Make Your Place

I recommend using Make Your Place: Affordable, Sustainable Nesting Skills by Raleigh Briggs as one of your go-to references. This hand-illustrated book offers simple, practical skills that anyone can learn and apply to everyday life ... One of the features I love most about this book is its conversational and witty tone. Briggs is never condescending and instead inspires the reader to better his or her life with his simple tutorials. Briggs also urges readers to be safe and offers helpful advice for every step of the way. Even though some of the recipes call for uncommon ingredients, I constantly refer to this book when I'm looking for natural and sustainable answers for my home. -- Natural Home Magazine From gardening to essential oils, Raleigh included it all! Not to mention the fact that the book is beautifully handwritten and illustrated. I often get my tips from the internet, but Raleigh's book is wonderful to leave in the kitchen or bathroom as an instant recipe book and guide. A definite must-have starting guide for anyone interested in living a more sustainable lifestyle. -- Best Selling Book A nifty little book filled with DIY health and home remedies for those who may be looking to avoid spending a fortune at the supermarket and/or be more environmentally friendly. Plenty of insightful tips on first aid, body care, home and gardening, most of which I can see myself using in the future (especially when I start my garden or begin taking better care of myself, whichever happens first). This book reads like a helpful journal written by a friendly and knowledgeable guy, who I envisioned having dreads and a big beard (my apologies to Raleigh Briggs if this is not at all what you actually look like). Each page is meant to look handwritten, with clever illustrations accompanying each topic. One chapter I found to be of particular interest explained what different herbs can do for your mental and physical health. For example, licorice root can help cure hypothyroidic depression. I immediately stocked up on Twizzlers in case I ever get hypothyroidically depressed. An infinitely interesting read that could be beneficial to the reader, and, on a somewhat larger scale, the planet. -- Razorcake A forceful antidote to the cheapening of thrift culture: a meticulously hand-lettered, pint-size volume. When you raise your fist against the values that derailed our economy, lift this book in it. --Utne Reader There are about 100 levels of cool here. As someone who makes her own deodorant and underwear, I feel an urge to stalk this woman. --Amy Karol, Angry Chicken Conversational and witty...Briggs is never condescending and instead inspires the reader to better his or her life with simple tutorials. --Natural Home Magazine A helpful journal written by a friendly and knowledgeable woman...An infinitely interesting read that could be beneficial to the reader, and, on a somewhat larger scale, the planet. --Razorcake A forceful antidote to the cheapening of thrift culture: a meticulously hand-lettered, pint-size volume. When you raise your fist against the values that derailed our economy, lift this book in it. Utne Reader There are about 100 levels of cool here. As someone who makes her own deodorant and underwear, I feel an urge to stalk this woman. Amy Karol, Angry Chicken Conversational and witty...Briggs is never condescending and instead inspires the reader to better his or her life with simple tutorials. Natural Home Magazine A helpful journal written by a friendly and knowledgeable woman...An infinitely interesting read that could be beneficial to the reader, and, on a somewhat larger scale, the planet. Razorcake