Traditional Skills Experiment: Old-Fashioned vs Modern Living

ByJennifer on

For the past few months, I’ve found myself asking the same question over and over:

Why does modern life often feel so hard?

Not just expensive. Hard. We have grocery stores on every corner. Delivery apps. More gadgets than any generation before us. And yet somehow, many of us still feel like we’re constantly planning meals, losing stuff, re-buying the things we lost, cleaning up messes, and wondering what the heck is going on.

So I’ve been thinking about the way people used to do things. (I’ve always been a history nerd.)

Jennifer Maker in her vintage kitchen corner

Not because I believe the past was better.

And certainly not because I want to romanticize hardship.

But because I keep wondering if we may have thrown away some genuinely useful ideas along the way.

This summer, I want to find out.

My Vintage Summer Experiment

I’m planning a summer series of real-world experiments here at Maker Farm where I test some old-fashioned approaches to home life, storage, food, and cooking to see what actually holds up today.

Questions like:

  • Were there better methods for storing things?
  • Does buying in bulk save money, or does it mostly lead to waste?
  • Is it better to line dry your clothing, or is that just inefficient?
  • Is growing your own vegetables worth the time and effort?
  • Is canning food to eat later doable, or too much work?
  • Are chickens actually a smart way to get eggs, and how difficult is it really?
  • Do old kitchen workflows make cooking easier?
  • Should we make our own clothes, or just buy what we need?
  • Was it better to fix and mend, or is it just not worth it anymore?
  • Were there ways to clean things that actually worked better than what we do now?
  • Which traditional habits genuinely reduce stress, and which ones only sound good in theory?

I’m not interested in nostalgia for the sake of it.

I’m interested in results.

I want to know what actually makes life easier, what saves money, what reduces waste, and what is worth keeping in a modern home.

So I’ll actually be TRYING these things this summer so I can evaluate them. And then sharing the completely-honest results — good or bad or disastrous — with you. No sugar coating the truth.

And I’d love your help.

If you could pick ONE thing you’ve always wondered about – one old-fashioned skill, habit, system, or practice you’ve heard people recommend but never knew whether it was truly worth it – what would it be?

Let me know in the box below.

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My Little Vintage Corner

I’m setting up a corner here at my studio to work on my summer experiment and also to share what I learn with you. I’ll still share shots around the farm and studio proper, of course, but this gives me a dedicated spot to chat and share results with you. I got lucky on Facebook Marketplace with a few old cast-offs that I re-homed here to help me test my ideas, like an old cast iron sink with a built-in drainboard (right), an old porcelain-topped table (center), and an old kitchen cabinet with pull-out top (left) — all of which have interesting features I will use. I’d date each one to approximately 90-110 years old. This in itself is an example of mending, rather than buying new, because I had to fix up each one a bit, but it was worth it because they are all good things that do not belong in a landfill.

Here is a shot of what I have in my corner so far, and I’m sure it’ll change as I use it, but even right now I’d love to spend time here. Can you imagine sitting down to some tea and fresh-picked fruit with me at that cute little table?

My Current Traditional Skill In-Progress

An “old-fashioned skill” I’ve been working on a lot on lately is home cooking from scratch, as feeding ourselves is the one thing that happens multiple times a day, so you’ll see me talk about that a lot.

I’ve been cooking a lot and sharing my recipes as I go along. In the past few weeks, I’ve shared TEN new recipes — all super easy, all delicious, and all using basic ingredients and cooking tools most of us have already at home and in our pantries.

Here are my latest recipes:

