The Giveaway Drawing You've Been Waiting For...

SEE... Miss CherryBubbles actually draw the winning name!

Video Director & Editor: Mr. Mantiki / Spokesmodel: Miss CherryBubbles

Many many thanks to all who entered and...

Congratulations to SusieQT, winner* of Miss CherryBubbles' Mahalo to My Followers Giveaway!

Susie QT has a lovely blog, so go have a look!


*Dear winner,
Please email me at the address in the sidebar with your contact info so I can send your goodies on their way to you :)
xoxo
Miss CherryBubbles

No Man of Her Own... and Giveaway Drawing Coming Soon!

I just watched No Man of Her Own (1950) the other night for the first time. What a terrific film!



Basically, Barbara Stanwyck plays an eight-months pregnant woman whose unfaithful boyfriend hands her a train ticket back to where she came from. When the train wrecks, she is mistaken for another pregnant woman on the train whose husband is also killed in the wreck. The husband's parents and brother accept her and her baby as their daughter-in-law and grandchild. But, this deception is in danger of being exposed when... oh well, maybe you'd better just see the movie.

I found it interesting that, while the movie has all the elements of a typical film noir, Barbara Stanwyck plays the lead character, rather than a femme fatale (as in Double Indemnity). Of course, she was smashing as a desperate average woman helplessly pulled into desperate circumstances. If there isn't a "chick noir" subcategory within film noir, maybe there ought to be...

As is so often the case, Edith Head did the gowns for Barbara Stanwyck. She did a great job costuming Barbara as an average woman. It seems to me I read somewhere once that Barbara Stanwyck was rather long-waisted, which had to be compensated for in costumes designed for her. Anyone else ever hear that little tidbit?

I loved the interesting shots and scene changes in the film, and the way the train wreck is presented completely from the inside of the train. Mitchell Leisen directed this movie. I think the only other of his films I've seen is The Mating Game (one of my favorite movies). Daniel L. Fapp was Director of Photography (he was DP on West Side Story).

The only criticism I have is that the title doesn't seem to fit the film though. The title of the Cornell Woolrich story that this movie was adapted from is I Married a Dead Man... now, that's a film noir title!

Here's the first 10 minutes of the movie to tempt you...






Now, contrary to what you might think, I haven't forgotten about drawing a winner for the Mahalo to My Followers Giveaway. I plan to take care of all that in next week's post... can you handle the suspense? ;)

Tune in next week when Miss CherryBubbles chooses a winner!

It's a "Mahalo to my Followers" Giveaway!

A while back I reached the coveted "100 Followers" mark here at Past Life... and then I threatened to host a giveaway to say thank you to all of you. Well, the giveaway is finally here!

It took me a little time because I wanted to make something special for the prize package, in addition to the vintagey goodies included. So, without further ado, I give you...

The Mahalo to My Followers Giveaway!

Mahalo is, of course, the Hawaiian word for "Thank you." I decided on a sort of Hawaiian/tiki/tropical theme for the giveaway because I've been looking around for just those sorts of things for Ohana Luau at the Lake in June. (See my Ohana post from back in February.)

Here's what the lucky winner will receive:

☛ A lovely goldtone palm tree brooch - take the islands with you wherever you go...



☛ A pale sunshine yellow Hawaii souvenir chiffon scarf with hula dancers and various Hawaii scenes...


☛ A kicky wicker & lucite handbag - fully lined, with a zippered inside pocket and roomy enough for all your important girly stuff...


☛ A fun red hibiscus flower barrette - designed and crocheted by yours truly, Miss CherryBubbles...



Now, here's how to enter for a chance to win:

1. Leave a comment here telling me about your tiki/tropical/Polynesian favorites - could be a movie, a cocktail, an island, apparel, a fruit, etc. Just to get you started, my favorites are pineapple, tikis, teatimer blouses, Hawaiian slack key guitar music, and mai tais.

2. For an additional entry, blog about this giveaway and be sure to comment here with a link. If you don't have a blog, you can still get an additional entry by spreading the word on Facebook or Twitter and letting me know that you did so.

3. If you become a follower of my blog, you'll receive an additional entry - just let me know that you're a new follower in the comments below.

**Don't forget to include an email so that I can contact the lucky winner**

Okay! You've got until Sunday, May 1, to get your entries in!
Winner will be chosen in a random drawing and will be posted here.

Pomaika`i! Good Luck!

If Grandma Was a Hollywood Starlet...

