Home and house maintenance Books

Book Synopsis A practical how-to guide from the author of Mad About the House, the bestselling book and UK’s number 1 interiors blog. This dictionary of interior design answers all those questions you were afraid to ask. The book begins with the most important questions of all: Who? What? When? Where? Why? and How? The aim is to answer these before you start any decorating scheme and you will avoid the most common mistakes, save money and, most importantly, create a home that works for you and the people who live there. This is a super-practical guide that allows you to dip in and out so you can solve all your decorating dilemmas. In addition to the no-nonsense practical answers, there are checklists and step-by-step guides to key decorating challenges – everything from How to Hang Wallpaper, to Arranging a Gallery Wall, How to Choose a Mattress and What Makes the Best Work Surface.Trade Review'Packed with practical advice, how-tos, checklists and cheats' * Homes & Interiors Scotland *'Brimming with practical tips and tricks' * Buzzfeed *'A book you can turn to no matter what stage of the property ladder you’re on.' * Your Home *'From choosing colours to changing spaces, Mad About the House is your go-to interiors guru' * Stylist *'Journalist and blogger Kate Watson-Smyth has the answers – all written in her warm, friendly and oh-so-readable style and illustrated with pretty line drawing.' * Reclaim *'A tome heavy with sumptuously dramatic interior shots' * Stylist *'Kate Watson-Smyth [is] a perennial oracle of interiors' * Living Etc *

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Book SynopsisHandy and inspirational tips and lists – how to reduce plastic consumption, clean with eco-friendly products and working with the seasons to bring the outdoors inside. A beautifully produced book on interiors with a focus on sustainability and wellbeing and creating a home with the environment in mind. Inspiration and tips for creating a sustainable home without compromising on style. In The Sustainable Home, interiors writer and photographer Ida Magntorn shows how to create a harmonious, beautiful and functional home that is sustainable in the long run. Taking inspiration from real homes, and following the motto reuse, reduce, recycle – Ida shares new ways to think when decorating – combining low environmental impact with individual style. Room by room, she offers practical and positive advice to create a greener home, including: Clever ways to eco-boost the kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, living room and laundry Choosing natural paint colours and lighting that will save energy and boost your mood Where to find great second-hand furniture (and best options if you buy new) Inspiration for changing up your décor without buying anything How to go on a plastic diet A guide to locally sourced plants and flowers to green your air and how to propagate them How to make your own cleaning products without chemicals How to sort your waste Big changes and small tweaks sit side by side, with the aim to make everyday life as free from toxins and as eco-friendly as possible. Illustrated throughout with photographs of homes that are both sustainable and aesthetically pleasing, going beyond Scandi minimalism to show elements of industrial and natural, pops of colour and hints of maximalism.

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Book SynopsisYou don’t have to live overwhelmed by stuff---you can get rid of clutter for good!

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Book SynopsisFollow The Way of the Househusband and conquer the challenge of housekeeping with this essential guide!Everyone, from busy office workers and aspiring homemakers to the fiercest members of the yakuza, can gain important life skills from The Way of the Househusband: The Gangster’s Guide to Housekeeping! Learn the housekeeping secrets of the legendary gangster, Tatsu, with this practical and humorous book inspired by the popular manga series The Way of the Househusband. This detailed guide includes cleaning tricks to leave your home sparkling, secrets for finding cutthroat deals, schemes for mastering your territory, keys to caring for your gang, and much more. Within these pages you will also find 25 delicious recipes that will satisfy any voracious gangster. Follow these tips and apply the determination of the Immortal Dragon to cooking, cleaning, shopping, and crafting to discover the path to housekeeping success!

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Book SynopsisThe book of the UK's No.1 interiors blog, madaboutthehouse.com. Expanding on her award-winning blog, Kate Watson-Smyth shares a wealth of experience in home design to help you make the most of your space, be it a house, apartment or single room. Packed full of ideas and inspiration for every budget, work through your home room by room with Kate’s expert and practical tips that ensure every corner reaches its maximum potential. As well as her top 10 design hacks, Kate reveals the rules of rug layout, explains how to buy a sofa, and shows you how to get the lighting right in every room. Learn how to decorate your home with style and confidence, select colours that work, make the most of small spaces and create the perfect zones for relaxation, entertaining and work.Trade Review'Written in a likeable and approachable way, it’s an easy read, as well as a useful resource' * The Resident *‘The interiors book that we’ve been dying to get our hands on.' * Rockett St George Blog *'Full of design hacks for every budget' * Metro *‘A must-read for anyone trying to figure out their house style.' * Independent.co.uk *‘There’s something for every interiors enthusiast in Kate Watson-Smyth’s new book.' * House Beautiful *'This book should be on every homeowner’s bedside table.' * Your Home *'Far from your typical coffee table book, Kate has created a book that you actually want to read cover to cover, absorbing all of the expert advice that she offers inside.' * Rose & Grey Blog *'The ideal guide to getting it right in the troublesome world of interior decorating.' * The Simple Things *'A must-have book for anyone who wants make their house a home.' * Creative Colour Blog *

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Book SynopsisTrade Review”Jen Robin is not just an organizer—she is a teacher and a healer. As she helps sort our ‘stuff’ she is also sorting our values, emotions, relationships, and dreams. She is a magician and this book will work magic on your home and life.” — Glennon Doyle, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Untamed "Robin...offers no shortage of organizational tips in her upbeat debut...full of practical ideas." — Publishers Weekly

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Book SynopsisTurn the outdoor space you may not own into one that makes you feel at home.A gardening book unlike any other, RHS How to Garden When You Rent brings together projects, inspiration, and handy know-how specifically tailored to people who rent. With chapters designed around lease lengths, readers will find something for their outdoor space, whether they plan to rent for just a few months or expect to stay in their home for a several years or more. Written by Matthew Pottage, this must-have book combines creative ideas with serious gardening expertise - all without breaking the bank or needing countless hours of hands-on work. Keep your landlord happy and your garden in good shape with plenty of tips, tricks, and techniques for good garden maintenance, and discover ways of turning even the most unloved balcony, yard, or urban garden into a lush, welcoming space that you, your flatmates, and your friends can enjoy for as long as you choose to live there.

