Modern day lessons in how to be a lady

The concept of a finishing school is one of my favorite topics to write, read, and dream about. Whenever I come across a book set in a finishing school, or any type of girls school for that matter, I just have to read it! Sigh, I would have loved to attend one of these schools, where bad and unsightly habits are buffed out and students are polished into their best, most elegant and feminine selves.  

Imagine my excitement when I stumbled upon a television program all about this topic. In each series of Ladette to Lady, a group of rowdy young women are sent to a British finishing school to be molded into elegant and dignified young ladies. Yes, it is a reality show and a bit of a guilty pleasure, but aside from the inevitable drama, it really does inspire me. I especially love the staff, firm but maternal women who run the school with such precision and dedication to their craft and their students. They really try to get their students to see another way of life, bless them!

There are some ground rules that each girl is expected to follow: no cursing, smoking, or gum chewing; no drinking to excess; conduct yourself appropriately at all times; and follow curfew (in bed, lights out by 10pm). When girls arrive, a copy of Debretts etiquette guide is placed on the bed as a reference.

I'm always fascinated by the topics they would have taught in such a school, the classes they would have attended... I managed to catch a glimpse of the school schedule in a few episodes. Of course I had to snap a photo, and take notes during each lesson. We're never too old to improve ourselves :)

Shoulders back, chest out, chin level with the floor... !

Grooming: All piercings (except earlobes) are removed, tattoos are covered. Hair is taken back to its natural color and groomed into a neat and tidy style. The uniform for each girl is a twinset (matching jumper and cardigan), an a-line skirt, classic pumps, and a string of pearls. Makeup is kept light and becoming - too much and the girl is sent back to wash her face.

Deportment: Learning to walk and sit up straight are of utmost importance. The girls try the old-fashioned trick of walking with a book on their head to some success... How to sit as a lady is what would be known as the "duchess slant," knees together with one ankle tucked behind the other in a slight angle. When walking in heels, your steps should be small and light, not clomping like a clydesdale!

Elocution: A clear and pleasant voice is cultivated. Nasal sounds are to be banished, instead vowels are emphasized with the help of a bone prop. The scenes were quite reminiscent of My Fair Lady which made me laugh a lot!  

Dancing: Familiarizing yourself with dance demonstrates grace, culture, and refinement.

Domestic arts: The girls are caught to sew camisoles and knickers, and create beautiful flower arrangements. Of course these skills would have been essential to any young woman looking to marry, have families, and run their own homes.

Cookery: Learning to cook a proper meal was a big challenge for many of the girls. They tried their hand at many different meals, including roast dinners, souffles, soups, and a variety of elaborate desserts. 

Knowledge of fine wines: Knowing how to pair a wine your meal completes the experience. A wine tasting course was a welcome activity for the girls... some of whom who cheekily refused to spit it out!

Table manners: Sit up straight with elbows off the table, napkin in lap. You should take small sips of your drink throughout the meal. Pace yourself to allow time for conversation in between bites. Always try the food served to you in order not to offend your host.

Social etiquette: A party is like a dance. The goal is to pair the correct people up to create a natural flow of conversation. Take interest in others, ask open ended questions to encourage a buzzing atmosphere. A lady drinks on certain occasions and never to excess. You must learn to control your temper when presented with challenges. Losing your composure, or drinking too much, is the fastest way to ruin your reputation!

Sexual etiquette: Men are hunters by nature; you have to be that prize. The girls were taught to show interest in potential suitors without acting too "available." Be pleasant with a ready smile. Conversations should flow naturally... with a bit of light flirting! Show affection and interest towards him, but always keep a little mystery. If you leave him wanting more, he will pursue you at every opportunity.

I'm grateful my own parents did their best to teach me to be polite, respectful, and to always act with dignity. Wouldn't the world be a little lovelier if we were all taught these lessons young? It's not necessarily about changing who you are, it's about polishing yourself to enhance your own beauty, and who doesn't want that? A well-cultivated degree of grace and femininity is a very powerful thing indeed...

Grace Kelly, the epitome of ladylike.

                                                                                 
                                                                                     — TYG

Five 1940s things to brighten your day

1. Red lipstick & nail varnish. Is there anything better than a bright red lip or a glossy red manicure? Not to a vintage girl! The color red has an amazing invigorating and uplifting effect. In fact, the signature 1940s shade Victory Red was created with just that very purpose in mind. Catching a glimpse of a cherry red lip in the mirror or those little ruby jewels on your fingertips while you cook, clean, sew, write, or whatever else you have planned, will brighten your day.

