Book Review: Sustainable Home: Practical Projects, Tips and Advice for Maintaining a More Eco-Friendly Household by Christine Liu

Sustainable Home: Practical Projects, Tips and Advice for Maintaining a More Eco-Friendly Household by Christine Liu is a guidebook to maintaining a more environmentally friendly household. Sustainable lifestyle blogger and professional Christine Liu takes you on a tour through the rooms of your home – the living area, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom – offering tips, tricks and 18 step-by-step projects designed to help you lead a more low-impact lifestyle. Whether it is by making your own toothpaste, converting to renewable energy sources, reducing your consumption of plastic, growing your own herb garden or upcycling old pieces of furniture, there are numerous ways – both big and small – to make a difference. The desire to make small changes on an individual level is on the rise; this book will guide anyone hoping to make a difference, but who perhaps don’t know where to begin.

Sustainable Home was a mixed bag for me. Decluttering and trying to reduce, reuse, and recycle are things that I think anyone picking up this book already knows about, but they are necessary reminders and suggestions. I liked the suggestions about how to find items that have been made sustainably and by companies that are working to minimize their carbon footprint, and that of their product. The growing your own food, and increasing the amount of plant based food was good. I like that while the suggestions do offer some big options, it also mentions small things that people could do regardless of kitchen size and the possible lack of time or a yard that would be required for significant gardening. The ideas, instructions, and recipes for making things for yourself rather than buying them are good, and some I might even try. 

However, some of the suggestions are completely impossible for people depending on where they live. While some libraries and organizations are getting tool libraries, repair and make it spaces, and what not set up and available to the public. These tend to be in places where to local government has enough money to fund them and might not accessible to those with limited transportation options and resources, or those working many hours or multiple jobs to make ends meet which might make it next to impossible to make use of local options. Many of these kind of suggestions will only work for those privileged enough to have access to them, or the time to research options or make a special trip. 

This book has good information and suggestions in it. However, I feel like it is for people with a little too much time and money on their hands rather than the average person or household. I feel like there are good intentions here, but a lack of understanding of what life is like beneath a certain income bracket, or in areas without the resources so casually mentioned in the book.

Book Review: Delicate Crochet: 23 Light and Pretty Designs for Shawls, Tops and More by Sharon Hernes Silverman

Delicate Crochet: 23 Light and Pretty Designs for Shawls, Tops and More by Sharon Hernes Silverman

Light, airy pieces crocheted in fine yarns show off the beauty of your crochet stitches and are a dream to wear! The shawls, cardigans, tops, and other designs in this collection are light as a feather, super soft, and made to drape beautifully across your body. These lacy pieces are fun to crochet and very versatile. Change up the yarns to create looks for day or night, work or play, city or suburbs. Pattern contributors include Kristin Omdahl, Robyn Chachula, Marty Miller, Amy Solovay, Vashti Braha, and others known for their innovative, gorgeous crochet designs. Each of the 23 patterns includes full written instructions and charts as needed. All special stitches are fully explained and skill levels range from easy to advanced.

Delicate Crochet is a well written collection of patterns, and the special stitches are well explained. I liked some of the patterns very much; the Flirt Cardigan, Lacy Sleeveless Cardigan, and Lotus Wrap were my favorites. I also liked some of the lace stitches and borders that were used elsewhere. The beadwork in the necklace pattern and the Tunisian crochet are skills that might be new to many, and are not something I have yet mastered- however only because I have not invested the time into the process. I also have to say that a lace or open crochet stitch skirt is something I never thought to make or wear, even to wear with leggings, except if one were wearing it more as a wrap or something with a dress or pants. So, at least one of the patterns was a hard no for me.

However, none of the patterns rally struck me as completely new or fresh. For crocheters that do not have access to resources like Ravelry this might be worth the investment, but for most crafters I would recommend visiting the local library to borrow this book to learn a few new stitches and try their hand at some of the patterns. 

Early Book Review: Crochet in a Day: 42 Fast & Fun Projects by Salena Baca; Danyel Pink and Emily Truman

Crochet in a Day: 42 Fast & Fun Projects by Salena Baca; Danyel Pink and Emily Truman is currently scheduled for release on April 1 2019.  This book has patterns that can all be started and finished in a day or less. From wearables like cowls, hats, slippers, and even a poncho, to home items like place mats, dish cloths, and baskets, every item will crochet up fast! Its patterns are fast and fun, and do not require a large time or yarn commitment. Perfect for using up stash yarn or to create something from that perfect skein you were saving, these patterns are creative, colorful, modern, and stylish. 

