Through the Telephone Lines: Favorite Films

Hello everyone!

I’m always on the lookout for movie recommendations, so I decided to ask some of my friends what their favorite films are! I also wanted to try and show that everyone can find a connection to classic films or to a different time period. The only limitations I gave were that the film can either be from the 90’s or before or that the film is set in a later time period. Here are some of their answers!

Sarah

Sarah is my coworker, so during our free time, I asked her about her favorite classic or period film. Here favorite is Pride & Prejudice from 2005 (which is an amazing movie if you haven’t seen it). It’s her favorite simply because of the atmosphere it creates. 19th century style and culture is portrayed beautifully in this film. The way the characters speak, the dancing sequences, and the historical outfits all caught Sarah’s attention. If you would like to watch it, it’s on Netflix!

Zora

Zora’s favorite classic film is also one of mine. It’s a Wonderful Life from 1946 is a must watch especially during Christmas. The film explores the impact that each individual has on the world and how his or her life is so valuable. Zora loves the message behind the movie as well as the 1940’s outfits and sets. Overall, it’s a great feel good movie that she loves to watch with her family during Christmas time.

Sydney

Sydney is back again! Sydney’s favorite film is Meet Me in St. Louis from 1944. Again, this is another one of my favorite films! The movie explores the life of a family living in St. Louis during the time of the 1904 World’s Fair. Sydney’s favorite part is watching the four sisters interact with each other over the span of a year. Sydney is exceptionally close with her sister, Elly, who we met in a later post. Whether you have sisters or not, you’ll enjoy this film!

Sadaris

Lastly, I spoke with my boss, Sadaris! Sad’s favorite classic films are the Star Wars films which started in 1977. He told me about how he loves the involved storyline and how the saga continues on as the movies go along. The early forms of special effects are also entertaining to watch! I would like to point out that he asked to pose dramatically, which I think matches the valiant feel of the Star Wars films!

I think that a person’s favorite movie says a lot about them as a person, so it was so fun interviewing everyone! I also believe that everyone can find a film, whether old or set back in time, that catches their interest.

Classically, Sofia.

The Odd Beauty Routine of the 1940s

Disclaimer: I do not recommend trying the odd trends mentioned in this post. The purpose of this post is strictly to inform.

Hello everyone!

Today I want to tell you all a little it about the beauty routines during World War II. While some aspects are still used today, others most certainly aren’t (or shouldn’t be). Those tips will be specified.

Let me provide some background. During the 1940s, World War II was raging on. Everyone and everything seemed to be affected in some way– even the beauty routines of American women. Rations were put into effect. Therefore, many beauty products were no longer available, yet women found a way. Here is a breakdown of the odd beauty routine of the 1940s.

Face

Skin care was simple back then. Women would often apply cold cream to dissolve makeup and moisturize the skin. They would then use a gentle bar of soap and a rag to wash their face.

For foundation, women used Pan-Cake makeup, a product first created by Max Factor. The makeup came compressed in a compact wand was applied lightly with a powder puff. Foundation, especially during the war, was very simple.

For cheeks, women would sometimes use cream rouge. If that wasn’t available, women would rub lipstick into the apples of their cheeks or even simply pinch them for a rosy look.

Eyes

The eyes is where this post gets a little interesting. Eyeshadow and eyeliner wasn’t usually worn on a daily basis. Women would sometime curl their lashed with a heated spoon (do not try this). For mascara, a women often used cake mascara. This type of mascara (which still exists) came in a compact block with a little brush. You simply mixed a drop of water in and had mascara. If that wasn’t available, (do not try this either) women would burn cork and mix it with Vaseline to apply to their lashes.

Lips

Lips were the simplest part of this routine. Lipstick wasn’t rationed because is was said to boost morale. Women often wore patriotic reds and corals. No homemade trick here!

Bonus

In the 1940s, women wore nylons (pantyhose). Nylon was rationed to make parachutes, so women had to get creative. To get the appearance of tanned, smooth legs, women would paint their legs in gravy browning. They also oftentimes used an eyebrow pencil to draw the seem of the stockings up the back of their leg. Imagine walking around with all of that on your legs!