1
easy goulash recipe bowl
Easy Goulash Recipe
Easy Goulash is a cozy one-pot pasta dinner made with ground beef, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, broth, and elbow macaroni. This version is rich, simple, and family-friendly, with tomato paste adding extra depth and a thicker, heartier sauce. A family favorite!
Check out this recipe
2
Homemade Red Enchilada Sauce in a Mason jar
Red Enchilada Sauce Recipe
This homemade red enchilada sauce is rich, smooth, and full of flavor, yet tastes familiar and comforting. Unlike some homemade versions that can be intensely chili-forward, this recipe balances the spices with tomato sauce for a milder, more rounded flavor that works beautifully in enchiladas, casseroles, soups, and skillet meals. Makes 4 cups.
Check out this recipe
3
Ground beef stroganoff in a white bowl
Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe
This easy ground beef stroganoff recipe has all the creamy, savory comfort of the boxed version you grew up with, but made from real ingredients and with much better flavor. Tender egg noodles are tossed with seasoned ground beef in a rich sour cream sauce.
Check out this recipe
4
Creamy sausage pasta in a cast-iron-skillet on the stove
Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe
Creamy sausage penne with a silky parmesan cream sauce, browned Italian sausage, and sweet onions for an easy, cozy dinner.
Check out this recipe
5
Best Shepherd's Pie being dished out of skillet with a wooden spoon
Best Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
A classic homemade shepherd’s pie made with a saucy filling of ground lamb and soft vegetables, and topped with a thick layer of cheesy mashed potatoes baked until golden and bubbling. The ultimate cozy meal!
Check out this recipe
6
Old-fashioned rice pudding in custard cup
Baked Rice Pudding Recipe
An old-fasioned rice pudding that gets its creamy texture on the stovetop before being baked in the oven.
Check out this recipe
7
Blackberry Jam
Blackberry Jam Recipe Without Pectin
This homemade blackberry jam is a simple, small batch recipe that highlights the natural sweetness and slight tartness of ripe blackberries. Made with just fruit, sugar, and a touch of lemon juice, it cooks down into a rich, spreadable jam without needing added pectin.
Check out this recipe
8
Pepper Steak Recipe
Pepper Steak Recipe
A simple, better-than-takeout pepper steak made with thinly sliced flank steak, bell peppers, and pantry staples. The beef stays tender, the peppers keep their bite, and everything is coated in a quick, glossy glaze instead of a watery sauce.
Check out this recipe
9
Sunday Night Beef Stroganoff
One-Pan Beef & Noodles Recipe
A one-pan ground beef meal made with egg noodles cooked directly in a creamy, savory sauce. This version uses simple ingredients and is designed to be dependable, filling, and easy to make at the end of a long day.
Check out this recipe

I hope you’ll try making one.

Perhaps you’ll even consider experimenting along with me? You don’t have to to try ALL the things I try, but pick one that interests you — like more scratch cooking — and give it a try and then report back YOUR findings. You can even let me know here in the comments what you plan to experiment with, as I’d love to know what you’re doing alongside me.

Love,
Jennifer

Jennifer in meadow near studio

Meet Jennifer

Jennifer cooks and experiments in the kitchen at Maker Farm, where she focuses on simple pantry cooking, homemade staples, and practical recipes that make everyday meals easier. Over the years she has tested many ways to make cooking simpler and more dependable, and shares the methods that work best in her own kitchen, occasionally showing them on her Heart to Home at Maker Farm vlog.

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145 Comments

  1. I really enjoyed this email, esp when you are right on in your thinking, and there’s recipes included! Thank you!

  2. I’m always wondering about the old fashion cleaning products. I remember Grandmas used to make a mixture of baking soda and water and wash her windows with that and newspaper! As a person who constantly struggles with streaky windows, I wonder if Grandma had the secret.

  5. Thank you, Patti! I also wonder the same, and I already bought some of those older cleaning supplies to try out (including Borax, remember that?)

  6. Yes, weather is always a thing. It’s been cold and dreary here in Michigan this month, and I haven’t been able to garden as much as I’d like. But I’m not letting it stop me, and I suggest you do not, either. There are always ways!

  8. Best Carmel corn recipe.

    With that said check out the book Make the Bread, Buy the Butter by Jennifer Reese. Same idea as you – see if her observations still hold true.

  10. My husband is the original Mr. Save-it and while the bits and bobs need to be thinned from time to time, if he needs an extra motor for a boom lift (at work, not home :)) he has it and so on. He packs faucets, mends windows, buys parts off eBay and has “a guy” do what he can’t. I could go on. Having said that, he also knows when to throw in the towel and the broken whatever into the recycle bin and head out to the hardware store or Home Depot for a replacement.

    For myself, I’ve always cooked/baked from scratch but am not above using shortcuts, especially when cooking for an organization and we got over 100 at the monthly dinners. Prepared foods just don’t work for me, unless we’re talking about ice cream…..

  12. Making/sewing your own clothes without having to buy new expensive fabric to do it.

  13. I would love to learn about small batch canning. I don’t have a ton of space

  14. I mother is one of fourteen children, and I often wonder how life was managed. How did grandmother keep food from spoiling? How many times a dress, shirt or pants were handed down. Also how did the food stretch to feed all children and parents? I come from a family that struggled and I wouldnt change it, in any way shape or form.

