A Woman's Fulfillment: A Guide to Creative Homemaking

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Laura Snyd&^

omans Riimimei^t A GUIDE TO CREATIVE HOMEMAKING

$2.95

A WOMAN'S FULFILLMENT by

LAURA SNYDER The wife and mother has a demanding The fact that it is also a rewarding

role.

one

too often overlooked

is

effort. This

book could change

A Woman's

In

in

the daily

all

that.

Fulfillment. Laura Snyder

focuses on the things that

really

homemaking and shows

way

the

count

in

to creative

accomplishment

in those areas. Here she not only spells out ways to minimize monotony, but also sparklingly presents the

imaginative, progressive aspect of homemaking. In her hands, housework becomes a

personal

home

skill,

management

challenge

to

organization

decorating a lively

an

inspired

art,

exercise

and

money in

re-

sourcefulness, child raising an adventure in ingenuity and love. The economical recipes

and food hints, the 60 decorating ideas, and the 170 "instant fun" things for chil-

would alone make the book worth

dren while.

The woman is by no means lost in the homemaker, for the author uses her charm school training to advise readers on such feminine

matters as dress, figure, beauty and so on. She has some effective and specific words too on how to charm a husband and how to foster the tender aids,

intimacies of married love.

A

Woman's Fulfillment takes a fresh woman's preeminent, vital role. In indicating how to bring zest and enjoyment to familiar activities and how to promote the true interests of both home and homemaker by the creative, positive approach, the book will prove a boon to wives everylook

at

where.

BOOKCRAFT PUBLISHERS 1848 West 2300 South Salt Lake City, Utah Jacket design:

Bill Kiihre

iriBiiiHMiMaiHiiai

Digitized by the Internet Archive in

2010

http://www.archive.org/details/womansfulfillmenOOsnyd

A WOMAN'S FULFILLMENT

AW)man's Fulfillment A GUIDE TO CREATIVE HOMEMAKING

by Laura Snyder

BOOKCRAFT INC SALT LAKE CITY. UTAH 1970

Copyright

© 1970

by

BooKCRAFT, Inc.

No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission from the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 70-127952

First Printing,

LITHOGRAPHED

1970

IN U.S.*. BY

qp

PUBLISHERS PRESS

1

CONTENTS vii

Preface

ix

Acknowledgments 1

Fourteen Hundred and Forty Minutes

2

The Way the Money Goes

3

Decorating the

4

Mother and Child

5

Instant

6

Great Menus

7

Your Aids

8

Be Shapely and Healthy

9

Clothing

Fun

1

14

24

Home

38 51

for Children in

72

Minutes

89

to Beauty

100 109

You Enjoy

10

Emphasize Your Femininity

119

1

How

1

12

Get the Best from Your Husband

132

13

The Fulfillment of Love

143

14

Be a Happy Homemaker

149

Index

153

to Get

Out of

a

Rut

26

PREFACE prepared as most girls are for marriage. I could cook-make breakfast, sandwiches, and hamburgers. Babysitting was my main source of experience with children. My clothing and room were my own concern and were handled with no real

was

I

as

seemed that ever since I could walk I had been doing chores around the house. I managed my own money best of all. I guess I had a natural tendency for making two trouble.

Of

course,

it

dollars stretch to five.

However, to learn!

I

was soon shocked

Once

a

woman

in discovering

had much more

is

run a marriage and do it lover, an efficient housekeeper, and a

who

I

expected to be able to well. This involves being a satisfying

marries, she

fairly

accompHshed cook

serves nutritious meals in a variety of ways.

expeditor,

secretary

and

A

wife

an

is

also

assistant

to be an accountant. She should be able to decorate a home with style and within her budget. As a mother she is on duty twenty-four hours a day, always exhibiting her virtuous qualities. All this she

expected

is

to

accomplish

energetically

a

while

being

an

intellectually

stimulating and lovely companion. it isn't! Nor can any book make it hope this book will do for you is to point the way and show you the rewards for following that path. It can not only save you from choosing wrong alternatives, from wasting money, and so on. It can help you to care for your family and home efficiently and enjoy doing it-as well as to rejoice in your new-found leisure. Best of all, it can help you to

It

doesn't sound easy-and

effortless.

But what

I

viii

PREFACE

more wanted, needed and loved as you increasingly develop your natural gifts as woman, wife and homemaker. feel

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS In a sense, the people listed it

weren't for them

I

may

below

are a part of this

never have finished

it.

They

book.

If

inspired

with their hours of helpful and expert advice. When I needed encouragement, they gave me it, and when I needed to slow down, they told me that I was getting too grouchy and had

me

better take a break.

a

It's

grand feeling to have finished writing a book. But

in the process

helpful

my

of writing

it

I

discovered just

friends could be, that

how

when

considerate and

was even grander.

Thank you. Joey Paldino Jane Swett Ruth Goldberger Ada Smith Helene Gollub Dr.

William

Laura Schwerdtfeger Joy Luse

Major Schimlay Martha Ray Jan Geissler Joan Cobb Susan Judkins Frederick Snyder Joan Hildebrand

Cobb

Dr. Robert King Lillian

Estelle

Cobb Weed

and Mrs. Robert Smith Bonnie De Laura Mr. and Mrs. Henry Schwerdtfeger,

Cobb

Mr. and Mrs. David Shepherd

Stanwood Cobb

Perry

S.

Dr.

Pauline Griffiths Jr.

Elena Wentworth

Chapter

1

FOURTEEN HUNDRED AND FORTY MINUTES Why do you keep house? Keeping house efficiently should be means to an end, for a clean house that doesn't require most a of your precious 1 ,440 minutes a day leaves you free to devote time to your interests and to develop your individual abilities. On the other hand, if you let a house turn you into a full-time maid and spend all your time cleaning, enjoyment has passed you by. The house has become the master and you have become its slave.

Efficiency

Fun

Is

Managing

a

house well can be more exciting than holding

a

making a home, fostering job in the business world. You love, and enriching and nourishing your family. A part I especially enjoy is exercising power over things. It makes me feel like an executive. You, the housewife, are pretty much your own boss, for you can organize your time as you see fit. After kissing your husband good-bye, you can read, dance, go for a walk, or do your main chore for the day-always provided that you have your job well under control. are

The more

efficiently

you manage the house, the more

you'll

it, and the more time you'll have for yourself. When a house and home is efficiently cared for and has the proper balance of outside interests, it's a joyous place in which to live-both for the homemaker and for the other family members.

enjoy

A WOMAN'S FULFILLMENT

2

To be

manage

able to

well as a

homemaker you must not

tackle your job with love— which almost goes without saying— but you must be knowledgeable. A lack of knowledge of homemaking skills or organization is no excuse for poor per-

only

You should be

willing to search for information and feminine duties well. Put into your learn to homemaking the interest, initiative and zest that you would give to any other occupation to ensure success. And if you are inclined to balk at the "sameness" of it all, don't forget that just about every job, man's or woman's, has its own routines. It is zest for life and for the job that defeats monotony.

formance.

how

Scientific

perform

management can

solve problems of

housework,

as

it

many other areas of work. So the trick is to view every task as a new and interesting problem whose solution will increase your convenience and enjoyment. It all boils down has done already in

to constantly improving

your planning and organization.

One obvious need

to standardize conditions of

is

work

for

working at the right height, with the right tools, under the best conditions, ventilation and comfort, with the least possible waste of your precious energy and time. For example, arrange your spices in alphabetical order for easier identification. Group utensils and materials close to the surface where you will use them. Use a high stool when washing dishes, peeling vegetables and preparing other foods, and in this way lessen the strain on the feet and abdomen. yourself by

can free you from Think with confidence that you are efficient and organized, and your creative mind will flow freely. You will surprise yourself! Also, if you take advantage of time- and energy-saving suggestions you will have more energy and free time for pleasure than the tired housewife who continually plods along without organization. Even one minute saved twice a day on chores gives you twelve hours a Organization,

the

unnecessary work

for

key

to

other

efficiency,

activities.

FOURTEEN HUNDRED AND FORTY MINUTES

3

activities. The minutes can be saved readily. For whenever feasible use dried onion chips instead of peeling and chopping onions; loosen stuck-on bottle lids by running hot water over the tops; and use iron-on tape for hemming instead of sewing tape on by hand.

year for other

example,

Make

every minute count. Learn the meaning of what Bacon

"A man

said:

that

is

young

in years

may

be old in hours,

if

he

has lost no time." Find your best working time and learn to

develop shortcuts.

I usually need motivation, so I plan what has done and reward myself with something interesting to do between chores. Alternatively, I may invite a friend over, and

to be

her

not only inspires

me

good housekeeper but Another motivational practice is to intersperse chores with desk work— and this work soothes, encourages good habits, and adds dignity to the homevisit

makes

maker's

and

my

hfe

life.

review

more

This

is

folders,

to be a

interesting as well.

the time to organize future projects, arrange

generate

ideas

on

decorating,

vacations,

hobbies, and so on.

Use Schedules Written

shopping is

a

large

spends

a

are the best form of discipline. Menus, and daily schedules are a "must," since planning percentage of any job. Consider the architect. He year working on plans for a house that takes three

schedules

lists,

months to build. On the other hand, don't prolong planning as an excuse for not "getting at it."

A

basic daily

work schedule

is

as follows:

One-quarter hour on making the beds One-half hour to one hour on chore chosen for the day One-half hour on general straightening

A WOMAN'S FULFILLMENT

4

Two

hours on preparing meals and "cleaning up" after meals

Each day I choose the chore I feel like doing, and start it as soon as possible; otherwise it might not get done later in the day. Sometimes, if I am in the mood, I do extra chores on one day and then omit the daily chore for the next few days. Following is a list of chores that include most of the work needed in a house. Some of them need to be done every few days, and some not more than once a month. By surface cleaning and doing only one extra chore a day, you can always have

a

neat-looking house.

spring-clean.

Best

of

all,

you'll

never have to

FOURTEEN HUNDRED AND FORTY MINUTES Save Time If

in

5

the Kitchen

you wash

dishes

by hand, instead of doing them three

times a day (which adds valuable time to your schedule) try scraping

them under

them neatly

in

them only once a day. wash the day's dishes, soak them in hot minutes. Then wash and rinse them, using both the sink, and washing

When you come water for

five

hot, running water after each meal, stacking

to

hands simultaneously. Let the dishes drain dry rather than dry them with a towel. If your family is large, the dishes may have to be washed more often— but older children will be able to do them if they are properly trained and if you organize things well.

you

your home, a mechanical dishwasher could save you much monotonous, irksome work as well as reduce clutter in the kitchen. With its aid you could perhaps save up to 365 hours a year. For all the many years I've had my precious dishwasher, the cost per day has been about five cents. That is inexpensive help. However, not all women have a dishwasher, so the basic daily work schedule shown above If

assumes the

the

are

dish-washer

home does not have

From my

observations

it

in

one.

appears to

me

that

the

average

woman

spends about four hours a day in the kitchen, cooking and cleaning up after meals. Taking advantage of the freezing compartment in your refrigerator saves one-half hour daily. Doing dishes once a day, efficiently, saves up to another hour. Add another one-half hour saved through using efficiency measures in other areas, and that makes a total of 2 hours a day— 730 hours a year, or over 1 8 forty-hour weeks. That's a lot of time to gain for other are

activities.

And

even

if

doing better than average now, and do not

much time, you will be surprised by increasing your efficiency.

could save that

you can

save

you personally feel that you at

how much

.

A WOMAN'S FULFILLMENT

6

Hints on Cleaning Since cleaning house

here

job,

are

some

is

such

a large part

hints to save

of the homemaker's

you time and

your

increase

skills in this area.

The best vacuum cleaner is one that beats the rug and removes the imbedded dirt. This kind does a quicker and more efficient job. (The dirt rubs against the carpet fibers when you walk, and this wears out the carpet.) 1

vacuum

Let the

cleaner save

clean the bare floors with ally

run

over

it

air

it

you work. While you have

out,

it

as well as the carpeting. Occasion-

vents to reduce dust, and over the draperies

so that dust doesn't set in the fabric. While

you

are

still

at

it,

out a pencil sharpener to avoid a mess later when the

clean

sharpener gets

full.

foil on an oven can save an hour on the oven bottom and racks. Poke holes in the rack foil for heat circulation. I also put foil around the burner trays on top of the stove to protect them against spills and so eliminate scouring there. I'd rather "foil" than scrub! (Some say that foil in the oven prevents proper heat circulation. Experiment with your oven to find out.) 2.

Five minutes of placing

of cleaning. Put

3.

foil

Treating

the

dust

attracting ingredient speeds

4.

To

and dust up the chore of

cloth

clean glassware, soak

of vinegar and

1

it

in a

mop

with

a

dust-

dusting.

solution of 2 tablespoons

quart of hot water. Rinse, and see the sparkle

return.

5.

When

cleanser that

cleaning sinks and tubs, cover half of the holes on a

can,

comes

and you'll have better control over the amount To prevent bath-tub rings, use ring-free bubble

out.

FOURTEEN HUNDRED AND FORTY MINUTES and bath

An

oil.

toothbrush

old

corners, such as around faucets. If

few months on the faucets, they

effective

is

you use

will

7

for cleaning in

cream polish every shine brighter and be easier a

to clean.

6.

After draperies have been washed or cleaned, spray them

with a stain repellent.

tumble them

in

A

quick refresher for dusty draperies

a clothes

dryer for

cycle. The dust will be caught in the immediately to eliminate wrinkles.

7.

On

wall

use

spots,

a

5

1

lint filter.

no-rinse,

is

to

minutes on the no-heat

Hang

all-purpose

the drapes

cleaner.

For

hard-to-remove scuffmarks on a wall, use a crayon the same color as the wall, and buff.

8.

ment

Remove gum from fabrics and carpeting the way departstores do-by running an ice cube over the gum, then

flicking

9.

floors.

it

A

off.

coat of paste wax, buffed dry, offers a good base on

This wax, applied every few months, seems to give the

hquid wax

better shine and

a

more staying power. Revive the

shine on a scuffed floor with a buffer.

10.

window

Use sills.

clean in the

one-step cleaner and waxer on windows and Your windows will shine and will be easier to keep future if you do. After this, be like the professional

a

window-washer and use

a

squeegee for removing the cleaning

solution from the windows. This not only saves time, but

have the squeegee on

a

if

you

long pole you can more easily clean

all

the hard-to-reach places.

Laundering

Now we come

of a laundress. Rather than devoting a day a week to washing clothes, I wash when I have a to

the

duties

A WOMAN'S FULFILLMENT

8

load.

Not more than

clothes,

dump

them or

just put

ten

minutes

needed

is

to

them

soiled

sort

and fold

in detergent, place clothes in the dryer, in the ironing basket.

might sound as though I enjoy running the washer and That is not true, for I try to minimize laundering by liberally using paper towels, tissues, and disposable dish even "cloths." I'm experimenting at substituting paper towels for face cloths. They seem to be sturdy and sanitary, besides saving time and washing. It

dryer.

Back to the washing machine. collars,

dip

the

If a

shirt

has dirty cuffs or

the detergent or run a bar of

soiled parts in

brown laundry soap on the

spots before putting the shirts in the machine. For an extra-dirty load of wash, let the clothes soak a few minutes during the wash cycle of the machine.

By using machine,

the

and

maximum amount

folding

drastically cut

the

down on

dry

of fabric softener in

clothes

ironing.

Make

the

immediately, you can sure too that

you buy

only wash-and-wear clothes.

Keep your clothes free from the mineral deposits Clean the inside of your steam iron periodically. vinegar, steam the iron about

Let the iron

sit

five

in the iron. Fill

with

it

minutes, then disconnect

for one hour; then

empty

it

and

rinse

it

it.

out

with water.

For

Your

faster

ironing,

put

iron quickly over a piece of

To

foil

under the ironing board cover.

iron will glide over clothing

waxed

if

you

first

run the heated

paper.

avoid the need to sprinkle, use fabric finish or spray starch

on the

Fm

on the subject of starch, you can clean children's stuffed animals with it. Cover them with a thick layer of the spray starch. When it is dry, remove the starch with a stiff brush and the dirt will come off with it.) clothes.

(While

FOURTEEN HUNDRED AND FORTY MINUTES

Now you

are at the ironing board.

Lower

9

it

so that

you can

and relax. (Then turn on your favorite TV program.) Use the broad end of the board for dresses, blouses, and shirts, and save the narrow end for the shoulder part only— it seems to be easier this way. Also, iron only one side of pillow cases and the top foot or so of the sheet. Then, when the bed is made, it will appear that you've ironed everything. sit

Plan

Ahead

Do

you can in the easiest and quickest way Try never to handle anything twice if once will do. Soon you'll discover that you have developed good working habits. For example, if you hang up your clothes as soon as you take them off, or if you put soiled ones immediately into the hamper, you'll save yourself wasted motion, time, and energy. In any case these dropped articles will have to be picked up at some time and put in their proper places. (As a rule, everyone should put away his own clothes. It is laziness if a person constantly leaves piles of clothes lying around.) things as soon as

possible.

an enemy to efficiency, and it usually attacks the about 2:00 and 7:00 P.M. Try to minimize fatigue by better planning of your work so that you are better prepared to meet this enemy. Make advance preparations so that your "low spots" will not be as hard on you; or, take a nap or a Fatigue

is

homemaker

at

Change your shoes. Interchange excessive walking or sitting. A one-hour interval of one kind of work is long enough; after that, make a change. rest earlier.

standing with

Before you go to bed

at night,

spend a few minutes

straight-

ening the house so that you'll wake up to a tidy world. It's a terrible feehng to start the day already behind in your work.

The

efficient

backlog.

Far

homemaker better,

day— like putting first

tries never to let her day begin with a have things a little ahead for the next

clothes in the washer at night, ready for the

wash the next day.

A WOMAN'S FULFILLMENT

10

when you know you are going to have much as you can the night before. Set

Especially

morning, do as

a

rushed

the table,

your family take carried lunches, prepare these the night before and put them in moisture-proof wrappings in the fridge. Lay out your clothes before you go to bed. Be certain that the house is orderly, and trot off to bed. With this preparation, the morning will probably

and

assemble

the

for

utensils

cooking.

If

not be rushed.

Learn to do two things at once. Clean while cooking; mend I had a neighbor

clothes while talking on the phone; and so on.

who would would

me mend

call

fold or

while she did her dishes. At the same time

I

clothes and have an enjoyable chat.

some people. I usually do appointment or a ride. As soon as I receive a letter, I jot down on the envelope several notes from which to compose a reply. This makes answering a quicker process, and makes me more inclined to write sooner, since I already know what I plan to say. Also, when writing a letter, I tell myself that I'm only going to write a short note. This tempers the "ordeal" of writing. By the time I've written a short note, I usually go on and add a few more paragraphs without Letter-writing

is

a

big chore for

mine while I'm waiting

for an

strain.

Children Can Help, Too

Children can and should be trained to be a big help around

home— not merely to save you time, but for their own growth and development. Some easy chores for small children the

are:

Making

their beds

Putting toys and clothes

away

Setting and clearing the table (one thing at a time at

Dusting with a duster mitt

first)

1

FOURTEEN HUNDRED AND FORTY MINUTES Scrubbing marks off of the floor with

a

1

spray cleaner and pad

Emptying the garbage Vacuuming the floor Cleaning sinks with cleanser Obviously, children

at

more

is

With

yourself.

a

the

first

bother

time than

and

to

trouble

you were

if

to

teach

small

do the chore

amount of training, however, they will fine job. Not only is their help a big boon training it gives them teaches them too to

small

soon be able to do a then to you, but the be efficient.

remember the time I had been training my young son for about a week on the quickest way to make a bed-first tuck in I

the linen at the foot of the bed, then pull the sheet, blanket and bedspread straight on each side. One evening when I went in to

say goodnight to him, his bed,

I

found him

sfiffly lying

covered only by the spread.

"Why

don't you get under

you won't

fall?"

I

all

the covers and

move

over, so

asked.

want to mess my bed up very much," he be quick to make tomorrow."

"I don't will

on the edge of

replied. "It

had to laugh to myself at this, but I decided I'd better explain living and relaxing as well as the importance of being I

efficient.

Restrict the children's eating to the table

and you won't have

fingerprints and crumbs all over the rest of the house (only over the long-suffering kitchen). Another preventive hint is to keep

messy toys and games out of reach and dole them out one at a time. After all, a child can only play with one game at a time.

Too many the child

is

unattended toys usually get stepped on. done with one set of toys, he may exchange

small,

When it

for

A WOMAN'S FULFILLMENT

12

another only

last

Keeping these toys out of reach makes them not

set.

more

longer but also seem

desirable to the child.

Avoid Clutter

You want more

than a clean house, because a house can be

you

clean and yet disorderly, uninviting, and cluttered. Did

go

into

a

Attractiveness

The

fusion.

and

house

cluttered

clutter

aside,

creates

items

cluttered

really

on

consider

mental

shelves

it

fatigue

and

ever

attractive?

and con-

tables

require

constant attention, thus using up valuable time and energy.

Do you have too many dishes or toys, too much furniture? Do you have unnecessary clothes to wash, iron, and mend? You might have magazines or knicknacks collecting dust. Look over each room critically, and discard or transfer to another more appropriate spot anything that doesn't belong. If

an area

is

badly cluttered, the only way to

organization and appeal

is

room. Use the same procedure for over,

My

husband has

used or calls

clutter,

it

isn't

his

will

If

you

try to

Start

work

merely confuse you.

own term

for something that isn't being

contributing to the beauty or utility of a room.

"dead

fortunate, or

it

with

it

a sad-looking closet.

then rearrange things piece by piece.

amongst the

endow

to drag everything out of the

first

weight."

sell

your time. They

Share

the

things

with someone

He less

them, but don't keep them around to waste will Uterally sap

your energy, and you

have a cluttered house. Remember, a cluttered house

will is

still

detri-

mental to relaxation and simplicity. Don't frustrate and exhaust yourself by planning to do more To overload your days with too much

than you can handle.

work is not going to make you content. Rather, you feel smothered with unfinished work.

it

will

make

FOURTEEN HUNDRED AND FORTY MINUTES Get Your There

Right

Priorities

are

13

more

interesting

which to concern efficiently what and quickly with

things

yourself than housecleaning. Do giving you have planned to do. Don't waste time explaining or get the job reasons why you didn't do something. Words won't

done.

"Make good" your

actions.

precious, Every day you have 1 ,440 unused minutes. They are of every day. Don't so use them wisely and make the best out words; waste one minute on gossipy chatter or quarrelsome attitudes negative and self-pity Replace instead, speak kindly. lying in bed with joy. Get sufficient rest, but don't waste hours either, on while life is passing you by. Don't waste time,

TV

daydreaming, on viewing low-quality

entertainment, or on

reading inferior literature.

ehminate inefficient methods of housework. Spend enough time to prepare good meals for your family. By planning selfyour time, you will have time for reading, hobbies, be should recreation Your improvement, and beauty care. or active be something you really want to do, whether it Plan

to

spectator

sports;

social,

or creative activities; or

educational,

volunteer service.

There are two other important things I have learned about enjoy time that have added pleasure to my life. First, learn to your own company. Second, don't be a slave to your family, but do please them and be an enjoyable companion.

The

efficient

homemaker

uses her

that the time saved in housekeeping

common is

sense and reahzes

time for outside interests,

convenience, and satisfaction. For house. that extra satisfaction, gloat to yourself as you clean give confidently can you job, your Even if no one else praises You it. earned truly yourself a pat on the back if you have

family

pleasure,

deserve one.

simplicity,

Chapter 2

THE WAY THE MONEY GOES A

Budget

Is Essential

Would you

like

to

raise

question! Most of us would.

your standard of

And many of

living?

us could

Foolish

too— some

by as much as 10 or 20 percent-as well as prevent fights over money, if an agreed-upon plan of spending were followed.

How

do you go about

this? First,

with your husband deter-

mine the family goals. Write them down so that you'll both be more aware of them. Then plan your finances around these goals. By seeing your expenses and planned budget on paper, you may find that you can eliminate unnecessary expenditures. On the other hand, when there is no plan, money is spent by purposeless chance instead of purposeful choice. Then there doesn't seem to be much to show for it, because it's frittered away a little at a time. But it is a pleasure for husband and wife to work together toward their mutually agreed goals, especially as those goals begin to materiaUze.

Keep the plan

your budget into payment, food and household expenses, utilities, insurance, savings, church contributions, car, husband's personal, wife's personal, miscellaneous. Decide how large

as simple as possible. Divide

categories— such as house

the other, smaller items should be distributed

categories— charities,

entertainment,

postage,

medical, clothing, cleaning, cleaning suppHes,

among

the larger

babysitting, taxes, gifts, etc.

THE WAY THE MONEY GOES Different Families, Different

For some the wife

Methods

families, a practical

feasible

a

15

way

to handle

money

is

to give

allotment for her checking account, from

which to buy food and pay her personal expenses. Any money left over is hers. Such a plan offers her incentive, teaches her thrift, and gives her flexibility. If the husband has the ability and interest, he can manage the remainder of the money on the basis of the agreed budget.

This

way we operate

the

is

in

my

home.

My

husband Hkes

carrying over his head-of-the-house role to the financial duties.

He deposits our living expenses.

It

when he wants For

my

savings gives

to take

part,

I

and writes out the checks that pay our

him pleasure

me on

my

my

allotted

personal allowance each

a hair brush, or a little surprise for

husband take over his having him dote over buy me a dress out of After

using

money

enjoy having the freedom to buy groceries and

other household supplies with

few dollars of

to use his personal

a date.

this

my

money, and having a week to buy a book,

family.

I

having

like

financial responsibihty. Best of

me when

he decides to take

his personal

plan

for

I

my hke

me

out or

girl

friend

money. few

a

all,

months,

one

came over and raved, "Fve never seen my husband happy. We so save more than we ever dreamed of, and yet seem to have more to spend. And guess what! He just went down to the furniture store and, from his month's personal money, breathlessly

surprised

me

beheve

He's never done anything like that before."

it!

with a picture

I'd

This system would not work in partner

has

different

abilities

partner doesn't want to be lives

been admiring.

all

and

I

can hardly

marriages, as every married attitudes.

Sometimes one

troubled with finances,

is

selfish,

only for today, or just can't seem to figure and pay

bills.

A WOMAN'S FULFILLMENT

16

For instance,

know

I

who

of one husband

only wants to have

three meals a day and a dollar in his pocket for fish bait.

how

doesn't care

doesn't bother

Then

there

his

him about is

it.

the type of husband

When

the family income.

He

wife manages the money, as long as she

the house

who is

constantly overspends

repossessed, he wonders

why. Or perhaps the wife spends most of the food money on extra clothes or hair pieces, while the family lives on beans. In such a household the husband generally ends up doing the food shopping each week. In short, sex differences

not necessarily basic

features

management

may determine who keeps house but

who keeps are

will

the books. Therefore, although certain always necessary, no two plans of money

be exactly the same.

Be Prepared Every family should have savings of some kind. (Don't forget that Ufe insurance is a form of savings.) Ideally, you should have

money

on for one year. In saving money, you should have two goals— one short-term, one long-term. If you plan only for one, you probably won't manage or enjoy your money as well. A short-term goal might be to buy a piece of furniture or to take a week-end vacation. With a definite goal to look forward to in the near future, you will be surprised how easily you can cut out relatively unimportant expenses. You must ask yourself, "What is more important,

an amount of

saved that you could

these httle things, or that vacation?" trip

around

the

world,

the

A

long-term goal can be a

financial

support

for

your

week

you you would have approximately six thousand dollars counting the bank interest. A little saved consistently

children's education. If for ten years in savings,

or

live

soon adds up.

were to save but ten dollars a

THE WAY THE MONEY GOES Build

into

flexibility

17

your arrangements.

Allow for unex-

pected expenditure by not planning too tightly. Further, plan to save month by month for large expenditures such as taxes and car insurance.

Thus you won't be caught unprepared.

Emerson reminded us that "a man in debt is so far a slave." you are burdened by monthly payments, eliminate them. To do this, first avoid incurring any more such payments. Then set up a system that will, after a certain time, eliminate burdensome monthly remittances. Be prepared for a few tight months while you are beginning your new regime. If

It

is

psychologically bad to be paying for something that has

already

been used

months

after

it

up.

