Sunday, June 12, 2011

The Hip Girl's Guide To Homemaking - Giveaway!


It's a very photogenic book.
This book giveaway is now closed! The winner will be posted in a few days!

I don't do a lot of giveaways over here, as you might have noticed. Only when there's something really worthwhile. And The Hip Girl's Guide to Homemaking: Decorating, Dining and the Gratifying Pleasures of Self-Sufficiency--on a Budget! by Kate Payne is totally worthwhile.

I am a bit skeptical when it comes to books that claim to cover a lot of ground. So, when I cracked the lovely spine of this book, it was with a bit of my personal brand of Okay, show me what you got. (It's not my best characteristic, I'll have you know.) This is the kind of book that you can jump in the middle of, get wrapped up, and feel very satisfied. I love "sticky" books like that, meaning books that keep me reading. I wanted to wait to read the whole thing through to review this, but I kept getting sucked into certain chapters. For a light and charming read, it's a very dense book that's full of return. How does Kate Payne do it?

Being a homemaker myself, and in my opinion, a fairly accomplished one (that's where that voice comes from!), I found myself learning tons of things. It was mostly about things that I never pursued because I didn't find them that interesting. Like cleaning, for example. But Kate not only brings things together clearly and easily for you, but she makes it fun to read, and suddenly you think: totally! I am going to go turn the water off on my toilet so I can really give it a thorough cleaning!! (I actually thought this, but haven't done it yet. Step-by-step in the book!) I have, however, already cleaned my drains out with a goodly dose of vinegar and baking soda. A simple idea, one I've read in other places, but these little factoids drift in your head while more enticing things sit front and center. Hip Girl's Guide to Homemaking actually made me want to do them!


I started with the introduction, which is thoughtful and smart and where you'll find that this book was a journey for Payne. You can see that in the research that she has done. She quotes from philosophical treatises on keeping a home, and eating well, to the basic bibles that we all grab for. This is not only a book with elbow grease, but a book with an artful brain. At the end of each chapter, there is a list of resources, both books and websites, that can deepen your quest for homey knowledge. But her knowledge is not just a rearrangement of other informations, it was her quest to find the best way to live, while doing so frugally. This book isn't looking to tell you to go out and buy this and buy that to make your life easier. Anybody can organize a house with a bunch of money. But it takes some ingenuity and creativity to make it work on a tight budget. I think everyone can relate with that.

There is so much in Hip Girl's Guide to Homemaking, that it would be too much to list. But in a nutshell, the book covers the home, room-by-room, and all the things you need to know about to make your life worth living in that home. Like gardening, and basic DIY projects, cleaning, taking care of your linens, basic tool kit needs, cleaning, and of course, my personal faves, cooking, canning and entertaining.

If you were at all wondering if it is indeed "hip," you can rest assured that it is, in the very best way possible. One of the things I like best about The Hip Girl's Guide to Homemaking, is that it is totally green and eco-friendly without getting up on a soapbox. Everything is explained, in a not-condescending manner, that is: clearly, but with the awareness that you, the reader, also have a brain. Isn't that nice?

Okay, so you want this book, okay? If not for you, than someone in your life. I've already given it as a graduation present, which I highly recommend, but as I pointed out, this forty-one-year-old still found it very pertinent. Here's the giveaway deets:

Leave a comment here. Tell me what "impressive acts of domesticity"you want to learn more about! You MUST leave an email address in your comment if you don't have a blog that you are linking to. If you win and there is no way to contact you, I will re-draw. Blogger's comment format stinks, and I apologize for that, so if you have problems, please e-mail your comment to halfpintpreserves[at]gmail[dot]com, and I will accept that as an entry. You have until Sunday, June 19 at midnight EST to enter.


First prize: A copy of Hip Girl's Guide to Homemaking by Kate Payne


*Prize Update*  Kate has graciously announced that the first prize winner will also receive a jar of her preserves from her own cupboard, sent personally from her!


