Past Life

Miss CherryBubbles' Vintage Kitchen Favorites: Sunbeam Egg Cooker

2012-02-10T12:59:00.000-05:00

Today, I thought I'd show you one of my myriad vintage kitchen favorites... the Sunbeam Egg Cooker...

I'm not sure exactly why, but vintage appliances like this always seem magical, yet highly scientific, to me. The Sunbeam Egg Cooker makes poached eggs and hard- or soft-cooked eggs and, let me tell you, they always come out exactly the way I want. Just like the advertisement says...

The little plastic measuring cup on the top of the lid is used to measure the amount of water needed to cook poach eggs to your liking. The lid itself is used to measure water for hard- and soft-cooked eggs. Basically, the eggs are cooked by the steam created when your chosen amount of water heats up. Once the water has completely steamed away, the egg cooker shuts off automatically and your eggs are cooked "Exactly as Desired"...

Incidentally, we ate these poached eggs on toast made with an old-timey Sunbeam "Radiant Control" Toaster... but that's a vintage appliance story for another day. ;)

What about hard-cooked eggs or soft-cooked eggs, you ask? Well, here's a video I found that demonstrates how hard- or soft-cooked eggs are done in Sunbeam Egg Cooker. Note that the cooker used here is an earlier version without the clear plastic measuring cup on the top...

So, do tell... have you a vintage kitchen favorite or two?

It's February... let's Stroll!

2012-02-01T13:16:00.001-05:00

Here it is February of 2012 already and by golly, this lil ol' blog is 3 years old...

Life has been so busy over the past several months that I've sorely neglected my blog. Not that I haven't had a multitude interesting ideas for posts... Anyway, I'm going to try to post at least a little something here on a semi-regular basis and I'll start off Past Life 3.0 with this terrific demonstration of The Stroll from February of 1958:

A Few of Miss CherryBubbles’ Favorite Autumn Things...

2011-09-29T16:09:00.000-04:00

Fall is my favorite season of the year and I observe many annual autumn traditions of my own making. One tradition involves reading books and watching movies with an autumnal backdrop or theme. I thought I'd share a few of my favorites with you...

Nothing says autumn like the biggest college football game of the year. Now, I'm certainly not the biggest football fan around, but I am a Nancy Drew fan. So, what do football and Nancy Drew have in common? They both appear in the 1932 fall-themed Nancy's Mysterious Letter by Carolyn Keene, the 8th book in the Nancy Drew series. Nancy solves a mystery revolving around an unusual letter she receives at the beginning of the book, but most of the action takes place at Emerson College, where Nancy cheers on her special friend, Ned Nickerson, in the big game.

"Indian Summer is like a woman." So begins Peyton Place by Grace Metalious, published in 1956 and quite controversial in its time, for revealing those things about small towns that one wasn't supposed to reveal. Sometimes I read the book... sometimes I watch the film version, starring Lana Turner. Sometimes I even read Return to Peyton Place.

The gorgeous fall foliage of northern Vermont provides the perfect backdrop for my most favorite autumn film, The Trouble With Harry. I simply can't imagine the movie taking place in spring or summer. It just wouldn't be the same. Although I have read the book it was based on, nothing, in my opinion, surpasses Alfred Hitchcock's film version.

What are your favorite autumn traditions?

Are You Prepared?

2011-09-14T17:31:00.001-04:00

The area of Pennsylvania that I live in experienced a major devastating flood six days ago, courtesy of Tropical Storm Lee. My town experienced floodwaters higher than the "Agnes Flood" of 1972, an equally devastating flood that I have childhood memories of. And further back, in 1936, there was another major flood in this area. Thankfully, my house is on a hill, but we were surrounded by water for a couple days, with a travel ban in effect and many roads and bridges closed.

September 9, 2011. The view from atop the cliff in my backyard.

September 9, 2011. The building with the pillars on the corner is the town library.

Along with hearing about the recent Tropical Storm Irene flooding disaster in the state of Vermont, the situation of being basically trapped at home without access to necessities, like food and water, really made me wonder if I am truly prepared for that circumstance... I wasn't this time around, but I will be in future.

In this particular case, my pantry was fairly well-stocked with canned goods and my husband thought quickly enough to fill lots of jugs with water before the real flooding started. Luckily, we were not without electricity. We do have emergency candles, an old-fashioned kerosene lamp, and a flashlight, but no stock of batteries for it. Nor do we have a basic first-aid kit. And we were almost out of dog food for Mr. Lucky. These are things that will be remedied.

September 14, 2011. My re-stocked pantry... after today's trip to the market.

My town has also been under a boil advisory since last Friday, and until further notice. In other words, all drinking water must be boiled before using. We have a public water system here, as well as a public sewer system, both of which can be contaminated or damaged by flooding. Thankfully, the public sewer system was not damaged.

It is amazing to me to realize how much I, and probably most other people, take for granted in everyday living. Take a moment or two to think about how you would survive without those taken-for-granted things, like electricity, communication systems, or water coming from the faucet when you turn it on... now, let me ask you...

Are You Prepared?

Links to information about emergency and disaster preparedness:

Disaster Preparedness Kit Video by FEMA

Emergency Kit List from American Red Cross

Preparedness Fast Facts from American Red Cross

Have You Visited the Velveteen Lounge Kitsch-en?

2011-07-02T12:52:00.012-04:00

They're the hosts with the most!

Kelly and Paul of Velveteen Lounge Kitsch-en

It goes without saying that one of my favorite web series, or vodcasts if you prefer, is the Velveteen Lounge Kitsch-en... oh heck, I'll say it anyway! I love this show! While at Ohana: Luau at the Lake last weekend, I was pleased as punch to meet Kelly and Paul, those kitschy-kool kids who bring us all the fabulous tips, advice, and cocktails needed for mid-century modern living.

Love the matching togs made by Kelly herself!

Kelly not only makes fabulous hors d'oeuvres and cocktails, she's quite a crafty seamstress as well. Paul is a music maestro and grillmaster extraordinaire. Their shows cover all sorts of fun subjects, including camping, how to survive in a bomb shelter, midnight snacks, and, most recently, a visit from hippies!

This particular episode is chock-full of tips for your next cocktail party...

What are you waiting for? Head over to the Velveteen Lounge Kitsch-en now - you'll be glad you did!

Miss CherryBubbles enjoys a tiki-fied hot dog at Ohana, courtesy of Velveteen Lounge Kitsch-en!

Father's Day...

2011-06-19T08:57:00.004-04:00

Here's to all the swell dads and granddads who've been a part of our lives and made living them that much more wonderful!

Little Miss CherryBubbles and her very own swell Dad

Happy Father's Day!

Home on the Range... and Blond Furniture Revisited

2011-06-16T10:55:00.010-04:00

I'm thrilled to pieces and just had to share that my Grandma Elverna's Frigidaire stove is coming to my house!

My grandmother's stove in her pink and red kitchen.

I can't wait to cook with the range that my grandmother used to make me real hot cocoa when I was a child... and that she cooked so many wonderful family dinners with. I also have one of her aprons... I'm sensing a photo op in my future.

This stove has a deep well on the range top and it has TWO ovens. Oh Miss Frigidaire, the soup and cookies we will make, you and I!

Just for fun, here is another view of my Grandma Elverna's kitchen, showing the cute little shelves above the sink...

Grandma Elverna and Grandpa Bud in the mid-1940s with their two boys... the little guy on the left is my Dad. :)

Now, as I recall, I promised to let you know when the Heywood Wakefield furniture from Grandpa Bud and Grandma Elverna's house would go to auction. The furniture will be sold on July 12 in a special auction of higher end antiques at Travers Auctions in Dallas, PA. There's also an antique oak sewing cabinet & machine in this auction that my Grandpa Bud brought from his parents' house several years ago. It looks like the auctioneers have some really terrific items for this auction, so it might be worth the trip if you live in or near northeastern Pennsylvania.

So, who has a suggestion for a good first thing to make using my grandmother's stove?

The Giveaway Drawing You've Been Waiting For...

2011-05-15T19:51:00.013-04:00

SEE... Miss CherryBubbles actually draw the winning name!

Video Director & Editor: Mr. Mantiki / Spokesmodel: Miss CherryBubbles

Many many thanks to all who entered and...

Congratulations to SusieQT, winner* of Miss CherryBubbles' Mahalo to My Followers Giveaway!

Susie QT has a lovely blog, so go have a look!

*Dear winner,
Please email me at the address in the sidebar with your contact info so I can send your goodies on their way to you :)
xoxo
Miss CherryBubbles

No Man of Her Own... and Giveaway Drawing Coming Soon!

2011-05-06T10:00:00.007-04:00

I just watched No Man of Her Own (1950) the other night for the first time. What a terrific film!

Basically, Barbara Stanwyck plays an eight-months pregnant woman whose unfaithful boyfriend hands her a train ticket back to where she came from. When the train wrecks, she is mistaken for another pregnant woman on the train whose husband is also killed in the wreck. The husband's parents and brother accept her and her baby as their daughter-in-law and grandchild. But, this deception is in danger of being exposed when... oh well, maybe you'd better just see the movie.

I found it interesting that, while the movie has all the elements of a typical film noir, Barbara Stanwyck plays the lead character, rather than a femme fatale (as in Double Indemnity). Of course, she was smashing as a desperate average woman helplessly pulled into desperate circumstances. If there isn't a "chick noir" subcategory within film noir, maybe there ought to be...

As is so often the case, Edith Head did the gowns for Barbara Stanwyck. She did a great job costuming Barbara as an average woman. It seems to me I read somewhere once that Barbara Stanwyck was rather long-waisted, which had to be compensated for in costumes designed for her. Anyone else ever hear that little tidbit?

I loved the interesting shots and scene changes in the film, and the way the train wreck is presented completely from the inside of the train. Mitchell Leisen directed this movie. I think the only other of his films I've seen is The Mating Game (one of my favorite movies). Daniel L. Fapp was Director of Photography (he was DP on West Side Story).

The only criticism I have is that the title doesn't seem to fit the film though. The title of the Cornell Woolrich story that this movie was adapted from is I Married a Dead Man... now, that's a film noir title!

Here's the first 10 minutes of the movie to tempt you...

Now, contrary to what you might think, I haven't forgotten about drawing a winner for the Mahalo to My Followers Giveaway. I plan to take care of all that in next week's post... can you handle the suspense? ;)

Tune in next week when Miss CherryBubbles chooses a winner!

Too kool for skool...

2011-04-27T17:06:00.004-04:00

... don't you think?

I only have time for a quick post at the moment, but have wanted for awhile to share this fantastic photo of my parents in their glorious high school days. It is one of my favorite pictures of them. Seriously, aren't they just too cool?

Now, if you haven't entered my 100 followers giveaway, you've still got until May 1 to enter. Head over here and enter in the comment section. Good luck!

Catch ya on the flip side, kats & kittens!

It's a "Mahalo to my Followers" Giveaway!

2011-04-15T15:14:00.014-04:00

A while back I reached the coveted "100 Followers" mark here at Past Life... and then I threatened to host a giveaway to say thank you to all of you. Well, the giveaway is finally here!

It took me a little time because I wanted to make something special for the prize package, in addition to the vintagey goodies included. So, without further ado, I give you...

The Mahalo to My Followers Giveaway!

