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

Pancake Party

Betty knows the best way to start your day is with a pancake breakfast so why not plan a pancake party! Jesse from Our Labor of Love and Ashley of The Flashdance came up with this lovely setup with Once Wed. Use it as inspiration while planning your own get together. You can find similar vintage items on Etsy to help pull together your sweet event.

Clockwise from top left: seesawvintage, BettysKitschen, takingshape, VintagePDX, ionesAttic, cgratsch, BettysKitschen, LemonLimeVintage, vintagepicker1, MrsRekamepip, and AMradio

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!

A Mid-Century Patio

From Top: Plainair, Sears, CB2

When you think of 1950's and 60's living one thing that is sure to come to mind is the patio. No mid-century housewife would own a house without one and Betty is no exception. All spring and summer she does most of her entertaining outside and takes much pride in her outdoor decor. This year transform your veranda, terrace or garden with Betty's favorite vintage and modern picks for exterior decorating!

Clockwise from top left: thevintagesupplyco, anitascasa, thevintagesupplyco, PosyVintage, bluebonnetfields, BettysKitschen, AtomicMartini, lotusjrk

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

Bathing Beauty!

When the summer heat is too much Betty hits the pool. As a member of the local country club, she finds the indoor pool the perfect place to escape the mid-day heat and enjoy a cool dip. This summer dive into the deep end while looking like a 1950's bathing beauty. All you need is one of these retro suits from Mod Cloth and your God given curves.

Cool off with these fun fans!

It is hard to imagine life before air conditioners but Betty survives the summer heat with just a fan and an ice cold drink. This summer save some electricity and live like a real mid-century woman with one of these cool finds. And you can keep any of these fans out all year! They will look wonderfully retro on any shelf or table.

Clockwise from left: www.FishboneDeco.etsy.com, www.industrialrelic.etsy.com, www.kizzyrayan123.etsy.com, www.thehopetree.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

Rustic Arrangements

Photos: Jose Villa

Vintage tins make wonderfully retro centerpieces for outdoor entertaining. Betty fills hers with wildflowers she picks with her daughter. Whether yours are filled with flora from the garden or market, spice up any drab table with these old-fashioned canisters. They are easy to find and a great way to add a little nostalgia to any dinner party.

Clockwise from top left: www.Birdie1.etsy.com, www.MissMossy.etsy.com, www.OctaviaBrown.etsy.com, www.SarahAnntiques.etsy.com, www.VintageInsanity.etsy.com, www.funretro.etsy.com, www.Elstreasures.etsy.com, www.ModishVintage.etsy.com

Caravan Camper

From top: No Chintz, Snail Trail (2)

Long weekends are the perfect time to escape suburbia in a caravan outfitted with the bare essentials. OK, Betty's camper may not be bare, but who wouldn't enjoy a little peace and quiet in the country in this home away from home? Whether you skip town or stay in, create your own retro paradise inspired by a vintage getaway.

If you're lucky enough to have your own caravan, you can find the perfect fabric to make everything from an awning to cushions at www.nochintz.com. Or check out the beauties for rent at www.snailtrail.co.uk. Otherwise, make your kitchen or den feel like a mid-century trailer with Betty's Etsy picks.

Clockwise from top left: www.MarionberryCottage.etsy.com, www.MinjisShop.etsy.com, www.MaryLittfin.etsy.com, www.nickandnessies.etsy.com, www.knottednest.etsy.com, www.Ruthscrafts.etsy.com, www.BettysKitschen.etsy.com, www.JodysVintage.etsy.com, www.TheWeeShelf.etsy.com

Au revoir

Betty is off to the city of lights with her husband. Spring is the perfect time to visit Paris as the weather is lovely and the tourists have yet to arrive. Wearing the latest fashions, Betty and her husband people watch at street cafes while sipping cafe lattes and munching on croissants. They stroll the streets and enjoy the sights in the most romantic city in the world. Allured by the good food, cheese, pastries and wine they secretly wish to relocate and spend a year in France living among the Parisians!

Wherever you go this summer take vintage luggage like this set (www.modhuman.etsy.com) and everyone is sure to say ooh la la. See you in two weeks when Betty returns from France. Au revoir!

Kitschy Cupcakes

As winter drags on Betty adds a little color and cheer with festive cupcakes decorated with plastic toppers. Whether she makes chocolate, vanilla, or butter cream who can resist one of her cute confectionary concoctions. These little cakes aren’t just for birthdays or holidays. Betty thinks they are perfect for frosty afternoons. All it takes is one bite and you are reminded that spring is on its way!

Check out Betty’s favorite recipes below!

Clockwise from top left: www.CupcakeSocial.etsy.com, www.HeyYoYo.etsy.com, www.sweetestelle.etsy.com, www.CupcakeSocial.etsy.com, www.CupcakeConfessional.etsy.com, www.CupcakeConfessional.etsy.com, www.HeyYoYo.etsy.com, www.CupcakeConfessional.etsy.com, www.CupcakeSocial.etsy.com

Better Homes and Gardens: Pies and Cakes 1966

Yellow Cupcakes

1/3 cup shortening

1 3/4 cups sifted cake flour

3/4 cup sugar

2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 egg

3/4 cup milk

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Place shortening in mixing bowl; sift in dry ingredients. Add egg and 1/2 cup milk; mix till flour is moistened. Beat 2 minutes at medium speed on electric mixer. Add 1/4 cup milk and vanilla; beat 2 minutes longer. Fill paper bake cups in muffin pans half full. Bake at 375 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes. Cool. Frost with Sea Foam Frosting. Makes about 18 cupcakes.

