Home and house maintenance Books

Book SynopsisThis clear and concise directory provides all the essential information readers need to grow, use, and store a wide selection of flavor-enhancing herbs and spices. Some herbs are annuals, some are perennials, and some can be grown indoors—but all of those highlighted here can be grown either in pots or directly in the soil. Each individual plant profile includes detailed growing advice. Home and garden expert Linda Gray tells how to prepare the soil, when to sow and plant out, and when to harvest and gather. Linda also examines the culinary uses of each herb and spice, and explores other uses from medicinal remedies to insect repellents and sleep remedies. Tips on container growing and hints on how to store the harvest make Self Sufficiency: Herbs and Spices an indispensable guide.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisBooks fulfil myriad functions in our lives. They provide information, foster our enthusiasms and spark our memories. But these personal treasures also add colour and a true sense of personality to our homes. Books Make a Home explores the important role books play as decorative as well as functional items. Bibliophile Damian Thompson tours the rooms of the home in turn – Living Rooms, Home Libraries & Studies, Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms, Corridors & Staircases and Children’s Rooms – discovering a host of techniques for stacking, shelving and closeting volumes, and a wealth of practical design solutions for each space and every size of collection. You will learn how to make the best use of existing storage and create new space for an ever-growing collection; how to combine books with other personal effects to create eye-catching displays; and how to organize and care for your books. Books Make a Home is an insightful guide to enjoying books with the eye as well as with the mind. First Published in 2011, this is a new edition.

Read more less

Book SynopsisHit the road in style and comfort you built yourself...The road trip has been a celebrated American tradition for as long as there have been roads on which to travel. Combined with our love of the great outdoors, hitting the road in search of some peace under the stars is a goal for anyone old enough to drive -- even more so in today''s hectic, wired world. Millennials and retiring boomers want to take a break,especially one that reflects their ever increasing simple and minimal mindset. Enter the Teardrop Trailer. First designed in 1930''s for cars lacking power, they''ve re-emerged as a smart, aerodynamic, and eye-catching option for seeking out the quiet beauty that camping offers...but with plenty of comfort. Think of the tiny house movement going camping...Matt Berger’s book The Handmade Teardrop Trailer: Design & Build a Tiny Classic Camper from Scratch hands you the keys to craft your own stylish adventure. The Handmade Teardrop Trailer guides you through the journey from sketchbook to first road trip, and will prepare you to design and build your own comfortable pull-behind Tiny Trailer. And, to achieve this you don’t need much space, just a garage bay or shared workspace, and the most basic tools and materials available at your nearby hardware store or home center.Because we all have our own get away from it all road-trip fantasies when it comes to comfort, style, and purpose, The Handmade Teardrop Trailer will train you up like a pro on the basics of trailer design, backed up by deep research and experimentation. Illustrations provide measurements and construction details that are easy to adapt for variations in size and configuration and more than 100 step-by-step photos illuminate every detail in the design and build process. With this handy guide leading the way, you’ll be shutting down the computer, storing the cellphone, and hitting the road to find some peace in a classic tiny trailer camper you built by yourself.

Read more less

Book SynopsisPlant Ladies are the new (cooler) cat ladies. Less disappointing than a boyfriend, less demanding than a cat, plants are the perfect partners for anyone who is trying to balance work, money, commitments and a desire to live surrounded by beauty. Plants make you feel good (#science) and looking after your green frondy friends brings joy into your life.Plant Lady will matchmake you with the perfect plants for your lifestyle and teach you not only how to keep them alive but how to get them to love you back. With the help of this book you can add some low-cost, high-pleasure greenness into your life and embrace your inner plant lady.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe ultimate life planner from Gemma Bray - bestselling author of The Organised Mum Method and The Organised Time Technique.The Organised Mum Method helped readers everywhere to feel on top of their housework. The Organised Time Technique revolutionised the way you planned the rest of your day. Now, The Organised Mum Method Journal will pull together both methods into an interactive, motivating journal that will help the you plan every aspect of your week.Divided into two clear sections ''Your House'' and ''Your Time'' the journal will remind you of all your TOMM housekeeping jobs for the coming week, with space for meal plans and weekly shopping lists, and will help you to create a TOTT schedule that will keep you on track with your timings leaving space for some time to yourself. There''s also lots of other stuff to help you level up your life including an Organised Christmas planner, the Messy House Bootcamp and Clutter Bu

Read more less

Book SynopsisLilly Higgins is the ultimate modern homemaker. Here she shares over 70 things to make, do and eat at home to welcome every season.With many of us spending more time at home nowadays, finding things to do around the house is something we have grown to appreciate more than ever. Whether it's baking, knitting or finding things to make and do with children, these calm, creative moments will make beautiful memories of a happy home.Here you'll be inspired by ideas for family celebrations, crafts to cosy up your interiors, activities to do with kids and simple ways to welcome the seasons.Reflecting the Irish calendar, from St Brigid's crosses in February to Christmas wreaths in December, The Homemade Year will help you move gently through the months and make everyday moments special.