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Book SynopsisClearing clutter can radically transform your life. Drawing on her wealth of experience as a feng shui, space clearing and clutter clearing consultant, Karen Kingston explains how clutter is stuck energy that has far-reaching physical, mental, emotional and spiritual effects. This book will motivate you to clutter-clear as never before, once you realise just how much your junk has been holding you back!Learn:- Why people keep clutter- How clutter causes stagnation in every area of your life- Why clearing clutter is essential for effective feng shui- How to clear clutter quickly and effectively- Karen Kingston''s top ten clutter clearing tipsTrade ReviewWhat a great book . . . I have read it twice in a week and underline more of it each time. Thanks, Karen, for helping me to simplify my life in a joyful wayA gem of a book. You'll read it on the bus going home and be boxing, filing and clearing the instant you're through the door - Elle

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Book SynopsisBlack & Decker The Hardworking Home is chock-full of ideas and how-to tutorials on adapting your home environment to efficiently accommodate home office space, home and remote schooling, and living in the emerging cultural reality.Table of ContentsINTRODUCTION What Makes a Hardworking Home?SECTION 1: ADAPTING SPACE Tips and Solutions for Any Room Home Office Décor Dining and Living Rooms Kitchens Family Rooms BedroomsSECTION 2: CREATING SPACE Renovating a Spare Room Lighting ImprovementsCreating an Office or “Recess Area” in a Basement Is Your Basement Livable? Basement Humidity Basement Space Basement Building Codes Controlling Basement Moisture Furred-Out Basement Walls Upgrading Basement Ventilation Replacing Basement Windows Basement Floors Basement Ceilings Installing Direct-Mounted Basement Ceiling PanelsCloset Offices Closet Office ConversionCreating Living Space in a Garage Garage Renovation Potential The Garage Door Improving Garage Lighting Rehabbing a Garage Floor Interior Garage Walls Garage Windows and SkylightsMaking a Shed Habitable Shed Requirements Getting Power to a Shed Shed Lighting Shed Walls and Ceilings Shed Ventilation Shed Heating and Cooling Shed FloorsSECTION 3: EASY DIY PROJECTS FOR THE HARDWORKING HOMEPrivacy Barriers & Room Dividers Folding Room Dividers Kneewalls Partition WallsDoors Door TypesBookcase Room Dividers Built-In Room-Divider BookcaseDesks, Shelving, and Storage Foldaway Wall Bench/DeskUnderstairs Solutions Finishing an Understairs AreaUtility ShelvesPegboard Storage Custom Storage Loft Special-Purpose Carts Adjustable Shelves Photo CreditsMetric Conversion Charts Index

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Book SynopsisWhat makes you feel cozy? This gorgeous book of inspiration is all about what helps you feel at home. Create your own quiet refuge with tips and affordable décor ideas from popular blogger and author Liz Marie Galvan. Liz''s friendly blend of inspiration, interactive elements, and intentional living ideas will help you create cozy spaces, healthy habits, and will fill your home with calm and connection.Bring peace, calm, and beauty into your life and your home as you journey with popular blogger and author Liz Marie Galvan through Create Your Own Cozy to create a haven for yourself and those you love.This beautiful interactive book offers: Ideas to make your home and life cozier—from personal routines to easy and affordable ways to make any space feel comfortable Cozy home tips, garden ideas, and easy gathering suggestions Stunning photography and captivating original art Sp

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Book SynopsisBuy fewer (and better) things. Store like with like. Get rid of the plastic. Display—don’t stash—your belongings. Let go of your inner perfectionist and remember that rooms are for living. These are a few of the central principles behind Remodelista: The Organized Home, the new book from the team behind the inspirational design site Remodelista.com. Whether you’re a minimalist or someone who takes pleasure in her collections, we all yearn for an unencumbered life in a home that makes us happy. This compact tome shows us how, with more than 100 simple and stylish tips, each clearly presented and accompanied by full-color photographs that are sure to inspire. Readers will learn strategies for conquering their homes’ problem zones (from the medicine cabinet to the bedroom closet) and organizing tricks and tools that can be deployed in every room (embrace trays; hunt for unused spaces overhead; decant everything). Interviews with experts, ranging from kindergarten teachers to hoteliers, offer even more ingenious ideas to steal. It all adds up to the ultimate home organizing manual.Trade Review“The tools and expert advice you need to impose order beautifully.”—The Wall Street Journal “Chock-full of . . . straightforward, unfussy solutions for getting your belongings and rooms in order.”—ArchitecturalDigest.com “Simple and joyful solutions for dealing with clutter prone spots with style.”—Washington Post “A decluttering tome that supports the beauty of organization, helping readers to understand that order can be artful. The book goes room by room through every space in the house, breaking down not only what to toss and keep, but also how to make your home efficient without sacrificing style.”—Apartment Therapy “Here are all the secrets to decluttering your home like a pro. . . . Remodelista: The Organized Home is packed with simple yet unexpected tips for creating a beautiful home. The book breaks it down, room by room, to show you how to display the things you love while achieving the organization you’re after.”—Brit + Co. “If a one-day spring cleaning doesn’t cut it when it comes to cutting through your clutter, take a look at the new book Remodelista: The Organized Home.”—Houston Chronicle“The tools and expert advice you need to impose order beautifully.”—The Wall Street Journal “Chock-full of . . . straightforward, unfussy solutions for getting your belongings and rooms in order.”—ArchitecturalDigest.com “Simple and joyful solutions for dealing with clutter prone spots with style.”—Washington Post “A decluttering tome that supports the beauty of organization, helping readers to understand that order can be artful. The book goes room by room through every space in the house, breaking down not only what to toss and keep, but also how to make your home efficient without sacrificing style.”—Apartment Therapy “Here are all the secrets to decluttering your home like a pro. . . . Remodelista: The Organized Home is packed with simple yet unexpected tips for creating a beautiful home. The book breaks it down, room by room, to show you how to display the things you love while achieving the organization you’re after.”—Brit + Co. “If a one-day spring cleaning doesn’t cut it when it comes to cutting through your clutter, take a look at the new book Remodelista: The Organized Home.”—Houston Chronicle

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Book SynopsisMake your own custom-tailored and perfectly formed cold-process soaps! Learn how to use milk jugs and yogurt containers for molds, and how coffee, avocado, and even beer can add unique dimensions to your creations. This encouraging introduction to the art of soapmaking makes it simple to master the techniques you need to safely and easily produce your own enticingly fragrant soaps.

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Book SynopsisSmall changes can make a big difference to your home – refresh your rooms and discover the true meaning of comfort. The Comforts of Home is a book that enters into the spirit of how we want to live now, at a time when excess is no longer desirable. Author Caroline Clifton-Mogg puts a welcoming and beautiful haven within everyone's reach. The first section, The Elements, extols the joys of an orderly haven, covering both decorative aspects such as textiles and finishing touches, and practical topics such as storage and cleaning. The second section, The Rooms, shows how to create a home that's inviting and easy to live in – from the welcoming hallway, to the cosy kitchen, comfortable living room, satisfying study, practical bathroom and peaceful bedroom – through to the garden. The Comforts of Home offers clever decorating ideas that rely on imagination and style rather than a deep purse and suggests ways of making the most of what we have to put the heart back into our homes.

