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Simple Country Living: Techniques, Recipes, and Wisdom for the Garden, Kitchen, and Beyond
Answer the calling deep within for a simpler plant bountiful gardens, preserve fresh seasonal produce, make your own natural cleaning products, and more.
Join homesteader and founder of Azure Farm, Annette Thurmon, to connect with nature on a deeper level. In Simple Country Living , you’ll find a sampler covering homesteading techniques that can be put to work no matter where you live . Recipes, tips, tricks, and family activities will help you reduce waste, save money, and harness new No matter where you live or what skills you already have, the simple country life can be more than a state of mind . Start growing more, cooking more, and living in rhythm with nature.
Join homesteader and founder of Azure Farm, Annette Thurmon, to connect with nature on a deeper level. In Simple Country Living , you’ll find a sampler covering homesteading techniques that can be put to work no matter where you live . Recipes, tips, tricks, and family activities will help you reduce waste, save money, and harness new No matter where you live or what skills you already have, the simple country life can be more than a state of mind . Start growing more, cooking more, and living in rhythm with nature.
208 pages, Hardcover
Published April 2, 2024
16 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
January 11, 2024
I have to admit, the cover was what gave me pause and drew me in. I was excited to see if Ms. Thurmon offered new ideas with a
nature inspired home
. I wanted her to share different concepts concerning
cultivating a garden and mastering the home kitchen
. I desired views I hadn't read before now.
The colorful photos were enticing. The author wrote in a soothing manner to allow beginners to follow her easy directions. But did I learn anything new? No.
Thank you to Net Galley, Annette Thurmon and Cool Springs Press for the opportunity to read an arc of this book. If anyone is new to the homesteading concept, this is a wonderful start.
The colorful photos were enticing. The author wrote in a soothing manner to allow beginners to follow her easy directions. But did I learn anything new? No.
Thank you to Net Galley, Annette Thurmon and Cool Springs Press for the opportunity to read an arc of this book. If anyone is new to the homesteading concept, this is a wonderful start.
December 28, 2023
A beautifully written, beautifully photographed introduction to homesteading, by an author who declares, "I inspire others to live a simple life."
Annette Thurmond left the rat race as a nurse and couture wedding gown designer for a much simpler life in the country, and shares invaluable tips to help you do so too. You'll learn about making a country home and kitchen, gardening for sustenance including what to plant, and creating a lifestyle that supports health and well-being. She also includes delicious recipes such as dark chocolate mint truffles and garden fresh bruschetta that made me drool.
Highly recommended for anyone seeking a more natural, fulfilling life.
Annette Thurmond left the rat race as a nurse and couture wedding gown designer for a much simpler life in the country, and shares invaluable tips to help you do so too. You'll learn about making a country home and kitchen, gardening for sustenance including what to plant, and creating a lifestyle that supports health and well-being. She also includes delicious recipes such as dark chocolate mint truffles and garden fresh bruschetta that made me drool.
Highly recommended for anyone seeking a more natural, fulfilling life.
January 1, 2024
I loved this beautiful book about homesteading. Annette outlines the why and the how of this lifestyle. She goes in depth on growing your own food, canning, bringing nature into your home and clean toxic free living. I appreciate that she advises to take it slow with a few changes to start. She touches on raising chickens and I would have like to read more about raising animals.
The book is written as if a friend is helping you learn about this lifestyle and explaining how to do it. The photography is beautiful! I look forward to trying a few recipes included in the book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing group for this advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
The book is written as if a friend is helping you learn about this lifestyle and explaining how to do it. The photography is beautiful! I look forward to trying a few recipes included in the book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing group for this advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 14, 2024
A lovely, inspiring introduction to homesteading!
The author’s voice is so encouraging- Like a friend sharing what she’s doing and answering questions to help others to follow along.
It truly is an introduction- there are few specifics. This is a great book for getting ideas for what kinds of things someone might incorporate into their life if they want to take a more “homesteading” approach to life, and the author talks about her own thoughts and experiences on each of those things (such as gardening, preserving, incorporating more natural products, etc.) There are a few basic recipes included. Lots of beautiful photographs are inspiring as well.
