Sink Reflections

Sink Reflections by Marla Cilley-The FlyLady

I was convinced that I needed to buy a new (bigger) house, but once I realized I was living in CHAOS (and that somebody knew what that was and had been there too) and that before I rushed right out to buy that new place I had some decluttering to do -- I got right to it. 15 minutes at a time over only about a month (long enough to establish a habit) I discovered that my house was plenty big enough -- I just needed to stop housing all that clutter and instead decide that the rooms needed only to hold essentials -- and that the only true essentials were my family and me.

The website (and the daily flow of emails and testimonials) are amazingly wonderful. The best part of the book and of the system is -- we clutter-maniacs are not alone and just knowing that someone else has suffered the pain of being so messy that you are afraid to have anyone see your house is comforting -- and inspires us FlyBabies to get moving for the next 15 minutes to make one little spot just that much better.

If in clearing the table nothing gets stacked in the sink (where it pauses for a week before it makes it to the dishwasher) but just goes straight into the dishwasher, is that clearing or cleaning?
If you know what you are going to wear tomorrow because you have laid it out the night before (and have noticed if the skirt needs hemming or the blouse needs to be ironed -- and so handled it in a few minutes that night), is that just being prepared or is that cleaning?

Above all -- I have discovered that I have too much (and don't need to buy or receive any more) -- and I have discovered the blessings that come to me from giving my too much away to people who have too little.

And all from this little bitty book. BUY IT or go to flylady.net!

Sidetracked Home Executive: From Pigpen to Paradise

Sidetracked Home Executives by Pam Young and Peggy Jones

Pam and Peggy certainly know what it feels like to be living in total chaos, and they use that understanding to good effect in this book, showing step by step how they got organized. They don't take any knowledge or organizational ability for granted, and they have great senses of humor. Their card-file system will probably work for most people who are SHE's (Sidetracked Home Executives) because of their creativity, or just general distractedness.
If, however, you are a SHE because you're a frozen perfectionist, someone who never cleans because you don't have time to do it RIGHT, this is not the book for you. The card-file is wonderful - except that I'm entirely capable of spending the next 6 months making sure I've got the file system perfect without ever actually doing any of the stuff on it. There's also nothing to prevent you from overloading yourself with nit-picking chores and burning out.

1-2-3 Magic: Effective Discipline for Children 2-12

1-2-3 Magic: Effective Discipline for Children 2-12 by Thomas Phelan

Part of what makes Phelan's now very well known system work is that, whether one is cooking rice or disciplining children, it's essential to have a method, the simpler the better. All effective methods rely first and foremost on how they guide us away from reactive and emotionally-based behaviors and keep us on the proper path. Note well that Phelan's method requires the parent to understand that "Too Much Talking" and "Too Much Emotion" by the parent will lead to failure. Understanding why this is so is the key to understanding why Phelan's method is so effective.
Usually parents get caught in the trap of explaining or justifying their prerogative. This can be done once: clearly I am the adult, and not only is it my responsibility to guide your development, but, because I have been where you are and understand your situation--mainly frustration at not getting what you want--it is I, not you, who are in a position to make the right decisions. Period. Indeed, this doesn't even have to be said once. Children understand, with or without realizing it, that Mom and Dad know better than they do.

So any sort of "talk" is not only superfluous but may obscure what has happened, namely that the child has done something wrong and the parent wants it stopped. Furthermore, if you talk, the child talks and the lesson is diluted.

Even worse is for the parent to get emotional about disciplining the child. It's your job, do it and don't get worked up about it because discipline is just a technique in the larger socialization process. If you allow yourself to become emotional, you muddy up the waters and detract from the business at hand.

Phelan's 1-2-3 Magic technique works and is easy to learn and implement. If you are an ineffective disciplinarian, this book will literally change your life.

Positive Discipline: The First Three Years: From Infant to Toddler

Positive Discipline: The First Three Years: From Infant to Toddler by Jane Nelsen

This book was such a pleasure to read! I was engrossed and amazed at the many, many opportunities pointed out where you can take a tanrum or fit and turn it into a lesson learned for the child. This book reminds us that raising kids takes work, patience, and conistency -- I say reminds because we all know those things are true. But to take a typical situation that is unpleasant or even embarrassing to the parent and turn it into an opportunity for the child to learn something -- now that's what raising a confident and independent child is all about! Letting them make decisions early on (criteria being that there are only 2 choices and both are to the parent's approvel) sets them up for a successful outcome while allowing them to learn important decision-making skills. I learned so much from this book, but mostly that you have to look at the situation and see what the opportunity is for the child to LEARN something here. Instead of saying "no whining," allow the child to discover for himself how to fix the situation (example given was child whining about not liking the cup his mom gave him and she helped him learn that he can get his favorite cup from the cupboard and pour the juice into his new glass -- while making a mess, but still learning to make a positive change happen). Many more examples given such as what to do during a tantrum, when child is getting into something he shouldn't, and how to even handle other parents when your child "misbehaves."

Every parent should buy & read this book. If all our kids were allowed to succeed in life (& shown that they can make it happen), where could we be in a few years?

Positive Discipline for Preschoolers: For Their Early Years--Raising Children Who are Responsible, Respectful, and Resourceful

Positive Discipline for Preschoolers: For Their Early Years--Raising Children Who are Responsible, Respectful, and Resourceful by Jane Nelsen

Positive Discipline for Preschoolers was the first PD book I read. I'd just finished reading about the 1-2-3 method and had been giving that a go for a few weeks with no real success and, frankly, a whole lot of mixed feelings about the process. So when I read the back of the PD for Preschoolers book, I was excited and yet a bit dubious....it sounded too good to be true and therefore it probably was. But I bought it anyway. That was several months ago and we haven't looked back since.

