Be Beautiful at Home

There are women whose sole concern is to be charming; when we meet them, morning and evening, out of doors or in their homes, we feel an impulse to smile at them and at their elegance...

These are the women who do their work happily, and they are the ones men seek out...

And they are the ones who always, at every moment, find loving, devoted friends...

They are not more beautiful than others, nor more elegant — what have they, then, that makes them noticed and beloved?

You will ask me, Madam, the reason, and here is my answer:

You need not make any effort or go to great expense; a little thought, taste, and self-confidence is enough!

It is your habit, Madam — and that is natural — not to go out until you have done your hair and put on clean, pretty clothes. But this elegance, this care that takes you so long — why do you spend it on strangers, in the street, outside your house? Why do you not use it in your home, where it is also required of you to be beautiful?

Do you not consider that your husband, the members of your family, and your friends feel esteem and pleasure toward you when you appear looking a true woman?

Your housework is no reason for you to remain careless of your elegance and untidy...

It is not necessary to neglect yourself in order to do your daily work, or to prepare the meals!

And yet we see many women, with the day half gone, still in their nightclothes, their hair uncombed, unwashed, and with no excuse to justify their conduct except that they are housewives!!

What a habit — to stay in a "nightgown" or "pajamas" to clean our house and prepare our food...

The nightgown, above all, should stay clean, far from dust and the smell of food...

As for the ordinary dress, its length and its cut do not allow you to move with complete freedom.

So here, Madam, is a simple, light costume that will help you do your work as it should be done:

First — a blouse of cotton or nylon, in bright colors, easy to wash, suits you very well at such times.

Second — wrap your hair, after you have combed it on rising, in a scarf or a piece of cloth whose color matches the color of the blouse.

Third — provide yourself with two pairs of gloves: one of thick cloth or leather for cleaning the floor and dusting, the other of rubber for washing the dishes and cooking, for it keeps your hands from chapping and swelling.

Fourth — wear slippers of soft leather, easy to put on and take off, light on the foot, so that you can move about with ease.

And so, Madam, you will be dressed in a way that lets you do your work while beautiful, simple, and at ease!

And finally, while you are absorbed in your work, if you do not whistle as the "Seven Dwarfs" of "Blanche Neige" do, there is nothing to prevent you from singing!!

And thus you will become one of those women who never appear anything but beautiful and gay, creating an atmosphere of cheer and pleasure for those around them — who then can do nothing but smile at them!!

"From the French"