4 comments about Trim Complete (Taunton's Complete).

1. I have several books on Trim and this one seems to be the most updated and exhaustive on the subject. I really enjoy the layout and the way the information is presented.



2. Excellent book. Lots of photos and step by step instructions. Highly recommended for weekend carpenter like me.



3. Previous reviewers are correct in describing this book as the best on the subject of trim work. I have many Taunton publishing books and as usual the photography is excellent! I have looked at other trim books and usually they are full of 'line' drawings. There is nothing like a great pic to illustrate how a project is being done.



4. This is by far one of the best trim carpentry books that I have read. Very well written, with detailed pictures taking you step by step through various projects. I would recommend this book to anyone.

5 comments about 10-Minute Life Lessons for Kids: 52 Fun and Simple Games and Activities to Teach Your Child Honesty, Trust, Love, and Other Important Values.

1. There are quite a few important topics to choose from. Seems to start good conversation with the children. (Ages 9-13)



2. It was very helpful and the activities were really only 10 minues long, at max.



3. I was hoping this book would be a useful resource for developing supplemental activities for an elementary-level (K-5) curriculum on non-violence and conflict resolution. But it is really geared toward parents (as the title indicates), not educators. The activities and required materials are suitable for an interpersonal setting, not really for the average classroom or after school programs. I found that 104 Activities That Build: Self-Esteem, Teamwork, Communication, Anger Management, Self-Discovery, Coping Skills by Alanna Jones, was more useful for my needs/goals.



4. I love this book, it is easy to follow and has fun entertaining was to teach kids values.



5. I bought this book for my daughter and her new growing family. It makes for great interaction and lively discussion. The dialog they have going on now is refreshing. If you have only have 10 quality minutes a day to spend with your child reading this book together will make it well spent! Ann Clarke, author of People Are So Different! based on tolerance and understanding.

5 comments about Couture: The Art of Fine Sewing.

1. The photos of the finished outfits are very dated looking, overdone, and not really couture looking. They look like someone with no figure tried to do too much to a garment. However, the instructions on how to do the techniques are excellent. I'm giving it 4 stars because the finished products are not very inspiring.



2. As a sewing professional, I am always on the lookout for new insight. This book did not do the trick. Some of the technique information was interesting, but the examples are truly hienous. The entire point of couture is a beautiful result. Schaeffer does a much better job approaching this subject.



3. This is the first really good and very inspiring book about couture sewing techniques. Wonderfully illustrated.
   
   It goes into:
   
   -which fabrics are appropriate for lining
   -pleating out stripes
   -how to block fabric
   -how to use grain boards
   -flat hand held chalk
   -even bias tape makers
   -innovative techniques on seam allowance
   -how to preserve structural effects by using scalloping as an alternative clipping method
   -thread tracing in order to ensure your fabric remains flat on the seam, darts and pleats.
   -Cross basting for multiple layers fo fabric
   -why not to back stitch
   -proper way to press fabric to that it lies flat
   -how to sew a french seam
   -hong kong seam finish
   -tucking
   -how to cut out fabric correctly
   
   And so much more!!
   
   This book is a very good investment, and I highly recommend it to any serious designer, or any one obsessed with sewing :D



4. First, I'll state that I'm a new sewer but a technical person and can tell when a topic is over my head or is simply poorly explained. In my experience a well-written technical book makes the complex easy to understand. That said, I've been reading several haute couture titles to understand the process so that I can apply it to the garments I intend to create. I own and have read Claire B. Shaeffer's Couture Sewing Techniques, High Fashion Sewing Secrets and Carr's Couture: The Art of Fine Sewing and believe it is worth owning all three as each has a technique the not covered by the other two. If I had to narrow it down to two of these three selections I'd purchase this and Couture Sewing Techniques by Shaeffer. If I had to buy only one I'd probably go with Carr's. Here's why.
   
