Monthly Archives: June 2011

Vintage Flashback:: Big Wheels Keep On Burning!

Oh, the Big Wheel.


Image via The Cabin.

Do you remember that very specific gritty sound it made while your rode it? Plastic meeting concrete? So wonderful.

Even more awesome than an Eames Chair.

I remember seeing mine under our glorious snow-flocked Christmas tree gleaming in the California winter sun.  I almost swooned with joy.  I know this girl’s unbridled joy.


Image via: melinnis.

If you think about toys from the seventies, I bet the Big Wheel comes to mind pretty quickly. As it should. It seems to always be in the background of many a photo taken during that time period.


Image via: The Season of Plums and Cobblestones.

Heck, it was even featured in The Shining as the kid’s favorite mode of transportation around the hotel. Perhaps the twin girls wanted to take a ride?

Really, who could resist the wonders of the Big Wheel? Not even CAPTAIN CRUNCH!

Introduced by the Marx company in 1969, the Big Wheel became hugely popular in the U.S. partly because of its low cost to make and secondly because consumer groups said it was a safer alternative to the traditional tricycles of bikes since it was so low to the ground.


Image via: Deco Dog.

And thirdly, there were so many version you could buy!

(note the little seat up front, so your Barbie could roll in style with you…)

Oh, and don’t worry, they did have one for you Qbert fans out there. All four of you.


Images via: Original Big Wheel, Muppet Wikia, and Val*Jean.

Yes, you can buy a big wheel now for your kiddo.  But for the young at heart, there is BYOBW—Bring your own Big Wheel race down the world’s most crooked street in San Francisco. And it looks to be one part spectacular and one part terrifying.

 

But next year, I’m going!

Real Life :: A Sunny Weekend & The Flea


I don’t know about you, but I am enjoying summer, friends. I have to say I’m having a hard time getting on a schedule and getting things done—I feel like I’m making more of a mess than cleaning up—but it’s really been great having more time with Wolfie and Greg and being able to actually be home for dinner every night! We had a really super weekend….FINALLY the weather has gotten sunny (although as I write this, grey rain clouds have just begun to loom above). Here’s a little of what happened in our neck of the woods this weekend!

WHO’S BAAAAAD?
When we first moved to our house, our next door neighbors were a super sweet elderly couple named Norman and Evelyn. They were both in their late 80s. Norman was a dynamo, but Evelyn was beginning to get a little bit spacey. She once told us how she was taking a “cruise to Colorado” and she always thought I was two different women, but she had a big heart and loved her garden. One day when she was puttering in the front yard she shouted over to me, “The goats are coming soon!” I smiled and nodded and secretly thought, “Oh poor Evelyn…” Well. Shut mah mouth because the next day as I was walking to the kitchen to refill my cup of coffee, this is what I saw outside:

I called up Greg and said, “Holy smokes, Evelyn was right! There are hundreds of goats in the field!!”

We’ve lived here nearly 10 years and every year we look forward to our annual visit from THE GOATS. The Bay Area can get reeeeeally dry in the summer and the grassy fields are a big fire hazard. Rather than hire guys with big ol lawn mowers and weed wackers, the city contracts out these local farmers who come with their posse of goats and within 2 days flat they eat the entire field. It’s AWESOME. I love that we do this….green livin’ and it’s so much for the kids (and us) to see these crazy goats.

GOOOOOOAL!!!

Wolfie has never been a super sporty little lad. He does love watching baseball with Greg (Go Giants!) and just started Little League this year. This spring my dad took him out with a soccer ball and they kicked it around and suddenly, Wolfie was obsessed with playing ball. He loves kickball and running around. So we thought, “I guess we could try soccer?” I don’t want him to be one of those kids that is overscheduled, but Little Leagued had just ended so we decided to try this little soccer club (it’s more of a workshop, and not a team). OH. MY. GOD. He LOVES it!! He wants to get there early to play before class, and then afterwards he wants to stay and kick the ball around. He looks so stinkin’ cute in his soccer uniform too—with his wild curls he looks like a crazy European soccer star, haha. GO WOLFIE!

After we manage to pry him away from the field, we go out for a little lunchie. This weekend we ate at one of our favorite places—Cactus Cafe in Rockridge. The crispy chicken tacos are to die for!

Up the street is a great little independent books store. The book store is one of my favorite places to go with Wolfie. I love the smell of books! (Also you may remember our Top 5 Picture Books too!) I love sitting with him and reading stories. This time I discovered the cutest book by Lauren Child, who is most known for the brilliant Charlie and Lola series (we love the DVDs, especially this one). Lauren has collaborated on one of the most charming picture books I’ve seen in a while. The Princess and the Pea is the classic fairy tale, but the illustrations are what I love. They built miniature sets and then incorporated Lauren’s sweet drawings. It’s part paper doll, part doll house. SO COOL! You can get The Princess and the Pea here.

