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The Complete Idiot's Guide to Getting Organized Fast-Track: The Core Advice You Need to Get and Keep Your Life in Order
by Cynthia EwerTurn organzing your space into your next great project with this comprehensive guide!In our materialistic, time-crunched society, lifestyles are compromised by disorganization and clutter. In a 2008 National Association of Professional Organizers survey, 65 percent of respondents noted that their household was at least moderately disorganized, 71 percent said their quality of life would improve if they were better organized, and 96 percent of respondents indicated that they could save time every day by becoming more organized. A survey by IKEA reported that only 11 percent of Americans know where their Social Security cards are. Unfortunately, the problem has gotten so out of hand for so many, they have no idea where to begin.The Complete Idiot's Guide® to Getting Organized Fast-Track, finds readers where they are and helps them take the first steps toward a more organized and efficient life. In this book readers get: • The principles behind effective organizing that can be applied to any situation in the home or office. • A plan for clearing paper clutter and putting important documents where they can be found. • Commonsense thoughts on prioritizing and letting go of objects that are no longer useful. • A system for categorizing possessions that does not require people to buy more stuff to organize the stuff they already have. • Tips for tackling disorganization hot spots, including home offices or dens, kitchens, closets, master bedrooms, garages, attics, and basement areas. • Advice for staying ahead of messy family members or coworkers who can undo a person's hard work in an instant.
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Green Cleaning, 2nd Edition: Nontoxic and Chemical-Free Methods for a Clean and Healthy Home
by Linda Formichelli Mary FindleyBecome a green cleaning machine. Fully updated and revised to focus on cleaning the "green" way-naturally, with no chemicals-this guide takes readers room-by- room, teaching them how to clean thoroughly, efficiently, and in an environmentally sound way. New and expanded coverage includes info on making small changes that have a huge impact on cleaning difficult areas, green-ifying personal care products, and more. *Provides specific cleaning hints and teaches how to clean quickly and efficiently *Uses only common ingredients, but also provides suggestions for alternatives that readers might like better
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Household Solutions
by Melodie MooreYou're no idiot, of course. You know that you should be able to fix that leaky faucet, clean those messy pots, and save on your heating bill. But when it comes to dealing with those never-ending chores and dilemmas, you feel like a slave to your home. Unlock those shackles now! The Complete Idiot's Guide® to Household Solutions helps make you lord or lady of the manor again, with thousands of hints and tips for getting things done quicker, cheaper, easier, and smarter. In this Complete Idiot's Guide® you get: Valuable tips that help you save money on decorating, entertaining, and travel. Idiot-proof solutions for keeping your kitchen, garage, and home office in tip-top shape. Easy-to-follow instructions for home repairs and lawn and garden maintenance. More than 75 formulas for household cleaning, pet products, tried-and-true home remedies, and more! MELODIE MOORE, former CPA, is the founder and editor of Tightwad Living, a mini-magazine that focuses on time and money-saving household solutions. Moore's articles have been published in numerous magazines, and her books, The Frugal Almanac, Smart Cents, and Vim and Vinegar, have helped thousands of people with their everyday chores and dilemmas. Inside You Will Find Ways: Save on car and travel expenses. Eat better for less. Solve everyday health and beauty problems. Eliminate pet odors. Get rid of bugs. Polish furniture. Remove stubborn decals. Simplify home repairs-indoors and out. Enjoy more family fun times. Never pay full price for anything again!
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Knitting and Crocheting
by Gail DivenYou're no idiot, of course. You can sew a button, tie a knot and even thread a needle in under 30 seconds. But when it comes to knitting and crocheting, you feel as prickly as a pin cushion. Don't unravel just yet! The Complete Idiot's Guide® to Knitting and Crocheting shows you how to create beautiful crafts worthy of becoming heirlooms.
