Country Living' Household Wisdom - Hardcover

Stephanie Donaldson

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1843402661 ISBN 13: 9781843402664

Publisher: Chrysalis Books Group, 2005

Synopsis

'Country Living Household Wisdom' is a treasure trove of the best of traditional skills that still have a relevance for the homemakers of today. Our homes have always had a great influence on our wellbeing and, at a time when many of us lead fast-paced and stressful lives, it is particularly important to live in a calm, ordered environment that provides peace and tranquillity without making demands on our time with lengthy housework routines. In this book you will find tips on how to get the most out of labour-saving machines and modern cleaning products, combined with tried and tested, old-fashioned remedies and recipes that are as effective now as they were a century ago. There are instant tricks to prevent windows steaming up, for making cut flowers last longer and for removing stains from fabrics and carpets. There is practical advice on caring for floors and furniture, cleaning the bathroom, storing china and glass, and managing open fires. Quick recipes are given for making jams and jellies, fruit cordials, remedies for coughs and colds, and facial cleansers and moisturisers. Each area of domestic routine is covered comprehensively, with handy shortcuts to achieving instant order and atmosphere in the midst of chaos. 'Country Living Household Wisdom' is a book for real people who lead busy lives with advice that is clear, easy to follow and achievable by everyone.

About this title

About the Author

Stephanie Donaldson runs workshops at the Chelsea Physic Garden and has held similar classes for Country Living and Homes & Gardens. Before she began her career in writing and creative projects, Stephanie was a full-time gardener in charge of a large formal garden and she has also launched a company specializing in rare plants.

Review

For many setting up home for the first time, housekeeping can seem a daunting prospect. Not just hoovering, dusting and a wipe with a damp cloth - how do you clean the silver? Polish that table? Ensure shiny, blemish-free crystal? "Household Wisdom" from "Country Living" magazine contains tips and advice on all these dilemmas together with much, much more. Rug and carpet care, curtains and blinds, wooden furniture and fire surrounds, all are discussed and enhanced with traditional recipes and methods for cleaning and care. Special items such as antique textiles, metalware, china and cutlery are covered along with the more mundane: ironing, linen care, clothes and shoes, all delivered in an enlivened yet informative way with historical asides. Freshen your wardrobes with hand-made pomanders, sweeten your drawers with lavender sachets, enhance your store cupboards with easy-to-make syrups, cordials and jellies. Tips on stain removal, pest control and food storage are looked at and a list of specialist cleaning suppliers is included for quick sourcing of materials mentioned. Beautifully illustrated in typical "Country Living" style, this is an ideal gift for someone setting up their first home. It demonstrates how simply a house can be turned into a warm, welcoming home, sweetly fragranced and well-kept. All accomplished with ease and in country style in a traditional way but with modern living convenience. - Lucy Watson

About this edition

• Publisher: Chrysalis Books Group
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 1843402661
• ISBN 13: 9781843402664
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 128