It's Not Enough

It's Not Enough 

Time to think...Time to hide...Time to realize things inside.

Time to work...Time to pray...Time if I just want to play.

Time to sing...Time to cry...Time to know the reasons why.

Time to talk...Time to feel...Time to strengthen nerves of steel.

Time for friends...Time to grow...So MANY things I'd like to know.

My times possessed, But time I need...Is this wanting/needing GREED?

- Patricia McDonald 

On This Day - Renoir

On this day February 25 in 1841 Pierre-Auguste Renoir was born in France.

Spring at Chatou, ca 1872-5 Pierre-Auguste Renoir

What a Woman Should Know (part three)

This is part three of What a Woman Should Know by George M Vickers printed in 1904 by the White Sewing Machine Company of Cleveland, Ohio.

Last time in part two we began learning about what the ladies of the 20th century were taught about appearance. In this excerpt from the book we learn about the eyebrows, the ears and the lips.

You might want to take notes.

Page 3:
The Eyebrows. - The eyebrows and lashes have always been regarded as important in adding to womanly beauty. If they are lighter than the hair, they may be darkened with green walnut juice, applied with a small camel's hair brush. Be careful not to stain the skin. Never cork or pencil your eyebrows or lashes. By pinching the eyebrows gently once or twice a day a fine line and a delicate arch may be cultivated.

The Ears. - After bathing the ears should be wiped dry gently with a soft towel. No other part of the face is so likely to catch the dust, nor to be seen by those who converse with you. If your ears are very large, or ugly, never comb your hair back tightly from then, but rather conceal them by wearing a few curls, or locks brushed carelessly back. This will produce a most satisfactory effect.

The Lips. - Never rub or bite the lips to make them red; it not only makes them dark and sore, but it makes your face look drawn and distorted while you are biting them. If you bathe your lips occasionally with a little alum dissolved in water, and apply glycerine with a few drops of benzoin, your lips will be kept fresh and red, and without any injury.

Upcoming in part four of What a Woman Should Know: The Teeth, The Hands and Red Hands.

On This Day - Adams

On this day February 20 in 1902 Ansel Adams was born in California.

Cattle in South Farm by Ansel Adams

More Snow

What a Woman Should Know (part two)

Last week I introduced part one of a little booklet published in 1904 by the White Sewing Machine Company entitled What a Woman Should Know by George M Vickers.

In this section of part two we learn what ladies of the early 20th century were taught concerning a graceful form, the bust, the hair and the eyes.

Everyone paying attention? Then, by all means, let's proceed.

Page 2:

The Bust. - Never wear any cotton or heavy cloth to pad the breast; by heat and absorption they diminish the size of the bust. Pads made of sea-grass or hair are light, cool, and impart a graceful curve. The same thing applies to the hips, when they are small.

The Eyes.-It has been said that the eyes are the windows of the soul; and there is truth in the expression. The eyes are looked at more than any other portion of the face. It is well, then, to acquire an expression that is pleasing. This can be easily done. Avoid frowning; do not draw your eyelids up in a bunch when facing a light, as though you were closing a purse, neither make a face; rather shade your eyes with your fan or hand. By cultivating a pleasant expression of the eyes you avoid wrinkles and crow's feet, and can really rid yourself of those already visible.

The Hair.-No matter what the style may be, always wear your hair in the way that makes you look the prettiest. Not to do this is to sacrifice your beauty to mere fashion. Shun the use of hair bleaches, hair preparations and dyes, if you would not ruin your tresses. Brush your hair every morning with a stiff brush; and if it is harsh or dry, a tonic of bay rum, quinine* and glycerine^ can be had of your druggist for a trifle. This gently rubbed through the hair to the scalp, once or twice a week, will make the hair silken, glossy, and prevent it from falling out.

