WWII days - What I wore & more

1st day- Heels,  I went alone

Dress & Gloves - TresYours Vintage
Hat - Pec Thing
Shoes - Thrifted

2nd day- No heels, I took the kids

Dress & shoes - Thrifted
Handbag - TresYours Vintage

USO Dance

Dress - TresYours Vintage



......Just a couple more photos

WWII - Part 2

The Midway Village Museum not only has the re-enactments of WWII battles, but they also host a USO- style dance. The dance is held at Veterans Memorial Hall, a perfect for setting for the evening. The Moonlight Jazz Orchestra played favorites from the 1940's and 1950's. They even had members of the band move around and play in other areas of the hall, just as Glenn Miller used to do with his band.

Although I love to dance and meet new people, I have the best time watching everyone dressed in their beautiful dresses and the soldiers in their formals. This is the highlight of the entire weekend for me. It's a fun filled night with great music and gorgeous dresses.

WWII days - Part 1

The 17th annual WWII Days at Midway Village Museum recently took place and I was fortunate to attend.  It has over 1,000 re-enactors representing the United States, Great Britain, Germany, Poland, France, Japan, Italy, Russia and the Ukraine. They use a variety of  uniforms, 1940's attire, vehicles, posters, and maps to inform you of every detail. The town & the back woods are used to demonstrate certain battles and each camp has been set up to represent each of the countries involved. The participants are always ready to answer any question you may have and will demonstrate any props they may be using. This is one of the largest re-enactments and it should not be missed.

Celebrating the Rockford Peaches

Rockford Peach uniform

In 1992 the movie 'A League of their own' starring Tom Hanks & Geena Davis was released and it did 3 things..1-It showed everyone, women can play baseball (even though we already knew that), 2-It had everyone saying "There's no crying in baseball" & 3-It peeked everyone's interest in the Rockford Peaches, especially mine. I had been living in Illinois for about 3 years and had never heard about the peaches. Everything I knew about them was from the movie and I knew better than to take it all seriously. I knew that Hollywood would change the real story around to fit their dreamy version for the big screen. I was also not aware of the Midway Village Museum at that time, so it would be awhile before I could view their display and see all of the Rockford Peaches memorabilia.

Jump forward to the present. In my visits to the museum, not only have I learned more about the Peaches, but my children have as well. I like that my kids, especially my daughter can learn about how these women came together to help keep baseball going, how well they played their sport and still behaved like a lady. We read their stories and we get to see the photos of the actual team members. It's also interesting to see what was given to the fans as promotional memorabilia and to see their cute, but not practical uniform up close.

The All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, was founded by Philip K.Wrigley and he ran it from 1943 to 1945, Arthur Meyerhoff from 1945 to 1951, and then the teams were individually owned from 1951 to 1954. The tryouts were held at Wrigley Field  with over 600 women that would eventually form 15 teams. The women that were chosen had to play in uniforms that were designed by Wrigley to show off a little skin which he thought the fans would like. The women, however, did not like their new uniforms and would often try to wear bloomers under the skirt.

The Rockford Peaches played at The Beyer stadium on 5th Avenue in Rockford. Their uniforms were peach colored with a patch of the city of Rockford seal. For their home games they would wear a white uniforms with black socks and cap. The Rockford Peaches won the league championship in 1945, 1948, 1949, 1950 and had several all star players.

Vintage baseball game

The Midway had other celebrations for the Peaches, but this was the first I had ever attended. They had a luncheon with two of the original peaches for a fee and it would've been interesting for me, but not for my kids. We decided to enjoy the other festivities that were free and more family oriented. A vintage baseball game where visitors could either play or watch & yell vintage baseball lingo from sheets that were passed out to everyone. There was also a food tent that sold baseball favorites, another tent had been set up for arts and crafts, and a table that had Rockford Peaches memorabilia for sale.

They also had a showing of  'A League of their Own' movie on the back of one of their buildings. The kids and I brought a blanket and picked out our spot. While we waited for the film to begin, my daughter played baseball and my son participated in the arts & crafts. We made paper baseballs, colored drawings of baseball uniforms and did word searches. It was all a lot of fun, except that it was muggy & buggy. I completely forgot to bring bug spray, luckily the museum was passing out cans for everyone to use. We sprayed and sprayed against every mosquito that also came out to watch the movie. We normally would have left,  we don't do well in high humidity, but we really wanted to watch an outdoor movie. The bugs finally fled as a cool breeze came in and we were finally able to sit back, kick off shoes, buy brown paper bags filled with popcorn and enjoy the movie. I loved that my kids were able to get a bit of an idea of how a drive-in used to feel.

