Things we should rediscover

With blogs like The Pioneer Woman gaining ground and “homesteading” become a common buzzword, more and more people are getting back to basics and discovering that everything old is new (and cool!) again… So it's the perfect time to dig up some of our favorite bygone things.

• Curlers. For many of us a blow dryer is high on our list of get-glam essentials. But these devices are pure torture for your hair -- and not so great for your electrical bill either. Decades ago, curlers were the rage and they’re showing signs of a comeback. Maybe with the help of some strategically placed rollers we can all look as flawless as Betsy Draper on Mad Men... Ask a local stylist for some pointers or search websites like YouTube for instructional videos and get rollin'!
• Casserole. Just the word “casserole” tends to conjure up flashbacks to the 1970’s and memories of some unidentifiable goulash of ground beef, mushroom soup, and veges that wasn’t too appetizing. But these one-dish meals have gotten a major makeover and today the Internet is filled with new-fangled recipes to suit every taste from meat-lover to vegetarian.
• Clothesline. Save energy and money while treating your clothes to a vacation from the rough-and-tumble dryer. (According to Treehugger, electric dryers are “among the top energy users in a home”). Dry everything from sweaters to skivvies on a simple clothesline, or a drying rack for smaller spaces.
• Ping Pong. It’s hard to say what’s so irresistible about batting a wispy ball back and forth across a small table but ping pong is out of the basement and working its way into the mainstream. Just ask actress Susan Sarandon who recently opened up Spin New York, a ping pong players’ haven in the Big Apple.
• Fondue. It may not be the most nutritious dish on earth, but cheese fondue has to be one of the most indulgent and delicious. There’s nothing more fun than sitting around the table with friends, skewering doughy chunks of bread and dipping into a gooey pot of gruyere. Enjoy a nice bottle of wine and a crispy salad or platter of crudités on the side and dinner is done!
• Tinkertoys. Your local toy store may be filled with crashing cars, musical mutts, perky talking dolls and other eye-popping gizmos, but sometimes it’s the old classics that really grab your attention. Tinkertoys have been around for nearly a hundred years and they’re still as great as ever. Hasbro now manufactures plastic and classic wood versions – be sure to get the latter. Then, let your (or your child’s) imagination do the rest!
• Lemonade. Ditch the diet soda and enjoy a nice tall glass of lemonade. Homemade is the best and it’s easy to whip up a batch. We like to sweeten with ours with agave syrup and keep it simple – but if you prefer, play around with adding fresh berries, herbs, or other embellishments.
• Sewing. Look for a local craft center, community center, or college where you can take a sewing class and learn a timeless art. Whether you’re interested in making clothes for the kiddos or whipping up throw pillows for the couch -- whether your style is ultra-feminine or funky -- sewing is a versatile skill that will surprise you!

All credits to Shine.com.