Talking Tuesday: Chesterton

via

Christy from Fountains of Home posted an excellent short reflection on Chesterton this week, and the main quote she used really stood out to me: 

"But the main point is that the world outside the home is now under a rigid discipline and routine and it is only inside the home that there is really a place for individuality and liberty." 

G.K. Chesterton, "The Drift From Domesticity" in The Thing, 

as quoted in Fountains of Home, January 26, 2014

I'm thinking I need to get into some Chesterton, stat!

Odds and Ends, Vol. 3

Time for another edition of Odds and Ends!  I seem to find myself with another growing list of great articles to share, so time to post them!

A Modern Conversion (how one "becomes" Orthodox)

Why Curation is a Good Idea (this list is one of them!)

Six Elements that Make a Post go Viral, or, the quest for cultural narrative.

McDonald's Is the New Commons, and why it is important to retain public gathering spaces, especially as our societies age.

Top 75 Pictures for 2013.  Stunning, truly stunning.

Alan Jacobs reflects on ways of thinking, especially for writers. From the article: "The key point here is: get out of your comfort zone, your echo chamber. But don't do so by seeking out the crowd-pleasers and rabble-rousers from outside your typical group (unless you’re trying to understand sociological phenomena). If you’re a conservative who wants to understand liberalism, don’t bother with Michael Moore; if you’re a liberal who wants to understand conservatism, don't bother with Sarah Palin; if you’re an unbeliever who’s curious about Christianity, ignore Joel Osteen; if you’re an orthodox Christian trying to get a fix on atheism, steer clear of Bill Maher."

Thinking about seasonality, and how the modern world is flat.  Personally, I'd welcome a public return to the cycles of feast and fast, tied to a publicly known agricultural cycle.  Our brief sojourn in Austria, which still observes many of these customs, was delightful in that way.

And in a related brief reflection, Mat. Anna writes about Holy Days.

In Russia, "How are you?" isn't merely a formality; it is a serious question that asks one to divulge the true state of one's life.  I've never re-accustomed to the American usage, although I've trained myself to observe it.

A friend writes about her resolutions for the New Year.  Everything she wrote, I second.  She articulated exactly what has been on my mind lately.

And Matt Walsh, on parenting and public education.  (Warning: he is a little polemical) I've definitely been thinking about this article.

A decade of winter!

And finally: The Mythology of the French Woman.  Rod Dreher's kitchen sink post on the same topic is also worth reading.  It would appear that our fascination with French ways is in some part a reaction to the public loss of common sense.

7QT: 40s Make Up edition

It is Friday and I am just D-O-N-E, done, so this week, I present my favorite make-up items for the 40s loving gal.  I admit, I don't wear make up every day, or even do a full job of it when I do, but these are the things I like.

With my "face" on.

--1--

First is foundation.  I don't like liquid foundation because my skin is very dry and after about an hour it looks flakey and cakey, even if I use a light hand.  I am also terrible about removing make up at the end of the day, so I stick with a powder foundation.  I like Covergirl's version.  I also have to get the color for "burns in the moonlight."

--2--

I also recently discovered the joys of a good foundation brush--the little sponge that comes with the foundation is nice, but the brush gives light, even coverage.  I like this one: 

You can also find it at Walgreens.

--3--

I also like to use loose powder.  Until recently I was just using a compact, but I found Coty Airspun at Walgreens and am liking that very much.  It is still the original 1935 formula!  The smell takes a little getting used to (it isn't offensive, but I'm not used to my make up having any smell) but it has a very nice finish.

--4--

Eyeshadow in the 1940s was very matte, and it can be difficult to find it amongst all the sparkly stuff that is popular now.  I discovered the Physicians Formula palette and I like it!  The natural shades are similar to what were popular in the early 40s.  You can even skip eye shadow all together, but I like at least a little swipe.  NYX also makes a nice matte eyeshadow.  I also have an NYX jumbo eye pencil in Yogurt that is a nice color, but it does have some sparkle to it.

--5--

Normally I don't bother with eye liner, but when I do, I use this one: 

Unless you are going for a mid-1950s look with a cat eye, be very sparing with it.  I just use the very tip end of the point and sort of make a fine line right along my lash line.  

Mascara is a must, but I'm very picky about it--my eyes go crazy with most brands, but this one from Revlon has never given me issues.  I usually apply a coat, do the liner, and then apply another coat (or if I'm skipping liner, I just do a coat, apply lipstick and then a second coat)

--6--

I really like cream blush--I find I have good control with it, and this one from NYX produces a nice result (I've got the "natural" shade).  I really like NYX cosmetics in general.

--7--

Finally, lipstick.  I know most 40s gals swear by M.A.C.'s Russian Red, but I like drugstore make up, and can't stand to reapply during the day, so Revlon and Covergirl to the rescue!  I like the Revlon Color Stay in Red Currant for an every day lipstick color, and CoverGirl's Outlast in Red is my go-to red color.  Make sure to get the CG version in the two tubes (one is color, one is a chapstick-like finisher--their all-in-one tube tends to be very sparkly and lip-glossy)  Also, for all these sorts of lipsticks, you have to let the color dry before applying the top coat.  It will last all day if you let it dry properly!  Also, avoid this type of Revlon's colorstay line--the color is great, but it goes on gloppy and thick and is difficult to get a nice finish.

