I Spy DIY Style

About the Book:  I Spy DIY Style is a go-to guide for girls who want to "get the look" on a budget.  Radosevich brings her readers the most stylish DIY ideas.  She has taken her favorite clothes and accessory trends and tuned each into a simple, step-by-step, do-it-yourself project.  If you have a wardrobe that needs some new life breathed into it this is your source book.

About the Author:  Jenni Radosevich was born and raised in the midwesst.  She was determined to create her own style and he affinity for creating current "looks for less" has manifested into a column for InStyle and a website:  www.ISPY-DIY.com . She currently resides in New York City.

My Thoughts on the Book:  This book was amazing.  I have already tried out a couple of the projects myself at home and found the directions were thorough and eas to follow.  This book should be on the bookshelf of every DIY'er.  It is full of colorful pictures of the projects before, during, and after.  The directions are plainly put....anyone can understand them.  Radosevich has produced a wonderful idea book for people who enjoy taking something old and making it look amazingly different.  This is a must read and own.

Disclaimer:  I was asked by Crown Publishing Group and Net Galley to review this book and give an honest opinion.  I was not paid for my opinion and the comments given are my own.  This book is wonderful and if you are someone who enjoys DIY and crafting then you should be downloading this book as you read.  It is amazing!

Are You a Backyard Farmer?

About the Book:  Urban Homesteading Just Got Easier with a New Book of Projects that Will Turn Any Backyard into a Food-Producing Oasis. (LANCASTER, PA) An urban homesteading movement is upon us, and it has even city-dwellers looking to turn their backyards into a place where they can grow food, raise animals, and lead a more eco-friendly, sustainable lifestyle. This "living off the land" mindset can provide an organic harvest year-round, a decreased dependence on the Earth’s renewable resources, and what many strive for when forging ahead to create their own small farm - a simpler life. With just a small amount of space, anyone can convert their property into a micro-farm with a new book of do-it-yourself projects:

Building Projects for Backyard Farmer and Home Gardeners (Fox Chapel Publishing, April 1, 2012). It provides readers with the inspiration and instruction for transforming a typical backyard into a lush food-producing patch. Step-by-step instructions and detailed plans, from a professional builder and experienced homesteader are included for more than 20 projects. The easy-to-follow guide also includes a photo gallery of real backyard farms and interviews with a variety of experienced homesteaders. Readers will learn what motivates them, lessons they have learned the hard way, and hear funny anecdotes about their experiences. With the projects and guidance inside Building Projects for Backyard Farmers and Home Gardeners anyone  can learn how to set up and equip their space to reap the benefits of a self-sufficient homestead.

About the Author:  Chris Gleason grew up on a dairy farm in upstate New York and is the author of several successful books for do-it-yourselfer’s including, Art of the Chicken Coop, Built-In Furniture for the Home, Kitchen Makeovers for Any Budget, Complete Custom Closet, Old- School Woodshop Accessories, and Building Real Furniture for Everyday Life. He currently builds and sells chicken coops and has owned Gleason Woodworking Studio for more than 13 years. He teaches chicken coop workshops and enjoys keeping his own backyard flock with his wife and young daughter.

My Thoughts About the Book:  This book is a great source book for those who want to do some urban gardening.  Gleason gives a thorough step-by-step description of each project he offers in the book.  The directions are clear and concise and very helpful.  This book is a great must have for those who are interested in going green.

Disclaimer:  This book was given to me by Net Galley and Fox Chapel Publishing for review purposes only.  I was not paid to give a review and the thoughts given are 100% my own.

Vision Boxes

About the Book:  Vision boxes and shrine containers connect the spirit of creativity with life. Each of Mark's charming projects will help you discover the inner self, acquire a sense of wonder, and provide inspiration. Be inspired as you assemble your personal mojo into a personal display of your life. Bring your mind, hands and spirit into focus through these simple steps. Vision Boxes are very personal and require no artistic training. Expand personal messages in your projects as you discover your hidden potential. Appreciate the uniqueness of your experience in the world as you create unique art and discover the infinite possibilities that spring from creativity.

About the Author:  Mark Montano is the author of Big Ass Book of Crafts, Big Ass Book of Crafts #2, Big Ass Book of Home Decor, Pulp Fiction and others. He has been a contributing editor to CosmoGIRL! magazine and his weekly column, Make Your Mark appeared in more than 70 news papers across the country. His television credits include being a designer on While You Were Out (TLC), and She’s Moving In (WE TV) as well as hosting 10 Years Younger (TLC) and My Celebrity Home (Style Network). He holds a Masters Degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City where he also runs a successful boutique.

My Thoughts:  Throughout the book the Vision boxes are called mojo boxes, shrine containers and Montano himself refers to them as "Dream boxes.  These boxes are collections of special moments in a persons life and the directions given throughout the book are very easy to follow.  They make great momentos for travels, special moments, special things.  I loved the book.  The pictures are so inspiring and I could hardly wait to complete my first one. 

Disclaimer:  This book was given to me to preview through Net Galley and Fox Chapel Publishing in exchange for an honest review.  If you are a DIY then this book is definitely for you.