I also thought this Counting Birds book was really cute and had really excellent illustrations:

You can pick one up Counting Birds here.

Flea Market!
Wolfie had a birthday party on Sunday so Greg and I had 4 hours of free time, so we hit the Treasure Island Flea Market. The Alameda Flea is the one I sold at a few weeks ago, but this was a new flea market. I wanted to check it out to see if it might be a possibility for me to sell at when I can’t make the Alameda Flea. The weather was picture perfect!

{Someone on Instagram made the comment, “you have the best flea markets in your area!” We have some great stuff for sure, but also know that I’m just showin’ ya the best stuff!!}

When I was at Alameda, my booth mate was this really awesome woman named Michelle of Freckle Face Vintage. She had tons of cool things, very in line with what I love (aka colorful 60s and 70s goodies). Anyway, I was hoping she would be selling that day so I could say HI….I never found her booth, but as I was browsing some vintage shoes she suddenly came up to me! She was with her super adorable friend and we had a great chat. (Ladies if you’re reading, let’s get together!) I love making new pals.

After a leisurely walk around, it was time to head back.

I tried not to buy too much (hey, I’m trying to streamline over here, right?) but I couldn’t resist these robin’s egg blue babies!!!! Whoo hoo! GOOOOOOOAL!!!!!! I also got one other pair of brown mod oxford type shoes that are really grand. And only ten smackers!

So that was our weekend. What did you guys get into? Are you enjoying your summer? Is it hot has heck where you are? Send some of that sunshine our way!


What’s that? You want to see my new shoes again? Oh OK, if you insist….

PS

Don’t forget to enter our $50 Paper Flavor Goodie Bag Giveaway!! Enter it here.

Star Spangled Fourth of July Vintage Kiddo Retro Round Up!

Oh nothing makes you crave red,white and blue as much as the fourth of July.  What with all of the parades, BBQs and parties going on this weekend, you must make sure your kiddo is dressed patriotically and fortunately the best U.S. of Yay outfits are vintage–natch! So, I rounded up some dandy little ensembles for your wee ones! Enjoy!

So, let me start it off with a bang with this crazytown awesome seahorse and stars dress from Ebay seller, Robot Parade 4 Kids. Did I mention the blue seahorses and the stars.  I want this so bad, my teeth hurt!

 

Let’s start it off with a bang with these ADORABLE little vintage  jonjons of cuteness that would be perfect for running through the sprinkler in. From Etsy seller Star Friends on Earth.

Check out these vintage  liberty bell bottoms with a little chick.  I have to look away, they are so cute! From Etsy seller, Red Comb Vintage.

FuzzyMama has some great red, white and blue goodies–like this button cute little polka dotty friend! Who wouldn’t want to romp in that?

Let your little Yankee Doodle Dandy lead the Fourth of July parade tapping out a song on this sweet vintage drum. From CeeGee’s Attic.

Miss Lish does it AGAIN with these bicentennial corduroy overalls. Stars! Stripes! Liberty Bells! Eagles! 76! What else could one want?

Stars and stripes forever–well, at least stars with this easy wearing little vintage starry jumper dress.  From Etsy seller, The Fancy Tail.

Believe it or not I’m walking on air now that I’ve found this sweet SIGNED Greatest American Hero doll!  How U. S. of Yay is that? From Ebay seller, Rotofigure.

Of course swimming is for a lot of people a huge part of the summer and fourth of July festivities. And with good reason if one could find a suit as cute as this little vintage number? From Etsy seller, Captain Cat.

Oh Rand McNally, is there no subject you haven’t touched?  This 1960s book about Betsy Ross and the American flag is genius.  From Etsy seller, Grandmother’s Attic.

Nautical and nice!  With the sweetest little anchor.  I already want to pinch the cheeks of the little kiddo wearing this outfit.  Nice find 3 Ring Circus!

Don’t let your kiddo get cold watching the fireworks!  Buy this dandy gingham-lined denim jacket from Etsy seller Sweet Shop Vintage.

Happy Monday!

Friday Link Hootenany :: Cool Stuff to Browse

1. A HAIR RAISING WAY TO PARK YOUR BIKE.

I love this big ol’ 70s pack pocket comb as a bike rack. So clever! It’s in Roanoke, Virginia, if yer close by.

2. UP, UP AND AWAY.

I reeeeally want to float away on this coach, with a juicy book. Doesn’t it look awesome??

 

3. BELLE AND SEBASTIAN LOOK AS PRETTY AS THEY SOUND.

Sure they’re known for their dreamy music, but this beautifully animated video by Lesley Barnes is almost prettier than the song. SO great.

Check out the full video here. So dreamy….

 

4. A KIDDO’S TOY IS HIS CASTLE.

The always awesome Robert Mahar of Junior Society has put together a collection of groovy kid’s play castles. I love a good castle. Take a look for your little knight or princess.

