book chat - The Natural Apothecary

Today, I'm sharing three books by Penny Stanway, Expected publication: March 19th 2019 by Nourish.

The Natural Apothecary: Baking Soda 

This is a good resource for those looking for more natural remedies for cleaning and health. I've been cleaning with baking soda and vinegar for years and this book has given me more ideas for using baking soda.

The Natural Apothecary: Lemons

Another good resource for anyone looking for more natural remedies for health, beauty and cleaning. Recipes and instructions for use are included along with advice on buying or growing your own lemons.

The Natural Apothecary: Apple Cider Vinegar

Another good resource for anyone interested in using more natural remedies to get and stay healthy, though many of the health claims are anecdotal or based on small studies. Recipes and instructions for use for healthy, beauty and cleaning are included along with instruction for choosing premade or even making your own apple cider vinegar.

Thank you to Nourish and Netgalley for the opportunity to read these books in exchange for my honest reviews.

book chat - Living Decor

Living Decor: Design Tips and Home Projects Featuring Botanicals

by 

Maria Colletti

Expected publication: March 5th 2019 by Cool Springs Press

This is a well put together guide to using plants to enhance your home's style and decor. Many popular plants are covered here along with many the average plant lover may not recognize. Colletti discusses style points as well as care tips. I highly appreciated the inclusion of a section on having plants along with cats and dogs. A short list of toxic plants is included in addition to a (clickable in the digital version) link to the ASPCA site with a more inclusive list. Sharing my home currently with a kitten has definitely changed my plant decor options (not to mention making watering more "fun"). =) The author discusses many options for planters/pots and where to find them. The planter chosen can add a bit of interest or whimsy or allow the plant itself to draw interest. This book has given me more ideas for adding hanging plants and terrariums - both safer options with a very curious kitten. Projects are included for a living chandelier, terrariums, framed moss art and various table decor which are explained well in writing as well as with illustrative photos. This book would be a wonderful resource for those desiring more than just a plant on a shelf.

Thank you to Quarto Publishing Group - Cool Springs Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review. 

book chat - Seven at Sea

Seven at Sea: Why a New York City Family Cast Off Convention for a Life-Changing Year on a Sailboat

by 

Erik Orton,

 

Emily Orton

Expected publication: March 5th 2019 by Shadow Mountain

I thoroughly enjoyed traveling along with the Ortons on their family adventure! Erik, Emily and their five children decide to learn to sail and this leads eventually to the purchase of a catamaran they rename Fezywig and a 5,000 mile adventure lasting nearly a year. Not every couple, let alone a family this size, could stand so much closeness; this family not only survives intact but grows through the shared experience and trials and joys along the way. The reader is treated to the whole experience, both the highs and lows. The Ortons travel to some amazing places, but also get stuck waiting on boat repairs and weather and have to rethink their plans and expectations. Through this process, they all learn to slow down and take life as it comes. There is no sugarcoating here. Life on a boat can be dangerous, but without risk, there is no reward. Living the life of a cruiser is not for everyone, but this family inspires with their willingness to break out of the mold and try on a new lifestyle.

Thank you to Shadow Mountain Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review. 

book chat - Mini Meadows

Mini Meadows by Mike Lizotte, Expected publication: February 19th 2019 by Storey Publishing, LLC

Beautiful photos and great information that even a beginner gardener can follow to create their own mini meadow. I've been looking for a way to make my own small property lower maintenance and I think this is the perfect solution. I've wanted a more natural landscape since my area is very hot and dry in the summers; keeping grass alive is a battle. I actually made a half-hearted attempt last year with wildflower seed, but now I see I went about it all wrong. I can't wait to turn my "hellstrip" and the hilly portion of my yard into lovely patches of wildflowers!

Thank you to NetGalley and Storey Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this beautiful book! All comments are my own, unbiased opinion. 

book chat - Pruning Simplified

Pruning Simplified: A Step-by-Step Guide to 50 Popular Trees and Shrubs

by 

Steve Bradley, 

Published February 5th 2019 by Timber Press

While this book doesn't cover every plant or tree in my yard, I did learn what I've been doing wrong with a few of them! This book covers 50 common plants and trees and includes information on formative pruning, routine pruning and remedial pruning for each. There is also a useful table listing when to prune various species, plants requiring little or no pruning and hedging plants. This will be a very handy reference.

