Celebrate The Man In Black

The Original Outlaw

This past weekend while everyone else was standing in line to see The Dark Knight, I pulled out my Best Of Johnny Cash Show DVD and relived some of the greatest music ever made. Despite the blockbuster biopic about The Man In Black (Walk The Line starring Joaquin Phoenix), and the subsequent renewed interest in his career, few in today’s generation have witnessed his groundbreaking TV variety show which aired from 1969 to 1971.

Always the rebel, Cash wasn’t afraid to mix genres and host acts as diverse (and potentially controversial in their day) as Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Louis Armstrong and Stevie Wonder in an era when homogeny reigned supreme on network TV. Not to say Cash wasn’t proud of his country roots–George Jones, Loretta Lynn, Waylon Jennings and the inimitable June Carter Cash all graced his show as well.

This incredible DVD collection features 23 live performances including Cash singing “Walk The Line,” and “Ring Of Fire,“ many of the guest stars mentioned above, and nostalgic, unpredictable variety segments. It’s recorded bona-fide proof that Johnny Cash was a pioneer in every sense of the word!

Need more Cash? Our tribute Johnny T-shirt features a majestic image of the larger-than-life figure on the front and his faux signature on the back. It’s a salute to country music, blues, and rock and roll. Johnny Cash made all three of them his own. And the world is a better place for it!

Retro Summer Fun

Kids Cooped-Up? Games Ahoy!

Let’s face it–some summer days are just too hot to run around outdoors. In fact, I’ve heard weather men in several states recommend people stay in air conditioning more than a few times this season.

So how do you keep kids entertained during the long summer months without resorting to hours of TV or video games?

Enter Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots! When I dug this old pal out of The Attic, I thought for sure my hip kids would roll their eyes–but they didn’t! They grabbed those buttons and went to town, knocking each others’ blocks off. Little did they know they were enjoying a vintage toy from the 60s!

It was such a success that I tried Gnip Gnop (I was in my 30s before I realized that was “Ping Pong” spelled backwards). Back in the 70s, my cousin and I played this one a lot. It was another big hit with the kids! The family room rang out with ball-flying, button-smashing action!

Jumping decades, we broke out the Betty’s Attic tabletop version of Space Invaders. In the 80s, my friends and I rode our bikes to the video arcade every day after school to wield joysticks and obliterate aliens. It was awesome, dude! Totally awesome!

Finally, the kids took a break with some ice-cold drinks I served in our brand-new Kool-Aid Drink Set. I couldn’t help it–when I saw the familiar face of Kool-Aid Man (who got his name back in 1975), I screamed “Oh Yeahhh!” just like the commercials I grew up with.

And that’s when my kids decided “playtime with Mom” was over.

Goodbye, Bozo

Larry Harmon: January 2, 1925 – July 3, 2008

“Bozo is a combination of the wonderful wisdom of the adult and the childlike ways in all of us”–Larry Harmon, 1996.

My parents passed their love of Bozo on to me and I, in turn, passed him down to my own kids. It’s funny–even as a little kid I knew Bozo was from my parents’ era and not “modern,” but it never mattered. I parked myself in front of that TV every day to giggle and sing along with my friend and his thrilling games and prizes!

So when I heard that the man who kept the spirit of Bozo burning bright passed away last Thursday, I wanted to share my respects and send a salute from all of us here at Betty’s Attic.

For over fifty years Larry Harmon donned his fuzzy wig, red nose and crazy costume because he loved making people smile. He wasn’t technically the first Bozo. That distinction goes to Disney voice actor Pinto Colvig. He briefly promoted the persona created by Alan W. Livingston back in 1946 to promote a series of kid’s albums. But not long after, Harmon stepped into the big shoes when he heard bigwigs were casting a local Bozo for public appearances.

Not only did Harmon get the job, he had the incredible smarts to license the character of Bozo! This was not during the age of hyper product placement we’re in now–it was an innocent time when the mere concept of television was novel and new! Yet, this man had the foresight to license himself as a brand and train over 200 Bozos across the country to represent the image on local TV stations around America!

Did you know the Chicago Bozo Show on WGN was so popular there was a 10-year waiting list to get tickets? It became so crazy that WGN stopped taking reservations! Then, years later, when they decided to try again it took only 5 hours to book the show for the next 5 years! The phone company said there were over 27 MILLION phone calls to request tickets!

Harmon passed away from congestive heart failure Thursday, but his spirit lives on in all of us! His wife Susan said, “"He was the most optimistic man I ever met. He always saw a bright side; he always had something good to say about everybody.”

We could all learn a lesson from our old pal, Bozo.

It Went With The Wind!

June 30th, 1936: Gone With The Wind Is Published!

I’m every bit the romantic, but I cannot think of Gone With The Wind without picturing Carol Burnett in her curtain rod dress. It cracked me up as a nine year old and it cracks me up now (“I saw it in the window and I just had to have it”).

Yet it was that very TV sketch that introduced me to Margaret Mitchell’s sweeping saga which was first published on this very day, back in 1936. You can imagine my parents explaining that neither the actual book or movie contained any outfits fashioned from window treatments. I was really disappointed to learn it wasn’t even a comedy.

Some say Mitchell–who vehemently swore her novel was pure fiction–actually based most of the characters on real people. A feisty news journalist in 1920’s Georgia (think Rosalind Russell with a Southern drawl), she was an avid history buff who devoured books about the Civil War. Rumor has it, Rhett was based on real-life ne’er-do-well George Alfred Trenholm, a handsome blockade runner (high-class smuggler) from Charleston!

Once I was old enough to understand the “real” movie, I was blown away. The bombastic characters and ragged war-torn South left a deep impression. As sweet and good as Melanie was, it was hard not to side with smarmy, conniving Scarlett. But then, I’ve always been partial to firecrackers. Did you know Mitchell almost named her Pansy O’Hara? The power of editing.

Throughout the years, the book has become an old friend. Like other classics of its stature (it won the Pulitzer Prize in 1937), it sucks me in every time. So much so that a few years ago, I began collecting memorabilia from the film. There’s something about the Golden Era of Hollywood that enchants me.

