I was all set to do a meaningful commentary on taxes and budgeting, given the upcoming deadline that all of my American readers know only too well. But since I’d do anything to avoid that topic, I picked this excerpt to share with you instead. It’s from Good Housekeeping’s The Better Way: A Unique, Money-Saving Handbook […]
Category: Advice
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Provision for Sleep and Peace
Well, after many weeks I’m finally all moved into my little house, and am enjoying it quite a bit. Now that everything is nearly unpacked, here’s a little something from one of my home economics books regarding the need for a place to rest, relax, and sleep comfortably. I’m certain I’ve found it. 1947: Provision […]
Home Economics Assignments
Your assignment today is from Introduction to Home Economics,written by Lita Bane and Mildred R. Chapin of the University of Illinois. If you can find a copy of Bane and Chapin’s book, you may find the answers. Otherwise, you’re on your own! 1945: Home Economics Assignments Assignment 1. Write a brief history of the Home Economics […]
The Fireplace
Fall has finally arrived in the greater Washington, D.C., area, and as the rooms get chillier there is a pressing need to have the fireplace and heating system checked out in the new house. Fireplace is done as of this week, heating still to come. As I sit and enjoy the burning logs tonight, read […]
The Kind of House
I bought a house! I’m moving this month from my basement apartment to an above-ground structure with more windows and space than I know what to do with. What kind of house, you ask? A little bungalow, built in 1923 ~ the year of this exerpt from the book Economics of the Family. 1923: The Kind […]
Home
I’m back from my “oh-my-gawd-I’ve-actually-been-to-ten-states-in-two-weeks” summer trip. Don’t ask. While gone, I thought fondly of friends, loved ones, and my sweet pup, and couldn’t wait to be back in my own apartment. Here’s an excerpt on the joys of home, from The Household Guide, or Domestic Cyclopedia, written by Professor B. G. Jefferis and J. L. […]
Housewives 101
Q Dear Miss Abigail: Why did they have housewives in the olden days? Signed, Mime A Dear Mime: I’ve often wondered the very same thing. Here’s a bit of guilt ~ oops, I mean advice ~ that should give you some insight into those wacky olden days. Richard A. Wells wrote it in 1891 for […]
Origin of the Bridal Shower
As maid of honor for my sister’s wedding in May, I’ve got a lot to do in the coming months. One major activity is to help plan the shower, and now that a date has been selected, I’ve turned to my books to find out more about this festive party. Etiquette expert Lillian Eichler provided […]
Party Out of Bounds
Friends, I selected this one in anticipation of my big birthday party on June 7th. Everyone is invited, but please, leave that bad, bad liquor at home! 1967: Party Out of Bounds Sometimes you’re at a party that has gotton out of hand. Perhaps there is drinking that you had not anticipated. Maybe it has […]
It’s Halloween Party Time!
Ah, fall is upon us yet again. And what does that mean? After reading these party ideas, get out your costumes, rake the leaves, and carve those pumpkins, because . . . 1948: It’s Halloween Party Time! Spooky Welcome: The hostess or chairman of the committee should greet the guests one at a time, in […]