5. I’M PLOTZING OVER PLOC.

Awesome Kiddo reader Flannery O’Kafka tipped us off to this rad new magazine from the makers of the lovely Anorak Magazine. Their new project is called, PLOC: The Happy Mag For Little Ones. The best part is that they contacted one of my all time favorite vintage illustrators, Alain Grée (I featured him here). He is an incredible French artist who illustrated children’s books through the 60s and 70s. I can’t wait to see the first issue!

via bambino goodies

 

6. THE 20 BEST TREE HOUSES AROUND

I love tree houses. I’ve always wanted one. And these are especially inspiring.

via babble

7. PAST MEETS PRESENT PHOTOS TAKE OFF!

The Dear Photograph blog is making the rounds and I think the concept is so lovely. Take a picture of a photo from the past in the present. I must boast here and say we actually posted about this idea two months before Dear Photograph launched (ahem, hee) but the blog is definitely a terrific idea. See my original post here for lots of great photos and then pop by Dear Photograph too!

image: katie artzner

8 THE CRAZY CUTENESS OF RAINBOW CITY, NYC
Oh my. New Yorkers you have until July 5 to check out this extraordinary forty piece installation by FriendsWithYou. ‘Rainbow City’ is a vibrant collection of air-filled sculptures which make this ‘city’ a very happy place to be indeed! Located at the lot on 30th Street in the Chelsea art district.


via LMNOP

9 AHHHH, GILT FREE SHOPPING
Have you heard of Gilt Groupe? It’s a terrific site that lets you buy schmancy label goodies for your kiddos without breaking yer pocketbook! They call it “insider access to deals” and I’m a girlie who loves a good deal. In addition to gorgeous clothing you’ll also find cool toys and gear. The line up changes all the time and this week is especially good!

How adorable, right?? They have really cute boy things too. Like that awesome frenchy lookin’ stripey tee from American Apparel down there? Five bucks! And that awesome Tea Collection Wolf shirt? $12 smackers! You can sign up for free here. Head on over!

10 PEANUT BUTTER BACON COOKIES ROCK MY WORLD.

How does one type a droooooool? Earlier this week I met up with my friends James (of bleubird vintage) and Tracy (of Shutterbean). Tracy made these cookies. And I admit was a skeptical….but the lesson is, NEVER DOUBT THE BEAN! MAN WERE THEY SHUMMY! Tracy is an excellent maker of foods. And these cookies kick booty. Get the recipe here.

That’s all folks! Have a super duper lovely weekend.


Meet Zelda, Our Weekly Kiddo!!

Hi hi friends! Happy snappy Friday! Miss Dottie here. And I’ve got a charming little lady today, Miss Zelda.  Now, I am deelighted to say that I know this little love bug personally and she’s one of my favorite kiddos EVER!  She’s such a kick in the pants, just like her mom, Melinda, who I used to be in a comedy troupe with back in the day. Now Melinda writes funny stuff on her own blog Easy Rider.  And of course Miss Z has provided quite a bit of hilarious writing fodder.

And blog cuteness! Like this!

 

Melinda summarized Zelda’s fashion sense:

Zelda’s unique, SF and Disney cultivated style that is part Peg Bundy, part Punky Brewster and part Princess Peach. She is the queen of layering and pairs shorts or tutus with tights and leggings, long sleeves with short sleeves and bolero jackets and has been known to wear her old Babylegs as arm warmers. All her clothes are a combo of hand-me downs, dress-up clothes, Gap, Target and Hanna Andersson, with the occasional Great-grandma creation thrown in.

In other words, kiddo fashion perfection!

Fairy wings and rainboots are the perfect combo.

 

I love a girl who can rock a princess costume, don’t you? I think the different pony tail holders accent your ensemble beautifully, my lady!

I love how she uses her babylegs as arm warmers. Even at the age of five she knows the importance of layering in SF. The plaid and floral combo is pure Harujuku!

Did I mention Zelda is a fan of stripes? And would you look at those shoes?

Being so fabulous is tiring!

Melinda wrote the following about her little lass:

Zelda is camera shy, but stage ready and will do a jazz run all over that thing. Despite her name, her favorite princess is Peach and can kick your butt at Mario Kart. She is a pretty, pretty pink princess and a dancing queen who can already spot the difference between Ballet, Contemporary, Hip-Hop and Jazz. She has a green thumb and loves to plant seeds and water her window-sill garden. She knows the names of more plants than I do.

She thinks all boys are icky except for her boyfriend and her daddy–who is not wild about this whole boyfriend thing. Her favorite singer is Britney Spears, her favorite TV show is Dancing with the Stars and her favorite dancer is Kirstie Alley.

She is a budding comedian who isn’t afraid to go blue and her favorite go-to punchlines all include pee, poop, and the smelling of stinky butts. She will moon you if given the opportunity. Besides Mom, her best friend is a big fat, geriatric cat named Ralph who is kept alive, and fat, with her constant care and sheer will.

Thanks for sharing you little snapper, Melinda!