Review of Living Organized: Proven Steps for a Clutter-Free and Beautiful Home (Paperback)

Being merely an updated version of the Messies Superguide, I was a bit disappointed when I started reading this, since I wasn't aware of that fact before I purchased it.The book is fine, but I already had a copy of the superguide, and so I felt a bit ornery about it.

Nevertheless, the ideas in this book are sound, and have helped me to slowly start organizing my own house.Heavy on theory, and rather light on examples, "Living Organized" spends most of its time reassuring you that no, you're not a horrible person because you can't keep your house clean, and yes, there are solutions to your problems.It does take a rather traditional view towards housework (referring to the "motherly" jobs of keeping "husband and children" organized, etc), but if you're able to take it with a grain of salt, then you should be fine.

Product Description
The Organizer Lady™ makes it easy for readers to develop strategies for mess-free living. Author of the best-selling Messies Manual, Sandra Felton shares her insight on the best ways to bring out the hidden beauty in messy houses. Included in this comprehensive guide to "cleaner living" are 100 little-known housekeeping tips, inspiring testimonies from recovering Messies, strategies for living with a disorganized people, and action plans to help win the clutter war. With enthusiasm and humor, Felton makes housekeeping easier and less overwhelming for the organizationally challenged.

From the Back Cover
Develop strategies for mess-free living! Everyone wants a beautiful home--one that welcomes visitors gracefully and provides a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. But as we go through life we acquire all sorts of stuff that clutters up our lives and our houses. And a beautiful home is just not possible if every nook and cranny is considered fair game for storage!Now you can win the clutter war. Sandra Felton, The Organizer Lady, shares her insight on the best ways to bring out the hidden beauty in messy houses. She makes housekeeping less overwhelming for the organizationally challenged with-interior design tips-inspiring stories from the organizing trenches-advice for coping with a messy spouse or childDon't settle for a messy house. Learn the strategies you need to get organized and stay organized. Who knows? The house of your dreams could be right under your nose.



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Review of How to do just about anything (Paperback)

I just bought a house and it may have completely fallen apart if I hadn't had this book.When my ancient solar water heater broke, I brought out the book and found a diagram of the collector. When the sewage backed up, it described the repair procedure.When the rose bushes needed trimming, the fireplace needed cleaning, and the gutters needed flushing the book described how to do it all.In fact, I haven't yet referenced it and not found what I was looking for. The book is very diverse. It covers not only home repairs.It discusses just about everything we do, almost every day.I couldn't find anything comparable at any bookstore or online site and I can't live without it.

Product Description
From home and auto repair to health and beauty care, from gardening and cooking tips to financial and legal advice, an A-Z guide to 1200 ideas, techniques and innovative solutions for getting everything done faster, better, and cheaper.

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Review of Not So Big Remodeling: Tailoring Your Home for the Way You Really Live (Hardcover)

As a designer, I like to read books on home and garden design and remodeling. Not So Big Remodeling, by Sarah Susanka and Marc Vessallo was wonderful.

This book is weighty, and beautifully laid out. It has tons of photographs, diagrams, and floor plans. And, it is simply loaded with information.

Not So Big Remodeling is also great because it shows how small--and inexpensive remodels--can yield big results.

In the introduction, Susanka writes: "It is my fervent hope that you'll discover that the house of your dreams is actually hiding right where you live today." That's what this book is all about--customizing your home so that it fits your needs exactly. You may still need the help of experts, but this book teaches you to ask the right questions, to figure out your needs and then address them.

The book begins with the remodeling jobs Susanka did in her home.

The book covers remodeling jobs for every room in the house. I like the "Questions to ask yourself," found throughout the book, and the many useful bulleted lists.

The chapter on green remodeling was a great addition. Here again, Susanka shares what eco-friendly upgrades she has done in her home.

I highly recommend this book before you do any remodeling.

If you are interested in this topic, you may also like an award winningbook on improving and greening the interior design of your home--HARMONIOUS ENVIRONMENT: BEAUTIFY, DETOXIFY & ENERGIZE YOUR LIFE, YOUR HOME & YOUR PLANET is great for that. For the outside, I recommend both Susanka's OUTSIDE THE NOT SO BIG HOUSEand COMPLETE HOME LANDSCAPING givespractical advice for the property.



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