The most useful sections for me, as someone who already has a lot of experience with homesteading ideas, were her ideas for incorporating her children into the work of her farm. She gives some easy, realistic tips that I really enjoyed.
Overall a great book for those looking to learn a little bit about homesteading as they dream about having their own little farm to produce food for their family!
The author’s voice is so encouraging- Like a friend sharing what she’s doing and answering questions to help others to follow along.
It truly is an introduction- there are few specifics. This is a great book for getting ideas for what kinds of things someone might incorporate into their life if they want to take a more “homesteading” approach to life, and the author talks about her own thoughts and experiences on each of those things (such as gardening, preserving, incorporating more natural products, etc.) There are a few basic recipes included. Lots of beautiful photographs are inspiring as well.
The most useful sections for me, as someone who already has a lot of experience with homesteading ideas, were her ideas for incorporating her children into the work of her farm. She gives some easy, realistic tips that I really enjoyed.
Overall a great book for those looking to learn a little bit about homesteading as they dream about having their own little farm to produce food for their family!
December 31, 2023
A lovely book.
The author, Annette Thurmon, shares a similar story as many who turn to homesteading - stressful life of working, economic collapse, and the need for a new, healthier lifestyle. Also similar to many homesteading pros, Thurmon says "I wish I had started living this lifestyle long before we had acres and chickens. Waiting for perfection is one of the biggest things holding us back."
I loved the focus on the term "Lifestyle Change" and starting the book with Knowing your Why. This lifestyle is a culture class and knowing your why is so important - I highly agree. I also loved the encouragement to only choose 1 or 2 life skills to focus on.
Later in the book when we get into the nitty gritty, there are lovely recipes not just for food but also for crafts like natural egg dye, salt dough ornaments, and sun catchers. There are also tips for involving the little ones in your homestead journey and designing around personal desires and family's focus. This makes it a fun book for families and bring them into the homestead research.
The only change I would make it to add in discussions about animals. There are a couple of references to chickens but even those were not detailed. This is more of a garden and home book than a full homestead journey.
That said, its a beautiful book with photographs that look like they came out of the pages of Home & Garden magazine which, for some, can be a little intimidating because of the perfection. Its still gorgeous though.
The author, Annette Thurmon, shares a similar story as many who turn to homesteading - stressful life of working, economic collapse, and the need for a new, healthier lifestyle. Also similar to many homesteading pros, Thurmon says "I wish I had started living this lifestyle long before we had acres and chickens. Waiting for perfection is one of the biggest things holding us back."
I loved the focus on the term "Lifestyle Change" and starting the book with Knowing your Why. This lifestyle is a culture class and knowing your why is so important - I highly agree. I also loved the encouragement to only choose 1 or 2 life skills to focus on.
Later in the book when we get into the nitty gritty, there are lovely recipes not just for food but also for crafts like natural egg dye, salt dough ornaments, and sun catchers. There are also tips for involving the little ones in your homestead journey and designing around personal desires and family's focus. This makes it a fun book for families and bring them into the homestead research.
The only change I would make it to add in discussions about animals. There are a couple of references to chickens but even those were not detailed. This is more of a garden and home book than a full homestead journey.
That said, its a beautiful book with photographs that look like they came out of the pages of Home & Garden magazine which, for some, can be a little intimidating because of the perfection. Its still gorgeous though.
December 30, 2023
I received a free audiobook copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.
This was a nice book. Pretty photos, easy directions, but I felt like something was missing. Nothing groundbreaking, nothing I couldn’t find elsewhere. It is definitely a good starting point for readers who want to start homesteading, but otherwise unremarkable. But it looks nice!
This was a nice book. Pretty photos, easy directions, but I felt like something was missing. Nothing groundbreaking, nothing I couldn’t find elsewhere. It is definitely a good starting point for readers who want to start homesteading, but otherwise unremarkable. But it looks nice!