2. Handcrafts. A simple handcraft like knitting, sewing, or darning is a low cost activity that taps into the vintage make do and mend mentality of the wartime. It can also provide hours of entertainment - I enjoy working on a small project like knitting a pair of socks or a scarf that I can finish quickly for a little productivity boost. The movements of knit, purl over and over actually become quite meditative and a great way to focus your mind and relieve stress. 

3. Radio shows.  By 1940, radio shows had become so popular that over 80% of Americans had a radio at home; this era became known as the golden age of radio. With so many shows available, there was a little something for everyone - either fictional serialized dramas and spooky mysteries, or nonfiction topics such as history, cooking, comedy hours, or big band and swing concerts. Websites like Old Radio World and the 1940s Radio Station have preserved many of these radio shows for listeners even today. 

4. Hair flowers. As the morale of the 1940s was low, personal presentation was of utmost importance. To help keep spirits high, women were not only encouraged to present themselves beautifully, but also to bring beauty to others. The hair flower trend was all the rage in the 1940s as a simple way to add glamour, femininity, and a touch of whimsy to your appearance, especially as clothing production and affordability was low. Hair flowers, often made of rayon or silk, could add a pop of color to an outfit and also camouflage any imperfections in your hairstyle.

5. A strong cup of tea. Due to wartime, tea rations were scaled back to 2oz per adult per week, which averages out to around three cups a day. From 1942 onward, children received no tea allowance, and the elderly were granted an extra ration beginning in 1944. Unlike fine tea which is meant to be enjoyed plain, builders teas were created to be strong, brisk, and hold up to accompanying cream and sugar as a pick me up. Celebrate the end of 1940s wartime by brewing yourself a strong cup to fuel you through the day - with cream? Sugar? One lump or two?

— TYG

The art of domesticity

I just returned home after a weekend trip with my husband to a nearby city. Instead of driving, he suggested we take a regional train that makes it way down our part of the country. I enthusiastically agreed - there is something about trains that is just so romantic. It was such a nice ride, and I'm sure much more relaxing for my husband in contrast to navigating the freeways. I finished reading over half of my current novel! 

We visited because we bought tickets back in January for a ballet, La Sylphide. I love visiting ballets and have seen a handful of productions at this point. La Sylphide had been on my list for quite some time so I was overjoyed to find it near me. Of the Romantic period, it's one of the oldest surviving ballets and just absolutely beautiful, though the ending is rather dark. If you enjoy doses of melancholy, like me, then you probably wouldn't mind it :) The story focuses on a sylph (similar to a forest sprite) who enchants a young Scotsman and leads him through the forest to a coven of witches... I won't spoil the ending.

It was a wonderful escape into the world of the fantastical - I think we all need to reconnect with play and imagination from time to time. I know that I have to consistently seek out inspiration to help propel myself along in life. If my creative well runs dry, I begin to feel a little unsettled. Have you ever read The Artist's Way? One method the author suggests to find your creative spark again is to take yourself on artists dates - I love that. Even simple things count, like going for a walk in a new part of town, perusing a used bookstore, or spending an hour by the seaside.

I've been home for a few days now and getting back into the swing of things. I'm feeling inspired to get creative in the kitchen. I'm dreaming of shepherds pie, french onion soup, and cabbage rolls - how delicious! I'm such a contended homebody, so much so that I've been teased in the past for being a bit of a hermit who never leaves the house. But... to me, domesticity is bliss. The art of homemaking is an art. At home is where I'm in my quiet, peaceful environment and surrounded by my favorite things and pockets of beauty. Things that lift up my spirit and recharge my soul. 

 

Just because you're a homebody, or a housewife, doesn't mean you can't be worldly or cultured or creative. As Tasha Tudor said - "I enjoy doing housework, ironing, washing, cooking, dish washing. Whenever I get one of those questionnaires and they ask what is your profession, I always put down housewife. It's an admirable profession, why apologize for it. You aren't stupid because you're a housewife. When you're stirring the jam you can read Shakespeare." Isn't that lovely? We all have the ability to create a life encompassing everything we love, that's tailor made just for us.

