This past summer we took a fantastic trip to Europe. It was wonderful to get to show our son some of our favorite cities and the added bonus of traveling with a 10 year old is that you get to hit ALL the museums, landmarks and amazing touristy spots. We'd never been to the British War Museum in London before - we saw an excellent exhibit all about life during the blitz and how folks managed during those tough times. We took a few pics of some original "how to" posters from that era and thought we'd transcribe a few here for the AT readers...both girls and boys...
Ultra Thrifty Household Tips from "Way Back When"
A Soggy Sponge:
calls for a vinegar bath - use only a teaspoonful of vinegar to a pint of water. Rinse the sponge first then soak it in the vinegar solution for an hour. Squeeze clean, rinse again and dry outdoors if possible.
When a Drawer Sticks:
scrape its edges well with a chisel. Then rub the trimmed parts with candle wax.
Mending Lace or Net Curtains:
It's a simple matter if you have a piece of similar material large enough to extend well over the torn part. Put the curtain flat on a table with an ironing blanket under the place to be repaired. Dip the patch into rice-water, wring out well, spread it over the hole and press with a hot iron.
To Refix a Loose Knife Handle:
It is not difficult provided the "tang" (the bit that goes into the handle) is at least 11/2 in. long. First, clean out the hole in the handle with a metal skewer. Then powder a little ordinary resin and fill the hole with it; on top put a bit of candle wax the size of a pea. Heat the "tang" until it will melt the resin and press it into the resin-filled hole. Quickly drop the knife into warm (not hot) water. Leave for a few minutes, take out and trim of any surplus resin.
Collect Wood Ash:
-the clean white kind- to put in a jar near the sink. It makes a good scouring powder and helps to remove stains from metal and china.
Care of Brushes:
Hairbrushes, of course, need regular washing in warm (not hot) soapy water, with a dash of ammonia. Rinse in warm water, then very thoroughly in cold, to stiffen the bristles. Shake well to remove as much moisture as possible and stand on end to dry slowly.
Tooth brushes will last longer if washed in cold water every time after use. Always stand with bristles upwards.
Clothes brushes and shoe brushes, too, need washing now and then. Use the same method as for hair brushes.
Greasy household brushes call for soda as well as soap in the washing water. Put them away standing on end, not resting flat either on their backs or their bristles.
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Please, please read what you've written before you post. There are so many errors in this entry. Even running spell check would have caught many of them, so there's really no excuse.
view Mrs.Mack's profile
I believe these are transcribed directly from the posters, Mrs. Mack
view Enamorada's profile
Fabulous! Wow, so wise... Thanks for the post.
view TaniaTingel's profile
"the added bonus of traveling with a 10 year old is that you get to hit ALL the museums, landmarks and amazing touristy spots."
Um, theres no law in England that says you have to have a child with you to gain entry to these places - you can visit them as adults you know...
view Violetsrose's profile
Thank you for posting this..so enjoyable. I pictured the ricewater mending procedure...: )..this was fun..
view keeks's profile
Violet, as a mom of 2, I think the point is that with a younger child it gets rather tedious what with all the extras you have to tote along. My oldest was about 10 when we could expect a more mature dialogue and a more reasonable attention span. Now she's 15 and thinks everything is stupid. :)
There were some real gems in there. Thank you for the post Janel. I'm glad that frugal attitudes are coming back in force. I've had some very bad habits in the past several years and find a more modest lifestyle to be good for the soul. It's centering, you know?
view pxlchk1's profile
Thanks for fixing the text. It's much less frustrating to read now.
view Mrs.Mack's profile
Ah, thanks pxlchk - I understand now - they could have phrased that better then!!
view Violetsrose's profile