Monthly Archives: August 2010

Real Life: Tiki Oasis 2010 Part 1

Ahhh, the sweet days of summer have come to a close and I’m so very sad. Thankfully we managed to sneak in one last little tropical getaway to the magical Tiki Oasis just a few weeks ago. So what is this thing called Tiki Oasis I keep yammerin’ about? Lemme tell ya .Tiki Oasis is a celebration of Polynesian pop culture and is “the largest and longest running Tiki Event on the planet.” For one weekend every August, Tiki-enthusiasts take over the historic Hanalei hotel in San Diego (now called the Crowne Plaza) and fill the place with art, music, tropical drinks—and of course, fabulous fashions.  I suppose I should start at the beginning….our trip began with a short-n- sweet plane ride down to San Diego:

Finally, we arrived! The weather couldn’t have been more perfect. Mid 70s with a touch of a breeze. ALOHA, indeed.

The hotel itself is lovely. Palm trees, little waterfalls, a huge pool and, of course,  lots of cool Tikis all over the property.

The best part is that it’s an extremely family-friendly affair. Single folks, couples young and old, and families with kiddos—all mingled together. The whole weekend was the doing of my sweet friend Baby Doe (aka Dorinda) and her cool hubby Otto von Stroheim. They are the Producer’s Extraordinaire who dreamed up this crazy thang and made it all happen. This was the 10 year anniversary. It’s so crazy impressive I can’t even tell you.

Here is the always charming Doe with her little cutie Dash (and Wolfie on the left—sportin’ his Pineapple Princess aloha togs! My friend Stephanie makes groovy kid’s clothing out of vintage muu muus! More on her later….).

All told over a thousand people frolicked at the Oasis that weekend. I’m so proud of Doe—she is crazy sweet and cool and yet runs these huge events with the precision of a 5 star general!!

During the day, you could swim or browse the amazing vendors who had set up shop on the lawn near the pool and in the hotel conference area. Vintage clothing, records, artwork, tiki mugs and necklaces, even polynesian BBQ spices. There were also a wide variety of symposiums—The History of Tiki, Rum & Chocolate, The Persuasive Power of Punch, Pin-Up Hair and Makeup, Live Tiki Carvings…it was overwhelmingly awesome.

Hey look! It’s Modern Kiddo reader, Mrs. DeTiki! She was a doll and had these really cute retro-style handbags she makes.

Wolfie and Greg loved checking out the awesome vintage car show in the parking lot.

Wolfie had so much fun…I love he started wearin’ this groovy surfer necklace. By the end he had a tiki pendant to match! How cute is that tee, by the way? It’s for Greg’s kiddo band The Time Outs and the rad “Rocky the Rock Hand” artwork was done by Michael Fleming, aka Tweedlebop!

There was literally something to do at every moment. You could do everything….or nothing. We were big fans of the “do nothing” option and I’m pleased to report we clocked many hours by the pool.

Every day amazing DJs spun vintage vinyl—boat loads of 50s/60s exotica, surf, lounge and more. The vibe was super chill and cool. You honestly felt like you were living in a vintage movie….

Aw yeah! The debut of my vintage swim cap!!

I love the elevators…they’re glass and look out on an atrium of waterfalls and palm trees. At night, two guys played stand up bass and guitar IN THE ELEVATOR. See? Even the elevators are cool.

As the sun set, the vendor booths disappeared only to be replaced by lawn chairs…and the night time entertainment began. Fun bands and dance performances. Wolfie was allowed to stay up a little later to watch the first few performances.

Of course I had a blast dressing up. It’s not required by any means, but loads of people get dolled up in their vintage Hawaiiana finest. High off my vintage bathing cap victory, I decided to bust out THE BIG BUN for Saturday night!

I’ll be posting more on the Tiki fashions over at Strawberry Lemonade, my other bloggie.

Whew. OK, that’s it for the Part 1. The next installment will be Kiddo-centric and I’ll tell you allll the cool things there are for you and yer wee ones to do. Because you ARE coming next year….right??


The Besty of Etsy: Meli-Melon.

Oh, this Etsy shop has some very yummy items.  And that is saying a lot considering the number of particularly yummy items that are for sale on Etsy.