I LOVE the positive discipline method. I am living and breathing proof that it does work. The day after I finished reading the book, we completely stopped all punitive time outs and any other punitive measures we'd been (unsuccessfully) using on our almost three-year old daughter. And we began applying the PD techniques found in the book. Honestly, it felt like a huge weight had been lifted off of our family and we actually began to enjoy spending time with our daughter again. My daughter's behaviour literally improved overnight. And my husband and I felt we'd finally found a disciplinary method we could happily stick with for the foreseeable future.

Bottom line, PD works. It'll make you feel better and more competent in your role as a parent and it'll go a long way towards ensuring you have a positive, stable relationship with your child.

Speed Cleaning 101: Cut Your Cleaning Time in Half!

Speed Cleaning 101: Cut Your Cleaning Time in Half! by Laura Dellutri

I was a bit dissapointed with this book. It's not organized well and Ms Dellutri constantly does not give enough information. I found it extremely anoying that she would make statments like: (I'm paraphrasing) "You should use a kitchen spray cleaner that is antibacterial and kills germs in the least amount of time. I found one that kills germs on countertops in 45 seconds." BUT, then she doesn't tell us the brand or where to buy, so I guess she wants us to go off on a scavenger hunt for these products! She makes suggestions like this throughout the book. I've read other books on this subject and other authors suggest brands and products. Even Jeff Campbell (Speed Cleaning) who sells his own rather pricey products on the inernet recommends other brands in his book and suggests alternative products. This is very helpful for the reader. Ms. Dellutri doesn't give detailed instructions either, so someone just starting out is not given details as to the correct method, correct tools, to remove dirt, grime or whatever from surfaces at home. The book lacks methodology, product/brand recommendations, and organization.

The Purse-driven Life: It Really Is All About Me

The Purse-driven Life: It Really Is All About Me by Anita Renfroe

Anita is my kind of gal: Life is short, buy the shoes. This book is full of wit and wisdom from one of the most authentic and funny women I've ever met (in an elevator yet). My favorite chapter: Hook a sistah up! All about girlfriends and how we love to think out loud. "They give me gravity," she writes, "because they know my faults, weaknesses, my issues, my stubbornness, and my wierdness." The truest test of friendship is "historical shorthand," how much you don't have to say in order to get an idea across. So true. She reminds us how much we need our gal pals.

My only complaint: I'm not one of her Beach Girls. We all need Beach Therapy Weekends where we can be real with each other. It's an essential.

This book is all about real life. It's not about your "stuff," or your past, or your fears, not what you've done or not done. It's about being real with Jesus, no matter what. With him we having nothing to prove, nothing to hide. That's real freedom.

You'll read this book over and over.

What Every Child Needs

What Every Child Needs by Elisa Morgan and Carol Kuykendall

I found this book to be very helpful. I would recommend it for any Mom with young children.

This book gives your practical tools for meeting your child's 5 basic needs of love. I found it easy to read with great examples and ideas to use with my own children.

A Great Read!

What Every Mom Needs

What Every Mom Needs by Elisa Morgan and Carol Kuykendall

This book is disappointing. While it does go into what a mother needs (time to herself, understanding, and acknowledgement that motherhood is not a 'nothing' job) the answers provided are - despite the assurance that the book is useful to someone "Whatever your heritage or faith" - rather biblical. Further, at times they aren't even in the book but referenced in such a manner; ... an on truly difficult days, the answer can be found in Eph 2:5. Not helpful when the washing machine is overflowing and baby has a toothache.

Real Moms

Real Moms by Elisa Morgan and Carol Kuykendall

Morgan and Kuykendall, directors for the national organization, MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), know what moms need: honest, hopeful, helpful advice. In Real Moms, they note popular "mom myths" (such as real moms must always look good or a real mom never gets angry) and the corresponding realities. Each chapter ends with a practical application, questions for reflection and quotes from real moms. Their message is encouraging; their style, unique and down-to-earth. I needed this book!

Sippy Cups Are Not for Chardonnay: And Other Things I Had to Learn as a New Mom

Sippy Cups Are Not for Chardonnay: And Other Things I Had to Learn as a New Mom by Stefanie Wilder-Taylor

The "author" writes about her own experiences as if they are facts that ALL mothers are HONESTLY experiencing (and if they don't admit it then they are just lying and she doesn't trust them). I have no problem with people writing about their personal experiences and I certainly don't have to agree with their views; in fact, whether I agree with Wilder-Taylor is irrelevant. The problem I have is that she writes as if she is the authority over issues that she has only experienced first-hand. She uses a lot of, "you will feel..." "This will happen to you..." It's ironic because she writes at length about how she hates it when people tell her what to do or how to feel and yet that's what she does to her readers.

She also over-simplifies just about everything she writes about and doesn't give factual information. For example, in her breastfeeding section she gives only 2 extreme scenarios: If you choose to breastfeed and are eventually successful at it then you are a breastfeeding nazi or you're a sane person who realizes formula is best (mothers I know don't fall into either extreme camp). Again - it's fine to share one's personal experience, but she attempts to give factual information and even brings in her own expert to back herself up. For example, she says that her pediatrician has not seen any differences between breastfed babies and formula fed babies in his practice. Ok, either she's lying or he lied to her. All one has to do is read statements based on years of research from the World Health Organization or the American Academy of Pediatrics to see that this is simply not statistically sound (you don't need a college degree or even a high school diploma to understand this).

I know how excruciatingly painful and difficult breastfeeding is for many women (including myself). I know mothers, for a variety of reasons, who exclusively breastfeed, exclusively use formula, and breastfeed and supplement with formula. I do not judge women for their decisions as she clearly does which again is ironic as she's doing the same thing to her readers as she feels the lactation consultants, doula, La Leche League volunteers and complete strangers have done to her.

