The 1950's Is Not For Girls!

Striving to be the best 1950's housewife that I can be is definitely not for girls, you have to be a woman to make sure your house is up to 50's standards.

My schedule so far this morning has been:

5:45- Woke Up
6:00-7:00- Made and ate breakfast, Washed breakfast dishes, Took out the garbage
7:00-9:00- Fed animals, Scooped kitty litter, thoroughly cleaned 2 out of 3 bathrooms (including scrubbing toilets, sinks and showers) Vacuumed upstairs and "broomed" staircase to ensure that all pet hair was removed (yes, I was on my hands and knees with sweat beading upon my brow, using a rubber brush combing through the carpet), Started laundry, Stripped bed to wash sheets and pillowcases.
9:00- 11:00- Continue laundry, Dusting, Clean dog area outside, Sweep and Mop all tile flooring (kitchen, bathrooms, dinning room, entry, garage entry and fireplace, vacuum downstairs.

.... My morning has pretty much looked like this over the past few weeks since I decided I was going to take on a more 1950's housewife routine. I must say, It's nice being busy and always knowing that everyday you're house is going to be ready for any unexpected company, solicitors or surprises.
As soon as I wake up I  put on my FitBit. I believe every woman should have one of these. It's not 1950's for sure but it's so inconspicuous that no one will know that! Since I have a two story house I probably burn more calories running up and down the stairs but on an average day, just going around the house doing 1950's good ol' housewife duties I'm burning about 2000-2300 calories and that's no including that I try to squeeze in 15-30 minutes a day of moderate exercise. I'm also climbing about 12-16 flights of stairs a day because of the fact that I go up and down my stairs so much. With these numbers, I don't know any woman that would want an office job!

Time to continues onto my duties. I hear the dryer chiming which means it's time to start some ironing!

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men Colossians 3:23 

1950's Educational Video- Buying Food

I think this hold merit even till today. Great video. Enjoy!

Guide Rule #5

Minimize all noise:

At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of the washer, dryer or vacuum. Try to encourage the children to be quiet.

After a stressful day of commuting and working and being pulled in 10 different ways at all once it's nice to come home to a quiet home and have the feeling of peace and tranquility. 

I honestly don't know any sane person that wants to have chaos and noise surrounding them all day, wherever they go. There's something about coming home to a relaxing lit house with hardly any noise. 

A few things to have turned off or quieted by the time your husband comes home from work would be:

1. The Television- However, set the remote next to his chair or spot in the sofa so that he can turn it on when he's ready. You're not sure what show he may be feeling like watching, if any. This will also remind him that you've been working hard all day. If he comes home and the TV is on he might wonder if you were watching TV most of the day and then popped up when you heard him pulling up the driveway.
2. Dish Washer- Even though we have whisper quiet dishwasher's now, it's still nice to have it as quiet as possible. The smell of the dish detergent may be an annoyance to him. After a hard day anything could put anyone in a foul mood. Hand wash whatever needs to be taken care of and place them on the dishwasher's rack to drip dry so they're out of sight out of mind. 
3. Radio- Have you ever been so overworked or irritated that even the radio in the car was bugging you? This could be true for him on any given day so play it safe and turn whatever tunes you had playing for you throughout the day off when it gets close to his arrival.
4. Hang Up The Phone- If you happen to be gabbing with a friend or perhaps someone just called make sure to end the call before he gets home so that he can have all your attention as you greet him by the door. The most annoying thing in the world is to be happy to see someone and then have a finger placed in front of your face telling you to wait a second while they're on the phone.
5. Children- If you have kids, particularly small ones, you may want to train them that quiet play time has to happen at least 30 minutes before dads arrival. Have them read a book, play a quiet educational game (that doesn't create a mess). I say 30 minutes before he gets home that way it'll give them time to get use to bringing their energy level down plus you never know when hubby might be coming home early!
6. Pets- If you have a dog or dogs you might want to put them outside or crate them before hubby comes home. Some people don't mind being greeted by their beloved furry family members, but others don't want to have their dog(s) jump up on them as soon as they walk in the door. Use your judgement on this one. This one will truly depend on what your husband wants. 

I want to add that on top of the noise reduction I also think the house should have relaxing lighting. If you have dimmers then dim the light to a soft glow. If no dimmers then just turn on lamps instead of the fixtures overhead. You can also just turn on certain lights that will light up the house without being overbearing. I personally like to put on the lamp in the living room and then the kitchen light is usually on since I'm in there preparing dinner. 

