Bunny's Book Club: Gidget

Summer has come to an end and with that many of us are putting away our swimsuits and taking our our cardigans. A few months ago I came across an article about Kathy Kohner-Zuckerman. In that article I learned that she was the real life Gidget!!

As a little girl I watched many 1950-1970's shows of course along with the typical 1980's shows of my time. But I was particularly fascinated by 1960's shows. One of them being a show called Gidget (1956-1966) with the fabulous Sally Field in the starring role.

From there I eventually watched the film version of Gidget (1959) starring Sandra Dee. I was memorized. A girl like me...surfing??!

Now when I read that article of Kathy Kohner-Zuckerman and I found out that she was the inspiration for the character of Gidget (that was her nickname) and that her father wrote a book based on her summer surf stories...well I knew I had to learn more. And better still, I knew I had to read the book!

I read it in one sitting! Oh boy was it neat! Written by Frederick Kohner, I was left in awe that a middle aged man actually wrote this book! The character of Gidget is spot on with that of an average teen aged girl and he just wrote her so authentically.

The book reads like a journal you are immediately sucked into Gidget's world of lazy summer days, beach boy bums, and life as a fifteen year old girl. What I enjoyed also about the book is that it also included photos of Kathy during her time as a girl surfer.

Here are some fabulous photos of Kathy aka the real Gidget:

Although there were some female surfers in Malibu, CA during the 1950's, Gidget was still a one of a kind sort of girl. Being so young and so petite it wasn't easy at first to grasp the sport of surfing let alone carry the darn surf board. But she managed and she also managed to inspire her father to write his book which in turn inspired many young girls to try new things and never give up on something they love.

This is Kathy in more recent years. She has picked up surfing again and although she is 72 years old she does it to not only keep in shape but also lends her name out for charities as well. I mean she is the real Gidget after all.

Sandra Dee and Sally Field on there respective roles as Gidget. Love them both!

Kathy and Sandra Dee on the set of Gidget in 1959. What a neat photo this is!!??

I found no better way to saying goodbye to the summer than by reading Gidget. It also made me feel invigorated and sentimental as I immersed myself into the book. The character of Gidget reminded me of being a young girl again.

And although I have no such desire to ever be a teenager again in this lifetime, I was reminded how sweet and innocent and full of daydreams those days were.

Have you seen Gidget the movie? Or the show? Have you read the book? You can find a copy of it here. And tune in tomorrow for a Gidget sized Giveaway hosted by yours truly!!!

Bunny's Book Club: Thrift Stories: Cool Sh!t I Thrifted

What happens when you mix the art of thrift shopping with incredible whit and hilarity? You get a book that you cannot stop reading!!!

Each of us vintage girls love to find a good deal. The bigger the treasure and the lower the cost, the better and the more thrilling! Katie shows us how we too can find these treasures and also shares her amazing finds!

I truly admire those who are passionate about life and share with others their passions. This is true when it comes to Katie and her book. Katie is an avid thrifter and in her book you will find both inspirational and educational stories. You will learn how to thrift but also enjoy the adventures of thrifting with her. 

Katie and her fantastic finds!!!

To me her book reads like a well told story. The words run smoothly and you can visualize everything she is speaking about and best still, you feel like you get to know this wonderful lady. You also get a glimpse on all the silly, wonderful, and fascinating things that can happen while you are thrifting. Not to mention that Katie gives oodles and oodles of helpful and easy-to-follow advice on how to make the experience of thrifting a successful and magical one.

Some of the topics included are:

• What is Thrifting and Why Should I do it?
• Pitfalls of Thrifting
• How to Yard Sale Like a Pro
• Tapping into Your Thrift Sense

Katie also shares with her readers on how to find and go about buying thrifted items such as; clothes, bakelite, barware, kitchen items, swatch watches, cabbage patch dolls, furniture, jewelry, and holiday decor. Oh my! Now that is a must have of information to know!!!!

I am so lucky that Katie asked me to review her book. It truly is packed with the sort of information every shopper should have but to have it told with such candor and humor and warmth makes reading her book a true joy.

Katie Mullaly is many things-a mother, a wife, a writer, a paranormal investigator, and a blogger. You can find her fantastic blog here.

And if you would like to purchase your copy of her book you can find it here: Thrift Stories: Cool Sh!t I Thrifted

This is one book all vintage lovers, shoppers, and thrifters should own!!! 

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

Bunny's Book Club!

I have been working on many things for my blog and one of them is to include more book (and magazine) reviews. I aim to post a review at least once a month but I may do more. It all depends on if I finished the book or not.