I’ve got our Rhett and Scarlett Cookie Jar for my Rice Krispie Treats (not exactly a Civil War delicacy, but my kids’ favorite) and the antique-look Salt & Pepper Shaker Set (I pretend I got it from a Tara estate sale). When I need to curl up with the movie on DVD, I snuggle under my GWTW Fleece Blankie.

And for my birthday this year, my mom (also a fan) bought me the GWTW Art Deco-Style Wall Clock. It took me two weeks to pick a room to hang it in!

I suppose it’s possible to imagine a world without Gone With The Wind. But I wouldn’t want to live there!

Tune Into 70s TV!

DVDs Bring Back Shows We've Missed

Every night after work I do the same thing you do: spend 35 minutes flipping up and down through all of my TV channels looking for something to watch. I spend more time looking than actually watching!

Remember growing up in the 60s and 70s when you looked forward to your favorite shows every week? You knew exactly when they were on and you simply tuned in and watched. During the commercials, you waited.

One of my favorite shows back then was–and still is–The Love Boat!

What captivated us, week after week, to curl up in front of Captain Stubing, Lovable “Gopher”, Julie McCoy Your Cruise Director, Ladies Man Doc Bricker and Isaac “Hippest Bartender On The High Seas?” Was it the deeply-woven dramatic storylines? The sizzling romances between Charo and David Hasselhoff? The vistas of exotic locales we vicariously visited while riding The Pacific Princess?

All of the above!

Season One, Volume One of The Love Boat is out on DVD and let me tell you–it’s just as much a guilty pleasure now as it was back in 1977 when it first premiered! It’s a time capsule of polyester bell bottoms, bouncy feathered hair and giggly double entendres! The background music alone is worth the price! As a young girl, I dreamed of wearing a string bikini and smearing cocoa butter on my tan legs as Isaac brought me mai tais. If I was lucky, Scott Baio would be on board!

Watching my Season One DVD as a grownup mom in 2008, I realize I’d now substitute sunscreen, a sundress, and Diet Coke–but I’ll let you in on a little secret: Scott Baio WAS on board in Season One and I did spaz a little bit when I saw him on the DVD! Unfortunately, the kids saw me and now I’ll never live it down.

If you liked The Love Boat, we’ve got tons more 70s shows on DVD:
Love, American Style
The Sonny & Cher DVD (highlights of the variety show)
Mike Douglas Moments & Memories
Best Of Donny And Marie DVD





And for those of you who always believed you’d make a great contestant–The Price Is Right DVD Home Version is here! Come On Down!

Now, if you’ll excuse me, Scott is waiting on The Lido Deck.

Stan Laurel, The Gentleman

Born June 16, 1890

When you grow up in a house run by classic comedy fans (my parents), it’s a given that you’ll be well-schooled in Laurel And Hardy films! My siblings and I never got tired of hearing Oliver’s famous line “another fine mess!” or seeing Stan wrench his features into the whiny-crybaby face.

We must’ve watched Flying Deuces, and Babes In Toyland (also known as March Of The Wooden Soldiers), I don’t know how many times! And, because we were kids, we had no concept that these films had been made 40 years before our arrival on the planet. We didn’t care that we were watching stuff from the 1930’s! We just thought it was funny!

My Dad was the true comedy historian in the family, and he loved teaching us trivia about the stars we grew up idolizing. I developed a personal affection for Stan Laurel (I always championed the underdogs) and learned over the years that he was born into a vaudeville family in England, was once an understudy to Charlie Chaplin, was voted along with Oliver Hardy the 45th Greatest Movie Star of all time by Entertainment Weekly, was the inspiration for Peter Sellers’ sublime Chance The Gardener from Being There, and was a mentor to Dick Van Dyke.

But my favorite tidbit is his well-known generosity towards his fans. It’s said that late into his years he kept his phone number listed in the book, welcomed visits from admirers and personally answered as much fan mail as he physically could. That spindly simpleton with the twinkle in his eye was truly a rouse–Laurel, the man, was a gentleman through and through.

Another gentleman I know and love is my dad. So, this past Father’s Day, I drove over to his place and we watched his Laurel And Hardy DVD Collection. I’d brought him a copy of our new book, Stan And Ollie, and we flipped through the pictures while we laughed out loud at the DVDs.

Still ready with the trivia, my dad told me Stan was once asked by a reporter if he had any bad habits. Laurel, who’d been both married and divorced five times, answered, "Yes, and I married them."

Start Your Engines!

Summer Sun & Racing Fun

Americans love cars. From the drag races of the 1950s to the full-on phenomenon of NASCAR, it’s a hobby for some and an obsession for many.

With the gas crisis, however, many of us are opting for less sporty cars these days. While it feels great to save money and help the environment, I have to admit I miss the days when Mr. Betty’s Attic and I rode around in his souped-up 1967 Shelby GT 350 Mustang. I loved that car. The smell of the exhaust. The power of all those ponies under the hood. He had to sell it years ago, but I bought him this sweet die cast to remind him he can have another one when he retires!

In college I actually drove a classic 1968 Chevy Camaro Z28 for a few years! It had been my older brother’s, but when he went into the Army, he reluctantly let me “take care of it for him.” Oh, I took care of it, alright! I was careful never to rev it too high, but let me tell you–it felt very cool to pull up parties in that baby. As payback for his Mustang, my husband bought me a die cast of my Camaro.

We’re not tearing up the local drag strip anymore or flying down the highway with the wind in our hair (unless you count the breeze from the air conditioner), but that doesn’t stop us car folks from daydreaming about the good old days.

When summertime sizzles, my husband throws on one of his camp shirts (the Surf Woody shirt is his favorite), we corral the kids in the car, and head to a retro-style burger joint in town to sip milkshakes while car collectors parade their vintage machines for all to adore. The gleam of the chrome and smooth, pristine paint jobs are truly beautiful. And historic.

But we may have created a monster–my son now wants a 1957 Ford Skyliner (he loves the retractable roof)! Good thing we have this die cast in The Attic!

It’s All About Glamour!

Carrie & Samantha Have Nothing On Our Gals!


We waited.
And waited.

And last weekend, the Sex And The City movie finally premiered, reuniting many of us with the four women we think of as our surrogate best friends. I was a huge fan of the series. I giggled and cried and relived dating disasters right along with Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte and Samantha.

