lylady [2] says "Get dressed to shoes--lace-up shoes." It's her way of getting you to psych up for the day, to be ready for whatever comes.

My way is a little different. I need my "housewife drag."

For me, that consists of an apron. I need an apron. I have to have an apron. I cannot FUNCTION without an apron.

My favorite apron is an Indian cotton one I've had for years. It's light, it has huge pockets, it hides stains, it's cheerful and bright. I need about a dozen more of them, since the rest of my aprons are (really not that) white (anymore) canvas and weigh a ton comparatively.

When I have my apron on, I feel as if I can tackle almost anything. It's my armor against the outrageous spills and splatters of my daily round, and when I wear it, I feel like a real homemaker. Yes, it's a form of dress-up, and I don't care because it works for me.

Gloves or no gloves? I am of the "no gloves" persuasion unless I'm dealing with washing soda [3]. I always get water inside them and squishy fingers does not give me that mistress of the house feeling I'm going for.

As for shoes, I can't always lace up my shoes, so I rely on slip-ons that support my feet and that I can run in. I try not to go around barefoot as that is an invitation to dropping a cast-iron dutch oven on my toes.

I have always wanted to figure out how the 40s housewives tied their hair up in bandannas and looked so cute. I have tried and tried and can't get it to work, so I settle for a ponytail. Occasionally I put my hair up in a snood if it's hot, but I don't look like a cute 40s housewife, I look like a lunch lady and it spoils the effect.

And I want very much to figure out some form of chatelaine [4]. I would keep a small pair of scissors on it, or perhaps a mini multi-tool [5]. I would keep my thread snipping pendant on it, a little notepad, a pen, my iPod...

Maybe I don't need a chatelaine. Maybe I need more pockets in my apron. Did cute little 40s housewives have fanny packs?

Technorati Tags: Clean and Organized [14] Making Connections [15]