There was a whole chest of photos to look through in preparation for my Grandma Jane's memorial service this weekend. My mom and I were putting together a photo collage to display at the service. I was constantly amazed by the photographs of my grandmother that I'd never seen before. I just had to share this one with you...


Both my mom and I thought she looked a like a Hollywood starlet, perhaps awaiting her next scene in a picture that takes place "in the country." I wish I could look so well-put-together and beautifully-coiffed.

On another note... rest assured I haven't forgotten about the giveaway I've been dangling before you. Sometimes life gets in the way of blogging. I'm hoping to have everything ready next week and I hope you'll enjoy this one!

Til next time...

Aloha ;)

Please do not adjust your set...

... we will return you to your regularly-scheduled blog posts shortly.

I'm still putting together a swell 100-follower giveaway package to be announced soon, so stayed tuned.

In the meantime, please enjoy this video clip, chosen especially to give you the merest hint of the giveaway theme...

I Never Knew I'd Write a Blog...

...let alone win an award for one! *(A Nicole Kidman quote, sort of paraphrased.)


Oh my stars! I've received my first award as a vintage-y blogger! Thank you, Thank you to the lovely Miss Dee, who has bestowed upon me, the Stylish Blogger Award! Miss Dee writes "Of Pearls and Petticoats," a delightful blog that you ought to visit, if you haven't already. Go ahead, click the link, I'll wait here until you're done...

Now, as I understand the rules for accepting this award, I must share seven facts about myself and I must pass this award on to seven other bloggers that I enjoy reading...

So, here are the facts (just the facts, ma'am)...

1. I love a mystery. No, really, I do. Anything unsolved or unanswered piques my interest. I blame Nancy Drew for starting the whole thing and David Lynch for egging me on.


2. I was a Girl Scout... and, in a pinch, I could still make a Buddy Burner out of a big coffee can. Yep, that's me in the middle, with the Elvis sneer and cupcake icing on my face. Hmm, I'm pretty sure we didn't use a Buddy Burner to make those cupcakes.


3. Up until 2006, my mister and I visited Vermont every year (sometimes twice a year). In fact, we "eloped" there on February 18, 2005. I'd love to live in Vermont someday.


4. I have a master's degree in Library Science and did my internship in a large historical society library. My project was to organize and catalog a manuscripts collection from an early 1900s girls' camp in Maine. I think completing that project was the most fun work I've ever done.


5. Oh, wow, I'm only up to five facts... well, let's see... I have the same middle name as my mother and grandmother! It's like having a family heirloom that you can never lose, break, or have taken from you.


4. The first time I ever dyed my hair, I was 31 years old... and I dyed it black. My mister loved the new color, but it didn't go over so well with my Grandma Jane. She was much happier when, several years later, I decided to go blonde (perhaps I was subliminally influenced by my two blonde friends in the photo below?).


7. As a wee tot, I had a pet bunny called "Mitzi." I'm not so sure Mitzi was enjoying herself in this photo, but I look pleased as punch wif my widdle bunny baby.



And now... it was tough (I mean, tough!) to choose seven from amongst the so many wonderful blogs I follow, but, my choices for the Stylish Blogger Award are:

For The Love of Pete

Lemondrop Vintage

Livin' Vintage

Practice In Time

Sassy Lassie's Vintage Life

Tart Deco

Zootsuitmama

Do drop in on these terrific blogs - there's always a post worth reading!


Say, while I'm expressing my appreciation today, I'd also like to Thank all of you for jumping in the jitney and riding along with me here! And since I've now passed the 100-followers mark, keep your eye out for a GIVEAWAY in the coming weeks!

A Great Big Thank You!

...to ArtDecoDame and Lady Luck!

A little while back, ArtDecoDame at Pretty Little Things blog hosted a fabulous giveaway to celebrate reaching 300 followers... and, oh my goodness, Lady Luck smiled on Miss CherryBubbles! My name was drawn as the winner! Now, just see all the swell vintage things that arrived in the mail one day...

The black floral hat is just gorgeous and the petal hat is too fun! I've used the lovely corde purse for a couple special occasions and worn the bracelets (separately, I might add) several times to work or just about town. But, oddly enough, I think my favorite thing is the leafy handkerchief. I'm a complete sucker for anything with autumn leaves!

Thank you, ArtDecoDame! You're the most!


Sophisticated lady? No, but she plays one on tv.


Now, hold still, Mr. Lucky, and blow.

Lovely Giveaway at Pretty Little Things... and an upcoming giveaway here. ;)

My pal, ArtDecoDame, over at Pretty Little Things is hosting a fabulous (and I mean fabulous!) giveaway in honor of reaching the 300-follower mark.

