DIY and Home Maintenance for Dummies All-in-One, UK edition - Jeff Howell

Advantages: Lots of Pictures
Disadvantages: Impossible Dream!

...and a promising start. (I might add here that I'm one of those weirdos who reads manuals, encyclopaedias etc from page one all the way through, instead of dipping in here and there. I also read instruction manuals. Does anyone know of a good self-help group?) The ensuing chapters are as follows: Decorating, Repairs & Improvements, Home Security, Infestation, Rot & Damp, Insulation & Ventilation, Electricity, Plumbing, Heating, Working Outdoors, Tools & Skills, and finally Reference & Index. At first sight, the impressive 550 pages would seem to cover absolutely everything you could possibly want to know about DIY. Each topic starts off with a brief introduction, sometimes with some historical facts, often with a comment about how easy or hard the task is, and one or two top tips. This preface is in bold at the top of each page. Next you get step... Read review

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Advantages: once read, you're no longer a dummy
Disadvantages: very ugly on your bookshelf

...'s collection is peacefully sleeping on the shelf, unaware that one of them is about to fall prey to … well, a dummy *g *. All I had to do, was localise the one I needed: "Windows XP for dummies"? Nah I'm not that much of a dummy. "Internet for dummies"? Naah I'm an internet goddess, see? It only took me three years of surfing to discover Ciao * g*. "Photoshop 7 for dummies"? Naaah I'm still too much of a dummy for this one. Ahaaaah here it is, my "Word 2002 for dummies". Make sure you have the right book for your version of Word before leaving the shop, as Word 2000 for dummies is also available (and Word 2004 will soon be). Got it? Ok, grab your prey with a swift movement, don't listen to its cries and pleas, and then go back home with the satisfaction of a good hunter. Oh, but don't forget to stop by the cash register first * g* ( I... Read review

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Advantages: lots of clear advice, tried & tested products, many subjects covered
Disadvantages: bit too focussed on natural products, just for the girls?!?

...pointless to review the older book when this is the revised edition. The book is presented with a lot of feedback from both the authors and the testers. It starts with an introduction from the authors where they state their aim is to give us 'The tips, the wisdom that help you take a short cut to looking - and feeling - better. And while cosmetics and good haircuts are a godsend, we hope you'll also learn more about enhancing beauty from the inside out with food, juices, yoga, DIY massage and even how to think yourself gorgeous!'. This sums up the holistic approach taken throughout the book. "The 21st Century Beauty Bible" is broken down into seven main sections, which I will summarise below. Most sections have at least one 'Tried & Tested' page to demonstrate the pros and cons of each cosmetic or product tried out for the book. I really... Read review

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