HiBoys opened in the 50's, as did Big Boy. They are similar in taste, and some rumor has it they are owned by the same family. The double cheeseburgers are hugemongus...and the fries are best when dipped in my chocolate shake. The location above hasn't changed at all since day one. It's on BlueRidge Cutoff, and it's my favorite.www.zootsuitmama.etsy.com
About Me
- Zootsuitmama
- Zootsuitmama was my shopname, but I closed it a while back. Now I have entered a magic timemachine and live in a time warp of vintage and retro ... Join me.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
I'll gladly pay you Tues. for a Hamblogger today?
HiBoys opened in the 50's, as did Big Boy. They are similar in taste, and some rumor has it they are owned by the same family. The double cheeseburgers are hugemongus...and the fries are best when dipped in my chocolate shake. The location above hasn't changed at all since day one. It's on BlueRidge Cutoff, and it's my favorite.Sunday feature: Cool Independence Missouri Retro!
Today I woke up and thought it was Monday! Thank God I was wrong. So -Now I can slow down (yeah, right!) a little, and piddle around. But first, I must unveil the next locations of businesses in my hometown that are still sporting vintage signage or even better, still operating!! This particular movie theater is on the "square", or downtown business district of Independence. It was a theater, then a dollar movie, and became kinda run down and stinky. Your feet would stick as you walked down the aisle stinky! I remember on the 4th of July in the '70's seeing "Funny Lady" with Barbara Streisand. (Am I dating myself? Well no one else will!) Art Deco Heaven, that movie! Enjoy! A local family bought the place and restored it, inside and out. The marquee on the front and back door are awesome, especially at night. Zootsuitmama
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Cool signs
Some of the businesses are gone, but the signs are still there! I always want to find out how to persuade them to sell the sign to me. (Maybe for a headboard??) There is a Gas Station that is still around, and a little store called the Milk Jug, that is closed but the storefront, etc..is still up. It was a precursor to Quik Trip and 7-11. I love the signs, though! ZSM
Order up! Time for some Saturday biscuits and gravy at the Engelwood Cafe!
The Engelwood is a down home cafe in the Engelwood district. Winner Road and Sterling Ave. became the "upper class" area in Independence and if you turn back toward the square there are houses that were considered "the better homes" for doctors, etc...at one time. But please, don't forget to turn the other way (West) and check out this little jewel of a restaraunt. My favorite is the omelets, but everything is great. They still have their specials and waitresses with lots of character, and the food is great to boot. While there, check out the back of the menu for some history of the original owners. This is the place where families could eat and were made to feel right at home!
Friday, March 5, 2010
Englewood Theater
This is the other theater we went to all my life. It's supposed to reopen soon. The interior was remodeled and patterned after the Radio City Music Hall, and it has a 50 ft. screen. The popcorn machine from the Ben Franklin is used here now. The Ben Franklin was next door..They were showing vintage movies, then new..I cannot wait til they reopen! The lamps in the lobby are all Moss. They are totally to die for!
Next groovy Independence spot
This is the famous Twin Drive In. It gets it's name for obvious reasons...Two screens one at each end. This is the place I saw Hard Day's Night, Help, Magical Mystery Tour, and Yellow Submarine all in one night. My poor parents took me, although they were bored..and my Mom was laying in the back seat sick. All the people I knew grew up watching movies, etc..at this place. The cool thing is, it pretty much looks the same. I am still wondering, though, why, when my date took me to see "Closed for Winter"...we never did see the movie??
Land of Zootsuitmama, Harry Truman and...Ben Franklin?
