From Seed to Skillet **GiVeAwAy**

**Giveaway**

From Seed to Skillet

by Jimmy Williams & Susan Heeger

Chronicle Books

ISBN: 978-0-8118-7221-8

My Review:

From the Publisher:

Jimmy Williams learned all about vegetable gardening at the knee of his grandmother, a South Carolina native from a traditional Gullah community whose members were descendents of Caribbean slaves. He pays homage to his family history in this inspiring step-by-step guide to designing and planting a backyard vegetable garden and growing one's own food. With this essential garden manual, home gardeners can learn how easy it is to plan a garden, design and construct growing beds, tend the crop without using harmful chemicals, harvest gorgeous vegetables, and cook a delicious feast using Jimmy's favorite family recipes.

Urban farmer and landscape designer Jimmy Williams oversees his growing grounds, plants edible gardens for clients, and dispenses cultivation and cooking tips, plus vegetable, herb, and fruit seedlings, at three Los Angeles farmers' markets. He grows and sells heirloom tomatoes from seeds that have been passed down from his great-great-grandmother.

Susan Heeger is a long-time magazine and newspaper feature writer with a specialty in garden, design, home, lifestyle, and food stories. She lives in Los Angeles.

**Giveaway**

1. US residents only, no PO Boxes.

2. Leave me a comment with your email address.

3. Book provided by Chronicle Books, Shipping provided by Beachbrights.

4. It's that easy to enter! Contest ends Friday, January 7th @ Midnight.

Resource Links:
YouTube: From Seed to Skillet
From Seed to Skillet Web

The Tulip Anthology

The Tulip Anthology

Photographs by Ron Van Dongen

Introduction by Anna Pavord

Chronicle Books

ISBN: 978-0-8118-7708-4

My Review:

From the Publisher:

Coveted by kings and admired by gardeners in ancient and modern times alike, the tulip has nearly brought nations to moral and economic ruin. The Tulip Anthology is a beautiful and comprehensive celebration of this most astonishing and beloved of flowers. Ron van Dongen's lush color photography is paired with visual art from the last thousand years, as well as writings on the mystery and wonder of the tulip from throughout human history. A foreword by best-selling author and tulip expert Anna Pavord explores the bloom's rich cultural history and rounds out this vast and sumptuous anthology. A deluxe gift for flower lovers, this book rivals the beauty of the tulip itself.

Ron van Dongen's beloved photographs of flowers have been exhibited worldwide. He lives in Portland, Oregon.

Anna Pavord is the author of the New York Times best-seller Tulip: The Story of a Flower That Has Made Men Mad. She lives in the United Kingdom.

~XOXO~

*Thank you Alyson & Chronicle for the opportunity to review*

Other Resources:

Ron Van Dongen

Homemade Living Series by Ashley English and GIVEAWAY

    

Keeping Chickens / Canning Preserving

by Ashley English

Homemade Living Series

Lark Books/Sterling Publishing

ISBN 13: 978-1-60059-490-8 / ISBN 13: 978-1-60059-491-5

Today's lifestyle movements are all about sustainable living, eating local, growing your own, making your own, restoring, recycling and repurposing. I love this Homemade Living series by Ashley English and so will you.

Keeping Chickens: Thanks to Martha Stewart, I thought owning chickens would be glamourous. Thank goodness I read Ashley English's Keeping Chickens. This book keeps it real. I found the information included in this book to be incredibly resourceful, informative and actually a delight to read. I found myself on several occasions spouting off facts to my husband in amazement (Did you know that cannibalism is common among chickens??). I also loved that in the midst of all the instruction & supply list are these great human interest stories: Portraits of a Chicken Owner.

This book covers all details of keeping chickens under these main subject chapters: What to Consider, Selecting a Breed, Obtaining Chickens, Housing, Feeding, Hatching Eggs, Raising Chicks, Health & Wellness, Eggs and Recipes.

I honestly can not say enough about this book and how well written it is. If you are considering chickens then you must read this book!





























Canning & Preserving: Canning to me has always been intimidating. I always thought you either needed a degree in chemistry or you needed to be born in the 1920's. I can remember my Grandmother Tucker canning in her small kitchen in Alpharetta, GA. Canning brings back memories and traditions in my mind. I would love to learn canning so that I could preserve my garden all year around. I believe Ashley English is going to help me learn canning with this book.

Ashley has such an easy way to her writing. I honestly believe that nobody writes about homesteading like Ashley. Of course, this book does not disappoint.  The book is divided into the following chapters: Why We Can, Tools of the Trade, Canning Concepts, Ingredients, A Jam/Jellies/Preserves Primer, A Pickle/Relish/Chutney Primer, A Whole Fruit/Vegetables Primer and Seasoned Recipes. Again, Ashley adds human interest stories in her Portrait of a Canner, Canning parties and Trouble Shooting.

