Book Review: The Self-Sufficiency Manual by Alison Candlin

Yesterday a trip into the local shopping centre for a pair of work pants also included a browse through the book shop there. And here is the purchase of the day:

(Picture from booktopia)

The Self - Sufficiency Manual written by Alison Candlin.

It is truly a wonderful book, from what I have read of it thus far. Even better that it is specifically for Australia and New Zealand.
It is very well written, as well as being very extensive on its covering pretty much all aspects of self sufficiency from growing food to keeping livestock to gathering food from the wilds to preserving to generating electricity and water.
It is also filled with many lovely pictures and drawn diagrams. Every now and then I loved just to flick through it for the pictures.

And no book is complete without a book mark. This one reads "A room without books is like a body without a soul ~ Cicero"
One of my favorite book quotes.

Until next time friends,
Beth

Time Flies When Your Having Fun

Hello again dear friends.
I must apologise for my absence since, goodness, March. But I am returned and regular posting will start soon, I assure you.
Until then,
Beth.

Take the Handmade Pledge Today!

Today, Friday, the 30th of March at 8:33 am (Australian Time) I finally took the Handmade Pledge.

I have been thinking about taking the pledge for a while now, but I guess I have never really gotten around to making the commitment.

So here and now I say to the world that:
I pledge to consider handmade alternatives for all of my purchases, whether they are for everyday items or gifts, for myself, my family or my friends.

I also add as an extention of this pledge that where handmade may not be an option, I pledge to consider the second-hand alternative.

Have you taken, or are thinking of taking, the Handmade Pledge?

The Beginning of a New Day

The first post of my new blog, yay!
I have been wanting to have a blog lately, but I have never really been able to keep it going past the first few posts (if that) so I am determined to do it. Hence this blog.

I hope to post at least once a week (but don't hold me to it) about my trials and tribulations, successful and not so successful attempts at being more self sustainable, more orientated around homemade and homegrown and more handmade or secondhand as opposed to buying something new and mass produced in factories.

I hope to give you, dear reader, not only an interesting read through my struggles, but also help you if your interested in your own adventures in suburban self sustainability through the documentation of my own.

Until next time,
Beth