January 12, 2024
This is a very sweet, pretty book. It is really best suited for two groups of people -- firstly, those who know absolutely nothing about simple/country living or topics like gardening; secondly, those who really like to look at Instagram type photos of idealized country life.
There are lovely photos and fun little projects like making salt dough ornaments or homemade lemonade, in addition to basic information on things like starting to garden. The author was previously an ICU nurse and the designer of couture wedding gowns. Now she describes her job as "I inspire others to live a simple life" (ie she makes her living as an influencer). The photos are all of herself, her husband and her little daughter in beautiful clothes (generally white, flowing and brand new looking) and looking blissful. She also says that she and her husband had their (gorgeous) house built once they found land they could afford, so this is not attainable for those without that kind of budget. It's hard to tell what her husband does but he describes himself elsewhere as the child of "entrepreneurs" so I'm guessing he has inherited wealth. She describes herself as the child of persecuted Christian Cuban immigrants, so she clearly did not come from privilege initially though.
Thurmon does not ever preach in the book, either about her strong Christian faith (she seems to be 7th Day Adventist) or about being supposedly vegan (as she's described elsewhere on the web), though she seems to eat the eggs and honey that her livestock provide so I'm really unclear about why she's described as vegan. I would have loved to read more about how she uses all the animals on her farm if not for food, and to read more about how she sources food for her family since she makes it sound as if her farm provides all their food but her IG has things like sponsored posts with Country Crock margarine. She does mention the alpacas are raised for shearing their wool and I did notice no dairy in her recipes, but I would really appreciate a "farm girl" book about being vegan as that's certainly not a dialog you get to hear often in country living books. I'm guessing she left those bits out so she wouldn't alienate any readers, but I would appreciate seeing more of how it actually works for her family.
It's a beautiful book and she seems very sweet, but I would love to see more nitty gritty realism and a little more depth. Still recommended, especially for the lovely photos and the sections about how to involve small children.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.
There are lovely photos and fun little projects like making salt dough ornaments or homemade lemonade, in addition to basic information on things like starting to garden. The author was previously an ICU nurse and the designer of couture wedding gowns. Now she describes her job as "I inspire others to live a simple life" (ie she makes her living as an influencer). The photos are all of herself, her husband and her little daughter in beautiful clothes (generally white, flowing and brand new looking) and looking blissful. She also says that she and her husband had their (gorgeous) house built once they found land they could afford, so this is not attainable for those without that kind of budget. It's hard to tell what her husband does but he describes himself elsewhere as the child of "entrepreneurs" so I'm guessing he has inherited wealth. She describes herself as the child of persecuted Christian Cuban immigrants, so she clearly did not come from privilege initially though.
Thurmon does not ever preach in the book, either about her strong Christian faith (she seems to be 7th Day Adventist) or about being supposedly vegan (as she's described elsewhere on the web), though she seems to eat the eggs and honey that her livestock provide so I'm really unclear about why she's described as vegan. I would have loved to read more about how she uses all the animals on her farm if not for food, and to read more about how she sources food for her family since she makes it sound as if her farm provides all their food but her IG has things like sponsored posts with Country Crock margarine. She does mention the alpacas are raised for shearing their wool and I did notice no dairy in her recipes, but I would really appreciate a "farm girl" book about being vegan as that's certainly not a dialog you get to hear often in country living books. I'm guessing she left those bits out so she wouldn't alienate any readers, but I would appreciate seeing more of how it actually works for her family.
It's a beautiful book and she seems very sweet, but I would love to see more nitty gritty realism and a little more depth. Still recommended, especially for the lovely photos and the sections about how to involve small children.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.
February 27, 2024
I stumbled upon SIMPLE COUNTRY LIVING by Annette Thurmon quite serendipitously, and I'm grateful for the incident because it proved to be an utterly charming read. Within its pages, I immersed myself in a world of fascinating discoveries.
The anticipation of trying out those recipes once the bounty of fruits and vegetables is in season fills me with excitement. And oh, the vinegar-lemon all-purpose cleaning spray! It's become nothing short of a lifesaver, a revelation I fervently advocate to all in my circle.
