5 comments about Totally Organized.

1. next to Flylady's book and her website. This book gives real practical advice, page after page, and I've read a lot of organizing books! It is extremely helpful for mothers with children. If I were to only have one organizing book, this would definitely be it. I highly recommend it.



2. As an extrememly unorganized person, I was looking for a book that would map out exactly what to do one step at a time. I get overwhelmed very easily. The day after ordering this book, my friend sent me a website link about organization, and I found that it was exactly what I was looking for. It talked about slowly getting to the organizing point that I want to be at and how to get there, baby steps. The website is flylady.net, and I found out that the lady who does this website has a book here on Amazon as well, called Sink Reflections. After being on her website, I wish I had bought that book instead, which I still plan to. From the website alone, my house has never looked better, it's still not even close to perfection, but at least now I feel it is somewhat presentable if someone were to show up at my door. Though Totally Organized may be helpful to many people, I find that I need more direction, and more mapped out steps. I would recommend you check out flylady.net before you make a decision.



3. I keep my copy by my bed. It's got great practical solutions and drawings to demonstrate. I give this book as gifts to those of my friends who won't be offended by the "self-help" implications of receiving it! I've implemented lots of the ideas.



4. ive read like 10 guides in this vien. this one should b read with other guides. its not the only guide u need.



5. This book had a lot of very practical ideas. You can tell that the author had real life experience with these situations and found solutions that work for ordinary people. My favorite was the idea to spend 5 minutes in each room. That really helped my with my biggest problem, the endless clutter. I would recomend this book to anyone who would like to streamline their life and feel more in control.

3 comments about Make Room for God: Clearing Out the Clutter.

1. In the year 2000, the author found herself alone and deeply depressed, her life "collapsing under the clutter." The self-help books she consulted were of some use, but missing the element of faith. Over time, with the help of friends, a spiritual director, and a Christian psychologist she was able to change her perspective about the meaning of life. In Make Room for God, Rowland shares the lessons she learned as God led her out of the clutter. "This book is a bit of bright orange paint pointing toward the path home," she writes.
   
   She encourages us to approach the lessons as a journey, beginning with an overall read, then returning to topics of special interest, spending up to 40 days on each. She urges patience with self and God, making small changes, and celebrating accomplishments.
   
   The book is formatted in nineteen chapters divided into five sections on getting rid of clutter in relation to (1) self-care, (2) our environment, (3) productivity, (4) our spirit, and (5) our relationship with God. Most chapters close with suggested activities. For example, Kicking the Worry Habit includes directions for making a "God jar" to hold little notes about worries we are handing over to God. The creativity exercise is a list of ten simple things we could do now to release more creativity in our lives. To get the juices flowing, Rowland provides a dozen or so ideas such as repotting a plant, writing a letter by hand, and making soup.



2. I was disappointed in reading this book...actually I made it halfway through it and lost interest...I thought it would deal more practically with everyday decluttering..of course with spiritual overtones..but it didn't really hit upon the decluttering in full force..perhaps I'll read the 2nd half..perhaps not.



3. This was an easy read. It has a lot of informative, good suggestions to make your life simpler and focused on what is most important.

2 comments about 1000 Best Quick and Easy Time-Saving Strategies (1000 Best).

1. As the author of this book I am bias. But I hope you'll read this anyway because I want to tell you why I wrote the book. For over 16 years I've worked as a Professional Organizer and Time Management Expert, helping overwhelmed, over scheduled people enjoy life more!
   
   While working together my client would almost always comment how quick and simple my ideas are. How they work for real life, and how no other book captures ideas for everyday living.
   
   Sure there are a ton on books on time management, but they mainly focus on corporate offices. How to manage meetings and projects. But how about laundry, to do lists, housecleaning, mail and so much more???
   
   So I pulled together my most tried and true techniques that even the busiest person can manage to integrate into his or her life. My style is non-judgmental and motivating! I promise to only give you practical ideas; you won't find any silly or complicated steps.
   
   I cover everything from speed cleaning, to the paper pile and filing, getting organized, caring for elderly parents or children (including children with special needs), meal planning and then actually cooking.
   
   
   The book NOT meant to be read cover to cover, if you want to you can, but the book is beast read a few tips at a time. The put the tips into action and come back and read some more.
   
   You can find lots of FREE tips on my website which is my name dot com. Please stop by where you can get your own clutter challenge, find a clutter club near you, learn about how to be a Professional Organizer and view my schedule to see me live or listen to me on the radio. Hope to hear from you soon! Happy reading- Jamie



2. I bought this book and I know it was writen for me!! It is great to learn how to improve your time. And it gives you very simple tips, that are at your hand!! but didn't come to your mind!!
   Great book!!! I recommend it to everyone!!

