Memories of a Farm Kitchen Review

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(More customer reviews)Memories of a Farm Kitchen is not merely a picturebook - it is an extraordinary, lengthy, and in-depth history lesson about how the kitchens of 1920s and 1930s Midwestern farms used to be. Nostalgia-tinged drawings (and the occasional cartoon!) illustrate the facts of food preparation and household economics nearly a century ago, when homemakers had notably less access to modern technological contrivances. From how the kitchen might double as a nursery for at-risk baby farm animals, to old-fashioned canning processes, to how the kitchen often served a social role as well as its practical food-preparation function, Memories of a Farm Kitchen is an absorbing blend of history and memoir, especially recommended to give readers young and old a taste of country life nearly a century gone by. A surprisingly rich collection of recipes rounds out this delightful and highly recommended treasury.


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The author of Once Upon a Farm uses full-color illustrations, pen-and-ink drawings, and nostalgic text to describe the wonders of the traditional American farm kitchen. He was raised on his family farm in Hampton, Iowa. The book includes 28 farm kitchen recipes.

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This Old House Kitchens: A Guide to Design and Renovation Sticker: Companion to the. Review

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(More customer reviews)I've been in the plumbing business since 1977. I've sold designer plumbing fixtures at the wholesale level and as a new construction plumber I've installed plumbing in countless kitchens. When the time came to design our room addition and a new kitchen, I discovered I really didn't know much about kitchen design. This would be less of a concern if I wasn't doing everything (design and construction) myself. The work area of our kitchen is too small. I can't get to the sink or refer. without "the cook" nudging me out of the way. I've never made a phone call from the kitchen without "the cook" asking me if I'm done with the phone book sitting on her counter. I'm pretty sure that if the door to the garage didn't block the oven and pantry, when open, I would get locked in the garage less often. The author did a great job in providing design ideas and I'm comfortable I have the solutions. His commentary on choice of finish materials is priceless. I've given everything available consideration, but decided on nothing. The author provided me with what I was looking for to make some smart decisions. We've had this project on the table for over 4 years and a lot of ideas have been "kicked" around. I reached a point where I would have to install wheels on the cabinets and appliances or make some decisions on what to do. This book is a big help. The book isn't a detailed "how to" do the trade work involved but it's a sound guide on the process. I'm not in a position to say any book will make a kitchen expert out of any reader, but I would say the information is solid and practical. I read "Kitchens That Work" by Martin Edic and Richard Edic and think it's a good book as well.

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Textile Dyeing: The Step-by-Step Guide and Showcase Review

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(More customer reviews)This book presents a great introduction to many different dyeing techniques using either fiber-reactive or acid dyes. The numerous galleries throughout the book will help inspire you.
The book starts out with a great explanation of the types of dyes, paints and pigments available. It then covers techniques and tools including good safety advice and fabric preparation. Tips for over-dyeing, stitching and direct application are here too.
Next, thickened dyes, gutta and watercolor techniques are used to create painterly effects. Tied-resists follow including finger-pleated silk and nouveau shibori. Then batik, block- printing and marbling are taught. The instructions are excellent with detailed step-by-step processes accompanied by photos. However, be aware the projects here teach techniques. There are no templates or the like so it would be nearly impossible to create an item identical to the ones in the book.
The best part of the book is the chapter on color theory and dye mixology. It thoroughly explains the cryptic instructions that come with dyes and how to create your own recipe card.
The galleries are awesome. There is one for each section and each includes at least eight different artists displaying their work with the basic techniques used. A directory of all the artists including phone numbers is included in the appendix along with lists of supplies, schools that have degree textile programs and a glossary of terms.

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This title is a celebration of the art of textile dyeing, a step-by-step guide for creating dyed fabrics in a myriad of patterns and variations, and a showcase of works being produced by some of the world's most accomplished textile artists. Displaying a broad range of materials and techniques, this volume is designed to offer professional artists and designers, and creative talent of all levels, inspiration and easy-to-follow instruction for polished textile dyeing results. Featuring, tools, methods, and projects created by top artists in the field—from Peggy Russell's pigment-dyed chiffon scarves and drop-cloth bags, to Michael Davis's shibori silk ties, to Stanley Pinchus's fulwadi banners.

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Too Busy to Clean?: Over 500 Tips & Techniques to Make Housecleaning Easier Review

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(More customer reviews)When I check out this book at the local library I thought, "Gee, why am I doing this...." because I don't like how-to books. However, this book turned out to be a great teacher to me and now I'm ordering it to own.The author shows many options in cleaning depending how far you want to go, so I can clean my house anytime... even when I have only 10 minutes before my guests come. You may not need this book if you consider yourself a good housekeeper, but this book will help so many people like me, who don't prefer filthy house but at the same time don't know how to clean and organize it fast, easily, and effectively. Thank you, Patti! Your writing is so funny I enjoyed this guidebook as a book to read, too.

