5 comments about Eliminate Chaos: The 10-Step Process to Organize Your Home and Life.

1. I bought this book for help in decluttering my garage (my car is parked outside and we had one too many ice storms this year). I identified with the case study. What hit home was the cost of disorganization (my windshield cracked under the ice when I was defrosting it. If it had been in the garage I would have saved both time and money). I now am aware of other examples of the cost of disorganization in my life. This concept helped me get to the point of prioritizing organization and setting time aside for it.
   
   I have followed the 10 steps for some lesser projects and they work like a charm! Once it warms up and I have my staging area outside on the lawn, I will tackle the garage. In fact, I am looking forward to it (how weird is that?)
   
   My 83 year old mom is downsizing and asked for me to visit for a week and help. I sent her the book and marked the case study about the older woman downsizing. She liked the book too.



2. After reading a number of books, websites and magazine articles on organization over the years, Elimate Chaos finally offers a real solution. Laura's personal story in the preface is important as it starts you thinking about your own experiences with clutter. Included are fresh, new lists-in more detail- to get you started. The author breaks projects into supplies, physical space, steps in the process, stories of real projects and the clients needs. After organizing and sorting, Laura provides a shopping list and reasonable budget.
   If you are not a born organizer, I recommend Eliminate Chaos. Laura learned organization and takes it to the reader. This is absolutely not just another "get organized" self help book.



3. I've read a ton of organizing books. Most have a "process" to get organized that seems reasonable when I read it, but I can never seem to remember the process or to apply it in real life.
   
   In "Eliminate Chaos", Laura Leist, author & genius, sets out her 10-step process and then takes us through seven real-life rooms that she applied it to. She tells us each room owner's "story" and makes the room alive - and then the process come to life in the room as she capably demonstrates with words and lots of fantastic before and after photos.
   
   I know now EXACTLY how to apply this system to my life and can't wait to do it. This is the best book you'll find to help you declutter and organize your home!



4. Laura Leist writes a very easy to use book. She calls upon her professional experience helping messy people like me--giving several examples for each point she is trying to make. I must admit I had thought of or realized most of the observations she writes about--the difference is I now realize I wasn't completely goofy...an expert and I agree on several organizing stratagies! But the depth and breadth of her insight and perspective are well worth twice the price of this book. If I had the opportunity and more income, I would hire Ms. Leist to come into my home and school me a little further. That should tell you how much I appreciate her work. Thank you to the author, and if you're thinking this book might help you, I say, "go for it."



5. It's advertised as a methodical approach to organizing every room of your house. What it turned out to be is mostly examples of the author organizing other people's rooms, none of which are particularly usable in my own situation. She even admits when covering one particularly unusual closet that the readers will probably not be able to use the related chapter.
   
   The one worthwhile thing was a suggestion from her method that you decide on the purpose of the room and what will belong in it before buying any organizing products - I'm guilty of buying organizers in search of a solution. And I got a few ideas from the products used, but actually I could have gotten everything I did from this book by browsing a catalog somewhere.

5 comments about Handy Farm Devices: And How to Make Them.

1. My interest in this book comes from a growing concern about Peak Oil. When energy is no longer cheap or plentiful, how will we adapt? One way to approach this question is to look ahead and see how technologies such as solar and wind energy can help. Turns out, however, that the feasibility of these technologies is also dependent to a large degree upon plentiful, cheap oil. So, in addition to looking ahead, it's probably a good idea to look to the past. How did people of a few generations back manage such simple tasks as refrigeration (for example), without relying upon constant availability of electricity and fossil fuel?
   
   This book is a good resource for those who want to investigate this question. It offers many examples of very practical implements, most of which can be built with simple tools, some basic skills, and hard work. "Hard work" may be the most operant item in that list, and throughout the book are sprinkled brief aphorisms encouraging one to embrace the work ethic: "the manly part is to do with might and main what you can (Emerson)"; "keep your shop and your shop will keep you"; "Taste the joy that springs from labor (Longfellow)".
   
   Good illustrations; spare, to-the-point writing st



2. This is great guide for people who want to build things, even if they aren't very good at it. There are some really clever ideas in this book, and loads of useful information. This is a reprinting from 1909, but just as useful as it was back then.



3. We purchased this book hoping for some old fashioned helpful hints, instead we were charmed by the nostalgia. I wouldn't consider this a "do it yourself guide" but, an industrious builder/ engineer could get a kick out of attempting these fun old ideas. Not overly useful but thought provoking.



4. If you like "old school" technology or "low tech", this is the book for you. You'll find things forgotten or that you never knew existed. Very handy for self sufficient folks.



