Kit Houses

I've had this fascination with Sears Kit Homes for years.
It's amazing that not so long ago,
one could order a house from a catalogue
the way we order household items, food, or books today.

In modern times, these homes would be called prefab houses.
They are not the same as mobile homes.
It's one option we are considering when we move.
The process is incredible.

The homes are assembled inside a factory, just like a car.
The wall panels are transported to the site and erected there.



Finish work like plumbing and electrical is done on site.
Overall, the buyer can get into the home sooner than conventional structures
because the elements are not a factor during construction.
If you're the handy type, you can build the kit yourself.
That could add up to a lot of savings.


One of the most appealing aspects of choosing this type of construction
is the lack of wasted materials.
In the factory, workers have exactly what they need for each model
and excess materials can often be used elsewhere.




From contemporary to rustic, the choice is yours.
Choice of materials, colors and styles
is easily adapted to the homeowner's desires.


I recently enjoyed this book about the subject:

Here's a fantastic chart to give you an idea
of what's currently available.

If you're interested in learning more about the extraordinary
Sears Kit Homes, here are some links:

http://www.searsarchives.com/homes/

http://www.arts-crafts.com/archive/kithome/rt-searskits.shtml


http://www.searshomes.org/index.php/blog/

We're looking forward to exploring this option.
Keep ya posted!

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.

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

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.

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.  

 

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!

MaryJane's Ideabook~Cookbook~Lifebook
by MaryJane Butters

*****

"Whether you simply need encouragement to embrace a more authentic, wholesome lifestyle or you're looking for guidance on building a greenhouse, chopping firewood, hosting a town event, caring for a flock of chickens, making your own butter, growing a winter salad, or choosing a water filter, MaryJane's Ideabook, Cookbook, Lifebook is both an inspiration and practical road map

for farmgirls all stripes."

If you are living or aspire to persue the homesteading lifestyle, this 400+ page reference manual is for you. 

From cooking and cleaning, to sewing, gardening, and crafting, building and animal-rearing, you'll find a treasure trove of information for all things domestic and farm-like.  With an ease of delivery, MaryJane shares her vast knowledge of these lost arts with a dose of reminiscing of days gone by.  Loaded with vintage photographs and step-by-step instructions, this book is packed with great ideas, wonderful memories and a can-do attitude.  Through it all, simplicity and common sense ring true.  In her words, "Farmgirl is a condition of the heart." 
Indeed it is.

 

Made From Scratch by Jenna Woginrich
******

Inspired by her growing admiration for small farmers and her equally strong distaste for out-of-control consumerism, Jenna Woginrich decided to take greater control of her life-what she ate, what she wore, and how she spent her free time.  Learn a few basic country skills, she reasoned, and she would be able to produce at least some of the food and resources she used every day.

This book and Jenna's blog,  Cold Antler Farm, are two of the reasons I found a name for what I've always felt.  She introduced me to the word barnheart, which I found out had been plaguing me for years.  In this her first book, she tackles topics on beekeeping, raising chickens, mountain music and cooking country-style.  Each section is succinctly described, so that anyone who follows her instructions can be successful at these homestead tasks.  This is the type of book that really goes down easy.  In fact, you don't want it to end because you want to hear what else the author has to say. 
I can honestly say it is one of the best that I've read on the subject.  Through this book and her blog, Jenna has taught me so much about why homesteading is the right fit for me.  From the looks of it, I'm not alone!

Non-Fiction Book Love Link Up

Paperback Swap

Is reading one of your passions? 
Do you love to get cozy with a novel on a rainy day? 
How 'bout learning all you can about one of your hobbies? 

Books are amazing. 

They transport us to other worlds,
help us understand the past, keep us grounded,

hold us firm to our ideals and teach us things we never thought we could learn.

We read a ton around here. 

The local library knows our family quite well. 

 

In simplifying my life this past year, I've given away

many of the books I had been holding onto for years. 

I just don't find the need to hang on to things that are available through my library.  That being said,

I wanted to share a wonderful resource

that we've been using for a couple of years now. 

 It's called Paperback Bookswap. 
Here's how it works.

~Go to the website and register your name. 

~List 10 books that you'd be willing to swap.  (This means that you'll be sending them to someone, and not getting them back.) 

~When someone requests a book from you, you are notified where to send it. 

~You pay for postage (media mail price) and off it goes to make someone else very happy.

~When you desire a book, browse the books available  by name, author or subject. 

~Choose books to be sent to you.

~You will be notified when the book is on its way.

It couldn't be easier.  We've gotten so many choice books this way, some that would have cost up to $50 or more.

Most of them have been in pristine condition.

All kinds of books are available, not just paperbacks. 

There are audio books, textbooks, and hardcovers.

It's a great resource for collectors, or for folks

like myself who want to hang on to only

the bare necessities.  You can even swap books,

read them, and then relist them.

*It's like a smile in your mailbox!*

Thrifty by Marjorie Harris
*****

"Here are solid tips on how to haggle, how to find fashion deals, maintaining home and hearth on a budget, 

and money-saving ideas on gardening, travel, and entertainment. Thrifty is full of savvy advice drawn from Harris's own experiences, and those of frugal friends."

This book delivers. It's packed with simple, easy ideas 

for getting what you need (or want) at the best possible price. It's a how-to written with a bit of wit and lots of practicality, which appeals to me. An easy read filled with ideas about gardening, homekeeping, cooking and how and when to haggle or barter.

One of my favorite tips on gardening was 

"Make sure you have someone you'll be sharing your harvest with. Deciding on who grows what can turn 

an individual garden into a community garden 
with very little organization." 
Just think, we could feed each other right in our own neighborhoods!




 

Plain and Simple by Sue Bender
*****

In the prologue, the author states, 
"I had an obsession with the Amish.  Plain and simple."  

In her words I found myself.  My lifelong love of farms and simplicity didn't make sense with the upbringing I'd had.  No matter.  

One must follow where the heart leads.  And so, in this poignant tale, Sue Bender tells of her journey of living with the Amish, 
learning their ways and finding out just how rich their lives can be.  
And how she can bring some of their ways 
to her own hurried 
and busy life in the city.

This book is a quick read, but don't make the mistake of rushing through it.  Savor every page, every line.  I was thrilled to learn that this book is the first in a trilogy about the subject matter.  I look forward to seeing where the author takes us on the next leg of her journey.  This is a wonderful book to read on a day 
when you can immerse yourself in another world.  
You may not want to come back!