Audrey Hepburn~Roman Holiday Barbie!

Last week I received a copy of Betty's Attic (est. 1914) catalog. I love their stuff. Most of it is kitschy but some of their items can really make your eyes pop with excitement. One such item was an Audrey Hepburn Barbie based on the film Roman Holiday.

Oh my! I jumped for joy! I cannot believe this beauty is out so I knew I had to share it with you all.

It may come as a surprise but I am actually a Pop Culture Barbie collector. I basically collect Barbie's that reflect the time such as in film, music, society, etc. You can see a few here. Honestly, I never thought I would get into collecting them until my husband purchased one for me when we were dating. Prior to that I only owned one Barbie as a young girl so I never imagined I would enjoy collecting them now as an adult.

There are a few Audrey Hepburn inspired Barbie's out there to collect. You have the ones from My Fair Lady and Breakfast at Tiffany's. And there is the one with Barbie Audrey wearing the stunning black and white gown from Sabrina.

Just the other day I posted an outfit inspired by the film Roman Holiday and now here is a Barbie doll of Audrey wearing the outfit! I just love it!

Isn't she stunning! It is a must have for a Barbie collector or die hard enthusiasts of Audrey Hepburn.

I found this Barbie in a few places but the best price yet has to have been here.

What do you think of this Barbie Audrey doll?

Bunny's Vision Board: One Year Later!

Believe it or not but today marks ONE year since I created my very first Vision Board. The last two years prior to last September was really (and I mean really) hard for my family. We were struggling with many things. But there came a point where I said to myself (and to the Universe) that I have had enough. My husband and I both work ourselves to the bone every day and ya know sometimes you just need to catch a break. Sometimes you need for something to happen to let you know you are doing good and that to encourage you to keep going.

Well, I have always been an avid dreamer. I think when I had moments of hard times growing up, it was my dreams that kept me going. Some people call them goals but I call them dreams.

If you would like to take a peak at my Vision Board from last year you can see it HERE and also the six months later post on it HERE.

I want you all to know that in life great and good things happen and also bad and horrible things happen. It truly is how we deal with it afterwards that makes the difference. And what is the point of hardships if you cannot learn from them right?

I have to tell you a year after my first Vision Board I learned to be more patient, to be kinder to myself, more understanding to my husband, and that it is perfectly okay to dream BIG!

So many things came true on my Vision Board. I added both photos (visuals) and words on my board and everyday I looked at them and everyday I put it out to the Universe what I wanted for myself and my family. I know, I know, I sound like a total hippie. But hey, I was born in the 70s!

Here are some of the dreams/goals/wishes achieved in 2011-2012:

• Being published in Vintage Life Magazine
• Getting a safer car for my family
• Doing more creative photo shoots
• Becoming more confidant in my post-babies body
• Becoming more financially stable
• Building my vintage wardrobe
• Learning more vintage hairstyles
• Becoming a better blogger

For my first year as a Vision Board maker I decided to create a new Vision Board. And my husband joined in too! Yeah! Here is my new board!

I haven't added my words yet but I am still pondering them. With the boards I make I choose an idea or word to be the focus. Last year said "success" this year says "blog". This year I also wanted to put less on my board and to focus on less dreams too. Everything I put on my boards is attainable. I don't put anything on there that I know couldn't possibly come true.

So that's it! What do you all think? 

I hope you are inspired to create one for yourselves. And oh the photo of the ladies body is not me-its the dream of getting healthier and fully accepting my post-babies tummy for what it is. I am half way there ladies-half way there!

Bunny's Book Club: Fall In Love For Life

Ever wonder what it would take to find the love of your life? Or how to keep a relationship vibrant and full of life? Ever look at your beloved and hope you have fifty or sixty years with them by your side?

Barbara and Harry Cooper had just that. A vibrant, lively, passionate, honest, and successful seventy-three year marriage. I know, seventy-three years!