My heart melts for Meli-Melon. And I think yours will too. Yes, the clothes are truly delightful. As you can see.

But its the story behind the clothing line the tickles my crafty little ole heart.

You see, my friends, these gorgeous goodies for girls sprung out of the very clever brain of Gemma Antelo.  Gemma was born in that magical Spanish city, Barcelona–where Gaudi architecture springs to life along with its citizens.  Gemma gave her stressy job as a freelance designer the heave ho after her second daughter was born. And as many a mama will do, she thought of her own childhood.

I think Gemma should tell you the rest of the story:

“When I was a little girl, I spent hours looking how my mother was sewing dresses for my older sister and me, every single dress was special, unique and made with lots of love. She left us five years ago and then I became the new owner of her sewing machine and her vintage fabrics collection, so I start sewing my own handmade dresses for my 2 daughters. Every finished dress, I remember of my mother and how proud she would be.”

And she is kind enough to share her joyful creations beyond her beautiful two girls. And that’s a really yummy thing.

Oh, and she has a fabulous pad too. Check out this dishy interview with Ms. Gemma on Bloesem Kids.

Hot Dog! It’s the Vintage Kiddo Retro Round Up!

Well, well, well! Happy end of August to you! I hope you managed to get outside to enjoy the last sweet sips of summer before the school bell rings. How crazy is it that we are on the edge of September and everyone with a moppet over the age of five has been thinking about back to school wardrobes.  Well, let’s add a little vintage whimsy into the mix to help your kiddo stand out amongst the sea of Gap/Target/Old Navy fashions they’ll see in the bus line. Not that we don’t LOVE and shop with a zealot passion from the Gap/Target/Old Navy but it is so much fun to mix and match clothes from all eras to reflect your little one’s personality.

Check out this duet of wonderful print shirts. What a great addition to any boys little fall wardrobe! From eBay seller JimJac.

What is more perfect for returning to school with an apple red cardi with sweet little accents on the collar.  And how sweet that it is a girls size large too. From Etsy, Leafpeople Vintage.

Now, it wouldn’t be back to school season without going a little mad for plaid.  I have a very special place in my heart for little girls in little plaid dresses. And I have a trio of such goodies to share with you all!

Like this little harvest gold plaid dressie with smocking and lace to boot! From Etsy seller, PiratesB00ty.

Or would you prefer your other vintage sixties mad for plaid faux jumper tunic with a lovely butterfly collar? Once again in the ever so elusive size 7. From our friends at Our Retro Toybox.

Or go pure old skool with this perfect plaid bit of cuteness.  Check out the sweet little plaid piping detail. Just stunning, eh?  And the bid starts at just under $10.00.  All that detail for such a small price. From ebay seller, Paddywacks Vintage.

But we can’t leave the boys out.  Check out this charming little plaid coat for gents.  What mama wouldn’t be proud to send her little guy to his first day of school in this sharp looking coat. From the very glamourous Etsy seller, StilettoGirl.

I myself love a good matching combo. So, when I saw this charming dress and coat set, I nearly plotzed with joy.  It is the perfect thing to wear for a little woodland romp in October or November, doncha think?

Perhaps your little guy is more of a t-shirt kind of guy.  Perhaps he could meet his teachers in this styling poly t-shirt friend from Sears. From Etsy seller, Aesthetikara.

Although babies aren’t going back to school, they still deserve something cute–like these widdle felt cowboy booties in rip roaring red.  With buckle, natch. From ebay seller forgetmenot.

E is for Extra button cute as well as elephant.  And you can get your little one’s extra cuteness on with this saucy romper. From Etsy seller,  FuzzyMama!

I did a lengthy lunchbox search for something fabulous.  Oh, the treasures I saw.  Yes, there was the Duke of Hazzard’s lunch box. The Alf lunch box. Even the Campus Queen lunch box.  But I’d never seen this gem before from Etsy seller, Aquanetta.

I wouldn’t mind doing dishes either if I had a fancy black poodle wearing bows on his head by my side to help dry the dishes.

Happy Monday, duckies! May the day fly by with fun and giggles!