Second prize: a sweet little jar of jam from yours truly


Please check out Kate's blog, The Hip Girl's Guide to Homemaking Or visit her Facebook page where you can see what new things she's up to, most recently a beautiful watermelon jelly she made. And if you are on the West coast, check out her tour, with stops in Portland, San Francisco, Santa Cruz and Seattle in the next few days. There's some great events, like cocktails with Kate, hosted by Meg from Grow and Resist!

This could be your mailbox!

96 comments:

  1. I have this wonderful book by Kate :) It inspired me in so many ways...mostly in the cleaning department ;) And how to look at decorating differently too! I always look at bookcases differently now when I see them out and about and thrifts and what not.

    So anyways, if I come in second place, I'd love to try your jam!

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  2. I'm so glad that domesticity is coming back in style. We'll need it in the coming years to be able to take care of and nourish our families now that the food supply has become so tainted.

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  3. I am on a very tight budget and could use new inspiration! I hope I get lucky and win this book! Thanks, Shelly Voss
    e-mail address: svoss1@mchsi.com

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  4. I would so love to get my hands on this book. All things domesticate are of interest, especially cooking, canning, and entertaining-which are of special interest to me. Thanks!

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  5. I love the idea behind this book! I am looking for ways to simplify my housekeeping and go green in the process. I'm on a pretty tight budget too so anything that's frugal minded is a plus in my mind! Thanks so much!

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  6. My impressive acts have been learned, I would give it to my daughter who would absolutely love it!

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  7. sounds fantastic!
    and makes me feel ambitious. you mention 'linens' which makes me remember i wish i could make my linens and clothes last longer by taking better care in the laundry. and canning and preserving are fun things i've only dabbled in. and what to do with a small apartment that you run a [small] stationery etsy-shop out of [paper scraps and ink everywhere], prepare lectures for a history course you are about to teach [so nervous][text books everywhere] and somewhere in there you "live"? :)
    i'm rambling now, but feeling energized just thinking about the domestic possibilities.
    penandpaperie(at)gmail(dot)com
    www.penandpaperie.blogspot.com

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  8. I love Kate's book - I loved her suggestions on green cleaning products. We do a lot of baking soda and vinegar around these parts but we needed to expand :)

    [Since I already am fortunate to have a copy of HGGH, please put me in the jam category :)]

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  9. I've been following Kate on facebook for over a year now. I bragged about her book so much that the librarian in town bought a copy of the book for the Library! I would love to try some more of the canning recipes she uses and posts about all the time. And I have a friend who is gluten free and I would love to be able to bake foods that she can eat and that taste good at the same time. Kate has inspired me to can my own spaghetti sauce last summer! Winning a copy of her book would be awesome as she is coming to my local farmer's market in September for a book signing!

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  10. Kate inspires me very much - her voice is one that is hip, knowledgeable, inspiring, not a bit pretentious. I hope to turn off my water and give my toilet a thorough scrub too!

    nominvorous@gmail.com

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  11. I love her blog but have yet to buy the book ...I would love to see it in my mailbox :0)

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  12. Impressive acts of domesticity? Um EVERYTHING lol! This is my second year of canning/home garden stuff. I want to learn more about canning/baking. Hopefully theres some in the book??? If i dont win ill probably buy it anyway lol. My email is the.purple.witch21188 at gmail dot com or on twitter im witchywoman2118 :-)

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  13. I'm not gonna lie. My bathroom needs HELP. At first glance, everything is glistening, white and sterile-- but it's a trick. The cleanliness is only on surfaces capable of reflecting enough light to partially blind the observer. Once the temporary blindness wears off, if you look in the nooks and crannies...

    Well, I'll stop there. This here be a food blog and I don't wanna spoil appetites...

    Uhm, I WANT WANT WANT THIS BOOK! PICK ME! PICK ME!