It's no surprise that she's got so many followers - after all, ArtDecoDame's blog is always a fun read! So, go check it out and enter the giveaway. And don't forget to take a peek at her shop on Etsy - you're sure to find treasures you can't live without.


And now, I must apologize to my readers for neglecting my blog over the past month. I recently started a part-time job at a historical society, have been busy with my freelance work, and am just getting over a nasty sore throat/cold/sinus/virus thingy. At least 2 out of the 3 were "good" reasons. ;) Thank you all for hanging in there...

...and, oh my goodness, I see that I've reached 90 followers. That means I'll be hosting a giveaway when that number reaches 100. I've already got a few ideas for giveaway items, so...

Stay Tuned!

Think Pink! The Girl Can't Help It Is Hosting a Giveaway!

My pal Kim at The Girl Can't Help It is offering up something pink, kitchen-y, and rockin' cool to celebrate reaching 300 followers! Don't keep yourself in suspense - head over there right now to enter! And while you're there, have a look around - Kim's posts are oodles of fun... after all, 300 followers can't be wrong. ;)

Vintage Karma, or, What Goes Around Comes Around

Back in February, I had a month of giveaways, one of which included a terrific little baking booklet entitled "Learn to Bake" - here are photos from the giveaway...




At the time, I seriously debated whether to include "Learn to Bake" because the booklet was a favorite of mine. But, I finally decided that this particular vintage goodness should be shared. So into the giveaway it went...


Fast forward to June... Imagine my surprise when I found a copy of the same booklet at a local antique shop for $1.00!

Here's my favorite picture in the book - it's me, Miss CherryBubbles, baking biscuits in a past life ;)

While this alone is enough to make me believe in vintage karma, it isn't the only time I've given away something I was very fond of, only to have another one turn up to replace it. But, I think I'll save my other vintage karma story for another post.

How about you - do you have a similar vintage karma story?

Rockin' Good Giveaway at The Girl Can't Help It!

Hey kids, my pal Kim over at The Girl Can't Help It is hosting a fun-tabulous giveaway, entitled "The Vintage Housewife!" Check out the rockin' goodies she is generously giving away to one lucky randomly-chosen winner...

Okay, now that your interest is piqued, head on over to Kim's blog for all the details and to enter the giveaway! Oh, and if you haven't been following The Girl Can't Help It, have a look around and just see all the fun you're missing!

1940s Goodies Giveaway at This Homemade Life!

My pal, Kristen, over at This Homemade Life is offering a fun 40s giveaway... and it's a giveaway within a giveaway. The main package is shown in the pic above - and isn't it darling?! The top secret bonus prize is, well, top secret, but Kristen provides a little teaser in her post. Now, Miss CherryBubbles wants you to head right on over and get your entry in... the drawing is next week!

And while you're there, check out This Homemade Life... Kristen is peachy keen and posts lots of interesting things :)

Amazing Giveaway from LisaFreemontStreet on Youtube!

In a blog post last fall, I mentioned that I enjoy LisaFreemontStreet's swell hair & makeup tutorials on Youtube. Well, not only are the tutorials terrific, but now Ashley's offering an amazing giveaway to celebrate reaching 11,000 subscribers on her Youtube channel! The prize package includes items from Besame Cosmetics, Sigma, Pin Up Girl Clothing, Belle Blossoms, Andewyn Designs, Dolly Bags and more. So head on over to LisaFreemontStreet on Youtube and enter if you're a subscriber! Or subscribe if you don't already, and then you can enter this fabulous giveaway from a lovely lady :)

And don't forget to visit the Lisa Freemont Pages blog!

TY for Two... or, Many Thanks to Two Fellow Bloggers :)

I was lucky enough to win not one, but TWO giveaways last month! And, oh, the giveaway goodies were full of goodness!

One giveaway was hosted by Zootsuitmama when she reached 30 followers. The prizes were the most adorable rooster appliance cover, rooster oven mitt, and kitchen-y themed tablecloth. These will fit in with my red-accented kitchen very nicely! She even included a neat little wooden souvenir lipstick caddy. Thank you bunches and bunches, Zootsuitmama!!




The other giveaway was hosted by TartDeco for her birthday. She offered a dream hair accessory custom-made by TartDeco and based on details provided in the person's giveaway entry. The little tophat with a big gingham bow, red flowers, and a bit of sparkle that she made for me is just cutest thing! Thank you bunches and bunches, TartDeco!!




Hmm, I think someone might a bit jealous that I have a new new hat...

