The Hip Girl's Guide to Homemaking - Kate Payne

What goes around comes around. We've come back to our mother's and grandmother's ways of thinking. Did you ever hear the phrase "Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without." Well, it's cool to re use, re purpose and utilize skills we may have forgotten or never knew.

Kate Payne has had a successful blog for many year in which she showcases her talents. She's gathered together many of her best ideas in The Hip Girl's Guide to Homemaking.

"It's cool to have a cool house. It's damn gratifying to throw down a loaf of homemade bread with our homemade preserved blueberry jam. Because feeling control in your own house does wonders for every instance when you're not under that sweet roof." "Here's your guidebook, you the reluctant homemaker, charming individual, to extend the personality I know you have into the home."

Payne has divided her book into three sections - 1) Room by Room Guide to a Homey House, Homie.
Lots of great ideas here with re purposing everyday items to fit your needs. Or finding items at the local goodwill or roadside clean up day.
2)Impressive Acts of Domesticity: Do Try This at Home. More ways to avoid toxic cleaning products, stains, laundry, gardening tips and more.
3)Life After Restaurants. Back to the basics with canning, preserving, homemade bread (yum!)

The layout is easy to read, with lots of cute Hip Tricks and Words to the Wise inserts. This would make a fun shower or housewarming gift for someone starting out. Or for someone already settled who enjoys the self satisfaction of 'doing it yourself'. (myself included!) The focus is on low-cost, low-stress ways to create a warm, satisfying environment for yourself.

Browse inside The Hip Girl's Guide to Homemaking. Check out Kate's blog as well.