The Mobile Picnic … Can’t Go? I’ll Bring it To You

Where there’s a will there’s a way. If you can’t go to the picnic, I’ll bring it to you!

I could not resist. I saw this on Design Sponge. This little picnic craft is so intelligent and unique that I have to share. It involves an old briefcase and someone who loves the romance of a picnic. Who can forget the shirtless William Holden in the famous movice “Picnic?” or, Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward in “The Long Hot Summer.” The idea of a picnic is far better than the actual picnic, but us romantics love to dream. Check out “The Green Space Travel Case” for your indoor/outdoor picnic park needs. : ) If you know someone who either doesn’t have the time or take the time to become “one” with nature, this is perfect surprise lunch kit. No one will say it is practical, but it is a great conversation piece and will definitely bring a smile to his or her face.

What you need: (I took these directions directly from the site so I don’t get it wrong)

1. An old briefcase or any kind of case really, preferably one that’s molded plastic so you don’t have to worry about lining it for watering the grass

2. piece of turf cut to size

3. spray adhesive

4. thin ice pack

5. wild life scene printed out to size, or you could also find a little painting that fits

6. cutlery (either standard stainless, fancy silver, or something biodegradable like these WüN guys by Aspenware)

7. a napkin

8. a traditional picnic style plate for nostalgia’s sake and some yummy food bits

How to do:

1. Once you’ve found a case you want to use (I recommend finding one WITH a handle. I didn’t, and it was kind of a pain to work out), get the dimensions of the inside bottom where the grass will go.

2. Call a local supplier of turf and see if they will sell you just that tiny amount. I ended up paying $3 for mine which I think is a pretty good deal.

3. Then set the turf outside on a plastic bag and give it a drink of water. You also might want to run your fingers through it to get the blades standing up again after being flattened by the roll.

4. Next, measure the inside of the case’s lid to get the dimensions for the piece of bristol board or foam core you”ll need to mount your nature scene on. My studio assistant (aka my mom) cut this one and did such a good job that it was a perfect press fit into the lid. That’s ideal because then you don’t have to mess around with trying to make it stay another way. Thanks Mom!

5. Use your spray adhesive to mount your nature scene onto the board.

6. Now you’re ready to green up that case. Take your turf and place it in the bottom space. Voila, instant outdoors.

7. When the time has come to pack your lunch up, take the ice sheet out of the freezer and slide it either behind the pockets (as pictured below) or into the largest pocket, if it will fit. This ice, combined with the cooling / insulating powers of the grass, should keep your lunch fresh.

8. Take your nature scene and press it into place.

 9. Build lunch display however you’d like (avoiding runny foods or sauces) and wrap your finished food landscape in plastic wrap. Now you’re all set to go! I found this Crafty little idea on Design Sponge (great craft site) and at the bottom the credit goes to: PaigeRussell.com who has another site as well PaigeandModern.com.

Trust me. If you make this for someone, you won’t be getting it back : )

 

Capris Pants … A Great Fashion Statement

I have a soft spot for Capri Pants (“capris”) are a style of pants usually worn in warm weather. The are also known as long shorts in some areas of the world. They are designed to end mid-calf or just below the calf. They are perfect for people who don’t quite want to wear shorts and don’t quite want to wear long pants. If you have ugly knees …. problem solved. They are trendy, fashionable and oh so retro!Capri pants were first designed by European fashion designer, Sonja de Lennart, in 1948 and they became popular in the United States during the 1960s, largely due to the influence of
the popular television series The Dick Van Dyke Show. The character of Laura Petrie, the young housewife played by Mary Tyler Moore, caused a fashion sensation – and some mild
controversy – by wearing snug-fitting capri pants during the show’s run.

The pants’ name originated from the Italian isle of Capri, where they were first made popular in the late 1950s and early 1960s.

Oh … and who can forget Elvis singing “Do the Clam”to Shelly Fabres (who was wearing a cute pair or Capris) in “Girl Happy.” I think of that scene whenever I hear the word capris.

 

The Perfect White Wedding Swimsuit

Get married in your swimsuit! This is another version of the popular Scrunchkini. It has a padded bra top that ties around the neck. Front and rear scrunches can tighten or loosen for a higher or lower look. Fits like a tankini with an open bottom revealing the separate boy shorts. Both the top and botom come fully lined. Super comfortable and versatile. Available at Get Go Retro!

 

Bettie’s Got a Secret … And it’s a great fashion trick!

So excited to present this new line by Bettie B … Great looking retro swimwear. This stunning two-piece will make a perfect statement-making a splash from fashions past. First up; an exceptionally cool suit: Bettie’s Secret – A Classic 1 Piece sheath swimsuit with sweetheart neckline. White shell with zebra lining. When suit is wet, zebra lining is visible which reveals Bettie’s Secret … her wild side!

Next up, the Maryanne: Two piece halter suit. Top has an adjustable tie in the front in order to change the amount of cleavage shown. Skort Bottom. Slight high waist. Front of skirt has side gathers. Fully lined.

Available at Get Go Retro!

 

One Piece Retro Swimsuit … Very stylish and 50’s Looking

Ain’t she cute,

Well see her walking down that street.

Yes I ask you very confidentially:

Ain’t she Cute?

