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Fox News
26-07-2025
- General
- Fox News
6 kitchen items that experts 'would never recommend' buying at secondhand shops
Thrift stores can be goldmines for vintage finds and budget buys. When it comes to kitchen gear, however, some secondhand steals may do more harm than good. "I'm all about thrifting," Abby Thaxton, owner of The Lucky Rabbit antique store in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, told Fox News Digital. "Yet not everything from decades past is safe to use the way it was originally intended." From cookware that could leach toxins to appliances in need of repair, some items are better off as decor – or avoided, period. Here's what experts say you should skip – or at least think twice about buying. Sara McDaniel, a home expert and founder of Simply Southern Cottage in Louisiana, said she loves stumbling upon wooden bowls and utensils but approaches them with caution. "Wood is porous and an easy home for bacteria or mold," McDaniel told Fox News Digital. "If you see a crack, I'd pass on buying this item for cooking, but it can still be used for decor." She suggested looking for items made of teak, a hardwood resistant to moisture, rot and insects. Avoid vintage ceramics – and leaded crystal – made before the 1970s and 1980s, when laws were enacted to ban or limit the use of lead in everyday household items, Thaxton said. "Vintage ceramics – especially bright, imported or handmade ones – can leach lead," Thaxton said. The same goes for dishes with lead-based glaze or paint, she added. "Collect them for their charm, not your dinner party." Forget about buying electronics secondhand unless you can plug them in to see if they work first, New Jersey-based smart shopping expert Trae Bodge told Fox News Digital. "It can be challenging to determine how old they are, and there may be hidden damage, such as bent parts, cracks or faulty electrical wiring," Bodge said. "It could also be difficult to find replacement parts, if needed." Items like toasters or blenders can be great finds at secondhand shops, but she said she sees them as temporary solutions until brand-new replacements can be bought. Old plastic items made before 2010 may contain harmful chemicals that are now restricted or banned, like Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, which can also leach into food – especially when heated. Many older plastics weren't designed for microwave or dishwasher use – and they can harbor grease and bacteria. "Vintage plastics may look fun and colorful, but they're not food-safe," Thaxton said. "Great for display – not for snacks." "Buying cast-iron cookware that has been well-maintained is an excellent way to save on cast iron, but if the care is in question, this is a category I would skip because there is a danger of rust," Bodge said. Light surface rust can be scraped off and scratched "seasoning" can be restored, but more intense damage can risk food safety, according to experts. "With the rise in awareness of harmful chemicals emitted from non-stick pans coated with Teflon, I would never recommend buying those secondhand," McDaniel said. "Most used pans have scratches and other surface damage, which releases harmful chemicals into your food and your body ultimately absorbs." "This category is a 'no' for me," Bodge agreed. Keeping eyes peeled for newer kitchen items, manufactured under modern safety standards, is the best bet, experts said. "Don't overlook the magic of newer secondhand staples," said Thaxton. "It's an easy way to stock a kitchen without breaking the bank."
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Not a fan of football? Here are 5 things you can do in Hattiesburg on Super Bowl Sunday
While many football fans will gather all afternoon and well into the evening on Sunday to watch Super Bowl LIX, others may find themselves wondering what to do when most eyes will be glued to a TV. We compiled a list of things to do in Hattiesburg on Sunday if you're not up for taking in the game. Note that some of the activities end Sunday afternoon. Stroll along Main Street or visit some of the area's popular features like the Pocket Museum in the alley next to the historic Saenger Theater. Wander down to Mobile Street (via Front Street if you're looking for lunch or dinner) and stop in The Lucky Rabbit in the afternoon for a look at some vintage and novelty items you might want to add to your collection. Across the street from The Lucky Rabbit you can get refreshed in the afternoon at Southern Prohibition Brewing Co., which is a family-friendly brewery and restaurant. Pokémon GO fans often are spotted meandering downtown to hunt for virtual critters that might be lurking in the area. Find more things to do downtown at If you're interested in civil rights history, Hattiesburg played an important role in the Freedom Summer of 1964 — a time when Black Americans in the South were struggling for equality, voting rights and the dismantling of Jim Crow. Visit some or all of the 16 trail markers from your car and listen to the audio recordings that tell visitors about the locations along the way. A detailed guide with audio recordings, a downloadable brochure and more can be found at The weather forecast is sunny and 82 degrees Sunday in Hattiesburg. Why not take an afternoon tour of the city's zoo? Visitors can see a variety of animals from around the world, from giraffes and zebras to alpacas and alligators. The facility offers other amenities, including electric train and carousel rides, high ropes adventure and the bug hub playground. For more information, visit Have you tried an escape room yet? It's a challenging activity and some escape rooms are more challenging than others, but it's a fun way to exercise your brain and practice being a team player. Time Will Tell Escape Rooms in Hattiesburg has several options to choose from with themes that include the legendary Mississippi crossroads, steampunk, a western saloon and more. Difficulty ranges from medium to extra hard. There is a minimum of two players for each game, with only members from your party participating. Reservations are required. For more information or to make a reservation, visit Dust off the old bike that's been hanging in your garage for the past couple years and roll on down the road to the Longleaf Trace and ride the trail anywhere from Hattiesburg to Prentiss. Bike rentals are offered at the USM station, but on Sundays the office is closed, so you'll have to bring your own. Don't have a bike? No problem. Pedestrians also are allowed on the Trace, so go for a nice long walk instead. For more information, visit Lici Beveridge is a reporter for the Hattiesburg American and Clarion Ledger. Contact her at lbeveridge@ Follow her on X @licibev or Facebook at This article originally appeared on Hattiesburg American: Super Bowl Sunday: 5 non-football things to do in Hattiesburg MS
