Books to beat spring fever!

I'm not sure about everyone else, but with the new-found sunshine I know that I am feeling the effects of spring fever: wanting to get the months of unused things either used or out of my house, and the constant nagging that I should be outside soaking in the rays before it gets unbearably hot. So here are a few books that will put you in the mood for springtime activities!

As the cover of "ReadyMade: How to Make (Almost) Everything" by Kate Francis so boldly states, "you need this book." Within the glorious covers of this green-made-easy manual are such gems as the "hardcover frame"- for transforming your less-than-cool books into picture frames, and a "cd wall mural"- for utilizing left-over jewel cases to make art. This book is a DIY masterpiece!

A perfect way to use any left-over and unwanted materials laying about the house!

Barbara Kingsolver's newest work, a non-fiction treasure, follows her family's trials and tribulations after they vow to give up industrial-style living for the simplicities of a rural life. "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle" is part memoir, part earth-conscious narrative of going back to "old-fashioned," tried and true ways of living: supporting your community and family by only using what is grown and can be shared within your neighborhood.

.

This book has just the right amount of spirit to inspire you to start a garden, and try to live off of the fruits of local lands!
.

.

Thom, Tree, and Eric are three out-of-place guys going through quarter-life crises, as well as experiencing a strange cosmic connection between each other- and their couch. After a flood ruins their apartment they decide to create a new quest called "Couch Across America."

.

Benjamin Parzybok's "Couch" serves as the perfect novel to get you up off of your couch and take a needed roadtrip with some friends.

.

.

For all you knitters out there, this is a fabulous book!

So many cool patterns are waiting for you in "Stitch 'N Bitch Nation" by Debbie Stoller. One of my favorites from this installment of the Stitch 'N Bitch series is the Itsy-Bitsy-Teeny-Weeny Purple Polka-dot Tankini. It's a simple lounging-by-the-lakeside (or if you're lucky enough, the beach) kind of afternoon get-up. Make sure to start knitting now, so that the spring fever doesn't cause you to procrastinate!

.

The perfect pattern for the cutest little purple polka-dot tankini you've ever seen!

.

-Whitney