Mahalo is, of course, the Hawaiian word for "Thank you." I decided on a sort of Hawaiian/tiki/tropical theme for the giveaway because I've been looking around for just those sorts of things for Ohana Luau at the Lake in June. (See my Ohana post from back in February.)

Here's what the lucky winner will receive:

☛ A lovely goldtone palm tree brooch - take the islands with you wherever you go...

☛ A pale sunshine yellow Hawaii souvenir chiffon scarf with hula dancers and various Hawaii scenes...

☛ A kicky wicker & lucite handbag - fully lined, with a zippered inside pocket and roomy enough for all your important girly stuff...

☛ A fun red hibiscus flower barrette - designed and crocheted by yours truly, Miss CherryBubbles...

Now, here's how to enter for a chance to win:

1. Leave a comment here telling me about your tiki/tropical/Polynesian favorites - could be a movie, a cocktail, an island, apparel, a fruit, etc. Just to get you started, my favorites are pineapple, tikis, teatimer blouses, Hawaiian slack key guitar music, and mai tais.

2. For an additional entry, blog about this giveaway and be sure to comment here with a link. If you don't have a blog, you can still get an additional entry by spreading the word on Facebook or Twitter and letting me know that you did so.

3. If you become a follower of my blog, you'll receive an additional entry - just let me know that you're a new follower in the comments below.

**Don't forget to include an email so that I can contact the lucky winner**

Okay! You've got until Sunday, May 1, to get your entries in!
Winner will be chosen in a random drawing and will be posted here.

Pomaika`i! Good Luck!

If Grandma Was a Hollywood Starlet...

2011-04-08T11:49:00.005-04:00

There was a whole chest of photos to look through in preparation for my Grandma Jane's memorial service this weekend. My mom and I were putting together a photo collage to display at the service. I was constantly amazed by the photographs of my grandmother that I'd never seen before. I just had to share this one with you...

Both my mom and I thought she looked a like a Hollywood starlet, perhaps awaiting her next scene in a picture that takes place "in the country." I wish I could look so well-put-together and beautifully-coiffed.

On another note... rest assured I haven't forgotten about the giveaway I've been dangling before you. Sometimes life gets in the way of blogging. I'm hoping to have everything ready next week and I hope you'll enjoy this one!

Til next time...

Aloha ;)

Please do not adjust your set...

2011-03-17T14:11:00.003-04:00

... we will return you to your regularly-scheduled blog posts shortly.

I'm still putting together a swell 100-follower giveaway package to be announced soon, so stayed tuned.

In the meantime, please enjoy this video clip, chosen especially to give you the merest hint of the giveaway theme...

In Memory of My Grandma Jane...

2011-03-03T09:18:00.025-05:00

I count myself among the lucky for having known all four of my grandparents (and even a great-grandparent!) while growing up. I am greatly saddened though, that my last grandparent still living passed away on Monday night. I'll miss my Grandma Jane very much.

Elnora Jane was born in 1918 near the end of the First World War, or the Great War, as it was known then. She grew up on a farm, was the middle daughter of three girls, and lived the majority of her life in the same Pennsylvania county in which she was born.

Jane (she always went by her middle name) probably never experienced the decadence of the "roaring 20s", but she was teenager during the Depression, the new bride of an army soldier during the Second World War, and a high school "cafeteria lady" in the 1970s and 1980s. In the late 1930s or very early 1940s, Jane, one of her sisters, and a cousin all went to New Jersey to work in a button factory for awhile. I often think that must have been a great adventure for three young women at the time.

Since my Grandma Jane has appeared in a few of my past posts (here and here and here), I thought I'd share some of my favorite photos of her...

On her wedding day in Hugo, Oklahoma, 1943. She traveled there to be
married because my Grandpa Alf was stationed at Camp Maxey in Texas.

All dressed up, possibly for her high school graduation in 1936.

Probably sometime in 1944. Grandpa Alf was likely on leave.
My grandmother still had the vase of poppies picture (in the upper
right corner of photo) hanging in her room at the personal care
home where she lived for the past seven years.

Jane, the middle daughter, seated between her two sisters,
Marge and Helen.
I love the bold print on her dress!

Gone fishin' ... in Canada. (circa late 1950s/early 1960s)
This is one of my absolute favorite photos of my grandmother!

Jane and her granddaughter.
I treasure my memories of the times I spent with my Grandma Jane.

Elnora Jane, 1918-2011
Rest in peace, Grandma.

**I chose "Bluebird of Happiness" as one of the songs to go along with this post because my grandmother was quite fond of those handblown glass bluebirds of happiness that were popular many years ago. She gave me a pair of them when I was younger that I still have.**

I Never Knew I'd Write a Blog...

2011-02-17T15:48:00.037-05:00

...let alone win an award for one! *(A Nicole Kidman quote, sort of paraphrased.)

Oh my stars! I've received my first award as a vintage-y blogger! Thank you, Thank you to the lovely Miss Dee, who has bestowed upon me, the Stylish Blogger Award! Miss Dee writes "Of Pearls and Petticoats," a delightful blog that you ought to visit, if you haven't already. Go ahead, click the link, I'll wait here until you're done...

Now, as I understand the rules for accepting this award, I must share seven facts about myself and I must pass this award on to seven other bloggers that I enjoy reading...

So, here are the facts (just the facts, ma'am)...

1. I love a mystery. No, really, I do. Anything unsolved or unanswered piques my interest. I blame Nancy Drew for starting the whole thing and David Lynch for egging me on.

2. I was a Girl Scout... and, in a pinch, I could still make a Buddy Burner out of a big coffee can. Yep, that's me in the middle, with the Elvis sneer and cupcake icing on my face. Hmm, I'm pretty sure we didn't use a Buddy Burner to make those cupcakes.

3. Up until 2006, my mister and I visited Vermont every year (sometimes twice a year). In fact, we "eloped" there on February 18, 2005. I'd love to live in Vermont someday.

4. I have a master's degree in Library Science and did my internship in a large historical society library. My project was to organize and catalog a manuscripts collection from an early 1900s girls' camp in Maine. I think completing that project was the most fun work I've ever done.

5. Oh, wow, I'm only up to five facts... well, let's see... I have the same middle name as my mother and grandmother! It's like having a family heirloom that you can never lose, break, or have taken from you.

4. The first time I ever dyed my hair, I was 31 years old... and I dyed it black. My mister loved the new color, but it didn't go over so well with my Grandma Jane. She was much happier when, several years later, I decided to go blonde (perhaps I was subliminally influenced by my two blonde friends in the photo below?).

7. As a wee tot, I had a pet bunny called "Mitzi." I'm not so sure Mitzi was enjoying herself in this photo, but I look pleased as punch wif my widdle bunny baby.

And now... it was tough (I mean, tough!) to choose seven from amongst the so many wonderful blogs I follow, but, my choices for the Stylish Blogger Award are:

For The Love of Pete

Lemondrop Vintage

Livin' Vintage

Practice In Time

Sassy Lassie's Vintage Life

Tart Deco

Zootsuitmama

Do drop in on these terrific blogs - there's always a post worth reading!

Say, while I'm expressing my appreciation today, I'd also like to Thank all of you for jumping in the jitney and riding along with me here! And since I've now passed the 100-followers mark, keep your eye out for a GIVEAWAY in the coming weeks!

Dreaming of the Tropical Paradise of Northern New York...

2011-02-11T10:46:00.021-05:00

Although I'm more of a fall/winter kinda girl, this chilly weather has had me thinking a lot about Ohana Luau at the Lake, a fabulous weekender held in June at the Tiki Resort in Lake George, NY.

My mister and I vowed that we would attend this year. We've got our room reservations made and, as soon as tickets go on sale, we'll have those in hand too. Then there's vacation-time-scheduling and figuring out where Mr. Lucky will be vacationing while his people are away. Preparing for a vacation, even a short one, always seems to be chock full of details to remember

But, of course, one very important part of preparation is finding tiki-rrific outfits to wear! I have a fun orange vintage sleeveless barkcloth Royal Hawaiian shirt, a vintage muumuu by Penney's Hawaiian, and I'm considering taking this tiki-ish print dress along as well...

I still haven't found a belt that suits this dress better than the white one I'm wearing in the photo. Guess I'd better add that to my to-do list.

Here's a close-up of the print... novelty-licious, don't you think?

Now, since Ohana is four days and three nights, I'd like to have a few more swell items to wear. As I've been pouring over Etsy, I've run across so many fabulous tiki, Hawaiian, tropical, and Asian/Polynesian things that I thought I'd share a few with you...

A lovely Ui Maikai dress from Jitterbuggin...

Tropic orange passion flower necklace and earrings set from VintageEyeFashion...

Fabulous Hawaiian tea-timer blouse from WearItAgain...

A terrific red & white hibiscus dress from FastEddiesRetroRags...

A completely adorable coconut purse from BossaCubana...

And a tiki-rrific Hawaiian barkcloth shirt from MomoDeluxeVintage...

Oh, and don't let's forget about tiki mugs, like this collection of eight from AtomicMiss...

Well, that warmed me up a bit - how about you?
Now I really can't wait to go to Ohana!

Are any of you going to a weekender-type event for the first time this year?

Revisiting the $5.00 Box of Photos...

2011-01-28T15:01:00.003-05:00

Light snow is falling outside my window today, so it seemed a good day to stay indoors and revisit the $5.00 box of vintage photos that I bought back in aught-nine... 2009, that is.

As I was wandered through time in a box, I came across these photos....

I do believe they are photos of Miss CherryBubbles and her faithful canine companion, Mr. Lucky, in a past life.

And here's Miss CherryBubbles and Mr. Lucky in their present day "past life."

I'm often amazed to come across photographs, prints, or illustrations in thrift and antique shops that could be me and my puppy dog somewhere back in time. And I usually feel compelled to add them to my growing collection...

Have you ever found vintage photos of yourself and your pet in a past life?

A Bevy of Beautiful Blondes in My Grandparents' House...

2011-01-20T11:13:00.024-05:00

My family always referred to the light-colored, beautifully-streamlined, modern-looking furniture in my Grandpa Bud and Grandma Elverna's mid-1950s-built house as "The Blonde Furniture." To me, as a child, it always seemed extra-special and somehow more than just an ordinary table, chair, or desk.

While you will most likely recognize it right away as Heywood-Wakefield, I was an adult before I ever heard the name mentioned in relation to my grandparents' Blonde Furniture.

I thought you might like to come along on my trip down memory lane and see some photos I took last fall at the house. At some point in the near future, all this furniture will be headed to auction.

Let's start with the china cabinet... full of the Franciscan Desert Rose dinnerware that I fondly recall my Grandma Elverna using for many a family dinner...

And here's the buffet... I always loved the sliding door on the one side...

One of six chairs for the dining room table - four armless and two with arms... my grandfather always occupied an arm chair at the head of the table (well, actually the end closest to the kitchen)...

The table ends fold down and the "legs" are three arches of wood... my grandmother always used a tablecloth for dinners - often one that she had embroidered or cross-stitched herself...

End tables and coffee table in the living room... my grandmother used to have lady-head vases on each of the end tables...

My grandmother's dresser... the mirror always seemed so huge to me...

My grandfather's dresser... complete with a green Roseville "Hyde Park" monogrammed ashtray that doesn't look as if Grandpa Bud ever used it (even though he was a pipe and cigar smoker at one time)...

