3 comments about Sharing A Place Without Losing Your Space: A Couple's Guide to Blending Homes, Lives, and Clutter: A Couple's Guide To Blending Homes, Lives, And Clutter.

1. At first you think it will be just one more book of organizing tips. It's much more than that. The author focuses on techniques not just for clearing out clutter, but on resolving personal differences in a couple's relationship that lead to the disorganization in the home. The target audience is newly merged households, but it works for anyone moving to a new house, or for long-term relationships that still have problem areas in their home.
   Although some of her examples end up suggesting seeing a marriage counselor, there is much the average couple can apply to their home situation and organizational problems.
   I like the final chapter where she talks about creating a "sacred space" or a personal retreat in your home. This goes on to involve feng shui principles which I was already reading about in other books (101 Feng Shui Tips for your Home by Webster, 10-Minute Clutter Control by Alexander.)
   The book goes room-by-room through the house pointing out ways to improve and make it more liveable. Throughout the book are written exercises to help you sort out your issues that interfere with a comfortable home.



2. Regina Leeds is extremely talented in motivating one to get rid of clutter and make a home livable. She has helped me immensely, and hope you feel the same when you read it as well.
   
   Remember, don't just let it collect dust, let it make a different you and your home will then reflect.
   
   Good Luck,
   
   
   Susan L. Curtin



3. At first you think it will be just one more book of organizing tips. It's much more than that. The author focuses on techniques not just for clearing out clutter, but on resolving personal differences in a couple's relationship that lead to the disorganization in the home. The target audience is newly merged households, but it works for anyone moving to a new house, or for long-term relationships that still have problem areas in their home.
   Although some of her examples end up suggesting seeing a marriage counselor, there is much the average couple can apply to their home situation and organizational problems.
   I like the final chapter where she talks about creating a "sacred space" or a personal retreat in your home. This goes on to involve feng shui principles which I was already reading about in other books (101 Feng Shui Tips for your Home by Webster, 10-Minute Clutter Control by Alexander.)
   The book goes room-by-room through the house pointing out ways to improve and make it more liveable. Throughout the book are written exercises to help you sort out your issues that interfere with a comfortable home.

5 comments about Serious Laughter: Live a Happier, Healthier, More Productive Life.

1. This book has given me a new insight into what humor is all about.For the longest time I was always feeling sorry for myself. Since reading this book I realize it's just all the way you look at it. This book helped me see that being funny and humorous is not a denial of sadness it is a way to view things. I've seen that with my kids. Everything is just the way you see it. If you can let things roll off and just laugh about them - see them from a different point of view, you can get through it easier. I sing when I vaccume to make my three year old laugh - she gets the biggeset kick about it. It just makes everything better. Life is just better.



2. This book takes second place only to attending one of the author's seminars or workshops in person. Even in literary format, Yvonne Conte empowers her audience with the ability to identify and use tools freely available to each of us to boost our level of joy, in spite of the challenges that life inevitably brings. If you are ready to discover the value of daily laughter, add another dimension of fun in your life, and put your worries on hold, you are ready to read this book. If you are still enjoying your misery, this could be a dangerous read.



3. I took this book with me on a trip I took to Europe last summer. I had it read in less than two days. It was very entertaining and kept my attention but more than that I found it to be very insightful. The stories she has in there about her family really crack me up because they could be my family too. At times I laughed out loud reading them. I am a college student right now and would recommend this book to college students to help them cope with the stress that comes with attending college. I think anyone could benefit from using a little more laughter in life. After all laughter really is the best medicine. I was not aware of how instrumental laughter is to our health. Read this book and find great ways to add laughter to your days.



4. I am a health educator and often refer my clients to this book since it's so full of joy and the light-heartedness that nurtures our spirit and promotes health!!
   I highly recommend it!



5. Ms. Conte is a "community college" graduate; it reflects in her book. To follow this dismal paperback with a book concerning a child and the 9/11 experience is appauling and reflects her uneducated hubris.

2 comments about The Complete Idiot's Guide to Beating Stress (Complete Idiot's Guide to).

1. I feel better already. What is different about this guide to managing stress is that it acknowledges that each of us is different and that what works to relax one person might not be the most effective strategy for another. The author approaches stress management from every angle -- from cognition to nutrition; from meditation and spirituality to aerobic exercise, laughter, and healthy "play." If you're into yoga, that works, but if you're not so inclined you will be glad to find out you might get just as relaxed by renting DVDs of your favorite comedies on a regular basis. The last part of the book is a workbook-based customizable program that will help you achieve a greater sense of control over your life and a more optimistic outlook in about a month. Start today!



2. One of the most talked about health subjects today pertains to stress and how it affects us psychologically and physically.
   
   Although it is still not clear exactly what stress is all about, we do know that how we perceive a stress-provoking event and how we react to it determines its impact on our health.
   
   Arlene Matthews Uhl, author of The Complete Idiot's Guide To Beating Stress states in her introductory letter to her readers that "feeling stressed, and not knowing quite what to do about it, hardly makes you an idiot. On the contrary, it makes you a busy, productive, involved, and responsible human being caught up in the frenetic pace and multiple pressures of the twenty-first century."
   
