Holly Happy Homemaker

So do you wanna know who won?

2009-07-11T11:52:00.000-07:00

Well my first drawing has taken place. I was excited about it more so to get some new followers. Its always good to have some more friends right? So I has my daughter draw the name for me. She was excited. She likes to be involved in all my blog world stuff. I am sorry I couldn't do a video for this but my camera is slow. The sound doesn't match up with the actions kinda thing. So any ways the winner is LBD~Linda. He blog is http://lbpsews.blogspot.com/ if anyone wants to check out some of delightful little collections of things and some brightly colored pictures of flowers. So Linda send me all of you information I will get you sweet little gift out to as soon as possible !
Now I am working with my 9 year old daughter on a back to school blog and giveaway for some school and organizing supplies.
I am also working on some blogs for how I organize my home and try to be as retro as I can . So keep an eye out.

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Don't forget about my giveaway ! Drawing on the 10th.

2009-07-08T10:54:00.000-07:00

hey y'all don't for get to read my First Contest post. It will give you all the details on the giveaway. You only have till the 10th and right now I only have 2 people in the running so chances are very good it could be you ! So get to it already ! Thanks

An awsom giveaway at creating from the heart

2009-07-07T18:33:00.000-07:00

head on over and get your self entered in this awesome to !
Just head over by this link.
http://keepsakesbymelissa.blogspot.com/2009/07/are-you-ready-for-giveaway.html

Crows Creek Primitives is haveing a give away

2009-07-07T18:28:00.000-07:00

http://crowscreekprimitives.blogspot.com/2009/07/free-giveaway-halloween-pillar-w-label.html?showComment=1247016466494#c3551867514740270925

head over and get entered its easy as pie!
And don't forget to read about my contest. Read my First Contest post to learn more!

Homemaking tips !

2009-07-03T12:58:00.001-07:00

Homemaking tips for the kitchen:

To get the stains off of cookie sheets, pie pans and other cookware, soak them in a solution of borax and water.

If your jars or glasses look cloudy fill them with warm water and add a few drops of ammonia. Wait about an hour - then wash and rinse in hot water. My mother-in-law soaks them in a solution of 2 cups vinegar to a sink full of hot water.

Silver that has dulled can be shined up again by rubbing a potato dipped in baking soda. Or when you boil potatoes, save the water to soak your silver in.

Never drain grease down the sink! It will clog up your sinks over time. If you forget and do it anyway, be sure to run some hot water with dish soap. Dawn is good for degreasing. If your sink does become clogged up pour 1/4 cup of baking soda down the drain followed by 1/2 cup of white vinegar. Wait few minutes and then pour a pot of boiling water down the drain.

To clean off the oven window, make a paste of baking soda and water. Rub onto the window and let sit for about 15 minutes. Wipe clean with a paper towel and clear water.

Homemaking tips for laundry:

To make sure your clothes are fresh and your washing machine is free of bacteria and soap scum - occasionally run a cycle of bleach water.

To remove grease stains on fabric - dab a solution of thick salt water (more salt than water) on the stain and remove salt with a clean paper towel. My mother in law uses Dawn dish soap and it works good too.

To remove mildew on white fabrics - soak several hours in a wash tub with 1/2 vinegar and 1/4 cup bleach. You can also put lemon juice on a stain and set in sun to remove light stains on white clothing.

Add 3 teaspoons of epsom salts to wash water to prevent colored fabrics from fading and to help keep the colors from running.

If you spill something, wash the fabric in cold water. Hot water will set the stain.

Homemaking tips throughout the house:

Once a month flush some yogurt into your septic system to prevent buildup.

If you drip some paint on something while painting - rub with a paper towel soaked in Skin so Soft by Avon.

If you drop something into a tight corner or down the sink, try reaching it with a crochet hook.

Let the kids help with dusting! Take an old sock and let them use it as a dusting mitt - their little hands can easily get into places like chair railing, wood molding, etc. Plus they have fun doing it.

Dont forget about my contest for some great lil goodies !

Big thanks to Bitter sweet punkin

2009-07-03T08:17:00.000-07:00

Before the terrible circumstances that lead to my long absents I was the winner of http://bittersweetpunkin.blogspot.com/ giveaway . Well I just cant tell you how happy I was to learn that I won. I was so giddy for day waiting in extreme anticipation for my goodies to come. I know silly to thing of a grown woman so happy over a prize won but I am one of those mommas who never wins anything , is never given anything and never gives herself anything. I am one of those kinds that is exacted just to get some mail everyday even if its a bill. So when my package finally came I was so joyful that as I opened it I had forgot that I told my daughter I would let her help me open it but much to my dismay she wast here . She was at school. So I decided to stop. But I had gotten to the point that I could see that the box was filled with individually wrapped gifts and I decided just sneaking a peek at one wouldn't really break my promise to Clarabelle . She would still get to help me open the rest of the little gifts. Finally hours later she came home and we rejoiced as we opened each little pack. So many little wonderful treasures. I took a picture of all my goodies and then quickly got to placing them in my home.

I was so excited for days over all my goodies and I had some chocolate raspberry truffles that extended that excitement for weeks after. Oh my they were sooo scrumptious ! So I want to give a big thanks to http://bittersweetpunkin.blogspot.com/
Make sure you all head over there and check out her delightful blog.

By the way if you all haven got in on my contest y'all better get to it you only have till the 10th of July to do so.

First Contest !

