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.

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.

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!

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?

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.

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!!!

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!

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?

Polyester Among The Palm Trees

January 14, 1973: Elvis Presley's Aloha From Hawaii Concert Was Broadcast Live Via-Satellite

As a rock-and-roll fanatic, I have an ever-growing list of musical moments I wish I could have experienced first-hand:

• The Monterey Pop Festival of 1967 (featuring The Mamas And The Papas, among others)
• The Beatles’ first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1964

And, without a doubt,

• The 1973 satellite broadcast of Elvis’ Aloha From Hawaii concert film.

You have to remember that back in 1973 (which seems so recent to your Aunt Betty), the concept of satellites beaming images around the planet was unheard of! But The King never let a challenge stand in his way—and on January 14th, 1973, his electrifying performance taped at the Convention Center in Honolulu, Hawaii was bounced around the globe to Australia, South Korea, Japan, Thailand, the Phillipines, South Vietnam and other countries. A tape of the show was later seen on American television on April 4th.

What really mattered—beyond the novelty of the broadcast, and the custom-designed American Eagle jumpsuit fitted with gemstones, and a matching belt and cape—was the magnificent performance Elvis gave. Gripping the mike confidently, he barreled through hits like “Burnin' Love,” “My Way,” “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Hound Dog”—and the obligatory (for his Hawaiian audience) “Blue Hawaii,” and “Hawaiian Wedding Song.” He even covered “Something” by The Beatles, further proving his incredible range.

It’s thrilling to watch it now on DVD, but the thought of seeing the world’s first-ever satellite broadcast—and it being ELVIS at the height of his game—is spine-tingling. He commanded the stage with a presence the music world has never known since. He held that audience right in his hand. And when he sang, it was like Tupelo honey.

Give in to your Elvis fascination with our Kingtastic gifts and collectibles! Feeling “All Shook Up?” So is Elvis, inside our kitschy Aloha From Hawaii Musical Glitter Globe that plays “Teddy Bear.”

Then again, perhaps all this talk of singing has you secretly yearning to don some polyester and belt out some of his tunes yourself? The Elvis Karaoke Set lets you croon to your heart’s content!

And when all that singin’ works up an appetite, enjoy a light snack with your Elvis Pez® Dispenser Set!

Because you’ll need to stay trim to squeeze into your jumpsuit...and Pez is much better for the waistline than peanut butter and banana sandwiches.

Start The New Year By Going Backwards!

Ring In 2008 In Retro Style

One thing that never ceases to amaze me is how—if you just wait long enough—all the clothes you wore in junior high will someday pop up on trendy tweens and teens across the land.

Seriously, if you’d told me in 1983 that emo kids in skinny jeans would be raiding The Attic for Mr. Bill and Gumby t-shirts in 2008, I would have laughed you all the way out of the video arcade. And then I would have played some more Donkey Kong!

Here we are, minutes from the dawn of a new year and I’ve decided to accept and embrace the recycling of my childhood heroes. Why fight fashion?

So, to help all of you Boomers and Gen X-ers out there, I’ve assembled a list of my favorite hipster-tees guaranteed to change your kids’ tunes from “Please don’t talk to my friends, Mom, you’re embarrassing,” to “Can I borrow your Underdog t-shirt for the Fall Out Boy concert?"

To which you can triumphantly say “Sorry, kid! I'm wearing my Underdog shirt to the Van Halen reunion concert!”

Happy 2008 to everyone out there! Now hide these shirts from your kids pronto!

Rocky “Italian Stallion” Tee

M*A*S*H Helicopter Tee

Dr. Seuss Sam I Am Tee

Elvira, Mistress of the Dark Tee

Village People Tee

..and the Granddaddy of All Things Retro And Cool—

The Frank Sinatra Tee!

Enjoy your bad self!

Celebrate The Super ‘70s!

Go Ahead—You Know You Love It!

As my kids text their friends about what they hope they’re getting for Christmas, Mr. Betty’s Attic is putting the finishing touches on the Cart-Style Popcorn Maker we bought for the family room this year. Since he likes to do those “construction things” by himself, I thought I’d take a little “me time” at the computer to regroup before The Big Day, and as usual, I'm browsing through our Betty’s Attic ‘70s stuff!

There’s something about The ‘70s that makes me grin. Maybe it’s the memories of feathered hair, polyester pants, disco balls, and Afterschool Specials, but I feel sorry for kids who don’t know what it was like to live through that fabulous decade! Sure, it had its embarrassing moments, but it had a lot of fun times, too!

Here are a few of my personal favorites: What girl didn’t want to don that Wonder Woman cape and tiara? Forget jewelry and fancy perfume—all we women need to feel gorgeous and invincible is this bright red Wonder Woman T-Shirt! I like to think of it as what Wonder Woman wears on laundry day!

When I was in the 6th grade, I had a friend named Cindy who was obsessed...obsessed...with John Schneider from The Dukes Of Hazzard while I was more of a Tom Wopat gal. We hung out every week watching the TV show, dreaming of riding in the General Lee. With this Light & Sound General Lee Die Cast, I can dream of being Mrs. Luke Duke when no one’s around!

And last but not least, my older brother’s (still) favorite band, The Hottest Band In The World: KISS! I used to tease him and say they were “gross,” but I secretly loved them! Now that I’m older, I love them even more and delight in embarrassing my kids by bringing my KISS Beach Towel on trips to the lake and the sandy shore. If it’s too loud, you’re too old! Rock on, mom!

Maybe 2008 will be the coolest year ever? Who knows? Until we find out, I'm sticking with The ‘70s...where every day is groooovy!

Happy Happy Holidays to all of you!

Have Yourself A Merry Little Kitchen!

Fire Up The Oven! We’re Going Retro!

Need another reason why the fifties rocked? The Bundt baking pan was invented in 1950 when Minneapolis engineer Dave Dalquist was approached by a sweet little lady who wanted to recreate the dense, heavy European cakes her Old Country family had once made. The hole in the center of the bundt pan proved to be the key­—it allowed heat to evenly cook the thicker European batter. The result was a glorious symbol of Americana that created a cake craze!

Harvey Wallbanger Cake, anyone? Maybe some sparkling 7UP® cake? I discovered long ago that baking is highly therapeutic! There's something about rolling around in dough that melts stress away and what better way to bake than with the Pillsbury® Best Of The Bake-Off® Cookbook? Everything from the famous (bundt-style) Tunnel Of Fudge Cake to an Orange Kiss Me Cake will have you licking the bowl when no one’s looking!

But why stop at dessert? Go to town on an entirely retro-themed feast with our Food Of The ‘50s Cookbook (chicken fricasse, Swedish meatballs, lemon bars), the Retro Hot Dog Stand (for quick fixes) and the über cool Milkshake Maker!

Share some goodies with your neighbors in your very own Personally Engraved Baking Pan, perfect for everything from pot luck casseroles to holiday cookies!

That’s what’s so great about the holiday season—it’s completely acceptable to eat until you pass out! So, bring on the meatballs, I say! Ladle some more gravy onto that roast, and save me some frosting on the big wooden spoon!