A Lesson In Creativity

While I'm mostly trying to avoid mentioning the war this week, it is impossible to ignore it fully, as it was a big part of the 40's and influenced society a lot.

I think the biggest impact it had on everyday life (except for the men being away as soldiers, and the fear of being in the middle of a war) was the shortage and rationing of many everyday items.

                          

As you couldn't live fully without many of those things, you had to be creative!
And I find it very inspiring just how creative they could be back then.

In USA  different kind of foods, gasoline, certain kinds of fabrics (nylon, silk etc.) and goods categorised as luxury items (such as hats) were rationed during WWII.

                      

Women, however, were still encouraged to take particular care of their appearance, so what was a women to do if she wanted to be well-dressed but couldn't get new hats, make-up or (gasp) stockings?

Today missing stockings probably wouldn't be a problem, but back then it was a crucial part of a woman's outfit when going out.
The solution: putting make-up on your legs to imitate the colour of stockings. Back then stockings also had a visible seam at the back, so having a steady-handed friend nearby, to draw it on with an eyebrow pencil was necessary. And when you went out, you had to stay out of rain, as the make-up wasn't waterproof.

Lesson for us: Never take your stockings for granted ever again!

                                   

If you ran out of make up there were several alternatives:
Beetroot juice was quite popular as a substitute for lipstick or nail polish. (Though I wonder how they got it off again)
And if you ran out of mascara shoe polish and Vaseline would do quite nicely!

Lastly, what was one to do if one needed a new hat? You somehow used the materials that you already had. An example is this educational video that shows how to make a new hat out of scarves:

In Europe the rationing was quite a bit stricter, especially with food!
In Britain, for instance, you were only allowed 1 egg a week! Some of the only foods not rationed was vegetables and bread. So yes, the housewives of Britain had to be creative in the kitchen.
Mock recipes imitating everything from cream (margarine, milk and cornflour) to duck (formed sausage meat with herbs) were popular. And carrots replaced sugar in many things such as pies and lollipops!

                      

In preparation for this post, I watched this documentary called Supersizers go Wartime, where you learn a lot of life during the war in a humorous way, as 2 comedians try to live and eat as people did back then. If you want to know more of strange recipes and mock food, you should try and watch it.

                                      

Now, people at home weren't the only one who had to get creative. What about all the manufacturers and brands who had to come up with new ways to make money when their usual goods were rationed?

One example of this that I find really funny are the make up brands. Besides coming up with alternative products they had to adapt to the different needs.
Many women were in the military, and there make up was strictly regulated.
So what did the manufacturers do?
Some specialised in lipsticks in very specific hues of red to match the uniforms of the different corps, and others specialised in compact make up kits that could fit in a uniform chest pocket.

                                    

Lastly, there was one other problem that the government had to get creative to solve. With women working in factories the long hairstyles in fashion was a definite security risk.
How to make them voluntarily change their hair? You ask a famous actress to change her hairstyle to one more suited for factory work, and then watch as everybody copies her.

Do you know of other ways people was creative with making do during WWII? I'm sure there were lots more than the ones I mention here.

Lovely 40's Movies

I had originally planned this post to be a long list of all my favourite 40's movies where I rambled on about how brilliant they were.
The ramblings will definitely still be there, but when I started listing the 40's movies I've seen, I realised that I actually haven't seen that many, so the list won't be as long as I expected.

But without further ado, these are the 40's movies I've seen and enjoyed:

State Fair
                        

This is one of my favourite movies of all time!! It's so sweet and delightful and just too grand for words to describe it properly!
The story is fairly simple, following a family going to the annual state fair where the grown up children each find some romance along the way. Add in some catchy songs and an extravaganza of pretty dresses, and you've got yourself a hit.
I wrote a post about the wardrobe of the main character here if you want to see some of the costumes.


To Be Or Not To Be
                       

Another one of my favourites! This is one of the most hilarious movies I have ever seen.
Taking place during WWII where the Polish underground movement is trying to stop a double agent giving information to the Germans, it does have its suspenseful and dramatic moments. But it gives way more laughs than shivers. I'll do a proper review of this movie later this week, where I will talk way more about all the funny scenes.


