I love the idea of choosing an Apronite of the Month to feature here on the site. I just think it a fun way for all of us to get to know one another and see though such diverse backgrounds and lifestyles, we are all "Apronites" at heart.

This month is Cedar of The Vintage Wife. She is a lovely vintage gal that hails from the sunny state of California. She is a wife, a Homemaker, an Artist, and, of course, an Apronite.

When I was first setting up the site and trying to manage the new Forum, she stepped in and helped my poor addled 1955 brain. I think she embodies what it is today to be a SAHW.

I, myself, am a SAHW, and often we are seen, even more so than SAHM, as odd. We are percieved as lazy, or perhaps 'wasting' our life. I think, however, with our movement that the concept and perceptions of the Woman At Home, is changing. I am glad that we can be a part of describing and teaching others what exactly a SAHW does emboy.

So, with that in mind, I asked dear Cedar a series of questions, so here are the questions and her answers. Grab a cupa and sit back and relax and get to know Cedar.

Do you feel being a SAHW had a valid place in modern society?

I sure think so. In the US (as well as many other countries) we are lucky enough to have the option to become whoever and whatever we like. As long as one can do so and still make ends meet, why not?

Had you decided to be a SAHW from the beginning of your marriage? Was it discussed? Or did it just evolve?

I always disliked working for someone. When I was younger I always assumed that I would work towards becoming self employed, which I still consider myself to be doing. I also thought that in order for me not to work I would have to marry a rich man--my husband is anything but. I am fortunate that he makes enough to allow me to pursue my passions, along with keeping up with the house. Being a stay at home wife really is something that evolved.
Around the time of our wedding in 2006 I worked a string of jobs that not only had poor pay, but the employers seemed not to know how to operate a business, nor treat their employees. After having been a slave to the customer service and restaurant world for so long, I got fed up and quit. I enrolled in school and started studying full time. I have since cut back my school hours to part time, and spend the majority of my time home, taking care of things here, and doing art in my spare time.
Both my husband and myself are rather impulsive, and live a fly by the seat of my pants lifestyle. My husband fully supports every decision I make--though sometimes he may do it with a raised eyebrow!

Do you have 'plans' to become a SAHM? If so, how have you planned for it?

I would like to be a mother one day, but really haven't done much planning other than working towards becoming more financially stable. I am a firm believer that if we plan too much and wait until we are ready, we will never have kids. Other than financially, I don't think one can really be completely prepared physically or emotionally for a child. I also don't have any financial goals such as a college fund. My parents didn't have anything like that for their three kids, and we have all managed to go (though two of us are still working towards graduating). As long as we have enough savings for emergencies, and are bringing in more than we spend I think we will be happy and be able to work things out.
There are things I would personally like to accomplish before we have children. I definitely want to finish school, I want to write a book, have an art show, things like that. Other than setting personal goals that my husband and I have and want to accomplish before we have a child, we haven't done much planning.
Maybe it is a naive and selfish way of thinking, but so many people become parents with no plans to have a child and learn as they go along. As long as the husband and I can feed, clothe, house, and diaper a baby, and are emotionally stable ourselves we will be able to tackle situations as they arise.

We have seen your lovely vintage outfits, how often do you dress vintage? If not all the time, do you have a vintage sensibility in your dressing?

I dress in vintage whenever I go out, whether it is to the market, to lunch with a friend, or to a cocktail party, I get fully decked out. As much as I hate to admit it (I am envious of those who can wear vintage in their home while relaxing) I wear (newer, as well as 70's and 80's) cotton dresses around the house. Dressing in vintage at home just doesn't fit in with my lifestyle. I try to oil paint every day and I would hate to risk getting something on one of my vintage dresses. Also, many of the styles I like are very structured, and can really restrict movement.
I bought several vintage patterns so that I can start building up a more attractive home wardrobe (50's and 60's house dresses), but I am still quite new to sewing, and tend to get distracted from sewing projects and either forget about them or never finish them. I really need to break this bad habit!

