Rural Renaissance Book Review

Rural Renaissance 
by John Ivanko and Lisa Kivirist

"Blending inspiration with practical how-to's, Rural Renaissance captures the American dream 
of country living for contemporary times.  Journey with the authors and experience their lessons, 
laughter and love for the land as they trade the urban concrete maze for a five-acre organic farm 
and bed and breakfast in southwestern Wisconsin.  
Among the many topics explored in Rural Renaissance are:

*"right livelihood" and the good life

*organic gardening and permaculture

*renewable energy and energy conservation

*simplicity, frugality and freedom

*green design and recycled materials

*independence and interdependence 

An authentic tale of a couple whose pioneering spirit and connection to the land 
reaches out to both the local and global community to make their dream come true,  
Rural Renaissance will appeal to a wide range of free agents, conservation entrepreneurs 
and both arm-chair and real-life homesteaders, regardless of where they live."

What struck me most when reading this book was the absolute awakening concerning creating a life that feels right.  By following one's heart, good things will happen.  The authors explain how they forged a unique trail 
for their bed & breakfast, unlike any other.  Rather than following conventional standards, they fashioned their inn after their own heartfelt desires.  

Some of the differences you'll find at their getaway are:

1)  Reused and repurposed furnishings
2)  The use of homemade, natural cleaners
3)   Homegrown, organic food
4)  An emphasis  on creating an environmentally
and socially responsible haven for guests. 

It's no wonder that those who flock to their establishment
are of like minds.  What a great way to not only enjoy a needed vacation, 
but to support a business that believes in doing the right thing.  That's a winning combination.
This book was an interesting read and it made me want to book a reservation.
It's definitely worth your time.

"The Zero-Waste Lifestyle" Book Review

The Zero-Waste Lifestyle

Amy Korst

"In The Zero-Waste Lifestyle, Amy Korst shows you how to lead a healthier, happier, 
and more sustainable life by generating less garbage.  
 Drawing from lessons she learned during a yearlong experiment in zero-waste living, 
Amy outlines hundreds of easy ideas-from the simple to the radical-for consuming 
and throwing away less, with low-impact tips on the best ways to:

*Buy eggs from a local farm instead of the grocery store

*Start a worm bin for composting

*Grow your own loofah sponges and mix up eco-friendly cleaning solutions

*Purchase gently used items and donate them when you're finished

*Shop the bulk aisle and keep reusable bags in your car

*Bring your own containers for take-out or restaurant leftovers

By eliminating unnecessary items in every aspect of your life, 
these meaningful and achievable strategies will help you save time and money, 
support local businesses, decrease litter, reduce your toxic exposure, eat well, 
become more self-sufficient, and preserve the planet for future generations."

This book was a real eye-opener.  I didn't realize 
there were folks who were trying to live trash-free.  
It's a noble pursuit, for sure.  Although we recycle and pay attention 
to the purchases we make, this book helped me pay more attention 
to the packaging that comes into our home. 
 I also find myself questioning whether or not something 
really needs to be thrown in the trash, rather than composted or recycled.

One point that the author made which I hadn't thought of before, 
was that anything that is wet or moist can usually be composted.  
This not only keeps trash to a minimum, 
but the need for garbage can liners becomes obsolete.  
Think of the savings in not having to purchase garbage bags 
and the amount of plastic you wouldn't be buying.  
It all adds up.

 One aspect that in which we already participate is in making purchases locally, 
so that the travel time and supplies are kept to a minimum.  
The impact on the environment is lessened 
when you can carry home your purchase in your own bags or boxes.  
No waste!  
(See the repurposed bags I recently made here.)  

The book also nurtures the idea that supporting the local community is better for everyone.
One thing I plan on doing since reading this book is to contact companies of items I currently purchase 
to inquire about the packaging they use.  Is it recyclable?  Could the packaging be downsized?  
It doesn't take much time to inform the companies 
that this is something worthwhile to consumers of their products.

The author and contributors are to be commended for their efforts in creating less waste 
and being so conscientious about the environment.  
By reading this book, I do think that I can reduce my usage of some items 
and get a compost pile started to help ease the burden of waste on our planet.  
If everyone who read this book just made one change, it would benefit us all.