For instance,

paying

for

a

has been enjoyed tarnishes memories.

vacation

On

the

other hand, saving ahead brings hours of pleasant anticipation plus

many happy

vacation memories. The phrase, "Charge it!"

spreads insecurity and distress in the family. Be on your guard against

Stretch

it.

Your Money

money, and more women would diligently watch, plan, and stretch the money, there would be little need for most mothers to get jobs outside the home. I've shown people with In

most cases

it

is

the wife's to stretch

the husband's job to earn the

it.

If

money how to rid themselves of debt, and people with a good deal more money, how they could save further. In either case, the new regime has made them very happy. Httle

remember a couple of friends who decided that the husband didn't make enough money and that the wife would therefore have to find a fuUtime job. After listing their expenditures, we worked out a plan involving his income alone. They were shocked to discover that they could not only manage well, but, for the first time in their married life, actually save money. I

A WOMAN'S FULFILLMENT

18

Later on

the

in

day,

I

saw the husband carrying around the

our figuring on it. He smiled and proudly said, "I've been thinking about this, and I can save an extra thirty dollars a month for myself if I cut down in only a few places."

paper with

all

His wife was

happy

that there was

no need for her to go to

work. She no longer had to think of leaving her small daughter

home

with a

sitter

was pleased to

every day. In the final analysis, the husband

realize

that he was able to

make such

a

good

salary for his family.

end of the scale is a mother and eight children— victims of unfortunate circumstances. Because of poor health, the mother was unable to work. Fifty dollars a month

At

other

the

remained after the payments for rent, heat, electricity, water, and garbage removal had been made. We contacted the landlord, and he lowered the rent ten dollars a month and agreed to take care of the garbage removal. That gave the family an extra twelve dollars a month, or a total of sixty-two dollars. To feed and clothe all these people on this small amount took careful planning.

The two

had received scholarships and were college. They helped toward the they were able. Another younger

oldest daughters

working

their

"money

pot"

way through whenever

to earn money for her own clothes. The mother made most of the younger children's clothing, utilizing hand-me-downs when they were wearable. For clothing material, when she could not afford to buy it, she ripped open secondhand full skirts. From these she made dresses for her girls, shirts for the boys, and pillow cases. Any scraps left over were saved for making quilts. Wool scraps she cut into strips and braided

daughter

baby-sat

into rugs.

The family received some government surplus foods. In addithis enterprising mother baked bread twice a week. She

tion,

THE WAY THE MONEY GOES

19

by mixing it with rice, potatoes, oatmeal and loaf, stuffed peppers, and hamburgers. meat bread to make Further, she used gelatins where feasible for added protein at stretched the meat

meal time.

summer, she and the children enjoyed the fun of gathering wild strawberries and blueberries for making jam. Later In

the

in the season she bought, at a bargain price, bruised apples for

making applesauce and clear, pink apple jelly which delighted the younger children. In their garden they raised a great variety of vegetables for cold storage, canning, and pickling. And they took advantage of nature's wild garden by using dandelion greens for cooking and salads. had to be washed by hand, as the family's old stand-by washing machine had broken down for the last time. Notwithstanding the drudgery of washing on a wash board, the children were always in clean clothes. Small household items were obtained with special grocery store stamps. All the clothes

Only through careful planning and budgeting was this woman able to manage. Her whole goal in life was to see her children better their status and become sufficiently educated to build for themselves a higher standard of living. That was precisely what she was doing. I consider her a great success.

You may

never think you could have such a small income,

but one never knows when hard times may come. At least this story can teach us how we might cut corners here and there as necessary. And in any event it shows that we can all do better

by careful family financing. Plan and Economize

Planning

is

Once ways to

the key to raising your standard of living.

you plan your expenditures, you soon begin

to think of

A WOMAN'S FULFILLMENT

20

you open your mind to the discovery of money. You can even cut down on your new hints that stretch some of those supposedly fixed household expenses. Save on electricity by cooking the recipe double or even triple. When you need to bake a dish like roast beef, bake the vegetables with

save

money.

It

as if

is

it.

Leam and

money on

to save

water

overnight.

with

a

quart

milk.

Mix

whole

of

powdered milk

a quart of

and

milk

refrigerate

(Refrigeration and storage brings out the

natural flavor, because

it

takes a while for

all

it

maximum

the particles to

Mixing milk saves $35 a year, if the rate of consumption is one quart daily. You would save $71 for two quarts daily, $107 for three quarts, and $142 for four quarts. dissolve.)

Ask yourself substituted

as

if

that certain long-distance

effectively

by

a

quick

phone call could be If you must call,

letter.

remember that long-winded long-distance calls will run into money. Write down in advance the main points you want to discuss, and you will find you can say everything important in almost half the time. And on a long-distance phone call, saving time will save you money.

Conserving

many

water requires special thought and care in our In the summer, your water

daily habits of water usage.

can soar high. By mulching the shrubs and flower gardens you will make them hold more moisture and need less watering. Keep a pitcher of drinking water in the refrigerator. Don't let bill

the water run in the sink continuously

when

cleaning teeth or

washing hands. Use smaller amounts of water baths instead of filling the tub to capacity.

The tub

hint also cuts

down on hot water

cold water detergents for laundry, and in set in stains as

in

the tub for

So does using addition they won't bills.

hot water detergents seem to do.

THE WAY THE MONEY GOES Cleaning

You

can

pads so

learn

in a

to

on cleaning suppUes, too.

save

"more ammonia" fraction of the price. Cut steel wool with scissors. You rarely use a whole pad anyway,

window ammonia at a

in halves

cleaner containing

tends to rust out too quickly.

it

taking advantage

Next, try the do-it-yourself cleaning

Instead of using a use straight

month by

can be slashed each

bills

of canned spot remover. machines.

21

When washing

clothes, toss

tablespoon of water softener, and use one-third the amount

of detergent.

By covering half the holes on a cleanser can as soon it, you will be sure to use less. I do this every time

open

you

as

open

I

and a true story I once heard flashes across my mind. A man went to a cleanser manufacturer and said, "I have a plan that will double your profits in two years. Do you want to buy it for a million dollars?" The manufacturer agreed to pay a million dollars at the end of two years if it worked. The visitor then told him the plan— to punch twice as many holes in the tops of the "shaker" cans. The manufacturer wasn't certain it would work, but proceeded to try it. At the end of two years, his profits had doubled, and the man with the idea was given his million. a fresh can of cleanser,

Another margarine

thrifty idea

for

cooking.

amount of tooth

is

to serve butter at mealtime but use

Also,

paste that

you

you might

try

generally use.

using

half

You won't

the

have

it

foaming out of your mouth and down the brush, of course, but the tooth paste will last twice as long.

Your husband may wonder why you

are

suddenly buying

day-old bread. Tell him that freezing stale bread makes

when

it

fresh

it's thawed out. But if he takes a towel out of the and an unwrapped bar of soap falls on his head, don't tell him you were French milling (drying out) the soap and making the closet smell nice at the same time. While he is rubbing his head he may feel just a bit tired of your thrifty tricks, so just for this once don't tell.

again

closet

A WOMAN'S FULFILLMENT

22

If

you have

worth your while year's supply of vegetables would

a small area for a garden,

to plant a few vegetables.

cost approximately

$300

A

it

for a family of five.

is

A

vegetable garden

with two dollars spent for seeds, plus fifty hours of field work, will produce those needed vegetables. On this basis your labor

comes

to approximately six dollars an hour.

If you use the following quick procedure, most vegetables can be frozen to last all winter. Blanche by placing the vegetables in a colander or wire basket and immersing them in rapidly boiling

water.

Immediately immerse them

and freeze them

in

cold water. Drain them,

in containers.

can

be

without

frozen

cooking,

after

being

cleaned and then covered with a sprinkle of sugar.

Some

fruits,

Strawberries like peaches,

can be treated

in the

same way as the strawberries; most of the winter if left in

others, such as apples, will keep for a cool,

You

dry place.

.

can save on clothes too. Buy or make clothes that can be

mixed and matched in your wardrobe. Give your clothes the proper care and you'll get the maximum service from them. Besides showing proper care, be alert for tricks that help. For example, spray sneakers with starch for longer wear. When you buy a pair of children's slacks, iron on some patches inside the knee area; you will be amazed at the extra wear. To strengthen sock heels, rub them with paraffin or a bar of soap after every few washings.

Be

Creatively Thrifty

"More precious than jewels"

is

plan with her husband. With the

woman who can creatively man in the guiding position,

the

the wife brings most of the family's plans to fruition. She skimps on anything that isn't a family goal. She doesn't buy anything that isn't needed, even if it's a good bargain at the price.

THE WAY THE MONEY GOES The

wife

thrifty

never pays more

23

shops carefully and compares prices.

when

she

can pay

less.

compare quality and quantity, knowing Brand

X

one-half

for

labels to

instance,

a

fabric softener that appears to be cheaper but requires

whereas another name brand needs actually be more and not less expensive.

cup,

may

capfuls,

She reads

that,

She

only

two

on needed items. Know you can be certain you are receiving good value in the sale. I remember overhearing a store manager talking about how he had made a handsome profit on an item

You need

to take advantage of sales

the original price so that

that he couldn't move. During the store-wide sale, he raised the price of the slow-moving item to twenty-five cents

was

marked, but he mounted

originally

more than

it

a large sale sign over the

counter that read, "Special, Special, Save Now." The item was sold

out in an hour. Sometimes during these so-called sales a

cheap

grade

may

dresses

of merchandise that

sell

fall

is

brought

in.

For

five

apart at the seams after the

dollars, first

few

wearings.

The wise woman plans menus and makes grocery lists accordto the best food buys. She knows that prepared foods, which may cost three times as much as those prepared at home, offer a low nutritional value and should be bought sparingly.

ing

The

creative

woman

seeks to increase her

homemaking

skills

which stretch one dollar to five or six. She mends and sews to cut down on clothing expenses. For Christmas and birthdays she buys gifts on sale during the year or makes gifts herself. By taking good care of the family possessions, she increases their serviceability and aesthetic appeal.

The wife who helps

is

and cooperative. She firmly guards against and lives within the family income, whether be two hundred or two thousand dollars a month.

creative,

thrifty,

saying "Charge it

to bring the family budget to fruition

it,"

Chapter 3

DECORATING THE HOME The home you hve

your values and your persondecorating inadequacies and justify their inabilities by saying, "If I had more time or money, things would be different." But the result really depends on your ability to make the most of what you have or to accept the limitation. Through careful planning and good taste, you can make your home a place of beauty where your family enjoys living and where they cheerfully bring their friends to visit. ality.

Many

Starting

people

reflects

their

Out

Don't rush! ings

in

excuse

It

takes time and thought to create the surround-

you want. Add good

are certain that years later

furnishings slowly and only

you

will

when you

be happy with your choice.

Rather than buy a houseful of cheap furniture that you of

within

a

year,

it

is

better

to

do

without,

or

will tire

to

use

second-hand furniture.

Whether you are decorating your first place or redecorating your old homestead, start with the essentials. Buying piece by piece will help keep you out of debt. Adding to your surroundings should be a lifelong joy, so don't deprive yourself

by doing

everything at once, and then you'll always have something to appreciate.

new

DECORATING THE HOME Your

initial

purchases

hide-a-bed, chair, to obtain a

25

may

bedroom

room

consist of a living

sofa or

chest of drawers and bed. Be certain

good mattress. You

will

need

a dining

room

table

and

chairs, or a kitchenette set. After these initial purchases

will

want

to invest in end tables, lamps, carpets, draperies

you

and

a

hutch.

The places draperies

(as

to

skimp on quality and price

long as there

is

are

curtains and

plenty of fullness and material)

because they don't take the wear that furniture does. If

second-hand

furniture

is

basically

sturdy,

it

can be

re-

handsome. You can actually have more fun in collecting and refinishing furniture than you can in buying every piece new. This will have the added advantage of making you feel creative and thrifty. Each piece in your home that you have worked on will become a part of you. finished to look very

Individualize

Your Decorating

You can

acquire ideas on decorating when you visit beautiful and apartments or when reading home-decorating books and magazines, but it is individuality that makes a house a unique home. Let your home express your person-

homes

ality.

Give

it

character;

make

it

interesting.

For accents, use

hobbies such as books, music, and decorative collecDon't stereotype your home by using identical woods

creative tions.

and the same furnishing styles throughout. Think, study, and experiment to combine unlike elements. One interior decorator suggested to me that when mixing and decorating one should keep in mind the basic feeling it is intended to convey. Each piece should relate to the other and to the whole room.

The easiest way to begin mixing is with complement and pinpoint the personality of

accessories which a

room.

If

your

A WOMAN'S FULFILLMENT

26

some want to

furnishings are modern, bring in the beauty of

or

paintings

statues.

mixing to a

set

You might

at

first

traditional

your

limit

of shelves, and later extend the idea to other

parts of the room. With accessories,

if a piece doesn't look right one spot it can always be changed to a different location. To hold interest and unify a room, your accessories should repeat a color and have size (e.g., mass collections), otherwise they

in

become

clutter.

A room

gains interest by mixing a variety of textures— for rough carpeting, smooth-textured draperies, and shiny instance, glass. The same color is usually a good unifying factor for items of different periods and moods.

Color adds charm and creates pale green and blue,

make

such

illusion. Light cool colors,

room appear

and warm, and dark colors make a room look smaller, because the walls seem to advance. For a long room, paint one end wall in an advancing color that will make the room seem shorter in length. If you like, you might use the same color throughout the house. Then, as

a

draperies that

match create the same

one room

appear to flow into the next.

will

Because you would

tire

of them

avoid bright colors for

easily,

your basic color scheme. Bright colors are create high style and excitement. (They inexpensively changed, too.)

A room

larger. Walls

effect. Bright,

with

fine for accents

can little

brightened with a light yellow or pinkish tone.

be

and and

sunlight can be

You

lower wattage for illumination when you paint

easily

use bulbs of

in lighter color

tones.

In each

be

a

room

sofa,

painting

there should be a center of attraction.

fireplace,

one

wall

a

hobby

collection,

bright

color,

the

It

could

window, or desk. By center of attention

is

estabHshed in that area. Attention should be caught and held by this

center

of interest.

If

there

are

too

many such

centers.

DECORATING THE HOME confusion tized,

be the

will

monotony

easily

27

result. However, when no area is dramabecomes the room's dominant mood.

Decorating should be planned according to your family's way of life. Consider where the family prefer to eat, their hobbies, working habits, leisure habits, entertaining habits, and collections. These factors will influence your choice of furniture, fabrics, accessories and color, as well as of arrangement.

Always

consider

convenience

as

well

as

appeal.

aesthetic

Conversational and entertainment groupings should be arranged so

that

planning

people can chat or watch television comfortably. In

room,

the

make allowance

for

patterns.

traffic

certain these paths don't pass through areas that have

been

Be set

aside for special activities.

Decorate to Please Your Husband If

you want your husband

comfortable

in

it.

to enjoy his

This was emphasized to

home, he must

me one

evening

feel

when

my

husband and I went to a party in a couple's apartment. I had never been there before, I naturally wondered about the furnishings. With the first glance, a pervading feminine atmosphere was forcibly evident. All the furnishings were dainty— curving French Provincial style in antiqued white wood, with pale pink fabric. The flimsy draperies were a mass of frills. Placed in prominent locations and busy hutches were numerous and varied figurines of dainty china. Since

In

one corner

I

overheard an engaged couple talking. The boy

might look nice to you, but comfortable. We're not having anything hke this So forget it."

said to his fiance, "It

man speaking own home.

There was enjoying his

a

his

I

want to

in

own mind. He was

my

feel

house.

intent on

A WOMAN'S FULFILLMENT

28

when you

are decorating, keep in mind tliat which your husband. Here are some ideas I have gathered from visiting hundreds of homes. You might want to consider these ideas, as they seem to please most men.

So

pleases

especially

Most men prefer, basically, straight-line no-nonsense furniture. main color scheme, never use pale pinks. Any shade of blue is safe. Off-white walls are a good choice, as they are an excellent backdrop for pictures and for any type or color of furnishings regardless of what is in vogue for any given year. In the

Use accessories of substantial natural atmosphere of ease and

size.

Men seem

relaxation

hke the created by such to

accessories as tropical fish aquariums, fur throw-pillows, potted plants,

and colorful, dried arrangements. Candles and

woodsy scent of incense or spray

light

a

give that extra-special touch.

For the man's chair there could be a foot-rest to give complete relaxation. My husband receives many hours of pleasure from our home entertainment center— the stereo tape recorder, his favorite tapes, and the television,

the peaceful

A

domain of

kingsize

husband

in

bed

and

a

the bedroom.

you've painted with cedar

bedroom

is

Around

which

are

all

in

his favorite chair.

clock

On oil,

radio

a massive

might

appeal

to

place a key and wallet caddy.

an excellent place for

your

chest of drawers that

The

a fan or air conditioner.

the kitchen, gadgets hke an electric can opener, an ice

seem to appeal to a man. So perhaps do a small herb garden on a window sill and a spice rack. These contribute also to the impression of the wife's being a good crusher, and a blender

cook.

The bathroom could sport

toga-size, velvety towels.

Perhaps a

piece of driftwood appropriately placed in a corner and a fish

DECORATING THE HOME on

hanging

net

suggestion of

29

would

wall

the

provide a sea

lover

with a

his fancy.

In his corner or paneled den, there could be a braided rug

the floor and a wall

map

over his desk.

On

on

the desk might be a

desk caddy, a large calendar, a short-wave radio, or a hobby displayed artfully. You may want to include a gun cabinet if he sportsman.

a

is

Below

(perhaps of slate) with his

a

window might be

shuttered

wood

table

hobbies and subjects of interest.

Creative Ideas

You may you have

on Decorating

think such ideas are financially unattainable unless

a very substantial income.

have to do

it

all

But remember, you don't

at once. Decorating can be done with a

surprisingly enough, without spending I

a

carvings and magazines representing

flair,

much money at one time. many ideas which will

have accumulated from talented friends

make you supphes

feel clever, thrifty,

may not sound

and creative

you use them. The

if

charming, but

I

guarantee that the

and that you would be your own home. Here is a list of the

finished products I've seen are attractive

proud to have them

in

ideas:

1.

In place of a dining

room

up

buffet, put

a shelf

only does buffet duty but also offers a decorative

2.

Make

a

room appear

larger

by using

which not

air.

a mirror for a wall

decoration.

3.

Beautify an ordinary

paper on each 4.

slat

For decorating

tape.

Venetian

blind by using self-adhesive

and replacing the tapes

in

harmonizing colors.

a wall with stripes, use shiny colored plastic

.

A WOMAN'S FULFILLMENT

30

5.

room

Create a

by

divider

setting potted

plants of varying

types and heights in a clustered effect, or arrange them in a

line.

6.

Set a potted plant in a basket for an attractive container.

7.

Dress a wall by securing chains to the top front surface and

to the wall above the shelf.

by

its

own

bracket,

it

Even though the shelf is supported as if the shelf is dependent on

appear

will

the chains.

8.

To

dress

up paperback books, apply leather-grained,

self-

adhesive paper.

9.

on

For

a nature picture, glue a collage

a fabric-covered piece of cardboard.

keep the arrangement

10.

For

Use

a

frame with

glass to

in place.

window

decorative

a

of dried leaves or flowers

shade, lace

bamboo

shades with

ribbons.

1 1

Make

elegant throw pillows from an old piece of fur. Use

fur for the front

12. For a from drawn

13.

Make

and velvet for the back.

child's wall

figures

on

canisters

hanging, use cut-outs (from material or

felt)

for

on

a

hemmed

circle.

your kitchen out of shortening cans

covered with patterned, adhesive-backed, vinyl paper.

14. As dresser drawer dividers, use shoe box bottoms decorated with self-adhesive paper.

15.

To make

decorative

hooks.

a beautiful towel-hanger, space

hooks on the

wall.

Hang

a

and anchor

several

length of chain on the

DECORATING THE HOME

31

Decorate your cupboards, inside or outside, with cut-out

16.

flowers or other designs

made from

adhesive covering.

For twice the space

17.

down

pipe half-way

in a child's closet, anchor a pole or the sides of the walls. Children's clothes are

shorter; they don't need the full length.

Splash

18.

plain

a

shade

with

cut-out

made from

flowers

self-adhesive paper.

A

19.

pegboard

hanging

for

gear

can

be

the

answer

to

a

cluttered, miscellaneous closet.

Mount

20.

interesting

a colorful map above a piece of furniture for an and inexpensive decoration.

window shade an

Give a

21.

colored

tape

Remove

the

across

the

elegant look

shade,

forming

by a

criss-crossing

diamond

wide

pattern.

rod and cut the bottom edge of the shade into diamonds in that row.

points, leaving three complete

Frame

22.

a wall

plaque figure on velvet or

felt for

an elegant

accessory.

Dress

23.

up

a

throw pillow by sewing on

fringe,

tassels,

or

ribbon. 24. Make your own dried flower arrangement out of grasses and wild flowers (not with soft petals) that have hung upside down for two weeks to dry out. Spray-paint them any color you

want. 25.

For a custom look to a plain lampshade, glue on two inches from the top and bottom.

a

wide

braid border 26.

Decorate

a

piece

flowers, shells, or net.

of

driftwood

with

animal

figurines,

A WOMAN'S FULFILLMENT

32

Enjoy

27.

inch by

1

a

and a few

made from

planter and pool trays

3 inch) baking pans. In the

first

three large (8

one, place some plants

large rocks. In the next one, place a

rocks with blue, colored water. Line up the

last

few more one and

large fill

it

with white gravel, a figurine, and two plants. 28. For colored washing machine.

Try

29.

sheets,

simply

some

lemon

planting

Their

plants.

attractive

leaves

dye

old

seeds.

can

be

white

They

ones

will

used also

in

the

grow into for

delicate

flavoring in cooking.

30.

Tassels

easy

for

draperies, wall hangings,

make from

to

knitting yarn.

or throw pillows are

Wrap yarn around

a 4-inch

piece of cardboard approximately ten times. Cut one end of the threads,

and

tie a

piece of yarn around the threads at the other

end. Approximately one-half inch tie

down from

the secured yarn,

another piece.

For framed panels of

31.

fabric,

cover two 9-inch by 5-foot

pieces of hard board with patterned fabric (2 yards) and glue.

Staple the overlap

and glue

it

on the back of the board. Paint the molding

to the edges.

felt,

Use a coloring book for a pattern guide; trace the animals and cut them out. Glue onto a larger piece of velvet or and frame them if desired.

33.

Instead of paying twenty dollars for a framed print,

32.

on

felt

print for

frame

on 34.

is

one dollar and a frame for only four unfinished,

you can

easily stain, paint, or

buy

a

dollars. If the

rub gold stain

it.

Paint a flower pot a soUd color and add a design, to

house plants twice

as pretty.

make

DECORATING THE HOME 35.

A

33

framed water scene with

36.

Make

a sea shell scene

around unique hanging.

shells glued in clusters

the inside of the print near the frame,

makes

a

for the wall with macaroni shells,

elbow macaroni, cotton, food coloring, pearlized polish and a desired surface. Quickly dip the macaroni in dye. Shake off excess moisture and dry well. To apply to any surface, glue a thin layer of cotton onto an area for a firm base. Glue the shells

on the cotton base. After the shells dry, paint them with shellac. Touch the tops of the shells with pearlized polish for a final shell-like look. The best arrangement seems to be with the grouping of shells in the lower right comer, the largest ones being placed in the center of the grouping. 37.

four

Make

flowers from egg cartons. Cut out the cups and to

slits

form

petals.

make

them and use colored pipe

Paint

cleaners for centers and stems.

The following will make such a stunning table that people where you bought it. Antique a second-hand metal vase stand from a cemetery. Gather dark velvet where the base of the vase would go. Fit a round glass on the top. 38.

will ask

39.

Paper-mache an old tray or

40.

Put up a shelf for

41.

Spray-paint

vase.

a desk.

window shades

for an inexpensive

and quick

change.

Make a bottle. Add a 42.

43.

For

a

Intertwine ceiling.

bottle

candle-holder by

wrapping yarn around

a

fringe intermittently.

hanging lamp, put a shade on top of a bulb fixture. a brass chain with the cord and hang it from the

A WOMAN'S FULFILLMENT

34

44.

A

plain

material,

45.

felt,

may be

lamp-shade

covered

with

wool yarn,

or paper cut-outs.

Decorate fruit-or berry-baskets by weaving

felt

or velvet

ribbons throughout. 46.

Cover

boxes

for

pencils

or

bobby

pins

with

felt,

felt

cut-outs, or artificial or dried flowers.

Cute wall hangings can be made from buttons glued or sewed on burlap or felt. Arrange the buttons to make flowers, with a large one in the center and small ones around it. For stems and grass, use spaghetti sprayed green. Select one large button for the sun, with small spaghetti radiating from it for the 47.

sun's rays.

48.

Create a bouquet of flowers by cutting flower designs from

Use

felt.

beads and balls from a fringe for the center.

Use

pipecleaners for stems.

49.

Cut off the top of

Decorate napkin-,

50.

it

with

bill-,

With

felt

a

cocoa box. Cover the box with

designs (circles, squares, etc.). Use

it

felt.

as a

or letter-holder.

cover

burlap,

Decorate them with

different-sized

cut-outs and

felt

plastic-topped

you

will

cans.

have a set of

kitchen canisters. 51. Cover cans with burlap, velvet, or other textured material. Use them as vases or containers for dried flowers.

52.

Grow your own

potted plant from a pineapple. Cut off the

green top and set

it

weeks

roots

until

container.

long

in

a

cup of water for approximately two

appear.

Transplant

it

into

soil

in

a

DECORATING THE HOME

35

53. Make a rooster or chicken plaque with rice, spht peas, sunflower seeds, beans and corn kernels. Draw or trace a bird

from a coloring book. Saw the shape out of plywood or cut from cardboard. Glue on the dried materials in patterns. 54.

Cut off the top portion of

turn

it

upside

down

a one-gallon bleach bottle

it

and

for a hat stand.

55. From a coloring book cut out a pattern of a teddy bear. Use an old piece of fur and cut it to the desired shape. Glue on eyes, nose, and mouth made from felt. This makes a welcome wall addition for a child's room.

blossoms in a formula, and make elegant Thin flowers produce a better porcelain effect. Use Vi cup turpentine, Vi cup clear varnish, Vk teaspoon oak stain, Va teaspoon gold powder. Stir the mixture with a brush before each dipping. After you dip the flowers and leaves up and down, brush the mixture on those parts not completely covered. Put the flowers on aluminum foil to drip. Turn occasionally to prevent uneven drying and accumulation of the

Dip small

56.

plastic

glasslike flowers.

formula.

Enhst the help of

57.

a

pegboard for storage and decoration for

the kitchen or the children's room.

Take

wooden,

and turn it into a kitchen Replace the metal bands with vinyl and brass nail heads. Use baby food jars for the spices. Paint and label the screw-top hds. 58.

spice

rack.

a

Paint

soft drink crate

it.

59. Make a group of shelves for the kitchen or bedrooms. Obtain unstained grape crates. Remove the bottom slats. After sanding them smooth, apply a coat of paste wax or varnish. Nail a piece of painted, perforated hard board on the back. From the

removed are

now

slats cut the shelves and hang them with hardware. ready to display your set of shelves with pride.

You

A WOMAN'S FULFILLMENT

36

60.

decorative jar with

a

Fill

no green

lemon soaps and green bay leaves.

leaves. If

leaves are available, use dried

61.

Match

felt,

velvet,

waste basket to the decor of a room. Cover

a

or other material

with

it

of your choice. Then trim the

basket with braid or ricrac and decorate

it

with

artificial flowers.

For second-hand furniture that you are not planning to refinish, use iodine and the scratches seem to disappear. Next, rub on a dark-staining furniture polish to bring out the hidden, natural beauty of the wood. 62.

Use upholstery cleaning foam on soiled furniture after it has been vacuumed. Work the foam into a small surface to keep 63.

the fabric as dry as possible. Wipe

next area.

You may

it

dry before going to the

find that this procedure reveals the beauty

of a fabric. 64.

Make

vation

terrarium, a miniature garden under glass. Conser-

a

of

moisture,

protection

sudden

against

changes

of

temperature, and provision for light are the basic principles of this garden.

ment of

a

seedling,

is

Any

glass container

may be

used.

few plants, giving prominence to most effective.

Before starting, be sure

the

container

A

simple arrange-

a high fern or tree

is

clean.