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This witty handbook is filled with shortcuts and tricks for making cleaning more tolerable and efficient. The updated edition features a new trim size plus tips for getting organized and cleaning just about anything. 279,000 copies in print.

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The Family Manager's Everyday Survival Guide Review

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(More customer reviews)The Family Manager's Everyday Survival Guide by Kathy Peel
What a wonderfully refreshing resource Ms. Peel's book is! The Family Manager's Everyday Survival Guide is not only filled with useful, practical effective tips for managing your home, but the author's philosophy is so REAL. She immediately provides the reader with "10 Reasons to Get Organized", followed by "10 Reasons Why You'll Never Get Organized and Stay That Way Forever" - how true to life! So many books on organizing and time management teach just one way of doing things, and when this style does not match the reader's personal style, a sense of failure is created; but not so with Everday Survival Guide.
This book is well written, easy to follow, and (dare I say it) well organized. It is a guide, reference book, and primer all in one. Reading one of the basic principles in organizing early in the book is a big plus for the reader: "Organization is an ongoing art, a process, not an end product." This is exactly what organizing professionals teach their clients, and a lesson not to be dismissed lightly. By stating this right up front, Kathy Peel has tuned the reader in to the fact that there is nothing wrong with them, and the quest for finding balance in their life is shared by all women.
I particularly enjoyed the home management exercises, such as looking through rooms in your home for "secret" storage space, and not taking anything for granted in uncluttering your home. Using checklists as a time-saver is a wonderful idea, avoiding being disorganized on trips, for parties, etc.
I've added The Family Manager's Everyday Survival Guide to my recommended reading list for my workshops and teleclasses, and encourage readers to buy two copies: one for themselves, and one for a friend. Happy organizing!

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"Whoever you are, and however you operate as a family manager, this book can help. Use it as a yearly planner, a reminder, and a good friend with good ideas."--Kathy PeelThroughout the year, life is full of surprises. A sudden rainy day confines your kids to home. Wouldn't it be nice to give them fifty fun ways to combat cabin fever? Your husband calls: he's bringing home some important business associates for dinner. Imagine whipping up a delicious meal on a half hour's notice. A sudden visit from family? Learn to clean your entire house in a weekend. You can do it--and family manager expert Kathy Peel shows you how in this indispensable year-round planner. ¸ Outline monthly and seasonal goals and strategies ¸ Develop your best management style ¸ Apply the seven survival strategies ¸ Simplify finances and record keeping ¸ Anticipate and plan for the big changesPlus ideas for shortcuts in the kitchen, speed cleaning, smart shopping, and hundreds of other ways to make every day easier and your life much happier.

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The Hot Mom's Handbook: Laugh and Feel Great from Playdate to Date Night... Review

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(More customer reviews)I liked this book quite a bit. Like previous reviewer said, it's not necessarily a lot of NEW things, but is nonetheless very important. Sometimes it takes ten times of hearing it that you not only deserve, but NEED to make time for yourself, etc. I really liked the writing style and enjoyed that it was broken up into smaller chunks to read. And the book made me laugh three times (which is a lot for me).

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You've made it through nine months of baby bump, but now baby has arrived and it's a whole new set of rules. Not sure how to navigate this brave new world and new you?

From Jessica Denay, founder of the Hot Moms Club, comes the ultimate resource for moms of all ages trying to balance everything from playdate to date night, nightlife to nightlight. In this laugh-out-loud yet practical guide, Jessica shares how to break loose that inner Hot Mom and tackles everything from avoiding MILPs (Moms I'd Like to Punch) to Making Your Minivan Rock. Along with advice from celebrity moms, experts, and friends, the book has insights from Jessica's personal journey, as well as cheeky anecdotes you won't find in traditional parenting books.

Plus, don't miss her useful Baby on a Budget tips: Did you know that baby wipes double as makeup remover and how a little baby powder gives greasy hair a fresh start? Also, as a top celebrity party planner, Jessica shares her creative birthday and holiday ideas that will make your bashes stand out!

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The Green Iguana Manual (Advanced Vivarium Systems) Review

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(More customer reviews)The Green Iguana Manual by Philippe De Vosjoli is often recommended by pet owners and veterinarians. However, the nutritional information is out of date. Animal protein in any amount is no longer recommended in iguana diets, including diets for juveniles. Following this manual for nutrition information could mean your iguana ends up with kidney and/or liver failure and a shortened lifespan. Please see the 1996 edition of Reptile Medicine and Surgery for iguana diet information.

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This is the best-selling book that has been blamed forthe current green iguana problem.... too many green iguanas incaptivity surviving to adult size. This compact manual offers athorough coverage of housing, feeding, medical problems behaviorproblems and captive breeding. Includes many color photos andillustrations. It remains one of the best-selling herp books of alltime! 75pp. color.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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