— TYG

1950s chocolate squares

I love to bake - enjoying a homemade treat with my afternoon tea is one of my favorite indulgences. I was thumbing through my recipe folder and I came across this 1950s recipe that I decided to give a go. This is actually a depression recipe that doesn't call for any eggs and is also low on sugar. I thought this recipe was so timely as inflation is on the rise all across the world. In my neighborhood eggs have gone up in price at least a few dollars, therefore I have been baking less as I want to save our eggs for breakfast.   

This recipe was originally found in an issue of Woman's World magazine, Jan 12th 1952 - "Cakes for tea present a problem when eggs are scarce, as every mother knows" the page says. "Barbara Fare, our Cookery Expert, gives you more eggless recipes to add variety to your tea-table."  

Here's the recipe: 

Sift together 5 oz of plain flour, 2 level tsp of baking powder, and 3 level tbsp of cocoa. Rub in 1 1/2 oz of margarine (I used butter). Warm together 2 tbsp of golden syrup and 6 tbsp of milk, then pour in the dry ingredients. Beat the mixture till smooth and pour into a greased 10 inch square sandwich or cake tin. Bake at 375 for 15 minutes.

When cool, dip the tops of the squares into the following icing: Melt 1 oz. of margarine. Remove from heat and add 2 tbsp of cocoa 2 tbsp of sugar. Beat in, keeping pan warm over a basin of warm water. Add 1 tbsp of warm water and 1 tsp of vanilla extract. Sprinkle with chopped nuts and allow to set.

When cool, top each square with a dab of buttercream.  

I doubled the recipe and baked my squares in a nonstick brownie pan. They baked surprisingly fast so be sure not to over bake. I would recommend these are best served within three days, as they start to dry out slightly, so store in an airtight container if you have left over.  

I was surprised at how simply delicious these chocolate squares are. Fresh out of the oven, they were moist, rich with a slight bitterness due to the cocoa, and not overly sweet. The chopped nuts give the cakes a satisfying bite and the dollop of buttercream adds the perfect hit of sweetness.

I had my chocolate square with a cup of orange pekoe tea and it was perfect!  

I hope you try this recipe. It was so much fun to bake a little piece of history. 

— TYG 

Cat lady chic

What comes to mind when you think of a cat lady?

The most common image this term usually conjures up is an older, eccentric woman living a reclusive life in an abandoned house. She preoccupies her time by caring for and feeding a horde of stray cats who have taken up residence in her home. She is most likely unmarried, and wanders about the garden in a huge sun hat with a crooked brim and bizarrely oversized palazzo pants.

Cats have been in my life since I was a little girl and I've always felt an affection for them. My beloved Mrs. Sunflower, a beautiful long haired calico, was my best friend growing up. She'd often lie on the carpet beside me while I played with my dolls and wrote in my journal, sprawled out on the bedroom floor. As I got older, my connection to cats grew - I felt their mystique and quiet nature complemented my introverted demeanor, and my cat lady notoriety began to set in thanks to my more sociable peers.

"Little Edie" Edith Beale, a notorious "cat lady" ... and totally fab in my book!

It's a shame that the term "cat lady" is often used with a dowdy or spinsterish connotation. The cat eye, the cat walk, the kitten heel, the iconic character of catwoman... so many symbols of style and femininity stem from the similarities between cats and women. Wouldn't it make more sense to know that some of the most stylish and glamorous women in the world were, in fact, cat ladies?

Cats have enchanted us with their feline mystique since the dawn of time. With their slightly detached attitude and effortless grace, as they lounge on the chaise or leisurely groom themselves, cats are connoisseurs of comfort and pleasure. Cats are clean, fastidious creatures who inherently place importance on cultivating tidy and orderly habits from their toilette to what they choose to dine on. Similarly, felines are often domestic, home-loving creatures who enjoy nothing more than existing in the quiet comfort of their own space, enjoying the sensation of the warm sun basking through the window. The cat is also independent and famously selective about who is worthy of their time, attention, and affection.

Due to their attitude and ways of living, cats effortlessly evoke that je ne sais quoi that the Hollywood stars of yesteryear embodied that made them so fascinating. Many silver screen ladies were dedicated cat lovers and wonderfully embody the idea of cat lady chic - stylish, sensual, feminine, graceful, and just a little bit mysterious. Vivien Leigh was one of the best known cat lovers in her day. Below are some quotes I've gathered on the subject. Why not redefine the term "cat lady" and instead go forward with a newfound attitude of being cat lady chic, using these feline lessons as inspiration to live our most beautiful lives without apology? Being more feline certainly sounds like a more feminine and stylish way to be.