Place clean

and cover the gravel with two inches of sifted, damp soil for drainage. Then press dampened moss and plants into place. After the garden is planted, wet it with a fine spray and gravel in

it

secure the

lid

sure the leaves

65.

The terrarium should be kept do not touch the glass.)

tightly.

Turn an everyday Venetian blind into

a springtime

Flowers glued onto the blind are cut from

a

(Be

window.

yard of

floral

Measure the width of the slats, cut flowers in the same strips and glue them on individually. Spray on a stain

fabric. size

airtight.

repellent.

DECORATING THE HOME

37

66. Add architectural interest to a group of shelves and bank of doors by using a trimming to simulate molding.

Chapter 4

MOTHER AND CHILD Properly trained, well-adjusted children are a great blessing to

home and

The task of raising such children is today than ever before. The career of motherhood is more important than any job a woman can do outside the home, and there should be a special medal of honor the

to society.

probably more

for a

difficult

woman who

raises a fine family!

Since the mother position

for

calls

is

the primary educator of the child, her

creative

powers.

requires effort and training, so

it

is

with the most important career of developing "home-building"

A

Success

in

other

not surprising that all,

a

careers

mother,

should expect to work

in

skills.

mother has to teach her

child

how

to live happily

with

amount of frustration and pain, and confidently. That's a lot on its own, but there is still more. The child needs to be prepared for the duties of citizenship. He must be taught to take pride in work well done, in good manners, and in high moral values. He should be stimulated to learn and to create. Such needs underline the magnitude of the mother's task. others, to tolerate a reasonable

and to think

clearly

The Early Years

A

fine

way

to begin the proper

development of

a child

is

by

a

a

MOTHER AND CHILD

39

mother breast-feeding her newborn. The infant will thereby warmth and love, and with this intimacy will start to develop a sense of security and confidence from the first beginnings. There are other advantages to mothers who breast-feed their children. A warmer, closer mother-baby relationship develops. Then, too, the bothersome task of formula-mixing and bottle warming is eliminated. A scheduled feeding does not need to tie the mother down— associate his first need of food with

relief bottle

can be

left

with the

sitter.

Whether you breast- or bottle-feed, create an atmosphere at feeding time which will help satisfy your baby's hunger for love. Hold your baby close to you. Rock him gently in your arms. Stroke his head. This httle one is your great gift. Offer him your most perfect love.

The

first

few years are the most important ones

mining your set

the

basic

child's future personality, for

pattern.

physical, mental,

duty

is

that he

is

must guide her

to see that her child

is

in

deter-

those years that

and emotional growth. Therefore,

more than is

A mother

it

child in his a

mother's

physically cared for,

properly fed and bathed.

Teach the child early to be independent by letting him try out his knowledge and skills. Allow him to make daily decisions, such as choosing clothes to wear for the day. Praise him for doing well, but don't criticize him if he fails to do well. He must be given the right to perform. When his performance or experiment doesn't bring him the returns he had expected, say to him: "I'm sorry you had such a bad experience. You are learning. Try again." Remind him that the important factors are that he tried and can learn from his mistakes. The results which come from trying out his own knowledge and skills will give him strength, security, and independence. Doing for a child what he can do for himself is extremely discouraging to him and interferes with his development.

A WOMAN'S FULFILLMENT

40 Stimulate Their Development

By sharing with our children our tastes, ideas, and experiwe are able to give them a valuable education. Expose them to as many wholesome experiences as possible, to broaden their lives. Life's experiences mold character. Guidance in daily

ences,

activities will help the child to act is

impossible to provide

all

and

feel in desirable

the necessary situations, but

ways.

It

you can

convey the proper attitude to meet most circumstances. When they bring a problem to you, answer with a casual and relaxed attitude. Instill in them confidence, adaptability, and calmness and they will then be able to accept and readily meet the challenges that

life

brings. Further,

your children

parents,

will

by close observation of

their

absorb love, patience, and respon-

sibility.

In

accepting a child as worthy of consideration, a mother Your child asks, "How do the flowers

accepts his questions.

grow?" If you offer him a thoughtful answer, he encouraged and stimulated to search, learn, and express

From an

educational standpoint, curiosity

is

will

be

further.

a priceless asset.

Curiosity can be wisely directed by freely referring to encyclopedias,

atlases,

globes,

and

dictionaries.

Reward

curiosity

at

every opportunity with answers graded to the child's abihty to

understand.

Value the confidence of your child; do nothing to destroy his Be honest with him and listen seriously to his talk, as you would with others. Open communication between mother and child is imperative for a good relationship. faith in you.

If

you

treasure your children's companionship, devote 15 out

of the 1440 minutes in a day to a special time with them. By sharing thoughts and activities you can not only be a friend to

your children but you will have fun. For this special time, think of projects your children especially like to do. You could go for

MOTHER AND CHILD

41

bake together, play a game, tell a story, or simply roughhouse. Run with them, work on scrap books together, or examine an ant hill. Time shared today will turn into memories tomorrow for both parents and children. a

walk, set a

little

girl's hair,

These memories you

Them

Train

A

to

will

have with you always.

Judge and Choose

child should be trained

Impudence or confused learn

with

natural

lack

of

to

depend on

consideration,

his

however,

own judgment. is

not to be

independence or creative expression. He must restraint combined with liberty. Encouraging a

child's personality

and talents doesn't mean permitting

his selfish

whims or his exercising power over adults. A parent's duty is to set Umits. Undue freedom does not make the child happy. Constant security of a routine and enforced rules brings freedom and order. For example, if a child knows that as soon as he gets up he makes his bed and gets dressed before he eats breakfast, it in is up to you as mother to direct him and to be consistent is that and your rules. Number one comes before number two, that!

Before giving a child a command or asking a favor of him, first gain his attention. Don't give too many directions at once. Phrase your directive in language he can understand. Tell him in

what you expect him to do, and ask him to repeat what you said until he has formed the desired habit. If you want him to wash his hands and face before eating, tell him exactly that. Later, you can simply tell him to prepare himself for dinner. (Every child should be taught to wash before and after meals.) detail

Teach your child to honor and obey his parents. Don't be afraid to discipline him. You may have found effective methods of teaching obedience, but a spanking once in a while goes a long way. The punishment should be consistent, and it should be clear

why he was reprimanded.

A WOMAN'S FULFILLMENT

42

I

find

when

that

I

offer

a

well-worded choice, the child

usually chooses the right one. For a situation where

"You

fussy eater say:

don't have to eat

all

you have

your food; you

a

just

won't get any dessert!" In the case of a privilege that

is

being abused, ask the child

if

he wishes to leave the room, get out of the pool, and so on. If the child doesn't respond favorably, the privilege can be taken away, or he can sit somewhere else until he decides to improve his behavior.

Sometimes sending a whiney or rude youngster to his room to about how terrible or unkind he is, helps to teach harmony and consideration. Tell him that when his attitude is think

better, he

may come

house, smile and

out.

show him

After he returns to the rest of the that everything goes better

when he

expresses a good attitude.

Another way to encourage desirable attitudes child's attention

with another subject. He

is

to capture the

will generally forget

mood. You might talk about some exciting event coming up, or point to a pretty tree outside. The best therapy is to divert his attention from his immediate problem or

his undesirable

that

is

concern.

method of correcting my boy's undesirable mood is to have a funny name for him when he is naughty. I say to my son, "Oh, you can't be my nice Brett; you must be that

My

favorite

awful Hoagie.

you?" Usually

Go away; it

I

want

takes very

little

Brett.

of

Brett,

this

Brett,

where are

kind of talk before a

smile breaks across his face.

When you coat,

ask a child to do something, such as hang up his and you receive no response, tell him that by the time you

count to three the job should be started. This helps the child (from pre-school through teens) to decide to move in a hurry. A

MOTHER AND CHILD

43

Even small children can reaches a certain number, hand understand that when the big can

clock

room should be

their

prodder.

a

as

cleaned.

look and a quiet mention of a child's name is a to start him thinking of what he may have been asked to

Sometimes

way

serve

also

a

This device saves mother from repeating herself, and the child feels he has acted on his own without being nagged. do.

Children don't like preaching.

when you

child

are talking to

"How

leading questions. that?

Is

that the

did

An

him you

is

way to reach a him by asking Did you mean to do

effective

to involve

feel?

baby or grown-up thing to do?

How

did the

other person feel? What would you suggest?" Of course, don't ask these questions consecutively, or he will feel he is being

cross-examined.

If

you want

explanation

to be

be

to

Otherwise,

situation.

certain

your child doesn't consider your explore

one-sided, if

the

alternatives

to

a

he discovers later that there are other

think you withheld the whole story from him or that you didn't know what you were talking about. Citing stories and examples of all possibilities helps a child to

may

possibihties, he

choose the right direction. stories of

My

children seem to enjoy hearing

made decisions when I was a child. Not only do every word but they tell me how they would have

how

they cling to

I

acted.

Too many small

son

when

a

times

said,

child

praise, looks

we speak only of wrong

action.

One time my

"I always seem to do everything wrong." So does something nice, lavish him with affection,

of approval, or occasional treats.

Negative, critical words are definitely detrimental in dealing How would your son react to these direct abuses?

with children.

"You look

terrible!

Look

at

your

shirt

hanging out! Tie your

A WOMAN'S FULFILLMENT

44

Why

your hair messed up? Fix up, Raunchy." This would sound better: "I was so proud of you Sunday; you looked so handsome and neat. You may tidy up a bit now for me. Please tuck in your shirt, tie your laces, and shoe

straggly

comb your

laces.

is

hair."

of forcefully commanding a child to do something, ." It is hke being under a dictator if a child is "You may after day. Just listen to yourself, and all day-day commanded imagine how you would react if you were on the receiving end. Instead

use

I

.

did this— and

Teach

.

I

shocked myself by what

I

heard.

Them Respect

According to Defoe, "manners make the man." Children should be taught not to try to be the center of attention, to be quiet,

and to refrain from interrupting when parents or elders

They should be taught never to make unplesant remarks about or to anyone. Let them know that there are are speaking.

matters that are private and should not be except with family members. For convenience, have them go to the toilet before going anywhere— visiting, playing, or family

certain

discussed

riding.

Train

them

to

show appreciation

for favors with "please" and

"thank you." When you take them somewhere, tell them you are doing it to make them happy. Children who are not taught to appreciate small favors in life are probably not going to appreciate greater ones. That's why there are so many "grownups"

who

are

including their

Teach privacy.

thoughtless

own

children

in

showing

gratitude

to

others,

parents.

to

They should

respect

other

people's

belongings

and

stay out of others' things-drawers, rooms,

and purses. Help them realize the many, personal rights of the individual, for freedom carries the responsibility of

closets,

respect for others.

MOTHER AND CHILD But just

as

when the child should be when he should run free. One of unwinding is when he arrives home from school.

there

restrained,

these times for

45

times

there

are

are

times

With the school day over, he needs to be freed from its environment-the haste in preparing for school and in changing classes, the crowded classrooms, the nervous strain of lesson assignments, the noisy school yards and cafeteria, the ringing bells, the confinement to a desk for five hours. When he arrives

home,

let

spends

him have

his

invigorating and varied activity.

A

child

after-school time in such physical exertion

is

who more

inchned to be agreeable around the house. I remember two boys and

a particular a girl.

neighbor family with three children-

They were

and to others outside of the

so well

home

mannered

in their

home

that one couldn't help but

were out the door, they would sing at the top of their lungs, wrestle, climb trees, and race. It was this freedom, combined with the restraints they were learning in their training on manners, that made them such

remark about

it.

As soon

as they

emotionally healthy and well-mannered children. Train

Them

We want

for Responsibility

our children to be capable of carrying burdens, and

such strength of mind

is

by

built

their learning self-discipline.

Doing chores they don't care to do, like making beds, is an early form of self-disciphne. Chores teach service and responsibihty to children. Persistently training the child

may be

inconvenient to the mother but

to attend to his chores it

is

very important to

the future stability of the child. If the process

and

if

they

is

started early

children are encouraged to be consistent in their chores, build automatic habits. The initial effort by the

will

parents soon saves future wear and tear for both parents and children. Soon the children will be able to perform their jobs well and then they will

Post a

list

become

of chores. This

nagging, because the

list

list

will

around the home. save you from reminding and

a great help

will

speak for

itself.

A WOMAN'S FULFILLMENT

46

Help Them

to

to

Be Liked

Any person who expects to work with the pubhc must make friends. Consequently, we need not only to

develop qualities of fine character

them

encourage

express

to

help

our children, but also to

in

those

learn

qualities

in

behavior

and

speech.

A

likable

person

child's sense of

is

interesting

humor and

and witty. Acknowledge your

laugh at his jokes. Feed his interests

by augmenting them with books and

field trips

which

treat the

subjects of these specific interests.

Make Them Feel Secure The

child

needs to learn to control his emotions, whether

is where your cool head and relaxed voice will set the example. This is an important lesson, because whether or not a person is master of his emotions determines his ability to get along with others.

they be caused by physical pain or mental distress. This

A

child

must be made to

feel

every day that he

that his parents are interested in his welfare.

more than sweet words, hugs, and ship.

A

bedtime

few

minutes spent

will help to give

kisses; love

chatting

with

To is

is

loved and

children, love also

is

companion-

your children

at

them love and assurance. We must help

them apply what they may have learned that day to whatever they will meet in the future. At the end of the day, try to decide what was the nicest thing that happened to each member of

the

family.

These

chats

afford

an

excellent

time

to

set

standards and to help build inner strength and conviction which

what behavior is acceptable and what behavior is to be avoided. Prayers from the heart should be an integral part of this session. Such a spiritual orientation gives direction, conscience, concern for fellowmen, and humility. A child needs to go to sleep at night having hope and confidence for the day will teach a child

ahead.

MOTHER AND CHILD

47

Offer your children added security by making your husband number one in the family and by demonstrating, in many subtle

ways,

that

children

he

will

is

mother, and they

ment

leaves

the

primary object of your affection. Your

sense the flow of love between their father and

them

will

feel

content. This cozy, happy environ-

own

free to develop their

personalities.

Home and

children must never be neglected, but that doesn't mother should not have other interests and activities. Everyone needs a change of scenery and pace. An occasional change creates for a woman a more happy and stimulating

mean

that

personality. Children react similarly.

A

mother should

attitude,

her

realize

appearance,

that every

her

word she

household

speaks, every

and the atmosphere she helps to create, affect the life of her child. What Kant said is a reminder to me of my important position in my home: "Act always so that the immediate motive of thy will

may become

a

universal rule

for

all

efficiency

intelligent beings."

Since

manners need the support of fine manners in others" (Emerson), a mother must be joyful, sweet, and relaxed, with controlled emotions and voice. She must cultivate cheerfulness by greeting children with a smile and words of praise. To teach cleanliness and neatness, she must set an example in personal "fine

hygiene as well as

in

her appearance and that of the home.

Bonaventura wrote, "A constant fidelity in small things is a and heroic virtue." I can think of no one to whom this appHes more than to mothers, and the hundreds of little details they must perform day after day. So I guess that makes us great

heroes.

If

parents are courteous and kind to each other, the children ways. When a mother and father are happy in

will imitate their

their roles and with each other, the children will have good models on which to build their ideals of a man and woman.

A WOMAN'S FULFILLMENT

48

Happy

in their roles,

they

will, in turn,

build a

happy marriage

for themselves.

Build Their Personalities

Encourage a girl to be feminine by tenderly expressing compliments and satisfaction about her feminine personality. This can be accomplished by saying, "I'm very happy to have such a sweet daughter." The same appHes to a boy to build in

him an assurance of his masculinity. You could fine, strong boy you are." Seek to enhance your child's be

himself.

individual

People

To do

with his

are

as

this

own

different

own

say,

personality by letting

you must accept your sensitivities,

as

"What

child

as

a

him an

and needs. Perhaps one of your

potentialities

snowflakes.

may do well in mathematics and natural science at an early age. This may lead you to believe that he will be a famous scientist contributing to humanity with his many discoveries. children

Encourage him. Parents have the duty to help their children set in life according to their desires. However, we should

goals

mind that parental ideas for the children may not be what would make them the happiest.

always keep

in

Remember Your Own Childhood Because children are children, all mothers have difficult days. Let me tell you of an incident that happened years ago which taught

me

to be

more understanding.

I

call it,

"I

Was

Perfect."

The doorbell buzzed, and our poodle Cheri darted front door, barking loudly in reply.

I

called to

my

to

the

five-year-old

walked toward the door, "Keep the dog quiet so she won't wake your brother from his nap." daughter as

I

I

opened the door, and there on the step

lay a small package

MOTHER AND CHILD

49

with familiar handwriting. "Wendy, here

a

is

package for you

and Brett from Grandma." snipped the string while Wendy's fingers tugged at the cut Before I returned the scissors to the kitchen drawer, I heard the wrapping paper crumple. When I walked back into the I

thread.

room, Wendy was Ufting off the top of the immediately recognized my childhood story books. living

"Look, books! What them out on the carpet.

"You

will

box.

I

about?" she asked, spreading

are they

be surprised that these are extra special books,

because they were mine when

was a little girl. But before we I want to tell you something important." I sat down next to the little form on the carpet and gathered the books to my lap. I

open them to look and read,

"I don't understand. What's so

"Well, listen and

spent many, pages.

Then

into books.

I'll

all

You

explain.

many hours

care of books,

my

they

the

nice

after

preached, pointing to the stack "I

artists

the pages go to a printer where they're

By taking good look

and

see, writers

want to look

at

have

writing and drawing pictures on these

to read and learn. These in still

important?"

I

lap

we show

made

we're glad

were taken care of because years I had them." I

many held.

them now," Wendy coaxed.

"I promise

I'll

be careful."

"You won't write or color in birthday book, will you?"

them, as you did

A serious frown spread across her brow back and forth.

as she

in

your

shook her head

A WOMAN'S FULFILLMENT

50

hope

good care of books as I did added as a final point to my sermon, while returning the lapful of books to her open arms. "Well,

when

I

I

I

just

was

you'll take as

a little girl,"

I

smiled to myself, thinking about the fine example

for her,

and walked away to

I

had

set

toss out the wrappings.

"Oh, Mama! Look here! Ha! Ha!" Wendy

called

toward the

kitchen.

"What

is

it.

Honey?"

I

asked, coming through the door.

gaze went directly to the open pages of the

me. There, smearing the page, were

my

book

My

she held up to

childish scribblings.

"See, Mama, you were naughty, too, sometimes," Wendy surmized with a giggle. "This is funny! I can't wait until Brett wakes up so I can show him what you did. I think I hear him; he's awake! Brett! Brett!" The flaming redhead danced past me

with the incriminating evidence

in

her hand.

Bubbhng laughter echoed down the hall from the children's bedroom. Stunned, I sank down into the sofa behind me. Shaking my head with disbehef, I said out loud, "I thought I was a perfect child." Then I laughed and wondered how much more there might be that I had conveniently forgotten. So when your son dumps bubble bath in his swimming pool and white foam covers the lawn, while you are changing the fifth diaper of your cranky, teething baby, just don't get excited. Try to relax! Remember, you too were once a child.

Chapter 5

INSTANT FUN FOR CHILDREN When you

the temperature hovers around the 25-below-zero mark,

can't even

empty the

garbage,

out to play. While spending

much

less

many months

send the children

trying to entertain

small ones during the cold winters in Maine and upstate

York,

my

Older

list

of "instant fun" things had

its

New

birth.

with civic and school and unsupervised play, but it is chiefly through mother's genius and ingenuity that children of pre-school age keep busy and happy. Regardless of his age, children

are

usually

involved

clubs, after-school activities, reading,

every child needs to engage in activities he enjoys, or he will

look for other things that may bring trouble. I've heard mothers say: "He's so bad all the time. He's always in my things or

doing what he shouldn't." Usually such a child simply needs he enjoys. Self-motivated involvement gives the child a sense of accomplishment, banishes boredom, keeps him out of activities

mischief and provides happiness.

A entire

my

list

of instant fun,

ideas in this

list

to use in

teacher, after reading

there are

enough

year."

some of

my

Many

my

said,

class

"Why, for the

of these suggestions were contributed by

teacher friends.

Don't spend large amounts of money on toys and supplies home, when you already have wonders of

that only clutter your

.

A WOMAN'S FULFILLMENT

52

your household. Because these ideas keep youngsters entertained and mothers happy, I consider them built-in babysitters. They offer your children hours of creative fun, fun hidden

in

1.

Make

2.

Dress up in

3.

Make bubbles with

a tent

out of

a blanket.

Mom's and Dad's a

small

old clothes.

container of soapy water and

straw or an empty spool.

4.

Cut out pictures from magazines or catalogs.

5.

Paste pictures in a scrapbook.

6.

String buttons.

7.

Draw,

8.

Use

a large,

Fill a

9.

a

trace,

and color

empty box

pictures.

for a play house.

cloth bag with dried beans and sew the top closed for

bean bag.

10.

Make

a jigsaw puzzle

by gluing

a large

picture on a thin

cardboard. Cut the picture into jagged, curved, uneven pieces.

game of pickup

with a handful of toothpicks.

1 1

Play a

12.

Roll several pairs of socks into a ball and fasten

a rubber band. This

is

a

sticks

game of

toss.

Throw

them with

the sock-balls into

the openings of shoes.

13.

Paste

different

large piece of paper.

cut-out

shapes of paper or material on a

INSTANT FUN FOR CHILDREN

53

14. Make a mask by cutting holes in a paper bag for the eyes, nose and mouth. The child can color it any way he chooses— as an animal, clown, or a dozen other faces.

15.

Make

bag doll with

a

a small

paper bag. Draw a face near

the top of the bag and cut the entire area below the neck into strips.

Pull several strands out to the sides for arms,

and

tie at

the wrists. Tie also at the neck and waist.

16.

have

Whip up some soap powder or flakes and water until you a foamy paste. Let your child finger-paint on a small

window

or a formica table.

17.

Use

18.

Play "under the broomstick" by crawhng under a broom on top of two stacks of books. The broom can be

paper plate for a flying saucer.

a

placed

lowered by removing books. 19. Make a ship with a walnut shell, a dab of clay, a toothpick, and a piece of paper cut into the shape of a triangular sail.

20.

Make

a sink

a paper cup. Draw on a face, and you hold Mr. Cup under a running

puppet from

cut a hole for the mouth. If

faucet he will spit out the water from his mouth. 21.

Make

shirt board.

a long

a

sewing card from a picture you have glued to a Poke holes around the figure in the picture and use

shoe lace for the sewing.

22. Using a shoe box, cut out windows and a door for a house. Spread a paste of whipped soap and water on the house and let it dry for a snow house.

23.

Make

a

tambourine

by

pennies, or bells in between

around the edges.

putting

two paper

a

handful

of pebbles,

plates stapled together

A WOMAN'S FULFILLMENT

54

24.

up

Set

toss

a

game using

a

wide-mouth bottle or

a small

box. Toss in clothes pins. 25.

Play a

game of tiddlywinks by

trying to flip large buttons

into a cup.

26.

Float several saucers in a half filled tub of water.

pennies at the saucers to see

who

Throw

can land the most.

27.

Go

28.

Sew

29.

Share with your children some

for a walk and point out color, sizes, details, etc.

a

button on

a piece of fabric scrap.

little

part of whatever

you

are doing.

30.

Make an Indian

taped

in

village

with large triangular pieces of paper

the shape of a cone. These will be the teepees. Use

twigs held with clay at the base for the trees.

31.

Cover a piece of cardboard with

making magic stick-on

felt.

Use

felt

scraps for

pictures.

Fold a sheet of paper into quarters and cut out different shaped pieces. Open up to find a pretty design. 32.

33.

Iron pine needles, flowers or leaves between sheets of

paper. Use

34.

them

wax

or bookmarks.

Make

halves.

two baskets by cutting round oatmeal boxes in Tape the top on the end of the box, and staple a strip of

heavy paper for 35.

for

window decoration

Make

a

a handle.

by using two paper cups with between the cups.

"walkie-talkie"

string threaded

a

INSTANT FUN FOR CHILDREN

55

in paper to make totem poles. From mouths, and strips, then decorate the boxes. Start with the large boxes and build up to the smallest sizes on the top.

36.

Wrap empty boxes

paper,

37.

cut

eyes,

noses,

Garden indoors with the children by planting seeds in a Keep children happy for months caring for and

container.

watching the plants grow. 38.

Make

a cute

on the back, with

game by using

a

paper plate. Draw a

cat's face

mouth. Attach a string to the top of the plate, and hang it in the doorway. Try pitching ping-pong balls, pennies, or buttons into the mouth. a large hole for the

empty spools

39.

String

40.

Create a peep box with a shoe box. Cut a wide hole at one

end and

a

for a necklace.

rectangle on top. Cut figures from cards and glue

on the bottom of the box. Glue a strip of tissue on the top of the cut rectangle for a gentle glow of light on the scene below. these cutouts in an upright scene

41.

Give a small corner of your garden in the

summer

child so he can learn to care for plants as well as

to your watch them

grow. Let your child mix, something he will never 42.

roll, cut,

forget.

and

taste cookies. This will

Lucky

is

be

the child involved in

the kitchen of adventure.

43.

44. this

45.

Pull a

nylon stocking over the face for a funny face mask.

Gather scraps of cloth, paper, and cardboard in many hours of fun.

a

box. Let

be a creative "make box" for

Paper-mache any juice can, some old

tray,

old

vase,

or

A WOMAN'S FULFILLMENT

56 balloon. Shred newspaper into

the

little

desired surface, which has

first

pieces and stick a layer on

been covered with

a half-

and-half mixture of white glue and water.

When

a layer of glue. Paint the dried surface to

complete the project.

46.

Combine

on buttons 47.

different-sized pine cones to

dry, cover with

make

animals. Glue

for eyes.

Cut out a pattern of a butterfly— two

large circles for the

top part of the wings and two small ones for the bottom. Cut

out material, and decorate with buttons for the center.

Use

material strips for the wing decoration.

48.

Paint stones for paper weights.

49.

Glue macaroni

shells,

elbow macaroni, and cotton onto

a

spray-painted cardboard for a sea shell picture. Glue a thin layer

of cotton to

the

surface

area,

then glue the shells onto the

cotton base. 50.

Make

spatter prints

by using

a piece of screen, old tooth-

brush, and food coloring. Lay out newspapers under the

work

area (or invest in a piece of oilcloth). Place a leaf or flower for

your design on a piece of paper. Dip the brush in the food coloring and rub it over the screen which you are holding above the paper. Pick up the leaf or flower and you'll find a delightful design.

51.

Make rhythm instruments out of empty boxes

Place

Staple a piece of paper to create a hat of any shape

desire.

53.

beans, or rocks inside. Sand blocks can be made by tacking sandpaper to wood blocks or heavy cardboard. bells,

easily

52.

or bottles.

Color

Make

it

as

you

leaf prints

you

wish.

by placing

leaf, veins side

up, on a solid

INSTANT FUN FOR CHILDREN surface.

Put

paper

on

57

top

of

the

leaf,

and

run

crayon

a

lengthwise over the paper.

54.

Weave paper by cutting

slits in

a piece of paper

and using

other strips for weaving.

make

55.

Cut off the top of a

56.

Cut

57.

Create flowers with buttons on a piece of cardboard.

58.

Make

59.

Chalk pictures or designs on the sidewalk or patio. wash off with the hose.

doll clothes

plastic bottle to

a vase.

out of old socks.

designs or collages out of scraps of material.

When

finished,

60.

one cup of to

own play-dough by mixing one cup

Create your

make

salt,

a

few drops of food coloring, and enough water

a nice consistency.

61.

Begin a picture gallery

or

to display their creations.

Make

doll

room to teach art, Simply suspend some twine and

in the children's

hang the pictures with clothes 62.

of flour,

pins.

houses out of shoe boxes with cardboard beds

and pasted-on material for drapes. 63.

For

64.

When

a

drum, use an empty oatmeal box and going on a

trip,

a

spoon.

take along a "mystery

box"

filled

with some toys, paper, pencils, and snacks.

Make

dolls from socks by stuffing them with material Three inches below the toe, tie a string to form the neck. Use your imagination to decorate the rest. (The heel makes a natural "behind.")

65.

scraps.

A WOMAN'S FULFILLMENT

58

66.

Plant seeds in eggshell halves.

67.

Collect stamps.

68.

Trace roads on an old map.

69.

Let the child telephone a friend.

70.