Thank you to the author Steven Bradley, Timber Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. All comments are my own, unbiased opinion. 

book chat - Roads from the Ashes

Roads from the Ashes by Megan Edwards, Published December 21st 2018 by Imbrifex Books (first published May 1999)

Another great memoir. I truly enjoyed reading about Megan and Mark as they traveled in a souped up RV after losing their home and most of their possessions in a fire. So many these days are ditching (nearly) everything and hitting the road, but it was a different world 20 years ago in the early days of the internet. Fun read, especially for anyone who has ever dreamed of hitting the road full time.

Thank you to Imbrifex Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review. 

book chat - Micro Living

I can't be the only one who has dreamed of ditching all my crap and going tiny, right? When I saw this title pop up, I had to check it out!

Micro Living by Derek "Deek" Diedricksen, Published October 30th 2018 by Storey Publishing, LLC

I'm a sucker for tiny houses! I have lived in a few tiny places myself - a tiny, dry cabin in Alaska, very small apartments and a class C RV - but u will dream of a tiny house on wheels. The structures features here are divided into big tinies (250+ - 400 sq ft), small tinies (150-250 sq ft) and teeny tinies (under 150 sq ft). We get a wide variety of styles and cost ranges as well as a variety of structure types. Some are indeed built onto trailers, but others are on foundations or skids or even on stilts or in trees! While not every structure featured is set up for full time living, most are and in every case, there's plenty for inspiration if nothing else. I enjoyed reading Deek's take in the various builds, what he thinks works well and what doesn't. Those who built the structures also comment on what they would do differently. In addition, there are essays on the challenges of living tiny, minimalism and things to think about before beginning to build. While not every one suits my own style, this is a fun book to read through and dream. Will I ever build my own tiny house? Maybe, maybe not. But considering all the possibilities sure is fun!

Thank you to Netgalley and Storey Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book. All comments are my own, unbiased opinion. 

book chat - The Minimalist Home

The Minimalist Home by Joshua Becker, Expected publication: December 18th 2018 by Waterbrook Press

"Make the most of the most important place on earth - home."

Joshua Becker has long been one of my favorite writers in the minimalism arena. Having enjoyed his previous book, The More of Less, I was looking forward to his newest publication, The Minimalist Home. I'm no newbie to decluttering/minimizing, but I love a good reminder to take another look around and pare back anything that doesn't still meet my needs (or that snuck in in the meantime). Yes, there are a lot of books out there about decluttering and minimalism, but this is definitely one of my favorites and would be a good fit for those new to minimizing as well as those, like me, who have been at it awhile already.

Becker leads the reader along as they work room by room through their home, getting rid of those items that are unloved or unneeded and helping the reader to work through the emotions that can arise when getting rid of stuff. Will you end up with a home full of nothing if you follow his plan? Nope! But you will end up with only those things you need, use and love and also end up with more time since you won't spend so much time cleaning or shopping. All good things. Thanks for another great book, Joshua!

If you're reading this before publication date, head on over to Joshua's blog at becomingminimalist.com (link will take you directly to the post with the details). He's got a great deal going for pre-orders! But hurry, this book hits the streets on December 18, 2018!

Thank you to WaterBrook & Multnomah and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

disconnected... and it feels so good!

The Winter of Our Disconnect (Susan Maushart) was published in 2010 so the statistics included are out of date now, but still, eye-opening at times. I haven't checked specifics, but I'd guess current stats would show average screen time has increased immensely. Agree or disagree with her method of this disconnect (her no screens rule applied only at home so access was still available everywhere else - one child even moved out during part of this experiment to stay constantly connected), this experiment certainly impacted their lives, especially those of her teenagers. I do find it disturbing just how connected kids (and most adults) are these days. It is a different world now and technology isn't going anywhere, but I do agree that boundaries are good and time away from digital devices is beneficial for everyone. I love that her son redirected his new disconnected time into music. And it seemed all of them benefited in improved schoolwork. Sleeping patterns changed (for the better). They became closer as a family as they talked more rather than retreating to their various devices. So many good things occurred because of the digital limitations. I was shocked at the fervor with which they dove back into connectivity though. I was hoping they'd go back a bit more slowly, having learned they didn't need to be constantly connected.

