All posts by Alix

Gettin’ Punchie With the Bug.

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Oh yes! The legendary Volkswagen Beetle….these things never fail to make me smile. Just recently we’e started playing Slug Bug with Wolfie. You know the game, right? You see a VW Beetle driving down the road and you call out “Slug Bug!” and sock your car buddy in the shoulder. We play a modified version and call out the color of the car, “Slug Bug Yellow!” “Slug Bug Red!” A lil smack punch might come later, but it’s more about the thrill of spying one before someone else. (Sorry purists…but  Wolfie’s only 8 and doesn’t have any siblings, so I’m usually on the receiving end of these punchies!!)

Do you call it Slug Bug like we do? Or maybe you call it Punch Buggie? I’ve even heard some people call it, Piggy Punch, or Beetle Bug. And of course then there’s “SLUG BUG —no punch backs!”

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I think these cars are just so quirky, cute and distinctive. I like the more modern version too, but of course it’s the classic that really makes me happy. Their motor makes such a distinctive sound. Did you know that the engine was in the back of the original model and the front was the “trunk”? It was also said that the unique construction of the Bug made it air tight so it could float. I remember when I was a kid back in Michigan, there was a small area that was flooded and a guy in his VW bug just puttered across. SO COOL!

The first production-ready Kdf-Wagen [as it was called] debuted at the Berlin Motor Show in 1939; the international press soon dubbed it the “Beetle” for its distinctive rounded shape. Though VW sales were initially slower in the United States compared with the rest of the world, by 1960 the Beetle was the top-selling import in America, thanks to an iconic ad campaign. By the 1970s, it had become a worldwide cultural icon, featuring prominently in the hit 1969 movie “The Love Bug” (which starred a Beetle named Herbie) and even on the cover of the Beatles album “Abbey Road.”   — History.com

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Sponsor the Kiddo // 2 for 1 Valentines Special!

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FEBRUARY is almost upon us, friends!

Do you want to gain a little more exposure for your Etsy shop or cool blog? Then why not become a Modern Kiddo sponsor!  Modern Kiddo has quickly become the go-to favorite for vintage lovin’ readers every where!  We love to showcase unique, creative  folks and help spread the world about your awesomeness.

Because February is a shorter month than usual (and because we loooooove you so) we are offering a special TWO FOR ONE deal. Sponsor Modern Kiddo for February, and get March free! Our rates are already totally affordable, so this is a fantastic deal. You’ll also be featured in our monthly “Sponsor Love” round up (see a sample here!).

To find out more or to reserve your spot, email me: alix [at] modernkiddo [dot] com.

Friday Link Hootenanny

Oh friends, I have to tell you we are sick as dawgs over here. Poor Wolfie caught the flu and has been out of school all week. Now I have a reeeeeally bad cold, so we’re just miserable. As a result, a slightly shorter Hootenanny. It’s going around, so take care of yourselves!! But in the meantime….let’s check out some fun stuff to take our minds off this awful cough!

1. CREEPY COOOL CUPS.


EEP! Check out these cheeky lil coffee mugs! As you drink, you get a lil surprise at the bottom. See them here.

2. PEOPLE IN GLASS HOUSES.

Wow. This house is really made out of glass, and the concept is that the inhabitants would be completely immersed in the nature of their surroundings. I think it would be stunning by day—but come evening I’d get a lil nervous. See more here.


{via deisgn mom}

3. HANDMADE FROM THE HEART

Arounna from design shop bookhou wrote a thoughtful piece on her blog in response to a comment someone left about her prices being too high for their taste. It was a terrific reminder of all the time and craftsmanship that goes into handmade goods—buy handmade, people! (Read it here.)

4. PEEKABOO I SEE YOU.


I spied this adorable little scrolling photo box over at Charlotte’s Fancy and thought it was just the cutest craft around. See how to make it here.

5. REMEMBER THE TITANS.

Little girls always look so snuggly warm and cute in their tights. Well why should they get to have all the fun?? Little Titans has created the coolest line of legging/tights for lil toddler fellas, but in boy-friendly styles and colors. LOVE! See them here.

6. BARBIE, GIMME THAT HOUSE.

Hey, my Barbie townhouse didn’t look anything like THIS amazing creation. See more here.

7. PARIS IN COLOR


Dottie sent me this link and I was smitten—a collection of extremely rare colored photographs, taken at the beginning of the 20th century in Paris. You must see them all.

HAVE A FABULOUS WEEKEND! Wash those hands and stay healthy!!

Kiddo Flashback // Classroom Photos

So a few weeks ago we had school photo day. Which is always a hoot. You get to pick the color background now, since it’s all digital, which is sort of wild. When it comes to a group class room picture, Wolfie’s school does them but it’s made up of all the little solo photos from the kids. Somehow it’s not the same as everyone sittin’ all proper on their little benches. I thought it would be fun to take a look at some classic Classroom Photos. I am obsessed with these, I think they are so cool. You just want to know the stories behind all these sassy little kiddos! OK, let’s take a look!

This first one is Mrs. Cliett’s Third Grade class, Shiver Elementary, 1963-64, Cairo, Georgia. Mrs. Cliett looks about a million years old, but I love her prim grey suit! You know she was the kind of crankster who rapped her ruler on those poor kiddos knuckles. Best dressed? bottom row, red polka dot dress and cat eye glasses. Aw yeah! Also, that’s a pretty handsome row of lads up there.


image: janet sumner

This next one is adorable. Grade 1 and 2 at Gray’s Lake Elementary, 1955. There’s a whole lotta plaid going on in this class.


image: takomabibelot.

