Categories / Books

1940s 101 Things… books reissued

101things
Reissued for nostalgia, but probably containing quite a few handy hints for the modern era are 101 Things For The Housewife To Do from 1949 and 101 Things To Do In Wartime, originally published in 1940.

According to the first of those titles, there was never a dull moment in the 1949 for the average housewife, with all that dusting, bed making and picture-straightening to do, as well as the other 98 tasks worthy of your attention. And if you can do it with an upright poise and a smile on our face, all the better it would seem. The Wartime book is much more practical – no-nonsense advice on everything from  cheap meals and fixing your household essentials to keep fit and keeping a fair complexion. Advice we could probably all do with today I’d say.

Interesting as novelties, but packed with long-forgotten tips and skills we could all do with, you can pick both up for £7.99 each in hardback.

Find out more about the books at Amazon.co.uk

Categories / Watches

Nixon Banks 70s-style watch

Nixon_banks
Nixon is a regular on these pages for its retro-styled watches, with the Nixon Banks keeping up that tradition.

Available in different colour combinations, but this gold and black combo is the one for 70s-style cool. Internally, it features a Japanese quartz movement that powers a dual time display and sub dial. There’s also a hardened mineral crystal face, stainless steel band, titanium carbide coating and water resistance up to 100m.

Which should mean a watch that stands the test of time. Just as well as it isn’t cheap – retailing for £350.

Find out more at the End Clothing website

Categories / Food and Drink

Blomus Fondue Set

FonduhigAlong with cheese & pineapple on sticks, fondue would probably be one of the first things you’d think of if you were home-entertaining seventies style.

Basic fondue sets have made a reappearance in the past few years, mainly in the Christmas gift sections of department stores, but this Blomus Fondue Set is in a different league all together. Made of stainless steel, it comprises of 24 pieces – everything you need for your melting & dipping.

It costs a whopping £295, so this is not something for a first-timer, but one for the committed fondue fan.  It is available from Perry Perry.

Categories / Design and Interiors

Peter Raacke 1960s Otto chair returns

Ottochair

We often refer to designs as ahead of their time but the Otto chair by Peter Raacke really was – and remains a classic piece of design and construction.

The Otto first hit the stores in 1968, turning a few heads with its cardboard construction. After all, why would prefer cardboard to plastic in the late 60s? Fast forward on to 2007 and the Otto can now be seen as a sharp piece of green design, constructed from completely recycled materials. All you have to do is finish it to your taste with a spot of paint or varnish and this sturdy chair will keep you seated for years to come.

It’s been reissued by German design retailer Pulpo – and at 69 Euros (£48), this is about as cheap as design classics come.

Find out more at the Pulpo website

Categories / Design and Interiors

Marks & Spencer New Country Spot table lamp

Newcountry
A fairly cheap way to brighten up a dull corner of a room is this Marks & Spencer New Country Spot table lamp.

We like the dark wood stand and its unusual shape, as well as that shade, which has a very cool and indeed retro circular design in fabric.

The lamps stands at 55cm high and is currently available from the Marks & Spencer oline site for £39.50 – and they have free delivery as it’s over the £30 mark.

Find out more at the Marks & Spencer website

Categories / Bags

Dakota Steve McQueen-style travel bag

Holden_bag
Looking to match up your TAG Heuer Monaco watch for that full-on Steve McQueen look? You need to pick up this Dakota travel bag.

It’s is one of a range of similar travel bags in different sizes, including one female-friendly bag. The Dakota is made from cotton and antique leather, features those classic F1 logos and should have plenty of capacity for your essentials.

Available online, you can pick one up for £110.

Find out more at the Holden Vintage website