The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady

ISBN: 1846660149

"To sit on rocks; to muse o'er flood and fell;

To slowly trace the forest's shady scene;

Where things that own not man's dominion dwell;

And mortal foot hath ne'er or rarely been!

To climb the trackless mountain all unseen;

With the wild flock, that never need a fold;

Alone o'er steeps and foaming falls to lean;

This is not solitude: 'tis but to hold

Converse with Nature's charms, and view her stores unrolled."

  Byron.

                                                                                                                      

And so we are introduced to the wonderful Centenary re-issue of The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady, aptly preparing us for what is to follow.

Author Edith Holden was born in Kings Norton, Worcester, England in 1871. But it was in the small village of Olton in Warwickshire that she wrote and illustrated her famous diary in 1906. Reflected in her exquisite paintings, Edith Holden's love and perception of nature is obvious. It is a wonderful record of the diversity of the English countryside in the early 20th century, through her eyes.

The exquisite beauty of her paintings touches your soul, with wonderfully blended colour and minute attention to detail.  Her favourite poems are included, to enhance the theme or mood of the illustrations. Her diary entries are fascinating insights into the changing delights of nature brought forth by each season.

Handwritten in Edith's beautiful copperplate handwriting, the text adds to the authentic feel of this book and the era in which it was penned.

This volume would be a wonderful addition to the library of any lover of historical naturalist artwork- or of the abundance of nature itself!

Vegetables for Vitality

ISBN: 978-192107750-0
More than 200 delicious recipes to add vegetables to every meal

Yet again Reader's Digest brings us a magnificent book- 320 pages- packed full of tempting recipes, with mouth watering full colour photographs.

As we become much more aware of the importance of having a diet high in vegetables and fruits- the health giving bounty of nature- many of us are on the lookout for new and inventive way of serving them up. Ideas to tempt fussy eaters or children (and big kids) who refuse vegetables just on principle. New gourmet delights for dinner parties or that special occasion.

This book is a wealth of inspiration for any occasion! Some of the recipes are vegetarian, while many provide easy and tasty ways to combine veggies with a meat ingredient, in ways different to just the standard "meat & three veg".

The first section of this book introduces us to vegetables as our partners in health- what vegetables contain what nutrients, how they help us health-wise including a chart of medical problems and the vegetables and their nutrients which can be of benefit. 

It discusses where to get best quality veggies, various ways veggies are grown and ways to eat more vegetables easily. There is a seasoning guide plus herbs and spices, including a segment on various ones used in cuisines around the world. Useful kitchen implements and cooking methods, are also covered.

Next come the recipe sections:

• Eggs & Breakfasts- omelettes, frittatas, pancakes, burritos, tomato dishes
  
• Drinks, Snacks & Starters- smoothies, dips, stuffed vegetables, roll-ups, sandwiches, savoury tarts, bagels, terrine
  
• Savoury Soups-borscht, gazpacho, chowders, egg drop soup, noodle soups
  
• Chicken & Turkey- salads, teriyaki, grilled, pan fried, stir fry, baked, pies
  
• Beef, Lamb & Pork- stew, cobbler, chillis, stir fries, grilled, fajitas
  
• Fish & Seafood-salads, stir fries, gumbo, steamed, curries, baked, grilled
  
• Pasta & Noodles- pestos, pasta bakes, no cook sauces, tortellini, asian noodles, linguine, angel hair pasta, rigatone
  
• Vegetables, Pulses & Grains- stuffed veggies, rissotos, pot pie, souffle, savoury tarts, fried rices, chillis, pizzas
  
• Vegetable Side Dishes- stir fried, creamed, roasted, glazed, braised, pureed, mashed, stuffed, grilled, asian style, rice dishes
  
• Fresh, Grilled & Roasted Salads- all kinds of dressings, sauces and preparation styles
  
• Breads & Muffins- scones, muffins and breads with vegetables in
  
• Cakes, Cookies & Desserts- cakes, pies, tarts, cookies containing veggies
  
  
  
  

Following these is an A-Z Guide to Vegetables. For each vegetable, details such as nutritional attributes, seasonal availability, what to look for in choosing good quality, storing, preparation, basic cooking and best uses. Where appropriate, information about the varieties of a vegetable is given.

Also included, for our interest, are various little sections of fascinating informational "Did You Know"'s.

A glossary of good nutrition follows, then a vegetable freezing chart, and a useful chart of ingredient equivalents. A comprehensive index finishes off this superb volume.