    Aloha ;D

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  14. I guess the two things I'm especially keen about are preserving food and making my own clothes, but really anything that saves a few dollars is welcome in the Uni student's house!

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  15. I think this is the book I've been needing my whole life. Why? Because growing up I never learned any of this stuff. Basic things like how to iron. How to keep whites white. When I first started cooking people would get a panicked look on their faces and somewhat politely push their plates away. And for many years I was a plant killer. I could go on and on.

    I've learned a lot over the years, but I still feel a sense of wonder at my somewhat hapless attempts at making a nice home. I would love this book. AND, after sampling your jam of course, I would love a jar too!

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  16. I want to learn more about green cleaning -- and moving away from pre-packaged cleaners from Seventh Generation, etc., to non-toxic cleaners that I can make at home using a set of simple ingredients.

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  17. I'd really like to have a better handle on green cleaning, from scrubbing the shower to dealing with laundry! Also gardening - anything that might help my general tendency to accidentally kill plants.

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  18. So desperately want this book - preserving is something I'm looking more into and how to find great deals on ORGANIC produce in bulk. I've heard of some steals, need to figure it out!! :) Canning in particular, I've done it twice now, still kinda freaks me out all the obnoxious warnnigs, that are important, but that imply you need a doctorate in chemistry to pull it off like they have. (master canners - no offense cause I'd love to be one, but some carry it a little too far!) Insulting grannys who've done it for years! :) I'm sure Kate will bring a fresh approach to that, in an easy to understand manner. :) Enjoying your blog by the way! Thanks! Katie

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  19. What a great review, Julia! I wholeheartedly agree: I've already changed some of my lazier, not-so-eco-friendly cleaning practices based on advice and tips from Kate's book. Hurrah for easy, DIY homey tips all gathered together in one place!

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  20. I am in desperate need of help. I'm the worst housekeeper and need to put on my big girl panties and learn to do it right, I'm not getting any younger although I'm now considered a cougar :)

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  21. I need help in all every way! I would really like to figure out how to be a better homemaker before my daughter is old enough to realize I don't know what I'm doing!

    kschuk at gmail dot com

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  22. Oh...I just need help!! With a spouse who is working overseas and two small children who are into EVERYTHING (the 5 year old who wants to help and the one year old who is just there), how to prioritize, green-clean, keep us well-fed w/o blowing the budget (financially or time wise). Little nudges here and there to make the days less hectic would be a big gift.

    Thanks,
    Maria (mariaannette@yahoo.com)

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  23. Your review of the book makes it sound like something I'd definitely find enjoyable and inspriring! I'm really looking for ideas and solutions to live a beautiful life; I want to incorporate more into my life while using less.

    I hope I win ... but if I don't, I'll hopefully be able to find the book in the library!

    jennifer at jenejackson dot com

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  24. I have been reading so many good things about this book. As a blog follower of Kate's I know it has to be wonderful! I could really use some help with basic housekeeping. I would love to learn more about replacing all the toxic chemicals in our cleaning supplies with something homemade and easier on the earth.
    megdoran80@gmail.com

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  25. I would love to have this book. I need some good ideas on how to organize my kitchen. I have plenty of space but everything feels jumbled together.

    kstarkweather_2000@yahoo.com

    Thanks. Karla

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  26. My husband and I are still newly weds, just got married in January, and have just moved into our first house, and have discovered the absolute JOY of being domestic and trying to do everything ourselves in our home! I've always had a domestic inkling, but now it's in full force! The next thing we are trying to get into is canning! Im scared that we're gonna make something that will get us sick! But I make gift baskets for friends and family for the holidays of homemade baked goods and such, and would LOVE to have some canned yummies in them, as well as have a way to preserve foods for ourselves!

