Friday, December 30, 2011

Amy's Old School Tips A Vintage New Year



2011 has come to an end with the beginning of 2012 in its stead. May this new year be full of health and joy and may you be surrounded by those you love.  May this year be one of prosperity in relationships as well as success in all your endeavors! And may you find vintage treasures galore and spread appreciation of all things past! Happy New Year from the Vintage Market Team on Etsy! 



Friday, December 23, 2011


The Vintage Market Team on Etsy wishes everyone a Christmas with plenty of vintage memories and hope wonderful new ones as well! May it be white and warm!

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Happy Holidays from the Vintage Market Team!



The title really says it all- wishing each and every one of you the happiest of holiday seasons!
 From your friends, The Vintage Market Team.

Friday, December 16, 2011

Amy's Old School Tips A Vintage Christmas

There is still time to Have Yourself a Merry Vintage Christmas! The Vintage Market Team on Etsy has over 1,000 Vintage Christmas items  and over 17,000 Vintage decor, clothing, jewelry, toys, glassware etc.  that could be given as gifts for Christmas! Get your purchase in fast in order for it to arrive in time! Here are 16 fabulous Vintage Market Team items for your enjoyment!

I would love to hear what your favorite vintage decoration or item is you love to bring out this time of year!

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

It's New Logo Time! Why, yes, that IS a challenge.


This avatar and banner should look familiar to you, our fellow fans, readers and supporters! 


The challenge:
Create a new logo for the team. You can find lots of info about us here.
Ideally, there would be an avatar and corresponding banner. I'm open to any vintage themed layouts, fonts, designs. The avatar and banner both need to say "Vintage Market Team", "Etsy Vintage Market Team" or "Etsy's Vintage Market Team" in order to be considered.
The avatar should be square, no bigger than 100 x 100 jpg.
Submissions accepted through January 31st, 2012.
The top choices will be voted on publicly on our Facebook page. The winning designer will be featured here- so please include a short bio with your submission.
Please send submissions to vintagemarketteam@hotmail.com
All submissions become property of the Vintage Market Team.
Good luck to all!

Until next week, when my Your Retro Home column resumes... XOXO, retrotrend

Friday, December 9, 2011

Amy's Old School Tips Get the Look Hugo

The movie Hugo, based on the amazingly illustrated book The Invention of Hugo Cabret . And the movie doesn't disappoint! I have to admit it is the first movie I have seen in the "new" present day 3-D and I was a bit concerned that I wouldn't enjoy that aspect! But, It was done marvelously! There wasn't tons of things popping out at you but the city and atmosphere was deep and wonderful. The characters were also developed perfectly! I enjoyed every moment of this movie it is a MUST see!
Winner of the 2008 Caldecott Medal

Set in 1930s Paris, an orphan who lives in the walls of a train station is wrapped up in a mystery involving his late father and an automaton. IMBD  
The Movie Is set to release this November 2011.
Now you can get the look for Hugo
from the Vintage Market Team!

French Paris 1957 Mini Postcard Flip Booklet By: ArtistiekEndeavors






The book is totally worth picking up whether or not you have kids! It is a really fast "read" as there aren't many words, the illustrations tell this fabulous story! I love period films and you can't beat the 30's for a great look! See all the items the VMTeam has to offer from the 1930's!


Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Vintage Cookie Cutters - Your Retro Home by retrotrend

Another wonderful gift idea for friends and family? Holiday sugar cookies.

This complete boxed set of cookie cutters is available from ILoveDandelions.

If you prefer more traditional Christmas shapes, why not scoop up this 1960s set from WorldVintage?

Get the kiddos involved with DINOSAUR cookie cutters! Study these prehistoric dwellers at DoNotDestroy.

The decor, be it Royal icing, sprinkles, or tubes of decorator's frosting, are up to you.
What is your favorite holiday treat?

Friday, December 2, 2011

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Limoncello - Your Retro Home by retrotrend


Every holiday season, I make a batch of limoncello for consumption, and for gifting to friends.
The first version I made was from this Washington Post recipe.
Not being a recipe cook, I love to fiddle with soak times and ingredients- but it's a great place to start. Lime and orange peels work very well too. I adjust the sugar to taste.
A small Mason jar or flask of limoncello and some homemade caramels or cookies make for a perfect hostess gift.
Limoncello is also a wonderful addition to trifles and cocktails. A fabulous digestif, best served cold.

The yellow liquid would look smashing in these Ball jars from lisabretrostyle2.