5. I love the book and it has been passed to three other people already. Anyone that likes implements to do odd jobs and those that were used by our ancestors, will love this book. Perfect book for the person that is trying to be self sufficient on a small farm or acreage.

5 comments about 2006 International Building Code - Softcover Version: Softcover Version (International Building Code).

1. I looked all over for this type of book only to find that the price was out of our range. Then I went to faithful old Amazon.com. Need I say more.



2. My son needed this for one of his college architecture classes. This was the cheapest site and had really fast shipment.



3. Es un producto de valor inigualable para los que nos dedicamos al diseño de estructuras



4. Oh, this is good stuff! You know you hate to use these darned things, but if you're into any kind of commercial construction - you gotta have 'em!



5. This book provides me with all the information I need to do both residental and commercial building in the United States. Most states use most of the IBC with some amendments, which can be found on the state websites. Allows us to do business with ease.

5 comments about Amy Butler's Midwest Modern: A Fresh Design Spirit for the Modern Lifestyle.

1. Unlike some of the other reviewers, I understood the book's intent by the description. It's a LIFESTYLE book - there are not many patterns to copy (buy Amy Butlers IN STITCHES, if that's what you are looking for) - but there is plenty of eye candy. I expected more personal fashion (less home decor) based on the cover - as one of her patterns take center stage - but there is much more home decor/style than you could hope for. The studio & decor pictures are great. Lots of great ideas - completely adaptable without using her fabrics - - - Note, you will be hit over the head with Amy's fabrics - so yes, it is a bit of self-promotion going on, but that's just what I would expect. Great book! Lots of ideas!



2. I don't know how anyone cannot love this book. No, it is not a project book. Yes, it is a nearly-shameless tool to market Amy Butler's designs and style. So what?? I feel like the absolutely gorgeous photography and approachable, down-to-earth prose more than make up for that. If you love Amy's designs, you should love this book. If you are searching for inspiration to help cultivate a funky, eclectic sense of style, this is a great book. Projects - no. Inspiration - enough to spare. Enjoy!



3. A few publishers have finally begun to take heed of the desire of their reading public for books infused with lush photos, brilliant color, and elegant design, in addition to innovative writing that enchants and possibly compels us to try a little something new.
   There's luscious eye candy on every page. Amy Butler invites us into her home to examine her hip takes on art, craft, fashion, interior and garden design, even shopping. With photographs of every room in her house, various collections, the cat, a multitude of aprons, potted plants, and more, Midwest Modern is essentially a Design Lab encyclopedia. It's a lifestyle handbook, a 21st century version of Alicia Bay Laurel's artful 1971 classic, Living on the Earth.
   Today, when DIY is synonymous with cool and "I got it on Etsy" is heard at least as often as "I got it at the mall", artists and designers are blossoming and Amy Butler in full bloom. With a wholesome emphasis on recycling and reinventing, Midwest Modern overflows with exuberant patterns drawn from the natural world. In her epilogue, Amy writes, "Beauty is in the way you live. Enjoy your surroundings. Let them inspire you. Follow your own path, and approach everything you do with love in your heart."
   This book will make you want to get your Spring cleaning out of the way fast, so you can open the windows, crank up the music and make something pretty!



4. If you have a "vintage-chic" aesthetic, this is the book for you! I am consumed with interior design and love mixing new and old for an interesting, eclectic look. I became interested in Amy Butler after purchasing "Found Style" which is an earlier book put together by Amy and her husband with many ideas of how to mix up interiors with flea market finds. Amy Butler's Midwest Modern is filled with pictures of Amy's current home and shows how she successfully complements each room with new pieces, old pieces and fabrics she designs. A small portion of the book is a portfolio of her textile designs which she uses generously in her home for pillows and upholstery. I find myself referring to this book often for inspiration.



5. This book could stand alone as a coffee table book. There are many beautiful and inspiring pictures. If you like the Amy Butler look, this book will be inspirational.

5 comments about Sink Reflections.

1. A hoot - but seriously...
   This book have a few veiled religious references, but they're not obtrusive and don't smack you in the face. It's well thought out, humorous, and I can see it working for people just like me - slobs! I've lived for years in the certain knowledge that I'll live in CHAOs (Can't Have Anyone Over syndrome) for my entire life. This book is going to change that. She's down to earth, simple to follow and has carved out a plan she frankly says rescued her from lived in clutter and depression. She works with a known behavioral truth - habits take about 27 days to create - or break. So, she puts that forward as the core of her approach to shaping up your home. She starts you out with one simple chore. Shine your sink. I loved that. Like she says, I can do that! For the terminally disordered this book might be the way back to a clean house and an ordered life. I like the book, only received it about a week ago and plan to use it for at least 27 days. I have faith...