2 comments about Vineyard Simple: How to Build and Maintain Your Own Vineyard.

1. As the owner of grapeseek.com I am constantly receiving complimentary copies of grape growing books and this is one that really sticks out in my mind for the new or even experienced grower that wants his or her own vineyard. It describes the whole process from beginning to end and even tells you what you should be doing each month of the year and where to aquire the materials you need . Even if you are just a hobby grower this book is about all you would ever need to tend your grapevines. If I could only have 3 or 4 grape growing books this one would definitely be on the list!



2. This is a great book, recommended to us by Pete Anderson of San Diego. It became a daily reference book for us as we planted our own vineyard, which ended up to be over 1,000 vines in San Diego County. One piece of advice (which I may have missed in the book) " Don't trim your first year vines while they're still growing!" To see how we implemented the recommendations in the book, please visit www.winemakersjournal.com
   Craig Justice

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.

3 comments about Life Lessons for Busy Moms: Essential Ingredients to Organize and Balance Your World (Chicken Soup for the Soul).

1. This book is full of good tips for new moms, humor, inspiring quotes, and warm stories from real moms-including myself. It is easy to read and has some thoughtful simple solutions for everyday challenges.



2. Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (3/07)
   
   "Life Lessons for Busy Moms," is divided into 7 chapters. Each chapter is filled with wisdom, humor, advice, quotes, tips and stories.
   
   "Make Time To Nurture Yourself."
   The emphasis of this chapter is taking care of you, creating boundaries, cultivating your relationship with your husband and creating balance in your life. As a mother you wear many hats and you need to recognize how important your roles are.
   
   "Take Charge of Your Parenting Style/Philosophy."
   "Implement Creative Solutions (with an Organized Approach)"
   "Feed Your Soul."
   As a mother what do you need? What are your goals? What do you see as your future?
   
   "Keep an Organized Home."
   This is my favorite chapter. Organization! Our lives are less stressful is we have detailed schedules, systems and a good calendar.
   
   "Solicit Help."
   We all need assistance at sometime or other but many of us refuse to ask for it. No matter how hard you try you can't be Supermom!
   
   "Make Time to Slow Down"
   When we slow down we come to appreciate "the small things in life" those little moments that later we wish we hadn't rushed through. We come to cherish what's happening right now instead of worrying about what might happen, "the what if's."
   
   I wish I'd had this book years ago when my three children were little. Looking back on those precious years I wish I'd been more organized, more stress free. I wish I'd taken more time to enjoy those special moments as they happened rather than stressing out over unimportant things.
   
   This is a delightful book with sound, sensible advice and suggestions written in a humorous style. The stories are sure to bring a smile to the faces of mothers and grandmothers. This book would make a fantastic gift for a new or expectant mother. I highly recommend "Life Lessons for Busy Moms" to all mothers and grandmothers. My daughter and daughters-in-law will each be receiving a copy.



3. This book is defenitly something i would recommend to mothers who are feeling overwhelmed, need advice on how to cope with staying home with young ones & just a great book for those who need a pick me up. It helped me cope when i felt like i wasn't doing everything right..trying to hard to be perfect and trying to manage a blended family with 4 kids!

5 comments about The Complete Idiot's Guide to Organizing your Life (3rd Edition).

1. ive read over 10 guides in this vien. this one's an overall dry read. i know my review's harsh but its the truth.



2. With all the harsh reviews of this book, I had to put my two cents in. All my life, I had kept everything because I was so sentimental. Any little thing I was given, no matter if it was useful or not, was to be kept. I spent most of my teenage years perenally cleaning my room. It's not that I was a slob persay, but that I didn't have enough room to keep everything put away neatly. So it overflowed into my attic.. which was a mess as well.
   
   When I went to college, the clutter came with me. Finally, the summer of my freshman year, I saw this book (2nd edition I think), in a bookstore and picked it up. I can honestly say it was a Godsend. Georgene Lockwood gave simple advice for dealing with the clutter that had taken over my life. It took me all summer to put everything in order. I had to get over the "attachment" I had to each item. I followed Lockwood's common sense approach for cleaning out each room, and closet. I gave things to friends, charities, had yard sales. For the first time in my life, I started to keep a filing system following the principles put forth in this book. I learned what chores I should do, and how often to keep the house cleaner. Now I have my own home, and it may not be perfect, but the amount of clutter is very low, and pretty much everything has a system.
   
   The straight forward style of writing may be intimidating to those who aren't ready to make a life change. It's kinda like dieting, you have to be ready to change. If you're willing to make a change and strictly follow the steps in this book, you'll be all set.



