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 Messies Manual, The: A Complete Guide to Bringing Order & Beauty to Your Home (Paperback)

Ok, I admit, I am a MESSIE... I throw stuff down wherever it lands, I "stuff and shove" in a hurry to make my home presentable, I loose things continuously, I have too much and I am overwhelmed by it all!
I really hate the clutter around me, but haven't known how to change and make it stick.

I've read other books and still hold to much of what I have learned there, but I NEEDED to learn more, more about myself- what makes me tick- and how I can work with my own unique personality (Ok, so not so unique after all!) to not just "clean the house"-- but to kick the messie habits and reform.

I am in the process of "recovery."Cleaning out places that haven't seen the sunlight in 10 years.I am learning (with Sandra's help)- to SIMPLIFY, SORT and STORE- sounds easy doesn't it?NOPE!but easier with her help and tutoring.

This book is part of my journey- not just to a presentable house today, but to a truly peaceful home and lifestyle. I recommend this book to anyone who has tried and failed and is ready to try again.


Product Description
This is the book that started it all! First published twenty-five years ago, The Messies Manual has helped over 350,000 people get rid of their messy habits. Sandra Felton's foolproof advice on organization has made this book a proven best seller that has helped organizers of all ages overcome a lifetime of messy habits. Expanding on the hot, new trend of home improvement television shows, this updated edition includes a new foreword and loads of insightful ideas. Presented in an easy-and fun-to-read format, this practical and perceptive book will help readers-organize activities-pay bills on time-keep a clean house-enjoy spare time without feeling guilty-and much moreFelton's compassion, humor, and practical tips will help anyone make chronic messiness a thing of their past.

From the Back Cover
Do you constantly misplace books, keys, bills, shoes, pets, or . . . children?Are you tired of fighting an avalanche every time you open a closet or cabinet door? Do you never answer the phone because you can't find it? Welcome to the world of a "messie"! Before you run home and apply for a home makeover, let The Organizer Lady™ turn your anxiety into inspiration. Sandra Felton's practical advice will make your dreams of an orderly lifestyle become reality.Whether you are the "messie" or are living with one, The Messies Manual provides loads of resourceful tools that will help you- organize your activities- pay bills on time- keep your house clean- enjoy your spare time without feeling guiltyWith over 350,000 copies sold, The Messies Manual has a new foreword and a wealth of insightful ideas that will help you make chronic messiness a thing of your past!"Sandra expresses powerful ideas in an easy and fun to read format. I laughed and cried as I recognized myself in these pages."-Marsha Sims, president, Sort-It-Out, Inc."Felton has done it again! The Messies Manual is a fun book to read, filled with practical advice and a voice of compassion that rings through in every chapter."-Judith Kolberg, director, National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization



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Review of Organizing Magic: 40 Days to a Well-Ordered Home and Life (Paperback)

I find it hard to believe I read the same book these other folks did. Perhaps when they saw "Organizing Magic," they thought it meant "Instant, Easy Organizing." It doesn't.

But if, like me, you have read stacks and stacks of household hints books, and organizing books, and you are still fearful about letting others into your home, this book WILL make a difference, IF you actually follow the directions.

This book isn't meant to be read in an afternoon or two, even if the generous use of checklists, white space and text boxes makes it look like a quick read. It requires a daily commitment to reading, notetaking, and analyzing YOUR situation and YOUR attitudes. It doesn't assume that the same answers will work for everyone; maybe that's what frustrates some readers. Instead, working through the book a chapter at a time helps instill new attitudes and new habits in dealing with a cluttered home, with solutions tailored to YOU. New attitudes and habits are what people with a serious cleaning and organizing problem need -- not tips and tricks, although those have their place, and there are some in this book.

After you can open the door all the way when a friend comes by, THEN you can read all the Heloise, Martha Stewart, and Cheryl Mendelson you want to. Because THEN it will really stick.

This isn't a fast-food approach to making a better life; it's from scratch -- takes patience and time, but ultimately more nourishing, healing, and helpful.

Product Description
Every busy, harried woman wants to be more organized. But actually satisfying that desire is another story. Why does organization have to be so difficult?It doesn't! Not according to The Organizer Lady™. She's back with an all new, forty day plan that will help women achieve a well-ordered home and life. Practical and easy to apply, Organizing Magic shows women how to get control of the clutter, chaos, and disorganization of their homes. Each day they'll learn tried and tested organizing tips such as how to- recognize the time realities of modern life - simplify your solutions - wrestle that e-mail to the ground - handle paperwork - zap hidden hindrances - and moreReaders no longer have to settle for mess! With a fun, two-color interior, reader-friendly design, and Sandra's own signature warmth and compassion, Organizing Magic will show women how to create an organizational system to manage their space and time. Organizing doesn't have to be difficult, says Felton. Because an orderly home is never more than forty days away!

From the Inside Flap
Catalog excerpt:The purpose of this book is to help you work less and still accomplish your aims--maybe even better than before and certainly more efficiently. As you read, you'll see tips that will work for you, helping you simplify what you do and how you do it. These tips are proven strategies for getting and staying organized. Some tips take more time and energy--for you, they may require more effort than they're worth. Some, you may already have tried and rejected. But keep an open mind: You may decide that a few you once knew and have forgotten, or had earlier rejected, may be more useful to you now.Does this book cover all of the tips and strategies you will ever need? Unlikely. But I can promise you this: if you follow appropriate tips in this book, your organizational life will improve significantly. You will be amazed.



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