Homemaking

How to Save Energy the Vintage Way – 9 Old-Fashioned Tips

January 15, 2023 by Sylvia Rose Leave a Comment

Here are 9 old-fashioned ways to help you reduce your energy consumption and give your wallet a break.

Let’s rewind to a time when folks didn’t rely on electricity to get by to the degree that most of us are accustomed to. At the peak of summer’s sweltering heat, air conditioners didn’t run the way they do today. Depending on the time period, people would go somewhere communal that was air-conditioned, like the movie theatre. In the winter, people bundled up for extra warmth.

It’s not that way anymore, at least, not in North America.

As a Canadian, I would have to say that most people have gotten lazy when it comes to energy consumption. The ways of our forefathers (and mothers) have been forgotten. Convenience is king, but it comes at a cost.

The costs that may come to mind are environmental and financial. Energy based on fossil fuels isn’t as affordable as it once was. In fact, it’s become downright expensive.

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20 Rationing Tips from WWII (in case you need them)

January 17, 2022 by Sylvia Rose Leave a Comment

Rationing tips were plentiful during WWII. Here are twenty vintage pointers that might help you, too, if you ever find yourself in a pinch.

Source: World War 2 Ration Books And Stamps D. D. Teoli Jr. A. C.

In 1940, Britain began rationing; in 1942, Canada and the US followed suit. Goods that had previously been taken for granted either became scarce or cost dearly.

Ration stamps were distributed to every household, granting families a purchasing allowance for meat, butter, sugar, coffee, tea, dairy and preserves. Needless to say, this changed the way folks ate.

Since resources were being focussed on the war effort, there was a massive shift from importation to local production and consumption. To do their part on the homefront, women had to be creative in the kitchen, making do with what they could buy for their families. There’s a lot we can learn from them.

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Cleaning With FlyLady Plus for a Sparkling Home (it’s easy!)

November 1, 2021 by Sylvia Rose Leave a Comment

FlyLady Plus is an app and cleaning system that’s a total gamechanger when it comes to keeping a tidy home. And best of all, it’s FREE!

Do you have a hard time keeping your home tidy? Have you made cleaning schedules for yourself that always get abandoned? Or perhaps it’s a matter of never having enough time to tend to the cleanliness of your home? No matter the story, I’m willing to bet that FlyLady can help you with your struggle.

It’s possible that you’ve never heard of the FlyLady app before. I certainly hadn’t! But when I kept hearing about it, I had to investigate.

It completely changed the way I clean.

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30 Foods Our Great-Grandmothers NEVER Bought

September 6, 2021 by Sylvia Rose 6 Comments

Making these foods from scratch is not only healthier, but it’ll save money, too! How many of these staples are you making at home?

I’ll admit it. Making food from scratch isn’t always the easiest thing to do, especially when you’re balancing multiple plates. Work. Kids. Cleaning. Meals.

In the case of my own great-grandmother, she stayed at home to take care of her family.

It was pre and post-war Germany, so food was scarce and while some of the things on this list weren’t within her scope, everything she placed on the table was homemade.

I personally stay at home, so I have the time to make food from scratch, but if that’s not you, don’t worry.

I’ll explain how you can start making some of your own pantry staples without getting overwhelmed.

Because at the end of the day, food prepared at home not only tastes better, but it’s healthier and cheaper, too.

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The Spice Cupboard: The Best Spices to Keep on Hand

March 24, 2020 by Sylvia Rose Leave a Comment

The spice cupboard is one of the best places to turn to when looking to add flavour to a dish. Here’s what everyone should keep on hand and why.

WHY BOTHER WITH HERBS AND SPICES?

Before I answer this, let me begin by saying that I have a major problem.

I’m a spice hoarder.

I have 68 spices in my collection, including spice blends, but excluding variations.

For example, I have two kinds of saffron in the spice cupboard: quality saffron and cheap saffron.

Why on earth do I have so many herbs and spices?

Well, for one, herbs and spices can add depth and flavour to a dish.

They bring excitement to the table and allow you to experiment with different flavours, letting you taste the world in your kitchen.

Fresh garlic and herbs are two of my favourite flavour enhancers, but in the cold months when I’m too frugal to spend money on fresh herbs?

I turn to the spice cupboard again and again.

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5 Natural Cleaning Ingredients to Start Using NOW

January 21, 2020 by Sylvia Rose 18 Comments

Switching over to natural cleaners is one of the best things you can do for your home. It’s an easy way to eliminate unnecessary toxins from your cleaning routine once you have what you need. Here’s a list of 5 natural cleaning ingredients to help get you started on your green cleaning journey!

WHY SHOULD I START USING NATURAL CLEANING INGREDIENTS?

Whether we want to admit it or not, we are surrounded by all kinds of toxins.

It’s not just what we eat (that’s a huge part of it, though), it’s everything we expose ourselves to.

The personal care products, the plastic, the wifi… Then there are the commercial cleaners we keep under the sink.

The way I look at it, anything that gets a huge marketing and advertising budget is something I should stay away from.

Do you want to know why?

Here in Canada, 1 in 2 Canadians is expected to be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. In the States, the CDC reported that allergies in children increased significantly between 1997-2011.

Then there are the growing numbers of people being diagnosed with conditions like Alzheimer’s, Multiple Sclerosis, heart disease, and infertility amongst others.

Before you scourge me, I am not saying these problems are caused by what you clean your home with. Changing what you clean your home with, however, is an easy way to become more conscious of what you invite into your life.

Switching to natural cleaners is a good first step to reducing the toxins you’re exposing yourself and your family to.

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