   First you have to discount the reviews which knock the finished examples (i.e. pictures of couture dresses). In most couture instructional books the dresses are dated and show little if any construction detail. One has to consider that any book will be limited in haute couture examples as even a hundred dresses would only a drop of water in a sea of creative fabric work that dates back over a hundred years. Also, fashion is subjective so no book can please every customer. What one reviewer finds heinous another may find appealing. These books are not meant to be art galleries, they are to instruct. If you consider them from a purely technical standpoint you'll get the most from them.
   
   Second, Haute Couture is an expressive and sometimes experimental art. I'm guessing that some reviewers feel these books should tell you how to perfectly mimic current couture dresses but that would be like a painting book telling you how to copy a Monet. I don't expect a book like this to tell me what to make. What I do expect is for it to introduce and explain as many techniques as possible, suggest problems they can be used to solve, and put it all together so that I can make a finished product that helps me express my idea closely to the original concept.
   
   Shaeffer's "High Fashion Sewing Secrets" comes off a little hodge-podgy (i.e. it lacks cohesiveness) and the page formats are hard on the eyes. You have to sort through a lot of miscellaneous, unrelated information on each page to get to the one technique she's trying to explain. Still, there are techniques not covered in the other books so it's a worthwhile third book to get after her other title and Carr's book.
   
   Shaeffer's Couture Sewing Techniques has a better format than her other title, has much more content (techniques) but is still not quite as clear, cohesive, or comprehensive as Carr's book. If you're an experienced sewer you may get more from this book than Carr's but, again, the cohesiveness is its weak point. I didn't walk away from it with that mental 'click' that gave me the confidence to put together that lingering vision of a garment. However, it does have many useful techniques not covered in her other title or by Carr.
   
   Carr's strength is how she seams topics together that make the whole concept easier to understand. The editing and presentation is much clearer than any of the other books. True, the dress pictorials are dated and probably could have been omitted but the same could be said of Shaeffer's. I believe Carr's book is a good first step toward making your own haute couture creations and understanding how to tackle the problems of fine garment construction and fit.



5. Ha ha ha. It's so "Dynasty". The pictures and the couture featured are very bad 80's. Useful for Halloween if you want to make a "Blanche" outfit. Not a good buy, but I'm too rich/lazy to return it for a refund.

5 comments about Bungalow Style: Creating Classic Interiors in Your Arts and Crafts Home.

1. So you've bought a bungalow--now, what do you do with it? Maybe it's a fixer-upper; maybe it's too small, or doesn't have enough storage space; maybe you're just not sure what kind of furniture to get. This book is a great start toward deciding where to go next. Illustrated with hundreds of full-color photographs, it shows not only many of the features by which you can tell an Arts & Crafts house when you see it (I was surprised to learn that the big old foursquares such as my grandparents lived in for 40 years are included in this classification), but gives actual ideas carried out by other homeowners, even unto before-and-after floor plans. The author's advice is thoughtful and well suited to the houses she writes about, too. And if you just like to look at pictures of vintage American homes, this would be a good volume to add to your collection.



2. If you are planning any kind work where you are going using allot of wood this is a great book, it is full of ideas. The photos have great detail. One of best books I have on Craftsman/Arts& Crafts interiors.



3. This is a good book if you are looking at remodeling a craftman type home or if you are planning to build one. I did like some of the idea's and the pictures.



4. I was very excited to get this book as we plan to incorporate some craftsman style elements into the 1970s bungalo we're buying. The interiors in the photos were not terribly attractive and leaned towards kitschy. Unless you want to turn you house into a museum to 20th century cheasiness, don't buy this book.



5. My wife and I appreciated this detailed book and incorporated many ideas we found in our new (old) residence

5 comments about The Simple Art of Napkin Folding: 94 Fancy Folds for Every Tabletop Occasion.

1. I like this book. It has a lot of cute folds, it is easy to follow and the book is laid out well. It even has a section on some folds for children. The only thing that could possibly make this book better would be if it was in color.