"Free-Range Chicken Gardens" Book Review

Free-Range Chicken Gardens

How to Create a Beautiful, Chicken-Friendly Yard

Jessi Bloom

"In this essential handbook, award-winning garden designer Jessi Bloom 
covers everything a gardener needs to know, 
including chicken-keeping basics, simple garden plans to get you started, 
tips on attractive fencing options, 
the best plants and plants to avoid, and step-by-by step instructions 
for getting your chicken garden up and running.  
For anyone who wants a fabulous garden where colorful chickens happily roam, 
this is the guide that will bring the dream home to roost."

What I loved about this book, 
was the way it helped me see a different way of keeping chickens.  
Because the garden is designed around the chickens' needs, 
it lends itself to not only providing a gorgeous garden, 
but creating a safe and inviting place for the chickens.  
Plants are carefully selected to offer protection from predators, 
so that the chickens have access to cover should danger arise.  
This allows them to free-range most of the time.  I just love the idea 
that the chickens have ample time outside to scratch, bughunt, 
and enjoy their dust baths, knowing that they are free from peril.  
I can't think of a more symbiotic relationship.  
The chickens are free to roam, eating bugs and depositing manure,and the garden benefits.  
The garden and the chickens are nurturing each other.  
I'm so grateful to have read this book before we acquire chicks, 
and I hope to incorporate the ideas on our new homestead.

One Year to an Organized Life 

by Regina Leeds

****

"What happened to my keys?  Am I late, or is that appointment on Tuesday?  Why is the kids' room such a mess?  Did I ever pay this credit card bill?  And speaking of papers everywhere...has anybody seen the dining room table?  Imagine not having to worry about any of these things.  An organized life enables you to have more time, less aggravation, better health, and get more done.  For nearly twenty years, Regina Leeds-named Best Organizer in Los Angeles by Los Angeles magazine-has helped even the most organizationally challenged.  One Year to an Organized Life is a unique week-by-week, month-by-month plan to forever streamline all aspects of your life.  Regina helps you break down tasks and build routines over time so that life becomes simple, not overwhelming."

What I like about this book is the way it is broken down into managable steps.  Each month of the year is a source of focus on a particular area in the home.  Within each month, steps are further broken down, so that tasks are doable in a short amount of time.  This is especially valuable for those who are just embarking on organizing their lives.  For those already enmeshed in the organizing world, it's a great place to refresh your routines and systems.  The book begins with January, (what a wonderful way to start off a new year!), but can be picked up at any time of the year and followed along. 

If you need a push in the direction of getting things organized around your homestead, this book might be just the ticket to get you started!

 

Real Simple Cleaning by Kathleen Squires
****



From the Editor's page:  "Because one person's spick-and-span is another's squalor, we all have different ideas aobut how much we need to clean.  Readers of Real Simple magazine frequently tell us editors about their love-hate relationship with the concept.  I'm happy to report that there are some hearty, creative souls who make cleaning an event; they put on headphones, dance around the house and celebrate afterward with a  glass of wine.  As you might imagine, these people are the minority.  But even those who hate the process love the results."

This book is as you might expect, well organized into categories.  The first, Room by Room, focuses on the individual needs of each area of the home and how best to clean each and every nook and cranny.  The second, Common Surfaces, pinpoints the most efficient way to create sparkling results on everything from ceilings to floors.  The final subject matter spotlights specific remedies for the myriad of Stains that occur in the home.  There's also a clever and handy cleaning calendar in the back of the book.  This is a handy go-to guide for everyday cleaning.

Real Simple:  869 new uses for old things by the editors of Real Simple
****

"In this age of reduce/reuse/recyle, New Uses for Old Things is the original green idea.  Introduced in the monthly magazine, in 2002, when our editors revealed how to use dental floss to neatly cut soft cheese, slice eggs, and even truss a chicken, New Uses for Old Things has served as a sort of beacon for staff members and readers alike.  It has "smart," "surprising," and "good for the earth" all wrapped up into one.  What more could you want?  And in case you're wondering whether it's easy to come up with those clever ideas month in and month out:  It's not."

