Monthly Archives: May 2011

Real Life:: Block Party–I’m with the Band!

This weekend my little block had its annual block party!  But my little block has its own special twist on the time-honored block party idea.  Years ago, the high school band teacher lived on our block and held a drum-line contest! whole block would chip in funds for a super sweet trophy for the winner.  It is a wonderful tradition and I’m so lucky I landed on this block.

So from 10AM to noon, our little block is treated to some of the finest middle school and high school bands around. And friends, let me tell you–nothing makes you smile more than watching a bunch of mildly awkward teenagers make music while walking in formation.

Oh the memories. How they come flooding back!

The bright polyester uniforms that don’t totally fit right? Because chances are you probably went through a growth spurt, lost baby fat, or dear God–got boobs sometime during the school year.

And did I mention that heavy knit polyester isn’t really a friend to teens who are trying to figure out the whole body odor thing…. Yeaaahhhh….

But you were in band because you loved music and wanted to make music.

And not only did you make music, you made friends.

And don’t slag the flag and rifle team, because those girls ROCKED IT!!! (Said a past band-front girl…)

This is where it starts, friends.  Because to get to THIS:

Sometimes, you need to do this:

So, I salute you future Dave Grohl, Meg White from the White Stripes, Sheila E, and Cindy Blackman, drummer for Lenny Kravitz. I can’t wait to see where you land!

Were you in band? What instrument did you play? I was actually in the orchestra making the most frightening sounds with my violin. And then bass violin, which *MIGHT* have been inspired by that vintage Tom and Jerry cartoon… I’m just sayin…

PS: I am super sick right now, so I’m going to post the newest giveaway either later today or Thursday.

Vintage Kiddo Retro Round up

How was your weekend? Did you make the most of the lovely weather? We had the nicest, sunniest weather this weekend for our annual block party. But I’ll chat more about that tomorrow.  And I also purchased a nice new iPhone and fiddled away far too much time on Instagram this weekend. But enough chit chat because I have some darling goodies to share with your this week!

Oh, this dress, this dress, this dress.  I. Magnin Kate Greenaway dress from Ebay seller, Judith Thorne.

Russian nesting dolls are super popular and with good reason–kids have so much fun with them!  The Peach can whittle away a half hour with one of her sets.  And this beautiful vintage set from Etsy seller, Olga Vintage would be gorgeous in play or on a shelf.

FuzzyMama always has great finds, like these genius plaid bellbottoms of cuteness.

Our sister Dame, Moxie Deluxe went to see Marlo Thomas talk last week and she told us the best Marlo stories!  Which of course made us remember how much we all loved Free To Be You and Me! And of course Free to Be A Family available in book form from Etsy seller, Oopsie Daisy.

I’m always mad for plaid–and this long sleeved boys shirt is worth buying now and putting aside for winter later.  From Etsy Blue Bird Lucy.

My obsession with red shoes is a long long one, so I couldn’t possibly leave out these never worn beauties that will hopefully be worn again one day. From Etsy seller Twilight Secrets.

I’m completely obsessed with all things nautical. But then again, everyone should be obsessed with these great sailor pants and suspenders.  From Etsy seller, Flour Clothing.

I HAD to feature this wonderful Playskool Activity Center after seeing one in last week’s Vintage Kiddo Round up!  And this one is a peach. I love the kitty behind the curtain. Tee hee! From Etsy seller, Connie and Andrew’s Digs!

Look what you can do with a Spirograph!  Especially this vintage Spirograph set! I particularly loved this game as a child. From Ebay seller, PepsiGuy504.

We started with a terrific dress and we are ending with another terrific dress– this perfect smocked plaid beauty that is just to-die-for wonderful! What a great find from 3 Ring Circus!

Happy Monday!

 

Friday Link Hootenanny :: Cool Stuff to Browse

1. BLOCK HEAD COOL.
They say good things come in little packages and artist Suzanna Scott proves this point. I love these little painted collage blogs from sushipot.

2. SUNSHINE GIRLS.
Little girls in sweet little dresses? Ain’t nothin’ cuter. And juliette sunshine does it so very well.

3. GIVE ‘EM THE BIRD.
I know birds are a TAD played out (have you seen this hilarious snippet from the show Portlandia?) But I still love ’em. Judy Kaufman’s take on the bird is oh-so-quirky and fun.

4. GOOD ENOUGH TO EAT. OR FRAME.
I used to love playing with my spirograph back in the 70s. And I love to eat cupcakes. So thank you, crazy baker lady (aka the genius Lori Hernandez) for making these GORGEOUS treats that are mind bogglingly cool.

5. ONE MAN’S TRASH.
Robert Bradford is a cool dude. He takes old toys and refashions them into these really rad sculptures. Me likey. (via smudgetikka)

6. TREE LOVE.
I have a thing for treehouses. I find them so charming and cool. And this one is kinda like my dream treehouse—futuristicly organic. Huh? Is that even a word? Who cares! Party at my treehouse!

7. OH BABY, BABY!
Take our adorable friend Melissa…..

And add one reeeeally cute little fella named Arlo

And you get Insta-Adorable. Congratulations sweet lady! We are so very happy for you! Swing by and congratulate the new mama.

8. COLOR ME FAB.
Gaaaaahhhhhh, color. Droooooool. Need I say more? Look here for more. Found via designlovefest

9. CATHY OF CALIFORNIA.

Cathy is brilliant. She is also very nice. Besides being a Flickr friend, I met her in person at Renegade SF a few years ago and I can tell you she is very cool. Miss Dottie and I have been SO excited for her new book. It’s everything we love…and I know you will too! We have a full blown Cathy Extravaganza in the works, but here is a sneaky peeky:


10. PRETTY WISE WORDS.

Got a hot tip or have YOU spied something groovy over the course of the week? Shoot it my way! Alix [at} modernkiddo.com. Have a marvelous weekend, my lovelies!