   Employing a well-rounded picture to the subject matter of stress, Uhl tells us that it is not an impossible task to control stress as long as you understand how to manage your reaction to it.
   
   The Complete Idiot's Guide To Beating Stress divides itself into six parts: twenty-first-century stress: stress-free mind makeover: restoration through love and work: bodywork: anti-stress self-care: and stress-beating workbook.
   
   Commencing with a general overview of stress, Uhl reminds us that stress can be among the most dangerous threats to our emotional and physical well-being.
   
   She then goes on to explore how negative and positive impact of stress play a pivotal role in our everyday activities and how beating stress must involve both body and mind.
   
   Uhl provides us with a description of the sources of stress as how we respond to disaster, stressful life transitions, stress toll of daily frustrations and dealing with reoccurring stress cycles. From here we learn about the downside of stress and how it affects our physical health as its impact on aging, our immune system, heart health, and our immunity system. However, we are reminded there is an upside to stress and Uhl examines the good kind of stress and how it can help us. We are also introduced to various stress styles and the Type A and Type B personalities.
   
   Once we have an idea as to what stress is all about, Uhl provides us with a map as to how to cultivate a stress-beating attitude with optimism, laughter and altruism. We also have a peek at the effects of meditation, visualization, and personal spirituality.
   
   Other parts of the book delve into the matter of how we can restore ourselves to a calmer lifestyle by recognizing and cultivating the most positive aspects of love and work. Included in this section are importance of family ties and friends, workplace stresses, benefits of physical exercise as well as yoga and t'ai chi, process of play, anti-stress foods, importance of sleep, and getaways.
   The concluding chapters provide us with crafting a personal plan, as well as a five-week stress-beater and how to hold on to new habits.
   
   There is no shortage of books offering advice as to how to cope with stress, but this one may prove to be one of the best.
   Occupying each section is a wealth of information that is well-organized and informative. At the end of each chapter there is even a short resumé of the important principles we should retain. The book also includes resources for further reading, at-home retreat resources, anti-stress destinations, and a comprehensive glossary and index.
   
   Uhl is a former psychotherapist who has written eleven books on a variety of popular self-help topics. She has appeared on national media, including Oprah and Good Morning. She also lectures on developmental psychology at the university level.
   
   Norm Goldman, Publisher & Editor Bookpleasures

4 comments about Reduce Stress & Anxiety (Success World Self-Hypnosis Series).

1. I found this tape stashed away in a relatives closet, when we were cleaning. It was mixed with some other tapes made by Dr. David Illig, but it was well worn. She gave it to me, and I've been using it since. It works great! I was hoping to get another, because this one is so worn out, but its not being manufactured anymore. I hope it makes a comeback, along with some of the other tapes I would like to order from Dr. Illig.



2. Dr. Illig addresses self image and guides the listener to relases excess worries. He is careful to note that certain amouts or types of stress are useful and that the listerner is in control. I haven't finished the 30 day cycle but can say that I do envision contnuing with the CD. When I find myself stressed I do use the audio program and have started to examine current and past circumstances and am avoiding traps that have caused stress in the past.If you are stressed out while others around you are not try this cd.



3. This is a very useful tool for anyone who is under stress. If it is used regularly, you can train yourself to recognize the signs of stress and use the breathing techniques to relax and lower stress levels. I have used this program for several years and have found it to be very helpful.



4. I LIKE THE FACT THAT I FEEL RELAX EVEYTHING TIME I HEAR THE CD THAT I FALL AS SLEEP, BUT THE REALITY IS THAT IT DOESN'T HELP ME MUCH AS ADVERTISED. I HAD A BETTER SUBLIMINAL CASSETTE I WISH I CAN FIND IT TO RE-SELL THIS ONE ...

5 comments about Whose Life is It Anyway?: When to Stop Taking Care of Their Feelings & Start Taking Care of Your Own.

1. This book is amazing. They say that the support group for children of functional families is the smallest in the world. This book is for the rest of us. If you have ever done something you didn't want to do because you lacked psychological strength of self and adequate boundary control, or if you have ever had someone else violate your boundaries in other ways, you need this book. It will help you identify the reasons you have allowed boundary intrusion, and will teach you how to mature into a self-directed person with healthier relationships.



2. Save your money and invest in other self-help book that is much easier to relate. The author seems to paint a very grimm picture of human relation. Many parts of this book writting were very confusing. I could not help but think book was written as an outlet therapy journal for author herself. There are much better self-help books out there in the market. Check this book out at your local library before investing your money on buying one.



3. I took the title of my review from someone else who wrote about this book.
   
   I expected intelligent essays and all this book has is a shopping list of ideas. The author does not explore any of her ideas.
   
   This book is a sorry excuse for a book; it is more like a brainstorming activity or a better phrase would be, it is merely like a shopping list.
   
   I read it twice and was afraid I was missing some gems. The fact is the book is missing any real content. It is a real joke that the publisher put this book in print.
   
