The Golden State

Betty may be an East Coast gal, but her fondness for California is deep. She visits The Golden State at least once a year. Whether spending time in Palm Springs or San Francisco, she always makes sure to soak up some West Coast sun which is why she loves the retro feel of this letterpress poster. From paperparasol, it would look great in any mid-century modern ranch!

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

An American Classic

Keds are Betty's go to shoe. Perfect for around town or an afternoon in the park, they are always in fashion. The original Champion style was worn by lots of retro woman including Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe and Jackie Onassis. Betty has them in red and blue!

www.keds.com

Soda Fountain Fun

A one-stop shop, the soda fountain is sure to have something for everyone. From egg creams to root beer floats, not only can you satisfy your sweet tooth, but at most shops you can also have lunch, pick up your prescription and grab the latest issue of Better Homes and Gardens. Betty makes it a summer tradition and every Monday she and the kids indulge in burgers, fries and, of course, dessert. On warm autumn and spring afternoons she surprises them with a trip to the soda fountain for an after school snack.

While these versatile ice cream shops started to decline in popularity in the 1970’s, it doesn’t mean that they don’t still exist! Below is a list of a few of our favorites. And if you can’t find one near you, recreate a retro soda counter at home with Betty’s Etsy picks, some classic pop and ice cream.Clockwise wise from top left: www.HelloVictory.etsy.com, www.amberfilkins.etsy.com, www.SweetAnneVintage.etsy.com, www.olderthanyouare.etsy.com, www.swoonshop.etsy.com, www.ehunt72.etsy.com, www.BehindTheScreenDoor.etsy.com, www.sportsmansguide.com, www.papertreats.etsy.com

Dr. Jazz Soda Fountain and Grille- Lebanon, IL
Brooklyn Pharmacy and Soda Fountain- Brooklyn, NY
Fair Oaks Pharmacy and Soda Fountain- Pasadena, CA
Hall’s General Store- East Otis, MA
Highland Park Pharmacy Fountain- Dallas, TX
Jimmy’s Old-Fashioned Soda Fountain- Duncannon, PA
Kaiser’s Grateful Bean Café and Soda Fountain- Oklahoma City, OK
Lagomarcino’s- Moline, IL
Mundt’s Candy Sales and Soda Fountain- Madison, IN
Skipper’s Soda Fountain and Ice Cream Parlour- Minden, LA
Sodie’s Fountain and Grill- Flipping, AZ
Village Ice Cream Parlor and Restaurant- Lebanon, OH

So Take A Ride With Me..

Before the kids, Betty and her husband would pack a picnic and take their bicycles for a spin. With her red cruiser she was ready for a beach trail or woodsy ride. These romantic weekends were among her favorites.

The summer may be almost over, but it's not too late to enjoy a weekend ride on a retro bike. You can easily find vintage cycles on craigslist or a wonderful reproduction. Betty recommends the two listed below. She loves the simple design of the Micargi Tahiti and the 21 speeds on the Giant Suede GX W.

www.beachbikeoutlet.com

www.giant-bicycles.com

http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/bik/1917721040.html

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

TV Dinner

After purchasing their first black and white television in 1955, Betty discovered the TV Dinner. Perfect for busy weekdays, all Betty had to do was pop the aluminum tray in the oven for 25 minutes and supper was ready. Her family could then enjoy their meal while watching their favorite programs, I love Lucy and The Ed Sullivan Show.

C. A. Swanson & Sons coined the term TV Dinner in 1953 with the introduction of their frozen Thanksgiving meal which consisted of turkey, cornbread dressing, frozen peas, and sweet potatoes. They sold 10 million that year at 98 cents each, changing the way Americans eat. Even though Swanson was not the first company to produce frozen foods, their insightful advertising made them a huge success among American families already excited about television.

Clockwise from top left: www.Kitchencupboard.etsy.com, www.oragracevintage.etsy.com, www.johnnyvintage.etsy.com, www.AttysVintage.etsy.com

Chill Out!

Betty will always remember the November she and her husband bought their first Frigidaire, just in time for the holidays and her visiting Mother-in-law. Everyone was impressed with their new kitchen appliance. Now Betty can’t imagine life without it! With shelves of storage space, never again would Thanksgiving leftovers go to waste. Except someone forgot to put away her Mother-in-law’s cranberry jell-o mold, oh well.

In preparation for the holiday season add to your retro kitchen with these wonderfully mid century appliances. Created by Big Chill, each dishwasher, refrigerator and stove mixes 1950’s design with modern technology. Just because your fridge was made in the twenty first century doesn’t mean it has to look that way!

www.bigchillfridge.com

School Days

Every September Betty prepares the kids for the first week of school. With the prospect of new lunch boxes, pencils and books, they are almost excited. So this month while children begin the next grade, give yourself a fresh start, too, because school supplies are no longer just for students. These nostalgic Etsy finds would be perfect in any office, art studio, or craft room. Now, please take out your homework. Class is in session!

Clockwise from top left: theowlery.etsy.com, Hindsvik.etsy.com, 26olivestreet.etsy.com, tippleandsnack.etsy.com, SweetLoveVintage.etsy.com, ricracandbuttons.etsy.com, Crabapplevintage.etsy.com, myvintagewhimsy.etsy.com