There you have it!  A thoroughly fluffy post on make up, on a cold and blustery day.  Go see Jen and Co. for more substantial quick takes.

~phfr~ Snow Days

Linking up with Like Mother, Like Daughter for pictures of everyday contentment.

~pretty~

We got 13 1/2" of snow on Tuesday afternoon starting around 9 a.m. and stopping around midnight.  Which means it was snowing about an inch an hour at some points.  

Made for a nail-biter of a day in terms of commutes, school pick up and travel, but it was pretty!

The Husband argued another case before the Supreme Court on Tuesday, and my dad traveled down to see it, so they were both on Amtrak when the worst of the snow hit.  They were delayed in southern Delaware, but made it back only 30 minutes late, but then waited more than an hour for a cab!  At least everyone was safe and home by 6:00 p.m., however.

~happy~ 

I love winter, I love cold, I love snow.  I find shoveling somewhat cathartic.  We have several elderly neighbors on our side of the street, so I shoveled their sidewalks as well, since I was having a good time and the boys were occupied with 1970s-era Sesame Street (thank you Amazon Instant Watch!)

 

I am also happy to be making real progress on my Knit for Victory sweater!  I've shaped the arm holes and just started shaping the V-neck on the front.  I've been vacillating between a crew and v-neck since I started and I decided a v-neck looks better on me.

~funny~ 

We live in The City That Does Not Plow, which is super annoying during snow falls like this one, but one bonus is being able to sled down the Art Museum steps!  Who needs hills when you can make like Rocky on a sled? (Note: I did not take this photo; it was circulating on Facebook yesterday)

~real~

Unfortunately, this is the sad state of my entry way at the moment--salt crusted on the floor, a damp towel to catch the worst of the tracked in snow and wet, drippy boot trays, a floor broom.  

Smooth Sailing Trousers

I will be the first to admit that trousers are not the best look for me.  I am pear shaped, and skirts tend to look better on me, but sometimes you just want something that's not a skirt, amiright?  

I've been wanting to make Wearing History's Smooth Sailing Trousers for a while and finally got around to it last week.  These pants were so easy to sew up!  I didn't adjust the pattern at all because I didn't have time, and I squeeked them out of 2 yards of 45" Trigger fabric by skipping the belt and loops (and by having a 27" inseam because my legs are snack-size).  

I really love the high rise, and the way they look, although I've not worn them a whole day yet.  I do think they would benefit from a bit more ease on the hips, and I wish I'd cut the waist band long enough to overlap instead of just meeting as the pattern called for, but given the restrictions of my life right now, this is good enough.  I'll fix it on the next go, I think.  These are functional anyway.  

I also realized why 40s blouses are so short!  When the trousers fit this way, it is difficult to tuck anything long in--I paired them with my Make Do and Mend blouse because it is a little on the short side, and it was just the right thing.  

A plain vanilla blouse

I've been doing a lot of thinking about the gaps in my wardrobe lately, especially after Tasha's and Rochelle's excellent posts recently.  I'm still considering my "uniform"--I mostly gravitate toward a button down blouse and a-line skirt with a cardigan, but I've also added a few other pieces to my wardrobe this fall that needed something to make them workable.  I love a good novelty print blouse, but I realized I needed a) a good long sleeve blouse that wasn't "silky" and b) a solid color.  

Exhibit A: my new (white!) long-sleeve blouse!  I made it using a modern pattern but took a page from Rochelle at Lucky Lucille and used the sleeves from the Decades of Style New England dress pattern.  Worked a charm!

It was my first go at long sleeves, so I was a bit nervous about the construction.  The sleeves are darted at the cap and gathered at the cuff.  I did not understand the instructions for making the slash opening at the cuff, so I just finished the sleeve seam on the edges a few inches instead.  It works.  I used white cotton lawn from fabric.com, which is lovely, but very thin.  I probably should have ordered double and used a double thickness throughout, but on the other hand, I wanted this blouse as a layering piece, and the day I wore this it was VERY cold, and I was toasty warm.  Something about having the arms covered, I think.

  

The vest is vintage (late 50s/ early 60s, maybe) and had to spend a week in the freezer in a ziploc bag.  I bought it on ebay and the seller did not disclose that it came from a smoking home.  I had it dry cleaned, which helped, but the freezer trick really got all the lingering smell out.  The neat thing is that there is a small line of green yarn just below the red and it exactly matches my green skirt!  I've gotten so much wear out of this skirt this fall and early winter.  I'd like to make another one in a winter weight fabric, now that I think I'm getting the hang of the pattern.  I still need to work out the waist-hip ratio since the skirt keeps coming up big in the waist, but I got a good tip from a fellow sewer and I think I know how to adjust the pattern next time.  I've got a pile of swatches on my sewing box, so we'll see what I have time for next!