Sometimes nightlights are a good thing too. They can be pretty bright, light up a room fairly good and give off a soft glow. The ultimate would be to have candles burning! Soft ample light, romantic and relaxing, just make sure they're high enough away from the dog or kids. Candle wall sconces are great too.

Hopefully these all help you continue on your path to being a perfect 1950's housewife and remember, You get what you give.

Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers,

 be compassionate and humble. 1 Peter 3:8

Women: 1950 vs. 2012

It's interesting that "thicker" was more pleasing than "thinner" back in the day, but where they really "thick"? Women did more physical activities during the 50's by cleaning house using mostly elbow grease. Housemaids and housecleaning services weren't as popular, plus showers and toilets didn't have self-cleaning products such as we do today. There were no rumba vacuums cleaning the floors while they were watching tv, shopping or working. Self-cleaning kitty litters, I don't think so. Trash compactors for home use weren't available until 1970. Women did all the work by themselves.

You've heard trainers say that every calorie counts, especially when trying to lose weight. Well with all the work 1950's housewives did they burned up to about 1,000 calories a day just cleaning, cleaning, cleaning. On top of all the cleaning these ladies also knew that exercise was an important daily ritual as well. With the average diet being a little under 2,000 calories a day and burning anywhere up to 1,000 calories a day, maybe even more, I'm not sure you can say they were "thick" ladies.

The hourglass shape of a woman then compared to now is quite drastic as illustrated here: 

1950's: Perkier breasts, tinnier waist, more thigh gap, shapelier legs

2012: heavier looking breasts, larger waist, thicker thighs, stockier legs. 

What was their secret besides being more active during the day. In a word, food. Fast food wasn't nearly as readily available as it is now. Wives home cooked every meal and packed lunches for their children and spouse. Also driving every where wasn't always the option, sometimes walking was the only choice, also riding bikes was a popular past time.

Obviously the media was telling women to not be so skinny. What a flip to be embarrassed about your body weight for being thin instead of 10-15 pounds heavier. Wow! I can't imagine a time like that. To be honest though I really don't think anyone should tell a woman how she should look in order to be deemed "pretty". Sadly too much damage from the media, models, friends, family and being teased in childhood has embedded itself like an incurable disease in women's minds and the way they look at themselves can not easily be undone. 

You're beautiful the way you are and if you don't like something about yourself you have all the right to change it however you want. Beauty truly does come from within. A persons heart reveals the beauty. 

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Proverbs 31:30

Guide Rule #4

Prepare the children:

Take a few minutes to wash the children's hands and faces, comb their hair, and if necessary change their clothes. They are little treasures and he would like to see them playing the part.

Now, I don't have children so I couldn't give any personal expertise on how I do this but I was once a child. I remember growing up that we did this in a way. There was a free time of play and then a clean up time before dinner when the house was going to start settling down.

Most children, especially younger ones, run to the door when their mom or dad come home. If there is warmth, love, nurturing, appreciation and respect in and around the home, why would they not be excited to greet the one that provides all this wonderfulness. Now my dad was mostly a hard labor working man and he would clean up before hugging us because he was dirty and smelly, so what if the tables where turned? What if my dad was a business man that wore a nicely pressed shirt and tie everyday to work. He wouldn't really be too excited about his children hugging and jumping all over him with sticky fingers, dirty clothes, finger paint covered hands or anything else.

Like I said, we don't have children, but we pets. Now, my husband is a pressed shirt and tie business man and even though he's excited to see me when he comes home I wont hug him when I'm preparing dinner if I have something on my hands. He wont let the dog jump up on him in his work clothes. He wont even let the cat sit on his lap while in work clothes cause of the fur they leave behind. It's not until he gets into his comfortable clothes that he's ok with the all animals on him.

Some ways that we can make this fit for our family is:

1. If you have a baby, make sure there's a fresh diaper on and a clean face so he can pick the little one up with pure pleasure.
2. Have older children put toys away and wash hands and, like the rule states, change clothes if needed. This will teach good manners and organization!
3. If you have no children but instead pets, crate your dog (if trained) or put up a baby gate to isolate them, for a moment, to a bedroom, bathroom, den, etc. Once "daddy" is in comfortable clothes, let "Fluffy" loose.
4. Make sure all pet fur has been cleaned from the sofa, in case he wants to sit for a bit before changing. I suggest cleaning it earlier then placing a blanket over it. Remove blanket before he comes home.
5. If there's a friend of your child's spending the night just let them know, nicely, how your household works and that your husband has worked hard all day. If they want to play and be loud then just have them go to your child's bedroom. Break a rule and let them eat dinner in there too if it'll help with any loud noise and laughter.

