The Busy Mom's Guide to Simple Living : Creative Ideas And Practical Ways for Making the Most Out of What You Have

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Summary: Little House on the Prairie in upscale Glen Ellyn, IL
Review: Although Jackie is an engaging writer who draws one in quickly, I found several of her ideas rather outlandish. A family can save money in ways that doesn't involve such time consuming methods, however romantic they may seem. However, I appreciated her frequent reference to Biblical principles and the general values she was trying to convey. Simplified living is attained, in actuallity, alot more simply that this author leads one to believe. Still, an interesting read.

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Summary: Creative and Disciplined Living
Review: At first I thought this would be a book on simple cost-saving approaches to living, but it soon turned complicated. From grinding your own flour for bread, to growing your own vegetables and canning. Wood-burning stove for heat and cooking only from scratch. The author does warn the reader to take it slowly and not attempt to try it all at once. I do like her ideas regarding creative gifts and organization. Very helpful. Overall, entertaining reading, though the ideals are a bit frightening for the average reader.

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Summary: Thinly disguised advertisement
Review: Despite her claim of seeking to go beyond commercialism into a richer, fuller family life, Jackie Wellwood includes a variety of advertisements into her text. Two of these advertisements are for her own company, a fact she does not disclose. The final words of the main text would allow an astute and alert reader to pick up the reference, however she should have still made the connection clear. This lapse is so distasteful that it renders the rest of her work suspect - the reader always wonders if Wellwood is making a recommendation based on its quality or that the enterprise is owned by a friend.

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Summary: I'm Christian, but this was over the top
Review: I liked the focus on healthy food in this book. Unlike other reviewers, I am thinking about buying a grain mill. It also referenced a few books that look interesting.

What I didn't like, were all of the Biblical references. I'm Christian, but the Bible quotes were excessive. They quickly became distracting. She puts down "relying on self and inner strength" and supports doing things for God. I'm into simple living for a variety of reasons, including Christian values, but that is different than the extreme taken in this book.

I much preferred The Simple Living Guide by Janet Luhrs. She gives depth to the topic that is missing Jackie Wellwood's book.

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Summary: Incredibly Helpful!
Review: If you are serious about simplifing your life, you must read this book. This book was a real life changer for my family and myself. Thank you Jackie!

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Summary: Encouragement for both novice and experienced homemakers.
Review: Jackie invites readers into her home to share her family's journey to a simpler lifestyle. I felt as though I was at her kitchen table. I particularly appreciated that she shared the process that her family is going through as they move toward simplicity. With the extensive resource section, this book is required reading for those starting to pare down their lifestyles, and Jackie's honesty makes this book encouraging for those already on their way

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Summary: A great source for busy moms.......who want to simplify
Review: Jackie's advice and ideas have been a daily dose of discipline for me as a wife and home schooling mother of three......the organizing and simplifying ideas are things that I've not found elsewhere and I feel her book was written just for me. On the days that I have felt overwhelmed it was nice to reread pages and get myself back on track.....I am of course still learning but I feel that Jackie has put me on just the right course with every chapter in this book......Well worth the cost of this book and quite frankly worth much more!

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Summary: THE BOOK FOR SIMPLE, NATURAL LIVING!!!!!
Review: The Busy Mom's Guide to Simple Living is the book to read on living simply and naturally!!! Jackie Wellwood comes up with practical and creative ideas to change your life. She also reminds us that simple does not mean easy, and with time changing our lifestyles will become easier. She offers us healthier ideas for ourselves and our families. While the ideas are a bit challenging, she tells us to take it in steps and make it a slow lifestyle change process. I hope you all get out of it what I did!!!

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Summary: be aware of approach
Review: This book has a very strong Christain approach. It is filled with Bible quotes and mini-sermons. If that is not your way of life, you have to do a lot of scanning and pick your way through this book. I found that process disconnected the contents too much to really profit from the advice.

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Summary: Very strange.
Review: This book included ideas such as everyone taking their baths in a wading pool outside to save on water and electricity! It also had many ideas on how to spend a lot of money on vitamins and bread mixers and wheat grinders. Great if you really like to do those things though not exactly some- thing that would simplify life for a busy mom!