In the pages of this book lies a trove of treasures awaiting those who seek solace in life's elemental rhythms and the manifold gifts tendered by our earth, steadfast in its cycles, unwavering in its generosity. It unfolds as a lyrical ode, akin to a gentle whisper urging one to embrace the richness of a more nuanced existence, where the mundane becomes profound, and the quotidian transforms into the extraordinary.
With each turn of phrase, it is as if the author pens a love letter to the very essence of simplicity, inviting readers to partake in the abundance that surrounds us, often overlooked in the frenetic pace of modernity. Through prose that flows like a gentle stream, they illuminate the beauty inherent in the mundane, the significance embedded in the seemingly trivial.
It is a volume that beckons, promising a sanctuary where one can retreat to commune with the essence of life itself. For those who long to reclaim a sense of connection with the natural world, it stands as an indispensable companion, offering wisdom gleaned from the earth's timeless wisdom, bestowed season after season, in an unceasing cycle of renewal.
To possess a hardcover edition of this tome is to secure not merely a book but a cherished artifact, a vessel through which to revisit its wisdom at leisure to savor its insights with each successive reading.
Needless to say, I eagerly await the day I can claim a hardcover copy as my own, ensuring the luxury of revisiting its wisdom at my whim.
Each and every image is a masterpiece of nature, soothing to the spirit! Don't miss out on the book's release on April 2, 2024—make sure to grab your copy as soon as it hits the shelves!
A heartfelt thank you to NetGalley, Annette Thurmon, and Cool Springs Press for generously providing a free copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
The anticipation of trying out those recipes once the bounty of fruits and vegetables is in season fills me with excitement. And oh, the vinegar-lemon all-purpose cleaning spray! It's become nothing short of a lifesaver, a revelation I fervently advocate to all in my circle.
In the pages of this book lies a trove of treasures awaiting those who seek solace in life's elemental rhythms and the manifold gifts tendered by our earth, steadfast in its cycles, unwavering in its generosity. It unfolds as a lyrical ode, akin to a gentle whisper urging one to embrace the richness of a more nuanced existence, where the mundane becomes profound, and the quotidian transforms into the extraordinary.
With each turn of phrase, it is as if the author pens a love letter to the very essence of simplicity, inviting readers to partake in the abundance that surrounds us, often overlooked in the frenetic pace of modernity. Through prose that flows like a gentle stream, they illuminate the beauty inherent in the mundane, the significance embedded in the seemingly trivial.
It is a volume that beckons, promising a sanctuary where one can retreat to commune with the essence of life itself. For those who long to reclaim a sense of connection with the natural world, it stands as an indispensable companion, offering wisdom gleaned from the earth's timeless wisdom, bestowed season after season, in an unceasing cycle of renewal.
To possess a hardcover edition of this tome is to secure not merely a book but a cherished artifact, a vessel through which to revisit its wisdom at leisure to savor its insights with each successive reading.
Needless to say, I eagerly await the day I can claim a hardcover copy as my own, ensuring the luxury of revisiting its wisdom at my whim.
Each and every image is a masterpiece of nature, soothing to the spirit! Don't miss out on the book's release on April 2, 2024—make sure to grab your copy as soon as it hits the shelves!
A heartfelt thank you to NetGalley, Annette Thurmon, and Cool Springs Press for generously providing a free copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
March 31, 2024
Book Review: Simple Country Living Techniques, Recipes, and Wisdom for the Garden, Kitchen, and Beyond by Annette Thurmon
Rating: 5 Stars
Simple Country Living by Annette Thurmon is a delightful guide that beckons readers to embrace a simpler life through homesteading techniques, practical recipes, and insightful wisdom. Thurmon, a homesteader and founder of Azure Farm, invites us to reconnect with nature on a deeper level and adopt sustainable practices that can be applied regardless of where we reside.