In her chapter on "little braniacs" she writes, "if you're dying for your child to speak Chinese, why not adopt a Chinese kid? The upside is in a few years they can do your taxes. On the other hand, they'll cost you a bundle in car insurance." Not only is this not funny, but it's extremely ignorant. She says a lot of things like this in her book which readers might interpret as "real" and "so hilarious" but why does one have to say, quite frankly "mean" things at the expense of others and others' choices? This has nothing to do with being "PC" at all, by the way. I simply think it's unfortunate when people need to make fun of other people to make themselves feel better.

I believe that new mothers need to support one another (as she also says she believes, strangely enough). I also like it when new mothers are willing to admit that they are not perfect and it's refreshing when we can laugh at ourselves. Though Wilder-Taylor claims to do all of this, she actually just judges other new mothers and their decisions as well as puts them into 1 extreme camp or another in virtually every page. I felt like I was in high school again reading a book written from one of the "mean", not-so-bright girls, but I'll stop here. I don't want to stoop down to Wilder-Taylor's level.

Confessions of a Slacker Mom

Confessions of a Slacker Mom by Muffy Mead-Farro

You should know before reading Muffy Mead-Ferro's short book that she has a nanny for her two children. That small nugget was tucked into the last chapter of this meandering lazy attempt at countering anything and everything in parenting help books. It's difficult to take a writer seriously when they don't put all of their credentials relating to the topic up front. If someone is going to espouse the idea that being a lazy mom is okay, you should note that you can afford to act this way since you are lucky enough to have hired help. Besides, if your children don't turn out perfect, you'll always have someone else to blame.
The idea of the book is that Muffy doesn't want to buy loads of educational toys, put headphones on her abdomen during pregnancy, get warmers for the wet wipes, etc. All the things that many modern (Yuppie) parents are lead to believe are necessary to get their children into the best pre-schools, high schools, and universities. It's a great idea (a lot of this needs to be said), but the author really falls flat when expanding on these ideas. Her rationale for not wanting to do all these things is that her parents didn't and she turned out okay. Fine, but we all know that. Most parents didn't read How-To guides and yet their children still managed to survive and thrive. Mead-Ferro's lack of explication is irritating (as is her literary eye-rolling when talking about other parents) and results in repetitive and obvious "revelations." The book is a wonderful idea but poorly executed and almost completely devoid of any innovative or interesting ideas. The lack of depth leaves only enough material for a light magazine article. A real shame.

Confessions of a Shopaholic

Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella

The main character Bekcy seems to have an IQ that's not too far from 0. Her addiction to shopping and the way she handles financial difficulties are not funny but totally stupid, irresponsible and immature. If this is meant to be a satire, well, I simply can't find it funny, in any possible way. I forced myself to finish the book because of the good reviews (well, and because I paid for it). The last 15% of the book is OK (except for the last 2-3 pages) where Becky finally gets her acts together. But I almost had a heart attack at the end of the book when Becky completely forgot the hard lessons she should have learnt and became her normal irresponsible self. Another thing, how she scored her perfect boyfriend is still beyond me. In all, it was one of the most unworthy books I've read in a LONG time. (I heard she gets worse in the sequel "Shopaholic Takes Manhattan". How is that humanly possible???!!!)

Blessings

Blessings by Anna Quindlen

Blessings is the name of the estate of Lydia Blessings, an ex-New York socialite who, in her early twenties, became pregnant by a married man and was sent by her mother to live at the family's country estate so as to not embarrass the family. It was supposed to be a temporary arrangement, but Lydia never left the place, and is now in her 80's. The book opens as a young teenage couple, in the dark of night, leave their newborn baby in a box on the stoop outside the back of the estate (if you think that's a bit of an obvious parallel, just wait, it gets better). Skip, the estate's new caretaker, lives in the apartment above the garage and finds the child in the morning. Skip is an ex-convict - actually, an unwilling participant in a robbery years ago where his friends let him take the fall - trying to scrape out a living, and when he finds the baby he (unbelievably) becomes paternal, decides to keep her, and names her Faith (this kind of stuff - at the Blessings estate, a baby, who will obviously turn out to be a blessing for this place and the people in it, is named Faith - just turns me off. But eventually, I got over it.) Skip tries to keep the baby a secret (another obvious parallel), but before long Lydia discovers her. She lets Skip keep Faith, and in fact, becomes enamored with the child herself.

The story of Skip and Faith becomes much more complicated, and even more ludicrous, as the novel continues, but that's not where the interest in this book lies. This out-and-out obvious set-up is the vehicle Quindlen uses to tell Lydia's story - a rigid, isolated old woman, basically exiled on this estate, who is set in her ways, has plenty of regrets, and is closed off to showing love and affection, even for her own daughter. Faith begins to bring new life to this household and begins to really affect Lydia, causing her to reflect on her life. As she relives the many layers of that life, and reveals the many secrets it holds, I started not being able to put the book down. You sense that Quindlen is leading you (and Lydia) somewhere important, some revelation that will affect and change everything. It's Lydia's story that Quindlen unfolds with exceptional skill, and it makes all the "blessings" and "faith" nonsense worth putting up with. It becomes easier and easier to forgive Quindlen some of the many surface problems of the story.

Overall, I ended up enjoying the book quite a bit; it's an uneven story, but the parts Quindlen does well makes the book worth reading.

