Home ec for everyone Practical life skills in 118 projects

Just because home ec is rarely taught in schools anymore doesn't mean those skills aren't necessary. The Bowers' user-friendly guide distills the essential skills down to five categorical sections: cooking, sewing, laundry, "domestic arts," and life skills. Each section starts with most frequently needed tools, then goes on to the tasks. The cooking section offers everything from a full page on how to boil water to instructions for how to shop for produce, braise beef, make sorbet in a bag, and clean the kitchen; recipes are often included. The other four sections cover fewer tasks but have more illustrations, which are especially useful for sewing on a button, folding a fitted sheet, or tying a tie. Even experienced homemakers will appreciate the refresher on making a household budget, spring-cleaning tasks, and removing carpet stains. These skills are essential, and this guide offers clear, friendly instructions and advice for better living at home. This would be a good gift for folks on their own for the first time and will circulate widely in public and school libraries.