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Book Synopsis'A book full of interior inspiration, fabulous hints and tips, and bucket-loads of personality, just like the authors! The perfect gift for the interiors lover in your life.'Siobhan Murphy, BBC Interior Design Masters FinalistFrom the Instagram team that brought you the Story Of My Home hashtag competition comes the ultimate guide to home interiors. The Art Of Home will show you how to make the most of your space, whether you live in a rented flat or own a detached house. It's illustrated with photos of some of the most incredible, fun and vibrant spaces you will ever lay eyes on. With a chapter dedicated to every room (and the front door, of course), you'll find tips to help you get creative with your space, solve common problems, manage renovations and make your home look uniquely fabulous. You'll find plenty to inspire you, no matter your style, and there are clever ideas to suit all budgets and help everyone turn their home into a place they never want to leave.The Art of Home is written by interiors experts and founders of the Story Of My Home hashtag competition, Joanne Hardcastle - @hardcastletowers, Jack D March - @jackdmarch, Marie-Claire Jackson - @thegingerhareofyorkshire and Wendy Simpson - @the_yorkshire_homestead. In addition to sharing their favourite photos from the SOMH community, they also give you a sneak peek inside their own homes, to get you thinking about ideas for your own space.

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Book Synopsis'Anne Heigham has brought the ancient, timeless wisdom of Ayurveda into these energizing recipes that nourish the doshas.Anne Heigham has brought the ancient, timeless wisdom of Ayurveda into these energizing recipes that nourish the doshas.' Vasant Lad, BAM&S, MASc, Ayurvedic Physician'Let food be your first medicine and the kitchen your first pharmacy.' Taittiriya UpanishadBy using the principles of Ayurveda, which is one of the fastest growing health practices, and a little vision, transform your kitchen into a space that nourishes your body, mind and soul.With this beautiful introduction to Ayurveda, learn how to use your kitchen as a natural pharmacy to improve your health and prevent imbalances with key Ayurvedic ingredients, 80 perfectly balanced vegetarian recipes and simple home remedies. Ayurveda aims to bring health back into balance, nourishing agni (metabolic fire) and prana (life force), while clearing ama (metabolic waste or 'sludge'). Just imagine fresh, vibrant herbs growing, seeds sprouting and pickles fermenting. Discover how to perform a kitchen sadhana at the beginning of each season, mix your own spice blends and balance recipes according to what you need and how you feel.Sections include:Introduction to AyurvedaAyurveda and seasonal eatingThe kitchen pharmacyRecipes from the Ayurveda kitchenRecipes include:Sweet potato and pea tortillaNourishing spiced pumpkin soupRefuelling rice and red lentil ballsCarrot and beetroot celebration cake

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Book SynopsisHouse London showcases 50 of the most stylish homes in the capital today – each with a uniquely 'London' feel. From the surprising interiors of humble terraces to extraordinary conversions showcasing the height of luxury.Table of Contents21ST-CENTURY MODERN Folds House Cork House House-within-a-House Longhouse Ellesmere Road The London Home Wilton Way Highbury Family Home Rebecca’s Home Talfourd Hampstead House RAW AND INDUSTRIAL Gin Distillery OHSt West Side Brewery Bookend House Kumar Nair Medusa Peyton Place Green House Bohemian House Fern Villa St John Street CRAFTS AND HERITAGESt John’s Wood Residence South-west London Home Sycamore House Heath Flat Disco House Blue Rooms Cottage Noir Ledbury Road Nicky Haslam’s London Pied-à-terre COLOUR AND PATTERN Mountain View House Forest House Finchley Home Kaleidoscope White Rabbit House Pembridge Mo-tel HouseRichmond Park Renovation Up-side-down House The House Recast Plimsoll Street MINIMALISM Notting Hill Apartment KG House Sun Rain Rooms Belgravia Mews House Bavaria Road Studio Paddington Pantheon Elsley Road Brixton Family House ER Residence

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Book SynopsisYou've decided you're ready to build and enjoy the benefits of a tiny house, but how? Combining the "why" with the "how to," Building Your Tiny House Dream will show you each and every step to constructing your own custom camper. Part one provides detailed guidance on essential information, from the skills needed and planning to tools, safety, and helpful resources. Start building your personal tiny home in part two that's carefully laid out in order from start to finish, from laying the foundation, framing, and roofing to plumbing, adding personality, and towing so you can take your tiny home on wheels wherever you want to go! Written by award-winning tiny home builder Chris Schapdick, learn from an expert how to build the tiny house of your dreams!

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Book SynopsisFrom New York Times Bestselling Author Erica Bauermeister comes a memoir about the power of home and the transformative act of restoring one house in particular. “I think anyone who saves an old house has to be a caretaker at heart, a believer in underdogs, someone whose imagination is inspired by limitations, not endless options.” In this mesmerizing memoir-in-essays, Erica Bauermeister renovates a trash-filled house in eccentric Port Townsend, Washington, and in the process takes readers on a journey to discover the ways our spaces subliminally affect us. A personal, accessible, and literary exploration of the psychology of architecture, as well as a loving tribute to the connections we forge with the homes we care for and live in, this book is designed for anyone who’s ever fallen head over heels for a house. It is also a story of a marriage, of family, and of the kind of roots that settle deep into your heart. Discover what happens when a house has its own lessons to teach in this moving and insightful memoir that ultimately shows us how to make our own homes (and lives) better.Trade ReviewNamed a "Best Book of 2020" by Real SimpleWashington State Book Award FinalistPacific Northwest Booksellers Association Bestseller“One part investigation of architecture and design, one part exploration of identity, House Lessons is a meditation on space and home, and Bauermeister is a Zen master of the self.”—Adrienne Brodeur, author of Wild Game“Almost anyone who’s ever let heart rule head will nod, at the very least, at the stories that a 100-year-old house in Port Townsend, Washington, evokes. In her memoir of falling in love with a house, novelist Bauermeister details every cranny, cove, and piece of plaster...This will resonate with any readers who love words and old houses.”—Booklist, starred review“...a family memoir, a primer of architectural theories and a study of how people relate to their spaces. Fans of [Bauermeister's] four novels know [she] has a keen appreciation of the senses—savoring food in The School of Essential Ingredients, the art of fragrance in The Scent Keeper. She demonstrates that same respect for the renovation.”—Shelf Awareness“Erica Bauermeister’s latest book is a thoughtful, entertaining memoir of the time she and her family spent renovating the mother of all fixer-uppers...Bauermeister has given us a skeleton key to unlock ideas about self and space and place...” —Christian Science Monitor “This beautifully written memoir is for anyone who has wondered where home is and how to find it, fix it, love it, and leave it for later as well. We are lucky to be along for the ride.”—Laurie Frankel, New York Times bestselling author of This Is How It Always Is“This deeply moving story of an epic home renovation pulls essential life lessons from the logistics of plaster removal and pipe fitting and moves effortlessly across time and topic to find moments of reflection, optimism, and love in the most unlikely of places.”—Tara Conklin, New York Times bestselling author of The Last Romantics and The House Girl “Intimate and gracefully told, here is the irresistible story of a house and a family in transmutation.”—Rikki Ducornet, author of The Deep Zoo “Reading House Lessons is itself like walking through a beloved old home, where strange treasures and beautiful eccentricities reveal themselves around every corner. Generous and artful, this is a hard-won story of the work that goes into building a life.” —Molly Wizenberg, bestselling author of A Homemade Life

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Book SynopsisImagine this: you have a hot cup of tea and a good book in front of you, the aroma of freshly baked bread in the air as sunlight streams in through the window. Daydreaming of a simpler life? Go back to the basics with Cottagecore Simplified.It might not be practical to drop everything and live out your fairytale fantasy, but it’s easy to embrace countryside comfort while coexisting with the modern world—find inspiration in the crafts, décor, and lifestyle tips in this book. This guide is designed to bring peace and relaxation to your life.Inside you’ll find: Recipes for baked breads, pies, pastries, and more Embroidery, sewing, and quilt patterns Ideas for sketches and doodles An introduction to candle and soap making Tips for maintaining your garden Pottery, flowerpressing, and other charming crafts And more! Life is all about enjoying the simple things. This idyllic aesthetic allows you to break from monotony and routine. Start off friends and family in their new home with this ideal housewarming gift, or take the plunge yourself into DIY projects and low-waste living. Unplug from the modern world and bring cottagecore to your everyday life with Cottagecore Simplified.