   One of my favorite authors is Elaine Aron who wrote the Highly Sensitive Person. Elaine has more useful information on her web site than Ms. Brown has in this book. Save your money!!!!!



4. Detailed and practical this book is filled with great information and exercises to get you thinking about the ways we invite and the ways to work out of the grasp of the varied vampires, Machiavellians, narcissists, sadists, or combination there of that might have infected YOUR LIFE.
   
   Chapters
   1-Overwhelmed, Enmeshed and Manipulated
   2-Emotional susceptibility and Seduction
   3-YOU ARE NOT ALWAYS RESPONSIBLY FOR OTHERS (I LIKE THIS ONE A LOT!)
   4-Let others have their feelings. (Brilliant! Yes What a concept!)
   5-How You Play Into Others' Hands
   6-Psychological Strength
   7-Emotional Strength
   8-Your Creative Self
   9-Your Inspirational Self
   10- Better Relationships
   References
   
   More than 10 exercises dispersed throughout the chapters to do or not. If you don't do them it won't effect your ability to get through the rest of the material either.
   
   Just what I needed to boost me out of the caregivers rut and narcissistic family.
   
   Read and get on with YOUR LIFE! ;-)



5. This is an excellent book. I'm on my second reading of it. For anyone who wants to develop better boundaries and relationship skills, especially if the tendency is to be co-dependent or easily hurt by others -- this is the book for you!

5 comments about Time Off for Good Behavior: How Hardworking Women Can Take a Break and Change Their Lives.

1. I recently read Mary Lou Quinlan's book and enjoyed it because at times, Women Can't Do It All! Being a mother, a spouse, taking care of the house and managing a career doesn't always provide women with the time to take a break and consider what we want for ourselves. This Sunday's NYTimes (business section) interview with Mary Lou Quinlan made me realize that this is a much bigger issue.
   
   We need to slow down, take charge of our lives and start
   LIVING, rather than racing.



2. As I was reading this book, I felt like I had met my soul mate. I, too, am a Type-A "good girl." ("You need this report by Friday, would Thursday be better?") Fortunately for me, I was forced into a sabbatical before I really knew that I needed one (and then, of course, spent the next two years struggling with the fact that I had my entire identity wrapped up in my job/career, that only now am I beginning to enjoy life). I was floored when Mary Lou wrote about being so tired that incurring enough injuries to require a stay in the hospital (without being life-threatening) seemed an attractive way to take a break from the craziness. That thought had crossed my mind more times than I would like to admit. If you're thinking about taking time off, or are so tired that you can't even think, then you might want to pick this book up. Even if you can't financially swing a sabbatical, it's helpful to understand that you are not alone in feeling overwhelmed with your life.



3. If you are a hard-charging, hard-working professional woman who takes her laptop to the beach, you will recognize yourself in Time Off for Good Behavior. I could identify with many of the Type A "good girl" women Quinlan describes. She's right on target. She makes you think about your daily life in a whole new way. And, afterall, this is first step in making a change.



4. Mary Lou Quinlan really knows what she's talking about. As a thirtysomething single woman, reading "Time Off for Good Behavior" was extremely validating. Her own story and the stories of other women captured in this book are truly rivoting, and made me realize I am not alone. Amazing that the book summarizes how I've felt all of my working life(and even before then). A serious page-turner; you feel like you're having an initimate chat, rather than reading non-fiction.



5. As a man, I got a lot out of reading Time Off for Good Behavior. Mary Lou showed me how I can get more out of life and work by being smarter, better AND by taking it easy occasionally. I could relate to many of her experiences and I felt I learned from how she coped. Anyone, male or female who wants to have a rich professional and personal life will gain by reading Mary Lou's insights.

No comments about Stress Free Forever (Brain Sync Audios).

No comments about Bedtime Meditations for Kids (Calm for Kids) (Calm Kids).

1 comments about Stress, Coping, and Development, Second Edition: An Integrative Perspective.

1. I am taking a class called 'Stress and Coping' and we are using this book. I think it's an excellent book. The author gives great examples and it is easier to understand than most books. It is thorough and is multi-dimensional. I normally don't even like to read, but I try to read this book because I enjoy it quite a bit!

5 comments about Traveling Light Releasing The Burdens You Were Never Intended To Bear.

1. I have read over 13 of Max's books. I found this to be the most practical for my every day life.
   Buy it, Read it, find release in it's scriptural based instructions and thought provoking ideas.



2. Although I am still reading the book, so far it has been very insightful! Max really makes sense in the simplicity of what he is conveying, as well as making the reader think at the same time. Very enjoyable so far.



3. Our class picked this book as what we thought would be a light summer read. While it's certainly easy to take in, it has deeply affected each of us. This is a walk through the 23rd Psalm which is likely to be a comfort and a personal challenge to most who read it.



4. This is the best book I have read. It deals with the common burdens of life and how to hand them over to God. I thought it was so good I bought the large print book as well for my Grandfather to read.



5. 
   I'm a big fan of Max Lucado's writings. He is easy to read and down to earth in his approach to getting solid biblical points across. This book is one of his best. New christians as well as those farther along in their christian walk will enjoy this book.