2009-06-30T15:15:00.000-07:00

Well as part of my return to blog world I am having my first ever contest. I had been waiting to get some more followers but I just don't wanna wait anymore.
So here gos..
Rules.
~ Contest starts Today June 30th and ends July 10th.
~ You must be a follower by that date and meet all other requirements.
~ You must send me a message on this blog post letting me know you want to enter.
~ Let me know what you would like to see in my blogs.
~ You must recommend your favorite blog so others can hop on over and check it out.
~ For every person you recommend my blog that becomes a follower and enters the contest I will enter you name for every person on top of your original entry.
~ On July 10 I will draw a name the old fashion way . Write all names on paper and draw from a hat. I will post it the following day and you will have 30 days to confirm and give delivery info.

Prize will be a surprise !

Coming soon !
I will be having a back to school Contest for you and your kids. This is a contest my daughter and I will be working on together and she will be helping me with a back to school blog . Look for details coming soon.

Also..
look for a blog on the launch of my candy company! Specializing in old fashion homemade Hard tack candy. Its Called K-Town Kandy ! That blog comes with a yummy sweet treat.

the long absents

2009-06-30T10:00:00.000-07:00

Over the past month or so my family and have been dealing with some heart breaking and stressful situations that threatened the values and core of my marriage and family dynamics. Things have happened that I feared but thought would never happen in my family . My post as happy homemaker was temporarily put on hold while I dealt with the inner turmoil of life's great challenges. I needed to take the time away to rethink, regroup, and make hard possibly life changing decisions for my family. Now at the end of that nasty chapter in my families life we are together and recharged to make sure our family stays together happy and strong. We are taking the necessary steps to make sure nothing can tear the family apart again. The time I took away from Holly's blog was missed and I am so happy to be back and have a fresh start. I feel that with the latest challenges I will have a lot more wisdom and great advice. I have lessons learned and new outlooks and a new found stronger appreciation for being a stay at home mom and being a housewife. Now that some priorities have been reevaluated and set I will have more time to do more thorough blogs more often and have the time respond to comments and messages.
As part of my return I am going to do a drawing for some great goodies.
I will be posting the blog on that later today . So keep your eyes out for it and don't forget to tell a friend about Holly happy homemaker !

well its been so busy around here

2009-04-24T05:56:00.000-07:00

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Yes very busy with an 8 year old who has school activities, softball,4-h,girl scouts and so on. On top of that I am planning 2 bithdays and a baby shower. Well as I am sure you mommas know it can get stressful keeping home and family running but I have a secret wepon for the stress. Might not sound like much to you all but for me hanging cloths on the line is the most theraputic thing ever. I just love waking up and seeing the sun shinning and thinking oh yes I can get up and do laundry today. I just love standing out in the sun listening to the birds and the bee's . Watching my cats chase a bug or play with a flower that is blowing in the brezz. Unfortonitly I also have to listen to the highway sounds but that ok I am just so luky to even have a yard to be in. I love haveing that fresh line dryed scent on my clothes and the stifness in the towels. I dont know any one else but me who likes stiff towels lol. I have only been able to hang cothes a few times so far this spring because its not realy been spring wheather but today starts a strech of 80 degree days and I am so thrilled . I will be out every morning hanging my clothes. Second to hanging clothes I love to iron. I know I am an odd duck. At least everyone around here thinks so.
I have been makeing my own laundry detergent and softner now for about 2 months. I realy love it . I have such a feeling of pride knowing I am helping my family save money and useing a natrual product. And whats more is I get my daughter in on it. We do double batches so it takes about an hour to get it all done. I take this time to talk about how impotant this job is. Exsplaining why mommas are so impotant to the family. Why mommas should do this kind of stuff for there families. I dont know how much she listens but I feel better doing it. We also get to talk about school and her social life. Its real bonding and a lesson in math and science with all that mesuring and natrurl product use such as vinigar and backing soda.
So mommas I hope you all try my stress buster. I am headinf out now to hang some cloths.

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been busy grooming a little house wife

2009-04-15T10:11:00.000-07:00

**** So I started making my own laundry detergent and fabrice softner to save money and get to a more basic approch of life. We trying to make as much of home cleaner and cooking stuff ourselves. Its been fun and it feels good. I take one day a month to make my cleaners and I get my daughter in on it to. I want to teach her to make for herself. I want her to understand the basics of things and that you dont have to buy everything commercial. I want her to learn to be a good little wife and mother. Not like some of these other kids these days who dont have or will ever have a clue as to makeing due with what they have and probley wont learn how to clean up after themselves till after collage if even they are out on there after collage. So we make it fun . She makes the softner all on her own. She measures everything out and watches the bubbly combanation or the baking soda and vinigar as it rises to the top almost over flowing. She grates the for the detegent for me and measures out the dry stuff and the water and I handle the hot pans. We also make hand soap for the pumps out of bar soap. We liquify it to make it last for a month or more in the pumps. I have to say suprisingly the soaps and stuff we make are great. they work great. And It dosnt take much time to do with a lil help from a lil one. I would say an hour oce a month and thats it. I also mix up my all purpose cleaner that day and that just viniger and water. It feels so good to be saveing money and doing good for my family . Every house wife should try this out. Now I have busy cooking homecooked meals also. And getting my daughter in on most of it if she has time. She spends more time on the Easy bake than helping me but I try to get her in on as much as I can. Cooking is defnitly something I want her to grow up takeing pride in for her family and herself. I have had her helping me sice she could stand on a chair at the counter. And she was watching way before that . i always had her on my hip at the stove. Its more of a gft to pass on to you kids especialy your daughters . So I have been posting and keeping up with some blogs for a while now and I cant seem to get any followers. Dont know if maybe I have nothing good to say or what . I was hoping to do some contest and giveaways by now but I have only 2 followers. I would like to at least get 50 before I do anything. I am going going to be posting alot more. I hope to have a few tutorials on things. If anyone has any advice please let me know.

