Customer Reviews

Making a Home: Housekeeping For Real Life (Better Homes & Gardens)

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Now this is a book we can use. My husband and I both "keep house," and we both need help. This book is so well organized that I've already learned I can quickly turn to whatever I need. The book is blissfully brief also as the information is boiled down into clear but simple tips. I expected lots of cleaning and care information, which the book includes, but I was pleasantly surprised with the bonus information on buying furnishings or appliances, setting the table, writing a thank-you note. I liked the section on organizing and storage too. My only complaint is that the book came shrink-wrapped, so I couldn't see what I was getting (and how complete this book is) until I paid for it and opened it up. I bought it on faith because it was done by the Better Homes and Gardens people, and I'm glad I did. This book is solving one other problem for me----what to give friends for birthdays or what to take to wedding showers. It's a great gift book.

Overall this is a pretty good guide to getting your home organized. I'm not sure that I learned a great deal of things that I really didn't already know. If you're looking for a book like this, one to help you get your home organized as well as some true housecleaning tips, I'd recommend Home Comforts: The Art and Science of Keeping House by Cheryl Mendelson. It's more comprehensive and really delves into the details better than Making a Home.

I noticed an earlier review that compares this book to Comforts Of Home. I disagree about which book is better. THIS book--Making A Home--is far better than Comforts Of Home, because this is so easy to use. I like the looseleaf binder style with its tabs (just like my favorite cookbook). I haven't begun to use this whole book yet, but I know I will. (Regarding Comforts Of Home, I received Comforts Of Home as a gift, and I have found that book to be very hard to use. It's so wordy and is like a hard to read and hard to use textbook. In contrast, Making a Home is really useful. I can find the info I want quickly, and the writing is concise and to the point. I hate to sound like some sort of an ad, but Making A Home winds, hands down.)

I am 25 and I purchased this book right after I got married and moved into my new home.... The timing could not have been better. This book has been my bible for the past few weeks as it has guided and helped me choose furniture, host a dinner party, get my home organized, etc. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to make their residence feel like a real home. This book offers very sound and some-times "not so common" sense tips on everything in a well-organized, easy to read book. Not just for homemakers, but a good buy for all.

Giving books as gifts is a favorite of mine. This book would be perfect as a wedding shower gift or for a housewarming -- man or woman.

As for context, this book covers just about every topic a young person needs to set up a new home or apartment. From organizing your 'stuff' to cleaning all kinds of surfaces, you'll find it here.

There are sections about entertaining, safety, manners, and trouble-shooting your furnace, water heater, and other systems.

Scattered on the left and right page edges are tips -- time savers, budget stretchers, household lessons, smart ideas, and more. They are included in the very extensive index.

The five-ring format allows you to remove and take pages to the hardware or paint store. It also lets you add any tips or hints you may find elsewhere.

If you are an experienced homemaker this book will be a little too basic for your needs. A better choice, if you're deep into the subject, would be "Home Comforts" by Cheryl Mendelson.

I would like to write about what this book covers, but that would take too long. What doesn't it cover? It seems to have everything you need to live well and comfortably in your home (or apartment). I like the information on buying stuff (lamps, cookware, furniture, you name it) and on cleaning everything. I fear that I will be referring a lot to the stain removal tips! Giving a dinner party, setting a table, and other niceties also are included. I like the focus on de-cluttering your place and storing our stuff. This is the ultimate reference book for anyone who wants to live better. It's as simple as that. This book is making my Xmas shopping easier, because I will give several copies to friends and family. It's one of those must-haves.

What a great resource this book is! The editors of Better Homes and Gardens have done a superb job of compiling everything you need to know about setting up and maintaining an orderly home.

Well organized with tabs for quick reference, MAKING A HOME covers cleaning, house systems, home environment, entertaining and etiquette, records, and of course ...... organization.

Whether you're organizationally challenged or think you've got it together,I predict that MAKING A HOME will become your cookbook of organizing.

I would recommend this "book" to anyone just starting out, especially out of college. I put book in quotes because it's more like a reference manual. It's organized with tabs indicating topics (mostly by room type) and held inside a binder so you can make your own pages with a hole puncher.
The author isn't ever condescending as with some other household tip books and gives a lot of tips on organization and cleaning. I think my apartment is not only a lot cleaner and organized but the book has helped me keep it that way. There are suggestions for usual house routines such as cleaning, as well as wonderful pictures of tools used in the house with good descriptions (everything from cleaning supplies to kitchenware, to storage devices). It even has a section on houseguests/etiquette and common house repair/safety.
I also like how she separates the different needs houses have depending on who is living in it. So right now I may be concentrating on the advice on single person homes but I know I will still be able to use the book when my household grows to include children and pets.

Finally, a book that has all the wisdom of running a household -- in a format that's easy to use! A house doesn't clean itself, maintain itself, or make smart choices -- I do that in my home. But I found myself wondering what was the best cleaner for different situations, what the difference between types of everything from lightbulbs to dinnerware, and what's the best way to organize all that stuff.

This book has tons of ideas, suggestions, and very doable advice. Not useable in an apartment? Pish and tosh! I guess that girl don't clean or eat there --- and I sure don't want to see her home!! I'll be giving this as a gift for years.

I've been a wife and mother for nine years now. I just got this book and it has made my life easier! The tips and suggestions are great and easy to use. It basically tells you how to stay up on your housekeeping routine so everyday isn't a cleaning day. If you know someone who is getting married, buy them this book! A great guide on how to declutter your everyday life!!