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Organic Living
by Sonia Weiss Eliza SarasohnWholesome tips for a healthier you. Everyone knows that we should be doing more to be good to our body—but moving toward an organic lifestyle can be overwhelming. This guide provides step–by–step information on everything from food to cleaning products to how to detoxify our bodies. It includes choosing quality natural products, exploring holistic alternatives to conventional medicine, and determining what to eat—and what not to eat.• Global market for organic products reached $38.6 billion in 2006• Practical, step-by-step advice for making the transition
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Self-Sufficient Living: Live a Simpler, Less Dependent Lifestyle—Without Feeling Deprived
by Jerome D. BelangerHow to be green, save green, grow greens-even turn a thumb green Self-sufficient living can mean a healthier life, a way to protect the earth, or a way to save money. This guide helps readers find their perfect degree of self reliance in the areas of food, shelter, energy, clothing, and more. For both the urban and rural dweller, it covers gardening, cooking from scratch, preserving food, raising livestock, keeping chickens, generating or supplementing energy, essential tools and equipment, foraging for wild foods, hunting, fishing, and trapping. • Saving money in today's economy and self-sufficiency go hand-in-hand • For the growing number of eco-friends considering self-sufficiency • Existing books focus on either rural or urban self-sufficiency, but this covers both
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Simple Home Repair: Fast Fixes for Every Part of Your Home
by Judy OstrowHow many readers does it take to change a light bulb? Only one . . . if he or she is armed with this book! Rather than focus on the big projects that most homeowners would wisely leave to professionals, it concentrates on the common repairs that everyone encounters and anyone can do—with the right instruction—including repairing holes and dents in drywall; fixing popped nails in walls; checking and replacing fuses; unclogging drains; replacing light fixtures; fixing squeaky floors; repairing cracked tile and damaged carpet; replacing screens; screening gutters; and much more.• Contains 250 to 300 step–by–step illustrations
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Solar Power for Your Home, 3rd Edition
by Dan Ramsey David HughesAll the power you need is already there This third edition helps readers understand the basics of solar (photovoltaic) power and explore whether it makes sense for them, what their options are, and what's involved with installing various on– and off–grid systems. • Solar power is a $3 billion industry, and it's poised to grow to $39 billion by 2014 • By 2011, the United States will surpass Germany as the largest market for solar power products
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Urban Homesteading: Reap Nature’s Bounty Wherever You Live
by Sundari KraftHow to save money, time, and the environment-on the urban frontier With The Complete Idiot's Guide® to Urban Homesteading anyone can learn how to live sustainably and responsibly—and save money and time—in any urban environment. Expert urban homesteader Sundari Elizabeth Kraft shares her hands-on knowledge of: growing organic foods and preserving them; composting; raising small livestock and chickens; generating electricity and biofuels; and other ways to cut costs and live green. This book has all the information required to become a successful urban homesteader in any city. • Practical advice on everything from composting to clean energy. • Sundari Elizabeth Kraft is an expert in urban homesteading.
The Complete Illustrated Book of Herbs
by Editors at Reader's DigestThis beautifully illustrated, complete guide to herbs unlocks the secrets of these wonder plants—from planting and harvesting to cooking and storing—including their health benefits. Now you can discover the joy and pleasure of growing your own herbs—for spicing up meals, creating crafts, treating ailments, and more. In this comprehensive and beautifully illustrated herbal guide you’ll find information on their history, cultivation, propagation, and harvesting, along with a wealth of great ideas for using herbs everyday in a variety of ways. This guide unravels the mysteries of these versatile plants, with savvy tips and simple formulas for maximizing their powers. Did you know? · Mint can repel ants, flies, mice, and moths · Garlic can seriously lower cholesterol · Chives, fennel, tarragon, thyme, oregano, and winter savory are perennials · Rosemary was used in the Middle Ages for its tranquilizing effects, and it is still a digestion aid Known for alleviating common ailments, herbs are an ancient natural wonder—herbs are hotter than ever. Extremely informative and fascinating, this book will help you find which herb can treat various complaints. Throughout the guide are instructions for bursting-with-flavor recipes, health-care products, decorative craft ideas, insect repellents, cosmetics, cleaning agents, and much more.