I found this site for aprons your gonna love it

2009-02-23T06:31:00.000-08:00

I know this will be surprising to all my fellow retro housewife's but I dont have an apron. I know shocking isnt it. Well I actually have one but I dont were it. Its just a burgundy large thing that I dont like. I have always liked aprons. The way they look. What they represents to me. They are pretty and feminine and functional. I never knew anyone who wore one. Not even my grandmothers. Not even the grandmother who cooked all the time. One of my grandmothers wore one when she was a teen and her mother wore one. It was the 40 and 50's and they were what I would call proper women. So I have seen pics of them with one but my grandmother Jackie had long given up the apron by the time I had come along. Since finding or exploring my inner retro perfect housewife I have wanted an apron so badly . My husband got me one but it wasn't what I had in mind. Like I said it is burgundy and is more like a line cooks apron. Shapeless and dosnt make me feel like a happy house wife when I put it on. I still were it when I do fried chicken but I long for the pretty frilly apron of the 50's house wife. I have only 3 cooking stored in my town or anywhere close to my town and the one that had cute aprons had only children's aprons. I see an endless array or homemade beautiful aprons on the Internet but I have never found the time or extra cash for one. I mean 45.00 plus shipping just for an apron . But I was absolutely smitten when I found this site with these fabulous aprons and matching gloves. These are so hip and retro at the same time I am going to put this on my birthday list for hubby. Now I can look sexy and efficient while doing the dishes. I just know you'll love these aprons to. I am so excited to pass this little gem of a site on to you and hope you enjoy these as much as I do.
www.carolynskitchenonline.com
/index.html">a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JF9W9cJUBUg/SaK0VMo4J-I/AAAAAAAAACc/3yk6TBPwtrc/s1600-h/marilyn_Blk_Pink.jpg">

This house wife

2009-02-09T04:44:00.000-08:00

Well the snow here has finally melted away with the exception of a few spots I try no to see out of the corner of my eye. Christmas and new years have past and left a trail of great happiness in my home. Spring is trying every so lightly to creep in. So whats this happy housewife been up to . Well not much. I have had a few lax weeks in the housekeeping department due to a recurring depressing I am sure. I still get things done but not like I was. I tend to search the Internet for some inspiration every few weeks and it keeps me going. One thing I need to do is get my permanent but flexible schedule in order. I get in a groove of doing things and then switch it up the next week . For some this might work but not me. If I don't keep doing things one way I get scatter brained. I did start my household binder. It has been helping a lot with bills and the running of our lives. I spend a lil time everyday working on it. Organizing and reading through things. I think I am the only one who appreciates it. But I guess that really all that matters.
One thing that happened her in the past month that I am sure would scare the pant off most housewives is my stove stopped working. I was kinda lost for a week. The cord on the back had not been properly tightened by my father in law and it created a heating problem that burnt up the wires. Well lucky we caught it or we have burnt the house down. In that time I had to make due like any good house wife. I used hot plates. It did the job. But my wonderful husband came through this weekend and fixed right up for me so I am back on track.
My daughters 4h season has also started as well as girl scouts. This means at least 3 weekend out of the month are taken up. This is her first 4h year she get to do a project. She chose archery since she got a nice shiny new pink bow for Christmas. And Girl Scouts of course have the annual cookie sale .
That's kept us busy. She also will be entering project in the fair for Girl scouts this year. Also a first for her. She has chosen to do a horse history book and pressed flower book. Speaking of all this fair activity we are also planning our fair entries. Every year we make a list of all the canning we want to do to enter it in the fair. That keeps us busy all summer. All this on top trying to perfect my perfect housewife skills. Oh I shall not forget I am planning a baby shower for my new nephew who will be here sometime in June . Ethan should arrive around June 13 and we are having the shower in April. So my plate is full of baby activities and I have my daughters Birthday in may . Unicorns are the theme dancing through my head at any given moment. So as you can see I am one busy homemaker and I have lots to do and I need to head to the kitchen to start prepping for dinner tonight and get some laundry done before moving onto dusting and vacuuming .
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let it snow let it snow let it snow

2008-11-17T07:31:00.001-08:00

This morning I heard clarabelle get up and start getting ready for school and all the sudden I here her feet stomping fast tward my room and she trys so hard to stay quiet so she wouldnt wake daddy . She was beaming from ear to ear and said the ground was coverd in snow. I gave her a thumbs up and she ran out. I rolled out of bed about 10min later and the house was still dark. I called out to her and she was all ready for school sitting in the window. How sweet. It was so pretty to watch the snow softly fall from the sky . I brushed her hair while we watched the snow. I hate snow lol. well I did anyways. I hate cold wether for sure but the past year or so I have realy enjoyed the snow. It puts me in the mood for the season ahead. Kinda hoping we get some snow this weekend for the Down Town Open house. We go every year to kick of the season. We shop and have cookies and enter all the drawings. We see santa and take a carriage ride. I do a little shopping for my daughter when shes not looking. We spend all day walking and looking and I always end up crying a few time just because I feel so happy and warm. I feel so gratfull. Thanksgiving and xmas always do that to me. Sometimes I get so excited I squeel so much I cry with happyness. My hubby makes fun of me and my daughter clarabelle rolls her eyes and says mom dont cry. I think this weekend I will take some pics and try and post them. Chillicothe realy is a great town. A great place to raise a family. Well I am off to scrub the house and fold laundry. And take some time to stop and watch the snow layer the ground.

what were we eating in the 50's

2008-10-24T09:51:00.000-07:00

What were Americans cooking in the 1950s?

