Customer Reviews

The Frantic Woman's Guide to Life: A Year's Worth of Hints, Tips, and Tricks

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You're too frantic to get your life organized, but if your life were better organized you wouldn't be so frantic. This book has the answer: tons of simple ways to get a handle on your life, divided by month and written in quick-read sections so you're not overwhelmed. Open the book to any page and I promise you'll find at least one AHA! idea that makes so much sense you'll wonder why you hadn't thought of it before. Like bringing a basket with you as you clean from room to room, to collect the items that don't belong there (I used to take the item to its proper room and then get side-tracked straightening up that room). Get this book and keep it somewhere handy so when you have a free second (waiting in the car at the bus stop or maybe in the bathroom) you can pick up another tip to make life a little less franzzled!

My first thought upon picking up this book was that I was NOT frantic... just sort of continuously running at a low level of mild panic. I decided to give it a chance, and I'm glad I did. I was afraid this book would lecture me about being a perfect wife and mother (ha ha ha), but I found this was not the case at all. Instead of coming off like My Mom, I got a definite "girlfriend vibe" from the authors. For someone like me, the habit of planning ahead to avoid being overwhelmed later on is something utterly foreign and has to be learned. I'm one of those people who loves concise little tips - easier for me to digest and remember - and I've found the tips in the book to be very helpful and creative. Though my children are mostly grown now, I still have a lot of challenges for running my household and my life in general. I got the book at the beginning of 2005, and I think there is hope for me. I'm not quite ready to do "Christmas in July," but I think with the help of the Frantic Women I may actually get it done on time in December for a change!

I love this book because there is something in it for everyone--single or married women of all ages, with or without kids. I'm married without kids, but my life can get "frantic" at times, too, and there's so much in this book that I can put to use in my everyday life. The checklists are great because I'm a checklist kind of person. The "Hidden gems" are little practical tips that come in so handy. But I think what I like most about it are the month-by-month reminders--so many ideas that I've never thought of before that I can't wait to try out this year!

The Frantic Woman's Guide to Life is the perfect book for me. Alhtough I do not have children yet and am not married. I am engaged, living with my fiance, working two jobs and trying to figure out this household stuff. Since this book is grouped into months it is easy for me to pick it up during a spare moment and get some advice on stuff I would have never figured out on my own. Thank you!

This book is great! The first advice book I have ever read where I can actually use the advive that is given. The book is categorized perfectly so you do not have to read from the beginning to the end, you can just pick up the book anywhere and get some GREAT advice on how to make the stresses of everyday life a little less stressful. I carry this book in the car with me so if I have some spare time (usually while I am waiting for the carpool to pile in) I can get some good advice.

Don't bother. The concept is great, tips organized by month, Jan is organizing, March is spring cleaning, etc, but the book is a huge disappointment. For example, it offers such platitudes as "Remember, don't put off until tomorrow what you can accomplish today". They suggest using 3 address books (1 for doctors, 1 for friends, 1 for your kids). Who can keep track of 3? I can't even keep track of 1 - that's why I'm reading the book! They don't cover organizing your computer files, internet logons, or PDA's. She even suggests having the kids sort your returned checks when you balance your checkbook. (I don't know which century this is from as I don't know of any banks that return checks anymore). She suggests getting rid of unworn clothes, but doesn't cover wardrobe planning or offer hints as to how to decide what to keep. She doesn't offer hints as to how to organize your purse or other daily items. She suggests putting seldom used credit cards in the glove compartment - so they would be handy to a thief??? I think this is a very outdated book despite the fact it was just published. If you need to get more control of your life, check out Julie Morgenstern or Kathy Waddill.

As a professional writer, I've learned that if I say: "I'm going to write Chapter 1 today," chances are it won't get done. BUT, if I give myself a goal of "I'm going to outline Chapter 1 and flesh out my characters," I have a much better chance of accomplishing that "do-able" goal. Well, this book is the hallmark of listing do-able tasks--nothing overwhelming, nothing particularly difficult--but all designed to make your life less hectic, less distraught and of course, less frantic! So what if you don't get through the entire list?!? The authors understand you very well may not--but even if you don't, they're supportive and encouraging. You feel as if you're being helped--not lectured to or berated.

This is definitely a hands-on book, so feel free to break the binding, mark off the checklists (live dangerously--do them in green ink!) and even make liner notes as you add your own items to their checklists. And if you've misplaced your bookmark, don't fret. Bend the page to mark your place.

The authors will understand!

I love the way this book is set up in month by month chapters! It's so easy to read and to apply the tips, a little at a time. In the first couple of pages, they offered a solution for one of my worst habits--dropping my keys and purse on the table in the foyer. I've been trying to break the habit for years, but instead, they recommend "putting things where they land" as they call it. So now, I have a beautiful basket with a lid that hides the mess and still lets me keep my things where I'm used to putting them. It's a basic concept, but I'm so thrilled with the result. And now I'm working on organizing the shelves in my bathroom the way they suggested. This book is packed with great, simple tips. I highly recommend it for all you busy women out there!

Finally, the book I've been waiting for! I love the month-by-month format--which is so different from other organizing books I've read. The checklists in the back of each chapter will help me keep track of what I've done each month and what I have yet to do. In addition, the book is very easy to read. In fact, I had read through the month of May in my first sitting. Here are two of my favorite suggestions:

1. I especially liked the tips about freezing baked goods the day you make and buy them. They even recommended freezing potato chips--give it a try!

2. I also liked the suggestion of putting a snack box full of healthy alternatives like granola bars and cereal mixes in the car. I've already saved money bypassing the fast food places!

There are so many more good tips, I can't tell them all. They talk about everything from winterizing your car to getting a good tutor for your kids and uncluttering your closet. Any women with too much on their plates should pick up this book. It's been a life saver already. Thanks!

This is a book that can be of help to frantic folks,both female and male. I first heard of it around the Christmas holiday, and it was helpful in sorting out the growing number of tasks that my wife Chris and I want to do, and to do that during the absence of the sun in our home town of Barrow, Alaska.
For example, maintaining and updating the Christmas card list is always important, but especially in the far north where blizzards and other weather can slow even the postal service.
Baking ahead is also important, because our one general store can run out of key ingredients just when you need them.
The authors also include the spiritual focus on Christmas, and hints at low-tech, low-cost ways to share the real meaning of Christmas with friends and family.
This practical, easy-to-read book continues with tips and approaches to chores and the like by month through the year, including -"Tax Time."
Also a growing concern - "The responsibility of caring for aging relatives."--including "Be respectful of their needs and wants" There is a tradition among the Inupiat Eskimo people of taking very good care of the elders, and respecting them. When we all become "aging relatives," we'll certainly want that, so let's give it now.
And let's not forget pets --dogs, cats, hamsters and more
The book includes "Planning a neighborhood dog show"
Here in Barrow, we'd have a lot of Huskies and even some sled dogs, but it would be fun!
A great book to read, from Barrow to Key West. Enjoy!
Earl