Why do we love watching glamorous women wreck their love lives in sky-high heels and couture? Is it the fashion? The trendy clubs? The dream of a world in which you never have to use the same bag twice?


I think it’s more about the laughter.


Because, let’s face it girls–if we didn't laugh at ourselves we’d never make it through the day. It’s the conversations, text messages and emails we share with our friends about how ridiculous we are that bonds us.


This is nothing new...


Retro icons from Loretta Young to Cher have given us humor right along with glitz and glamour. Marilyn proved pretty girls could not only be funny–they could be downright hilarious! And smart as a whip to boot!

Celebrate the diva inside you! Whether you’re strolling down Park Avenue with a venti cappuccino or driving to the supermarket for cat litter (note to self: don’t forget the cat litter)–toss your hair back and put some swing in your step!


And if you’re ever having one of those days where the job, traffic, and housework seem to erase all traces of “fabulous” from your face...these Retro Attitude Gals are guaranteed to put that sassy smile back where it belongs!

Think You Know Harrison Ford?

Its Not All Snakes And Wookies!

In honor of Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull I “dug up” some fun facts you may or may not know about the daring archaeologist’s alter-ego! As if we could love the man any more...

He Builds Things

Before the acting career took off, he was a very well-respected carpenter.

He Can Fly–Seriously!

He has his private pilot’s license and owns several aircraft and a Bell 407 helicopter.

He Rescues People In Real Life

August 5, 2000: Ford used his helicopter to rescue 20 year-old Sarah George from a mountaintop in Idaho. George was apparently so overcome with emotion and heat stroke that she threw up. ''I can't believe I barfed in Harrison Ford's helicopter,'' she later said.

July 11, 2001: When 13 year-old Wyoming Boy Scout Cody Clawson went missing, rescue teams called Ford. Again in the trusty helicopter, Ford found the boy and flew him to safety. Luckily, no cleanup was necessary this time.

He’s Related To E.T.

His ex-wife, screenwriter Melissa Mathison, wrote the script for E.T. :The Extra Terrestrial.

He’s Lucky

Tom Selleck was originally cast as Han Solo. When Selleck had to drop out, Ford eventually got the role.

He’s Green

Famous for his conservation work, he has a species of ant (Peidole harrisonfordi) and spider (Calponia Harrisonfordi) named after him, as well as a species of butterfly named after his daughter, Georgia.

He’s Philosophical

(Quote) "Peace isn't merely the absence of conflict, but the presence of justice."

Harrison Ford, we love you. Whether you’re flying the Falcon, raiding the Ark, or irritating Irina Spalko (his adversary in Crystal Skull,) you will always be near and dear to us. Because–like the icons you yourself so admire, Gregory Peck and Gary Cooper–you’re more than an actor; you’re a really good guy.

Vegas, Anyone?

What Happens In The Attic Stays In The Attic!

This past Saturday, my girlfriends and I were kicking back, enjoying some fruity cocktails at an outdoor cafe when it hit me–

“I need a girls-only getaway,” I said. “Something exciting. Something to make me feel like I’m 23 again.” They all looked at each other, smirking.

“What?”

“VEGAS!!!” they screamed.

“Oh, no no no....,” I said, “I’m not the Vegas type!”

“We’ll see about that,” Kelley smirked, “But first–maybe you should go to the movies!”

Next thing I knew, she was buying me a ticket to What Happens In Vegas.

It’s amazing how huge Cameron Diaz has become. When There’s Something About Mary came out, she proved her skill at pratfalls and slapstick despite being a goddess.

She takes her goofy gal persona to new heights in What Happens and–dare I say–conjures fleeting moments of Lucille Ball. Trust me, I wouldn’t throw that comparison around lightly.

Ashton Kutcher matches her manic pace, resulting in one raucous spitfire of a film. Perhaps someday we’ll look back at the Ultimate Comedy Greats and see their names added to the list?

I’ll tell you one thing though: until I saw that movie I never had the slightest desire to go to Vegas. Call me a fuddy-duddy and a stick-in-the-mud, but the bright lights, slot machines, and feather boas never called my name.

However, after seeing the “nightclub scene” in which (don’t worry–no spoilers) Diaz and Kutcher turn partying into an extreme sport, I really want to go now!

After I got home from the movie, I ran up to The Attic and fished out one of our Light-Up Las Vegas Signs and put it on my dresser. And if you could see me, you’d observe that I’ve switched from my standard black tote bag (in use since 2004) to a totally awesome Elvis Las Vegas Purse!

Because if you’re gonna party, party with The King!

I don’t know when I’m going. Or what–exactly–I’ll do when I get there. All I know is that this (cough cough, “23 year-old”) gal still has a few wild and crazy nights left in her!

Anybody have any tips for a Vegas newbie?

Super Heroes Walk Among Us!

Childhood Favorites On The Big Screen & Beyond


As hot balmy breezes start to blow in, everybody’s gearing up for the biggest summer movie season in history! Iron Man, Speed Racer, Indiana Jones (check out our awesome Indy Fedora), The Incredible Hulk and The Dark Knight (action figures coming soon...check back!) all await us in a darkened theater...and in the corners of our imaginations!



The males in our household are crackling with anticipation, and you know what? The women are, too! My teenage daughter is a big Batman fan (although I suspect this has something to do with Christian Bale) and she’s priming herself for The Dark Knight with her Batman: The Complete History Book. Chock full of classic illustrations, photos and trivia, it explores the fascinating evolution of The Caped Crusader from comics to campy TV show to neo noir icon!



Our 16 year-old son, the budding video game designer, is already an ace at sketching characters, but he still refers to his Superman Book and Spider-Man pop-up book for inspiration. He’s told us “everything you need to know about figure drawing you can learn from Marvel comics.” When I was his age, all I knew how to draw was Hello Kitty!



And who gave him his first comic book? His dad, of course! As I type this blog, Mr. Betty’s Attic is wearing his favorite Marvel Comics Characters T-Shirt as he rummages in the kitchen for some of last night’s lasagna.



Imagine if you could go back in time and tell the 9 year-old version of you about the super hero movies of today: Spidey stopping a train with his bare hands and Bruce Wayne’s futuristic tank-inspired Batmobile (remember the wild 60s version?)


The 9 year-old “you” would freak out!


