In a modern world where technology is taking over our lives, could we lead an essential, simple life without electricity? How can we get by without computers, power tools, phones, or even basics such as electric lights and appliances? The answers lie in Amish communities and other Old Order groups in the United States, Canada, and Mexico that have been living lives off the grid while still affording to be self-sufficient for countless years.Living Without Electricity exami...

Of all the gifts that Jesus left us, his peace is most elusive. We long for it in our homes, in our relationships, in our life situations. One place we can look and see "living peace" is in the lives of the Amish. But you don't have to become Amish to bring these simple, practical ways of living into your own life--and make personal peace a reality.Organized around five central themes in Amish life, each section will include real-life stories, callouts of Amish proverbs, and intere...

A lot of pleople wonder what homesteading is and how it fits into our modern society. In a nutshell it is a return to being self sufficient, living off the land if you will. As more and more individuals are trying to find ways to save money they are looking at ways to grow what they can.A lot may find it surprising to know that having a boxed garden or a potted garden is an urban way to homestead.This book provides all the information that one could ever want to know on a b...

Building Chicken Coops For Dummies (9781119543923) was previously published as Building Chicken Coops For Dummies (9780470598962). While this version features a new Dummies cover and design, the content is the same as the prior release and should not be considered a new or updated product.As the popularity of urban homesteading and sustainable living increases, it’s no wonder you’re in need of trusted, practical guidance on how to properly house the chick...

This booklet is the second in a twelve part series that walks the owner/builder through the construction of a Global Model Earthship. This installment covers the concrete and steel strength of the building, including footings, buttresses and bond beam. Photographs, diagrams and thorough explanations of procedures will guide you through the concrete work phase of the building.With over 40 years of experience, Michael Reynolds has developed a 'living' home that heats and cools itself...

"Susan Schwake's Art Lab for Kids is a well-thought-out guide, making it easy to introduce art into children's lives. Simple, clear explanations of technique, combined with inspiration from established artists, will enable children to feel successful and encouraged to explore art as a form of expression." - Rebecca Emberley, best-selling children's book author and illustrator"Art Lab for Kids encourages all ages to be fearless in seeking and nurturing their creati...

Capture the Rich Textures of Nature, Step by StepCapture nature's beauty as you never have before. Beloved artist and teacher Claudia Nice leads you on an inspired journey through the great outdoors. With paints in hand, she shares with you her best techniques for creating landscapes that come alive with richness, depth and textured detail.Open this guide and start painting right away. As you follow engaging, step-by-step demonstrations and...

Since 1973, Storey's Country Wisdom Bulletins have offered practical, hands-on instructions designed to help readers master dozens of country living skills quickly and easily. There are now more than 170 titles in this series, and their remarkable popularity reflects the common desire of country and city dwellers alike to cultivate personal independence in everyday life.

Keeping chickens isn't just for farms! The backyard chicken revolution has coops popping up in neighborhoods all over. Home-raised chickens provide a great source of superior, organic eggs that are as close as your backyard. Chickens also make good pets and provide free fertilizer-and lots of fun. Backyard Chickens Guide offers plans and photos for 16 custom coops built by real chicken owners, (including three portable designs known as tractors). Read their stories and learn from ...

Since 1973, Storey's Country Wisdom Bulletins have offered practical, hands-on instructions designed to help readers master dozens of country living skills quickly and easily. There are now more than 170 titles in this series, and their remarkable popularity reflects the common desire of country and city dwellers alike to cultivate personal independence in everyday life.

The Amish have always struggled with the modern world. Known for their simple clothing, plain lifestyle, and horse-and-buggy mode of transportation, Amish communities continually face outside pressures to modify their cultural patterns, social organization, and religious world view. An intimate portrait of Amish life, The Amish explores not only the emerging diversity and evolving identities within this distinctive American ethnic community, but also its transformation and geograp...

For Amish fiction readers, young and old alike, Plain Answers About the Amish Life provides a glimpse into an obscure, fascinating world—what the Amish believe and how they live. An engaging question-and-answer format showcases fun and fresh facts about the people who abide by this often-misunderstood faith and unique culture. This updated and revised guide by Mindy Starns Clark (more than 250,000 Amish-themed books sold), covers a wide variety of topics, such as: beliefs and values; cloth...