As we headed home the kids and I talked about the good, the bad & the buggy. My daughter loved playing baseball, the popcorn & how everyone talked about how strong women are. My son enjoyed making friends, crafts & popcorn. I enjoyed watching my kids watch an outdoor movie at my favorite museum, and like my daughter, loved that the focus was on women. We also talked about how the museum should expand the Peaches display from a corner to a whole room and include other Rockford women in sports. In the end, we all agreed that after the humidity, sprays & even with a bite or two from the baseball bugs, we still had fun and would probably do it again...Probably. 

If I sit very still, maybe bugs won't find me...

A League of their Own

 VICTORY SONG
Batter up! Hear that call!
The time has come for one and all To play ball.

We are the members of the All-American League We come from cities near and far We’ve got Canadians, Irishmen and Swedes, We’re all for one, we’re one for all We’re all Americans!!

Each girl stands, her head so proudly high, Her motto ‘Do or Die’ She’s not the one to use or need an alibi.

Our chaperones are not too soft, They’re not too tough, Our managers are on the ball. We’ve got a president who really knows his stuff, We’re all for one, we’re one for all, We’re All-Americans!

Midway Village Museum

Amos W. Woodward Millhouse

The first thing you will notice as you drive towards the museum is the beautiful pond surrounded with weeping willows and wildflowers. It's a great start and setting to one of my favorite places to visit and spend the day.

The Midway village museum began in 1972 by the donation of land by the Severin Family and the union of other organizations in order to preserve the history of Rockford. In 1986, The Exhibition building was built to link two existing buildings together to make room for more displays. Later in 1988, the museum added The Aviation Gallery, The Carlson Education Gallery and The Doll museum that sits across the parking lot.
The museum will show you how Rockford has evolved throughout the years and how it has contributed to history. They have displays that include, The Greater Rockford airplane, Rockford Peaches, Queen city of the prairies & Sock Monkey. A new exhibit is about immigration to Rockford and how that changed the city. This display is still in the works, but in one area they have a vintage phone booth that allows you to hear the interesting stories from the immigrants.

The outdoor Midway village has 26 buildings that include a Barber shop, Schoolhouse, Rockford Hospital, Firehouse, Bank and many other interesting buildings. Many of the buildings are open to public for viewing with a guided tour and are all decorated as accurately as possible.

The village is my favorite part of the museum to visit with my kids. I love that they can walk around the buildings to appreciate the architecture, see the beautifully decorated homes, and in some buildings given the opportunity to have a hands on learning Rockford history. There are so many details in each of the buildings that I am still surprised each time I go on a tour.

Rockford Hospital

The museum hosts many interesting & as accurate as possible events that are interactive for the visitors. They have a Titanic Dinner, Victorian Tea, All Hallows Eve, the very popular WWII days and more. They have summer day camps for children, volunteering for gardening, sewing, hosting, preparing for large events, etc.. Some buildings can be rented for special occasions and would make a great setting for photos. Photos are another reason why I love this place, so many pretty things to photograph. I enjoy taking photos of anything that catches my eye. I took all of the photos in this post.

As would any place you will visit, it has its good and its bad.

Bad- Tours are a hit & miss. It depends on the knowledge of the guide. I've had one that was too short with a shy guide and we saw only 4 buildings, one guide told us all about her family and nothing else. I wish they would split it up the town in two halves. You can tour the first part and then the second or just decide for yourself which part of the town you would like to tour. My other problem is that they didn't make room to accommodate the growing attendance to one of their popular events. I was told to put my name on a list & wait....Finally, Mosquitoes! The pond = bugs. Bring spray

Good- Learning the history of Rockford in the tours or at the special events is made to be fun for families. The beautiful scenery is everywhere you look. The people that work at the museum are very friendly & helpful. The price is reasonable and it nice to bring a basket for the picnic area. They have a small gift shop with books, postcards, treats and reproductions of vintage toys for kids. A must for anyone who loves the vintage world.

General Admission

Adults: $7
Children 3 to 17: $5
Museum Members are always free.

Hours and Admission
Museum Center, Mill House, Old Dolls’ House and Museum Store
January – April
September – December
Tuesday – Friday 10 am – 4 pm
Saturday 10:30 am – 4 pm
Closed Sunday and Monday
May – August
Tuesday – Friday 10 am – 4 pm
Saturday and Sunday 10:30 am – 4 pm
Closed Monday                                                                                                                                            

Village Hours
Thursday – Sunday
11 am – 4 pm (May)
Tuesday – Sunday
11 am – 4 pm (June thru August)
Closed Monday
Village open by appointment only September through April.
The last tour of the day begins at 3 pm.