Or in this Cranberry glass decanter set from ObjectRetro.

Do you make, bake or distill gifts for the holidays? What are some of your favorite offerings?

Friday, November 25, 2011

Amy's Old School Tips Black Friday - Cyber Monday

The Vintage Market Team is having a SALE! Now is your opportunity to get those fabulous vintage gifts with excellent prices! Just Search  vmteambfcmsale for the entire selection of Sale items! Here are the stores participating, in no particular order:


Check each stores announcement for individual details! Here are some of the great sale items included in this cool treasury created by VintageAndSuch! Happy Holiday Sale Shopping!

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Friday, November 18, 2011

Amy's Old School Tips Gift Guide For Guys

What better way to celebrate the season than finding unique vintage gifts for your friends and families! You can give them something that isn't the same "what's it" that every Tom, Dick and Harry is getting under the tree. Here are some fun and unique items for the guys in your life from the Vintage Market Team on Etsy!

For the beer connoisseur in your life put together a package with a vintage stein, beer mats, kegs or bar decoration along with his favorite beers! This is a gift he will really enjoy!

Vintage Stein Tankard Decorated Glass By: WorldVintage
Vintage Beer Mats By: Collectique
German Mini Beer Keg Pilsener Kulmbacher By: OpheliaVintageHome
Vintage Ceramic Bar Lamp By: SweetShopVintage


For the male movie buff you could give him an old, cool camera for decoration in a movie room or study! Give him a DVD of his favorite movie along with vintage popcorn bowls, some Jiffy Pop and a vintage movie magazine for a fun "evening in" gift. A vintage movie poster will surely "Wow" your movie buff! A perfect way to add a graphic punch to any room! 
Vintage Mansfield Holiday Metermatic 8mm Movie Camera By: DumpsterDiver
Vintage Glass Typography pOp cOrn Serving Bowl By: DoNotDestroy
Hollywood Gossip Movie Stars 1960s Screen Stories Debbie Reynolds By: Ismoyo
Original 1964 Vintage He Rides Tall Western Movie Poster By: AmysOldSchool

For the guy that is into fashion and knows how to look cool the Vintage Market Team has some fabulous items! A tie is always a safe bet and this tie ROCKS! Guys look so great in hats it is a fun accessory and could be given in a fabulous vintage hat box! This V neck sweater has the perfect colors and is sure to please! I am personally a sucker for a snap shirt! They are so rock and roll cool! 

1950s men's M Nalon red and black necktie By: TiddleywinkVintage
Vintage Green Blue Fedora Hat by Alexander By: TeaAtHomeWithOlivia
Mens Vintage Red Western Shirt with Embroidery and Sequins By: Semprevintage

This is just the tip of the iceberg! I think I may have to commit another post to gifts for men! We need to cover geekery, the avid reader, barware, sports, mid century decor... Phew! There are a lot of cool ideas for guys! Let me know your good ideas and I may include them next week! 

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

The Kid's Table - Your Retro Home by retrotrend

Remember sitting at the kid's table?
I don't, because I was an only child, and the only grandchild for many years. The "adult" table can be a boring place for kids of all ages.
If you are celebrating Thanksgiving (for all readers within the USA, that is!) with extended family this year, there will likely be rugrats around.
Hopefully the parents will consider bringing activities for their children to do, and hopefully those activities will not involve a hand-held video device at the table, or any other noise- making distractions.
Even for kids that enjoy turkey, stuffing, and pie, many Thanksgiving dinners can seem never ending.

Buying craft paper and using it to cover the kid's table is a wonderful option- they can draw place settings, turkeys, even other guests. A box of Crayons can go a long way!

Consider a child- friendly activity that you and the child/ children can start before the meal together. When they ask to be excused from the table, they can continue the activity alone.
For a grade- school girl, how about a knitting lesson?
Maybe bake a tray of sugar cookies at home and buy a handful of the icing squeeze tubes so that they may help decorate dessert?

Another great way to keep kids of all ages happy? Classic boardgames. I'm a fan of Monopoly, myself, but Life, Chutes & Ladders, Pictionary, et al are a wonderful way for everyone to interact post- meal.

How do you plan to celebrate Thanksgiving?

*Platter shown above is available here, from BlackRain4.

Friday, November 11, 2011

Amy's Old School Tips The Vintage Thanksgiving


Thanksgiving is just a couple weeks away! And while you are basting your turkey and prepping all the side dishes you can do it in vintage style from your outfit to your decor! The Vintage Market Team can set you up! 