2. Helpful book has many ideas for those who still like to set a nice table and actually use cloth napkins.



3. I got this book as a Christmas gift last year and I love it. I've made many of the folds in the book, the directions are easy to follow and each fold includes some information about the history of napkin folding that is actually fun to read.



4. Great folds for all occasions. We used this over the holidays and it had great ideas to make every meal extra special.



5. The book looks like fun and I will probably get it for a gift for someone else, as well as one for myself. It was a gift.

5 comments about Natural Remodeling for the Not-So-Green House: Bringing Your Home into Harmony with Nature (Natural Home & Garden).

1. I could not put this book down. It answers all of my questions and concerns as I begin to contemplate the large undertaking of creating a healthy, eco-friendly home for our family. Very thorough, creative and well-written... I only wish I could hire these women directly. Just enough information to cover all of the key considerations, with plenty of guidance on how to dig deeper if necessary. Should be required reading for every builder on the planet!



2. And I am glad I did! I am even gladder to know that more people are waking up to the idea of natural remodeling. I am not sure whether it alone will save our earth but it's a good start. If enough people do it, it will certainly raise the level of our appreciation of nature to a higher level.
   
   We're in the process of buying a house. Having been brainwashed by the mainstream culture and the media, I had grand dreams of huge expansion with piles of the latest and the biggest "goods" we're all programmed to consume - things like an all powerful over sized profession stainless oven even though I would never use it. But I now have a completely different mind set after reading this book.
   
   We've decided to go small and practical and recycle, reuse as much as possible. Let mother Nature live so that we can too!



3. There were many good ideas in this book. Some more expensive than the average person could afford. I read Building Green: A Complete How-To Guide to Alternative Building Methods Earth Plaster * Straw Bale * Cordwood * Cob * Living Roofs; By: Clarke Snell (Author), Tim Callahan (Author). Which was very comprehensive and enjoyable. While Snell and Callahan focus on building from scratch I was more interested at this moment in remodeling. I wouldn't dismiss this book, but I would identify what your needs are first.



4. This is an outstanding book on remodeling your home to blend in with nature, and to avoid introducing toxic products into your home. Great ideas and photos.



5. I've been teaching at a community college for 16 years on the topic of energy efficiency, Passive solar, Building Science, green building, healthy home and alternative structures. These fields have evolved over this period of time. During the past 5 years there have been many good books on new construction, but few on Remodeling.
   
   Since remodeling would recycle a whole building, it is "greener" than new construction, especially in Suburbia or rural agricultural land. I would like to emphasize Remodeling in community colleges and think this would be the best textbook on the subject. The photographs alone are worthwhile. I also own the book, "Green Remodeling" by David Johnston and would use it as a secondary reference.
   
   I would also recommend Natural Remodeling for homeowners.

5 comments about Building Moral Intelligence: The Seven Essential Virtues that Teach Kids to Do the Right Thing.

1. "Building Moral Intelligence" by Dr. Michele Borba is a book that every parent should read and own. In a world where there are so many negative influences on the internet, in the media, T.V. shows, magazines etc. many parents do not even realize the amount of immoral influences that our children are witnessing every single day. As parents, it is up to us to teach our children the importance of good character. We need to teach them about the seven essential virtues as Dr. Borba explains in her book!
   I realize that I'm digressing from a review, but I want to say this. Our world and our lives have changed recently, but the one thing that remains the same is that our children are the future. And as Theodore Roosevelt said "To Educate a Person in Mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society" This book will not only help you raise good kids, it will open any readers eyes and hearts, inspiring them to build their moral intelligence as well. We must teach by example...this book will help you do that! If you want your kids to do the right thing, then this book is for you!



2. Very useful prescription to put kids on. It is what's missing in America today. To those who really love their family and our country, be sure to read Building Moral Intelligence by Michele Borba, and also, West Point: Character Leadership Education.. by Norman Thomas Remick.



