Patriotic Baking

Betty loves the summer and baking so the 4th of July is her favorite warm weather holiday. While her husband is in charge of the grill, Betty makes sure they have lots of seasonal desserts for guests to enjoy. This year make your own festive sweets with these adorably retro cupcake baking cups and decorative stars by Wilson. They are sure to add a vintage feel to your backyard party!

Nautical Fashion

With the kids out of school, Betty and her family spend many warm summer days on their sail boat, at the beach or country club pool. And nothing says summer fashion like nautical clothes. Betty's outfits always look picture perfect yet effortless in red, white and blue. Whether you are on sea or land, you can't go wrong with these retro looks!

Clockwise from top left: theparaders, dingaling, MsZinski, thevintedgeco, MissTurnstyles, bluebutterflyvintage, Thrush, theartfloozy, Thrush and pillager

A Handmade Father's Day

As an avid crafter, Betty always encourages her kids to make their own gifts and cards. So, with Father's Day around the corner, you should do the same! All you need are a few supplies and an idea to get started. This vintage inspired card is perfect for any dad who loves boats or fishing. Steal this design or use it as inspiration for your own. This Sunday show dad you care with a gift handmade with love!

Supplies:

1 blank card and envelope

two different color papers (card stock or any think paper)

Martha Stewart Punch Anchor

Sail Boat Stamp

Stamp Pad in Black

Scissors

Glue Stick

Instructions: Not that you necessarily need them, this card is so easy to make!

1. Cut a rectangle 1/4 of an inch smaller than your card on each side. Glue the cut paper to your blank card with the Glue Stick.

2. Cut out four anchors with the Martha Stewart Punch and glue them inside the cut rectangle. It is helpful to layout the cut anchors first to see how they will fit in the space before you glue.

3. Press the stamp onto the Stamp Pad, then press it onto your card on the left hand side. Make sure to give it lots of time to dry.

4. Write dad a cute note and make this Sunday his best Father's Day ever!

Copyright: Betty's Kitschen

If you would like to repost or print this idea anywhere you must let me know and link it back to my site.

Happy Easter!

Betty loves everything about Easter but her favorite part of the holiday is dressing up! Every year she looks fabulous in a brightly colored spring outfit complete with hat and gloves. And her daughter always looks adorable in a cute Easter frock. This year dress in your retro Sunday best!

From top: flourclothing, TwirlVintageCo, Camikinz, malnclem

Happy Valentine's Day!

Betty knows Valentine's Day is for sweethearts so this year buy some retro jewelry for your honey! These plastic and bakelite pieces are perfect for any mid-century woman. They are both vintage and modern just like your love.

From top: www.TemporalFlux.etsy.com, www.JerseyJewelry.etsy.com, www.CrystalTown.etsy.com, www.sparkletrinket.etsy.com, www.RevolvingStyles.etsy.com, www.stilettogirl.etsy.com

Happy New Year!

This year your only resolution should be to be more like Betty! Start by planning a rocking retro New Year's Eve cocktail party. Sparkly silver mid-century barware is all you need to plan your event. As Betty always says, start the New Year right with a cocktail in your hand! Happy 1958...no, wait... 2011!

From Top: www.RustBeltThreads.etsy.com, www.Kibster.etsy.com, www.KatyBitsandPieces.etsy.com

Happy Holidays!

With Christmas around the corner Betty is busy trimming the tree, wrapping presents and, of course, baking! Her favorite holiday tradition is making a gingerbread house. But being the mid-century woman that she is Betty does not go for a traditional look. Each year she creates a new twist on a modern home and you can do the same! Find this cute kit at RedEnvelope.com or check out the architectural design below. Every December the firm Hometta comes up with a take on the gingerbread house based on a home they have actually built. You can find their instructions for this one at http://www.hometta.com/holiday-2010.

Happy Holidays!

Gift Wrapping Christmas

Betty knows it is the thought that counts and the thought will look a whole lot better wrapped in one of these retro- inspired papers. They will take any gift from drab to fab in a pinch! In fact, these prints are so pretty your friends and family will resist tearing into their gifts. Instead they will take a cue from grandmothers around the world, carefully opening their presents and then smoothing out the paper to save for another use.

From Top: Smock Paper (2), Hello! Lucky (2), The Paper Studio, Paper Mojo (2)

Giving Thanks

This Thanksgiving Betty is grateful for her family, friends and festive fall aprons. As she prepares a four course meal, she is able to keep her dress neat while still looking fashionable when she brings out the turkey to the ooohs and aaahs of her guests. On Thursday you can look the part of the midcentury woman with one of these etsy finds.