Decorate

a

face

a

hand

for carving a bar of soap into

some

on an old sock and use

it

as

puppet. 71.

Form

pipe cleaners into different shapes or animals.

72.

Use a

new

creation.

child's scissors

73. Hang a soap window. (This one

74.

strainer is

filled

with peanut butter outside a

for the birds.)

Paste favorite cards on a

box or wastebasket, then spray

with shellac. 75.

Give your child a snack of

fruit, either fresh

or dried. Such

snacks not only keep a child quietly occupied, but offer added nutrition.

76.

Build a log cabin with corrugated cardboard. Let the ripples

show on the outside

for the log effect.

Stuff a paper bag with newspaper and

under the head. Roll newspaper tightly around the rest of the hanging bag for a handle. Color the head like a clown or whatever is desired. Use buttons, yarn, and cotton for added decoration. 77.

tie a string

Dig out designs with a child's scissors on a potato half. Dip it in food coloring and press on a paper to see the design you have made for a potato stamp. 78.

INSTANT FUN FOR CHILDREN

59

79.

Make

80.

Give your poor snapshots to the children for their picture

from

a train

a

row of

chairs.

box or scrapbook. 81.

Let

the

children

earn

some money by helping you with

chores.

82.

Have the

little

poo. The foam

Make

83.

a

is

one shampoo

his

hair with

no-tears sham-

fun to play with for at least half an hour.

set

of

cards

by

pasting

cut-out

pictures

from

magazines on card-size pieces of cardboard. The children can match four pictures of the same item— trucks, trees, etc. Collect rocks.

84.

Create a silver sculpture by covering molded clay with tin

85. foil

86.

and gently pressing the

foil

to the shape.

Put nesting bowls at different distances on the floor. Toss

dried beans, buttons, or pennies into the bowls. Assign five, ten,

or

more points

for each hit.

Teach children to listen with a simple game. Select several and place on a tray, then drop them one at a time on the floor while the child's eyes are closed and have him 87.

familiar objects

guess the object dropped.

Shoot straws into the air. The one who sends the straw the The one who gets ten points first, wins the game. 88.

farthest gets a point.

89.

Collect leaves, and dry

90.

For

a bit

them

in

telephone books.

of magic to watch, mix one cup of water and one

A WOMAN'S FULFILLMENT

60

cup of vinegar with one teaspoon of moistened baking soda. Drop in six mothballs and watch them bounce up and down. 91.

Draw and

Then cover

color a picture on an index card.

the

entire picture with a black crayon. Using a ruler or straight edge

and

a

paper

lines, part

draw

clip,

lines

every quarter-inch. Through the

of the picture will be seen for a fascinating effect.

Glue toothpicks on a piece of cardboard for a design or If the child needs guidance for his picture you may want to draw a shape first. 92.

picture.

93.

Lick

gummed,

colored-foil stars

You

black thread in between. as

you want with threads and

94.

Give

your child

toothpicks and

let

a

and

stick

two together with

can make a string of stars as long sparkles.

handful of marshmallows and several

him make

statues. After

you have admired

his

creations he can eat them.

95.

Make

a wind-spinner

by glueing two

of a toothpick. Then place

it

in a

circles together

on top

straw with the circles resting

on the top of the straw. When the wind hits your spinner, it will be turned round and round. It is effective to have designs and different colors

96.

Make

a

on the

place

struction paper with

97.

use

98.

circles.

mat by covering

wax

a

colored

piece

of con-

paper. Glue the corners.

Create a clock from a paper plate. For the movable hands,

two bobby

pins slipped in at a hole in the center.

Cut hangers for

doll's

clothes

from the

sides

of plastic

detergent bottles. 99.

Decorate flat-bottomed paper cups with scraps of material

INSTANT FUN FOR CHILDREN to

make

a clown.

from

a hat

Top

it

61

off with a pointed paper cup, or

a large triangular piece of

make

paper stapled to the shape

you want. Decorate

100.

a

baby-food

with

jar

struction paper for eyes, nose, and

cup for 101.

pieces

mouth. Top

of it

felt

or

with

a

con-

paper

a hat.

Collect coins.

Put a piece of wax paper around a "instrument" for unusual sounds. 102.

comb and hum on

the

103. Make a puzzle map of the United States by pasting a road map of the United States on cardboard. Cut each state out and

the child

104.

ready for fun and learning.

is

Create

a

variety

of

by

necklaces

stringing

macaroni,

colored paper squares, and pieces of straws. 105.

Paste strips of paper to form a chain.

106.

For

a

cute doll, use a straight clothespin with the round

Wrap material around for around the top, and draw in the top.

a

and cape. Put

skirt

a scarf

features of a face.

107. Drop a few grains of rice on a piece of paper. Wherever they land, punch holes with a pin. Then draw a picture by

joining

108.

all

these points.

Organize a treasure hunt. Hide the objects, then

children hunt for them. If necessary give 109.

Blindfold the child and

sheet of paper.

tell

him

them to

let

the

hints.

draw something on

a

A WOMAN'S FULFILLMENT

62

1

10.

Paste

child.

a

sitting

on

on

fingers

a fence.

(Indicate which

on the forefingers of

pieces of paper for wings

little

Place

is

a

table

and

"Two

sing,

little

birds

and one named

One named

which.) "Fly away

."

(Fly the bird over

and repeat for the other bird.) "Come back (Return the bird to the table, and repeat for the other one.)

a shoulder,

111.

Make

a

puppet from the cardboard center of a Draw in a face and color it. Use a handkerchief

finger

toilet-tissue roll.

or a piece of material for a flowing scarf or a dress.

1 1

2.

Try to bounce a ping-pong

from

ball

a table

top into an

egg carton.

Follow routes on a map with a toy auto. could be used over water. 113.

1

14.

Bounce Punch

a ball off the wall

and catch

bottom of

it

A

toy boat

in a funnel.

paper cup. Insert a string and tie it securely. Tie the other end to a door knob, and hold the string taut. Try to blow the cup all the way to the door 1

15.

a hole in the

a

knob. 116.

Grease a pan as you would for baking and sprinkle flour

evenly on top.

It is all

117.

"Once upon

story.

When

a

ready for finger-painting.

time...,"

Sand

someone off

pictures

are

is

carried

fun for

all

color.

then apply glue to Sprinkle sand

all

upon the

ages.

Stir

excess sand, and go to the next color.

different

Draw a you want

the places glue.

a

When

on by another, and so on.

coloring into several baby-food jars of sand. paper,

telling

he stops, the next person continues the story.

that person stops, the story

118.

starts

When

it

is

food

picture on to be one

dry, shake off

INSTANT FUN FOR CHILDREN

63

Put a blob of finger paint or a few drops of food coloring on a piece of paper. Fold it while the liquid is still wet, and presto! You have a blot drawing. 1

1

9.

Cut magazine pictures out and paste them form a story.

120. to

in a

notebook

Arrange on a table, odds and ends such as corks, cotton, shells, empty spools, prunes, and a potato. Let the child make strange creatures with them. 121.

glue,

nut

122. Give the child a magazine and suggest several things which he might look for and cut out. 123.

Stretch a rope on the floor and blindfold the child. Let tightrope.

him walk the 124.

Make

from a salt box. Use the spout for a snout, tacks for eyes, and a pipe cleaner for the tail. With a sht in the top, this may serve as a bank. spools for

a pig

legs,

125.

Create a wall tapestry by heavily crayoning a scene on a piece of cotton fabric. With a hot iron, press on the opposite side of the material and the wax will penetrate the material. 126. Make a shadow box with nature's materials. Use a deep picture frame with a cardboard backing. Glue a picture onto the

cardboard. With dried flowers, leaves, grass or sand, pebbles, and cemented in a scenic arrangement, the child can make a delightful wall hanging. shells, all

127.

If the child

can read, have him cut words from a magazine

and use them to write 128.

a story.

Walk across the room balancing

a

book on your head.

A WOMAN'S FULFILLMENT

64

broomstick on the floor and kneel on it. Put an fingertips can reach. Holding onto the hands, bend forward and try to pick up the stick with both spool without losing balance. 129.

Lay

a

empty spool where the

130. For a funny game, color on a paper plate, eyes, nose, and mouth. Place two buttons on the plate and jiggle it. If a button lands on each eye, score ten points; if on one eye, score three points. A score of twenty wins.

131.

Tear newspapers into different designs.

132. Punch eight holes around the top edge of an oatmeal box. Thread a length of string through each hole (seven strings the same length and one longer), and knot both ends of each string. Rotate the box and see who gets the longest string.

133.

Grow

a

shallow dish,

colorful chemical garden before your eyes. In a

place

two or three lumps of

Combine

coal.

the

following ingredients in a bowl and mix well:

6 tablespoons

salt

6 tablespoons bluing

6 tablespoons water 6 tablespoons

ammonia

Pour the mixture over the coal. Let food coloring drop in on the mixture. Crystals will form into interest-

different spots

ing shapes.

134.

Grow an indoor

garden from the top of

a

carrot stub.

Place the stub in a shallow dish of pebbles and water. If

kept

in

a light

place and watered,

new shoots

will

appear

it

is

in a

few days. 135.

Children love to "cook." Here

candy, chocolate fudge.

is

a recipe for a

no-cook

INSTANT FUN FOR CHILDREN

65

3 ounces softened cream cheese

2 cups sifted confectioner's sugar V2

cup powdered chocolate

Mix well with spoon, and then add % teaspoon chopped nuts, and a dash of salt. Mix. Press into pan, and chill for 15 minutes.

vanilla, V4

cup

a well-greased

This basic recipe can be used for Peanut Butter Fudge. Just

add

2

tablespoons

of

peanut

butter

with

or

without

the

chocolate.

For a good trick, place a card on top of a glass. Then place a coin on the card above the center of the glass. Snap the edge of the card with your finger. The card shoots away and the 136.

coin drops in the glass.

137. apart;

Teach "balance" with lay

a

back of each

broom

a stunt. Place

across them. Place a

two

two feet handkerchief on the chairs

on the broomstick and balance with a Ufting them from the floor. When perfectly balanced, try to Hft handkerchief from each chair, using the cane only. The feet should remain off the floor. cane.

Cross

chair.

your

Sit

legs,

Toe a line and squat. Bring the right arm in back of right and then between the legs. Make a mark with chalk as far ahead as you can without moving toes from the line. Come back to an upright position without losing balance. 138.

leg

Draw

a circle six feet in diameter. Enter the circle and on the right foot. Hold the left foot up with the left hand. Extend the right arm behind the back and take hold of the left arm. Try not to slip outside the circle or you must

139.

stand

begin again.

140.

Make your own colored cartoon

strips

with a candle end,

A WOMAN'S FULFILLMENT

66

spoon, and funnies. Cut out cartoons that you'd like to copy. Cover a piece of paper with wax by rubbing it all over with a white candle. Turn the cartoon over and lay it face down on the wax paper. If you rub the back of the cartoon with the bowl of a spoon, it will transfer the print to the piece of paper. a

Make dancing puppets by

141.

first

cutting several

figures out of tissue paper. Create static electricity

comb through your

If

touch and cling to

until they

a

you hold the comb near the

they will be attracted to

puppets,

around

hair.

inch-tall

by running

the

comb and

will

dance

it.

trick. Rub two balloons on wool, creating Then tie a string to each one and rub them on wool again. If you hold the balloons by their strings, you can't make them touch each other. They will dance around, while the

Try

142.

a balloon

static electricity.

children will thoroughly enjoy watching them.

143.

puppets

Paper-clip

please

both

girls

and boys. Draw

a

paper doll about three inches high and standing on a half-inch

Cut out the

base.

and

slip a clip

races

144.

by blowing Pull

cardboard

doll

over in

it.

and color both

The

sides.

Bend back the base

doll will stand alone.

back of several

dolls to force

You can have them

along.

out pine cone petals and glue them on paper or in floral designs.

Take a sheet of thin paper and place it over a coin, piece of wood, screen, or whatever has a rough texture. Rub the side of a crayon over the paper and you will pick up the imprint on 145.

the thin paper. 146. Put crayon scrapings between two sheets of waxed paper and iron the top sheet. The scrapings will melt and give you a colorful transparency.

INSTANT FUN FOR CHILDREN 147.

Use paper

148.

For

tissues

and

a clove apple,

67

doilies for

making

doll clothes.

push cloves into an apple, covering the

Only the tops of the cloves should show. Allow the apple to dry for a few days, then tie a ribbon around it. "Clove apple" will give a pleasant aroma to a room or closet. entire surface.

149. Create colorful celery by first cutting six inches off the top of a stalk of celery, then slitting the lower part of the stalk

two

into

Fill two glasses with water, adding one teaspoon of red food coloring in one glass and one teaspoon of blue in a second glass. Place one of the cut ends of celery into each glass. Different colored water will be absorbed by the sap

sections.

tubes in the celery, and sections of celery, veins, and leaves will turn red and blue. 150. For a soda-straw clarinet use a paper straw, flattening about half an inch of the end. Cut a point in that end. Put the tip into the mouth (being careful not to touch points with the hps), and blow hard. The points will vibrate rapidly and will produce a musical note. Various lengths of straw will produce different notes.

Here

151. child's

is

an easy pirate costume. Tie

neck, a sash around

a scarf around the the waist, and a big black patch

across one eye.

crepe

All of these items can be made of material or Use curtain rings or plastic rings for dangling Loop an eight-inch string through each earring, and tie

paper.

earrings.

the ends of string together. Slip the string loops over the ears. Make a cardboard dagger, covering it with tin foil. Thrust it under the sash.

152.

Put newspapers on the floor in a crooked hne-some of close and some of them far apart, like stepping stones in a brook. Walk on them, placing one foot on a "stone" at a

them

time.

Then

try balancing different objects

the stepping stones.

on your head

as

you walk

A WOMAN'S FULFILLMENT

68

153.

Cut up old greeting cards and paste them on paper to

make new 1

54.

See

cards.

how many

empty pop

bottle.

toothpick so the

toothpicks you can balance on top of an One good way to start is to balance a

tip

rests

in the

neck of the bottle below the

rim, with the middle of the toothpick resting several that

155.

Little

way before you girls

on the edge. Place

begin to pile others on top.

can cut out pictures from fashion magazines

and glue them on cardboard of the same shapes. They have fashionable paper dolls.

will

then

Bend the loop of a wire coat hanger into a circle and hang it on a doorknob so that the loop stands out from the door. Stand four feet away and try to throw a balloon into the loop. 156.

Balloon basketball

157.

Make

a

is

fun for

Place

ages.

fan from paper. Color in a design

and then pleat the paper every bottom, and clip or staple it. 158.

all

two water

glasses

on

half-inch.

on each

Gather

it

at

side,

the

a table exactly six inches apart.

glass. Take two long pencils and hold one hand like chopsticks. Try to lift the marbles out of one glass and transfer them to the other glass without dropping

Put ten marbles into one

them

in

any. 159. This is a giant-size tic-tac-toe game. Use a piece of heavy cardboard and mark it with two lines going up and down and two going across to make squares. Then trace five x's and five o's

onto

in the

cards. Play the

game by placing

the cards

by turn

Boys will love this space helmet. Choose a cardboard box enough to go over a child's head and rest on his shoulders.

160. big

little

squares on the board.

INSTANT FUN FOR CHILDREN Cut

hole

a

one

in

You

can

make

a small

inside the

box

If

you have some

across the face hole..

antenna from pipecleaners stuck on top

Cover the helmet with aluminum

Good costumes can

161.

face.

Spools can dangle from the aerial for insulators.

box.

of the

it

the

for

side

transparent plastic, tape

69

the finishing touch.

foil for

made from

be

large

paper bags

in

which dry cleaners return clothes. Cut a hole large enough for a head

in the

top center. Next, cut holes in each side near the top

for arms. Color

it

and

slip

the bag over the head.

For a handkerchief parachute that floats down to the ground like the ones used by the U.S. Air Force, obtain string, a handkerchief, and a clothespin. Cut four pieces of string twelve inches long and tie each string to a corner of the handkerchief. Then tie the loose ends to the top of the clothespin. Roll up the parachute and throw it high. 162.

163.

Grow

beans

in a dish.

moist

in a light place for ten days.

164.

A

a

miniature

Add

sweet potato

by spreading a layer of lentil enough water to moisten them. Keep

forest

just

will

produce

with toothpicks in a jar or glass with it

in the sunhght. In

a

pretty vine. Suspend

its

tip in the water.

about two weeks, tack

it

Keep

a string for the vines

to climb.

165.

A

cute clown suit can be

made from an

old pair of Dad's

pajamas. Baste on big patches here and there. Put the pajamas

bands over the wrists pajamas out to make a baggy look. on.

166.

Slip

rubber

You can

lift

it.

the ice

Wet

a piece

cube.

Now

Pull

the

an ice cube with a piece of thread without

tying the thread to the

wet

and ankles.

ice.

Put an ice cube under the faucet to

of thread, and lay one end of sprinkle

salt

it

in a

loop on

on the loop of thread.

In a

A WOMAN'S FULFILLMENT

70

second you can take hold of the free end of the thread and hft the cube.

167.

Lay

Stand

in front

of paper on a table

piece

a

in

front of a mirror.

of the mirror with a pencil and, looking only

in

the mirror, draw a square or write your name. 168. Take several flat wooden clothespins and write a number on each. Make a fishing line and pole by tying a string to the end of a stick and weighting the free end of the line with a nail. Put the clothespins into water in a big pan. Hold the pole and drop the weighted line into the water. Move the pole slowly until the line goes between the prongs of a clothespin, then pull it up. Add your score as you go along.

Draw an

169.

closing the

1

A

70.

carton.

Cut

a

at the

171.

ink face on the palm of the hand. Opening and

fist will

castle for

Remove door for

give the face strange expressions.

toy soldiers

is

easy to

make with an oatmeal

the top of the carton and cut out the bottom. soldiers to enter,

and make notched battlements

top of the walls.

To make

a guitar,

use a shoe

box with the

lid

removed.

Stretch eight rubber bands of different sizes around the hollow

box, and pluck these "strings." 172.

Draw

a

one-half inch

of a boy and

picture

wide.

From each

side

girl

two inches

of the

picture,

iiigh

and

near the

draw strips or long tabs to be used as bands which will around your finger. Cut out the picture with bands attached. Glue the ends of two ''tabs" together to form a ring. By placing the rings around your fingers, the boy and girl can be made to walk and dance together. waistline, fit

173.

You can make

a

leaf lady with a

fairly

large

leaf for a

INSTANT FUN FOR CHILDREN

71

four very small ones for arms and legs. Cut out for stems need shoes and on top o\^ the large leaf it Paste it. on a circle and draw a face onto a piece of leaf lady where the stem was. Then paste the dress,

a

smaller one for her hat. and gloves.

You

paper and add the

rest

will

of her parts.

game is called Rhyme It. One player looks out of the window and names something he sees. The other player says a word that rhymes with the object named. The game continues until neither player can think of a new rhyming word. The last one to think of a rhyming word wins the game. 174.

This

Chapter 6

GREAT MENUS

IN

MINUTES

enjoy good food, but I think a family can eat well without spending a fortune in time and money. By asking and accepting advice from friends on improving menus, I've built up a wealth I

of cooking ideas designed for quick serving and delicious dining.

These menus cost approximately twenty cents per serving and require only about fifteen minutes of preparation time. The rest of the work is done by the refrigerator or stove. Plan for

Economy

Be sure to consult the newspaper for food sales, and plan your menus for the week accordingly. Thirty minutes a week spent in such planning can save you up to 20 per cent a month in food costs. Be sure to shop carefully and compare prices. By employing economical recipes and utilizing leftovers, you can save even more. All in all I find that my family eat wellbalanced meals and spend about 20 per cent a month less than the average family of our size. planning menus for the week, don't lump your ritzy meals together and your budget ones together. Alternate them, otherwise you might hear complaints that you are not planning

When

well enough.

Not only can you

learn to spend less than the average family

GREAT MENUS but,

IN

you buy

if

MINUTES bulk

in

73

when

a particular item

is

on

sale,

you

An extra supply of food has many advantages. Because of your stored surplus you can wait for sales on certain items. You will thus save yourself can always have a cupboard

many

full

of food.

extra trips to the grocery store, and

you

will

have food

by illness of the breadwinner, weather, national disasters, and so on. emergencies

for

caused

bad

a few dollars each week on food for storage, you soon have enough food to last for months. Concentrate on family-favorite, high-protein foods and staples. Rotate and use the foods you store, so that you won't have old foods hidden in a corner. The following hst suggests foods to store. You may want to get a book or two that goes into this subject in more ^ detail, outlining preservation and storage methods.

By spending

will

Suggested Storage Foods Bouillon cubes

Dehydrated soups

Gelatin

Canned beans Canned vegetables

Dried peas, beans, and barley

Deviled

ham

Oatmeal

Spam

Salt

Canned ham

Macaroni and cheese Dried vegetables in cans

Cans of chili, stews Pudding mixes

Powdered milk

Dried fruit

Peanut butter

Seeds (sunflower and sesame),

Sardines

nuts

Flour

Oil

Cornmeal Wheat germ Cans of juice PoHshed rice

Canned soup Dried bacon

Yeast

Cheese

in jars

Honey Wheat

For example Passport to Survival, by Esther Dickey, and Family Storage Plan, by Zabriskie. Both are published by Bookcraft.

Bob R.

A WOMAN'S FULFILLMENT

74

And find

talking of longer-term food storage, do you sometimes your short-term arrangements breaking down? For instance,

when preparing

pepperoni

a

did

pizza,

you ever search the

from shelf to shelf for the missing pepperoni, only to see your husband walk into the kitchen and throw away a pepperoni wrapper as you close the refrigerator door? Every household seems to have its snackers. To preserve from the snacker's snatch the foods you have planned for certain menus, include snack food on your shopping lists. Gelatins, celery and carrot sticks, raisins, fruit, and punches (for freezing in cube refrigerator

trays as popsicles) are healthy snacks that don't ruin appetites.

When record

my

prepare

I

shopping

list,

every dollar after items that

I

I

roughly estimate and

list.

Consequently

am

I

never caught short by the checkout clerk. (Once was enough.) Plan for Variety

Meals that are appealing to the eye and to the taste buds possess

Both

contrasts.

a

meal and one that

colorless

is

too

colorful can cause a person to lose his appetite. For example,

mashed potatoes, white

and cauUflower-or at the other extreme, think of beets, red cabbage, and red salmon.

picture

For

variety, serve at least

fish,

one hot course and one cold course

with each meal.

Avoid serving

all

the food in the

same form.

many bits and pieces or shaped monotony makes the meal forfeit eye cut into

don't

serve

hamburger, and Don't serve

Your

taste

a

all

buds

same

meal stuffed tomato.

the

in

If

each course

is

round form, the appeal. For instance, potato puff balls, a round in a

bland, tart, or spicy foods at the same meal.

like variety.

GREAT MENUS Combine salad can

IN

MINUTES

75

and chewy foods with some that are soft. A the bill for the crispy variety on the menu, while

crisp

fit

most forms of potatoes

will suffice as the soft texture food.

Vary the way you serve the same food. For example, potatoes be served baked, mashed, boiled, french fried, au gratin, molded into balls or patties, diced or creamed. can

When

you

of

think

and

cooking

serving

food,

think—

"Variety."

The

recipes for the usual

menu

items, such as cole slaw or

if you don't already want to give those I find especially attractive. I've observed that in some books the author writes on and on about a special recipe and how good it is, but when you look for it in the book, it isn't there. As I discuss

corn muffins, can be found in a cook book,

know how

foods

make them. Here

to

chapter

in this

I

I

have included the appropriate recipes.

Breakfasts Breakfast

that time of the

is

morning

I

move from

stove automatically because I'm only half awake.

bacon-and-egg hardly feel

hot cereal

is

I

I

sink to

can have a

on the table in seven minutes and have made any effort. Pancakes take longer, but breakfast

the easiest (not counting cold cereal).

your morning is going to be rushed, set the table the night before and cook the hot cereal. In the morning heat it with milk for a few minutes until it is warm. In a short time breakfast will If

be ready.

To

save time

when

frying bacon, put the desired

unseparated bacon pieces

in

pieces can be easily parted with a fork.

bacon,

because

number of

the pan. After the pan heats, the I

prefer thinly sliced

seem to be so salty and fatty. Furthermore, thin bacon cooks faster and goes further. Save thick

pieces

A WOMAN'S FULFILLMENT

76

bacon drippings to use for

a

pleasant flavor in baked beans,

scalloped potatoes, grilled cheese sandwiches, green beans, and

corn bread.

When making scrambled equal one egg. This will eggs

is

a

better buy,

add two tablespoons of milk to stretch the eggs. Buying the next size of

if

eggs,

the price difference

is

not more than

fifteen cents a dozen.

For Apple Pancakes use

pancake recipe and add

a regular

a

diced apple to the batter.

from my who came from a farm in Sweden. There they wrap the pancakes around a jam made from a native berry. I find currant jam is more available in the United States, so use that as a substitute. Here is the recipe: I

received

the

following Swedish Pancake recipe

mother-in-law,

I

2 cups flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and a dash of and sugar. Blend in 2 cups milk, 3 beaten eggs, and 2 tablespoons melted butter. Heat pan to medium high with enough oil to cover the bottom. The batter should be thinner than regular pancake batter. Pour about Vi cup until the bottom of the pan is covered. Turn once. When it is done, roll it around your favorite tart jam. Sift

salt

Lunches I

would think most men By going down

for lunch.

my

like at least this

list,

I

two items on

the

menu

save myself from racking

brain to think of selections and variety.

Cottage Cheese

Coleslaw

Baked beans Soups Sandwiches

Juice

Gelatin

Tossed salad

GREAT MENUS

MINUTES

IN

77

canned

Casseroles

Fruit, fresh or

Deviled eggs

Muffins

Hot dogs Hamburger

Cheese or meat spread on crackers Macaroni and cheese

Relish tray

Leftovers

English muffin pizzas

Garlic bread

One of my You can vary

favorite man-size lunches

is

English Muffin Pizzas.

the meat topping to suit different tastes, or you can omit the meat and serve cheese pizzas. Cut large muffins into

three

slices,

per flakes,

lengthwise,

Top with

pizza sauce.

and

garlic

and

cheese,

toast.

Cover each one with

browned meat, mushrooms, pep-

powder. Heat

in

350-degree oven until

cheese melts.

Soups Stretch meat by adding another course at the beginning of the I

find soups

Save

vegetable

meal.

do the job very water,

with

nicely.

its

nourishing

substances,

for

soups. Also, leftover drippings, gravies, and sauces can be frozen in

ice-cube trays, then stored in plastic bags to be used

needed

when

later in soups.

Here are a few soups

I

serve once in a while for "stretching"

as well as for variety.

Try something unusual, Cherry Soup. Empty into a pan, a can of pitted cherries, 2 cups water, 2 cinnamon sticks, 2 cloves, and 1/8 teaspoon

Add

salt.

Cook

a teaspoon of

5

minutes. Press cherries through sieve.

almond

flavoring

and 3 tablespoons honey.

Reheat. Let cool. Chill until served.

Find a new flavor variation— Ga^pac/io Soup. From a large can of tomatoes squeeze each tomato through your fingers to break

A WOMAN'S FULFILLMENT

78

Mix

a diced cucumber, Vi grated onion, a cup of tomato juice, ^4 cup of Italian dressing, and a dash of pepper and celery salt with the tomatoes. Chill thoroughly until it

into small pieces.

served.

When you make Chicken a delicious boil

one

chicken carcass in

tender (2 hours).

Add 4

Vegetable

Soup you not only make

soup but you also clean out the

When

8

refrigerator. First,

cups of vegetable water until

cool, strip

all

the meat from the bones.

chicken bouillon cubes, a grated potato and carrot, a

%

cup barley and 2 diced celery stalks. You can you may have found when cleaning the refrigerator. Season with thyme, salt and pepper. For a change, I sometimes add a can of tomatoes. Simmer for about 20 minutes. diced onion,

add any

left-over vegetables

Salads

My

favorite

form of vegetables

is

fresh salad.

I

prefer salads

by washing, then placing them in the refrigerator crisper while they are moist. Cut tops of carrots before storing to prevent moisture and nutrition from being lost from the roots. Garhc will not dry out if you separate the head into cloves. Pop them into a covered jar and that are crisp. Wilted vegetables can be revived

refrigerate them. Parsley can also be kept fresh in a covered jar.