I first came across Barbara (aka Cutie) Cooper's book while doing my usual researching. I came across her and Harry's website called The OG's (the original grandparents). I was memorized by the two of them and the fact that at their age they were utilizing (with the help of their grandchildren) technology in such a creative and expressive manner. I just had to know more about them.

Barbara and Harry met and married in the 1930's. They had two children and a slew of grandchildren. They spent their days working at a store they owned and found work that was meaningful and productive for them both. Their lives were not out of the ordinary. What they did have was a shared desire to love one another and be committed to the other for the rest of their lives.

The book begins with Cutie dedicating her book to her husband Harry, who passed on in 2010.

There are five chapters in this inspirational guide to falling in love for life. Within each chapter are sections, anywhere between four and eight various topics coinciding with the chapter's title. For example, chapter one is called "Falling in Love" and there are four sections; zing went the strings, how do you know?, setting the date, and reciting vows. I enjoyed the fact that Cutie delved deeply into each aspect in a marriage literally from the beginning to the end but she also included beautiful photos of her and Harry's life together.

She also includes after each section within the chapters a segment called, "Cutie's Counsel". She pinpoints the important lessons, advice, and wisdom that was shared in the previous section.

Oh by the way, Cutie is her nickname and that is what most people seem to refer as. And if you look at her photo or see her online site you can see why. She is just a bundle of adorableness.

I found myself completely relating to how Cutie views marriage, love, and commitment. How you really just know when its the one. And how finding your own place as an individual within your partnership is such a valuable part of the relationship and for your own personal happiness.

The book is meant to inspire. And inspire it does. I felt honored to be able to read about one person's journey through their marriage from its beginnings to the end. To starting a life out together to learning how to live life when they are gone.

What Cutie and Harry had and still have a gift that was in part given to them but also largely what they gave to each other and to themselves.

On a personal note, her book confirmed to me that I am on the right track where I want to be in my life with my husband. It also reminded me how darn lucky and blessed I am that we found each other when we were both ready. How we both hold on to one another in this life and yet give the other space to be themselves. And the cherry on top is that we got the chance to bring three people into this world together. Sometimes we need to remember these things and not take them for granted.

Reading about their love made me feel the hope that my husband and I could possibly have that many years of this life together, but that no matter how long you have with your loved one-the point is that you had  it.

Today Cutie is lovingly cared for by her grandchildren (her two children have since passed on), in particular, Kim Cooper and Chinta Cooper. Not only has Cutie been blessed with a lifetime of love from Harry but then gifted the love and care from her grandchildren. Too beautiful for words.

You can grab your copy here: fall in love for life

I cannot recommend this book enough. Its uplifting and knowledgeable and filled with helpful insight.

If you want to tell Cutie how utterly fabulous she is (and she really is) you can find her on Facebook and Twitter. Say "hi" and that Bunny sent you!

Bunny's Victory is an affiliate of Amazon.com

How Vintage Has Changed My Life

July 12th marked my second year being a part of the blogging and vintage worlds. So much has changed in my life because of these two fantastic hobbies and passions of mine. But before I share how vintage has changed my life, I want to thank my readers and supporters who have given me neverending friendship and guidance. Thank you!

When I began my journey I was a newly mother of three, slightly losing my marbles in the midst of hormones. I spent a great deal of time alone because my husband works two full time jobs and this combination just wasn't good for me. I needed something for me, something where I can still be creative and have an outlet for myself.

I dove into the wonderful world of vintage, pinup, and blogging head first. I didn't know what I was doing nor did I have the means or the time to dedicate to it but somehow I managed to find a way to pursue my passion.

This journey has not be an easy one. Although it has been fruitful, the road has been bumpy with quite a few potholes. Nevertheless, I am grateful it hasn't been easy because the joys have been so much more joyful. And I am proud of myself for sticking to what I love no matter the challenges I faced.

