5 comments about How Not to Be a Messie: The Ultimate Guide for the Neatness Challenged : The Messies Manual/the Messie Motivator.

1. Why do people who write these kinds of books have to keep mentioning God every five minutes (Yes I do believe in God)but when I want to hear about God I will read my bible.
   Borrow it from a friend but don't buy it



2. I never thought of myself as a "Messie", I just thought I was just behind on a few things! Sandra Felton in her wonderful writing style makes you want to sing out loud and expect more from yourself and your home. This book is not for you if you want to learn how to clean but it is for you if you want to organize your home and life. Her system on organizing your cleaning and day to day life are quick painless and ultimately change your messie ways forever!



3. As an apparently "messie" college student, I received this book from my mother after years of hearing her complain about how messy I am. I was actually eager to spend some time flipping through it (I first saw it on the bargain rack at Barnes and Noble...I wonder why), but once I did, I was largely disappointed. This book is written expressly for the 1980's housewife, with its humor and voice only directly relevant for this group. In the first part of the collection, Felton tries to pigeonhole messy people (seeing the word "messie" feels like hearing nails on a chalkboard for me) into profiled categories (i.e. "The Clean Messie") and spends the rest of the book throwing out bogus and unfounded advice based on her misperceptions of the psychology of messy people. The second part of the collection is just as much of a mess itself, with more of Felton's bogus advice as a "former messie". "Messies Anonymous"? "The Mount Vernon Method?" Oh please. If you want to become more organized in this day and age (rather than 20 years ago), this isn't the book for you.



4. I have only read the first of two books in this volume, but I am impressed with the combination of quiet wisdom dispensed in a plain-writing style. The style may not resonate with a woman who wants to be flattered as hard-charging or not to be confused with a housewife; I think the book is a small gem. Benjamin Franklin, another pragmatist not without humor, would have understood its tone. (BTW, I am a 59 year-old bachelor.) At her best, Felton offers compassion to those who have been intimidated into fear of making any decision or any move, counsels against compensating by inflating simple jobs into big plans that are never executed, and gently shows how to break things down into managable size. She offers useful and humorous warnings against "another good idea that doesn't work." As an older book, the book shows no awareness of how Felton's tools could fit into a small electronic PDA, but a reader who prefers a PDA to paper can figure that out.



5. I LOVE THIS BOOK! Whenever I feel like my housework has gotten out of control, I whip out this handy little book and start reading. Pretty soon I'm no longer reading but cleaning and I'm enjoying it! Her positive style makes me stress less about the mess and gives me pride in my housework. I recommend this book for anyone who is tired of their own personal FEMA-zone. It is so upbeat and funny! This book is really geared to the 1970's housewife (it was written in 1980) and if you are someone who gets hung up on that, I don't suggest it. However, I still found it very relevant to a two-income household.

2 comments about The Essential Moving Planning Kit.

1. I am in the process of moving my residence and have purchased "The Essential Moving Planning Kit." Recently, I married and used the Wedding Planning Kit. I found that the wedding kit had kept me so organized that I couldn't wait to get starting with the moving kit. Moving one's residence can be emotionally difficult, especially when one isn't organized; but with an aid, such as the "The Essential Moving Planning Kit," my task has been definitely eased.



2. This book is a lot of fluff and filler, and not one original thought to be had. Its contents could easily be condensed to one or two pages, but they use all kinds of "title pages" and other tricks to try and make it look like a substantial-size book. Don't waste your money or time.

1 comments about Lillian Too's 168 Feng Shui Ways to Declutter Your Home.

1. I have happily owned this book for over three years, and still refer to it probably at least every month, I keep it nearby always. Perfect book for those new to Feng Shui - it is an easy read and gives accurate details on how to apply the feng shui concepts and how to help yourself declutter your home, wonderfully illustrated.
   
   I highly recommend this book to anyone who might need a reason to understand how important it is to keep your home clutter-free. Also good to note, I have followed several of the rituals cited in Too's book, and received almost instant results - if not immediate in all cases...definitely try it! I am so serious about this review, that recently I also purchased several of her other books which I can't wait to get my hands on to read. Enjoy, you will not be disappointed, but be very happy that you bought this book!

2 comments about Herbal Home Hints (Rodale's Essential Herbal Handbooks).

1. This book helped me clean everything around the house naturally and organically! Louise's writing style is humorous and whimsical. I highly recommend it.



2. Louise Gruenberg's Herbal Home Hints is incredibly useful and well written. Her formulas are wonderful tools for cleaning naturally with herbs. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in herbalism and natural cleaning and home beautification ideas.

1 comments about 1001 Timely Tips for Clutter Control: Knowing What to Keep, When to Toss, and How to Store Your Stuff.