Like the author, my job requires computer use (I work remotely from home) so a complete digital fast isn't possible without taking time off, but I do try to limit my exposure. Back when I was working insane hours, I took my one day off each week as a Tech-no day. I shut my router off Saturday night and kept my cell phone in one spot so I could still answer calls, but wouldn't be tempted by texts or apps and nothing came back on until Monday morning when I sat down to work again. That weekly break was so refreshing! Since I wised up and changed jobs last year, I now very happily work only a 4-day week. This left me less stressed and I didn't feel as great a need for that complete break so I've fallen a little out of the habit of taking a full day away from the internet. Some weeks I still do it, but not always. Long ago, I turned off the notifications on my phone and tablet and I quit using Facebook when I realized I just didn't enjoy it that much anymore (no, I don't miss it and it's been probably a year or more). This means I'm only on social media when I choose to be (rather than in response to continual pings). I still enjoy Instagram and Ravelry for most things crafty, but I keep the groups and people I follow on the lower side. I use feedly to keep up with some blogs I enjoy too. Am I missing stuff? Sure! But I somehow survive. 

A little distance can be good. I think I'll reinstate my Tech-no Sundays again and throw in an occasional 3-day break here and there. 

Do you limit your digital connectivity? Do you think you should? All of our lives are different. What works for me may not work for you. I won't judge... unless you start texting when we're chatting face to face. 😕

enough!

A funny thing happened this month since declaring a No Buy July. Nothing came in, but a lot went (and is still going) out!

I suppose being more careful not to bring in unnecessary items caused me to start looking around more carefully at what was already in my home. Last year around this time, I read The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo (I highly recommend it!) and followed her direction which resulted in a much less cluttered home and a decent credit on my income taxes from the donations so I was a little surprised how easy it was to fill the back of my Jeep again this month. Some items were ones I'd set aside previously to try and sell, but didn't have any luck with... I didn't try all that hard. lol  No more waiting! Out they went.

Happily, all kitchen-related items now fit easily in my kitchen cabinets aside from my dehydrator that is simply too big to fit into any of my cabinets. No more basement overflow! I even moved the holiday plates I keep an eye out for throughout the year (secondhand of course!) to use for cookie plates for friends/neighbors at Christmas to a newly-emptied cabinet. That will make it quick to check to see if I need more or not. So far, I've gone through my kitchen and also shredded old paperwork, keeping only what's absolutely necessary.

This time around, I'm not following the konmari order, but I am sorting all of each category at one time. I also did a major overhaul if my yarn stash. It feels good to let go! It's interesting though how or minds adjust to the new level of stuff in our lives and suddenly what once felt like an acceptable amount is now too much. Enough is a constantly shifting goal. 😊

clean up!

I started making my own laundry detergent a couple years ago. Not only does making your own detergent eliminate all those plastic bottles, it's also far, far cheaper than storebought, readymade detergent and you'll know exactly what's in there. All good things! =)

For my first batch, I made the liquid version found here, though there are directions all over the internet if that one doesn't float your boat. That first batch lasted me over 2 years! I mixed it up in December, 2013, and just ran out a week or so ago. Granted, I'm only washing laundry for one person and some critters so yours might not last quite as long, but still...

Now that I have a source for bulk laundry detergent (my local co-op), I can avoid the trash that way, but making my own still saves me a lot of money. Plus, I still had plenty of leftovers from making the first batch so this batch was basically free. ;-) This time, I went for the powdered version to see which I liked better.

All the ingredients necessary.

I chopped up the soap before breaking it down further in the food processor.

All mixed up and ready to use!

I found the soap broke down a bit smaller when I added some of the powdered ingredients to the food processor with it. I've washed a few loads now and it works just as well as the liquid batch. I was using 1/2 cup of the liquid detergent per load. With the dry, I'm using 1/8 cup and combining it with hot water before adding it to the washer because I don't wash in hot water. Not sure that's necessary, but there you go. =)

I still have enough washing soda for 2 more batches with enough Borax for 3-4 more batches. You can get a bar of laundry soap at almost any big grocery, your local co-op or health food store, but options are open. I chose to use an herbal bar from Wolfe Farms for mine. Check out their bulk soap deal - 4 bars for $10!

