Old-Fashioned Advice

from Laura Fonty's New Book

"Les Secrets de Grand-Mere"

Tips On Caring for Pretty Things

Revitalize the shine of your leather shoes by
polishing them with the juice of half a lemon
before giving them a final buffing.

Maintain patent leather shoes with a fine cloth
moistened with milk, creme fraiche, or Vaseline.

In days gone by, one never
left the home without a hat, and certainly not
without gloves, which were attentively care for.
Kidskin gloves can be kept fresth by simply rubbing
them with bread crumbs.

Cut violets drink through their
blossoms, so they will last longer if you dip the
petals in fresh water and mist them regularly.
They can also be kept in the refrigerator overnight.

Spring bulb flowers such as
tulips, narcissus, and daffodils will remain fresh
longer if you prick the stems so they can absorb more water.

To clean a white straw hat,
brush it with pure lemon juice and let it sit
for a minute before rinsing with clear water.
Let the hat dry in the sun, which helps the
bleaching process.

Stuffed animals that get a lot of love also get dirty.
but they should never be put in the washing machine.
Rejuvenate a teddy bear, or other favorite friend
by placing it in a plastic bag half filled with
cornstarch. Seal and shake the bag.
Remove the toy and brush out the powder.

~ Acknowlegements ~

Victoria Magazine
The Joy of Cooking
Amish & Mennonite Kitchens


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