APPETIZERS

Fruit cup
Broiled grapefruit
Melon ball cocktail
Sea food cocktail
Pastry snails
Dried beef rolls
Silver dollar hambugers
Bacon wrap-arounds
Herring-Appleteaser
Dips & chips/crackers: Lobster Newburg spread, Guacamole, Deviled Ham-Cheese Dip, Hollywood dunk
Canapes: Deviled ham, savory mushroom, hot cheese puffs, minature pizzas, hot clam
Cheerios cocktail snacks (something like Chex Mix)
Decorate your appetizer tray with celery trunks, stuffed cucumbers, grape clusters & fruit kabobs.
---Betty Crocker's Picture Cook Book, revised and enlarged, 2nd edition [McGraw-Hill:New York] 1956 (p. 57-66)
[NOTE: This 1950's classic cookbook was reprinted in facsimile edition in 1998 by the same publisher and is easy to obtain. Ask your librarian for help.]
Stuffed pecans or walnuts
Salted almonds
Filled Celery (with Roquefort and cream cheese)
Tidbits in blankets (surround cooked shrimp, oysters, stuffed olives, pickled onions, watermelon pickle, sauteed chicken livers, skinned grapefruit sections, dates stuffed with pineapple with thin strips of bacon, secure them with toothpicks. Broil them under moderate heat until the bacon is crisp.)
Glazed shrimp
Garlic olives
Sardine and bacon rolls
Marinated mushrooms
Cheese balls
Sausage and potato rolls
Ham and egg balls
Pineapple fingers and bacon
Broiled stuffed mushrooms (stuff with bread crumbs, shad roe, shrimp)
Shrimp puffs
Deviled eggs
Cheese for dipping potato chips
---The Joy of Cooking, Irma S. Rombauer [Bobbs-Merrill:Indianapolis] 1953 (p. 28-39)
[NOTE: there is a separate section devoted to canapes and sandwiches]

Barbecued short ribs
Toasted Tuna
Cocktail kabobs (button mushrooms and cocktail franks cut in half marinated in French dressing)
Broiled shrimp
Mix Trix (like Chex Mix)
Pumpernickel squares (crab meat, chili sauce, curry powder, mustard on pump)
Deviled almond rolls
Party pinwheels (dough, leftover meat, moistened with chili sauce, baked)
Cocktail knishes
Filled cream puffs (store-bought puffs filled with hot chicken salad, creamed shrimp, creamed turkey, served in a chafing dish)
Broiled mushroom caps
Baby pizzas (use English muffins!)
Sea-food celery (stuff flaked crab & mayo into cut celery. Garnish with paprika.)
Stuffed eggs (deviled eggs)
Sardine surprise (sardines mashed with hard cooked egg yolks, anchovy paste, dry mustard, butter, & spices. Served on squares on pumpernickel)
Ham rolls (boiled ham & liverwurst)
Dunks (aka dips): sour cream, shrimp, chive, horseradish, guacamole, pimiento, tuna
---Martha Deane's Cooking for Compliments, Martha Young Taylor [M. Barrows:New York] 1954 (p. 13-35)

SOUP & SALAD

Split pea soup
Easy chicken gumbo
Oxtail soup
Spicy tomato soup, Cream of tomato soup
Chicken and corn chowder
Pineapple fruit plate
Tomato stuffed with perfection salad
Bean (three-bean) salad
Orange-and-Bermuda onion salad
Melon boat salad
---Betty Crocker's Picture Cook Book, revised and enlarged, 2nd edition [McGraw-Hill:New York] 1956 (p. 377)
Mushroom or clam broth
Onion soup
Chicken (or beef, shrimp, crab) gumbo
Cream of celery soup
Cheese soup
Cole slaw
Chilled canned tomatoes
Lettuce or mixed salad with sour cream
Salad Caesar
Cucumber salad with French dressing
---The Joy of Cooking, Irma S. Rombauer [Bobbs-Merrill:Indianapolis] 1953

Consomme
Clam chowder
Cream of chicken
Asparagus soup
Cream of mushroom soup
Mixed green salad (French dressing or mayonnaise)
Stuffed tomatoes ravigote
Vegetables in sour cream
Potato salad (both hot and cold)
Gelatin & fruit salad molds (raspberry ring, grapefruit intrigue, sea siren salad)
---Martha Deane's Cooking for Compliments, Martha Young Taylor [M. Barrows:New York] 1954

MAIN COURSE

Grilled kabobs
Scalloped chicken supreme
Beef and corn casserole
American lasagne
Tuna-potato chip casserole
Savory meat pie
Welsh rarebit with tomato slices and little sausages
Swedish meat balls
Fluffy meat loaf
Baked ham with glaze
---Betty Crocker's Picture Cook Book, revised and enlarged, 2nd edition [McGraw-Hill:New York] 1956
Sukiyaki
Chicken a la king
Oysters baked in the half shell
Spaghetti with meat sauce
Turkey or chicken casserole with vegetables
Chicken pot pie
Hamburger-olive loaf
Chicken or veal croquettes
Baked fish
Souffle
---The Joy of Cooking, Irma S. Rombauer [Bobbs-Merrill:Indianapolis] 1953

Ham and vegetable casserole
Salmon steak
Orange sole
Corn-crust chicken
Sweet ham patties
Curried veal chops
Eggs foo young
Fricasseed trukey with wild rice
Lobster in patty shells
Salmon casserole
---Martha Deane's Cooking for Compliments, Martha Young Taylor [M. Barrows:New York] 1954

VEGETABLES
often served with butter, cream sauce, sour cream sauce, canned soup; topped with bread crumbs, dried onion flakes

