As you could probably guess by the sheer fact that I’m running an internet blog, I have absolutely no problem in embracing some technologies. A lot of the technological advances that we have made in the last century have been for the better, and I absolutely love having a car, basic medicine and even the convenience of the internet.
However, there are some things that I think will always be better when done the old fashioned way. Here is my list of things you should always do the more traditional way, whether or not there’s a more modern and convenient method available:
1. Send snail-mail cards and letters
There’s just something awesome about getting a hand-written card or letter that you can hold. Not only is it a nice break from all of the bills and sales flyers, but I love going back through my old letters and seeing a snapshot of my life and relationships from way back when!
2. Read real books
While e-readers are convenient and have made entire libraries available to people who normally wouldn’t read, it just isn’t the same as a real book you can hold in your hands. Maybe it’s my bibliophile talking, but nothing will replace the smell of books and the feel of flipping through the pages of an old friend.
3. Write/Print Recipes
Whether you’re into recipe cards or making your own recipe book, having a hard copy of a recipe is easily ten times more convenient than trying to search for a recipe on Pinterest that you made that one time. And don’t even get me started on trying to unlock a phone with goop or flour on your hands so you can see how much salt to add. Also, as a bonus, you can make yourself notes in the margins for the next time.
4. Hang wall calendars
I use my smartphone calendar for reference on the go, but having a wall calendar is so much easier. In fact, I have one at home and at work. With a glance, I can look at the whole month and make notes of important events or engagements for easier planning. Also, it looks nice and organized.
5. Use real cameras
Your smartphone is not a camera. There, I said it. Yeah, you can take photos with that device, but they aren’t going to be even half as nice as you could with a regular camera. I’m not saying you have to invest in a film camera if you don’t want, but try switching to a digital camera, and you’ll be shocked at how much better your pictures turn out.
6. Have an old-fashioned photo album
While I’m on a camera kick, having an old-fashioned photo album will always trump a digital one. Because, let’s be honest: how often do you really go back through your digital photo album and look at all those millions of photos? Instead, I think that we all ought to print out the best photos and make photo albums out of them. Keep the digital copies if you like, but having a book to look through is so much easier.
7. Keep a handwritten journal
Journaling is a wonderful practice, but I know it isn’t for everyone. However, I have tried both a digital and paper journal, and I always feel better after I’ve written in my journal. Sometimes it’s silly things and sometimes it’s more serious, but either way having a hard copy that you can hold is way better than a digital one. Not to mention, you can put it by your bed as a constant reminder to write every night.
8. Make bread by hand
Store bought bread simply cannot compare to homemade bread. Now, I have no problem with breadmakers, although I think they tend to make the bread a little tough. But, if you don’t feel like messing with all the raising and kneading, then it’s a good compromise. Either way, old-fashioned homemade bread is where it’s at.
9. Keep paper lists
I’m a list maker, through and through. I’m not as bad as my mother (who has lists of her lists, all color-coded) but I do tend to write things out. While I know there are apps for that, I have never found one that works as well for me. Something about the physicality of scratching things out as I complete them is just way more satisfying than tapping a screen.
10. Cook
I could wax poetic about how cooking is always better when it’s done the old-fashioned way. Food should not come out of a box, and ought to require more than water and a couple of eggs to be completed. Cooking the old-fashioned way is not only cheaper, but also more healthy for you and your family.
11. Play board games
Modified by CombineZP
No matter how many online versions of Chess or Checkers there are, there is a dynamic that is always missing when compared to sitting down with friends and family to play a solid board game. Not only are there more options for conversation, but it’s just more fun!
12. Do math
When I was a kid, I couldn’t even count how many times a math teacher told me, “you won’t always have a calculator on you” so I ought to learn whatever piece of math we were studying. Well, I have a smartphone. Which means I DO have a calculator on me at all times. That being said, I think that memorization of math is definitely a skill that everyone ought to have. You shouldn’t have to pull your phone out to calculate tax or do basic equations.
13. Memorize phone numbers
With the digital age in full swing, so few people actually memorize numbers anymore. We’re all guilty of it. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to pull out my phone to look up a number to give to a friend or family member because I can’t remember it. It’s embarrassing, and something I think we all ought to work towards. I mean, what happens when you don’t have your phone on you?
14. Clean without chemicals
I have talked about it several times in the past, but today’s cleaning products are full of all kinds of chemicals, some of which are really hazardous for your health. Old-fashioned methods often worked just as well (most of the time even better) and didn’t involve things that are so harmful for yourself. Baking soda comes to mind as one of the super cleaners that no one seems to remember anymore.
15. Eat old-Fashioned ice cream
Last (but certainly not least) old-fashioned ice cream. If you’ve ever had homemade ice cream, then you know that store-bought simply cannot compare. Delicious, creamy, flavorful… it’s the bee’s knees! Mmmmm!
Love this! I totally agree with the majority of these. Your graphic at the top is super adorable too… 🙂
I agree!
I also think canning water is a good idea. I heard of it a colupe of years ago but still haven’t done it. I know it does come in handy to have something to fill the space in the canner when you have a load that’s too small. But here’s a thought, why couldn’t you just bring the water to a boil, pour it into jars, put a clean but previously-used lid on top, and screw down the band? The heat of the boiling water is enough to make the jars seal and the water will be sterile because it has boiled. And that would fit well with the Mormon practice (which I hadn’t heard before) of filling a jar as soon as it’s been emptied and washed. As far as keeping quality is concerned, I’d think water would be good practically forever, as long as the jar stayed sealed. It’s sterile, so there’s nothing in it to grow. True, it might taste a little flat after awhile but you could use it for external things like washing hair, etc.