tyres can always be filled with more air, check the treads for wear and the sidewalls for cracking.) For kids’ bikes, the owner’s children might not have used the item much before they outgrew it, but ask. <h2>Exercise equipment</h2> This is one of the best garage sale finds! A lot of people lose interest in their fitness gear quickly, which means you can get the equipment you’ve been looking for at half the price or better. Look for big-ticket items (elliptical machines, treadmills) as well as other indoor merch like hand weights in autumn/winter, when New Year’s resolutions are long forgotten. Research the equipment first: it’s important to know where certain machines tend to wear out the most. <h2>Books</h2> Bulk up your home library with new favourite reads, especially children’s books (kids outgrow their books quickly as their reading comprehension increases) and hardcover classics. Image credit: Shutterstock This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/food-home-garden/11-garage-sale-finds-you-should-never-pass-up" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.

Home & Garden

10 vintage baking tips that are still worth using

When it comes to baking, some techniques remain relevant no matter what decade you’re in. These tried and true baking methods are worth remembering today. 1. Add two tablespoons of vinegar to one cup of milk to create soured milk 2. Make whipping cream a breeze by adding a dash of lemon juice. 3. Place a bowl of water in the oven while baking for moist fruit cakes. 4. A pinch of salt in the bottom of a bowl will keep ingredients from sticking. 5. Heat a bowl up with warm water, empty, and place your butter in the still-warm bowl for softer butter. 6. Measure butter post melting, not before to get the perfect measurement. 7. Adding a tablespoon of jam to your biscuit dough keeps them softer for longer. 8. Substitute whipped cream for a slice of banana beaten with an egg white until stiff. 9. When separating eggs, if you get egg yolk in your whites, wet a cloth and touch the yolk, which will then stick to the cloth. 10. Prevent the curdling of custards by adding half a tablespoon of flour and half of sugar. Image credits: Getty Images

Food & Wine

Jean Harlow’s timeless style tips

Known as the “Blonde Bombshell”, this sex symbol of the silver screen was known for her elegant, curve hugging gowns and a slinky attitude to match. She was the platinum blonde that paved the way for Marilyn Monroe. She famously claimed not to wear under garments so as not to spoil the lines of her dresses and personified classic glamour and cheeky, old world charm. Taken at only 26, Jean Harlow had a full life ahead of her that ended in sudden tragedy. In her short time however, she imparted her impeccable sense of character and flair on the world. Here are some of the starlet’s lasting beauty and style tips below. “I’d rather have a few dresses of very fine material, than a whole closetful of fussy cheap looking things.” “You have to have faith in your clothes, just as you have to have faith in yourself, to be successful in dressing.” "Personally, I dislike a made-up look. I never wear mascara unless my screen work demands it. I use only powder and lipstick." "I believe too much make-up is bad for women who prefer a healthy, natural complexion. Every woman knows what make-up she desires, and she should deal with it judiciously." "There are no tricks to the care of my hair at all. I use castile soap and shampoo it like everyone else might do. I never use a rinse. I shampoo it every four days, but I rub hot castor oil into my scalp before every shampoo." "Of course, we use different make-up for our screen work than we do in our personal lives. The same thing applies to clothes. Clothes and make-up are always a part of characterisation. You must adapt yourself to the character you are portraying on the screen. That is the reason they call us actresses and actors." Images: Getty

Beauty & Style

Neglected pre-war car up for sale after miracle restoration

A 1939 MG VA, initially purchased as a stripped bare shell of itself, is heading for auction. When the pre-war vehicle sold for only a few hundred dollars, it wasn’t asking for much - most likely because it wasn’t offering a whole lot either. Missing entire doors and rusting in more than one place, the car left a lot to be desired. Its original owner had tucked it away in the garage after the MG failed an MOT in 1969 - an annual test in the United Kingdom to verify a vehicle’s safety. Although they’d intended to restore it, those plans never came to fruition, with the car learning a hard lesson in dust bunnies instead. 45 years later, it finally got the chance to see the light of day again, with its next owner snatching it up from a family friend at a ‘bargain’ price. And to everyone’s delight, the vehicle finally got the makeover it had been waiting almost half a century for. The owner - who has requested anonymity - even performed the bulk of the work by themself, although they left the engine overhaul and respray to the professionals. The hard work produced some spectacular results, and with the car now rolling into auction with an asking price of ~$18,500-$22,2000, its next owner is sure to enjoy all that it has to offer. When the line of MG VAs left production, they sold for up to $650 (or roughly $35,000 in 2023), and only 2,400 of them were ever made. The vehicles were produced alongside the larger SA and WA models, with their smallest-in-the-range 108-inch wheelbases distinguishing them from their counterparts. The VA model was only produced for two years, before the Second World War saw production come to a screeching halt. The MG company itself had been founded in the 1920s, and was renowned for its range of two-seater sports cars. After years of ownership changes, and after it was absorbed into the British Leyland group, the firm - which at that point was known as MG Rover - faced financial difficulty in the early 200s, and by 2005 was forced into receivership. However, the group was then purchased by Nanjing Automobile Group, and resumed its production of vehicles in 2007. In 2011, the MG6 appeared in the market, establishing itself as the first UK model in 16 years. And as for the 1939 VA model heading to auction with Charterhouse, Richard Bromell - who is handling the sale - had one just one thing to note, “to say the MG was bought as a project makes it sound much better than it was as it was in a very sorry state indeed “Thankfully the owner was more than handy with a spanner and undertook a complete restoration of the MG.” Images: Charterhouse Auctioneers & Valuers