Do you think the Vintage Lifestyle is becoming a valid subculture and if so, how do you think it could be offered to new young people as a realistic goal or way of life?

Here in San Diego there is a pretty big population of vintage lovers. From what I have found though, a lot of it revolves around the rockabilly and burlesque culture. I would love to see other aspects of vintage represented--and it might be, I just haven't found it! I definitely have noticed though over the past few years a huge number of vintage blogs, both fashion and lifestyle, popping up.
I got interested in vintage when I was quite young, I read a lot of young adult books that were written around the turn of the (20th) century, or were about traveling back in time. I also loved to look through photographs my dad had of our ancestors, and hear stories about them. My parents introduced me to a lot of old and antique things (furniture, music, photographs, books, etc.) from a young age, and I really think it kicked off my vintage obsession.
I think children should be shown and introduced to many different things, ideas, and lifestyles to help them figure out what their passions are, as well as becoming a more well rounded person. I think showing young people new or different ideas (vintage or otherwise) is enough to make them want to learn more about what they find intriguing. As they grow older they can then seek out the skills they have yet to learn and wish to acquire. If the idea is never planted that you can live a vintage lifestyle, they may not see it as an option.

I know you are an artist, how much does Vintage inspire that?

Tons! All of my paintings have aspects of vintage style in them. I like to collect vintage and antique photographs of people, especially children, and then use these people in another setting. I have a real fondness for the late 1800's through the early 1900's, and tend to use images from these time periods in my art.
I read a lot of books from that time period when I was young, such as the Oz series by L. Frank Baum, which have really influenced my ideas and art from a young age. I still love reading young adult books, as well as picture books from the Victorian era, as inspiration for my ideas--I find them so creative, magical, and whimsical, something I think is lacking in many books intended for adults. As I have gotten older I got more interested in history and past fashions, which I think will continue to influence what I create.

Do you have a specific schedule for your housework to allow time for your painting? I think the Creative is very much a part of the Homemakers arsenal, so how would you suggest to the other ladies to make that time for their creative endeavors?

I am horrible at scheduling, especially when it comes to painting. I also get really passionate and somewhat obsessive about my work at random times. Most often I need to follow those instincts, and succumb to my painting desire. I am not always in the mood to paint, but some days I will want to work for 7 or 8 hours. I have gotten a habit down of doing cleaning while I am taking breaks. For example, I will do dishes and clean the kitchen while I am making lunch for myself, and at a certain time (about half an hour before hubby gets off work) I go around the house, pick up whatever I can, do as much cleaning as quickly as I can and start dinner. Then if I still have time while dinner cooks I can continue working on finishing up painting for the day. Trying to fill in the inbetween times with chores instead of sitting down for a TV show or flipping through a magazine, makes it so that I can focus as much time as possible on doing what I really love. I think in order to have that time to do something like art, you really need to sacrifice other, less important things that could fill your time.

You mentioned a trip to India that really inspired you. How do you think participating in another culture has helped you as a SAHW?

Visiting a place that is so much different than my own country, with such wide spread poverty really made me realize how well we have it here, and how much I take for granted. While I was visiting India for (just short of) two months, two people who played important roles in my life died. I was unable to make it home in time for either memorial service. I did a lot of self reflecting during this time, and I think because of this I have become a less selfish person and started to think more of others and their situations.
Being there really also made me start focusing on the things in my life that really matter, which to me are the little things, telling someone you love them, cooking an amazing meal for a friend, reading a book on your porch on a sunny afternoon, flipping through an old photo album, etc. I decided on that trip to try and always make the most with what I have got--whether it is a lot or a little.
I also learned that I have a serious Indian food addiction. Since that trip in 2006, I have worked on perfecting my knowledge of spices and Indian cooking techniques. Being there and eating the fresh and incredible dishes really taught me a lot about cooking, and how to cook on a very small budget. I think because of my passion for Indian food I have become a far better cook.

