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J**.
Simple and elegant organizing complete with calendars
Two sections in this book; seasonal by month--things to do to organize your life but organizing not just with an eye to maintenance of your dwelling, but also maintenance of your lifestyle. So in January, when you are likely to be eyeing a new workout routine, sign up for a yoga class. When you are gathering your forms for tax season, schedule an appointment with your advisor. February: a short month, deep winter. Start a knitting project. Sharpen garden tools for later in the season, get a sitter for Valentines Day dinner. You get the drift.Then the second part of the book is organization by subject, bathroom, bedroom, living area, kitchen, entryway.What I love about this book are the calendars and also the lovely photos, which you would of course expect from Martha Stewart. But there are also suggestions of things that can help organize you, such as roll out shelves for your bathroom vanity. And what to store there (such as a first aid kit) and what to put somewhere else because it's not used as frequently.There are many decluttering and organizing books but this book is very appealing and readable. It follows a bit of the advice of "Fly Lady" who suggests daily, weekly, and monthly routines in a book to keep you from being overwhelmed at any one time and on track. This book is more aesthetic in nature but as such, it's inspiring.And it's very practical advice; for example kitchen. What do you keep on the counter? So, Martha suggests putting essential tools in a drawer within arm's reach of the stove or sort them into crocks by type (spoons, whisks, tongs.)She suggests felt pad glides for on-counter appliances so you can shove them back against the wall when not in use, and forward for cleaning behind the. I never thought of that one--good idea for the big mixer.Lots of small helpful tips, for example, washing your sponge in the dishwasher doesn't really work so well (this is true.) Put the sponges in a net bag and run them on hot water with big towels.Another hint I can verify; make sure when you are constructing or remodeling your kitchen island, you have an electrical outlet. And install hooks or a towel rod for kitchen towels.Lots of good ideas, very readable book and very nice to look at.
E**
Gorgeous and helpful book
I've always loved Martha Stewart's books and guides, but this is one of my favorites. It condenses a lot of what her larger handbooks entail, down to a very aesthetic and digestible amount. She updates many of her suggestions for organization to include newer technology but also still advocates for the basics, such as taking care of books that have been on a shelf for a while.If someone is just starting out on their own, merging their household or just looking for a way to spring clean effectively, this is a great gift. It was my gift to myself because I'm worth an organized home and ideals to work toward!
S**R
I love this amazing book. Besides being helpful, it is so beautiful to look at.
I LOVE this book! It is so very thorough, just like Martha!! It is a true treasure of mine. It is a stunningly beautiful book & so inspiring.
T**Y
Some Practical Tips
There are some helpful tips in Martha’s book and I enjoyed reading some of her and recipes. The book is set up so you can move around to what’s important to you. The photographs throughout the book are every bit as useful as the written material if you’re more of a visual person.
K**R
Entertaining
Entertaining book on organizing your home and life. Full of pictures and ideas for your own home, patio, and work space.
T**H
lots of info…
Yet it’s not overwhelming. I doubt my house will ever look like Martha’s but it is a bit more organized
D**8
Pretty but not terribly practical.
I love Martha. I have been following her since the '90s. As someone who is perpetually organizationally-challenged, I was hoping Martha would provide me with the tools to achieve success. I think it will inspire me but will need to search for a more in-depth manual.This book is a great example of what Martha does best. The book is glossy and visually stunning. It also covers WAY too many topics: a detailed (and quite insane) calendar of tasks for each day of the year, sections on organizing different rooms, children, pets, health, cooking, laundry, home office, gardening and entertainment. It's basically every possible facet of your life in 288 pages. That doesn't allow much detail for any one thing. It feels like a great inspiration to get started on something, get some ideas working, but then I'll need to look elsewhere for anything more. For example, a huge issue for me is PAPER. I mean, it's everywhere. She devotes TWO PAGES TOTAL to "Document-Retention" and "Filing System." That's it. The chart of what to keep and how long is great; the section on filing seems like an overview for someone who is just tweaking their current system, not an instruction on how to set it up or what it might look like. That is the basic premise for everything: here's a few pages to get you started. I would have preferred fewer different sections (don't need entertaining, gardening or cooking in an organizing book, those already have their own books) and more "meat."Martha doesn't forget an item, though. The book is a handy reference for all kinds of things and especially with regard to home tasks, she gives me an idea of when I should be regrouting the bathroom or mulching the lawn. She breaks things down in minute detail so a task is never forgotten, but then just sort of leaves you there, overwhelmed.Some other thoughts:* Minimalism is the name of the game. Things can have a place if you don't have a metric ton of toilet paper and food containers. Less is more in her world, and it is inspiring to think that I can pare down the kitchen utensils and learn to work with what I can neatly store in the drawer. I mean, I've got three soup ladles; I really only need one.* The photos are glorious but no kids or pets must go anywhere near those spaces. Most people have more detritus of living than was evident in the entire book. Just look at the photos of the kid areas. I had to laugh.>>Side note for designers: NO ONE organizes their books by COLOR. No. One.* I am a SAHM and would need a team to help me complete the tasks of living this life. Most people do not want to devote that many hours of their lives just so their spaces look like a magazine photo spread. It's not realistic for basically anyone but Martha. And her team.I'm happy enough to keep the book. There are some worthwhile ideas and it will serve as a reference, as well as inspiration. It won't be the only book I need to change my home, though. Maybe I just need a maid.....
S**A
Love anything Martha Stewart
Greta book lots of fun information, tricks, tips and ideas. Good ready and looks nice on a coffee table or bookshelf as well! Love the monthly calendars in the book for decluttering!
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2 weeks ago
2 months ago