14 Old-Fashioned Tricks That Grandma Didn’t Share

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Wisdom is great, but old-fashioned wisdom is even better. Do you sometimes wonder how our grandmothers managed to run households like clockwork, sometimes with only a fraction of the resources we have today? Armed with skills we may not have thought of, they often turned houses into comfy, sustainable homes.

Learning from experience and the occasional forum thread always works pretty well, but circling back to Grandma’s vintage wisdom is priceless. Some of these secrets will make life a tad simpler and maybe save you a dollar (or twenty).

Here are some charming and practical tips your grandma might have forgotten to share.

1. A Doorway Sponge For Your Umbrella

Where do you put your dripping umbrella after a downpour? If you don’t want to deal with the stream of water from your umbrella, do what some Grandmas discovered as a solution: put a big sponge on your doorstep and place the wet umbrella on it.

It will absorb excess water, preventing puddles on your floor and keeping your space dry. This will keep your entryway cleaner and also extend the life of your umbrella—no more rusting metal or moldy fabric.

2. Line Dry Clothes Whenever You Can

Dryers are in almost every home today, but Grandma knew the magic of fresh air and sunshine. Line drying clothes not only saves energy but also keeps your garments smelling fresh and lasting longer.

The sun acts as a natural disinfectant, and the breeze helps soften fibers without the need for chemical-laden fabric softeners. You’ll also get to enjoy some outdoor time while you’re at it, and slow down a bit to enjoy the process of laundry instead of rushing through it.

3. Bake Your Own Bread

There’s something incredibly satisfying about baking your own bread. You get to control the ingredients and make your house smell homely, just like granny’s.

You will be eating a healthier and tastier version than store-bought versions. Baking may even be therapeutic for those days when you need something to do to take your mind off of things and better yet, you’ll have a lovely little snack at the end of the process.

4. Always Wear an Apron

For most of us, our nostalgic image of Grandma is complete with an apron tied around her waist, making one kitchen masterpiece after the other. It may not be a fashion statement, but that apron is most likely the reason her clothes lived as long as they did.

Aprons protect your clothes from stains and spills, reducing the need for constant washing and extending the life of your wardrobe. Plus, they come with handy pockets for holding utensils, recipe cards, or even your phone. Who doesn’t love pockets?

5. Make Your Own Greeting Cards

Imagine receiving a hand-crafted greeting card. While the store-bought ones may be easy to get, a handmade gift card stands out among the rest. It shows thoughtfulness and effort, making the recipient feel special. You can customize it to suit any occasion, from birthdays to thank-you notes and everything in between.

Creating your own greeting cards can be a fun and relaxing activity. Gather some cardstock, markers, and maybe a bit of glitter, and let your creativity flow. It’s a perfect way to add a personal touch to your gifts and make your loved ones feel cherished.

6. Make Food Look Bigger By Layering

What do you do when you have more people to feed, and the food threatens to look underwhelming? Layer it! Grandma knew the value of presentation, and layering food can make a simple dish appear like it’s greater in quantity and more appetizing.

If the main dish is not enough, stack it up on the plate. Make a bed of rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes and put stew, such as minced meat, on top of it. You can top it with some garnish for color. This trick is especially handy when hosting dinner parties or potlucks.

7. Always Use A Moisturizer

For many grandmas who seem to have cheated age and grown older with gorgeous skin, using a moisturizer is one of the secret ingredients. It’s not just about what product you choose, but also how you use it.

Get your favorite moisturizer and apply it in an upward motion, being careful not to tug too much on the skin. Make sure you use it during the day and before bed to ensure that your complexion will be the envy of many, young and old. Remember to add some sunscreen to the mix, too.

8. Grow Your Own Food

There’s a reason why gardening and homesteading are making a comeback. Growing your own food is incredibly rewarding. It ensures you have fresh, organic produce at your fingertips while teaching patience and care.

You don’t need a big backyard to start a garden. Even a small balcony can host a variety of herbs and vegetables. Gardening connects you to the earth, provides a sense of accomplishment, and is a great way to reduce your grocery bill and eat healthier.

9. Shop Only Once a Week Or a Month

Frequent trips to the grocery store can be time-consuming and lead to impulse buying. Instead, plan your meals and make a shopping list, aiming to buy everything you need in one trip. This saves time and also reduces waste.

Most grandmas had deep freezers because shopping happened once a week (or once a month for heartier goods like meat). This encourages mindful purchasing and helps you stick to your budget while reducing time spent going to the store, giving you more time to enjoy your week.

10. Upcycle a Lot

Grandma didn’t use to discard things at the rate that we are. Before you throw something away, think about how it could be repurposed. Upcycling is a fantastic way to breathe new life into old items.

Turn jars into storage containers, old shirts into cleaning rags, or wooden pallets into garden furniture. Upcycling is environmentally friendly and allows you to express your creativity while saving a few bucks.

11. Enjoy Simple Meals

Beans, vegetable soups, or even good old meatloaf, Grandma knew that simple meals could be the most satisfying. Instead of preparing multi-course meals every time, focus on quality ingredients and straightforward recipes that highlight seasonal flavors.

A fresh tomato salad, a hearty vegetable soup, or a perfectly roasted chicken can be both delicious and nourishing. Simple meals reduce stress in the kitchen and allow you to enjoy the process of cooking and eating.

12. Use Homemade Cleaning Products

Store-bought cleaning products can be expensive and filled with harsh chemicals. Making your own cleaning solutions is safer, cheaper, and just as effective. Common ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon can tackle most household cleaning tasks.

Experiment with different recipes to find what works best for you. Homemade cleaners are better for your health and the environment and better yet, they leave your home smelling fresh and clean without the artificial fragrances of commercial products.

13. Egg Whites as Face Masks

Egg whites have been used for generations as a natural beauty treatment to achieve smooth and youthful skin. Rich in proteins and vitamins, they help to tighten pores, reduce oiliness, and improve skin texture.

Creating a simple egg white face mask is easy: separate the whites from the yolks, whisk the egg whites until frothy, and apply a thin layer to your cleansed face. Allow it to dry for about 15-20 minutes, then rinse with warm water for a refreshing glow. You will save on costly skincare masks and eliminate the need for chemical-laden beauty products.

14. Tea Bags Reduce Puffy Eyes

It’s likely that Grandma didn’t use under-eye serums on those mornings when she woke up looking less than fresh. Using tea bags can be a simple and effective remedy for puffy eyes. Both green and black tea contain caffeine and antioxidants, which can help to constrict blood vessels and reduce swelling.

To use this technique, steep two tea bags in hot water for a few minutes, then remove them and let them cool. Once they’re at a comfortable temperature, place them over your closed eyes for about 10-15 minutes.

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