You are my 'savior' on the Forums, so thank you by the way, do you come by that knowledge from working on other Forums?

You are very welcome! I love being able to help out any way I can. The forums have really grown to be an amazing place thanks to all the wonderful ladies who contribute to them.
I only have experience with forums because I am a computer geek! As soon as my parents got internet in the 90's, I jumped on it. I started with online journaling on a personal site that I built for myself. I taught myself a lot about building websites through books and other online sources. Since then I have maintained a blog, in either one form or another. Currently I blog a bit more casually (on http://www.TheVintageWife.com ), with mainly updates on vintage fashion, estate sales, or fun internet finds. I also have a personal site, sort of like a portfolio with some of my art on it (at http://www.CedarTaylor.com ).
The forum experience I have is from once building a site with a forum to use to converse with family and friends. It was short lived, but I learned a lot from it. It really has been a lot of fun learning all about building a presence online.

How do you think Forums impact our modern life? Do you think they are the 'new coffee klatch'?

I think the forums are great for bringing like minded people together. I know for many of us it would be very difficult to find so many ladies who not only are stay at home wives or mothers, but take pride in what they do, share a fondness for things from times past, and above all put the care of their family at the top of their list. There are so many people out there, and I know for me I have a hard time finding people who I share enough common interests with to form a strong friendship. A forum is a perfect way to really get to know and understand people who you already have things in common with. You can also make some really great 'real life' friends from forums such as what you have here.

What are some of the Homemaking skills you would like to adapt or work on?

Scheduling! I really am horrible at keeping track of my tasks. Even if I write a schedule out I end up breaking it. I can't make lists (other than for grocery) either. I used to menu plan, but I felt like I was restricting myself too much. I am quite impulsive, and found that when I was menu planning I would tend to overeat, because I didn't feel quite satisfied with the dish I had written on the schedule four days before. Now that I am back to not meal planning, I follow my cravings (or hubby's) a bit more and try to throw things together from the fridge and pantry depending on what we are in the mood for. There is not enough to be said about a well stocked pantry and spice rack!
Another is general tidiness. I was such a slob growing up, and even now I sometimes slip into my old habits of throwing clothes on the floor instead of in the laundry basket. I am getting better at forming new habits and routines. Most days my house is clean, but as soon as the weekend hits I forget how to clean! Part of the general untidiness is caused because I tend to get sidetracked or distracted really easily. If for example I am cleaning the bathroom, and see a polish color I like, I may just then and there decide to do my nails, and forget about all the other things I need to get done.

What Vintage Social aspect do you wish could be 'brought back' today and adopted by society as a whole?

Manners. So many young people today either aren't taught them or have decided not to give a hoot about anyone outside their personal bubble. Seeing a lady with arms full of groceries should signal those around to hold a door open, but so many will let the door slam in her face! I find that really appalling. It really astounds me what a rude, crude, and uncaring culture so many have adopted.
Also I think that people should put more care into the way they present themselves. Personally I feel considerably better about myself when I am put together. When I am a mess with tangled hair, a whole in the pit of my shirt, and stains all over, I feel ugly and like I should draw the blinds and hide. It seems that nowadays comfort (PJ's in public?!) has taken front stage to making yourself feel beautiful. I think both can be accomplished, even on a tight budget.

And, Finally, If you could be any person alive in the 1950's (famous or not) who would it be? Or would you just be YOU transported to that time?

I would like to go back as me, though it would be fun to step into someone's shoes for a day or two just to see how their mind works. I would love to step inside Alfred Hitchcock's head and see a bit more about how he put together such incredible, structured and stylized films. It would be equally fun to experience being an actress such as Leslie Caron, and get to experience all the hard and strenuous work she put into her craft. I just love musicals, and wish that I had a hundredth of her skill!
If I were to go back as myself I would love to see or befriend my grandmother during that time. She was, and is still, despite not being here any longer, one of the most influential people in my life. She got divorced when no one else was divorcing, she started her own (very successful) business when women were expected to stay home, and she started dating women when it wasn't socially acceptable for anyone, especially a women of her age and success level to be doing so. She has always been a constant reminder to me to be true to who I am, and to continue working toward being the person I want to be.