Money & Banking

"That's insane": Vintage Woolies receipt shines a light on cheaper days

One mum has gotten more than she bargained for while cleaning out her wardrobe, stumbling across an old Woolworths receipt from 2011. While the item itself wasn’t so exciting - and most would immediately toss it away upon discovery - she looked a little further, and one thing stood out to her: the prices. “I'm currently going through my wardrobe and I found this receipt in a coat pocket," Tegan explained in a video posted to her TikTok, where she displays the receipt for everyone’s inspection. “It's from 2011, very vintage, and I was a new mum." Her purchases can be seen in the clip, highlighting the size and prices of the various items she picked up that year - the likes of baby formula, spinach, chocolate, capsicum, avocado, and lamb cutlets, totalling the sum of just $49.59. As she noted, the price of meat was her main point of interest, as it was “so cheap” at just $13.50 in 2011. Meanwhile, in 2023, anything under $20 is considered something of a bargain. However, for those in the comments, the chocolate was the true upset. And as many pointed out, it hadn’t just gotten more expensive, it had also gotten a lot smaller. “Lol that Cadbury is now 180g and $5.50,” one wrote. “That’s what I looked up,” Tegan agreed. “Less for more”. “Block of dairy milk was 200g too,” another chimed in to add, “now it's 180g”. And another simply declared, “omg that's insaaane how much the price has changed!!” For those whose priority is the baby formula, it was painful, with one pointing out that their brand had almost doubled in price - it had been $23.99 for Tegan back then, and marketed at $40 in present times. “A weekly essential for some parents,” Tegan noted, “would blow out my budget these days.” “My baby drinks the same formula it costs me $36,” another shared. “Gosh I feel for you,” Tegan said in response, before adding, “we went through so many tins.” One had a suggestion to properly compare the prices over the years, telling Tegan she should “buy it all again and put the two together.” Tegan, however, already had a suspicion, responding that “it’d probably be over $100”. <div class="embed" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; outline: none !important;"><iframe class="embedly-embed" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; border-style: initial; vertical-align: baseline; width: 620.262px; max-width: 100%; outline: none !important;" title="tiktok embed" src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2Fembed%2Fv2%2F7222124774753914113&display_name=tiktok&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40iknowtegan%2Fvideo%2F7222124774753914113&image=https%3A%2F%2Fp16-sign-sg.tiktokcdn.com%2Fobj%2Ftos-alisg-p-0037%2Fo8NV61AAAAAhBcwAO5z9oyIDHEzIgJIMRfJCsZ%3Fx-expires%3D1681808400%26x-signature%3DLWrE8R7Hek5U6KPv29JqPD2%252FH7c%253D&key=59e3ae3acaa649a5a98672932445e203&type=text%2Fhtml&schema=tiktok" width="340" height="700" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div> Images: TikTok

Money & Banking

You’re wasting your money if you’re buying these 13 things in brand-new condition

Exercise equipment There’s a good chance exercise equipment like treadmills, ellipticals, and dumbbells, are still in good condition. “Many people buy these items with the intentions of starting a regimen but fall off quickly and then try to unload these bulky goods that take up too much room,” says consumer and money-saving expert Andrea Woroch. Just make sure to research the brand and test the equipment before you buy, she says. In addition to the usual spots like garage sales, a local gym that’s getting renovated might be selling old equipment at killer prices, says Woroch. Hand tools There are so many used hand tools like hammers and wrenches on the market that there’s no reason to buy new, says Shelton. If you’re on the market, he recommends checking out a surprising spot. “Pawnshops are a great place for used tools,” says Shelton. “A lot of times they’re coming from trade because people change jobs.” Gift cards “Buying gift cards used may seem like an unusual idea, but it’s actually becoming more mainstream as a unique way to save money,” says Woroch. You can save 10 to 30 percent on store credit at your go-to shops, or gift cards to give as presents, she says. Tech gadgets At the rate new technology comes out, a used phone or laptop from five years ago probably isn’t worth the buy. But last year’s model could be a great value without making you feel like a dinosaur. For instance, Apple sells certified refurbished laptops and computers with limited warranties. Head to a big-box store or phone carrier for a refurbished smartphone, which are usually good quality, says Shelton. Beware of buying used tech from companies you don’t know though. “It’s already an off-brand, cheaply made product,” he says. “If it’s been refurbished, it’s already had an issue, so there’s a pretty good chance it won’t last very long.” Sports gear Equipment for specific sports, like skis or golf clubs, are also a good idea to pick up used, says Shelton. Beginners often buy the items but don’t stick with the sport, meaning the gear is still in great condition. And if you don’t want to be that person shelling out hundreds on a sport you or your kid doesn’t love, you won’t lose much on a used version. “If you find out you don’t like it, you could sell it to someone else and save money in the process,” says Shelton. Vehicles “New cars lose considerable value as soon as they leave the dealership’s lot, so it’s always best to buy used,” says Woroch. Find a model that’s a year old and doesn’t have many miles for a like-new ride that costs way less. You can even find cars on sites like Gumtree or eBay, but don’t take the price at face value. Always negotiate with the seller. Furniture You can save tons of cash on furniture by buying preowned instead of new, especially if you shop at the right time. Tax season, spring-cleaning time, and the holidays usually have the best prices and most options because people are often trying to downsize or sell those big-ticket items, says Shelton. Clothing Thrifting your clothes can save you up to 90 percent on everything from jeans to tuxedos, says Woroch. Baby clothes are especially good to buy used. “They’re going to outgrow it so fast,” says Shelton. There’s a good chance the original buyers over-bought or received the outfits as gifts, so items are often like-new or even unworn. Low price tags make consignment shops a good way to test-run trends that you’re not sure you’ll stick with, says Shelton. Even if you get sick of that pair of jeans by next year, you won’t waste much money. Footwear is the one exception. Shoes tend to wear around a person’s specific foot shape, so a used pair probably won’t be too comfy, says Shelton. Cleaning antique clothing is an exercise in avoiding modern conveniences, which are generally too harsh for fragile fabrics. Musical instruments Older models of musical instruments might actually be better quality than the ones you’ll find new on the shelf. “Corporations find ways to cut corners and use plastic vs. metal,” says Shelton. “Newer technology doesn’t have the same kind of tonal quality and build.” Do a bit of research before you buy, and test the instrument if you can. Large appliances Ask the sellers how long they’ve been using it, and test it to make sure it works before you put any money down. You could also head to an appliance repair shop to see if they’re selling refurbished items. “That’s a good buy if it’s a good price, because it’s been looked over by a technician who knows what they’re doing and can make sure it will work for you,” says Shelton. As a bonus, those shops will probably take your old one off your hands when they deliver the new-to-you one, so you don’t have a bulky appliance lying around. Textbooks “The unwritten rule is never buy textbooks new,” says Shelton. “Sometimes you find nice little gems in there, like people highlighted things on your test or let good notes.” Buying used textbooks used to be a wild race, but with eBooks surging, it’s easier to find what you want, he says. Bikes A new bicycle can cost hundreds of dollars, but a used one will cost a fraction of the price. You can even buy just the frame, and beef it up with more expensive parts from another seller, she says. Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/money/youre-wasting-your-money-if-youre-buying-these-13-things-brand-new-condition?pages=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.