Anchors Aweigh
                       

Here's another gorgeous movie with pretty dresses, happy songs and dancing sailors. What more can anyone wish for? To be honest this was the movie that made me fall in love with the 40's, and thus indirectly started all this.
The movie's about two sailors on shore leave. They meet a girl that they somehow promise to introduce to Jose Iturbi (someone famous in the music industry), who they don't actually know. So they spend the next day partly searching for and trying to meet Jose Iturbi and partly keeping the girl convinced that she really shall meet him.
A really funny and sweet movie all in all.


On The Town
                      

It seems I have a weakness for Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra musicals! On The Town is another lighthearted and fun movie following 3 sailors at shore leave trying to meet some girls, and singing all the while.
The songs are really catchy, the costumes pretty and the story really sweet. For more of my thoughts on this move check out my full review of it here.


His Girl Friday
                     

Here's another lovely comedy. The story of a newspaper editor who learns his ex-wife is about to remarry, and tries his best to sabotage it by getting her to cover a hot news story, so he won't lose his star reporter, is certain to create more than a few laughs.
And though it's not as hilarious as its 80's remake, it is still a delightful movie with some real quality acting from Cary Grant.


Casablanca
                     

This movie really surprised me positively. I had expected it to be extremely dull, and though it is kind of slow going, as dramas often were back then, it's actually a really good movie.
The story of a bitter bar owner who by chance meets his old flame and her husband, asking for his help in fleeing the country, is surprisingly touching and the actors all do a very good job.


It's A Wonderful Life
                       

To think that I nearly forgot this one on my list! If this isn't a true classic I don't know what is!
The timeless story of a man spending his life fighting for others and who at a low point in his life is shown what the world would be like if he had never been born, is so touching and heartwarming. I think it's one of the movies everyone have seen at least once (and if they haven't they should).


That is the 40's movies I've seen and enjoyed this far, but there's so many more movies from that decade that I am dying to see.

Did you see some of your favourites on this list? If not, which movies do I need to watch?
I always love getting recommendations!
                       

1940's Week Kick Off And Challenge

It has finally arrived!!
The day is upon us!
It's here!
The long awaited 1940's week!!! (I'm quite excited about it in case you can't tell already)

We have a lovely week ahead of us filled with glamour, movie magic and dazzling dresses. I can barely wait to share with you all the things I love about this decade, but first things first.

It would be absolutely fantastic if you have the time to join in, and just to mix it all up a little I decided to swap the usual tag with a challenge!

It's quite simple. Below I have written a list of challenges for different post ideas regarding the 40's. All you have to do is choose one (or more) and write a post about it. It can be as long or as short and as coherent or disjointed as you like, as long as you have fun with it:)

And so I present to you:

The 1940's Challenge

• Write a review of a 40's movie, or a movie set in the 40's, that you like.
• Make a list of some of your favourite 40's songs.
• Make your dream wardrobe if you lived in the 40's (picture heavy post expected)
• List some of the things you like about the 40's
• Make a collection of lovely old photos with 40's vibes

                                   

If you do the challenge or write a post relating to the 40's, don't forget to put a link in a comment so I can read it as well. And by the end of the week I will do a link-up so we all can get a share of the fun.

I think that's it for now!
Nothing more to say, except let the fun start!

The Little House Tag

If you, like I, are a fan of The Little House-book series, you should immediately pop over to Ashley's blog, for this week she is hosting a Little House blog party.
This far there have been many splendid posts and I am sure there will be many more before the end.

                                  

She also made a tag. These are my answers:

1. How did you discover Little House?
My parents bought me the first book when i was 5 or 6, and then my dad read it out loud to me. That continued with the next books until I could read well enough myself and then I continued on my own.

                                          
                                 
 
2. Which Little House series have you read? Which are you favorite? (Laura, Martha, Rose, etc.)
I have read the Laura and the Rose books. 
I prefer the Laura books, partly because they are the "originals" and partly because I like Laura's character better.