I honestly believe that this is the only book you need to learn canning - Yes, it is that good.
















Both Books: 5 Stars

~GIVEAWAY~

Now for the GIVEAWAY!! Lark Books/Sterling Publishing (Thank You Meaghan) has graciously offered one lucky commenter a copy of Keeping Chickens and Canning & Preserving. How to enter (any of these entries will work):

1. Leave me a comment with your email address. +1
2. Tweet or Facebook about this giveaway. Leave me two comments that you did. Suggested Tweet: (#giveaway #bookreview Keeping Chickens/Canning & Preserving @steringbooks @ashley_english @beachbrights). +2
3. Open to US, No PO Boxes.
4. Contest ends Fri. May 7th.

Resource Links:
Ashley English's Blog
Facebook
Twitter

~XOXO~

The Vegetable Gardener's Book of Building Projects GIVEAWAY

The Vegetable Gardener's Book of Building Projects

Projects Designed & Built by Kevin Ayer

Storey Publishing

ISBN: 978-1-60342-526-1

Specs: 152 pages, 8 1/2 x 10 7/8

My Review: I am a big fan of DIY books. Just lately I have been getting into woodworking. This book is perfect for the novice like me but still has some challenging plans for the more skilled. Each project is organized with a materials list, supplies needed and tools needed. There are precise cutting measurements and diagram instructions. As well as detailed instructions for construction. If you are planting a garden this year (or years to come) then this book should be in your reference section.  Some of my favorite projects are the Window Sash Cold Frame (pg. 18), Horizontal Tomato Support (pg. 43), Window Box Planter (pg. 66), Welcoming Arbor (pg. 73), Solar Dryer (pg. 88) and the Pitched Roof Birdhouse (pg. 32). This book really does go hand in hand with gardening.

This is a great gift book for the woodworker and gardener in your life. Or, if you are like me and love to build, then get this book for yourself :)

From the Publisher: Make your food garden more productive and more enjoyable! These 39 simple-to-make projects — including cold frames, compost bins, planters, raised beds, potting benches, gates, trellises, storage containers, outdoor furniture, and more — will increase your harvest, make your garden chores easier, and turn your garden and yard into an appealing outdoor space for relaxing and enjoying the fruits of your labors. Each project includes step-by-step instructions, detailed illustrations, complete materials and lumber lists, no-nonsense tips, and a four-color photograph of the finished product. Many of the projects are ideal for beginners, and most can be completed in just a few hours.

A peak inside the book:

Resourceful Links:
AMAZON
You Tube Review

~GIVEAWAY~

Now for the GIVEAWAY!! Storey Publishing (Thank You Alee) has graciously offered one lucky commenter a copy of The Vegetable Gardener's Book of Building. How to enter (any of these entries will work):

1. Leave me a comment with your email address. +1
2. Tweet or Facebook about this giveaway. Leave me two comments that you did. Suggested Tweet: (#Giveaway Vegetable Gardener's Book of Building @storeypub@beachbrights). +2
3. Open to US, No PO Boxes.
4. Contest ends Fri. May 7th.

~XOXO~

Window Boxes Indoors and Out

Window Boxes Indoors & Out
by James Cramer & Dean Johnson
Storey Publishing
ISBN-13: 978-1-58017-518-0

My Review: I am a big fan if window boxes. I currently have them in my home. So, I naturally was drawn to this book and it did not disappoint. I loved the creativity and originality of this book. I can't wait to try some of the 100 projects and planting ideas in my own window boxes.  The book is organized very smart. It is divided into 6 basic chapters revolving around the seasons:

Groundwork

Spring

Summer

Autumn

Winter

Source Guide

In addition to stunning pictures and design inspiration, this book offers practical advice for plant care and several design tutorials.  I love this book and so will you! In fact, I love this book so much, I am giving away a copy to one lucky commenter!

5/5 stars

From the Publisher: Window box gardens are beautiful on a windowsill, but displayed in unexpected places they add four-season style and color all around the home. Authors Cramer and Johnson offer dozens of inventive ideas for container gardens to enjoy every month of the year. More than 200 exquisite color photographs highlight the range of seasonal plants and innovative containers. Project instructions, care tips, and source listings round out the how-to pages.