Home & Garden

10 vintage camping hacks every camper should know

Camping out for more than a night or two can bring the same challenges – ones my own family faced all the time, back when most people lived without air conditioning. When we’re hit with crazy humidity or rainy days, I’ve had to recall my mother’s old tricks for keeping the salt from clumping, the grill clean, and much more, so we can enjoy great meals made over a crackling fire. Create a dry box Invest in an airtight and waterproof container to store your camping essentials. I’m talking a box of matches, a torch plus batteries, first aid supplies, a few protein bars, and any other small, must-have items. This will come in handy if you’re camping in damp or rainy conditions. Invest in a small thermometer Place a small stick-on thermometer inside your esky lid to ensure that the temperature inside is a food-safe 1.6-4.4C°. And if you want to upgrade your esky situation, invest in a waterproof cooler light so you can see what you’re looking for after the sun goes down. Make your own ice packs Keep a few empty milk containers or water bottles the weeks before you head out into the wilderness. Wash thoroughly, allow to dry, and refill with clean tap water at home. Freeze and place in your cooler to keep the contents cool but dry. Save aluminium foil Save that used aluminium foil! Crumple it up and store in a zip-top bag to take along. Use it to scrub down the campfire grate or grill, clean your cast iron skillet or Dutch oven, and to scrape bark off your marshmallow sticks. Keep your salt from clumping Take a cue from your local cafe and put a few grains of rice in your salt shaker to keep the salt flowing instead of clumping together. Using a plastic shaker with a snap-down lid is also helpful to keep moisture out and salt inside where it belongs. Don't forget your spices Bringing along armfuls of spices can seem inconvenient, but you still want flavour in your favourite camping meals, right? Instead, repurpose Tic-Tac containers and other small, food-safe tins and use them as makeshift spice jars. Store them in a zip-top bag or plastic tub to keep them dry. Prep what you can in advance Once you’re in the great outdoors, you won’t want to spend a ton of time meal prepping. Opt for no-cook meals or prep your ingredients at home before you leave. Pancake batter can be made at home, stored in a clean container or squeeze-top bottle, and kept in the esky until you’re ready. Get creative with your fire starters A proper campfire is made with crumpled paper, kindling and firewood, but that can be a lot to gather. Instead, you can get your fire started with some unconventional materials, like dryer lint (you can pre-portion this by stuffing it into toilet paper tubes) or even corn chips! Bring your cast iron skillet or Dutch oven from home Don’t fuss with multiple pots and pans when you camp or special camping cookware. Instead, bring just your cast iron skillet or Dutch oven. Cast iron can withstand the elements and can be used over a propane cooktop, grill, or straight over the campfire. Grab some bright-coloured ribbon Stop tripping over tent tethers and running into the clothesline! Tie neon-coloured ribbon (or even fabric scraps) onto these cords to keep from getting tangled up. Use these old-school tricks and your entire outdoor experience will be way more enjoyable. Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/travel/10-vintage-camping-hacks-every-camper-should-know?pages=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.