Mid Century Serving Collection Friendship Wheat
By: CheekyVintageCloset
Vintage Turkey Baster With Glass and Tube Box
By: NowVintatge


You can look fabulous while you prepare your dinner with this vintage dress enhanced and protected by a cute apron! Matched up with vintage shoes and jewelry and you will look perfectly put together!

With these cute Thanksgiving cards you can send someone a sweet note who is far away! What a fun  children's book, this would be great sitting out on the coffee table for your littlest guests to enjoy while the grown ups are visiting! Why not make a fun costume for that little actress in your family. Keep her busy making up a Thanksgiving play to perform for the guests! 
Thanksgiving Greetings Postcard circa 1911
By: Sarahendepity
Vintage 1940s Thanksgiving Valentine / Pilgrims
By: ZinniaRidge
Thanksgiving Story - The Pilgrims' Party
By: HeritagePostCards
Vintage Child's Pilgrim Costume Pattern
By: HipandVintage

It is time to bring out all the lovely hand washable china and linens to make the meal extra special! I love that the cranberry serving set still has its original box! 
Vintage Crystal Cranberry or Relish Dish
By: Thisthatotherthings
Queen Bess, Lovely Shabby Chic Flatware
By: FalconandFinch
Set of Four Fancy Vintage Cocktail Napkins
By: SempreVintage
Elegant Antique Henry Alcock Floral Covered Dish
By: The China Girl

When the tryptophan kicks in and the football game is on the television, wrap up in a warm blanket and lay your head on a soft pillow and hope you don't snore! If you are actually watching the game enjoy all those fun commercials they air and make up your own jingle, since those are rare now a days, it could be a competition to see who makes the best one! 
30s 40s Football Player Doll By: HornetsNestVintage
Vintage Wool Throw in Plaid By: VintageExpedition
Vintage Needlework Pillow By: HazelHome
Dodge advertisement 1947 By:BumperStickersnMore

There is still time to purchase cool vintage items from the Vintage Market Team on Etsy and have it sent in time for your gathering! Happy Thanksgiving! 

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Signature Cocktails - Your Retro Home by retrotrend

Everyone should have a signature cocktail. This is mine.

Mrs. Robinson (AKA the Suzi Quatro)

The recipe:
1/2 oz. of lemon juice
up to 1/4 oz. of Campari
3 oz. Plymouth gin
tonic (or diet, if you prefer)

Swirl lemon juice and Campari in glass. Top with gin. Add a few ice cubes and a splash of tonic. Imbibe.
Optional garnishes include berries, lemon peel, a wedge of squeezed lime, or anything else you can think up.

Signature cocktails are great for everyday enjoyment, but even more fun for parties and holidays.
Be it eggnog based, a punch or a mulled cider, festive drinks help set the mood. Champagne (or Prosecco) is a wonderful place to start, adding a bit of fruit juice and a cluster of berries can turn normal bubbly into a fabulous aperitif.

Perhaps a James bond?
one sugar cube
dashes Angostura bitters
1 oz vodka
champagne
Saturate sugar cube in champange flute with bitters, pour in vodka and fill with champgne.

Or a Ritz?
3/4 oz. orange juice
3/4 oz. cognac
1/4 oz. Cointreau
champagne
Shake first three ingredients in shaker over ice. Strain into a champagne flute, carefully fill with champagne.

What is your go- to cocktail, and why?

Friday, November 4, 2011

Amy's Old School Tips Get the Look My Week With Marilyn



In 1957 Marilyn Monroe went to England to film "The Prince and the Showgirl" with Laurence Olivier. My Week with Marilyn, is a British film that comes out November 23rd about a week she spends with an assistant named Clark while her husband, Arthur Miller, is out of the country. The romantic drama is filled with period details that can also be found from the Vintage Market Team on Etsy



Chic Vanilla Cream Wool by The Halle Bros By: BadChollaVintage




 Black Cashmere coat brown mink fur collar

By: RetroTrend

Black Velvet Hat Bow By: Soulrust



 Sheer Stripe Dress  By: SoulRust

Fitted Sweater Jacket

By: OpheliaVintage

By: BlackRain4


The story looks intriguing and I love a heated love story in a period with fabulous fashions! Are you planning on seeing it? 

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Come on, get COZY! Your retro home by retrotrend

The temperatures are falling and the leftover Halloween candy is calling your name! It's officially autumn, and the holidays are just around the corner- believe it or not.
Many will be hosting Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, New Years or holiday parties in the coming months. It's important to make sure your home is warm and welcoming to guests, family and friends, be it for a few hours or a few days.
I'm highlighting some cozy picks that can add warmth to any home.