That’s because no matter how much we “grow up” and trade in capes and masks for dishwashers and dry cleaning, there’s a 9 year-old inside all of us. Tugging at our shirt, saying “let’s play! ”

Backyard BBQ, Baby!

Gearing-Up For The Three-Day Weekend!

Every year I set out to plan the be-all end-all Memorial Day Blowout. And every year I get sidetracked and we end up eating pizza and potato chips.

But this year I found inspiration right here in The Attic! I was admiring a shiny new set of Betty’s Aluminum Tumblers (above) and it hit me–GO RETRO! The decor, music–even the food!

So slide into your clam diggers! Button up those camp shirts! We’re fixing a shindig and you’re invited!

To get people in the mood, I’m going to play the Fabulous Fifties CD Set! Over 3 hours of cardigan sweater classics like “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes,” “Blueberry Hill,” “Rags To Riches,” and “Too Young!”

Out back, I’m going to hang these Hula Girl Party Lights. They’re designed for end-to-end connection, so I can string up to 3 sets around the patio and deck. They bring back memories of summertimes past, smothered in cocoa butter, toes in the sand, not a care in the world!

And then...there’s the food!
Wanna know my secret weapons? Read on!

Our Campbell's Recipe Card Set packs a mighty 76 quick, delicious favorites from your childhood! Baked Macaroni & Cheese! Chicken & Biscuits! And oodles of mouth-watering, cheesy, creamy delights!

Patio Daddy-O is a super-hip cookbook bursting with backyard flavor! 45 sizzling recipes you won’t believe! Roasted Banana Splits! Jazzed-Out Blackberry Thyme Mojitos! Big Daddy’s High-Style Cheese-Stuffed Burgers! And Mr. Betty’s Attic gets to show off at the grill (you know how men are around fire...)

And just when they think I can’t POSSIBLY outdo myself, I’m going to unleash the chocolate!

Tucked inside my Hershey's Recipe Card Set are 99 ooey, gooey sinfully-sweet treats! Hershey's Best Brownies! Orange Streusel Coffeecake! Strawberry Chocolate-Chip Shortcake!

Oh yeahhhh...it’s gonna be good!
Help yourself to seconds! And have a fabulous fifties weekend!

Old Toys Are New Again!

Sharing Memories With Our Kids

When I watch my kids play video games full of speeding cars and blaring guitars, one thought races through my head:

My childhood toys were so much friendlier!

Luckily, I live and work in a gigantic retro toy chest here at The Attic, so I decided to try a little experiment: I pulled out a few gems from my not-so-distant past and passed them on to my kids to see their reactions.

First, I hoisted over a soft cuddly Teddy Ruxpin. You remember him. He was the first doll to cause mass hysteria during the holidays, as well-adjusted lawyers, HR managers and housewives duked it out over limited supplies. And who could blame them? He TALKED! And READ YOU STORIES! His eyes moved. His mouth moved. In short, he was the coolest stuffed animal in the universe. And he still is!

Next, I challenged them to the Rubik’s Cube. In 7th grade, I once impressed a very cute 9th grader (who wore checkered Jeff Spicoli VANS) with my stealth at “The Cube” as we rode the bus home one afternoon. Unfortunately, my giant orthodontic head gear spoke louder than my mathematical skills. Kids today are lucky. Dental procedures are much easier now. They have no idea what we went through!

And finally, I presented the kids with our Pinball Money Puzzle. Although a mini version of the greatest game ever invented, it still requires dexterity, patience, and perseverance–this time, to get the tiny metal balls in the right holes to unlock money placed inside.

Heck, back in the day we played pinball for glory! As usual, in my case I was trying to win the affection of a gallant lad. His name was Scott Hoffman and he had hair just like Andy Gibb’s.

I don’t mind telling you, I was something of a pinball shark in 1981! I could keep that ball in play for hours! Okay, 1 minute max, but I was pretty good. Alas, my head gear again reared its hideous head and Scott Hoffman never got to know the sophisticated 11 year old underneath that tangled mouth of metal.

As I passed around these blasts from the past, telling my kids pitiful teen angst tales, something incredible happened–their video games sat idle as they pushed Teddy Ruxpin’s buttons and rattled around the Rubik’s Cube! My daughter tried her hand at the mini pinball and showed she has Mom’s flair for the flippers! Then they asked what it was like before electricity, and if it hurt our feet to pedal our Stone Age cars to work.

I felt the glorious bond of motherhood.
They get that sarcasm from me, you know!

Home Sweet Home!

What Aunt Betty Learned On Vacation

Sorry the blog is a bit late today, but your Aunt Betty is still recovering after a fabulous week-long vacation in San Francisco last week! The whole family went and we hit all the landmarks: The Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown­–we even ventured down to Santa Cruz (what a boardwalk!), Monterey and Carmel. No, we didn’t see Clint Eastwood, but we did see baby sea lions sunning on rocky cliffs with their roly-poly moms nestled close-by!

But like every great vacation, the West Coast adventure taught us just as much about “home” as it did about the city by the Bay.

No matter how many rolled-up balls of socks, Ziplocks full of shampoo and toothpaste, or cell phone chargers I carefully pack, there’s always that one thing I kick myself for forgetting! This time it was my Marilyn Monroe Glamour Purse! It’s the perfect size for my wallet, maps, digital camera, hand sanitizer and every other “mom” travel essential. Plus, its soft, sateen retro-style would’ve been oh-so-chic in San Francisco! Nostalgia is very cosmopolitan!

And speaking of nostalgia, healthy California cuisine is fine and dandy, but I’ll tell you–when it’s 2 a.m. in a hotel room and you can’t sleep, you dream of White Castle hamburgers! My son wore his White Castle t-shirt one afternoon, and thereafter, I couldn’t wait to get home to sink my teeth into 3 or 4 or 12 of those tiny slices of Heaven!

And speaking of snacking, getting the family together for an in-room movie over 2 mini bar packets of crackers was not exactly a cinematic event. We were exhausted after a day of hiking steep Frisco streets so we made due, but once we got home to Florida, I popped a fresh buttery batch of popcorn and filled our Disney Popcorn Bowl that includes a cute Mickey Mouse-shaped salt shaker.

I still have laundry to do and it’ll be weeks before our photos are emailed and printed, but all of that can wait. For now, I’m enjoying the best part of every vacation: relishing how much I love being home.