"As indisputably as cats have nine lives, cat ladies throughout history have dressed to the nines ... Artists throughout history have presented an equally attractive cat lady: a woman who is poised, put together and supremely confident. I believe the woman who was photographed or painted assumes an additional aura because of the cat who is tucked beside her or rests at her feet, or who cuddles comfortably on her lap, or who is draped around her as grandly as an Hermes silk scarf." ― Diane Lovejoy, whose wonderful book Cat Lady Chic inspired this post.

"Guilt isn't in the cat vocabulary. They never suffer remorse for eating too much, sleeping too long, or hogging the warmest cushion in the house. They welcome every pleasurable moment as it unravels and savor it to the full extent until a butterfly or falling leaf diverts their attention. They don't waste energy counting the number of calories they've consumed or the hours they've frittered away sunbathing. Cats don’t beat themselves up about not working hard enough. They don’t get up and go, they sit down and stay. For them, lethargy is an art form." ― Cleo by Helen Brown

"By associating with the cat, one only risks becoming richer."  ― Collete 

"Catwoman, to me, was really one of the best things I've ever done because I didn't have to think about it . I didn't have to think about, 'Oh, how do you play a cat?' I am a cat." ―Eartha Kitt

"If animals could speak, the dog would be a blundering outspoken fellow; but the cat would have the rare grace of never saying a word too much.” ― Mark Twain 

― TYG

Lessons in elegance: literary ladies

Bette Davis in the film
adaptation of Mr. Skeffington (1944).

I've always loved studying ladies who exhibit classic elegance, grace, and poise.

One of the things I love most about classic novels is that you can stumble upon so many lovely descriptions of the elegant lady I wish to be - the one often with a serene, otherworldly demeanor. 

Here are some quotes I've come across recently:

"In a few minutes Mrs. Forrester came in. She was a tall woman in a flowing negligee, who wafted graciousness all around her, putting the world at ease." — Mildred Pierce, James M. Cain

"The chauffeur, unable to hurry her because of having to be respectful, felt his situation acutely, with policeman shouting at him in front, held-up cars bellowing at him behind, while his lady, incapable of being flustered and used to doing what she chose and how she chose and when she chose, with her customary grace and dignity, took her time." — Mr. Skeffington, Elizabeth von Arnim

"This was a woman's room, graceful, fragile, the room of someone who had chosen every particle of furniture with great care, so that each chair, each vase, each small, infinitesimal thing, should be in harmony with one another, and with her own personality." — Rebecca, Daphne du Maurier

"Not only did everybody with whom Helen Morrison worked and played with get along famously with her, but under her gentle management they got on beautifully with one another too." — Stella Dallas, Olive Higgins Prouty

I love the mental pictures each of these quotes stirs up for me. I'm reminded to take my time going through my day, to interact with the world in a gracious and calm manner, and to always bring beauty to my environment, wherever I may be.

Don't you just love it when a book speaks to you? 

— TYG

The little red hankie

I've unintentionally amassed a large hankie collection over my years of vintage shopping. They always seem to be so abundant, inexpensive, and just plain cute that you can't help but pick them up. It always makes me smile when I purchase a vintage bag and a hankie tucked inside comes as a bonus. I love the sentiment of a hankie - one fragranced with your perfume that you give to your beloved, or an embroidered "sweetheart" hankie that wipes away tears and waves goodbye. The red hankie has always intrigued me as it's so eye-catching compared to the delicate and lacy varieties.

The history of the little red hankie starts with none other than Joan Crawford. Rumor has it that while attending a glitzy awards show, she went to dab her lips and soiled her hankie with red lipstick - a bit of an etiquette faux pas! Hopefully she knew to use the folded underside of her hankie to hid her excess lipstick from the public. Nevertheless, soon after she asked her seamstress to whip her up a red handkerchief so she could dab at her lips without worry... and the red hankie was born! The audience took notice and soon all young women followed suit with their own red hankies at the ready.

Lipstick tissues did exist at the time, however these were more intended for blotting lipstick in between applications. Using a tissue after eating would have left little bits of paper all over one's pout. A red handkerchief is also just so much more stylish and would perhaps catch the attention of an admirer. Revealing a coordinating red hankie to dab at your perfectly reddened lips... talk about glamour!

You may wonder why many of these hankies are adorned with embroidery often featuring scottie dogs. Well, the scottie was the "it" dog of the era. President Franklin D. Roosevelt's own scottie, Fala, became world famous. The scottie dog became a symbol of feistiness and determination. As a result, the breed became the go-to in the 30s and 40s for spirited and fashionable ladies.