The folks at Real Simple magazine never seem to run out of good ideas to live a simpler, more earth-friendly life.  This book, aptly subtitled, "an encyclopedia of innovative ideas for everyday items", acts as a daily resource for those who wish to live their lives with less stuff.  Repurposing items is a worthwhile venture for those of use who want to leave less of a footprint on this world.  The creativity really shines in this reference manual, where new uses are found for paper clips, clothespins, dental floss and a myriad of other everyday items.  The handbook is alphabetically organized, which is great if you want to find what particular tools will do a certain job.  However, if you're in the middle of a project and need to know which tool to use, there is no cross-reference guide.  That could be a helpful addition.  Overall, this publication would be a great gift for new homeowners, college students, homeschoolers, or anyone who appreciates finding innovative uses for everyday items.

Chick Days by Jenna Woginrich
*****




"Chickens are quirky and fun and their eggs give you tasty, nutritious food every day.  Who could ask more of a pet?  And it's surprisingly easy to be a backyard chicken-keeper.  With lively text and charming photographs, Chick Days follows the day-by-day and week-by-week growth of three chickens as they develop from hatchlings to laying hens.  Firsthand advice on chicken behavior, breed selection, feeding requirements, safe housing, hygiene, and health-care essentials ensures that your own flock will be as healthy and well-cared-for as this contented trio."


This simple and heartwarming book is a great go-to guide for chicken raising newbies (or wannabes, like myself).  Jenna Woginrich, who is a young farmer and has served as the impetus of this blog and my homesteading quest, has written another treasure.  If you haven't been following her adventures at Cold Antler Farm, you're missing out.  Her easy writing style makes venturing into new territory less scary.  The way she has explained how to choose a breed, the daily care involved and what to expect once your flock starts laying, enables one to not only imagine having chickens as part of a lifestyle, but outlines the steps in order to achieve that goal. 
The ability to follow three chicks into adulthood was a hoot!
Information about each of the three breeds featured was given throughout their lives and what a blast to see them grow from helpless little balls of fur to empowered laying hens!

One of the reasons I decided to begin my homesteading pursuit was because deep down, in some inexplicable way, I needed chickens in my life.  Not chicken-n-rice kind of needed.  Don't ask me where it came from.  I only know that on some level, I knew I wanted to get back to basics and chickens were gonna help me with that.  The main requirement for our next home will be property and no deed restrictions so that we can pursue our (mostly my) dream of becoming more self-reliant.  It's good to know that I can begin my research ahead of time so that I'll be better prepared when we pick up our first batch of baby chicks.  Thanks, Jenna!

The Edible Landscape by Tom McCubbin
*****




"Make every inch of your property beautiful, productive and delicious! 
*Create a luscious landscape that becomes your edible garden
*Pick exotic, topical fruit from right outside your door
*Start from seed and start saving money
*Harvest farm-fresh vegetables year round from your yard
*Grow spicy, aromatic herbs as beautiful and prolific as wildflowers
*Special section with 17 fun-filled easy-to-follow gardening projects for kids"




If you've got a Florida (or other tropical-type) yard, this book will help you get growing!  Tom MacCubbin is one of the best known garden experts for the Florida climate.  He takes you from starting seeds to grafting to harvesting your own food.
The two appendixes in the book  have been most helpful. The first is a month-to-month gardening guide, which explains what a gardener can do each month of the year to improve  soil, lists what to grow when, and fertilization practices.  Another section lists edibles in alphabetical order with easy-to-use charts and reference information.  Having a local expert who understands the unique conditions of the area makes it so much easier to be a successful gardener.  This book is a must-have for anyone who is serious about growing their own food in a tropical climate.

Good Things for Organizing by Martha Stewart
*****



"A handrail that turns into a pot rack?  A cupboard for a nightstand?  Antiques in the medicine cabinet?  Here are some of our favorite ideas and tips for maximizing space, clearing away clutter, and making your home more welcoming and comfortable, room by room."

This book was a delightful read.  What would you expect from the organizing maven herself?  Wonderful ideas and beautiful photos motivate the reader to begin on the road to efficiency.  The focus in this book is to inspire new uses for items.  Repurposing is a way of using what you have in a different application.  There are a myriad of suggestions to try one's hand at making a home more cozy, comfortable and pragmatic.  If you are just starting to reorganize your life, this book is a great place to begin.

