Part 7

Oatmeal bags are pleasant and easily prepared. At home you can make a dozen for the price of one. They whiten the skin and give it a velvety softness, besides imparting a delicate fragrance.

Make the bags of cheesecloth, about four inches square, and fill them loosely with the following mixture: Five pounds of oatmeal, one pound of powdered Florentine orris, one pound of almond meal and half a pound of pure castile soap scraped to a powder. One bag will be sufficient for a bath.

THE CARE OF THE HANDS

Many a woman who gives time and thought to the art of pleasing, who bemoans natural shortcomings or physical defects, is unconscious of the power and fascination that a well-developed and well-cared-for hand wields in a most subtle fashion. Very often the soul speaks through the hand when a halting tongue refuses speech. Conceal natural instincts as you will, the hands ofttimes betray them. Hide them, transform them, the hand, still true to nature, defies your efforts.

Lavater says: “The hand, whether in motion or repose, has an expression of its own that is not to be mistaken. When in perfect rest it shows what are our traits of character; its flexions betray what are our actions and our passions.” In all ages homage has been paid to the hand, and its study was held in honor by the wisest philosophers of ancient Greece. Italy’s great poet Petrarch confessed that Laura’s “beautiful hand made captive his heart.”

To the student or one blessed with natural discernment, the shape, texture, and color of the hand reveal the secrets of the soul. Good blood and breeding are to be discovered, and, though the poise of head and grace of carriage be acquired, the contour of wrist, palm, and finger remains obstinately natural.

What the mind conceives the hands put into execution, and what the heart wills the hand makes possible. Upon the palm are found more or less indications of the physical and mental attitudes of men--their appetites, instincts, and ambitions. A narrow palm suggests feeble temperament, lacking force of imagination, while too broad a one denotes egotism and sensuality. A nature capable of great enjoyment and the possessor of a lively imagination develops a supple and fairly generous expanse of palm; but the hard, thick hand ofttimes lacks intelligence.

Knotty fingers, when not the result of gout, indicate originality; the smooth taper finger means love of art and a predominance of sentiment over reason. Square fingers denote method, and the spatulate show ability, tact, and action. Very rare is the psychic hand with its slim tapering fingers, its snowy texture and wonderful softness. Well for the world that it is uncommon, lacking as it does usefulness and industry.

That the hands are capable of improvement, so far as texture is concerned, is demonstrated by the secrets of my lady’s boudoir. There are different exercises for relaxing and contracting the muscles, which unite in imparting suppleness and expression. Given over to contact with everything that can spoil, soil, and deform them, how shall one keep their beauty? Cleanliness is the first and most important factor, and pure castile soap is always reliable, but frequent washings are unnecessary for softening the skin. The hands should be washed only when necessary, in neither very hot nor very cold water. Avoid all extremes of temperature. Soft water is imperative, however, and wheat, bran, or almond meal thrown in the basin will be found beneficial; after which rub the skin with almond oil, cold cream, or some simple lotion. There is an old-fashioned but safe method of whitening the hands. Take some horse chestnuts, peel, dry, and then pound them in a mortar until they become a fine powder. A pinch of this flour thrown into a pint of water and stirred will make it white and milky, a delicious substitute for soap on a cold day, when the skin is apt to chap unless great care be given to drying the hands.

Milk is also marvelous for bleaching, but it is a luxury not suited to all purses. Lemon juice may be used to remove stains from the hands. Tomatoes will produce the same effect. For a stubborn mark, rub gently with a piece of fine toilet pumice; but beware of injuring the texture of the skin.

After a thorough cleansing comes the manicuring of the nails, which with a little experience may be accomplished at home with excellent results. The flesh surrounding the nails should be pressed back very gently to its proper place. Be careful not to tear or bruise it, else a jagged appearance will result, necessitating clipping, which always encourages growth. An orange stick is a necessary adjunct to the toilet; by its aid the nails can be probed and cleaned without fear of injury. A white crescent at the base, a rosy tint in the middle, and a white transparent border with a polished (not too highly) surface are the marks of well-cared-for nails.

Do not have them too long, else they are liable to break; curve on either side, with the deepest portion projecting just far enough to protect the ball of the finger. Do not scrape with pointed instruments of steel. It takes a long time for a bruised surface to resume normal conditions. Gloves, worn when unpleasant work is necessary, should be loose. Before putting them on it is a good idea to cover the hands with a light layer of oil of sweet almonds or vaseline. This prevents callous spots, and the process of softening will be in progress during the occupation.

YOUR “LAUGH” LINES

It was long the popular belief that wrinkles are caused chiefly by sorrow and care. Up pops somebody in this twentieth century to denounce that theory and to declare that the merry folk are far oftener afflicted than the sorrowful and that laughter more frequently furrows the face than tears.

It is a rather happy suggestion; not that wrinkles are welcome, but that cheerfulness is a heaven-sent gift and should be received with grateful hearts. Let laughter ring out loud and long. It is infectious. It uplifts those who hear it. If it brings wrinkles, you may be sure it displaces more hideous lines.

