Composting For All - Book Review

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota

Nicki Scott released the second edition of Composting For All in 2004; obviously this is a popular publication within the UK, and it is certainly affordable. Here is one booklet that practices what it preaches - the cover is printed on 80% recycled material and the inside pages are printed on 100% recycled paper. I thought the front cover's image of mom, dad and young girl happily tending to a compost bin near their bountiful garden and lush yard was quite cute.

Thirty-two pages and seventeen chapters (including the introduction and resource sections) are filled with sketches and illustrations by Bob Gale. This short booklet explains what composting involves in a simple way and terms like vermiculture and aerobic bacteria become less confusing. Learn how to begin composting safely wit little hassle. Discover old and new composting methods from hot and cold composts, fermentation methods and vermiculture. He even discusses compost activators (those that increase decomposition process) and how to reuse an old chest freezer to make a worm bin. The booklet closes with a very small reference section for readers to contact eleven associations and publications to further their journey in waste reduction.

I enjoyed his discussion about the amazing array of life forms are supported by composting activities, and the final product that encourages healthier green spaces, gardens, balcony and roof gardens and flowerboxes in our communities. This results in a wonderful bio-support system to help the other critters that share our world, and healthy plants that clean our air.

The suggestion that most appealed to me was substituting leaf compost for peat requirements in our gardens. I had no idea that many commercially bagged compost actually contain peat. Environmentalists will tell you how important it is to avoid using peat-based products, and alternatives such as ground coconut husk have been around for some time.

Cities concerned with stressed landfills offer compost bins or worm bins to help people handle organic waste. Unfortunately the training available for citizens to use is not always readily available. This is what makes books like these so valuable to our society.

Nicki Scott has authored two booklets, one book and a video on composting and other methods we can all employ reduce waste. He has served as the chairperson for the Community Compost Network in the UK.

Author: Nicki Scott
Illustrator: Bob Gale
Publisher: Green books (UK)
ISBN: 1-903998-23-9

~ Lillian Brummet: co-author of the books Trash Talk and Purple Snowflake Marketing, author of Towards Understanding; host of the Conscious Discussions radio show (http://www.brummet.ca/)

Feng Shui For Architecture - Book Review

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota

Feng Shui for Architecture: How to Design, Build and Remodel to Create a Healthy and Serene Home
By Simona F. Mainini, Dr. Arch.
Founder and President of Feng Shui Architecture, Inc. Beverly Hills, CA

Feng Shui for Architecture by Simona Mainini is a handbook for builders, homeowners, professional designers, and architects. There is valuable advice for each group to be found within its covers, not the least of which is her desires to "assist homeowners and professionals in designing houses with 'good' Feng Shui from the start instead of trying to put a bandage on problems or make patchwork corrections after the fact."

Ms. Mainini is a graduate of Milan, Italy's Polytechnic School of Architecture and interned with Eric Lloyd Wright in Los Angeles, CA. She studied with Master Larry Sang founder of the American Feng Shui Institute, where she also became a teacher. This book can be used as a reference for home/office design and furniture or as a check list for those of you who are planning to build or buy.

After an interesting discussion on the history and development of feng shui the subject turns to what feng shui can and cannot do, how to choose a consultant and a short discussion on western styles of feng shui that have become popular of late. The relationship between architect and feng shui practitioner can be fraught with misunderstanding. The author provides some valuable insights on this relationship. After all, both professionals want the same result, a beautiful building that functions well and provides an environment conducive to productivity and health.

In the following chapters the applications of feng shui to architecture are outlined. From the beginning step of selecting the site through designing the interiors, the building energy, customizing the building, to construction and timing are covered. Qi, the basic life force practitioners work with, is often difficult to explain. Here it discussed in terms that are easy to understand and connections are made to other culture and even modern physics. Yin and Yang, the forces that we balance in the environment, and the 5 element transformations, one of the ways we accomplish this balancing and the 8 trigrams/lo shu are also covered.

Concepts presented in the book are illustrated with photos and real case studies. This format makes it easier for the reader to relate to the information. You are not just told to do this or not to do that, but what might happen if you do. After covering topics such as land elevations, soils, plantings, water features, the different types of shas (negative energy), building shapes, doors, square footage, various rooms in the house, and more, Ms. Mainini gives a quick peak into more advanced theories such a 8 mansions, which matches occupants with specific buildings and flying stars, which take into consideration the element of time.

This is a handy and well written book for anyone interested in traditional feng shui and its application. If I had to make a criticism it would be that the black and white photos were not as sharp as I wished for. But that is indeed a very small thing. Go find this book and read it today.

Diane Kern has been trained in the ancient art of Feng Shui in the traditional method. The knowledge has been transmitted through 13 generations from Masters to student via an apprenticeship of extensive study and practical field experience. Ms. Kern was included in a small group of students selected by her Master for advanced training. She is a member of an international team of experts, Alliance Feng Shui, whose resources can be called upon to accomplish your goals.