3. Book looks like it is what I want. Received it in good time and excelle nt condition. Thanks so much. KA



4. This is an excellent book. It helps you put together a plan to get started. I just got rid of 30 bags of stuff I didn't need. Nice and refreshing. It has helped me with my shopping problem. I highly recommend this book.



5. Let me first say briefly that I don't care for the "Complete Idiot's ...." series name. It's one thing to be called a "Dummy" by another popular series, but a "complete idiot" is taking it a step too far, at least for me. So why did I pick up the book and read it? Well, frankly, most of the other titles available looked a bit too dry, and this was cheap.
   
   In spite of my prejudices against the book, the first four chapters really impressed me, particularly the foundational discussions that analyze what role "stuff" plays in our lives and why we become bound to "stuff." This section of the book cut pretty deeply. As a matter of fact, I should go back and reread it every year or so.
   
   The middle sections of the book dealing with actual organizational techniques, were in my opinion good but only average. I read a couple other organizational books at the same time as this book, as well as many web sites, and found that there is a lot of common wisdom about organization that is expressed in different words, but is more or less equal. However, if you really need this book, then it's likely that you need a plan to be laid out for you, even if it is only common sense. After all, not all recipes are amazingly creative, but we still need to follow a recipe!
   
   Toward the end, the book includes chapters on organizing your taxes, your finances, your pet supplies, your vactions, etc. This is where I more or less lost interest. It's also the primary reason this is a four star (maybe three and a half) rather than a five star review. I've no doubt that these chapters may help some readers. However, if you just want to organize your "stuff," then you may be left wishing for more advice on organizing general THINGS and less advice on organizing specific items such as vacations and taxes.

4 comments about Smart Organizing: Simple Strategies for Bringing Order to Your Home.

1. I found this book very informative & helpful. There are a lot of good ideas. It is easy to read & follow. Highly recommend it.
   
   Ellen



2. In the last month since I have been reading "Smart Organizing" my use of time and space have been revolutionized by appling the 20/80 principle that Sandra Felton discusses her book. The principle states that 80% of the results we get in our lives are from focusing our effort on the most important 20%. Each day when I have felt overwhelmed by the list of things to do in my limited time, or things to buy with my limited money, or things to store in my limited space I have asked myself, what is the most important 20% to do today with my time, money or space. It has been wonderful to see the results! I am making steady progress in organizing my space, time and money and feeling so much better about my decisions. This book also focuses on specific areas of the house, plus suggestions for taking care of laundry, meals, and even messy cars. Very helpful in finding motivation to change and suggestions of how to change. Thanks, Sandra.



3. Rather it is about maintaining unequal relations between men and women. This book disappointed me because it suggests on several occasions a link between a neat house and god's approval. And the scenarios portray a male-dominated household with a woman keeping it neat. Totally retrograde. I'll find other reasons to declutter my house--and with those reasons, other methods and authors. I feel misled because none of the descriptions emphasize the Xtian focus.
   
   Christian readers might well like it, but I just believe the book should really be more forthcoming about its status as a Christian publication.
   
   I would have given it zero stars if I could.



4. I would recommend this book to anyone who cringes at the idea of having friends over for dinner and anyone who wants to transform their "house" into a "home".
   
   This book is not just about housekeeping but about how to put the least amount of effort into any project and get the biggest effect. It stresses the difference between being a perfectionistic housekeeper and one who is effective. Perfectionists put off cleaning because they don't have time to do everything perfectly; effective cleaners put 20% effort into a project, and reap 80% benefit for their efforts.
   
   Learning to be an effective organizer is a skill that can be applied to time management, budgets, and just about any other aspect of life. I highly recommend this book.

1 comments about The Ultimate Book Club Organizer: A Planner For Your Reading Group.

1. A few years ago, I tried to get together a book club for the natural food store where I worked. I figured that we could get a group of folks that liked to read about food & health-related subjects and have a low-key meeting in our cafe. The problem was, I had never been in a book club, let along coordinated one. So I went to the book store and looked for a guide, only to find reading lists and info on books. I already knew a few books that we could start with, but I didn't know anything about actually running the club.
   
   So I was really excited to see this organizer. It has a section for a membership roster with spaces for all the info one would need; sections to keep track of what books were read & what the group thought; a list of suggested books; reminder slips to give members; a calendar and a ziplock pocket for pens and other stuff. I REALLY could have used it when I was planning my group.
   
   Another cool thing about it is that since it has all the info one would need to run the club, another person could pick it up and jump right in such as when someone is on vacation or sick.
   
   I highly recommend it for new or experienced book club folks.

5 comments about Time Alive: Celebrate Your Life Every Day.

1. As always, Alexandra never fails to inspire me to be more creative, to open my eyes, to live life and enjoy even the smallest things. She does not advocate a lavish lifestyle. On the contrary, her books have more to do with enjoying the little things in life that do not cost much.
   I have all her books and this one has new ideas for me to underline, just as her other books are well read and underlined on my shelf. She is one of my favorite authors....



