Decanter Lady Head Vase (of the Moon)

We've been gorging ourselves silly on pudgy pie sandwiches since our previous post, and now it's time to wash it all down with a Borghini red wine guzzled directly from a 1960's Sicas Sesto Fior, art deco-esque, decanter lady head vase. According to the internet, Sicas, aka Societa Italiana Ceramica Artistica Sestese (located in Sesto Fiorentino, Italy) began operations in 1945 directly after WW2, and continued into the 1970's producing their rather unique variety of Italian art wine pottery pieces. These days, the decanters tend to turn up missing the cork, the labels, and of course the wine. But my girl here seems complete, the only thing not true would be her earrings which were originally just simple, small gold hoops. But ain't she sweet? The sinister signs of ceramic crazing just adds further character to her fabulously feline, almost alien face. Near pristine condition, she looks stunning starring back at me from my desk. For reasons known only to me, when I look at her I feel the urge to watch Cat-Women of the Moon (1953.)

Pudgy Pie Sandwich Maker

After a steady stream of juicy Jersey Mike's subs vs. exotic Tiger 88 grilled pork banh mi's for the last few years, I think it's time to break free of this current tempt-taste rut by adding a third style sandwich option to my languishing luncheon list. And not only will this require me to turn up the heat and do-it-myself, but I will also be traveling back in time to the mid 1940's with the help of a flying saucer shaped De Luxe Model Toas-Tite Pudgy Pie Sandwich Maker! That's right, what a mouthful! It's also a plump, round, toasted pie-like sammy (these days they call 'em Hot Pockets) that you cook up over a stove top or any open flame within the silver sleek, handy dandy Toas-Tite press. This seals the toast edges and locks in the flavorful ingredients while also making it drip-proof! You can also get campfire creative with pot pies, egg surprises, hot dogs with a future (!!!) and fruit filled hand pie desserts too. I soooo like the idea of a Pop Tart pillow! Hey, howz'about glamourin' up those lingerin' left-overs with the ever easy pudgy pie treatment too! Okay, just how freakin' fun is this original PPSM, anyway? Is it as wingdingin' as the insanely cute art on the box lid and instruction manual? I believe so. And the wildest thing I uncovered while researching this online is that you can actually buy reproduction versions of the PPSM, --and in 3 different styles too! CLICK HERE for more info, and start gettin' pudgy, NOW! 

Advertising Book Matches (PART TWO)

And now for the exciting second half of Advertising Book Matches --see PART ONE HERE if ya missed it! These striking (literally) 1950's, or possibly early 1960's salesman sample catalog page highlights switch gears from the pretty pin-up options of our previous post and now blast-off into the rad realms of some o'my other favorite subject matter: Retro space gags! Hillbilly humor! And sexy vintage salon sirens! Please specify A-OK if you enjoy this type of post, because I can certainly deliver more hot 'n hilarious matchbook action in the months to come!

Advertising Book Matches (PART ONE)

Welcome to Part One of heavenly, ring bindered highlights from this super rare, midcentury Advertising Book Matches salesman catalog and price list. It's kind of fun to think about the many miles upon miles this thing was lugged around, as well as the number of hands that flipped through it, eyeing the vast array of designs, fonts, colors, and partial nudie cutie choices to be made here. There is a lot to go through, so I went in and photographed mostly what I considered to be the "best of" selections, with Part Two focusing on additionally cool illustrative touches and comedic elements, as well as a variety of subjects such as hair salons, hillbillies, and even spacemen! But as always, the gentlemanly thing to do is ladies first, so let's roll out this Part One barrel o'babes and let their curvy attributes sell your service stations, taverns, markets, bowling alleys, inns, etc. Your future customers... ummm, who are smokers (or pyromaniacs) will forever thank you! Part Two is coming up shortly, --so keep yer pants folded nicely, already!

Under Achiever Award

Welp, I missed my annual AEET April Fool's post by one day, *sob! Now, I did get one up over at THOIA HERE, but still, this is not only highly unusual for Mr. Karswell --it's UNACCEPTABLE! And that is why I'm taking a tip from our po'dunk Prez and thusly awarding myself this hilarious hobo-licious Under Achiever Award, via American Greetings Corp., from 1972. We all know who actually deserves it more than me, but whatev, I absolutely am my kind of under achiever, after all. Also, I can't decide if this thing looks more like Cousin Eerie or Jack Black, but I will say that whoever cleverly crafted the original sculpt of our handsome feller here, sure knew a thing or two about beautiful bum fashion. Okay, gotta skidaddle! I just heard the 8:15 a'whistlin' down the tracks, and there's an open box car with my name on it...