2. Recomend 100% I love this book and use it and refer back to it often. Wonderful



3. This book is great for starting anad maintaining a personalized housekeeping routine because you can start with "baby steps"; it also allows for flexibility to fit anyone's circumstances and lifestyle.Sink Reflections



4. I have really struggled with clutter. When we were married and my husband was deployed, in the apartment I had a narrow walkway from the door to the bedroom, and I kept stacking the dirty dishes to make room for more, everything else was lined with clutter. When we moved to a four bedroom home, one room and two closets were so filled, we could never use the stuff. Now, we are divorced, and I had a two bedroom apartment stuffed with boxes from the four bedroom home. Again with the walkways. I checked this book out from the library, kept re-reading the parts about what clutter does to our lives, then my former in-laws came to visit and I was mortified to admit, face to face, how I am raising our daughter in this mess. There it was, thrown open, no hiding, how I am living. So, I put the book in action, and with our daughter's help, within three days, the living room and kitchen were clean and clear. Now, we may sit down! And I may find the pet supplies, tools, towels, markers, shoes, and coats, right where they ought to be, right when I need them. It is so nice, and like Martha Cilley says, peaceful at home. I make a goal for this summer to clear the last untamed terrain of my own bedroom. All boxes, just a walkway. I have 6 weeks. Martha Cilley tells of a room she cleaned by giving away, throwing away, or putting away two items per day, until. I HIGHLY recommend "Sink Reflections".



5. In this book Marla Cilley explains in full detail how she recaptured
   her life....she is an expert at helping others "get a grip" on housework &
   decluttering your home and your life! Chapter by chapter she takes you
   in baby steps so as not to overwhelm you...as housework can tend to be
   very overwhelming......not with Marla...believe me, if you will just
   give this book a chance - read a chapter each day - you will be amazed.
   I had tried everything!!! I didn't even know about the book until a
   friend referred me to www.flylady.net....I can assure you that if you
   read this book, you will NEVER have to do spring housecleaning again.

5 comments about Elle Decor So Chic: Glamorous Lives, Stylish Spaces (Elle Decor).

1. When I saw the front cover of this book, esp. on Vogue magazine, it was very appealing. They are smart that they picked the best looking interior to feature on their cover. Elle Decor so chic, true, but not for long. You may get a little inspiration and maybe a little wow factor when you first flip through couple of pages, but not for long you will find it that the interiors soon become very similar. It is all the same setup, layout, furniture choices (lots of Chinoiserie and Hollywood Regency), and color schemes. I actually find it much more inspiring to read House and Garden UK version. I've seen too many of these kind of stuff and I am expecting something a little more bold and daring.



2. I bought this book for a friend who's an interior designer and ended up keeping it myself but of course, ordered another one for her. Why keep it? The book was different to what I expected. This exquisite book covers so many styles, ideas, lifestyles, etc etc it excited me enough to start redecorating my home. I've 'loaned' a couple of ideas from the book, mixed and matched others and am having the best time. 5 stars is well deserved for this absolutely necessary for every home book with it's great ideas. Not forgetting of course the fabulous photography.



3. Looking for chic rooms that are inspiring? Ms. Russell does it again. Edited from the pages of her magazine,she puts together a great resource book and/or coffee table topper to give you a brousing escape from our own dreary interiors.



4. This book is beautiful, certainly for the beginning decorator or if you just want to know how the "Beautiful People" live, this is for you! Exquisite pictures, great profiles, as well as great tips! Oh, and let's not forget the fabulous price!



5. This book features a lot of famous designers' homes that do a great job in describing their personalities and who they are. And the selection of it is all unique in its way, unlike those that are predictable, commercial looking and seem-to-see-it-before-ish. I did go through many books at a bookstore before I decided to pick this one. It just stands out!

5 comments about 2006 International Residential Code - Softcover Version (International Residential Code).

1. This code book is like all such books very hard to get into, but it is a good reference. It lacks as good an index as I would like. The paper, printing and binding are good.



2. In todays world this resource material is like another trool in my toolbox, a must have being a electrician.



3. This Christmas we gave this book to our son, at his suggestion. He is a residential Architect working in Kansas City. I asked him what he thought about the book, after having time to review it. His response was, "Tell them its irritatingly indispensable."
   
   Amazon is always outstanding in the supply and delivery!