Ms. Kern assures the privacy and confidentiality of clients. Your name will not be used for advertising or referrals. The culture of integrity, respect and discipline instilled by her Master ensures you a productive working relationship and attention towards successful completion of your goals.

http://dianekern.com/

3 Things To Think About When Growing Grapes

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota

If you're going to grow grape vines on a small to medium scale, it may be helpful to read this. For the enthusiastic future vintners, you may find this post to not meet your needs. You're going to have to think about what you're going to with your vines after you get them established. You also may think a little about what you're going to do with them period. We all want luscious plants that are going to give us plenty of fruit. I know I want that. I also know that your eyes can be bigger than your gardening skills.

Where do you want to put your vines?

Plant placement is all but too important wen think of where to pout your vines. I don't think that you could contain a producing vine anywhere near a porch or patio. There's no doubt that anything can be done and you may be able to get creative and pull from on vine to decorate part of your house.

Many people use arbors or a trellis of some kind for smaller operations. You want to make sure that your vines get plenty of sun and have soil that will drain easily. You don't need to hear this from me, but these requirements will be very important to you tiny jungle's success.

What are you going to use your vines for?

Some vines start off a dream to create a very tasty fruit supply for the family. This will require a bit more work, but you can achieve this. Be mindful, and very careful about managing the size of your vines because they cab get up to 30' long in some cases and you'll get much more fruit that you may have bargained for. learning how can your good will be helpful. You can also give away your crops. There's never enough goodwill in the world.

How much work do you really want to do?

The world is filled with thing that are going to fight for your attention. Knowing how much work you really want to do when you grow grapes will help you out so much in the long run. If you don't wan to do much work then start very simple. The plant will do much of the work as long as you provide its basic needs. I've gone the route of having plants to tend that get out of control. The great thing about a plant or vine is that it doesn't move! It can't run into the street. You will have to deal with it one way or another. Keep it within your span of control.

I can show you what to do with your spare time and make it more meaningful than staring at the box. I can be found writing about growing grapes @ [http://www.growsomegrapes.com]. Get all the information you need to grow successful grape vines. Sign-up for our mini-course at [http://www.growsomegrapes.com].

Considering Buying Magniwork - Free Energy Generator? Read This First!

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota

Magniwork-Free Energy Generator is an e-book for DIY persons that want to learn how to build their own home energy saving products (energy generator, solar panels, wind generator, etc.).

The book is 114 pages long and has sections on How to Reduce Home Electric Energy Consumption, Different Types of Power Grid Systems, Building a Free Electric Generator, Building Electric Solar Panels, Building a Wind Generator, Building Solar Air Heater Panels, and Building Solar Water Heater Panels.

I downloading the e-book and in reading it found that it contained a lot of new information that I had not seen before. Since I have been using and working with both solar systems and wind generators for over 30 years, I found the book to be mostly a rehash of things I already knew about. But I found the Free Electric Generator section the most interesting. as I have never seen anything like this before.

I also found the section on the solar hot air panels to be most informative. I have several factory built solar air panels, but believe building a solar panel out of empty beer and cola cans would be a great money saving idea, compared to the factory built panels I currently have.

Another section I found interesting was the one about building a electric wind generator. Not the wind generator itself, I have read a lot of books about building wind generators. No what I found interesting was the way that they were using regular PVC pipe to build their blades. Most other DIY wind generator books want you to either purchase a ready made blade (expensive) or try to make your own out of wood (very hard and time consuming). Using their blade building method could save you a lot of time and/or money.

What I did not like about the book? First the fact that it did not cover batch type hot water solar panels. I have been using a batch hot water panel on my home for over 30 years and have never had a problem with it. They are both cheap and easy to build, and have no moving parts.

I also found that the building a Free Electric Generator section of the e-book was very hard to follow. I believe the author of the book was assuming that everybody that would read it would already be well versus in both electronics, batteries, magnets, and electricity. This section really needs more step by step instructions and pictures.

Do I believe the e-book was worth the $49 I paid for it? With all my previous experience in both solar and wind energy over the last 30 years I found most of the book just a rehash of things I already knew and really not worth the $49 to me. But to someone new to solar and wind energy and wanting to build their own systems, it would be a great place to start. And the 60 day money back Guarantee does not hurt anything either.

Instantly access more free tips, tricks and reviews about the newest, top selling, energy saving books and internet marketing "how to" books here: [http://philips-ebook-reviews.com/about/].

Container Vegetable Gardening

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota

Container vegetable gardening is a great concept that will help people to do gardening even if they have a space constraint in their houses. Especially, those who live in apartments and condos will definitely find this concept highly useful. The best thing about this gardening is that you can have this garden anywhere inside your home. The only point you should ensure is to have a good ventilation and sunlight in the place you choose. The place should also be comfortable to work in.

You should buy the containers of the right size so as to fit the space you choose. The containers that are already available with you can also be used. There are no hard and fast rules about the sizes of the containers. They should be of the right size to accommodate the plants you choose to grow in your container vegetable garden. The point that is being emphasized here is that the roots of the plants should be able to grow. The containers should not be very heavy because you may like to move them when there is a need. Drainage holes should be there along the sides slightly above the bottom. For improving the drainage, you should put a 1 inch layer of gravel in the bottom of the containers.

