Book Review- All You Need Is Less

I'm a second generation hippie so most of this book is things that I know, it's the way that I grew up. That didn't stop me from reading it (nearly) cover to cover in one sitting.

It's funny, there are parts that I read out loud to my husband because they made me giggle. The style and pacing is informal, well-written and breezy with a good dose of humor. The author talks easily about the silly moments that make up day to day family life and joy. The chapter I skipped was the one about diapers. My own children are young adults, it's a non-issue at this point. There are some adult topics covered, and some adult language, but nothing that I'd have a problem letting a 14 year old read.

There are some great tips in here, for easy ways to change up little things in your routine to live a greener lifestyle, but unlike a lot of books about living in a more eco-friendly way- the emphasis in this book was on reducing. On getting away from consumerism and improving your quality of life and the things in it.

It has lots of the tips and solutions for getting away from harsh chemicals and using more natural things in day to day life and less petroleum by-products. Instructions for cleaning sprays, how to shine your stainless steel, how to wash laundry in less harmful ways. There is a good chapter on gardening for the absolute beginner with some truly helpful tips. She also talks about shampoos, scrubs and skin care.

The author isn't crafty, she freely admits that cooking isn't her strong point and that she's never touched a sewing machine. This is truly attainable greener living by making small changes. My favorite part though was when she pointed out how much redundancy there is in neighborhoods, so many people owning the same things when people could be sharing. It's something to think about.

It's also really funny. She talks about the weird looks you might get when you choose to use a pickle jar for coffee, and how to avoid to being THAT person, you know the one. The one who is so green and smug with it that people try to avoid them.

Yes, I do recommend this book and plan to share it with friends.

You can find the author's blog HERE.

--------the part that isn't going on my Amazon review and it's just for my regular readers-------

I do have one quibble about the whole thing. She talked about how to get rid of DANDELIONS.
I yelled at the book at that point "You just lost major hippie points."
You all know how I feel about dandelions right? They are one of the first foods available for bees, they are bright and pretty, fried dandelion blossoms are a favorite food in my family and we plan to try sprouting dandelion microgreens soon. We eat the leaves in tacos and salads, and they are what I consider the "first crop of summer".
Why would anyone want to get rid of dandelions? I've watched kids come to my yard to gather handfuls for their moms- and they can because my daughter made so many wishes when she was little on them. She also used to pick them for me.
Be kind to dandelions.
(disclaimer- I do understand that sometimes your neighbors or landlords object strongly to dandelions, so knowing how to kill them without using toxic chemicals is a good thing. I just really, really love dandelions)

Published by Viva Editions



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I received a complimentary copy of this book to review, I received no other compensation, and my review is my honest opinion of the book. You can read more about my review policy here.

CRAZI sign, DIY and zombies

It's been a very zombie week around here. The above is a graphic that I made to help promote Microcosm Distribution's End Of the World list. Then I got a message from Bosco's saying the *autographed* poster I won at the release party for 100th issue of Walking Dead came in. (yay!!) Then the news ran a report about our local zombie preparedness exercise to tell people "Don't Shoot the Zombies"

So, I decided it was a sign that to make a printable poster for zombie craft fans. The poster is in very plain black and white so you can print it on whatever kind of paper you want and have fun adding ink or paint gore to it if you'd like.

Click on the image for a larger version to print.

C.R.A.Z.I. is a silly little acronym I came up with for this project. Crafters Rebuilding After Zombie Invasions.

This is TG with my poster. The scrawl on it is Robert Kirkman's (the author) signature.

Can't get enough zombies? Read my reviews of Zombie Cupcakes and Zombie Felties!

Book Review- PlyDesign

PlyDesign: 73 Distinctive DIY Projects in Plywood (and Other Sheet Goods) is a collection of projects by different designers the use plywood sheets and other sheet goods for construction. For the DIY enthusiast who enjoys wood working, there are a lot of good reasons to get this book. The projects are good mix of perfect beginner's projects and more advanced projects. For the woodworker who is comfortable and experienced, there are a lot of projects that can be put together reasonably quickly.

If you're considering getting into woodworking and have access to power tools and someone who is willing to show you how to use them, this book has wonderful, contemporary designs for very functional furniture items made out of very affordable plywood. A lot of the designs only take one sheet of plywood. The instructions are clearly written with easy to understand plans for cutting.

It starts with an introduction to plywood, the different types, and where the best places to buy it are. It also includes tips on hauling and storing the sheets which are generally 4x8 feet and tips for making clean cuts.

Then you get into the projects.  My favorite kinds of projects are good knock down items. Things that can be dissembled easily and reassembled. There is a set of slot and tab end tables that use careful, clever cutting to make 2 out of one sheet of plywood to make a table that's over 3 feet across and stands about 30 inches high. The size, cost and ease of knockdown and putting them up make them perfect tables for all sorts of things.

Stacked candleholders are an example of a project that can be made using hand tools. They are attractive and can be made in different sizes using scraps of plywood. It's a great project for children who are just learning to saw and use a brace.

For a bigger challenge, the Bamboo Ply Wall Unit uses the most sheets and pricier bamboo plywood, but the end result is a gorgeous item of furniture that's very functional.

This collection of projects has a lot of very handy designs, especially for parents who prefer the look of wood to the plastic that so much children's furniture is made in. There are tables, chairs, shelves and a very stylish lamp for more adult decorating projects.

Published by Storey Publishing.

I received a complimentary copy of this book to review, my reviews are always my personal and honest opinion. You can read more about my review policy here.