"A Little House of My Own" offers humble dreams of solitude, romance, oasis for meditation, and whimsy, all less than 325 square feet. Includes the technical details of the structure from the building materials and woodworking techniques to estimated cost of construction. 300 color and b&w photos.

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.

What are the challenges architects face when designing dwelling spaces of a limited size? And what can these projects tell us about architecture – and architectural principles – in general? In BIG little house, award-winning architect Donna Kacmar introduces twenty real-life examples of small houses. Each project is under 1,000 square feet (100 square meters) in size and, brought together, the designs reveal an attitude towards materiality, light, enclosure and accommodation which is unique to minimal dwellings. While part of a trend to address growing concerns about minimising consumption and lack of affordable housing, the book demonstrates that small dwellings are not always simply the result of budget constraints but constitute a deliberate design strategy in their own right. Highly illustrated and in full-colour throughout, each example is based on interviews with the original architect and accompanied by detailed floor plans. This ground-breaking, beautifully designed text offers practical guidance to any professional architect or homeowner interested in small scale projects.

Beyond their status as classic children’s stories, Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House books play a significant role in American culture that most people cannot begin to appreciate. Millions of children have sampled the books in school; played out the roles of Laura and Mary; or visited Wilder homesites with their parents, who may be fans themselves. Yet, as Anita Clair Fellman shows, there is even more to this magical series with its clear emotional appeal: a covert political message that made many readers comfortable with the resurgence of conservatism in the Reagan years and beyond. In Little House, Long Shadow, a leading Wilder scholar offers a fresh interpretation of the Little House books that examines how this beloved body of children’s literature found its way into many facets of our culture and consciousness—even influencing the responsiveness of Americans to particular political views. Because both Wilder and her daughter, Rose Wilder Lane, opposed the New Deal programs being implemented during the period in which they wrote, their books reflect their use of family history as an argument against the state’s protection of individuals from economic uncertainty. Their writing emphasized the isolation of the Ingalls family and the family’s resilience in the face of crises and consistently equated self-sufficiency with family acceptance, security, and warmth. Fellman argues that the popularity of these books—abetted by Lane’s overtly libertarian views—helped lay the groundwork for a negative response to big government and a positive view of political individualism, contributing to the acceptance of contemporary conservatism while perpetuating a mythic West. Beyond tracing the emergence of this influence in the relationship between Wilder and her daughter, Fellman explores the continuing presence of the books—and their message—in modern cultural institutions from classrooms to tourism, newspaper editorials to Internet message boards. Little House, Long Shadow shows how ostensibly apolitical artifacts of popular culture can help explain shifts in political assumptions. It is a pioneering look at the dissemination of books in our culture that expands the discussion of recent political transformations—and suggests that sources other than political rhetoric have contributed to Americans’ renewed appreciation of individualist ideals.

"Living Large in Our Little House is a practical and inspirational memoir about the joy and freedom of tiny house living"--

“Other people’s actions can leave you picking up the pieces, years after they occur.” In Not My Own, Gail Steeves shares a raw perspective of what it’s like to become one of the “other people.” You know, those good people that bad things happen to. Gail Steeves is one of them. It all started with the shocking murder, suicide of her older brother in 1990. Life is short, and no one is immune from loss or tragedy. Even unexpected and tragic loss. Gail Steeves shares how to go on after tragedy and the importance of looking after your mental health. Bad things do happen to good people, and I’m one of them. The struggles are very real. Life happens, and sometimes not in the way we choose. Through Not My Own, readers will see that all is not lost when you lose a loved one. These pages offer hope and support for those trying to find a new normal after those closest to us are gone, highlighting how it is possible to navigate our way in a world without them. Not My Own offers an honest, inside look into what it’s like to try and move on after tragedy. It shows that, as humans, we have amazing potential to grow and heal. We are not alone in this journey. Everyone has a story, and through shared experiences, we can create hope and light for each other.

"The Little House Books by Laura Ingalls Wilder: The Complete Collection" presents readers with the timeless and beloved tales of Laura Ingalls Wilder's pioneering adventures in the American frontier. This comprehensive collection gathers together all the books in the series, including "Little House in the Big Woods," "Farmer Boy," "Little House on the Prairie," "These Happy Golden Years," "The Long Winter," and more. Laura Ingalls Wilder's autobiographical stories transport readers to a bygone era, where they accompany Laura and her family on their journey westward, facing the challenges and triumphs of life on the frontier. Through Laura's eyes, we witness the harshness of pioneer life, the joys of close-knit family bonds, and the resilience of individuals in the face of adversity. Set against the backdrop of the late 19th century, these books offer not only a captivating narrative but also valuable historical insights into the struggles and joys of American settlers. Wilder's vivid descriptions bring to life the natural beauty of the prairie, the simplicity of pioneer homes, and the spirit of exploration that defined this era. "The Little House Books" have earned a special place in the hearts of readers of all ages for their endearing characters and heartwarming stories. This complete collection is a treasure trove of American literature, offering a chance to relive the adventures of Laura, Mary, Ma, Pa, and the rest of the Ingalls family as they carve out a home on the untamed frontier. It is a celebration of the pioneering spirit that has shaped the United States and continues to inspire generations of readers. Little House in the Big Woods Farmer Boy Little House on the Prairie On the Banks of Plum Creek By the Shores of Silver Lake The Long Winter Little Town on the Prairie These Happy Golden Years