The Synopsis: Feeling poor because of recession? Feeling guilty because of global warming? Feeling like you’d quite like to tighten your belt, but aren’t quite ready to embrace DIY macramé handbags?

No need to panic. Put down the economy mince and buy this book instead – it’s a blueprint for living beautifully while saving money and easing your conscience.

India Knight (no slouch when it comes to extravagance) shows you how even a dedicated consumer and child of the more-is-more 1980s can mend her ways, embrace the New Thrift, and find her life – and bank balance - dramatically improved in the process. She will show you: How to make wonderful dinners with very little money; How to grow things; how to make jellies, chutneys and pickles and how to can vegetables and fruit; How to dress on a budget and still look fabulous – and what to do with your mum’s old sewing machine; How to make the most of living in a community, from borrowing preserving pans (that’s right, we’re making jam) to starting a toy-swapping group; How to holiday in new and imaginative ways - with only the merest whisper of a carbon footprint; How to make your own fun, from crafts to making presents, from parties to affordable pampering; and finally...How to manage your money.Above all, India Knight will show you that saving money and tightening your belt doesn’t have to feel like a penance – it can be both fun and glamorous (and a great deal more satisfying than buying the latest It-bag).

This book is packed full of useful information, but you really do need to read it thoroughly as there are many resources and sources of advice woven into each chapter as well as India’s anecdotes and commentaries. Whether you agree, or disagree with her perspective on life, there are many ideas for saving money, shopping more efficiently, some really creative ideas about living in a community, including City Car Clubs, Free Babysitting circles, shared purchase of big and cumbersome toys, school runs, as well as some less child-specific ideas, including skills sharing, shared purchase of large items like lawn-mowers, swopping things, and joining local clubs. Other chapters include, Food, Clothes, Crafts, Having fun, Beauty, Holidays, Home, Money and Emotional Thrift. Great ideas for surviving the credit crunch.