Hopefully this has continued to help you be the best 1950's wife you can be in a modern day world. Remember you get what you give.

Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. Proverbs 31:28

Guide Rule #3

Clear away clutter:

Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives. Gather up schoolbooks, toys, papers, etc. and then run a dustcloth over the tables.

Over the winter months of the year you should prepare and light a fire for him to unwind by. Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order, and it will give you a lift too. After all, catering for his comfort will provide you with immense personal satisfaction.

I have to admit that I actually enjoy cleaning, the only problem is that I love to deep clean my house, constantly. My husband, on the other hand, doesn't really notice the deep cleaning but does notice if there is clutter laying around, therefore the house will look dirty to him if there's clutter regardless if I spent 6 hours of the day deep cleaning and not organizing and putting things away. 

A home does feel better when it's clutter free. Not only is it easier to walk around, find things and have available space to place items on tables and counters but it also is visually pleasing too. I wouldn't want to come home from my office desk that has papers and post-its and pens and forms and Lord knows whatever else and then deal with clutter around the house.

Lets think about this for a minute. As humans, especially in the busy world we live in now, we are constantly on the go and don't have as much free time to de-clutter. Our vehicles looked "lived-in" our work desk looked "lived-in" our home computer tables can have an appearance of being "lived-in" our closets, our bathroom vanities, the kitchen, our dinning room table, the entry table, etc. We are constantly placing things down in a rush to get something else that we don't always remember to go back through and put whatever item we placed down back in its home.

What if you don't have time to put the clutter away once you get home from work or school because you're trying to apply Guide Rule #1 'Have Dinner Ready' then consider a maid service and if you can't afford that then higher someone you trust such as a neighbor or friend or even a niece or nephew that wants to earn extra cash. If you have older children start paying them to particularly organize and put clutter away from 5-6pm, or whatever time you choose. There's always a way to get around to getting something done that you really want to or that you deem important.

Now, lets talk about keeping your husband warm during the colder seasons. If you don't have a fireplace or live in a place that doesn't really get cold enough to use one then consider placing out some fresh blankets on the sofa. These will not only keep your loving man nice and warm if it's a bit nippy but it will also bring a sense of romance as you cuddle under it together while watching TV or a movie. Of course you can always put the heater on if you don't have a fireplace but I'd opt for the blankets, they're just more romantic.

Happy housekeeping and remember, you'll get what you give!

So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate." Matthew 19:6

Guide Rule #2

Prepare yourself:

Take 15 minutes to rest so you'll be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your make-up, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh looking. He has just been with a lot of work-weary people. His boring day may need a lift and one of your duties is to provide it.

This is a great daily ritual to practice because not only will your husband be pleased with his beautiful bride greeting him at the door looking happy and excited to see him with a glow on her face instead of like the kids, work and cleaning ran her through the ringer, but it's good for you as well. 

Studies have shown that taking a nap or resting a bit can help enhance performance, reduce mistakes and accidents and restore alertness, so why not block out some times. Instead of fifteen minutes I would take thirty minutes.

We all know that hair and make-up can help at anytime to boost our self-esteem and appearance but sometimes we need a little more. Here's a list of rituals I do to help prepare myself or give myself some pep back in my step:

• Stretch (legs, arms, back, neck, fingers, shoulders, everything!)
• Mini Facial
• Cold Compress, Cucumbers (for eyes only) or a Put a damp towel put in the freezer for a minute and place over your eyes, forehead and/or neck.
• "Cat Nap" or "Power Nap" 10-15 minuets 
• Quick Yoga session. Similar to stretching but Yoga will get the blood flowing better from head to toe which will give you a boost of energy.
• Take a walk
• Put some music on and just dance.
• Write in a journal. Some people feel so must better after a good "venting" session.
• Put your legs up. Set pillows under your legs to lift them above your heart so the blood flows in the opposite direction. Sit up for a few seconds before standing when done.
• You can also lay with your back on the floor and legs vertically going up the wall, in my opinion this is the better one. Lay for as long as you want but don't get up suddenly  Roll to one side and let the blood even out and then slowly get up, head being the last to lift up. *Getting up too fast may lead to dizziness or a headache*

Whatever you choose to do make sure that this time is for YOU. Read a book, ring a friend, do whatever makes you happy and leaves you feeling refreshed. A woman by nature is usually very giving, self-sacrificing and nurturing and can easily make herself last. Don't forget about yourself everyday but also don't make it about you all day everyday. A good balance can go a long way.

