Dressing The Part: Oh What An Apron Can Do!

How one dresses for work can make a huge impact on how productive they are.  There have been studies upon studies to prove this fact.  If you dress sloppily your work will be sloppy and the opposite dressing has the opposite effect on your work - it's called dressing for success.  When we dress appropriately, we work differently, we carry ourselves in a different manner and we behave in line with what we are wearing.  So, not only do you perform better in the task(s) you have to do in a day but you are taken more seriously in the job you are doing.  Let me ask you...

As a homemaker...are you taken seriously in what you do?

So many homemakers are stereotyped as having a thrown back (messy) pony tail, no makeup (or horrors of horrors...eye makeup that has smeared to give the appearance of raccoon eyes), the proverbial sweat pants and an oversized shirt with slippers on - why is that?! I have to wonder what condition their home is in - maybe it is cared for in the same manner in which they have dressed themselves?  One thing I see far too much of is stay at home wives and mothers who decide that pajama bottoms are perfectly acceptable to wear out in public.  I can't tell you the impression that leaves in my mind and wonder just what were they thinking (or not) before heading out the door.  Do they not care how they look or present themselves to others?  I know...I know we are not to judge the outside appearance of others but...goodness gracious!  This is a huge no-no!  And if you are a home schooling mamma - don't even!  You are doing us all an injustice by dressing that way.  I have had many a surprised stranger find out that we are a home schooling family and then say to me, "But you don't dress like a home schooler!"   

I look at it this way...I am a spokesperson in who I am and what I believe in.  I believe in what I do and it shows!  How about you?!  My great grandmother was known for how she cared for herself and her home and she would never...NEVER go to the door without powdering her nose and checking herself in the mirror first let alone go out in public in her jammies!  I remember her telling me when I was little to always present myself accordingly and always as a lady should.  Even at the age of 2 and 3 I can remember her leaning over and telling me this.  When someone sees me I hope that they take me seriously and know that my job as a wife, mother, homemaker and home schooler is a serious thing for me - I don't take my job lightly.  Most importantly, I am representing God and my love for Him in all He has blessed my family with.  I want people to see what He has done in my life. 

God will not give more to us than we can handle and if we are not handling what He has given to us with thankfulness and great care - do we think He is going to give us more?  Think again! 

So where does the apron come in?  That apron, much like wearing nice clothes to church or work, really helps in attitude changes as I mentioned above.  I love my aprons especially the ones with pockets!  As I go about the house they carry all sorts of things from cleaning rags, cleaning products to items that need to go another room or just plain old trash.  If I am in the kitchen and I'm cooking something, I always have something to wipe my hands on and a way to protect my clothing from splashes - I am really good with tomato sauce splashes!    But the moment that apron goes on...so does the "I have work to do!" attitude.  There is a definite mind set that just happens when I put an apron on and even when I am reluctant to do what needs to be done in a day or just don't know where to begin - the apron helps set the tone.  Try it!  It works!

When we dress appropriately and like a lady we not only act like one but our attitude is positive about ourselves and what we do.  When we dress like the person (in her pj's) who does not care then she will handle the things around her in the same manner and have a negative attitude just as other's view how they look in a negative way.  It just isn't pretty and it shows!   

"But Cat?!  I don't have an apron!" 

May I recommend visiting your local thrift, antique or secondhand store and find one?!  Find something you just love and that is pretty - we are talking about putting on that attitude and if you love what you are wearing - you will love what you are doing!  Very key there Ladies!  If you can't find one there, check out some of the online stores whether new or gracefully worn items - check around and price shop.  I have a few listed on my little shop online...

 ~Somewhere In Time Collectibles~

Here are some vintage aprons I found...

...along with the prairie style aprons that can be pre-ordered and made here locally by our Amish/Mennonite Community...

(sizes available from Toddler to X Large and in different colors/patterns - great for mother/daughter matching aprons)

Aprons are coming back in style and it is great to see more and more ladies using them as they should.  If you can sew, make one for yourself or if you can't sew, have someone make one for you and strap up an attitude!    Whether you buy from me, someone or somewhere else it doesn't matter!  The point is to try it and see just how it works.  Let's start changing our attitudes in our homes into something positive and good!  An apron seems silly to some I'm sure but I'm telling you...

It works!

I pray that God Blesses you in all your efforts in your homes!  Let us show Him just how much we appreciate His love for us and His Blessings upon us in caring for the things He has entrusted to us...entrusted to us to take care of...for Him!  Let us remember that it all belongs to our Father to begin with - we are only the caretakers of it.  So if something as silly as an apron helps to inspire you to get moving - then by all means - get moving! 

Love and God's Blessings to You All,

  Catherine    

Please see my added note in the comment section (click on Love Notes)...