For Lemon Cupcakes: Prepare Yellow Cupcakes; add 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon peel. Frost with Seven Minute Frosting. Top with coconut.

Seven Minute Frosting

A white frosting to crown your best cake. Try the two variations, too, and please your family three ways-

2 unbeaten egg whites

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

2 teaspoons light corn syrup or 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

1/3 cup cold water

Dash salt

1 teaspoon vanilla

Place all ingredients except vanilla in top of double boiler (not over heat); beat 1 minute with electric or rotary beater. Place over, but not touching, boiling water and cook, beating constantly, till frosting forms stiff peaks, about 7 minutes (don't overcook).

Remove from boiling water. Pour into mixing bowl, if you wish. Add vanilla and beat till of spreading consistency, about 2 minutes. Frost tops and sizes of two 8- or 9- layers, top of 13x9 inch cake, or 2 dozen cupcakes.

Sea Foam Frosting

Prepare Seven Minute Frosting, substituting 1 1/2 cups brown sugar for the granulated sugar.

Burnt-Sugar Frosting

Prepare Seven Minute Frosting, using 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar, 1/4 cup cold water, and substituting 3 to 4 tablespoons cooled Burnt-sugar Syrup for the corn syrup.

Burnt Sugar Syrup

Melt (caramelize) 1/3 cup granulated sugar in small, heavy saucepan, stirring constantly. When a deep golden brown syrup, remove from heat and slowly add 1/3 cup boiling water. Heat and stir till all dissolves. Boil to reduce syrup to 1/4 cup. Set aside to cool

When The Road Is Calling

Every summer Betty loads the kids into the car, her husband fumbles with his map, and they are off. But Betty is not the type of woman to spend two weeks driving across the country squished into their old Ford. Yes, she knows that comfort waits at every site they visit because of the new Airstream trailer attached to their car. Outfitted with all the necessities of home, Betty’s family is ready for anything! Sitting outside in their Russel Woodard chairs they start each morning sipping coffee and end every night wrapped in blankets looking up at the stars. The only time the kids complain is when they start to head home.

Whether you're restoring a mid-century trailer, just bought a new Airstream, or redecorating your mobile home, check out Betty’s vintage Etsy finds. Don’t forget the kitsch! Cute planters like the ceramic bird above and old beer coasters are simple and fun!

If sleeping in a trailer is your idea of the perfect vacation, then check out these wonderfully retro mobile home hotels.

The Shady Dell Trailer Court: Bisbee, AZ

StarLux: Wildwood, NJ

BelRepayre Airstream and Retro Trailer Park: Southern France

Kate’s Lazy Meadow Motel: Mt. Tremper, NY

Clockwise from top left: BelRepayre Airstream and Retro Trailer Park, EmilyLynch.etsy.com, JLRinaldi.etsy.com, The Shady Dell Trailer Court, BettysKitschen.etsy.com, LaBellaVitaBoutique.etsy.com, The Shady Dell Trailer Court, kitschcafe.etsy.com, thevintagesupplyco.etsy.com

Beach Babe

Fun in the sun is an essential part of summer and these retro suits and accessories are must haves. Betty knows that with a mid-century bathing suit every woman can be a beach babe. Perfect for real women, they accentuate curves and hide flaws, not that we think you have any. So grab your beach bag, sunglasses, and transistor radio and head for the shore. Oh, and don't forget a good book. Betty suggests Peyton Place.

Published in 1956, Peyton Place remained on the New York Times bestseller list for 59 weeks! Filled with the sordid secrets of the residents of a small New England town, the book created quite a scandal. Which is why Betty knows it is the perfect summer read.

Clockwise from top left: www.stephaniegeisler.etsy.com, www.thelostfound.etsy.com, www.KitschNCollectibles.etsy.com, www.RedLipsVintage.etsy.com, www.badgirlvintage.etsy.com, www.carmenandginger.etsy.com, www.hsnow.etsy.com, and www.sistertreasure.etsy.com

The Summer Dress

The only thing Betty likes more than planning a summer menu is finding the perfect summer dress. Between backyard barbeques and getaways to the lake, Betty needs to stay cool and in style all through the summer heat. These bubbly dresses are perfection and look flawless paired with stilettos or a hat! So whatever your weekend plans, redefine what it means to be fashionably late and arrive in a dress that is vintage chic.


Clockwise from top left: AllenCompanyInc.etsy.com, ATouchOf Vintage.etsy.com, SugarSkullVintage.etsy.com, GrayGoosie.etsy.com, AquaVelvet.etsy.com, BrontosaurusVintage.etsy.com, AllenCompanyInc.etsy.com, Lagelle.etsy.com, SmallEarthVintage.etsy.com