homemaking, vintage aprons, and betty crocker

I have my aprons hanging from a hook, and when I reach for one and tie it on, I feel connected to the women throughout the ages who kept their families fed and did their best to keep things creative and nourishing while doing so. I think about all the things which have been kneaded, rolled out, and mixed with a wooden spoon over the centuries. How some things have changed, and some have stayed exactly the same. After all, recipe which tasted good 100 years ago will still tastes good now. 

I know many admirable people worked hard to give women the opportunity to get out of the kitchen; they fought for equality in education and career. And still, I am glad that the job of homemaker was never fully destroyed, because it is the one I chose, and the one I enjoy very much. And isn't that what equality really means? Being able to choose?  

As far as society and the general public is concerned, homemaking is a relatively thankless and underestimated job. I like to think back on something dear Gladys Taber wrote:

"Food is our responsibility, our charge. Think of the women all over the world, quietly and faithfully carrying on their burdens. No trumpets blowing for them, perhaps, but the sound of the kettle steaming cozily." 

If you are a homemaker, like I am, I hope you will remember that all the approval you need in this world is your own, and God's. I hope you have a family who appreciates the endless chain of work and duties you carry out, and who compliments your decorative, creative touch. Who swoon over your cooking and boast about your baking. Who take the time to, once in a while, thank you for all the small things you pay attention to, like keeping a vase filled with fresh flowers on the table, remembering people's birthdays, keeping paperwork organized and neat, and making sure to have their favorite foods and drinks well-stocked. 

And while you are keeping your house warm, cozy, and filled with the fragrance of home cooking, why not look FABulous in the process? I think these vintage aprons are beautiful. 

1. shirly 2. kirbyvintage 3. hausmittel 4. melindas 1957 5. HazeyJaneVintage 6. TheLovelys

find them all on etsy.com

Any one of these would make a fabulous gift for a fellow homemaker, especially if paired with this cookook! Betty Crocker's Picture Cook Book is so much fun...a reprint of the vintage original. 

Not only does it have loads of old-fashioned recipes....
"A mother is a person who, seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie." -Tenneva Jordan

...but it also has lots of sweet little illustrations...

....and the most adorable homekeeping tips. These always make me smile.

So, tie on an apron and get busy in the kitchen....and be sure to enjoy the fruits of your labor yourself! You deserve them! Here, a little something to make your mouth water and put a smile on your face:

"When I go to Heaven, I am not going to put on golden shoes or play on my harp. No, I am going to eat all the hot bread and potatoes I want. Cinnamon rolls, pinwheel biscuits, nut muffins, French-fried potatoes, baked potatoes, creamy mashed potatoes. Butter will go well, too. And fresh made jam. Or clear amber honey." -Gladys Taber

Let's not wait to get to Heaven...let's enjoy these things now! 

XO country girl