 

Organized Simplicity by Tsh Oxenreider
*****



"Simplicity isn't about what you give up.  It's about what you gain.  When you remove the things that don't matter to you, you are free to focus on only the things that are meaningful to you.  Imagine your home, your time, your finances, and your belongings all filling you with positive energy and helping you achieve your dreams.  It can happen, and Organized Simplicity can show you how.
Inside you'll find:
*A simple, ten-day plan that shows you step by step how to organize every room in your home
*Ideas for creating a family purpose statement to help you identify what to keep and what to remove from your life
*Templates for a home management notebook to help you effectively and efficiently take care of daily, weekly and monthly tasks
*Recipes for non-toxic household cleaners and natural toiletry items including toothpaste, deodorant and shampoo.
Start living a more organized, intentional life today."

This is one of the best books on organization I've read to date.
Not only is it filled with great ideas to start any decluttering project, it contains several worksheets that can help the reader manage budget, time, and inventory.   I really relate to the perspective the author takes on making room in your life for the good stuff by clearing out the stuff that's blocking you.  The compact size makes it easy to tote anywhere, for inspiration throughout the day.  If this book doesn't get you started on clearing out the clutter in your life, then you're just not serious about improving your life.  I look forward to reading this again and again.

 

Non-Fiction Book Love Link Up

Aromatherapy:  The A-Z Guide to Healing with Essential Oils
by Shelagh Ryan Masline and Barbara Close
****



"Filled with both traditional wisdom and the latest research, Aromatherapy contains all the information you need to purchase and use these powerful, magnificent oils.  It includes:
*Healing and sensual massages
*The luxurious European sitz bath
*Facial steam bath and rejuvenating clay mask
*Transcendent baths for relaxation and hydration
*Elegant hydrolat baths for clear, healthy skin
*Specific remedies for dozens of health problems from acne to varicose veins
With Aromatherapy you'll find foolproof ways to diminish headache pain, safely treat over 50 common ailments, alleviate stress, energize and uplift moods and much more."


This guide is a great resource for folks like me who are just starting to learn about this alternative healthcare option.  Being interested in a more natural way of dealing with illness, this book attracted me.  It's also comforting to know that our health is something that we can influence everyday by the choices we make.  Eating a balanced diet and exercise are two ways to accomplish this.  Adding essential oils can enhance our lives by keeping us proactive in our own healthcare.  The alphabetized order of the book makes it easy to look up just what you need.  This is one book I plan to add to my library.

 

Native Florida Plants
****



"This colorful, photo-packed guide helps you select Florida-born plants right for you and your area-no ill-suited, high-maintenance exotics here.  You'll find complete profiles on every type of hardy native plant from seaside foliage to wildflowers and grasses, shrubs, vines, and even aquatics.  It just makes sense to use plants that already thrive in the Sunshine State."

This simply organized reference book has great pictures of native grasses, trees, vines, wildflowers, shrubs and more.  Each specimen's requirements are listed on the page, making it easy to find the right plant for the right place  (a Florida-friendly principal).  Other helpful sections are how to create a native garden, butterfly gardening and plants that do well in seaside locations.  At the end of the book is a listing of Florida native nurseries so that you can find the perfect addition to your native garden.

Enjoy Life's Cookies for Everyone!
*****



"Your search is over.  Finally, you've found an entire collection of recipes you can turn to whenever you want to bake cookies and treats that are safe for most everyone with food allergies, intolerances, or sensitivities.  And to top it off, you don't have to sacrifice any of the sweet and savory tastes or moist and chewy textures that make these mouth-watering confections so memorable and delicious.
In addition to being gluten-free, all of the cookies, brownies, bars, pancakes, tartlets, and more, included in this unique collection are made without the most common allergens, making them all safe and delicious snack and dessert options for practically everyone."

We tried several recipes from this book and they all turned out fabulous.  Our favorite was the chocolate (big surprise) sandwich cookie recipe.  The Basically Yummy Cookie recipe reminded me of Nilla Wafers.  What I really appreciate about this cookbook is that it is already free from many of the foods that Lil' Guy is sensitive to, so minimal adapting was necessary.

