Review of The 15-Minute Organizer (Paperback)

This is a book that I have referred to over and over again to get myself organized and stay organized.Emile Barnes uses a no nonsense approach to get you organized.Her common sense system of using a timer and giving yourself 15 minutes to stay focused on your area of attack is great.I am a working mom with two toddlers.I read this book originally when I got married 7 years ago.I read it at least once a year to reinspire myself and as a constant reference to stay motivated with a busy schedule to get organized.

Product Description

Bestselling author and time-management expert Emilie Barnes giveswomen the basic strategies they need to survive in today's busy world.Realistic and practical, each chapter offers proven methods for taking thestress out of meal planning, housekeeping, finances, holiday shopping, andmore. In just 15 minutes a day, readers will discover how to—

• whip their entire house into shape
• create a personalized daily planner
• double their closet space
• organize a fail-safe filing system

Now with an updated cover, the 15-Minute Organizer (over 220,000 copies sold) contains more than75 time-saving strategies on topics that include goal setting, involving childrenin chores, grocery shopping, and record-keeping. Women will discover they canget ahead and stay ahead.

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Review of Home Networking Simplified (Paperback)

The firs thing that struck me as I picked up this book is that it was from Cisco Press but didn't have any Cisco equipment in it. Instead it is profusely illustrated with all kinds of rather simple but informative drawings. Then when I did see some photographs of equipment it was of Linksys gear. Only started to read the Foreward of the book did I read that Cisco purchased Linksys. Now it makes sense for them to do a book about Home Networking.

Cisco specialized in things like big heavy duty networks. I was concerned that they might write a book on home networking the same way. But they didn't. The authors are Cisco people (well, one of them recently left Cisco) but then they tied in with the Geek Squad a volunteer group that offers computer support on the web (www.geeksquad.com). It appears that these guys have seen every problem the end user is going to have. They probably read the book and made suggestions, and then once in a while they add a little comment to further clarify what the authors have said.

Everything you can ask for about home networking is covered. It's covered in an easy to understand manner. All in all, this is the best, most complete book on home networking I've ever seen.

Product Description

An illustrated home networking handbook for the everyday user

Building a network doesn't have to be all work and no play-it can actually be fun! Home Networking Simplified is an illustrated home-networking book for everyone from Grandma Mary to your tech-savvy teenage neighbor.

Home Networking Simplified gives you the most basic need-to-know info and then teaches you how to get the most out of your home network:

• Learn the basics of home networking, from connecting to the Internet to connecting your computers
• Create a basic home network
• Grow and update your network with confidence
• Secure your home network and protect yourself from hackers and viruses
• Go wireless to put your computers where you want them-not just where cables reach
• Learn about the latest technologies, emerging trends, and coolest toys

Whether you're a newbie, a geek, or someone in-between, Home Networking Simplified helps you harness the power of home networking.

Debugged by The Geek Squad

This book is part of the Networking Technology Series from Cisco Press®, the only authorized publisher for Cisco Systems®.

About the Author

Jim Doherty is currently the director of Strategic Marketing with Symbol Technologies. Prior to joining Symbol, Jim worked at Cisco Systems, where he led marketing campaigns for IP Telephony, and routing and switching. Over the past several years, he has taught professionals in both academic and industry settings on a broad range of topics, including networking, electric circuits, statistics, and wireless communication methods. Jim is the co-author of Cisco Networking Simplified and wrote the Study Notes section of the Cisco CCNA Exam #640-607 Flash Card Practice Kit. Jim holds a BS in Electrical Engineering from N.C. State University and an MBA from Duke University. Jim also served in the United States Marine Corps, where he earned the rank of Sergeant, before leaving to pursue an education.

Neil Anderson is a manager in Enterprise Systems Engineering at Cisco Systems, currently responsible for enterprise branch-office networking and teleworking systems architectures. Neil has 20 years of diverse telecom experience, including public telephone systems, mobile telephone systems, IP networks, wireless networking, and home networks. Neil has held roles in Research & Development, Systems Engineering, and Technical Marketing. At Cisco Systems, Neil has worked with Virtual Private Network (VPN), Voice over IP (VoIP), and wireless LAN (WLAN) technologies, focusing on converged networking solutions for enterprise and small business customers. Neil holds a bachelor's degree in computer science.