This throw blanket from VintageExpedition would be perfect on the arm of a sofa or the back of a chair. A wonderful companion for a book or hot chocolate.

Speaking of hot chocolate- this Hull set from twolittleowls would be perfect! Marshmallows would look lovely floating in these handsome mugs.

Fondue is always a crowd- pleaser! Make tummies happy with this set from jenscloset.

No need to fear fondue! This recipe book from ismoyo will get the cheeses melting.

Perhaps a digestif in front of the fireplace? This Dorothy Thorpe cordial set from ObjectRetro fits the bill beautifully.

What are your favorite ways to stay warm this time of year?
Here's to a happy and healthy November!

Friday, October 28, 2011

Amy's Old School Tips The Way Things Were

Remember when commercials had jingles and TV shows had theme songs? Advertising has evolved over the years as well as the products available.  I find it interesting the type of swag that is still used for marketing, like beer mats compared to things that aren't used anymore, like swizzle sticks! Here are some fun vintage advertising items from the Vintage Market Team.


Advertising Cereal Doll Pattern Panel 

By: LeonasOldeLinens




Advertising Wall Thermometer 

By: TwoLittleOwls


Paper Advertising Church Fan 

By: HazeyJaneVintage



Churchills Nightclub London Red Swizzle Sticks By: AmysOldSchool


Babycham Goldwell Snowball Bubblies Beer Mat 

By: Collectique


 1941 Coca- Cola tray By: ObjectRetro


Farm Advertising Rain Gauge 

By: Lisabretrostyle2


What is your favorite type of advertising swag? Do you collect anything advertising related? 

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Spiders! Body Parts! Horse's Necks! Boo! Your Retro Home by retrotrend

I was looking for something fun and easy yet seasonally appropriate to make later this week when I stumbled across this recipe.
While mine probably won't look quite this lovely (or, um, disgusting, depending on how you feel about spiders), I'm excited to try them!

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups toasted pecans
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, in pieces
1/4 teaspoon salt
5 ounces thin black licorice strands, cut into 2-inch pieces
6 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
4 ounces milk chocolate, chopped
Chocolate curls or jimmies, optional

Directions

Line 2 baking sheets with waxed paper and lightly spray with nonstick spray. Mound 30 small clusters of pecans, about 3 or 4 pecans each, spaced a couple inches apart on the pan.

Make caramel: Warm the cream over low heat and keep warm while you cook the sugar.

Put the sugar and corn syrup and in a deep, heavy-bottomed large saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves. Stop stirring, raise heat to medium-high, and simmer until the sugar reaches the hard crack stage, or 305 degrees F on a candy thermometer, about 7 minutes.

Whisk the butter and salt into the sugar mixture. Gradually pour in the cream and vanilla taking care since the mixture will bubble up. Reduce the heat to medium and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the sugar reaches soft ball stage, 240 degrees F on the thermometer, about 5 minutes more. Immediately remove from the heat and cool for a minute.

Ladle a couple tablespoons of warm caramel over some of the nut clusters, to make the spider bodies. Then press 6 pieces of licorice into the warm caramel to make the legs. Repeat with the remaining caramel and licorice. (It's helpful to have an extra hand here, since the caramel can set quickly. If caramel hardens, warm over very low heat. ) Let spiders cool 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, put the chocolates in a medium heatproof bowl. Bring a saucepan filled with 1-inch or so of water to a very slow simmer; set the bowl over, but not touching, the water. Stir the chocolate occasionally until melted and smooth. (Alternatively, put the chocolate in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Melt at 50 percent power in the microwave until soft, about 1 minute. Stir, and continue heat until completely melted, 2 to 3 minutes more.)

Spoon about 1 tablespoon of melted chocolate on top of each spider. Sprinkle with jimmies or chocolate curls, if desired. Let cool until firm.

Don't forget to make yourself a ghoulish looking beverage to enjoy with your spiders!
For kids- Shirley Temples with a gummy body part floating on the top.

Imbibing adults might enjoy a Horse's Neck... don't we all?
2 oz bourbon
dashes of bitters
ginger ale
spiral lemon peel

Pour bourbon over ice cubes in a Collins glass, add bitters, fill with ginger ale, drop spiral lemon into glass and serve.

With spiders and horse's necks on the menu, how can you go wrong?

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