Read more less

Book SynopsisStop thinking about efficiency and start thinking about sufficiency Living the 1.5 Degree Lifestyle reveals the carbon cost of everything we do, identifying where we can make big reductions, while not sweating the small stuff. The international scientific consensus is that we have less than a decade to drastically slash our collective carbon emissions to keep global heating to 1.5 degrees and avert catastrophe. This means that many of us have to cut our individual carbon footprints by over 80% to 2.5 tonnes per person per year by 2030. But where to start? Drawing on Lloyd Alter''s journey to track his daily carbon emissions and live the 1.5 degree lifestyle, coverage includes: What it looks like to live a rich and truly green life From take-out food, to bikes and cars, to your internet usage finding the big wins, ignoring the trivial, and spotting marketing ploys The invisible embodied carbon baked into evTrade Review"Lloyd Alter has created a highly engaging, intelligent, and thoughtful "manual for living the 1.5-degree lifestyle." There is plenty of myth-busting, supported by quality, in-depth research which goes far beyond the usual well-worn clichés and mantras. He humanises and crystallizes the "choices and trade-offs" we have to make to keep within 1.5°C global warming, so 'it is sufficient with enough to go around for everyone.'" — Rosalind Readhead, English climate activist "This joyful adventure in 1.5 degree living shows that a focus on "sufficiency" can unlock a happier, healthier sustainable way of life. "Efficiency" has dominated precisely because it perpetuates the status quo but Lloyd´s story shines a light on why we must transform our vision of a "good life" as well as practical tips for how to do it." — Kate Power, development director, Hot or Cool Institute "For years I've relied on Lloyd Alter's no-nonsense insight in Treehugger, including his direct, and to-the-point reflections on the elements of a better urban life. In his new, equally clear book, he's done it again with an immensely practical set of insights and rules to live by. With wisdom gleaned during the pandemic-year, Lloyd joins Paul Hawken as a master of the carbon drawdown roadmap." — Chuck Wolfe, Seeing Better Cities Group, author, Sustaining a City's Culture and Character "With fact-based research and tales of personal experience, Lloyd will reach many new audiences with this book. I, for one, embrace a return to the concept of sufficiency with regard to transportation, food, and more. For all who've been preaching climate action, or skirting it, I implore you to read this book and own up to all the ways you could try harder, and then get louder about sharing the overall life benefits you gain." — Andrea Learned, climate leadership strategist, founder, #Bikes4Climate "Lloyd Alter's writing is always fresh, incisive, and thoughtful and, in this timely and clearly written call to action, he tells us exactly what we as citizens of the world must do in our everyday lives to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions before it's too late. Reflecting Alter's background as an architect and real estate developer, this book is at once idealistic and pragmatic, and the lifestyle issues it addresses — based on the author's own experience — could not be more urgent. Governments and businesses cannot solve this problem without actions by each of us as individuals, and Alter tells us how." — F. Kaid Benfield, Senior Counsel, PlaceMakers LLC Table of ContentsAcknowledgments The 1.5-Degree Lifestyle: Introduction 1. What's the 1.5-Degree Lifestyle? 2. Equity, Fairness, and the 2.5-Tonne Budget 3. Why Individual Actions Matter 4. Energy, Efficiency, and Sufficiency 5. What We Eat 6. How We Live 7. How We Move 8. Why We Buy 9. Conclusion: In Pursuit of Sufficiency Notes Index About the Author About New Society Publishers

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn this comprehensive guide, Susan Miller Cavitch covers everything you need to know to make your own soaps. Learn the basic techniques for crafting oil-, cream-, and vegetable-based soaps, and then start experimenting with your own personalized scents and effects. Cavitch provides tips for making more than 40 different specialty soaps, showing you how to design colorful marbled bars and expertly blend ingredients to create custom fragrances. You'll soon be making luxurious soaps at a fraction of the cost of boutique products.Important Notice Early printings of this book contain a recipe variation in a sidebar note on page 36. As a result of further testing, author Susan Miller Cavitch and Storey Publishing strongly recommend that you do not try this variation. Adding honey when you are combining the sodium hydroxide and water may result in a stronger reaction with more intense heat. The mixture may bubble up quickly and come out of the pot, posing a potential hazard.

Read more less

Book SynopsisTable of ContentsIntroduction 1 Part 1: Decluttering Starts in Your Mind 7 Chapter 1: The Basics of Decluttering 9 Chapter 2: Creating Your Decluttering Mindset 37 Chapter 3: Forming a Decluttering Game Plan 51 Part 2: Getting Rid of Clutter in Your Home 67 Chapter 4: Decluttering Your Closet 69 Chapter 5: Decluttering Your Bathroom 89 Chapter 6: Decluttering Your Kitchen 105 Chapter 7: Decluttering Your Bedroom 125 Chapter 8: Decluttering Linens and Laundry Areas 135 Chapter 9: Decluttering Your Kids’ Areas 151 Chapter 10: Decluttering Your Garage 163 Chapter 11: Decluttering Your Storage Spaces 183 Part 3: Decluttering Your Workspace and Digital Life 201 Chapter 12: Decluttering Your Office 203 Chapter 13: Shifting from Paper to Digital 215 Chapter 14: Decluttering Your Online Life 227 Chapter 15: Photo Decluttering Once and for All 241 Part 4: The Part of Tens 251 Chapter 16: Ten Reasons to Keep Decluttering 253 Chapter 17: Ten Ways to Label Anything and Everything 261 Chapter 18: Top Destinations to Finally Rid the Clutter 271 Chapter 19: Ten Tips for Organizing What’s Left 279 Index 289

