special delivery: books

Yesterday I got those books in the mail I had posted about ordering the other day!

I received Dwelling Portably, by Bert and Holly Davis; Making It: Radical Home Ec for a Post-Consumer World, by Kelly Coyne and Erik Knutzen; Make Your Place: Affordable, sustainable nesting skills, by Raleigh Briggs.

I’m going to spend some time with these books today, pick out a recipe from both Making It and Make Your Place, and commit to trying them out ASAP! I’m really excited because I think there will be a recipe in one on these books for home-made natural deodorant. I’ve wanted to make my own deodorant for a while now, because I hate deodorant from the store and I think it’s poison. Anyway, that’ll probably be my first endeavor!

More in-depth reviews of the books to come!

Also, as a side note having to do with the mail: I also just received my sample of Bonded Logic’s UltraTouch Denim Insulation. It’s made from recycled blue jeans! I’ll post pictures of it and tell you about how soft and amazing it is a little bit later. Now that I’ve received the sample, I think I would like to use the insulation in The COMET.

Books in the mail!

I just ordered a couple of books that come highly  recommended. They aren’t specifically about tiny houses or campers, but I think the information I will find in these books will be applicable to The COMET project and any other small space/sustainable living endeavor!

When I get them, I’ll do a book review, so stay tuned!

Dwelling Portably 2000-2008, by Bert and Holly Davis ($8)

This book is the third edition in a series of zine-like books detailing the mobile, portable lives of Bert and Holly Davis. They’ve been living as nomads for over 30 years (the other 2 books discuss their travels in the ’80s and ’90s respectively). It talks about cooking, bathing, traveling, and living with no permanent residence. I first saw this book on a shelf at tiny house guy Deek Diedricksen’s house when I was there for a workshop last summer. I’m really excited to see what it’s all about!

Making It: Radical Home Ec for a Post-Consumer World, by Kelley Coyne and Erik Knutzen ($13)

I’m a DIY kind of person, so this book really caught my eye. I love to make anything and everything, so it seems like the natural progression would be to start making my own shampoo and cleaning products! This book got great reviews and if it’s going to give me tips on how to save money and have a healthier home and environment, all while doing fun projects, then I’m all about that!

Make Your Place: Affordable and Sustainable Nesting Skills, Raleigh Briggs ($10)

This is an illustrated and handwritten guide to taking care of your home and body in a cost-efficient, sustainable way. I’m into anything that focuses on affordability without sacrificing quality. This book is supposed to be really funny and cute, with great illustrations. I’m looking forward to trying out all of these recipes!

As a side note, totally by chance, both “Dwelling Portably” and “Make Your Place” are published by punk/DIY publishing company Microcosm Publishing. If you like DIY zines, movies, books, etc you should DEFINITELY check out what Microcosm has to offer. http://microcosmpublishing.com/

When I get these goodies in the mail, I’ll let you know what I think of them!

XO

Mariah