Book Review & The Very First Blah Blah Blahg Give-away!

Recovering from a virus and having very little energy can be quite a drag. Add some pretty cruddy weather to that, and you've got yourself some quality time alone at home. I am now feeling completely recovered and, believe it or not, it was 50 degrees Fahrenheit this afternoon, melting nearly all the snow we accumulated last week! During my respite, I did enjoy some good reading and am excited to share about the fabulous book I just finished.

Made From Scratch: Discovering the Pleasures of a Handmade Life
by Jenna Woginrich

After being initially struck by the title, I became further interested in reading this book after seeing that the author had started off on her homesteading adventure locally in Sandpoint, Idaho. Aside from that, I had no idea what to expect. Ms. Woginrich tells her story candidly--with humor as well as poignancy. I had never really heard of the word"homesteading" in modern terms before reading this, but it apparently is an all-encompassing description of my dream lifestyle--living as self-sustainably as possible. Homesteading today holds an ideal of getting "back to the land." However, as I understand it, growing your own food in your garden, sewing or knitting your own garments, buying secondhand/vintage items, composting, canning and preserving--are all aspects of homesteading and examples of living a self-sustainable lifestyle.
Upon moving to Sandpoint, Idaho, Ms. Woginrich kept her day job out of necessity. She returned home each evening to her rented farm property where she tended to her laying hens, bee hives, vegetable garden, and Angora rabbits. During her time in Sandpoint (she has since moved to the east coast and you can follow her journey via her blog), she experienced the trials and triumphs of farm life. I, like most other people I know, am not ready or able to go off grid and rough it farmhouse style just yet. I do, however, like that the book includes recipes, project patterns, and a plethora of ideas and resources for simplifying my lifestyle as it is right now. I am inspired, especially in this time of creating more warmth, comfort, and efficiency in my own home.

You can purchase a copy of this book at Amazon.com by clicking here. Remember, buying used books is not only better for your wallet, but also better for the environment! An even *better* eco-friendly idea is to pass along a great book to a friend! If you'd like to win your very own copy of Made From Scratch: Discovering the Pleasures of a Handmade Life, here's your opportunity. I loved this book so much I want to share it and pass it along. In my very first blog give-away, I invite you to comment below on your favorite thing to make from scratch. I will put the names of all participants in a basket and pick a winner on February 1st, 2011. I will announce the winner that day and collect her/his mailing address privately via email. (Please do not post your address in the comments section!)