Vintage has truly changed my life. Here are some of the ways that it has:  

• Formed connections and friendships with people that I would have never met otherwise
• Broke me out of my shell and helped me feel good about showing my leg braces to the world
• Kept me creative and feeding my brain with oodles of information
• Taught me (and still teaching me) that pretty comes in all sizes, shapes, and ages
• Explore fashion in a way I never thought I would be able to
• Allows me to share my passion and myself in a special way to my family, especially my children
• Showed me that I could do the impossible (ie a emagazine)
• Gave (and still giving) me a special sense of confidence that wearing vintage can give a woman
• Reminded me of many things my grandmother taught me of what it meant to be ladylike and expressing that through my wardrobe
• Reviving my lifelong passion for writing
• Getting published is not as hard I as I always thought it would be. You just have to keep at it til it happens!
• I am trying new things that I never imagined I would-ie makeup, hairstyles, knitting, etc.
• Showed me that I am one determined cookie!
• Taught me that patience and hard work are keys to success 
• Allowing me to show who I am on the inside through the way I dress up

It has changed my life and continues to do. I know it has changed many of your lives as well. How has it? 

So cheers to Bunny's Victory! Here is to many more years of blogging to come!

My Vintage Wardrobe: Tulips in Summer

I have become enamored with Tulips. I think they are just so dainty, feminine, vibrant, and pretty. And when it comes to My Vintage Wardrobe, I felt inspired by the tulips I saw in the springtime and wanted to channel that vibrant and dainty feelings that I think tulips inspire.

For my last full night in Philedelphia, we decided to have dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe. My husband is a lover of rock music and we have both been to many hard rock's in various other cities and countries, so we figured-why not? 

We had already had a long and busy day so I needed to create my look in under twenty minutes. Twenties minutes? Impossible right? I thought it would be but I simplified my look in a few ways. And at the end, I loved the look. I felt great and pretty and all that jazz plus I didn't exhaust myself with the usual preparation it takes when I dress up.

My hair is what usually takes the longest and that is because I am just not a pro at hairstyles-not yet anyway. So I washed the 60's right out of my hair and went for my trusty hair rats and snood!

I left my hair wet and rolled them up into victory rolls. Then I slipped on my snood and there you have it. Instant 1940's hairstyle. Just super easy peasy!

I enjoying matching when I dress up or creating a theme with the look I am doing. Since my dress had a red tulip print all over I decided to match it up with a pair of tulips shaped earrings and a tulip brooch.

Since I spent most of the day in my 60's photo shoot makeup and hair, I really didn't feel up to putting on more heavy makeup. What I did was put on moisturizer, primer, clinque powder, and my trusty MAC Russian Red lipstick. Super simple and yet still going with the vintage look. I actually surprised myself with how at ease I was in applying everything. I think being tired helped me not overly stress my look or how to achieve my look. 

Here is a closer look of the tulip print. The dress is 1950's and although my hair and makeup is 1940's-it is very possible to change things up with decades. I really do think the most important part of a vintage look is the hair and makeup. It sets the whole tone and foundation for your look.

The last part of my look was my handbag that was purchased at an Antique Mall in MO from my last trip in April. I love that the beads are clear because you can wear it with anything and it will match and look good with most any outfit.

We had a wonderful time at dinner and our eldest son actually fell asleep while waiting for his food, poor baby. They were all such great sports to let mama and daddy eat out hehe

I hope you enjoyed this look of tulips in summer. Simple and easy and very doable.

Do you like tulips as much as I do? If so, what have you acquired for your vintage wardrobe with tulips as a theme?

My Outfit:

1950's Dress: Lola Mayy

Tulip Earrings: whoop

1950's Tulip Brooch: CHEAPFRLLS1

Red Snood: Purchased in MO

Clear Beaded Handbag: Purchased in MO

Be Victorious: Betsy Ross-A Most Remarkable Woman

Yesterday I shared the early part of my jammed packed day in Philly and today I will like to share with you our visit to the Betsy Ross House. We didn't plan on going to this museum but I felt inspired to go for some reason and I am so glad we did!

