Thursday, April 29, 2010

April Showers

Don’t get caught in the rain without vibrant vintage umbrellas and raincoats. Betty never leaves home on overcast days without grabbing one of each. She is sure to look stylish, but more important, her hair and dress never gets wet! She arrives at her destination looking picture perfect as always. Follow her example with your own retro rainy weather set.

Clockwise from top left: www.pineapplemint.etsy.com, www.oldfashionallies.etsy.com, www.waterbuffalomist.etsy.com, www.jessjamesjake.etsy.com

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Good Morning!

Betty knows that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, which is why she serves her family wholesome food every morning. She also knows that it is all about presentation. Toast tastes better when displayed in this cute little rack. Hardboiled eggs are yummier when they are evenly cut and Betty’s famous blueberry pancakes are irresistible after she adds some syrup from her blue pitcher. After drinking a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice, Betty’s family is ready to start their day. Start your day right with these brightly colored breakfast finds!

Clockwise from top left: www.TheVintageWren.etsy.com, www.bestcoast.etsy.com, www.bettyskitschen.etsy.com, www.leVintageMaison.etsy.com, www.LucyandEllen.etsy.com, www.carpebellus.etsy.com

Blueberry Pancakes
So Quick with New Bisquick: 1967
2 cups New Bisquick
1 egg
1 1/3 cups milk
2 tbsp. sugar
1 cup blueberries
Beat all ingredients with rotary beater until smooth. Grease griddle if necessary. For uniform pancakes, dip batter with 1/4 measuring cup into hot griddle. Turn when bubbles appear. For thinner pancakes, add more milk. For thicker pancakes, add more Bisquick. Dust pancakes with confectioners' sugar.
Makes about 18 pancakes.

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Honeymooners

Betty and her husband spent their two week honeymoon in Hawaii. It had just become the fiftieth state and they were eager to take in the local culture which was starting to make its way to the mainland. They would later tell their friends about afternoons laying on the beach and evenings at Hawaiian luaus. But the truth is they spent a lot of time in their hotel room! Add a little retro romance to your love life with vintage lingerie. Just because your honeymoon is over doesn't mean you have to dress that way!

Clockwise from top left: www.WillowCreekSparrow.etsy.com, www.zwzzy.etsy.com, www.Jewels4pandas.etsy.com, www.seprila.etsy.com, www.littleveggievintage.etsy.com, www.ultravioletvintage.com


Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Retro Wedding

Betty's wedding day was perfect from her tea length dress to the handsome man she was marrying. Now she is here to help you pull off a classic mid-century wedding. Set the tone for your big day with vintage stationary designs like this set from Studio April. Milk glass vases and planters make dainty center pieces whether you are planning a formal or rustic affair. Since everyone knows love is sweet make sure your desserts reflect your retro romance, just like this three-tiered cake from Susie Cakes. With all of these lovely vintage pieces you won't have to worry about finding something old or new; all you need is something blue.

Clockwise from top left: www.AdornBridalBoutique.etsy.com, www.Halers.etsy.com, www.susiecakesla.com, www. DearGoldenVintage.etsy, www.nocarnations.etsy.com, www.DamsonGin.etsy.com, HannahBellaMemories.etsy.com, www.studioapril.com

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

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

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

In Season

By March Betty is ready for spring. The days are getting longer, the weather is warmer, but, most importantly, it is avocado season! After a dull winter Betty can finally indulge in her favorite fruit. And this year she doesn't even have to head to her local supermarket before making her famous guacamole. With a little help from "The Avocado Pit Grower's Indoor How-to Book" Betty has grown her very own tree! Filled with modern two tone illustrations and simple instructions, this book is beautifully designed and easy to follow. Tonight Betty is making a crabmeat salad served on avocado halfs for dinner. What are you having?

Find this book and lots of other retro items at Betty's Kitschen.
www.bettyskitschen.etsy.com

Betty Crocker's New Dinner for Two Cook Book, 1964
Guacamole
Combine 1 avocado, pitted; 1 small onion, minced; 1 1/2 tsp. vinegar; salt and pepper to taste; and chopped green chili pepper to taste. Beat until smooth on medium mixer speed. Finely chop 1/2 peeled ripe tomato; fold into mixture. Serve Guacamole as a dip with corn chips.

Crabmeat Salad
1/2 cup flaked cooked crabmeat
1/2 tsp. lemon juice
1/2 tsp. finely minced onion
salt and paprika to taste
1/2 cup diced celery
1/2 cup lettuce hearts in small pieces
1 tbsp. mayonnaise
2 avocado halves
Mix all ingredients except mayonnaise and avocado. Chill thoroughly. Just before serving, drain and toss together with mayonnaise to moisten. Server on avocado half. 2 servings.