The book covers a wide array of topics, from creating a natural-inspired home to cultivating a thriving garden, preserving seasonal harvests, and mastering the art of home cooking. Thurmon's approach is not only informative but also engaging, offering tips, tricks, and family activities that promote waste reduction, cost savings, and the development of new skills.
One of the standout features of Simple Country Living is its visual appeal. The book is adorned with stunning photographs that exude a vintage charm, making it a joy to peruse. Beyond its aesthetics, the content is equally captivating, providing readers with practical advice on everything from DIY cleaning products to garden layout and seed preservation.
Personally, I found the section on preserving the harvest to be particularly helpful. The assortment of recipes, including the dark chocolate mint truffles and Lemon Maple Blueberry sauce, were just divine. The emphasis on creating lasting memories through family involvement in homesteading activities resonated with me deeply.
In conclusion, Simple Country Living is more than just a guidebook—it is a source of inspiration for those seeking to lead a more sustainable and fulfilling lifestyle. With its wealth of information, beautiful imagery, and mouth-watering recipes, this book is a valuable investment for anyone looking to cultivate a deeper connection with nature and embrace the simplicity of country living. Whether you are a seasoned homesteader or a novice enthusiast, Annette Thurmon's work is sure to enrich your journey towards a harmonious coexistence with the natural world.
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Rating: 5 Stars
Simple Country Living by Annette Thurmon is a delightful guide that beckons readers to embrace a simpler life through homesteading techniques, practical recipes, and insightful wisdom. Thurmon, a homesteader and founder of Azure Farm, invites us to reconnect with nature on a deeper level and adopt sustainable practices that can be applied regardless of where we reside.
The book covers a wide array of topics, from creating a natural-inspired home to cultivating a thriving garden, preserving seasonal harvests, and mastering the art of home cooking. Thurmon's approach is not only informative but also engaging, offering tips, tricks, and family activities that promote waste reduction, cost savings, and the development of new skills.
One of the standout features of Simple Country Living is its visual appeal. The book is adorned with stunning photographs that exude a vintage charm, making it a joy to peruse. Beyond its aesthetics, the content is equally captivating, providing readers with practical advice on everything from DIY cleaning products to garden layout and seed preservation.
Personally, I found the section on preserving the harvest to be particularly helpful. The assortment of recipes, including the dark chocolate mint truffles and Lemon Maple Blueberry sauce, were just divine. The emphasis on creating lasting memories through family involvement in homesteading activities resonated with me deeply.
In conclusion, Simple Country Living is more than just a guidebook—it is a source of inspiration for those seeking to lead a more sustainable and fulfilling lifestyle. With its wealth of information, beautiful imagery, and mouth-watering recipes, this book is a valuable investment for anyone looking to cultivate a deeper connection with nature and embrace the simplicity of country living. Whether you are a seasoned homesteader or a novice enthusiast, Annette Thurmon's work is sure to enrich your journey towards a harmonious coexistence with the natural world.
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
January 30, 2024
Simple Country Living by homesteader Annette Thurmon is an inspiring and enchanting book containing information on how to simplify life by (re)connecting with nature and the countryside. She, her husband and young daughter moved from a fast-paced stressful environment to the tranquility of the countryside where they founded and live their best lives on Azure Farm. Her words and passion really resonate with me as this is precisely what my husband did with our move to the country (on a different continent!). Simple country living doesn't mean life is easier; the opposite, in fact. Caring for and maintaining animals, country house, gardens, trees, etc. isn't for everyone. But the simpler way of life pays dividends on a daily basis and has changed our lives deeply and meaningfully. We wouldn't have it any other way.
Thurmon describes family projects all ages can enjoy, how to learn more about nature and clean living and also how to grow, harvest and preserve produce in recipes. She includes a few recipes for homemade household cleaners as well. She lists her favourite plants to grow and briefly describes gardening zones. One of my favourite activities she mentions is communal outdoor meals. We practically live outside and always have wildflowers spilling out every nook and cranny. What a beautiful way to connect with others in a relaxed way!
