Something a little bit different on today's Thrifty Friday Five. Instead of giving you five top tips I'm instead going to share with you the top five books on my bookcase that I go back to time and time again for thrifty tips.
1. Practical Self Sufficiency – Dick & James Strawbridge
It was the Strawbridge's TV series It's not Easy Being Green that first started me off on my green journey several years ago – and that in turn was what lead to me starting this blog. When Dick & James' Practical Self Sufficiency
There's everything in here from conserving energy at home to growing your own vegetables, animal husbandry and craft skills. Being published by Dorling Kindersley it's full of very clear guidance as well as lots of lots of photos and illustrations. There's also a great resources section at the end, plus a further reading list for people who want to take things a bit further.
2. Bicarbonate of Soda
If you're not yet using bicarbonate of soda in your home then you really should be. Bicarbonate of Soda: Hundred of Everyday Uses covers all the different uses that you can find for this white powder for cleaning, laundry, personal care and food. There are literally hundreds of tips in this book and using bicarbonate of soda instead of other chemicals or products could save you a fortune, whilst also being much more environmentally friendly too. I hope to be sharing some of my bicarbonate experiences here on Thrifty Mrs C very soon.
3. The Vegetable Expert – Dr D. G. Hessayon
When we first moved to a house with a garden I was fortunate enough to find a copy of The Vegetable Expert
The copy I picked up was originally published in 1985 and it has since been superseded by The Vegetable & Herb Expert which has been updated, although it should be noted that my original version does also cover herbs. There's also a separate The Fruit Expert
4. McCall's Sewing in Colour
If you're interested in trying to with make your own clothes, or save money by altering things that you already own or that you pick up secondhand then understanding how the clothes are made is vital. I picked up a copy of McCall's Sewing in Colour
The book also contains huge amounts of information on how to sew clothes and home decorations and is ideal for someone who has no sewing experience to start with. At the end is a chapter on "The Three R's – Repairing, Remodelling, Remaking" which is incredibly useful if you want to extend the life of things that you already have.
5. Women's Institute Practical Know-How: In the Wardrobe
My mum popped a copy of Women's Insititute Practical Know-how in the Wardrobe in my Christmas stocking last year and it's a great little book for lots of handy tips. If you want the clothes that you have to last as long as possible, whilst still looking good you really need to follow what the WI have to say. There are instructions on how to care for and store different items, what classic items you should have in your wardrobe, how to ensure that you only buy things that you will wear in the first place and using accessories to bring new life to an old outfit.
The book is interspersed with humorous quotes and it's lovely to pick up and flick through. As I've always said, those women from the WI are full of useful information and it's great to see some of it brought together in a little book like this.
What are your favourite thrifty books? Any titles that you go to time and time again to help you lead a more thrifty, greener lifestyle? If so then please share them in the comments below.
I’ve got a brilliant book called “Trade Secrets”. Its based on a TV series that was on years ago – they were 5 minute shorts where people in different jobs would give helpful hints from their professions that we could all use. Its my go to book for removing stains and mending things
Not heard of that one at all – or the TV series. Thanks for the tip-off. I will go and investigate further!