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Book SynopsisRustic isn’t what it used to be. Gone are the days when rustic style meant fusty dried flower arrangements, antlers over a stone fireplace and acres of tartan. At its heart, the modern rustic look celebrates the fabric of a home, from the roof beams to the brickwork. This style revels in earthy colours and rich textures; in natural materials such as wood and stone; and the ruggedly handsome bones of a building. In this book, stylist Emily Henson and writer Joanna Simmons first lead you through the Elements of the Modern Rustic look. Pure Rustic elegantly blends clean lines with muted shades of grey. Bohemian Rustic mixes texture and pattern with lush colour, while Pop Rustic teams raw wood with pops of neon and tongue-in-cheek artworks. Retro Rustic, meanwhile, brings a relaxed feel, showcasing beaten-up leather armchairs and brick floors. In Details, textiles, furniture, fabric and display are explored, while Living Spaces shows how Modern Rustic style translates beautifully to every room in the house.

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Book SynopsisThe devil is in the details-the science and art of designing and building durable, efficient, straw bale buildings Straw bale buildings promise superior insulation and flexibility across a range of design aesthetics, while using a typically local and abundant low-embodied energy material that sequesters carbon-an important part of mitigating climate change. However, some early straw bale designs and construction methods resulted in buildings that failed to meet design goals for energy efficiency and durability. This led to improved building practices and a deeper understanding of the building science underlying this building system. Distilling two decades of site-built straw bale design and construction experience, Straw Bale Building Details is an illustrated guide that covers: Principles and process of straw bale design and building, options, and alternatives Building science of straw bale wall systems Table of ContentsAcknowledgmentsBook ContributorsForeword by David Arkin, AIA–CASBA Director Introduction 1. Why Build with Straw Bales?2. Designing with Straw Bales3. Structural Design Considerations4. Electrical, Plumbing, Ducts, and Flues in Straw Bale Walls5. Stacking Straw Bale Walls 6. Plastering Straw Bale Walls7. Straw Bale Construction and Building Codes: 2018 IRC Appendix S — Strawbale Construction Appendix 1: Fire and Straw Bale Walls Appendix 2: Managing Successful and Effective Work Parties Glossary Principal Contributor Biographies IndexAbout New Society Publishers

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Book SynopsisThis book gives information on the origins of smoke-curing, the basic smoking processes, raw materials, equipment and storage. In addition there are 25 recipes for meat, game, fish and shellfish.These days, home smoking and curing food is all about creating the best possible flavours. Surprisingly, preserving food is quite simple and all it takes is some basic equipment and a degree of organization. This practical guide reveals the ways to retain the subtle flavours of fresh produce by smoking, from simple smoked salmon to more unusual ideas such as smoked mussels or smoked sausages. With informative text, clear instructions and charming illustrations throughout, this will be an invaluable guide for anyone looking to create their own cured and smoked products.

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Book SynopsisHome-healing spells and meditations—accompanied by more than 100 colorful and inspiring illustrations—give you everything you need to transform your home into a restorative and magical space.House Magic presents home protections for every living space that bring together the traditions of earth magic, meditation, herbalism, self-awareness, astrology, and feminist spirituality. From the evil eye to stagnant energy, learn how to transform any space into a sacred sanctuary using the power of crystals, herbs, and flowers. By first learning the ancient histories of home magic spells, their origins, and their practices, House Magic presents spells and protections to produce fundamental manifestations in each space within the home—Clearing, Protection, Comfort, Harmony, and Balance. This gorgeous guide takes you through manifesting a magical life with intentions, altars, and colors. Meditate with the earth and the moon to bring specific intentions into your space. Bless and protect your house from evil spirits, and create a harmonizing home with charming symbols like dream catchers, runes, hamsa, and triquetra symbols. Use old traditions and objects like brooms and candles to bless your home. Invite household spirits such as the Bean-Tighe, Domovoi, and Gaelic Goddess Brigid for protection. Declutter and feng shui your space! Practice spellwork and rituals made for each room in your home to: Bring more joy and familial connections to your living room for a happier home Attract creativity and success to your office Create a peaceful atmosphere in your bedroom for soothing sleep, good dreams, and romance Allow restoration to enter your bathroom to feel refreshed and calm Make nourishing recipes for when you and your loved ones gather in the kitchen And much more! Harness the power of magic to create a beautiful, healing living space with this unique resource manual. The Mystical Handbook series from Wellfleet takes you on a magical journey through the wonderful world of spellcraft and spellcasting. Explore a new practice with each volume and learn how to incorporate spells, rituals, blessings, and cleansings into your daily routine. These portable companions feature beautiful foil-detail covers and color-saturated interiors on a premium paper blend. Other titles in the series include: Witchcraft, Love Spells, Moon Magic, Knot Magic, and Superstitions.Table of ContentsIntroduction Manifesting a Magical Life Bless This Magical House Protect and Bring Luck to This Magical House Creating a Harmonizing Home The Magic of Earth: Greenery, Blooms, and Essential Oils The Magical Energy of Water and Crystals Spells, Rituals, and Recipes to Conjure House Magic Preparing the Rooms of the Home Resources and References Index Acknowledgments

