Here’s everything you need to know about creating fabulous fragrant and rich-lathering soaps that use only natural ingredients and essential oils. Whip up each batch using seven recipes for either the cold-process method or the melt-and-pour (or “hand-milled”) technique. Pamper the face with Patchouli Complexion Soap; bathe in the sensual aroma of a Sandalwood Body Bar. There are also recipes for laundry, dishwashing, and household cleansers.

Country Living magazine throws some beautiful light on one of today's most popular decorating items: the candle. Whether for a party or a romantic dinner, these design concepts are truly illuminating. Candles warm the heart and lighten the spirit, so enjoy their soothing effect any time of year, indoors or out, with Country Living's enlightening decorating ideas. Use candles' flickering golden light to brighten a porch, add charm to a table setting, and dramatize a space. Place candles in an alluring array of holders and arrange them on shelves. Gently illuminate a hallway with lighted candles set in traditional sconces. Try a little bathtime aromatherapy with fragrant candles that enhance relaxation. Those who need a helping hand with practical matters will find a special section devoted to the finer points of buying, using, and even making container candles and ice lanterns.

The immensely popular blogger behind Little House Living provides a timeless and “heartwarming guide to modern homesteading” (BookPage) that will inspire you to live your life simply and frugally—perfect for fans of The Pioneer Woman and The Hands-On Home. Shortly after getting married, Merissa Alink and her husband found themselves with nothing in their pantry but a package of spaghetti and some breadcrumbs. Their life had seemingly hit rock bottom, and it was only after a touching act of charity that they were able to get back on their feet again. Inspired by this gesture of kindness as well as the beloved Little House on the Prairie books, Merissa was determined to live an entirely made-from-scratch life, and as a result, she rescued her household budget—saving thousands of dollars a year. Now, she reveals the powerful and moving lessons she’s learned after years of homesteading, homemaking, and cooking from scratch. Filled with charm, practical advice, and gorgeous full-color photographs, Merissa shares everything from tips on budgeting to natural, easy-to-make recipes for taco seasoning mix, sunscreen, lemon poppy hand scrub, furniture polish, and much more. Inviting and charming, Little House Living is the epitome of heartland warmth and prairie inspiration.

Packed with step-by-step instructions, useful tips, time-honored wisdom, and both illustrations and photographs, this compact guide has everything you need to dive into a more self-sufficient life. From canning and preserving to keeping chickens, fermenting vegetables to soap-making, Gehring covers all the basics in this easy-to-read, approachable collection. Topics covered include: Generating your own energy Herbal medicine Cheese-making Maple sugaring Farm mechanics Building a smokehouse Dyeing wool Composting Disaster Preparedness And more! Whether you own one hundred acres or rent a studio apartment in the city, this book has plenty of ideas to inspire you. Learn how to build a log cabin or how to craft handmade paper; find out how to install a solar panel on your roof or brew your own tea from dried herbs; Cure a ham, bake a loaf of bread, or brew your own beer. This book has something for everyone.

Have yourself a merry little Country Living Christmas with this gorgeous guide to decorating, cooking, and celebrating the best holiday ever! Country Living knows how to make Christmas memorable, and that’s why this spectacular book will become your new go-to resource every year. It’s filled with more than 200 beautiful decorating ideas, recipes, and crafts, plus tips galore. Stunning photos show festive table settings; splendidly decorated trees; fun and easy Christmas projects, from wreaths to no-sew stockings; gifts from the kitchen; and gourmet-worthy recipes like Turkey Roulade with Sausage-Cornbread Filling, Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes, Slow-Cooker Apple Cider, and sweet treats like Red Velvet Snowballs and Chocolate & Cranberry Fudge.

Crafts.