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Silly TV: Classic Silly Putty Commercials

Silly Putty TV Commercial Screenshot

When marketing consultant Peter Hodgson risked $147 of borrowed money to introduce a bouncing putty to the world, his target audience was adults. As that market dwindled, it was kids lifting newsprint that made him shift gears. The once-failed product that was created in hopes to help the war effort turned into a multi-million dollar [...]

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Coca-Cola Original Collectibles: Coupons, Bags & More

1960 Coke HS Basketball Program

Some rare treats for the Coca-Cola fan and collector… Take a look at these vintage originals – coupons, boxes, programs and more – all from the ’50s and ’60s, when a bottle of Coke was just a dime. Back then, it was common for brands to sponsor high school and college sports programs by producing [...]

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Beat Summer Heat with Iced Coffee

Iced Coffee Sign

Years ago, I was your typical, broke college student. My apartment’s kitchen offered little more than a loaf of bread, a few snacks and coffee. Yes, coffee – the only necessity when it came to staying awake in class and studying late-night. On a tight budget, I’d learned early on that what wasn’t served hot [...]

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Summer Jam at Watkins Glen

Summer Jam

Watkins Glen, NY is known worldwide for its racing track. Watkins Glen International (once called Watkins Glen Grand Prix Circuit) has hosted nearly every class of car racing for more than 50 years, including NASCAR and IndyCar. On July 28, 1973, the Upstate NY speedway hosted the largest music festival to date: Summer Jam. An [...]

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Weekend DIY: Teacup Upcycling

Teacup Clock

Upcycling is a great way to introduce vintage wares into modern designs. Whether working with broken pieces, or simply displaying grandma’s collection differently, this method of recycling items is quite popular. At Manolo for the Home, you’ll find ways to repurpose old teacups. Our favorite is this teacup clock, but there’s some other great designs, [...]

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Disney Animates Alice in Wonderland

1898 cover of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

In 1865, English author Charles Lutwidge Dodgson wrote the tale of a girl who falls down a rabbit whole and lands in a fantasy world. That book was Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, and Dodgson wrote it under the pseudonymn Lewis Carroll. Considered one of the best works of literary nonsense, the book has influenced more [...]

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Jellybean Rugs: Retro Style with Versatility

Colorful Striped Doormat

Accent rugs are a great way to bring together the design of just about any room or doorstep. They can be used as a focal point, or simply to add a splash of color. Depending on size and design, these kinds of rugs can be used in the living room, kitchen, bedroom or bathroom, and [...]

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Hellmann’s Cranberry “Candles”

Hellmann's Cranberry Candles Ad

Okay, so I’m game for trying just about anything. Except for things that kinda disgust me. And mayonnaise is just one of those things. That’s why this early ’60s ad for cranberry “candles” had my stomach churning, and my brain asking, “Um, why?”. Related PostsWhy, This Mixor is Marvelous Vintage Whitman’s Valentine’s Day Ads Deliciously [...]

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GE’s New Combo Washer/Dryer

GE Washer-Dryer Combo

This General Electric Combination Washer-Dryer did double-duty in the mid-to-late-50s. This ad markets one of the popular designs (in teal!). GE invented the first washer-dryer combination in 1954, just seven years after it developed the first fully automatic clothes washer. Related PostsRubbermaid’s New Sink Fashions (1950s) Woolworth’s Gumdrop Goody Tree (Ad) 1950s Ford Dealership Promotional [...]

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Weekend DIY: Upcycling Vintage Food Cans

Recycling vintage cans.

If you have some old cans lying around – especially from the ’30s to ’60s, Under the Table and Dreaming by Stephanie Lynn has found some great ideas for turning them into something spectacular. From creating great lighting effects to retro-decorative storage, her blog features 50 crafts for repurposing old product packaging. Among our favorite [...]

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“The Tape With the Plaid…”

Vintage Scotch Tape Packaging

It’s usually the “simple” inventions that make significant impacts on our daily lives, and Scotch Tape is no different. Quite often, these simple items have a detailed, interesting history. The Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Co. (3M) was founded in 1902 by five businessmen seeking to mine a mineral deposit for grinding-wheel abrasives. With its first [...]

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Adesso Modern & Contemporary Lamps

Laser-Cut Opera® Pendant Lamp

Just as the perfect piece of jewelry complements a fine dress, the right lamp will heighten the style in any room.  Lamps are important accessories that liven up décor and make a fashion statement in our living spaces.  Even a plain room can be rejuvenated with the addition of a stylish lamp. There are options [...]

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Portable Coca-Cola Fridges & Warmers

Coke Mini Fridge

When the sweltering summer heat sets in, most enjoy cooling off with a nice, cold drink. Typical ice chests keep drinks cold for mere hours, leaving us with a bunch of cans floating in water. A new line of Coca-Cola coolers and mini fridges were designed for tight spaces and travel. With seven different models, [...]

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Weekend DIY: Wool Felt Clock

Elizabeth's Felt Clock

From Creative Breathing comes this adorable craft project using wool felt. It’s Elizabeth’s Cuckoo Clock and she explains how she made it in an afternoon. Elizabeth creates and uses patterns that are but simple pieces, then ties them altogether to create something quite detailed. So, if this adorable guy doesn’t tickle your fancy, she’s got [...]

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