Read more less

Book SynopsisTable of ContentsIntroduction 1 About This Book 1 Foolish Assumptions 2 Icons Used in This Book 2 Beyond the Book 3 Where to Go from Here 3 Part 1: Opening the Door To Sustainable Fashion 5 Chapter 1: Closet, Meet Sustainable Fashion 7 Understanding Sustainability 8 Preserving our planet and preventing climate change 8 Treating people with dignity and respect 8 Calling Out the Problem with Today’s Fashion Industry 9 The rise of fast fashion 9 A three-legged monster 10 Being Part of the Solution and Avoiding Eco-Anxiety 11 Taking Action: What You Can Do to Increase Sustainability 12 Chapter 2: Starting with the Clothes You Already Own 15 Taking Stock of Your Closet 16 Auditing your closet 16 Organizing your closet 19 Unlocking the Wow Factor in Clothes You Already Own 21 Knowing the color wheel 21 Mixing prints and patterns 22 Accessorizing for a different look 23 Using styling apps 24 Working with Outfit Formulas 25 Defining outfit formulas 26 Plugging in outfit formulas 26 Chapter 3: Adios, Fast Fashion 31 Identifying the Real Cost of Fast Fashion 32 Looking at the fast-fashion business model 32 Costing more than you may think 33 Taking a toll on garment workers 36 Adversely affecting the environment 39 Spotting Fast Fashion 42 Identifying popular fast-fashion brands 43 Spotting telltale signs that a brand is fast fashion 44 Moving Away from Fast Fashion and Toward Sustainability 46 Confronting Greenwashing 47 Taking a peek at sustainability 47 Spotting greenwashing 48 Chapter 4: Shifting to a Sustainable Fashion Mindset 51 Shopping as a Sustainable Fashion Consumer 52 Avoiding Impulse Buys 53 Use shopping lists 54 Take your time 56 Being Trendy and Sustainable 56 Avoiding Temptation 57 Detoxing your social media and inbox 58 Fasting from shopping 58 Being wary of sales 59 Finding a sustainable fashion community 60 Taking Pride in Repeating Outfits 60 Part 2: Purchasing Sustainable Fashion Items 63 Chapter 5: What Makes a Brand Sustainable? 65 Refuting Some Misconceptions about Sustainable Fashion 66 Looking at Sustainable Business Practices 67 Sustainable environmental practices 68 Transparent supply chain 73 Ethical labor practices 76 Reaching for Sustainable Fabrics 76 Natural sustainable fabrics 77 Innovative sustainable fabrics 81 Understanding What’s in It for You 83 Quality items that are designed to last 83 Small batches and made-to-order items 85 Timeless designs that won’t go out of style 86 Assessing a Brand’s Feel-Good Factor 86 Chapter 6: Buying Less but Choosing Well 89 Thinking Long Term 90 Calculating cost per wear 90 Deciding which items deserve the investment 94 Taking on the 30-wears challenge 95 Sizing Up Quality 96 Feeling fabric quality 96 Critiquing construction quality 98 Searching for perks 99 Assessing quality online 100 Choosing between natural fibers and synthetic fibers 101 Exploring Capsule Wardrobes 102 Creating your capsules 104 Gathering the capsule wardrobe essentials 106 Part 3: Going From Thrifting Beginner to Scouting Pro 109 Chapter 7: Easing into Secondhand Fashion 111 Starting Online 112 Getting started on the right foot 113 Going down the rabbit hole of online thrift stores 117 Measuring yourself for the perfect online thrifted fit 118 Finding Your New Favorite Used-Clothing Shop 122 Doing good by shopping at charity stores 123 Considering chain resale shops and consignment stores 124 Preparing for Your First Thrift Store Visit 125 Deciding when to go 126 Navigating the store 126 Dressing for thrifting success 127 Examining an item before you commit to it 128 Chapter 8: Upscaling Your Thrifting Efforts 129 Finding Hidden Gems 130 Buying Used Shoes 131 Examining used shoes 132 Knowing where to go 132 Disinfecting and cleaning shoes 133 Sorting Through Accessories 133 Jewelry 134 Scarves 135 Handbags 135 Belts 136 Shopping for Vintage Clothes 137 How to tell whether something is truly vintage 138 Where to find vintage clothing 141 Chapter 9: Donating, Selling, and Disposing of Clothes 145 Giving Your Clothes a Second Life 146 Donating Clothes to Support Charitable Organizations 147 The difference between for-profit and nonprofit shops 147 The scoop on tax deductions 148 Where to put all those clothes 149 The Dos and Don’ts of Donating Clothing 150 Making Some Cash by Selling Your Clothes 152 Consigning your clothes 152 Selling clothes to secondhand stores for cash or credit 154 Selling your preloved clothes by yourself 155 Saying Goodbye to Clothes That Have Lived Out Their Usefulness 157 Dealing with Undergarments and Socks Sustainably 158 Donating bras 158 Getting rid of old underwear 159 Recycling and repurposing old socks 159 Part 4: Keeping Your Clothes And Shoes in Tip-top Condition 161 Chapter 10: Caring for Your Clothes 163 Doing Laundry with Clothing Longevity in Mind 164 Making sense of labels 164 Understanding washer settings 166 Hand-washing delicates, sweaters, and more 168 Drying clothes differently 169 Keeping clothes fresh without over-washing 171 Deciding on dry-cleaning 172 Caring for Different Fabrics 174 Cleaning your cotton clothes 174 Avoiding shrinking your wools 174 Removing and preventing pilling 175 Saving your silks 176 Chasing the moths away 176 Making synthetics last 177 Loving your linens 178 Removing Stains 179 Deciding How to Store Your Clothes 180 Clothes you should hang 180 Clothes you should fold 181 Chapter 11: Repairing and Upcycling Your Clothes 183 Making Your Fashion Circular 184 Getting Your Thread Wet 185 Prepping your sewing kit 185 Stitching up for sewing success 186 Repairing Your Clothes with Basic Hand-Stitching 187 Using a running stitch 187 Doing the backstitch 188 Sewing on a button 189 Repairing a seam 191 Patching a torn or threadbare spot 192 Fixing snagged clothing 193 Joining the Upcycling Movement 195 Tie-dyeing your old shirts with avocado skins and pits 195 Making old jeans new again 196 Investing in Alterations or Other Significant Repairs 198 Knowing what alterations specialists can help you with 199 Finding someone who does quality work 199 Chapter 12: Walking Miles in Your Favorite Shoes 201 Considering Why Caring for Your Shoes Is a Shoo-In 202 Prolonging the Life of Your Leather Shoes 203 Everyday maintenance of leather shoes 203 Occasional maintenance of your leather shoes 205 Keeping Your Sneakers Clean 208 Machine-washing your sneakers 209 Hand-washing sneakers 209 Using Shoe Protectants 210 Storing Your Shoes Properly 211 Part 5: the Part of Tens 213 Chapter 13: Ten Sustainable Brands for Every Budget and Style 215 Loud Bodies 216 Wayre 216 Passion Lilie 217 Whimsy + Row 217 Amour Vert 218 Mara Hoffman 218 Kotn 218 Outerknown 219 Parade 219 Organic Basics 220 Chapter 14: Ten Ways to Shop Sustainably on a Budget 221 Shop Your Closet 222 Shop Secondhand 223 Shop Intentionally 223 Look for Affordable Sustainable Brands 224 Check the Sale and Preloved Page 224 Attend Clothing Swaps 224 Check Resale Sites 225 Consider Clothing Rentals 225 Calculate the Cost per Wear 226 Upcycle Your Clothes for a New Look 227 Chapter 15: Ten Perfect Clothing Items for Your Thrift List 229 Quality Coats 229 Special Occasion Clothes 230 Trendy Fashion 231 Nice-to-Have Luxury Items 231 Boss Blazers 232 Cool Leather Jackets 232 Fabulous Scarves 233 Cozy Knitwear 233 Clutch Bags 234 Versatile and Statement Belts 234 Your Favorite Pair of Jeans 235 Chapter 16: Ten Family-Friendly Sustainable Clothing Brands 237 Pact 238 For Days 238 Jackalo 239 Conscious Step 239 Patagonia 240 Tentree 240 Loop Swim 241 Many Moons 241 Firebird Kids 242 Mightly 242 Chapter 17: Ten Sustainable Shoe Brands 243 Veja 244 Veerah 244 Etiko 245 Nisolo 245 Wildling 246 Cariuma 246 Ethletic 247 Thesus 247 Good Guys 247 Pozu 248 Index 249