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Review of Emilie's Creative Home Organizer (Barnes, Emilie) (Paperback)

First off, I'm an unusual reader for this book.

1)I'm 22.
2)I'm male.

But, since I'm going to be moving out on my own in a couple months, and I found this book at a discount, I figured "Eh, why not?"I want to have an organized home, and since I'm not yet married, I figured I'd have Emilie Barnes, housewife extraordinaire, give me some advice.

At that, she did okay.First, since I'm going to be living in an apartment by myself, much of the book was pointless, so I skipped several of the chapters ("Raising Children", "The Garden", "The Garage").But, what was left was pretty good advice.Simple things to make your life and more easier and more organized.Is most of it common sense?Sure.But, it's common sense that we don't necessarily think about without someone else pointing it out.

My major disappointments in this book were two-fold.First, it's terribly organized.One would think that a book about organization would be...well, organized.Instead, you get a more or less disorganized list of tips separated into topical chapters (which aren't always particularly accurate).Second, it can be kind of cheesy for me.Under "Beauty" (a chapter I browsed rather than read), she suggests to "teach a child to ride a bike".What that has to do with beauty, I'm not entirely sure, though it is a nice thing to do.

So, to wrap up, if you want a book with a step-by-step method for organizing your home and your life, look somewhere else.Emilie believes that whatever specific system you use has to work for you, so she doesn't bother offering one.If you want a book with some random good ideas that you could probably think of yourself if you had more time, then this is the book for you.Personally, I don't regret buying it.I think it will get me started on the right foot as I move into my apartment.(It's already encouraged me to clean up my room here at home!I haven't done that this thoroughly for 7 years!)

This book will encourage you to organize your life, and give you some tips to get started.But, Emilie certainly won't hold your hand all the way!

Product Description

More than 285,000 copies of Emilie's Creative Home Organizer have been sold! With its new cover,Emilie's timeless household wisdom will reach evenmore women from all walks of life.

A time and organizational management expert, Emilie offers thousands of helpful tips for cleaning,cooking, gardening, staying healthy, raising children, and more. From thekitchen to the bathroom, from doing laundry to cleaning out the garage, readerswill find innovative and practical suggestions for clearing out the clutter andorganizing what is left to make life easier and allow time for more meaningfuland fun activities.

Emilie's Creative Home Organizer has the facts,ideas, and creative solutions guaranteed to help readers save time, use their energywisely, and avoid stress.

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Review of Green Goes with Everything: Simple Steps to a Healthier Life and a Cleaner Planet (Hardcover)

Over the past year, there have been dozens of books on the green theme published, and Green Goes with Everything: Simple Steps to a Healthier Life and Cleaner Planet, by Sloane Barnett, is the newest. Barnett does her research and presents a good primer to get anyone started on a healthy, toxic-free life.

My biggest complaint is Barnett's obsession over non-toxic cleaning products and cleaning the home. On one hand, I get it--her son, Spencer, had an asthma attack at age three that landed him in the hospital. (Spencer gets better once the toxic cleaning products are removed.) The other source of her obsession is what is a bit annoying--her husband is CEO of Shaklee products, which are non-toxic household cleaning products.

Now, Barnett is not alone--there are entire books written about how to clean your home and with what products. I just think too many--including Barnett--go on and on about cleaning and non-toxic products--just DO IT and move on to more important subjects. really--cleaning the house is not rocket science...

The first three chapters are devoted to the subject of a non-toxic home. In chapter one, we learn "the real dirt on clean."The chapter discusses the probable toxins in our home and what is "scary" vs. is "safe" dirt.

Chapter two informs about the dangerous cleaning products in our home.

Chapter three is about alternative safe cleaning products. This is where we hear how wonderful and superior Shaklee products are. A bit too info-commercial for my tastes. Barnett does offer some simple handmade cleaning solutions and non-toxic household cleaning products that Shaklee doesn't manufacture. The reality--most of the "alternative" non-toxic cleaning products work just fine.

