I’m that mom with precariously stacked piles of books on the bedside table and bookshelves stuffed to bursting. I usually have two or sometimes three fiction books going on at any one time, and I love displaying beautiful hardcover reference books on the coffee table for visitors to leaf through. I’m a firm believer in books as a gift for any occasion, including Mother’s Day of course!
DK Books recently asked me to choose a couple of titles from their Mother’s Day Boutique to share with you. What’s Mom into? Home and garden? Crafts? Is she a foodie? How about a little history? DK has the best selection of reference books – there’s something here for any mom!
You guys know I like to look for green and environmentally-friendly ways to care for my family. Why not me too? This beautifully illustrated volume contains natural beauty tips and recipes for 100 DIY natural products including cleansers, creams, scrubs, lip balms, soaps, body butters, bath melts and bombs, perfumes, deodorants, shampoos, conditioners, and foot treatments. Quick recipes are marked accordingly – a nice feature for busy moms.
Natural Beauty starts with a useful listing of ingredients featuring close up images to help you identify each flower, herb, fruit, seed, or tree, plus information on what each is good for. Each recipe includes recommendations for skin or hair type, detailed instructions on how to make it, and how to apply. This honey and oat scrub (p. 122) is just four ingredients: honey, oats, glycerin, and orange essential oil.
Over the weekend I tried a simple coconut conditioner (p. 216) made with just an egg yolk, coconut oil, and coconut milk, all ingredients I already had in my kitchen. It worked like a charm, and I love how soft my hair felt after!
History of the World in 1,000 Objects
“With objects revealing how our ancestors lived, what they believed and valued, and how these items helped shape civilization, History of the World in 1,000 Objects contains a treasure trove of human creativity from earliest cultures to the present day. Objects are grouped chronologically, under key themes, from art to the history of technology, and together help paint a unique picture that provides detailed insight into each culture.”
At 10.25″ x 12″ x 1.5″, this is one impressively sized coffee book! This massive tome offers a unique visual representation of human history. Everything from hammered gold Mesopotamian jewelry dated circa 2250-2400 BCE, to Japanese lacquered shell, coral, and wood combs. From an intricately detailed Venetian guitar made in 1640 to the Gibson Les Paul electric guitar made in 1958. From Viking spearheads and swords dating back to the 8th century, to modern warheads and assault rifles.
It’s not hard to find photos and information about significant historical objects like the Magna Carta or famous Renaissance artworks, but I especially enjoyed the photos of ordinary, everyday objects and the glimpses they afforded into daily life. Any history buff will love this engaging and fascinating coffee book!
Both these books and more can be found at Amazon or wherever books are sold.
Disclosure: I received sample items for review. All opinions expressed are completely honest and my own, based on my personal experience. Your experience may differ. This post contains affiliate links. This West Coast Mommy is a participant in the Amazon.com.ca, Inc. Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.ca.
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