Read more less

Book SynopsisTHE SUNDAY TIMES NUMBER 1 BESTSELLER'If you're reading this, then we have something in common .... Whether it's a love of getting crafty, meticulously organising or making fun-shaped snacks! I find it hard to sit still, but losing myself in a craft project or tidying a drawer is my form of meditation. It's a chance for me to forget about the things going on in the world around me for a minute. I hope this book helps you to lose yourself for a moment, too - and that you enjoy reading it and even, maybe, having a go at some of the bits inside. Lots of Love, to the moon and back.' Stacey xTrade ReviewSimple but ingenious tips to declutter your home and boost your happiness * Daily Mail *Stacey Solomon's Tap to Tidy has us obsessed * Grazia *An organizing and crafting-packed guide * Good House Keeping *

Read more less

Book SynopsisSince its founding in 1976, the non-profit Habitat for Humanity International has built more than 255,000 houses for more than one million people and families in need world wide. First published in 2002, "How to Build a House" has helped thousands more build simple, energy efficient homes of their own by helping guide them from foundation to roof, through all interior finishes and fixtures. Written by long-time carpenter and Habitat volunteer, Larry Haun, this extensive revision features up-to-date information on residential codes, construction methods, and materials - as well as an updated design inside and out. Haun also provides new sections on tools, siding, ventilation, and landscaping. With clear information on everything from obtaining a site and permit to finishing touches like installing door locks and cabinets, this is the best single-volume resource for the beginning homebuilder.

Read more less

Book SynopsisFeng shui, the ancient Chinese art and science of finding harmony with nature, has become widely adopted in the West. Like Buddhism, which migrated from India eastward, feng shui is recognized by Eastern scholars as having originated not in China but in India, where it is referred to as Vastu Shastra, or the science of architecture. In Vastu Living, Kathleen Cox introduces readers to the art, science, and practice of vastu. Cox explains vastu''s origins in the Vedas, its relationship to the Hindu gods, its principles and guidelines, and its traditional uses. Vastu Living shows readers how to practice vastu at home and in the workplace--from understanding its teachings on room layout and furniture placement to bringing the divine into every dimension of one''s environment.

Read more less

Book Synopsis“An eye-opening guide on how to lessen one’s dependence on plastics. . . . This is a clarion, convincing wake-up call to the scope of the global plastic problem and what readers can do about it. —Publishers Weekly Embrace a plastic-free lifestyle with more than 100 simple, stylish swaps for everything from pens and toothbrushes to disposable bottles and the 5 trillion plastic bags we use—and throw out—every year. ·Use a natural loofah, not a synthetic sponge ·Buy milk in glass bottles or make homemade nut milk ·Opt for a waste-free shampoo bar ·Skip the printed receipt and opt for an email instead ·Wrap gifts beautifully with clothOrganized into five sections—At Home, Food & Drink, Health & Beauty, On the Go, and Special Occasions—Living Without Plastic is a cover-to-cover collection of doable, differencemaking solutions, including a 30-Day Plastic Detox Program.Trade Review“An eye-opening guide on how to lessen one’s dependence on plastics. The authors make a strong case that consumers can’t recycle their way out of plastic’s deleterious effects on the environment, so a total rethink of habits is necessary. They offer substitutions for almost every type of plastic one can think of—and some plastics that one may not think about at all, such as Scotch tape and chewing gum, in place of which rubber adhesive and cellulose can be used. Among the alternatives are recipes for hair spray, water filters, and watercolors alongside photos of ingredients and creations made from all-natural products. . . . This is a clarion, convincing wake-up call to the scope of the global plastic problem and what readers can do about it.”—Publishers Weekly

Read more less

Book SynopsisFull of practical everyday advice, this guide explains how a natural, organic approach to livestock farming produces healthy animals, reduces costs, and increases your operation’s self-sufficiency. Livestock expert Carol Ekarius helps you create a viable farm plan, choose suitable livestock, care for your animals’ health, and confidently manage housing, fencing, and feeding. Case studies of successful farmers provide inspiration as you learn everything you need to know to run a prosperous livestock farm and make the lifestyle of your dreams a reality.

Read more less

Book SynopsisMake our own liquid soaps and body products right in your kitchen. Catherine Failor shows you how to use her simple double-boiler technique to create luxurious shower gels, revitalizing shampoos, energizing body scrubs, and much more. Step-by-step instructions teach you how to turn basic ingredients like cocoa butter, lanolin, and jojoba into sweet-smelling liquid soaps. You’ll soon be experimenting with your favorite oils and additives as you craft custom-made products that are kind to your nose and gentle on your skin.

Read more less

Book SynopsisPut your wooded land to work! This comprehensive manual shows you how to use your woodlands to produce everything from wine and mushrooms to firewood and livestock feed. You’ll learn how to take stock of your woods; use axes, bow saws, chainsaws, and other key tools; create pasture and silvopasture for livestock; prune and coppice trees to make fuel, fodder, and furniture; build living fencing and shelters for animals; grow fruit trees and berries in a woodland orchard; make syrup from birch, walnut, or boxelder trees; and much more. Whether your property is entirely or only partly wooded, this is the guide you need to make the best use of it.