Chapter 4 is about non-toxic body care products. Hair color, deodorant and other unsafe products are discussed and safe alternatives are provided.

In chapter 6, Barnett explains how to eat organic while buying smarter and cheaper and what chemicals to avoid in food.

Chapter 7 discusses clean water. Good advice on how to make your tap water safe and to avoid the extremely wasteful throwaway bottles.

In chapter 8, a broader look at how to keep the air in ones home clean is discussed. Barnett writes about fireplaces and stoves, cabinets, furniture and upholstery and mattresses--all stuff that outgasses and degrades the air quality. She does a good basic job of this, but for ancomprehensive guide to all facets of furniture, walls, floors and more, a great companion to this book is: the award winner, HARMONIOUS ENVIRONMENT: BEAUTIFY, DETOXIFY & ENERGIZE YOUR LIFE, YOUR HOME & YOUR PLANET.

Chapter 9 covers energy in the home and Barnett provides easy ways to save on energy in the home.

There are resources at the end of the book for many green products.

Recommend as a good, green primer for the home.






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Review of Party Confidential: New Etiquette for Fabulous Entertaining (Hardcover)

I bought this book after reading all the glowing reviews - I was looking for some truly creative and inspiring new ideas for parties however I am completely unimpressed with this book.Granted the photograph's are lovely and show the celebrities enjoying themselves but there is no depth to the theme suggestions, menus, decorations etc. I returned the book because I do not need another copy of same old, same old.

Product Description
Planning a party can be fun, but doing it right requires organization and creativity.Social graces have gone through a major transformation since the days of Emily Post, so it's time for a book that brings you up to date on modern decorum.Along with advice from celebrities and experts in the field,Party Confidential: New Etiquette for Fabulous Entertaining answers the questions people want--and need--to know about everything related to a party, from planning to attending. It addresses topics that are not covered in traditional etiquette books and takes a new approach to covering the basics. You'll learn all the essentials, like how to:* Invite someone last-minute* Handle unexpected guests* Accomodate dietary requests like vegan or kosher* Leave a party early* Ask if you can bring a guest* Respond to an RSVP--and when* And much, much more.This is the only book you need to be a consummate host, as well as a perfect guest, at every party.

About the Author
Elizabeth Harrison and Lara Shriftman are the principals at the public relations, special events and marketingfirm Harrison & Shriftman, with offices in New York,Los Angeles and Miami.The special events division of their company has produced many highly publicized events, including hotel, restaurant and store openings, product launches, nmovie premieres and charity events. Lara spends most of her time in Los Angeles and Elizabeth lives in New York City. Together, they co-authored Fete Accompli!: The Ultimate Guide to Creative Entertaining and have been touted as experts in entertaining by Glamour, Elle, Vanity Fair, The New York TImes, "Extra," "E!," and :The Today Show."



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Review of I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence (Hardcover)

I have been enjoying Amy Sedaris's freaky-weird acting for years, so I had to snatch up this book the second I heard it was out. And, man oh man, I have been laughing for days. This is one addictive book, like a paper drug. I woke up this morning, and instead of thinking about my husband or cats or breakfast or my job, I imagined Amy Sedaris trying on pantyhose, and I thought "No Squirrels." (You'll understand after you read the book.) Then I wondered how on earth I would achieve that baked Alaska featured in her book.

This lady works comedic magic with this book. I have never, ever, ever read or seen anything like this strange book.

Yes, there is a plethora of valuable tips and recipes for entertaining, but the way Amy presents the info is nothing short of comic genius. The pictures are all gold. And her writing is rickety and charming. And wait till you find the secret poster! You will buy a locker just so you can hang it up!

Mark my word, this book will be *the* gift to give this holiday season. It is destined to make Amy Sedaris a household name. Plus, it is extremely useful and entertaining.