Pull

causes

the desired

amount of

lettuce

from the head,

as cutting

the rest of the head to turn brown. After preparing a

salad but before adding a dressing, always refrigerate. Refriger-

ation keeps a salad crisp.

Once in a while I serve fresh vegetables around a bowl of sour cream onion dip. Use whichever vegetables you like, but a few suggestions might be radishes, cherry tomatoes, carrot and celery slices,

or cauliflower sprigs.

I

GREAT MENUS

IN

MINUTES

Save pickle juice, Sprinkle

in

for

79

it

pepper, celery

makes

delightful

a

salad

dressing.

and garlic salt. I receive more salad dressings which contain these ingredi-

compliments on my on any dressing

ents than

I

salt

buy

at the store.

Salads can be a delicious side dish or a main dish, depending on what you add. They offer almost unhmited variety because of the numerous ingredients and combinations. My family has them every evening because of the ease of preparation, the nutritional value and, of course, the variety. Possible ingredients are:

Lettuces

Tomatoes (cherry or

Red cabbage regular)

Raw

pieces (raw)

spinach

Parsley

Green

Cucumbers Mushrooms Onion rings

Black olives

olives

Boiled shrimp

Deviled or hard-boiled eggs

Ham

Cheese strips Sharp cheese chunks Salami

Chicken

Roast beef

Celery

Avocados

Bacon crisps Turkey

Lobster

Artichoke (pickled) Green pepper

Carrot (grated or curls)

As much as my family like cooked vegetable dishes.

salads,

we have

a

couple of

favorite

Grean Beans Supreme is extra special and really dresses up a Cook and drain 2 packages frozen grean beans (French preferred). Blend 1 can cream of mushroom soup, 1 tablespoon butter, a dash of pepper, and Wi teaspoon soy sauce in a casserole dish, and stir in Vi can onion rings. Add green beans. Bake at 300 degrees until heated through (20 minutes). Garnish dinner.

with the rest of the onion

rings.

A WOMAN'S FULFILLMENT

80

Vegetables

and

flavor,

in

Foil

vitamins.

chopped potato and distribute

it

a

allow you to enjoy the natural juices, Mix a can of drained bean sprouts, a chopped onion, and 2 diced carrots. Then

in five portions.

Top with

butter, soy sauce, pepper,

and salt. Wrap each portion in a double thickness of bake one hour in a 300-degree oven.

foil

and

Special Spinach is a way to be certain spinach is eaten. After cooking a package of spinach according to directions, drain. Add one beaten egg and mix. Place in a baking dish. Sprinkle liberally with Parmesan cheese and bake in a 300-degree oven for 10 minutes.

Easy Tomato Sauce Recipes

When you make

you can use the same

spaghetti sauce,

basic

for chili, chicken cacciatore, Spanish rice or American chop suey. Simply add several extra ingredients. For example, toss in a chopped green pepper and diced chicken, and presto! — you have chicken cacciatore. To save time, I usually double the ingredients and freeze the extra for later use.

sauce

For Basic Tomato Sauce, use a large can each of tomato and tomato sauce. Add 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon each of dried parsley flakes, dried onion chips, ItaHan seasoning,'^ sugar, salt, and /4 teaspoon hot pepper flakes. After combining all ingredients, simmer for at least thirty

paste, tomatoes,

minutes.

My so

husband

delicious

cups)

is

freshly

insists that this

that

good, but grated

we should it

cheese

is

Spaghetti and Meat Balls recipe eat

it

is

every week. The sauce (4

the sausage in the meat balls and the

that

really

make

the

dish.

pound each of sausage and hamburger meat, an

Combine egg,

slice

1

of

^You can purchase Italian seasoning as a spice that has oregano and basil already blended, or you may combine the oregano and basil in equal parts yourself.

GREAT MENUS

IN

MINUTES

81

bread (wet it under tap), V4 cup milk, a teaspoon of dried onion, meat tenderizer, and V2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (oregano and basil). Brown 20 meat balls and simmer with sauce for 15 minutes. Serve with freshly grated

To prevent add

cooking water.

the

to

oil

spaghetti to see whether

more

cheese.

spaghetti from sticking and boihng over so easily,

spoonful of

a

Romano

You

done, but sometimes

is

it

I

can taste use a

silly,

way. First, I check to see that no one is looking, and then I throw a piece against the refrigerator. If it sticks, that means it's done. No doubt this sounds childish, but when I'm feeling low I get a charge out of doing it that raises

my

interesting

spirits.

One time my

act.

Amazed, she asked, "What

how first

she

feels

know

For an easy

I

was

still

when

I

was tempted to

I

cleaning the refrigerator, but instead tickled her to

me

oldest daughter silently walked in behind

and caught me in the doing?" Now I know something wrong. At

I

are

you

catch her doing tell

her

I

was

blurted out the truth.

It

a kid at heart.

macaroni and cheese mix accordcup of Basic Tomato Sauce and IVi cups of browned ground meat and sausage. Heat in a 300-degree oven for five minutes. This is now called American Chop Suey. ing

dish, prepare a

to directions.

Here possible

is

Add

a dish that

is

1

so quick to prepare that

company would

Cacciatore

rave

over it-but

it

doesn't seem

they do.

Chicken

only 4 cups of Basic Tomato Suace, Vi diced green pepper, and 3 cups of cooked chicken chunks. Simmer all until

uses

peppers are tender (usually

1

5 minutes). Serve over

cooked

rice.

Spanish Rice is ready in no time with the addition of 1 teaspoon of chili powder, a diced green pepper, and Va cup each of celery and onion to 4 cups of the Basic Tomato Sauce.

A WOMAN'S FULFILLMENT

82

pound browned hamburger meat Simmer with with 4 cups cooked rice, and serve. Combine 1

For

mix together

Chili,

Tomato

Basic

pan

in a

2 cans of

for

1

5 minutes.

tomatoes, 2 cups

Sauce, 2 cans of kidney beans, a diced onion,

1

tablespoon chih powder, a diced green pepper and 1 pound browned hamburger. Simmer for 20 minutes, and you have

enough

for 10 servings.

Meats Save

money and time by

using inexpensive and sale meats in a

wide variety of ways. Use meat tenderizer on all meat, as it not only tenderizes but also makes meat stay juicier and cook faster and reduces shrinkage. To hold down expense, buy the unseasoned meat tenderizers, and use your own salt and seasoning.

The

many

expensive meat

least

different

ways

and

is

hamburger. Learn to use it in save money. There are

you will be found

in many good cookbooks. hundreds of good recipes to I have chosen three of my favorites to relay to you here.

Do you make you

Far East, but can't? It might you'd try Far East Special. Mix 1 diced

feel like traveling to the

feel better if

onion and

1

garlic

clove (sauteed in 2 tablespoons butter),

pound browned hamburger,

Add

1

tablespoon curry, and

1

1

teaspoon

and chopped tomatoes, 2 diced potatoes, and a package of frozen peas. Cover and simmer in frying pan for 25 minutes. Serve it over rice, and sprinkle shredded coconut and Parmesan cheese on top of each portion.

salt.

a small can of drained

As the name suggests. All in One is a complete meal. Put 1 cup of uncooked rice, 1 can of corn, a diced onion, a green pepper, and 1 pound of hamburger meat in a casserole dish. Sprinkle with salt, garlic powder, and pepper. Top with bacon pieces. Cover and bake in a 350-degree oven for an hour.

GREAT MENUS Here sauce

is

in

responsible

IN

MINUTES

a spicy

on

and

and moist version of Meat Loaf. The tomato the meat and the Italian seasonings are

the

for

83

delightful

tomato paste and water,

difference.

a sprinkling

of sugar,

dried onion. While these are simmering for

pound of hamburger, 2

slices

Combine oil,

a

can of

parsley,

15 minutes,

and

mix

of bread, an egg, a dash of

a

salt,

pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Then add one cup of the prepared sauce to the mixture. Spread into a square pan

bake for 30 minutes in a 350-degree remaining sauce and bake 10 minutes more.

and

oven.

Pour the

Meat loaf is a good meat stretcher, but you can do even better. As an extra ingredient add a grated potato, and make it juicy as well as inexpensive.

Chicken Because of

its

low cost and versatihty, chicken

is

one of the

can be simply seasoned, basted with in a 350-degree oven for an hour. then baked butter and Chicken Cacciatore was mentioned earlier. There are two recipes

most

that

suitable

I

meats.

It

use as "stand-bys." One, Chicken Elegant,

is

my company

Arrange chicken pieces in a shallow pan. Add 2 cans cream of mushroom soup, 2 tablespoons dried onion chips, and Vi teaspoon soy sauce. Top with paprika, pepper, and Vi cup grated sharp cheese. Bake uncovered in a 300-degree oven for an

special.

hour. Serve the sauce over boiled rice. Don't

salt.

Tender Chicken and Onion Gravy is my other goody in the chicken line. Brown peppered chicken in 2 tablespoons of oil, then add dried onion soup mix. Cover with water. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes. Remove pieces. Thicken gravy with flour and water, and serve it over chicken. Leftover chicken can be used in the well-known dish. Chicken which is found in any recipe book. Use it also in hot

a la King,

A WOMAN'S FULFILLMENT

84

and cold chicken sandwiches. For a different twist to Chicken Salad, mix in some oHves and sHvered almonds with the mayonnaise, celery and onions. Roast Beef Roast beef goes a long way. After you have enjoyed a large on the first day, cut off a portion to make Beef Stroganoff for another day. Easy hot and cold roast beef sandwiches could

roast

come

to

your rescue the third day. For a snappy Bar-B-Q, shred and simmer in barbeque sauce for ten minutes.

a portion of beef

Serve in hot

rolls.

This Beef Stroganoff

is

a surprisingly easy recipe. (1

the best of three recipes to arrive at

it.)

combined

Cut a pound of roast or

steak into bite-size pieces and sprinkle with tenderizer.

meat.

Stir

tomato

in

soup,

a

can of cream of

and

a

package

of

mushroom dried

Brown

soup, a can of

onion

soup.

Add

a

simmer for 20 minutes. Five minutes before serving over cooked noodles, mix in Vi pint sour cream. This recipe is perfect for a dinner you want to be extra dissolved beef bouillon cube, and

special.

Pork

you should be able to use all meats in different ways. When pork chops are on sale, you could use the chop recipe for some of them and save several for chop suey.

To

take the best advantage of sales,

Chops on both

are never dry with this recipe. sides

soup, a dash

Brown tenderized chops

and pour off drippings. Put

in a

can of tomato

of garlic powder, accent, pepper, and

Vi

can of

lemon slice and a sliced ring sugar. Cook about 40 brown Sprinkle with of green pepper. minutes. Serve remaining sauce on cooked rice.

water.

Top each chop with

a thin

GREAT MENUS

IN

MINUTES

85

When you make

this Chop Suey guests won't beHeve you from the best Chinese restaurant. The way it turns out is amazing, because it is so little trouble to make. Start by browning diced pork sprinkled with tenderizer. Stir in 2 chopped onions and 2 cups celery. Add 2 cans bean sprouts

didn't get

it

with the water, then 2 beef bouillon cubes, 2 tablespoons soy molasses, and dash of pepper. Simmer 10 minutes.

sauce and

Add

cornstarch mixed in

%

cup cold water.

Serve over rice, and top with dry noodles

if

Stir until thickened.

desired.

Sausage Sausage meat offers a distinct flavor

treat. When mixed with makes spicy and tasty meatballs for spaghetti or just Meat Balls and Gravy. For an unusual gravy, simply add a can of mushroom soup after the meatballs are browned. Simmer until the gravy has cooked to the desired thickness.

hamburger

it

If you want to try something different, put browned sausage on the bottom of the pan when making Corn Muffins. Pour the batter on top and bake. Serve, topped with gravy.

Would you Brown

Sausage.

like

a

an elegant budget stretcher? Try

pound of

Almond

remove from pan. Saute the drippings. Mix the meat, celery, a cup of sausage, and

cup of celery in uncooked rice and a teaspoon of dried onion. Sprinkle slivered almonds and parsley according to taste. Put in a casserole dish, and bake uncovered for 40 minutes in a 350-degree oven. a

Emergency Specials There are times when you haven't planned well, regardless of your intentions. Dinner-time rolls around too soon. Show no signs of panic-smile, and calmly grab a few cans. Unless you tell, no one will ever know that these creations were from your list of emergency specials.

A WOMAN'S FULFILLMENT

86

package of macaroni and cheese according to package directions. Add the tuna, a can of cream of mushroom soup, and Vi teaspoon soy sauce. Cook casserole in

For Quick

a 300-degree

cook

Tuna,

a

oven for 10 minutes.

Good Old Tuna

Layer Vi can Chinese and an onion. Pour on noodles, tuna. 2 stalks chopped celery top a can of cream of celery or mushroom soup and Vi cup is

another

one.

fast

milk. Put on top the remainder of the noodles, a couple of pats

of butter, and pepper. Bake until thick

Vi

hour

and brown.

Shrimp-Bit

is

simply made by blending a can of cream shrimp

hard-boiled

soup,

325-degree oven for

a

in

and,

eggs

you

if

wish,

few extra boiled

a

shrimp. Heat, and serve over toast.

A

quick Mexican Night

is

coming up. Pour

a

can of

chili

and

enchiladas in a baking dish. Sprinkle corn chips on top, and then grated

cheddar

minutes. This

is

Bake in a 350-degree oven for 20 so tasty and quick that we use it often at our cheese.

house. Desserts

enjoy sweets and

I

and

fruits,

I

look forward to the dessert

during the entire meal. Here are a few of in

both

because

A

fruits it

is

and sweets.

I

gelatin.

suggested

the

my

favorites that bring

chocolate

cake recipe

so inexpensive and quick to make.

delicious Gelatin Dessert

cherry

offer

Dissolve

it

is

and

made with

package of

cinnamon candies

25

amount of hot water on

a large

the package.

Add

in

the

the cold

water. Chill until partially set, then add 2 diced apples and

Vi

cup chopped walnuts.

Another dessert based

on

gelatin

is

Fruit

Salad.

Dissolve

GREAT MENUS

IN

MINUTES

87

in a cup of hot water. Whip in a large, diced, warm, cream cheese. Allow to cool. Fold a large can of fruit cocktail

gelatin

into mixture. Chill at least

For Pudding

mixed

Parfaits,

in

fruits

two hours before

serving.

use sliced peaches, bananas, berries, or

alternating layers of vanilla pudding.

You may

top with whipped cream and nuts.

Top

cream with a package of thawed strawberries. Alternatively, combine thawed strawberries with applesauce (1 package to 1 can). This one never

to please.

fails

Five-Cup Ambrosia

vanilla ice

my

buds go wild when I am only thinking of it. Mix together a cup each of coconut, pineapple chunks, small marshmallows, mandarin oranges, and sour cream. Chill until served. is

so delicious that

taste

Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake is a snap to make when you are low on eggs and time. Sift together 2 cups flour, Va cups sugar, 5 tablespoons cocoa, Vi teaspoon salt, and 2 teaspoons baking soda. Then beat in V2 cup mayonnaise, a cup of boiling water, and 2 teaspoons vanilla. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. 1

Danger I

Kitchen

in the

wish

I

could share more of

my

recipes with you. Since this

not a cook book, however, I'll regretfully have to leave this enticing subject and proceed to others which also are important

is

to the

homemaker.

Remember

that

in

the

kitchen

you work

close

to danger.

While you are working with hot food, a stove, and "weapons,"

be safety conscious, or you could cause a tragedy. Keep pan handles on the stove away from children's reach. After using a knife,

put

pan-holders. kitchen.

it

away before

a

Be sure to have

child first

cuts aid

himself.

supplies

Use

handy

heavy in

the

A WOMAN'S FULFILLMENT

88

Most important, know how

DO

fire.

use flour, and better,

NEVER

threw a

I

and properly put out a on the flames, but NEVER

to quickly

sprinkle baking soda or salt

use water

on an

oil Are.

Before

knew

I

of water on a pan of burning

glass

my

caused a terrible burst of flames and slightly singed band's hair. The varnish on the door melted, and the

oil.

It

hus-

room was

blackened with soot. My husband quickly covered the pan with the lid and smothered the fire. I didn't get even one singed hair, but you can be sure that I heard a long lecture on safety.

Food and

Marriage

Food and

its

preparation are an integral part of marriage.

You

They can bring enjoyment or unhappiness, and at times amusement. I've discovered some interesting facts about the relationship of food and marriage with which I will ignore them.

can't

end

this chapter.

SITUATION You

sit

down

to

an economy dinner you prepared and

your husband

You

certainly

have a knack with food."

a

exotic

husband

didn't

is

dinner and

call.

you

we are What did

all

having?

He

says, "It's deli-

but

cious,

You

you have

do

with

all

warm he

says, "So, you worked today!"

He

I

says, "Is this a

package mix?"

hard."

so

two

dinners in the oven until

He

arrives.

You

eat

dessert

with the

and have

children

with

him,

later.

Your

"Is this

food money gave you?"

worked

Your

be

the

shouldn't

dinner.

late for

must

"This

budget night."

says:

prepare

full-course

"You

TENTH YEAR

FIFTH YEAR

YEAR

FIRST

husband

You

kiss

him and

You

comes home from work tired, cranky, and hungry.

feed

him

quickly.

feed

him and him quickly.

kiss

You

tell

him

his

dinner is in the oven, and that you already ate.

You feed

him and him quickly.

kiss

Chapter 7

YOUR AIDS TO BEAUTY you

Once

discover

your

learn

faults,

appreciate

to

personal assets, and develop good beauty habits, takes

only

a

little

"up-keep"

to

you

your

will find

it

Discovering and

be lovely.

forming your beauty routine requires time. However, the search will be fun and the rewards will be unbelievable. It's a fascinating game to make the most of your individual beauty. Let's start with your face. Your goal is to keep your husband coming home, eager to greet that face that is yours. He looks at you over the breakfast table, when you welcome him home,

again

a

in

turned out.

most of

all

plush restaurant, and, finally, before the lights are

You owe it to your husband you owe it to yourself.

Take your face

apart.

to look

Analyze one feature

consider your face as a whole. Learn

how

to

your

at

a

make

best, but

Then most of

time.

the

your features. Learn to see the difference between a pretty face and one that is almost pretty. When a woman thinks she looks desirable,

she

becomes

so.

Her eyes sparkle, her skin begins to

glow, and she speaks and walks with a feminine

You

air.

can look natural and healthy by artfully using shading

and highlighting creams, rouge, eyebrow pencil, eyeliner, mascara, hpstick, and a moisturizer.

A WOMAN'S FULFILLMENT

90

You Can Become Every

woman

me,

to

Lovelier

can become a lovelier person. If it can happen to you. Let

certainly

it

can happen

me

an

share

experience with you.

sat

I

the

in

hall

before entering

school and questioned all

the other

We

weren't

girls

in

if it

my

really class

my new

would

help.

charm looked around at class

I

a

in

and wondered about them, too.

charming or beautiful. I couldn't imagine how would make us something we were not.

enrolling in this class

then,

Just

break.

and

We

all

gracious.

especially

came through the They looked so lovely,

on

the graduating class

hall

stared at them.

so poised

One of

group,

the

admired, smiled

at

me.

a I

very

pretty

girl

was so impressed

had

I I

a

could

scarcely smile back.

Soon our

classes began.

We

learned

how

to

sit,

stand, move,

We learned how to choose hair styles and to apply makeup. Every day we exercised our trouble spots, and soon began to notice that we were making progress. Each of us seemed to become lovelier as the course progressed. speak.

we were on a The new girls stared at us. They seemed very nervous and awkward. I heard one whisper, "Oh, they are all so pretty!" Her eyes met mine, and I smiled. It was true! We had actually become lovelier, and they would too. One

break

day, at the end of the eight weeks, while

I

spotted a

new

class

sitting in

the hall.

The secrets of charm and individual beauty that were learned charm school (at a cost of hundreds of dollars), I will share with you in the next two chapters. You can become lovelier right in your own home. in a

YOUR

AIDS TO BEAUTY

91

Moisture and Skin

House heating, sun, and age cause a lack of moisture in all even oily skins. The more moisture your skin has, the younger and softer it will look. Protect the dry areas with a veil of moisturizer morning and night. Everyone has some dry areas, even if it is only around the eyes. I find that usually a moisturizer worn during the day replaces the need for makeup foundation and powders. skins,

Just

you shower or step into the tub, pat on a The steam will open your pores and permit the soak into your thirsty skin. About two minutes daily

before

moisturizer.

cream to

devoted to cleansing and lubricating your face will leave your skin almost like velvet. (A fine and inexpensive cleansing agent is

baby oil.) After cleansing and lubricating, splash cold water on your face to close the pores, thus preventing enlarged and dirt-filled pores.

You

are

committing

cleansing your face.

a

Your

beauty "sin"

if

you retire without from makeup and

skin should be free

can "breathe" while you sleep. For a natural glow during the day apply to your face a mixture of vinegar and dirt

so

it

water (one teaspoon each). Facial masks stimulate and moisturize the skin. Here are a few economical preparations that will give a glow and a dewy look to your face. One of them is certain to suit you.

Pick-me-up. Beat one egg white into peaks and then mix in one teaspoon of honey. Pat on the throat and face, excluding the eye area. In about five minutes you'll begin to feel it set. Then wash it off with cool water.

Oatmeal beauty mask. Dip with oatmeal in water.

Rub

a

nylon glove or stocking

filled

the glove on the face and throat.

A WOMAN'S FULFILLMENT

92

Allow the film to dry for about five minutes. Remove with lukewarm water and rinse with cool water.

Cucumber mask. Put one-half of a cut-up cucumber and one ounce of skim milk into an electric blender, then mix until you have a liquid pulp. Pat onto the face and throat. Leave it for about ten minutes. This tightens and refines the skin. Peaches 'n cream. Mix half a peach in the blender, and add one quarter-cup of sour cream. Coat the face and leave on for one minute. Rinse with cool water.

The peach may be substituted by avocado, or four strawberries.

If desired,

a

piece

these

of cucumber,

may be added

to

the peach.

A It

good blemish mask over troubled areas

may be kept on

is

overnight in small areas, as

the skin and looks like

calamine lotion. it

blends

in

with

makeup.

Body Skin

You have more

on your face. Lots and feel fresh all Rough hands and over, use bath oils and lotions frequently. elbows or dry, scaly-looking legs will definitely detract from a more!

If

skin

you want your

than just what entire skin

is

to look

pretty face.

I've

warm

discovered that, for me, lotions are most effective after a bath.

The

pores

then

efficiently absorb the moisture

are open and seem to more from lotions and retain it longer.

Sometimes, in place of a lotion I apply bath oil to my skin after I bathe or shower. It offers a delightful scent as well as a concentrated softening power. But use bath oil sparingly, as a httle goes a long way.

YOUR

AIDS TO BEAUTY

93

Lines

you have

If

lines or folds

when

out your cheeks

from your nose to your

smile, puff

lubricating or cleansing your face.

Those

Hues will then be "blown away." Crows feet need a finger massage with an upward motion. Hold the skin taught along the temples, lubricate the index finger and massage gently upward.

For forehead wrinkles, massage in the direction opposite to the way the line is going. These finger massages can be included in your daily procedure when you apply your moisturizer. Before lubricating, press a hot washcloth to line areas. This will

aid

the

cating, splash

Sleeping lines.

from

moisturizer

penetrating the pores. After lubri-

in

your skin with cold water to close the pores.

on

the

face

hastens the appearance

The pressure not only prevents circulating

wrinkles.

This

much more

freely

but

may seem

delicate

pushes

than

away"

wrinkles

the

insignificant,

a

therefore she must give her skin

"Tape

a healthful

by

man's.

more gently

skin

but a

of unwanted

blood supply

numerous woman's skin is into

Her skin

ages

quicker;

the

wrinkled

delicate care.

stretching

portions until they disappear, then applying adhesive tape overnight.

Makeup The purpose of makeup is to emphasize one's natural beauty. you conceal that natural look by piling on too much makeup, you are hiding your true loveliness. Subtle makeup colors If

emphasize the individual beauty in the face. If possible, obtain assistance from a cosmetician. He is specially trained and can offer you an analysis of skin tones and suggest makeup tones especially for you.

A WOMAN'S FULFILLMENT

94

The

face

is

divided into three parts: from the hairhne to the

from the eyebrows to the end of and from the nose to the chin should be the remaining third. Highlighting and shading are used to increase the apparent size of contours and features. Shading can make the jaw seem smaller; while highlighting can make the chin seem larger. Compare your face to a perfect oval. Remember, highlights add light to bring attention to that portion. Highlights eyebrows should be the nose the second

create the illusion of

a

third,

third,

more

fullness, width, or height to features

and contours. Shading creates shadows and makes areas fade and seem smaller. Brown eyeshadow can be used for shadowing. Rouge. The most beautiful people are healthy in appearance. A pale shade of rouge can impart this healthy glow to your face. Keep in mind when applying rouge that it is intended to be a natural color. Start the rouge on the cheekbone under the iris of the eye. Blend upward, stopping short of the hair line.

Eye makeup. The width of one eye should fit between the The space between the arch of the eyebrow and

eyebrows. eyelid

should

highlighting

hold

will

another

achieve

the

eye.

should use the doe line extension

there

If

illusion

isn't

this

room,

of space. Close-set eyes

at

eighth inch. Widen the eyeliner at the

the outer edge of oneiris

and taper

it

at the

outer corner. For wide-spaced eyes, start at the inner corner but

do not extend the

liner to the outer

edge of the

lids.

Small eyes

white band on the

can be made to look larger by drawing a lower Hd inside the lashes. Deep-set eyes should not have the bottom lid underlined, as it only creates a shadow and produces an even deeper-set look. Be certain to use white shadow and the liner on the top as well as the doe line to emphasize and bring attention to those eyes.

A first

woman's concern

as to

shadow tone and color should be

for the type of eyes and eye color, next for the clothes.

Eye shadow should be applied on the lower half of the eyehd

YOUR AIDS TO BEAUTY

95

from the center of the eye upward to the far end of the eyebrow. After you apply shadow, a dampened cloth pressed over the shadow cream will prevent smearing. A shadow that matches blue brighter

green

or

eyes

is

intriguing.

Brown eyes look

with blue shadow, and hazel eyes shine greener

still

with green shadow. For evening, use iridescent shadow for a

more glamorous emphasis. Instead of shadow white petroleum jelly for a

dewy

for daytime, try

look.

Eyebrows. The width, length, and arch of the eyebrows affect A downward sweep at the corners or narrow lines add years and an undesirable expression. Wellarched eyebrows give a wide-awake expression. The perfect eyebrow begins above the inner eye with the peak of the arch over the outer edge of the iris and then begins to taper down from that point. You will probably have to use tweezers. Note that when eyebrow tweezers have lost their grip, you should grasp an emery board with them, moving the tweezers back and the look of the entire face.

forth over the board.

eyebrows with an old toothbrush trains and arches them and adds a sheen. For an eyebrow pencil color, match the color of your hair as closely as possible. Brushing

Eyelashes. eyelashes,

on the

the

For

the

powder the

most

natural-looking

and the longest

lashes before applying mascara. Brushing

upward motion to curl the lashes. comb and repeat the procedure. You may add more mascara on the ends afterwards for extra length. Except for people with light-colored hair, the most mascara,

use

an

Separate the lashes with a small

effective mascara

is

black.

Clear-eyed beauties get lots of sleep, and for special occasions

they put wet, cold, cotton pads onto the eyes. Lips.

Women's

lips

attract

constant attention.

Realize

the

A WOMAN'S FULFILLMENT

96

importance of keeping your lips looking their best. Begin by dusting the lips with powder to bring out their clear shape and to set the color. Then use the thin point of a fine brush to follow your natural lip line, thus giving a sharp outline to your lips. A brush allows you to use every bit of lipstick in the tube. look even more yellow when an worn. Bright or dark shades of lipstick draw attention to the lower part of the face, especially the mouth. If you choose these shades, be certain you understand the effect they will produce. When lips are too full or teeth are irregular,

Teeth with

orange lipstick

a yellowish cast is

use a soft shade of lipstick.

For evening, choose a darker shade than the colors you normally wear during the day, for most artificial lighting washes out the softer shades of lipstick. In the perfectly shaped lips, the bottom lip should be somewhat wider and fuller than the top. By adding a touch of iridescent white shadow or lipstick on the lower lip, you can

make

that lip appear fuller.