Crochet in a Day solid collection of patterns that are quick, and relatively simple. I think collections like this are great for using up yarn left over from larger projects, or that you have in your stash and simply cannot remember why. I like the variety of projects offered, and I thought that the instructions and photographs were well done and put together. My only issue was that not of the projects really struck me as terribly unique. So, while the collection is good I think it would be most helpful to those that are not used to browsing sites like Ravelry for crochet or creative inspiration, or the backlist of crochet magazines at the library. Maybe I am the only one that does that though.  This was a good but not great collection, and while it would be a good resource for some, it is not a must buy for many.

Book Review: The Crochet Stitch Handbook The Essential Illustrated Reference: Over 200 Traditional and Contemporary Stitches with Easy-to-Follow Charts by Betty Barnden

The Crochet Stitch Handbook The Essential Illustrated Reference: Over 200 Traditional and Contemporary Stitches with Easy-to-Follow Charts by Betty Barnden includes step-by-step instructions for basic stitches, textured stitches, fans and shells stitches, mesh and filet stitches, openwork and lace stitches, trims and edgings, clusters, puffs, bobbles, spike, relief, Tunisian, multi-color, squares, and special stitches.

If you crochet, you likely have one or two books like this somewhere in your home. A guide or handbook that offers the basics of a variety of stitches, yarns, and techniques.I happen to have three- mostly because one went missing for a bit and two quickly made their appearance, and then the wayward book reappeared.  I often flip through these books when I want to make a new afghan, scarf, or other project and am looking for something more than a basic stitch. Sometimes I am looking for a certain texture or square that I could use to build something unique, or a special edging for an extra touch. Or just to try and hopefully master something new.

The Crochet Stitch Handbook is a solid example of this style of book. I was excited to see little things included that often fall by the wayside, like the extended single stitch. Many of the instructions, stitches, and motifs were familiar or similar to ones that I have seen before, which is expected. I like that there is a key on the edge of each page to give the reader information on the stitch. The only thing I was missing was the information on the way the finished stitch drapes, which another book I have offers- and that often aids in my decision making process for choosing a stitch. However, the instructions and images were well paired and very easy to follow. I would not recommend it for fresh beginners that have just started out and are still learning all of the language and abbreviations, but anyone that has the basics down would do well with this book as their go to guide for stitches and inspiration. 

Early Book Review: Mason Jar Science: 40 Slimy, Squishy, Super-Cool Experiments; Capture Big Discoveries in a Jar, from the Magic of Chemistry and Physics to the Amazing Worlds of Earth Science and Biology by Jonathan Adolph

Mason Jar Science: 40 Slimy, Squishy, Super-Cool Experiments; Capture Big Discoveries in a Jar, from the Magic of Chemistry and Physics to the Amazing Worlds of Earth Science and Biology by Jonathan Adolph is currently scheduled for release on May 29 2018. Heatproof, transparent, and durable, the mason jar is a science lab just waiting to be discovered. Unlock its potential with 40 dynamic experiments for budding scientists ages 8 and up. Using just a jar and a few ordinary household items, children learn to create miniature clouds, tiny tornadoes, small stalactites, and, of course, great goo and super slime! With a little ingenuity, the jar can be converted into a lava lamp, a water prism, a balloon barometer, and a compass. Each fun-packed project offers small-scale ways to illustrate the big-picture principles of chemistry, botany, biology, physics, and more.

Mason Jar Science: 40 Slimy, Squishy, Super-Cool Experiments; Capture Big Discoveries in a Jar, from the Magic of Chemistry and Physics to the Amazing Worlds of Earth Science and Biology is a well organized book that not only offers interesting science experiments for children, but it also explores the science involved and encourages young scientists to use the scientific method and to take things to the next level, safely of course. I liked that most of the experiments can be done with things your are likely to already own, but are fairly inexpensive to gather if you need them. Some of the experiments are classics, ones that need to be included, suck as making rock candy, clay, and spectacular bubbles. But, the book also included some of the more trendy kitchen concoctions like slime. There were some that I have never seen, and some that were familiar but with some added or changed details to make it new. I think this would be a great resource for families with a science loving child (or more), those dreading a science fair, and libraries (including public, school, and classroom). I am now looking forward to the next school vacation so I can take my time and explore some of these with my own young scientists.