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Review of Help! Around the House (Paperback)

Wow! My parents taught me to help around the house. I knew it was important for my kids to learn to clean, and yet my husband and I usually have been doing 95% of it, with the kids "helping out" now and then. This book (I just got it and am only halfway through it) changed my way of seeing things, and made me realize I HAVE TO make my kids clean because it is everyone's job to clean the house. It is not mom's job that everyone helps mom to do. He tells you ways to motivate them, and has many ideas from other moms for how to get the kids to work. I always wondered what the secrets of some women were, who always had clean houses. Now I know! The secret, mom, is IT IS NOT YOUR JOB! Expect them to do it and take no guff. They live there, they use the dishes, they dirty the floor, they mess things up every day. If there are 5 people in the house over age 1, each one has to do his or her best to help keep it clean.

This is what motivates my 7 year old daughter: Do these things, and if someone (mommy trusts) invites you to play or sleep over, you will be allowed to go, or you can invite a friend over.If you don't do them, you will not go anywhere fun and will not invite a friend over.

This is what motivates my 5 year old son: Pick up one group of things, get 5 minutes of TV/ video games/ computer time (2 hour total limit on the media). Groups: All the clothing items, all the megablocks, all the Little People, etc.

My 2 year old likes to wipe up spills, put her dishes away, help load the dishwasher and clean up toys.

Lucky for me, my husband has always helped.



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Review of Home Therapy: Fast, Easy, Affordable Makeovers (Paperback)

Her top 10 decorating mistakes in the first chapter are good info.But then the rest of the chapters are about different clients and their makeovers.Too much time is spent describing the room (this lamp here, this picture there) both before and after....and not enough description of HOW she knew to put what where to make them better.The before and afters are dramatic, and it's amazing what can be done with what one already has.But she doesn't impart enough direction to the reader on how to know what would go good where.



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Review of Better Basics for the Home: Simple Solutions for Less Toxic Living (Paperback)

I'm single, a downtown apartment dweller, and I've been using natural, homemade cleaning products for almost three years. I have read - and use regularly - several natural cleaning books, including another of Annie Berthold-Bond's titles, "Clean & Green." However, I have become interested in "green living," not just cleaning. That means switching from commercial household products to homemade products for personal care, pest control, etc. That is what led me to "Better Basics For the Home."

"Better Basics" is far easier to use and much better organized and written than "Clean & Green." It is set up in logical sections according to the products' uses. The index is very good. You can find a recipe quickly, although I would suggest you read through the book once and get a feel for how to go about things. Also, one of the best aspects is the "Sources and Resources" section near the back. If you live in an area without health food stores, woods or land suitable for growing your own herbs, then this will be essential for your ability to find ingredients to make your own green household products.

This book is also suitable for the beginner green cleaner. Most of the recipes, once you have the correct ingredients, are very easy to make and quick to put together. That being said, this book is also for people who are really serious about green cleaning, personal hygiene, pest control and other aspects of running a household. I say that because some of the ingredients used in many of the recipes are costly if you have to buy them instead of gathering them from your yard or a nearby wooded area. Also, essential oils - literally essential in green cleaning! - are expensive. (A little goes a loooong way, though.) This is a lot more than vinegar-baking soda-Castille soap cleaning and requires a higher level of commitment financially.

As a single person, I also found that many of the recipes, especially the ones that are highly perishable, would make too much for me to use in the time they are fresh. Of course, the easy way to get around this is to simply cut the recipes in half or even a quarter. If you can cook or do some simple math (I'm terrible at math and I have no troubles), then you as a single person can cut the recipes down to a manageable, useful amount. I have already cleaned my leather couch, made lanolin hand lotion (great stuff!) and protected my hemp shower curtain from mildew with a spray-on solution containing tea tree oil. How long did it take? I did it effortlessly in one day, around other chores. Very easy.

I would recommend, if you are really interested in green cleaning by desire or necessity, to buy this book and also get "Clean House, Clean Planet" by Karen Logan. To me, Logan's book is the single best way to get someone involved in green cleaning. Her recipes tend to be cheap, easy and effective. This book has a far greater range of recipes for many more uses, but they are overall more expensive and specialized.