Fantastic Giveaway at TartDeco!

TartDeco is hosting a fantastic birthday giveaway for
a custom-designed hair accessory!

For a chance to win, head on over there right now and leave a comment describing the hair accessory of your dreams. You've only got until Tuesday to get your entry in. And, land sakes, don't forget to wish her a Happy Birthday!

Check out TartDeco on Etsy to see some of the lovely hair pieces for sale there.

A Belated Thank You and A Bit of Blog Love...

The two gals mentioned in today's post are truly the bee's knees! Both of them are fun vintage enthusiasts with equally fun blogs full of interesting and thoughtful posts. Please visit them... knock three times, and whisper low, that you were sent by Joe, er, I mean, Miss CherryBubbles ;)

Just before I began my February giveaway madness, I was fortunate to win a giveaway hosted by the fabulous Inky of Shrinky Inky's Fine Adventures. Thank you bunches and bunches, Inky!!


I love everything in this lovely vintage romance prize package, but my favorite is the gorgeous flower barrette handmade by Inky, herself! What a lot of work and creativity must have gone into the making of this beautiful barrette! And here's a neat coincidence - I have a sweater with flowers that almost perfectly match the color of the flower on the barrette.


If you're not familiar with Inky's terrific blog, go visit! I'm sure she'd love to meet you :)



Speaking of giveaways and vintage-y blogs... the lovely Emily at Livin' Vintage is hosting a fantastic giveaway of a 1940s pattern history book and a 1940s dress pattern. If you love sewing from vintage patterns, collecting vintage patterns, or just 1940s fashion in general, this sounds like a great book to have. And isn't that dress pattern simply lovely!


Go, enter, and you just might win! While you're there, do have a look around Emily's swell blog!

Thank you for dropping by - it's always nice to see you!

Giveaway no. 4 Winner!

And the winner of the snood, cookbook, knitting booklet, and sewing booklet is...

Inky!

Congratulations! Victory is yours!

This week's winner should contact Miss CherryBubbles at

so I can make shipping arrangements for your winsome winnings!

Congratulations to all four winners of Miss CherryBubbles' giveaways! And if you haven't visited the fabulous blogs of these four lovely ladies, what are you waiting for?

Adri - The Girl Blogger

Kristen - This Homemade Life

Steph - Tart Deco

Inky - Shrinky Inky's Fine Adventures

Thanks a bunch to everyone who joined my birthday & blogiversary celebration!

Stick around for lots more vintage fun ;)

MissCherryBubbles Serves Up A Winner for Giveaway no. 3

And the winner of the neckties, pipe, shot glass, and pinup card is...

Tart Deco!

This week's winner should contact Miss CherryBubbles at

so I can make shipping arrangements for your he-man hoard!

Thank you to all who entered Giveaway no. 3! And remember, if you didn't win this round, there'll be one more giveaway to enter during the month of February! Details for Giveaway no. 4 coming soon...

Birthday, Anniversary, and Giveaway - Oh My!

Today is my birthday, the first anniversary of this blog I call Past Life, and the first giveaway of four during the month of February!

It's still winter here in the Northern Hemisphere, but let's start off with something for summer. After all, it'll be here before you know it! This week's giveaway is a pair of vintage cream-colored Ray-Ban "Bewitching" sunglasses.

"Bewitching"

"B&L Ray-Ban U.S.A."

Now, what these sunglasses are crying out for is a lovely scarf to complete the look. So, in keeping with the warm weather theme, the lucky winner will also receive three floral scarves.






Are you a Vespa girl? Love hot rod shows? Just want to raise the adorable factor for your vintage outfit?

Well, for a chance to win this little package, all you have to do is leave a comment below. New followers will receive an additional entry - just let me know that you've jumped on the bandwagon. If you post this giveaway on your blog, you'll receive an additional entry too - be sure to let me know about your post.

Entries accepted until 1:00 pm (eastern) on Saturday, February 6. Winner's name will be drawn and posted here by Saturday evening.

Good luck!

And don't forget to watch for next week's giveaway!

Coming attractions (a.k.a. Miss CherryBubbles' Month of Giveaways)

Has Miss CherryBubbles given away her senses??

Starting on Wednesday, Past Life will be doing one giveaway a week during the month of February!

In celebration of both my birthday and the one year anniversary of my blog on February 3rd, I'll be giving away fun vintage things once a week for the whole month. So, watch for details on Wednesday!

And don't forget to tell your friends to follow Miss CherryBubbles' Past Life for a chance to win :)