The Complete Kitchen Garden: An Inspired Collection of Garden Designs & 100 Seasonal Recipes
by Ellen Ecker OgdenA design and recipe resource with &“all the tools to plan a productive garden before seeds ever meet the ground&” (The Wall Street Journal). Based on seasonal cycles, each chapter of this indispensible book provides a new way to look at the planning stages of starting a garden—with themes and designs such as the Salad Lover&’s Garden, the Heirloom Maze Garden, the Children&’s Garden, and the Organic Rotation Garden. More than 100 recipes—including a full range of soups, salads, main courses, and desserts, as well as condiments and garnishes—are featured here, all using the food grown in each specific garden. &“There&’s no reason a vegetable garden must be an eyesore, banished to the corner by the garage. . . . The Complete Kitchen Garden . . . combines design advice, garden wisdom and recipes.&” —Chicago Tribune
The Complete Language of Flowers: A Definitive and Illustrated History (Complete Illustrated Encyclopedia Ser. #3)
by S. Theresa DietzA comprehensive encyclopedia providing the meanings, powers, facts, and folklore for over 1,001 flower species.For centuries, artists and lovers have used the secret language of flowers, or floriography, to discreetly send overt messages of their desires and emotions. A simple flower could reveal a variety of hidden meanings, from a flirtatious “I like you” to a serious declaration of everlasting love. For example:A sweet pea reported a friendly “I’m thinking of you”A lavender rose screamed “Love at first sight”Geraniums signified “friendship”Hibiscus wished “Peace and happiness”S. Thereesa Dietz has meticulously compiled over 1,001 of your favorite flowers into this beautifully updated and definitive guide, complete with full-color illustrations. Organized by both scientific and common names, each species contains fascinating and forgotten symbolic flower meanings from ancient Greek and Roman times to today. Whether used as a reference to create beautifully bespoke wedding bouquets or as a flower companion to plan stunning garden combinations, this comprehensive edition is perfect for every flower lover.“Flower lovers will marvel at S. Theresa Dietz’s The Complete Language of Flowers, an A to Z of flowers and plants listing symbolic meanings, possible powers, folklore and facts.” —BookPage
The Complete Medicinal Herbal: A Practical Guide to the Healing Properties of Herbs
by Penelope OdyComplete Medicinal Herbal is a fully illustrated practical guide to the healing properties of herbs. The book includes more than 120 medicinal herbs with important therapeutic properties and a section on their historical uses, The Complete Medicinal Herbal is a must for every home book shelve. All the parts of the plants that can be used medicinally are shown, from fresh flower petals or leaves to the root, bark, and juice. Each entry details the plant's chemical constituents, its actions, and its therapeutic applications-from exotic ma huang, used in China to treat asthma for 5,000 years, to humble cabbage, which has been effective against stomach ulcers in clinical tests. A special how-to section explains the preparation of herbal remedies. There are more than 250 safe treatments to help alleviate common complaints-from ordinary coughs, colds, and headaches to special treatments for skin conditions, digestive problems, and children's illnesses - even detailed lists of herbs for the elderly.
The Complete Pattern Directory: 1500 Designs from All Ages and Cultures
by Elizabeth WilhideAn essential resource for any designer, crafter, artist, or historian, THE COMPLETE PATTERN DIRECTORY is the most comprehensive, practical, and beautiful directory of patterns throughout history, covering all periods, styles, and cultures. Throughout history, patterns have come in countless permutations of motif, color, and scale. From the first rhythmic marks pressed onto clay vessels, to the latest digital design, pattern-making has been an essential part of the decorative arts since time immemorial. With 1500 illustrations of patterns from all ages and cultures, THE COMPLETE PATTERN DIRECTORY is not only a visual feast, it is the most comprehensive resource available on the subject. The book is arranged thematically according to pattern type, with chapters on Flora, Fauna, Pictorial, Geometric, and Abstract designs. Each pattern includes the name of the pattern, the year of its creation, and a brief description. The categories are supplemented by in-depth features highlighting the work of key designers including William Morris, Sonia Delaunay, Charles and Ray Eames, Lucienne Day, and Orla Kiely, as well as sections detailing the characteristic motifs of key period styles from Baroque to Art Deco.
