Greetings to Alicia and Sarah, a nice way to end our
books for women by women by getting us all organized!
Pretty Neat
We heard the same
thing from women everywhere we went: “I wouldn’t really consider myself super
organized. Are you sure you want to talk to me?” Angela Harris, busy mom of
two, joked, “People think I’m organized because I juggle things. But my car, my
gym locker, and my office tell the real story.”
Even those who
described themselves as very organized, even anal, were quick to point out
their flaws and shortcomings. None felt remotely qualified to have their
organizational tricks held up as examples of what to do.
Why on earth, we
asked ourselves, did these women feel their “imperfect” ways left them short of
the mark organizationally? Perhaps it’s because perfection has been held up as
the gold standard when it comes to organization. We think it’s high time for a
new standard of organization: an imperfect one.
What does it mean to be imperfectly organized?
Foremost, it is a mind-set. It means making a conscious decision to let go of
the notion that everything must pass inspection by the organizational police,
and instead permit yourself to keep the gears of your life turning in your own
unique way. Even if it involves shortcuts and a little messiness that might
horrify your mother or mother-in-law, the goal is to have enough structure in
place to avoid missing important things, yet remain limber enough to handle the
inevitable curveballs that get thrown your way. And unless you have enough time
to make organization a full-time job, you’ll need to embrace shortcuts and
imperfect approaches to getting organized. Remember, organization is not an end
state, it’s an ongoing fact of life—a process.
This book will be gifted today!
Members of the Perseus Books Group | Distributed by Publishers Group West
We Love our Sponsors..
A huge thanks to the following sponsors for offering up some very heartfelt presents for the month of December... Besides the featured Authors book each day, we will have weekly PRESENTS of the following..
From top to bottom.....Pellon is gifting 2 pillows, 1 batting for a throw, some pillow stuffing, and some wonder under to 2 winners who stick with Pellon!
Aurifil is gifting 4 boxes of large threads in a variety of colours to 4 lovers of threads....
Bag Lady is gifting 5 assorted frames for coin purses to 1 coin purse lover!
Reliable Corporation ( you can see close up here) is gifting 2 Sensor Irons to 2 quilters who love to iron.
Purdy's Chocolate is gifting 4 large boxes of chocolates...( I did not even peak under the wrapper, so I am not sure what is there ) to 4 lucky chocolate lovers.
Andover Fabrics is gifting 4 beautiful assorted fat quarter bundles to 4 fabric lovers...
Our whole month of December we cheerleaders will be celebrating all of YOU, who have been
with us for years. To our new followers, we will welcome you with all the warmth we can muster....
WE hope you will be visiting us and leaving lovely comments for all of our guests who have
made this month possible.... Take this time to thank those around you for all of our blessings...
It will be a very special month....
Whatever your wishes are this season, these are our wishes for you...!
With warmest blessings from our cheerleading TEAM...
Jane, Carol, Katherine, Marlene, Wendy, Corrie, Linda, Cherry,
Pauline, Christine....These are our cheerleaders...
and a new one who will be joining the team in 2013 Mary!
Congrats to Jean(ie) who won yesterdays book
Riding Fury home
and Ryan who won
our last Reliable Sensor Iron..
tomorrow we will announce
the rest of the winners
of our remaining 'gifts
congrats to SharonP for winning our last Purdy's chocolates
congrats to JulietteR for winning a variety of BAG LADIES
coin purse handles...( 6 in total)
and our final giveaway with much appreciation of all of our sponsors
goes to jerryanne T....
A big thanks goes out to Seal Press
for bringing us all a month filled with amazing authors...
It gave many of us an opportunity to slow down the pace
a bit and put our noses into books .....
a nice change it was...thank you all!
Congrats to SALLIE for winning the book of the day!
PRETTY NEAT..
See you all on Monday, for our announcement of our next
BLOG HOP.... ( for end of January)
DARE to DRESDEN!
It sounds an interesting book.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a super book. Any help and/or tips we can share with each other is great. I think you have to try different things, systems or short cuts to see what works for you and your life. I'm always open to try something new, hehe.
ReplyDeleteThank you and all the Sponsors for the awesome giveaways and the chances to win.
usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com
I like the sound of this book. It sounds very interesting.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Alicia and Sarah that organization is a personal thing. I try, I really do, but there are times that I wonder if I have missed the boat, LOL! Thank you Madame Samm for all the great reads.
ReplyDeletejbechosend at sbcglobal dot net
A book about organization, I really need that!! Thanks for a chance to win and thank you Samm for all the work you do for this blog!
ReplyDeleteJust what I need,,,,if I don't lose track of it!! LOL. I'll be looking for this book,,,really. Thanks for another great series Mdm.
ReplyDeletethis book sounds awesome,thankyou for a chance to win it.xx
ReplyDeleteI think I hear this book calling my name....either that or a bigger house which I don't see happening in my lifetime!