In the past I did some book and magazine reviews and here are the ones I have done so far:

Films of the Golden Age

Audrey Hepburn, An Elegant Spirit

Marilyn Monroe in Vanity Fair

Va -Va-Voom!

Marilyn and Me

Zelda Magazine: The Magazine of the Vintage Nouveau

Bunny's Top Five Vintage Magazine Picks!

Hey Doll! Vintage Magazine

Miss Subway New York:1941-1976

I will be reviewing all the books in the photo above and more! If there any books at all that you would be interested in seeing reviewed let me know. Anything from vintage hair to fashion to books that films were based on to biographies or autobiographies. Anything at all as long as it is somehow related to the past.

I hope you will enjoy my reviews as much as I have enjoyed putting them together and more importantly reading the book!

"There are two motives for reading a book: one, that you enjoy it; the other, that you can boast about it" ~Bertrand Russell

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 

Hey Doll! Vintage Magazine: Issue 5: Tea Time

Click to view Issue 5: June {Tea Time} on GLOSSI.COM

Hey Doll! Vintage Magazine is out today! We invite you to get to know our contributing team as well as consider being a contributor yourself! Our next issue will be out in July and it will be a 1940's Patriotic theme.

You can submit to us at heydollvintagemagazine@yahoo.com. And don't forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter!!!

Enjoy our issue dedicated to the beauty and joy of tea time!

xox

Hey Doll! Vintage Magazine is out today! We invite you to get to know our contributing team as well as consider being a contributor yourself! Our next issue will be out in August and it will be a 1940's Patriotic theme. You can submit to us at heydollvintagemagazine@yahoo.com. And don't forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter!!! Enjoy our issue dedicated to the beauty and joy of tea time! xox

Bunny's Book Club: Miss Subway New York: 1941-1976

While I was at the Transit Museum last weekend, I encountered the coolest exhibit ever! What happens when you blend the New York City train system with a beauty contest? You get a Miss Subway!

Of course I was fascinated by this exhibit and wished that they still had this contest in New York. It really changed many of these women's lives! It ran from 1941 to 1976. I found it ironic and cool that it ended the year I was born LOL

About 200 women held the title and it was said that thousands of people viewed these "car cards" (the ad on the subways about them) daily. Imagine that! Remember that this was pre-internet time so that number is impressive.

I just loved that New York celebrated women of all sorts and types of beauty in such a creative and meaningful way.

They also had phones along some of the images of the women where you could hear some speak about their experience as Miss Subway and how it changed their life. Along with their "car cards" was also a photo of each Miss Subway as they are today. That was so neat!

So, how would  you like to own your own copy of the Meet Miss Subways book?

This giveway is open to U.S. readers ONLY. Simply share this link on one of your social media outlets and tell me if you would have applied to become a Miss Subway? This wasn't your ordinary beauty contest-these women were creative and super smart.

I have been promising my International readers a giveaway for a bit now and I haven't forgotten. It is in the works!

xox

FYI: I only order used copies of books for myself and I do the same for most of my book giveaways-just keep that in mind in case you wanted a new copy-many thanks!

PS I forgot to mention when I will announce the winner......Thursday, May 23rd!

Hey Doll! Vintage Magazine Presents: Issue Four: The Great Gatsby

Click to view Issue Four: May {1920's/ Gatsby} on GLOSSI.COM

Sammy Davis Vintage: The 100 Best Vintage Shops Online

Have you ever wondered if there was a book or online source of some sort that had a ton and I mean a TON of information on the best vintage online shopping? Seriously, look NO further! 

Sammy Davis Vintage created something special for all of us vintage lovers. Something that took courage, creativity, and incredible amounts of passion. She put together this outstanding ebook called The 100 Best Vintage Shops Online.  

Many of us scour every online source (ie Etsy, Ebay, Google, etc) searching and searching for the best sellers or for the perfect dress. It is a lot of fun to search for vintage but wouldn't it be so very helpful to have a source to guide us through all the vintage that is out there?

Sammy beautifully put together for all of us a guide in which we can not only focus on where we are looking for our vintage but also how to look for it. She explains what to look for in an online shop and how to shop for your vintage. Here is a little peak into her table of contents page:

This ebook is a fantastic resource for all vintage aficionado's but I would especially recommend it to those just beginning their journey into the vintage world. I am two years into my journey (full-time) and I still consider myself a beginner in many ways. The way Sammy breaks it all down and explains the importance of vintage to wear to shop for specific era pieces. Gahhhh....its just dripping with information that you really should not pass up. 

