Managing Livingtime

I got this Managing Livingtime book from a thrift store for $2. First of all, the word “Livingtime” immediately makes me wonder, is there a “Dyingtime”? I get what they’re trying to get across, but it’s awkward sounding.

So this is a home economics book from 1966. Here are a couple of examples that make me smirk because the captions.

Heaven forbid she be a doctor, lawyer, scientist or basketball coach. The “Can you see additional talents she may have?” question makes me raise an eyebrow. Stacking fruit on the ground? Standing?

First, I’m not going to lie—I think the dress this woman is wearing is adorable. However, the caption makes me sigh in disappointment. Really? “Popularity among friends will be increased if you choose your wardrobe wisely.” Those are some “friends” you have that judge you so shallowly—it sounds like you should be choosing your friends more wisely instead. I’m not saying that appearance isn’t important, because it is in that people will inevitably judge you; I’m not saying it’s fair, but it is true. But I would hope that your friends would be friends because they liked you as a person not because of your outfit.

Food is important since we all have to eat. Here are some food related charts.

I thought the “Food Pie” was interesting—all the slices are equal.

Here’s what they thought people should be eating on a weekly basis.

Money. We all want it. And we all use it. Here’s a consumer debt chart.

I thought who decides about how money is used was very interesting.

The book has a lot about budgeting and spending. Here’s an example of Susan’s expenditures.

And the number of clothing pieces thought needed for a summer and winter wardrobe.

Here’s an example of how much a wedding costs.

The book also explains about cleaning—I just love the design of all of these cleaning supplies.

And how to iron a blouse.

And how to make a bed.

The name “home economics” sounds rather archaic to me, and brings to mind a housewife in the 1950s wearing a dress and vacuuming in high heels. Home economics needs a rebranding, but I think a lot of the basic knowledge is important to know (and of course should be information that all people learn, not just women).

I found this book fascinating because I was never required to take this class in school, or even classes like personal finance (which would have been way more useful than say the pottery class I took instead). I realize that the education requirements in the U.S. are different according to which state you live in, but looking over this book, there’s some useful information that I think everyone needs to be taught.

I think life skills should be taught in school, and at the very least how to deal with money in personal finance, budgeting, taxes and investing. How to cook and clean is essential in everyday life as well. Higher-level life skills that would be nice to know (but not quite as essential) would be how to maintain a car, or fix things around the house (whether plumbing, electrical or woodworking), and how to mend a garment. And as a personal suggestion from the 21st century, make sure people know how to write an email properly—you know, with a subject that means something (like not calling it “file” or “here”) and being able to create complete coherent sentences that don’t make you have to “play” 20 questions.

Basically, I think it’s important for people to learn these everyday useful (home economic) skills. Quickly forgotten are most classes and facts taught in school. (How do I find the cosine of an angle? Hell if I know—I haven’t done that since high school. I guess that’s what Google is for.) But it makes people’s lives better if they understand and can perform these home economic tasks that might not help you get into college, but will help you on a daily basis for the rest of your life.

Things I Didn’t Buy 78

Here are some cute sewing patterns. The first one is this vest and culottes pattern from the 1970s that I think is awesome.

I thought these 1970s overall dresses were interesting—I probably wouldn’t wear them but they do make a statement.

I liked these 1970s separates.

This was a nice simple dress pattern.

And I thought these pajamas were interesting.

Finally, I liked the simplicity and asymmetry of these 1960s dresses.

Things I Didn’t Buy 71

I really liked this 1950s dress pattern. Sooooo cute. I love the way they worked the red stripe dress and the navy dress is so adorable.

This 1950s dress and jacket was pretty nice.

I liked this 1960s simple top and skirt pattern as well.

This 1970s long robe is awesome (although I could do without the lace trim).

These 1970s separates were nice.

Finally, this 1970s wedding dress is fantastic. I love the sleeves, the high collar and the buttons down the front. The bridesmaid’s dress I mostly like—I’m just not a fan of that collar.

Things I Didn’t Buy 53

I really liked this dress from the 1960s.

These pants and tops from the 1970s are interesting—I really like the white top.

I liked this dress from the 1970s, although it may be slightly too Little House on the Prairie for me.

I liked the dress quite a bit, and it looks fairly comfortable.

Finally, I liked this Asian-inspired dress from the 1980s.

Words and Ideas

I bought this old textbook from 1960 for a quarter. I’m not sure what a helicopter has to do with the English language, but those two teenagers on the cover are obviously fascinated by it—taking a moment to stare at it before going to the post office to mail letters.

The illustrations are pretty nice.

I skimmed parts of the textbook and appreciated how simple it is to read.

The part of this textbook I find most interesting is how it incorporates the social aspects of language—like manners…and making friends. Here’s a how-to guide of being a pleasant human being while conversing.

And here are pointers on how to give and take criticism. [Pause.] I don’t think I was ever taught this in school…although to be honest, I think many people stand to learn a few of these tips.

Things I Didn’t Buy 49

These sewing patterns all appear to be from the 1960s. This suit is very cute—very Jackie O.

This dress and coat are nice.

And I liked this suit and cape.

A more summery dress and jacket.

I liked the buttons on the back of this dress.

And these are nice and simple dresses.

Things I Didn’t Buy 46

I love this 1950s dress. It would take a lot of fabric to make this dress—the skirt has a lot of pleats in it.

This 1950s dress is pretty cute.

I liked the full skirt on this 1950s skirt pattern.

These 1960s tops are nice and simple.

And I liked these 1960s tops as well.

Finally, this 1960s top, skirt and jacket are quite nice.

Four Sewing Patterns for $1

First is a dress pattern from the 1960s. I think all of the versions of this dress are cute.

Next, this dress pattern from the 1960s is also nice.

I thought this blouse pattern from the 1960s was cute.

And finally, this dress pattern is from 1981. I like the simplicity of this dress and it doesn’t look difficult to make.