
AuthorAvokadoReading3 minViews679Published by13.04.2024
Within the realm of vintage cosmetics, the lipstick case is a shining example of sophistication, glitz, and individual flair. Vintage lipstick cases, as works of art in a woman’s handbag, were made to make a statement, in contrast to the disposable packaging of today. These cases were created between the early and middle of the 20th century, and because they captured the style, materials, and workmanship of the era, collectors today prize them highly.
Antique lipstick cases, crafted from a variety of materials such as brass, enamel, semi-precious stones, sterling silver, gold plating, and elaborate etchings, served as a tribute to the artistic sensibilities of their time. They reflected the Art Deco movement of the 1920s and 1930s with geometric shapes, simple lines, and opulent metallic decorations. Following World War II, cases were increasingly elaborate, including romantic themes such as flowers and birds, frequently embellished with pearls or colored stones.

These enclosures were technical and functional miracles in addition to being stunning. Many had built-in mirrors for applying lipstick on-the-go, and some even had pockets for powder or little perfume vials, capturing the efficient portability of accessories from that era. Reputable companies like Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Tiffany & Co. produced exquisitely crafted pieces that served as both useful accessories and status symbols, demonstrating the exceptional craftsmanship involved in their creation.
Vintage lipstick cases are nostalgic and provide insight into the lives and fashion preferences of ladies from bygone eras. They serve as a reminder of a bygone era when beauty routines were elaborate and ceremonial, in sharp contrast to the hurried, efficiency-focused approach of today. Many people have developed a passion for collecting these items because of their artistry and beauty as well as the histories and tales they represent.

Particularly for metal cases, maintaining the luster and avoiding corrosion on vintage lipstick cases requires routine polishing and mild cleaning. The excitement of the pursuit adds to the attractiveness of these treasure hunts, which lead fans to estate sales, antique shops, and online auctions. A vintage lipstick case is more than just a container, whether it is kept on a vanity or stashed away in a purse. It is a tiny piece of history and an item that captures the commitment to style and beauty of a bygone era.
My MIL Put Spyware in My Phone — She Didn’t Like My Surprise in Response

My MIL Put Spyware in My Phone — She Didn’t Like My Surprise in Response
Living with my mother-in-law has been a nightmare. But when she insisted on fixing my broken phone, I thought it was a small step toward mending our strained relationship. Little did I know that her helpful gesture would lead to a shocking discovery that forced me to confront her schemes and ultimately redefine our household’s boundaries.

A woman and her mother in law arguing | Source: Pexels
My life has been hell ever since my Mother-In-Law (MIL) moved in with me and my husband. My name is Emily, 25, and I have been married to my husband Andrew, 28, for five years now. We stay with my MIL, Sophia, who moved in with us due to ill health about three years ago.
From the day I married her son, she made it clear that she thought I wasn’t good enough for him. Our relationship was strained at best, and we did our best to stay out of each other’s paths to keep the peace at home.

Two women who are not getting along | Source: Vecteezy
Now, a few months ago, I broke my phone, and my MIL, who was watching me closely on that day, had a whole rant about how “irresponsible I was” and how I should act “more mature.” Sophia complained incessantly about the cost of fixing the phone, grumbling about how much money I was wasting and how this could have been avoided if I had been more careful.

A mother-in-law repremanding her son’s wife | Source: Pexels
Yet, despite her constant complaints, she was surprisingly adamant about taking my phone to get it fixed herself since she stayed at home. I was a bit confused about why she wanted to go so badly, but I just let her go, as I thought she was making a kind gesture to bring us close. She came back with my phone fixed, and everything seemed normal.

A woman using her working phone | Source: Pexels
Fast forward two months, I noticed how my phone started to act weird. I asked Sophia if she had taken it to a reputable technician. “Of course,” she said, with a dismissive wave of her hand. “I took it to the best place in town.”
“I’m asking because the phone has been acting really weird,” I explained.
Sophia rolled her eyes and scoffed. “You’re being dramatic, Emily. It’s probably just your imagination.”

