Zero Waste Home by Bea Johnson, is a book of fun and practical ideas written by a frugal French mom living in America with her American husband and 2 boys. While several of her ideas I already have in practice (she details composting, de-cluttering, simplifying), I found many new ideas such as a simple multi-purpose balm, techniques for waterproofing leather, and special towel folding techniques to carry food to picnics and wrap gifts. So far I’ve tried her cocoa powder eye shadow, where I brushed cocoa powder on my eyelids. I then asked my 17 year old son what he thought. He was like “Mom – it makes you look old and wrinkly!” I put on my glasses and sure enough even though I liked the color, this is a tip for someone much younger…but it was fun and simple to try!
Bea gives a list of houseplants that clean the air, tips on travel, recipes, stories from her own family, decorating, cleaning, wardrobe, gift wrapping, simple home building/craft projects, holidays and more. It was a fun read, a cross between homesteading and housekeeping, humor and practicality, simplicity and relaxation. Instead of making me feel overwhelmed, she made me feel comfortable and curious to try new ideas.
Check out Zero Waste Home By Bea Johnson from your local library or bookstore.
I love my family – a quirky bunch of creative adults and teens who accept each other’s differences, and are often entertained and amused by each other.
Looking for a holiday tradition that doesn’t involve drinking to excess, shopping into poverty, or watching TV until your eyes fall out? Here’s all-age, interactive fun involving friends and/or family…and it ends with good times and sweet gifts for all. My friend Sue Warner-Bean – who the tradition belongs to – tells the story in her own words:
What a great use for scraps from 2×4’s! My son wanted to build something, but at the time he was only a third grader, and I’m not very handy with building tools. So we created this simple folk art project from scrap 2×4’s laying around the garage. Using a combination of nails and screws, we attached the boards, then painted them with outdoor paint. The sponge clown nose is attached with a nail, and the antlers are 
Better Ideas Now 