— TYG

What a housewife must know

What should every housewife know in order to run her home smoothly, efficiently, and with style? Guides, like this 1930s film by McCalls, titled Recipe for the Perfect Housewife, were released to encourage the art of homemaking. I love these instructional, simple but authoritative videos that give a glimpse of life in the past when homemaking was considered a true art form. How lovely does this lady look pottering around her home in the clip below? She is totally chic with her short waved hair and pussybow blouse. 

A housewife must know...

Food, and how to cook: A housewife should enjoy cooking for herself and her family. A few times a week, get creative in the kitchen and hone your culinary skills by attempting new recipes. Each time you make a recipe, make notes on what you could change to improve it or add your own twist. After a few attempts it will be perfected, and slowly you can build up your own menu of foolproof dishes that can be whipped up at a moment's notice. It's also important to know how to economize your kitchen by using up scraps and leftover servings.

How to set her table attractively: Make the effort to set the table nicely with china, silverware, flowers, and candles. Personalize the table's decor by coordinating linens, flowers, and candles to create various color palettes and themes that are pleasing to the eye. Table setting makes your meals feel more special - a reminder to slow down and enjoy your food and to connect with whomever is sitting with you.

How to make her home comfortable and inviting: Each room should be tastefully decorated with no clutter. Things like flowers, candles, throw pillows, antique books, lamp shades, and old paintings are easy ways to bring in charming decor. I enjoy looking at old homes because of the more formal style that the decor seems to have. Each room is decorated with the specific purpose for that room in mind - the table is the centerpiece of the dining room, perfectly made beds in the bedrooms. etc. The homes are not gaping open-plan caves or stark minimalist dwellings - the rooms look cozy, warm, and lived in.

The worth of labor saving devices: Even women in the 1930s used "modern" devices to make their housekeeping more organized and efficient. The goal wasn't to expend all your energy in a cleaning marathon, but to strategically conserve your energy while still maintaining a clean home. Find what appliances, cleaning products, and organizational systems work best for you. Treat your home like a  boutique bed & breakfast that runs on schedule for meals, laundry, and cleaning routines. Getting the housework done smoothly means more time for family, socializing, and hobbies.

Clothes, how to buy and make them: The quintessential housewife always looks put together. Yes, this is an exaggeration, but it's a reminder that just because you work from home doesn't mean you have to neglect style. Get dressed every morning, look at photos for inspiration, and cultivate a sense of dress appropriate for your lifestyle. Regularly prune your closet and add new items as you go. If you sew, you can thrift, upcycle, and mend clothing to stretch your wardrobe and add your own personal touch. 

That she must face death to bring children into the world: Well... that escalated quickly.

To be a companion and sweetheart to her husband: It's the "little things" are the big things here. Treat your partner with respect, be supportive, spend quality time together, and make your marriage a priority. Have fun and make the effort to plan special dates, surprises, and traditions.

To make social contacts: Housewives often had a strong sense of community with other wives in the neighborhood and were encouraged to participate in social events such as community groups, charities, and bridge clubs. With the use of modern technology, you can also cultivate a community of likeminded friends from all over the world - a blessing for the more introverted housewife.

To widen her own horizons and find time for culture: Contrary to popular belief,  housewives were not just mindless domestic drones. Not only were women experts at running a home, but they were also encouraged to seek out the arts and bring culture into their life. Once the daily tasks were finished, finding time to read with the family, listen to music, or pursue an interesting hobby was encouraged. Being able to make interesting conversation, not just exchange local gossip, was very becoming for a lady.  

— TYG

Forgotten glamour: the bed jacket

When's the last time you saw someone wearing a bed jacket? Unless you're a vintage clothing aficionado, you may not even be aware of these darling little garments and their ample utility and practicality.

Bed jackets were garments made to be worn in bed, particularly in the morning hours while reading or breakfasting. They were made in a wide variety of fabrics and styles, dependent on the season as well as the level of formality. Jackets that were knitted were often referred to as "bed sweaters."

When you think about it, the bed jacket is a perfectly practical garment. Sitting up in bed and trying to read a newspaper, work on your crochet, or drink a cup of tea with a comforter tucked up to your neck would be virtually impossible. A bed jacket allows you free movement of your arms and hands to make use of your time in bed while still feeling warm and cozy, and looking chic!