The headboard with sliding door compartments... the quilt rack next to the bed was made by my Grandpa Bud...

And, last, but not least, the awesome desk in front of an oft-sunny window where I remember my grandparents taking care of their bookkeeping and paperwork...

I hope you enjoyed meeting this bevy of beautiful blondes! I know I will always associate "The Blonde Furniture" with fond memories of my Grandpa Bud and Grandma Elverna.

What stirs happy family memories for you?

Skating on the Pond...

2011-01-06T10:06:00.021-05:00

(Illustration from The Household Magazine, January 1935)

This time of year always brings to mind those happy winter days of my childhood spent ice skating on the neighbor's pond.

Of course, before any skating could be done, Dad (or someone responsible enough to use an axe) had to chop a hole in the ice to make sure it was thick enough. We certainly didn't want to replay the "falling through thin ice" scene from It's a Wonderful Life!

I usually had to wear good ol' thermal long underwear underneath my jeans and sweater and winter coat, along with two pairs of socks - it seems like it was colder in those days. But I always preferred to imagine I was wearing a lovely red or blue velvet skating costume with furry trim... you know, á la Sonja Henie... with matching skates. Or maybe just a little something like these lovely ladies are wearing...

(Photo from Woman's Home Companion, December 1940)

Or maybe even something in a green velvet, like this Chesterfield lady...

(Advertisement from The Household Magazine, January 1935)

Sure, a skirt isn't the most practical when skating in the great out-of-doors in single-digit-January temperatures, but it looks real swell whilst twirling and spinning on the ice. And even when sitting prettily and enjoying a cup of hot chocolate.

Just for fun, I had a look-around on Etsy and was amazed to find this terrific 1940s red velvet skating costume from AdelinesAttic:

Lovely, don't you think?

And this fabulous 40s ice skating costume sewing pattern from TheVintageDesignShop:

How I wish I could sew well enough to make something like this!

I also found this neat little 1940s embroidery-trimmed skating skirt from Bombshell1939:

So adorable!

Well, I'd probably take a spill and break a hip, but I sure feel like some good old-fashioned ice skating after writing this post! Now, where'd I put those ice skates?

Hmm, maybe I'll just settle for a steaming mug of hot chocolate.

What outdoor winter fun do you remember from your childhood?

2010-12-31T18:21:00.004-05:00

Hope you're enjoying much good cheer on this festive New Year's Eve!

Wishing you all the best for the new year!

See you in 2011!

Holiday Greetings...

2010-12-23T10:35:00.007-05:00

Warmest Wishes for a Wonderful Holiday
and a Bright New Year
from Miss CherryBubbles and Past Life!

And, oh my goodness, I see that I've got 97 followers now, and you know what that means...
it won't be long until I host a fabulous 100-followers giveaway!

Stay tuned...

Do you remember ribbon candy?

2010-12-15T11:45:00.010-05:00

Ribbon candy always brings fond memories of my childhood Christmases!

Along with a few other old-timey candies, my family always included ribbon candy in the holiday candy dish. It's not the easiest candy to eat without shattering the "ribbon", but it's so colorful and differently-shaped from any other type of holiday candy. According to a history of ribbon candy at eHow.com, the striped pleated confection has been around since 1856 and was invented by the F. B. Washburn candy company in Massachusetts. The Sevigny brand of ribbon candy pictured above is now owned by F. B. Washburn too.

I always wondered how it was made, so I did a little looking around on this new-fangled computer internet to see what I could see.

Note: You can pause the music by clicking the pause button on the red music player in the right sidebar.

Here's how Hilliard's House of Candy makes theses lovely treats...

And here, the ribbon candy is made entirely by hand...

What holiday candy stirs your childhood memories?

Like the Pages of a Calendar...

2010-12-01T15:05:00.015-05:00

Time is passing so quickly that I forgot all about my 2011 calendar hunt!

I usually end up looking online or in a big bookstore for interesting vintage-related or retro calendars that I can write all those calendar-y things on. But that's not quite as much fun as hunting for at least one actual vintage calendar for a year that corresponds to the upcoming one - that way all the days fall on the right date. In the case of 2011, the corresponding years are 1910, 1921, 1927, 1938, 1949, 1955, or 1966.

So, come browse along with me now - we've got no time to lose...

Feeling secretarial? How about this 1949 "silent secretary" daily calendar from SarahAnntiques on Etsy?

Or here's an exotic 1966 Australian aboriginal carvings print linen calendar from HeyFriends on Etsy...

Perhaps you would prefer the pretty rosy-cheeked girl illustration on this 1921 Nucoa butter calendar from christmasangel on Etsy?

Now, if you're partial to poodles, here's a 1966 cute calendar from Ebay seller bungalowblondie1...

Methinks there's monkey business going on in this wacky 1955 cartoon monkeys calendar from Ebay seller tmorris2...

And of course, who doesn't love to look at a lovely lady like the one gracing this 1949 pinup calendar from grapefruitmoongallery on Ebay?

Last, but not least, one could always opt for a vintage perpetual calendar!

Bowling theme perpetual calendar from rarefinds4u on Etsy...

Or how about this sleek, mod flippy perpetual calendar from take2vintage on Etsy?

Who knew marking the passage of time could be so much fun?

So, do you still use good old-fashioned calendars or do you keep track of time the new-fangled electronic way?

Grandma's Thanksgiving Dinner...

2010-11-24T14:37:00.015-05:00

As I was perusing my November 1938 and 1939 Good Housekeeping magazines recently, I thought it would fun to put together a "Thanksgiving dinner" using the old-timey advertisements and photos. Something that struck me while in the process of choosing my menu items was that some of the brands available to Grandma in the 1930s are still available today. Do you recognize or use any of these?

First, we must find recipes in the Settlement Cookbook ("the way to a man's heart").

Now, don't forget to season your stuffing before you put it in the bird at 5:00 am!

Ah, who can resist the lovely jewel-like glow of cranberry sauce?

And don't those niblets look nummy?

Turkey in the straw? No, turkey on the table.

To keep your turkey from trotting off the platter, you might want these anchor carving pins.

Do you suppose he's got anchor carving pins? Or is he just that good?

It MUST be true, because Flako's got the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval!

Speaking of pie... my favorite is good old-fashioned pumpkin, but the one shown here with Brazil nuts sounds interesting. What's your favorite?

Well, I don't know about you, but I feel stuffed! And I keep humming "Over the river and through the woods, to Grandmother's house we go"....

Happy Thanksgiving!

A Little Something for Veteran's Day...

2010-11-11T10:12:00.009-05:00

To veterans of all the wars, Thank You for your service!

Here's a little musical celebration, vintage style, in honor of this day...

A Great Big Thank You!

2010-11-04T16:07:00.008-04:00

...to ArtDecoDame and Lady Luck!

A little while back, ArtDecoDame at Pretty Little Things blog hosted a fabulous giveaway to celebrate reaching 300 followers... and, oh my goodness, Lady Luck smiled on Miss CherryBubbles! My name was drawn as the winner! Now, just see all the swell vintage things that arrived in the mail one day...

The black floral hat is just gorgeous and the petal hat is too fun! I've used the lovely corde purse for a couple special occasions and worn the bracelets (separately, I might add) several times to work or just about town. But, oddly enough, I think my favorite thing is the leafy handkerchief. I'm a complete sucker for anything with autumn leaves!

Thank you, ArtDecoDame! You're the most!

Sophisticated lady? No, but she plays one on tv.

Now, hold still, Mr. Lucky, and blow.

She Was a Creature of the Night...

2010-10-28T16:12:00.011-04:00

and she was waiting for her Count to awaken from his sunlight sleep...

In honor of Hallowe'en, I thought I'd share one of my favorite vintage photos, purchased years ago when my collection was meager. I love how the photo portraits of the 1920s and 1930s evoke so much "atmosphere." This one, in particular, has always fascinated me - from the amazing velvet gown that looks like midnight on a moonless night to the wall sconces that almost appear to be dripping and the mist outside the door with the swirling scrollwork. Is it any wonder that I hear Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake whenever I look at this photo?

Okay, who's up for watching Dracula (the 1931 version, that is) now? ;)

Wishing you all a haunting Hallowe'en and a spirited Samhain!

Fall Foliage and Antiques Make a Winning Combination!

2010-10-21T10:03:00.023-04:00

I've often wondered why "leaf peeping" and "antique-hunting" go so well together....

On our way to the apple orchard a couple weekends ago, we made a stop at one of our favorite little country antique shops, Dokter's Treasures & Trees. The neat thing is that it is a tree farm in addition to an antique shop. In fact, we get our Christmas tree here every year. But let's not think about the winter holidays just yet. I'm still enjoying the beauty of autumn!

I thought I'd share some of our photos of Dokter's wares, the fall foliage, and a few interesting sights from our autumn excursion...

Oddly enough, I have green lawn chairs similar to those in the photo.

This gives new meaning to "outdoor hot tub."

On the table of goodies in the background, I found a black feather chignon clip still in its original round clear plastic box!

It seems somehow more substantial than a "clip."

A bit of fall decor next to the doorway to the shop.

Since there were quite a few people inside this tiny shop, I didn't take any indoor photos. However, there were lots more good things, as well as a refreshment table with apple cider, donuts, and cookies.

We also found a couple yard sales on our sojourn. I didn't see anything to buy at the first one, but they had these adorable little burros in the pasture just waiting for their picture to be taken.

And somewhere along the way, we spotted this tiny vintage camper hiding way back in the woods.

A bit spooky, don't you think?

Geese, who will soon be winging their way south.

And here are the vintage goodies I brought home from the antique shop and one of the yard sales.

Cookie cutters and head gear - does that seem an odd combination to you too?

Speaking of odd, I'll leave you with a photo of my swell bumpy pumpkin, acquired at the apple orchard we visited...

I love my weird pumpkin - can you tell?

A Few of My Favorite Fall Things...

2010-10-07T14:39:00.008-04:00

One of my favorite vintage magazine covers includes a few of my favorite fall things...

McCall's, September, 1944

...going to an orchard for apples and cider, seeing the sky a shade of blue that only happens in autumn, having a fun fall outing as a reason to wear cute overalls and braids.

This weekend, my mister and I will be off on our annual October excursion for apples, cheese, maple syrup, and hopefully a bit "leaf-peeping" (see this post about our swell lunch stop on last year's trip). At the moment, the fall foliage isn't too fabulous in this area. The recent rain knocked most of the leaves off the trees that had already turned, but I must say, I'm still hopeful.

Our autumn excursion always includes stops at Jayne's Orchard, LeRaysville Cheese Factory, and Back Achers Farm, as well as an interesting lunch spot. In past years, we've sometimes just stopped at a roadside rest to enjoy a snack of apples, cheese, and cider. Yum!

One of my most favorite fall things is seeing the asters in bloom. I love the purple petals with the yellowish-orange center. Here's one of the spots in my yard where I have asters blooming even as we speak...

Hope you're enjoying this autumn season too, wherever you may be!

Experiment...in...Pancakes!

2010-10-01T11:12:00.016-04:00

Tastier than an Experiment in Terror, don't you think? Okay, okay, let's just say they're equally tasty. ;)

Yesterday, I bought a small jug of locally-made apple cider, thinking only of enjoying a nice cold glass of the autumn manna. Then, an idea came to me... Apple Cider Pancakes! Could it be done?