Whether you are a beginner or advanced in the knowings of the vintage online world of shopping, there is much that you can gain by reading Sammy's ebook. 

What I adored the most as I was reading through the pages, was just how much love and care was put into every word and every selection. There is nothing more that I love when I see someone so passionate about something that they just pour their heart into it. And that is what Sammy has done.

I attached links to Sammy's Facebook page as well as to her Etsy shop above, so you can grab your copy of "The 100 Best Vintage Shops Online". Let me know your thoughts after you have read it and whether is has helped in your search for the perfect piece of vintage to call your own!

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

Home Sewing is Easy by Sally Stitch

I wanted to share with you all my one and only find while out Vintage Shopping with Mid-Century Pink. I found this fantastic booklet/comic book called Home Sewing is Easy by Sally Stitch. It was published in New York in what seems to be the very early 1950's by Mershaw Publishing Corporation. It is the first in the series and I am curious to know if any more were published but so far I have not found any other issues.

I find this booklet/comic book to be like a sewing for dummies guide. And well at this point I am a dummy about sewing in the nicest possible sense of the word. Sewing has been on my bucket list for a while but it hasn't been at the top of the list or even something I have totally placed in my frame of mind of things I MUST learn how to do. I figure though in a years time, my youngest baby will start Pre-K and so perhaps then I may attempt to into the pool of needles and thread (och! okay not literally lol)

I figure, what the heck? I am a grandchild of a professional seamstress and a daughter of a woman who learned how to make clothes by learning from magazines. So if these two clever ladies can do it, I figure perhaps I can too. This booklet is definitely going to come in handy because it really breaks everything and I mean everything down to basics! I love this find!

 I love the introductory page! And it does make me think-hummm how much can you say by making your own clothes??

Here glimpse of the supplies you will need to get started according to Miss Sally Stitch!

And here is a closer view of some of the types of seams one can do!

Isn't this clever little booklet just peachy keen!!! I found two copies of it on Etsy ranging from $85.00 to  $125 dollars! On Ebay I found it for a starting price at $19.99 and a buy it now option for $30.00. If you would like to see that auction just click here.

Now I have to share with you what I actually paid for....drum roll please.....$1.00!!!! One whole dollar! That was all it was! It was actually in the sellers dollar bin and it caught my eye because it looked like it was from the 1950's and I really think I found a neat little treasure! And let's be honest-you cannot beat that price!

What do you think about Miss Sally Stitch? If you sew, do you find it terribly complicated and hard to do? If you don't sew, is this something you would like to try and do one day?

xox

Vintage Magazines: 1946 Beautify Your Figure: Beauty and Fashion

I am so glad many of you enjoyed taking a peak into my magazine. If any of you have any future posts that are spotlighting vintage magazines-I would love to read them! Just email me the link-thank you!

Here are a few more pages from this outstanding vintage magazine. The last post should you how to stay healthy and these pages will show you how to dress up that beautiful figure of your from keeping your nails lovely to choosing the right gloves for your hands and let's not forget some fabulous hats modeling by the charming Donna Reed!

Aren't these articles just darling! What I loved about the issue was that it was jammed packed with so many great articles. I am going to keep on my search for more issues from this magazine although no luck yet-pooh! If you ever find one let me know!!!

xox

Vintage Magazines: 1946 Beautify Your Figure: Caring for Your Body

I was recently gifted this amazing issue of Beautify Your Figure from 1946 by a friend of mine. I enjoyed vintage magazines before, but after reading this issue-I now LOVE vintage magazines! 

I think they are such a great source of information and insight into the life and times of yesterday. The other great thing about vintage magazines is that they are sort of like vintage dresses, unique in their own way. You may be able to find multiple copies of a certain magazine but what may be difficult is finding the same year or month that it was published.

This issue was prestine and published in 1946-post World War II. I am really happy to be able to share with you some pages of the issue that promote good health and beauty tips. These tips are time tested and are as true today as they were over 60 years ago.

Good health and beauty begins with eating well, exercising, and resting (or getting good amounts of sleep in everyday).

I love this menu-isn't it clever! I think it is important to set up a menu not just for financial reasons (it helps save on money to plan meals ahead) but also to know what you are taking in and such.

After a good meal and workout, it is time to relax! Ahhhhh she looks comfy doesn't she?

I hope you enjoyed this little glimpse into the Beautify Your Figure issue. Tomorrow I will share a few more pages on how to help focus on other aspects of your beauty.

xox

Hey Doll! Vintage Magazine: Issue Two-Out Now!

Click to view Issue Two: March {Spring Cleaning} on GLOSSI.COM