A bed jacket's boxy, roomy silhouette made it easy to take on and off. They were hemmed to the waist, eliminating the uncomfortable bulk of wearing a full length robe in bed. Most jackets are held around the shoulders with a simple tie at the neck and were intended to be worn over one's pajamas or nightgown. Not only did the bed jacket provide warmth, but it also lent itself to an air of modesty and put-togetherness in front of one's family or public. 

Bed jackets were the middle ground when you opted for an appearance more formal than a pajama set, but not as "ready" as a full-length dressing gown or peignoir.

Not all bed jackets were created with utility in mind. The heyday of the bed jacket would have been from the 1930s through the 1960s, when the garment was beloved and celebrated by the glamorous actresses on screen. These jackets were often made from luxurious silks and satins, and decked out with all the trimmings including ostrich feathers, lace, and tulle. It was a completely feminine and frothy affair.

So what spurred the invention, and inevitable decline, of such a garment? Well, the most likely conclusion seems to be the need to keep warm. Homes in the 1930s and 40s  did not have adequate heating, and families bundled up with layers consisting of long undergarments and woolen dressing gowns to keep warm. In the post-war years, heating began to improve and some homes had central heating for the first time. Also, more and more women began to enter the workplace, which meant less time for breakfast in bed... quelle horreur!

The popularity began to taper off as the years passed, and by the 70s, bed jackets were often relegated to the back of the wardrobe - only to kept in alive by elderly women, convalescents, and new mothers on bed rest. Women used to spend up to two weeks in bed, by Victorian standards. I don't know about you, but two weeks in bed sounds just the ticket... 

Yes, it does seem that the bed jacket has been lost to time. In fact, I have never found one during my vintage shopping excursions, so my wardrobe has a distinct lack of bed jackets - that just won't do! I hope to add one to my lounge wear wardrobe so I to can recline in bed, taking breakfast on a tray like the elegant lady of the house. Perhaps I will also finish off my daydream with a gorgeous quilted eiderdown at the foot of the bed... more on that next time.

― TYG

An Old Hollywood weekend

I had the house to myself last weekend. My husband was off on a last minute work trip before the holidays, so the weekend was wide open and all mine. Instead of frittering my time away, I decided that I was going to make the most of it and have an Old Hollywood-styled weekend full of pampering, in which I carry out exquisite self-care and do relaxing activities.

Saturday morning I tidied up the house so everything was clean, calm, and spic-and-span as the backdrop for my weekend of relaxation. I wasn't in the mood to get the dutch oven out for a big meal, so instead I purchased a fillet of halibut, roasted asparagus for a side, and ingredients for greek salads as my personal "menu." Light but still delicious and bursting with flavor.

I also straightened the bedroom and did a load of laundry so I had fresh sheets and clean towels to enjoy. Ahh there is nothing better than fresh linens, is there? While I was prettying up my abode, I listened to some BBC radio like I imagined an old-timey actress might do.

I kept away from the internet and my cell phone for the majority of the weekend which was a luxury in and of itself. I don't know about you but something about that repetitive "ping" from a notification really disturbs my peace. Before dinner I had "cocktail hour" with some sparkling lemon water (I'm not a big drinker), cheese, and crackers while doing some journaling. It's when I make time to slow down that I get my greatest insights and ideas. 

Later on was the main event: a leisurely bath, with some almond oil sprinkled in the tub and a book in hand. I was in the mood for something a bit more dishy than my usual novel so I picked up an old Hollywood memoir - Self Portrait by Gene Tierney. It's a very honest read, sad at times, but also full of fun show business anecdotes. I had no idea she was married to fashion designer Oleg Cassini or that she had a romance with director Howard Hughes. What scandal.

I applied a dollop of conditioner to my hair and let it soak in for a good 30 minutes before combing it out and wrapping my hair up in a terry towel turban. I shaved my legs, then applied body lotion from head to toe and an unctuous foot cream. After my bath I brewed a pot of herbal tea and cuddled on the sofa for movie night. I chose Cover Girl (1944) starring Rita Hayworth and Gene Kelly. So much fun and definitely fit the bill for my night in. The technicolor fashions were complete eye candy. During the film I filed and shaped my nails, and massaged them with a rich oily balm. 

When my husband returned home late Sunday, I almost purred when greeting him at the door. After my weekend of bliss, I felt serene, refreshed, and capable of facing a new week. The best part of all was that it was simple and relatively cost free to carry out. All it takes is the mindset that you deserve it. 

— TYG