                              


3. Have you read any "extra" Little House books? (non "canon", cookbooks, song books, craft books, little kid books, etc.)
I read "On The Way Home", the diary Laura wrote in their journey to Missouri. 
I didn't know how many other books were written in this category until recently.


4. Have you read any biographies/autobiographies about Laura or any of the Little House girls?
No. (If Wikipedia articles count then, yes)


5. If you could be in any character's place, who would you choose and why?
So hard to choose.... Probably Laura or Mary Powers. I would love to experience life in De Smet.


6. What's your favorite Little House ship? (AKA couple)
Laura and Almanzo!! They are so cute together and their whole courtship is just a delight to read about.

                                        


7. What's your favorite Little House book? Cover?
That's a tie between Little Town On The Prairie and These Happy Golden Years. I just love the description of life in De Smet and Laura's teenage years. And those are the books with most Laura and Almanzo moments:)

My favourite cover has shifted during the years. At first it was By The Shores Of Silver Lake (mainly because of the horse). 
                                         

Today it's Little Town On The Prairie, it's such a sweet picture and we get a depiction of all 4 sisters.

                                     

 
8. If you could invite any secondary character from any of the Little House books over for dinner, who would you choose and why?
Why only invite one? Let's make a dinner party consisting of the entire De Smet youth!! 
I'm only allowed one? Okay..what about Uncle Tom? He would have a lot of exciting stories to tell.


9. Have you watched the Little House TV show? If so, do you enjoy it?
Yes. My mom in particular enjoys that TV show so I've seen almost all the early episodes (and a few of the later ones). I think it's a sweet and enjoyable series as long as you don't expect them to follow the books. 


10. If you could watch a YouTube miniseries on any Little House book or series, which would you choose and how would the basic plot go?
That is quite hard to decide!
I think By The Shores Of Silver Lake would be very adaptable. 
It would basically being about Laura moving away because her father had got a new job, and she sends videos to her friends back in Minnesota about the new places she see and eventually about the new town. It could actually continue for the rest of the books. There's plenty of plot there.

                             

Now, after stepping back into the world of Laura, I feel no desire to leave it again. Maybe a reread of The Little House series should be my next project?

Jane Eyre (2011)

I've been wanting to watch Jane Eyre ever since it came out, and since I recently finished reading the book, I thought it a good time to watch it.

                                      

And it was a good movie, very beautifully made, but it didn't quite live up to my expectations.

But let me start with the things I like, such as the casting:

I was a little apprehensive about the casting of Jane, for in the book she is very plain and Hollywood have a habit of ignoring that and casting beautiful actresses anyway. But they actually did a great job with Mia Wasikowska, making her appear really simple and plain.
And her acting was also really good. I think a challenge in adapting book-Jane is that she thinks a lot but doesn't say very much, so the actress really have to convey a lot without words. But I think she caught the gist of it, and the important scenes were spot on.

                

Now, for Mr Rochester. Let me get my major peeve about him out at once: Michael Fassbender is way too handsome to play Mr Rochester!
That being said, he does a great job of the character. He certainly masters the piercing gazes and intense emotions. I'm just sad they cut out a lot of his and Jane's interactions, it didn't leave enough scenes to really get a feel of his character.

                

Judi Dench playing Mrs Fairfax was a delightful surprise (and my one squeeing moment of the movie, was when she appeared). She wasn't exactly like I imagined Mrs Fairfax in my head, but she made a great performance.

                

The casting of St John Rivers was just perfect, in my opinion. In my head I'd imagined him more like Rupert Perry-Jones, but Jamie Bell was an excellent alternative. My only regret is that due to time, large parts of his character is cut out, so he seems rather one-dimensional in the movie.

                 

With all this praise of the acting, you might think, then why was I disappointed in the movie?

The main reason is that the plot is way too rushed! Some of the time it feels like they are giving you a summary of the story with a number of short scenes. Then at other times they cut out huge plot points and dialogue, and I feel like you miss a lot of information.
I know I can't expect a 2 hour movie to be completely faithful to a 600 pages book, but they could easily have made it perhaps 20 minutes longer and gotten a lot more of the plot in there. At least in my opinion.