You needn't move to the countryside to simplify your life. The simple act of reading this book is relaxing! But we can all incorporate little changes if we desire to. The author offers encouragement in a conversational manner, like having tea with a friend. This book covers the basics and doesn't offer much new material for the experienced. But still a treat to savour!
My sincere thank you to Quarto Publishing Group, Cool Springs Press, and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this lovely and enriching book.
Thurmon describes family projects all ages can enjoy, how to learn more about nature and clean living and also how to grow, harvest and preserve produce in recipes. She includes a few recipes for homemade household cleaners as well. She lists her favourite plants to grow and briefly describes gardening zones. One of my favourite activities she mentions is communal outdoor meals. We practically live outside and always have wildflowers spilling out every nook and cranny. What a beautiful way to connect with others in a relaxed way!
You needn't move to the countryside to simplify your life. The simple act of reading this book is relaxing! But we can all incorporate little changes if we desire to. The author offers encouragement in a conversational manner, like having tea with a friend. This book covers the basics and doesn't offer much new material for the experienced. But still a treat to savour!
My sincere thank you to Quarto Publishing Group, Cool Springs Press, and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this lovely and enriching book.
January 16, 2024
Simple Country Living: Techniques, Recipes, and Wisdom for the Garden, Kitchen, and Beyond is a one of those books that is beautiful, but has information that most of us won’t want to use or adapt to our lives. Expecting good, down-to-earth recipes in this book, it was quite disappointing because the recipes actually included are those that most of us would never want to make. Recipes for DIY dryer sheets, laundry detergent, and All-Purpose Cleaning Spray may appeal to some tree huggers, but you can’t eat any of these. It is unfathomable that as far as we have come, people want to go back to a different century. The emphasis is on “natural.” There is excellent gardening information in the book, as well as canning freezing, and dehydrating, which is helpful.
One positive thing about this book is that there are beautiful, professional photographs or not only the few edible recipes, but also
All told, this is a book for those who want to give up everything modern and go back to a time when things were much more difficult. Apparently those who love this book are those who have a lot of extra time on their hands. Anyone who wants to go back to the basics will love to have this book; those of us who like modern conveniences will want to skip it.
Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.
One positive thing about this book is that there are beautiful, professional photographs or not only the few edible recipes, but also
All told, this is a book for those who want to give up everything modern and go back to a time when things were much more difficult. Apparently those who love this book are those who have a lot of extra time on their hands. Anyone who wants to go back to the basics will love to have this book; those of us who like modern conveniences will want to skip it.
Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.
January 23, 2024
A relaxing walk through the life of the author, Annette Thurmon, and her family's choice to move to the country and live a simpler life. Choosing doing over electronic consumption of entertainment. Being closer to nature and the earth, living seasonally.
The author explains you have to know you "why", why are you making the choice. This is a hard choice to make on a whim. You are moving away from the city life you had, the convenience of having things close at hand, ordering supper to be delivered if you don't feel up to cooking. Living in the country you are far from many stores others regularly visit, some favorite items may only be available through mail order. The benefits though are many. You get to see where your food comes from, grow you own veggies, free from pesticides. Meet the farmer who gives you milk, eggs and meat. Build relationships with your kids that don't involve screen time.
If you have ever dreamed of making a choice like this, read Simple Country Living it is a delightful read full of recipes, photographs and great advice.
The author explains you have to know you "why", why are you making the choice. This is a hard choice to make on a whim. You are moving away from the city life you had, the convenience of having things close at hand, ordering supper to be delivered if you don't feel up to cooking. Living in the country you are far from many stores others regularly visit, some favorite items may only be available through mail order. The benefits though are many. You get to see where your food comes from, grow you own veggies, free from pesticides. Meet the farmer who gives you milk, eggs and meat. Build relationships with your kids that don't involve screen time.
If you have ever dreamed of making a choice like this, read Simple Country Living it is a delightful read full of recipes, photographs and great advice.
December 16, 2023
Thank you netgalley for an advanced ARC of this book
I have been thinking more and more recently about going back to the basics of simple living, next year I want to start making these steps at thr place I am right now to in time get to owning my own place with a garden, animals etc.
