'Not a cosy series of reminiscences but a slice of bygone reality. This delightful collection of country curiosities shows rural life in the raw a hundred or more years ago. Hugely enjoyable, a real eye-opener and surprisingly useful!' Alan Titchmarsh A perfectly formed and beautifully presented collection of titbits from the ever-surprising pages of Country Life. Flitting from observations on cheese rolling in Gloucestershire to smuggling silk in Sussex, from Shakespeare's Avon to the vanishing sign language of country tramps ... and all by way of a charming rumination on the origins of the simnel cake. Within these lovely pages there will indeed be something for everyone. Classic writing on the idyllic British countryside, Wodehousian ruminations on fishing and golf, and moving accounts of beloved (and unusual) pets. With a highly entertaining blend of expert views and humorous asides, Curious Observationsis a perfect Christmas gift.

Across the globe, billions of unused items sit in our homes taking up valuable physical and mental space. What would it feel like to clear your space, and life, of excess junk?

Liberate yourself from domestic chaos, toxic relationships and a desk piled high with incomplete tasks. How to Go Clutter Free will make you richer in space, time and money, and pave the way for a tidy, calm and happy life. Featuring 100 clear and simple decluttering tips, this hassle-free, easy guide will help you to:

• Identify and ditch excess.
• Create more space for the important things in life.
• Tidy your home, mind and life.
• Replace mess and confusion with calm and clarity.

5628 Shawls, Wraps, & Ponchos: Knit a shawl, wrap, or poncho in just one weekend? Yes, it's possible These 11 designs can all be made in a short time, whether it's a standard "weekend" of Friday night through Monday morning, an extended holiday weekend, or a couple of days where you settle in and really get " lost" in your work. Quick projects like these are great when you need a new fashion accessory or a gift for a special day. But even if you take your time and just enjoy the relaxing experience of knitting, you end up with something beautiful -- to wear or to give to someone who needs a warm hug.

Every year, nearly 80 million Americans will consult their doctors about their skin. In fact, skin disorders beat out anxiety, depression, back pain, and diabetes as the number one reason Americans see their doctors. Unfortunately, however, the vast majority will receive only a surface-level treatment, leaving the underlying conditions at the root of their skin issues unresolved. Skin doesn't lie; it reflects overall health in unimaginable ways. Dirty Looks, internationally renowned dermatologist and scientist Dr. Whitney Bowe shows readers that skin health is much more than skin deep. As a pioneering researcher on the cutting edge of the gut-brain-skin axis, she explains how the spectrum of skin disorders -- from stubborn acne and rosacea to psoriasis, eczema, and premature wrinkling -- are manifestations of irregularities rooted in the gut. Lasers, scalpels, creams, and prescription pads alone will not guarantee the consistently healthy, glowing skin we all seek. Instead, Dr. Bowe focuses on the microbiome -- where trillions of microbes "speak" to your skin via the brain -- and highlights the connection between sleep, stress, diet, gastrointestinal health, and the health of your skin. With simple explanations of the science, do-it-yourself practical skincare strategies, and a life-changing 3-week program, Dirty Looks is your roadmap to great skin from the inside out and the outside in.