Retro Chalet : Living A Vintage Life artwork

Retro Chalet : Living A Vintage Life

40 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 1 year ago - ★★★★★ - 6 ratings

Vintage, Antiques, Collecting, Hobbies. Etsy, Decorating, Decor. Home, Living, Design, Recycling, and Education on vintage collectibles! Day to day conversations, sometimes with guests about what's hot and trendy to collect in the vintage antiques world. Living a Vintage Life gives ideas on what to collect, where to find it, and how to live a greener life by recycling antiques.

Hobbies Leisure antiques vintage collectibles hobbies decorating home decor lifestyle collecting etsy design
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Episodes

Collecting Silver Coins Housewares and Jewelry

January 16, 2023 16:00 - 33 minutes - 22.7 MB

Today I have my great friend Ed and he's here to tell us all about collecting silver!  Whether you collect coins or rings, this episode is for you! Connect with me RetroChalet.etsy.com Find me on TikTok Sponsored by:  VikingsinMaine

Vintage Trailer Boutique for Antiques and Collectibles

October 04, 2022 21:00 - 18 minutes - 12.5 MB

Look what I found, Corn Crib Clothing Boutique, in form of a vintage trailer. What a great side hustle idea.  Listen to this great idea to take your antiques or collectibles to the next level. Special Guest: Alicia Marie    See my video of the trailer here:  https://www.tiktok.com/@retrochalet/video/7125495830961835306 Save 10% on any purchase from RetroChalet or RetroChalet Studio with the coupon code dropped in this episode.  Connect with me at @RetroChalet on all social media platforms...

Vintage Trailer Boutique for Antiques and Collectibles

October 04, 2022 21:00 - 18 minutes - 12.5 MB

Look what I found, Corn Crib Clothing Boutique, in form of a vintage trailer. What a great side hustle idea.  Listen to this great idea to take your antiques or collectibles to the next level. Special Guest: Alicia Marie    See my video of the trailer here:  https://www.tiktok.com/@retrochalet/video/7125495830961835306 Save 10% on any purchase from RetroChalet or RetroChalet Studio with the coupon code dropped in this episode.  Connect with me at @RetroChalet on all social media platforms...

Steri-Lite Sterilite Plastic Picnic Sets Collecting

August 23, 2022 17:00 - 18 minutes - 12.7 MB

A quick podcast about my love for Sterilite, and a rare plastic picnic set.  I have written a huge article with collecting tips and have pictures of this set here on my Melmac Central blog: Melmac Central Vintage Melmac Dinnerware and Plastics Fantastic Collecting Site : Steri-Lite Plastic STERILITE COMPANY Connections to Tupperware (retrochalet.blogspot.com) Pictures of this set can also be found in my Etsy shop. This post sponsored by Maine Romance

Dungeons and Dragons with DM Blair of Relief Buddies

June 19, 2022 15:00 - 28 minutes - 19.3 MB

I had such a great time visiting DM Blair (Dungeon Master Blair) who taught me a little bit about the very collectible and vintage world of Dungeons and Dragons.  Blair not only has been gaming in D&D since it's inception, but makes his own cast houses and characters.  See Blair making his work on my tik tok links below.  Find all the links to the show below. BLAIR making his stuff:  https://www.tiktok.com/@retrochalet/video/7067999740075527471 Visit Blair at Relief Buddies LLC 3397 N. G...

Dungeons and Dragons with DM Blair of Relief Buddies

June 19, 2022 15:00 - 28 minutes - 19.3 MB

I had such a great time visiting DM Blair (Dungeon Master Blair) who taught me a little bit about the very collectible and vintage world of Dungeons and Dragons.  Blair not only has been gaming in D&D since it's inception, but makes his own cast houses and characters.  See Blair making his work on my tik tok links below.  Find all the links to the show below. BLAIR making his stuff:  https://www.tiktok.com/@retrochalet/video/7067999740075527471 Visit Blair at Relief Buddies LLC 3397 N. G...