Read more less

Book SynopsisFor everyone who’s ever dreamed of simplifying their life and downsizing their home, Micro Living offers an insider’s look at what tiny house living is really like. Best-selling author and tiny house enthusiast Derek “Deek” Diedricksen profiles 40 tiny — but practical — houses that are equipped for full-time living, all in 400 square feet or less. Detailed photography and a floor plan for each structure highlight inventive space-saving design features along with the nuts-and-bolts details of heating, cooling, electric, and plumbing systems. The real-life stories of residents impart the pleasures, as well as the challenges, of day-to-day living. With tips on what to consider before you build, along with framing plans for a prototype small cabin, Micro Living is the perfect starter handbook for both dreamers and doers.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Perfect Guide to Little Space Living#1 Best Seller in Small Homes & Cottages"Joshua and Shelley get you thinking about what you can do to live a little simpler, even if you’re not building a tiny house."―Mario Soto, Tiny House MD. With this tiny homes idea book, learn how to redefine what a house is and master organization, location, and happiness to make the best of your little space. You’ll want to live in a mini house after reading this book. Tiny House Basics is an adventure in off-grid living. In their debut book, mini house living experts Shelley and Joshua Engberg show how you can join the revolution to downsize without giving up everything you hold dear. As avid campers and off roaders, together they help you enter the world of comfortable and entertaining small spaces. Learn the best tips and tricks to owning tiny homes. Whether it’s cottage-style small houses or a mini getaway house, Tiny House Basics makes tiny house plans practical and accessible. With advice easily applicable to any small home, including spaces like apartments and studios, this micro living book turns any little space into the mini house of your dreams.Inside, find advice on small home interior design and learn: How to maintain a good relationship in a little space The pros and cons of off-grid living and on-grid living How to make your small space feel big Practical storage solutions and design tips Small space living with pets If you’re looking for ways to ramp up your little space, coffee table books for tiny homes, or small modern house gifts—like Tiny House Designing, Building, & Living; Small Space Style; or The Little Book of Living Small—then you will love Tiny House Basics.

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn this updated edition of her best-selling book, The Naturally Clean Home, Karyn Siegel-Maier brings together the formulas for home cleaning solutions that readers have trusted for years with new information and ingredients updated to today’s green standards. A new introduction shines a light on the antiseptic properties of essential oils, addressing different grades of oil and their effectiveness against bacteria and viruses, as well as updated safety precautions and cost. Updated recipes eliminate Borax (banned as a food additive in the US and from cosmetic and cleaning products in the EU) from ingredient lists, replacing it with safe substitutes that include citric acid powder, hydrogen peroxide, diatomaceous earth, cornstarch, washing soda, and baking soda. New recipes show readers how to make easy, nontoxic, environmentally friendly substitutes for popular cleaning products, including molded laundry and dishwasher tablets. Packaging updates emphasize the use of glass containers for homemade cleaning products, to diminish environmental impact of plastic waste.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Aspiring Minimalist’s Guide to Living Consciously and Contributing to a “Greener” Tomorrow“This is the perfect book for people that want to find a realistic roadmap to sustainable living.” ―The Holistic MillennialEco-minimalism is a hot-button issue right now, and for good reason. Living a life with less can be the key to saving our precious planet.Break the consumption cycle. There’s so much to do, and way too much to buy. Whether it’s through late night TV ads, social media, or other sources of influence, we are addicted to buying and then storing things. Sometimes we consume with no regret and other times we realize that we’re doing more harm than good to our wallets and our homes. It’s a constant cycle―one that many are longing to break. Who wants their hard-earned money to go toward something that soon ends up in a landfill?A guide to eco-minimalism with a plan that is realistic. Manufacturing "stuff" exploits Earth's precious (and finite) resources. And then there's the harsh reality of where it all goes. Our discarded possessions ultimately head to landfills and contribute to environmental pollution, releasing greenhouse gases during breakdown and decomposition. Sustainable Minimalism is the solution. Empower yourself to incrementally incorporate the tenets of sustainable minimalism into your home and life. Learn to master the easiest tasks first and build upon your successes―a practical and stress-free process. Now that’s sustainable!A blueprint for sustainability and stress management: How to gain greater mental clarity and increase your free time with fewer possessions Environmentally friendly ways of decluttering and organizing Ways to improve your financial stability, while going green at the same time How to get organized and operate a zero-waste home If you enjoyed books like Zero Waste Home, The Minimalist Home, or The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, you’ll love Sustainable Minimalism.Table of ContentsPART 1 The Current Landscape Consumerism’s consequences Why we overbuy (and how to stop) The better way PART 2 The Low-Hanging Fruit The benefits of a shopping ban The 4 pillars of responsible decluttering On-the-go sustainability The low-waste parenting rulebook You get a capsule wardrobe! And you get a capsule wardrobe! Non-toxic cleaning? Yes, please! PART 3 The Middle of the Tree Less plastic now Your complete kitchen overhaul Meal plan success PART 4 Get the ladder Shop savvy & secondhand Why self-sufficiency matters Raising eco-conscious kids Part 5 Conclusion Minimalism maintenance Acknowledgements Notes

Read more less

Book SynopsisClean body, clean home, clean spirit! This philosophy is the inspiration that Lisa Bronner—granddaughter of Dr Emmanuel Bronner—carries with her as a mother, homeowner and company spokesperson for Dr. Bronner’s. Since the company was founded more than 75 years ago, it has been a trailblazer in the natural cleaning community thanks to its quality products and strong dedication to care for consumers and the planet. Now Soap & Soul imparts the secrets you’ll want for cleaning your home, body and mind the Dr. Bronner’s way. For the reader learning how to go green as well as the loyal Dr. Bronner’s fans, this book is an invaluable resource. Lisa is at the ready to answer any question, from navigating labels and ingredients to understanding how your soaps and fabric softeners work. Organised by room and including charming line illustrations, this book is a recipe for a clean and happy home.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe New York Times Number One BestsellerA Netflix Original Series.'Move over, Marie Kondo - Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin are the professional organisers the A-list now let rifle through their drawers.' - Sunday Times Style'A fantastic primer on how to Mary Poppins your kitchen.' Financial TimesClea Shearer and Joanna Teplin are back again to bring both function and beauty to your everyday life. In The Home Edit Life they show you how to contain the chaos when it comes to absolutely everything: your work, travel, kids, pets and more. Because the truth is, you don't have to live like a minimalist to feel happy and calm.The Home Edit mentality is all about embracing your life, whether you're a busy mum, a jetsetter - or both! You simply need to know how to set up a system that works for you so you'll maintain it for the long run. Get to know your organizing style, learn how to tailor it to your habits and, best of all, leave the guilt behind when it comes to owning things. With The Home Edit Life, you'll be corralling cords, archiving photos, packing your suitcase like a pro, and arranging your phone apps by colour in no time.'While the Nashville-based founders of The Home Edit (and its celeb-followed Instagram) may not be able to give you Rachel Zoe's enviable shoe collection, they can give you the tools to get your own into similarly immaculate order - and hey, that's a step in the right direction.' - People

Read more less

Book SynopsisWoodburning stoves have become incredibly popular and it's easy to see why. Not only do woodburners save money on fuel, they're a carbon-neutral way to heat your home and make a great looking feature in a room. If you're thinking of getting a woodburner, this comprehensive collection of basic information will guide you through everything you need to know, from choosing the most suitable stove for your needs to installing and operating one efficiently and safely.