Teeth and

Gums

your teeth are sparkling clean and the gums are a healthy pink. Proper brushing helps to keep teeth white, eliminate cavities, and prevent torn, bleeding, or receding gums. Since most people brush their teeth often, it is as easy to do it right as to do it wrong. The correct way saves your gums, teeth, time, and money. Once the gums recede from the teeth, a small area is exposed that isn't covered with enamel. This tooth area will rapidly decay. To brush the teeth and gums simultaneously, place the tooth brush on the gum so you can massage your gums while you brush your teeth. Use an upward motion on the lower teeth and a downward motion on the upper teeth.

Your

smile can be attractive

if

YOUR

AIDS TO BEAUTY

97

As a Red Cross volunteer at an armed forces dental clinic, I've seen some unattractive, ruined mouths. The reasons are improper and diet. Anyone who could have seen how improper dental care ruined the person's appearance would always make certain he brushed correctly. And he would check the family's diet to be sure it contained adequate vitamins and minerals. Our teeth play a major part in our health and appearance and we need to take care of them. care

Hair

Your so

it

is

beautiful

makes up a generous part of your physical charm, worthy of a little special time and study. The most gown worn with a terrible hair-do still offers an

hair

unpleasant picture.

your hair looks well groomed, you look your clothing-no matter how casual. A neat, becoming hair-do camouflages face faults and accentuates the good points. If

attractive regardless of

Most men like shining hair in a becoming, soft style. So whether you wear your hair long or short, neatness and softness are your goals. Learn to manage your

own

hair well. If a

woman

has her hair

professionally dollars a

done each week, she spends over two hundred year on sets alone. Every woman should know how to

style her hair in

at least three becoming ways. A good stylist help you to find three comb-outs which are easy for you to manage. One should be for daytime, another for sports (don't forget the headband and barrettes for control), and the third, for evenings out. If you like variety, you may prefer to have more than three hair styles. will

When going to the beauty parlor, explain what you want to achieve with your hair style in the way of playing down your faults and accentuating your good points and in the general

A WOMAN'S FULFILLMENT

98

effect

you

desire— girlish,

No one

fashioned.

sophisticated,

but a competent

stylist

simple,

or

high-

should cut your

hair,

and shaping of your hair should be correct for your hair type and your hairdo.

as the cut

specific

Choose your rinse according to your type of hair. A cream is good for coarse hair, whereas fine or oily hair becomes limp from a cream rinse. Light hair is made lighter with a lemon juice rinse. And this natural golden look becomes even more golden if you sit in the sun for a few minutes after applying the rinse. Red vinegar in the last rinse gives sheen and gloss to rinse

darker hair.

Brushing the hair thoroughly is good for all types of hair. It rid of dust, stimulates the circulation in the scalp, and

gets

makes the hair shiny, soft, and manageable. For the best results, bend your head forward and brush vigorously. Be sure your brush is clean before you use it. Perfume Don't delightful

underestimate

the

value

aroma surrounding

a

of

perfume.

woman

A

light

can attract as

and

much

attention as an expensive dress.

From

and flower scents, select those you especially like. I find that with perfume oils, there appears to be no chemical change on the skin even hours after apphcation. Bath oils, applied as a cologne, hold the fragrance for long periods of time and are an inexpensive scent. the

range of exotic,

The perfume

spicy,

pulse-points are behind the ears and knees, and crook of the arms, at the temples, and at the base of the throat. The fragrance should not be noticeable more than 12 inches away, or else you will displease instead of please. Apply more perfume in winter and less in summer. Use a light and fresh scent during the day and a heavier one for evening.

inside wrists

YOUR

My the

AIDS TO BEAUTY

99

favorite scent trick

set

in

the

hair

to spray cologne on hair to renew

is

spray.

It

surrounds

a

woman

with

a

dehghtful, elusive fragrance.

Nails

Manicured nails carrying a soft shade of polish make your hands look more feminine. When filing nails, take special care not to file too far down the side of the nail, as this may cause that edge to break. When drying your hands, quickly push back the cuticle so that the nails can "breathe." This will make the nails appear longer as well. Three coats of polish

will reinforce the nails

strong. Less than three coats

is

and keep them

generally insufficient.

Pedicure

Cut

straight across the

softness.

toe nail to avoid ingrown nails. Use

make your

toes twinkle with prettiness and Pay particular attention to the large toenail, as it is the

pale nail polish to

most noticeable. Seek the Natural Look

hope the brief suggestions in this chapter will inspire you to start your own new beauty habits. As you do, remember please: The natural look is the appearance you will want to effect. Too much adornment produces an artificial image that you must avoid. Your goal is to subtly emphasize your desirable features. I

Chapter 8

BE SHAPELY People

who

AND HEALTHY

have a healthy glow attract a second glance. The

world's most beautiful people are healthy, with firm muscles and flesh. They move with good coordination and youthful agility. They have sparkling teeth, pink gums, and shiny hair. Their skin is radiant and rosy. Best of all, these people abound in energy. Are you that kind of person?

Exercise and good figure.

A

who

wife

posture

are

to

essential

a

slim,

overfeeds herself (and her husband)

shapely is

killing

The American Medical Association says that important for more reasons than vanity. Statistics

herself (and him).

staying slim

show

there

individuals

is is

who

a

13

percent

increase

the

in

death rate

for

are only 10 percent overweight. This figure goes

up to 25 percent for those 20 percent overweight. Excess weight also increases the possibility of heart trouble.

Not only do extra pounds rob years from the expectant they make one feel tired and sluggish. A woman looks and feels healthy and attractive when she maintains an ideal weight. Her clothes fit better when she keeps a slim figure. Keeping a trim figure should be a way of Hfe, and once you know a few tricks, it's easy!

life-span,

Promote Good Posture

The

finest

figure

is

unpleasing unless

it

is

linked with good

BE SHAPELY

AND HEALTHY

101

posture. Conversely, the "so-so" figure can look quite attractive carried well. Correct posture can trim inches from the waist and tummy, add inches to the bustline, and make you look alive and vigorous. This is partly because it will actually improve your if

health.

When Hold

walking, stretch the spine to assure your fullest height.

the

high

chest

and expand

wide

it

posture not only looks attractive but

it

at

the sides.

gives the lungs

This

room

to

breathe. Nip the waist in at the

same time. Then, tuck the hips under and the tummy will be tightened. Carry your head like a graceful swan's; make believe you have a book on it. In order to balance the book, you will have to keep your chin up and walk smoothly with no bouncing motion. Never fold your arms, for it makes you look heavy and undignified. Swing your

from the hips. Keep the knees bent and let the thighs lead. Toes and heels should touch the floor simultaneously, while the shoulders are held back and the chin is level legs

to the ground.

For

most

the

becoming

position,

sitting

together and cross the ankles to one side.

don't "plop"! Keep the upper body straight, lower yourself with control.

When

standing,

attention. right

point the right

With the

feet

at

right

foot at the instep of the

elbow and

fall

foot angles,

left.

to

keep

When

the

knees

down, bend the knees and sitting

face the object of

have the heel of the

Let the arms curve at the

to the side with the inner wrists lightly touching

the body.

Sit,

walk,

movements that will

stand and

will

move

correctly,

and soon the correct

be as natural as breathing. You'll have the poise

make you

stand out in a crowd.

A WOMAN'S FULFILLMENT

102

Exercise Daily

Give your body a natural girdle; send healthy blood coursing through your system; possess a glowing vitahty that will make others look at you twice and like very much what they see. If

you want to

way, to look and feel alive with vigorous hour of vigorous exercise every day (subject to your doctor's advice). Breathe clean, fresh air whenever the opportunity arises. Exercise can be a game of badminton, gardening, or an unorganized evening walk, but whatever form it takes it must be regular. Exercise properly and you'll benefit from improved muscular tone, from better circulation and respiration. Also you'll find rehef from mental and live this

health, participate in at least one-half

physical tensions.

Daily exercise sleep

and take

is

all

as

You

can

you don't

get

important as eating and sleeping.

the vitamins

you want, but

the proper daily exercise and fresh air you'll

if

still

be only half

Even your mind will benefit from the body's exercise, Thomas Jefferson implied when he said, "A strong body makes the mind strong." healthy.

as

For that daily time

sometimes "dancercise" to music to music and bringing in some of the following exercises can really be fun as well as trimming. So swing with me. with the

To remove legs

out

slot

I

window open. Dancing

in

fat

from the buttocks, sit on the floor with the Then walk across the floor on your

front of you.

buttocks.

Twisting gives you a small waist, and sit-ups flatten out your

tummy. Develop a good bustline by raising the arms shoulder high, then push sideways and up toward the ceiling. You get better results if you hold weights or books as you do this.

BE SHAPELY

AND HEALTHY

103

The "Bottom Rock" slims the hips quickly. Sit on the floor and draw the knees up, then swing them alternately to the left and right so that the hips are massaged by the floor.

To

firm

and

imaginary bike

shape

the

thighs,

scissor

kick,

then ride an

in the air.

Saying "who" with exaggeration, then sticking out your tongue and holding the position for a few seconds, will firm face and throat muscles.

and rope-skipping to music is effective as such exercise you can burn hundreds of calories in minutes, depending on the pace. Running shakes the flesh on the legs, hips, and tummy, and brings blood circulating Kicking, jogging, fun.

With

well

as

to

those areas.

all

Also, incorporate a few unscheduled exercises into your daily activities.

Tighten the buttocks or neck muscles when walking.

While you're waiting for someone, hold in your stomach. As you

on the phone, break down fat deposits by massaging your upper arms and your tummy. (When you do this do-it-yourselfmassage, grasp a roll of flesh and gently knead it with your talk

fingers.)

The next time you plan to ride a short distance, ask yourself if you have time to walk. Instead of burning up gas, bum up some calories. After all, our bodies were designed to be active, not just to

sit

around.

This next one

is

the best exercise of

all.

Firmly grab the table

with both hands and push your chair away before you eat too

much. Ensure a Good Diet

For good health, exercise must be complemented by good

A WOMAN'S FULFILLMENT

104

A

diet.

make You may

nutritious diet can

health and poor health.

between good

the difference

be able to get away with poor

nutrition for a while, but eventually it will catch up with you and the consequence will be unpleasant. Especially in modem America there is no need for this situation.

One the

doesn't have to be a nutritionist to

body's needs and

how

to

know something

of

them. Learn to fortify

supply

foods with health-building ingredients. In preparing foods, add

wheat

powdered

germ,

raisins.

you

If

can,

milk,

have

liver

yeast, molasses, and on the menu one a week-it's

brewer's

"loaded" with nutrition. If

you

are troubled with skin problems, rheumatism, or visual

you are eating sufficient foods which are rich Vitamin A. Liver, eggs, carrots, apricots, whole milk, and whole milk products are examples of these foods. fatigue, be certain

in

To

and unhealthy changes in the hair and muscle tone, to calm nerves, and to retain the and color of the skin, include the B vitamins in your

prevent

fatigue

skin, to maintain elasticity

These are found

diet.

foods. dull,

Remember

and whole grain starches, and sweets can produce a

milk,

in

that fats,

yeast,

liver,

blemished complexion.

A

Vitamin C deficiency can cause dental and gum problems, capillary fragility, and fatigue. Since this vitamin is so easily oxidizable (lost in air) and is water-soluable, it is important to include fresh fruits and vegetables frequently in the diet. These foods not only contain the best sources of most vitamins and minerals, but also enzymes important for vitamin assimilation. Calcium lating teeth,

is

cardiac

an agent in blood coagulation. contractions,

and

prevents

and nervousness. This mineral

is

It

helps in regu-

fragile

contained

in

bones,

poor

milk and

products, in greens, in sardines with bones, and in bone meal.

its

BE SHAPELY

AND HEALTHY

105

which helps enrich the blood, is obtained from meat, fruit, leafy green vegetables, and eggs. Raisins are a convenient source of iron because a small package can be tucked in the purse or the pocket for snacks. Iron,

There are reports that Vitamin E has been used successfully in the treatment of degenerative diseases, infertility, and heart diseases. It is found in wheat germ and soy bean oil.

Vitamin D helps prevent fragile bones and teeth. It is contained in tuna and in cod liver oil, and is also obtained from the effect of the sun on the skin. Iodine

is

common

in fish

and iodized

salt

and

is

necessary in

regulating the thyroid gland. Because seafoods are rich in iodine,

they could profitably be eaten twice a week.

our bodies are composed mostly of water, we need about eight glasses of liquid daily. Liquid assists elimination and stimulates circulation, and is therefore important to a good Since

complexion. Protein, essential for daily replacement of tissue and energy,

is

found in eggs, cottage cheese, and meats. Another good source nuts, which in additon offer unsaturated fats.

is

Often we tend to think of nourishment specific

mineral,

vitamin,

important question

isn't

etc.,

which vitamin

or condition, but whether the diet

components necessary health. Prevention

How I

to

am

is

do

will

for

is

in

terms of what each

for the body. is

good

for

what

disease

properly balanced with the

good nutrition and hence

far better

But the

for

good

than correction.

Keep Slim a

person

who

enjoys food.

I

could stuff myself at a meal

A WOMAN'S FULFILLMENT

106

my

stomach

hurt. Thirty minutes after

stopped hurting, I could eat again. I can gain a pound a day without even trying. But I have motivations to slimness. My need for health, my

until

my

desire for

size 7 clothes to fit

me

husband happy have caused scales.

I'll

share

me, and learn

to

it

my

wish to keep

tricks

my

cheat the

to

them with you.

To encourage yourself to move toward the slimmer you, buy new outfit in the size you Hke. Try it on every few

a pretty

days to check your progress. Hang a picture of

a pretty figure in

a prominent and pertinent place (like on the refrigerator door), to keep your mind on your goal. If you tend to make frequent trips to the refrigerator, put your bathroom scales in front of it. Inside your refrigerator, pin a note which says, "Is this trip necessary?" To this question, answer out loud "NO!" Using such deterrents, you won't be so likely to sneak a snack.

You

say

you

hunger pang! Instead of snacking, massage

feel a

When

the stomach region to relieve the pang.

that urge hits

you

and you're tired of rubbing, either get busy or go for a walk. Try drinking a glass of water between meals. It's filling. Most people don't drink enough water during the day anyway. to nibble,

You might

nap or rest in the afternoon. The rest will give you added energy, and it will help you to do without that extra snack to keep going. As another incentive, visualize the

try taking a

amount of

exercise necessary to

snack. Recall too that better.

Hundreds of

accommodate

when you

off the calories in a

"load" of

feet of capillaries have to

the extra pounds of

In cheating the scales,

with

work

lose a

it

is

a

"must"

sugary

melon

shced

fruit

juice— you'll

for dessert. feel

fuller

In

feel

be constructed to

to replace high-calorie

of

foods.

you

fat.

low-calorie cranberry juice. Have fresh

low-calorie

fat

place

drinks,

try

balls, berries,

and

soft

Eat an orange instead of drinking the

because

it

takes

longer

to

eat

and

BE SHAPELY

AND HEALTHY

107

bulk. Don't keep tempting high-calorie foods in the house. Toss out the ones you already have, and forbid yourself

provides

to

buy any more. Avoid

refined

sweets,

between

especially

meals,

for

such

blood sugar level up for a short time, then normal. Have a satisfying snack of half a below plunge it down glass of skim milk and half a banana. These will supply bulk, protein, and quick and sustained energy. bring the

sugars

Instead of nibbling on chips, candy, or pastry, choose from

snacks that are low

in calories.

Make

yourself

freezing fruit juices in an ice cube tray.

some

Insert

by you

tasty ices

a stick if

want. Other choices for nibbling are fresh fruits such as apples, oranges, tangerines, or grapefruit. In the vegetable group, choose

cucumber, lettuce, green in calories are mushlow and tomatoes. Also peppers, rooms, bouillon, and vegetable juices.

from

radishes, parsley, cabbage, celery, carrots,

Don't skip meals. Bulky people seem to do this, with poor Eat regularly and you will keep up your energy;

results.

furthermore, you won't eat as

you don't have

much

at

successive meals.

to deprive yourself entirely

And

of favorite foods.

Merely take about one-third the usual portion.

watching TV, and find that you had finished eating it before you had had a chance to enjoy it? If you are concerned about your weight, never read or watch Did you ever eat

TV when

a dessert while

eating, but concentrate

on savoring every mouthful.

This is one of my ideas that may seem a bit odd, but it works. Spoil your appetite by having a hard candy or your salad fifteen

minutes before dinner.

bake meats and drain off any lose more calories from the fat. Broil or

fat drippings, so as to

A WOMAN'S FULFILLMENT

108

Use only one horizontally

to

slice

of bread for a sandwich. Either

make two

thin

slices,

or

slice

it

have an open-face

sandwich.

For

a change, try a high-protein, low-calorie

meal of about 50

calories— a cup of bouillon, a dish of low-calorie gelatin, and a salad.

Be sure not to eat for four hours before you retire. If you eat soon before retiring, you won't burn up the calories, regardless of how few you have eaten. too

your meals. This makes smaller portions Use a salad fork for similar reasons. Serve your portions of food onto each plate instead of familyUse

a small plate for

appear to be style

at

much

larger.

the table, then there will be less temptation to have a

second helping.

Take smaller bites of food, and chew slowly. Savor each bite, and you'll require less food. Save a small portion of food from your regular meal for later snacks. Leave the table before you feel full. In a few minutes your blood sugar will rise, and you will feel satisfied.

Make

your teeth after each time you eat. because you won't want the bother of frequently cleaning your teeth.

This

it

will

a

rule

to clean

discourage

snacking,

By controlling your appetite and taking advantage of different means to build a firmer figure and a healthier you, you'll get more out of life. You'll look better and feel better. In fact, there will be such a difference in your appearance and general health that you won't be the only one who notices. Everyone will wonder why you look so attractive.

Chapter 9

CLOTHING YOU ENJOY Being well-dressed means wearing what is becoming and right for whatever you might be doing-whether dining out, shopping, cleaning, caring for the baby, active in a sport, or some other activity.

To be

well-dressed,

that adapts to

style

your

you must combine good

specific needs.

Know

taste

with

exactly the

fit,

you want. Build your wardrobe gradually, and color, and shop carefully for each item until you have one complete outfit. Know your figure and what clothes will do the most for you. style

Plan Your Wardrobe

A

well-dressed

woman

is

a result of careful planning.

ber, quantity doesn't count. First, analyze the hfe

the

clothes required

to meet each activity.

you

Know

Rememlead

and

yourself so

choose styles and colors that camouflage faults and serve to emphasize your best qualities. Good posture and a sHm figure are two quahties anyone can obtain. A full-length mirror that

you

will

can be a woman's best style consultant.

Check your

closet

that hasn't been

worn

for

clothes

that

are wearable.

for a year probably isn't

Anything

worth keeping.

decide whether you have discontinued wearing a because you have grown tired of it. You may strongly feel the need for a change. Maybe the old dress needs only new accessories. Perhaps by storing clothes out of sight for

However,

dress

first

simply

A WOMAN'S FULFILLMENT

110

of time you will relieve the boredom. The same recess from boredom is accomplished when one stores seasonal clothes. If, however, something is truly unbecoming to you, or is too worn, it should be ehminated. With whatever remains in your closet, you can plan additions as the seasons change. a period

Your wardrobe must be suitable for your way of life. Do you work outside the home? Are you involved in club affairs or educational courses? Study what makes the well-dressed women in

your

activities

look chic. Discover their secrets.

List the places where you and your clothes go, and then list what you need. Check your closet wearables against the basic wardrobe hst. Of course, I do not suggest that you limit yourself to merely one of the items mentioned, but you should have at least one of each.

WARDROBE

BASIC

LIST

Summer

Winter

summer

Basic coat

Basic all-weather

Slacks, shifts, dusters

Slacks, shifts, tops

Dressy dress and jacket

Bathing suit

Wool

Two-piece dress

dress

coat

Three-piece suit

Sweater

Accessories

Jewelry— pearls,

Casual shoes Basic-color heels and purse

tinctive

Dressy heels White gloves

earrings

Now you

should

know what

pins,

watch,

dis-

beads

and

clothes and accessories

you need.

1

CLOTHING YOU ENJOY

1 1

know what

but don't buy anything yet until you

and

styles

colors are best for you.

Styles

You Tlie

your

on clothes and always look well dressed. your good points and to minimize with the styles you choose.

can spend

secret faults

Short

is

girls

tailored

look

clothes.

brimmed

little

to emphasize

straight,

in

taller

Avoid

large

full

princess-style,

sleeves,

and simply-

big purses, and wide-

hats. Stay with solid colors, vertical stripes,

and small

prints.

you

If

are

You

sleeves.

tall,

you can enjoy

can wear

full

skirts,

large

hats,

and and two-

purses, belts,

patterned fabrics,

piece, contrasting-colored outfits.

Heavy girls should avoid bulky materials, and instead dress in simply-tailored

frills,

mind,

also,

and

plaids, checks,

clothing.

Keep

in

that clinging, shiny fabrics reveal a figure— good or

bad.

The neckline is important in a dress. If your face is long and narrow, choose high necklines, rolled collars, and scarves at the neckline. Square and

Select

your hat with

pleasing to

how

a

V

necklines.

three-way mirror to make certain

the entire face and figure. Have

a hat can

to stand

round faces need

make

a

woman

Wear feminine materials styles,

in

it's

ever noticed

appear out of proportion? Be sure

up and check yourself

wear tailored

you

in a full-length mirror.

pastels

and

vivid

colors.

If

you

including pants, wear feminine attire and

accessories too. The complete picture should be one of softness and delicacy. Avoid matronly styles— dresses that are too long,

with blousy bodices.

A WOMAN'S FULFILLMENT

112

Follow fashion trends by studying the styles in magazines and newspapers. Remember, a more subdued interpretation of a fashion trend will outlast high fashion fads.

whose mother buys her

friend

I

have

new wardrobe

a

a

very lucky

every year. Each

time she chooses the latest fashion fads in bold colors. By the time the year

is

up, she

them away. One wardrobe,

I

time,

is

so tired of

while

I

them

all

that she gives

was being shown her

latest

noticed a plain gray tailored suit and a simple black

had seen her wear many times before. I asked why she was keeping those, when she had given away all the others. She replied, "I'm not tired of them in the least. I can change them around so that I really enjoy wearing them." You may not be able to have a new wardrobe as my friend could, but you can dress

I

buy simple,

stylish clothes that

you

will

enjoy wearing for years.

Colors

Dark colors slenderize; pale colors add a broadening effect. Pastels make you appear soft and sweet, whereas jewel tones add a dramatic look. If you wear it well, black suggests sophistication. Black may be worn with pale coloring, by dressing up a black outfit with contrasting color. The black alone can drain a light complexion. Red is friendly, orange is exciting, and green is restful. Blue seems to appeal to all males! Tans or beiges with drab or pale hair can give a mousey look. Brilliant colors should

be for girls However, all

with

women

dramatic

coloring

worn

during

the

day.

should choose vivid colors for evening, as

night lights fade out pastels.

Think of the dress you like and wear more than any other. What color is it? Now, think of the colors on which you receive the most compliments. These are your colors! If you can't decide upon special colors just for you, but you would like to discover those colors, drape a color sample of material around

your shoulders close to your

own

facial coloring? If

it

face.

Does

does, consider

it

Uft to

it

give

as

one of your

a

your

colors.

3

.

CLOTHING YOU ENJOY

1 1

Notice carefully the effect of

To prove becoming,

it

a particular color

should

bring

out

the

on your

red

skin.

tones and

subdue the yellow. Use salmon, coral, red, and rose to bring out the red tints. Alternatively, go to the complements— green and blue-green. White or cream near the face also emphasize the skin's red tints. To accentuate the color of your hair or eyes, use the same color either lighter or darker for large areas, brighter for trimmings or smaller areas. Complementary colors on the color wheel will give you the same effect.

Now

you know your colors, styles, and needs, you are buy or make your clothes. Everything you choose should be special and something you enjoy wearing. ready

that

to

Simple Dress,

Many

Outfits

Remember, you don't need many Learn

how

to rearrange

simple dress you can

and

utilize

make many

clothes to be well dressed. a dress or outfit.

outfits. Start

with

With a

a dress that

You can make it yourself if you sew. When you are sewing it, make matching, removable sleeves to take off when you use the dress as a jumper. Otherwise, make of the jumper style.

is

little

sleeves

by simply hooking on layers of black or white

One dress with removable sleeves can become many you add one or more of the following: 1

2.

lace.

dresses

if

Unusual belts that blend with the basic dress color An overblouse that is free hanging and offers a two-piece effect

3.

4.

Jewelry at the neckline, waist or shoulder

Long jackets

that

may be

worn

with

or

without

overblouse 5.

Flowers

6.

Cummerbund,

7.

Collars in contrasting or blending colors of fur or fabric

at the neckline, waist or

shoulder

printed or colored

an

.

A WOMAN'S FULFILLMENT

114

8.

Tiny jackets which are loose or form

9.

Long

or

short

overskirts

made by

fitting

gathering material or

ribbon

Lace overblouse to add feminine dressiness a drape tied at the side or back for

10.

Cummerbunds with

1

1

1

2.

elegance

Dickey

tucked

insert

in a short jacket for a casual

13.

Belted overblouse with sleeves

14.

Scarves tied or pinned at shoulders, neck, or waist

15.

Sweaters for

look

change

a

16.

Reversible capes for a smart look

17.

Blouse with long sleeves and collar to

18.

Turtleneck knit with long sleeves under your dress that

make

a

jumper

provide a sporty appearance 19.

Bows placed under

bustline for empire look, at waistline, or

neckline 20.

Chiffon circlet made from a scarf stitched in a

circle

Jewelry Jewelry can contribute to a versatile appearance. Carefully

Umit jewelry to two pieces at one wearing. If this simple rule is not followed, instead of accentuating your beauty you cover it and appear gaudy. The proper amount and kind of jewelry can do many things. The correct jewelry tones down a complex outfit or dresses

up

a simple one.

that finishing touch. Use feature,

divert attention

it

Jewelry can provide color for

to call attention to a neckline or

from

a

fault,

or focus attention on a

lovely face.

Basic jewelry should include pearls that

may

be worn with

everything from a sweater to an evening gown. Green and aqua stones,

also,

may be worn

with

should consider a watch to be a

change of band,

a

all

a part

colors and textures.

You

of your basic jewelry. With

watch can be made either sporty or dressy.

CLOTHING YOU ENJOY To

1

discover what metal jewelry

is

for you, put gold

and

15

silver

jewelry over your arm and choose the one which blends with

your

skin.

This

is

the metal for your

own

distinctive pieces of

jewelry.

Keep your jewelry looking new. Take tarnish off with alcohol a cotton pad. Have an appropriate place to keep your jewelry so it won't be scratched or tangled. With the proper care, your collection will add fashion and variety to your wardrobe. on

Bra

A

bra should be comfortable,

fit

your

the most for your bosom. Spend your the

most for you.

It's

worth

every

and do

figure needs,

money on one cent

you pay

that does to

look

beautiful in your clothes. Even small busts can look natural and full in

the cross-your-heart styles, padded in strategic places, or

wired beneath. The fuller bustlines need the support that comes only from a good bra.

Mat em ity Clo th ing Two-piece maternity outfits with tunic tops that extend to the fingertips pass your largest area and are slimming. Tunic tops look fine with skinny pants too.

You can

and tops unbuttoned under sleeveless tops and jumpers. Keep your skirts slim and tailored. Attract

use

maximum

regular

blouses

attention

to

the

face

with a ruffle

collar,

and upswept hairdos. You can use offbeat colors for such accents, but not for whole outfits. You will get tired of such wild-colored outfits. These bold colors bring attention to the face, where you want it. Dark colors for outfits are

jewelry,

slenderizing.

For

what goes on underneath your maternity

clothes,

be

A WOMAN'S FULFILLMENT

116

and a girdle that are made specifically for this time when support is a necessity. If you do, your pregnancy will be more comfortable and you will shape up to

certain

choose

pants,

quicker after the baby

is

bras,

born.

Clothing Care

Clothing looks better and

lasts

longer

if

given proper care.

Mend, sew on buttons immediately, or put the article in the sewing basket until it is mended. A rough needle tip can be havoc to material when sewing, so smooth it by running and turning the needle on its side (point touching) along a window pane.

To prevent

thread separately.

snarls

when

using a double thread, knot each

Run beeswax along

before sewing on buttons.