Count Your Coins!

Tax Day Is April 15th!


How’s it going with your income tax returns?
Have you reached the point of total insanity yet?


I managed to get mine finished online last week, but it took a lot of rearranging of errands, schedules and priorities to rifle through my oh-so-organized shoe boxes full of files and paperwork. Still, once I hit that “send my return to the IRS” button, I let out an enormous sigh of relief!


If our maddening modern-day system has you pining for days of old when two sheep bought you some gunpowder and a petticoat, travel back in time with our collection of vintage coin sets!


The Declaration of Independence Coin Set would make John Adams and Thomas Jefferson proud. Three bicentennial coins honoring America’s 200th birthday are presented alongside a beautifully crafted facsimile of the Declaration of Independence.


Still too modern for you?


How about the Ancient Coins Kit? It includes 5 unrestored coins minted from 1500 to over 2000 years ago. Buried for centuries, these pieces were coin of the realm during the last years of the Roman Empire and there’s not a W-2 in sight!


And who couldn’t use a little Sunken Treasure? In 1985, coins from a perished 1809 British trading ship meant for the East India Company were discovered, packed in wooden casks and trapped in the thick mud, still in mint condition! They feature the coat of arms of the East India Company on the front and the value in Indian script on the reverse!


I’m already planning for next year with my Lionel Railroad Crossing Bank. Oh sure, I’m pretending it’s for the kids to “teach them the value of money.” But it’s so much fun with its 2 red flashing signal lights and real whistle sounds, we’re keeping it in the family room to remind the whole family to save our pennies.


That way, when tax time rolls around next year and I’m tearing through my shoe boxes full of files, I’ll know I have enough saved-up to treat myself to a pedicure once the deed is done!


Good luck and hang in there!

Have An Indoor Picnic!

Keep Cozy With Vintage Coca-Cola

I know the expression says “April showers bring May flowers,” but could Mother Nature cool it with the rain already? Checking the national weather forecast for today, it looks like much of the country is going to be wet and soggy. Again.

Rainy day blues call for one surefire cure: an indoor picnic! Call off the fire department; there’s no propane involved here, just good old-fashioned skillets on the stove sizzling with juicy burgers and bakery buns toasting in the oven. For the kids, slather a pan with butter and melt them some grilled cheese sandwiches (crusts optional) just like mom used to make. Slice some pickles, red onion and tomato. Peel off slivers of tangy swiss and cheddar. Break off hunks of crisp, market-fresh salad fixings and rip open a bag of salty chips. Top it off with sweet fizzy Coca-Cola in every glass!

In our house, we break out the portable radio (actually, these days, my kids insist on their mp3 player plugged into speakers because they think “radio” is hilariously barbaric) and we whip out the party tunes. We take turns: the kids get some Hannah Montana and Arctic Monkeys and Mom gets The Beatles and at least one Cher song (usually “Half Breed.” I like to dance and horrify the kids).

Mr. Betty’s Attic wields the spatula wearing his Personalized Diner Apron. When he signals that the burgers and sandwiches are “up,” I put the finishing touch on the whole day: the vintage diner-style Coca-Cola luncheon set. I’ve got the plates, butter dish and salt and pepper shakers and let me tell you–there’s something about their nostalgic ‘50s drive-in design that makes a hamburger cooked indoors on a rainy day taste like sweet, sweet summer.

If you close your eyes, turn up the radio and take a big bite you can almost feel the sunshine on your hair.

And it sure beats video games all day.

Here's to sunny days right around the corner!!!

Tomorrow Is April Fool’s Day!

These Are A Few Of My Favorite Fools!

Did you know April Fool’s Day has been around for centuries?

Turns out there are oodles of wacky stories about its origins. One of the best stories took place in Britain in the 13th century. At the time, royal law stated that any road the king touched became his property. When the town of Gotham got wind of this, they hatched a plan to hang onto their land.

When King John approached Gotham, the residents refused him entry. But he was, after all, the king, and he sent knights to storm the town. So all the Gotham townsfolk pretended to be completely looney tunes by “drowning fish” and “trying to trap birds in roofless cages” (cutting-edge comedy in the 13th century). The king fell for it and declared Gotham “too foolish to punish.” And the people of Gotham kept their hamlet all to themselves!

Much later, in the 20th century, theater owners realized that fools equaled comedy gold!

From vaudeville to movies and, later, television, we’ve fallen in love with bumbling buffoons. The Three Stooges, Laurel and Hardy, and Abbott and Costello all boast at least 1 to 3 fools. Barney Fife from The Andy Griffith Show is another fine fool. Bad Boy Benny Hill mixed foolery with saucy hi-jinks for an irresistible combination (you know you watched when your parents weren’t around).

Some of my favorite fools are the cartoon characters I grew up with.I still crack up when Daffy Duck hisses “You’re despicable!” I giggle when Bullwinkle says “Hey Rocky! Watch me pull a rabbit out of my hat!”

So, this April Fool’s Day pay homage to The Fool with your old friends: Scooby Doo, Johnny Carson, Fred Flintstone, Rodney Dangerfield, Charlie Brown, Bob Hope, Homer Simpson–and more.

And yes: I did just put Bob Hope in the same category as a crime solving dog. Doh!

Happy April Fool’s Day!

Grease Is The Word!

The Pink Ladies Are Back & Better Than Ever!

I feel I can admit to you guys that when Grease first came out 30 (really?) years ago, I became so obsessed with Olivia Newton-John, that I made my mom buy me a flannel nightgown just like the one Sandy wears in the sleepover scene so that I could practice singing “Hopelessly Devoted To You’ into my hairbrush night after night. I honestly don’t know how many times I made my mother take me to see Danny and Kenickie hold court with the coolest girls in the universe–The Pink Ladies!

Sure, the Frankie Valli song was great. The duets between Olivia and Vinnie Barbarino were magical. And the whole “boy meets Australian girl at the beach/disses her/wins her back at carnival where girl is painted into shiny Lycra pants” theme was mesmerizing.

But to a 9 year-old girl just entering the awkward Ugly Duckling phase of adolescence, The Pink Ladies were the girls I desperately wanted to be friends with. They were cool, tough, and funny. I knew, even at nine, that I was supposed to identify with sweet Sandy and aspire to ever-lasting love in a pleated poodle skirt.