Some interesting facts about Betsy Ross:

• Born Elizabeth Griscom on January 1, 1752
• She was the eighth of seventeen children!
• She began her career as an upholsterer a little before 1773 (she was 18-20 yrs old) and worked until she was in her seventies
• Was married three times-her first two husbands passed on but she had 34 years with her third husband
• She lost two of her seven daughters in their infancy 
• She spent her last years blind and living with one of her daughters, Jane
• Passed away on January 30, 1936 at the ripe old age of eighty-four!

It is said that Betsy was given a drawing by George Washington of what he wanted the American flag to look like and that she was the one to add the stars and put them in a circular shape (which is the way the flag looked like in the early years). Either way, I wouldn't be surprised if she did help design the American flag. There is no official paperwork stating that she did though. Not really surprised. For a women to be so highly trained in a craft like upholstery was rare indeed, let alone help make a flag that defined a new nation.

A little glimpse inside the museum. It it hearsay that she lived in this actual house. Even if she really didn't I am sure she lived in a house that was similar. Each room was cozy yet simple and functional. But what really surprised me was how narrow the staircase was and how short the stairs were. I cannot imagine going up and down stairs like that with a corset and layers of dresses and a lit candle to boot! Eeeek!

Betsy's resting peace as well of that of her third husband. She lived an incredibly full life in a time where people did not normally age well into their eighties. She ran a successful upholstery business until she could not longer work due to old age and blindness.

She also endured great strife in her life,  losing three husbands and two children She also lost her mother, father, and sister-within days of each other during the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793.

I left this museum feeling very proud that such a courageous woman such as Betsy Ross, helped create one of the most important and valuable symbols of freedom that the world has ever seen. I also admire that she chose to marry the men she did out of love, not convenience or arrangement.

Betsy Ross was a woman ahead of her time. She lived life the way she wanted to live it and worked hard at the things she loved-her craft, her business, her spouses, and her children.

She was a women that lived her life victoriously!

Gadgets, Gizmos, and a Gidget, too!

Happy belated 4th of July to all of my American readers! I hope every one's days have been spent well. New York has been blistering hot and this Latin mama has been melting! 

Aside from turning into a puddle every time go out (hehe) I have been super busy having changes done on my blog as well as going on a family trip to Philadelphia. I have also been kept busy by all the technology I have been learning and acquiring this summer. So much so, it has my head spinning a bit by all the mumbo jumbo jargon of codes, manuals, tutorials. 

I don't know if you know this but I am not a technological person. I am more comfortable with a movie or a good book and not html's and seo's and all that jazz. Thankfully I have been getting help and also thankfully a lot of it hasn't been as hard to figure out as I imagined. But there is defiantly a lot to learn. This summer is turning into a summer school of sorts. I'm learning a lot about blogging, photography, and other little gizmo's.

Let me start with saying that I now have four child. Say what? Omg? Huh? Oh yes its true. Okay, its not a human child but still, she is becoming a close member of our family already. I carry her with me almost everywhere I go since she was delivered to our house. Oh okay, I should just share a photo of her right? Her she is and her name is Gidget-small but mighty!

Ta-da! Isn't she adorable! hehe I know, I am being silly but really having my hands on a professional camera was never something I thought I would want to do. But I thought a lot about how much I enjoy taking photos of my family and of course for my blog and I made the decision to ask Santa for an early Christmas present and here she is!

From now on when you hear me speak of Gidget you will know exactly who she is unless I mention the show or film or something hehe

The camera came with a kit with loads of gadgets and gizmos and of course Gidget! I took her on our trip to PA which I will share later this week and although it is very different to handle than a point and shoot, I loved handling her. There is a lot to learn about angles and lighting and all that jazz so later this month I plan to take a course on photography. This is a hobby I have wanted to have for a long time. 