One Tuesday Morning

One Tuesday Morning by Karen Kingsbury

Jake Bryan is a firefighter with the FDNY, the only thing he has ever wanted to do. His Christian faith gives him the strength to get through each day, both on the job and at home. His wife Jamie has run from God most of her life. After a tragic childhood, she doesn't believe God would want anything to do with her or her failures. She worries constantly about Jake and his safety. The two have a daughter, Sierra, who is the light of their lives. Jake has been praying for God to make a statement in Jamie's life to bring her to know Him.
Eric Michaels is a businessman striving for success at any cost. And his greatest cost is his family. He has slowly shut out his wife and young son. His wife is at the end of her rope. When Eric returns from his business trip to New York, she is not sure whether she can continue marriage with him or not.

These men meet in the stairwell of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. The tower collapses and only one survives, burned and suffering from amnesia. Jake's supervisor recognizes the man as Jake, but is it really him? Jamie works with him to re-gain his lost memory, and in the process learns about God and her husband through his Bible and journals. Which man survived the disaster? Can God redeem even those who seem completely lost?

I was touched by this fictionalized account of the calamity that affects us all. Ms. Kingsbury states that it was her way of working through the grief, and I am glad she wrote this book. The characters are very true to life, seeking God's will as well as running from it. Eric and Jamie go through tremendous transformation as God becomes real to both of them. It would be difficult to finish this novel and remain closed about God's hand in our lives.

I highly recommend ONE TUESDAY MORNING. It isn't a book that can be read all in one sitting. It takes time to experience, especially the scenes that take place on September 11. I felt as if I was right there with the characters in the book. For an emotional, yet uplifting look at God's everlasting love and mercy in our lives, ONE TUESDAY MORNING is not to be missed.

And Then There Were None

And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

Imagine you're stuck on an island with ten strangers, and then all of a sudden one by one they start dying. In Agatha Christie's popular mystery book And Then There Were None, ten strangers are brought together on an island by and unknown host, and one by one they start to die.

All of the people on the island have a dark secret that's gotten them there in the first place. On the first evening at the mansion on the island an unknown voice reveals the secrets of all the guests on the island.

In Agatha Christie's novel the deaths at the island follow a popular nursery rhyme. The deaths occur in the exact order they do in the nursery rhyme. Throughout the book the author shows the thoughts and feelings of each character from his or her view.

Once you pick up this book you'll never put it down. Readers will enjoy this book if they like mystery and great suspense. So who is this mystery killer? You'll just have to read it to find out.

Baby Laughs: The Naked Truth About the First Year of Mommyhood

Baby Laughs: The Naked Truth About the First Year of Mommyhood by Jenny McCarthy

McCarthy's rude, raw personality comes shining through in this hilarious book that takes no prisoners in all of the difficult, awkward and downright ugly passages of motherhood. Bad language, bodily functions--there's lots to offend, but McCarthy obviously delights in being a mother, which makes the story all the more charming. She's not the most brilliant writer, but she's brutally honest.

Belly Laughs: The Naked Truth about Pregnancy and Childbirth

Belly Laughs: The Naked Truth about Pregnancy and Childbirth by Jenny McCarthy

Rarely, does a book cause me to laugh out loud. This one did. I absolutely loved Jenny McCarthy's book.

This book is bound to get some bad reviews, as will any pregnancy book that doesn't revolve around, encourage, and ignore all possibilities except a medicine-free birth and extended breastfeeding. Goodness forbid there should be a book for the rest of us. A book that's not meant to depart vast amounts of knowledge and statistics, but to be entertaining. As for McCarthy not breastfeeding, this book isn't about breastfeeding. It's about pregnancy, not newborn care. The whole topic is mentioned in, what, one whole line? Let's get real. Life isn't tunnel vision and there are other things involved in pregnancy other than ncb and breastfeeding, ncb and breastfeeding, ncb and breastfeeding....

I've read several other books about pregnancy that were supposed to be funny, and this is the only one that delivered. I've read Girlfriend's Guide to Pregnancy and was annoyed by that author's obsession with weight gain. McCarthy doesn't fall for this trap. She gained 50 pounds, and although she does not that her bottom was expanding, did not once consider dieting and depriving her baby of nutrients.

This is not the only book you'll need. But when you're feeling down about being pregnant, take a few moments to let Jenny McCarthy remind you that it's not all that bad afterall!

Discipline without Shouting or Spanking: Practical Solutions to the Most Common Preschool Behavior Problems

Discipline without Shouting or Spanking: Practical Solutions to the Most Common Preschool Behavior Problems by Jerry Wyckoff

I did like the outline format but found that some of the ways suggested to solve or deal with the problem were strange and, frankly, stupid. For instance, one of the tips for dealing with a child "talking back" was to pick the offensive word (if one was used), set a timer for one minute per year of age, and have the child use that word non-stop until the timer goes off. I do not want my child practicing a word he's not supposed to use! Also, a discipline technique for whining is to have a "whining place" where you send the child to whine when he feels like he needs to. I don't feel a "whining place" is necessary and that there are other ways to deal with whining.

This book tends to dance around the issue rather than deal with the issue iteself and teach the child how to correctly exhibit behaviors for certain situations or needs that need to be met. I would not have bought this book if I knew then what I know now. There are other positive discipline books out there that seem to be better-suited!

The Five People You Meet in Heaven

The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom

To tell the truth, after reading Tuesdays with Morrie from Mitch Albom, I did have high expectations for this follow-up.
And I must say that my expectations were more than surpassed by another winner from him.
The interweaving of Eddie "Maintenance"'s various aspects of life from his childhood, teenage years, courtship, military service, marriage, middle age to old age and finally the beginning of his journey through heaven was beautifully and intricately spun in this short tale.
The poetic descriptions of the various "steps" in heaven that Eddie traversed through in search for inner peace before his final resting destination and the 5 lessons he had to learnt brought to mind the eternal existentialistic questions of why we are here and what our life purpose is, in a quiet and non-intrusive manner. So much so that we can be prompted to examine our own lives more sympathetically.
The message I got from Mitch Albom at the end was that Eddie could have been anyone of us and that we do not need to wait for our turn to meet our five people in heaven to recognise that whatever we are doing now has meaning and has purpose in wonderful and beautiful ways and that we should never allow ourselves to belittle our lives.
Not quite the tearjerker as Tuesdays but Five People has certainly touched my heart and a few others in more ways than one. I hope that you will allow this beautiful book to touch yours too.
Kudos to Mitch Albom and a big thank you to his uncle Eddie for being the source of inspiration for this would-be classic.

