Modern Retro Woman

Women Helping Women

Dr. Julie-Ann — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 17:52:40 +0000

Congo Cloth Connection Fabric; Image courtesy of June Mears Driedger

In a month, my older sister, June, will be traveling to the Democratic Republic of Congo as part of “Every Stitch A Prayer” –Congo Cloth Connection. You can read about her trip and the purpose of it by visiting her blog postings:

“Every Stitch A Prayer” Congo Cloth Connection Part One

“Every Stitch A Prayer” Congo Cloth Connection Part Two

I was praying for a way to support my sister and the women of the BOMEN Sewing Training Center and Workshop. The answer came this morning when my sister called and asked if I could make some things for her to take to give to the women she will be visiting. Of course I jumped at the chance!

Between this project, finishing up my academic year, some family business, and helping my mother after she has minor surgery, my posts on Modern Retro Woman will be intermittent for the next month or so. But it is all good!

“See” you soon!

Vintage Ad: Feel Like A Queen!

Dr. Julie-Ann — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 23:22:46 +0000

Feel Like A Queen, Frigidaire Advertisement, 1960; Image courtesy of Paul Malon on Flickr.com

Little Betty Lou won’t be able to fit into her matching blue dress if she keeps double fisting those ice cream cones.

I’m pretty sure this advertisement wouldn’t get the Don Draper Stamp of Approval. Would it?

Hello Spring!

Dr. Julie-Ann — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 18:29:42 +0000

No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow. ~Proverb

"Spring Is Motorola Portable Time!" "Coronet" magazine June 1950; Image courtesy of SaltyCotton on Flickr.com

The Contemporary Conventional Home in 1958

Dr. Julie-Ann — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 20:48:36 +0000

This type of home is best exemplified by the average real estate dealer’s offering in a city or suburban development. House is usually pretty new, though it may need some repairs. Designed for efficient modern life, although rooms are likely to be small and boxlike compared with older houses. Many electrical gadgets to reduce the drudgery of household chores. Often comparatively new materials will have been used. Ceilings likely to be low, and little space between your house and your neighbors’. You may be able to mutually “enjoy” each other’s Hi-Fi and TV sets. It is a fairly standard American home–clean, convenient–but not inspiring in spirit. ~ Mary Jean Alexander, Decorating Begins with You, 1958.

NPS Home design No. M-38; Image courtesy of SportSuburban on Flickr.com

MA-3596 House Plan; Image courtesy of SportSuburban on Flickr.com

Boys' Room "Better Homes & Gardens" October 1960; Image courtesy of SaltyCotton on Flickr.com

"New Kitchen Cabinets" 3, "Better Homes & Gardens" January 1951; Image courtesy of SaltyCotton on Flickr.com

I grew up in a contemporary conventional suburban ranch-style house (I couldn’t find any exterior photos of our house–even online! My mother must have them all). The housing development was built in the mid-1950s and my family moved into our house in 1962. Back then, our neighborhood was considered the boonies and was still surrounded by citrus groves and ranches. By the time my mother sold the house almost 40 years later because my dad had died, Los Angeles development had not only overtaken our neighborhood but it had progressed another 20 miles northward.

Are you a “contemporary conventional” person?

And Now, A Little St. Patrick’s Day Kitsch!

Dr. Julie-Ann — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 14:36:41 +0000

Because nothing says “Happy St. Patrick’s Day” like peas and corn!

Libby's Canned Vegetables St. Patrick's Day Advertisement; Image courtesy of Blumongoose on Flickr.com

Friday Finds Around the Blogging Neighborhood

Dr. Julie-Ann — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 19:14:45 +0000

The finished floor in Sara's Mom's 1950s Time Capsule Condo; Image courtesy of No Pattern Required

It dawned on me recently that I haven’t done a “Friday Finds” for a while. So here are some blogs and such that have been capturing my attention recently:

Redoing a 1950s Condo on No Pattern Required I used to watch This Old House religiously when Bob Vila was still the host. I loved the show because a lot of the work was being done by homeowners and I appreciated how Bob, Norm, and the others would teach the homeowners how to do something. I also watched Hometime while we lived on the East Coast. So, if you are like me and like to follow along as a real person renovates a house or condo, then you will love this series by Sara. Every Thursday, Sara provides us with an update on the progress she, her husband (Mike), and her mother are making on renovating her mother’s 1950s time capsule condo. This is “real life” renovation that isn’t done in a weekend. And I love how she proves some contractors wrong when they tell her something can’t be done and she goes ahead and does it anywhere.