Also, a few tips if you are going to get into green cleaning:

1) Get equipment that is used only in making your cleaning products. Some essential oils and other ingredients are very bad for you to eat, and mixups and residues could make your day very long and very bad. I have a simple list: a medium-sized Pyrex bowl and 2-cup Pyrex measure, a silicone spatula, *metal* measuring spoons, a whisk and some glass jars with metal screw-on lids you can get at any decent-sized grocery store. With about $20-$30, you can have nearly all the equipment you will ever need.

2) Start with one product that is cheap and easy to make, and works on something you want to clean right now. Instant gratification is a great way to get into the habit!

3) Especially if you want to clean rather than make personal care products at first, buy one small bottle of essential oil that smells good AND disinfects to cut down costs. I happen to like tea tree oil, but if you prefer a wintergreen type smell, choose lavender. If you find out that green cleaning is for you, then you can branch out into other essential oils more suited for other tasks.



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Review of Restoring Order® to Your Home: * Consider Your Needs * Customize Your Space * Organize Your Life (Paperback)

I live in Europe, and found Vicki Norris' website some time ago. I really enjoy the before and after videos you can watch there, as well as several radio interviews. Her way of presenting things is enthusiastic and lively.
I ordered her latest book which is easy to read, but not as thorough as I expected and would have liked. I must say, it's a nice addition to my organizing books collection but it won't actually teach you many new insights. As mentioned in the title of this review, you can get all the information through her website as well. Watch the different videos and listen to the radio interviews, that will give you a good idea of her methods and how to tackle your own house...


Product Description

Vicki Norris, professional organizer and regular on HGTV'snationally syndicated Mission: Organization, shares her home organization expertise to help readers createand carryout a plan to live their priorities, enjoy their refuge, and extend hospitality.

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Review of Super Natural Home: Improve Your Health, Home, and Planet--One Room at a Time (Paperback)

Have you ever gone to the grocery store and heard someone complain about the expense of an organic food?You might run into them a few minutes later in the meat department selecting a 12-ounce T-bone steak with a price tag well over $10.00.Obviously, they aren't thinking about what they are getting for their money or they'd toss that steak back and buy the organic spinach.

Most of us have grown up making the wrong choices . . . water in plastic bottles, packaged foods with long lists of unidentifiable ingredients, and cleaning supplies strong enough to take the paint off the wall.

If you care about your health and the health of those you love, you will want to buy this book and then read it cover to cover.Inside this book is well-founded information which can help us avoid many of the toxic chemicals we can't see or taste, which are putting our health at risk for diseases and even death.If you're over 40, you probably have noticed (like I have) that you know many more people who are dying of cancer than when you were younger.There is a reason for that, my friends, and the toxic chemicals in our food and home is a definite contributor to our demise.

Beth Greer has become a well-known expert in this topic, and every page of her book tells us something we didn't already know.Would you have imagined that most of our garlic comes from China, and that it is whitened with bleach and injected with growth inhibitors to prevent sprouting?Don't look the other way . . . buy this book, get smart, and get healthy!

Lynette Fleming, Coauthor of Lunch Buddies: Buddy Up for a Better Diet


Product Description
Beth Greer had been living what she considered a healthy lifestyle when a medical crisis prompted her to reevaluate everything-from the food she ate to the personal-care products she used and the environment she lived in. Now, in Super Natural Home, she shows the alarming extent of the dangerous chemicals we unwittingly expose ourselves to every day. As she did in her own life, she invites readers to put their lives under a microscope-to scrutinize what Americans put in and on their bodies and bring into their homes-and to make personal choices that will enable them to "live clean" in a toxic world. The straightforward, solutions-based approach of Super Natural Home-complete with quizzes to help identify and correct potential toxic hot zones-speaks directly to what environment-conscious consumers really need: ultra-practical advice on what they can do right now to limit exposure to the poisons that are endangering them and their children. At a time when impeccable scientific research points to an alarming correlation between common chemical compounds and cancers, allergies, psychiatric disorders, and birth defects, among other serious health concerns, Super Natural Home gives consumers the tools to start protecting themselves and their families.



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