Manic: A Memoir

Manic: A Memoir by Terri Cheney

Terri Cheney provides a raw, unflinching account of her mental illness, specifically the manic states of her bipolar disorder. Told in brief, non-chronological order chapters, the memoir mimics the unpredictability and jarring nature of mania, leaving the reader slightly unmoored.

One of Cheney's stated goals is to reduce the stigma of mental illness. She illustrates the lengths that those suffering from mental illness go to in order to hide their disease from colleagues, friends, and strangers. She also shows that once she shares her "secret" she finds more support and understanding than she expected.

More factual information about bipolar disorder would have been nice. Placing Cheney's illness and behavior in context and along a continuum would have been more educational. As a memoir, this book provided good insight into Cheney's most extreme episodes and behaviors. However, readers should not assume that Cheney's experience is typical of all manic depressives. A disclaimer to this fact would have been appreciated.

While Innocents Slept: A Story of Revenge, Murder, and SIDS

While Innocents Slept: A Story of Revenge, Murder, and SIDS by Adrian Havill

This book is poorly researched, disorganized, and a difficult read. The author also seems to be biased toward the killer, and in fact, obtained most of his information from the killer and his starry-eyed, fourth wife. Havill does not appear to think highly of women; the victim, Ms. Anastasi, has traveled the world, holds a master's degree and currently works for NASA. Havill describes her as an overweight, bleached blonde. (incidentally, she is an attractive, natural blonde who happens to be in her forties). The trial judge, Ann Harrington, was one of the first women prosecutors in the State of Maryland, and is considered a brilliant, fair jurist. Her convictions are rarely, if ever, overturned on appeal. Havill describes Judge Harrington only in terms of her daily choice of jewelry and makeup, and mentions that she is a former beauty queen.
Havill's "research" is flawed because he presents only one view; that from the killer and this then-current family and few friends. The lawyers and witnesses in the case were not free to discuss the case while it was pending, and thus a mountain of information (evidence that was not admitted at trial) was never revealed. If Havill had not been in such a hurry to publish, his account could have been much more informative and accurate. I know; I am one of the figures in the investigation.

Ultimate Accidental Housewife: Your Guide to a Clean-Enough House

Ultimate Accidental Housewife: Your Guide to a Clean-Enough House by Julie Edelman

Good title, but that's about it. It's a "How-To" house-cleaning guide which boasts that it will provide tricks to help you make your house "clean enough" and "blend eco-friendly habits into everyday routines". I diagree that the author has accomplished either of these feats. In my opinion, there are not enough hours in the day to do all of the house cleaning that she recommends. Also, the "eco-friendly" claim is a stretch because although she does recommend vinegar and baking soda to clean many things, disposable disinfecting wipes are not eco-friendly. Besides, I'm sure you can find all of this information for free on the internet.
In an attempt to be humorous, the author suggests a number of martini recipes to try while you scour the toilet. The part I don't appreciate is the promotion of the morning after pill. Yes, it's true. You will find it on page 202. I quote "Keep these items handy in case you need them: Band-Aids, Flashlight, Fresh batteries, Morning-after pill". What???
I found that part unnecessary and offensive.
My guess is that most readers wouldn't make it as far as page 202 anyway.

STEPHANIE WINSTON'S BEST ORGANIZING TIPS : Quick, Simple Ways to Get Organized and Get on with Your Life

STEPHANIE WINSTON'S BEST ORGANIZING TIPS : Quick, Simple Ways to Get Organized and Get on with Your Life by Stephanie Winston

I was a little disappointed with this audio book. I am really looking to get things whipped into shape and organized, but I didn't find this very helpful. There are a lot of ideas, but they all seemed kind-of obvious and nothing really jumped out at me as a "great new idea". I thought she spent WAY too much time on explaining how to organize files, and not enough time on around the house organization ideas. I'm sure it is a good audio book, but it just wasn't what I personally was looking for.

Unclutter Your Home: 7 Simple Steps, 700 Tips & Ideas

Unclutter Your Home: 7 Simple Steps, 700 Tips & Ideas by Donna Smallin

An easy to read format with several tips/ideas on each page covering all the clutter zones with suggested systems to simplify your home.

Each idea is presented in a paragraph format, about three sentences with basic details. The book consists of 176 pages of these ideas with seven to ten on each page with many being similar and pretty basic in concept. There are some tips that are used for more than one room, so when another room is discussed this tip is presented again with examples.

I think if someone stopped and tried to come up with ideas for how to organize their house they would easily have the format for this book, because it read like many thoughts jotted down in sentence form.

Many of the tips make sense and may be overlooked when trying to tackle the task of uncluttering years worth of collections and junk. Finish one room before attempting another, for every new item brought into the home toss out five items, plan activities around garbage day.

There are a few tips and recommendations that I did not agree with or really understand the need. When going through your home to decipher what is clutter, think in terms that each item is sacrificing space. The question to ponder is do you want the space for this clutter or for breathing space. The tips are presented with suggestions, but I did not get the sense that the author has done all these steps due to the lack of personalization to these ideas.