Buttered vegetables (canned or frozen)
Creamed asparagus
Lima beans in sour cream
Broccoli-mushroom casserole
Mexican corn saute
---Betty Crocker's Picture Cook Book, revised and enlarged, 2nd edition [McGraw-Hill:New York] 1956
Mushrooms au gratin
Creamed onions (mushrooms, peas)
Baked zucchini
Potato volcano with cheese (mashed potato volcano!)
Baked beans
---The Joy of Cooking, Irma S. Rombauer [Bobbs-Merrill:Indianapolis] 1953

Green peas with sour cream
Baked acorn squash
Baked stuffed onions
Wax beans oriental (sweet and sour sauce)
Ginger-honey carrots
---Martha Deane's Cooking for Compliments, Martha Young Taylor [M. Barrows:New York] 1954

DESSERTS

Chiffon pie (lime, orange, pineapple, strawberry, chocolate)
Little pies (tart-sized portions of standard pies)
Coconut cake
Peppermint candy cake
Maraschino cherry cake
Chocolate cherry cake
Angel food
Banana chiffon cake
Easy caramel corn (made with General Mills cereals)
Marshmallow bars (made with General Mills cereals)
---Betty Crocker's Picture Cook Book, revised and enlarged, 2nd edition [McGraw-Hill:New York] 1956
Chocolate cake with white icing
Velvet spice cake
Ice cream with cherries
Apricot souffle
Baked apples
Gold layer cake with caramel icing
Banana chocolate cake
Butterscotch brownies
German cherry cake
Peppermint ice cream with chocolate sauce
---The Joy of Cooking, Irma S. Rombauer [Bobbs-Merrill:Indianapolis] 1953

Angel food custard
Quick butterscotch-chocolate pie
Maraschino cherry pudding
Broiled or baked grapefruit
Cherries jubilee
Peppermint pie
Devil's cream cake
Baked Alaska
Melon balls and sherbert
Orange snow balls (hollowed orange halves packed with lemon sherbert)
---Martha Deane's Cooking for Compliments, Martha Young Taylor [M. Barrows:New York] 1954

BEVERAGES
Soda pop [in bottles if you can get it], Tang [this space drink is VERY 50s], fruit punch, fruit smoothies, milk shakes, hot cocoa, iced tea, coffee.
SIMPLE HOME MENUS: 1952 (all include "a beverage.")

Breakfast
1. Orange juice, sauteed eggs and bacon, cinnamon toast
2. Apple jucie, sausage-meat cakes, popovers, jelly.
3. Chilled grapefruit, waffles, hone cream
4. Sliced peaches, omelet or scrambled eggs, drop biscuits, marmelade
5. Tomato juice, French toast with applesauce

Lunch
1. Broiled hamburger sandwiches, wilted lettuce, sanned or stewed fruit
2. Cold sliced ham, hot potato salad, toast, applesauce
3. Pan-fried fish, broiled potates, tossed green salad with French dressing, muffins, grapefruit jelly
4. Chili con carne, creamed spinach, sweet muffins with nuts 5. French ham toast, avocado on lettuce with French dressing, gingersnaps

Dinner
1. Meat balls with spaghetti, green peas, sliced oranges, peanut-butter cookies
2. Pigs in blankets, baked tomatoes with cheese, banana sherbet, butterscotch brownies
3. Salmon in casserole, potato chips, green salad with French dressing, lemon milk sherbet, chocolate-chip drop cookies
4. Eggplant filled with leftover foods, boiled carrots, hot rolls, preserves, quick method white cake with lemon icing
5. Pork chops with scalloped potatoes, French bread, Harvard beets, apple crunch"
---A Cookbook for Girls and Boys, Irma S. Rombauer [Bobbs-Merrill:Indianapolis] 1952 (p. 223-228)

SUGGESTED DINNER PARTY MENUS: 1955

Chilled Melon, Lobster Newberg in Croustades, Crown Roast of Lamb, Potatoes with Parsley Butter, Peas with Mint Cream, Chestnut Cream, Coffee
Hors d'oeuvres Tray, Relishes, Roast Turkey, Cranberry Jelly, Potato Puff, Spinach Ring with Baby Lima Beans, Grapefruit and Endive Salad, Vanilla Ice Cream with Tutti Fruitti, Small Cakes, Coffee

Consomme Bellevue, Relishes, Filet Migning, Bordelaise Sauce, Chestnut Puree, String Beans with Celery, Mixed Green Salad, Chocolate Souffle, Coffee

Littleneck Clams, Relishes, Roast Duck, Orange Sauce, Wild Rice with Mushrooms, Buttered Asparagus, Bombe of raspberry Ice and Vanilla Ice Cream, Small Cakes, Coffee

Oysters in the Half Shell, Roast Chicken, Whole Hominy with Sherry, Broccoli with Brown Crumbs, Macaroon Cream with Sliced Peaches, Coffee

Fish Fillets with Normandie Sauce, Roast Beef, Yorkshire Pudding, Braised Celery, Mixed Vegetable Salad, Mincemeat Turnovers, Coffee

Consomme Madrilene, Relishes, Baked Virginia Ham, Grilled Sweet Potatoes, Cauliflour with Lemon Butter, Romaine with Roquefort Dressing, Wine Jelly with Whipped Cream, Coffee"
---Silver Jubilee Super Market Cook Book, Edith Barber [Super Market Publishing:New York] 1955 (p. 37-8)

"THEME" DINNERS WERE POPULAR IN THE 1950ssamples here:

"Hawaiian buffet luncheon or supper
For table decorations, use lemon leaves, ferns, pineapple, bananas. Flowers (including lei for each guest) would be everywhere. Soft strains of Hawaiian music lend atmosphere: Tropical fruit salad, (avocado sections, orange slices, whole ripe olives...on bed of shredded lettuce) with lime or lemon dressing

dinners of the past

2008-10-24T09:45:00.000-07:00

I found this and was fasinated. I am always trying to cook traditional old time meals but its hard to fine recepies and such about vintage retro foods.

