This week in books - Week 2
Well, I didn't get all the books read that I was hoping to last week, but at least I spent more time reading and trying to finish them than usual!
Sadly, the one book I did finish, Sidetracked Home Executives, is not one I'm really thrilled to talk about. I've read it at least two times before but that was way back in high school (I sound like a real old-fogey saying "way back in high school" - the truth is that I am getting quite removed from my high school years though. In fact, I'm almost nearer to 30 than 20!). I thought I liked it, but I'm not sure what I was thinking because I didn't like it this time around. I think Catherine aptly described it when she said it was, "very, very corny." It just seemed over-complicated to me. I thought about switching to an index box system like theirs for a few seconds and then smacked myself back into reality. Though it might work for some, my system of household management seems much more simplified and, as long as I stay on the ball with it, it works very well.
The one thing I did get out of the book was the encouragement to make more of an effort to get up, shower, and get dressed to the shoes. I can hit the ground running and get lots of things done in a day, but getting showered and dressed to the shoes first thing in the morning is not one of my strong points. However, when I do it, it does make a difference in my productivity and my ability to leave the house or entertain visitors at the drop of a hat. Unless your home and life is in serious disarray or you like very detailed systems of organization, I wouldn't put this book at the top of your list to read.
Also finished this week:
Job
Currently reading:
Proverbs, 2 Corinthians
The Mother at Home
How to Have a 48-Hour Day
Susanna Spurgeon: Free Grace and Dying Love
Nourishing Traditions
Here's the hoping I can finish more than one book this next week... we'll see!
Sadly, the one book I did finish, Sidetracked Home Executives, is not one I'm really thrilled to talk about. I've read it at least two times before but that was way back in high school (I sound like a real old-fogey saying "way back in high school" - the truth is that I am getting quite removed from my high school years though. In fact, I'm almost nearer to 30 than 20!). I thought I liked it, but I'm not sure what I was thinking because I didn't like it this time around. I think Catherine aptly described it when she said it was, "very, very corny." It just seemed over-complicated to me. I thought about switching to an index box system like theirs for a few seconds and then smacked myself back into reality. Though it might work for some, my system of household management seems much more simplified and, as long as I stay on the ball with it, it works very well.The one thing I did get out of the book was the encouragement to make more of an effort to get up, shower, and get dressed to the shoes. I can hit the ground running and get lots of things done in a day, but getting showered and dressed to the shoes first thing in the morning is not one of my strong points. However, when I do it, it does make a difference in my productivity and my ability to leave the house or entertain visitors at the drop of a hat. Unless your home and life is in serious disarray or you like very detailed systems of organization, I wouldn't put this book at the top of your list to read.
Also finished this week:
Job
Currently reading:
Proverbs, 2 Corinthians
The Mother at Home
How to Have a 48-Hour Day
Susanna Spurgeon: Free Grace and Dying Love
Nourishing Traditions
Here's the hoping I can finish more than one book this next week... we'll see!
posted by Crystal Paine at 1:17 PM
7 Comments:
I'll be anxious to hear what you think about Nourishing Traditions. :)
I grew up reading this book, and my mom followed this method of organizing. You do not have to make it complicated or hard. It is what works for you! Mom was not messy like them in the book, but she is VERY sidetrackable (is that a word?) We all love to tell the story of when the kitten ran behind the dishwasher..... and the chain of events that out into motion, but I will spare you!
I have used this method several times for myself and have enjoyed using it, but got tired of looking at cards, memorized them.
Anyhow, I think whatever works for you! I think you reccomended the book Queen of the Castle? I just got it and am reading it! It is really good!
Yes, me too! Funny that someone else had the same thought as me! I borrowed that book from my MIL and totally devoured it. I hated to give it back and it is on my looooong list of books to buy.
Stephanie
If you like this one try Sink Reflections by Marla Cilley (The FlyLady). She took this book and adapted it to work for her life. She has a wonderful website (flylady.net) and she credits these two sisters for a lot of the things that she does. Being a FLYbaby has changed my life and that of my family for the much, MUCH better. I hope you enjoy SHE!
Tracy
I didn't care for Side-Tracked Home Executives when I read it. The box concept was one I'd tried using Emilie Barnes' books, and used it quite successfully until I read this book and then it confused everything for some reason.
I really liked Nourishing Traditions. Keep an open mind when reading it.
Question for Grace:
What book did you get the box system from Emilie Barnes?
Thanks
Holly
I'm curious what you think about Nourishing Traditions too :)
I've been introducing concepts from it into my repetoire for about 10 months now...and its going okay....BUT I've had to do it little bit by little bit. I tried at first to go great guns but burned out quickly. The hardest thing for me is getting into the rythym of planning that far in advance. It does take a good bit of organization in the kitchen...and adapting your concept of what something should taste like (namely breads) I have not yet perfected the bread recipes in the book, but I've had better success with Sue Gregg's 2 stage process whole grain bread recipe. That is actually palatable (imho). I also need to try making the cream cheese again....mine tasted like stinky feet.
I have loved, however, getting fresh raw milk, free-range eggs, and organic meat and produce. It truly tastes better and my kids drink the milk like crazy - we go through about 2 litres a day. I have liked cooking with coconut oil too and making my own salad dressing.
Here's one I really LOVE (not from NT)
2-3 sprigs fresh dill, minced
1 sprig fresh parsley, minced
1 onion, finely minced (Red onions are really good)
2 "shakes" apple cider vinegar (I use raw, unfiltered)
2 "shakes" sunflower oil (good quality)
1 pinch nutmeg (I tap twice on the spice bottle - not much or it will taste musty)
1 heaping teaspoon (the kind you eat with) mustard
1 moderately heaping teaspoon (the kind you eat with) sea salt
1 heaping teaspoon (the kind you eat with) evap. cane juice
Put all ingredients in a large salad bowl and mix well.
Add:
1 head of leafy lettuce (still wet - after rinsing just shake over sink)
1 carrot, shredded
1 large cucumber, thinly sliced with grater
Toss together with dressing, taste test to see if you need to add a bit of water, and serve immediately. This recipe is also good with just the carrots and cucumbers - you would need to add 1 or 2 more cucumbers and add a bit of water, or decrease your dressing amounts.
Post a Comment
<< Home