The 1940s Woman

Another fab magazine, with some delightful ads and comments from a bygone era, but first - the answers from the last magazine's quiz!

 Adverts

Somehow I don't think we can promote smoking like the forties did!

Another advert to help promote a perfect sleep, I'm guessing everyone was over stressed and unable to sleep back in the war - mostly women feature in the ads!

A bit of tonic wine and women can survive anything! But the poor animals also needed some help with stress and hysteria...

A problem shared...

Think there's a few men out there who could use this sort of encouragement...

Beauty

A constant battle for women to look good, stay young and loose weight! Here's some advice 1940s style!

The smaller photo...I just wonder is it just the way her head is positioned that makes her look bigger round the face? I can't say that she's a large woman just by that photo!

Fashion: knitting, back then it could be cheaper to make then buy, not quite the same these days, but we shouldn't loose these skills!

DIY: short on space? Need to let the delivery man know what you need...here's how

Home Cooking: How about this for something different!!!

Really not tempted by this - bananas and sausage??? Besides, bananas weren't that easy to come by during the war

 Finally, a bit advice on interfering mothers and boys!

Woman - a 1940's magazine

I was lucky enough to  pick up some vintage magazines recently from the 1940's & 50's, so as I make my way through them, I'd thought I'd share a few lovely images and notes with you. The stories, adverts, letters and hints and tips are so fascinating to me now, a bygone era, an attitude we'll never fully understand, but can gaze in  wonder and awe at some view as an ideal era (well - except for the war, though that did create a strong British spirit that brought people together.)

Love it or hate it...back in the 40s it was promoted for its vitamin content...I'm not convinced!

So many ads focus on the poor sleep we (obviously mainly aimed at women) get, whether it's due to our nerves or busy lives...there's a remedy - horlicks is one!

Not sure I know any of theses songs...will have to look them up!

What about some beauty tips and products - so many items, just a few I found

They didn't have the technology to airbrush as we can now, but can you believe this product radically changed this woman...she looks pretty to start with!

Don't get caught out by the complications of the war and finding time to get your hair done, here's the solution.

Treatments at home, hair styles so much more glamorous back then, not sure how easy it would be do or how long it would take with my hair!

DIY Projects

Lots of ideas on useful and practical tips to create a comfortable home at a low price, alongside some creative crafts. Knitting & sewing patterns for your own clothes are big too, back then it was cheaper and you can argue people had more skills, passed on from their family members.

Several recipes as you would expect, I thought this sounded tasty...may be I should try it out!

The letter page is always an interesting read, situations we can't imagine today, some funny questions too and the answers...logical for that time I imagine, perhaps not so much now! Here's some advice on girls proposing.

Finally, I'll leave you with a quiz - I'll post the answers next time!

The real 50's woman

Having always had an interest in history, where we've come from, the changes and development of society, how life use to be and of course the fashions! I was excited to find in the loft some original women's magazines from the 50s, to just peruse and wonder at them, sometimes laughing and sometimes perplexed by their stories, articles, and often their adverts!

So here's a little taster of what I found.

Glamorous women on the cover - they look 'too perfect' was airbrushing used back then??

Back in the day to look good all you needed was plain soap!

Tips on the right swimwear outfit for your body shape

Receipes & advise - I learnt something new, having brought a few mini moulds like this at a vintage fair I found pastry in them just stuck too much - now I have a new recipe to try - Honeycomb Mould and I now know how to give children their 'necessary daily milk ration'

I LOVE THIS: 'Because you're a woman your holiday is vital, says a Harley Street consultant'

Totally agree...what more can you say?!

Fourth paragraph...'As a woman, you are accustomed to expending energy in often harassing circumstance. You need regular rest and exercise...' Don't worry - for exercise it later says 'a good walk'... along the beach I think!

A woman's opinion was a big deal!

Lots of on-going stories to keep you entertained - no 'trashy gossip' (although a little wouldn't hurt!)

Powder Shampoo is nothing new!

I love lavender and I love Yardley Lavender, but this advert is scary!

I always wondered why they had so much to wear in a bedtime outfit, my Sindy doll had something similar - it seems flimsy too, I just love my modern cosy pjs!

And finally - for the woman who couldn't cook much, there was cake mix for those afternoon teas!!

Can't wait to see what the other magazines have in store, also trying to work out why they were kept - I'm hoping there's something significant like an ancestor appearing in one!