But, honestly? It was Rizzo I empathized with the most. She tried so hard to keep her guard up when, deep down, she was a mess just like me! Besides, she was played by Stockard Channing and I thought “Stockard” was the coolest name ever besides Cher and Daphne from Scooby-Doo.

Frenchy’s hot pink helmet hair and Marty Maraschino (another great name) with her wallet-full of boyfriends were the perfect comic foils. Ask any girl between the ages of 30 and 60 to hum a few bars of “Look At Me I’m Sandra Dee,” and I’ll bet you get the whole song, complete with props!

We love those Ladies because they connect us to the fun of the 1950’s–and to our own childhoods. We don’t get to sing songs in our PJs with girlfriends much these days, but we can play with these new Mattel Barbie dolls based on our favorite Grease trio!

Sandy, Frenchy and Rizzo are more fun than ever in our set of 3 collectible Grease dolls. From Sandy’s pom poms to Rizzo’s pencil skirt, they bring back wonderful memories. My daughter had to pry them out of my hands and now she won’t give them back! She loves Grease, too! I guess it’s her turn. She just turned eight and I’m not positive, but I’m pretty sure I caught her singing into her hairbrush the other night...

We go together like ramma lamma lamma–ka dinga da dinga dong!

Gotta Have Game Night!

New MONOPOLY Games Take You From Oz To The Caribbean!

Call me nostalgic, but I miss Family Game Night.

Every now and then, my parents would reach into the hall closet and slide out our slightly-dented Monopoly box. I can still smell the folded press board and crisp paper money. My brother and I always fought over the top hat token–why, I now have no idea.

Oh, it started out innocently enough: somebody bought Marvin Gardens; somebody plunked down their first hotel. But eventually, it turned competitive and before we knew it, we were fleecing each other for all we could! Afterwards, we finished off with ice cream and, if it was a chilly night, hot cocoa (with those mini marshmallows)!

I miss those nights and therefore, I’m hereby bringing Monopoly back! And there couldn’t be a better time!

With our treasure chest of specialized versions, fame and fortune await in all sorts of far off exotic lands...if you dare to roll the dice!

‘80s kids can buy, sell, and trade their favorite Nintendo characters: from everyone's favorite red-capped plumber, Mario, to barrel-tossing Donkey Kong in Nintendo Monopoly!

Or duke it out with Megatron for Anti-Matter and Energon Cubes in Transformers Monopoly!

M&M’s lovers can wade through a veritable sea of chocolate, trading adorable M&M’s ads along the way. But don’t “Lose our M!” You could lose your cash!

Other collectible versions include the metal and chrome Harley-Davidson Monopoly, A Christmas Story Monopoly (don’t lick the pole, Ralphie!) and...coming soon...The Wizard Of Oz Monopoly allowing you and your siblings to fight over tokens of the Ruby Slippers, Tin Man, Dorothy and Toto, Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion–even a Tornado token and no, I have no idea how they made that one!

Want more? Hop on over to our sister site, The Lighter Side, for Cat Monopoly, Pirates of the Caribbean Trilogy Monopoly, and more!

Settle in for a cozy night, the fun old-fashioned way. Before you know it, you’ll be tearing around the board waving wads of cash in your kids’ faces. Just don’t forget the ice cream, Hot Shot!

Happy Birthday, Telephone!

March 10, 1876–The First Telephone Call Was Made

In our fast-paced, techno-savvy world, it’s darn near impossible to imagine life without the telephone. I don’t just mean living without the finger-dancing text message goodness of the cell phone–I mean any phone, period. Whatsoever.

If you lived before 1876, you either got a lot of exercise running door-to-door to share your thoughts and office gossip, sent loads of telegraphs, or quietly seethed with pent-up gossip and bitter sarcasm you never got to express. Combine that with no pizza delivery and life looked pretty bleak, didn’t it?

And then a scientific genius named Alexander “Aleck” Graham Bell moved from Scotland to Canada and everything got a lot better!

Born in 1847, Bell was profoundly affected by watching his mother slowly lose her hearing, which began when he was only 12 years old. He invented a “finger tapping language” he used to communicate to her what other family members were discussing so she wouldn’t feel left out. It was this devotion to her, and his dedication to helping her, which led him to study the science of acoustics.

After years of teaching elocution–the art of public speaking–just as his father had, and later running a school for the deaf in Boston where he tutored countless students including Helen Keller, Bell returned to his primary obsession: transmitting the human voice across telegraph wires.

Enduring many agonizing, exhausting trials–on March 7th, 1876 Bell and his lab partner, electrical engineer Thomas Watson, received U.S. Patent Number 174, 465 for the “telephone” even though Bell hadn’t quite perfected it yet.

Three days later, on March 10th, he did! Bell, at one end of his experimental telephone transmitter, spoke into it saying the now-famous words, “Mr. Watson–Come here–I want to see you.” Watson, at the other end in another room on the receiver, heard all of Bell’s words clear as a...well, you know.

The Bell Telephone Company was created the following year and the rest is history! And some enormous cell phone bills for parents with teenagers!

One really neat way to add a functional touch of retro to your home is with a vintage-style telephone. Outfitted with modern push-button technology, all three of these models take you back to simpler times with sleek, classic style. Choose from the 1950’s Pay Phone (no coins necessary), the Black Candlestick Phone, or the Deluxe Wood Wall Phone.

Trust me, with phones this cool around, you’ll save your cell minutes for “Venti or Grande?” text messages and enjoy good-old fashioned gab sessions at home, just like you did when you were a teenager!

Have fun!

Take Me Out To The Ball Game!

The Season Is Almost Upon Us!

A funny thing happened in Boston...

Last October, your Aunt Betty planned a glorious 4-day getaway to Beantown. I’d never been and had long dreamed of wandering along cobblestone streets as bright orange, yellow and brown leaves hushed and shuffled under my shoes.

What I didn’t plan on was turning into a baseball nut.

Growing up, I was not what you’d call “athletic.” To be precise, I was that girl in P.E. class who ran–often screaming–from whatever ball was in play. In fact, I once ran from a volleyball with such gusto that I plowed into my gym coach, toppling him to the ground. We rolled across the grass like a human pretzel for about 5 feet, coming to a stop in front of my stunned classmates.