The Compost-Powered Water Heater: How to heat your greenhouse, pool, or buildings with only compost!
by Gaelan BrownHere is a revolutionary approach for heating rooms and generating hot water. Author Gaelan Brown has worked with engineers and compost scientists to refine methods of composting that can heat greenhouses, barns, buildings, and hot water, all without combustion. It seems almost too good to be true: make high-value organic compost while generating reliable combustion-free heat. But it works, and this book is your practical introduction. With detailed case studies of large scale engineered systems and plans for constructing small DIY systems, you'll find step-by-step illustrations and photos to guide you through the process. A review of calculations to help you estimate the heating capabilities of various approaches and other planning tools make this book invaluable for compost heat recovery on any scale.
The Conscientious Gardener
by Peter Raven Sarah Hayden ReichardIn his influential A Sand County Almanac, published at the forefront of the environmental movement in 1949, Aldo Leopold described a new ecological ethic to guide our stewardship of the planet. In this inspiring book, Sarah Hayden Reichard tells how we can bring Leopold's far-reaching vision to our gardens to make them more sustainable, lively, and healthy places. Today, gardening practices too often damage the environment; we deplete resources in our own soil while mining for soil amendments in far away places, or use water and pesticides in ways that can pollute lakes and rivers. Drawing from cutting edge research on urban horticulture, Reichard explores the many benefits of sustainable gardening and gives straightforward, practical advice on topics such as pest control, water conservation, living with native animals, mulching, and invasive species. The book includes a scorecard that allows readers to quickly evaluate the sustainability of their current practices, as well as an extensive list of garden plants that are invasive, what they do, and where they should be avoided.
The Conscious Closet: The Revolutionary Guide to Looking Good While Doing Good
by Elizabeth L. ClineFrom journalist, fashionista, and clothing resale expert Elizabeth L. Cline, “the Michael Pollan of fashion,”* comes the definitive guide to building an ethical, sustainable wardrobe you'll love.Clothing is one of the most personal expressions of who we are. In her landmark investigation Overdressed: The Shockingly High Cost of Cheap Fashion, Elizabeth L. Cline first revealed fast fashion’s hidden toll on the environment, garment workers, and even our own satisfaction with our clothes. The Conscious Closet shows exactly what we can do about it. Whether your goal is to build an effortless capsule wardrobe, keep up with trends without harming the environment, buy better quality, seek out ethical brands, or all of the above, The Conscious Closet is packed with the vital tools you need. Elizabeth delves into fresh research on fashion’s impacts and shows how we can leverage our everyday fashion choices to change the world through style. Inspired by her own revelatory journey getting off the fast-fashion treadmill, Elizabeth shares exactly how to build a more ethical wardrobe, starting with a mindful closet clean-out and donating, swapping, or selling the clothes you don't love to make way for the closet of your dreams. The Conscious Closet is not just a style guide. It is a call to action to transform one of the most polluting industries on earth—fashion—into a force for good. Readers will learn where our clothes are made and how they’re made, before connecting to a global and impassioned community of stylish fashion revolutionaries. In The Conscious Closet, Elizabeth shows us how we can start to truly love and understand our clothes again—without sacrificing the environment, our morals, or our style in the process.*Michelle Goldberg, Newsweek/The Daily Beast
The Conscious Kitchen: The New Way to Buy and Cook Food - to Protect the Earth, Improve Your Health, and Eat Deliciously
by Alexandra ZissuYour everyday food choices can change the world--and make meals taste better than ever For anyone who has read The Omnivore's Dilemma or seen Food, Inc. and longs to effect easy green changes when it comes to the food they buy, cook, and eat, The Conscious Kitchen is an invaluable resource filled with real world, practical solutions. Alexandra Zissu walks readers through every kitchen-related decision with three criteria in mind: what's good for personal health, what's good for the planet, and what tastes great. Learn, among other things, how to: - Keep pesticides, chemicals, and other harmful ingredients out of your diet- Choose when to spend your dollars on organic fruit and when to buy conventionally grown- Avoid plastic--including which kinds in particular and why- Figure out what seafood is safe to eat and is sustainable- Use COOL (country of origin labels) to your advantage- Determine if a vegetable is genetically modified just from reading its PLU (price look up) code- Decipher meat labels in the supermarket- Cook using the least energy--good for the earth and your wallet- Eat locally, even in winter - Understand what "natural" and other marketing terms really mean- Buy packaged foods wisely Navigate farmers' markets, giant supermarkets, and every shop in between to find the freshest and healthiest local ecologically grown and produced meat, dairy, fruits, and vegetables--no matter where you live With The Conscious Kitchen as your guide, you will never again stand in the market bewildered, wondering what to buy. You can feel confident you are making the best possible choices for you, your family, and our planet. ALEXANDRA ZISSU writes about green living, food, and parenthood. She is the author of The Conscious Kitchen, coauthor of The Complete Organic Pregnancy, and contributes the "Ask an Organic Mom" column to The DailyGreen.com. Her stories have appeared in The New York Times, The Green Guide, Cookie, Details, Bon Appétit, Self, and Health, among other publications. She is also a public speaker and "greenproofer," an eco-lifestyle consultant. Visit her website, www.alexandrazissu.com.