Read more less

Book SynopsisHUNDREDS OF PRACTICAL WAYS TO HELP COMBAT THE CLIMATE CRISIS! Turn over a green leaf in every aspect of your life with this comprehensive guide. Packed with practical, reliable and up-to-date advice about making achievable and sustainable changes, this book shows you can cut carbon by: HEATING AND COOLING YOUR HOUSE INTUITIVELY by using a smart thermostat or plugging your chimney MANAGING DEVICES AND ELECTRONICS by unplugging unused chargers or passing along your old phone COOKING, WASHING AND CLEANING SMART by frying with small pans, defrosting the freezer regularly or washing your car with rainwater GARDENING ACCORDING TO NATURE by participating in No Mow May or by creating your own green roof SHOPPING AND TRAVELLING CONSCIOUSLY by becoming a “locavore” or supporting low carbon resorts CHANGING FINANCIAL HABITS by investing in the future or buying services rather than products Everywhere you look, there’s a way to help the planet. Whether it’s a simple change of habit or a forward-thinking home improvement project, you’ll find plenty of suggestions to improve your bank balance, your health and your eco-karma.

Read more less

Book SynopsisLearn to create dazzling tablescapes inspired by nature's beauty with this essential guide to styling stunning tablescapes for any occasion. Discover endless inspiration for stunning table settings. Brimming with inspired table spreads and simple-to-follow tips for incorporating crowd-pleasing recipes and lovely details into every presentation, this gorgeous coffee table book makes it easy to host warm, memorable gatherings-whether you're putting together a cozy brunch, a themed cocktail hour, or a festive holiday party. Photographs of exquisite table settings are paired with helpful styling tips-including how to pick your theme and color palette, select the right tableware, and incorporate nature's bounty-plus simple-to-follow food and drink recipes that guarantee the spreads taste as good as they look. Readers will discover a botanical-themed cocktail cart, an ethereal ocean-inspired setting, a harvest table celebrating autumnal colors, and so much more.

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn this perceptive and illustrative look at the expressive and practical use of stone throughout history, Richard Rhodes unlocks the underlying principles of this ancient material—and explains the closely guarded “Sacred Rules” of the Freemasons guild for the first time ever.The relationship between mankind and stone is elemental and deeply ingrained in us all. Stone, after all, has been the primary building material for more than five thousand years of human history, and it continues to record our triumphs and failures. In this searching history, Rhodes—a sculptor, stonemason, and scholar of stonework—explores how stone is best used today and throughout history.Stone presents the closely kept “Sacred Rules” developed over centuries by the medieval Freemason guild, previously available only to the initiated. Here, the rules are explained through historical examples and photographs. In these times of rapid development and expansive urbanization, Rhodes implores us to explore the essential qualities of stone that emerge from the Sacred Rules, not only to rediscover the ancient and traditional knowledge that governed its use for so long but also to find a roadmap for how future generations might thoughtfully recapture the power this material offers.MOST RENOWNED STONEMASON IN THE U.S.: Richard Rhodes apprenticed as a stonemason in Siena, Italy, after graduate studies at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. As the first non-Italian admitted into Siena’s ancient masonic guild in 726 years, he is known throughout the sculpture and stone community as the “last apprentice.” HISTORICAL EDUCATION: A nationally acclaimed lecturer and educator, Rhodes has shared his deep knowledge of the history of stone and stonemasonry through convention addresses to the American Institute of Architects and the Association of Professional Landscape Designers, a five-lecture educational series to the Institute of Classical Architecture in both New York and San Francisco, and lectures to the Building Stone Institute and many public and private universities. His work has been featured in Architectural Digest, New York Times, Architectural Record, MSNBC, The Globe and Mail, Greenwich Post, Seattle Times, and The Globe and Mail, among many others.  EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR: The book includes a foreword by Paul Goldberger, a contributing editor at Vanity Fair and previous architecture critic for both the New Yorker and the New York Times, where he was awarded the Pulitzer Prize. He is the author of many books, including Why Architecture Matters.

Read more less

Book Synopsisspacer "What decides why things go well one day and badly another? The events are the same, the homemaker is the same, yet on one occasion nothing works out for her and on another everything seems miraculously to fall into place. Is there a special ingredient within us that we can tap into and cultivate to generate the longed-for equilibrium?" Veronika van Duin began her career as a homemaker forty years ago. Setting out with love, enthusiasm and idealism, she soon discovered that she had no idea of the magnitude of the task, feeling herself to be 'very, very wanting'. As she writes: "...I felt guilty, pressurised and inadequate much of the time. I became increasingly conscious of my personal shortcomings. I also felt very alone, and sometimes lonely too..." It is from such humbling feelings that van Duin writes, offering support and hope for fellow homemakers. She reveals the discoveries that have provided her, and many others she has taught in workshops and courses, with the basic life tools for overcoming personal hindrances. In this wonderfully uplifting book, van Duin gives exercises for restoring balance, maintaining equilibrium, discovering understanding, creating joy, validating feeling, maintaining vitality and drive, developing insight, finding freedom, and much more.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Power of Dreams tells the story of a couple, already in their 40's, who uprooted themselves from urban life to follow their dream of living in the wilderness. They settled in a remote mountain valley called Precipice Valley, part of the ancient trade route linking B.C.'s Chilcotin plateau to the Pacific Coast.Surrounded by mountain vastness they lived there for nearly three decades, much of it in near-total isolation. Their dreams sustained them while they carved out a lifestyle that was both rewarding and challenging.These are the stories of how the two of them designed and hand-built a solar-powered, two-storey post and beam house while learning to live off-grid and in harmony with nature. They share their experiences with you through vivid descriptions of the adventures, people, places and the ingenious solutions needed as they forged their Precipice lifestyle and explored the wild world of the west Chilcotin.These vignettes will give you a feel

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn this timely book, John Parkes demystifies the brewing process and explains in easy-to-follow terms how anyone can produce delicious beer with the help of just some basic equipment and a few key skills. Those new to home brewing will love the easy-to-follow instructions and the detailed explanations of the brewing process and anyone already adept at home brewing will be delighted by the original recipes. Made without unnecessary chemicals and additives, the beers featured here will appeal to anyone seeking a more self-sufficient lifestyle.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe architecture of 20 contemporary houses around the world explores concrete's sculptural possibilities.

