Retro Cookbooks

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IMG_3592I love retro cookbooks! I found these two books in a kickass thrift store called Class ‘n’ Trash in Salinas, CA for only $1 each. Some of the recipes in them are a bit funky, but I love the photos and trying some of the odd meals. These are circa 1963 and came in quite handy for my ’60s cocktail party I told you about a few days ago.

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For the cocktail party, my boyfriend made a Western Chili Casserole from the Better Homes and Gardens Lunches and Brunches book, and I got the idea for my Pineapple Upside Down Cake from the Better Homes and Gardens So-Good Meals one. I ended up using my grandma’s recipe because it sounded better than the cake mix-based recipe in the So-Good Meals book, but the idea is the same.

Just look at this spread!

IMG_3595One thing I realized was that jello was THE THING in the 1960s. Everything had jello in it from desserts like the Bing Cherry Mold (pictured below) to more savory dishes like the Tune Ring pictured in the center of the image above (yuck!).

IMG_3596Don’t forget to get the kids involved in the kitchen!

IMG_3597This also must have been when the whole eating healthy movement started, because one of the books even has a low-calorie cooking section.

IMG_3598Even if I didn’t use these books for cooking, I’d still love them because they are perfect little snapshots of times past.

Do you love vintage cookbooks as much as I do? Where do you find them? Have you inherited any from family?

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eShakti Dress Review {and Giveaway!}

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I’ll be changing things up a bit with today’s post. Instead of baking I’ll be talking about clothing. Specifically, I’ll be reviewing a dress I got from eShakti.com. eShakti, a vintage inspired woman’s online clothing store, specializing in customizable pieces ranging from sizes 0 to 36W, contacted me to ask if I was interested in reviewing a piece of clothing for them. So, wait, I get to review a cute piece of clothing, and I get to keep it? Uh, yes please!

Thus began a long drawn out process, all of which was my fault. I knew they were offering to give me free customization on the piece I was to review, but not being familiar with such an opportunity, I chose one of their standard sized dresses, because the measurements where pretty close to my own. That was a mistake. Why get a dress that’s “pretty close” to your size when you can get a dress that is exactly your size?!? Yeah, I don’t know why I didn’t think it through better.

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Her Fifties Sundress in poppy red. image ©eShakti.com

After browsing their many pieces, I decided on the Her Fifties Sundress in crimson (I don’t think this color is available anymore but the “poppy red” looks similar). The first dress I received (the standard sized one) was too big in the bust which made everything fit all wrong. I could have reviewed this dress, but I really wanted to see what the dress would be like if it fit right. Luckily, eShakti.com has amazing customer service, and allowed me to return the item and order the same dress with my customized measurements this time. Generally, customization only costs an extra $7.50, which is an amazingly affordable price. You can also choose to change the neckline shape or alter the sleeves or hem length if available for the piece you want to buy. Find out more about their customizeable options here.

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image ©eShakti.com

A few weeks later, after receiving the ill-fitting dress, returning it, and receiving the better fitting dress, I finally had a great piece to review. I have got to thank eShakti for working so closely with me to get me a product that I would love! Here is all the good and bad about the dress I received:

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Bra strap snaps

PROS:

  • Comfortable
  • Lightweight
  • Cute retro style
  • It fit well with my customized measurements
  • The dress is well made
  • It has snaps under the dress straps where you can attach your bra straps to hide them (refer to the picture to the right).
  • There is an invisible side zipper to give you more room to get the dress on (although it was a little difficult to zip up).
  • It has pockets (but you can get it made without pockets if you like).
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Sorry for the pit shot!

CONS

  • Wrinkles easily
  • It shows sweat stains very easily and also my deodorant really liked to rub off onto the dress (if you got this dress in black, the sweat problem may not be as noticeable).
  • Without a petticoat, the skirt is a little limp.

Overall, the pros outweighed the cons. I really love this dress, though I might have to wear a cardigan over it to cover those pit stains!

eShakti has so many styles to choose from. With their spring line just released, you have a lot of new pieces to browse including dresses, skirts, and tops. Also, for any upcoming brides out there, they have a great bridesmaid dress section set up to help you find the perfect fit, color, and style for all your bridesmaids!

Besides having great clothes, I really like that everything on eShakti is very affordable, the shipping is quick (even for customized pieces), they can make items in so many sizes, and the customer service, in my experience, has been quick to reply and helpful.

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Now for the fun part!

BUY IT: They are offering my readers 20% off with the coupon code SHNESKLLER (expires 3/20/13).

UPDATE (3/4/13): Good news! Due to a glitch, some blogger coupon codes did not work when people tried to use them, so they’ve fixed the issue and have extended the 20% off offer until March 20th!

Note: (*conditions apply)
Code has to be entered in the ‘Promotional Code’ box. No Minimum Order Value. The discount code is not case sensitive. The code can be used any number of times until the validity period. This code can be clubbed with any other gift coupon or gift card in the same order. This discount code is not applicable on our Overstock category. Not applicable on previous purchases.

According to the website, if you’re new to eShakti.com you can save $25 on your first order if you register with their site! Not sure if this is stackable with the coupon code above but it’s worth checking out.

Giveaway

WIN IT: On top of all of these great discounts, they are also giving away to one of my readers one item of choice under $75 from eShakti.com! Fantastic!

To Enter: Fill out the Rafflecopter widget below. The only mandatory entries are to enter your name and email address and to follow eShakti on Pinterest. If you don’t have a Pinterest account, you can sign up for one here for free.

Time period: Giveaway begins on 3/1/13 at 12:01am EST and will end on 3/22/13 at 11:59pm EST.

The Prize: One item of choice under $75 from eShakti.com.

Giveaway is open to all legal residents of USA and Canada who are 18+ years of age.

Complete Official Giveaway Rules

a Rafflecopter giveaway

* This review is my honest opinion. I received a dress from eShakti for the purposes of this review. I was not compensated in any other way. I have styled the dress with my own cardigan, belt, petticoat, and shoes in the above photos. 
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