Pretty Neat Review & Giveaway (Ends 3/26)

I had the opportunity to review a copy of the book Pretty Neat: the buttoned-up way t get organized & let go of perfection.  Like any mom running a household with lots of kiddos, a book about organization peeks my interest.  I settled down with it and started reading.


This was an incredibly easy read with great advice peppered with practical tips.  I loved that they didn't give you one way to do things, but realized that there are different solutions for different families to the same problems.  They offered ideas and inspiration and you can choose what best fits your family and their needs.


The topics covered ranged from scheduling, clutter, family meals and managing an inbox.  With both high tech and low tech solutions it was great to read.  Realizing that there is no true one size fits all way of doing things is the genius to this book.


I also really enjoyed the interviews and little tips scattered throughout the pages and sidebars of the reading.  Wonderful websites and other resources were also given.


The philosophy emphasized, which I totally embraced, was to realize that no one considers themselves totally organized.  That you need to let go of the perfectionist attitude.  And through the pages of the book I found myself and my habits of not being able to let go and delegate tasks for fear of them not being done to my standards.  


I also really loved the reinforcement throughout the book that children over 10 should be taught to organize themselves and work that into the context of the family.  They should be responsible for their own belongings, as well as keeping the family abreast of their schedules and needs.  It was a welcome reminder that I should be entrusting me eldest, who turns 11 next month, with more responsibility.  Not just to ease the load on myself some, but to best train him to be a functioning adult.


Personally my biggest struggle is with paper and the piles of it that end up on every flat surface in my home.  I am encouraged to make a filing system and to work at it for a few minutes each day.  I also really need to set up a functioning mail system for the piles of papers that come into our home each day.  With set guidelines and rules to deal with the constant flow of paper, and creating a habit of using them, will stave the angst the paper gives me.


This book retails for $14.95 and can be purchased at the Buttoned Up website or at other online retailers.


I really liked this book, and am happy to be able to give one away to a reader!  Just leave a comment with the area of your home or life that has become the biggest source of organizational stress.

To get additional entries into the giveaway you can do the following:

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4. Tweet this giveaway on twitter. Comment here with a link to the tweet for an additional entry. You can do this once a day for the duration of the giveaway for added entries.  Use the following tweet:


"Need organizational help?  Win a copy of Pretty Neat: the buttoned-up way to get organized (ends 3/26) http://tinyurl.com/6emqr58"

5. Grab my button and post it on your blog. Comment and put the link to your site.

6. Blog about this giveaway! Comment here with a link to your blog entry for 2 additional entries. Be sure to label your comments #1 and #2.

The Pretty Neat Giveaway will end at 11:59 PM on March 26th.

I received a copy of Pretty Neat for the purposes of reviewing the product.  All opinions expressed are my own.