Read more less

Book SynopsisReducing energy consumption and costs is an issue of ever-increasing importance and European and national legislation aimed at reducing carbon emissions is tightening up minimum energy standards for new buildings and those being extended or renovated. Energy-saving measures in the home will, therefore, become ever more cost-effective throughout our lifetimes.

Read more less

Book SynopsisTiny homes are all the rage these days, especially among young people new to the housing market, for people wanting a small dwelling as a second home or as a studio, and among singles and empty nesters. As millions are experiencing the "magic" of tidying up and reducing the number of their possessions, many are also seeing the value of living with less space, while environmentalists are also valuing a smaller carbon footprint. How to Build Your Own Tiny House is a comprehensive guide to the actual construction process, building codes, and regulations, not another pretty picture book about tiny houses. Offers anyone with basic carpentry skills step-by-step instructions to successfully build a tiny house (250 to 1,000 square feet.) The book covers everything from forming a bill of materials to the basics of frame construction; it details wiring and plumbing a tiny home, outlines construction codes for small buildings and gives pointers as to where local regulations may apply, and also includes a section on building appropriately sized furniture for a tiny home. Includes a selection of tiny home designs, each of which can be expanded as needs change.

Read more less

Book SynopsisFrom the #1 New York Times bestselling author and star of Netflix’s Tidying Up with Marie Kondo, this graphic novel brings Kondo's life-changing tidying method to life with the fun, quirky story of a woman who transforms her home, work, and love life using Kondo's advice and inspiration.In The Life-Changing Manga of Tidying Up, Marie Kondo presents the fictional story of Chiaki, a young woman in Tokyo who struggles with a cluttered apartment, messy love life, and lack of direction. After receiving a complaint from her attractive next-door neighbour about the sad state of her balcony, Chiaki gets Kondo to take her on as a client. Through a series of entertaining and insightful lessons, Kondo helps Chiaki get her home - and life - in order. This insightful, illustrated case study is perfect for people looking for a fun introduction to the KonMari Method of tidying up, as well as tried-and-true fans of Marie Kondo eager for a new way to think about what sparks joy. Featuring illustrations by award-winning manga artist Yuko Uramoto, this book also makes a great read for manga and graphic novel lovers of all ages.Trade ReviewLike a cartoon character come to life to bless you with tidiness. -- The Washington PostCharming and whimsical . . . if organizational mandates are medicine, this book is like a spoonful of sugar. -- Los Angeles TimesHer voice . . . is by turns stern and enchanted, like a fairy godmother for socks. -- The Wall Street JournalThe organization expert who dazzled the world. -- People

Read more less

Book SynopsisDesigning Your Life meets The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up in this guide to creating a space that promotes calm, clarity, and positivity. In Designing for Calm, designer and Stanford instructor Olga Trusova offers easy-to-follow tips for cultivating a calming environment at home or at work. Discover how simple changes can make any room-and its inhabitants-feel more inspired, clear, and energetic. Using the principles of design thinking, Trusova distills essential design wisdom, revealing how to use light, color, sound, furniture, and more to make simple, intentional changes for a profound impact on your mind, body, and spirit. Illuminating examples, accessible tips, and short exercises reveal how easy it is to transform a space, whether you're targeting a small corner or multiple rooms. Brimming with smart, digestible design tips and life-changing techniques, this stylish handbook makes a lovely self-purchase or gift for creatives, design enthusiasts, at-home workers, and anyone looking for simple, proven ways to design a soothing space.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisSuzanna Clarke has worked as a photojournalist for more than two decades, contributing to national and international newspapers, magazines and books. Currently, she is the arts editor of a major Australian newspaper. Born in New Zealand, she grew up in several parts of Australia. In her twenties she lived in a Welsh commune, an Amsterdam squat and a Buddhist monastery in Nepal. With her husband, she divides her time between their homes in Brisbane, Australia and Fez, Morocco.

Read more less

Book SynopsisA singularly relevant application of organizational leadership to the home and family In this unique and groundbreaking book, business consultant and New York Times best-selling author Patrick Lencioni sets his sights on the most important organization in our livesthe family. As a husband and as the father of four young boys, Lencioni realized the discrepancy between the time and energy his clients put into running their organizations and the reactive way most people run their personal lives. Having experienced the stress of a frantic family firsthand, he and his wife began applying some of the tools he uses with Fortune 500 companies at home, and with surprising results. In the book, you'll learn to answer questions like: What makes my family unique? What is my family's biggest priorityits rallying cryright now? How can my family use the answers to these questions today, next week, and next year? An indispensaTrade ReviewMemo to mom: "if my clients ran their companies the way we run this family, they'd be out of business." So says the management-consultant dad in this slim but thought-provoking volume. BlackBerrys are blurring the line between work and home. Why not apply business principles to "the most important organization in your life"? It's hard to argue with the idea that family goals should be carefully articulated. Likewise, a weekly family meeting can only help team spirit. But please, let's draw the line at pink slips.Table of ContentsIntroduction vii The Fable Part One: The Problem 3 Part Two: Business School 49 Part Three: Trial and Error 107 The Model The Frantic Family 171 Context 173 Fast, Fast, Fast 176 The Three Big Questions 179 Question #1: What makes your family unique? 180 Question #2: What is your family’s top priority—rallying cry—right now? 190 Question #3: How do you talk about and use the answers to these questions? 196 Author’s Note 201 Family Examples 204 Acknowledgments 219 About the Author 221

