Top Ten Books To Help Down-Size And Make Ends Meet

So, you're down-sizing, cutting back or just what to make the most of what you've got? We sort out the books that will make it easier and give you a better life.

Review of Work From Home by Judy Heminsley Lifestyle Sick of the time and expense of trailing into work every day? Work From Home is a clear, useful guide with plenty of practical tips and further resources for all those considering or starting to work from home, whether as employees or working for themselves. Most of it is fairly straightforward and/or commonsensical, but even the more experienced will find some useful ideas here. Full Review

Review of The Thrift Book: Live Well and Spend Less by India Knight Lifestyle Written by someone who's been at the wrong end of a bailiff's visit this is a superb starting point for anyone concerned about the way that they spend money or if you'd just like to make certain that you don't waste more than you have to. Highly recommended. Full Review

Review of The Self-sufficientish Bible by Andy Hamilton and Dave Hamilton Lifestyle If you're thinking about being self-sufficient but don't know if you want to go the whole hog then this might be the book you need. It draws together information on all aspects of a modern eco-life, such as travel, the eco-friendly home, renewable energy, clothing, growing fruit and vegetables, ethical shopping and recycling. It is a well-written interesting, entertaining and encouraging read, as well as being a source of guidance and information. Full Review

Review of The Allotment Experience by Ruth Binney Lifestyle You haven't enough land to grow as much food as you'd like? This book is for those thinking about having an allotment as well as those who have already taken the plunge. It covers what to consider before signing up, preparing and planning the plot, and advice on gardening, all interspersed with advice from allotment gardeners. Full Review

Review of Veg Patch: River Cottage Handbook No 4 by Mark Diacono Lifestyle An invaluable book for those setting out to create or maintain a vegetable garden on a reasonably-sized piece of land. There's everything from the planning, growing, and harvesting to finally cooking the crop. If you are container gardening you will find the book interesting but less useful. Full Review

Review of Patio Produce by Paul Peacock Lifestyle You don't want an allotment, haven't got a big garden and you'd still like to grow some of your own food? If you've ever wondered whether it was possible to grow food in a relatively small space then this is the book for you. Good basic instructions and a reasonable coverage of the plants it's possible to grow. Recommended. Full Review

Review of Preserves: River Cottage Handbook No 2 by Pam Corbin Cookery When you grow your own it's either feast or famine and nothing in between? Learn how to preserve some of the food you grow. This is the best book about preserving that I have seen - it should be essential reading for every person who wants good, seasonal food all year round. Full Review

Review of The Thrifty Cookbook by Kate Colquhoun Cookery Make certain that you don't waste any of the food that comes into the house: 476 ways to eat well with leftovers - and you'll be eating tasty food without compromising on quality. Highly recommended. Full Review

Review of How to Feed Your Whole Family a Healthy Balanced Diet, with Very Little Money and Hardly Any Time, Even If You Have a Tiny Kitchen, Only Three Saucepans ... - Unless You Count the Garlic Crusher... by Gill Holcombe Cookery The basics of how to feed your family decent food without breaking the Bank. The tone is hectoring in places but the food tastes good. It's for the beginner rather than the experienced cook and invaluable if you've got a houseful of hungry children. Full Review

Review of Delia's Frugal Food by Delia Smith Cookery An updating and reissue of the nineteen seventies best seller provides nutritious, tasty and economical food for the family. Recommended. Full Review

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