    Can't wait to read this book! it seems like it will be a life save for us!

    blurredsenses@gmail.com

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  27. I recently watched Kate's wonderful video on how to fold a fitted sheet and it helped me to heave a sigh unleashing years of frustration when trying to wrangle those elastic menaces! in terms of domesticity I've been getting into brewing beer and making wines and cordials. I also could use help thinking of unorthodox storage and decluttering. And I'm always interested in helpful tips for jams, jellies and pickles! Thanks!

    Melanie

    melanieyounger@hotmail.com

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  28. I follow Hip Girl's Guide on Facebook and am a canner myself, I would love to read the new book! faithlandsman at earthlink dot net

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  29. I would love to get more help with green cleaning and simple decorating ideas. I also really want learn more about preserving food and small space gardening.

    tina.jonas@gmail.com

    Peace~
    T

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  30. I have the gardening thing down, but the housekeeping? Not so much. Any simple tips to keep me looking like I have my like together would be amazing!

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  31. I would love to learn more about green homemaking and domestic skills! Always looking for budget friendly solutions and healthier alternatives- would LOVE to win this book!! clslings@yahoo.com

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  32. This book sounds amazing! I am just now letting my domestic housewife side shine, and I love it! My biggest challenge is organization--I can't seem to keep it all together!!

    brandi_b_77(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  33. Always looking for better ways to care for my family! This book looks like it has lots of great ideas!

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  34. The whole book sounds awesome! I would love to find some kind of inspiration to clean my drains though (ha!) Other interests include gardening and canning!! And the second prize sounds pretty awesome too! Thanks!

    benjimom1(at)gmail(dot)com

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  35. Getting better at all those practical bits of knowledge on how to keep a house together. I feel like I don't know how to do much of anything...and we're not renters and can't call the landlord anymore!

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  36. i need to learn that whole "folding fitted sheets" thing. also, i got all of my supplies and researched how to can last year, but was too late into the season. i would like to get a head start this year.

    msmarzzz@gmail.com

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  37. I would love to learn more about canning and preserving fruits and veggies to enjoy all year round. Any home inspiration would be wonderful too. I am trying to organize and reprioritize my home and life.

    Amy
    bechtold_amy@hotmail.com

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  38. I have totally be stalking this book. Love this girl. I will even rehang my mailbox to just get this book (fingers crossed).

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  39. Great giveaway! I've been reading about Kate's book since it came out but have yet to buy it. I do a good job of using my kitchen for all manner of preservation, home-culturing, etc. but I could use a hand in keeping it clean enough to do so whenever I want. Maybe a cleaning schedule or way to be more organized in my house.

    Thanks! jordanparis[at]gmail[dot]com

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  40. I recently inherited some cherished antique linens. I'm hoping to learn hip, green and frugal ways to maintain them.

    Thanks.
    wegarden[at]pacbell[dot]net

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  41. I am inspired to do a better job of cleaning and organizing. I also love Kate's ideas for preserving! Thanks!

    email: amandapaa@hotmail.com

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  42. I would love to get my kitchen to a place where I know exactly where everything is and where I can see everything when I open my cabinets. Hopefully Kate can give me some good organizing tips!

    Julia
    jshalen[at]gmail[dot]com

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  43. I hate housework, so I would love the jam!!! LOL but maybe the book would help me =)

    Ellen
    Vfw@fairpoint.net

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  44. i discovered and fell in love with kate's blog a few months ago, and would dearly love her book. i would love to be more impressive in my acts of CLEANING. definitely.

    bren
    iampeacefulbean (at) gmail

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  45. canning is definitely at the top of my list!!! thanks for the giveaway! :)

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  46. How much would I love this beauty on my shelf!! Or jam in my belly, that would be awesome too!!
    klbakeman@gmail.com

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  47. I'd love to read her tips on self-sufficiency!

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  48. i would like to know more about food preserving!
    thanks :)

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  49. I NEED to learn more about cleaning! As my son gets more and more mobile, my house gets more and more messy. It seems like I'll never catch up!