While reading this I was so interested in hearing her talk not only about starting from scratch etc but also talking about what going back to the simple live has been for her.
When this book is out I will go buy myself it to keep so I can get looking back on the helpful tips and tricks and advice given, also the receipes that are mentioned in this book from cooking, to cleaning & also for the garden look great 👍 I cannot wait to try some myself.
I do suggest this book if u are even thinking of living more self efficient and the simpler live so that you can see from someone first hand, the struggles they had and also how to use the nature sound you in so many things in everyday life
I have been thinking more and more recently about going back to the basics of simple living, next year I want to start making these steps at thr place I am right now to in time get to owning my own place with a garden, animals etc.
While reading this I was so interested in hearing her talk not only about starting from scratch etc but also talking about what going back to the simple live has been for her.
When this book is out I will go buy myself it to keep so I can get looking back on the helpful tips and tricks and advice given, also the receipes that are mentioned in this book from cooking, to cleaning & also for the garden look great 👍 I cannot wait to try some myself.
I do suggest this book if u are even thinking of living more self efficient and the simpler live so that you can see from someone first hand, the struggles they had and also how to use the nature sound you in so many things in everyday life
January 24, 2024
I lived on a farm for a couple years and one of my pipe dreams that cannot be = homesteading (I have black thumbs and would likely starve). I love that this book introduces so many different recipes and ideas for you to go "all in" or to sprinkle your own life with as much as you want/can.
From gardening/composting to preserving food to delicious recipes, this has something for everyone, and if you have kids, she's even included activities on have them help out while having fun! There are some religious references so it may not be everyone's cup of tea.
There are so many recipes that look amazing in here, but I'm especially looking forward to trying out the winter baked pears + the blueberry lemon sauce + waffles!
From gardening/composting to preserving food to delicious recipes, this has something for everyone, and if you have kids, she's even included activities on have them help out while having fun! There are some religious references so it may not be everyone's cup of tea.
There are so many recipes that look amazing in here, but I'm especially looking forward to trying out the winter baked pears + the blueberry lemon sauce + waffles!
March 21, 2024
When it comes to introductory to homesteading books, I have to say that Simply Country Living is one of the best introductory books I have read in years. The book is approachable to those considering homesteading for the first time, talking about the benefits and how it can improve the lives of your entire family. What I truly love about the book is how it doesn’t just focus on your future homestead but how you can incorporate the homestead lifestyle into your current life. The book starts with gardening, crafts, and recipes with a more natural focus. For anyone wanting to explore homesteading and everything it entails, I consider Simply Country Living: Techniques, Recipes, and Wisdom for the Garden, Kitchen, and Beyond a must-read!
December 28, 2023
This was a delicious read! I especially loved the little recipes sprinkled all throughout the book, chapter after chapter. I learned a lot about homesteading - and figured out why my vegetables all died last spring... - and really appreciated the contents and the overall look of this book. It would make a great gift for a loved one interested in homesteading !
One note, though : even if it wasn't advertised as such, this book has many religious references to Christianity. Might not be your jam if you're a fervent atheist like me!
One note, though : even if it wasn't advertised as such, this book has many religious references to Christianity. Might not be your jam if you're a fervent atheist like me!
March 2, 2024
I didn’t know anything about this author before reading the book but I am interested in self-sufficiency and thought it would be an interesting read. It contains a lot of useful information about topics such as natural cleaning, canning, gardening. The only downside to me would be that the author appears to be a vegan. If you’re also a vegan I’m sure you’ll get more from this than I did. But that aside, this is a brilliant introduction to homesteading and living as clean and unprocessed a life as possible, with lots of useful tips that I plan on trying out.
December 23, 2024
This was such a wonderful and informative book that introduces the idea of homesteading. I gleaned so many helpful tips and techniques about gardening, food preserving, cooking, and creating natural cleaning products. The author, Annette Thurmon, conveys kindness and friendliness through her writing. She explains how difficult yet rewarding it is to be a homesteader. Be prepared to want to line dry your own clothes after reading this! I rate it at 4 stars only because I wish it included more recipes.