Five Favorites: vol. 10

Linking up with Hallie for Five Favorites this week!  I have made good progress on the Knit For Victory pullover front, but will do yarn along next week, God-willing.

--1--

I've mentioned my love for the Outlander book series before, no?  And the fact that Starz is making a television series out of the books?  (Squee!!)  They just released the first trailer, and I.am.so.excited!  I even inquired about paying for a streaming subscription to Starz just for that (since we don't have a television), but sadly, they don't offer it unless you also have a cable subscription, so I'm just going to have to wait until Netflix or Amazon.com picks it up.  Boo.

--2--

I got a Kindle paperwhite for Christmas from my parents (thanks, Mom and Dad!), and I am really liking it for light reading.  I am a serious bibliophile, and we are just running out of room for our books.  I buy a lot of books that I only read once, and the Kindle is perfect for those sorts of purchases. And since we have Prime with amazon, I'm eligible to borrow some books for free!  I also like it for times when I want reading material but don't have the room to carry a bookstop.  I'm considering purchasing the Outlander series in e-book format just so I have it wherever I go.  You know, just in case.  Because it is hard to tote along 800 page books when you have small children.

--3--

I bought these Oreo Mint Fudge Cremes for our Twelve Days, and while they are different than what I was anticipating, they are so good!  Just like Thin Mints.  

--4--

We did a Jesse Tree this year during Advent, and because I decided to do it a little bit too late to get any really neat ornaments, we just used paper symbols I found online.  I grew up with a Jesse Tree tradition, complete with unique ornaments, and wanted something like that for our family.  I found these ornaments a little too late to order for this year, but went ahead and bought them for next year!  They even have an Orthodox version so we can do it all 40 days of the Fast next year.  I'm so pleased.  The quality is great, the pictures are lovely, and the kids were really into it this year, so I think next year will be neat.  My only complaint is that they don't come pre-strung (there are strings included, however).

Piglet was asking me about doing something similar during Lent, so I might get their Holy Week one too. 

--5--

I've had some unfortunate falls in the last month (I fell down the stairs just before Western Christmas and bruised my left foot rather badly--I still can't get all my shoes on--and slipped on the ice last Friday and sprained my right ankle and twisted my knee), so I'm very grateful for a light support Ace brace that is keeping me mobile and upright.  Since Birdie has figured out all the gates in the house in the last two weeks, I'm spending most of my days trying to run herd on her because she is up and down the stairs all.day.long.  It is driving me nuts--my whole routine has been thrown off by this little development.  I think I would be completely bonkers if I was also completely immobilized.

Go see Hallie for more Faves!

The beat of my heart

This day is different every year.  Last year was fairly awful; I was a mass of pregnancy hormones, and

brittle and edgy for days after a difficult Christmas for reasons that had nothing to do with this day.

This year is less so.  The sadness, the missing, it is there, but more like a heartbeat.  I can attend to it or not.  I don't feel the need to go over the chronology of those days seven years ago when Philip died and was born.  I'm just remembering him today, to honor his memory, and trying not to focus too much on anything else.  I remember the rapid, surprisingly strong, fluttering against me a few days before he went that told me he was there.  His waving hand on the ultrasound two days before the end.  The dream of a chasing a chubby blond boy who, when I finally caught him, told me his name was Philip.

To our precious boy, resting on the bosom of Abraham, we miss you, we love you, we'll see you someday.

Yarn Along: Vintage Cardigan Finished!! and Knit for Victory Progress

Joining Yarn Along this week!  

I'm pleased to announce that the vintage cardigan is finished!  It isn't perfect, and it came out bigger than expected, but the construction went well, and I learned some things along the way, so not a waste of time.  I'm giving it to one of my fellow Paper Dolls for a big WW2 reenactment at the end of January.

I used some vintage style buttons from Stampin' Up! for the sweater.  Another Paper Doll contacted me to commission another sweater just like this one, so I'll be knitting this again in the spring in a smaller size. I'll have to reswatch to get gauge for the smaller size, but I don't think that will be a problem. Luckily, I have another pound of the same yarn (I overbought when I bought the yarn), so yay for stash busting!

Also, progress on the Knit For Victory Pullover!  I finished the back this afternoon and will cast on the front  in a little while.  The sizing is coming out just right, I think.  I'm keeping my tension pretty loose on this one (plus the stitch pattern lends itself to stretchiness).  I think I might even finish it in time for the knit-along!

I have one bootie done for the Christmas booties for Ponchik (both pilot caps are complete).  I'm still working my way through Game of Thrones (the book), and went back to try the tv series again while I'm knitting.  Having read a ways into the first book, I find the tv series more compelling  this time(I was bored stiff the first time, and couldn't follow at all what was going on).  I think I might stick with it for a bit and see.  Mostly I'm knitting too much to read a lot (since I tend to fall into bed totally brain dead at night right now)