Brought up on Helpful Hints from Heloise, we didn't know a home "how to" book could be so...cool. Hand written and illustrated by Raleigh Briggs, Make Your Place is a gem of a book full of information and DIY ideas for non-toxic clean cleaning, natural body care and gardening. Its zine style makes it feel like it's written just for you by an informed, helpful friend.

Make Your Place is perfect for families looking to live more simply and naturally. It's filled with things we used to know and forgot as well as ideas and tutorials that are easy, inexpensive and good for your home and the earth.

We found it (for a mere $7) at one of our favorite online stores, Buy Olympia. It's also available directly from the publisher, Microcosm Publishing, where you can also pick up her short zines Herbal First Aid and Nontoxic House Cleaners for $1.