One day I would love to have a working vintage camera...dreamy!

For those of you looking for a professional camera-I highly recommend this one. Which leads me to another sort of addition to my life. For years now I have avoided the owning of what my husband and I call a "fancy" phone. You know, the phones everyone on the planet seems to have! 

You can get on the Internet and email people and take photos and all sorts of amazing things. I finally entered the 21st Century! Bunny now has a fancy phone! It's literally been just a few short days since I have had it and I find it more difficult to figure out than Gidget! hehe

I did figure out how to join Instagram and now you can see an closer look at Gidget and all sorts of vintagey life inspiration on here. Follow me and I would be happy to follow in return!

Gidget and a new phone and a new blog design. Bunny is on a roll me thinks hehe All this will take some getting used to but I am so thrilled to learn more or in other other words "feed my brain".

Here's to learning!

10 Fabulous Vintage Blog Posts

Just the other day I shared some of my top and favorite posts from my blog. Today, I would like to share a few of my favorite posts that were written within the last six months from other vintage bloggers.

If you don't read any of these blogs already, I hope you will check them out and that you will find them inspirational and full of vintagey goodness.

Mid-Century Pink: I love that LaToya is going to do a 1950's Housewife challenge! How neat is that??!!

By gum, by golly: Tasha makes the most amazing things. She is so inspirational and really embodies the vintage spirit by making many of the pieces of clothing she wears!

Vixen Vintage: Solanah has such talent when it comes to knitting-swoon! This is by far my favorite piece she has made-it just makes you want to perfect your own knitting skills! Wow-weeeeeeee

Retro Gran: It warms my heart when people put the effort to remember how wonderful dads can be, even television ones!

The Fiercest Lilliputian: There is no denying that Emma is a beautiful young woman. But just like many of us she needed to be brave and face her fear~she does so gracefully in this post.

Va-Voom Vintage: Brittany's tutorial on how to take a thrifted sweater and duplicate an outfit that one of the characters in the film The Help wore. What an outstanding job she did!

Chronically Vintage: Jessica wrote such a candid and brave post-she just inspires me to no end! This is a must read!

Dividing Vintage Moments: I LOVE Joanna's steals, deals, get 'em now series! She is SO good at finding vintage things-one of the best vintage hunters I know! I think you will all love this series too!

Lost in the 50s: Seriously its hard to pick a favorite post from this blog! I love how Laurence and her husband dress and celebrate the 1950's and they always are going somewhere and doing fun things together-so darn cute. I love this post because Laurence tried something different and she looked amazing doing so!

Tickety Boo Tupney: I love how authentically vintage Tupney does everything. She is one of my favorite vintage bloggers and is such a doll. I love this post that I attached-you will see why!


There you have them! So many vintage blogs to choose from and so many incredible posts to share but these I hope you will find as inspirational and enjoyable as I have!

xox

PS Just click on the blog name and it will take you to their posts!!!

Top 5 Favorite Posts from Bunny's Victory

For your reading pleasure, I thought I would share a few of my blogs top posts (of the moment because it changes often hehe). Just some background information for those of you who may be new to reading my blog~before I became Bunny's Victory I was The Musings and Adventures of a Pinup Mama. When I first began my blog I was trying to find my identity, place, and voice in this wonderful and beautiful world called blogging.

It took some time, patience, and lots of work but I eventually did and then I changed my blog name. I think it fits me better, don't you? So, because I switched blog names and addresses I know that many of you may have clicked on older posts, you may not have been able to read them and for that I am sorry. So, I included some older posts as well that I consider some of my favorites. I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I enjoyed writing them!

Barbara Stanwyck and Robert Taylor: A Love Story

Love Child: Old Hollywood's Best Kept Secret

Being Vintagey in Missouri: Day Two (pt2)

My Vintage Home: Making Progress...