A woman trying to figure out what is wrong with her phone | Source: Vecteezy
I decided to leave the matter alone but at work weird data-like things kept popping up on its screen, making it almost impossible for me to use the phone. So, after work, I took the phone to the local tech support kiosk.
To my SHOCK, the tech support guy opened it up and said, “Someone put a chip in your phone.”
I blinked, trying to process his words. “A chip? What do you mean?”

A woman with her phone that is giving her problems | Source: Pexels
He pointed at a small, unfamiliar piece of hardware. “This chip allows someone to see your messages, your location, and your emails. It’s a form of spyware.”
My heart raced. “Are you serious? Who would do this?”
He shrugged. “It’s hard to say, but it must be someone who had access to your phone for a while.”

A spyware transmitting data and information | Source: Vecteezy
The only person who could do it was Sophia since my husband worked in another city for three months. I was mad as HELL and as I left the shop, I quickly formulated a plan.
In my mind, I thought, ‘She wants to spy on me? Okay, then I’ll give her something to see.’ So, I decided to leave the chip in my phone.

A woman plotiing | Source: Pixabay
I started signing up for adult shops, videos, and other 18+ content. Then, I began driving to men’s clubs and sending explicit messages to my husband, all while knowing my MIL was watching every move. My MIL became increasingly annoying but she couldn’t say anything specific about what was happening.
An annoyed woman | Source: Vecteezy
When my husband came back, my MIL set us at the table and began accusing me of cheating and all the things she had seen.
“I can’t believe this, Emily!” Sophia started, her face flushed with anger. “I’ve seen the messages you’ve been sending to strange men! And the places you’ve been visiting! Adult shops? Men’s clubs? How could you do this to my son?”

A mother-in-law making accusations | Source: Vecteezy
Andrew looked bewildered. “What are you talking about, Mom?”
Sophia continued, her voice rising. “I’ve seen it all on her phone! Explicit messages, shady locations, and subscriptions to all sorts of adult content. She’s been betraying you, Andrew!”
“How do you know all this?” I asked calmly.
She hesitated, then blurted out, “I saw it on your phone! There’s a chip that… well, it shows everything you’re doing!”

A woman using her phone | Source: Pexels
I feigned shock. “A chip? In my phone? How could that happen?” I exclaimed, widening my eyes in disbelief. “Who would do such a thing? This is outrageous! How did it even get there?”
My MIL’s face turned red. “I… I put it there to keep an eye on you. I knew you were up to something! I knew you were not good enough for my son. A liar and a cheat!”

An accusing finger | Source: Pixabay
I smirked a hint of satisfaction in my voice. “Oh, I knew about the chip. And I decided to have some fun with it. You wanted to spy on me? I gave you a show.” I leaned in slightly, my eyes glinting with defiance. “Every adult shop, every explicit message, every shady location—you saw exactly what I wanted you to see. How does it feel to be played at your own game?”

A woman smirking with satisfaction | Source: Pixabay
My husband looked between us, stunned. “You both knew? What the hell is going on?”
My MIL stammered, “She was… she was doing all those things on purpose?”
I nodded, laughing. “Yes. To show you that spying on someone is wrong. You invaded my privacy, and I wanted you to see how it feels to be manipulated.”

A woman laughing with satisfaction | Source: Pixabay
My husband finally spoke, his voice firm. “Mom, this is unacceptable. You can’t just spy on people. We need to have boundaries in this house.”
My MIL, looking defeated, muttered, “I… I’m sorry. I didn’t mean for it to go this far.”
“Apology accepted,” I said, “but from now on, let’s respect each other’s privacy. Agreed?”

Mother-in-law and her son’s wife reconclie | Source: Vecteezy
My MIL nodded reluctantly, and my husband added, “We’ll make sure this never happens again.”
And with that, the tension began to dissipate, and we started to rebuild trust, setting clear boundaries for the future.
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