Travel Tips

43 vintage photos of Queen Elizabeth II before she became Queen

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was the United Kingdom's longest reigning monarch, having ascended the throne in 1952 at age 25. Following the sad news of her passing at the age of 96, here are some snapshots of what her life was like before her coronation. <h2>1926: Her Royal Highness Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary is born</h2> <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/liz-1.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary of York was born on April 21, 1926. She’s pictured here with her mother, Elizabeth, the Duchess of York, who was the wife of Prince Albert “Bertie” of York. Since Bertie was the second-born son of the reigning monarch, King George V, no one, and least of all the princess, herself, had any clue Elizabeth would one day be queen. Here, she’s just a sweet firstborn daughter of the “spare” heir. <h2>A mum, a dad and a newborn princess</h2> <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/liz-2.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> When Prince Albert (called “Bertie” by his friends and family) married Lady Elizabeth Bowes Lyon, the two became the Duke and Duchess of York. Here, the Duke and Duchess are pictured with their newborn, Her Royal Highness Princess Elizabeth of York. <h2>1927: Lilibet at 14 months</h2> <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/liz-3.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> When Princess Elizabeth was learning to speak, she had trouble pronouncing her name, referring to herself as “Lilibet,” and the name stuck. Lilibet was a happy and friendly child and the darling of her grandparents, King George V and Queen Mary. Outgoing and plucky, Lilibet was one of the few people on the planet who wasn’t intimidated by the man she called “Grandpa England,” whom she led by his beard as if he were a horse, according to TIME. <h2>Just out of the terrible twos</h2> <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/liz-4.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> In this sweet family portrait from 1929, the Duke of York smiles at his toddler daughter, who sits on her mum’s lap. <h2>Daddy’s in military garb; a princess salutes</h2> <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/liz-5.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> In this photo taken the summer of 1931, the Duke exits the car in military garb after his wife and daughter, while Princess Elizabeth salutes members of the military. <h2>1932: Still a cosy, normal childhood</h2> <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/liz-6.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Arriving at the Royal Tournament in 1932, Princess Elizabeth was dressed like the proper princess that she was, but she generally lived a quiet life outside the spotlight. Until the birth of her sister, Princess Margaret Ann, she played with the children of businessmen and doctors, as opposed to the children of royals. Princess Margaret was a playful influence on her sister, who was, as is often the case with older siblings, more conscientious and responsible. <h2>Playing house</h2> <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/liz-7.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> In their childhood, Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret had an adorable miniature house that was a gift from the people of Wales. In this 1933 photo, the two princesses pose with their pups and their parents outside the tiny house. <h2>The Princess bridesmaid</h2> <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/liz-8.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Young Princess Elizabeth was a bridesmaid at the November 1934 wedding of Prince George, Duke of Kent (a younger brother of George) to Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark. Elizabeth is pictured here with her dad, the Duke of York, but what’s most notable about this photo is that it was taken the same day Elizabeth first met her future husband, Philip Mountbatten, who was Prince of Greece and Denmark at the time. <h2>Kids Day at the Horse Show</h2> <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/liz-9.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> The Duke and Duchess of York and Princess Elizabeth arrive at the Richmond Horse Show for an array of Children’s Day events on June 14, 1935. <h2>A family portrait from 1936</h2> <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/liz-10.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> As it turned out, 1936 would be an especially important year for this family, though they couldn’t have known it at the moment this photo was snapped. Earlier that year, King George V had died, and his firstborn son, King Edward VIII, had ascended to the throne. But it wasn’t to last. <h2>Everything was about to change</h2> <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/liz-11.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Pictured with two of her Corgis in 1936, Princess Elizabeth likely has little awareness of the constitutional crisis brewing as a result of King Edward VIII’s romance with the still-married, once-divorced American, Wallis Simpson. Her divorce, among other things, made her an inappropriate king’s “consort,” but Edward declared his intention to marry her and make her his queen. By the end of 1936, Edward would abdicate after learning the British people wouldn’t be able to support their King’s marriage to a divorcee, leaving Elizabeth’s father, Bertie, as King (King George VI) and Elizabeth as the presumptive heir. One thing that hasn’t changed, even today? Elizabeth’s love of Corgis. <h2>A newly crowned King and his family</h2> <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/liz-12.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> This photo was taken on the balcony of Buckingham Palace just after the coronation of King George VI on May 12, 1937. From left to right, we see the new Queen Elizabeth, Princess Elizabeth, the Dowager Queen Mary, Princess Margaret, and the newly crowned King. <h2>New King, Queen and heir presumptive</h2> <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/liz-13.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> When this photo was taken in 1937, King George VI had just recently ascended the throne. Princess Elizabeth was now the heir presumptive. That isn’t the same thing as an heir apparent; there was still the theoretical possibility that the King would father a male child and, in those days, a younger brother would have taken Elizabeth’s place in the line of succession. This rule, known as “male primogeniture,” ended during Queen Elizabeth II’s reign. <h2>The future Queen and her sister at play</h2> <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/liz-14.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Princess Margaret famously expressed her “sympathy” for what lay ahead of her dear older sister. <h2>A day at the theatre</h2> <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/liz-15.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> King George VI, accompanied by his wife, Queen Elizabeth, and their daughter, Princess Elizabeth, arrive at the Coliseum Theatre in London for a charity matinee on March 27, 1938. <h2>Not the cheap seats</h2> <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/liz-16.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> King George VI, Queen Elizabeth, and Princess Elizabeth are seen attending the theatre on March 27, 1939, to benefit The King George VI Pension Fund for Actors and Actresses. <h2>The royal wave</h2> <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/liz-17.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> On June 22, 1939, the royal family, having just returned from their royal Canadian tour, appear on the balcony of Buckingham Palace. <h2>A visit to Dartmouth Naval College</h2> <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/liz-18.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> In this photo, taken during a July 1939 visit to Dartmouth Naval College, Princess Elizabeth plants a tree while her father looks on and holds the hand of Elizabeth’s younger sister, Princess Margaret. <h2>A photo of the King taking a photo</h2> <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/liz-19.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> At an August 1939 event at Abergeldie Castle, which is not far from Scotland’s Balmoral Castle, King George VI, wearing a kilt, holds a camera to his face. He was an avid photographer, a hobby Queen Elizabeth II adopted. <h2>Elizabeth as a lover of animals</h2> <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/liz-20.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Queen Elizabeth II was one of, if not the, most famous animal lovers in the world. Here she’s seen in 1939 feeding one of the elephants at the London Zoo. Later in life, Elizabeth received one as a gift from the President of Cameroon in 1972. <h2>A closely-knit family</h2> <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/liz-21.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> This photo, taken in 1942, shows the royal family, including Princess Elizabeth, 16, doing some knitting for the British troops. <h2>All the pretty horses</h2> <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/liz-22.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Queen Elizabeth started riding at age three and owned many horses throughout her life. Here she is in 1943, at age 17, with one of her many horses during Harvest Time at Sandringham in Norfolk. <h2>A princess’s first tour</h2> <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/liz-23.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> On April 4, 1944, Princess Elizabeth, Queen Elizabeth, and King George VI stood in a scout car during an inspection of royal artillery units. It was Princess Elizabeth’s first full-length tour with her parents. <h2>The heir presumptive turns 18</h2> <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/liz-24.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> The 18th birthday of an heir (apparent or presumptive) signifies the heir could become monarch at any time without the need for a regent to act on his/her behalf. Here, Elizabeth answers a telephone greeting on her 18th birthday, April 21, 1944. <h2>Young Elizabeth follows in her father’s footsteps</h2> <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/liz-25.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> In this photo of the royal family taken on the balcony of Buckingham Palace in 1945, Princess Elizabeth wears a military uniform, following in the footsteps of her dad. <h2>1945: A Princess does her military duty</h2> <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/liz-26.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> It took a lot of cajoling, but eventually, Elizabeth got her father, King George VI to agree to allow her to join the Women’s Auxiliary Territorial Service during World War II, for which she donned coveralls and trained as a mechanic and truck driver and was known as “Second Subaltern Elizabeth Windsor.” According to History, the Queen is the only female royal family member to have entered the armed forces. She may also be the only royal female who can change a spark plug. <h2>A laugh between Dad and daughter</h2> <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/liz-27.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Here, we see the king sharing a laugh with his oldest daughter in 1946. <h2>The Princess does her duty for fashion</h2> <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/liz-28.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> The current Princesses of the United Kingdom are not the first to have been on almost constant style-watch. Here, Princess Elizabeth is pictured in 1946 modelling what can only be described as a truly fabulous, fashion-forward hat. <h2>1947: A future Queen’s promise</h2> <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/liz-29.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> On April 21, 1947, on the occasion of her 21st birthday, Princess Elizabeth announces her intention to serve as Queen for life (when the time comes) and promises her loyalty and faithfulness in serving. Some say this speech was her commitment to never abdicate. <h2>Meet the (royal) family</h2> <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/liz-30.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> In 1947, Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten, RN, asked Her Royal Highness Princess Elizabeth for her hand in marriage. She accepted. This photo was specially posed by the royal family in connection with the upcoming wedding. <h2>Later that same day…</h2> <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/liz-31.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> The royal family sat for a more intimate photo, just the four of them. <h2>Pre-wedding jitters?</h2> <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/liz-32.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> The bride-to-be, Princess Elizabeth, emerges from her carriage as King George VI looks on. The wedding day had some hiccups, which includes the “tiara incident” that occurred just before this photo was taken. <h2>Wedding day</h2> <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/liz-33.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> On November 20, 1947, Princess Elizabeth and Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten were married at Westminster Abbey. To marry Elizabeth, Philip, who was born into the royal families of Greece and Denmark, had to renounce his birth titles (Prince of Greece and Denmark). In return, his father-in-law-to-be created him Duke of Edinburgh, Baron Greenwich, and Earl of Merioneth. <h2>Post-royal wedding photo</h2> <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/liz-34.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> On November 20, 1947, Princess Elizabeth married the Duke of Edinburgh (previously Philip Mountbatten, the former Prince of Greece and Denmark). Here, the future Queen stands between her father, King George VI, and her husband, who is chatting amiably with his new mother-in-law, Queen Elizabeth; next to her is the dowager Queen Mary. <h2>1948: The pregnant Princess Elizabeth</h2> <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/liz-35.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> During the summer of 1948, Princess Elizabeth and her sister, Princess Margaret, are snapped arriving at Ballater Station en route to Balmoral for a family vacation (or “holiday,” as they say in England). At this time, Elizabeth is six months pregnant with her first child, Prince Charles. <h2>Meet His Royal Highness, Prince Charles</h2> <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/liz-36.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> HRH Prince Charles was born at Buckingham Palace on November 14, 1948. In this photo, we see four generations of the royal family: the newborn Prince Charles; Prince Charles’s mother, then-Princess Elizabeth (holding Charles); Elizabeth’s father, King George VI; and King George VI’s mother, the dowager Queen Mary. <h2>Grandpa’s pride and joy</h2> <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/liz-37.jpg" alt="" /> King George VI watches as Princess Elizabeth assists baby Prince Charles as he walks in early 1950. Princess Margaret and Queen Elizabeth stand to the right, gazing at the future Prince of Wales. <h2>1950: The Princess and her toddler</h2> <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/liz-38.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> In September 1950, Princess Elizabeth is seen with Prince Charles, age 2, on the train on their way to visit her parents, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth at Balmoral in Scotland. <h2>A family photo from Scotland</h2> <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/liz-39.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> In this photo taken on the grounds of Balmoral Castle in Scotland in late summer 1951, King George VI is on the far left and Queen Elizabeth is on the right; in the centre are Princess Elizabeth, her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, and young Prince Charles, who is sitting on the deer sculpture. Princess Margaret is in the background. <h2>1951: Princess Elizabeth and her baby daughter</h2> <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/liz-40.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Princess Anne is the only daughter of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip. Born Her Royal Highness Princess Anne Elizabeth Alice Louise of Edinburgh on August 15, 1950, Anne will later become Princess Royal, a title the monarch may bestow on his/her eldest daughter. <h2>The Princess cuts a rug</h2> <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/liz-41.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> In 1951, during the Royal Tour, which she went on in place of her ailing father, King George VI, Princess Elizabeth dances a traditional Canadian square dance at Government House, Ottowa. <h2>A last look at the Princess</h2> <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/liz-42.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> On February 2, 1952, Colonel Mervyn Cowie opens the visitor’s book for Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh to sign upon their arrival at Nairobi National Park for a tour, during which they slept in a hotel built as a treehouse. Philip is chatting in the background with Cowie’s daughter, Mitzie. Four days later, King George VI would be dead, and the Princess would ascend the throne as Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. <h2>Long live the Queen</h2> <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/liz-43.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> On February 7, 1952, Elizabeth, made her first appearance on English soil as Her Majesty, the Queen. She wore black because she was mourning the death of her father, King George VI. He had passed away two days earlier. This article by Lauren Cahn first appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/true-stories-lifestyle/history/43-vintage-photos-of-queen-elizabeth-ii-before-she-became-queen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a> and is reproduced here with permission. Images: HISTORIA/SHUTTERSTOCK

