This summary provides the high level information from the document in 3 sentences: The document discusses various books that provide inspiration for home décor and organization. It describes The Perfectly Imperfect Home as showing how to coordinate objects in a home to create comfort rather than a museum-like feel. It also discusses The Flower Recipe Book as inspiration for flower arranging using unexpected items as vases.

1. M
arch can be one of our most delightful months. We start to stand a bit taller, no longer hunched
over and bracing ourselves against the wind. We begin feeling the promise of a spring breeze.
Occasionally, the slush left from winter leaves flecks of green on the ground, promising lush grassy
fields to come.
This issue is dedicated to both house and home. I don’t know about you, but when I think of home décor, I get
both excited and anxious! The idea of a wall filled with well-organized, framed pictures warms my heart. The idea
of shopping for the frames sends panic through my nerves.
At least at the end of the day, we can find inspiration in the many books that have been published on the details that make up the objects
in our home. Here are a few selections for your home-based inspiration:
The Perfectly Imperfect Home
| by Deborah Needleman
Were you one of the thousands of
readers whose soul was crushed when
“Domino” magazine went out of print?
Domino’s former editor brings this
beautifully illustrated guide for ways
to coordinate the objects in your
house. Deborah Needleman shows
us how to utilize items to make a home
filled to the brim with comfort, rather than a house
with a museum-like quality. The end tables in a living room
might have more personality than the couch; perhaps the way a
knit blanket is gently draped across a chair catches the eye more
than a piece of statement art. Even if you prefer to decorate
without guidelines, the illustrations alone are enough to keep
you returning to the book over and over for inspiration.
The Flower Recipe Book
| by Alethea Harampolis and Jill Rizzo
Wedding planning makes one highly
aware of the delicate art of flower
arrangements. I started to feel a little
sad that my flower arranging days
might be over, until I remembered
what a delight it is to buy a bunch
of flowers just for the sake of
buying flowers. I am terrible at
arranging flowers, usually cutting the stems too
short, such that the vase enclosing them looks like a turtleneck
sweater’s neck pushed up too high. What an inspiration this
book was for someone like me! I can turn a coffee mug into a
vase? I am thrilled to branch out from my usual batch of red
roses. All I need is this book and some inspiration — any vessel
can be my canvas for this kind of art.
Be Bookish
n w h e ra l d . c o m /m a g a z i n e24 | March 2016 | MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE LIFESTYLE

2. MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | March 2016 | 25n w h e ra l d . c o m /m a g a z i n e
The Hands-On Home : A Seasonal Guide to Cooking,
Preserving & Natural Homekeeping
| by Erica Strauss
A home is how we live. These days, so many of us are looking to go
back to some of the true roots of homekeeping — making our own
cleaning products and preparing food completely from scratch.
This dense manual includes tips for each season and how to
simplify in a way that brings satisfaction to each task.
I found the recipes easy-to-follow, and the DIY projects are already
giving me ideas for 2016 gift giving. After all, who wouldn’t want a basket filled with
homemade bath soaks and jars of preserved lemons? Come to think of it — you could treat
yourself instead! Find inspiration for cooking, cleaning, preserving and general organization
from this gem of a guidebook.
BookNookwith SandraManley
Sandra Manley, LSW, grew
up in Island Lake, IL. She is
an Oncology Social Worker
at the Robert H. Lurie
Comprehensive Cancer
Center, specializing in
Adolescent and Young Adult
Oncology and Solid Tumors.
In her spare time she can be
found roasting vegetables in
her oven, enjoying a very dark
cup of coffee, and of course,
reading. You can follow what
she is reading on Goodreads:
Goodreads.com/SandraReadsMSW.
Did You Ever Have a Family?
| by Bill Clegg
One day, you are preparing for your daughter’s wedding. The next you are planning her funeral, along with
that of her fiancé, your boyfriend, and your ex-husband.
One might wonder — why would I ever read something that sounds so sad? June Reid is our heroine in
this book, and she travels west as we, the readers, get a glimpse into her tremendous loss and the ripple
effects into the small community where the tragedy happened. What results is a story of love, loss, guilt
and the miraculous way in which the right people come into our lives at the right time. This debut novel
is sure to start some deep and meaningful conversations at your next book club!
Your Next Book Club Book
LIFESTYLE
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McHenry County Magazine
HOME
Turn your Screen Porch into
a Three Season Room
Sunrooms Repairs
SURAN BUILT, INC.
30 N. Williams Street, Crystal Lake
815-444-1293, www.suranbuilt.com
Does your kitchen or bathroom need to be updated?
Does your basement need to be turned into a great family
living space? If so, then stop at our beautiful showroom in
downtown Crystal Lake and see how we can make your
house the home of your dream
INTERIOR INSPIRATION
Algonquin, 847-854-2966,
www.interiorinspiration.com
For a home or workplace that is beautiful, functional
and inspired, call Randi Goodman, IFDA, “designer
extraordinaire.” Now is a great time to spruce up your
space. Randi makes the best use of furnishings and
accessories you already have. She can suggest additional
pieces, or start from scratch. The choice is yours! Custom
or ready made, she can do it all! Call today for a personal
consultation.
KITCHENS BY JULIE, INC.,
27-A Janus Rd., Cary, 847-516-2226,
www.kitchensbyjulie.com
Located in Downtown Cary, Kitchens by Julie is a family
owned and operated organization that has extensive
experience in all aspects of remodeling and construction.
“Every successful project is a unique reflection of personal
tastes, functions, lifestyle, budget and dreams,” says
principal designer, Julie Loehner, CKD who operates
Kitchens by Julie with her husband and project manager,
Mark Loehner. Our goal is to create a wonderful experience
designing and building your dream from conception to
completion.
Kitchen Design
Interior DesignAdditions
Find contacts for top home professionals in interior design, kitchen design, construction, and many other home-related fields.
Whether you are a new or established home owner, you will find places and products of interest in this monthly guide!
9247 S. Rt. 31
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