Apothecary Medical Collectibles , Dandelion Face Oil Recipe

June 12, 2022 19:00 - 34 minutes - 23.8 MB

Episode 25 is here!  I love collecting old medical and apothecary collectibles, so find out my top five picks that maintain their value that you should nab up on when you find them!   Also, as part of this episode, you can get my top secret recipe to make your own Dandelion Face Oil.  This is a great inexpensive way to treat your skin to something natural and good for you.  See it in action:   https://www.tiktok.com/@retrochalet/video/7080559417325833514 Connect with me Etsy TikTok I don...

Matchbox Cars Moko Lesney Vintage Collecting Mashup

May 16, 2022 02:00 - 25 minutes - 17.9 MB

Today we have a mashup edition on collecting Moko Lesney and Lesney Products famous Matchbox Cars!  Listen to the podcast to find out more about this great collectible we know and love Special guest Ed shares his stories! More reading:   About Moko Toy Company: Moko Lesney Toys History (mokolesneymatchbox.com) More reading : About Lesney Products History and great old pics: Lesney factories (vintagebritishdiecasts.co.uk) Connect with me: On TikTok At RetroChalet Etsy Shop On Twitter Fac...

Why Are My Etsy Shop Sales Down (The Answers)

May 10, 2022 15:00 - 10 minutes - 7.45 MB

I have been getting a lot of messages about Etsy sales being low, and in response to my previous podcasts I'm explaining the factors as to why.  In the meantime, stay vintage and stay wonderful. For great vintage, Visit my Friend:  MettlesomeMeans | Etsy Connect with me: TikTok Twitter Etsy I also have a Paranormal Podcast!  Check it out. and these I don't use that much: Facebook Instagram

European and Cottage Collectibles Mettlesome Means on Etsy

May 10, 2022 14:00 - 26 minutes - 18.5 MB

Inspired by podcast sponsor Mettlesome Means Etsy Shop, I talk clean lines and functional European Collectibles - what to collect and what's hot.  What can be used in a cottage as well as a mansion, how to find the look! Visit my friend at MettlesomeMeans on Etsy!  For great art and home decor! Connect with me on TikTok,   Twitter or My Etsy shop! I rarely use my Instagram or Facebook I have another podcast ParanormalChalet!

European and Cottage Collectibles Mettlesome Means on Etsy

May 10, 2022 14:00 - 26 minutes - 18.5 MB

Inspired by podcast sponsor Mettlesome Means Etsy Shop, I talk clean lines and functional European Collectibles - what to collect and what's hot.  What can be used in a cottage as well as a mansion, how to find the look! Visit my friend at MettlesomeMeans on Etsy!  For great art and home decor! Connect with me on TikTok,   Twitter or My Etsy shop! I rarely use my Instagram or Facebook I have another podcast ParanormalChalet!

Gettysburg Pennsylvania Antiques Collectibles Civil War History

March 26, 2022 12:00 - 26 minutes - 18.5 MB

I took a tour of Gettysburg and share a little history with you; explaining why Gettysburg collectibles are sought after. Anyone who has not visited there, should in my opinion, to get a better understanding of this amazing yet truly shocking part of our country's history (when you think from the point of how many casualties in such a small town) which is quite overwhelming to see.   I am also dropping a 2 part podcast on my paranormal channel, because at night we took the ghost tour and hav...

Gettysburg Pennsylvania Antiques Collectibles Civil War History

March 26, 2022 12:00 - 26 minutes - 18.5 MB

I took a tour of Gettysburg and share a little history with you; explaining why Gettysburg collectibles are sought after. Anyone who has not visited there, should in my opinion, to get a better understanding of this amazing yet truly shocking part of our country's history (when you think from the point of how many casualties in such a small town) which is quite overwhelming to see.   I am also dropping a 2 part podcast on my paranormal channel, because at night we took the ghost tour and hav...

