Living Barbie '69

I've posted a variety of vintage Barbie catalogs here at AEET over the years (check the archive) featuring gorgeously painted / illustrated images of the dolls and all their colorful accessories. To change things up a bit, here's a catalog from 1969 that instead uses cute photographic images of the actual dolls wearing the clothes, plus carrying cases, the family house, the Mattel-O-Phone, Pretty Pairs Playmates and other neat extras. Was this the year that Barbie became more "living" and articulate / posable? I'm no expert so if anyone knows anything drop us a line. And wow, I never realized Barbie had so many different friends either. I love the names of some of these Guruvy sixties outfits, like: Flower Wower, Anti-Freezers, Lamb 'N Leather (??!!), Rik Rah Rah, Burrr-Furrr, and seriously-- just what kind of snakes will friend Francie be charmin' in outfit #1245, anyway? More Barbie fun and adventure up NEXT!

Jell-:O

Got a few more vintage Barbie posts coming up shortly, but first we'll be filling our birthday scream holes with mouthfuls of Jell-O brand gelatin recipe action for fellow blogger friend and Jell-O enthusiast extraordinaire Crafty Pants Carol who turns another year older today-- so have a great one and I'll have the Ambrosia Parfait, thank you! Not sure what year this grand booklet came out (60's?), but I'm a sucker for vintage food photos (love those aspics) and anything containing delicious, jiggly Jell-O certainly gets my vote! I'm most curious about the Barbecue Salad (pictured below in unfortunate black and white) with it's wild tangy BBQ cubes! Oh, and if anyone needs additional information for anything pictured below, just drop me a line, I'll be more than happy to scan the full page recipes for you. In the meantime, feast your eyes on these incredible edible works of art-- and dig in!

Barbie and Ken '62 (PART TWO)

And now for the last half of the Barbie and Ken '62 catalog from Mattel (click HERE for the first half), picking up with Mix 'n Match Fashion Paks and patterns, board game, Dream House, and Ken Ken Ken-- HE'S A DOLL!!! (I particularly love the CASUALS #782 illustration of him where he has become temporarily possessed by a Candarian Demon!) And let's not forget Barbie's cute NEW best friend, Midge! I wonder if it's possible to contact Mattel and find out who was the artist on these catalogs from this era? Or does anyone already know? It is truly brilliant work. Okay, lots more Barbie stuff on the way here this month at AEET-- but just a heads up, first we'll take a food break and celebrate a Birthday with some delicious Jello treats-- NEXT!