The 1920’s

Brand name products (such as Maxwell House Coffee) became popular among Americans. Chiffon pies were quite the rage also. In fact they were very popular among Americans for several decades. Several new vitamins were discovered during this century such as Vitamin C (identified in 1921), Vitamin E (discovered in 1922) and Vitamin D (identified and named in 1922).

MENU- 1920’s

Main Course-

Chicken Pie

Salad- Golden Glow Salad

Dessert- Jelly Roll

The 1930’s

The 1930’s were the years of the Depression. During these Depression years, many people were unemployed and poor. Kitchen appliances were few. Families harvested, preserved, and pickled their own foods due to their lack of money. Store bought bread was popular, especially Wonder Bread. However, Pepperidge Farm bread was better, but cost almost three times more.

Menu- 1940's

Main Course-

choice of: macaroni & cheese, meatloaf, spaghetti & meatballs or casserole

Side dishes- Choice of hotdogs, canned pork and beans

Dessert- choice of: Rice Pudding baked custard or Chiffon cake

The 1940’s

These were the years of World War II. Food rationing had a big influence until 1946. Families were given a limited amount of sugar, meat, coffee, and fats.

MENU- 1940’s

Main Course-

Tuna Noodle Casserole

Side Dish- Green Beans

Salad- Ginger Ale Salad (made with unflavored gelatin, fruit juice, ginger ale, and either canned or fresh fruit)

Dessert- Chocolate cake (made from a mix)

The 1950’s.

The 1950’s were a decade full of rock ‘n’ roll music and jukeboxes. This decade was known as the "Casserole decade". Americans became quite interested in foreign foods such as Italian lasagna and pizza and German sauerbraten. Other interesting events in the history of food include the creation of the TV dinner (1951) and the first sushi bar in America (opened in NYC in 1957).

MENU- 1950’s

Main course- Either Lasagna or Pizza

Side dish- Garlic bread

Salad- Tossed Green Salad

Dessert- Chiffon Cake

1960’s

Food writers were quite popular ever since Julia Child went on public television with her food program (The French Chef). Popular foods included granola and tofu.

MENU – 1960’s

Main Course- Beef Burgundy

Side Dishes- Rice, Buttered Broccoli

Salad- Raw Spinach Salad

Dessert- Mile High Pie (strawberries, sugar, egg whites, and whipped cream in a cookie crust)

The 1970’s

The 1970's weren’t just about disco music and funny hairstyles, it was also about cuisine cooking. It was during this decade that chefs started to cook in the cuisine style. This style was very fancy. There were several types of cuisine cooking including Californian cuisine and Nouvelle Cuisine. Cuisine cooking was so popular that French chefs started to abandon their traditional ways of cooking for the Nouvelle cooking style.

Interesting facts about food during this decade are- the opening of the first "salad bar" and the first Starbucks coffeehouse.

MENU- 1970’s

Main course- Crock Pot Stew

Side dishes- Brown Serve Rolls and Margarine

Salad- Three Bean Salad

Dessert- Mud Pie

Wondering about the day of a retro houswife

2008-10-22T09:24:00.001-07:00

What does the Retro housewife day look like? Well, we get up, get our kids off to school, pack our hubbies a sandwich and wish them a safe drive. Then our day is OPEN? Some of us watch Oprah or the Soaps, some have a regular routine, for housewives with children our lives revolve around them and their activities, some paint do charity work...or maybe we run a home based business.
Some Retros have money, and for them running the house is comparable to running a small company, managing the staff, scheduling the projects, projecting an image of perfection to the outside world.
The best Retros understand that their purpose is to make life worth living for themselves and their families. That, no matter their income level or social status, they are the center of their families universe and the one who has the difficult task of making the most out of whatever resources are available to them.
In keeping a house, the job is to make it a home. In raising children, it is to turn out well balanced emotionally stable human beings that have the confidence and personal convictions they will need to make their way productively and happily in life. In being a wife, our job is one of support, confidante, companion, lover and best friend.
No small order, but in the end, we are the ones that make the difference in the lives of the other members of our families. Whoever coined the term "little woman" had not the slightest idea of what he spoke, for it is truly "the hand that rocks the cradle" that is an accurate depiction of our role.

how to be a good housewife

2008-10-22T09:20:00.000-07:00

How to Be a Good Housewife
A housewife is a woman who enters into a mutual agreement with her husband that outlines their division of labor. Most often, the husband works during the day and earns income to financially support the family, while the wife takes on most of the non-financial responsibilities, such as maintaining the home and, if applicable, caring for the kids. It is up to the couple whether this arrangement works for them. Sometimes it's a temporary situation, such as if children are too young to go to school and the cost of daycare is greater than the woman's salary. For other couples, it may represent a commitment to traditional values. Whatever the reason, if you have chosen to be a housewife, here are some suggestions to help you flourish in this role.