Clockwise from top left: www.uncommonvintage.etsy.com, www.CoffeeKlatch.etsy.com, www.NeatoKeen.etsy.com, www.janet5643.etsy.com

As American As Pumpkin Pie

Betty knows that the only thing more American than apple pie is pumpkin at Thanksgiving. But Betty puts a twist on this traditional dessert by baking Pumpkin Chiffon Pie. Whether you are carving the turkey at your house or serving potatoes as a guest at someone else's, Betty's recipe will be a hit. Evoke the spirit of mid-century bakers with these retro baking supplies. You may not need a pie bird for this treat, but it is a cute addition to your vintage kitchen and useful with other pies as it lets the steam escape while baking.

From top left: www.BehindTheScreenDoor.etsy.com, www.harlowmonroevintage.etsy.com, www.BeeJayKay.etsy.com, www.Sadieolive.etsy.com

Better Homes and Gardens:

Pies and Cakes

1969

Pumpkin Chiffon Pie

1 envelope unflavored gelatin

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon allspice

1/4 teaspoon ginger

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

3/4 cup milk

2 slightly beaten egg yolks

1 cup canned pumpkin

2 egg whites

1/4 cup sugar

1/2 cup whipping cream, whipped

1 9-inch graham-cracker crust

Combine first 7 ingredients in saucepan. Stir in milk, egg yolks, and pumpkin. Cook and stir over medium heat till mixture boils and gelatin dissolves. Remove from heat and chill till partially set. Beat egg whites till soft peaks form; gradually add sugar and beat to stiff peaks. Fold into pumpkin mixture with whipped cream. Pile into crust. Chill till firm. Trim with whipped cream and California walnut halves.

Pumpkin Treats

With Halloween around the corner don’t forget the sweets! Perfect for a party or trick-or-treaters, pumpkin whoopie pies are both retro and irresistible. First created in the 1920’s, this version adds an Autumn twist to the classic dessert. Martha Stewart has two great recipes - one for pumpkin cookies with cream cheese filling, the other for mini chocolate cookies with pumpkin cream cheese frosting (see links below). Betty knows you can’t go wrong with either one. Don’t have time to bake from scratch this year? Pick up a whoopie pie mix (photo above and link below) from Stone Wall Kitchen. With treats this good there will be no need for Halloween tricks.

http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/pumpkin-whoopie-pies

http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/mini-pumpkin-whoopie-pies

http://www.stonewallkitchen.com/shop/speciality-foods/baking-mixes/552634.html

Eerie Entertaining

This Halloween make sure the cocktails you serve aren't the only thing that is chilled. These spine tingling decorations will evoke the mid-century ghosts of decades past. Keep your guests going all night long with hors d'oeuvres displayed on black cake stands and drinks mixed in a deadly shaker. To liven up your party pull out some festive games and this 31st everyone will feel like a winner.

From Left to right by pair: www.potterybarnkids.com, www.FrogPrincePaperie.etsy.com, www.potterybarn.com, www.rosannainc.com, www.blumchen.com, www.avintageholiday.com

Your invited...

Betty knows that invitations set the mood for a party. With these retro cards your guests will get to step into the past while attending your mid-century Halloween bash. Now all you need to do is select your guest list; it is invite only after all.

From top: www.vintagehalloween.com, www.trendytreasure.etsy.com, www.marthastewart.com

Dressing Up!

Halloween is Betty's favorite holiday and she is here to help you get everything you need for the 31st. Count down the next four weeks with our hauntingly retro posts. They are sure to bring out the wicked in anyone.

Whether you are planning a party or going out, dress like a mid-century woman this year. Bring sexy back in the classic sense of the word by making an appearence as Joan Holloway from Mad Men. If iconic is more your style, Jackie Onassis is always fashionable. Or inspire fear in all you pass as Melanie Daniels from The Birds.

Clockwise from top by costume- Joan: www.jitterbuggin.etsy.com, www.yellowsquirrel.etsy.com; Jackie: www.bommar.etsy.com, www.TheVintageVortex.etsy.com, www.recycledwares.etsy.com; Melanie: www.haywoodcreektures.etsy.com, www.pineapplemint.etsy.com

Happy 4th of July!

Being the all American girl that she is, Betty loves the 4th of July. Every year she plans a festive barbeque, which her friends and neighbors rave about for weeks. Her Independence Day party is patriotic down to the smallest detail.

Before planning your own backyard bash check out this retro photo shoot by Tinywater Photography. It is sure to inspire! Then take a peak at Betty’s red, white and blue Etsy picks to help you recreate this summer event.

From top left: www.WantsandWishesDesign.etsy.com, www.prosttothehost.etsy.com, www.BirdCraftsShop.etsy.com, www.Abundancy.etsy.com, www.LemonThread.etsy.com, www.rule42.etsy.com, www.WhimsyQuilts.etsy.com, www.HeyYoYo.etsy.com

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Betty goes green for St. Patrick's Day. She dresses the part and spends her day making special treats for her family. In the evening her husband is served Irish coffee and everyone enjoys some Irish Soda Bread. Follow her recipe below and everyone will want to kiss you, whether you are Irish or not.

