Retro Items You Should Have at Home

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

06 May 2009 07:01 AM

Do you think that you left the 70's or 80's behind long ago? With all of our modern conveniences, there are still a few retro things that we shouldn't ditch just yet. Having these items around could save you money, be convenient and help take care of the environment.

Plug in Telephone

I am proud to say that we always have a plug in telephone at the ready. While we use it a little bit differently from how I remember using it growing up (long cord stretched into the apartment bathroom for privacy away from my parents), we still do use it. Why? A plug in telephone requires no electricity, so it is very convenient in the case of power outages. I can still make calls. And since it doesn't require electricity, there is no drain on our power, making the plug in telephone both less expensive and better for the environment that the cordless varieties that suck up power 24/7. Plug in telephones can also be used with digital service.

Clothesline

Dryers have come a long way, and it really is convenient to be able to pop a load in and forget about it. But clotheslines are making a comeback. There is nothing like the smell of laundry that comes in after a day in the sun and the breeze. Commercial dryer sheets just can match that scent. You can save around $1 a load by hanging your wash, and you'll reduce your energy footprint.

Bread box

Why did bread boxes go away anyway? Perhaps it was because all of the preservatives in bread give it a longer shelf life, making the bread box obsolete? I prefer to buy natural breads or make my own. These breads can go stale quickly, and an old fashioned bread box will help keep moisture in the bread. You can also refrigerate your bread, but it will change the texture.

Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, creating a home in the Home Blog and caring for little ones in the Baby Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.

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Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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