                  

However, I think my strong reaction is due to the fact that I just finished the book and was anxious to see it acted out on screen. I think I would have loved it unconditionally if I hadn't read the book.
And therefore I will in no way discourage anyone from seeing it, for it is a wonderful story.

                  

Content wise there is barely any. There is a few kissing scenes and you once see the characters in their sleep wear, but nothing inappropriate.

You know, I couldn't possibly review a period drama without commenting on the costumes.
I love them!
Jane's dresses are very simply cut, but I think that is what I like about them. These are the sort of dresses I wouldn't mind wearing myself.

                                    
This one is my favourite! I love the pattern and the little collar.


                  
It was difficult getting a decent picture of this one, but here you can see the lovely little bows at the front.


Now, as we draw near the end I think my final conclusion is: It's a beautiful movie with lots of good acting, and a timeless story that most will enjoy.
But if you've read the book, expect that a lot of scenes will be missing.                                                              

January Ramblings

I usually consider January the longest, darkest and dreariest month of them all, but this year it has come and gone surprisingly quick. 

                               

At the moment I am quite swamped at the moments with tons of 1940's posts to write and projects of a brand new month to start, so instead of my well organised monthly post you get a rambly list of things I've done this January:

• Reading Jane Eyre (and finishing it this time)
• Squeeing over costumes in the new Agent Carter episodes
• Planning my 1940's theme week
• Thinking unproportionally much about the 40's
• Getting a delightful surprise when I woke one morning to find everything covered in snow
• Making a mental photo shoot when I walked along a hedge and saw every single twig and leaf covered in frost
• Spending quality time with "my" cat (which isn't actually mine, but I keep him company when his owners are away)
• Procuring new dresses for my 40's/50's wardrobe
• Playing lots of Tchaikovsky on the piano
• Spending way too much time watching Netflix
• Watching the Sherlock Christmas Special in the cinema with like minded nerdy friends

                                  

And just because this post has no order whatsoever let's finish it off by answering The January Period Drama Challenge Tag questions that Miss Laurie posted.

                        

1. What period dramas did you view in January?

None, I'm ashamed to say...but I kind of knew that would happen when I entered that challenge.

2. What is your favourite Charles Dickens film adaption?

Olive Twist. For that is the only one I have seen this far.

3. Would you rather visit Pemberley (Mr. Darcy's residence) or Downton Abbey (Crawley family residence)? Why?

Downton Abbey! Whereas I'm sure Pemberley is lovely, it is a fictional place where Downton Abbey is Highclere Castle in real life - a place i would love to visit someday.

4. If you could be any character in a Jane Austen novel for a whole day who would you be and why would you want to be that character?

This one took some thought... I'm choosing to be Emma Woodhouse, for wouldn't want to be "handsome, clever and rich", being the leading lady of the town, living in a mansion and doing whatever one pleased with no financial worries? For one day, at least, it would be delightful!

5. What period dramas are you looking forward to viewing in February 2016?

The list is long! 

I recently bought Miss Austen Regrets so I'm really looking forward to watching that. And as I finally finished Jane Eyre, now I can see the movie version (which I have wanted to ever since it came out). 

 

Let's Have A Theme Week

Remember back in October when I changed my blog name and talked a lot about my new vision for the blog? One of the things I promised was lots of posts about my love for the 40's and 50's.
And how many posts have I written on that subject since then?
A big fat zero.
But no more!!!

                                         

For now I am hosting a 1940's Theme Week, which is basically just an excuse for me to post a lot about the 40's in a very short time.
I have been utterly and completely in love with the 40's this winter and I need to share my love for that decade with you all!

Now for the practical information. The theme week will take place 15.-21. February. It's still a few weeks away, but I've got loads of posts to write so the time should pass quickly.

I made a variety of buttons, and if you want to post one of them on your sidebar and help spreading the word, I will be absolutely thrilled!