Unclutter your home: 7 Simple Steps, 700 Tips & Ideas is a quick read, good for someone who might need a push in this direction and certainly a wise investment for someone to kick in their new year resolution come holiday time. Most of this is just common sense and not too difficult to begin the process. I had time to kill while at the library and wanted to see what I might have overlooked when arranging my house.

Left Behind Series #6

The halfway point of the peace treaty between Carpathia and Jerusalem is nearing, and all hell is about to break loose. Literally.
As the book opens, we find that it's all Rayford Steele can do to keep his rage, no...make that murderous rage, inside him. He wants to be the one to kill Nicolae Carpathia no matter what the cost. And he's willing to do just about anything to make sure that happens.

Nicolae Carpathia, on the other hand, is preparing a global gala in Jerusalem. Not because he really wants to have a party. His main purpose is to kill the two witnesses at the wailing wall. He has pinpointed the exact time they will become vulnerable and wants the credit of doing them in. In front of a worldwide audience, no less.

However, Carpathia appears to be ignorant of the fact that his own time is near as well. He will not make it out of this global gala alive. The question is, who will be the one to kill him?

Rayford Steele, who has purchased a new gun just for that reason? Hattie Durham, who blames Carpathia for all the horrible things she did during their time together (not to mention the fact that he killed their unborn baby and tried to kill her). Mac McCullum, who fantasizes about flying the Pheonix 216 into a mountainside with Carpathia in it? Dr. Chaim Rosenzweig, who seems to work night and day in his workshop on a project that he won't reveal to his own housestaff? You get the idea.

"Assassins," the 6th book in the popular "Left Behind" series is, without question, the most suspensful book in the series so far. Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins use the entire book to set up the explosive finale. The suspense is so thick by the time Carpathia gets his just reward that you could cut it with a knife. But it doesn't stop there. A cliffhanger ending will make you want to throw the book out the window in complete frustration. Assuming you forgive the authors for that dirty little trick, you will immediately want to start in on the next book. After all, you just have to know what happens next.

Left Behind Series #5

In this fifth book, God's Judgment continues to pound the earth and the faithful band of believers are forced underground when Global Community Potentate Nicolae Carpathia declares them international fugitives. Hattie Durham, the former airline attendant and mistress of the antichrist, ponders what to do about the approaching birth of her illegitimate child. Rayford Steele continues to pilot Carpathia's plane, and questions the mounting evidence that his late wife, Amanda, may have been a false believer. Buck and his wife Chloe debate whether to have a child when the future of the world is so uncertain. Believers increasingly rely upon the Internet for underground communication and for following what's happening. Many contemplate violence as a way of combating the forces of evil that are overtaking the world. They gather in Jerusalem for the Meeting of Witnesses and showdown with Nicolae Carpathia. They gain a little bit of time to resolve their respective personal crises when demon locusts are dispatched as a divine plague to attack those who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads.
Apollyon is a thriller that will keep you riveted until the last page. It is one of the better written of the series. One can't help but feel emotionally involved with Buck, Chloe, and Rayford and the events they are experiencing ... the excitement at the stadium, the decisions of faith made, and the agony of the non-believers enduring the bites of the locust. An exhilarating read that will keep you in suspense as it realistically characterizes the horrors of the tribulation.

Left Behind Series #4

This book matches the intensity and excitment of the prior three installments, using the environment outlined in the Book of Revelations to tell the continuing story of Rayford Steele, Buck Williams and the rest of the Tribulation Force.

Without giving anything away, this installment has enough twists and turns to keep the reader interested from start to finish. Oddly, being a Christian and knowing where all of this is going, does nothing to dull the excitement of following the story as it develops.

The vivid writing of Lahaye and Jenkins makes it possible to visually put yourself into the scene and almost experience the subject matter firsthand.

If you are a believer and have not read any of these books, you are not doing yourself justice. These are great writings and do a great job of bringing the Word of God to life in a new and vibrant manner.

Left Behind Series #3

The 3rd book has areas where it is drawn out a bit, and the characters could have more depth! But it is compelling and true-to-scripture still! Glad to see fiction presented in a non-fiction way, pertaining to the Bible! Some reviewers, myself included, seem to want more of the deeper issues delved into, rather than the 'romance' areas. Still, it IS a novel, and is at the top of my favorite books list! We want deeper issues covered because of the nature of the book! This book has made me hungry for the 4th, made me spiritually stronger, and wanting to witness more! Give the series to loved ones and to unsaved ones! But--it is bothersome that Rayford met and married Amanda so quickly, knowing that he is facing end times, is on a mission with his life, and how he is sorrowful for his behaviour with his wife. Oh well, God bless!

Left Behind Series #2

Tribluation Force is a thrilling and suspenseful book. The world is in chaos as all unbelievers in Christ find themselves left behind. This is a great story of how four people unite together with Christain ties to form the tribulation force. Rayford Steele, Chloe Steele, Buck Williams, and Bruce Barnes have all become believers and are ready to take on their mission. Their mission is to fight the enemies of Christ through the last seven years of the sinful world before the return of Christ. Nicolae Carpathia is the infamous Anti-Christ and is the employer of Rayford and Buck. This story shows the four's struggle with the knowledge of what's to come and the disgust of being in contact with the Anti-Christ. As the world around them is distructed right before thier eyes, this group relies on one thing to protect them-their savior, Jesus Christ. This book is a great read along with a learning experience, each book of the Left Behind series keeps on getting better and better!

