Emilie Barnes was the author of 60 books at the time this was written. Creative Home Organizer explores the many aspects of managing a home. Her books are always organized and concise, which makes for easy reading and reference.
The chapters are broken up into bullet-points with loads of helpful hints, checklists, ideas, and suggestions. Each chapter begins with a pertinent scripture, and there are many inspirational quotes throughout to encourage you as you read and implement the ideas.
Here are a few tips from some of the chapters.
1. Organizing
Emilie believes that being a homemaker, full or part time, is the greatest profession in the world. To be successful at this honorable position, you need to be organized in your home and in your life. Tackling housework in only 15 minutes a day will yield very effective results in a short amount of time. Taking small steps keeps you from feeling overwhelmed by your tasks.
Give yourself time to change your old habits. She reminds us of the 21-day rule of breaking an old habit or starting a new one. She also advises us to make lists, set goals, and plan for success.
2. Food Preparation
Preparing and cooking nutritious meals is an act of love for our family. Families who eat together have better nutrition. Family mealtimes can foster closeness, warmth, and communication with our husbands and children.
Emilie has many tips for cooking, shopping frugally, using leftovers, and much more in this chapter.
3. The Kitchen
The kitchen is often referred to as the heart of the home, and should be an enjoyable place. In order to make it a pleasant place to work in, we need it to be organized, clean, and have the proper tools. If it is pleasant to work in, we will be more motivated to spend time there making delicious meals and having fellowship with our family members.
4. Storage
A neat idea mentioned here is to give away one item every day. She suggests many different types of organizers and storage systems.
5. Cleaning
“Don’t put it down, put it away.” This chapter includes cleaning supply lists, homemade cleaners, and cleaning checklists for daily, weekly, monthly, and so on.
6. The Garage
Start the massive garage cleaning job with three garbage bags labeled “put away, throw away, and give away.” Get your family together to plan and make a list of things that need to be done.
7. The Laundry
Laundry is easier when your equipment is close by, and it is one job that can be delegated to all family members who are old enough to help. She gives advice on stain removal, bleaching, dryer safety, and hard water.
8. The Automobile
“Plan, plan, plan!” If we don’t plan regular automobile care, we can run into trouble. She gives maintenance checklists, emergency organization lists, travel supplies, and more.
9. Finances
“We earn little by little, and we save little by little.” Having a proper attitude towards money helps us to have control over it. We don’t want to be slaves to money, or to creditors. She has tips on saving, debt reduction, and managing money.
10. Time Savings
“Time management is not just keeping busy, but is finding God’s focus for you – choosing a direction and moving ahead to accomplish your goals.” Managing your time takes planning and effort. To be good time managers we must set goals, and plan the steps to reach those goals.
11. Raising Children
We should strive to raise children who are godly, responsible, know how to solve problems, and do not make excuses as to why they can’t perform a task. We need to be committed to spending the time and effort to bring our children up well. Recognize and take advantage of opportunities to teach them about God.
The remaining chapters cover the topics of good health, sewing and crafts, gardening, beauty, moving, wardrobe, and safety.
I think that women of any age can learn new ideas and gain encouragement from this uplifting book. Whether you are just starting on your journey of keeping house, or are a grandmother with years of experience, there will be something for you here. It is quick to read, but you probably won’t sit and read through from beginning to end. You may be more likely to choose the chapters in the order of your individual home and family management needs.
the books – smells like content