So Quick With New Bisquick: 1967

Irish Soda Bread

The pride of Ireland made an easy modern way. A caraway and raisin adaptation. Inexpensive, quick and good.

1 cup New Bisquick

1/4 cup raisins

1 tsp. caraway seed

1/3 cup milk

Butter

Hear oven to 450 degrees. Grease 8-inch pie pan. In small bowl stir together Bisquick, raisins, caraway seed and milk. Spread dough in prepared pan. Bake about 12 minutes or until top is golden. Cut into wedges. Serve hot with butter. 4 to 6 servings.

Clockwise from top left: www.TheRubyKitten.etsy.com, www.prelovedpennylane.etsy.com, www.MariesVintage.etsy.com, www.VixVintage.etsy.com

Love Is In The Air

In preparation for Valentine’s Day Betty would like to offer you some advice. Make sure your evening is sugary sweet and simply romantic. Betty and her husband head to the most chic French restaurant in town where they start with drinks at the swanky bar. Her husband looks dapper in his fitted suit and she defines classic beauty. After their meal they head home for dessert where they indulge in the Mocha Torte Betty baked that morning. She even makes sure the table is set with heart linens and her favorite pink coffee set. The evening is perfect down to the smallest detail.

With a little work you can have a flawless Valentine’s Day, too. Follow Betty’s decadent Mocha Torte recipe and your honey will surely swoon. Don’t forget dinner reservations for two at your favorite eatery. And, whether you are pretty in pink or ravishing in red, you are sure to turn heads in 1950’s designs.

Clockwise from top left: www.thegreedyseagull.etsy.com, www.BettysKitschen.etsy.com, www.fabgabs.etsy.com, www.bittersweetdesign.etsy.com, www.allencompanyinc.etsy.com, www.swaneegrace.etsy.com, www.RobertaGrove.etsy.com, www.hellcatvintage.etsy.com

Better Homes and Gardens: Pies and Cakes 1966

Mocha Torte

1 package 2 layer-size white cake mix

1 6-ounce package (1 cup) semisweet chocolate pieces

3 cups miniature marshmallows

1/2 cup milk

2 teaspoons instant coffee powder

1 cup whipping cream, whipped

Prepare cake mix according to package directions. Bake in greased 13x9x2-inch pan. Cool; remove from pan. Cool completely.

For Mocha Frosting, combine chocolate pieces, marshmallows, milk and coffee powder in top of double broiler. Heat and stir over hot water till marshmallows melt. Remove from heat; cover and chill. Fold in whipped cream.

Cut cake in half lengthwise; with long knife, split each half of cake into 2 layers, using row of toothpicks to guide knife. Spread chilled Mocha Frosting between layers; frost top and sides. Cover and chill for several hours. Slice about 1 inch thick.

Love Notes

Every Valentine’s Day Betty likes to remind all the people she loves of how much they mean to her. She bakes sugar cookies decorated with red and pink sprinkles, packs them in heart- shaped boxes and mails them to her friends and family. But, most importantly, she includes a thoughtful card. Her little love notes always make the reader smile, perhaps even more than her cookies. No one ever feels neglected on Valentine’s Day with Betty around.

This year spread the love and send one of these vintage looking cards to that special someone in your life. Created by Egg Press and printed by letterpress, this stationary is the perfect way to let someone know you care. Check out all of their products at www.eggpress.com.

3...2...1...Happy New Year!

Betty counts down to the New Year with glittering style. Whether choosing to wear her silver shoes or grabbing her gold clutch, Betty knows she will shine. With a little mid-century sparkle and a kiss at midnight you'll be starting the New Year off just right. Because even though it's 2010 it doesn't mean you shouldn't dress like it's 1957.

Clockwise starting at top left: www.lookinglasshouse.etsy.com, www.tiddleywink.etsy.com, www.oldgrowth.etsy.com, www.TimelessVixenVintage.etsy.com, www.ginchygear.etsy.com, www.vintagespecial.etsy.com, www.frillsfurbelows.etsy.com, www.nineteenthirtyfive.etsy.com, www.oldage.etsy.com

Merry Christmas!

Betty hopes you get everything you want for Christmas, but if not, mix up a few retro cocktails. After one of these drinks even socks from your great aunt Bertha will look a little sweeter. Perfect for the holidays, this festive Martini will make any party special and any woman happy!

Peppermint Martini

1 peppermint stick, crushed

1 1/2 ounces vodka

1 ounce peppermint schnapps

1 ounce Triple Sec

ice

1 small candy cake

Dip a moistened martini glass into crushed peppermint. Mix the vodka, schnapps, Triple Sec and ice in a retro cocktail shaker. Strain the mix into a vintage martini glass and garnish with the candy cane. Serve to friends or keep it for yourself.