3. Truthfully speaking i was so desperate to change my son's attitude and behaviour towards his friends and towards life.
   I am a full time mother and i had done all i can think of to make my son understand more about life, etiquette, morality, character and how to make friends and be a friend.
   This book has brought the truth to me.
   It makes me really look at my own life first and foremost , how i deal with people, how i treat others,etc...
   My action speaks louder than my words.
   I grew up surrounded by priviledge and i take alot of things for granted. I just don't realise that my son whom i love very much is looking at me every second with open eyes and ears!!
   
   This book does not only help me change my son's character, but this book also shows me how to be a better mother, a living example for my children to follow.



4. I have a sixteen-year-old who is questioning all morals. I was finding it difficult to put into words the importance of morals. I bought this book for her to read. She isn't reading it, but I am and I'm finding it very helpful in facilitating discussions with her. At dinner time I bring up one of the seven moral virtues and ideas that the book presents. I've found that it leads to great conversations with her about character and moral behaviors. It has given me the words for concepts that can be difficult to convey in our current morally challenging times. I recommend buying this book when your children are young and referencing it often.



5. This book is a must read for every parent. We need to bring up our children to be morally responsible citizens. Each chapter shares ideas and simple acitivities on how to plant the seeds to produce people you would want to be in charge of running the world. It also reaffirms that as a parent you have the most important role in shaping your child. As a counselor, teacher and most importantly parent to three children, I have recommended this book to both family members and clients alike!

5 comments about New First Three Years of Life: Completely Revised and Updated.

1. From describing each developmental phase to suggesting toys, this book provides invaluable information that can help parents navigate the early years. Great shower gift for first time parents!



2. When I was pregnant with my daughter - there was a lot of worry since this was my first child. Obviously, children do not come with a manual! I bought and read this book and used it constantly as a referral. Our daughter is happy, polite, shares, intelligent, kind, etc. She is constantly invited to parties and restaraunts that other childdren are not invited to. After meals at restaraunts, the managers/owners come and comment on what a well-behaved child she is. She does have many friends and can get along with varied personalities. We purchase this book for all new parents - and they read it stating they would like a child that is as polite and respectful (of others and their properties) as our daughter is. You really cannot go wrong in purchasing this book!!



3. This is an excellent guide to raising a new baby. I love it becuase it's all based on sound research and the advice in this book has been right on with our daughter. This is a MUST have if you are raising a new baby.



4. During a visit to my parent's house about 6 weeks into my son's life, my father presented me with his 30 year old copy of this book. Clearly it had made such an impression on him while he was raising me, that he had not only kept it, but remembered it when it was my turn to raise my first child. After reading the What to Expect series, Dr. Sears, Dr. Spock, and other various finds studiously like textbooks while I was pregnant (highlighting, note-taking, comparing ideologies), I found this book refreshing, simple, honest and captivating. The "rules" are so commonsensical they may seem at first like a waste of time. But the author discusses the reasons why babies and young children do the things they do and need their basic needs in a way that makes you feel like you can really see the world through your child's eyes. It is a delightful read and many times brought tears to my eyes as the lightbulb went off above my head and I could see how simple raising a child can be. My son is 7 months now and this book has never left the side of my bed. I re-read it frequently as he develops just to re-center myself when the stresses of parenthood ever seem too weighty.
   
   Unique as Pete: How Autism Does Not Mean Different



5. We have raised an unspoiled, intelligent and well behaved 5 year old that proves that recommendations and techniques from this book really work. We always get compliments from friends, family and even strangers on how well behaved our kid is. We are reviewing again as our 1 yr old grows. There is no magic formula to parenting, and sure, you may need to adjust a thing or two based on your value systems, heritage and personal preferences but two things I can assure: Love has no substitute for what's best for your children and this book is a great buy. We actually have bought 4 copies as gifts for friends who are new to parenting

5 comments about The Naturally Clean Home: 100 Safe and Easy Herbal Formulas for Non-Toxic Cleansers.

