The Homemaker's Mentor Treasury of Homekeeping Skills: A Vintage Keepsake Collection

I want to open this review by noting that Mrs. Greene’s book is written for Christian homemakers. It will most likely not be enjoyed by those not open to a complementary Christian worldview. It is an entirely delightful treasury, and has inspired me to look for just the right black journal to fill for my daughter, who is just six months old.While the book was designed to be interactive - there are plenty of blank pages and spaces for your own recipes and information - I find it hard to use for that purpose. It is traditionally bound, which does not allow it to lie flat when opened. Also, some of the typeface is very hard to read, particularly in low light. These are my only two big complaints about the book, but they are enough to make me want to pass on a journal of just my own writing.My favorite part of the entire book was the “treasure hunting”. I loved looking for all the little asides, quotes, Scripture, old ads, etc. My favorite is on page 27, an old General Electric ad that I just had to share with my husband.Here is a breakdown of chapters, along with my favorite part of each:Homekeeping: I loved the ideas for each part of a homemakers cleaning schedule.Hospitality: Included were great ideas for making your home hospitable. My favorite was asking your guests what they like to drink in the morning so that you can have it ready when they wake up.Home Duties: Included with a rough schedule for a homemaker’s day were a few essays about the extra tasks and duties a homemaker might take on.First Aid in the Home: My favorite bit was a place to write a family history of ailments and afflictions. Since my family tree is scattered with various disabilities and surgeries, this will make a medical history easier to compile.Gardening: I definitely appreciate the breakdown of vegetables, herbs, and flowers. The author discusses how they are best planted and tended.Cooking and Baking: Along with many delicious-sounding recipes were 10 basic kitchen rules, including number 3, “Use good tools.” This is a trick I’ve had to learn the hard way!Reserves in the Family: This chapter may end up being the most turned to for a season in my life, as I finally have the means to start dehydrating, canning, and otherwise preserving food!Handiwork: I loved the stitch guide, which included delicate illustrations of each stitch.Business of the Home: Mrs. Greene has written on how to create an expenses and income list for three months. This list can then be used to create an annual budget. She shows how this can be a painless process.Family Records: It was hard to pick a favorite from this chapter, since it spawned so many ideas for my own journal. I like the idea of keeping a family creed, and plan to implement the idea soon.All in all, I highly recommend this book to those looking for a primer on homekeeping skills. I’ve been keeping our home for ten years now, and I still found plenty of interest in this book. It also inspired me in so many little ways to keep a journal for my daughter. I hope it inspires you!

I recently purchased the Homemakers Mentor PDF bundle which included a PDF version of this book. I immediately knew that I wanted a print version and found this book. While some of the information may seem basic or a bit outdated, it is a wonderful resource to have.

This is a basic home-keeping book for beginners. I am enjoying it because after 16 years of winging how to take care of our home, I finally have found something to teach me what to do and how to do it. It would be nice for little girls first learning how to take care of a home. It is a "Homemaker's Mentor" to be sure.

More of a workbook than a book.

Great book, I am buying a copy for each of my children for when they leave the nest.

Homemaking seems to be a lost are in today's busy society. I didn't learn how to take care of the home before I got married and have been winging it for more years than I care to mention. It is nice to have a resource you can go to that can help you get organized. I have bought and used other resources from this author and have enjoyed them. I don't think you can go wrong with this one.

Not what I expected. It has some basic skills which would be great for a new homemaking wanting to learn.

THIS IS A WONDERFUL BOOK, IT IS FULL OF HELPFUL HINTS AND TIPS.I THINK THIS IS A MUST HAVE FOR EVERYONE.THIS BOOK WOULD ALSO BE A BEAUTIFUL GIFT FOR A NEW WIFE OR AN OLDER CHILD WHO IS LEAVING HOME TO START THEIR OWN LIVES.THIS IS ONE PURCHASE THAT YOU WILL BE PROUD TO OWN.