Steps
Outline the expectations with your husband. The only way to be a good housewife is for you and your husband to discuss standards and expectations, and meet those expectations (provided they're realistic) as best as you can. In other words, the definition of a good housewife depends on which house you're in! Don't assume that you have the same expectations because you may find out the hard way (through arguments) that you don't. Sit down and talk it over. Ask your husband, "What are your expectations of me as a housewife?" While you're at it, discuss your expectations of him as a working husband. Does he have any responsibilities other than bringing home a paycheck? If so, what are they? For example, you may be primarily responsible for keeping the house clean, but he may be responsible for cleaning up after himself - putting his dirty laundry in the hamper, placing things where they belong after he's finished using them, emptying the trash near his desk, etc.
Take a break. A common stereotype that deters many women from the concept of being a housewife is the idea that she will have to look after the home and children twenty four hours a day, seven days a week, always cooking and cleaning. However, this doesn't have to be the case. If he gets time off from his job (evenings, weekends) so can you. Maybe he can do laundry or entertain the kids on one of his days off while you take a break to recharge your batteries, such as volunteering for a local organization, visiting a spa, or spending time with your friends. Not only will it allow you to foster your sense of individuality, but it will also allow him to see what housework or childcare is like, and he may respect you more for taking on these responsibilities through the week. If he works around the clock, or is otherwise unable to spend some time in your shoes, consider hiring a babysitter or housekeeper to take care of things while you take time off.
Be aware of what your man needs when he comes home. Some men need space when they come home from a hard day at work, so if this is how your partner is, he may want to chill out in front of the TV or to read the newspaper before talking about his day or eating dinner. Other men, however, wish to speak of their day before they relax. If this is the case, listen to what he has to say and take turns talking about how your day went. Finally, some men like to spend time with his friends for some male bonding after work. Step back and let this happen as needed. If he comes home at unpredictable times, however, this may need to be discussed so that you can make sure you have dinner together or that he doesn't wake up the children accidentally.
Have meals on the table at a regular time. One of the luxuries of being at home is that you can prepare delicious, healthy meals for yourself and your spouse. You don't have to rely on fast food and microwaved dishes. Making meals at a regular time every day gives him something to look forward to when he comes home, especially if you learn how to cook his favorite dishes. Think about it: If your roles were reversed, wouldn't the prospect of coming home to a lovingly prepared meal make your day a little easier to get through?
Take care of yourself. Maintaining your appearance, while not essential in being a housewife, does certainly help remind your husband (and yourself) that you are still a woman and not simply a housekeeper. Wear makeup, if that's your style, and clothes that can be both pretty and practical. Long, full skirts and well fitting jeans can do double duty as you go around the house doing the necessary chores while keeping you looking sharp for when your special someone comes home. Keeping your hair tucked up under a bandanna during the day and giving it a brush through with a spritz of water or hairspray can help you look nice in just minutes.

Tips
If you're experimenting with a new recipe have another dinner option just in case is always a good idea.
Keep the house tidy and pleasant. There is no excuse for your man to come home to a mess, so make friends with your vacuum and feather duster.
Always remember to get out of the house, whether it's for a visit with a friend, a nail appointment, a trip to the gym or even a trip to the supermarket.
If you have children at home, remember to relax. Although your home may not look perfect, you are doing the hardest job there is. Give yourself a break and enjoy your children, your spouse and your home.

Warnings
Do not become overly obsessed with keeping things his way. If you do this, you will risk losing your own happiness. Try to keep the two equal. Balance his happiness with your happiness.
Remember, you're his partner, not his slave. Your own happiness is just as important as his. Make sure he's pulling his weight in the relationship and taking care of you and your needs as well.

Holly's tips Oct.20th

2008-10-20T07:24:00.002-07:00

In these hard times we happy housewife's must learn to make the most of what we have. Learn to make every penny count and stretch a dollar as far as we can. So I have a few things I do myself that could help all you happy housewives who are finding it harder to stick to the budget.
1. - you can use Powder laundry detergent. I buy Classic Purex from walmart. Its very cost effective. Its cheap and it works. You cant get more cost effective than that . But to stretch that dollar even more you can put a whole box of baking soda in the detergent. mix it well. By doing this you can use half the recommended amount. Your detergent will last twice as long and your clothes wont suffer. And we all know as a happy housewife we must always look our best and we must have the best dressed husbands and kids on the block.
2.- Every household has a bottle of soap next to the sink in the bathroom and in the kitchen. No matter what brand it is you can make it last longer with out compromising that clean factor. Instead of using the bottle in comes in get a separate dispenser. Empty only half the soap into the dispenser and then fill it the rest of the way with water. It will last twice as long. And will clean and suds just as well. And that a good thing because we don't want dirty little hands at the dinner table You can further your money by buying in bulk also.You can also use this tip on bath soaps and shampoo and conditioner.
3.- Instead of buying those expensive room and fabric fresheners make your own. Its super simple. In a spay bottle add equal parts of water and your favorite fabric softener. Give it a good shake and spray on your curtains , furniture and carpets. Anywhere you would use those expensive sprays you can use this and you know its safe for all fabrics. Its an easy ways to spruce up before guest come or grab the bottle when you have unexpected guest. Here that knock at the door spray away and your guest will walk in to a fresh home and feel at ease and that one of you jobs as a happy homemaker . to make others feel at ease.
4.- To save on family entertainment in the hard times to come. Get back to basics. Slow down and enjoy the simpler things in life. Instead of going out to eat during the week or on weekends have theme food night's at home. Dont just fix a themes meal add a little extra. For Mexican night do tacos and have everyone make there own taco and have make your own guacamole. Have everyone dress in Mexican colors and you can do your research on the computer and get translations for the foods and common words such as than you and please and teach them to everyone as you fix and eat your meals. You can also tell of some customs and history of whatever theme you choose. Instead of going to the movies or renting movies or other expensive entertainment. Have a family game night . Bring out all those new and old games and pop some popcorn and play games. Include your extended family and friends to join the fun. Add a pot luck on the weekends to save money for you.You dont ave to spend a lot of money to have a good time with your family in these tight times. And remember as a happy homemaker its your duty to make sure that your family is happy and healthy by utilizing what you have. Make due.Use what you have.