On to the 70s….and COLOR, COLOR, COLOR. Mrs. Fujita’s Grade 1 & 2 class at Haskell Elementary in 1977. Best Fashions: where to start? bottom row, love the two pinafore girls but hellllo jumpsuit on the end! Please note how teensy Mrs. Haskell is on the end there behind THE JUMPSUIT. Also, middle row, middle girl with huge bow is awesome, but the the two guys on the top row ends (far left, denim vest and far right…little bad ass stance) rule!


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Next, Eisenhower School Kindergarten class 1973, Fergus Falls Minnesota. Dig that crazy teacher’s suit.  And is she wearing a fish pendant? Why yes she is. Best Kiddo Fashions: the two kids with the spex are amazing, but BOTTOM ROW WINS! red, white blue dressie and tights, FOUR cute pants set, a boy with tie…..and a crochet vest on the end. Brilliant.


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Miss Michelle Frenette’s First Grade Class at Eisenhower Elementary School, 1974, Fergus Falls Minnesota. Best Fashions: Love the middle row boys on the end (baby Joey Lawrence with bowl cut on the left and cutie cowby on the right) but again the bottom row takes it! This time with the Plaid-O-Rama pants suit, plaid maxi skirt, the baby blue maxi dress, boy with tie AND little girl in yellow pants and shirt with photo of a water fall on it. Huzzah! Feeling badly for girl in sweatshirt. I bet her mom forgot it was picture day. Also, i think that’s the same kid in the tie as above…. love Miss Frenette’s jaunty neck scarf too.


image: Precious Kitty Kat.

Mrs. Amundson’s Second Grade Class at Eisenhower Elementary School, 1975, Fergus Falls Minnesota.


image: Precious Kitty Kat.

I love this photo from the Catrine Primary School in 1970s Scotland. But uh oh, someone wore their jumper/ski sweater instead of regulation ties. Minus ten points, Gryffindor!


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Here’s another one from Catrine Primary School—and perhaps my favorite. Such a bunch of cuties. The boy’s all look like *such* rascals.


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Miss Davis’ first grade class at Northside Grammar School, 1961. Hmm. That “Miss” Davis is looking a little long in the tooth…

Check out the awesome Miss Groob’s Third Grade Class at Sheridan Elementary School, 1973-74 in Ohio. “Groobie, baby!”


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Mrs. Thren’s fourth grade class at Landisville Elementary in Hempfield, Pennsylvania. 1974-75. All the kids are swell, but helllllo gams! Check out those minis on the teachers!


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Let’s take a little jaunt across the pond and check out the “Preschool” (aka Kindergarten) class at the Princes Marijke School in Nieuw-Vennep, The Netherlands. 1974. Now this is a colorful crew.

image: christiaanV

Here’s the same school the next year in 1975, First Grade Class:


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And finally, we head back to the states to Houston, Texas. This is Mrs. Dahlem’s First Grade Class Spring Shadows Elementary, 1972-73. Best Fashions: These guys win BEST SHOES all around. Go-go boots, mod little saddle shoes, and even t-straps on Mrs. Dahlem. Little girl on the top right is kind of fabulous, with her jaunty scarf!

image: Rowland Kodachrome

And finally, Mrs. Harper’s Second Grade Class, Spring Shadows Elementary, 1973-74.


image: Rowland Kodachrome

Mrs. Alford’s  kindergarten class at Spring Shadows Elementary, 1971-72. This whole class wins Best Dressed.  All the front row snazzers—esp little Cindy Brady on the end and those two pairs of gogo boots. Also love little boy in purple on top left….and dig Mrs. Alford’s crazy zig zag poly dress!

How fun are those? Sigh. I wish they still did those group photos. Does your school?

Friday Link Hootenanny // Cool Things to Browse

Hurray it’s FRIDAY! Are you having a hard time getting back into the swing of things this new year, or are you a whirl wind of efficiency? Me….I’m having a hard time cracking that whip. But I have snuck in a little time to scare up some fun linkies for you. Let’s get to ’em!

1. DOUBLE OH YES.


This montage of opening credits of all the Jame’s Bond films is coooool. See it here.

2. GO SHORTY

I think these raw “shortbread” cookies look deeelicious! Get the recipe here.

3. BOOK ‘EM

How clever are these little book marks from graphic designer  Igor “Rogix” Udushlivy?? Designed to go perfectly with each title. See more here.

4. HONESTLY LOVELY

I thought this post from Nicole Balch on monetizing her blog was refreshingly honest! Read it here.

 

5. DRESS UP DOLLY

This collection from Petrune is lovely. The one on the left is from her vintage shop. The one on the right is part of her “vintage inspired” collection. (via Honey Kennedy)

6. MADE ESPRESSLY FOR YOU

I can’t lie, I’d love a lil Espresso cart! Elsie crafted up a cute one.  See it here. (She also made a clever restyled cocktail cart too!)

7. SWINGERS.


Ahhhhh how I want to go to this. I think this swing installation at NYC’s Park Avenue Amory is fabulous. See more here.

8. BAND OF FRIENDS

Have you hopped on the Tattly bandwagon? They’re really fun temporary tattoos—I’m liking this friendship bracelet style very muchly! Get yours here.

9. OLIVE THIS VIDEO SERIES 

The latest in Design Mom’s OLIVE US video series is sooooo charming. Yay for Betty in Paris!

Have a glorious weekend!