I keep the environmental and economical friendliness going after the wash cycle ends. Once it warms up enough, I use my clothesline and the power of the sun/wind to dry my laundry, but in the winter, I do use my dryer.

A set of felted wool dryer balls and a dried lavender sachet that live in my dryer.

I attempted to use my clothesline in the basement, but everything took forever to dry... days. So I went back to the dryer. There are ways to cut back on the drying time (saving electricity) and trash (avoiding dryer sheets). Using a set of felted wool dryer balls not only cuts drying time, but also helps cut back on wrinkles and static. And really, who wants to spend time ironing? ;-) I also sewed up simple cotton sachets and filled them with organic dried lavender. All the relaxing scent without the added chemicals! I made mine myself, but there are lots of alternatives to purchase a set of dryer balls and lavender sachets if you aren't up to taking the time and effort making your own. I've gifted a few sets of these now and everyone seems to love them!

Have you ever made your own laundry supplies?

vegan comfort food

Are you ready for some Monday munchies? :-) To avoid packaging waste, I'm cooking even more from scratch so I thought I'd share some of my favorite waste-free recipes with you all.

Buying food without waste (or as little as possible) doesn't mean it's all veggies and grains all the time. It does mean that "comfort food" might take a bit more time and effort than popping a frozen dish in the microwave though. ;-) So out came one of my favorite cookbooks - Quick and Easy Vegan Comfort Food by Alicia C Simpson.

Okay, technically, I have this in digital format, but anyway... I quickly assembled all the ingredients, most of which were sourced from the bulk bins, of course. =) 

All the makings for yummy vegan mac & cheeze!

Since I don't keep a ton of food on hand, I've managed to use up most of the trash-producing foods I had on hand prior to swearing them off. I finished off the little bottle of organic lemon juice with this recipe so it'll be fresh lemons from here out! The garlic will be around awhile, but once that's gone, I'll be buying fresh cloves. I really should use my garlic press for more than making hair for gingerbread men. (Yeah, you read that right.)

I've tried quite a few recipes for vegan macaroni and cheese over the years. Some get their cheesiness from nutritional yeast or packaged vegan cheeses. This one is by far my favorite! The "sauce" is nut-based, a combination of macadamia nuts and raw cashews (both of which my co-op has in bulk!). There are also veggies blended up in there. =) Once combined, it's finished off in the oven with a crunchy topping of bread crumbs. And yes, it's creamy!

I can't recommend this cookbook enough! Check it out from your local library and let me know if you give any of the recipes a try! =)

Leftovers went great with homemade black bean burgers too:

 Yummy vegan black bean burgers with homegrown sprouts on a ciabatta bun from my local co-op.

The recipe for the burgers can be found here. The original recipe calls for canned beans, but you can avoid the plastic-lined cans and get bulk dry beans and cook them yourself like I did so making this recipe can be trash-free. :-) A can of beans is about 1.5 cups of cooked, rinsed beans. I also don't use my food processor for these. The processor results in too little texture for my preference so I simply use a potato masher to mash the beans and combine everything. So good!

I've been buying bulk bagels so when I saw the "Bagel Biter" in the pic above at Goodwill, I happily took it off their hands. It works great on buns too! It wasn't on my list, but it's getting lots of use here. :-) If you see one, snap it up! I picked this one up for only $3 (vs $20+ for a new one).

I've also used my new popcorn popper a couple of times. I LOVE it!!

Yum! Fresh popcorn!

Whoever donated it has no idea what they're missing! Super fast and so much better than what I recall microwave popcorn tasting like. I even made a little batch of kettle corn. Yum!

I'm so glad someone decided they wouldn't use these items and donated them! This is one reason I love donating my unneeded items. The money will go to support those in need and someone will get a great deal on something they will love. So much better than things winging up in the landfill or collecting dust at the back of a cabinet or hidden away in the basement. That's definitely a win-win to me. =)