Taming the To-Do List by Glynnis Whitwer

First of all, I should thank Glynnis Whitwer for helping me to procrastinate for just a little longer on a few tasks I've dreaded doing. In fact, within the time frame of reading this book, I put off cleaning bathrooms, mopping, and I do believe there was a day I put off doing the dishes! My excuse was perfect: once I finish reading this book, I'll be better at marking those tasks off my to-do list. So from the bottom of my heart (and much to my husband's dismay), thank you!

In all seriousness, I had first looked forward to this book because I thought it would help me to become more efficient at the tasks that I juggle everyday. For example, I thought maybe there would be some divine idea that would shine a light on how to make my bathrooms shinier much faster or help me not to look at sweeping as such a chore to loathe. Or perhaps it would show me where that magic fairy was that could help me put up my clothes that have now sat in the laundry basket for um....3 weeks. This book did none of that.

However, it did tell my what the root of my problem is. It revealed to me why I look at my mess and just shut down instead of becoming motivated to do it all. It explains why I feel so much more progress when I write down every little step so that I can mark it off. It also told me why I figure that if I can't do my best then I shouldn't even start. I am a procrastinator. Of course, I knew I was in small ways, but I really didn't think it carried over to housework. I was wrong!

I really appreciated her tips of journaling out a huge master to-do list and then making it one-step tasks vs. multiple-step tasks. I'm the one with sticky notes dividing up my other sticky notes. This sounded like a glorious idea to me, and one that I'm already taking to heart.

The book does include some soul-searching and action steps. I found this helpful because I have a tendency to keep on breezing through the book and forgetting some of the ideas the book mentioned.

If you're a procrastinator or don't have a clue if you are or not, this book is for you! Seriously. Don't procrastinate in getting this book. It is a one-step decision to go to the store and get it or go online and add it to your cart.

Oh, and it has the cutest cover that makes every task-oriented person want to grab this book and devour it right away. I mean, who doesn't love a check list as a cover?!

_______________

I received this book free from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Everyday Confetti by Karen Ehman & Glynnis Whitwer

I love this book from cover to cover, including everything in between!  I really like to celebrate days and make certain days more special than others.  However, I'm not good at it and am horrible at planning for them and who has the time to really research those ideas?  Pinterest helps some, but in all honesty, those ideas I pin stay on the wall.  I don't anticipate this ideas given in the book will stay in this book.  I'm already plotting out my first holiday, which will be Valentine's Day.  I can't wait to use this book through the years. I hope it's one of those books I'll want to pass down to my children when they ask, "Mom, where did you get all those ideas to make the holidays so memorable for us?"

I can't think of a singe holiday that this book doesn't cover.  It has it all, including Backwards Day, Left-Handers Day, and Book Lover's Day (on which this book would be the perfect gift for someone).

I like how it covers everyday celebrations, such as spiritual birthdays, reaching out to others, birthdays, and everyday moments.  It also has all of the holidays, from the well-known days to the lesser-known days.

There are lots of recipes to try during these celebrations and I can't wait to try them.  They all look so good and rather easy.  My favorite part though are the ideas of how to make these days special, from notes to presents to ideas to parties.  They are simple and not horribly involved and are things that I think I can easily manage.

2014 just got a little sweeter and I'm looking forward to making some fun memories with my little ones this year that will leave them in anticipation of what comes next!

_______________

I received this book free from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.