Photo Friday: Ahoy, Lana!

Lana Turner is my favorite actress. Aside from acting, I've always felt her look was the quintessential example of 1940's style. She had a multitude of hairstyles, always perfectly coifed — and the perfect lipstick to complete the look.

Questions for my Grandma

Recently I've started sending my Grandma several questions when I write her letters. She's a wonderful Grandma, who humors me by answering all of them! :)

 I thought I would share ones that pertain to WWII and the 1940's with you.


1. Where were you when you found out that WWII had started?
I was working as a nanny in Illinois. It must have been my weekend off as I was in a little church on a Sunday night. I was told about Pearl Harbor.

2. How old were you when the war started?
I was twenty years old.

3. Did you set your hair with pink curls, rag curls, or rollers?
Pin curls and rollers.

4. Did you or any of your sisters work in factories for the war effort?
Yes. My sister and I worked at a glove factory, but we did not make gloves. We sewed the lining inside helmets. When the war ended the factory went back to making gloves.

5. When things were rationed during the war, what did you miss the most?
I think the rationing of sugar was felt most by house holds.

6. What is your best piece of advice?
Be a good listener.


Number 6 doesn't have anything to do with the War, but I thought it was good. ;)

Vintage Beauty Tips

To celebrate their 75th anniversary, Woman's Day Magazine is putting a list of their best tips from the past 75 years in each issue. This month was beauty tips. Here are the ones from the 1940's

- Avoid frizz: Use only a wide-tooth comb, especially when hair is dry. January 1940

- To prevent ingrown nails, trim toenails straight across, not down into the corners. March 1942

- Apply cream or cleanser by lightly pressing upward — never down. The delicate skin sags easily enough in time. April 1942

- Improve circulation in your legs and lower the risk of unsightly veins by elevating your feet when resting. August 1942

- The fast way to remove nail polish: hold cotton saturated with polish remover firmly on your nail for a few seconds to let it start working, then wipe nail clean. January 1944

- Shape nails with an emery board, filing sides toward center — never straight across — and rounding off edges. April 1944

- When applying "liquid stockings" [or today's self-tanner], don't forget the back of your knees, which are often missed. July 1945