Hot Stuff

Hot Stuff

I enjoy and follow many Vintage blogs and some of them  happen to be written by younger gals. Their posts about clothes, furnishings and cooking tips are things I can relate to despite our age difference. Even when they post about their husbands and young children I understand where they are coming from, still there is a difference. When I see them posing in the sunlight dressed in layers of petticoats or a wool suit, I think "How are they not fainting in all those layers"? Bingo! There's the difference. I have been dealing with Hot Flashes for over a year and it's become a bit of an obstacle in my vintage life. It's taken the joy out of wearing a complete outfit and taking my photos. OK, truth be told, I've never felt comfortable in front of the camera, but this added pressure isn't helping.

My personal goal is to be as authentic as I can be in my choice of vintage clothing. I like wearing the girdles, stockings, gloves, all of it. Unfortunately, in doing so those extra layers mixed with bits of hell have me clawing at my pearls, yanking off my slip and using my hat to fan myself completely ruining my look. I hate feeling weighed down by my vintage clothes and feeling the dread of a warm day as it narrows down my choices in outfits. All I want is to lay in front of the air conditioner and not move a muscle.

As any vintage gal knows it can take awhile to get the look just right or at least it does me, but it's fun. I enjoy listening to music from the era that goes with the outfit I've chosen for the day. I love the sound of a side zip, a spritz of perfume then topping it of with a gorgeous hat before walking out the door. It's the most fun..correction ..It was fun.

I am an older gal of 41, 43, 45? I never remember, but it's up there. It doesn't bother me to be a Vintage-vintage gal, I wear my badge proudly. Yet, you'd think that after years of heavy periods, cramps, bloating, childbirth(yes, it's a beautiful thing & you do get a baby prize, but there's still pain) it would be an easy road ahead. Not with my hormones still feeling the need to wage battle on me.
At first your fine with a little heat, annoyance comes next when it catches you at the wrong time, then anger as you start feeling chained to the air conditioner. The last emotion is exactly where I am at this very moment-acceptance mixed with bits of crazed laughter! You learn to just deal with it and try to find something funny about it or  it will beat you into a wilted pile of very fashionable vintage clothing.

My day to day - I start with a cold shower and a quick application of makeup base while wearing my slip. I then apply my setting lotion, curl, pin, spritz & then..here it comes. I begin to feel warmth on my upper arms and chest, my cheeks begin to blush, perspiration collects on anything that's touching me. My heart starts racing and I now have the strength to push anything out of the way to get to cold air. My forehead has an army of sweat beads ready to attack my makeup. Damn there goes the curl as I let go of it to stand over the air conditioner that's on high, but feels like child's paper fan. The hot flash is now on full power, my face is red, the top of my head is on fire, hair clinging to my face, sweat trickling down my back, and no matter how I try I cannot sweat in a lady like manner. Somehow I have gone from feeling like a vintage seductress in my slinky slip to sweaty clown with drippy makeup.

I grab a washcloth, remove my makeup and jump in the shower again. I stand over the air conditioner and begin again freshening my pin curls. Wait! here comes another hot flash and I begin wondering if it will be a small one that lasts a couple of seconds affecting only my arms, cheeks, or forehead. Will it be a large one that lasts more than ten minutes affecting my entire upper half.  A happy sigh of relief, it's only my cheeks... Here we go!

Proceed dressing-

Undergarments..still feeling cool, no H.F.

Stockings..Wait! check weather channel..high in the 80's...Screw the stockings!!

Dress in a light cotton dress. Is it see thru? No! I fling the slip on the bed. Adios silky softness.

Makeup..light base, eyebrows, eye..shadow. Damn! I'm in the tropics. I grab anything I can to fan myself, No, not my collectors edition record album, ah yes, my latest issue of Flea Market magazine. H.F over.
Onward-

Eyeshadow, eyeliner, blush(seriously?) and lips. Done. If I could I'd spritz setting lotion to my face.

Pull out pins, fix curls into a style that's off my neck.

Grab purse, shoes, gloves(no too hot, thank goodness I did my nails). Pearls? No, brooch would be better. Final spritz, lip touch up...Yes! Ladies, I have done it. I head towards my car and hope that wherever I am going it will have the largest and most amazing air conditioner.