I still had to substitute for the shortening used in the recipes (he can't have palm oil), but suggestions were offered that made it easy and better yet, they worked!  I always get my cookbooks from the library first, to see if they are worth investing in, and I'd have to say this one is.  If anyone you bake for has allergies or sensitivities, they'll be happy you did.

The Naturally Clean Home by Karyn Siegel-Maier
****



"Common, nontoxic kitchen ingredients such as baking soda, borax, lemon, and vinegar are wonderfully effective household cleaners.  Pair them with essential oils to disinfect and freshen every room.  With 150 all-natural, easy-to-prepare cleaning solutions you can: 

*soften and whiten clothing        *brighten bathroom mirrors
*break up kitchen grease             *scour porcelain and tiles
*polish wood floors                       *deodorize carpets
*scrub the oven                                              

Banish harmful chemical cleansers from your home; clean it green for a healthier family, a healthier planet."

This compact reference book is handy to have around the house and small enough to take with you on your travels.  Easy to make recipes with common household ingredients allow the consumer to create an arsenal of environmentally-friendly and low-cost cleansers.  The addition of essential oils takes these cleaners in a new direction.  Each solvent is specific for particular surfaces or applications, but many may be used throughout various rooms of the home.  Practical and simple to implement, this book has a host of great ideas to make your home cleaner, greener and freshly fragrant!


 

Easy, Green Living by Renee Loux

*****

"We are what we eat, but we also are what we use to clean our homes, pamper our skin, and decorate our rooms.  Author Renee Loux demonstrates that being green at home is easy, affordable, and better in every sense of the word.  She discusses the daily choices we face that can keep the home, personal care, and beauty routines free of toxins.  She exposes the dirt on cleaning products and common hazardous ingredients and reveals her recommendations for greener options, including her 'Green Thumb Guides' for choosing chemical-free, eco-smart, and human-friendly products.  This complete lifestyle guide shows that healthier choices don't mean a radical or complicated life change-it is, after all, easy to be green."

The title of this book was what caught my eye.  These days, the effort is made on a daily basis to simplify and "green up" our lives.  Not only does the author have great tips about how to do just that, she delves into an area which is not often ventured.  She goes into detail about products folks use everyday and the chemicals that are laden in these mainstays, as well as their effects.  Education is the way to freedom, and having the knowledge that is available in this book allows one to make informed decisions about what we choose to put on and in our bodies, homes and workplaces.  Her recipes for cleansers are easy and simple to make and use.  Anyone who is striving to make their world healthier, safer and greener will enjoy this book.  It's a keeper.

Toss, Keep, Sell! by Leah Ingram
****


"Looking for a way to make money and get your house in order?  Toss, Keep, Sell! teaches you how to turn the junk you haven't used (or even seen!) in ages into cash-while organizing your home at the same time.  To make decluttering easier than ever, each orderly chapter is organized by rooms and daily tasks and features."

The reason I wanted to read this book is because I love all things organizational.  While it does a good job of taking the reader through each room of the home with easy steps to aid in decluttering and reorganizing what's left, the focus seems to be more on making a profit from one's throw aways.  Having had bad experiences with traders on FreeCycle and Craig's List, things are rarely listed there anymore for giveaway or a modest charge.  This book made me rethink using Ebay as a means to jump start our savings account.
As we pare down our belongings in anticipation of moving to our homestead in the (very) near future, why not earn a bit of cash?  Toss, Keep, Sell! gives ideas about what really sells.

For folks who are new to organizing their homes, this book has great charts and quick tips.  There are personal testimonials from people who have decluttered while cashing in.  The author also has a blog where further frugal ideas are shared.  You can find that here.  

 

Backyards:  A Sunset Design Guide
***


"Creating a backyard that's comfortable and enjoyable will make your home feel exponentially larger.  Just think of being able to invite friends and family over for a weekend pool party or summer barbecue, where guests can mingle indoors and out.  This book will guide you through the precess of turning backyard dreams into reality.  Learn how to make the most of small spaces, incorporate the needs of children and pets, and add structures that give even nondescript homes a sense of style.  You'll also find advice on using eco-friendly materials and planning water-wise gardens.  Throughout the book, you'll find words of wisdom from our panel of experts, as well as case studies of their work that will inspire you with possibilities for your own backyard."