ReplyDeleteI found out late in life imperfection is okay. Another book I`m going to buy. Thanks for a bunch of great reads Mdm. Samm!
ReplyDeleteSounds good. It reminds me of a saying my mother-in-law had hanging in her kitchen: "My house is clean enough to be healthy and dirty enough to be happy" Thanks for another great book. It's been a lovely month.
ReplyDeleteI agree that it's a "mind-set." I think most of us struggle with this in one way or another. Even trying to make those perfect quilting points... it's all part of the mind-set. Thanks for bringing all of these books to us this month!
ReplyDeleteInteresting idea, another spin on the 'shame' that we use to make ourselves feel like we're not good enough, maybe? That said, I think I COULD benefit from a bit more organization in my life!
ReplyDeleteI am the most unorganized person I know!
ReplyDeleteWho is perfect anyway?? That's what keeps us interesting...right?? lol
ReplyDeleteSounds like another great book!
ReplyDeleteThanks for this month,it was a lot of fun :0)
Sounds like a good book to add to the library - thanks for all of these authors you have introduced us to.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good book to add to the library - thanks for all of these authors you have introduced us to.
ReplyDeleteNow this sounds like a book we all could use I know I need help to get organized ...maybe in the new year ;)
ReplyDeletein stithces
I'm hopelessly unorganized at my house, but at work everything has to be in its place. I can't stand it if my stapler is even a little crooked. Looks like another book that hits the spot of just what I need. :O)
ReplyDeleteI think most of us have organizational issues at some level. This sounds like a good book. Thanks for organizing this great month of books. I have found it very informational, and there are definitely books that I will read--I ordered yesterday's book yesterday.
ReplyDeleteI think this sounds like a book for me. Why do we always feel we must do everything perfectly?
ReplyDeleteI love the whole concept of this book!!! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteNow here's a book I think I could relate to. I've learned through the years how to be organized enough to function smoothly and get the things done that need to be done, but it wasn't easy for a person like me who is so right brained and scattered. I still think I can learn, though, and that is part of my goal for next year. This sounds like a great book!
ReplyDeletePerfect book to take us into the new year! I have certainly spent lots of time organizing -- over and over again.....
ReplyDeleteThanks for the effort this took to organize the book giveaway.....
I hate to see this series end. I am so ready to reorganize Everything!
ReplyDeleteOh yes - perfection is a constant obstacle at our house!
ReplyDeleteSounds interesting, though I've pretty much given up trying to be organized. Seems my natural state tends more to chaos ...
ReplyDeleteRosemary B here:
ReplyDeleteOh I love being organized. However I am also a little bit packrattish - yes that is an official label of someone who saves things haha. I would love to read this book. I just put it on my Amazon wish list. these girls are brilliant. Thank you for the give away of the threads and other goodies. I am certain every one is enjoying this as much as I am.
Love and Happy New Year to all.
2013 is going to be a year of great changes and personal accomplishments.... right?
This is a great book for this time of year with new years resolutions everywhere! Organization...the quintessential goal for so many of us!
ReplyDeleteI have thoroughly enjoyed your presentation of so many wonderful books, Madame Samm. The authors have been inspiring and the subject matter broad and indepth. Thank you for introducing me to so many thought provoking choices.
Yay! I'm so excited about this! This book sounds like a perfect match for me!
ReplyDeletethank you thank you thank you!!!!!!
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteAs I've grown older, the idea of imperfect organization has become more acceptable to me. I do know if things get to chaotic, I get lost in the mess; I think that's where some of my perfect organization came from.
ReplyDeleteIts kind of like practically perfect! I'll take it any day!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great sounding book. I bet there are some great ideas in it. I am working hard to let my "need to be perfect" ease up. Hope you are having a great day.
ReplyDeleteWhen I started quilting, I had to give up any perfectionistic tendencies I carried along with me (as regards sewing). I still aim at getting it right, but I've learned not to rip out a seam because it was a scant off the mark. And the quilting? It all blends in after the quilt is washed. So I think if I am perfectionistic in this area of my life, maybe I have other areas that need attention? Hmmmm.
ReplyDeleteEspecially wanted to thank you for hosting such a great event with all the book reviews. I didn't get a chance to read them all, but did find some I know I would be intriguing. Happy New Year for you!
Yay for Jean!! Today's book is *right* up my alley! This will definitely make my 'need to read' list. Trying to keep things organized and decluttered in the RV is of utmost importance and I'm such a 'collector' it's a constant battle! :)
ReplyDeleteOh, look! You only need 15 more followers to hit 5,000 - awesome.
ReplyDeleteHow can this be the last book??
ReplyDeleteI have really enjoyed seeing all these new books and quite a few are on a "need to read" list.
This one is definately going on the list.
Always looking for that happy medium in so many things!
ReplyDeleteThis looks like my kind of book. I have a half way system for organizing, and need to learn how to let some things go!