The greatest advantage in container vegetable gardening is that the usual hassles that are associated with out-door gardening such as unfavorable weather conditions, soil-borne disease, and poor soil conditions are either not there or can easily be avoided in this.

The plants that can be grown in such containers are eggplant, green onions, beans, etc. You can also grow peppers, tomatoes, lettuce, and squash. Those who have tried this type of gardening have succeeded in growing even cucumbers and pole beans. The only thing these plants need is a little extra care and a little more space because they need vines for their growth.

You should understand that synthetic soil is very good for this type of gardening because this soil is quite light and drains well. This synthetic soil is also capable of holding moisture and nutrients. The composition of this soil is compounds that include wood chips, sawdust, vermiculite, peat moss or perlite.

If you want to get this synthetic soil, you can get it from the local retailer who sells gardening items or you can make this mixture yourself. Superphosphate, horticultural grade vermiculite, limestone, peat moss and garden fertilizer are mixed in the right proportions to make this synthetic soil mixture.

In short, if you do your container vegetable gardening properly, you will not only enjoy the experience but you will be able to grow useful plants also.

Thank You to all of our gardener friends and we really appreciate your support. Please contact us anytime with any questions,
The Watch Us Grow Team

Phil Faustini, Grandson of Stephen Follett, creator of "Watch Us Grow". In the 1940's Stephen Follett developed this unique Plant Food. After many years of trials and experiments on all types of plants and crops. 1952 was the year "Watch Us Grow" was made available to the public. Since then the positive testimonials have poured in from all over the world, from professional to novice growers "Watch Us Grow" has made believers out of them all. Go to http://www.allpurposeplantfood.com/ and try some for yourself to see why the gardening world is so excited about "Watch Us Grow"

Book Review for Sink Reflections, By Marla Cilley - The FlyLady

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota

In A Nutshell: If your house and life are in chaos and you can't seem to find any of your stuff because it is hiding under piles of clutter, then Sink Reflections will help you get organized, back in control and able to live with some cleanliness and peace of mind. Learn how to love yourself, your home and your life.

Why Buy This Book

If you are so overwhelmed with the mess in your life that you cannot seem to find any technique to get it together, then you will benefit greatly from the advice of FlyLady. Cilley's own chaotic and cluttered life lead to her coming up with the ideas in this book. You'll find an easy, loving, step-by-easy-step process to reclaim your house, your family and your sanity. You will see improvements from the moment you open the book. That is how effective Cilley's advice is.

Why Not Buy This Book

If you can easily get moving to make progress on any task, have any kind of organizational skills that helps you stay on top of things, then you won't need this book. This book tends to be aimed for chronic mess-a-holics and clutter-gluttons.

Why I recommend this book

Sink Reflections isn't just about how to stay organized and maintain a functioning home, it's about loving yourself, your life, your things and your family. It's a wonderful lesson in learning to take 100% responsibility for your things and your life. It teaches you that yelling at your loved ones over a clean home will only hurt the family, the home and the energy there.

"Anne Dessens is the editor/founder of the Anne Dessens.com website about getting organized and improving your life. Learn more about how to reduce clutter in your life by reading this article: http://www.annedessens.com/self-improvement-basics.html

- Sign up for Anne's RSS feed and get weekly updates about how to improve your life: http://blog.annedessens.com/2010/09/21/tying-it-all-in-self-improvement-and-getting-organized-go-hand-in-hand/

- Copyright: you may freely republish this article, provided the text, author credit, the active links and this copyright notice remain intact."

Office in the Garden

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota

The reality is: nothing declares straightforward magnificence than having a timber garden office. First of all, when you say timber, the very first thing that is certain to cross you mind would be logs and that would be robust, wooden logs very similar to those used in log cabins. A timber garden office can afford you the same magnificence quite as simply if only you know the way to choose one that will best fit your space.

Only one note to consider though: though you can always hire a contractor to build your structure, you won't desire to deal with rising work costs, varying prices of the materials, building allows, wood stretched in and around your house, and the very long noisy months while the office is being constructed. So a more sensible choice would be to reserve a ready-to-ship model instead.

Here are a few valuable pointers on how you can select a timber garden office which will suit your wants.

1. Make sure that your space is about five meters away from your home and about 1 meter away from your land's boundaries (firewall, backyard hedge, fence, etc.). Please do not fall into the common trap of ordering a very large model and trying to fit it into a particularly tiny space; or getting an extremely petite model that you have no other option but take some of your work back into your house. The opposite is true if your area has too many days in a year under overcast skies.

2. This is a very straightforward energy saving practice you may want to practice. Lighter coloured structures have a tendency to reflect back sunlight and heat, which can help bring your household bills down. On the other hand, darker coloured structures soak up heat.

3. Select the model which will afford you the amount of natural illumination you are most happy with. Virtually all timber garden office models have large and numerous window setups. Again, if your area has too much sunlight, you may want to choose office models with fewer or smaller windows. This will also mean that you spend less money trying to fit blinds or curtains that would cut out some of the glare from particularly sunny days.