Left Behind Series #1

In an instant, dozens of passengers on an international airline flight simply disappear... and pilot Rayford Steele soon discovers, to his horror, that untold millions worldwide vanished at the same instant -- including his own wife and son! While the world reels from the cataclysmic event, Steele bands with others who have been "left behind" to discover who or what is responsible for the disappearances. Why did the people vanish? What determined who stayed and who left? And where did they go? The answers may lie in book written 2000 years ago and on a videotape left in a nearly-empty church...
A fascinating read, absorbing and suspenseful, this book is the first in a series of novels that has millions of readers worldwide waiting for the next release. And the most gripping aspect of the "Left Behind" series? It may not be fiction! Highly recommended.

The Left Behind Series

The next couple of books will be from The Left Behind Series written by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins

The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Decked Out

The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Decked Out by Neta Jackson

The Yada Yada Prayer Group books have been one of my favorite women's fiction series to read. They feature realistic women who handle situations just like the everyday women. This series features the most diverse cast of characters I have ever read in a Christian fiction book. There are no stereotypes at all, each culture is handled with respect and insight. I always feel like I can relate to someone in every book and this one was no exception. I was glad to see everyone reunited in this book. With such a big cast of characters its hard to give a lot of time to everyone but it was still nice to see all the women together again. Jodi is still the narrator of these books and she's the everywoman of the series. There are probably tons of readers who could totally relate with her in almost every situation in this book. But she has really matured throughout the series, both spiritually and emotionally. I will admit that in the beginning of the series she did annoy me at times but now I've grown quite fond of her. Her reactions to the holiday season and all the other events are probably how I myself would have acted. There's so many events that take place in this book therefore my only complaint was that it was shorter than the rest of the other books in the series so the story felt a little rushed at times. Luckily there is a spin off series, The Yada Yada House with the first book Where Do I Go? having been published recently. I'm so glad because it means I won't have to say goodbye to these beloved characters. I think everyone should read this series, but they must be read in sequence in order to get the full gist of the story. And I also love the cover of this one, I think these shoes are the best of the series!

The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Rolling

The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Rolling by Neta Jackson

It was the fire that made the Yada Yada Prayer group sisterhood realizes they had become complacent in their worship, with their families, and in their community. Each knows they must reaffirm their belief in the Lord, as God always brings a renewal of life and spirit out of the ashes of destruction. The Yada sisters must grow and embrace the change of merging the Uptown Community with the New Morning Christian Church that potentially can make both stronger as neither would remain homogenous however not heeding God's message could lead to intolerance and racism. The sisters especially understand they must pray and welcome newcomers into their prayer group if they are to remain true to the Lord. Jodi and Denny set the example by reaching out to those at a nearby juvenile detention center following the pair's understanding that listening to the Holy Spirit saying their past was good, but now the challenge is to reach beyond your safe group to others outside your net. --- With this dramatic spin that widens the scope of the prayer group from its five previous tales Neta Jackson inspires her audience to be all that God expects you to be. The ensemble cast expands with the blending of the two groups so that new problems emerge. Racism, HIV and other health issues, criminals and juvenile delinquents challenge the Yada Yada Prayer Group members to pray for guidance, listen to that guidance, and apply that guidance to one and all. Fans of the series will roll along with the Yadas as God wants them to try new things starting with expanding their sphere as everyone is welcomed in God's tent.

The Help

The Help, by Kathryn Stockett is a simply amazing debut novel that hooked me from the first chapter. It is sure to be one of my favorites for 2009.

The story takes place in Jackson, Mississippi, in the early 1960s. It is a story about the lives of black maids and the white women who employ them. It is also a story filled with hope, about (3) remarkable women set in difficult times. The voices are perfect pitch and even though the story deals with a serious topic, there is much humor for the reader to enjoy, and lessons to be learned by all.

We meet Eugenia Phelan (AKA ...Skeeter) who just graduated from Ole Miss College. Skeeter is back home living with her parents and she is bored with her friends. Her dream is to become a writer, and to move to New York City, but for now she is stuck in Jackson writing for the Junior League's Newsletter. Her mother, however, has other dreams for Skeeter: to find her a rich husband from a good Southern family. Skeeter is tall, a bit socially awkward, but she is very sensitive. Realizing how badly the black maids "The Help" are being treated by their white employers, she comes up with an idea to interview and write about the black maids in Jackson, and their relationships with their white employers. This is a dangerous project that must be kept secret, but one that has the potential of changing the lives of so many people. To Skeeter it is worth the risk, and it just may be her ticket out of Jackson and off to New York City if she succeeds. Abilene and Minny are the focus of the interviews although many more maids agree to participate.

Abilene is a 50 something black maid. She has endured many hardships including the death of her son in a tragic accident. Despite this she remains kind, sweet and dedicated to raising the children of her employers. Although she endures much discrimination, she tries not to judge people, and to remain loyal and kind to her employer, their family and their friends.

Minny is another black maid who has had many jobs. She is angry and bitter and she finds it hard to keep quiet about some of the discrimination she has seen. Minny cannot seem to follow her mother's advice: (7) rules which she preached to her, and that can pretty much can be summed up by saying "keep your mouth shut when it comes to white folks business".

I don't want to say too much more, but to say that this is one of those books that will make you sad when you have turned the final page. The characters and story will live on in your memory long after you've finished this book. I found myself putting sticky notes throughout so I could reread certain parts.

I found it interesting that this story in part was inspired by the author's own life growing up in Mississippi. Her family had a black maid named Demetrie. The maid died when the author was 16, and she never got to ask her how she felt about being black and working for a white family in Mississippi.

The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Caught

The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Caught by Neta Jackson

They're baaaack. The Yada Yadas are having some major troubles happening their group. Ruth is finally having her baby, but her husband wishes it never had happened. Avis's daughter and her abusive husband are shaking things up with Avis's new husband. Chanda wins the lottery and is spending it left and right. Flo's son is ruining their chances of starting a new life in a new house.Nony and Mark are beginning the long hard process of rehab. And then there's Jodi who's watching it all and having her own incidents involving a lemonade stand. One thing's for sure, it's never ever boring with these friends around.