Etsy Fee Increase Survival Ideas for Etsy Sellers PART TWO

March 18, 2022 12:00 - 24 minutes - 17.1 MB

As promised, I am giving you new direction to succeed in your Etsy shop in regards to the most recent hike in Etsy seller fees which takes place April 11, 2022.   In my opinion Etsy is still the best place to sell, unless you have an already established shop with lots of supportive niche customers and decide to take your store elsewhere :  Example   Three Bird Nest  Exclusive: ‘Etsy’s Richest Seller’ Explains Why She’s Suddenly Leaving — ‘We Can’t Trust’ Them (yahoo.com)This is part two  tha...

Etsy Fee Increase Survival Ideas for Etsy Sellers PART TWO Lightbringer Designs

March 18, 2022 12:00 - 24 minutes - 17.1 MB

As promised, I am giving you new direction to succeed in your Etsy shop in regards to the most recent hike in Etsy seller fees which takes place April 11, 2022.   In my opinion Etsy is still the best place to sell, unless you have an already established shop with lots of supportive niche customers and decide to take your store elsewhere :  Example   Three Bird Nest  Exclusive: ‘Etsy’s Richest Seller’ Explains Why She’s Suddenly Leaving — ‘We Can’t Trust’ Them (yahoo.com)This is part two  tha...

Etsy Fee Increase Leads to Angry Etsy Sellers, Etsy Strike, Lightbringer Designs Wax Seals PART ONE

March 15, 2022 14:00 - 44 minutes - 30.3 MB

Part one of two, special Episode on Etsy's latest fee hike which takes place April 11, 2022 from a 5% sales fee to 6.5% sales fee, and how some sellers are organizing an #EtsyStrike, which is now all over Twitter, Discord, and has it's own website EtsyStrike.org.  Seller's anger is making news such as MSN Market News, The Street and The Verge, and more.  I discuss the fees associated with selling on Etsy with special guest Harry Burger from Lightbringer Designs who sells wax seals and stamps...

Etsy Fee Increase Leads to Angry Etsy Sellers, Etsy Strike, Lightbringer Designs Wax Seals PART ONE

March 15, 2022 14:00 - 44 minutes - 30.3 MB

Part one of two, special Episode on Etsy's latest fee hike which takes place April 11, 2022 from a 5% sales fee to 6.5% sales fee, and how some sellers are organizing an #EtsyStrike, which is now all over Twitter, Discord, and has it's own website EtsyStrike.org.  Seller's anger is making news such as MSN Market News, The Street and The Verge, and more.  I discuss the fees associated with selling on Etsy with special guest Harry Burger from Lightbringer Designs who sells wax seals and stamps...

Five and Dime Stores Woolworths 1950s

March 09, 2022 22:00 - 28 minutes - 19.9 MB

CoHost Pat takes us into a walk back in time in a vintage 1950s five and dime. You may be suprised what they sold in the dime store!  Oh what fun it must have been to be able to spend your allowance in the five and dime!  This episode sponsored by Pat's both PP in Serendipity Antiques, Find them:  Serendipity Antiques, Shrewsbury click here-->  2 N Main St, Shrewsbury, PA 17361 ·   Call for hours (717) 235-5422 Also check out my new podcasts, Nature Chalet and Paranormal Chalet. Connect...

Five and Dime Stores Woolworths 1950s

March 09, 2022 22:00 - 28 minutes - 19.9 MB

CoHost Pat takes us into a walk back in time in a vintage 1950s five and dime. You may be suprised what they sold in the dime store!  Oh what fun it must have been to be able to spend your allowance in the five and dime!  This episode sponsored by Pat's both PP in Serendipity Antiques, Find them:  Serendipity Antiques, Shrewsbury click here-->  2 N Main St, Shrewsbury, PA 17361 ·   Call for hours (717) 235-5422 Also check out my new podcasts, Nature Chalet and Paranormal Chalet. Connect...