Read more less

Book Synopsis Adventures on the road to real-world self-sufficiency Many of us want to increase our self-sufficiency, but few have access to the ideal 5 sunny, gently-sloping acres of rich, loamy, well-drained soil. Jenni Blackmore presents a highly entertaining, personal account of how permaculture can be practiced in adverse conditions, allowing anyone to learn to live more sustainably in a less-than-perfect world. With a rallying cry of If we can do it, you can too, she distills the wisdom of 20 years of trial and error into a valuable teaching tool. The perfect antidote to dense, high-level technical manuals, Permaculture for the Rest of Us presents the fundamental principles of this sometimes confusing concept in a humorous, reader-friendly way. Each chapter focuses on a specific method or technique, interspersing straightforward explanations with the author''s own experiences. Learn how to successfully retrofit even the smallest homestead using sTrade ReviewPublishers Weekly, October 2015 (Blackmore's) book is both a manual and a memoir, using her experiences as a springboard to explain permaculture how-tos and how-not-tos. Blackmore's take on permaculture, the concepts of which were developed in Australia, is decidedly Northern. Anyone envying typical descriptions of lush, fertile land and perfect climates will be heartened by Blackmore's story. She discusses vegetable timetables, ways to create different growing conditions, keeping weeds at bay, dirt building, heat and cold tolerance of plants, greenhouses, "lasagna gardening," and more. She also imparts her knowledge on raising chickens, turkeys, ducks, and rabbits. Her advice is perfect for the beginning and aspiring permaculturist: non-threatening, clear, and told from a charming personal perspective. Permaculture is personal journey to a more sustainable, earth regenerating lifestyle. In Permaculture for the Rest of Us, Jenni Blackmore skillfully weaves a thorough explanation of permaculture principles and practices into her own story of returning to the land. With wit and charm she draws on her experiences homesteading in a challenging climate. She deftly illustrates how she and her family have truly created abundance while embracing the natural world around them. The result is a wealth of information, advice and inspiration. ---Darrell Frey, Author of Bioshelter Market Garden: A Permaculture Farm Self-reliance is a choice today, and a difficult one, but it won't be a choice in the future. Jenni Blackmore writes with heart about her family's crawl toward living in harmony with nature. Sharing her hard-won lessons in permaculture with verve and intimate warmth, the author reveals the human side of building a new way of life: food, seeds, animals, weather and setbacks. Genuine, pithy, and filled with practical tips to encourage and guide the reader, the book also expands our knowledge of coastal ecosystems. ---Peter Bane, author, The Permaculture Handbook: Garden Farming for Town and Country and publisher, Permaculture Activist magazine A welcome breath of fresh air, Jenni Blackmore's Permaculture for the Rest of Us is exactly what the title suggests: an enthusiastic, user-friendly guide to ecologically sensitive homesteading, using permaculture principles, for those who don't happen to have the money and opportunity to buy five or ten acres of perfect farmland. For those who want to grow their own food without pesticides or the other problematic features of industrial agriculture -- and these days, it's hard to think of a more useful step toward personal sustainability -- this is an excellent guide. -- John Michael Greer, author, Green Wizardry: Conservation, Solar Power, Organic Gardening, and Other Hands-On Skills from the Appropriate Tech Toolkit As Canadians change their approach to the garden, Jenni Blackmore is leading the way. It is not that nature has changed but our attitude towards her is. Blackmore shows us how to embrace the lead that nature provides us with, in an approach that is as much storytelling as it is a guide to self-sufficiency. I am not sure if this book is more useful in the magazine rack, next to the almanac where I can pick it up and gather some nuggets of knowledge that will make me a better gardener, or next to my fat, cushioned reading chair where I enjoy a good story. We need a special category for this book. ---Mark Cullen markcullen.com For most, permaculture can seem like a complex philosophy too daunting to make part of our everyday reality. In Permaculture for the Rest of Us, Jenni Blackmore masterfully distills the concepts and principles of permaculture in such a way that the reader is convinced to put theory into practice. Both optimistic and realistic, Permaculture for the Rest of Us is a rare combination that provides both the how and why of creating a simpler life while fostering a deeper connection with nature, with the Earth, and with each other. ---Av Singh, Just Us! Centre for Small FarmsTable of Contents Introduction 1. Slug Wars or How it All Began 2. The Nitty Gritty on Building Dirt 3. To Dig or Not to Dig 4. Green Thumbing It 101 5. Easy Starter Crops 6. What? And When? 7. Gotta Getta Greenhouse 8. Warm Wussies 9. Quack, Cluck and Gobble 10. Ethics and Principles 11. Harvest Time: The Reason for it All! Glossary Suggested Reading Index About the Author

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisWALLSTREET JOURNAL BESTSELLERLive lighter. Live freer. Live a bigger life with less.In Declutter Like a Mother, Allie Casazza comes alongside you to explore: Why decluttering calms anxiety in your heart and lessens tension in your relationships. How to ensure your house is working for you, not against you. Why kids thrive when they''re not overwhelmed with options. How to make time, when you feel you don’t have time, to declutter.  Allie Casazza was tired of feeling it was her against the laundry in her home. She wondered if somewhere beneath her frantic days and the mountains of toys in the playroom she would ever find joy and peace in motherhood. Then she discovered the abundance . . . of less.As she purged her home of excess stuff, Allie discovered a lifestyle that strengthened her marriage, saved her motherhood, and helped her develop her gift

Read more less

Book SynopsisDiscover how easy it is to make fresh dairy products at home! You don’t need a commercial kitchen or specialty ingredients to whip up your own cheeses, yogurts, and spreads. With simple step-by-step instructions that don’t require complicated aging techniques, you can add a wonderful range of tart, sweet, and nutty flavors to your cooking. From fresh buttermilk for mouthwatering pancakes to creamy mozzarella in a refreshing Caprese salad, you’ll soon enjoy the fresh flavors of your homemade dairy creations.

Read more less

Book SynopsisFor more than three decades, this best-selling guide to the practice of vermicomposting has taught people how to use worms to recycle food waste into nutrient-rich fertilizer for houseplants or gardens. Small-scale, self-contained worm bins can be kept indoors, in a basement, or even under the kitchen sink in an apartment — making vermicomposting a great option for city dwellers and anyone who doesn’t want or can’t have an outdoor compost pile. The fully revised 35th anniversary edition features the original’s same friendly tone, with up-to-date information on the entire process, from building or purchasing a bin (readily available at garden supply stores) to maintaining the worms and harvesting the finished compost.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less