In my opinion, this was my favorite of all the Yada Yada books. By this book, all of the characters have really developed and have been given their own spotlight. These books all show how to trust God in different ways using almost every possible scenario that could exist. I'm amazed at all the adventures that the group has managed to have. Each book outdoes the one before! Jodi is still the main character and once again I found myself echoing her same thoughts about certain events like Chanda's lottery uses and Avis and her daughter. I think the characters have grown, they don't bicker as much, and they don't try to let little conflicts build up walls between them. I really like the house blessings that the group does. I want to have that done when I get my own house next time. I also envy Jodi's kids that they got to go to Cornerstone. I have always wanted to go there. Actually I'm pretty amazed that it was even mentioned, most adults don't really know or like most modern Christian rock bands, so it was really cool to read about the festival. I must also mention that I love the covers of these book. I want all these awesome socks!

The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Tough

The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Tough by Neta Jackson

The Yada Yada Prayer group faces its toughest challenges yet. From white supremacy groups to interracial churches, lottery money to unplanned pregnancies, the group still manages to find time to get together and pray over all the hot issues in their lives. Heavy and serious topics are discussed making the reader feel like they are watching their evening news. Just be prepared to laugh, cry, get angry..just get ready to feel any emotion you have while reading this book.

I felt this book had the strongest message and dealt with the most serious issues discussed in the series so far. I really hate seeing the words of the Bible twisted and used to discriminate against others. How people can actually believe the lies told by these groups is beyond me. This was the first book in the series where I felt that everyone reacted realistically. With the group being so diverse, the race issue was bound to be brought up. It's also amazing how just by being Christians they were able to handle these issues in dignified manners. There is no one saying, "If you trust in God, then you shouldn't worry." While I believe that God will give you peace in stressful situations, it is not realistic to not worry in a time of crisis. Once again Jodi's reactions echo my own, although at one point she felt that she was being selfish for worrying about the safety of her own family instead of worrying about Noni and Mark. I felt that this is not a wrong feeling because your own family should always come first. I also liked seeing the churches come together, and the tension from each side being unwilling to unite is very apparent in society. You don't think about racism happening inside church because everyone is supposed to love each other no matter what. Once again this book really makes you think and pushes your beliefs and faith. With each Yada Yada book I feel more connected to the women and get drawn further and further into the story.

The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Real

The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Real by Neta Jackson

I have just finished this book tonight. It is the third one in a series. I think Yada Yada Gets Real was my favorite! As a matter of fact, I actually cried at the end.

The title and cover almost gives the impression that these novels are "fluff" and sort of....lighthearted? But, nothing could be further from the truth! I find Jackson really has done an excellent job of developing the characters and creating a life that seems real. In fact, I keep catching myself thinking these women really exist somewhere in Chicago! I want to meet them!

I have loved and enjoyed these novels and I am highly recommending them to my friends, however they had better not ask to borrow my copies of the books, because I don't want to give them up!!

The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Down

The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Down by Neta Jackson

I opened THE YADA YADA PRAYER GROUP GETS DOWN eagerly since I had enjoyed the first book so thoroughly and wanted to see what Jackson would explore here. Sure I had some trepidations about this second novel since I am all too familiar with the sophomore slump that many authors experience. Looking at the cover I saw the new shot of dancing feet that was much like the delightful line of feet in brightly colored socks on the cover of the first book. This screamed to me that the books were being packaged together. I then had concerns that Jodi Baxter, the protagonist of this "package," would therefore wind up as a packaged person, whose quirks and flaws would become frozen in time.

I should have trusted more in Jackson's God-given talent and inspiration, because she has delivered a second novel that builds on the first and, in some ways, surpasses it.

As it opens, Jodi and her family are in the midst of a steamy city summer. Their home, or "two-flat," in downtown Chicago is about as far from the Gold Coast as you can get, and unlike many characters in Christian fiction who seem to be effortlessly upper-middle-class, the teaching couple struggles for money (Denny still doesn't know whether or not his contract for the upcoming year will come through) and participates actively in their local culture.

The members of Yada Yada, as fans will know, are an eclectic bunch both ethnically and sociologically, including an elegant South African faculty wife, a very young ex-con baker, a middle-aged Messianic Jewish bubbe, and a permanently indignant African-American salon owner. It's the latter's aging mother whose troubled past provokes a rift in the prayer group, and it is this rift that forces Jody and Denny to confront their present-day beliefs.

Those beliefs affect their daughter, their son, and Jodi's quiet Iowa parents, as well as the Yada Yada members, their families, and an unwelcome new acquaintance, Becky Wallace. But what makes this book work is not necessarily this brand-new action, but the interactions of Jodi and her sisters in Christ as they get to know one another for better and for worse. Jodi is not a perfectly cheerful cardboard Christian --- she doesn't always cook with love, she holds grudges, and she argues with her husband. Instead, she's a struggling, contemporary woman of faith whose life reflects her most cherished beliefs.

The Yada Yada Prayer Group

The Yada Yada Prayer Group by Neta Jackson

The "Yada Yada Prayer Group" is a diverse group of women thrown together to pray during the Chicago Women's conference. But when one of the women's sons is shot while they are still at the conference, they band together to pray round the clock. When the conference comes to a close they discover that they don't want their prayer group to end. While at first they try to keep it going via email, they soon find it is worth the extra effort to meet in person.

The variety of worship & prayer styles represented in these women was a wonderful reminder not to judge those that worship differently than I do. And a wonderful encouragment to pray the Word more. There are no cardboard characters here. As in real life, each woman has strengths & weaknesses not always evident at first sight.