Ben Franklin was a dime store that closed about five years ago. I cried! First they took out the candy counter, with the hot popcorn, roasted cashews and glass cases full of all kinds of candy delights. Then, slowly, the WalMarts and the other discount conglomerates took all -almost all- of their business...the sad day came when they completely closed. It was the last of it's kind in Independence - the last of locals being able to walk over and pick up some bobby pins, Blue Waltz perfume in the original bottles, or face powder in a box.They always had ladies hankies, rain bonnets, paper shelf paper, (the kind that folded down on the edge) and just about anything else you could need or want. It was in the Engelwood district, and I will be showing the theater and restaraunt that still stand. The theater has shown vintage movies and newer since I was a kid, and will reopen soon. The restaraunt it exactly the same, with the best food in town. There is also a coffee house, a cool shop called Changing Seasons, and a dry cleaners with the original signage, etc. Luckily, a "dime store" of sorts bought the building and they kept the original sign. Siggghhhhh... More to come, stay tuned. Same Bat time, Same Bat channel...
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Serving dish , praise the Lord and pass the piggies in the blanket
Tonight I stopped in Veterans Thrift and spotted this serving dish. I love the black and turquoise. A girl just can't have too many serving dishes...ya know.
New thrift store finds...
I found these at the Salvation Army. They were with all the others that someone donated, a whole collection. I almost went crazy wanting them all, but luckily these and a few others were still there last night, so I indulged.
It's Showtime
Another day another dollar. Off to work and dragging my feet. Why is it that we create such awesome cozy places to live, yet get so little time to be there? I guess for the pleasure of returning home to our retreat. I am going to feature some Independence Missouri, yes Harry Truman's home town, retro locations tonight. There are some great retro signs and locations still in business! Zootsuitmama
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Friends...and our "stuff"
Over the last 20 years, my friend and partner in thrifting has been my best friend who now lives at the Lake of the Ozarks. This opens up a whole new world of thrifting. Yesterday, she called and made my day, just by leaving a message on my phone at work saying, "I got you an Oriental picture!" It meant so much more than just a picture (but that's nice, too!) I wonder if any of you have such a friend? Let's write about that.....and post pix of what they have traded, bought etc for you over the years. I ran into another old friend last night at the Thrift store, you know, some people have to wait for a funeral to get back together, so it could be worse! Anyway, He shares in my obsession for vintage and it was fun to look around and oggle things together. I broke down and bought a couple of Oriental statues, and I can't believe they have been there all weekend!
Zootsuitmama
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Angel and Baby
Angel is the oldest. She came into my life, like they all have...because she needed someone to love her. My neighbors in my townhouse left her for long periods of time while they worked. When they got home, they'd put her in the basement. I could hear her crying, and it broke my heart. I told them if they ever wanted to give her to me, I'd take her (half-joking). Then, Angel punctured their waterbed, and that was the day she came to live with us. She is so funny, cute and stubborn! She always rests her chin on something, like, "my heads too heavy to hold up while I beg for the next bite or treat!"
Baby is a lab mix, and she is so precious. Another set of (loser) neighbors had her tied in the yard. She was a little bitty pup, and left in an ice storm. These neighbors had no control or supervision over their children and needed a dog like a hole in the head. Their kids had beat up my car with boards while I watched, and after much "negotiation" I had filed a police report. Long story short, the day they left her in the ice storm, I couldn't stand anymore. I went to their door and told them I wanted the dog...at least to take in for the night -they said "NO"..."she'll be fine". I said no she would not, and then told them I would drop the police report if they gave me the pup. Of course, they did, and she has been with us for almost three years. We love her!
Monday, March 1, 2010
Monday night and glad to be home...
Ziggy is the man of the house! He always snuggles with me and makes me smile. What would I do without my pups? Angel is a beagle, and Baby is a Lab mix. I'll feature them next.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
room divider
I moved my bedroom to the back room for more privacy and space a while back and made my former bedroom off the living room a dining area. The only problem was no DOOR! How's that for planning? Anyway, I have had my eye on some folding screens, the kind old hospitals used -metal two panels that fold out and on wheels...hmmmm...I could cover the white generic panels with....BARKCLOTH! Guess what I brought home this weekend!? You got it. Here is a rough preview like all of my pictures are, with the barkcloth just hanging over the screen to give you an idea. When I need a door, I'll just roll it on over!