After searching a bit online, I only came up with apple cider pancake recipes that called for "pancake mix" or Bisquick. Well, I'm more of a "from-scratch" kinda gal, so I thought why not experiment with one of my tried and true vintage cookbook recipes.

I started out with the pancake recipe that I normally make for Sunday breakfast - Sweet Milk Griddle Cakes from my oft-used and well-loved The Lily Wallace New American Cookbook (copyright 1941, 1943, 1947, 1950).

Now, here's my Apple Cider Pancakes version...

2 cups flour
1/2 to 1 teaspoon salt (depending on your preference)
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
2 tablespoons maple sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 cups apple cider
1 egg
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

Mix and sift (yes, I do sift - makes a lighter texture!) flour, salt, baking powder, maple sugar, and cinnamon. Mix together beaten egg, cider, and melted butter. Combine with dry mixture and mix well. Drop by tablespoons or pour from a swell vintage batter bowl (the kind with a spout) onto hot griddle (greased well if it isn't cast-iron, otherwise grease lightly). Brown on both sides. Serve hot with butter and real maple syrup (I also think a ginger syrup, blackberry syrup, or cinnamon syrup would be tasty).

As much as I love my well-seasoned round cast-iron griddle, someday I'd like to have either a vintage stove with a "griddle in the middle" or a vintage six-burner stove that I can use a two-burner-sized rectangular griddle on. But, it'll do for now. ;)

Here come the bubbles...

Nicely browned, although I think the cider and/or the maple sugar make the pancakes a darker shade of brown than the usual milk/white sugar recipe...

Sage & Thyme Chicken Sausages (organic, even) for "on the side"....

Now that's a fine fall feast fit for family and friends...

Happy October!

Apple Cider: Jayne's Orchard, West Auburn, PA
Maple Syrup: Back Achers Farm, Rome, PA

Lovely Giveaway at Pretty Little Things... and an upcoming giveaway here. ;)

2010-09-27T11:31:00.009-04:00

My pal, ArtDecoDame, over at Pretty Little Things is hosting a fabulous (and I mean fabulous!) giveaway in honor of reaching the 300-follower mark.

It's no surprise that she's got so many followers - after all, ArtDecoDame's blog is always a fun read! So, go check it out and enter the giveaway. And don't forget to take a peek at her shop on Etsy - you're sure to find treasures you can't live without.

And now, I must apologize to my readers for neglecting my blog over the past month. I recently started a part-time job at a historical society, have been busy with my freelance work, and am just getting over a nasty sore throat/cold/sinus/virus thingy. At least 2 out of the 3 were "good" reasons. ;) Thank you all for hanging in there...

...and, oh my goodness, I see that I've reached 90 followers. That means I'll be hosting a giveaway when that number reaches 100. I've already got a few ideas for giveaway items, so...

Stay Tuned!

I Sing the Body Eclectic... Part One

2010-08-24T11:04:00.013-04:00

When it comes to old-timey stuff, I tend to be eclectic. There are so many fantastic styles of clothing, decor, music, cars, housewares, etc. that I've never been able to settle on one particular era as my favorite... and I don't think that's such a bad thing. After all, didn't someone say that "variety is the very spice of life, that gives it all its flavor?"

I thought that, every so often, I'd highlight my eclecticism in a particular area of vintage. This "Part One" post is about music. While I actually enjoy songs and artists from just about every era/genre, here are some of my favorites, and this is just a drop in my musical bucket....

The Boswell Sisters

Astrid Gilberto & Stan Getz

Benny Goodman Orchestra

The Ventures

Les Baxter

Al Bowlly

Collins Kids

Booker T and the MGs

Bert Kaempfert

Three Dog Night

Jimmie Lunceford

France Gall

Arlo Guthrie

John Lee Hooker

Eddie Cochran

Well, you get the idea...

Now, what about you?
Do you prefer a particular era or genre of music or do you sing the body eclectic?

Heartin' for Tartan...

2010-08-20T10:45:00.023-04:00

and you thought I was going to say "mad for plaid."

1915 photo of my great aunt Ruth at about age 3 in full Scottish regalia.

I'm not sure why, exactly, but there's always been a place in my heart for plaid, or if we prefer to be proper, tartan. Maybe my Scottish roots are showing... or perhaps it's related to my love of autumn, when the crisp air says, "colorful wool skirt or jacket." Maybe it's a little of both. ;) Whatever the reason, I thought I'd share some kicky plaid items I happened upon while window shopping on Etsy...

A swell plaid umbrella from ReKindled Cottage...

A fun plaid picnic jug from OraGraceVintage...

The ever-popular Pendleton 49er in red & grey plaid from TopsyDesign...

Nifty plaid & black wedge shoes from AvantGarb...

Perky plaid kerchief from VintageDove...

A neat plaid overnight case from CircleCreekHome (and I might add, plaid inside and out)...

Pretty plaid 30s dress from SnootieSeconds...

And last, but not least...

A plaid book all about the clans and tartans of Scotland from Junquete...

I don't know about you, but now I'm feelin' plaid all over.

Index Cards and a Shoebox or Two..

2010-07-26T12:48:00.007-04:00

In the "real world", I make my living as a freelance book indexer and proofreader. I recently started a new project, indexing a World War II military history book, so my posts may be few and far between for a little while. I hope you'll bear with me. :)

Neat Vintage Office Supplies including Index Cards available from Sadieolive on Etsy.

This swell Vintage Index Card File Box is available from TheModShop on Etsy.

When I started my back-of-the-book indexing business in 1996, I actually used index cards, shoeboxes (for filing the cards alphabetically), and one of those old-timey word-processing typewriter thingies. Yes, I realize it was the 1996, not 1956, but it took several projects (and payments for those projects) before I could afford a computer. To be honest, I'm glad to have experienced indexing the "old-fashioned" way. It allowed me to develop a firm foundation in analyzing text and organizing information. The experience also gave me a great appreciation for those early book indexers who had to keep track of so many terms, concepts, and the connections between the two, primarily in the old noggin.

Amazing RED Royal Quiet De Luxe Typewriter available from RetroRubbish on Etsy.
(This is my dream typewriter - after all, it's red!)

Keen shiny Vintage Pencil Sharpener available from MoxieThrift on Etsy.

Time to sharpen my pencil and get back to work!

Think Pink! The Girl Can't Help It Is Hosting a Giveaway!

2010-07-21T11:26:00.003-04:00

My pal Kim at The Girl Can't Help It is offering up something pink, kitchen-y, and rockin' cool to celebrate reaching 300 followers! Don't keep yourself in suspense - head over there right now to enter! And while you're there, have a look around - Kim's posts are oodles of fun... after all, 300 followers can't be wrong. ;)

Little Beauty Parlor on the Prairie?

2010-07-14T22:10:00.009-04:00

Actually, "Little Beauty Parlor in the Ozarks" would be more fitting...

I've loved Laura Ingalls Wilder's books since I was a wee tot and, in fact, have been collecting her writings for many years. Before she wrote the "Little House" books in the 1930s, Laura wrote articles for regional farm-related newspapers and national magazines.

Laura and Almanzo left the drought-ridden South Dakota prairie several years into their marriage for the bounty of the Ozark Mountains of Missouri, also known as the "Land of the Big Red Apple." Here, they carved out a beautiful and successful farm from a rocky, forested piece of land, which Laura named Rocky Ridge Farm. Her article-writing supplemented the family income between 1911 and 1924. One of my favorite articles is from 1914, "A Plain Beauty Talk."

Laura Ingalls Wilder through the years.

So, what advice does Laura have for maintaining beauty at home? Here are a few of her tips for "country women" who do not have the same access to a beauty parlor as "city women" ...

Laura suggests these basic supplies for the "home beauty parlor":

"...some good, pure soap, a bottle of dioxogen (early trade name for hydrogen peroxide) and some orange wood sticks (for cleaning under fingernails), a bottle of glycerine and rosewater, and a good toothbrush. With these aids, we can take care of our complexion, our hair, our hands, and our teeth."

For complexion care, she advises thoroughly cleansing the face with warm water and good soap, in particular, castile soap. One should rinse with warm water first, then cold water...

"...the clear warm water rinses out the soap so it will not clog the pores. The face should then be well rinsed with cold water, the colder the better, to close the pores and tighten the skin to prevent flabbiness. Cold water is one of the best aids in keeping a good complexion if it is used in this way."

Laura also recommends using cold cream:

"A good cold cream rubbed into the skin just before the cold water is used, and then wiped lightly off with a soft cloth, will help to keep the wrinkles away and make the skin softer."

Other beauty tips for farm women include keeping a bottle of glycerine and rosewater near the "washpan" (or sink) to use after hands are washed and dried.

"Do this as many times a day as hands are washed, and they will keep soft and white."

Possibly my favorite of Laura's tips (because they're so interesting and, well, farm-y) are these:

"Washing in buttermilk will whiten hands and face. Fresh strawberries rubbed on the skin will bleach it, and rhubarb or tomatoes will remove stains from the fingers."

And one final tip that I'm tempted to try now that I've got more grey in my hair than I care to have:

"A tea made from common garden sage will darken the hair and help it grow."

Laura's article, in its entirety (there's lots more to it than I've quoted here), was published in the book, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Farm Journalist: Writings from the Ozarks (edited by Steven W. Hines). This book can be read online here at Google Books or, if you're a Laura fan and prefer to buy the book, it's available here at Amazon.

I wonder, if I followed the same regimen Laura recommends in her article, would I age as well as she did (based on her photos above)? ;)

Maybe This Would Keep Me Cool...

2010-07-08T11:55:00.004-04:00

We're havin' a heat wave here in the northeastern US, so I've been trying to come up with ways to stay cool in my un-air-conditioned old-timey two-story house.

I'm tempted to try this suggestion...

But no, I think Marilyn's right - too icky.

Back to square one. ;)

A Pinch of Provenance, or, A Bit of Backstory

2010-06-29T15:43:00.017-04:00

If there's one thing I love about antique and vintage goodies (especially photos), it's the background stories that go along with them... or, if you prefer the proper term, their provenance.

Recently, while driving about on a Saturday, my dearest spotted a yard sale and suggested we stop. I'm glad we did, because I found a fabulous late 1940s framed photo featuring a group of girls in sparkly hula costumes - perfect for our mid-century tropical/tiki-themed living room!

There was no price on the picture, but when we asked, the 50-something-year-old woman holding the sale said, "$5.oo?" in a rather tentative way. My dearest enthusiastically replied, "Sold!" I don't think she was expecting such an immediate positive response because she looked a little surprised. When I commented that it was a really neat and unusual picture, the woman told me that the photo was of her aunt's dance class. Apparently, her aunt had taken dance lessons when she was a girl and this was a photo of the whole class in their recital costumes. The woman also mentioned was that she'd offered to return the picture to her aunt, but the aunt has a copy of the photo and didn't need another one (yay for me!).

Now, why the heck didn't I ask which girl is the aunt??

Oh, and I got this swell coconut monkey from the same sale too, but no provenance for this primate...

Don't you love knowing just a little bit about your treasures' backstories?

Vintage Karma, or, What Goes Around Comes Around

2010-06-22T11:00:00.008-04:00

Back in February, I had a month of giveaways, one of which included a terrific little baking booklet entitled "Learn to Bake" - here are photos from the giveaway...

