Retro Kitchens with Big Chill

If you have always wanted your kitchen to take a step back in time, but desire the modern conveniences of today’s appliances then check out the beautifully retro Big Chill.  Powder pink, retro red, baby blue... it’s a 50s dream kitchen come true for today’s vintage lover.

Big Chill is based out of Boulder, Colorado and their 50s inspired kitchen appliances are created by an uncle and nephew team who brought their dream of retro living to life with these very modern and unique reproductions.  They began their business designing retro refrigerators and now have grown to offer their fridges in several sizes and styles along with coordinating stoves and matching dishwashers. But unlike the vintage versions, these current interpretations offer the modern conveniences that we rely on today in a fridge - such as self defrost and an ice maker. All of their appliances are trimmed with chrome and are offered in a wide variety of popular colors associated with 50s nostalgia.

Big Chill was recently featured on The Rachael Ray Show and has also been seen on numerous design programs, magazines and blogs. These appliance are gorgeous, glamorous and perfect for today’s modern Retro Girl.

www.BigChill.com

Let's Get Cookin'

I admit it. I’m not much of a cook. My talents fall flat in the kitchen and honestly I generally find the whole cooking process to be a painful one. I tend to “cook” (or try to anyway) more often these days since I have a four-year-old who requires nutrients for growth and her general well-being. I would like her to grow up with family recipes and remember yummy meals that “mom used to make,” but I fear that I completely fail in that department. I may not be much of a cook, but I can however handle looking cute in my attempts.

I recently discovered these retro-inspired, handmade aprons by Etsy seller, Boojiboo. You can almost hear, “Oh Luuu-cy! I’m home!” just by entering this adorable store.  Each vintage inspired apron has a special name such as the Bella,  the Sophia, the Maggie and the Chloe. They are full coverage halter aprons in fun, vibrant colors and pleasing patterns. They also offer plus size and skirt-only options along with matching minis for the kiddos. I’m actually looking forward to testing my culinary skills again after discovering this delightful shop. While my pint-sized picky-pants may not remember my meatloaf, if I'm lucky she might remember mom’s style.

www.Boojiboo.etsy.com

Cook Like a Mad Man

PinUpGirlClothing.com Evelyn Dress

Mad Men on AMC has swept the nation by revisiting the 1960s advertising world with colorful characters, provocative situations and of course their fabulous outfits. Wouldn’t you love to throw a party like Betty Draper? And if you’re like me and cooking isn’t your most fabulous talent, help has arrived in hosting your 60s soiree.

The Let’s Get Cookin’ cooking school in Westlake Village, California presents a Mad Men Retro Cocktail Party. Enjoy martinis and Mustangs while learning to prepare culinary cuisine that’s sure to please the Don Drapers in your life.  The menu includes:

• Betty Draper’s Vodka Collins with Spicy Deviled Eggs and Crabmeat Stuffed Tomatoes
• Don Draper’s Old Fashioned Macaroni & Cheese Bites
• Roger Sterling’s Black Russian Beef Stroganoff Meatballs
• Peggy Olson’s Brandy Alexander with Pineapple Upside Down Cakes

And now for the most important question... What are you going to wear? To bring out your inner Mad Man (or woman!), check out these beautiful dresses from PinUpGirlClothing.com to channel your inner Betty or evoke your inner Joan. You’ll be cookin’ in and out of the kitchen!

PinUpGirlClothing Joanie Dress

Let’s Get Cookin’ Mad Men Retro Cocktail Party
by Phyllis Vaccerelli & JoAnn Hecht

Friday, September 9, 2011
6:30 p.m.
$85 per person (couples & friends special: 2 for $150)

Gorgeous dresses by www.PinUpGirlClothing.com