Zootsuitmama
Zootsuitmama
Sunday again...
I have been out and about this weekend! I have to say I scored some very cool stuff. I have needed this china cabinet for so long. It allows me to seperate my really mod fifties dishware in the dining room from my more cottagy grandma type and fiesta dishes in the kitchen. It worked! Now, the brightly colored and Mexican themed things really stand out in my kitchen. I love my stuff, but I get really overwhelmed sometimes when it clutters up. Anyone else feel that way? No, didn't think so! Ha!
I am so happy to have 13 followers now! So Tell Everyone You Know! Zootsuitmama is cooking up a cool giveaway when I reach 20!
All of my clutter will be your gain!
Zootsuitmama
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Awesome fifties house
Just wanted to post this cool house I see when driving around my home town. It is the essence of a fifties dream house. It's been like this every since I was born, and one day I saw the old guy that lives there pushing a wheelbarrow in the yard that was wooden and painted with turquoise two toned to match the house!
Enjoy, Zootsuitmama
Enjoy, Zootsuitmama
Friday, February 26, 2010
The Friday report
Didn't find anything I could afford last night, but someone gave Salvation Army a whole collection of Oriental figurines. Really cool ones. Do you know how that hurts and is anxiety producing when you have to leave them there???More tonight. Oh, and I may pick up and awesome blonde china cabinet tonight. I found it f or $44.00!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Thursday and thrift stores here I come!
I am jonesing for my thrift stores! Heck, I may even go on my lunch too! There's this little place down the street I try to hit at least once a week, Another One's Treasure, (gee, I wonder how many thrift stores are named that!?)They are super cheap, clean, and give discount coupons every month. Of course, you have to sift through lots of Aunt Jemima bottles people have painted, and '80's tacky-ness, but-the thrill of finding something cool and groovy is way worth it.
Tonight, I'll hit Goodwill, Salvation Army, 2 Family Thrifts, DAV (veterans) and Savers Super Thrift! Post my goodies later!!
Have a good one all! Zootsuitmama
Tonight, I'll hit Goodwill, Salvation Army, 2 Family Thrifts, DAV (veterans) and Savers Super Thrift! Post my goodies later!!
Have a good one all! Zootsuitmama
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Here comes the sun!
So glad the sun was out today! Even tho I still feel like we're in the deepfreeze-it looks cheerier. I am so excited to get my retro laundryroom back together. I let my son stay downstairs for a while, and now he moved, but his stuff is still in there. I am vowing to get my cute lil laundryroom back soon...whatever it takes. By that I mean removing the stuff myself, but if I don't have to, that's better. The weather has prevented it, for the most part. He moved to Nevada Missouri. And, the drive, although only a couple of hours, is not happening if there is snow and ice. Anyway, does anyone have a vintage laundryroom? I'd love to see it!
Monday, February 22, 2010
Sunday, February 21, 2010
If it's the weekend, it must be snowing, raining, sleeting...you get the picture?
Ok, just a quick gripe session. Other than my garden area getting soaked for future planting, WHY! I know we can't control the weather, so-I have to accept it. I guess I'll get busy inside doing some changing around of my dishes, kitchen etc. that I have wanted to do. The eclectiveness (is that a word?) of my little kitchen is becoming too eclective.Anybody else have the problem of picking up stuff you just cannot pass up? Well-I knew you all couldn't relate! I love my atomic stuff, melmac, fiestaware, but need to seperate it into other areas. I am putting more "mod atomic" into my dining room and leaving the fiesta and bright colored in the kitchen. My goal has always been to have a pink and gray kitchen like my Aunt Ida. PIX LATER of that.