This book is an invaluable addition to the recipe library of any health conscious cook- or a wonderful gift to a young person starting out on their own! There are enough easy, tasty, healthy recipes to keep them going for weeks!

1001 Easy Ways for Earth-Wise Living

1001 Easy Ways For Earth-Wise Living Natural and eco-friendly ideas that can make a real difference to your life.

Many people are becoming aware of just what an adverse effect many of our modern lifestyle practices are having on the earth... and just how fragile our planet is.

Some of our actions have caused ecosystem destruction, species extinction and health concerns.

Before it is too late for even more of our precious natural resources, we need to carefully look at the ways we personally add to these problems and what steps we can take- on an individual level- to become more Earth Wise in our daily lives.

To find ways to step more lightly on the planet.

1001 Easy Ways For Earth-Wise Living is an amazing resource for just this venture.

Published by Reader's Digest, it is the usual high quality, comprehensive publication that you would expect from them.

This book introduces us to what earth-wise living is, what the benefits are and how to go about making changes. It then proceeds with sections of information for the changes we can make in each area of our lives.

The first section is called The Natural Home. This is divided down further into segments:

• Efficient Living discusses energy efficient homes, insulation, heating and cooling, lighting, and water -wise living.
• Room By Room takes us through each room in the house, with environmentally friendly ideas for appliances, water use and recycling.
• Building and Renovating introduces us to energy efficient and earth-wise ways to build, including materials, efficiency ideas and solutions to common problems.

Strawbale Building Technique

The next section is Around The Home: 

• Earth-Wise Cleaning introduces us to greener cleaning materials for each room and situation, and even some great "recipes" to make our own.
• Waste Watch discusses reducing, reusing and recycling in the home.
• Household Pests shows us how to discourage and banish pests from our homes, the most environmentally friendly ways possible.
• Caring for Your Pet introduces homemade pet foods, natural remedies, dealing with pet pests such as fleas and the benefits of exercise and play for your pet... and you!

The Healthy Body is the next section: 

• Eating Well covers the benefits of fresh food, organic food, preserving and storage, freezing and some great recipes. It also discusses food additives and label checking.
• Nutrition Basics talks about balanced diets, the importance of fruits and vegetables, energy boosters and developing healthy eating habits.
• Exercise For Life tells us how to get fit, aerobic exercise, strength training, non-impact exercise and suggestions for getting a good night's sleep.

Feeling Well follows: 

• Looking Good discusses understanding and caring for your skin, hair and body, including cleansing, toning and moisturising, with lots of earth friendly recipes for making your own products.
• Holistic Health introduces natural therapies, healing, coping with modern life and relaxation.
• Natural Remedies covers feeling good, treating minor ailments, aches and pains, more serious health conditions, plus health for women and the older body, and some earth-wise medicines.

Earth-Wise Gardening is next, for all of you with "green thumbs": 

• Working With Nature discusses going organic, companion planting, natives, wildlife attracting gardens and low maintenance strategies.
• Garden Basics covers mulch, compost, fertilising, irrigation and water-wise design.
• Planting Guide goes into creating various kinds of gardens, such as vegetable patches, herb gardens, flowers for beds and borders, plants for fragrance and foliage and lawns and grasses.
• Dealing With Problems delves into keeping weeds under control, garden pests (insects and 2 or 4 legged), garden chemicals and generally keeping your garden healthy.

The last section Out and About looks into impacts further afield: 

• Buying Power talks about the power of our purchasing choices and how to shop environmentally. Eco smart shopping tips for personal products, fabrics, and other household products and items. It also discusses ethical investing and expenditure.
• On The Road gives tips for choosing and using a vehicle to be as environmentally friendly as possible, including emission reduction and earth-wise maintenance. Also discussed is using public transport and bicycles.
• Travelling Light covers travelling away from home, on holiday and adventures. Walking holidays and eco aware travel tips are included.

Following these major sections is a Resources guide which gives details of lots of interesting websites with green eco smart information, categorised in their particular area of interest eg Cleaning, building, environment, recycling, water.

A comprehensive index helps navigate your way through the substantial information in this book, which is useful as it is 335 pages long.

Altogether, this is a marvellous collection of tips, hints, ideas, recipes and discussion about lessening our impact and giving planet Earth a chance at regeneration.

I recommend it highly to everyone who cares and wants to make a personal difference...

and leave a better, healthier, sustainable future for our children.

 ISBN: 978-192107736-4