4. If you are acting as a contractor on your home or garage project, then this book is invaluable to make sure that the subs are building to code or making sure that you are building to code. As an retired contractor and engineer, I've come to realize over time that codes actually do have a purpose in life besides making the building process a pain. The old farm house I bought probably wasn't built to code and it shows. A lot of farmers around here have to get up on their out-building and shovel snow because every year one or two more of their buildings collapse.
   
   The book is well organize by project phase so things are easy to find--cement pad, walls, floors, roof, etc.



5. The book quality and condition are as the same as the seller describes.
   If it's original copy, it'll be much better and easier to use.2006 International Residential Code - Softcover Version (International Residential Code)

5 comments about Building Construction Illustrated.

1. All of Francis D. K. Ching's books are valuable to architecture students. For drafting on the board or CAD, I refer to this, and other Dr. Ching books often. Other Dr. Ching Books I highly recommend are, Architecture: Form, Space, and Order; An Illustrated Dictionary of Architecture.



2. This book explains most everything about the stucture of a building. From the foundation to the roof. It also touches on basic mechanical and electricial systems. Plus, the book reviews site location and layout. The isometric drawings provide a high level of clarity. This book is a good refrence on home building, as well as explaining commercial construction fundamentals. I would highly recommend this book for anyone in the Contruction Industry. Construction students would also benifit from owning this book. I have my Degree in Building Construction. Man, do I wish I had this book when I was taking classes. It would have cleared up most of my questions. Buy it, you'll be glad you have it.



3. Please dont let this simple architectural graphic resource book that has been around now for decades be viewed as unworthy of your time, because it certainly has been beneficial as part of the resoureces needed for me to pass the ARE's and for a quick review in my professional life as well.
   
   This current edition is now updated with the needs of the 21st Century architectural firm and forward thinking, technological and sustainalble prcatices.



4. Confusing is the word I use to describe this book. I guess if you are familiar with all this stuff, it may be ok, but I spent the whole quarter looking for stuff that I never found. I had to rely on internet search to help me with terminology and lingos.



5. I am a 40 year + commercial real estate appraiser, real estate broker, property mananger, have participated in developing and remodeling offices and industrial properties. Have seen almost every publication offered by professional organizations, schools, public publishing companies. From beginners to those who have reached their business goals in real estate, this publication in in the upper ten percent. If I had to choose a single publication covering building construction, this one would be it.

5 comments about Stylish Sheds and Elegant Hideaways: Big Ideas for Small Backyard Destinations.

1. Full Disclosure Statement: My partner (who has also left a review) and I are featured in the book. That said, I have to say that I'm very impressed with what Debra Prinzing and Bill Wright have produced. The wide variety of styles - from sleek to whimsical to elegant - provides eye candy for every taste. Moreover, the sheds are not unattainable "follies" of the wealthy. They are realistically attainable garden structures that have been re-imagined in ways that truly enhance the quality of life. The book's "Resources" section, brings the idea of having a shed that much closer to reality. And by including information about the owners and how they use their sheds, you begin to understand how a shed can serve a purpose unlike any other room in your home. It can be an art studio, a retreat, an entertaining destination an extension of the garden, or anything else you can dream up. I have to admit that after first reading the chapter on our shed, I spent the next several evenings reading the rest of the book in detail. I found myself lusting after the Greenwich Village shed, and loving the architecture of the Zen-style teahouse in Texas. This is much more than a coffeetable book. It is a book of ideas, inspirations, resources and engaging personal stories. I'm very proud to be a part of it.



2. I'm one of the lucky shed owners in this book Stylish Sheds and
   Elegant Hideaways. And I'm a lover of modern design. When looking through books and magazines I'm always flipping quickly trying to find the "good stuff". Debra Prinzing found the good stuff for her latest book.
   
   This book has several contemporary designs, but I found the other sheds just as beautiful and interesting. I guess that's the style and elegance. Perfect title for the book.
   
   William Wright's photos are gorgeous. He captures the sheds in their surroundings which makes this book a good tool for designing your own backyard oasis.
   
   I want to use many of the great ideas I got from this book. In the chapter Poetic License the Italian tile is installed upside down and the Nordic pavilion in San Francisco has a grass roof. The glass block ceiling in the Manhattan shed makes a great sky light.
   Plenty of planting arrangement ideas in every chapter. I go on garden tours to get ideas. With this book I can visit 28 gardens and their sheds from my easy chair.
   
   I don't think I'm biased because I'm in this book. Just Lucky.



