What's the essence of old style?

rainbowkanga · 5 March 2006 at 10:22AM

Just wondered if you had to sum up old style in a few phrases how would you do it? Here's my go (mine's defintiely not to do with cleaning with 3 children and teaching full time at the mo!):

- Buying on the basis of need not want (well most things - and at least asking the question)
- Having respect for the process as well as the end result (so don't particularly like supermarkets although do use them sometimes because of the environmental impact; like home made food not just because it tastes better but because as my children would say, its got that added ingredient of 'love')
- There are lessons to be learnt from how things were done in the past

I'd be interested to hear your thoughts

kiwichick · 5 March 2006 at 10:28AM

I'm still learning how to be fully OS but for me the real essence of it is making sure that I pass what I am learning on to my children. I want to be able to feel secure in the knowledge that I have done the best I possibly can to prepare them for adult life. I want them to know they can depend on their own knowledge and skill, and I want them to pass it on to their children one day.

moggins · 5 March 2006 at 10:29AM

Life skills and knowing that whatever you do comes from the heart.

thriftlady_2 · 5 March 2006 at 10:42AM

I'd agree with all that's been said,particularly knowing the difference between a want and a need,and in passing that knowledge onto my children.

I also think OS is very creative.Creativity is often seen as the preserve(right word?) of artists and musicians,but I think there are so many opportunities to find creative solutions to everyday problems without resorting to handing over cash to solve them.The Tightwad Gazette has a good essay on creativity.I was watching the Gardeners' World programme about allotments the other night,and there was one chap who had come up with the most ingenious,low-cost/no-cost solutions to the problems of growing his crops , deterring pests and watering them.He was real OS.

exlibris · 5 March 2006 at 12:10PM

The essence of Old style?

The smell of vinegar

VickyA_2 · 5 March 2006 at 1:25PM

exlibris wrote:

The essence of Old style?

The smell of vinegar

In addition, for me it's preparing meals using as local ingredients as possible and trying to avoid overly processed foods - as my grandmother would have done (and my mum still does). Also, making the most of what you've got and sharing expertise and materials (eg www.readitswapit.co.uk and making your own cards).

Oh, and spending as much time as possible on the OS board and when I'm not doing that reading the Lakeland catalogue!

Curry_Queen · 5 March 2006 at 1:42PM

VickyA wrote:

Oh, and spending as much time as possible on the OS board .....

Aren't you supposed to be working??? :whistle: :rotfl:

VickyA_2 · 5 March 2006 at 1:44PM

Curry_Queen wrote:

Aren't you supposed to be working??? :whistle: :rotfl:

just off now

boss!

bluemoon_3 · 5 March 2006 at 2:12PM

Simplicity. This may sound odd, given that old-style can often mean more time in the kitchen, the garden and seeking out alternatives to many things, but OS for me means down-sizing, assessing the true value of things and simplifying the day-to-day way of life.

It's about being aware of the world around you, both local and global, and recognising your own place in it. And then, of course, acting accordingly.

This may seem a little overblown, but I come to OS as part of a greater 'life philosophy' - and in so many ways, living 'Old Style' fits into my definition of the "least-harm principle" I try, not always successfully, to live my life by.

Quasar · 5 March 2006 at 3:50PM

I agree with the above posters who say that the essence is knowing need from want.

That said, I like to think of OS as the art of making do, and doing it better. And if sometimes it takes a little time and elbow grease, well...I think of all the time that is frittered away watching inane TV programmes, and of the few more calories that would stay on me...

GreenFingers_2 · 5 March 2006 at 6:13PM

This is a really good question and …. gosh there are probably so many aspects or attributes that could be stated…

.... here are some of mine that may provide an inkling of my personal definition of Old Style:-

. Living completely within ones means and living modestly
. Saving a few pennies for a rainy day
. Knowing the difference between Need and Want
. Being dependant on no one but prepared to help anyone
. Being happy and content and at peace with oneself
. Growing a few vegetables for the table
. Growing a few flowers for the spirit
. Growing a few plants for Butterfly and Moth conservation
. Re-cycling and composting what can be re-cycled and composted
. Cooking from scratch but also having nice evening out treats too
. DIY and regular maintenance of belongings, equipment and so on
. Love my Bread Maker, Slow Cooker and sob…Lawn Mower – hee hee… :rolleyes:

Phew….hee hee…there are probably hundreds more thingys that could be put down….

PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING

What's the essence of old style?

Comments

Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply

🚀 Getting Started

Categories

Is this how you want to be seen?

Get our FREE Weekly email full of deals & guides - and it’s spam-free