I always like seeing what people have on their bookshelves or book recommendations. So every now and then I share what I’m reading because I figure most of you are like me!

Normally,  I always have at least 4 or 5 books that I’m reading but I thought I’d tell you just about these two today since they are similar.

We Had Everything But Money is a compilation of real life stories of people who lived through The Great Depression and The Dust Bowl (which also happened during the Depression). I’m sure some would say it romanticizes the Depression Era since all of the stories are upbeat. Most are about people helping each other & how even though it was a time of great hardship it was also a time that some remember fondly. It’s really a very cheerful and uplifting book seeing how it deals with such a tough time in history.

Here’s a story we all can relate to. It’s called “Creative Mom Turned Drafty House Into Cozy Home”. She went to the creek bank and gathered buckets of clay which she spread over the wallboard in her house. When it dried it was a pale buff color and much nicer looking. Reminds me of Venetian Plaster She also worked wallpaper scraps into a pleasing design in one room. They didn’t have a sink so she made one!  I’m sure she’d have a DIY blog if she was around now!

It’s got great photos to go along with the great stories. Here are some other stores that are included:

• “Hobo Code Directed Hungry Men to Meals  and Caring Strangers”
• “Depression Years Filled with Courage and Sharing”
• “Friends Saw Each Other Through Hard Times”
• “Family Admired Dignity of  ’Thread Man’”
• “Depression Era Recipes You Can Try

Good Old Days in the Kitchen is collection of recipes and short stories from the garden, kitchen, and pantries of a simpler time when life didn’t revolve around TV, iphones or computers.

Here’s a recipe from the story “Gathering Greens” in the book:

Dandelion jelly:

Pick 1 quart of fresh dandelion blossoms. (be sure they have not been exposed to pesticides, fertilizers, etc.) Quickly rinse blossoms with cool water to remove any insects. Snip off green collars.

Combine cleaned blossoms in a saucepan with 2 quarts cold water. Bring to a boil and boil for 3 min. set aside to cool.

Strain liquid, pressing petals with fingers to extract juice.

Measure 3 cups dandelion liquid into a saucepan; add 2 tablespoons lemon juice and 1 package (1 3/4 ounces) sure jell. Bring to a boil.

Add 5 1/2 cups sugar, stirring well. Boil for 2 1/2 min, stirring well. Put in jars and seal.

The stories in both books are  short so they are a quick read. I find myself reading a story or two every day. Haven’t tried any of the recipes though.

I bought these books on Amazon and if you search the titles you’ll see lots of other books in the series such as:

• Tough Times,  Strong Women
• The Old Time Art of Thrift (I’m getting this next)
• Making Our Own Fun
• We Survived and Thrived
• Good Old Days Remembers – Working on the Farm

These are great books  if you enjoy a trip down memory lane or just want to learn more about the “olden days” !

I thought I’d share some of the books that I’m currently reading that may interest you.

“An English Cottage Year” is such a charming little book.  Filled with pretty little illustrations, poems, recipes and tips such as “How to Trim a Hat”. Here’s a page about honeybees.

I’m such an Austenphile and therefore can’t wait to read “In The Garden with Jane Austen”! I’ve looked at all the beautiful garden photos already but am saving the actually reading of the book for next week when we’re supposed to have rain almost every day.  A cozy rainy day spent with  my new Austen book and a cup of coffee or tea sounds like a perfect day!

I found the reading girl print for 99 cents at Goodwill and had to bring her home. I’m not sure where she’ll wind up but I thought she was perfect to include in todays post.

XXX  This Giveaway is Now Closed. Thanks Everyone! XXXXX
Hi everyone! I’m doing the June Book Giveaway a few days early as my husband is actually off the next four days and we have some family fun planned. So no computer for me for the next few days!

I thought Paula Deen’s book Savannah Style would be a fun read for someone for the summer. I think it’s written exactly the same way she talks – down home and friendly.

There are lots of gorgeous photos to illustrate the different chapters. Photos by Debra Whitlaw Llewelyn

This is a collaboration between Paula Deen and her assistant/designer Brandon Branch. Each chapter has Brandon’s Style secrets.

As always, all you have to do is leave a comment on this post. You don’t have to have a blog or live in the U.S. This is a great time for all of you who have never commented to come out and say “hi”.

I’ll post the winner Wednesday, June 2. So you have until Tuesday night to leave a comment.

I do have a photo post scheduled for Sunday as usual, otherwise I’ll be back Tuesday with my little kitchen project.

I hope you all do something fun this holiday weekend!

Hi everyone! The sun is finally shining and it’s going to be a great day! This months book give away is Country Living’s Simple Country Wisdom 501 Old-Fashioned Ideas to Simplify Your Life. It was published in 2009 so it’s one of their new books.

It has the great pictures you expect from Country Living and more!

From Amazon: “Is modern life becoming too complicated and messy? Top-selling author Susan Waggoner is here to simplify it all. She shows how anyone can enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle filled with traditional country values—and save time, money, work, and frustration in the process—with household hints our foremothers knew well.”

It starts with “What Makes a Welcoming Home” and ends with “A Greener Life”. The tips are great and easy to do. I learned some new ways of doing things! It has a little bit of everything, great photos and good info.

To enter just leave a comment. You don’t need to have a blog or live in the U.S. Everyone is eligible to enter. Please make sure I have some way to contact you. I will draw and post the winning entry some time on Tuesday. Thanks so much for reading this blog!

*****NOW CLOSED – NO MORE ENTRIES PLEASE