My mom and I were talking today about how the 1950′s were great. I didn’t live in that decade, but I can see what came from that decade.

I appreciate the design, color and idea behind things made or inspired by the 50′s.

My mom said things were just “pure” back then. I think that word can play out in so many different areas.

Pure color, pure design, and maybe pure living (Mad Men will say otherwise).

I love mid-century furniture, but I also love mid-century toys. The toys left an element of imagination for the kids.

Today, toys buzz, beep, flash, sing and talk. It’s sensory overload! Other people will argue that they teach kids words, shapes, and colors.

But I would rather have that role than a singing toy.

I’m not saying all toys made today are bad, there are SO many great new toy companies out there that make beautiful.

I can tell a difference in Hazel’s attitude when she gets done

playing with a plastic signing thing or simple blocks. When she plays with blocks, she is subdued and she entertains herself.

Give her a flashy plastic thing, and she’s done after she’s figured it out (about 30 seconds).

The good thing about vintage toys is that you are reusing them, and I can pass them down to the rest of my kids someday. Plus, they last forever!

I am somewhat of a germophobe, so I also thoroughly disinfect after we find a treasure at a thrift store.