Vintage Books: Save them from Extinction

March 09, 2022 18:00 - 17 minutes - 11.9 MB

For the love of old books, I love them and am giving you some ideas on what books to look for, which to covet and how to use them. Connect with On my other podcasts:  Paranormal Chalet and Nature Chalet Shop RetroChalet for the coolest vintage finds.  I also run the Melmac Central website where you can learn about cool vintage plastics.  Follow me on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter

Collecting Peter Max Designs, Art, & Antiques

February 17, 2022 18:00 - 19 minutes - 13.5 MB

Ed & I absolutely adore all things Peter Max, we have an informal discussion on Peter Max's timeless designs through the years.   Peter, we love you <3 Connect with me : Etsy Shop TikTok Instagram Twitter I havee recently hosted a paranormal Podcast you may like : Paranormal Chalet I have a vintage plastics site:  MelmacCentral.com

PaperFloDesign Etsy Seller Story SVG & Vintage French Post Cards PaperFloDesigns.com

February 14, 2022 13:00 - 26 minutes - 18.4 MB

In this episode I have a chance to interview Naa Ardua , SVG artisan who has a wonderful inspiring Etsy story that all online sellers should listen to.  Her success story is exactly what I've been preaching to Etsians all along, --- so tune in!   Her designs are vintage style and whimsical and she teaches us a bit about the SVG world which is open with opportunities!   Naa Ardua  used to live in the USA, and now lives in Antibes, France.   She also tells us, a bit about French vintage..........

Boontonware Melmac Belle Kogan Vintage Melamine

February 10, 2022 02:00 - 25 minutes - 17.6 MB

Finally I get to talking about what I love, and that's plastic, In this episode, we talk about Boontonware, made by Boonton Molding Company that was then located on Myrtle Avenue in Boonton, New Jersey.  Belle Kogan's  gorgeous design with her widely popular Boonton Belle and Scandia in the Patrician line are some of my favorite things.  Enjoy a little history with a walk back in time. This podcast was sponsored by Etsy shop:  https://www.etsy.com/shop/Sdikhermd who offers great graphic de...

Vintage Valentine's Day Collecting

February 01, 2022 03:00 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MB

VIntage Valentines and VIntage   Valentines Day  PostCards, how romantic!  LIsten as Ed and I discuss the top vintage collectibles for Valentine's Day!  You can see my curated public list at RetroChalet on Etsy simply go to my favorites and click on my Valentines Day Podcast Picks! Retro Chalet on Etsy Connect on TikTok  @RetroChalet Welcome to our 14th episode just in time for Valentine's Day 

Victorian Homes and Haunted Houses

January 29, 2022 02:00 - 33 minutes - 23.1 MB

For the love of all things Victorian!  This episode discusses vintage Victorian era homes and all things spooky about them. I grew up in a late 1800s farmhouse and later bought my first home that was built in 1927 and haunted.  Now I share proof in the pudding that other Victorian homes have been haunted too, and why the romance and love for them exists.   For the Ghostbusters article in question in the podcast, go here: Old House Calling.    Maybe you will look at the old house on the hill...

Victorian Homes and Haunted Houses

January 29, 2022 02:00 - 33 minutes - 23.1 MB

For the love of all things Victorian!  This episode discusses vintage Victorian era homes and all things spooky about them. I grew up in a late 1800s farmhouse and later bought my first home that was built in 1927 and haunted.  Now I share proof in the pudding that other Victorian homes have been haunted too, and why the romance and love for them exists.   For the Ghostbusters article in question in the podcast, go here: Old House Calling.    Maybe you will look at the old house on the hill...