Hot Flash Survival tips

• Wear light breathable dresses. I like 100% cotton or Silk
• If you can't find summer vintage, sew a dress in modern airy fabric using a vintage pattern
• Add underarm pads that are easily removed.
• Wear a wide brimmed hat, use an ornate hand fan or use a cute parasol to block sun.
• Wear hair up or use a snood
• Light makeup coverage
• Switch vintage eras just for the summer:
• 1930's long hemlines = 1950's summer dress
• 1940's dress suit = 1920's flapper dress with rolled stockings 
• 1960's polyester dress = 1970's flowing bohemian dress
• Try anything that makes you comfortable, 1950's Romper, 1940's wide leg pants or even a 1800's Empire waist dress. 
• Skip crinolines, stockings, girdles, gloves, anything you might need to feel comfortable. Don't worry the vintage police won't come around and ticket you.                                                                          

The look for less

When I was finally able to quit my job I was able to wear my vintage anytime I wanted, because I was no longer on call. I had a few items, but I wanted to add so much more to my look without spending a lot of money. One of my goals for my blog is to help anyone that wants to achieve their vintage look know that it doesn't need to cost a lot of money. I have used all of these products for more than a year, on occasion switching if they are no longer available or to try something new.

Makeup

I have very sensitive skin. It's so sensitive, that when I was dating my husband he owned a cat and I would get a rash if he touched the cat. He would have to change clothes before I could even hold his hand. That means I have to be careful what I wear in case it may have something that would cause a bad reaction.

L.A. Colors eye shadows- I wear Wine & Roses for a soft eye to go with a strong red lip color. They have many other options in a tray of 5 colors. They will stay on all day with no creasing. All for a $1.

Bad-Cheap brush and the top of the case breaks off every time.

Wet N 'Wild-Cherry frost silk finish lipstick is my favorite. I have gone through many tones to find a lipstick to compliment my skin tone. I also wear their Mega volume mascara to help out my puny lashes & soft brown brow pencils for a 40's brow. The liquid liner in black is perfect for my 1960's look.

Bad- It's a reasonably priced & a popular brand, so it may be difficult to find.  Stock up.

The foundation, I will switch from time to time due to my constant skin changes. I'll stop switching once they make a foundation that doesn't melt off due to hot flashes. To apply I prefer to use sponge wedge applicator and brushes to apply my foundation or any other makeup. You can find both at a discount store for a decent price, just make sure you tug at the bristles to see if they are secure. If you can, buy a vintage powder puff they are great for blending and are a much better quality.

Nails

My entire childhood I'd bite nails & my mom tried everything to get me to stop, as I got older I finally I realized how nice they would look grown out. I no longer bite them & I love to polish them with a beautiful red that goes well with my skin tone. Sinful colors in Ruby Ruby. I have washed the dishes, scrubbed the floor and other chores, it'll stay on with very little chipping.

Bad- It's thin & will take at least 3 coats to get the right shade. If you don't allow to dry between coats you will get bubbles.

Facial care

If there was a support group for lotion dependency, I would have to join it. I have large bottles, small bottles, thick coverage, light coverage, shimmer or non-shimmer, etc.. I have dark skin that will show any little dry patches I may have, so I must be ready to patch attack with lotion. The Ponds wrinkle and dark spot corrector do help my skin and I like how light they are. No heavy perfumes and the trial sizes are more than enough to last for awhile.

Bad- I have to choose one or the other. Why not combine them, ponds? The wrinkle lotion will get a little sticky, so I will apply then after awhile I'll wash my face. Still worked.  Caution: do follow the directions for wrinkle lotion, it does contain Alpha Hydroxy, so avoid direct sunlight. I forgot and broke out in a little rash, but it did fade the next day.

Hair

My hair is so frizzy that without a drop of product in it, I look like one of those crazy haired pencil toppers.

Suave mousse is light on the hair and not sticky on the hands. It also has a light scent and you can choose the max control you want.

Bad- If you forget to shake before each use it will come out watery & you'll lose more product.

Aqua net is a product I remember my grandmother using on her hair every morning. She would spray so much of it that you wouldn't dare light a match around her. I only use when it's extremely humid out.

Bad- If you over spray it will weigh your hair down & make it hard.
White Rain conditioner saved my hair after over bleaching it. I tried a jar that was recommend by a salon, it cost $16, on sale for $8 and it did nothing to my hair. I was broke so I bought White rain for a $1. I was surprised how quickly my hair turned around for the better. 

Bad- I think others have discovered it as well, because it's sometimes out of stock. I can only find it in one certain store, luckily there are two within my area to buy and stock up on.

Well, now you know some of the products I currently use and love. I hope this helps you out and maybe give you a little more options when choosing products. I know that there are really nice products that cost more money and are worth every penny spent on them, but I personally would like to save as many of my pennies as possible.