The Container Garden Recipe Book: 57 Designs for Pots, Window Boxes, Hanging Baskets, and More
by Lana WilliamsOver 50 step-by-step recipes for stunning outdoor planters of all shapes and sizes, in Artisan's bestselling flower recipe book format. We're taking the Recipe Book series outside! In the Container Garden Recipe Book, Lana Williams of the Oakland-based Tender Gardener offers readers dozens of step-by-step recipes for lush outdoor planters, from classic terra-cotta pots to window boxes, urns, bowls, and more. There are recipes specifically designed to adorn your porch or patio (a rustic birdcage-cum-hanging basket, a stately Japanese maple planted in a painted terra-cotta urn) and others that are perfect for backyard entertaining (an elegant tabletop trough of succulents, a concrete water garden that's sure to be a conversation starter). And with Lana as their guide, readers' yards will never be bare thanks to creative designs for all seasons, from urns bursting with spring bulbs to a summer trough brimming with fresh herbs and an heirloom pumpkin converted into the perfect home for fall blooms. And recreating these stunning designs couldn't be simpler! Each recipe includes a detailed ingredients list and step-by-step instructions, along with hundreds of photos showing where and how to place each plant. Also included is foundational information on planting techniques, care instructions, choosing the right container, as well as plant spotlights highlighting foolproof options for all climates and seasons, from spring bulbs to evergreens.
The Container Gardener
by Frances TophillWhether you love growing, love creating, or just want to liven up your outdoor space, a container garden is just the answer. So many of us nowadays are crammed into our homes and a garden is a luxury that few can afford. But there is always room for a bit of greenery; whether it's herbs and spices to add fresh flavour to your food, or putting a jungle on your windowsill, a container can enable growers to bring nature to the most inhospitable and smallest spaces. Frances Tophill covers the sustainable, crafty and culinary aspects of container gardening. From urns and troughs to chimney stacks and hanging baskets alongside what to grow inside them - bonsai to annuals, bulbs, grasses and bamboos, tumbling and creeping plants and flowers - there are also 40 ideas on how to pair plants and pots, including upcycling existing items and creating your own containers.
The Container Gardener
by Frances TophillWhether you love growing, love creating, or just want to liven up your outdoor space, a container garden is just the answer. So many of us nowadays are crammed into our homes and a garden is a luxury that few can afford. But there is always room for a bit of greenery; whether it's herbs and spices to add fresh flavour to your food, or putting a jungle on your windowsill, a container can enable growers to bring nature to the most inhospitable and smallest spaces. Frances Tophill covers the sustainable, crafty and culinary aspects of container gardening. From urns and troughs to chimney stacks and hanging baskets alongside what to grow inside them - bonsai to annuals, bulbs, grasses and bamboos, tumbling and creeping plants and flowers - there are also 40 ideas on how to pair plants and pots, including upcycling existing items and creating your own containers.