1. You know, I was skeptical that basic natural ingredients and a little essential oil could beat the cleaning powers of many commercial products. After having tried about four of the recipes and using them regularly for a few weeks I am sold on this method of cleaning. It's not only easier and in the long run A LOT cheaper, but my house is actually cleaner with less effort than ever before. My husband says that the house doesn't smell "clean", it smells like a mountain. I also feel better about the fact that I am not releasing a mess of toxic vapors and poisonous fluids into the environment anymore. My daughter used to wake up every morning with severe nasal allergies but since I've been cleaning "Naturally" I have not recently seen her wake up rubbing her nose and sneezing for the first few hours every day. Another thing, sugar ants are very common in my area and usually infest most household kitchen surfaces after meal preparations, even after you wash those surfaces down. The antibacterial spray recipe I tried contains an oil stated to ward off ants... I guess so because those buggers haven't been back to my kitchen for weeks! So, I'm happy, and my whole family is happy too. We are all breathing a little easier and enjoying the benefits of a naturally cleaned home! I agree with one of the other reviewers that the mold deterrent recipe is just AWESOME! It works, NO scrubbing, and it smells fantastic! Most of the oils I was able to find at a local GNC, and the containers I use are cleaned, RECYCLED ones from all the old commercial stuff I used to use! It's a win-win!



2. Clean Home is a great recipe book for some great home-made cleaning products. Our house smells better than ever before, and we don't have to worry about the two-year-old tornado (my daughter) touching anything that is toxic or cancer-causing. I'm pretty sure you can ingest every product in our cleaning cabinet with minimal side-effects. I would recommend this book to anyone with kids and everyone who cares about the air they breathe in their home. The best part about it? Once you get the ingredients and add the prices up, you'll be saving money versus store bought cleaning products.



3. I am a teacher who cleans houses in the summer. I am switching over to all environmentally friendly cleaning products because the of constant exposure to chemicals. This book has been the most helpful! I didn't want to buy the expensive green products they sell in stores because many aren't really environmentally friendly and they are expensive. This book has been invaluable. It has chapters on the kitchen, laundry room, bathroom, etc. There are many options and I love the new cleaners I'm using.



4. This book has great formulas, but many of them are the same "recipe" but they use different essential oils. Many of the formulas can be found online through a simple google search. However, it is a good reference to have on hand, just don't purchase it new.



5. This book is good but not great. I bought it because I was looking for Better Basics for the Home for my daughter to take back to her apartment at school. My local bookstore didn't have it so I bought this one instead. This book has some nice recipes for cleaning around the house and suggests some good essential oil combinations. I bought one for myself and for my daughter but it is nowhere near as comprehensive as Better Basics for the Home. In fact that is why I am on Amazon today - to order the one I wanted in the first place!

5 comments about The Complete Photo Guide to Home Repair: With 350 Projects and 2300 Photos (Black & Decker).

1. Good book with lots of color photos, helped me replace all elecrical outlets in a couple of rooms. Great to look at to get an idea for projects and "how to". Very informative on tool types and also the items you will encounter during the project. I would reccomemd to a rookie homeowner to an advanced. Wish had some info on ceiling fans, washing machines and dryers. But altogether great!! Want to buy the new one coming out!



2. The recipient of this book, a new homeowner, was thrilled with this gift! His father, a homeowner for over 30 years, wished he had been the recipient.



3. Excellent book! Very comprehensive book on materials, techniques and just a very detailed how-to DIY manual in general. Tons of detailed pictures and small steps to help the biggest layman out there. I am very happy with my purchase, got exactly what I wanted.



4. Between this and the B&D Home Improvement book, pretty much everything you need to know for basic homeowner do-it-yourself projects and repairs is covered. I've used it several times in a few months, and it is wonderful to have on hand as a reference. The book is sturdy and easy to understand too. It would get 5 stars if there weren't so much overlap with the Home Improvement guide--the two should be better coordinated to avoid redundancies.



5. Not only does this book have lots of useful, step-by-step instructions but it also has clear and detailed photos to help you along! Highly recommended!