Early Book Review: Badass Braids: From Vikings to Game of Thrones, 50 Maverick Looks for Sci-Fi and Fantasy Fanatics by Shannon Burns

Badass Braids: From Vikings to Game of Thrones, 50 Maverick Looks for Sci-Fi and Fantasy Fanatics by Shannon Burns is currently scheduled for release on April 3 2018. When she’s not studying for her PhD in social neuroscience, Silvousplaits (a.k.a. Shannon Burns) is creating and posting weekly instructional videos on her YouTube channel of DIY hair art that mimics the hairstyles of valiant men and women in the best historical, sci-fi, and fantasy shows and movies. Game of Thrones, Lord of the Rings, Vikings, and The Hunger Games--oh yeah, she's done them all. In Badass Braids she shows you how to transform your hair step-by-step. You'll look just like your favorite heroes and heroines in no time. With an introduction to the styling techniques for different kinds of basic braids, interviews with behind-the-scenes stylists and actors, and original styles inspired by fan-favorites.

Badass Braids: From Vikings to Game of Thrones, 50 Maverick Looks for Sci-Fi and Fantasy Fanatics has me wishing I had my long hair back, and willing to go through the awkward regrowth process so that I can try more of these out. This book offers readers a good deal of information on the tools and tricks for perfect braiding. I liked the amount of detail given about the different combs, brushes, other tools and decorations that could be used and how or why you might want to use one or another. The tips and instructions are all well done and very detailed, but never talk down to the readers, which sometimes happens in how-to books of every variety. I also like that there is information on the character each style is based on with each style, both including who they are portrayed by and some information on the real character from history, literature, and so on. The combination of photographs, illustrations, and step by step instructions make the process easy to follow on your own.

Badass Braids: From Vikings to Game of Thrones, 50 Maverick Looks for Sci-Fi and Fantasy Fanatics is a wonderful book for hair and braid lovers, and those looking to emulate the characters from various shows and movies. It could also be helpful for cosplay, conventions, and other costumed events. While not everyone needs this book, anyone wanting to expand thier knowledge of hairstyles in general, and braiding in particular, would do well to get this book. 

Book Review: Animal Planet Strange, Unusual, Gross & Cool Animals by Animal Plant and Charles Gingham

Animal Planet Strange, Unusual, Gross & Cool Animals is a children's non fiction book  by Animal Plant and Charles Gingham. It is part of the Animal Bites series. This book offers information paired with full color photos of some of the oddest animals in the world! For instance, did you know that an archerfish can spit water up to 16 feet? Or that the giant weta is the world's largest and heaviest insect? This exploration of animal oddities introduces young animal lovers to some of the most astonishing and obscure animals in the world-including some brand new discoveries! There are more than 200 vibrant photographs and fun facts about animals with unusual behaviors, strange appearances, and remarkable stats.

Animal Planet Strange, Unusual, Gross & Cool Animals is not new in the idea, but executes it very well. I have read more than my fair share of books about the wacky, weird, and gross animals of the world. My daughter is an animal nut, and my son loves anything vaguely gross or monster like. So this book is right up their alley, and we have explored every similar book available to us, and this book holds up very well to the competition. There are a number of bright, bold photographs on each page along with interesting facts to correspond to each animal included. The texts combines humor and fact very well, capturing the attention of readers of all ages. I think reluctant readers will be put at ease with the large print and the way the text is grouped into small sections. this makes the flow of information easy to understand and from being intimidating. while I have seen many of these animals and corresponding facts before, there was so much here that i found new information and creatures to learn about as well. This is a must buy for library, school, and some home collections (like mine).

I need this book for my kids, who love animals and all things weird. Honestly, I think I will order it now and save it for a Christmas gift. This book is perfect for reluctant readers or anyone who loves totally gross and amazing animals. As a bonus, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of books in the Animal Bites series benefits the principal partners of R.O.A.R. (Reach Out. Act. Respond.), Animal Planet's initiative dedicated to improving the lives of animals in our communities and in the wild.