The Container Gardener
by Frances TophillWhether you love growing, love creating, or just want to liven up your outdoor space, a container garden is just the answer. So many of us nowadays are crammed into our homes and a garden is a luxury that few can afford. But there is always room for a bit of greenery; whether it's herbs and spices to add fresh flavour to your food, or putting a jungle on your windowsill, a container can enable growers to bring nature to the most inhospitable and smallest spaces. Frances Tophill covers the sustainable, crafty and culinary aspects of container gardening. From urns and troughs to chimney stacks and hanging baskets alongside what to grow inside them - bonsai to annuals, bulbs, grasses and bamboos, tumbling and creeping plants and flowers - there are also 40 ideas on how to pair plants and pots, including upcycling existing items and creating your own containers.
The Container Gardener
by Frances TophillWhether you love growing, love creating, or just want to liven up your outdoor space, a container garden is just the answer. So many of us nowadays are crammed into our homes and a garden is a luxury that few can afford. But there is always room for a bit of greenery; whether it's herbs and spices to add fresh flavour to your food, or putting a jungle on your windowsill, a container can enable growers to bring nature to the most inhospitable and smallest spaces. Frances Tophill covers the sustainable, crafty and culinary aspects of container gardening. From urns and troughs to chimney stacks and hanging baskets alongside what to grow inside them - bonsai to annuals, bulbs, grasses and bamboos, tumbling and creeping plants and flowers - there are also 40 ideas on how to pair plants and pots, including upcycling existing items and creating your own containers.
The Container Victory Garden: A Beginner’s Guide to Growing Your Own Groceries
by Maggie StuckeyEven if all you have is a postage stamp's worth of space on a balcony, patio, or front stoop, The Container Victory Garden equips you to dig into the joys of container gardening, right where you are.Imagine this: In the morning, you pluck a few mint leaves from your backdoor herb garden and add them to your tea. A few hours later, you step out onto your patio and collect a handful of lettuce leaves for your lunch salad. Just before dinner, you harvest a few basil leaves and cherry tomatoes for a delicious caprese pasta.In her trademark warm and informative style, bestselling author and expert gardener Maggie Stuckey shares everything you need to know to succeed with container gardening: planning, gearing up, planting, nurturing, and harvesting.In The Container Victory Garden, you will find:detailed line art drawings that illustrate many gardening techniques and set-upsfirst-person stories of World War II Victory Gardens and their inspiration for today's gardenersbeautiful full-color paintings of diverse people enjoying their container gardensThis is the promise of container gardening: a fresh bounty of vegetables, herbs, and edible flowers you can enjoy in every season.
The Cook's Herb Garden: Grow, Harvest, Cook
by DKFrom your garden to your table, and every step in between, this lovely book will guide you through planting, growing, harvesting, and cooking herbs.There&’s a visual index of 120 culinary herbs and more than 30 delicious recipes to make with them. You&’ll be able to prepare your own salad dressing, marinades, flavored butter, pesto, herbal teas, and cordials, and add seasoning to your favorite meals.Whether you have a vegetable garden or want to fill some plant pots or window boxes, this book provides all the advice you need to start growing herbs. It gives you beneficial information on which herbs do well in different environments and situations. Learn the groups of herbs that like to grow together and create different selections like Mediterranean, everyday essentials, and salad herbs. Become an expert gardener with this compendium of herb cultivation. You'll find out when to plant the seeds and how to nurture them as they grow. There's helpful advice on how to keep pests away. Once you have harvested your herbs, learn the different ways you can store them for future meals, like freezing or drying them. Try your hand at the recipes to experience and enjoy the wonderful herbs you've grown. This library of herbs includes notes on their flavor and partner charts, which tell you which herbs go well with different dishes and drinks. You will know the best places to use your herbs and how to make exciting things with them.Master Gardener to Master ChefThis is an essential handbook for anyone who wants to spice up their dinners with more flavor, make refreshing drinks, or learn how to partner with different flavors. Enjoy this special kind of recipe book that will help you create your own herb garden, so that every herb you use in the kitchen, you have the pleasure of growing it yourself. An especially thoughtful gift for the gardener or chef in your life. • 120 different culinary herbs, with stunning photos and clear descriptions. • Four sections with advice on how to plant, nurture, harvest, store, and cook with these herbs. • More than 30 recipes for hot and cold drinks, condiments, dressings, and many sensational meals.