Betty Crocker Cook Book & the good old 50s

Hillsy and I stumbled upon a small block fair this weekend on 11th street and 2nd Avenue. I was so happy to see old stuff! Usually the street fairs around us are filled with thai food, fresh fruit smoothie stands, fake bags, summer gauzy dresses and miniature food plastic magnets. This fair was full of vintage goodies. Other people's trash.. my treasure!



I scored a Betty Crocker picture cook book for $4, which is now my new favorite book. I can't even describe how much I love the book. Not only does it have an endless list of classic recipes accompanied by 50s style illustrations, but it has a section called "SPECIAL HELPS" that really gives great insight into this era.

For personal outlook.
Eat proper food for health and vitality. Every morning before breakfast, comb hair, apply make-up, a dash of cologne, and perhaps some simple earrings. Does wonders for your morale.

There are about thirty of these. I'll try to share 1 per day this month - each one cracks me up.

I've been inspired to make banana cream pie!

O Capitalism!

My new favorite blog has inspired me to go on a little journey.
Have you ever been to a Salvation Army, a garage sale, or a flea market? There's so much STUFF out there. There's absolutely no need for anyone to ever buy anything brand new. I'm sure we could all survive by reusing and recycling all of our material belongings. I know, I know - the market would crash, Anthropologie would have to file for bankruptcy and lots of people would be find themselves clinically depressed.

I'm invigorated by the opportunity to provide second life. I recently purchased these 2 wooden trays, 2 wooden wall hangings and a lovely silver plated bowl (made in Italy) - all for the bargain price of $9.99 from the Union Square Salvation Army. I haven't decided the specifics yet but I have a few ideas. I could paint the serving trays and give them a more weathered/vintage look, I could cover them with vintage paper or maybe even paint a pattern. Too many choices!

I also came across this top from the Monk Thrift shop on Avenue B. I was immediately drawn to the pattern and it's free-flowing nature. I love the bold graphics and love love love the burnout look. I think it was originally a blouse but I have other plans for it - I see it more of a dress. I picture it with black tights and platform shoes for the early fall. I think the first step is to create a slit on the sleeves all the way up to the shoulder - I want to give the sleeves less of a Dolman shape (I think?) Wish me luck with this one!