This is a great swimsuit (modeled by Cassie Wanda). The Absynth is a one piece fully lined swimsuit. The ruching down the hips is stretchy and comfortable. The straps on the top are adjustable. It’s trimmed in pail turquoise eyelet elastic. The detail on the top is made of upcycled lace, a velvet bow and glass pearl buttons. The entire suit is sewn in turquoise thread for beautiful finished look. Available at Get Go Retro!

 

Christian Bale; Women’s “Object of Desire” according to MSM Survey

According to an MSM Survey; more than 50 percent of women are pining for a summer fling with the Hollywood’s “Bad Boy” Christian Bale.

And I say “AMEN! To That!”

According to the MSN survey Christian Bale is the object of desire for more than 50 percent of female respondents. Regardless of his much publicized on-set tirade while filming “Terminator Salvation,” Bale easily beat out Robert Pattinson, today’s hottest vampire, and Chris Pine, aka Captain Kirk, as the celebrity with whom women would most want to have a summer fling. Unexpectedly, Pattinson, a very popular man among many twentysomething women, received only 21 percent of the female vote as this summer’s most desired celebrity fling — and Pine received a mere 14 percent.

Wow, I guess women still do love “REAL MEN;” I have to say Christian Bale definitely personifies a man’s man while having the sexiness of being a ladies man.

 

Retro Swimwear Wall Decor

Found on the Katy Elliott designer blog. Is this not the coolest idea????? How about vintage bathing suit framed for your walls? Here are a few found on 1st Dibs. These are a bit pricey for some pocketbooks, which leads me to think that you could search vintage shops (or ebay) and find a great suit to frame yourself. AND, if you live near a Michael’s or Joanne Fabric store, they often run the professional framing at 50% off. Get a shadowbox and you’ve got a great addition to your walls.

Above – at 1st Dibs. American1900-1920’sGreat new collection of vintage wool bathing suits, each impeccably mounted to last and framed in a custom lacquered shadow box. Prices vary from $2300 to $2695. Many more available from a 30 year veteran collector. They can be purchased here

If 1st Dibs is too pricey and you still want to buy online … there is Petrie Point Design:

Petrie Point Designs are authentic, vintage bathing suits from the 1920s to the 1960s that are beautifully framed and made into timeless works of art. Perfect for your home, beach house, hotel, restaurant, or as a gift. (Select photography by James Montague: www.jamesmontaguestudio.com.)

 

I SEA DEAD PEOPLE … National Memorial Reef

Okay, this may seem a little quirky or strange, but I am so enamoured at this idea, I have to share. Check out The Neptune Memorial Reef ; which is an environmentally friendly alternative to the traditional funeral and cemetery burial that we have all come to know so well.

This resting place is under water where there is still life … so it can make death more of a celebration of life. Think about it, it is life after life. You are giving after leaving this earthly plane. There are currently over 100 souls there now. This reef not only provides an extraordinary eternal resting place for the departed, but it was constructed to regenerate life in the ocean. If you are a beach lover you can appreciate the fact that we take a lot from our environment while we live. Here’s an opportunity to give something back.

The reef is located 3.25 miles east of Key Biscayne in Miami, FL – GPS coordinates N25º 42.036′, W80º 05.409′ – the Reef is the largest man-made reef ever conceived. Over 16 acres of barren ocean floor is being transformed. The first phase is a classical recreation of the Lost City, 40 feet under the sea. The natural surroundings in which the structures were placed have produced a marine habitat to promote coral and marine organism while creating the ultimate ‘Green Burial’ opportunity.

A recent marine study conducted by the Department of Environmental Resource Management [DERM] concluded that marine life around the reef has gone from the zero to thousands in two years. In addition to providing a permanent legacy for those who loved the ocean, the Neptune Memorial Reef is attracting recreational scuba divers, marine biologists, students, researchers and ecologists from all over the world. And, believe it or not, there is no charge to visit the reef.

Recent marine monitoring study conducted in December 2008 by DERM (Department of Environmental Resources Management) revealed that 1625 fish of 35 different species were observed in 14 different fish counts at different locations within the NMR vs. 1027 fish of 29 different species in March 2008. An increase of over 60% in only 9 months!”

With 6 rings and 8 “spokes”, the completed project will cover 16 acres of the seafloor, 3 ¼ miles off Key Biscayne in 45 feet of water.

With 6 rings and 8 “spokes”, the completed project will cover 16 acres of the seafloor, 3 ¼ miles off Key Biscayne in 45 feet of water.

Think of it this way …. if you always wanted to retire in Florida, you can do it for free after the first installment : )

 

High Waisted Retro Swimwear is Back!

This bikini is completely handmade of high quality nylon lycra. The draw strings allow for two different styles of swimsuit, low rise on the hip or cinched up high on the hip. You can adjust the strings in the back to create more of a rio butt or leave them down for a more vintage look.This bikini is lined and has a built in bandeau bra with padding.Available in Red with White Polka Dots, White with Black Polka Dots, Solid Red, Solid White, Solid Black and Solid Navy Blue.Cassie Wanda is the model. Available at Get Go Retro.

 

Vintage Barbie Striped Swimsuit

Striped Barbie Doll Swimsuit

Barbie may have turned 50, but this suit is timeless. This is a swimsuit I have always wanted to find and sell. Who doesn’t remember their Barbie Doll having a similar suit??? This adds a whole new chapter to playing Barbie!

This suit goes right to the heart of the 50’s Retro Revolution of your inner girl.

It’s made of a high quality navy blue and white nylon spandex. The bust has a built in corset bra to hold you up better and the crotch is lined. Available at Get Go Retro!