After Reading, Let's chat with and thank cedar HERE on the Forum.

Cedar's Art

With a background in art, Cedar painted primarily in acrylics until 2008 when she switched to oils. She has been making art her entire life, but it wasn’t until she switched to oils that her paintings started to develop her unique style. With a passion for fairy tales and a fondness for nature and natural settings, many of her artworks exhibit a combination of beautiful settings with a quirky and whimsical twist.

Cedar has been interested in studying the past her entire life, and collects antiques and vintage clothing, furniture, and photographs. Her paintings really showcase her interest in childhood days of the past.

Here are some of her lovely paintings.

To see larger versions and more of Cedar's Art, be sure to visit her at Cedar Taylor Art.

Cedar's Kitchen:

Cedar also enjoys baking as evidenced in this lovely Strawberry Blueberry pie.

I followed this recipe from AllRecipes.

• 2 (9 inch) unbaked pie crusts
• 1 1/4 cups white sugar
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 4 cups fresh strawberries
• 2 tablespoons butter

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Place one crust in a nine inch pie pan.
2. Mix together sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Mix lightly through the berries. Pour filling into pastry lined pan, and dot fruit with butter or margarine. Cover with top crust, and cut slits in the top. Seal and flute the edges.
3. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the crust is slightly browned.

Like a good mid-century loving gal, Cedar is intriqued by the gelatin salads of old:

"Why is it that Jell-o salads appeal to me so much? They are cold, wiggly, and more often than not filled with unidentifiable food items suspended in colored space. I can easily get lost in my vintage cookbooks scratching my head at the odd assortment of fruits, veggies, and meats floating inside."

Cucumber Cream Mold

Makes 6 servings

1 (3 ounce) package lemon gelatin
3/4 cup hot water
1/2 cup cold water
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 medium sized cucumber
2 medium sized carrots, pared
1 olive
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
1 teaspoon grated onion
1 cup sour cream

• disolve gelatin in hot water in medium-size bowl; stir in cold water, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Spoon a thin layer into 4-cup mold or dish; set mold in larger pan of ice and water to speed setting. Chill until just beginning to be sticky-firm. (Keep remaining gelatin at room temperature.)
• Slice half the cucumber very thin; arrange slices, overlapping, in ring on sticky-firm gelatin in mold. Cut 5 thin slices from a carrot and 1 slice from olive; arrange in center of cucumber ring to make a flower design. Carefully spoon in another thin layer of gelatin; let set until sticky-firm.
• Pair and chop remaining cucumber and grate carrots into small bowl. Stir in parsley and onion, then sour cream; fold into remaining gelatin. Spoon over chilled gelatin in mold; remove from ice; chill until firm.
• Unmold by first loosening around edge with thin-blade knife, then dipping quickly in and out of a pan of hot water. Invert onto serving plate.

Cedar loves to dress vintage and has some very darling ensembles.

Cedar has also done a guest blog for us on Vintage Entertaining. If you have not done so yet, Check it out HERE.

To read Past Month APRONITE's storys, simply click on the Month.

MARCH- Sanne, our Danish Apronite

"My grandmother has one of the most incredible mid century homes I have ever been in. Her and my grandfather built this house in the mid 1950’s and not a lot has changed. It is overlooking Sunset Cliffs."

Collections

Cedar was lucky to get a jump start on her collection of her vintage Vernonware mid-century dishes. This pattern is called Raffia and was brought into the spotlight in Man Men.

Here we see some of her wonderful vintage hats, pottery, hat pins and hat boxes.