Holly product pushing Oct. 14th

2008-10-20T07:24:00.001-07:00

This will be my place to give reviews and recommendations on anything from clean products to restaurants and things to do. Only things I have tried and know about will be written about here.
First on the Holly product list
The Libman wonder mop. - Wow I was so excited to go buy a new mop. Nothing makes me happier than scrubbing my floors so my family could eat of them if they had to. I chose this mop because it was washable. You just pop off the end and throw it in the washing machine. How cleanly ! It also has a wringer on it so you don't have to do it with your hands. It was also the cheapest of the mops that had replaceable washable mop heads. So I tyred it last night on a very nasty mess. I wont tell you what it was because as a traditional 50's house wife its my job to not speak of any unpleasantness in the world =) Anyways 2 swipes and it was gone. I used it today to mop my whole floor and It impressed me. It didn't take much to get the hard spots and didn't leave a nasty dirty steak of dirt water to be popped up again. I only had to rinse it 2 times to do the whole floor. It held the dirt until rinsed and rung. I say try libman to make your house sparkle for you family and your friends your trying to impress
Well I have a bad review on makeup. Its so important for us house wives to look beautiful, fresh and presentable at all time for our husbands and anyone else that may see us even for a second . No reason to make other uncomfortable with our flaws. So I got some new powder foundation that was to last 16 hours. I had never bought this kind nor this brand before and had never spent 12.00 for any kind of makeup before. It was Revlon Colorstay Mineral Foundation. Well dont wast your money . I expected since it was a foundation it would some how be different than just a powder on the skin. well thats all it is is a powder on the skin. It provides no coverage and no evening of the skin tone. As for the 16 hours of wear well I could apply it 10 times a day and it still wouldn't be enough. I have to say my introduction to the mineral makeup movement was not an encouraging or promising one. I now just use it over my liquid foundation. Still dont like it like that either but I refuse to let my money go in the trash . Bottom line wives dont wast you money on this products.

Holly's day Oct 13

2008-10-20T07:21:00.000-07:00

Today on my agenda well so far I have made Cheeseburger soup, sloppy Joe, and am currently making another soup. And I made everything from scratch . No pre peeled carrot and pre cut celery here. On top of preparing meals for the week I also have laundry and a sink full of dishes to do. And then I need to clean the my bedroom.Interchanging the summer clothes with the fall and winter wardrobe. Cleaning sock drawer and sweeping and dusting. All before 4. I must also get a bath and be nice and fresh when hubby comes through the door. Hair must be done and makeup just so !Then dinner and soccer practice. I will also be making to do lists for the week including out camping trip list. Lots of planning to do.

Holly Happy Homemaker daily schedule

2008-10-20T07:20:00.000-07:00

Holly Happy Home Maker Daily schedule
My daily schedule :
Sunday - Sundays are routine laundry days. Any thing that we need for the week is washed today. Calenders are checked. And preparations are made for the week. Sundays also include a homemade breakfast together at the table. Lunch together at the table and a home cooked meal together at the table. So dishes are done 2 times on Sundays.
Monday- Mondays are also routine laundry day. Anything that didn't get done the day before gets done today. Vacuuming of the whole house and dusting. Lunch and preparing for dinner.
Tuesday- Tuesdays same school routine. Clean bath room and organize house. Spot vac prep for dinner.
Wednesday- Wednesdays are for a little more relaxing. Odds and ends.
Thursday- Thursdays are for cleaning the kitchen. Making the shopping list. Making sure we have clean clothes for the weekend. Organizing the weekends activities. Vacuum whole house. and spot dust.Preparing and organizing bills
Fridays- Fridays I make sure everything is in place for the weekend. Spot clean and do last mint odds and ends.
Saturdays - Saturdays Are for Shopping and scheduled events.
Dailies also include:
2 loads of dishes at least
take out trash
wiping tables and counters
picking up
breakfast every morning
dinner at table every night
feeding and caring for animals
Homework
Bath Time

In the begining. The start of it all

2008-10-20T07:18:00.000-07:00

Yes thats me. Over the years I have referred to myself usually to Greg in fight as Holly Homemaker. Usually we are in a fight because I feel bogged down . Like I have to do it all. I never feel like I am being a good enough house wife. So I always say I am sorry I just cant be Holly Happy Homemaker. Well most of the time I am her and I embrace her. She is like my other personality. I have Holly the one who can do it all. I cook home cooked meals, I bake,make candy and cookies, do the laundry and I dont just use a dryer I hang all of our clothes, I clean the house take care of the animals, and I am happy to do it all and more. To spread myself so thin and feel like I will collapse at the end of the day . The their is Tiff the crazy bitch lol. You can get it yourself cant you ? Are your legs broke? I dont care if the carpet is dirty I am not cleaning it because all your going to do is drag dirt in all over it so it you want it spotless do it yourself. No I am not cooking just so you can dirty dishes for me to clean.. ok you get the pic. Well I have decided maybe if I explore Holly more and refine her to fit my life I can be Holly all the time. Holly is who I want to be all the time and my little white pill help with being her all the time I just have to remember to take it. So you may see blogs and post about or kinda writen as if I were holly . Its all just for fun just silliness and hopefully I can other homemakers with the tips and stuff.
First of all Holly is a 1950'S housewife. That exsplans alot . She does all the cooking much of it from scratch, great meals and always at the dinner table as a family. She does all the cleaning. Cleans up after everyone. The house must e cleaned everyday. To apear spotless. She takes care of all her daughters needs. Does the home work the disiplin. She makes sure when her husband comes home she looks beautiful for him. Has a smile on her face and a hg and kiss. Gives hubby down time and then has dinner on the table by 5. And she always makes sure all her hubbys others needs are met in every way. She makes sure everyone has what they nee when they need it. Never complains about anything.
Now that you have gotten to know Holly I will be investigating and writting and posting info retaining to her. The things I exspect of Holly.