At the time, I seriously debated whether to include "Learn to Bake" because the booklet was a favorite of mine. But, I finally decided that this particular vintage goodness should be shared. So into the giveaway it went...

Fast forward to June... Imagine my surprise when I found a copy of the same booklet at a local antique shop for $1.00!

Here's my favorite picture in the book - it's me, Miss CherryBubbles, baking biscuits in a past life ;)

While this alone is enough to make me believe in vintage karma, it isn't the only time I've given away something I was very fond of, only to have another one turn up to replace it. But, I think I'll save my other vintage karma story for another post.

How about you - do you have a similar vintage karma story?

Anyone Have a Time Machine I Can Borrow? I Need to Go Shopping in 1928!

2010-06-10T13:51:00.027-04:00

A couple weeks ago, I finally purchased a 1928 Sears catalog that I've had my eye on for some time. When I first saw it months ago, the price wasn't right - for me, anyway. The catalog is in fair shape, but certainly not good enough to deserve the price marked.

Well, the antique shop owner must have decided to send the catalog on its merry way, because she reduced it to half-price! So, naturally, that was all the incentive I needed to show up with cash in my hand and a smile on my face.

And now that I've seen what was available from Sears in 1928, I need a time machine.

Here are some of the items on my shopping list...

Don't miss all the neat details - click on the pics to enlarge.

1. Dresses - and some even come in the "stout" sizes that I'd need to buy. ;) You know, I'm not sure if saying "plus" 2010 is really any better than saying "stout" in 1928. Anyway, aren't the prints and styles just darling?

2. Hats - Did you guess that I'll be buying the straw cloche with the cherries?

3. Coat - Everyone needs a swell coat and I think I'll have the jazzy plaid one on the lower right.

4. Shoes - Oh no, I shan't leave 1928 without purchasing these two terrific pairs of shoes! Sure, there were lots of fancy heels, but my feet will appreciate something a little more down to earth...

5. Fabric - These fantastic prints would certainly be incentive for getting my sewing room set up sooner! I particularly like the Dolly Madison prints in the upper right corner.

6. Cookware - I love the Energex and Table Grills! I mean, who wouldn't? You can cook an entire meal with one appliance... right at the table! ;)

7. Hammock - Well, a girl's gotta relax in style, right? Now, which one do I choose...

8. Ukulele - If you've got a hammock, you must have a ukulele too! And if you like a ukulele lady, ukulele lady like-a you. ;)

Okay, whose willing to loan me their time machine? I'll be glad to pick up a few little 1928 somethings for you while I'm there. :)

So, what would you travel back in time to buy? And where in time would you go?

Rockin' Good Giveaway at The Girl Can't Help It!

2010-06-07T21:14:00.004-04:00

Hey kids, my pal Kim over at The Girl Can't Help It is hosting a fun-tabulous giveaway, entitled "The Vintage Housewife!" Check out the rockin' goodies she is generously giving away to one lucky randomly-chosen winner...

Okay, now that your interest is piqued, head on over to Kim's blog for all the details and to enter the giveaway! Oh, and if you haven't been following The Girl Can't Help It, have a look around and just see all the fun you're missing!

1940s Goodies Giveaway at This Homemade Life!

2010-06-03T21:17:00.005-04:00

My pal, Kristen, over at This Homemade Life is offering a fun 40s giveaway... and it's a giveaway within a giveaway. The main package is shown in the pic above - and isn't it darling?! The top secret bonus prize is, well, top secret, but Kristen provides a little teaser in her post. Now, Miss CherryBubbles wants you to head right on over and get your entry in... the drawing is next week!

And while you're there, check out This Homemade Life... Kristen is peachy keen and posts lots of interesting things :)

Looking for Swell Summer Shoes?

2010-06-03T09:12:00.005-04:00

Look no further than Shrinky Inky's Fine Adventures! My pal, Inky, has a couple pairs of adorable Ked's retro wedge-style shoes for sale on her blog. Go forth and see - they'd be just darling with your summer vintage outfits! And if you haven't checked out Inky's blog yet, what are you waiting for? She's a swell gal with interesting things to say! :)

This Is Not My Girl Detective, Or, A Review of "Nancy Drew"

2010-05-27T11:10:00.012-04:00

Last night, I watched the 2007 movie, Nancy Drew.

I'd been looking forward to the latest incarnation of my beloved sleuth and was a bit excited to see that it was next in my Netflix queue. Sadly, my hopes for the movie being a well-done representation of Nancy in the modern world were dashed early on. But then, I was watching a Hollywood version of Nancy Drew, so perhaps my expectations were too high. And I can't help comparing the movie Nancy to the book Nancy. Nor am I a "young person of today".

Right off the bat, I was disappointed with the overall cartoonish, almost Scooby-Do-esque feel of the movie. This isn't as noticeable in the trailer, but when you watch the full movie, it becomes more obvious. In fact, several of Nancy's outfits have a more cartoon-like look, rather than appearing "old-fashioned" or vintage-style.

That being said, I do confess that I liked her painting smock - you can't see in this pic, but the pockets look like paint pallettes...

Another item I take issue with is Nancy being portrayed as a somewhat annoying anal-retentive goody two-shoes - not personality traits I usually associate with my favorite girl detective. In my book (pun intended), Nancy is intelligent, compassionate, capable, trustworthy, fun-loving, a problem-solver, and humble... and instead of Nancy trying to be like other girls, as is mentioned in the trailer, other girls wanted to be like her. I think there was an attempt to present the characteristics of the "book Nancy," but somehow the effect is rather one-dimensional.

Perhaps my biggest question is: why make a Nancy Drew movie without her stalwart chums, Bess and George?? Sure, we see them briefly at the beginning... at least I think it's them. Is it them? Bess and George are as much a part of Nancy Drew as her blue eyes (also missing from the movie), her trusty flashlight, and her roadster (don't even get me started on the one in the movie).

One final nit-picky thing.... Hannah Gruen, the ever-faithful housekeeper, may have had a German-sounding name, but she never had an accent in the 1930s to 1970s books, nor was her nationality ever mentioned that I recall. I concede that Hannah was a crackerjack cook and baker, though ;)

I will say this - Nancy Drew wasn't a terrible movie, but neither was I particularly impressed with the portrayal of Nancy and her world.

Have any of you watched this movie? Did you like it? Why or why not? I'd love to hear your thoughts :)

Amazing Giveaway from LisaFreemontStreet on Youtube!

2010-05-24T08:40:00.005-04:00

In a blog post last fall, I mentioned that I enjoy LisaFreemontStreet's swell hair & makeup tutorials on Youtube. Well, not only are the tutorials terrific, but now Ashley's offering an amazing giveaway to celebrate reaching 11,000 subscribers on her Youtube channel! The prize package includes items from Besame Cosmetics, Sigma, Pin Up Girl Clothing, Belle Blossoms, Andewyn Designs, Dolly Bags and more. So head on over to LisaFreemontStreet on Youtube and enter if you're a subscriber! Or subscribe if you don't already, and then you can enter this fabulous giveaway from a lovely lady :)

And don't forget to visit the Lisa Freemont Pages blog!

Swell Sunny Swimsuits Make a Grey Day Go Away...

2010-05-18T11:59:00.018-04:00

The weather here today is grey, damp, and a bit chilly, so I thought a sunny summer warm-weather post was in order!

I love vintage bathing suits... they seem so much more fun than those of today. Why, just look at this swell swimwear from 1952...

And how about these bathing beauties available on Etsy....

1950s Marina del Mar swimsuit from tiddlywink:

1960s Blue Bullet Fit & Flare Skirted Swimsuit from FastEddiesRetroRags:

1940s Schiaparelli Two-Piece Swimsuit from LittleThingsVintage:

1950s Miss Hawaii Kamehameha Swimsuit from BambooBettie

Or if you're looking for a bit more coverage.... 1920s Wool Swim Suit with Skirt from MyFavoriteVintage:
And one for the boys.... 1960s Sunken Ship Swim Trunks from RandomRetro:

Oh, and don't forget your bathing cap ;) How about this one from MintageStyle:

Gee, if the bathing cap I had when I was a teenager looked like that one, I might have liked wearing it a lot better!

So, do you actually swim in your vintage swimsuit or simply lounge about the pool looking pinup-tastic?

She Made Red Velvet... Cake, that is...

2010-05-13T11:22:00.014-04:00

This past Sunday, we celebrated Mother's Day with a nice dinner for my Mom and Grandma Jane.

The menu included ham loaf, scalloped potatoes (my first time making them!), broccoli salad and black cherry "Waldorf" Jello® salad (from vintage Joys of Jello® recipe book). My Grandma Jane usually made a gelatin salad of some sort for family dinners and she always made a couple individual dishes of plain Jello® for us fussy kids. I carried on the tradition by serving a bowl of plain gelatin too.

For dessert, I wanted to make something a little different, so I browsed my vintage cookbooks for inspiration. Then I learned that it's better not to browse desserts - they all sound too yummy and it becomes nearly impossible to decide ;) After much consideration, I finally narrowed the choices down to Orange Sunshine Cake (which I've made before) or Red Velvet Cake (which I had not made before)....

Red Velvet Cake was the winner!

And I think my Grandma Elverna (pictured here with my Dad many years ago) would have enjoyed it, since her favorite color was... Red! :)

The recipe I used came from a Pennsylvania State Grange Cookbook that was my Grandma Jane's, so it seemed particularly appropriate. For frosting, I used a basic butter cream frosting, tinted pink.

Red Velvet Cake Recipe

1/2 cup shortening
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 cups flour
1 tablespoon cocoa
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
2 oz. red food coloring
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon vinegar

Cream until light the shortening, sugar, and eggs. Sift the flour, cocoa, and salt, three times. Add this alternately with the buttermilk, and the red food coloring. Beat well. Then add the baking soda and vinegar. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes.

Now, in writing up my grocery list, I neglected to note the amount of red food coloring needed for the cake. So when gathering the ingredients to start baking, I realized I was short by 1 1/2 ounces. My dearest was a bit dubious that so much red was required, but a quick Google search of Red Velvet Cake recipes indicated that, indeed, 2 ounces was the usual amount. I won't repeat what my dearest said about the, er, results of ingesting that much red dye. Then, we were off to Marty's Market, the little grocery store in our tiny town, fervently hoping that we'd find food coloring there. Thankfully, Marty had ONE box of liquid food coloring!

One of the two red velvet layers and a big ol' mixing bowl of pink butter cream frosting.

Somehow I forgot to take a picture of the cake once it was frosted, and before it was served :( But I think it turned out well, since there was less than a quarter of the cake left...

Now, I want to make a Blue Velvet Cake... hmm, Father's Day is coming up, isn't it? ;)

I'm an Apron Goddess! I'm an Apron Goddess!

2010-05-04T17:40:00.004-04:00

The lovely Julia over at The Apron Goddesses has posted an apron photo of Miss CherryBubbles (!), with a little fun commentary. If you haven't visited The Apron Goddesses blog before, head over there right now! You'll find great apron giveaways, delicious recipes, and, of course, Apron Goddesses ;)

Thanks bunches and bunches, Julia, for awarding me the title of Apron Goddess! I am honored and shall wear my apron with pride :)

Grandma's Shopping List, May 1923

2010-05-03T12:29:00.014-04:00

I'm not sure how it happened, but April slipped by without my doing a "Grandma's Shopping List" post!

So, without further ado, here's one for May...