  15. Hanging out laundry instead of using the dryer. Also if the sun truly helps lighten the whites (which I think it does).

  16. one thing I have always wondered about is family meals. We are so busy now, all of us that there’s no more family meals or a place to sit together. was it worth it, I know the answer to that but I wanna know how to even attempt to pull it off with work, kids activities, school and the list goes on.

  18. I’m torn between 2 really. one being ways of cleaning were they better? cuz I really don’t care for all the wierd smells of cleaning products nowadays. The second is storing stuff.
    don’t forget the cast iron cooking gear.

  19. Which traditional habits genuinely reduce stress, and which ones only sound good in theory?

  20. I can attest to the sun lightening whites — I’ve used this trick many times! This is a good topic to experiment with!!

  21. One thing I’ve honestly wondered about is whether old-school family traditions and routines really shape kids long term the way people say they do.
    Like:
    family dinners together
    walking to school together
    handwritten notes or little traditions
    consistent chores/responsibilities
    limiting screens and just being outside more
    People talk about those things like they’re “simple but powerful,” and I’d genuinely love to know what actually makes the biggest impact over time — especially in building connection, confidence, and strong family values.
    I think it’s interesting because the world moves so fast now, but sometimes the most meaningful things seem to be the old-fashioned habits that create memories and consistency. 💛

  22. Hi. I love this concept! What about tried and true laundry tips? Stain removal, line drying…..(but not as retro as a scrub board! )

    Thanks! I look forward to your series!

    Tracey

  23. I would love to be able to grow and raise my own food. It would also be nice to trade with my neighbors. I think we’ve lost the “villiage” mentality where everyone helps everyone. For example…I baked bread and you picked strawberries so I give you some bread and you give me some strawberries. That way we both have bread AND strawberries.

  24. Is growing your own vegetables worth it? I have always wondered that. I am especially wondering that now that I have to eat a large quantity of vegetables due to lupus. I am eating an anti-inflammatory diet to try to help my inflammation. So, I wonder if it would be worth it? Certainly, the vegetables would probably be fresher at the very least 🙂
    Thanks for doing this, Jennifer! I have been enjoying your videos about cooking for less, etc.
    Lori

  25. Hi Jennifer,
    I have felt this way for a long time. I seldom use boxed ingredients. I started growing a garden several years ago, even make my own extracts, for baking and also do canning.

  27. Well, that’s an experiment that would be way beyond MY scope this summer. BUT, I can say that I did many of those things with my daughter Alexa — we always had family dinner together, we walked to school together until she got to middle school, she had consistent chores and responsibilities, and I limited screens and encouraged outside activities. I did not, however, give her little handwritten notes very often, but I did always make her lunch, or encourage her to do it when she got older. Did they make a difference? The only way I’d know is if I hadn’t done them, and how would I compare? LOL I will say she’s growing up into a very responsible, frugal, and independent person. I would love her even if she wasn’t, of course, but I am surprised … especially by her frugalness. But then the question is — is it nature, or nurture? This is a tough one!

  29. I used to make my own clothes as a teen, but now wonder if it’s actually cheaper to just buy them.

  30. My husband and I were just talking about this today. I think our curiosity is under the heading of hospitality. Having regular meals or card games or general fellowship seems less common these days. I recall my parents playing cards with their friends and people just dropping by unannounced and it was OK. this now seems like a lost art that I would like to reinstate.

  31. Hi Jennifer:
    This email is so timely. Right before I opened your email, I opened one from a known company where I buy home fragrances. They are having a Memorial Day Sale. I looked at the prices for their home fragrances and thought “there has to be a better/cheaper way for my home to smell nice!”
    So, that’s my question/suggestion. How to keep rooms in your home smelling nice without all the chemicals of today’s society.
    I hope you can help share some old fashioned ideas on economical and environmental friendly ways to freshen up a room.

    Thanks for all the tips and tricks you have shared with us.