If

you

the thread to strengthen

are sewing buttons

it

on heavy

laid across the botton top. remove the pin. Using this When you are finished sewing, method, you will have more space between the fabric and the button to prevent pulling and rubbing on the threads.

clothing,

sew over

Hang your ends

a

straight

pin

clothes promptly and properly. Twist the hanger

up sharply so that you won't

lose

straps. Store out-of-season clothes against

To keep

clothing which

has

moths and mildew.

clothes fresh-looking, press out any wrinkles prior to

dampened with vinegar as you are going out, use

wearing. For shiny material, run a cloth

over the surface.

If

your hem

rips just

tape for a repair.

Launder or dry-clean clothing before dirt becomes too embedded. (A frequent brushing helps here too.) Spot-remover in the spray can is handy and saves a few dollars each month. Under-arm stains can be removed from clothing with rubbing alcohol. For other stains, try a baking soda paste; leave it on overnight. The water will dry, and you can rub the residue off with a brush. The spot should disappear.

CLOTHING YOU ENJOY As miscellaneous

hints,

1

17

condition and polish leather to pre-

vent wearing and cracking. Wash sweaters and tights inside out to keep

them new-looking and to avoid knots.

Men hke also

like

neatness and wrinkle-free clothes on a

woman's figure you answer to and

simple

striking, is

that

are

woman. They

flattering.

the

If

slim and firm, they like the no-girdle look. If

this

description,

styles with confidence.

make you

clothes

attractive,

you can wear feminine

Know

that

fabrics

your immaculate clothes

and smile.

any event, you should feel confident and enjoy the clothes your wardrobe. The colors, styles, fabrics, lengths, and textures should flatter you and enhance your image. Different accessories and ways of wearing them will add variety to your In

in

wardrobe.

The woman who knows she looks chic does have confidence and poise. It is worthwhile to be dressed nicely, even if you just stay at home. Your husband will appreciate your chic appearance. You can tell by the way he looks at you. Head-To-Toe Grooming Check List 1.

Is

your hair shiny, becoming and neat, with wisps tucked

away? 2.

Does your makeup naturally enhance the beautiful,

fresh,

healthy look?

3.

Are your teeth clean, gums pink?

4.

Do your underneath garments

5. Is your dress becoming length?

flattering

provide shape and flattery?

and

clean,

with

the

hem

at

a

.

A WOMAN'S FULFILLMENT

118

manicured and your hands

6.

Are your

nails

7.

Are your

legs

8.

Are shoes pohshed, with heels

9.

Do you

smooth and

have a

soft

and relaxed?

soft?

minimum

in

good condition?

of jewelry with no gaudy over-

loading?

10.

Are you poised, with good posture?

1 1

Aje you clean and fragrant?

12.

Does the complete picture enhance your face?

Chapter 10

EMPHASIZE YOUR FEMININITY Because you are the female of the

human

species,

you possess By being

natural charms to arouse a man's love and attention. truly

feminine

qualities

you can bring

without

his

correctly and lovingly, this

selfish?

It

is

forth

even realizing

you

it.

his

desirable,

When your

role

masculine is

played

have influence, dignity and love.

not, for in giving such love

you help

fulfill

Is

a

man. By responding in a masculine manner to true femininity, he becomes more of a man.

women

aren't aware of their alluring attributes which man. These certain qualities men desire are brought to the fore by accentuating the differences between women and men. Your complete marital happiness depends on the development of this fascinating, feminine manner.

Most

inspire a

Always Be Feminine Think feminine, and you will portray a feminine air in your movements and speech. You'll walk lightly, eat quietly, and move gracefully. Your voice will be sweet, gay, clear, and soft. You will receive attention when you speak, because the charm of your voice will make you irresistible.

To check your speaking

habits, go into

your bedroom (lock How do you

the door). In front of the mirror, practice talking.

A WOMAN'S FULFILLMENT

120

Do you

look?

detracts

Now

use

facial

contortions?

Avoid grimacing,

as

Go

to

it

from your beauty. discover

how your

sounds to others.

voice

corner, cup your ears and speak a few words. That

is

a

the voice

others hear. Is it slurred rather than clear? Use the tongue, lips and teeth energetically. To check whether you are talking through the nose, hold your nose and say, "Susie's father, Mr. Manning." Only m, n, and ng sounds should resonate mainly in the nose. The rest should come from the throat.

If

your voice

shrill

is

or harsh, relax the jaw and throat and

concentrate on speaking gently. relaxed and is

you want voice power that is and breathe deeply. Whispering

If

gentle, use the chest

an excellent way to develop these qualities. Learn to speak with expression and a smile in your voice and Talk to someone who does this and you'll see how

eyes.

charming and exuberant that person

You

is.

should strive for a voice as lovely as Robert Browning

describes:

"Her voice changed like a bird's: There grew more of the music and

The magic home, making

in it

a

less

of the words."

feminine voice can permeate through the

harmonious, comfortable, and happy.

Because you have a lovely voice, that does not mean it needs to be in constant use. Attentive eyes can often express more than words. Sometimes women try so hard to talk with understanding that they actually lose

that

quality.

You can show

sympathy, approval, and appreciation with eye expression and listening. Listening also hides a lack of knowledge and will appear to lend you the knowledge you lack.

EMPHASIZE YOUR FEMININITY

121

Men like women to be vivacious. Be certain, however, not to confuse desirable vivaciousness with aggressiveness. The former consists of enthusiasm and cheerfulness held in check by femininity, whereas aggressiveness is filled with overbearing loudness and briskness, and therefore repulses a man. Stepping out of your feminine role may help you to win a point, but it will make you lose much more— respect and femininity. It isn't worth it.

Relax! Since

men

don't like shrews (no screaming or swearing), relax

what happens.

regardless of

become

allows herself to her, she

knocked over

cleaned the mess

a

I

have an amazing friend

disturbed.

One

day,

when

I

who

was

never

visiting

box of soap powder. No sooner had she

when her daughter dropped

a full glass

of milk

which crashed and splattered on another area of the floor. She simply laughed and said, "Isn't this unbelievable? I just finished waxing this floor an hour ago."

You may find yourself in the bacon may be burning. Relax! A to the fioor.

By simply

center of an argument, or the

may go

of milk

glass

crashing

Relax! Don't waste your energy becoming upset.

relaxing,

you can reduce an incident

and thereby make the solution become

to

its

proper

size

clear.

When you become nervous and irritable, think of peaceful words and ideas, until you have attained an inner feeling of peace.

Your mind can only concentrate on one thought

at

a

Think of tranquility, relaxation, stillness, and peace, and soon your whole being will match those thoughts. I allow myself time.

to

relax

to

God-which

the

point

truly a wife

that

higher influence take over, Preserve Balance

Balance

I

feel

I

am

and mother ought to I

lose

my

an

instrument

be.

By

of

letting this

tensions.

and Naturalness

naturalness

with self-control and thereby you

will

A WOMAN'S FULFILLMENT

122

preserve your individual personality. In the whole world there

is

no one like you. Why be someone else? Laugh when you are happy; be reserved when you are sad. You can always act naturally and wisely when you have yourself under control. By developing yourself to the fullest, you cannot help but be unique, interesting, and, in your own way, the loveliest of all.

Can you remember when you were not in control of yourself? ridiculous you sounded and acted. Picture your two parts, emotional and intellectual. When all the emotions are controlled, the two parts blend and function well. But when you become upset, the emotional self goes berserk. The intellectual self cannot function properly while the emotions are jumping all around and everything is coming out distorted. Only when you

Remember how

calm your voice, and therefore calm yourself, will your emotionside assume its proper proportions so that you may be your

al

true self once again.

Develop a gracious sense of humor, and life will be more fun for you and your husband. Such a delightful quality helps to relax a man who is keyed up with his work and responsibilities. Life is short and should be enjoyed with the right attitude.

Keep

alive

a

childlike

sense

of

wonder and you

will

be

exhilarated, refreshed, and sparkling with beauty. This sense of

wonder teaches us to find adventure by keeping curious about life, for wonder fills our lives with surprises and gratitude. Notice and appreciate the world around you, especially life's common things-a fluffy cotton cloud in the azure sky, the pinks and oranges of a sunset, or a child's bubbly laugh. Unless

wonder, often we don't even see the simple lovely things that are right before our eyes.

we

cultivate the sense of

A

is needed for a trusting attitude, which is and fascinating. Be graceful and delicate. Turn to your husband for his masculine protection and guidance. He can

childlike

gentle, tender,

manner

EMPHASIZE YOUR FEMININITY

123

Develop your vivacity and teasing playfulness of the child you were years ago. Because a woman is always something of a little girl, that enchanting manner will come back very quickly. be

very

on!

lean

to

nice

A

happy face will attract a man quicker than a makeup job Look in the mirror with a scowl upon your face, regardless of all you have done to become a beautiful person, and the vision is ugly. Happiness is a state of mind. So think happy thoughts, smile, and see yourself become lovely. will.

If

you

are content to be a

contentment and happiness Because

happy

it

also.

is

woman who

thinks of others, the

show. Spread your happiness.

will

contagious you will attract others, making them

Most depression and unhappiness comes from

centeredness; conversely, the happiest people are those

who

self-

give

willing service to others.

Combined with

you should have

these qualities

a subtle air

mystery. Be unpredictable. Change your hair style and

mood

of

(be

or saucy when you feel like it) so that your husband won't take you for granted. Don't tell all of your innermost thoughts and desires. Reveal enough of yourself to show that you are tender, courageous, humble, and deep, but don't gentle

disclose everything. Save

enough to

last a lifetime.

Develop Confidence and Dignity

The

desirable

woman

is

broad

in

her range of interests. She

has balanced her time so that she plays, studies, and develops talent as well

as fulfilling well

her role of homemaker. She

is

constantly concerned with self-improvement. She keeps up with the world. Because she

is

receptive, she learns easily. But

companionship does not flaunt her knowledge.

her intellectual

is

gratifying

and

though

inspiring, she

A WOMAN'S FULFILLMENT

124

The desirable woman leads a good life by being kind, honest, warm, and ambitious. It goes without saying that, with her good sense of values, she is happy to conform to the laws of marriage. The truly feminine woman realizes her weaknesses (which she tries to improve) and her assets (which makes her confident, but not too proud). She recognizes her duty to herself, her husband and her family to strive to be at her best. Self-dignity

is

important to a woman.

If

she lacks

it,

she

is

make a slave of yourself for your family by being imposed upon by unfair demands. When I not appreciated or honored. Don't

refuse graciously am "ordered" to do favors for my family, expect expressions of until I am asked with consideration. I

I

gratitude too, like a "thank

important,

for

determine

how

the

extent

you" or

of your

a smile.

own

These things are

self-esteem

will

others esteem you. Being esteemed by others

help is

a

mysteriously bought with humility and gracious demeanor.

gift

The Beauty That Endures

woman

which shows and personality. Her eyes sparkle, her lips smile, and her face is gentle. True beauty encircles her. She will become more attractive to her companion as the years go by, whereas a pretty face combined with a shallow character is

The

desirable

has an interesting face

intelligence, mystery, love,

not true, lasting beauty. In a delightfully feminine wife,

who

husband with her natural charm, there is a warm heart, a fulfillment of talents, poise, an alert mind, and deep contentment. No wonder he loves her so much. tries

to please her

Attributes of the Charming

Woman

1.

She walks with grace and poise.

2.

She has a special glow that comes from within.

EMPHASIZE YOUR FEMININITY

125

3.

She doesn't complain.

4.

She gives service graciously to others.

5.

She busies herself with constructive activity

in the

6.

in

her

home and

community.

Her body

is

clean, her breath

is

sweet, and she

is

delightfully

scented with perfume.

7.

She smiles often.

Her voice is others. Her words 8.

9.

and 10.

clear

and low-pitched. She speaks kindly of chosen before she speaks.

are well

She presents a healthy appearance, with good muscle tone a firm shape.

She possesses a ladylike manner and

a high standard

of

values.

11.

She

is

content to be a

woman;

she develops her feminine

individuaUty.

12.

Her vivaciousness and sense of humor are enchanting.

13.

She

is

attentive, yet has a sense of

mystery about

her.

Her sense of childHke wonder keeps her mind receptive to is around her, so that she learns easily and offers intellectual companionship. 14.

all

15.

that

She has

a

balance between sincerity and self-control that

gives her a relaxed naturalness.

Chapter

HOW

TO GET OUT OF A RUT

complaint of women is, "I'm in a rut." This be caused by a single basic reason or by a reasons. Perhaps your mind or body is stagnant. of combination Maybe you need companionship— or, on the other hand, peace and quiet. Something might be troubling you. It could be that you are merely feeling sorry for yourself. Your health might not

A common

condition

can

be up to par.

One time you may

feel

you

are not in control of a

situation. Another time you may be wishing for something interrupt your monotonous routine.

Whatever the causes, when you

down

this list until

you

Stand on your head. Walk barefoot. Nap on a quilt under Get a pet.

find

some

feel

"I'm

in

a

to

rut," glance

idea that inspires you:

a tree.

Listen to a recording of a concert as

you watch the sun

Do fifteen sit-ups first thing in the morning. Grow a herb garden in a sunny window. Wear something bright. Take a nap. Buy something red. Have dinner with your husband by candlehght. Call up a friend.

rise.

HOW TO GET OUT OF A RUT Soak

in a

tub with bubbling bath

127

oil.

someone. Go to bed early tonight. Straighten your closet. Tailor your clothes. Visit

Dress up.

Pay someone a compliment. Count your blessings.

Buy

a

new

dress.

Bake some goodies. Read a colorful magazine. Brush your hair a hundred times.

Make

a

Take

a walk.

new

friend.

Write a letter.

Take

a bike ride.

Give yourself a facial. Reorganize your chest of drawers.

Read the editorial of your newspaper. Read a poem aloud. Smile, for a sunny disposition gives you resilience. Look out of the window and pretend you are a newcomer to the area.

Create something with your hands.

Buy

a bottle of

perfume.

Take a warm Epsom salts bath to draw poisons from the skin and body. Stay in the bath no more than twenty minutes. Rinse well.

Give

a party.

Pick or order

some

flowers.

Pray.

Enroll in a course.

Write to your Congressman.

Go window

shopping.

Buy a new record. Buy something feminine.

A WOMAN'S FULFILLMENT

128

Take up

Make

a

a sport.

new

goal for yourself.

Cultivate a garden.

Make some

Go

gifts.

outside and take several deep breaths.

Take an invigorating shov^er which finishes with cool water. Read a new book. Exercise and dance to music. Alternately tighten and contract all your muscles. Learn of a few important current events.

Go

to the library.

Enjoy a professional massage. Send a dollar or so to a charity. Reread a favorite book. Get rid of unnecessary possessions. Make the beds immediately after rising.

Go Try

to the movies. a

new

hairdo.

Discuss something of cultural significance with

some appro-

priate person.

Try an exotic recipe. Clean the house. Give yourself

a

manicure.

Listen to music with dinner. Sing.

Give yourself a pedicure. Enlist in

Go Go

to a

some voluntary community museum.

service.

for a ride in the car.

Hold your head up high. Read the Bible. Work on some family genealogy. Put wet pads over your eyes and

rest.

Whistle to music. Pick out a trait in which

ways

in

which you

you need improvement and

will try to

change.

Hst the

HOW TO GET OUT OF A RUT

129

Begin a diary.

Rearrange the furniture. Study other rehgions as well as your own. Meditate on your purpose and asking for guidance.

in life

by uncluttering your mind

At these times or at any time it will help to think of some one less fortunate than you, particularly one who has shown that it is the happiness and courage one brings to the world that matters. There are many such people. If you don't know one,

me

let

share the following experience with you.

was an apprehensive teenager, alone in the big San Antonio terminal, two thousand miles from home. Rushing to had have my baggage checked, I saw the most beautiful face ever seen. Her smile was radiant and her complexion glowing. noticed that she was seated in a wheelchair. Her entire Then countenance transmitted a deep beauty. I was spellbound. She turned around, and I decided to hurry on. I

airline

I

I

One of a seat

by

the a

first

to board the

window over

New York -bound

the wing.

It

would be

plane,

I

chose

a long flight,

and

gazing out at the billowy clouds would help pass the time. Just flipped my long brown hair over my shoulder, I heard I someone ask whether the adjoining seat was vacant. I looked up as

and saw the smiling face of the lady

in the wheelchair.

Soon we were talking to each other Franklin had noticed red,

me

in

like

old friends. Susan

the terminal because

my

suit

was

When she spotted me on the asked the attendants to wheel her over to me. realize that our conversation would change my life.

plane,

her favorite color.

sitting alone, she Little did

I

Susan told

me

her story. "I contracted polio at fifteen, during

the dreadful epidemic in Texas. There were so I

lay

on

a

cot in the hospital hall for a

many

cases, that

week before

a

doctor

A WOMAN'S FULFILLMENT

130

even saw me. By then, irreparable damage had been done, and became almost completely paralyzed."

"Don't you resent not being seen sooner?"

I'm

asked.

was glad that many others could be helped. Even though

"I

and

I

I

my

confined to I

am

wheelchair,

take several college courses

I

San Antonio newspaper."

a reporter for a

had never imagined that anyone so handicapped could have such a wonderful spirit toward life. I wondered about romance. My thoughts were interrupted, as if she read my mind. I

.

.

"A

.

me

long-time acquaintance asked

didn't have

much

marry him. I felt I he loved me, nevertheless.

to offer, but he said

to

The wedding was to take place after his next business Australia. He gave me his grandmother's diamond ring engagement present. A month later, before he returned United States, he died of

trip to

for an

to the

a heart attack."

Her brown eyes sadly looked down

at the beautiful ring

on

her hand.

Too

soon,

Georgia,

plane

the

where

she

was

landed to

destination-Atlanta,

her

at

have

medical

treatment.

As the

attendants lifted her into the wheelchair and rolled her the

aisle,

The

I

waved

flight

conversation

misfortune

a sad

goodbye

continued to New York. I could think only of my with that remarkable woman. In spite of her

and handicap,

she

grasped

opportunity

every

better herself and tried to be a ray of happiness to

More than ten years have passed memory with me. Whenever

keep her

down

to the wonderful, smiling face.

since I

I

saw

all

her, yet

feel depressed,

I

to

she met.

I

still

think of

HOW TO GET OUT OF A RUT

131

the inspiration, courage, and beauty of Susan Franklin.

To

see

her face was captivating, but to talk with her was stimulating.

Because of her far-reaching influence, for the rest of

my

life.

I

shall

be a better person

Chapter 12

GET THE BEST FROM YOUR HUSBAND It's

most

not always the most beautiful, the most shapely, or the brilliant

Rather,

it's

woman whom men admire and like to be with. woman who understands. She listens attentively.

the

She brings out a man's deeper thoughts and responds with warmth. She can draw out a shy man, make a talker think, melt a hard man, and make a troubled man whole.

Be Understanding

By understanding

and weaknesses, woman is able to please him. Men are different from women nature and temperament. Where a woman needs deep love,

man needs

reverence.

a

man's

An

traits,

needs,

understanding

woman

a in

a

offers her loved

one encouragement, admiration, honor, and sympathetic attention.

"It

not a wife's part to be her husband's judge," said Ibsen.

is

toward your husband. Everyone bad qualities. Criticism and pushy suggestions annoy a man and cause resentments, which in turn cause marital problems and destroy love. A man wants approval, not a crushed ego! Accept him as a total man. Admire his good quaUties. As a result, you'll love him more, and he'll instinc-

Get

rid

of any

possesses

critical attitude

both good

tively feel grateful.

and

GET THE BEST FROM YOUR HUSBAND

133

Promote Communication Because

men and women

there often

a lack

is

women,

to talk Httle;

operate on different wave lengths,

of communication between them. a lot. Since

men

innermost thoughts, you must often compliment, or even as an answer. their

Men

tend

habitually do not express settle for a

look as a

Communication can be

difficult if couples have nothing to Develop enthusiasm for interests extending beyond yourself and your home. You have a need for reading, vocabulary building, music, friends, and hobbies to keep your personality stimulated. If you will pursue such interests, you will speak more enthusiastically, listen more attentively, and discount

talk about.

criticism

more

easily.

To make your

conversation interesting, weigh each thought

you let it be heard. An old Turkish proverb warns, "Listen a hundred times; ponder a thousand times; speak once." Don't chatter! Instead, listen more and encourage conversation from others. If you don't learn to do this, you may be told in a moment of frankness: "You're Hke a faucet. Turn you on, and everything comes out!" before

On

if you feel that you've tried everything to encourage your husband's conversation in the evening and he still has his nose to the television, you may have to try different

the other hand,

You might say, as you pretend you are going to bed, you tomorrow." Usually such a broad hint makes my husband stop and think-and afterwards he at least talks to me tactics.

"See

during the commercials.

Encourage Him

A woman

in

His Proper Role

makes her husband very happy and awakens his by exhibiting a dependent trust in

instincts for family leadership

A WOMAN'S FULFILLMENT

134

him, or by saying something that raises his opinion of himself. He wants you to admire his masculine qualities, so compliment him on his strength, courage, attractiveness and manUness. Make

you

proud of his intellect, achievements, decisions, and noble character. Be specific about these qualities, and speak with admiration in your voice and eyes. Complimenting him on his mascuUne talents will give him confidence and will make him want to live up to these compliments. A man enjoys being courageous, strong and protective in relation to his

him aware

and

wife,

quahties.

him and

that

wife

a

are

can

only

Whereas nagging inspire

him

benefit

tears

when he

exhibits

these

him down, compliments build

to greater achievement.

he were what he ought to be and you will help him to become what he is capable of being." To bring out the best in your husband, when his manly qualities may lie dormant, mention how you

Someone

has truthfully said:

admired past instances of

"Treat a person as

his display

of manliness.

if

To

inspire

him further, sweetly point out that his present actions do not do justice to his best self. When his wife reveals such higher capabilities

there

who

is

it

can be the turning point of a man's Hfe. Where and happy husband, you will find a wife

a successful

loves, sustains,

and encourages him.

Don't try to equal your husband.

Remember

that

you func-

tion best as the encourager and ego-booster behind the scenes.

Don't compete with your husband for the symbol of authority in the home. Rather, place your strength behind him. Arouse his enthusiasm and strength, and you will find yourself being treated as a truly feminine

You

woman.

can aid your husband tremendously

and inner strength.

First,

in attaining success

help him to want high standards and

good life and a good job. Counsel him to set ,goals that are high but attainable. Pray for guidance and strength to do what is wise. People obtain what they strive for if they sincerely want it.

goals.

Inspire

him

to seek a

GET THE BEST FROM YOUR HUSBAND

135

Don't let your husband carry around blame for mistakes or worry about what he should have done. Waste no time on yesterday. Help him realize too that worrying about the future will not accomplish one tangible result. If the dreaded circumstance doesn't materialize, worrying about it was a useless waste of nervous tension. If the thing does happen, worrying didn't prevent it, and the worrier has had to live through it twice. So let's live one day at a time. As the Turkish saying has it, "Do not roll up your trousers before reaching the stream."

Encourage your husband to study, as this prepares him for opportunities and gives him confidence. Tell him you're proud of his efforts and of the role he plays in contributing to society. Share in his work by asking questions about his day. Sometimes these discussions help him to analyze situations, making

him more husband's

for

alert life

for

new the

A

wife

can alter her

helping

him

to

opportunities.

better

by

have such

attitudes.

As an understanding woman, make your husband feel that he the wittiest, wisest, and most desirable man by letting him always be the-man-of-the-house— even if you sometimes think you can do a particular thing better. Let him tell his own stories; and always laugh at his jokes. Don't be brisk, motherly, is

or authoritative.

Sincerely

value

his

opinions as the decision-

maker. While he's talking, notice his manliness and how devoted he is about his ideas. Pay attention to him while he is speaking. He is proud and doesn't like to be ignored. Such a cool reception whenever he is talking can build a wall of reserve and indifference.

Honor his position when he makes decisions, even if they are He will learn from the consequences. I quote from

wrong.

A WOMAN'S FULFILLMENT

136

Montaigne:

you

"A man must become

stand

in

his

way,

him

appreciate and trust having

wise at his

feel

he'll

own

squelched.

in his role as

expense."

Tell

If

him you

your husband.

Return the Gentle Answer

When he is angry or grouchy, ignore him until his mood When generous or kind, smile, kiss him, or tell him his

changes.

thoughtfulness makes you happy.

you

will

you express appreciation,

If

not only have a happier marriage but you will find

strength in your

Do you want saying the sharp

own

new

personality.

home? Refrain from your mind if you are hurt

love and peace in your

word

that

comes to

or angry. Sharp words shoot out in the air like an arrow flying

you from wounding Anger confuses issues and drains your energy. After a few moments you will be glad you did not speak harshly. Ugly words cause bitterness, where gentle kind words improve a relationship. Kindness and cheerfulness can become as habit-forming as irritability and bad temper. to the target. Self-control in speech prevents

the heart of the one

you

love.

When your husband's

actions annoy you, refrain from using words "never" and "always." Don't say, "You never do this," or "You are always doing that." Exaggerations make you sound like a nag even if the tone of your voice did not convey that intent. You could say, "It isn't like you to do this," or "Your actions don't do you justice."

the

Whenever into

possible, sense the

good-natured laughter.

heap on the

floor, ask

If

humor

in a situation

and turn

he tosses his dirty clothes

in

it

a

him, "Did you and the hamper have a

fight?"

When you have been agree with the criticism

criticized

by

saying,

unfairly,

"You

one response

are right;

I

am

is

to

terrible.

GET THE BEST FROM YOUR HUSBAND I

know how you

don't

he

stand

all

my

137

faults." Because

with him,

critical,

and he should quickly recognize

If

you

feel

proceed to

will

you have

not be able to say anything more

agreed

his exaggeration.

more comment from you, him how perfect he is. Remind him of how

the instance deserves

tell

lucky you are to have such a wonderful husband. This will quiet him in a hurry, making him feel like a heel for picking on poor little

you.

If

your

feelings are hurt,

and you don't

trust yourself to say

anything for fear of losing your temper, the semi-silent pout helps to bring considerate attention. Suppose, after a few quiet minutes, he asks you what

is

your voice, say only what is

for supper. Don't respond in

usual gay manner. Using a sweet, soft

necessary.

your preoccupied husband seems never to sit and chat, be sufficiently active during the day that you won't need to rely on his attention. Soon he will ask you what you did all day, because you will be so mysteriously happy that he will want to be a part of your happiness. (Happiness always attracts attention.) When he finally asks about your happy condition, don't pour out every detail. Leave him "hungry" for the rest of the story, so he will ask more questions. If he asks you concerning some detail and you tell him the whole story without extracting some verbal effort from him, he will become bored and wish he had never inquired in the first place. Therefore, if you are telling a story, allow him to volunteer his interested questions. If

Sometimes, express your feelings: "That wasn't nice to say. You surely must know that what you said has hurt me." Try to analyze what you are feeling and why, then seek to communicate that essential part to him.

When

the

time

comes

to

give

feminine

advice

to

your

A WOMAN'S FULFILLMENT

138

husband, don't sound superior. You could say, "I don't quite but the final decision is agree with your idea. My opinion is up to you." Let him make the decision and let him know .

definitely

whatever

advance

in it

that

you

.

.

abide

will

by

that

decision

is.

Express Individuality Sweetly

Even though a man is the head of the house, he doesn't want doormat for a wife; he wants an individual with self-respect and spirit. If you hope to enjoy respect from your husband, deserve it. Display self-respect and confidence. For example, when you want things done, within reason, show that you assume they will be done. Next, be prepared. If you expect him to take you to the store, be dressed and ready to go when you ask. When you have such a quiet assuming manner, he will not feel he is being pushed. He will simply realize that you are a

prepared.

At times

a

woman

has to display feminine dependency to

from a man and the desired masculine response. If you need a heavy item lifted, ask: "Could you lift this? It's too heavy for me." Watch his chest swell with pride bring

forth

maybe

(and

chivalry

strain, too!)