Beauty & Style

Man's very own retro milk bar brings '50s shops back to life

An Aussie man has impressed thousands with an incredible replica of an old school milk bar that he created in his home. Sharing his project to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/504232366322711/posts/5471834082895823/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Old Shops Australia</a> Facebook page, Anthony Launer said he was inspired by his wonderful memories as a child to create his very own vintage store. Anthony built the store at his home in Thailand by bringing over the memorabilia from his native Australia, saying it "really feels like home now". "When you love the memories of the Old Shops so much as a child that you need to create one at home. A mix of wonderful memories all in the one room," the '50s-fan said. The retro room is decked out with vintage signs, advertisements, gas cans, photos, trinkets and even food and drinks. The nostalgic replica store shows how times have changed over the years with Milo being advertised as a 'tonic', cigarette signs a-plenty and displays for long-gone brands such as Bex medicines, Leed Lemonade, and Monkey Brand soap. Anthony's incredible collection awoke memories for many other group members, with the post racking up hundreds of comments. One woman said, "This is where i would sit for my morning coffee for sure, I love it." Another was so impressed they wanted to visit, asking Anthony, "What are your opening hours?!" Image credits: Facebook

Food & Wine

British’s woman’s wedding dress saved from dumpster 84 years later

A British woman’s wedding gown <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-devon-60124679" target="_blank" rel="noopener">has been saved</a> from a dumpster in Perth, over 14,000 kilometres away from where she tied the knot 84 years agoAfter Gertrude Bloye married Fred McDonald in Plymouth in 1938, she boxed up her gown in a cardboard box from local department store Dingles.As the couple didn’t have any children, their wedding treasures were passed down the family before being sent to a relative in Australia.After all those years, it was discovered and rescued from a dumpster by a woman from Perth.She then listed the box containing the gown and Gertude’s treasured heirlooms for sale online, for it to be quickly snapped up by Melbourne bride-to-be Claire Ransome.Ms Ransome said she was looking for a vintage wedding dress when she came across the box for sale online, finding it contained the gown, flowers, and decorations from Gertrude and Fred’s wedding.“It was like a vintage wedding showbag,” Ms Ransome said. “The gloves that her husband wore, dried roses, waxed buds from the wedding cake and then from the very bottom out came this beautiful wedding dress, like liquid silk.”She then turned to Josephine Cafagna, a connoisseur of vintage clothes, for help.After realising the value of the dress and the collection of treasures, Ms Cafagna decided to share it.“What I normally do is restore them and sell them on to people who love vintage, but in this case, while people wanted to buy the wedding dress, I really didn’t want to separate these pieces,” she told the <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-01-16/melbourne-bride-vintage-wedding-dress-1930s/100736700" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ABC</a>.“If they’ve been together for nearly a century, who am I to tear them apart and sell them off.“It’s of historical value. It needs to go to a museum.”So Ms Cafagna reached out to Peter Bottomley, who runs a cafe that also hosts his extensive collection of vintage wedding dresses in Castlemaine, Victoria.“This lady preserved it for all those years,” Mr Bottomley said. “Seeing it back out of the dumpster and looking beautiful is a great end to the story.”Image: BBC