3. Debra Prinzing hit a home run with this book! How did she manage to locate so many creative garden houses and sheds, and each so unique? (Yes, she explains all that). There must be something about having your own special structure that fulfills some primal need in us. Those amazing structures she has included in the book are so personal you feel you have been given some insight into the character of the owners. As for me, I found myself dreaming about building my own garden house. It is easy for me to visualize it as an art studio, but also a place conducive to writing, as well as a wonderful place to escape to and curl up on a comfortable couch with a good book and a glass of wine ... while feeling attached to the outdoors as a gentle rain is trickling down the window panes. Debra, thanks for all the great ideas!



4. Debra Prinzing describes "salvaged" spaces as individual as their owners, detailing how such private places inspire the writers, artists, architects, gardeners and other creative people who are as interesting as their imaginative structures and favorite collectibles. From imported antiques that furnish the elegant outdoor dining room at the Babcock-Nahra abode to the rustic charm of the Boltons' Texas barn and the Suttons' graceful Japanese teahouse, these hideaways will make readers yearn for their own cozy nooks.



5. Debra Prinzing's newest book is a wonderful collaboration with William Wright, as photographer. Together, they documented fantastic outbuildings across the United States. These artist's retreats, decorator paradises, and architectural jewelry for the main house can sometimes scarcely be called sheds, but Ms. Prinzing makes all of us feel like friends who have dropped over for a glass of iced tea on a sunny afternoon.
   
   I knew I was in for quality enjoyment when I opened the book, and the first line paraphrased Virginia Woolf's "room of one's own." Hasn't every writer or artist longed for such a place? I know I have, and now I have several templates from which to choose.

5 comments about Healthy Child Healthy World: Creating a Cleaner, Greener, Safer Home.

1. I've been very impressed with this book so far (I'll admit I still have a chapter to go). I wish this book was available a year ago when I was expecting my first child. It addresses so many issues that I spent hours researching on the internet. I would highly recommend this book for anyone with a young child. Kudos to Health Child Healthy World for their efforts in keeping our children safe.



2. Great book for those who are learning how to go green. It has so much information to help you protect your family and Earth. It is an eye opener. We can make better choices now and it's important that we do so. Good luck, go green, be healthy, save Earth, enjoy the book and your life!!!



3. I read this book and liked quite a bit, but felt it wasn't really geared towards the every day person. I have a decent income, yet it overwhelmed me on it's push to buy, buy, buy to keep my family safe. It wasn't until I was almost finished that I realized his Hollywood connection, but it had seemed incredulous up to that point how he'd attracted so many celebrities as just a non-profit green guy.
   
   All that namedropping made it harder to see the book as aimed at everyday people (I wanted to see regular people talking about their changes and making it work, not people with millions to work with). Several of the shops mentioned in the resources section for places to buy from "just happened" to be owned by celebrities. A lot of the items mentioned as critical were really advertorial for specific brands and of course very expensive. There were a few homemade recipes & ideas, but just as many pushes for things that are a financial stretch for many people. A lot of cheap greener living items were barely touched on. Cloth diapers were a tiny paragraph and not given much kudos yet that is a huge item that is feasible for any income level. Only 1 of the 4 diaper brands listed in the resources was cloth.
   
   The intention was there, but IMO there are other books by regular people that are more inspiring, more realistic in what you're able to do time-wise and financially and still be as green and safe as you can.



4. While the target audience for this book is people living with or expecting children, anyone who wants to minimize their exposure to environmental toxins or pollutants would find it very useful. I am expecting my first child in the fall and before reading this book, I considered myself fairly knowledgeable about what's in the world around us but I have learned so much!
   
   The approach is not preachy but rather educational, and in fact early on in the book is the statement "No one can do everything. Everyone can do something." So even if small changes are made in one's household, health will be improved.
   
   After an introductory chapter, the book covers limiting exposures to toxins in the following settings: while pregnant, cleaning the home, choosing foods, beauty and hygiene, kid's toys, gardening, air and water, pet care, home renovation, and lastly, putting it all together. Information is presented in each chapter as a series of steps, and readers can make the changes suggested in one or all steps.
   
   Within each chapter are several sidebars written by either celebrities or others knowledgeable on the subject. Personally, I like these stories because they show how people (albeit rich people...) can incorporate the suggestions. Many times, the writers of the stories will discuss making a few major changes, but pointing out that another area hasn't been changed for certain reasons. It made me realize that I don't have to do everything to improve the living conditions in my home.
   
   I highly recommend this book. It's an interesting read and websites are given for those who want even more in-depth information.



5. I feel like I am well read on this topic. I learned alot and many useful, pratical tips. Its also written very well for those new to the topic. I made many notes and made a to-do list. I highly recommend!