Etsy Algorithm SEO Shop Tips and Happy 2022

January 10, 2022 01:00 - 23 minutes - 16.3 MB

Living a Vintage Life today and always!  Season Two is here, I'll recap what we've done in Season One looking back at the first season's 11 episodes.  I'll tell you my New Years Vintage Resolutions and then talk about Etsy Shop SEO and Algorithm.  CALLING ETSY SELLERS!  Do you know an Etsy shop who would like to be considered for an on air interview? Connect with me on all major platforms under RETROCHALET Instagram TikTok Etsy Thanks for living and Happy 2022

VIntage Christmas Gifts, KangaRoos Shoes, PIxies and Elves, Kindness Matters

December 18, 2021 22:00 - 36 minutes - 25.4 MB

In this episode I discuss with special guest Ed the thrifter,  the top five vintage Christmas gifts you can get for the vintage lover! Which is your favorite pick?   You will have to listen to the episode to find out mine!  I also discuss vintage shoes, and my secret crush on my vintage KangaRoos shoes.  I also give a special shout out to Aussies who are tuning in to the podcast :) Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and safe and happy Holiday season! https://instagram.com/retroc...

Maine Country Cabin Primitives Top Ten Decorating Ideas

December 15, 2021 19:00 - 41 minutes - 28.2 MB

For this episode I went off grid to the backwoods of Maine. What’s more of a Northern Exposure than exploring the top ten vintage decorating items for collecting or use in your cabin or country home? I obtained these ideas from my own cabin in eas from my time in Danforth, Maine, and have posted a lot of great photos on my TikTok and Instagram. I hope you will enjoy them.  Top Ten Primitives / Cabin Décor, and I’ve added them to a special list on Etsy so now you can go and look!  Click on m...

Maine Country Cabin Primitives Top Ten Decorating Ideas

December 15, 2021 19:00 - 41 minutes - 28.2 MB

For this episode I went off grid to the backwoods of Maine. What’s more of a Northern Exposure than exploring the top ten vintage decorating items for collecting or use in your cabin or country home? I obtained these ideas from my own cabin in eas from my time in Danforth, Maine, and have posted a lot of great photos on my TikTok and Instagram. I hope you will enjoy them.  Top Ten Primitives / Cabin Décor, and I’ve added them to a special list on Etsy so now you can go and look!  Click on m...

Avant Garde Decorating, Collecting Old Records

October 13, 2021 18:00 - 30 minutes - 20.7 MB

Avant Garde Decorating So just what is Avant Garde Decorating and how do you do it? We'll discuss that in this simple easy to understand terms, and point you to a place to look for some items for your home.    Shout out to our sponsor of this episode SilverMagnoliasShop on Etsy.  Nothing wrong with a little bling and color in your life! Check out their fun cellphone cases, wall clocks, home decor, pot holders, Christmas ornaments and even water bottles.  A coffee cup for me would do just f...

Turner Art Prints, Trending Farm House Decor Weddings, Old Wood Blocks

September 17, 2021 00:00 - 27 minutes - 18.8 MB

In this episode I discuss Turner Art Prints and the Turner Mfg Company,  what to look for, their value and how to find them, not to be confused with modern Turner prints, these particular ones I talk about were made from the 1940s, although the company spans thirty years into the 1970s. See one here :  Click here to Go to Etsy See video of them here: Cindy Fahnestock-Schafer (@retrochalet) TikTok | Watch Cindy Fahnestock-Schafer's Newest TikTok Videos See Instagram of them here:  https:/...

Halloween Collectibles Special Spooky Episode

August 28, 2021 20:00 - 34 minutes - 23.6 MB

Just as we ramp up for Halloween, join Ed & I talking about Halloween collectibles.   From paper mache to post cards, learn how to spot old vs new and some items to look for.  If you like halloween and spook, make sure to subscribe to Paranormal Chalet podcast!  ED FOUND A RARE HALLOWEEN COLLECTIBLE!  Listen in to find out what! Spooky/Creepy Music courtesy of Daniel Simon via SoundBible.com  here:  Creepy Background Sounds | Effects | Sound Bites | Sound Clips from SoundBible.com This s...

Collecting Fire King and Pyrex and Plastic Bag Rugs

August 28, 2021 02:00 - 31 minutes - 21.5 MB

TOP PODCAST EPISODE!  In this episode we get into the wonders of old borosilicate glassware , bakeware and fired on ware such as Pyrex, Fire King .  Why has this stood the test of time in the collectibles market?    We also talk about plastic rag rugs, which are actually made from plastic bags, hence the name Plastic Bag Rugs.    These are a great way to repurpose plastic bread bags and make a great focal point in the vintage home. I found a vintage one at an antique mall, and also bought o...