Make Him Welcome As your husband returns from work, you should be able to from his glance, his tone of voice or his footsteps whether he is happy or troubled. It would be wise to heed Plutarch's advice: "A good wife should be as a looking glass to represent her husband's face and passion; if he be pleasant, she should be tell

merry;

if

he laugh, she should smile;

if

he look sad, she should your irritations of

participate in his sorrow." Forget for a while

the

day,

when

and offer him attention. This

Susie

is

isn't

the time to ask

going to get her braces. Watch your timing. Give

GET THE BEST FROM YOUR HUSBAND

139

chance to unwind from the pressures of the business world. Offer him a welcome-home smile, and make him comfort-

him

a

Allow your feminine nature to be soothing to are happy to see him. You might say as you welcome your husband, "You work so hard all day; you must be tired. Would you like me to massage your back for a few minutes before you eat?" Your being sweet and sympathetic will help to dissolve his tension. If your husband spends time away from home needlessly, your lack of understanding could be the able in his haven.

him.

Show him you

cause.

A husband's thoughtless words and actions (like forgetting wedding anniversaries) are usually due to the preoccupation of his job, since

he shoulders

this responsibility all day.

We women

place our husbands and children above everything, whereas our

husbands tend to place first the considerable task of providing for us. The man's responsibility of providing for a family's needs is a heavy burden, which involves being confronted daily with the pressures his feel free

brings.

When

from these

pressures.

other

men up

never

so

work

set

he arrives home, he needs to

He wants

to feel he

shining

as

is

examples

your hero, of accom-

plishment.

Make him number one over everything else by being neat and attractive when he comes home. One time I thoroughly cleaned house all day until my husband arrived from work. As he came through the door

him with

a

I

got up from

smile, saying,

"Hi,

my I

hands and knees and greeted worked so hard. Doesn't the

house look nice?"

"Yeah," he

replied,

"but you look

like

the

Wreck of the

Hesperus."

stamped off to the mirror, protesting to myself, "That nice ..." I almost scared myself when I saw the reflection. Long wisps of hair hung in strings around my face, I

wasn't very

A WOMAN'S FULFILLMENT

140

which was badly

in

need of makeup.

".

.

.

But you're right,"

I

concluded.

Maybe your husband isn't as candid as mine, but he may think things you never hear. Look your best when he comes home from work and not just on special occasions. you at your best. Set the table for company. Why save your best no one could be more special than

Your husband deserves to every night as you would china

for

others?

Surely,

see

your husband! Enjoy using your china daily. (It's strength is amazing.) Appetizing food and candlelight (if your husband likes it) make any table look well set. Music, quiet children, and a neat house at dinnertime also show you make him number one. Cater to your man. Love your man. Foster Love

Love is a magnetic force which draws good toward it. Kind words will unlock an iron door. Attitudes are contagious and easily sensed. They bring results of a like nature. If you want love from your companion, give kind and affectionate understanding.

A

truly

understanding

tenderness, possess a mysterious

wife

will

stir

her husband's

power over her loved one, and

be deeply loved by him.

You chose your husband as the man of your life whom you would love and cherish, so keep his love and tender affection focused upon you. That means there must be quiet opportunities to reaffirm your mutual love. To induce the right atmosphere on these occasions, vary the approach. Following is a list from which you may want to select. (Add your own proven methods.) Some of these have been discussed

in

chapter.

1.

Have dinner together-just you and your husband.

this

.

GET THE BEST FROM YOUR HUSBAND

141

2.

Keep

3.

Offer to massage his baclc.

4.

Ask how his day was before you overpower him with your own news. Take an interest in his shop talk. Don't hesitate to ask questions, and soon you will understand what he is

5.

quiet.

talking about. 6.

Wear something feminine.

7.

Do something different. Walk with confidence, grace, and good posture. If he answers your conversation with shrugs and grunts, kiss him lightly on the cheek as you whisk by. Have the house neat and the children quiet when he comes home from work. Ask his opinion about something. After he has had a chance to relax, tell him about something you learned during the day (other than housework). Make it short and interesting. Be very feminine in your mannerisms, and it will stir

8.

9.

10.

1 1

12.

13.

18.

masculine response. Develop a sense of humor to entertain his attention once you have asked for it. Lower your voice. Be slightly coy by not relating everything at once; leave him "hungry" for details. Stare deep into his eyes when he talks to you. Play soft music on the stereo or radio.

19.

Eat by candlelight.

20.

Look beautiful, feminine and demure. He you irresistible.

his 14.

15. 16.

17.

21.

Smell fragrant.

22.

Tell

23.

Smile.

24.

Think and act happy, for happiness

25.

Listen to him.

26.

Offer to give him a manicure.

will

find

him you appreciate him. attracts attention.

A WOMAN'S FULFILLMENT

142

him how much the children

27.

Tell

28.

Prepare his favorite dinner.

29.

Write him a cute love note. Compliment him on his masculine

30.

love and admire him.

characteristics.

Chapter 13

THE FULFILLMENT OF LOVE Sexual expression in marriage

is

normal and

other hand,

when shared other than with

marriage

not only morally wrong but

it is

Absolute

happiness. partners,

regardless

partner

"new morality" would have

in

the in

also fatal to married

is a "must" what some advocates of the

fidelity

of

is

On

right.

one's

marriage

for both so-called

us believe.

was not always so, but today a wife can express her natural emotions toward her husband without feeling improper. The wife of th^ second half of the twentieth century has been freed from the shackles of erroneous and frustrating Victorian beliefs about sex. But this freedom does not automatically guarantee happiness in sexual expression. Only if the couple learn and observe the guidelines can this ideally beautiful emotion evoke mutual fulfillment and joy. It

A body,

truly

happy marriage

mind,

and

is

based on the complete union of

of husband

and wife. Such a blend envelops the couple in a sense of sublime oneness. This creates an atmosphere conducive to greater communication and har-

mony, enabling share

a

Love

soul

couple more readily to solve problems and expressed

in considerate sex eases worries, induces relaxation and contentment, and gives one confidence to face the next day.

joys.

Since a satisfactory sex

life

promotes well-being,

it

is

profit-

A WOMAN'S FULFILLMENT

144

to master the art of sexual expression even

able years.

The

art

if

this

takes

of love requires knowledge and practice, and you,

perform your part well. The closeness of the sexual partnership depends on both the husband and the wife understanding something of the body's structure, its physical needs, and the nature of the sexual climax. For instance, do you know what the clitoris and the Bartholin glands are? Your doctor will be able to answer any questions, and has literature to give or recommend. Learn together as husband and wife, and share the knowledge. Sex is no place for ignorance, as too much the

is

woman, must

at

learn to

stake— the success of the marriage

itself.

Be sure you are honest with yourself. Do you have a problem? Perhaps tensions prohibit you from relaxing. Were you brought up with the thought that sex is ugly? Maybe you have pain during intercourse because of a problem that needs medical Did you have a traumatic experience that caused fears? Or is your problem caused by a lack of knowledge of your anatomy and sexual nature? Possibly you are bewildered by the unknown, and don't know what to expect. Or is your technique faulty? help.

When you have discovered what it is that you need to overcome, do something about it. The responsibility is yours! Your gynecologist's advice and literature should make clear the proper path. A good way to get relief from negative feelings is to discuss the

problem openly, so share these painful, repressive

thoughts with your mate. Frankness ber that

all

is

a great medicine.

Remem-

undesirable attitudes interfere with the wholehearted

enjoyment of sex. By not solving your problems, you push your husband away and make him unfulfilled and unhappy. Attitudes toward sex can affect not only your own happiness and health, but your children's welfare too. When at the proper age level they come to feel that married sex is natural and right, and is based on mental and spiritual closeness as well as on physical intimacy,

they will

married love.

place

sex

in

its

rightful

high

position in

THE FULFILLMENT OF LOVE If

145

you, the wife, as well as your husband experience a climax,

mutual and

enhances the relationship wherein husband and wife cleave only to one another. When a man finds he is never able to satisfy his wife, his manhood tends to the delight

is

it

become undermined. He may of his

part

personality

will

try to hide his unhappiness, but

change

for

the

worse.

become irritable with his family, associates, and spend more time at his work or with his friends.

job.

He may He may

A

normal man finds no happiness in forcing himself on a cold To refuse unreasonably his advances, or to answer with a disturbed "Oh, all right," is like a sharp slap across the face to him. His pride cannot take much of that without repercussions. wife.

He

will gradually lose his

confidence and self-respect. Be honor-

ed that your husband wants to very

much you

Some

women

love to you.

Think of how

wives use the excuse of fridigity, but true fridigity in is

between

make

love him.

nonexistent.

largely

There are

differences

natural

men and women, however. A woman

is

made

to

experience deep physical gratification, but usually she needs to be stimulated by her husband. Because generally a woman's

more slowly than a man's, it takes amount of tender affection and caressing to bring

sexual responses are aroused a considerable

her to the proper pitch. Her excitement seems at first to be diffused over the entire body. On the other hand, a man's stimulation

Since

is

immediate and localized.

harmony

other areas of marriage overflows into the

in

sexual

relationship,

crease

sexual

consideration,

desire.

(Of

course,

affection and tenderness in-

wives

resent

it

when

the

husband exhibits these qualities only when seeking a sexual response.) At this time the husband's attitude should be especially relaxed, not aggressive or demanding. You and your husband should plan on taking plenty of time. Loveplay in marriage need not and should not be rushed. Rest in each

A WOMAN'S FULFILLMENT

146

other's

arms

until

and soon the

like tenderly kissing,

Most males need to relationship, even

Then you'll become deeper.

gentleness envelops you.

a

feel that

when

the

kisses will

feel

they are dominant in the sexual

woman

takes the iniative. Regardless

you should be completely your husband know your emotional and physical degree of readiness. It's how you communicate that is important-with gentle words, looks, and

who

of

the

initiates

relationship,

uninhibited from that

first

kiss

letting

in

guiding hands.

The thing to remember they have to

is

discover and

that

couples are different, and

all

work on developing

which

that

is

mutually pleasing. As your husband slowly caresses you, notice which parts of your body respond to his touch. When you enjoy attention, don't remain passive, but express the enjoyment with loving words, tender caresses, and passionate sensitivity. It's necessary for the wife to be kissed and caressed until she is this

ready for each step.

If

your husband doesn't

realize

this,

tell

him each time. When he's able to please you, he feels tremendously proud and virile. Show your sexual pleasure, and be a well

as

satisfying

as

maximum

in closeness.

a

satisfied

wife.

This

is

essential

for the

Good health is necessary for a happy relationship, and it is your responsibility to see that both of you have the proper nutrition, sleep, exercise, and a relaxed atmosphere. Fatigue is your enemy. The woman who knows she is too tired at night might take an afternoon rest or nap. A tepid shower can provide instant relaxation and energy. Retire

or you'll

together,

For go to bed

get a disturbing atmosphere.

example, your husband says; "I had

a

hard day;

let's

now." "Oh,

there's a

good movie on the

watch," you reply.

late

show

that

I

want

to

THE FULFILLMENT OF LOVE By

the time the movie

he's sleeping.

bear, so

the bed.

You

147

is

over and you go to the bedroom,

don't turn on the Hghts for fear of waking a

you grope around in the dark The mattress bounces about

you feel the edge of dozen times while you

until a

crawl under the covers and get settled.

He come

is

to

disturbed and groggily spouts off,

bed so darn

and bounce

late

"Why

did

you have

to

kangaroo?"

in like a

worries and gossip

of the day causes atmosphere when you tension also. How can there be a relaxed harp about your neighbor's health problems, or your children spilling milk on the new rug? Real problems should be discussed at some other appropriate time. End the day with an optimistic note, and you both will welcome the morning. For example, you could say that children are a lot of work, but that you're happy to be a mother; or that you'll call your friend tomorrow to ask if you can do anything to help her. Talk briefly and Bringing to bed

the

happily about the day.

Nothing is too good for your husband, so please him in all ways and be fastidious and sweet-smelling. The provocative cologne a husband likes is worth buying. In a relationship so much affected by a feeling of delicacy and the sense of smell, keep clean. No amount of perfume can ever cover uncleanhness.

Look lipstick,

Don't

desirable.

porcupine curlers

I

went

I

bed with

remember one

bed with

to

was turning over

in

a

greasy

my

face

and

night, early in

He moaned and

mark

across his

my

marriage,

hair set with brush curlers. While

bed, a curler brushed against

face.

bed!

to

lotion-smooth skin, and brushed hair with the straggly

ends neatly pinned.

when

go

the hair. Be at your best v/ith a touch of

in

my

I

husband's

up in bed, and there was a red slash cheek. That was the last time I wore curlers to sat

A WOMAN'S FULFILLMENT

148

For night lounging, choose a pretty gown that is definitely and soft. Nylon, silk, chiffon, or jersey are such fabrics. However, the object is to wear whatever pleases your husband, whether it be a striped-terry duster or a nylon leopard-print gown. feminine

Add spice to your sex life with variety. If you and your husband feel like "smooching" on Saturday afternoon under your philodendron plant in the living room, do it. Whatever is mutually pleasing is the thing to do in privacy. Sex

is

the

most

marriage because

it

intimate

and

tender

communication

in

represents mutual sharing and giving of self

In a mature sex relationship, each from pleasing the other, and this brings intense closeness between the two. Such mutuality is one of the most rewarding gifts of life we have on this earth.

to achieve a union of love. receives pleasure

Chapter 14

BE

A HAPPY HOMEMAKER

you have read

If

this

you— that making

book, one thing

at least

should be clear

work is up to the wife. Unless unhappy and hard. But if you marriage will be this, you accept make up your mind you're going to make it better every day, to

a marriage

the institution contrived for your protection can be beautiful.

Around and

good marriage clusters the truest joys of humanity, we promote and transmit social order and it

a

through

Don't be

happiness.

satisfied

with anything mediocre, because

make marriage heavenly. It takes time to acquire new habits, but while you are doing so you'll be inspired and happy, for the power you possess will come into play and

you have the keys

will

to

enhance your femininity and charm.

I

hope

you'll be inspired to

make

the best of yourself in all

As a homemaker, you should be able to enjoy the influence you have in making your family happy and the fun you have in managing the house. Every week you should feel prouder because of your contribution to stretching the family income. In decorating, you should feel a sense of creativity and accomplishment because you have made a house become a home. your

roles.

As a mother, you have the greatest duties and honors bestowed upon you, for this is the most important position in the world. Do the best you can to make the world a better

A WOMAN'S FULFILLMENT

150

At the same time you can build for yourself and your

place.

children precious memories that can never be taken away.

Because attractive,

of your

You

and

nutritious,

learned to prepare in

your family should sit down to tasty meals. These you will have

efforts,

minimum

time.

should stand out in a crowd because your charm and

natural beauty radiates and

is

accentuated by the clothes you

You

can use your spare time for special interests. What interest could be more special than your husband? With him you wear.

can share enthusiasm and mutual goals. Your closeness to him should be an intimacy of mind, body, and soul.

Your

make you so content that your joy home and make the whole family

role as a wife should

and smiles permeate

the

happy.

You may

get

the

impression

that

I

think

I

have

all

the

on the practice, even when we know the theory. In closing I have something to admit. While I've been busy writing about how to be a good wife and mother there have been times when I screamed at the children for bothering me for a snack when I was typing. Vd be so absorbed in revising the manuscript that when the door bell rang at noon I would realize that I hadn't even gotten dressed yet. answers. Most of us

slip a little

My most embarrassing incident occurred one evening while I was next door discussing the wording on a portion of the previous chapter. It was the part where I say how very important it is for husband and wife to retire together at night. My girl friend and I had been in such deep discussion that we didn't realize how the time had slipped by. When the phone rang, it was my husband calling. 'T've been waiting hours for you to come home," he said. "You should read your own book."

BE A HAPPY

The advice

HOMEMAKER

situation

and

I

151

was amusing, but

ran

home

to

my

I

decided

neglected

I'd

take

husband.

my own And

as a

note, that's a final emphasis for all wives. Keep your husband happy. That's the most important part of all your homemaking. closing

1

INDEX

-A-

Budget, divided into large categories, 14 essential, 14

Accents, decorating, 25 Accessories, 110 add variety to wardrobe, 117

decorating, 15, 26-28

performing two, simultaneously, 10 Advice, to husband, 137-138 American Medical Association, advocates slimness, 100 cleaning of children's Animals,

Activities,

stuffed, 8

Answer, returning the gentle, 136 Appetite, control of, 108 insures Appreciation, expressed, happy marriage, 136 Atmosphere, ways to induce right,

140-142 Attention, attracted by happiness,

137 Attitude, conveyed to children, 40

-CCalcium,

in diet,

104

of interest, 26-27

Center,

in

decorating,

Charm, components of, 124-125 secrets of, 90 Child, and mother, 38-50 control of emotions, 46 development of, 38-50 disciplining of, 41-44 fostering independence of, 39 needs of, 38 prayers of, 46 Children, easy chores for, 10-11 eating restricted to table, 1 encouraging curiosity of, 40 exposure to experiences, 40 fostering companionship with,

40-41 imitate parents' way, 47 instant fun for, 51-71 need to feel secure, 46-47

Baby, feeding of, 39 Backlog, day not to begin with, 9 Beauty, aids to, 89-99 that endures, 124-125 the natural look in, 99 Bra, 115 Breakfasts, 75-76

parental

negative

attitude

to-

ward, 43-44 restraints on, 45 stimulating development of, 40 to be taught respect, 44-45 training for responsibility, 4, 45 training of, to help, 10-11

INDEX

154

Chore, daily, 4 interspersed Chores, work, 3 list of needed, 4 time saved on, 2 usual, 4

to be avoided,

with

desk

23

made by husband, 138

Decisions,

Decorating, acquiring ideas on, 25 creative ideas on, 29-37

home, 24-37

Cleaner, vacuum, use of, 6 Cleaning, hints on, 6-7 Cleanliness, important in sexual relationship, 147

economy in use of, 6, 21 Clothes, avoid sprinkling of, 8 Clothing, 109-118 Cleanser,

individualized, 25 planned for family, 27 to please husband, 27-29 Desserts, 86-87 importance of nutritious, Diet, 103-105 Dish-washer, inexpensive time-

care of, 22, 116-117

saver, 5 Draperies, cleaning of, 7

cleaning

Dress, secret of. 111

bills for,

21

112-113 elimination of unsuitable, 109-110 enjoyment of, 117 maternity, 115-116 selection of, 22 styles of, 111-112 summer, 110 winter, 110 Clutter, how to remove, 12 to be avoided, 12 Color, in decorating, 26 Colors, in clothing, 112-113 Communication, between husband and wife, 133 Companion, being an enjoyable, colors

in,

Dusting, speeded up, 6

Economizing, and planning, 19-22 Economy, in planning meals, 72-73 Efficiency, fatigue an enemy to, 9 is

1

Enzymes,

in diet,

104

Executive, housewife

is

like, 1

Exercise, daily, 102

13

Complexion,

by

dulled

starches, etc.,

eating

gives health

and

vitality,

102

Exercises, 102-103

104

Compliments,

foster husband's confidence, 134 Confidence, of chic woman, 117 Courage, example of, 129-131 Curiosity, encouraging, in children,

40

Experiences, exposing children to,

40 Expression, sexual, mastered, 144

Eyebrows, makeup

for,

art

to

95

makeup for, 95 makeup for, 94-95

Eyelashes,

Eyes,

-DDeath

fun,

organization key to, 2 Emotions, child's control of, 46 should be controlled, 122 Energy, maintained by regular meals, 107

rate,

linked

expressive,

with

120

over-

weight, 100

Debt, burdensome, 17

Face, beauty aids for, 89, 91-92

be

INDEX

155

Homemaker,

Fashion, trends of, 112 Fatigue,

enemy

Femininity, always appropriate, 119-121 emphasis of, 119-125

man's

stimulates

being

happy,

a

149-151

to efficiency, 9

masculinity,

119 Figure, building a firmer, 108

Finances, family, 14-23 family, example of counsel on, 17, 18-19

the efficient, 13

House, not to be master, 1 Humor, encouraging child's sense of,

46

sense of, 122, 136 Hunger, hints on relieving, 106 Husband, expects attractive wife,

139-140 first

position of, in family, 47

getting best from, 132-142

family, flexibility of, 17

planned around family goals, 14 87-88 Floors, waxing of, 7 Food, and marriage, 88 planning for economy in, 72-73 Food storage, 73 Foods, suggested for storage, 73 Fruits, freezing of, 22 in diet, 104 Fun, instant, for children, 51-71 Fire, in kitchen,

honoring position of, 135-136 should be number one, 140 should be wife's special interest, 150 to be encouraged in role, 133-136 unwise to compete with, 134

-IIdeas, generating, 3

Individuality,

-GGarden, vegetable, 22 Girdle, giving

body

wife's,

be

to

ex-

pressed, 138-139 for

economy,

Interests,

devoting

sonal, a natural,

102

Grooming, checklist, 117-118 Gum, removal of, from fabrics,

homemaker side,

Glassware, cleaning of, 6 Goals, family, 14

time

to

per-

have

out-

1

should

1

Iodine, in diet, 105 Iron, in diet, 105 7

cleaning inside of, 8 down on, 8

Ironing, cutting

-H

Habits,

development of good working, 9 Hair, 97-98 Happiness, a state of mind, 123 attracts attention, 137 comes through service, 123 marital,

Jewelry, 114-115

-K-

depends on femininity,

119 Health, and shapeliness, 100-108 Heart, excess weight threatens,

100

faster, 8

Ironing board, lowering of, 9 uses for ends of, 9

Kitchen, danger in, 87-88 save time in, 5

Knowledge, have, 2

homemaker

must

INDEX

156

-LLaundering, 7-9 Leather, care of, 117 Letter-writing,

motivation

for,

10

saving time on, 10 Lines, facial, 93 Lips,

makeup

for,

95-96

Liquid, bodily needs for, 105 Listening, encourages conversation,

ideas for defeating, 126-131 Mother, and child, 38-50 attitude of, affects child, 47 attributes of, 47 development of home-building skills, 38 outside interests of, 47 Motivation, for housewife, 3 Mystery, air of, effective, 123

-N-

133 often preferable to talking, 120 Living standard, raising, 14, 19-20 Love, fulfillment of, 143-148 wife to foster, 140 Lunches, 76-77

-M-

Men, and women, differences between, 132 Mending, hints on, 116 Menus, 72-88 planning of, 23 13 1

Mirror, full-length, best style consultant,

to

men, 117 Nervousness, dispelled by peaceful thoughts, 121

Organization, key to efficiency, 2 needs constant improvement, 2 Oven, use of foil in, 6 Overweight, linked with death rate,

109

100

Pedicure, 99

Perfume, 98-99 Personality, building of child's 48 Planning, ahead, 9-10

and economizing, 19-22 creative, with

husband, 22

increases time for recreation, 13

key inefficient,

Milk, use of powdered, 20

Money, the way

99

O

Masks, facial, 91-92 Maternity clothing, 115-116 Meals, emergency, 85-86 not to be skipped, 107 planning for variety in, 74-75 Meats, 82-85

eliminating

of,

woman, important

solve

Marriage, fidelity in, 143 food and, 88 heavenly, wife has keys to, 149 sexual expression in, 143-148

Minutes, 1440,

Neatness, of

Nutrition, in diet, 103-105

Makeup, 93-96 Management, scientific, can housework problems, 2

Methods,

manicuring

Nails,

to

raising

living

standard,

19-20 needs constant improvement, 2 savings through financial, 15 Poise, 101 of chic woman, 117 Posture, 100-102

the,

goes,

14-23

wife's job to stretch, 17

Monotony, defeated by

zest, 2

Power,

housewife

things,

exercises,

1

Prayer, for guidance, 134

over

INDEX

157

Prayers, of child, 46 Pregnancy, importance of support-

ing clothing during, 115-116

Preparation,

rushed

for

morning,

10 organization of future, 3 provided for on chore list, 4 Protein, 105 Projects,

Swedish Pancakes, 76 Chicken and Gravy, 83 Tomato sauce, 80-82 Vegetables in Foil, 80

Tender

Refrigerator, use of freezing

partment in, 5 Relaxing, importance ininity,

R

Onion

Respect,

com-

to fem-

of,

121

children

to

be

taught,

44-45 Recipes

Responsibility,

All in One,

Almond

82

Sausage, 85

American Chop Suey, 81 Apple Pancakes, 76 Bar-B-Q, 84 Basic Tomato Sauce, 80 Beef Stroganoff, 84 Cherry Soup, 77 Chicken Cacciatore, 81 Chicken Elegant, 83 Chicken Salad, 84 Chicken Vegetable Soup, 78 Chili, 82 Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake, 87 Chops, 84

Chop Suey, 85 Corn Muffins, 85 English Muffin Pizzas, 77 Far East Special, 82 Five Cup Ambrosia, 87 Fruit Salad, 86-87

Gaspacho Soup, 77 Gelatin Dessert, 86 Good Old Tuna, 86 Green Beans Supreme, 79 Meat Balls and Gravy, 85 Meat Loaf, 83 Mexican Night, 86 Pudding Parfaits, 87 Quick Tuna, 86 Shrimp-Bit, 86 Spaghetti and Meat Balls, 80 Spanish Rice, 81 Special Spinach, 80

for,

training

children

45

Rouge, use

of,

94

Rut, getting out of, 126-131

-SSalads, 78-79

Saving,

by cooking double

recipe,

20 hints on, 20-22

Savings, family, 16

Schedule, basic daily work, 3-4 Schedules, use of, 3 Service, brings happiness, 123 Sex, attitudes toward, affect family,

144

143-148 mutual fulfillment in, 143 Shapeliness, and health, 100-108 in marriage,

Sinks, cleaning of, 6 Sitting, posture, 101

Skin, care of, 91-93 effect of clothing color on,

113

moisture and, 91-92 Slimness,

how

motivations

requires 106-107

to retain,

105-108

106 low- calorie to,

foods,

Snacks, for dieter, 107 Soups, 77-78 Speech habits, checking

119-120 Spending, plan

of,

14

Spots, on wall, removal of, 7

on,

158

INDEX

Spring cleaning, unnecessary, 4 Stains, removal of, from clothing, 116 Standing, posture, 101 Starch, use of, 8 Styles, of clothing, 111-112 Sweaters, washing of, 117

Teeth, and gums, 96-97 Tension, dispelled by peaceful thoughts, 121 Textures, variety of, in decorating,

26 Thrift, creative, 22-23

Time, for creative

activities,

4

free, for pleasure, 2

suggestions

Tubs, cleaning

on

saving, 1-13

of, 6

-VVegetables, 79-80 freezing of, 22 in diet,

104

Vitamins, in diet

B vitamins, 104 A, 104 C, 104

Vitamin Vitamin Vitamin Vitamin

Voice,

should portray femininity,

119-120

-WWalking, posture, 101

Wardrobe, basic, 110 planning, 109-111 suitable for way of life, 109-110 Water, conservation of, 20 Wife, husband expects attractive, 139-140 inspiration to husband, 134 not to criticize husband, 132 thrifty, 22-23 Windows, cleaning of, 7 Woman, attributes of charming, 124-125 understanding, admired by men, 132 well-dressed, 109 Women, and men, differences between, 132 men like vivacious, 121 Wonder, sense of, 122 Words, sharp, to be avoided, 136 Work, desk, brightens homemaker's life, 3 sharing in husband's 135

D, 105

Work

E, 105

Worrying, foolishness of, 135

conditions, standardized, 2

NOTES ON HOMEMAKING

NOTES ON HOMEMAKING

NOTES ON HOMEMAKING

NOTES ON HOMEMAKING

NOTES ON HOMEMAKING

NOTES ON HOMEMAKING

NOTES ON HOMEMAKING

NOTES ON HOMEMAKING

A WOMAN'S FULFILLMENT by

LAURA SNYDER

A Woman's practical,

Fulfillment

down-to-earth

is

designedly a

guide

home-

to

makers. Laura Snyder brings to the task a natural

enthusiasm and

writing,

and

a

ability,

a

flair

keen observation of her

and other wives'

for

own

efforts. Progressive in ap-

proach, she has studied

of Long Island,

at the State

Univer-

New

York, and is a graduate of a charm school and of the Famous Writers' School. She is active in community volunteer work and in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. sity

The author's

native talents and percep-

tion have been enhanced

the

by her

travels in

USA, Canada and Europe, and by

a

wide range of hobbies and personal interests which embrace physical, mental and artistic pursuits. But her number one interest, she insists, is her air force husband, Fred Snyder, and their three children. This same wise message as to priorities and the way to married happiness comes through clearly

for

all

wives

in

A Woman

's

ment.

BOOKCRAFT PUBLISHERS 1848 West 2300 South Salt Lake City, Utah

Fulfill-

36

1

200

i BOOKCRAFT Salt Lake City. Utah