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Summary: Flylady or Crylady?
Review: Even though this book is an exact duplicate of what can be had on Flylady's website for free, it may be the better bet if you want her information. Subscribing to the mailing list leaves one wondering why they are taking advice on "finally loving yourself" from a woman so obviously wrought with deep-seated insecurity. She actually sends out scathing mailings to the entire group if anyone dares to disagree with her.Flylady's system is ideal for someone so hopeless about the condition of their life that they don't know which way to turn. I would have to say it in an invaluable resource for someone needing directions for every day functioning. Once you get back on your feet, however, Flylady becomes a mere crutch. Used properly, the system is pure genius. Used wrongly, as a previous reviewer mentioned, shades of Stepford come in.
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Summary: Changed my life for the better
Review: I tend to rate books on whether or not they were a positive or negative influence in my life. This book was doubly positive! I can't think of anything else that has helped my family more than Marla and her no nonsense way of talking straight. I've been following her system for a year now and am amazed at how easy it can be when I work it. 15 minutes here and there are transforming our lives from CHAOS to peace. My entire family are converts. Everyone can find something in her system to help them keep a hold on their lives. Must read!
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Summary: Fantastic website and book!
Review: Amazing - I always thought doing housework was for "sad" people, and have therefore always lived in mess, clutter and pigsty surroundings. This is the first book/system that has ever worked for me. I'm getting rid of things I've hung on to for years "just in case" and it's amazing how you can let go of the guilt you have attached to things like unwanted presents that you don't like but don't know what to do with. It's nice to have visitors without having to explain why the place is so disgusting (getting there slowly) and we now have some cupboards that open without the contents falling on your head :)
A must for all hoarders and procrastinators out there! ... the book repeats a lot of it but is good for bedtime reading.
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Summary: This book changed my life
Review: I am a feminist and a senior administrator at a major research university. I am also a packrat and a procrastinator and have spent most of my adult life feeling overwhelmed by clutter and the task of getting my family through the day. This book is not just for stay-at-home moms of ten - there's something here for everyone, regardless of their circumstances Marla Cilley's method is genius, her tone inspirational, and above all, DOABLE! There is ample room to customize the method to fit your life. The main thing I have learned: that clutter actively hurts my quality of life. Getting it out, and keeping it out, have changed the way I live. I have more time for things I need to do and for things I love to do. I have lost weight because I'm eating better thanks to a fully stocked kitchen and less take-out food. I'm spending more time with the people I care about because I'm not rushing around doing things at the last minute. I have more money, because I'm not spending it on junk I don't need or storage units to store junk I have. If you can believe in yourself long enough to read this book, you will find something in it of value. I can't recommend it strongly enough.
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Summary: Behavior Modification 101
Review: Many of the critical reviews of this book miss the point of the Flylady system--this is behavior modification, pure and simple. For those who are severely overwhelmed, depressed or both, the notion of just getting started on any project is daunting, to say the least, especially if one is a perfectionist. Read any behavior mod. book (David Burns' "Feeling Good", for example) and you'll find the same sorts of exercises: babysteps, one thing at a time, just do SOMETHING for a small amount of time. Over time the routines encourage one to get one's life (not just house) in order--the e-mails are plentiful but can always be ignored (one wonders if the critics actually bothered to read any of Flylady's advice concerning the system! LOL). The system may not be for everyone, but I highly recommend it to anyone who is having trouble just getting started--some may find it hokey, but I sort of enjoy receiving an e-mail daily telling me that someone is proud of me!
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Summary: Great book to change your attitude about housework
Review: I started using FlyLady on the internet before buying her book. I love FlyLady's house-cleaning system! My only complaint about the book, is it repeats much of the information available on line. The upside is that info is always at your fingertips and takes up very little room. If you are not willing to change your attitude about cleaning: "Why am I the only one doing this work? Does the family think I'm their slave/maid/whatever? It's not fair!"... If you can't fathom or embrace the idea that cleaning can bless you and your family...Then this is NOT the book for you. The last reviewer complained "The cutsie quotes and whole stepford wife thing wore thin almost instantly." I disagree, but I am a Flybaby. Some of those "cutsie quotes" can change your attitude completely. My favorite quote that I tell myself all the time is "Housework done imperfectly still blesses your family." I've never found it to be instructions to become a stepford wife. It seems to me more of a Buddhist idea of loving kindness to your self and your family. I find FlyLady's system (as outlined in the book) to be empowering. I've been using it for 10 months now and I've made and MAINTAINED a clean house (well at least a clean downstairs). It's not perfect; I'm not perfect nor always consistent. But it's waaaaay better than it was and getting better all the time. The system outlined in the book--using daily routines and zone cleaning--will work. You adapt them to your house and your time. Another powerful FlyLady quote: "your house didn't get messy in a day, it's not going to get clean in a day." has helped me to feel successful and encouraged me instead of "I'll never get this done, why bother?" attitude. This book is geared to people who really want to make a change in their life. If you're expecting this book to get your house clean in a week, this is not the right book for you. FlyLady encourages you to take babysteps. Start with daily routines and de-cluttering. Then add zone cleaning a bit at a time. If your expecting that buying this book is a magic pill and that buying it will clean the house for you...well NO book will do that. You have to really be willing to start cleaning. You'll start by shining your kitchen sink. I didn't believe for one second that a shiny sink would help me clean and be motivated, but I stepped out in faith and just did it. For me it really worked...it was inspiring and every time I saw it, I felt a peace of mind...who knew? If you're ready to make a change this book will guide you. Good Luck on your journey.