Hey Doll! Vintage Magazine: Issue 5: Tea Time

Aging Grace-Fully

Daily Inspiration: Four: Audrey Hepburn

Unknowingly Living a 1940's Life

Do I Dare? 

Yul Brynner: A Photographic Journey

There you have it! I love looking back and seeing what was done before, don't you? On that note, I defiantly have to make a list on my favorite posts by other bloggers! Putting that on my to-write list hehe

Enjoy!!! xox 

Help Save Bomb Girls!

I cannot believe this but Global TV has decided to not bring back Bomb Girls for a third season. This show is so incredibly inspirational and I am a huge fan!!If you are too or if you feel we need to continue having amazing shows like this that spotlight strong and courageous female characters, please check out this link!

This campaign is outstanding and I am hoping it will make our voices be heard. You can also contact Global TV on Twitter or comment on your own Twitter page using the hashtag #savebombgirls. You can also follow and share the links of Save Bomb Girls Tumblr and Save Bomb Girls Facebook page and share them on your own social media networks.

Get the word out. This show is something special and in a world of a 300 channels and only perhaps 10-15 incredible shows-we NEED to save the incredible shows when their life lines are being threatened. It's time to KEEP CALM and SAVE BOMB GIRLS!

xox

I'm a Queen of Vintage!!!

OMG! If anyone needed a pick me up after the surgery, it was me! Everything went well as can be,  but just super tired and sore. I suppose that is normal especially with running around after kids too hehe 

Today, Lena from Queens of Vintage published an interview I did with her recently and I am so honored that she chose to crown me a Queen of Vintage. I sure have come a long way on this vintage journey! There have been many bumps in the road but this is why it pays to stick by your dreams/goals, to work hard, and to never give up. 

This truly is a crowning moment for me. I want to thank all those who have stood by my side. You will always have a special place in my heart for supporting me and believing in me. My husband, who doesn't always understand my passion for vintage but always fully supports me in my madness for all things old and dusty. My children, who inspire me daily and remind me that being a mother is the biggest joy in my life. My father, for all the times he has babysat so I could go out and do some vintagey things. He defiantly doesn't understand what I do but he knows it makes me happy and that a happy mommy makes for happy grandchildren (his not mine lol). My dearest and closest friends who know my daily struggles and triumphs; Brittany and Nick. To my Swing Sister who brought joy in my life in a vintage way that only another vintage aficionado could. In a time when I needed it most, she was there. She reminded me that there is indeed great beauty in people and great compassion.

Lastly, to my beautiful vintage sisters and readers. Connecting with all of you has brought a happiness into my life that cannot be matched. To be able to connect and share a passion that runs deeply in your heart with others is both a gift and a blessing. Thank you.

xox

5 ways get a vintage gal on the mend!

Great news! My surgery was a success! Thank you all for your well wishes, prayers, and just for be so sweet to me. I adore you all-truly! I am resting at home now baby-free, my dad kindly is keeping the kids overnight til Friday afternoon so I can rest. I hope you all have a fabulous weekend and I just wanted to share a few things every vintage girl would need to help her get back on the mend! Or any girl for that matter! hehe

Rest is the best medicine-so curl up someplace comfortable and take a nap!

Lots of vintage gals thrive after a good soak but you don't have to have a bubble bath. It can be anything you find soothing to do. I, myself, enjoy putting my cold mask on my eyes...very soothing!

I'm in the middle of a great book that I cannot wait to review and share it with all of you. I can give a hint though-it's about a 70+ year marriage. Whether you are reading about love, romance, mystery, or a good biography on your favorite classic film actor/actress-take a book or a magazine and get some reading done. You will not only relax but feed your brain as well.

 Whether it is on the TCM channel or a DVD or on Youtube, pull out your favorite classic films/tv shows and have fun watching them!

When a gal is on the mend she might not be up for shopping but she can do loads of "window" shopping. Check out the latest on your favorite vintaget sites and feed your eyes with loads of pretties!

xox