Ode to the Apron

Simple for cleaning

There is something lost in time, our mothers, grandmothers (perhaps great-grandmothers) understood the importance of a good apron. They are utilitarian. They actually do serve a purpose. They protect your clothing from grease and household cleaning mishaps.

 

It seems as time passed the notion of wearing an apron became antiquated or perhaps its something deeper than that -- it hearkened to a time when women specifically were chained to their homes and spent much of their day engaged in the drudgery of cleaning.

 

The apron was a symbol of that and as many symbols, we no longer appreciate, we lose respect for and throw them away. We threw away our aprons! Tossed them aside saying, "We don't need those. We're far too liberated."

 

There is something simple that occurs when one dons an apron -- it's much like a uniform. It says you're doing a task. Our society is so different today than it was decades past. We wear anything to clean today. Clothing can be purchased relatively inexpensively (look at the racks at a Wall Mart), but we also cannot forget that our economy is different too.

 

Most of us don't have the disposable cash to replace a shirt or pants and we expect our things to last longer than a season. Yes, some people don't care if they leave the house with a grease stain on their top. Magazines pay big money for pictures of celebrities with those -- to show how much they're really like us.

 

The apron shouldn't be a sign or signal of oppression but should be something we're rather proud of...We're smart and care that we don't want our clothing ruined doing basic or not so basic cleaning chores. Today it seems the simple apron is making a comeback. People are coming back around to the idea or the purpose of the apron. It's refreshing and kinda sad that it takes an economic crash to bring around an idea that probably shouldn't have left.

 

There are many types of aprons some are better suited for cleaning, other's perhaps cooking and then there's a those frilly ones. And really those are fun -- but useless. The fabric is simply too thin and while they look cute -- dry clean only? An Apron??

 

No, it should be the kind of material that one can toss in the wash. Hot or cold water, it shouldn't matter. No one outside you're immediate family (meaning the people you live with) should see it. You're not ashamed to wear it, but really you wouldn't wear to the market. It's not a fashion statement.

 

Decades ago, a women wouldn't answer the door wearing an apron. You never invited guests into your home while wearing an apron. When you entered the kitchen the apron went on, and when you left it, you took it off to see to your guests -- and that was the rule with even the stunningly pretty frilly ones!

 

We at The (real) Stepford Wives Association salute the apron!

 

Stepford Valentines

We, at The Real Stepford Wives Association are through the holiday season and onto the next holiday, specifically Valentine's Day. We set that aside to demonstrate how much we care for our husbands and families. We (really) hold zero expectations, in fact many of our husbands view the day as a grand waste of money! If you do consider that flower prices (not only roses) go up in the weeks before the holiday, it becomes easy to see how it's been manipulated. Several of our husbands refuse to participate in this. However, we do enjoy taking that day to actively show how much they mean to us.

Generally speaking we begin the day by offering our husband's a bit of oral service (how embarrassing to admit, nonetheless true) or if we are uncomfortable that way sexual service (again remembering their orgasm right). While they ready for the day we begin their (and our families breakfast. We recommend heart-shaped pancakes which are fun and bit whimsical. Red dye colors half the batch, using a cookie cutter you simply replace one with the other, a dusting of powdered sugar and your family will just adore them. Personally, my husband always smiles when I make these and while he doesn't think it's such a big deal -- he also knows it pleases me to show how important he is. In other words, he really just says its a "woman's thing" and let's it go.

Later during our special cocktail hour, he knows that he can fully expect a Manhattan.  They're festive, with a cherry and oh so yummy -- A manly drink women can share.  Perfect!  Serving on a pretty plate with some ribbons or maybe a peice of dark chocolate is a lovely touch. You can also, take a pitcher of regular martini and add a bit of red food coloring. Traditionally, champaign is served with the meal, whatever his favorite dish is. I routinely head outside (yes often in snow or freezing rain) to grill him a steak -- only the best will do. While he eats, we place the finishing touches on a red velvet cake. Just as a final demonstration of our everlasting love.

After dinner the evening remains about them, with us showering them with our devotion and attention.

Make it special, in everything you do!