As I look through my vintage magazines each month, I'm constantly amazed by how long some products have been around. Oftentimes, the ads will indicate that the product has already been around for years before the date of the magazines in which they appear.

The advertisements for items in today's post are all from the May, 1923 issue of The Ladies Home Journal. In its early days, this magazine was a whopping 11 inches by 14 inches. Scanning full page ads took a great deal of hair-trigger adjustment, and even then I managed to lose a bit along the edges. I hope you'll enjoy this month's edition of "Grandma's Shopping List" despite my less than perfect scans :)

Wesson Oil - This ad includes a recipe for making mayonnaise using Wesson oil that sounds yummy. I wonder if Florence Henderson ever made mayonnaise with Wesson Oil...

Pyrex - My goodness, you can choose from 100 styles and sizes of Pyrex (at least in 1923 you could)...

Oreos and Fig Newtons - Did you know that they were made by the Uneeda Bakers at the National Biscuit Company (better known nowadays as Nabisco)?...

Kotex - In 1923, Kotex were made of Cellucotton, which was developed for bandage use during World War I. Incidentally, many other magazines in the 1920s wouldn't publish advertisements for sanitary napkins...

TY for Two... or, Many Thanks to Two Fellow Bloggers :)

2010-04-26T14:17:00.012-04:00

I was lucky enough to win not one, but TWO giveaways last month! And, oh, the giveaway goodies were full of goodness!

One giveaway was hosted by Zootsuitmama when she reached 30 followers. The prizes were the most adorable rooster appliance cover, rooster oven mitt, and kitchen-y themed tablecloth. These will fit in with my red-accented kitchen very nicely! She even included a neat little wooden souvenir lipstick caddy. Thank you bunches and bunches, Zootsuitmama!!

The other giveaway was hosted by TartDeco for her birthday. She offered a dream hair accessory custom-made by TartDeco and based on details provided in the person's giveaway entry. The little tophat with a big gingham bow, red flowers, and a bit of sparkle that she made for me is just cutest thing! Thank you bunches and bunches, TartDeco!!

Hmm, I think someone might a bit jealous that I have a new new hat...

My Kingdom for a Sensible Oxford...

2010-04-23T11:00:00.018-04:00

Every day Mr. Lucky and I have a walk about our tiny town... after all a dog needs exercise, and how can you resist this face?

My walking sneakers had become completely worn out, so I ordered new ones. Sadly, walking shoes in this day and age are basically bulky (and, may I say odd-looking) sneakers, or "athletic shoes," if you prefer. I like to call them my Frankenstein walkers...

What I wouldn't give for a good old-fashioned sensible oxford, say, like this...

Between needing an extra wide width and having a couple foot issues, I can only dream of owning "stout hiking shoes" like Nancy Drew always wore whilst tracking down a mystery or confronting thugs and misers.

On the other hand, a quick perusal of Zappos.com does yield a few possibilities for a duck-footed vintage-lover like myself...

I suspect these choices are the closest I'll ever get to a good old-fashioned sensible oxford,
so I just might order myself a pair or two ;)

What particular item of vintage goodness have you had trouble finding? Do you look high and low on the chance you'll find the real thing or opt for a more accessible contemporary "vintage-style" version?

"Kitschen" Giveaway at ZootSuitMama!

2010-04-15T15:04:00.014-04:00

ZootSuitMama is hosting a terrific giveaway and all you have to do to enter is show her your kitchen. Just post photos of your kitchen on your blog and let ZootSuitMama know about it here. Now, go get your camera and take some snapshots. Let's see those "kitschens!"

Speaking of which....

Here are the highlights of my kitchen. When we moved in the walls were a lemon yellow that I'm not fond of, so at some point in time I plan to paint them a jadeite or celadon green (it goes so well with red accents).

I love this picture - it's so me when I'm in the kitchen ;)

Many years ago, this breakfront traveled in the back of our small pickup truck all the way from St. Johnsbury, Vermont to northeastern Pennsylvania. Even though we barely had room for our luggage once we got it in there (the truck had a cap on it), I'm still glad we bought the breakfront! Since it has red trim, I keep it in my kitchen :)

These are my favorite and most often used cookbooks. They make up about 1/4 of my cookbook collection. I'd say about 95% are vintage cookbooks.

I have a pair of these red plastic wall pockets, which I thought had been lost when we moved to our house nearly five years ago. I was a bit despondent over the fact that my beloved wall pockets had gone missing. The darnedest thing happened though. While preparing for a big family dinner about 2 years ago, I pulled out a huge plastic pitcher that I hadn't used since we moved in. When I took off the lid, what did I find but my red plastic wall pockets! I laughed, I cried, it was better than "Cats" ;)

What do you do when you have too many vintage potholders to ever use them all? Hang 'em on the wall. Incidentally, the apron with the doggy on it is one of my favorites, so it gets to be permanently on display ;)

Bakelite handles, cherry decals, owl cookie jar... some of my favorite things!

"Holders three, for you from me"

Cherries and owls again - I love the labels on these crates!

One of my two most favorite things in my kitchen. I've had this clock so many years that I can't remember the delightful story that used to go along with it - lol!

And the second of my two most favorite kitchen things - a 1950s refrigerator painted red by my dad and my husband. See more about my red refrigerator here.

Okay, your turn! And tell ZootSuitMama that Miss CherryBubbles sent you!

It's Chiffon! And I don't mean the margarine ;)

2010-04-09T11:36:00.018-04:00

After yesterday's post about the fabulous vintage look and feel of Twin Peaks, I got to thinking about the red chiffon dress that Audrey Horne wears in the second season...

Aren't chiffon dresses too dreamy?

Just for fun, I decided to do a search for similar vintage chiffon dresses on Etsy. I found quite a few, so thought I'd share in case any of you are looking for a lovely spring/summer party dress.

Here's a sunny yellow surplice bodice dress from SalvageLife...

Or if yellow isn't your color, how about this lovely fuchsia dress from Sustalux...

Maybe you prefer a little mystery with your chiffon, like this midnight black dress from LipStickWhiskey...

Or perhaps you're sweet and innocent, so this pretty pink dress from FabVintage might be more your style...

For the woman with dangerous curves, how about this figure-hugging mint green chiffon dress from FastEddiesRetroRags...

And finally, if you love red most of all, here are three lovely red chiffon dresses....

from Bohemiennes

from TimelessVixenVintage

from MyFavoriteVintage

I find it difficult to choose a favorite from amongst these fabulous frocks, but I do lean toward the midnight black one. I like mystery ;)

Which chic chiffon confection would you choose?

It was 20 years ago today...

2010-04-08T12:22:00.014-04:00

...that I watched the Twin Peaks premier movie. Television was changed that night, and so was I.

That being said, I don't intend to talk about the show as groundbreaking television - I'll leave that to other blogs for which the topic is more appropriate (see links below). And I truly love a mystery... however, what I would like to chat about is how the look of the show really appealed to my interest in vintage.

From the very beginning, the sets and costumes offered a sense of stepping back in time, yet still living in the present. The sets are rife with terrific vintage lamps, pictures, furniture, bric-a-brac, and gadgets. Every interior seems to have its own style - ranging from Northwestern lodge to Polynesian/tropical to old-fashioned motel. Sometimes, I just watch for interesting things in the background. This fabulous lamp appears at the very beginning of the pilot...

The young female characters, particularly Audrey Horne, often wore clothing that evoked the 1950s - plaid skirts, twin sets, pencil skirts, and even a Pendleton 49er or two. Here's a typical Audrey ensemble...

And, by golly, I sure love the fun vintage-style Double R Diner waitress uniforms...

Can't tell you the last time I was in a diner where the wait staff wore uniforms like that. Wait, maybe I can. It must have been at least 15 years ago, and it was unusual even then.

Some of the male characters can be seen wearing vintage motorcycle jackets, classic plaid flannel shirts, bowling shirts, and even a vintage red and black plaid hunting jacket...

If you watch Twin Peaks, look for Dr. Jacoby's wacky neckties. He's got quite a collection to wear with his high-waisted zoot-suit-style pants...

Now, here's one of my favorite vintage dresses, which shows up in the second season....

Who doesn't love vibrant red chiffon and Greek goddess-styling?

I'm afraid I could go on endlessly about the look of my favorite television show of all time, but I'll pull in the reigns now. Twin Peaks is worth watching for more reasons than I care to list here, but if you only watch for the vintage-y costumes and sets, you'll find a fabulous feast for the eyes.

Twin Peaks sites:
Twin Peaks Archive

Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me
Twin Peaks Fest

David Lynch & Mark Frost sites:
David Lynch.com
By Mark Frost
Dugpa
Interview Project

My Spring Blossom Tableau...

2010-04-06T12:14:00.013-04:00

I love when the spring flowers begin to bloom. Daffodils have added sunny yellow to the burgeoning green leaves and grass in my yard now. Tulips will bloom soon in a riot of color. And aren't grape hyacinths just the most adorable little things?

Today, upon returning from a morning walk with Mr. Lucky (my little fur boy), I decided there were enough daffodils in bloom to take some inside. I recently picked up a nice cherry-red Haeger vase/planter, at a local thrift shop, and thought it would look lovely filled with spring flowers.

What do you think of my spring tableau?

The Haeger vase/planter still has its original label on it!

At the same time I found the Haeger, I purchased this lovely lady picture, which is marked "Delegard Tool Co., Minneapolis 6, Minn.

Don't you just love the flowers below her shoulder?

As an added bonus, the lady picture flips up to reveal an unused 1950 calendar and a place to write important telephone numbers. There are even three good old-fashioned 5-digit phone numbers pencilled in....

...anyone need to call Ruth, Shirley, or Al?

Hope you're all enjoying the full blossom of spring!

"Every spring is the only spring, a perpetual astonishment." ~ Ellis Peters

Charmed, I'm sure...

2010-04-01T12:30:00.021-04:00

When it comes to jewelry, a bracelet is a must-wear accessory for me. In fact, if I should happen to leave the house without a lovely bauble encircling my wrist, I feel positively nude (and not in the artistic sense).

My favorite type of bracelet to wear is a charm bracelet. Charms have a long history by themselves, but charm bracelets were most popular after World War II and into the 1950s. Several years ago, NPR did a piece on Tracey Zabar's book "Charmed Bracelets" - check out the All Things Considered interview here when you have a few moments.

So, why do I love charm bracelets? They jingle. They tell a story. Sometimes the charms are articulated - the kind with moving parts. They can serve as a remembrance of people or places. They can be fun, kitschy, or just plain wacky.

Here are a few of my own charm bracelets....

I like to call this one "Song and Dance."

While not a charm bracelet in the truest sense, it does have dangle-y bowling charms and a nice solid-sounding jingle. I wear this one a lot.

This is my absolute favorite charm bracelet.
It's got four articulated charms and even a tiny bullet!

I love this "Lie Detector" with the little arrow that spins.

I started collecting charms from Vermont a few years ago, so I can make myself a charm bracelet in honor of a state that I love to visit and in which I was married. I still need lots more, in particular a maple leaf charm. Here are the ones I have so far...

Squirrel, bear, pinecone, moose, and Bennington Battle Monument.

Okay, now it's your turn. Tell me, what piece of jewelry can't you leave the house without? Do you have a favorite bracelet or necklace or earrings?

Fantastic Giveaway at TartDeco!

