Of Interest to Women

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 3, Issue 274, 26 February 1941, Page 2

Of Interest to Women

THE WINDSORS 1 HOME CHARMING FURNISHINGS DUCHESS A GOOD COOK The San Francisco Chronicle has published an interesting story concerning the Duchess ol" Y\ indsor s culinary capabilities. In all the reams written about the Windsors, the fact that the Duchess is an excellent cook is usually ncgiect-.nl. the story states. She is, in fact, a marvellous chel.. although it is not likely that she spends much time in the kitchen nowadays. However, when she lived in San Diego as the* wife of a navy officer she was known for her skill and was responsible for spreading enthusiasm in the culinary arts among other navy wives. At one time she organised a cooking class in which some of her friends first learned to boil water. When, the Duchess of Windsor's furniture and household accessories arrived at Nassau, in the Bahamas, for the Government House, it was accompanied by Mrs Isabel Peirce Bradley, an old friend of the Duchess, who was the decorator chosen to plan a suitable background for the Governor and. his wife. The new furnishings have been designed to conform to the somewhat tropical character of the islands. They are intended to impart a cool, light atmosphere to the hitherto heavy character of the dwelling's interior.

One item wa:> a surprise for the Duchess. It was a product resulting froni an idea of the Duke's—a chest of drawers for his wife's bedioom in powder blue glazed wood, with her initials "WAV." applied in wood of a deeper blue and carved to look like rope. Above this chest will hang a mirror with a frame of the same "rope" tied in a lovers' knot at Ihe top, and with brackets at each side holding plaster lamps, wrought in the form of Baiincse figures.

In all of the Duchess' private rooms —bedroom, lounge, dressingroom and bath —heir favourite colour now known as duchess blue is used. Her bed has a headboard Which rolls back like an occan swel-1. It is covered with a white, blue and silver quilted chintz (in a palm tree pattern which raally looks iike a wistaria design). The coverlet is made of the same material. The Duke's private quarters, a combination "bedroom and livingroom, will be enlivened with bamboo furniture upholstered in a light brick red.

More formal are the rooms Avhieh the average caller at Government House will see. The entrance hall will be done in Directoire style, with sofas and chairs covered in rose beige and chartreuse brocade. Grey and chartreuse will prevail in the library where French furniture "Will have a background of wallpaper in a "toile de juoy" design, grey woodwork and carpet.

THE "ODD" JACKET

ECONOMIC AND ADAPTABLE INCREASING POPULARITY The little coloured coat of plain or patterned fabric has increased its popularity this year. It is an economic and adaptable fashion,, and can be used for so many occasions, writes Ruth Sibley from London. A young girl I know, who has to put up a good appearance in town on a small allowance, started the season with a black woollen dress and three coloured coats. One in black and white broken check, which, with the black dress, and turban and a scarlet scarf, she can wear in town or country. A second coat in pastel blue, with a blue sailor trimmed with tiny) black ril>bon bows, is extremely chic for any town affair. Her third coat is in offwhite woollen, which with all-black hat and accessories, and a threestring pearl necklace, gives ner a completely different appearance. These arc the sort of dress schemes we arc all planning —mixing materials and colours effectively, but keeping to simplicity. One designer is showing day length dresses or dull crepe, with bodice cut like evening gowns—sleeveless and decollate — completed by matching boleros for general wear. Remoing the bolero, you have a modern dancing frock.

SELF CONTROL FOR LARGER FIGURES An undivided line from ribs to hips is called for, whether your figure by svlph-likc or of more impressive proportions. But g.onc arc the ckivs when the woman with a problem (just a niee way 01-saying overweight, you know), had, to depend upon a steel cagc to keep her curves in order. Improved design and marvellous new stretching fabrics have rnrule light-weight foundations possible even for the O'.S. figure. Fabric honing is the soicret. It is a new method of weaving narrow, controlling bands right into the fabric of which the corset is made. These little bands are very thin, and flat, and although" they arc perfectly flexible, they) wield a powerful control. These "fabric-boned" foundations are indeed a gift from the gods to the heavier woman who goes in for golf, gardening and such activities. The garments are light-weight yet so definitely decisive with regard to curves that this new "boneless boning" spells exit to the rigid, eorsetod feeling, the "poker-up-her-baek" look that heavy women have come to accept as inevitable.

THIRD SET OF TWINS AN AUSTRALIAN RECORD The third set of twins, in six years have been, born to Mr and Mrs Robert Kerr, of Kughetsdale, Victoria. The parents believe this is a State, if not an Australian record. Recently Mrs Kerr gave birth to twin boys—both (>lb weight. Six years ago the first set of twins —a boy and a girl—was born. A daughter followeld a year later and then two years ago, the second set of twins, again a boy and a girl, appeared. Thus the Kerr family has grown to four boys and three girls in the six years. The arrival of three sets of twins in a family in such a short period is not on record in any other hospital in Melbourne. Mr Kerr, who is 26, is a painter employed at South Yarra. Triplets were k_orn a few days later to the wife of Private G. G. Humphries, of Norwood, Adelaide, a member of a garrison battalion band. Two of the infants weigh 51b and one a little more-. All are doing well. There arc three other small children in the family, but with the arrival of the triplets. Private Humphries' pay increases by .ul lis (id a week.

There are tAvins in the families of both parents and Private Humphries is the eldest of eight children and his wife the third youngest of 14.

HOUSEHOLD HINTS Beat one tablespoon of salad oil with each egg when preparing egg and breadcrumbs for fish, cutlets, etc. It is economical, and has no perceptible flavour. If no ice is available, and a cooling lotion is needed ir.l the sick room, mix equal parts of milk and methy-lated-spirit together and soak a cloth in the solution. Instead of eating pickles and sauces with corned beef, substitute a slice of pineapplei. Remember, the corned beef must be cold. UNIQUE CRICKET INCIDENT A unique cricket incident occurred at Utiku last week-end, when the local team was robbed of victory owing to a mistake over the score. On being told that only seven more runs were required for a win the Utiku captain drew the stumps when these had been obtained but, , on checking over the score, it was discovered that the totals were equal and the match thus resulted in a tie. There were two overs to go when play ceased. The match was between Utiku and the Auckland Battalion. HAIR BEAUTIFIER. If your hair is losing its lustre and youthful appearance—falling out —subject to dandruff or excessive greasiness— buy a jar of Birmese Hair Root Compound from F. G. Macklow, Chemist. Birmese ends dandruff in 3 days, grows new hair in 30 days.