This book is chocked full of great ideas.  Vivid photos
capture the overall essence of each garden composition. 
A variety of backyard themes is depicted throughout the book.  The contents are well-organized with topics ranging from Getting Started, to Cooking and Entertaining to Backyard Structures.  For those who are adept at using software, you're in luck.  This book comes with a software disc that will help in the planning stages.  Unfortunately, I find myself frustrated when using these new-fangled things and prefer to put my plan together the old-fashioned way with a pencil and paper.  This is not a do-it-yourself manual.  There are no step-by-step instructions for the myriad of suggested projects.   Instead, general ideas and a visual frame of reference are provided for the reader who is just mulling around possibilities.

Real Simple: The Organized Home
from the editors of Real Simple
*****



"For many people, the idea of getting organized is far more daunting than the reality of doing it.  If you need an incentive to start, keep in mind that a small investment of time now will have a large payoff later.  Approach this book as you would approach your own house:  Enter the foyer and proceed into the living and family rooms to the kitchen, the bedroom, the bathroom, and beyond."

And that's just what I did while exploring this book. 

As soon as I started perusing the pages, I felt inclined to take out a spiral notebook and write down what changes I'd like to make in our home, starting with the entryway.  Most of what I have planned is to make it more marketable for buyers, but there's no harm in changing it for the better in case we are here longer than we want to be.  Anyone who embraces the idea of simplifying their lives will enjoy this book.  Those who get a real charge out of organizing and having our home as efficient and pragmatic as possible will relish it. 

Toward the back of the book are several strategies for getting started by streamlining daily practices to ensure that clutter never makes a home in your abode.  An extensive shopping guide provides resources for items to make your organizing just a bit more fun.  This book would be helpful for those needing a jumping off point.  For those of us who already adore all things organizational, it can offer a fresh perspective and a motivational boost.

Handy Household Hints from Heloise
*****










"Discover Heloise's helpful ideas and tips for cleaning up, entertaining with ease, making repairs, getting organized, taking care of yourself, coping with nuisances, and keeping house.  For a wealth of up-to-the-minute hints, turn to this handbook whenever you've burnt the rice, stained your shirt, or splattered paint on your hands."



What's not to like here?  Heloise and her mother before her,
the original Heloise, have been doling out solutions to household problems for a half a century (I know, can you believe it?). 
This go-to manual is ideal to have on hand to help with all those domestic dilemmas that spring up.  Need to know how
to properly launder clothes?  It's in there. Wondering about what will work as a substitute in recipes?  Yup, that too.  Everything from cooking, cleaning, decluttering (one of my favorite parts), and home maintenance can be found in the pages of this wonderfully written no-nonsense book.  This would make a great gift for a newlywed couple or a student headed off to college or just graduating.  In fact, I can't think of a person who wouldn't benefit from having this manual in their home library. 
Heloise rates right up there with Erma Bombeck as one of my personal (s)heroes.
That's what happens when you let your light shine...
                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

Reader's Digest Beginner's Guide to Gardening
***


"If the idea of a beautiful garden fills you with happiness
but your lack of gardening knowledge fills you with dread, Beginner's Guide to Gardening is the one book you need.  Packed with easy-to-understand and easy-to-implement information, this comprehensive handbook guides you through the basics of gardening.  Determine the style and features you want for your garden-as well as how much time you can devote to it-and then use the detailed information in these pages to create your outdoor dream space."


This 250+ page book has brilliant photographs and tons of information for the beginning gardener, or one who just needs a bit of a fresh perspective.  There are chapters on everything from soil basics to selecting plants to pest control.  Step-by-step instructions are given for basic tasks such as taking a root cutting or laying sod, and expanding to something as esoteric as forming an espalier. 


Because I am working hard to make our gardens native, I more enjoy books which have a local point of view.  The ideas in general gardening books such as this are out-of-sync with our climate and planting time table, so it takes a bit of rethinking to make some of the things work here in Florida.  Unless a book is written specifically for Southern or Florida gardeners, one can be sure that some adjustments will have to be made.  Still, this book does have some great general information to get a gardener started.  So many ideas in one book, it would take hours to digest them all.  Not a bad way to spend a stormy weekend!