Vintage Board games

If you are ever bored, peruse your local goodwill or Amazon for some vintage board games.  I was sad to see some web searches labeled the games I played and have from the 90s as vintage.  To clear things up I looked up standard definitions of antique and vintage.  Antique means 100 years old or more while vintage would be at least 20 years old.  So vintage should finish in 1993 making the searches correct.  For instance Touring England came out in 1935 and you can find now on Amazon for around 15$.  The antique game I would like to aquire is The New Pilgrims Progress from 1893.   Do you recognize or still play any of these games in any version?
See list of vintage games
http://www.vintagetoybox.co.uk/A-Z.htm
See article for era terms defined
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/age-defining-an-130615

Whatever happened to murals?

I remember my aunt and uncle having a photo mural in their living room of a woodsy fall scene.  For a while I have noticed very few people use murals, wallpaper murals or wallpaper anymore.  I think this is a shame because decorating is all about different patterns and people limit themselves when they simply paint a room.  There has been a rise in the use of wall decals for phrases and symbols, but I feel these are very tacky.  The one downside of wallpaper and murals is they are tedious to replace (unless applying to or painting on removable frames), so make sure it is something you don't mind seeing for a long time. 
Hand painted murals may be expensive if hiring.  There are tutorials for simple techniques like marbling.  A wall or ceiling can be made to look like anything including stained glass, tapestry, a skyline, a window to outside or a vintage postcard...you choose.  Check out some pics of simple wall and ceiling murals some of which you can find as wallpaper.

Towel and Diaper Cakes

If you haven't noticed, towel and diaper cakes are now expanding to a new level.  Now the focus seems to be on a theme.  For bath time is it simply a pamper-me set or does the recipient have a favorite character, hobby, or team we can work with?  In the kitchen do we want a food, drink or decor theme?  Do we have towels for another purpose other than the home such as sports, car care, or travel that would inspire a different theme or items?
Of particular surprise to me is the popularity of all things towel and washcloth including parfaits, sushi, animals and coffee.  One of my favorites is the sucker made out of two washcloths and an emery board.  These would make great stocking stuffers or party favors.

Royalty for a day

Do you ever think about what it would be like to be royalty for a day?  Through this collage and some imagination you can enter the Grand Reception Hall of Windsor Castle or The Royal Audience Room of Linderhof Palace.

Need a Clue?

I always loved the details of Victorian furnishing, trim, and gingerbread.  Every detail speaks of luxury and lavish expense.  Here are some rooms from that era.  Can you guess which room is which?  Hint:  Think of the game   "Clue".

Desert Centerpieces

There's nothing more exciting for kids and adults at a party than an sugary edible centerpiece.  Not only does it provide a conversation starter but a snack starter and possible substitute for favors.  Wrapped candy may be preferrable for those concerned about germs.