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  50. I would love to conquer food preserving across the board: dehydrating, canning, pickling, jams, vinegars...you name it, I'm interested. Kate is attending an event I'm putting on this weekend so am v. excited to meet her!

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  51. I have heard great things about this book. I would so LOVE to have it. I definatly want to learn more about canning, as well as home organization and cleaning! graysonbears(@)sbcglobal(.)net

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  52. Would love to have this book!!! I am trying to learn to can (and make time to do it, get organized (too much "stuff")and simplicity. As a Momma of 4, I keep pretty busy. Tips on inproving anything is great ;)siranae@gmail.com

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  53. Love this beautiful book. You CAN teach an old dog new tricks. Still learning.:)

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  54. Oh I'd really love to hear more about cleaning! Tips on organizing and using household products to clean, rather than harsh chemicals, sound great. Awesome giveaway!

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  55. I want to learn more about reusing items trhoughout the household and making commonly bought items from scratch :)

    Thanks!
    Jesse


    jlmorcom at msn dot com

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  56. I want to be more organized! Ladyepanda@hotmail.com

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  57. Love this book and would love to get it for the daughters to be they need it. The hints and tricks like you I see over and over but for some reason when it is in book form on your lap it seems more how do we say real...thanx for the opportunity ....

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  58. I am hoping to really can something major this summer. I have successfully canned small batches of jelly but have never done anything on a large scale. I'm hoping that my little garden will do something impressive and I'll have tons of veggies to put away!

    babykk@bellsouth.net

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  59. I would love to have her tell me how to keep from being distracted when cleaning each room,I tend to forget something I need to finish a project and go to find it, while looking I end up starting something else,,,,it makes for alot of unfinished jobs.

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  60. I would love to be inspired to do more (any!) DIY projects for the home.

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  61. I am not all that great at household decorating and organizing. I have trouble visualizing what the end result will look like AND I have a tight budget, so I just keep putting it off ... I'll take any help I can get! I'd love to win this book!! bekarene(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  62. Keeping a clean bathroom without scrubbing it every other day! We live in an old apartment and the bathroom has seen better days... no matter how much I clean, it always seems slightly dingy. That is the one room in my house that I don't feel I have control over :P

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  63. Please help me to be a stress free hostess! I can cook fairly well but it's the cooking and entertaining simultaneously that's got me stumped...

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  64. Any environmentally friendly cleaning tip would be great for me. I am always looking better ways to clean the house.

    kallain@cogeco.ca

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  65. With three kids, I need all the tips I can get on scaling the laundry mountain!

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  66. I need cleaning inspiration-- I don't even need it to be impressive! Anything that makes cleaning seem attractive, even for a day, could revolutionize my life.

    ecd23(at)cornell(dot)edu

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  67. I love anything to do with canning and entertaining. I love reading books that help inspire me and drive me to be more creative on the home front. Ohhhh and I love gardening books, it interests me other peoples take on planting and reaping the rewards from mother earth!

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  68. I want to learn more about organizing my rooms for more efficiency.

    Amy
    armadillomail (at) loveable.com

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  69. I want to learn more about cleaning. I hate cleaning!

    Kim
    Kiminge @ hotmail dot com

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  70. I'm always looking for better healthier ways to clean the house. There is no way I'm going to hand the kids a cylinder of Comet but I don't worry so much about baking soda.

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  71. Fermenting! The deliciousness aside, fermented foods have such amazing health benefits! My first fermented pickle (turnips) is currently sitting on the counter, but I still feel hesitation faced with longer fermenting times and a more intricate process. I'm thinking that Hip Girl can help!


    uorchards at gmail dot com

    uorchards.com

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  72. I would love to find more green ideas for cleaning. I could always improve.

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  73. I want to learn about the bookshelves and what to do with them.

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  74. I'm pretty good with the homesteading kinds of things, but I need help on the cleaning front. Especially laundry. I'm still pretty much a novice at it. My mother's approach was always to put everything in the same load and wash on hot, heavy-duty - even delicate and colored things - so needless to say, I didn't learn much from her!