Caring

10 funny vintage slang words people should start using again

In 1909, a British writer recorded thousands of Victorian slang words to make sure they were never forgotten. Now it's your turn to use them. Mutton Shunter Definition: Policeman Usage: “Is the Queen in town or something? There’s mutton shunters on every blasted corner!” Gigglemug Definition: An habitually smiling face Usage: “These Miss Universe contestants are just a bunch of gigglemugs.” Fly Rink Definition: A polished bald head Usage: “Be sure to wear glasses if you go outside; Grandpa’s fly rink is blinding today.” Juggins-Hunting Definition: Looking for a man who will pay for liquor Usage: “Jess forgot all her cash at home, so she’s off juggins-hunting again.” Sauce-box Definition: The mouth Usage: “When my kids won’t stop talking, I give them some chips just to fill their little sauce-boxes.” Bags o' Mystery Definition: A satirical term for sausages, because no man but the maker knows what is in them Usage: “Hope there’s no intestine in these bags o’ mystery; I’m trying to cut down on intestine.” Arf'arf'an'arf Definition: A figure of speech, meaning “drunk” Etymology: Order an “arf-an-arf” (or “half-and-half”) in a London pub and you’ll receive a malty cocktail of half black beer, half ale. Add one more ‘arf of beer to the mix and your mug suddenly runneth over; you, chum, must be arf’arf’an’arf – that is, drunk. Usage: “Charlie ordered another Guinness? He’s already arf’arf’an’arf!” Gas pipes Definition: Name given to trousers when tight Usage: “I just saw this poor hipster get his gas-pipes stuck in his unicycle spokes and totally eat kerb.” Pumblechook Definition: Human ass Etymology: From Uncle Pumblechook, a character in Dickens’ Great Expectations described as “that basest of swindlers”; greedy, pompous and piggish. Usage: “This fat Pumblechook totally cut me off in his ute – then he gave me a sneer at the Macca’s drive-through.” Row-de-dow Definition: Riot Etymology: A play on “row” (vintage slang for “quarrel”) or “rowdy.” Also spelled, “rowdydow.” Usage: “When the police arrived to break up the Scrabble feud it escalated into a full-on row-de-dow.” Written by Brandon Specktor. This article first appeared in <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/true-stories-lifestyle/our-language/10-funny-vintage-slang-words-people-should-start-using-again" target="_blank">Reader’s Digest</a>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, <a rel="noopener" href="http://readersdigest.innovations.com.au/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=articles&utm_campaign=RDSUB&keycode=WRA87V" target="_blank">here’s our best subscription offer.</a> Image: Getty Images <img style="width: 100px !important; height: 100px !important;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7820640/1.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/f30947086c8e47b89cb076eb5bb9b3e2" />

Mind

"I couldn't believe what it was": Incredible backyard find

Image: Nine News A backyard clean up in a quiet coastal Victorian community led to the discovery of a huge sea mine dating back to World War II. The 250kg explosive was found on a Barwon Heads property earlier this month and has been handed to antique dealer Ian Royce. Mr Royce claims the bomb’s discovery came as a big surprise. “I couldn’t believe what it was and how bizarre to find it in a backyard,” he said. “It’s very unusual to find one now reasonably intact.” He managed to transfer it to his North Geelong antiques store on the back of his ute. “I was so determined to get it on.” Mr Royce Explained sea mines, like the one found were chained to the bottom of the ocean during the war. “They had little spines. If a ship even touched one of those mines it was full of TNT and would blow a hole in the side of any of those ships,” he said. After the war, many of those bombs were decommissioned and re-purposed as backyard incinerators. “In those days, there was no green bin, you’d burn all green rubbish in your backyard.” Mr Royce has listed the sea mine for sale for $1200, however the last one he sold went for $3000.

Travel Trouble

Etiquette rules we never should have abandoned

Good manners never go out of style Good manners evolve, but they never go out of style. If you’re skipping these social niceties, your manners may need a makeover. RSVPing in a timely manner Maybe it’s because people receive so many invitations or perhaps it’s because invites have become so casual, often sent via email or social media, but the fact is that RSVPing has become as rare as men removing their hats indoors. While the hat issue isn’t a big deal anymore, failing to respond to an invite is not just a breach of good etiquette but a breach of basic humanity, says etiquette expert and author of Modern Etiquette for a Better Life, Diane Gottsman. “People need to buy food, plan entertainment, and other things that take significant cost and time,” she says. “Not RSVPing or waiting until the last minute makes the host’s job infinitely harder.” Taking off your sunglasses indoors Go anywhere these days and you’re likely to see a variety of shaded eyes, even in indoor venues. Is everyone nursing a hangover, or is it just one more sign of our avoidance of others? “Unless you’re an A-list celebrity, don’t be shady: remove your sunglasses when greeting someone,” says etiquette expert and author of A Traveler’s Passport to Etiquette, Lisa Grotts. “Without eye contact, you can’t communicate properly, and looking at someone when they’re speaking increases understanding and shows respect.” If you’re outdoors, it’s fine to put your sunglasses on after you’ve greeted the person, but skip the shades when you’re indoors. Returning phone calls Etiquette changes with the times and technology has forced some interesting compromises in this area, but not all of them are good. Take, for instance, the common practice of returning a phone call with a text. “Many people don’t like to talk on the phone and feel it is an inconvenience, but if someone has made the effort to call you, it is polite to call them back – with an actual phone call,” Gottsman says. “It’s easier to hear context, and complicated or sensitive information can be shared better via voice.” Waiting in line Who isn’t in a hurry these days? Yet too many people feel like they’re entitled to special treatment and, as a result, they skip basic kindergarten-level niceties, like waiting in line and taking turns. Being late or impatient doesn’t mean you’re special and you get to cut to the front of the line, Grotts says. Ironically, people who jump the queue are often the ones who get the most upset when others take a shortcut. The bottom line about queues: treat others the way you’d like to be treated. Holding the lift Too many people have developed an unfortunate wariness of strangers or have an attitude of ‘not my problem’ when they see someone else struggling in public. However, as long as safety isn’t an issue, you should still adhere to basic niceties, like holding the lift door for someone running down the hall, Gottsman says. “Many of us don’t even realise someone needs help because we’re looking at our phones,” she explains. “You should try to be mindful of others around you.” Being on time Punctuality is a seriously underrated skill in today’s society. Even as things get more efficient and technology gets more accurate, it seems that we humans are finding more and more reasons to be late. This is very disrespectful, Grotts says. “When you are late, it says that your time is more important than everyone else’s.” Written by Charlotte Hilton Andersen. This article first appeared in <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/culture/14-etiquette-rules-we-should-never-have-abandoned" target="_blank">Reader’s Digest</a>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, <a rel="noopener" href="http://readersdigest.innovations.com.au/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=articles&utm_campaign=RDSUB&keycode=WRA93V" target="_blank">here’s our best subscription offer.</a> <img style="width: 100px !important; height: 100px !important;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7820640/1.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/f30947086c8e47b89cb076eb5bb9b3e2" />