Faithful Vintage Living Regular readers (and Facebook fans) will recognize Brandi as a frequent commenter and MRW cheerleader. About a month or so ago, she started her own blog about trying to be a modern retro homemaker. I had the good fortune to coach Brandi and got to know her better. I love that her blog is so honest. What you read is the “real deal.” Be sure to follow her on Facebook, too!

Homestead Happenings Kathie is another frequent commenter and MRW cheeleader. I’ve been reading her blog for quite some time and her posts always feel like catching up with a friend. She shares family history stories and what life was like on the family farm “back when” her grandparents lived on it. And, when I went to grab the link, I discovered a new post about Tupperware! I know I’ve mentioned her blog before but we have so many new readers that I wanted to give it another shout out.

Have you come across any blogs that you think I should know about?

Wise Words of the Day: Courtesy

Dr. Julie-Ann — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 19:09:11 +0000

Courtesy is priceless yet costs nothing. ~ Unknown

National Cash Register Advertisement; Image courtesy of Salty Cotton on Flickr.com

We’ve all been there…bemoaning the lack of customer service in our modern world.

But, it is a two-way street. Have you ever stopped to notice the lack of common courtesy geared toward those working behind the cash register? Sure some cashiers need to upgrade their professionalism skills but, in my experience, most are working hard while having to deal with all sorts of people throughout the day.

Case in point: When I was buying groceries a few days ago, a woman in line in front of me was talking on her phone non-stop about what she had for lunch (I know because she was speaking loud enough for all to hear). The cashier asked her a question about having a club card that was ignored. The cashier continued with the order. The woman got off the phone but snapped, “I heard you the first time!” at the cashier when she again asked the customer about the club card. The woman continued to be snarly with the cashier throughout the transaction. The only thing I can figure is that she was seriously constipated because the cashier was certainly maintaining a pleasant composure despite this woman’s rudeness.

As modern retro women, let’s go against the trend of idealizing diva and b*tchy behavior. Let’s bring courtesy back. It won’t cost us a thing.

Friday Photo Fun #4: The Boat

Dr. Julie-Ann — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 21:44:45 +0000

This is our fourth affectionate look at “found photos.” Found photos are the ones that are either sold at garage sales or are found in an attic and no one knows anything about the people or what is happening. They also offer us a peek into mid-century everyday life.

Found Photo Circa 1955 by Jeffs4653 on Flickr.com

Add a caption in the comments section related to the photo. There’s no prize for having the best caption except for the bragging rights in knowing you’ve made us all laugh!

Wise Words of the Day: Conviction

Dr. Julie-Ann — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 17:53:29 +0000

The one serious conviction that a man should have is that nothing is to be taken too seriously. ~ Samuel Butler

: Clip taken from a Ruud Water Heater advertisement, in the October 1947 issue of Better Homes and Gardens magazine; Image courtesy of Clotho98 on Flickr.com

I’ve gone on a news fast. Trust me, it isn’t easy because I had slipped into “news junkie” mode. In fact, when I logged onto the computer this morning, I caught myself automatically typing in the web address of the first of many news sites across the political spectrum that I routinely visit during the day. I decided to go on a fast because I was starting to be influenced by all of the media histrionics. “The end times are at hand!” the headlines shout at us. The headlines don’t say those exact words but the words they use are designed to elicit an emotion that will cause us to read the article. Since I unhooked my television from the outside world a couple of years ago, I thought I was immune to such histrionics. I guess I’m not.

There really are some things that should be taken seriously. Our health is literally a life or death situation, for example. But I’d say that 99% of the stuff that we are bombarded with every day is not as serious as we make it out to be. We need to lighten up and get over ourselves.

As modern retro women, what kind of home environment are we creating? One filled with joy and laughter? Or one filled with fear?

Wise Words of the Day: Conversation

Dr. Julie-Ann — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 17:54:00 +0000

To listen well is as powerful a means of influence as to talk well, and is as essential to all true conversation. ~ Unknown

Edison Electric Institute Ad 1963; Image courtesy of jellokitty on Flickr.com

There is an old saying, “Loose lips sink ships.” This phrase was originated during World War II by the War Department to remind people to be careful what they talk about because they may inadvertently help the enemy.

My grandmother used to remind me that we have two ears and one mouth for a reason: We should do more listening than talking.

As modern retro women, let’s adapt the saying to “Loose lips sink friendships.” Just because we think it, doesn’t mean we have to say it. Listen more, talk less. An often overlooked secret to successful relationships.