So the idea of being in Boston for The World Series was...how shall I put this? Not important.

And then I watched Game 3.

It was Saturday, October 27th. The Sox were set to play The Rockies in Colorado and the entire city of Boston was on pins and needles. I'd never seen anything like it! I knew the long and loyal tradition around the team, but to experience it first-hand was truly magical. Everyone I ran into was talking about it!

Snug in my hotel bed with some room service snacks, I watched Game 3 and in those four or so hours, I “got” it: I got why baseball has been America’s pastime for over a century. The superhuman dedication and drive by players like Ramirez, Lowell, Ellsbury and Pedroia was astounding. I was hooked. I planned my dinner reservation that night in a restaurant where there’d be a big screen TV showing Game 4.

As you now know, we won. That’s right–“we.” I came back to Florida with 2 shopping bags full of Sox mementos and a brand new love. For the girl who once scored a basketball goal for the opposite team, this was huge!

Spring Training is in swing and if I listen really hard, I can hear the crack of the bat!

To get all of us into a springtime mood, I’ve selected my favorite Attic baseball items. Check out the Opening Day Stadium Baseball in its own display case, honoring Fenway Park, Yankee Stadium or Wrigley Field; our Baseball Hall Of Fame Card Set featuring Babe Ruth, Jackie Robinson, Joe DiMaggio and more; the beloved Harry Caray Book With accompanying CD capturing the legend’s fun and fervor for the sport; and–for long car trips to the game, the Baseball Pinball Game, a mini-sized arcade treat shaped like a baseball field!

And get ready...because that first regular season pitch is coming...!

Happy Birthday, Larry Gelbart!

M*A*S*H Co-Creator And Master Funny Man

I love to imagine the pitch meeting to turn Robert Altman’s 1970 Korean War film, M*A*S*H, into a weekly sitcom:

PRODUCERS: “It’ll be hilarious! Just hilarious!”

STUDIO HEAD: “But isn’t it about...war?”

PRODUCERS: “Exactly! Pure comedy gold!”

Comedy gold it was, and it went on to become one of the best-loved TV shows of all time.

Of course, laughs were only half of it. The show tackled serious themes, too. But what we remember most is the lovable cast of characters we came to adore over the years.

We all had our favorites: smarty pants Hawkeye; co-conspiring sidekick(s) Trapper and later, Hunnicut; rodent-like Frank “Ferret Face” Burns; compassionate hothead Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan; Radar with his teddy bear; sweet and clueless Henry Blake; the tough guy with the soft spot, Colonel Potter; Klinger in his fine array of lingerie; pompous Winchester...and voice of reason and humanity, Father Mulcahy.

They seemed so real, that it’s almost inconceivable that they were created on paper by writers. In fact, the original film was based on a book by Dr. Richard Hornberger, himself a Korean War veteran. And the series was penned (primarily) by comedy legend Larry Gelbart.

Gelbart began his career writing for Danny Thomas’ 1940’s radio show, and went on to write material for the likes of Jack Paar, Bob Hope, Sid Caesar (collaborating with Neil Simon, Mel Brooks, Carl Reiner and Woody Allen).

He co-wrote a little blockbuster musical called A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum in 1962, and dabbled in a few movie screenplays you might’ve heard of: Oh, God! and Tootsie.

Yet, the moments he created with M*A*S*H will always hold a special place in our hearts. It was a magical group of people who felt more and more like family throughout the show’s 11-year run. As many of you know, the emotional 1983 finale remains one of the most-watched TV episodes of all time.

Revisit the 4077th and all your favorite memories with our M*A*S*H Red Cross T-Shirt (in standard issue military green, natch), the Framed Memorabilia Collectible, and Green Helicopter T-Shirt.

And raise a glass to Larry Gelbart–the man talented enough to make the front line feel like home.

Making Politics Fun! Yes, It IS Possible!

As the presidential slugfest plays out before our eyes night after night, channel after channel, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. We’ve all heard the endless jokes about “change” as the buzz word for 2008. We’ve all heard each and every candidate (current and otherwise) promise to ‘fix” America, and deliver great jobs, healthy children, and a booming economy for all.

Your Aunt Betty has friends who run the gamut when it comes to politics. Some are glued to each debate; poised to cheer, jeer, and fight for their favored candidates. Others wish it would all just go away until November because they’d rather catch up on LOST.

Whichever way your voting boat floats, these treats from The Attic give very human faces to our nation’s presidents; turning dusty old lectures into scandalous gossip, adventure and intrigue!

Case in point: our Historical U.S. Presidents Newspapers. Each set of 3 reproduction vintage newspapers features a fascinating collection in 3 different categories: Elections & Inaugurations; Facts, Fallacies & Foibles; and Deaths & Assassinations.

Read about what it was like during the days George Washington was elected (we’re guessing George didn’t drive around in a day-glo motor home with a snappy slogan painted on the side). The scandals section covers everything from the mistakenly-reported “Dewey Defeats Truman,” (whoopsie daisy)–to Nixon’s less-than-glorious resignation (Buh-bye).

The final collection recalls untimely deaths and assassinations with original articles and obituaries that I found myself poring over as if they were priceless artifacts.

Too heavy?

Try the interactive pop-up/pull-out book full of neat facsimiles you can play with! America’s Presidents Museum In A Book takes you on an amazing journey through the hallowed halls of the American presidency from the George W. who started it all (Washington), to the George W. who readies to pass on the baton (Bush).

Pull out and study a mini Gettysburg Address in Lincoln’s own handwriting, a letter from Albert Einstein to FDR, and doodle drawings JFK made during a Cuban Missile Crisis meeting! (see? you're not the only one who doodles inappropriately).

As the TV anchors whip themselves into a tizzy over polls and projections, it all really comes down to people. People who are not perfect, no matter what they try to tell us. Some of them have great ideas. Some of them truly care about making a difference. And hopefully, one of them will.

We’ll find out soon enough.

In the meantime, enjoy the ride! Because once you realize how crazy it all is–it gets a lot more fun!

Led Zeppelin—The Song (Thankfully) Remains The Same!

February 15, 1969: The feverishly-anticipated, self-titled debut album by Led Zeppelin entered the album charts, going to #10.