    Hoping you, your family, and team have a Safe and Happy Holiday!
    Doriann

  32. I LOVE this idea. I have pinned a few of the recipes and plan to try them over the next week or so.
    I am a big fan of repair first, replace only if you have to. My mother grew up in the depression, so that might be why. Also why we kids learned that there is a difference between a want and a need Delayed gratification while saving for a want makes it all the better.
    How about some really simple and small, but useful, crochet or knit items?
    How about a series of articles where you feature a simple sewing project each of which uses a different foot?
    My sewing machine has 50+ stitches. I use 3 or 4: straight, zig-zag, overcast. How about a series of articles featuring different stitches?
    You are the best!
    Mary Harrison

  33. we buy in bulk things that take long time for us to be done with them, like toilet paper, paper towels, some seasoning.

    chickens are fun and a easy way to get fresh eggs, they are easy to maintain with the proper system to feed and drink but also a cheaper way to get organic chicken meat.

  34. how to remove hard water stains on shower glass without scratching the glass and what kind of wax can be used on shower glass that stays on for awhile (resists spotting).

  35. I wish I learned how to grow and can food. I’m trying a small garden, and would like to know how to keep the critters out, and how to can the crops.

  36. Is it worth learning how to can vegetables? Some even can meat? Thinking of not only growing or buying them, but storing the canned food. What’s the shelf life? How hard is the learning curve, stress included?

  37. I have wondered if waxed fabric can take the place of plastic baggies. Reducing use of plastic is good for the environment but does this waxy wrap do the job and reduce spoilage as well as plastic bags.
    Also, at what temperature do things get “iffy”

  39. I have been using your recipes and love them. Working on sour dough now. But it’s summer and what better way to keep the house cool then learning different outdoor cooking methods ie grilling, smoking and dutch oven cooking.

  40. Not only how to buy bulk, store items and then remember when/how to use them….

  42. I am an excellent cook. I taught cooking, cake decorating and can candy making for 30yrs while also working a full time job and raising my family. I have always made everything from scratch. I had a bread machine once but gave it away, it just was not the same as homemade to me. I like to make large batches of foods. I also use to can everything but have not done that for several years now. I am busy taking care of my first born grandchild who was born with CP. I have had him since birth. God and his daddy gave him to me. God knew we needed each other and his mother did not want him and did not think he should even go to school. She also did not want us to have him. I also took care of my parents when my father was dyeing. After my father died I moved my mother into our home and took care of her. She had a stroke 6mo before we retired from the military. She also got Alzheimer’s and also she got CP so I was taking care of both at the same time. I am a Christian woman and raised my granddaughter in the Church. Her brother is very smart and he knows and loves God. He loves it when I put his little hands together and say lets pray thank you to God. He is my little pride and joy who gives my life purpose. The Doctor broke his neck 3yrs ago during surgery and now has to be on vent machine and breathing machines therefore I don’t have much time for anything else even though I I can get some crafting done once in a while. He also has to to fed thru a G-Tube. I still have not tried to use the Cricut#3. I can not lift it out of the box and I have had it for 3yrs now. I am 72 yrs and also have high blood pressure, and have
    osteoarthritis myself and last year went into A-fib. My husband usually does our grandson’s breathing treatments while I do the feeds and meds. Our grandson is now 19yrs. and I can not turn or lift him myself anymore. I am finally able to walk better now because I am taking high quality supplements. I know you are a good Christian woman and love getting you emails on all your projects again you are very talented. God bless you for that you do and share.
    Sincerely,
    Cynthia Daugherty
    Sincerley

  43. My one is which ‘traditional habits’ reduce stress? Curious to find out what are traditional habits!

  44. I love this!!!

    It costs more to use hot water, so I usually wash my clothes in cold water. I want to know does washing clothes in cold water get them as clean as washing them in hot water?

  45. I am enjoying your newsletter. I use the “old-fashioned” system of storing in glass mason jars. My experience is that the food stays fresher longer than in plastic containers. My “modern” adjustment is to use plastic lids instead of their metal tops.

  46. Ia cleaning glass (windows, mirrors, etc.) with vinegar and newspaper as eggective as modern window cleaners & microfiber cloths?

  47. stop using my dryer for all clothes…go towards hanging clothes to dry and ironing more

  48. I’d love to have a bread recipe or two that compete with the horrendous price of store bought bread! I bought a round loaf of white bread for nearly 6 dollars yesterday and swear we are going to have to learn to live without. Surely it’s cheaper to make our own? It’s been 30 years since I’ve made bread so I’m rusty at the thought if it but you always seem to have a knack of making it easier!

  49. Were there ways to clean things that actually worked better than what we do now?

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