Begin at the beginning.....

It started with a simple enough idea.

Ok, it started with a vain idea.

There are so many men and women out in the historical re-enactment community doing hours and years of research into their particular eras, hand stitching clothing, forging equipment, translating texts, data, data, data. Myself included. I liked to think that my second job was scouring the internet for whatever whim hit me in the realm of research - what did a period bathtub look like? were there really waffle irons? how do you get blood out of linen? Your average re-enactor's concerns, really.

So today I was venting to my evil twin and co-conspirator that why? why didn't I have a job where I could research period personal items everything from cosmetics to bathing products to accessories for a living?

Well, why not?

And that's where the vanity comes in. So after looking at some photos taken of myself at a recent weekend encampment, my first reaction was: "Geebus, I look haggard" which prompted me to wonder why don't I devote any time to historical personal care? There are recipe books (the title of the blog being one of them from the early 17th century) for all sorts of household remedies and beauty tips.

So here we are and while it's not going to be my full-time job, it is going to be my and my co-conspirator's part-time fun project to review what's available for purchase out there both at events and on the internet as well as maybe try some more home-grown recipes.

Our first review will be coming shortly as well as a full field testing of the products at an event.

Our first company:

Ageless Artifice