1. 
   We all face the problem of clutter;only some are better at solving it than others.If you are anything like me,you need all the help you can get.
   I have read several books on the subject and on December 29,2005;I wrote a review on one of the best books I have ever seen on how to de-clutter your life;that being "Clutter's Last Stand" by Don Aslett,and has to be the all-time Classic. Most of these books cover esentially the same things; and where one stands out over another, is whether or not they motivate you in making changes.
   This book by FC&A Publishing is also excellent in all respects and covers every aspect of clutter; and even though we all have worked at controlling clutter;we can still learn tricks, methods and new ways to get a handle on it.
   Obviously; the first thing you have to learn and practice is avoiding adding more to what we already have. This book excells in covering the ways to avoid getting more stuff.
   Another area where this book excells in is in tips and methods that can be used to store and organize our stuff;particularly for those who "just hate to get rid of something that is still useful".
   One of the best ways I learned to determine if something is useless or junk is to just try giving it to someone.If they and a few others won't take it...then why are you keeping it? Also ,when you look at something and hate to get rid of it,ask yourself;"who's keeping stuff for me?".
   It's a shame that there is no author associated with this book;but don't let that influence you in thinking that is a medoicre book. This book is excellent in every way;and if you read it and adopt some of the ideas in it,you'll surely improve your chances in winning "The War on Clutter".You will not only rid yourself of stuff you don't need;you'll save a lot of time and yes,money; gain a lot of space that has been lost to you,be able to find anything you own with ease,and feel a lot better about everything.
   What more can you ask for from a book?

1 comments about Heloise from A to Z Updated.

1. This book is a good resource for uncommon (but viable) methods of cleaning while also focusing on ways to save the earth, such as using non-toxic cleaning elements (alcohol, vinegar, baking soda, etc.) rather than chemical products that can harm children and pets. This is a great guide book when you have exhausted (or even before you have exhausted) your options and/or your wallet.

No comments about One-Minute Organizer: A to Z Storage Solutions: 500 Tips for Storing Every Item in Your Home.

2 comments about The Green Kitchen Handbook: Practical Advice, References, & Sources for Transforming the Center of Your Home into a Healthy, Livable Place.

1. As a parent, I try my best to create a home environment which is happy, healthy and safe for my family. The ideas I came across in this book have helped me in my efforts to do just that. From tips on eco-friendly cleaning, to food storage, from saving energy to nutrtitional tips... it has a little bit of everything! It is well written, easy to read - and a great book to keep on hand to refer to later on. It is the type of book which gets you thinking... and has you looking at your kitchen, and even the rest of your home... in a whole new light!



2. I've had this book for four years. I leave it on my kitchen table for guests to browse. Most everyone will end up reading at least 2-3 excerpts to whomever may be within ear-shot. They love it! It's definately a conversation starter. I plan on purchasing it for friends and family this Christmas.

5 comments about The Complete Guide to Home Storage (Black & Decker Home Improvement Library).

1. Overall the book is fine. Plenty of interesting projects inside. However, much to my dismay, the step bookshelf pictured on the cover is nowhere to be found inside the book. That was pretty much the reason I purchased the book in the first place... Bait and Switch?!?



2. I bought this book and didn't know what to expect based on the other 2 reviews. I was pleasantly surprised. My husband and I are building our first house and we will be finishing our own basement. This book is giving us some great ideas for that along with other storage solutions. It gives you great color pictures, a list of needed supplies (tools, materials, etc)and step by step instructions. I am not much of a cabinet maker, but the steps are simple enough that I plan on doing some of these projects myself! Some ideas are pretty simple and basic (like the under the steps storage shelf) but it is a great idea that is practical and uses space that probably would have been totally wasted. This book gave me exactly what I wanted and more. My husband, who has made lots of furniture in the past, was also very impressed and rates this book a 5!

   Do yourself a favor and buy this one before getting another book on cabinets and built-ins. I bought the others first only to see that this one covers all of that info and more.




3. Like the guy from Florida, I was enticed by the picture on the cover. But there was nothing like that inside. The contents were much simpler plywood constructions that were far less sophisticated. Bait and switch indeed. This book was not what I wanted. I'm going to send it back.



4. The book was okay but a little disappointing. I will probably use some of the information out of it.



5. Those that are criticizing this book, are out of line. The book is very well written and and well illustrated with color photographs and drawings. The book not only covers the 50 projects it details, but there is also a lot of information on tools, techniques, materials, and other referance information.
   
   Two of the former reviews mention that the project on the cover, is not in the book, that is true and it is unfortuneate. However, there is a variety of projects, some much more complex that the one on the cover, and if you read and understand the book, you could build the project on the cover, there is nothing special about it, that is not covered in the book. After all, the project on the cover, is just wooden boxes, sheesh!. My suggestion to those people - "Never judge a book by it's cover."
   
   The book is intended for the beginning to intermediate home carpenter, the type that buys the tools Black and Decker makes. Those who are more expert/professional, probably have Dewalt and Bosch tools, and should not need this book. You can figure out which category you are in.
   
   That being said, even a master builder, sometimes can use ideas and inspiration, and this book has them.

5 comments about Not For Packrats Only.