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Book SynopsisSpring clean your life with this practical, achievable guide to decluttering from the British Marie KondoWardrobes bursting with unworn clothes.Boxes full of obsolete chargers and neglected children''s toys. A dresser jammed full of mismatched socks. . . Sound familiar? Many of us feel increasingly overwhelmed by the sheer amount of stuff packed into our homes. Being organised at home doesn''t just mean always knowing where you left the remote; it means being able to face the world with a clear mind and increased energy. It all starts at home.But where? When the problem is so vast and we are all so busy, how do you even begin to tackle the clutter mountain? Professional organiser Vicky Silverthorn has the simple answer: start with your sock drawer. Using tried-and-tested methods, Vicky will guide you through practical, bite-sized tasks that will help you achieve a friendly level of organisation throughout your home and a life-changing clarity of mind. With Vicky''s help, you can banish clutter and turn your home into a sanctuary. Perfect for fans of the Netflix series Tidying up with Marie Kondo and followers of Mrs Hinch.Readers love Start With Your Sock Drawer: ''Full of useful tips'' ''Great advice in this concise book, which will get you on your way to better organisation and leading an uncluttered life'' ''As a professional declutterer, this is the only book I regularly recommended to my clients''''Informative and practical'' ''Excellent, sensible advice'' Trade ReviewClients of "avid declutterer" Vicky Silverthorn include model Suki Waterhouse and television presenter Jonathan Ross, who calls her system "life changing". The book's 10 chapters outline how to organise everything from yours socks to your fridge with sections on "letting go" and "simple living" * Daily Express *Start With Your Sock Drawer, a simple guide to living a less cluttered life, gives a host of tips and steps to ridding homes of the clutter and stuff people accumulate over the years * Exmouth Journal *Vicky is a wonder. Her meticulous and practical re-organisation of my wardrobe has freed me from clutter and spared up valuable time . . . She's a life changer, and also great company! * JONATHAN ROSS *Vicky's can do attitude and positivity can make the scariest tasks seem eerily achievable. You'll also have fun along the way! * JAMIE DORNAN *

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Book Synopsis BLACK+DECKER The Complete Guide to Sheds Updated 4th Edition has the perfect plan for building your own tool shed, habitable shed, garden shed, and many other types of sheds. With more than 20 complete building plans, the most popular plans from previous editions are preserved, from small garage-style sheds with overhead doors, to kit sheds, to contemporary utility sheds with a dramatic flair. This new edition delves into new styles that are drawing strong interest today, including tiny sheds, miniature tool sheds, and even small habitable sheds that are designed to function as a private home office or a quiet retreat for practicing a particular hobby or activity. As with all of the hardworking, practical sheds from earlier editions, the new varieties include full-color step-by-step photos, complete building plan drawings with cutting lists, and clear how-to instruction

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Book Synopsis**** New edition fully revised and updated, including new material on the most popular questions and household problems ****Master Basic DIY explains all the basic tasks and gives you all the information you need to undertake essential decorating and maintenance in an informed and sensible manner. It offers insight into complex options and methods, and is full of practical information and indispensable tips to enable you to quickly see the results reflected in your DIY projects.Master Basic DIY includes:Part one - The basicsChapter 1: ToolsChapter 2: Top ten DIY jobs for homeownersChapter 3: Sequence of workChapter 4: From foundations to the ground floor slabChapter 5: Brickwork and blockworkChapter 6: Roofs, roof coverings and loft conversionsChapter 7: Home electricsChapter 8: Plumbing, central heating and drainageChapter 9: Plastering, plasterboard and partition wallsPart two - Projects<Table of Contents : Foreword : Introduction : Chap 1. Foundations & Drainage: : Chap 2. Kitchen: Chap 3. Downstairs loo.: . : Chap 4. Hallway: : Chap 5. Lounge: : Chap 6. Bedroom: : Chap 7: Bathroom : Chap 8: Loft: : Chap 9: Roof: : Chap 10: External: : Chap 11: Using professionals:

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Book SynopsisTHE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER 'To say we are excited for the release of this book is a massive understatement' Closer'Fun, practical and friendly - like Solomon herself' Guardian'This book is for you to use as a guide, as inspiration, or even just to read without any pressure to do anything at all! Grab a cuppa and dip in and out of it at leisure. I want you to know that you really do have the skill to do anything you want - don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Having your own home is something we all dream about. I hope this book will give you the confidence to pick up a drill, paint brush, hammer or a hack saw and make your space the home of your dreams.' Stace xxDiscover Stacey's Tap to Tidy DIY Method - with steps on how to get started. Each chapter includes:· Hero projects: Big renovation or organisational projects· Quick fixes: Small jobs to spruce up a room· Make-ups: My transformative craft projects and accessoriesAs well as all of Stacey's best tips and crafting secrets.Trade ReviewThe book is a great guide to DIY and interior design for the DIY and interior-design illiterate (i.e. me)...it's fun, practical and friendly - much like Solomon herself. I couldn't believe I was reading about renting a Sandy the Sander sanding machine and thinking: 'Well, maybe,' marvelling at her ability to create panda doorknobs and thanking Stacey for teaching me what a Rawlplug does. * Guardian *You've shown people that... you can just go down the DIY shop, get the stuff and do it and you don't need to rely on anyone else. You can do it yourself. -- Rob Beckett * Parenting Hell Podcast *

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Book SynopsisWomen have so many things vying for their attention. Most try to handle everything with grace and ease, look perfect, be a stellar mom, be an understanding and loving wife, be a flawless boss or employee, be an ever-attentive friend, pursue their own interests, and leave no one disappointed. But is this realistic? Jenn Johnson has come to realize that the pursuit of perfection is unrealistic and unfair. Instead, we need to focus on what's important, do things with intention, and seek what is true, noble, right, pure, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. We need to pursue All Things Lovely. Living a holy and holistic life, a life marked by beauty and truth, means being mindful and intentional about the food we put in our bodies, how we present ourselves to the world, the spaces we create, and the people we let into our lives. When we set our minds on what is lovely, we begin to see ourselves and the world as God intended. We begin to be wholly renewed.All Things Lovely is divided into four parts: Home, Heart, Health and Hospitality. Jenn invites the reader on a search for All Things Lovely by sharing the joy of healthy recipes, the clarity that comes from an organized and cozy space in your home, the importance of building community, and the peace that comes from a pure and loving heart. The book will include beautiful full color photography of Jenn's family, her home, and mouthwatering food.

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Book SynopsisSmall is beautiful, and these 15 real farm plans show that small-scale farmers can have big-time success. Compact Farms is an illustrated guide for anyone dreaming of starting, expanding, or perfecting a profitable farming enterprise on five acres or less. The farm plans explain how to harness an area’s water supply, orientation, and geography in order to maximize efficiency and productivity while minimizing effort. Profiles of well-known farmers such as Eliot Coleman and Jean-Martin Fortier show that farming on a small scale in any region, in both urban and rural settings, can provide enough income to turn the endeavor from hobby to career. These real-life plans and down-and-dirty advice will equip you with everything you need to actually realize your farm dreams.

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Book SynopsisLabor and related costs account for more than half of the price of the average home solar installation. But homeowners can save thousands of dollars with this user-friendly manual, which follows the same process professional contractors use. Through detailed directions and step-by-step photos, veteran solar installer Joseph Burdick and seasoned builder Philip Schmidt teach you how to determine the size, placement, and type of installation you’ll need. This comprehensive DIY guide covers everything from assembling rooftop racking or building a ground-mount structure to setting up the electrical connections and making a battery bank for off-grid systems.