A Graceful Form.-The first requisite to a proper form is an erect carriage. Stand naturally, with your weight on the front part of your feet, then drop your shoulders back, so that standing before a mirror sideways you can see that you have overcome any tendency to stoop; there is no effort required, no necessity for elevating the chin; if you stand as directed the head will take care of itself. Observe this in walking, and you will have gained one of the chief points in a good figure. Do not think that a very small waist is attractive - it is not. While it is proper and conducive to health that all women should wear corsets, yet the corsets should be well fitted to the form and extend over the hips, and only elastic cords used; the latter will not interfere with breathing, and will overcome some of the dangers of tight lacing.

Upcoming in part three of What a Woman Should Know: The Eyebrows, The Ears, and The Lips.

* Quinine was not just a treatment for malaria. In the early twentieth century it was used in Clubman Pinaud Quinine Compound Tonic to help relieve itchy scalp.

^ Glycerol is used in medical and pharmaceutical and personal care preparations, mainly as a means of improving smoothness, providing lubrication and as a humectant.

Did You Know...

...on this day in 1934 there were no famous birthdays?

What a Woman Should Know (part one)

I find old literature fascinating. It gives a glimpse into past lives, old traditions and long-forgotten customs that may or may not hold true in today's world.

Going through some items that needed organizing I came across a small fragile, worn booklet dated 1904 from the White Sewing Machine Company of Cleveland, Ohio. The title of this relic is What a Woman Should Know by George M Vickers. I thought it would be interesting to share this with you, a sort of blast from the past.

I took photos of the pages, but they are difficult to read. Therefore, I will type out each portion and present them here beginning with part one. Enjoy!

Inside front cover:

Dainty, bewitching, so tasteful and light

Are the beautiful fabrics sewed on the White.

Lest you forget

We say it  yet -

"The White is King"

Title page (page 1):
Copyright, 1904, by George M. Vickers.
I.
There's not a woman in the land
But what may have a fairer hand,
Soft, lovely hair, and shapelier feet,
And rosy lips all pouting sweet,
If she will only moments spare
To give herself the needed care.
II.
If handsome, then by proper dress
All men her beauty will confess,
For colors that become her well
Impart a most bewitching spell.
You'll find the secret in this book
If through its pages you will look.

A beautiful woman is the most exquisite creation in the world; but the attractive woman, who by her general daintiness of form and dress, whose teeth, hair and complexion show careful attention, is the one who fascinates. It is the attractive woman who outstrips all rivals, and with the proper disposition and culture, makes the ideal wife. The directions given in this little book, if followed, will improve the looks of any woman, whether she be maid or matron. In fact, the book should be placed in the hands of every girl old enough to read.

Upcoming in part two of What a Woman Should Know: A Graceful Form, The Bust, The Hair, and The Eyes.

The Move is Complete

Welcome to News From Nestle Inn. Yesterday I moved this blog from Wordpress over here to Blogger. There were restrictions on Wordpress that I thought wouldn't matter. But after a year I have found the need to expand, and I believe Blogspot will be a nice foundation for such a move.

This is actually the first post I have written here (all other posts were imported), and therefore the move is complete. I hope you like what you're reading and continue to visit. Please don't hesitate to leave a comment every now and then. It would be nice to hear from you.

So, until next time... get outside and grab some sun.

Spiced Pumpkin Cheesecake

I'm learning how to make cheesecake. And it's actually an enjoyable experience. My friend Mary gave me a Cooks Illustrated Baking Book a couple of weeks ago, and while she was visiting I had the opportunity to make the Lemon Cheesecake from the recipe on page 342.  Mary loved it, but I wasn't thrilled even though the texture was consistent and there weren't any cracks. So, yesterday I tried my hand at the Spiced Pumpkin Cheesecake on page 339. I was pleased with the result. It even tastes good.

Well, now I need to make another; have to keep accumulating knowledge. Maybe the New York Style Cheesecake.

Who said learning wasn't fun? Although, I hope the neighbors don't get tired of my baking.  I'd hate to run out of taste testers.