1. I was so inspired to declutter my house, I couldn't even wait till I had finished reading the whole book, I started right in on some overflowing drawers. I like his writing style; it's very down-to-earth and funny, especially when he mentions some of the things he himself had accumulated before he "saw the light." I laughed out loud several times while reading it. He really gets into the nitty-gritty details of decluttering too, like how to identify clutter, why you've saved it, excuses and reasons for cluttering/saving, how to get rid of it, and even how to spot potential clutter before you even acquire it. There was no aspect of clutter that he didn't cover. I loved the cartoons too; they really hit home and lightened up the whole prospect of the task ahead. I highly recommend this book. After decluttering my own areas, my husband (who said he didn't have any clutter) starting reading the book and amazingly found some things he could part with too. Yippee! I plan on re-reading parts of it whenever I start backsliding. (Yes, he covers that too.)



2. I bought this book before moving to another house. It *IS* a funny, easy-to read diatribe about how to bring yourself to throw things away. It *IS NOT* a comprehensive method about how to organize your space and house. If you want to get organized, have a practical, functional and nice-to-live-in home, buy Julie Morgenstern's "Organizing from the Inside Out". However, if you want to have a laugh and gain confidence about dumping the dusty junk in your cellar or attic, this is the book for you.



3. Don Aslett has done more than anyone else I know of to help us clear up the clutter. I read his book, Clutter's Last Stand" many years ago.I dig it out every once in a while and thumb through it to help me "Get Back on the Wagon".You'll find a review on it amongst my reviews dated December 29,2005. By the way ,a good decluttering principle is followed here;Amazon keeps and stores these reviews---not me!
   This book is pretty much like his others in principles;but I never tire of reading the reasons for and the suggestions given for de-junking.
   Even if you are not a junk ammasser;you'll really love this book,because it will show you that you have been right all along--by natural instinct.
   Then there are the rest of us who are junk collectors by instinct reinforced by yeard of dedication ,practice and our own finely honed instincts.
   Even if you have the will power to ignore all of Don's reasons,suggestions ,insinuations,you'll still enjoy the book for the excuses for keeping junk;as he'll have some even you have never heard or used. Keeping junk is a fine art and you can utilize all the help you can get. From Don,you'll be learning from the master himself,as he has devoted his life to this subject. You've probably seen numerous little newspaper and magazine articles over the years on this subject;but none can hold a candle to what you will find in this gem of a book.This book of 214 pages is loaded with humor,a zillion illustrations and every excuse imaginable and will give you hours of side-splitting laughter. If you really want to drive someone nuts;put a 'brown wrapper' on it and let the belly-laughs roll.On second thought ,try a cover from a True Crime Stories.
   I really enjoyed Chapter 16,"Dear but Not Departed"
   Don gives us great lines like;
   "Your junk and clutter will survive you,count on it."
   
   "She was so young. She had so much (stuff) to live for."
   
   "The funeral is over;many mourners paid tribute and now will
   pay dearly for what you left behind."
   
   "Suddenly your death isn't a sweet sorrow,it's a sorry mess."
   
   "You wanted your good stuff to carry on in life,to live on,and
   now it's being carried off."
   
   "If you're the kind of person who says."Big deal,it won't be
   my worry," you're not only a packrat.you're a dirty rat."
   
   As to shopping sales,bargains ,free offers,etc. "Don't go to
   the Devil's workshop,if you don't want to do business with
   him."
   So how do you get rid of all your junk? Simple;get rid of everything that hasn't moved in the last 6 months and read a
   chapter of this book every month.
   Have I been successful? well hardly.I just got rid of 10 books.Problem is;I've over 700 to go. However; I've got the best of intentions.
   Good Luck!!



4. I LOVE this book. So much I read it twice and am currently reading another of his books. So far this one is my favorite. Some of it is "fluff" but he makes you see that it is a joke keeping all the stuff you probably should throw out. It makes you laugh and say yep I do that! Since reading this book, I haven't been able to totally dejunk my home; however, before purchasing anything - I really think about the item and where I would put it in our home.



5. I've had this book for many years, and it is one that is actually kept! It is so inspirational. Aslett inspired me to get all my stuff out of my parents' house (once I bought a house of my own). He tells parents to dump their kids stuff, but I wanted to save them the trouble, and when my parents moved a few years later, it felt so nice knowing that NONE of their stuff was mine! I wheedled my husband into doing the same--six months before his mother died. Same wonderful feeling! Knowing that none of that junk is mine/his and we are kicking karmic [...] if we choose to help sort! I love the anecdotes. They make me feel like cleaning my purse. I also really liked that Not for Packrats isn't a "system" of how to sort, no time-lines or stupid rules (like the "if you haven't used it in a year" rule then giving the fire extinguisher example). You sort when you feel like it, for as long as you feel like it. And you can deal with emotional issues as they come up rather than having to push through to meet a deadline. This is one of my favorite "self-help" books.