Caring

Vintage-loving couple shun modern day life for 1940s style

A British couple have shunned the bells and whistles of modern life to embrace a more old-fashioned lifestyle. Ruth Shelley, 28, and Robert Oestmann, 27, from the West Midlands share a love of all things vintage and have redecorated their home to match. Not only do they wear old-fashioned clothing, listen to wartime music on their gramophone, and refuse to own a TV, but they even own a vintage car. <img style="width: 396.6386554621849px; height: 500px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843042/vintage-1.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/9594583e62334e3a8e6396a9aea530ac" /> Image credit: Instagram @vintage.robb Robert is a keen home cook, and often experiments with recipes that date back to the 1700s when not making a living selling whiskey. Ruth, a research historian, has praised their unique vintage lifestyle for having a beneficial impact on their relationship. She said, “Robert and I dress like this all of the time as we are in love with the style. Robert mainly wears a suit and flat cap whereas I may wear clothing from 1930s to 1940s.” The couple is intrigued with history and have been known to turn heads on the street with their distinctive style. <img style="width: 400.5145797598628px; height: 500px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843043/vintage-2.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/7270e81a6f8241299b45f917d23d95c2" /> Image credits: Instagram @ladyadepha Ruth said, “This style isn't something you could wear if you are shy as we do get stared at a lot. We don't mind at all and it's often positive feedback.” Robert said a lot of his inspiration comes from watching old films and reading old books with his grandparents as a child. Ruth said, “In our spare time, we read, talk or Robert cooks and I help. We have a few original cookbooks which are interesting from a historical point of view.” <img style="width: 426.497277676951px; height: 500px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843044/vintage-4.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/d67759f81c024909bd052a62c212051a" /> Image credits: Instagram @ladyadepha One of Robert’s favourite dishes is Depression Era Meat Loaf from 1938, whereas Ruth likes to make Welsh cakes on a griddle. The couple both claim that their lifestyle has had a positive impact on their lives and forces them to live in the present. Ruth said, “For us, this lifestyle works best and is beneficial for our relationships. It works for us as we are present in the moment as opposed to glued to Netflix or on our phones.” Image credits: Instagram @ladyadepha @vintage.robb

Retirement Life

Antiques Roadshow find stuns owner

A man from Oxfordshire, UK has broken down in tears after bringing his late father’s Rolex in to be evaluated on Antiques Roadshow. The middle-aged man carried two extra straps and an invoice along with his late dad’s watch which was purchased for $240 in 1972. “He bought it for himself in 1972, when I was seven and me, my mum, my dad and my brother went to Birmingham to buy it,” the man said. When expert Richard Price said the watch was worth around $36,400, leaving the man speechless. <img style="width: 500px; height:281.18811881188117px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7841289/rolex.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/dc25af045b43496082c9bca5a780effe" /> “It means absolutely everything to me, it’s part of my dad. Very, very special watch that is, and it will be forever,” the man said to his family. Richard also said that the straps alone were worth a “chunk of money”. His late dad passed on the Rolex to his son a few months before he passed away. He said, “My dad, he loved this program and he would have loved to see his watch on here but he wouldn’t have cared what it was worth.” Fans shared their emotional reactions on Twitter. “The emotion of the guy knowing how much his late father’s Rolex is worth and his son’s face seeing his dad react like that is proper #antiquesroadshow,” one said.

Money & Banking

These ‘tin heads’ are looking for apprentices

When Robert and Margaret Gaston realised they had a lot of tins some 16 years ago, it signalled the start of collecting spree. Today the West Australian duo have a collection of more than 12,000 unique tins on display in a huge shed on their Geraldton property dubbed the Tin Heads Museum. With some dating back hundreds of years, it wasn’t long before their collection drew overseas tourists, journalists, and even an international TV crew. “I can claim the biggest collection in Australia,” Mr Gaston said. But as dementia started to affect Mrs Gaston’s memory and Mr Gaston’s health began declining, Robert started the search for the next generation of tin heads. “There’s too much history in the place to chuck it all away,” he said. The Tin Heads Museum is more than just a collection for the pair who relish finding new tins, discovering the stories behind them, and chatting with similarly-interested visitors. The oldest tin in their collection was made in about 1635. Another features Queen Victoria and dates from 151 years ago. “You could come along and say ‘oh, my grandma used to have a tin like that and I was only allowed to have a biscuit when she said I could’. It brings back memories in people,” Mr Gaston said. The profits from museum visitors are all donated to the Heart Foundation, with Mr Gaston planning to hand over $2,000 this year alone. Mr Gaston said the new owners could take the museum on as a business or donate the funds to a worthy cause. “I was hoping to spend the rest of my life here but that’s not going to happen now,” Mr Gaston said. “I would love to know that it was going to be in good hands so that it can carry on because I would love to be able to come back myself in a few years' time and have a look at it again. "And it should mean a lot to the people of Geraldton — that there's something in Geraldton that you won't find anywhere else in Australia.” Image credit: ABC