Reference: Taking naps

"Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." Proverbs 31:29

50's pin curl

We all know that heat is bad for our hair. It breaks it, dries it out and can lead to hair loss. Though heat applying instruments have been used for decades by woman the smarter ones have used non-heat methods to achieve just as beautiful of looks without over processing their delicate hair follicles.
The 1950's women used "rag curls" and "pin curls" to achieve many different, ultra feminine styles. Here are some links to fantastic video's I found.

Pin Curls

Rag Curls

50's Style

Guide Rule #1

Have dinner ready: 

Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal ready on time for his return. This is a way of letting him know that you have been thinking about him and are concerned about his needs. Most men are hungry when they come home and the prospect of a good meal (especially his favorite dish) is part of the warm welcome needed.

I can attest to how truthful this is in my marriage. My husband LOVES when I make a fresh home made meal whether it's a complicated dish or a simple one. Whenever I make him his favorite dish and dessert he's just over the moon.
In today's world most wives are working, going to school or both and don't really have the time or energy every night to come home and then start making a lavish gourmet meal, well guess what gals. You don't have to!
Trying to be a modern 1950's wife and uphold those standards is easy so long as you're willing to do some planning and carve out a block of time on the weekend, preferably Sunday.
Grab a piece of paper and a pen and make a list of what your husband enjoys eating along with what you enjoy eating. Don't write any dish down that you know your husband doesn't like, make sure all the dishes are equally enjoyable.
Next, plan according to what you can do. For example:

Monday: Hot dogs, corn on the cob, garden salad
Tuesday: Lasagna, salad, french bread
Wednesday: Chicken, Spanish rice, roasted veggies
...and so on

 If you work out of the home or are a homemaker then you may plan more exquisite meals and if you work or go to school and have limited time in the evening plan simpler meals.
Make sure you have all the ingredients you need and then prepare what you can ahead of time. Meats can be marinating in the refrigerator for a day or two or even cook and freeze your meat, roasted veggies, etc. and easily thaw them out int he fridge the night before serving. Casserole's or pastas dishes such as spaghetti are great to serve two nights in a row.
Sunday evenings are usually the best since you already know Monday is coming and you are mentally preparing for the hustle and bustle of the week to come.

A great idea is to make Friday and Saturday your weekend days off and plan date nights where you pack a picnic or go out to eat or even order pizza. The main goals are to have fun with this and remember that giving is always better than receiving.

She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family... Proverbs 31:15

Introduction

Hi! I've been married for seven years and in my mind have failed to be the best wife I can be for a majority of those years. Taking a step back, reviewing how I was treating my spouse, lacking in my house and not living up to the standard God wants me to live up to I decided to go back to a time in period that I've always loved, 1950.
This blog is about trying to uphold a 1950's wife standard in a modern 2012 world. Of course not every wife can stay home and be a typical "Susy homemaker" but we can all surely strive to be the best one we can be when we're home.
I think women feel that if they stay home or take on the responsibilities of the house that they're being oppressed by their husband or society but that's not true, at least not to me. I believe a man's pride is in what he can provide for his family and lavish his wife with and a woman's pride should be how she takes care of her family and household. Neither one is better than the other, they're equal.
Society has placed a demeaning view on a woman that doesn't hold a career. I believe one of the most important career's a woman can have is being the lady of the house. Of course this world is a lot more expensive to live in than it was in 1950 and two working incomes are more of a necessity than anything else, but it doesn't mean the husbands get to just put the need for more money on his wife's shoulders. He needs to be a man, suck it up, and work as hard as he can to provide and then if need be ask for help from his wife, his teammate, his partner.
In this blog you'll find me living, to the best of my ability, the standards of not only a 1950's wife but a Godly wife as well as I return to school, earn a degree and work.

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Prov. 31:10