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Book SynopsisMaking a home that works for you is the key to a better life. Interiors expert Rebecca West reveals how to align your heart, home, and health via small changes that make a big difference.What does it take to be happy at home? It?s not about buying or not buying a new sofa. It?s about whether your home is working for you in the best way. Your home can directly improve your wellbeing and contentment with better health, sleep, and relationships, and ultimately decrease your stress levels to increase your all-round happiness. In this book, Rebecca West helps you to learn how to make your home feel brand new without actually relocating and how to redecorate so you can feel best in your space. Along with beautiful photographs, there are a variety of self-assessment activities to connect your financial, emotional, and physical health to your space to ensure it nurtures your vision?and invest your time and money more effectively too. With Happy Starts at Home, you can commit to buying fewer things and doing more to discover what?s holding you back, in order to create a home that makes you smile.

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Book SynopsisBBC Interior Design Masters finalist Siobhan Murphy brings you a fearless home interiors handbook that celebrates maximalism and shows you how your taste in fashion can influence your home decor.'For me, maximalism is about using colour, patterns and textures in a happy and joyful way. It's about showcasing your personality and the things you love, both in the way you dress and in the way you decorate your home. It's decorating from the heart, going with your gut and not worrying what the neighbours will say.' Siobhan MurphyThis first-of-its-kind interiors handbook encourages you to think about the colours, textures, patterns and prints that bring happiness into your life, then shows you some clever ways to work these elements into your home decor. A celebration of bold fashion and maximalist interiors, More Is More Decor showcases key maximalist influencers of the past and present, from Jayne Mansfield to Jonathan Adler, before demonstrating how fashion and other interests such as travel can inspire your interior design choices. Fully illustrated throughout with photos of Siobhan's incredible art deco home, as well as all of her favourite influencers, it's a feast for the eyes and a book that can be pored over or dipped in and out of. With Siobhan's guidance you'll find the confidence to experiment, be bolder with your style and curate a space that fills you with joy. It's time to banish the beige, ditch the drab and throw the interiors rule book out of the window.Chapter breakdown: 1. What Is Maximalism?2. Inspiration From Places and Things3. Inspiration From Influencers Past4. Inspiration From Today's Influencers5. Playing With Colour6. Pattern and Print7. Accessories: The Jewellery of the Home8. Mood Boarding and Sourcing

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Book Synopsis Recipes for natural cleaning products from green living blogger Wendy Graham. Learn how to make your home smell as fresh as a daisy with these eco-friendly, money-saving, germ-busting recipes. Using a base of essential oils and natural ingredients, these cleaning products are easy to make, are kinder to your skin and to the environment, while being as effective as any shop-bought solution. The recipes use simple, inexpensive ingredients that are widely available such as bicarbonate of soda, vinegar, salt and citrus fruit, and will leave your home sparkling clean. You can even customise the fragrances to make your home smell crisp, time and time again. Fresh Clean Home guides the reader from the kitchen to laundry and the bathroom, and also includes a section of recipes for specific household cleaning products, such as window and mirror cleaner, carpet and upholstery spot cleaner and sticky stuff remover. Clean every nook and cranny, with surface cleaners and bathroom shiners, laundry powder and fabric conditioner, kettle descaler and more, for a beautiful, fresh clean home.

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Book SynopsisAdding a backyard storage shed, a new detached garage, an attractive playhouse or any other type of utility building not only improves the functionality of your home but also adds value to your property. Written with the DIY enthusiast in mind, Ultimate Guide: Barns, Sheds, and Outbuildings gives you the information you need to enhance your property by constructing one of these buildings. Whether you plan to do the work yourself or you just want to know the basics before you hire the work out to someone else, this new updated edition provides information on planning, building and finishing in clear text aided by 60 easy-to-follow photographic sequences. Select from dozens of ready-to-build plan packages and order readily available construction blueprints, CAD files, cost estimates and materials lists.

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Book SynopsisAdd the perfect deck and enjoy the outdoors from the comfort of your own home! Featuring 30 complete deck plans that are created and provided by the industry’s leading master deck builders, this comprehensive, easy-to-read guide will walk you through the entire process of designing and building a deck from start to finish. With step-by-step instructions for accomplishing all the included deck designs, coordinating photography, material lists, and expert advice, build the deck of your dreams whether you do it yourself or hire a contractor.

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Book SynopsisThis book will appeal to anyone with a love of cheese. The text covers every aspect of making cheese at home, from the tools and equipment needed and basic recipes to making more complex cheeses and advice on setting up a small cheese business. You do not need to be scientifically trained to make cheese, nor do you need to be an accomplished cook or possess expensive specialist equipment.Here Rita Ash shows just how simple the process is and how, with a little care and attention, anyone can produce delicious hand-made cheeses at home. Each of the recipes are clearly explained and include suggested uses for each of the finished cheeses. As no prior knowledge is assumed, the book is suitable for beginners and more experienced cheese makers alike.