If home were made more cheerful, the law would clutch less often at the throats of criminals and the institutions would open their doors to fewer refugees. We know, when night comes, mothers are tired and husbands fractious with bile and business. The good woman would like to sit down to an interesting book and the man to his newspaper and silence, each feeling the comfort is well deserved from duties well performed.

But have they the right and is it safe to follow the natural bent? Boys and girls will have fun; they will have room and place for noise and laughter and the irresponsible bubbling of youthful spirits. If these be not accorded to them in their home they will surely seek and find diversion outside.

She is the wise mother who, in addition to her deeper anxieties and solicitude, draws and holds with her own largeness of spirit the expanding natures of her laughing girl and rollicking boy. To do this she must be as quick to laugh as to cry with them, recognizing the drollery of their wit and giving it welcome.

There is the cheerful woman who puts herself out to be pleasant to her friends. Meet her on the street and she will treat you to a cheery smile and a soft greeting that has a sweet little melody all its own. Such a woman makes the nightingales sing in one’s heart. She doesn’t send souls into deep mourning as does the whiny woman or the grouchy person or the suffering sister with woes that bury you like an avalanche.

Plenty of persons have troubles, but they don’t shake them out and beat the dust out of them and hang them up in the air all the time and display them for the entertainment of their acquaintances. There is no such thing as being without troubles, and when you run across a woman who gives you a smile and a bright little word don’t tell yourself that it is easy for her, that she hasn’t anything to worry about.

One never knows. She may have, all buried in the depths of her heart, more trouble to the square inch than you have ever heard about. It doesn’t pay to be grumpy. Not a bit of it. It doesn’t pay to be a member of the Tearful Society, either. The only thing that counts is a brave heart filled to the roof with simple, honest charity.

You have seen those awful parlors, haven’t you, in the country districts, where the shades are always drawn and Mme. Moth has garden parties in every corner of the carpet and funereal pictures hang from the wall, and when you open the door you are struck deaf, dumb, blind, and senseless with the frightful mustiness that finally chases you out in the free air?

Some persons shut up their hearts just the same way. Open up the windows. Let sunshine fairies mob the place. Scatter the moths of mortal mind helter-skelter and dig out the bad-conscience corners. You will have a nice, clean, hygienic feeling after your heart housecleaning.

Suddenly you will find you are having a garden party there; you will find yourself entertaining beautiful thoughts, and you will wonder how you ever lived under the old régime when you displayed so little hospitality. It is a fine thing to know how to welcome the big feelings of life. Don’t forget that laughter is a good tonic and a near-panacea for many ills.

LOTION FOR THAT “TIRED” FEELING

Take one-quarter pint of alcohol--the recipe can be doubled or tripled if desired--one ounce each of spirits of camphor and ammonia, two and a half ounces of sea salt and one pint of boiling water; mix thoroughly and always shake before using. If a woman comes in tired from a day’s shopping, a long walk, or any other wearying exertion, apply the tonic to the face and arms, and it will magically remove all of that “tired” feeling and put one in fine condition for the evening.

Another delightful and refreshing bath water, which is said to come from Portugal, is made from two and one-half ounces each of eau de rose and eau fleur d’orange, one and a quarter ounces of eau de myrte, one-half drachm of essence of ambergris and one-quarter drachm of essence of musk. After thoroughly commingling the ingredients, keep closely corked in a bottle for a week in the dark--it were better if it remained even two weeks--then pour off the clear liquid. A little poured into the basin of water in which the face is washed will revive and freshen the complexion wonderfully.

ONE SIDE OF THE FINANCIAL QUESTION BETWEEN MAN AND WIFE

The philosophy of clothes is a serious study, and instead of being frowned upon by men, who invariably associate it with wild extravagance, it should be incorporated as first among the bylaws of home life. Women in many cases are largely responsible for the troubles and misunderstandings which arise, brought about, as they often are, on the very threshold of married life.

When a husband admires the stylish appearance of his bride’s traveling gown she is apt to be tempted by the irresponsible imp of mischief to answer, “It cost but a trifle.” In fact, she may burst out with the fiction that she “never spends money on gowns.” This small and unnecessary explosion may win her a tithe of praise at the moment; but it also paves the way for an embarrassing future if she proposes to live up to the fairy tale.

It is curious that the most honest, frank, and truthful women will often hesitate or even fib when asking for domestic expenses, and the most generous and loyal fellow in the world, who lives to spend his dollars like the farmer sows his wheat, looks “concerned,” to be mild in our expression, when the woman whom he loves and trusts looks to him for the weekly stipend.

The wife of a millionaire, who never made anything but her own complexion, boasted that her husband was under the impression that she designed and made her own gowns and bonnets. This she had told him on their wedding journey, and she could never pluck up courage to undeceive him.

A little honesty at the start would make the financial side of matrimony much more pleasant; hence it is difficult to understand why a woman prevaricates when the broad way of truth is easier--unless, indeed, she be tied to a man who “rows” every time money is mentioned.