I got as far as a pink and gray formica table and some cannisters, then started leaning toward the Mexican tablecloths and Fiestaware of the '40's look. Besides, the reds and bright colors remind me of my Grandma's kitchen, the place I felt safest, happiest and most loved in my whole life. So, I will focus on that task, instead of looking at the sleet building up on the sidewalk and my car, and it'll make me happier. Zootsuitmama
I got as far as a pink and gray formica table and some cannisters, then started leaning toward the Mexican tablecloths and Fiestaware of the '40's look. Besides, the reds and bright colors remind me of my Grandma's kitchen, the place I felt safest, happiest and most loved in my whole life. So, I will focus on that task, instead of looking at the sleet building up on the sidewalk and my car, and it'll make me happier. Zootsuitmama
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Hello all!
The one in the front with the big fake smile is me...always the clown. Note the chairs, the sunburst clock, the pyrex bowls!
Saturday at last
I have decided Saturdays are my favorite day. We still have Sunday to look forward to and feel free to piddle if we choose! I guess it reminds me of the days when I could be a stay at home Mom, cook good meals, decorate and appreciate my vintage "playhouse" more. But, I need a career, I mean who else will pay the bills? And I love working with my elderly residents. But, as the song says, "I can dream, can't I?" Today I am sending a "care package" to my best friend, who has been by retro vintage partner in crime since the early days! We trade things, look out for each other's "stuff" at the thrift stores,etc...She has more of a '40's/50's cabin, since she lives at the Lake, and I like the more funky stuff. Anyway, Happy weekend, and keep dropping by. I have 6 whole followers, and I am thrilled! Love sharing my finds and seeing other's. Zootsuitmama
Friday, February 19, 2010
Blo mold egg with bunny
oh I know, I am rushing the season, but no....I'm getting out my St. Patty's tomorrow. Just showing off my purchases!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Thursday
Hey all! I am so happy to be getting more people subscribing to the blog. Zootsuitmama feels her power growing! Hope to really do better on pictures etc. I feel a give away coming on. Send some people my way!! I do have some great linens and kitchen kitch to give away! I love having others to talk with about my obsession-Vintage STUFF!! So, stay tuned and keep on posting all your cool pix for me to ooogggle. I'll try and do the same!
later gator! Zootsuitmama
later gator! Zootsuitmama
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Howdy again
This was just one of those days. Crazy people everywhere at work! Family members gone psycho! At one point - I thought "is this what it's like right before someone goes off the deep end and starts shooting?"
Monday, February 15, 2010
Oriental madness
The Opium den is my sanctuary! Shooo - shoooow..."Thoroughly Modern Millie" .. My next few posts will be of the inner sanctum of the Oriental room.
pink collapsable pill cup
Ok, my Grandma always had these things in her "pocketbook"... a collapsable pill cup, a rain bonnet, and a package of Beeman's chewing gum. I can still smell it. So, before Ben Franklin's 5 and 10cent store closed (boo hoo), I made sure I got a little plastic rain bonnet in the little plastic envelop to carry - of course I left the price tag on!
Ok one more
Why can't I post several pix at once?? Oh well, here goes these are cool items from the weekend blitzkrieg.. on the thrift stores that is.
Howdy Doooody
No-not the clown! Well, a new day, Monday, and I am trying to post more often. I mean, who wants to go to a blog without blogging? So I decided to rev myself up by putting some more pix on of the swinging pad!
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Feb 13th
Chain reaction! Now I have my couch and chair in the living room, and I had to rearrange everything else....and, want to replace my chandelier with something more MOD and Trashy Oriental! I have the perfect lamp in my storage, it's red metal Oriental. Must dig that out tomorrow! And take more pictures!
Monday, February 8, 2010
Yes, It's MINE!!
I went to my first ever auction! And...I bid on and got my couch and chair! I was so nervous, but got it! Cannot WAIT to get it home tomorrow and decorate!
The hunt for the perfect couch
I found it! Salmon pink fifties couch and chair in mint condition at an auction house. Going tonight -wish me luck! I tried to talk the guy out of it Saturday, but he wouldn't budge!
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