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Book Review – Home Therapy: Interior Design for Increasing Happiness, Boosting Confidence, and Creating Calm: An Interior Design Book

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I recently picked up the book Home Therapy: Interior Design for Increasing Happiness, Boosting Confidence and Creating Calm and I have to say, I was thoroughly impressed, I wasn’t sure what to expect at first, but I did enjoy it.  The book is written by interior designer and licensed therapist Anita Yokota and it truly combines the best of both worlds. The concept of using interior design to improve one’s mental well-being is something I have never considered before and I found it to be incredibly insightful.

The book is well organized, with each chapter focusing on one of the four “domains” – the individual domain, the organizational domain, the communal domain, and the renewal domain. Each domain is designed to help the reader connect to their ultimate purpose and create spaces that nurture their mind, body, and spirit. I appreciated the fact that the book doesn’t just give you ideas for decorating, but it also provides practical tips on decluttering and increasing a room’s function.

The book is also beautifully photographed, with images of beautifully designed spaces that will inspire you to start creating your own calming and rejuvenating spaces. I found the section on the communal domain particularly interesting, as it provides ideas on how to form more authentic connections with others through good design and layout.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking to improve their living experience. Instead of basing decorating decisions on trends and fads, Home Therapy encourages readers to create thoughtful, personalized interiors that support their authentic self. Whether you’re a homeowner, renter, or just looking for ways to improve your well-being, this book is a must-read.

 

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Review of Creating a Modern Homestead: Traditional Skills for Real, Everyday Life

Creating a Modern Homestead: Traditional Skills for Real, Everyday Life is an inspiring and practical guide for those seeking to embrace simple living and self-sufficiency in their daily routines, regardless of where they live. Written by Victoria Pruett, the book offers invaluable insight into traditional homesteading skills, making them accessible even in urban or suburban settings. Whether you live in a house with a yard or in a small apartment, Pruett shows that it’s possible to incorporate homesteading practices into everyday life.

The book covers a wide range of topics aimed at building self-reliance, including from-scratch cooking, food preservation, and raising backyard chickens. Pruett’s approach is far from daunting, emphasizing that homesteading doesn’t require an overwhelming time commitment. Instead, she provides easy-to-follow advice that allows readers to take actionable steps toward a more sustainable and fulfilling lifestyle. The chapters dive into:

  • Cooking from Scratch: Offering 126 recipes for breads, main dishes, and desserts.

  • Building a Robust Food Supply: Guidance on stocking up a pantry for long-term food security.

  • Food Preservation: Techniques for canning, freezing, dehydrating, and freeze-drying.

  • Backyard Chickens: Best practices for raising poultry, even in smaller spaces.

  • Gardening: Tips for customizing your garden based on location and season, with methods like companion planting and natural pest control.

Pruett’s style is approachable, practical, and encouraging. She is the perfect guide for both beginners and those already on their homesteading journey, offering a balance between traditional skills and the realities of modern life.

Her personal journey from a suburban house with no yard to a thriving 8-acre homestead in Central Texas adds a relatable and inspiring layer to her teachings. Her focus is on integrating these skills into busy modern lives, so readers won’t feel overwhelmed by the prospect of spending hours in the kitchen or garden.

In addition to practical advice, Creating a Modern Homestead offers real-life stories and experiences that make the book feel like a conversation with a trusted friend. Homesteading isn’t just about farming or off-grid living; it’s about cultivating a sustainable, meaningful life in whatever environment you find yourself in.

This book is not only a manual for homesteaders but also a source of inspiration for those seeking a slower, more intentional way of living, and is a perfect fit for anyone interested in self-reliance, sustainability, and traditional skills in the modern world. Whether you’re new to the homesteading lifestyle or looking to expand your knowledge, this book will empower you to take meaningful action and create the life you’ve always dreamed of, no matter where you live.

The book has received praise from fellow homesteaders like Amy K. Fewell and Darcy Baldwin, who have called it an essential read for anyone interested in sustainable living and food preservation. Ashley Adamant, creator of Practical Self Reliance, commends the book for its empowering message and practical advice.

Creating a Modern Homestead is a must-read for anyone interested in starting or enhancing their homesteading journey. With its blend of practical tips, inspiration, and relatable stories, it’s a valuable resource for both beginners and seasoned homesteaders alike.