Meet Poppy! Our Weekly Kiddo.


I’m so excited for today’s post because we have very special International Kiddo! Her name is Poppy and she lives allllll the way in Sydney, Australia. She’ll be turning 4 in a few short months and is a total doll. Her mama is the awesome Kellie from the popular blog, Mini Must Have and just like mama, Miss Poppy has a fabulous sense of style.


+ Adorable pinafore dress from Australian Bluebird and Honey


+ Retro swirls dress from Australian label Oobi



+ Graphic hoodie from New Zealand label Minti
+ Deep Denim skirt from Sooda Room
+ Puma high tops


+ Tutu and hoodie from Cotton On Kids


+ Dress is the Missie Munster dress from  Australian label Munster Kids


+ Red dress from Australian label Infancy
+ Levi’s denim jacket
+ Adidas sneakers


+ Sweet pink dress from Australian brand Rock Your Baby

Ooooh weeee, what a cute lil lady this one is! Check out that sweet smile. This sassy little minx loves colouring, riding her scooter, playing hide and seek, as well as memory games and “snakes and ladders” (Says Kellie, “she cheats!!” haha). She also loves to eat and is helping out in the kitchen cooking. We chatted with her mama who told us this:

“Poppy is definitely a girly-girl! She loves wearing dresses and skirts and would choose style over comfort any day. Her favourite colour is pink (can you tell?!!) and she has an opinion on anything and everything that she wears. Her all-time favourite piece of clothing is her ballet tutu. She’d wear it every.single.day. if she were allowed!”

I’m loving that tutu and I looooove her little sneaks! (er, or should we be calling them “trainers”??) Thank you so much Kellie for sharing your beautiful little lady with us. HAPPY FRIDAY everyone!

Quick Cookin' With Shutterbean: Mexican Pizza

Hey everyone! Today we have another special post from our favorite food expert—Tracy from Shutterbean! The thing I love best about her recipes (besides the totally nom-worthy photos that have me salivating at my computer….) are how quick-n-easy they are. Perfect for busy families or just people on the go-go! Tracy is a regular over here at Modern Kiddo and we are always thrilled when she stops by. In fact, we’re so thrilled that we gave her her own fancy Pilgrim-approved logo! (So adorable Pilgrim!) OK Tracy, let’s get this show on the road! xoxo Alix

Hi everyone, it’s Tracy here. So here’s a little recipe that’s now a staple in my arsenal of family-friendly foods: Southwestern Pizzas!

It makes the boys in my life SUPER happy when I bring these to the table. This dish includes all the yummy things that my little guy Cooper loves— red peppers, black beans, cheese and tortillas! But I gotta say it also tastes super great with loads of hot sauce, cilantro and sour cream on top. The best part is that it comes together in NO time!! The recipe is also pretty adaptable. Take away stuff you don’t like—add stuff you do! What’s involved? Take a look!

Take a tortilla and spread your favorite salsa on top.

Top with sliced red peppers & beans!

Finish with shredded cheese & green onions. Pop them on a cookie sheet and put them in the oven!

Cut them up with a pizza cutter and dig in!!!

Say Adiós!!! Cuz they’ll be gone in no time!!!

Southwestern Pizzas (recipe adapted from Family Circle Magazine)

1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
4 flour tortillas (whole wheat works well too)
1 15 oz.can black beans, drained & rinsed
2 cups shredded cheese (or more if you love cheese!)
2 green onions, finely chopped
1 cup favorite salsa
cilantro (optional topping)
4 tablespoons sour cream (optional topping)

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Take a tortilla and spread a few spoonfuls of salsa on top. Top tortilla with peppers, black beans and finish with the shredded cheese& green onions. Repeat process with the remaining tortillas.

2. Put pizzas on a cookie sheet (2 per sheet) and bake for 12-15 minutes until browned and crispy. Top each pizza with cilantro and a tablespoon of sour cream and chow down!

***I baked 2 pizzas at a time because I didn’t feel like cleaning two cookie sheets! ***

Thanks for stopping by! Don’t forget to swing by Shutterbean for more yummy recipes. I’ll be back again soon with more Quick Cookin’!