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Post by artax on Apr 4, 2012 9:02:31 GMT -5
Dear Mods: I've used the search function and couldn't find a thread dedicated this topic, but if there already was one, feel free to merge this one. Thanks.  In addition to this board, I've been finding some books to be helpful, and thought I'd share the titles in case they could help someone else. Organizing from the Inside Out by Julie Morgenstern link: www.amazon.com/Organizing-Inside-Out-Second-Edition/dp/0805075895Probably the most useful so far. I'm chronically disorganized, and this has helped me go through things systematically, room by room.
Home Comforts: The Art & Science of Keeping House by Cheryl Mendelson link: www.amazon.com/Home-Comforts-Science-Keeping-House/dp/0743272862/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1333552480&sr=1-1A great insight for those of us who have never had organizational/cleaning guidance growing up; mostly a comprehensive review of the nuts and bolts of running a home. Perhaps too obsessively detailed for some, but I've found it fascinating.
Sidetracked Home Executives: From Pigpen to Paradise by Pam Young & Peggy Jones link: www.amazon.com/Sidetracked-Home-Executives-TM-Paradise/dp/0446677671/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1333552532&sr=1-1Just started their index card system a couple of weeks ago, with impressive results. Written in the late 70's but still very applicable. A sort of Erma Bombeck-meets-Flylady. (Incidentally, this is the book that got Flylady started.) Any other cleaning/organizing books out there that are helpful? Feel free to share. |
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Post by CourageouslyLion SeeksSerenity on Apr 4, 2012 9:21:52 GMT -5
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Post by sidestep on Apr 4, 2012 9:36:05 GMT -5
Thanks for linking the booklist, Lion.
I have them in the order of which were being more frequently/recently discussed or most emphasized on SoS which is why they are not in alphabetical order.
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Post by CourageouslyLion SeeksSerenity on Apr 4, 2012 9:45:27 GMT -5
P.S. to Artax: Yes I know the search function on this site is hard get results from, so it's understandable that you didn't find other threads on books. By the way, the owner/founder of squalorsurvivors.com "Pigpen" chose her internet username -- as inspired by the " Sidetracked Home Executives: From Pigpen to Paradise" book that you mentioned. And our original squalor discussion (from year 2001) was before the founding of squalorsurvivors -- on one of JulieMorgenstern's former websites. Links to that is here: takeonestepatatime.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=general&thread=17608So we have "history" with those books & authors. Artax, thanks for bringing them up again.
Artax, thanks for pointing out "Home Comforts: The Art & Science of Keeping House". I hadn't heard of it before. I found the amazon.com page here: www.amazon.com/dp/068481465XI was curious, so I just googled the author Cheryl Mendelson. I found a few of her cleaning tips here: www.foodandwine.com/articles/a-cleaning-gurus-tools-cheryl-mendelsonIt would seem that Mendelson agrees with our member/moderator Script by saying that Miele is the best vacuum. The publisher has posted the entire introduction to "Home Comforts: The Art & Science of Keeping House" here: books.simonandschuster.com/Home-Comforts/Cheryl-Mendelson/9780743272865/excerpt_with_id/13630It's quite long and really gives the author's attitude about housekeeping and why she's writing about it. = |
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Post by artax on Apr 4, 2012 10:32:41 GMT -5
Thanks so very much, C.Lion and Sidestep! I knew there was some book info to be found somewhere around here. You all are the bestest. Home Comforts is so comprehensive. It covers EVERYTHING, from folding towels to putting out electrical fires to brewing a perfect cup of tea. Before this book, I was absolutely clueless, even in regards to "simple" tasks like sweeping floors or making beds -- because I'd never seen these activities properly done before. Also, the Wall Street Journal-style pen and ink illustrations and diagrams are especially nice for those of us who need clear visuals. |
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Post by def6 on Apr 4, 2012 17:34:43 GMT -5
Thanks Artax! I plan to get the book Home Comforts...sounds like a great book!!
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Post by fluffernut - now Jannie on Apr 5, 2012 10:43:42 GMT -5
I've read several of the Sidetracked Home Executives "sisters" books. While they are friendly and supportive, I couldn't really "do" the index card system. I have Flylady's book, it's inspiring. But her website is even better. Just type in Flylady dot net (don't spell out dot). take a look around, she;s very inspiring. And the website is free!
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Post by WestsideStory on Apr 7, 2012 14:36:12 GMT -5
Let me suggest Organic Housekeeping. It is very helpful to people who are allergic to chemicals used in cleaning products, and for those who are looking for "green" and "sustainable" solutions and lifestyle choices. www.amazon.com/Organic-Housekeeping-Non-Toxic-Avenger-Improve/dp/0743256204I wonder if any of our SOOS siblings in the UK have read the book written by Kim and Aggie of How Clean Is Your House. I liked some of the really practical suggestions they had on their shows, and wish the book had been published here. WestsideStory |
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Post by guihong on Apr 8, 2012 21:36:12 GMT -5
If you know you have adult ADD or just can't "do" other organizing systems, I recommend:
ADD-Friendly Ways To Organize Your Life, by Judith Kolberg and Kathleen Nadeau. It's hilariously written, and I think we'd all see ourselves in the stories.
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Post by Chris on Apr 12, 2012 11:53:41 GMT -5
I found the book Home Comforts by Cheryl Mendelson at the library and it's great. It's a very big book full of detailed help. I appreciated reading about sheets and the secrets to which types of fabric will be crispy and which will be soft -- that is such a big help!!! We have just one set right now that fits our new queen size bed and it was a big purchase - and a surprise one but they are great -- however I'm not sure if we can afford another set of the DreamFit Cotton/bamboo sheets -- they are breathable and great for summer and yet having just one set has proven to be a pain - one cat already threw up in the bed and we were sheetless.  So DH promised to work another set of sheets into the spending plan when I get back from my trip. Now I am armed with info. on what type to get combed cotton percale 180-250 thread count to achieve the crispier feel we want without having to deal with the polyester blend which has not worked out well. Anyway -- knowledge helps save money, time and aggravation and this book is just fantastic. I've just scratched the surface. |
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