Retirement Income

5 everyday items that could be worth a fortune

<h2>Typewriters</h2> Germer says his nephew calls these “antique mechanical keyboards”. He adds that anything with gears, push buttons, and tubes are especially fascinating to the younger generation who have grown up in a wireless world. “Old typewriters need to be in working condition and will sell for $US20 to $US100; fully restored, in the low hundreds,” says Germer. <h2>Auto parts</h2> You might want to check under the tarps or in the back of your garage – there could be some dusty gems. “Hood ornaments, car vases, and hubcaps are the most collected for themselves because of decorative value. Headlamps and other body parts are often repurposed for the industrial design look,” notes Germer. A hood ornament in decent condition, for example, can draw $US20, but if you discover a rare one, it could collect a tidy sum of up to $US2,500. <h2>LEGOs</h2> Maybe not the one you stepped on in the middle of the night, but specific LEGOs are worth their weight in gold. For example, the 2010 mini-figure Jessie from Toy Story 2 in like-new condition is selling for around $US10 on Bricklink.com. A LEGO Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Hogwarts Castle Set recently sold for $US450. However, some of the most coveted LEGOs are the missing parts from valued sets – like a window, steering wheel, or rare colour brick – and can bring up to hundreds. <a href="http://www.handyman.net.au/ultimate-lego-tables-youve-got-see">Check out these ultimate LEGO tables you’ve got to see</a>. <h2>Magazines</h2> Magazines, newspapers, programs and the like are in a category called “ephemera,” Jacquie Denny, cofounder of EBTH says. That’s collector lingo for any printed matter that wasn’t made to last. “The value of items in this category is related to rarity, condition, and the number of issues,” notes Denny. Surprisingly enough, they don’t have to be ancient. A special edition Life magazine from 1969 featuring the Woodstock musical festival sold for $US113 on EBTH. <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/travel/tips/how-to-pay-for-your-holiday">Dreaming about your ultimate holiday? Find out how to pay for it with this great advice.</a> <h2>Not-so-old cookbooks</h2> You don’t have to have an out-of-print Julia Child cookbook to earn some extra bread. Betty Crocker cookbooks that were mass-produced and widely used can be worth $US10 to $US500, depending on their condition (ideally, not too many fingerprint stains on the pages). But signed cookbooks by a famous chef can sell like hotcakes. “Cookbooks published by a celebrity chef will generally perform better if signed and sold while their market is current. If they’re sold after the chef has lost popularity, the value will be greatly diminished,” Denny says. Written by Lisa Marie Conklin. This article first appeared in <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/money/25-things-your-house-right-now-could-be-worth-money">Reader’s Digest</a>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, <a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.com.au/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=articles&utm_campaign=RDSUB&keycode=WRA93V">here’s our best subscription offer.</a>

Retirement Income

Are you sitting on a gold mine?

<h2>Vintage handbags</h2> OK, answer honestly: How many posh handbags have you accumulated over the years? And how many are piled in a dark corner of your closet? Fashion history is fun to look at and to collect, and such a collection could earn you a sizable chunk of change. “Vintage Chanel in good condition will retail on a secondary market for $US2,000 to $US3,000 – or even $US400 if it is in poor condition,” says Marie Dietrich, an appraiser at Gary Germer and Associates. Prada, on the other hand usually sells for much less, says Dietrich, though the nicer ones still go for $US500 to $US800. Here’s where you can sell posh handbags and other specialty items online. <h2>Postcards</h2> Almost everyone has random old postcards lying around in a drawer. A single postcard can sell for as little as $2 or as much as a few hundred dollars, depending on a few factors. According to Warwick & Warwick, the age, rarity, condition, and subject matter all play a role. If the postcard is signed by someone noteworthy, has a message of historical significance, or has a sought-after postage stamp or postal markings, it will bring in more. Some of the more popular collectible postcards can be Art Nouveau and Art Deco style, or feature social history, street scenes, or transportation. <h2>TV Guides</h2> Speaking of nostalgia, the April 9-15, 1983 issue of TV Guide featuring Elvis Presley on the cover sold for $US36 on EBTH. Although TV Guides are easy to find at garage sales and flea markets, what people seem to desire is the subject matter on the cover – especially if it fits into their collection. Fans of Elvis Presley make up a big portion of the market for TV Guides featuring him. <h2>Polaroid camera</h2> There are plenty of people willing to pay a pretty penny for your Polaroid. Taking a picture and watching it develop before your eyes has always been cool. Plus, once a Polaroid shot develops, it looks like the vintage filter on Instagram. A Polaroid instant camera with film recently sold on EBTH for $US152; a fancier Polaroid with a gold- and leather-bound case was snapped up for $US553 on EBTH. Buy these items now and stash them for safe keeping because they will be worth a lot of cash down the road. <h2>Retro video games</h2> Maybe it’s because of the fascination with gaming, the vintage artwork, or the fact that as adults, the games people were denied as children are affordable to them now – and desirable. “Retro video games are currently enjoying a renaissance in popularity,” says Denny. What that means for you if you have them stacked away in a closet is extra dosh. This past June, EBTH auctioned off a collection of vintage Sega games for $US2,382, but single titles do very well on their own. A 2001 Smash Bros. Melee for Nintendo GameCube just sold for about $US37 on eBay. Written by Lisa Marie Conklin. This article first appeared in <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/money/25-things-your-house-right-now-could-be-worth-money">Reader’s Digest</a>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, <a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.com.au/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=articles&utm_campaign=RDSUB&keycode=WRA93V">here’s our best subscription offer.</a>

Retirement Income

Clean out your home and make some cash

Books “Books are one of the biggest antique goldmines,” says John Linden, lead designer at MirrorCoop whose work includes interior design with vintage and antique decor. “Collectors pay a lot of money for first-edition copies of certain books. A first-edition copy of James Joyce’s Ulysses, for example, is valued at around $US8,000; while there were only 1,000 copies printed, those books pop up all the time, says Linden. If you own one of these rare books, you’re sitting on a gold mine. Costumes and masks “Vintage Halloween masks and costumes are fun and collectible, but not worth a ton of money,” says Gary Germer, owner and appraiser with Gary Germer & Associates. A Darth Vader mask recently sold for $US47 on the estate sales website Everything But The House; a set of Star Trek shirts sold for $US91. Vintage holiday decorations can also be pretty valuable. Old microphones Some of us sang into hairbrushes while others used a real microphone. If you have a vintage microphone laying around, you could find a musician or music producer who would be willing to spend for it. Rare finds like the Neumann U-47 from the 1940s are worth tens of thousands of dollars online, Orkin says. But the vintage microphones most people are likely to find stashed away in a box is from a maker called Shure, which could probably fetch around $US50, Orkin says. Vintage cookbooks Take a closer look at the old cookbooks that have been handed down to you; even if they have been lovingly used in the kitchen, they could be worth some scratch. Linden says cookbooks that have gone out of print are highly valuable. And celebrity chefs like the beloved Julia Child are always in demand. “In fact, there is a 1961 first edition of Mastering the Art of French Cooking selling on AbeBooks for $US2,000 right now,” Linden says. Pedal cars You hung onto your grandpa’s pedal car for nostalgic reasons, but depending on the age and condition, it could be a goldmine. Even with a little rust on it, a 1930 Lincoln pedal car is worth about $US1,000, Germer says. Written by Lisa Marie Conklin. This article first appeared in <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/money/25-things-your-house-right-now-could-be-worth-money">Reader’s Digest</a>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, <a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.com.au/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=articles&utm_campaign=RDSUB&keycode=WRA93V">here’s our best subscription offer.</a>

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11 garage sale finds you should never pass up

11 garage sale finds you should never pass up