Before The Internet, buying concert tickets was not as easy as clicking a mouse.

When your favorite band announced a show, if you really really wanted good seats, you dug out the folding chairs and camped outside the box office hours or even days before they began selling tickets.

In 1975, Led Zeppelin sold out not one—but THREE—consecutive Madison Square Garden concerts in four hours!

That’s basically the equivalent of someone today selling out three concerts in 4 seconds. Okay, not exactly, but you get the idea.

More than 30 years later, fans worldwide are crossing their fingers that the mighty Zep may roar once again.

On December 10th, 2007, the surviving members of the band, (Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, and John Paul Jones) along with late drummer John Bonham’s son, Jason, on drums (an established drummer in his own right) played a historic concert at London’s O2 Arena as part of a tribute to their beloved friend, Atlantic Records founder, Ahmet Ertegun, who passed away on December 14, 2006.

Reviews were unanimously ecstatic!
Fans and critics proclaimed it “the concert of the century!”
Some people paid $14,000 a ticket!

I didn't get to go and may never fully recover...

As we wait with bated breath to see if the O2 appearance spirals into a “2008 reunion tour,” pledge your allegiance to one of the greatest rock and roll bands of all time in our brand-spanking-new Led Zeppelin T-Shirt!

Whether you’re an old school fan of Page, Plant, Jones and the original God Of Thunder, John Bonham—or discovering them for the first time— you’re sure to become swept up in their cosmic elixir of blues, hard rock, folk, and interstellar magic.

Besides—(to borrow the line from Almost Famous) the guitar playing is ”incendiary!”

See you in “Kashmir!”

I Love Lucy & Chocolate!

What Else Could We Want?

As a woman “over that certain age,” I’m easily suckered by advertising that promises me a fountain of youth. But I’m not about to fork over $75–$150 for designer face creams!

So when I read about the connection between antioxidants & chocolate, the angels began to sing!

Chocolate contains high concentrations of antioxidants. Antioxidants keep us healthy, inside and out, by canceling out free radicals–cells in our body which are believed to cause various types of damage.

Now, you could get your antioxidants from broccoli, spinach, or prunes...

Or–unwrap a succulent chunk of chocolate and plop it on your tongue!

Welcome to Lucy’s Chocolate Factory!

It’s a sweet shoppe loaded with classic I Love Lucy laughs and lunacy–with tons of chewy chocolate on top! And did I mention that all the chocolate is made from scratch by the world-famous Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory­®?

Just listen to the names of some of the candies: Chocolate Clusters, Cashew Dippers™, Pecan Dippers™, Macadamia Dippers™, Peanut Butter Cup™—hang on a minute, I have to mop up the puddle of drool on my keyboard (macadamia does that to me every time).

All of this chewy, ooey oodness comes bundled in beautifully-packaged gift sets that combine the kooky cool of vintage Lucy with the greatest medicine Mother Nature ever made!

Click here and start eating your way to beauty!

Enjoy!

VIP Valentines

Aunt Betty Plays Cupid!



The worst Valentine’s gift your Aunt Betty ever received was the pine-scented car freshener (purchased 10 minutes prior at the local quick mart), given to her by a fella who threw in a bag of chips to sweeten the deal.

Here’s a tip, guys: sour cream and onion are not the way to a girl’s heart.

What do women want? It’s not diamonds or pearls–it’s that unexpected find we never would’ve guessed. Something that says you really really know who we are—and yet, you love us anyway!

Some women never outgrow their love of stuffed animals. After all, they remind us of tea parties with bears in pink-painted bedrooms. They comfort us and take us back to a simpler time (before carpools).

My favorite fuzzies are the M&M’s® Valentine Duo featuring a lovestruck candy making goo-goo eyes at a Boyds Bear buddy; and the Chantilly Lane Love U Cheerleader Bears who move their mouths and sing the party favorite, “Shout!” A personal cheering squad is quite the ego boost!

While we’re talking childhood, remember the “Love Is” cuties? So innocent. So adorable. So...in their birthday suits! Rekindle the romance with their Comic Strip Book collection, filled with love notes for you and your sweetie (birthday suit optional).

And, finally, for the incurable romantic, Mattel has created the Barbie Titanic Doll in the image of red-haired Rose. Dressed in a breathtaking recreation of the character's crimson gown, she's a vision and must-have for fans of the film! You’re never too old to play with Barbie!

Thankfully, Quick Mart Guy was decades ago. My current better half is much smarter, so I’m pretty sure there won’t be any cheese doodles this year.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Deals Of The Week!

Fabulous Finds For My Faithful Friends!

What do a secret spy, storybook sweeties, sexy starlet, swingin’ singer, and super-small soldier have in common? They’re all waiting for you in our Deals Of The Week!

I’ve collected 5 of my favorite winter pick-me-ups and given them special sale prices just in time for some well-needed “post-holiday retail therapy!”

The Lost Files Of Nancy Drew brings back fond memories of hiding under the covers past bedtime with a book and a flashlight, enchanted by Nancy’s moxy as she foiled the bad guys while looking like a prom queen. This interactive book is packed with neat pull-out/fold-up pieces celebrating the world’s spunkiest teenage detective!

Be careful! The Raggedy Ann and Andy Nesting Dolls look innocent on the outside, but once you start playing with them, it’s impossible to stop! I keep mine on my desk at work and I kid you not, every day somebody tries to sneak off with them!What happened to starlets like Marilyn who actually looked like women? All of these itty-bitty stick figure celebutants are a tad freakish. Bring back true Hollywood glamour with the cozy Marilyn Classic Pose Throw, and celebrate the beauty of real women!Did someone order a hunka hunka burnin’ love? Of all the phases of his colorful career, The King’s reign in Vegas held some of his most exciting moments. Keep a little piece of his magic close to you with the limited edition Elvis Las Vegas Figurine.

Encourage your inner child to play! Our movie collectible Munchkin Soldier Doll is an adorable recreation of the 1939 Wizard Of Oz character who so-warmly welcomed Dorothy and Toto to Munchkinland (after that mishap where her house fell on the lady with the red shoes).

All of these familiar faces are the perfect antidote to grey winter days stuck inside the house. After all, what’s more fun than Elvis stuck inside a too-tight crazy jumpsuit?