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Keeper of the Hearth: Daily Uniform Ideas

2/25/2021

4 Comments

 
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When I see or hear the words keeper of the hearth, I imagine human-sized fireplaces and old one-room homes where everyone slept nearby, to keep warm on winter nights. I also imagine women getting up to stoke the fire or add another log. 

But when I think about modern-day hearth keepers, I picture women lighting candles. But also cooking, cleaning, and doing other homemaking tasks.

And I started thinking about this question - what does the keeper of the hearth wear? If she had a daily uniform, what would it be?

For me, it would be my super-cozy oatmeal sweater duster and my long, brown knit house dress. Or, my basic daily uniform: duster, v-neck top and leggings.


But I got curious and decided to Google what do homemakers wear?

​There were many articles and posts to choose from, but my favorite title was “
why it’s important for homemakers to dress for the day you want to have.” 


Her article suggested that homemakers should go beyond yoga pants and sweatshirts and take pride in getting dressed each day in simple, easy outfits that are a clear upgrade from pajama wear. That doing so honors both God and the role of homemaker, and will help them feel better and because of that, get more done.
Try this experiment and get fully dressed every day, in something you love. If you want to be a homemaker who’s put together, even-keeled, confident in her work, and ready for whatever the day may bring, then dress like her. You might not feel like that expert homemaker, yet, but I promise you that dressing like one will help you grow into that role. -RichlyRooted.com
Here are links to other posts on the topic…

Wearing dresses
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Book review of The Curated Closet

This second one describes a process she learned in the book, and gives examples of what changed for her as she went through the process herself.

What comes to mind for you when you hear the words, “keeper of the hearth” or “homemaker?”

Do you have a daily uniform?

See you tomorrow!
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4 Comments

Jane Austen Book: Emma

2/24/2021

15 Comments

 
You must be the best judge of your own happiness. - Emma, by Jane Austen
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(Book cover credit: PenguinRandomHouse.com)

Book Title: Emma, by Jane Austen

Emma was revolutionary in its form and technique. Its heroine is a self-deluded young woman with the leisure and power to meddle in the lives of her neighbours. The narrative was radically experimental because it was designed to share her delusions. The novel bent narration through the distorting lens of its protagonist’s mind. - How Jane Austen's Emma Changed the Face of Fiction, John Mullen, The Guardian 

Well, all of that is true! But I tell you what, I cannot get through it. I have tried it as a book, an adaptation and a movie, and I just find this character irritating, and the story boring.

I know, I know. I'm a terrible person!

​But I have tried many times. The closest I came to liking it was the movie with Gwyneth Paltrow.

I liked seeing her interpretation of Emma. I was sort of watching her act, though, you know? Not the same thing as enjoying the story.
​

Would I Recommend it?


Well, first of all, I think I am done with trying to like it! I love Jane Austen and all the things, but this one and I are not meant to get along.

Should you read it? Since I think it is probably well-written (it's Jane, after all), I would say give it a try if you're at all interested.

But it's a very l o n g story! If you start to get really bored, expect that that might continue.

I guess what I am saying is that based on my experience, I don't recommend it. But who knows? Your mileage may vary!

​And if you've read it already, I'd love to know what you thought.

See you tomorrow!
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15 Comments

Slow Homemaking

2/23/2021

23 Comments

 
Homemaking is not meant to be done quickly. Sometimes this means everything won’t get done. But I’ll take ten undone tasks and a joyful, calm spirit any day. Homemaking is a gift. It is the making of a home. It is a process, not a race. -Intentional by Grace
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Slow homemaking is about deliberately including moments of rest and pleasure in your day. It’s also about not looking at the day as a container for a list of chores to be done as quickly as possible.

Here’s what slow homemaking might look like…

(1) Preparing meals from scratch instead of grabbing whatever will be fastest in the microwave. Then, eating dinner at the table, as a family,

(2) Getting ready for the day and then, pausing to light a candle and have a cup of tea before beginning the day’s activities.

(3) Taking a break in the middle of the afternoon to meditate, go for a walk, or have another cup of tea.

(4) Saving time at the end of your day for a mindful activity, like journaling.

(5) Ending the day by reading an inspirational book or novel, instead of trying to get one last thing done before you go to sleep.

How do you move through your daily activities? Have you ever tried a slower pace?

​See you tomorrow!
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23 Comments
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    Hi, I'm Jeanine

    Author, hygge lifestyle blogger & connoisseur of delight writing about how to create a hygge lifestyle, with hearthcraft, comfy capsule wardrobe tips and cozy home decorating ideas. More here.
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Welcome! I'm so glad you have come for a visit. I hope you find exactly what you are looking for here. In fact, I hope you'll be comfy & cozy as you take a look around.
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  • Home
  • Blog
    • Facebook Group
  • The Front Porch
    • Meet Jeanine
    • Hygge Lifestyle
    • Contact Jeanine
  • The Cozy Corner
    • The Reading Room >
      • Cozy Reading List
      • Jane Austen Retellings
  • The Tea Room
  • The Closet