ReplyDeleteThis book would be perfect for me. I am constantly organizing and then worry that it isn't perfect. I think this is why it takes me so long to pick fabric for a new quilt because I want it to be perfect. Thanks for the giveaways and for the fun blog hop.
ReplyDeleteI love organizational books that don't pretend to be perfect. My favorite tip a long time ago was that piles are OK. When I'm too tidy I can't find anything. Thanks, this has been a great month about women.
ReplyDeleteThat's a really good point about unattainable standards. Perfectionists can be so put off by a standard that seems unattainable that they won't even try. And that may explain my lack of organization. I am surprised at the few places I have organization, though.
ReplyDeleteIts so hard not to just a quire things....LOL....I loved all the the great books for reading ideas in the coming year. I plan on taking more time to read and you sure have added to the list!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Debbie
My organization skills have disappeared -- so can use suggestions to put in place -- such a good book for a New Year!
ReplyDeleteThankyou for another great review. This month has opened my mind up to a totally different set of books to read that I would have never contemplated otherwise. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThanks for another great book and the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a great book. I have a problem with trying to be too organized. Heaven knows that I am not perfect. Thanks for introducing us to all these different authors!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great read! As all of the books have sounded....I had better get to ready more. Thanks for sharing insights into so many books. And thanks for the possiblity of winning one of your great giveaways.
ReplyDeleteThat's what I keep telling my husband, organization is an on-going process. I just keep working at it.
ReplyDeleteGreat ending to a wonderful month of interesting books and authors. I now have a large stack of reading material to go along with my ever growing stack of sewing material!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the inspiration and the opportunity to win.
My day started off as it has for the past 4 weeks. I was up early to be with my mother who has been ill and her 92 yr old body was failing her. Within 20 minutes of my arrival, my mother quietly drew her last breath, as I sang (softly) one of her favorite hymns. There is much to do in the next few days, but my head is already thinking of the many sewing projects and organizing of the sewing room that I have put off for almost 3 yrs since we brought Mother closer to us. I think I need this book!
ReplyDeleteBeckie
(whose Mother taught her, at an early age, of the love of all things sewing and fabric!)
Sounds like an interesting book!
ReplyDeleteThanks for organizing the books blog hop this month.
Happy New Year!
My favorite bookmark says " I finally got it all together, but I forgot where I put it"..Maybe if I remember where I put it, I won't have to get it all together? I like imperfection!
ReplyDeleteDoesn't imperfect spell I 'm perfect?
ReplyDeleteThis book will be so liberating to many as there are multitudes who constantly 'beat their self up' over their organizational skills. I of whom am the ring leader... Looks like yet another must read for us all!
ReplyDeletesowingstitches [at] gmail [dot] com
Lol Evelyn ... you are so right!
ReplyDeleteThe last book already? Madame Samm, thank you so much for all of the great books you introduced us to. Some great reads. My reading list grew by leaps and bounds this month.
Thank you for everything you do here for all of us. I, for one, enjoy coming to see what you have up your sleeve next. You really amaze me!
I smiled when I read this post, since lately I have trouble remembering to pay the bills on time. LOL That's life at 110 miles per hour. Thanks for a great month of books and prizes from wonderful sponsors!
ReplyDeleteHi!! Thanks for the fun!!! This book sound wonderful!!! I like to know where everything is and I am really not very happy if someone moves it!!! But it is never completely organized!!!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds very interesting. In fact, I've purchased three of the books you've highlighted in this series of posts. Thanks for bringing them to our attention!
ReplyDeleteI appreciate the introduction to the women authors you have highlighted. I probably wouldn't have found them on my own. Thanks for the exposure and for all the give-aways. It's great how you manage to involve us and make us vocal. swalker287 (at) gmail (dot) com.
ReplyDeleteI think I could use learn from this book. I used to be very organized, ...not so much any more. When I was working full time I was organized ...now I've always got 'tomorrow' to do things I should have done yesterday and then before I know it I'm just going in circles. My New Year's resolution is to organize my house. It will be my full-time job and it will be an 'ongoing fact of life'. Thanks Mdm Samm for organizing this fun month of great reads. Thanks to the wonderful sponsors and to the authors and cheerleaders who shared their time. Happy New Years to everyone!!!
ReplyDeleteGood point. I try to be perfectly organized, but my desk says otherwise. Tho 90% of the time I can still put my hand on exactly what I am looking for.
ReplyDeleteThis was so fun! Thanks for all your hard work in getting it organized and giving away all those amazing prizes from those generous sponsors. Dare to Dresden sounds like another blog hop I'll just HAVE to be part of. :O)
ReplyDeleteThank you very much! I'm looking forward to Dare to Dresden, too.
ReplyDeleteThank you Madame Samm for putting this book event together. I had a great time.
ReplyDeleteThis is my first time ever on this blog...Sounds like so much fun I am gonna follow...everyday...thanks
ReplyDelete