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Book SynopsisThere’s never been a better time to be prepared. "This book is an indispensable basic manual for the real-life issues that await us in the decades to come. . . [A] treasure trove of practical wisdom."—James Howard Kunstler, author of The Geography of Nowhere Matthew Stein’s comprehensive primer on sustainable living skills—from food and water to shelter and energy to first-aid and crisis-management skills—prepares you to embark on the path toward sustainability. But unlike any other book, Stein not only shows you how to live green in seemingly stable times, but to live in the face of potential disasters, lasting days or years, coming in the form of social upheaval, economic meltdown, or environmental catastrophe. When Technology Fails covers the gamut. Inside, you’ll learn: The basics of installing a renewable energy system for your home or business How to find and sterilize water in the face of utility failure How to keep warm if you’ve been left temporarily homeless Practical information for dealing with water-quality issues Alternative health and first-aid techniques Each chapter describes skills for self-reliance in good times and bad. Chapters Include: A survey of the risks to the status quo Supplies and preparation for short- and long-term emergencies Emergency measures for survival Prepping water, food, shelter, and clothing First aid, low-tech medicine, and healing Securing energy, heat, and power Metalworking Utensils and storage Low-tech chemistry engineering, machines, and materials Fully revised and expanded, When Technology Fails ends on a positive, proactive note with a chapter on “Making the Shift to Sustainability,” which offers practical suggestions for changing our world on personal, community and global levels.Trade ReviewReview From John Egan, proprietor of the website SurvivalistBooks.com- Matthew Stein has written a clear, concise book on the subject of survival that, while educating, also does what few others have managed to do - entertain and engage the reader. Throughout the book you'll find personal stories accompanying the text to further illustrate or drive home a point. The use of these asides brings you into Matthew Stein's life, as he recounts personal stories of survival and tells the stories of others who have managed to overcome the odds to survive. Not just a survival book, Matthew also covers topics like alternative therapies; how to create a survival mindset; survival strategies; renewable energy; companion gardening; prophecies etc. as well as all the regular topics found in such books - edible plants; first aid; making a survival kit; growing, hunting and foraging; making tools; creating shelters; spinning/weaving/tanning etc. The book has some great illustrations that make plant identification and first aid that much easier to understand and each chapter finishes with a reference section listing books (along with a short review) and resources (with web addresses where available). "If you've been wondering about how to respond to the twin dangers of peak oil and global warming, one of your best choices would be to read this book."--Greg Pahl, author of The Citizen-Powered Energy Handbook: Community Solutions to a Global Crisis"We imagine that we live in the age of information, but this engrossing book reminds us of how comparatively little we know. Most human communities used to know how to provide water and food and energy for themselves, but most of the tips in this comprehensive account will come as news to most Americans. You may never need to put them into practice (or you may need them this winter when home heating prices soar) but at the very least they illuminate the state of our comparative ignorance."--Bill McKibben, author of Deep Economy "You don't need to be a survivalist to appreciate this book. If you are thoughtful. If you seek a simpler, more sustainable life or if you feel as though technology has already failed us in the ways that matter, this is a book you want in your personal library."--Kathy Harrison, author of Just In Case: How to Be Self-Sufficient When the Unexpected Happens "This book is an indispensable basic manual for the real-life issues that await us in the decades to come. Those who read it, and pay attention to its treasure trove of practical wisdom, will enjoy a huge advantage as the cheap oil fiesta winds down and circumstances compel us to live differently."--James Howard Kunstler, author of The Long Emergency "A fascinating collection of concepts and skills that will satisfy everyone from the casual do-it-yourself enthusiast to someone who wants to attempt self-reliance and the ultimate emergency preparedness."--Howard Backer, MD, author of Wilderness First Aid: Emergency Care for Wilderness Locations and past president of the Wilderness Medical Society "I have no children because I read M. King Hubbert's analyses on the future of oil and other fossil fuels in 1969, and Limits to Growth shortly thereafter. It was clear to me then and in every year since that our whole economy, and all of our economic principles, were based on cheap oil that would not last. The reason that economists could get away with criticizing Hubbert and LTG as well promoting their basically absurd theories that often disregarded and even belittled natural resources was that, in fact, more oil could be pulled out of the ground to make ANY economic theory or policy work, no matter how stupid. Now that the oil spigot is sputtering the economists' theories and policies are increasingly shown to be failures. We need a whole new way to think about how we do our economies. In the spirit of the old Whole Earth Catalogues Matt Stein does a marvelous and diverse job of helping us to think about how we might go about generating an approach to our economies that can make sense. This is a great book to have on your bookshelf as we enter the post-peak second half of the age of oil."--Professor Charles A.S. Hall, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry "When Technology Fails is the roadmap that you want and need to navigate whatever may lie ahead."--John L. Chunta, PeakOilResources.com "We may all need a survival reference when technology fails. Matthew provides one--fact-filled, with useful tips on all aspects of survival, clothing, food, shelter, water, etc., including such vital subjects as grazing and the green pharmacy."--James A. Duke, economic botanist, USDA (ret.), and author of The Green Pharmacy "A marvelous guidebook for helping us through the worst of times, and even improving on the best of times."--Thom Hartmann, syndicated radio host and author of The Last Hours of Ancient Sunlight"When the grid goes down, having this book with you could be the difference between life and death."--Matt Savinar, author of Life After the Oil Crash"Stein's excellent guide to simplifying your life, reducing your environmental impact, and pulling yourself out of a jam is sure to gather no dust on your bookshelf... This book is a personal and planetary empowerment tool."--Richard Heede, Ph.D., author, Homemade Money: How to Save Energy and Dollars in Your Home "I liked this book. It's carefully researched, comprehensive, well illustrated, and readable. It presents much needed alternate information, for, in my opinion, technology has already 'failed' ...So replacement of polluting 'high' technologies with non-polluting 'low' ones is urgent, and Matthew Stein's handbook systematically and accurately surveys a wide array of possible low-tech options. Much hard work, time, and talent went into the building of this basic reference survey of low-tech options."--Carla Emery, author, The Encyclopedia of Country Living: An Old-Fashioned Recipe Book "When Technology Fails is a massive project done well. First the book gives a superb presentation of WHY one should be more aware and prepared--and then HOW one should go about this. The scope of this book... is thorough. Not only is the information presented well, but a solid bibliography can carry the student as far as he desires in any particular area of interest."--John McPherson, author, Primitive Wilderness Living and Survival Skills "Matthew Stein has done us all a tremendous favor by searching far and wide for useful knowledge. In this era of specialization, personal and social viability depend on expansive thinking. When Technology Fails is itself a powerful expression of the technology of sustainable living. It teaches more skills than I thought possible in just one book and rightly combines the immediacy of an emergency escape plan with the urgency for long-term thinking."--Mathis Wackernagel, Executive Director of the Global Footprint Network "When Technology Fails is a comprehensive guide and compendium of the tools society will require as it reaches the convergence of hyper-inflation, oil depletion, and environmental limitations; in other words, at the point where technology fails."--William Kemp, author of The Renewable Energy Handbook"When Technology Fails. . . Like that's some sort of unlikely future possibility! Technology is always failing while people stand around befuddled about what to do. With Mat Stein's book, when push comes to shove, you can be your own veritable MacGyver. Not only does it provide us with the information we need to plan for, and deal with, potential emergencies and disasters, it also shows us how we can live more sustainably and self-reliantly in today's world of climate change and gas prices that are going through the ceiling. This is the sort of ingenuity for which Americans have been famous. When Technology Fails is to the mechanical world what Joy of Cooking is to the world of cooking. In other words, the encyclopedia every home should have on hand. Keep it right next to the emergency flashlight and your Swiss Army knife."--David Blume, permaculturist and author of Alcohol Can Be A Gas!"Whether you are seeking self-reliance and a simpler life or fear the collapse of social services, this compendium of practical information for sustainable living belongs on your bookshelf..."--Fred C. Walters, editor, Acres U.S.A. magazine "The depth of this book, covering everything from building materials to spiritual healing, is astounding. It is a one-stop source... to create a self-sufficient, earth-friendly lifestyle. I highly recommend it for anyone interested in preserving the health of themselves and the planet--and moving toward a sustainable, sane way of living."--Robyn Griggs Lawrence, editor-in-chief, Natural Home magazine "Matthew Stein gives us a readable, updated wake-up call for sustainability practices in the best tradition of Paul Ehrlich, Lester Brown, and Jared Diamond."--Stephen Schneider, Ph.D., Melvin and Joan Lane Professor for Interdisciplinary Environmental Studies at Stanford University and coordinating lead author in IPCC summary papers on climate change "In this age of over-consumption, truth is lost in a myriad of commercialized details. Matthew Stein picks up and assembles these shattered shards, and by examining each in the meticulous manner of a crime scene investigator, offers valuable insight and practical tools to survive in a world at the brink of chaos. In doing so, he helps maintain sanity in a time of hardening denial about the state of the world--and helps throw open the door to Plato's Cave where so many of us remain uncomfortably shackled."--Peter Droege, author of The Renewable City and Urban Energy TransitionTable of ContentsForeword by Richard Heinberg. An Introduction to Self-Reliance. Present Trends, Possible Futures. Supplies and Preparations. Emergency Measures for Survival. Water. Food: Growing, Foraging, Hunting and Storing. Shelter and Buildings. First Aid. When High-Tech Medicine Fails. Clothing and Textiles. Energy, Heat and Power. Metalworking. Utensils and Storage. Better Living Through Not-So-Modern Chemistry. Engineering, Machines and Materials. Making the Shift to Sustainability.