2010-03-27T16:05:00.008-04:00

TartDeco is hosting a fantastic birthday giveaway for
a custom-designed hair accessory!

For a chance to win, head on over there right now and leave a comment describing the hair accessory of your dreams. You've only got until Tuesday to get your entry in. And, land sakes, don't forget to wish her a Happy Birthday!

Check out TartDeco on Etsy to see some of the lovely hair pieces for sale there.

Bye Bye Blues...

2010-03-25T11:20:00.007-04:00

I was feeling a little blue this morning... maybe because the day started out so grey and chilly. All the recent warm bright sunny days we've had here spoiled me a bit.

Well, sometimes I'm amazed at what small things will bring me out of a funk in two shakes. Remember the $5.00 box of old photos? It's been awhile since I've taken the box off the shelf, so I thought it might cheer me up to look through them again. After all, there are lots of swell people doing interesting things or just standing about looking nifty in their old-timey outfits - like these two from a previous post.

Then, a few photos down in one of the piles, I ran into this picture...

and I laughed right out loud.

That photo alone was enough to chase away the blues. But I kept on looking and found this adorable picture...

Don't they look like a fun couple?

Now, if only I had a pair of jodhpurs, I'd be as slap-happy as these two...

So, tell me, what little things help you say "Bye Bye Blues"?

Grandma's Shopping List, March 1936

2010-03-22T11:20:00.015-04:00

When I look at vintage advertisements, I find it interesting that many of the products available today were also available to my grandmother. So, each month, I'll be sharing with you a few of the present-day products that our grandmothers and mothers might have added to their shopping lists...

1. Windex®
Sure, the ad says it's great for winter window cleaning, but, gee, what a help with the spring cleaning too! This product has been around since 1933, albeit with a different formula than in earlier years. And I had no idea that the same company also made Drano®.

2. Brillo®
Speaking of cleaning, Brillo® pads were patented in 1913, just as aluminum cookware was becoming popular. The coal-fired stoves in use at the time would blacken the aluminum pots and pans, but steel wool made cleaning cookware much easier. In the 1930s, soap was added to the pads. Just don't use it on your non-stick coated pans of today ;)

3. Arm & Hammer® Baking Soda

It's not just for baking! Even in 1936, alternate uses for baking soda were suggested. Arm & Hammer®, as a brand, has been around since the 186os, so perhaps my great-great-grandmother included it on her shopping list.

*Advertisements included in today's post are from the March 1936 issue of Ladies Home Journal.

Right By Her Apron Strings... A Swell Giveaway!

2010-03-11T17:41:00.003-05:00

Do you love aprons? How about vintage-inspired aprons made with fun retro fabrics and recycled vintage linens? Well, then, head on over to The Apron Goddesses blog where you can enter a terrific giveaway sponsored by Retro Revival! In order to enter, you'll have to choose your favorite Retro Revival apron.... and, just so you're forewarned, there are so many swell aprons, it won't be easy to pick just one ;)

Coming Soon, or, My Land! I Have Sew Many Patterns!

2010-03-10T14:28:00.012-05:00

I've been busily working away at transforming my Vintage Selling Stash Room (yes, it has consumed an entire room!) into a full-fledged Sewing and Handicraft Room. Let me just say that the process is taking longer than I want it to, but I'm trying to stay true to my vision of a comfortable, well-lit, reasonably organized, spacious work area. Okay, so that could take years ;)

Anyway, whilst shoveling (well, it felt like shoveling) out the scads of things in the VSSR, I struck oil, er, I mean the motherlode... of sewing patterns. There are so many that I've decided to un-hiatus my Etsy shop, just to get these terrific patterns to new homes where they'll be loved. So, if you love vintage sewing patterns, keep an eye out on CherryBubblesVintage on Etsy.

Here are a few pics to whet your appetite...

If you see something that catches your fancy, drop me an email. I'll be glad to get it listed sooner.

May your bobbins always be full!
~ Author Unknown

A Belated Thank You and A Bit of Blog Love...

2010-03-08T11:10:00.006-05:00

The two gals mentioned in today's post are truly the bee's knees! Both of them are fun vintage enthusiasts with equally fun blogs full of interesting and thoughtful posts. Please visit them... knock three times, and whisper low, that you were sent by Joe, er, I mean, Miss CherryBubbles ;)

Just before I began my February giveaway madness, I was fortunate to win a giveaway hosted by the fabulous Inky of Shrinky Inky's Fine Adventures. Thank you bunches and bunches, Inky!!

I love everything in this lovely vintage romance prize package, but my favorite is the gorgeous flower barrette handmade by Inky, herself! What a lot of work and creativity must have gone into the making of this beautiful barrette! And here's a neat coincidence - I have a sweater with flowers that almost perfectly match the color of the flower on the barrette.

If you're not familiar with Inky's terrific blog, go visit! I'm sure she'd love to meet you :)

Speaking of giveaways and vintage-y blogs... the lovely Emily at Livin' Vintage is hosting a fantastic giveaway of a 1940s pattern history book and a 1940s dress pattern. If you love sewing from vintage patterns, collecting vintage patterns, or just 1940s fashion in general, this sounds like a great book to have. And isn't that dress pattern simply lovely!

Go, enter, and you just might win! While you're there, do have a look around Emily's swell blog!

Thank you for dropping by - it's always nice to see you!

Baking a "Sandwich Loaf" with King Arthur...

2010-03-03T13:23:00.013-05:00

Well, now that all the excitement of "Giveaway February" is finally waning, I thought I'd share a quick bread recipe I recently tried for Sandwich Loaf.

The recipe is from the vintage King Arthur Flour® cookbook, "Easy Home Baking." I could find no copyright year on this one. There is an excerpt from Consumers' Guide "Bread Facts," dated 1937 on page 5, but the woman on the delightfully bright red cover sure has 1950s eyebrows.

I must admit that I've been a King Arthur Flour® fan for many years, so I was thrilled to find this vintage cookbook. And after all, it's New England's oldest flour company - founded 1790.

The Sandwich Loaf is a tasty quick bread containing whole wheat flour, honey, and chopped nuts. It's not overly sweet, with the nuts adding a bit of extra flavor and texture. I used chopped walnuts in the loaf I made, but next time, I'll probably use pecans. Incidentally, Sandwich Loaf makes excellent French Toast...

Here's the recipe:

When you have a few moments, wander around the King Arthur Flour® Baker's Catalog. They offer all sorts of interesting baking ingredients and new-fangled gadgets (if you are so inclined), as well as items for special dietary needs (gluten-free, sugar-free, Kosher, etc.).

And do try this recipe! King Arthur sure bakes a mean Sandwich Loaf ;)

Edited to add: How could I forget to mention that King Arthur Flour® also has a blog with great recipes?!

**Please note - I am not in any way affiliated with King Arthur Flour® - I'm just a fan recommending a company whose products I like and use.**

Next time on Past Life:
A little bit of blog love

Stay Tuned!

Giveaway no. 4 Winner!

2010-02-27T18:34:00.013-05:00

And the winner of the snood, cookbook, knitting booklet, and sewing booklet is...

Inky!

Congratulations! Victory is yours!

This week's winner should contact Miss CherryBubbles at

so I can make shipping arrangements for your winsome winnings!

Congratulations to all four winners of Miss CherryBubbles' giveaways! And if you haven't visited the fabulous blogs of these four lovely ladies, what are you waiting for?

Adri - The Girl Blogger

Kristen - This Homemade Life

Steph - Tart Deco

Inky - Shrinky Inky's Fine Adventures

Thanks a bunch to everyone who joined my birthday & blogiversary celebration!

Stick around for lots more vintage fun ;)

Giveaway #4: Victory on the Home Front...

2010-02-22T19:51:00.015-05:00

Welcome to the fourth Giveaway of February! This is the last one in the 4-week series, so if you haven't won any of the previous week's giveaways, you've got one more chance.

This week, the prize package is my tribute the women who kept the home fires burning during World War II....

1. Make and Mend for Victory, c. 1942 - A 50-page book covering alterations, making over clothing, mending, darning, and making your own accessories. By the Spool Cotton Company.

2. Knit for Defense, c. 1941 - 22 pages of patterns for every type of knitwear a military serviceman might need, including sweaters, gloves, hats, and socks - all "patterned after regulation specifications." By Chadwick's Red Heart Wools. (Note: Back cover is separated from booklet.)

3. The Victory Binding of the American Woman's Cook Book, c. 1943, Wartime Edition - An excellent cookbook jam-packed with great recipes and helpful cooking tips. I have two other editions of the American Woman's Cook Book and have found them an invaluable resource in the kitchen. Edited by Ruth Berolzheimer. (Note: Front and back covers have edge fade, but the interior is in excellent shape.)

"The machine beats time as well as batter
while you supply the brain that makes the cake."

4. Red Crocheted Snood with Grosgrain Ribbon Bow - made by Miss CherryBubbles herself from a 1942 pattern.

To enter this week's giveaway, leave a comment below and tell me what you would have found most difficult to do without during World War II. So many things were rationed at that time, but I could get by on less or none of most, with the exception of cheese!

New followers will receive an extra entry, so make sure to mention this in your comment. If you post this giveaway on your blog, tweet about it on twitter, or post a link to it on facebook, you'll receive an extra entry - be sure to let me know in the comment section.

Entries will be accepted until midnight on Friday, February 26. I'll be drawing and posting the winner's name on Saturday.

Good Luck!

MissCherryBubbles Serves Up A Winner for Giveaway no. 3

2010-02-20T20:56:00.008-05:00

And the winner of the neckties, pipe, shot glass, and pinup card is...

Tart Deco!

This week's winner should contact Miss CherryBubbles at

so I can make shipping arrangements for your he-man hoard!

Thank you to all who entered Giveaway no. 3! And remember, if you didn't win this round, there'll be one more giveaway to enter during the month of February! Details for Giveaway no. 4 coming soon...

Giveaway no. 3: Fit To Be Tied, or Something for the Boys

2010-02-15T11:30:00.034-05:00

This week's giveaway offers a more manly prize than the previous two...

This week's winner will receive:

1. Three vintage ties including...

One nice wide 40s rayon tie, in a terrific brown, green, yellow, and white pattern. This bad boy has cut a few rugs in its day, but will still see you through the next lindy hop!

One spiffy not-so-wide 50s all silk Vogue tie in deep red with a black pattern and silvery-white crescent and dots. This tie loves cool jazz and narrow lapels!

One snappy bow tie in maroon with a multicolor geometric pattern. Adjustable neck band with hook and loop. In terrific condition. This is one dapper dandy in search of a porkpie (hat)!

2. Vintage shot glass with a monocled and mustached man whose googly eye follows you. "I say, jolly what!"

3. Vintage Yello-Bole pipe - cleaned, sweetened, and ready to light up or just display. Yello-Bole pipes have a bowl that has been "treated" with honey to enhance one's pipe-smoking enjoyment ;)

4. And, last, but not least, a pretty vintage pinup girl arcade card. She may have a few wrinkles but she's still lovely to look at and a pleasure to behold.

To enter this week's giveaway, leave a comment below and tell me who you think epitomizes the manly man of yesteryear (could be an actor or political figure or singer or relative or ?).

New followers will receive an extra entry, just make sure to mention this in your comment. If you post this giveaway on your blog, tweet about it on twitter, or post a link to it on facebook, you'll receive an extra entry - just be sure to let me know in the comment section.