2. This charming book is full of inspiring ideas on how to make the most out of life by creating standards and honoring the sacredness of time. As with all of Alexandra Stoddard's books, this is for the optimistic person who delights in the romance and wonder of everyday life.



3. Okay, Ms. Stoddard is who she is and probably means well in writing about her idea of living well. I have read her other books, and I think "Living a Beautiful Life" is the best of the lot. I agree with the other reviewers that she seems pretentious, but perhaps she is targeting those who actually have the time and money to follow her suggestions and play in her league. At the same time, so many people are aspirational and want to read about the lifestyle they dream of having--even if odds are that they never will.
   
   I found "Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy" by Sara Ban Breathnach more inspiring and realistic. I bought it in 1995 and still have a look at it now and then. So, if you're trying to carve out a little extra grace, pleasure, and serenity for yourself, that's the book I would recommend.



4. I own nearly all of Ms. Stoddard's books and have been reading her reviews for this and other titles she has written. Clearly, it is true that she is consistent with her message, which is repackaged in different ways, with different themes and emphases: time, beauty, home, happiness, love, etc. Yet one does not buy a new Alexandra Stoddard book and expect a new Alexandra -- rather, one expects to resume a conversation with a friend who is known and trusted. Like a good friend, Alexandra repeats her ideas now and again, she shares with us what she considers important, and encourages us to move on in our own lives with grace, positivity, and joy.
   
   I am a professor of American literature and understand that Alexandra includes quotes from great American writers including Ralph Waldo Emerson, Edith Wharton, and Henry David Thoreau. She also includes her favorite messages from world authors, philosophers, historians, politicians, artists, and designers. Indeed, in this sense, Ms. Stoddard does not have a new message: she shares her take on the messages she has gleaned from a lifetime of reading and experience. One could say that it would be best to just read Emerson or Thoreau -- but how many do? Is Ms. Stoddard not a messenger encouraging our own reading of these classics along with her message of how they have been important to her? As a professor of American lit, I am thrilled that someone is quoting Emerson and Thoreau in hopes that Ms. Stoddard will lead her own readers to search out these classic American texts. The 19th century British writer Thomas Carlyle wrote in "Sartor Resartus" that there are no new texts, but rather old ideas tailored in new and different ways. And so it is with Alexandra Stoddard. Before dismissing her, perhaps we might consider the possibility that she brings classic ideas to a broad audience -- that she has re-tailored the ideas of Emerson, Thoreau, and others for our times and for the general population.
   
   I understand and can empathize with those who do not relate with her lifestyle -- indeed, she is blessed with a good life -- one that it appears she has worked for. I am happy for her and ask this: why should an individual's hard work, good fortune, and general abundance indicate that we, as a more general population, cannot relate to her? If she can afford more than we can does that mean her ideas do not apply to us, that she is removed from life as we know it? Oprah Winfrey, for example, is a fabulously wealthy woman -- one of the richest Americans alive -- and no one questions her ability to relate to common people. Granted, she was challenged as a child to overcome a difficult set of life circumstances, yet we do not know what Alexandra has overcome in her life -- can't she also express her ideas about a life well-lived without us judging her ideas in terms of her socioeconomic status? Let's move beyond this to her ideas, I say. Look at what she has to say at its core -- many of these ideas are universal.
   
   I am grateful that Ms. Stoddard keeps writing. I read her as a respite from other reading. I read her as I would read a letter from a friend. I do not judge her as she does not seem to judge others herself. I take her messages at face value and accept her suggestions for living as her own way of spreading a spirit of good faith.
   
   As I mentioned, I teach literature: my classes read works by Kurt Vonnegut, John Updike, Langston Hughes, Toni Morrison, Kate Chopin, Theodore Dreiser, and others. Ms. Stoddard presents a particular slice of life -- it seems as valid as any to me. She does not claim to be the great American author or philosopher, but someone who can encourage us to look at our lives more carefully and help us to live more fully and mindfully. Although I understand the misgivings of some, I am grateful that she has chosen to write. Her work has contributed to my life, and I look forward to her hearing her voice again in her next volume.



5. Knowing and becoming takes time. Alexandra writes in this book, "Patiently continue to grow, trusting your intuition that is your real guiding light. This innner knowing is instinctive. The truth will continuously be revealed to you without reason or outer knowledge. You possess this innate capacity of perception. Let this subtle, spontaneous awareness teach you who you essentially are." What are your priorities and goals? What do you hope to achieve in your life, and what are the things that are blocking you from becoming. I think this book is helpful in beginning that kind of a conversation with yourself.