Resource Links:
Amazon
YouTube
Storey Publishing

~Giveaway~

Now for the GIVEAWAY!! Storey Publishing has graciously offered one lucky commenter a copy of Window Boxes. How to enter (any of these entries will work):

1. Leave me a comment with your email address.
2. Tweet or Facebook about this giveaway. Leave me a comment that you did (include @beachbrights & @storeypub).
3. Open to US/Canada Only, No PO Boxes.
4. Contest ends Wed. April 7th.

~XOXO~

**Thank you Alee for the opportunity to review & give!**

Deckscaping by Barbara W. Ellis

Deckscaping
by Barbara W. Ellis
Storey Publishing
ISBN-13: 978-1-5817-408-4

My Review:

From the Publisher:

Use your deck more in every season. Barbara W. Ellis uses photos, drawings, and text as she sets out to improve the appearance and comfort of any needy deck. She suggests surfaces, lighting, plantings, and furniture — from simple to elaborate — and provides tips on maintenance.

Resourceful Links:
AMAZON
Storey Publishing

4 out of 5 stars

XOXO-

**Thank you Alee for the opportunity to review**

Starter Vegetable Gardens and GIVEAWAY

Do you remember when I wrote this gardening post?  Well, this book is going to teach you how to get the garden in some of those posted pictures! This is a great book...

Starter Vegetable Gardens

Author: Barbara Pleasant

Storey Publishing March 2010

ISBN-13: 978-1603425292

My Review:

From the Publisher:
Are you planning your very first vegetable garden? Confused about soil, garden layout, seeds, temperatures, planting schedules, fertilizers, pests, watering, harvesting? Master gardener Barbara Pleasant takes the guesswork and anxiety out of growing food, explaining in simple language exactly how to start, maintain, and eventually expand an organic vegetable garden, even in the smallest of spaces. Choose one of 24 no-fail, small-scale garden plans and find out how easy it is to enjoy your own fresh food all season long!

Links:

AMAZON

Storey Publishing

Barbara Pleasant

~GIVEAWAY~

The Book Giveaway:
Storey Publishing has graciously offered one lucky commenter a copy of Starter Vegetable Gardens. 

How to enter (I count entries by comments):
1. Leave me a comment with your email address. +1
2. Tweet or Facebook about this giveaway. Leave me a comment (leave 2 comments) that you did. +2 Tweet Suggestion: Starter Vegetable Gardens 5/5 Stars, Win a Copy http://bit.ly/cBviuU @beachbrights @storeypub +2
3. Open to US/Canada Only, No PO Boxes.
4. Contest ends Wed. March 24th.

Happy gardening!
XOXO

**Thank you Alee for the opportunity to review and giveaway**

Landscaping with Fruit by Lee Reich

Landscaping with Fruit
by Lee Reich
Storey Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-60342-091-4

My Review:

From the Publisher:
Discover the joy of homegrown apples, berries, plums, cherries, and dozens of other fruits with this definitive guide to creating a more delicious backyard! Lee Reich shows you exactly how to grow temperate-zone fruit at home, from site analysis and climate assessment through plant selection, pest control, pruning, and harvesting. A plant-by-plant encyclopedia recommends 39 eye- and palate-pleasing species that are especially well-suited to home landscapes. Bring year-round beauty to your yard and luscious, organic fruit to your table with Landscaping with Fruit.

“Lee Reich is exactly the sort of guide to gardening I wish I’d had when I started out.”
—Michael Pollan, New York Times best-selling author

“For years I have turned to Lee Reich’s books for pruning guidance and relied on his expertise on how to grow unusual and native fruits. I’m excited that now in Landscaping with Fruit, he gives all of us the wherewithal and inspiration to include these sustainable edibles in our landscapes.”
—Rosalind Creasy, author of The Complete Book of Edible Landscaping


Resourceful Links:
AMAZON
Storey Publishing
Lee Reich


XOXO-

**Thank you Alee for the opportunity to review**

Deerproofing Your Yard & Garden by Rhonda Massingham Hart

Deerproofing Your Yard & Garden

by Rhonda Massingham Hart

Storey Publishing

ISBN 13: 978-1-58017-585-7

My Review:

From the Publisher:
Dealing with unwanted deer is frustrating and challenging for even the most patient of gardeners and homeowners. Which repellents work, and which ones don’t? How long do they last? Which plants are truly deerproof? What kinds of health risks do deer really pose? In this completely updated and revised edition of her popular book, Rhonda Massingham Hart shares the results of her research on deer behavior and food preferences, as well as her hands-on experience in successfully combatting deer, from choosing the best fence to planting the most deer-detested plants.

Deerproofing Your Yard and Garden is the best defense against unwanted deer, and an investment that is sure to pay off in protecting your landscape.


Resourceful Links:
AMAZON
Author Bio

XOXO-

**Thank you Alee for this opportunity to review**