Entries will be accepted until midnight on Friday, February 19. I'll be drawing and posting the winner's name on Saturday.

Good Luck!

And We Have Winner Number 2...

2010-02-13T21:06:00.007-05:00

And the winner of the apron, cookbooks, heart molds, and magazine is...

Kristen!

Congratulations!

This week's winner should contact Miss CherryBubbles at

so I can make shipping arrangements for your terrific treasure!

Thank you to all who entered Giveaway no. 2! And remember, if you didn't win this round, there'll be two more giveaways to enter during the month of February! Details for Giveaway no. 3 coming soon...

Happy Valentine's Day!

A Little Love from Miss CherryBubbles, aka Giveaway no. 2

2010-02-08T18:00:00.023-05:00

For Giveaway number 2, I decided to go a bit more domestic, with a little Valentine's Day love thrown in for good measure.

Here are the fun vintage goodies you have a chance to win this week...

1. An adorable vintage navy organza full apron with raspberry pink ric-rac trim and a cute little pocket detail.

2. Your very own copy of Joys of Jello®, 5th Edition - packed full of recipes using that most famous of gelatins. Who knew you could make so many festive things with Jello®?

Really now, I mean, just look at the Crown Jewel desserts... that's a party waiting to happen right there ;)

3. Learn to Bake... You'll Love It! (c. 1947). And you will too, with this terrific little baking book. The cover has seen better days, but the inside is in good shape and is packed full of helpful baking information, tips, and recipes.

This could be you taking a tray of perfect biscuits out of the oven...

And who wouldn't want to create this lovely confection for a romantic occasion?

4. Two vintage aluminum heart-shaped molds - one 3.5" and one 5.5". Polished nicely by my dearest. They can be used as Jello® molds or to make little heart-shaped cakes.

5. And last, but not least, the February, 1947 issue of Woman's Home Companion. This issue is chock-full of swell stories, fabulous fashion, amazing advertisements, and much more.

Fashion!

Food!

Face Powder and Film!

Now, in order to enter this giveaway, you must leave an entry comment including your favorite flavor of Jello®. And, in case you didn't guess, my favorite is cherry!

If you're not an enthusiastic supporter of gelatin consumption, then you must include your favorite baked good to make in your entry comment.

Entries will be accepted until midnight (EST) on Friday, February 12 and winner's name will be drawn on Saturday.

Good luck!

We Have a Winner...

2010-02-06T21:23:00.007-05:00

And the winner of the Ray-Ban sunglasses and kicky floral scarves is....

Adri!

Congratulations!

This week's winner will be receiving a message from Miss CherryBubbles shortly to make shipping arrangements for your swank swag!

Thank you to all who entered Giveaway no. 1! And remember, if you didn't win this round, there'll be three more giveaways to enter during the month of February! Details for Giveaway no. 2 coming soon...

Birthday, Anniversary, and Giveaway - Oh My!

2010-02-03T13:42:00.013-05:00

Today is my birthday, the first anniversary of this blog I call Past Life, and the first giveaway of four during the month of February!

It's still winter here in the Northern Hemisphere, but let's start off with something for summer. After all, it'll be here before you know it! This week's giveaway is a pair of vintage cream-colored Ray-Ban "Bewitching" sunglasses.

"Bewitching"

"B&L Ray-Ban U.S.A."

Now, what these sunglasses are crying out for is a lovely scarf to complete the look. So, in keeping with the warm weather theme, the lucky winner will also receive three floral scarves.

Are you a Vespa girl? Love hot rod shows? Just want to raise the adorable factor for your vintage outfit?

Well, for a chance to win this little package, all you have to do is leave a comment below. New followers will receive an additional entry - just let me know that you've jumped on the bandwagon. If you post this giveaway on your blog, you'll receive an additional entry too - be sure to let me know about your post.

Entries accepted until 1:00 pm (eastern) on Saturday, February 6. Winner's name will be drawn and posted here by Saturday evening.

Good luck!

And don't forget to watch for next week's giveaway!

Coming attractions (a.k.a. Miss CherryBubbles' Month of Giveaways)

2010-02-01T15:45:00.003-05:00

Has Miss CherryBubbles given away her senses??

Starting on Wednesday, Past Life will be doing one giveaway a week during the month of February!

In celebration of both my birthday and the one year anniversary of my blog on February 3rd, I'll be giving away fun vintage things once a week for the whole month. So, watch for details on Wednesday!

And don't forget to tell your friends to follow Miss CherryBubbles' Past Life for a chance to win :)

Cure for the "January Thaw"

2010-01-27T13:38:00.005-05:00

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy warm weather and rainy days... in their proper season.

Being a winter baby, born in February, I love snow! Seeing bare brown ground outside my window the past several days has made me feel blue. But just a little while ago, I was looking through old family photos and came across something that turned my frown upside down.

Isn't this just the cutest winter time photo?

This is my Grandma Jane and my mom, probably early in 1945. I believe my grandfather was still in Germany at that point. He was a Staff Sergeant in the army during WWII. This photo was likely one that she sent to him while he was away... a memento of home and a reminder of who was waiting for him there.

Grandma Jane and Mom look as if they had fun that day on the sled in the snow on my great-grandfather's farm...

C'mon now, admit it - you smiled too, didn't you ;)

You're the next contestant...

2010-01-19T17:26:00.008-05:00

Oh my stars! I've been tagged by MaryDeluxe at Welcome to Deluxeville! I guess the general idea is to post a pic that is representative of one's real self. There may be something better among my photos, but I think this one pretty much covers it...

In the kitchen, with a dry gin martini in one hand, vintage cookbook in the other, bandanna on my head, my favorite pooch nearby, and my dearest taking photos when I'm not paying attention. Yeah, that covers it ;)

Okay then....

You're the next contestant:

Kim at The Girl Can't Help It
Emily at Livin' Vintage
Lisa at Our Vintage Life
Marie at LemondropVintage
Kristen at This Homemade Life

Sophisticated Cats...

2010-01-18T15:53:00.008-05:00

I've had this nifty set of three kitty cat plaques for 10 years:

They were my Grandma Elverna's, and I'm thrilled that they made their way to my wall. My Grandma Elverna and Grandpa Bud built their house in the mid-1950s, in a brand new housing development near a small city. They furnished their house with "blonde" Heywood Wakefield. They liked modern things...

A couple months ago, I bought several vintage catalogs from an antique shop not far from my home. Mostly Sears Roebuck, but one was a Montgomery Ward catalog from 1963. Imagine my surprise when my dearest, while perusing our latest acquisitions, came across this:

There on page 1112 of the Fall/Winter 1963 Montgomery Ward catalog were my Grandma Elverna's kitty cats!

According to the description, these are "Sophisticated Cats" (obviously!) which will "enhance the modern decor" (but, of course). Well now, I'm sure you can see why my grandmother wanted them.

Occasionally, I come across one of my own vintage dresses in old catalogs, but, somehow, this discovery meant a lot more to me. I can just imagine my Grandma Elverna browsing through the Montgomery Ward catalog, delightedly coming across the cats, and deciding that they were worth the $8.99 price tag. She would have filled out and mailed the order form in the back of the catalog....in an envelope... with a stamp... and, most likely, actual cash enclosed. Things have changed, haven't they?

I'm Getting Sentimental...

2010-01-11T12:36:00.014-05:00

Well, the decorations are (mostly) packed away, the cookies are eaten (or, rather, the leftovers are in the freezer), and the colorful lights have stopped blinking (we turned off the outdoor timer), but I just wanted to share a few of the gifts I received from my parents for Christmas in 2009.

As a child, I always helped my mother make the holiday cookies. My usual job was to decorate the cut-out cookies with colored sugar. And those tiny silver balls that had real silver in them and weren't supposed to be eaten. Do you remember nearly breaking teeth eating them anyway? I most certainly do, although thankfully I never sustained any dental damage. Getting back to the topic at hand... My mother has a quite a collection of cookie cutters in a giant popcorn tin, and from this vast collection, she picked out the older ones, wrapped them up, and gave them to me for Christmas. There are a Santa, reindeer, star, and angel in red plastic, and a metal heart and hatchet, both with red wooden handles. Now, I can't wait for a good reason to bake more cookies!

I also received two boxes of vintage Shiny Brite ornaments that have been around longer than me - and I've been around for quite a long time. How well I remember placing these ornaments just so on the fresh-cut Christmas tree. We always got a blue spruce. My favorite ornaments were two that had reflectors and one with a hand painted pinecone on it. Oh, and the hand painted snowman ornament was a favorite too. The fragrance of the tree, Christmas music on the record player, the sparkle of tinsel.... just to see these boxes of ornaments brings it all back to me most vividly.

The most sentimental gift for me, though, was the baby quilt that my mother and grandmother made back in 1965. My grandmother did the quilting and my mother embroidered the little pink bunnies and yellow duckies. Before giving the quilt to me for Christmas, my mom gave it a gentle cleaning and added a label with my name, hers and my grandmother's names as the makers, and the year they made it. This quilt is something I will treasure always.

Thank you, Mom and Dad, for all the wonderful holidays we've shared!

"I am beginning to learn that it is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all." ~ Laura Ingalls Wilder

Just another New Year's Eve...

2009-12-29T11:13:00.007-05:00

Thought I'd share a bit of fun viewing for New Year's. My dearest and I always watch "After the Thin Man" on New Year's Eve - why, of course we have cocktails, but thankfully, no murders. Enjoy!

Dragnet: The Big Betty - Sgt. Friday makes an arrest on New Year's Eve

After the Thin Man - Nick and Nora celebrate the New Year with style and crime.

Sunset Boulevard - Norma Desmond throws a New Year's Eve party for two.

And, of course, it wouldn't be New Year's Eve without Guy Lombardo and the ball drop in Times Square!

"Here's to the bright New Year, and a fond farewell to the old; here's to the things that are yet to come, and to the memories that we hold."
-- Anonymous

Wishing you a very Happy New Year!!

All That Glitters Is Not Gold...

2009-12-16T15:08:00.009-05:00

Sometimes it's Silver Gleam Icicles!

Just this past Monday, I stopped into a nearby multi-dealer antique shop to buy some vanilla beans (oddly enough, there's a booth with spices, herbs, etc.). While there, I decided to have a look about the place, being unable to resist the lure of antiques. As I approached a booth near the front, a silver gleam caught my eye... There before me on a 1950s formica table were, not one, not two, not even four, but SIX BOXES of vintage tinsel! I couldn't believe my eyes. Vintage tinsel, the real thing, was not something I ever expected to find other than online. I bought four of the six boxes (yes, I know, why not buy them all??).

The metal used in this tinsel is not indicated on the box, so I'm not sure if it's silver, lead, tin, aluminum, or a mixture of metals. I can tell you that it has weight, although my dearest doesn't believe it's heavy enough to be lead. Whatever the content, it drapes beautifully. The tinsel is also crimped for more surfaces that reflect the light. And thankfully, it's not affected by static, like the PVC tinsel of today.

Here's a close-up photo of how it looks on the tree. The golden teapot ornament is a family heirloom that was passed to my mother by my grandmother, and now to me.

And now, the tree, tinsel, lights, and ornaments in all their glory....

Wishing you a special silver gleam for your holiday, however you may celebrate!

Now, where'd I leave my cup of eggnog?