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Book SynopsisWe are bombarded by perfect interiors, images that aren’t attainable because they have been styled to the point where they bear no resemblance to reality. These interiors may be stunning, but they aren’t an honest reflection of how we really live. Life Unstyled is about taking inspiration from real homes that are beautiful, creative and inspiring but at the same time a little rough around the edges, with signs of everyday life evident throughout. The first section, ‘Homes Unstyled’, sets out Emily's manifesto for creating a stylish home that is beautiful but lived in. A Home is Never Done advocates allowing your space to evolve gradually so it is an ever-changing expression of your tastes and interests. Work with What You’ve Got suggests ways to make the most of the home you have rather than yearning for unattainable perfection. Signs of Life offers ideas for wrangling papers, clutter and other stuff. Creative Clutter tackles collections and displays, while Break the Rules rejects style diktats and shows how individuality can bring a home to life. The second section, ‘People Live Here’, visits real-life homes that are definitely not perfect yet display incredible style and creativity and reflect their owners’ needs, tastes and style. And throughout the book, quick fixes, DIY makes and ‘Every Home Should Have…’ boxes offer creative solutions with unique results.

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Book SynopsisWilliam Coperthwaite is a teacher, builder, designer, and writer who for many years hasexplored the possibilities of true simplicity on a homestead on the north coast of Maine. In the spirit of Henry David Thoreau, Emily Dickinson, and Helen and Scott Nearing, Coperthwaite has fashioned a livelihood of integrity and completeness-buying almost nothing, providing for his own needs, and serving as a guide and companion to hundreds of apprentices drawn to his unique way of being. A Handmade Life carries Coperthwaite's ongoing experiments with hand tools, hand-grown and gathered food, and handmade shelter, clothing, and furnishings out into the world to challenge and inspire. His writing is both philosophical and practical, exploring themes of beauty, work, education, and design while giving instruction on the hand-crafting of the necessities of life. Richly illustrated with luminous color photographs by Peter Forbes, the book is a moving and inspirational testament to a new practice of old ways of life.Trade ReviewPublishers Weekly- Serene and thoughtful, this rambling scrapbook by Maine native and yurt-house builder Coperthwaite provides a vision of a life lived simply and self-sufficiently. From violence to education to how to build a "democratic chair" or make an axe, Coperthwaite covers an abundance of topics as he describes his version of a "handmade life" and explains why such a life is desirable. Never quite didactic, Coperthwaite meditates on topics-such as the idea of employment as exploitation-more than he preaches about them, moving glibly from idea to disconnected idea. A recipe for "a bread so good to both the palate and to health that a diet of bread and water would be a delight" is placed next to an anecdote about a young Eskimo girl named Maggie, for example. And the author's own poems, along with poems by D.H. Lawrence and Emily Dickinson, intersperse the narrative. Peter Forbes' engaging color photographs illustrate Coperthwaite's concepts-no easy feat given their breadth and diversity. 67 color photos, 10 b&w illustrations. (review refers to an earlier edition of the book)"This book, a richly textured exploration of Bill Coperthwaite's work and thought, encourages us to take the lessons of his life to heart. Each of us has the potential to craft our own lives with our own hands--actively, joyfully, and nonviolently, drawing upon the wisdom of our ancestors, striving for justice in the present, and fulfilling our obligations to those who will inherit our legacy."--John Saltmarsh (review refers to an earlier edition)

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Book Synopsis‘Our favourite stylist is back – we can't stop drooling over Selina Lake's new book...’ Mollie Makes In Natural Living Style, Selina Lake reveals how to create a beautiful and stylish home that is as natural, plastic-free and sustainable as possible. In Inspirations, Selina starts by revealing the concepts that inspire her: natural decor, living simply, mindful consumption, recycling, upcycling and reducing plastic waste. She looks at materials suited to the natural living look, including wood, bamboo, cork, recycled glass and upcycled materials. In Textures, she focuses on organic fabrics, fibres such as coir and rattan and eco-friendly paints. Finally, she shows how to style the home using lighting, decorative objects, vintage pieces, garden flowers and house plants. In the second section, Natural Living Spaces, Selina shows how sustainability and style can go hand in hand in living rooms, kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms, home offices and even utility rooms. In The Natural Garden, she steps outside to discuss green gardening, growing your own produce and venturing further afield to camp, travel and explore. Throughout, eco-friendly tips and hints will inspire those who want to lighten their footprint on the planet. Last but not least, the Natural Resources section will help readers get the look and create a sustainable, eco-friendly home of their own.Trade Review‘the best new books on eco-living’ – The Sunday TimesThey say change starts at home. What I’ve come away with from Natural Living Styleare all kinds of ideas for reducing plastics and waste around the home in favour of natural or greener alternatives. As it turns out, they can be functional, sustainable and That’s inspired living. – Try Small ThingsBeautifully illustrated with photography by Rachel Whiting, ‘Natural Living Style’ will motivate you to take the next steps to living well, happy in the knowledge that you are making a difference now and for future generations. – Arkansas Democrat GazetteLake demonstrates how to make your home ecofriendly, while not sacrificing style. – Flea Market Décor

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Book SynopsisMaking your own soap is fun, easy, and rewarding. In this introductory guide, Susan Miller Cavitch shows you how to craft your own all-natural, wonderfully smelling soaps. Illustrated directions take you through the whole process, from buying supplies to cutting the final bars. With easy-to-follow recipes that range from classics like oatmeal and honey soap to more adventurous combinations using goat milk and borage, you'll be inspired to make uniquely personal soaps that are gentle on your skin and a pleasure for your nose.

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Book SynopsisBlue and white is one of the most soothing and adaptable colour schemes, and with so many variations you can use it to transform your home. Blue & White At Home presents 15 unique homes that illustrate the endless possibilities of this timeless palette, which can be fresh and crisp, bold and saturated, dark and moody or timeworn and faded. In the first section, Vintage, author Henrietta Heald explores a Victorian house furnished with antique textiles, a prairie-style ranch in California and a light-filled cottage on Long Island. She then considers Coastal style, drawing inspiration from a whitewashed cabin in Spain and a spectacular modern beach house in South Africa. The third part of the book, Rustic, features an 18th-century English farmhouse, a Scandinavian summer retreat and a country house with over 400 years of history. Throughout the book, Henrietta also highlights particular themes, from walls and floors to fabrics and furniture, and explores ways to bring personality into your living space using collected ceramics, vintage pieces and foraged finds in every shade of blue and white.

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