So there you have it! I’m so thankful we don’t have to worry about rationing like women did back then, but they were quite creative!

Classically, Sofia.

Classic Hobbies to Pick Up This Season

Happy Friday everyone!

With school winding down, I’m about to have a lot more free time on my hands. If you’re in the same situation, look no further! Here is a list of some of my favorite classic past times that will keep you entertained during the break (or whenever)!

Needlework

Whether you decide to cross-stitch, knit, or embroider, needlework is a relaxing yet productive past time. I’m always in search of something to do mindlessly while watching a movie or listening to music. Though needle work isn’t completely mindless, it is very calming. You can buy starter kits for any of these techniques at your local craft store! I’ve been cross-stitching a rose since the summer. Your needlework creations can also make great Christmas gifts! Imagine giving a loved one a cozy, handmade scarf! Perfect!

Reading Classics

Sure, reading sounds like an obvious pastime, but don’t overlook the classics! Especially for vintage lovers, picking up a book like The Great Gatsby, Pride & Prejudice, or Little Women can be really eye opening! As the reader, you get to visit the authors’ imagination and understand ideas from hundreds of years ago. You are even able to learn details from the characters’ lives that act as windows to how life might have actually been in the 19th or 20th centuries. There are plenty of lists online consisting of some of literature’s most classic works. Check a couple out from your local library, and begin reading!

Baking

Baking is another great hobby perfect for the upcoming season! One of my favorite things to do is find old recipes whether they’re online or from cookbooks found in antique stores. I choose a couple of recipes that I like, and then I recreate them! I found one from the 1930s on how to make homemade pumpkin spice ice cream! I personally find it more fun to bake desserts, but you can also explore cooking options as well! Your baked goods will also make perfect Christmas gifts or Thanksgiving dishes!

Watching Films

Use your free time to explore movies! The world of film is much more vast than people think. If you like thrillers and suspense, Hitchcock films are perfect for you! A couple of my favorites include Rear Window, Psycho, and North by Northwest. There is also an incredible variety of musicals like Singin’ in the Rain and Meet Me in St. Louis. With Christmas coming up, explore some of the Christmas classics, too! Here are a couple to get you started: It’s a Wonderful Life, White Christmas, Holiday Inn, Christmas in Connecticut, and Miracle on 34th Street. Happy watching!

Classically, Sofia.

The Lost Art of Sign Painting

Hello again, everyone!

Today we’re going to talk about sign painting!

With businesses using vinyl, sign painting is slowly becoming obsolete. There are, however, people making an effort to preserve the timelessness of this art form. The smooth, methodic way that the letters are formed is not only satisfying to watch, but results in clean, whimsical advertisements.

As long as written languages have existed, so have signs. Signs direct us, inform us, and persuade us. During the 20th century especially, sign painting turned into a true art form. Businesses had hand-painted signs drawing eyes to their store fronts. Movie posters were stylishly hand-painted, beckoning crowds into the theaters for the latest Clark Gable film. Even iconic circus posters were painted by hand claiming that the “Strongest Man in the World” was only steps away. For decades, sign painting has reigned over the world of public advertising, but that’s been changing.

I first learned about sign painting from my dad. He has always had a passion for sign painting. If you walk through my town, almost every window has his signature under their logo. Some even include mine and my brother’s because he would bring us along to “help.” When I was around 6, I specifically remember going with him to paint a sign at a doctor’s office. He had bought me a glass bottle of the Frostie Blue Cream Soda, and I had set up my car seat out in the sun to watch him. Even as recently as a year ago, I spent a summer day on the job with him. I sat on one of his paint-covered milk crates and read a book while chasing the shade. The cool thing about all of this is that he used to do the same with his dad when he was growing up. My grandfather started painting signs in Ecorse, Michigan in 1956.

With all that being said, my eye has always been drawn to hand painted signs. I hope I can open your eyes to them as well. Here is a short interview with my dad:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnWp-JlwviQ&t=2s

Classically, Sofia