January 8, 2024
Annette Thurman, homesteader and founder of Azure Farm, has written a beautiful book covering everything you need to know about homesteading and finding a deeper connection to the natural.
The photographs are lovely and the information is easy to understand. There are recipes, tips, how-to pages and family activities that focus on no waste, saving money and living a satisfying life.
I saved a few recipes and will be doing more.
Lovely book!
The photographs are lovely and the information is easy to understand. There are recipes, tips, how-to pages and family activities that focus on no waste, saving money and living a satisfying life.
I saved a few recipes and will be doing more.
Lovely book!
March 9, 2024
Such a wonderful tool for anyone interested in starting a homestead!
Filled with gorgeous pictures and invaluable information, Simple Country Living offers just enough basics to help you get started without all the filler information that can overwhelm you. Gardening, preserving, natural cleaning products, and so much more can be found within these pages.
There’s recipes and family activities and so much advice on how to live a simple country life.
Filled with gorgeous pictures and invaluable information, Simple Country Living offers just enough basics to help you get started without all the filler information that can overwhelm you. Gardening, preserving, natural cleaning products, and so much more can be found within these pages.
There’s recipes and family activities and so much advice on how to live a simple country life.
June 24, 2024
A really good book for those who want to get back to making your items whether it is soap, cleaning products, or just making your home smell fresh all of this and more without any of the chemicals. Reminds me of the way my grandparents lived when I was a child they made most of their items and did not buy any cleaning products and my grandmother canning and pickling. This is the book for you and the author makes everything easy to follow to get started. An excellent book.
January 5, 2024
For someone like me who is making changes and prepping for this lifestyle later this year; this book was wonderful and will be recommended out by me! I appreciate that she has recommendations for "dream big but start small" mindset. Annette has beautiful pictures throughout her entire book and from recipes, cleaning etc. this is the perfect book for those looking for "Simple Country Living"!
January 7, 2024
I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the ebook.
Beautifully photographed. This book has everything in it. From making your own soap, to laundry soap, food recipes, how to make a garden etc. I loved the authors fashion style and house style. Everything seems very easy to understand and does not seem hard. I cannot wait to try some of these items that were listed.
Beautifully photographed. This book has everything in it. From making your own soap, to laundry soap, food recipes, how to make a garden etc. I loved the authors fashion style and house style. Everything seems very easy to understand and does not seem hard. I cannot wait to try some of these items that were listed.
January 16, 2024
Such a lovely book! As someone raised in the city and now lives on a few acres in the country I love learning from women who have “been there, done that.” The pictures are gorgeous, recipes are easy to follow and the stories and anecdotes are great. I will definitely be reaching for Simple Country Living a lot as I navigate my own simple country living adventure.
May 2, 2024
This is a really neat book! There's recipes that are very simple and the photos are beautiful. If you like the country life aesthetic and are interested in gardening and homesteading, this is a great beginner book! Special Thank You to to Annette Thurmon, Quarto Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 25, 2023
An absolutely beautiful book. Full of so many peaceful ideas to homestead to come back to nature.Delicious recipes helpful hints for making cleaning products and other life simplifying ideas.A gorgeous read a book I will enjoy going back to again and again.#netgalley #quartobooks
January 9, 2024
Author’s inspirational story of her journey into homesteading. Author provides recipes, tips and family activities. She advises to start slow to make the changes of a simpler lifestyle. Beautiful pictures. ARC provided by Netgalley, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 11, 2024
Simple Country Living is a guide to homesteading detailing how to make the most of your garden, yard and everything else for natural living. It includes tips and recipes for a complete guide to country living.
January 7, 2024
Just a lovely book. Beautiful book on taking things back to a simpler time and ways. Instructions and recipes for everything from cleaner to a veggie pot pie. The pictures are simple and clean.
January 23, 2024
Small ideas that allow you to embrace the spirit of country living, even if you are in the heart of an urban environment.
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