Perhaps he doesn’t mean it. So few of them understand that the very need of asking hurts and humiliates, even grieves, a proud woman.

A fine, jolly man rallied his wife once on her diffidence in this manner: “Ashamed to come to me for anything? Nonsense! You can come to me as you go to God.” And he never realized the supreme egotism of his speech. So long as she did not smile over it, all went well.

Women hesitate to discuss unpleasant matters with their husbands, and at an early stage they are made to feel that money is an extremely unpleasant subject. Hence they resort to all sorts of foolish subterfuges to obtain possession without open speech. This does not class them among deceivers. A woman is simply more careful than a man in her methods, fearing she will give offence.

Nature sets us an example for “all things new.” She never wears the castaway leaves of past seasons. There is no remade foliage on the trees, no flaunting of spring colors in November. The late skies are veiled in tints the summer never saw and the earth in her old age is as changeful as a merry maid in her teens.

The influence of dress is greater than we will acknowledge. We feel better, act better and bring more honor to those who love us when we are properly gowned. An ill-dressed woman may possess the wisdom of a sage, or the beauty of a goddess; but among her sisters she is at a tremendous disadvantage unless she is like unto them in the glory of her raiment.

SHOULD HE MARRY?

The Man--

Who goes home to grumble and growl;

Who thinks he can keep house much better than his wife;

Who cannot remember his wife’s birthday nor the anniversary of their marriage;

Who believes that no one below the status of an angel should be his helpmate;

Who decides his wife is “fixed” for the season if she has one new gown;

Who imagines a woman’s bonnet should cost about $1.95;

Who fancies that his wife exists for the comfort and convenience of his mother and sisters;

Who provides himself with a family and trusts in providence to produce a home and something to eat;

Who labors under the delusion that his wife’s money belongs to him;

Who advises his sick wife to be up and doing and she will feel ever so much better;

Who doesn’t know what a woman wants with ready cash when she has credit at a dry-goods store;

Who forgets his manners as soon as he steps across his own threshold;

Who thinks a dining-room carpet should last a lifetime;

Who constantly talks about supporting a wife, when she is working fourteen hours a day, including Sunday;

Who declares it all nonsense for a woman to want a ten-cent bunch of violets when she hasn’t seen a flower for five months;

Who quotes the Apostle Paul on the “woman question” and firmly believes the mantle of the holy man has fallen upon his shoulders;

Who looks upon his wife as a mental waste-paper basket into which he dumps the chips of ideas he has collected during the day.

SHOULD SHE MARRY?

The Woman--

Who buys for the mere pleasure of buying;

Who expects a declaration of love three times a day;

Who anticipates in married life a good easy snap;

Who thinks it cheaper to buy bread than bake it;

Who would rather die than wear the same bonnet the second season;

Who wants to refurnish her house every spring;

Who stays at home only because she has no other place to visit;

Who would rather nurse a pug dog than a baby;

Who thinks she can get $5,000 worth of style out of a $1,000 salary;

Who does not realize how many pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, and halves there are in $1;

Who marries in order to have some one pay her bills;

Who thinks embroidered centre-pieces and doylies are of more importance than sheets, pillow-cases, and blankets;

Who buys bric-à-brac for her drawing-room and borrows kitchen utensils from her neighbors;

Who cares more for the style of her winter furs than she does for the health and comfort of her family;

Who thinks the cook and nursemaid can run the house;

Who weeps over the woes of the heroine in a trashy novel while ignoring domestic tragedies directly under her own nose.

DON’TS UP TO DATE

FOLLOW RULES AND BE HEALTHY AND WISE, IF NOT OTHERWISE

Don’t exercise after you feel exhausted.

Don’t fail to laugh at your husband’s jokes.

Don’t treat your family to a morning view of hair-curlers.

Don’t neglect the daily bath if you want a radiant complexion.

Don’t forget that diet, quiet, and sleep are the hand-maidens of beauty.

Don’t be afraid of sunshine and fresh air; they give bloom and color.

Don’t wear the high collar. It ruins the line and curve of the neck and hardens the flesh and often leaves its mark.

Don’t talk when you are hoarse. Your voice may be permanently lost or difficulties of the throat result.

Don’t ride in an open carriage or near the open window of a car after playing golf or exercising in a vigorous way.

Don’t exercise one part of the body too much and another not at all. Let the development be symmetrical.

Don’t become so burdened with the accumulation of knowledge that you cannot spare time for a good hearty laugh.

Don’t think any “old dress will do for home.” Always wear a pretty and becoming gown.

Don’t tell your husband you wish you hadn’t married him. The chances are that you don’t wish it any more than he does.

Don’t believe you can get rid of wrinkles by filling in the crevices with powder. Instead, give your face a warm bath and good scrub, night and morning.

Don’t take a long walk or undertake much household work before breakfast. Vitality is not at its best early in the morning. Strength increases as the sun rises and one is stronger about midday.

TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES:

Italicized text is surrounded by underscores: _italics_.

Obvious typographical errors have been corrected.

Inconsistencies in hyphenation have been standardized.

Archaic or variant spelling has been retained.