    I'd also really love to find a review of different green cleaning products. I don't have the chemistry expertise to understand which ones are truly green and which ones are just "greenwashing," if you will . . .

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  75. Rats! I just realized that half of my comment is missing. My domestic learning list includes; smoking fish and mastering my outdoor pizza oven (only half completed right now).

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  76. Well Julia, I think yours is prob the most selling review I've seen of this book so far! I don't know if one ever stops learning more about food preservation, but I have to say that what I'm likely most interested in at the moment would be making my own household cleaning products. Thanks!

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  77. what to do with all the chard (s)

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  78. I need to learn how to make my own household cleaning products.

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  79. Impressive Acts Of Domesticity I'd Like To Learn:

    I know it's not in the book (I think), but I would love to learn how to crochet. When I was a child, I would always watch my grandmother sit in her rocking chair with the baseball game while she crocheted. I never got the chance to have her teach me before she passed away, and would love to learn how!

    I also would like to know more about gardening, and how to keep my plants and gardening area organized. I'm am new to the subject, and could learn a lot more!

    casseykamery at yahoo.com

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  80. I would love a copy of your book, one of the most talked about chicks in the food game for a long time, I would love to get some insight into who is Katie..I am sure it is truly inspirational..you go girl, you are obviously living your dream ...what I hope for all of us in life...no better place to be....All the best ! lyndelmiller@gmail.com as I was a naturopath before a stylist, anything green is right up my alley..we need to take responsibility for ourselves and others..every little effort counts..I nourish people in my home..:) sure you do too:)

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  81. Oh, where to start?!? I need some inspiration when it comes to cleaning, organizing, and my latest obsession: canning. Would LOVE to win this book!
    Thanks! Katie
    s.baer at insightbb dot com

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  82. Baking bread. Cripes, do I ever need help there.

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  83. I need help with just about everything. I try to get organized, keep things clean, etc., and I seem to be an abject failure at it.

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  84. I want to learn about sausage making :)

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  85. My next projects to learn are lactofermentation and cheese making. I can't wait to make my own pickles & cheese!

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  86. I need help with adding personalized touches on a budget. :) I love her blog and would love to have her book.
    rebeccacurtis (at) live (dot) ca.

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  87. I have been eyeing this book....I just haven't gotten around to ordering it yet!! I would love to learn more about canning and preserving. With five kids I would love to learn practical ways of organizing and cleaning! Thanks!!
    I love Kate's blog and I love yours too!!

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  88. I have been eying this book for a while now, since I love her blog! I would love to learn more about thrifty ways to decorate and keep the home fresh and clean--that's definitely a department I lack in. Also interested in learning some gluten-free baking skills... yum! :)
    tarynelainehubbard (at) gmail (dot) com

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  89. Simplicity, simplicity, simplicity! I have way too much STUFF! It's all good STUFF, but it is still STUFF! Help!

    nancysdevries (at) hotmail (dot) com

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  90. What a wonderful idea for a book! Sign me up! I want to make hard cider this year and bottle it and give it away at Christmas. I hope I succeed: georgia at georgiapellegrini dot com.

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  91. Love Kate, love her blog! I'm not lying when I say I can use all the help I can get in all departments!...and doing it all with out breaking my budget??..Yes, please!

    whizzo03@gmail.com

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  92. I would love to learn how to make my own soaps!

    cosmicdreams03 at yahoo dot come

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  93. Hello,
    I am learning to make socks.

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  94. Oh and my email is cdurusau@charter.net

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  95. I have and love this book, but really need not only the time to read about folding my fitted sheets but the time to do it as well!

    cubitsorganics AT gmail.com

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  96. Well, my mom always told me to marry rich so I could have a maid. I didn't, so I don't. I'd love as much advice on how to clean as I can get.

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