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Summary: Flyladysaved my sanity!
Review: 2 years ago My life was CHAOS! The dishes overflowed the sink,laundry go done only when the smell of moldy towels made me do it,my children's room was so deep in toys and clothes I simply closed the door and wouldnt even let them play in it.In the middle of this mess was me with my whiney "poor old me" attitude.Then I found flylady on the net...read what she had to say..shine your sink she said..what I said? ok I'll try so I did.The sink was shined every dish IN the dishwasher..wow!amazing!Next day sink full of dishes,what did that flywoman say again oh yeah shine it! So I did it again and again and then without my realizing it the shine started to spread to not only my house but ME! I started to take a shower every day and since all my clothes were clean wear nicer things.Even my childrens socks matched.I started taking car of ME!and best of all I STOPPED my poor me whining franny attitude,and my sink still shines two years later! So if I can do it anyone can. I purchased the book also and I use it as a reminder sitting on my desk with the little purple flylady reminding me to keep on shining! I say buy the book whoever you are! Anyone could use flylady's simple system even me!
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Summary: This book changed my life.....
Review: I've been in the Flylady program for 2 1/2 yrs. It's taken me this long to finally FLY! I can't believe how liberating it is to not be surrounded by clutter. My stress level has dropped dramatically and I don't spend nearly as much money. I don't yell at my family and I don't play the martyr role anymore. Life is good. Flylady was an answer to my prayer!
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Summary: Not Just Another "How to" Book!
Review: Through sage and savvy advice, Marla Cilley helps even the most unorganized person feel organized and together. After reading this book I have been able to change my life through a series of small baby steps. Marla Cilley taught me that nothing is overwhelming or confusing if it is done in 15 minute increments! The most impressive thing is that the "Flylady" is not teaching perfectionism or perfect performance just an overwhelming sense of acceptance and comradery. There is no "Stepford wife" mentality here. She is merely asking the reader to "jump in" where they are and do as much as they can at any given time. Cilley's motto, "Housework done imperfectly still blesses your family," has really blessed mine! Being a stay at home mom with two children under the age of 3, I can say with all sincerity that my home is presentable any time the doorbell rings. I do not fly into a panic and stuff things into my closets or hide until the person gives up and leaves. My home is consistantly organized and clean for the first time since having children! I would recommend this book to anyone who is tired of clutter, housework and chaos. (By the way, Cilley also has a section devoted to women who work outside of the home.)
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Summary: Finding balance; not perfectionism.
Review: As a woman educated in health education, nursing and adult education, you would think I would have all the information I needed to live a healthy life and be a perfect wife and mother.
But, that wasn't so! I pushed too hard to "have it all"; and have really neglected myself. I became a Flybaby about a year after my husband's death. The emotional impact of his sudden death was compounded by the fact that he had been a packrat. My house was a cave. Another person recommended that I try the Flylady way of doing things for just 2 months. She suggested that I did not have to do every little thing, but just try what I could and then see if there's any change! Yes! There was! And I work outside the home and had to modify things to fit my lifestyle and energy (or lack of energy due to depression). And so I think I am flying. FLY=finally loving yourself. I am beginning to take care of me and my home. Also, the principles have spilled into my job as a nurse educator. The perspective to use when you read the book and go on to the website is that you will be involved in setting up a personal behavioral management plan. You will release perfectionism and became more efficient in getting things done. You will have more energy; more fun time. All of this is so far away from the Stepford wife comment of the TX reader! All I can figure is that reader didn't read enough or try it. This concept is not about a mandate to "please your man" and be perfect; but to take care of yourself and your life---no matter who is (or isn't) in it! It's your life..take care of yourself and fly!
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