How to Make Money with Art for Artists, On Etsy, Special Episode

August 24, 2021 15:00 - 27 minutes - 19 MB

So many artists, so little time, what to do to get your art sold and noticed?  You can now hear what worked for me in this special episode. If you are an artist, photographer, painter, jewelry maker, assemblage or mixed media artist, I'll share my story.   I found a home for my art on Etsy, at little start up cost and it paid off.  I will tell you my story, and give you some advice. Sponsored by RetroChalet and RetroChaletStudio on Etsy! As discussed in this podcast, I have great published...

Repurposing Glass Jars, Collecting Antiques & Why We Collect, Flea Market Tips, DeCluttering Special Episode

August 14, 2021 02:00 - 38 minutes - 26.7 MB

UPCYCLING GLASS JARS Today's episode is a special one, as I talk about repurposing into daily life, and how important it is to live a greener life.   Upset that my local community stopped recycling glass jars, bottles, and the like , I discuss how to reuse glass jars.   Hear my tips for reuse of these common household items.  COLLECTING I then move on to a special collecting episode. Miss Pat and Ed and myself delve into the world of collections. I've always wondered why people collect an...

Texasware Texas Ware Melamine, Taylor Smith Taylor, Mystery Architectural Window Cluster Decorating

August 10, 2021 12:00 - 31 minutes - 21.7 MB

 I'm so glad you're here. Find all photos of this episode on the RetroChalet Instagram!  I also host two other podcasts, NatureChalet and ParanormalChalet!  LIsten in! In this episode:     Find out some inside scoop about the Melmac Melamine Giant Texasware, as told to me by former employees and a plastics factory manager in Canada.   More information and factory ariel tours on my RetroChalet Melmac Central site.  Learn about a very easy to find inexpensive 1960's ceramic line by Taylor S...

Stamp Collecting, Floral Platters Unique Decorating Ideas

July 21, 2021 04:00 - 28 minutes - 19.5 MB

Finally, a real Episode One with guests!  Come with me as I talk to Ed, our thrifting expert about Vintage Stamp Collecting. Once a hobby I may thought of as boring, can prove to be a rewarding learning experience for kids and parents alike!   Then we go to Miss Pat, our design guru who tells us what to do with vintage ceramic floral platters - and you won't believe what she says. Sponsors:  Melmac Central : The Free Site on Melamine Dinnerware                          Retro Chalet Etsy Sh...

Melmac Dinnerware, Old Jewelry Boxes and Antique Knobs Repurposed into Home Decor

July 10, 2021 16:00 - 39 minutes - 27.3 MB

Melmac Attack!   Retro Chalet's Living a Vintage Life episode 1 is a raw uncut podcast  which encompasses vintage and living retro in your daily life!  This episode talks about the history and world of retro Melmac dinnerware dating back to the Melmac trade name by America Cyanamid.  Brought to you by Editor of Melmac Central .   It also talks about the value of melmac dinnerware, allure of vintage wooden jewelry boxes and ideas for repurposing old hardware valves and knobs into your home! I...

Melmac Dinnerware, Old Jewelry Boxes and Antique Knobs Repurposed into Home Decor

July 10, 2021 16:00 - 39 minutes - 27.3 MB

Melmac Attack!   Retro Chalet's Living a Vintage Life episode 1 is a raw uncut podcast  which encompasses vintage and living retro in your daily life!  This episode talks about the history and world of retro Melmac dinnerware dating back to the Melmac trade name by America Cyanamid.  Brought to you by Editor of Melmac Central .   It also talks about the value of melmac dinnerware, allure of vintage wooden jewelry boxes and ideas for repurposing old hardware valves and knobs into your home! I...

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@retrochalet 17 Episodes