Make-Ahead Meals Made Healthy

by Michele Borboa, M.S.

Tips on ingredients and methods, many recipes, some photos. Sections include breads, breakfasts, desserts.

Steady Days

A journey toward intentional, professional motherhood 

by Jamie C. Martin

A mother of three preschoolers shares her thoughts and ideas for adding routine, peace and purpose to her family's days. She suggests having a flexible weekly schedule that changes over time as your family's needs change. She also talks about her ideas for preserving memories and for living in the moment.

This is a nice book and I think it would be helpful for mothers with young children whose days seem to go by with nothing being accomplished. I probably would have appreciated it about 10 years ago, but my kids are a bit older now and since we homeschool, I have already developed a routine as I would be completely lost without one.

The author has lovely blogs at SteadyMom.com and SimpleHomeschool.net.

Organized Simplicity

The clutter-free approach to intentional living 

by Tsh Oxenreider

Part 1 helps clarify what is important and meaningful in life and why living simply is better in every way. Part 2 is a plan for arranging your home to fulfill that vision. It lays out a 10-day full house cleaning and organizing overhaul and includes recipes for cleaners and toiletries.

I think this is a beautiful book. The author has obviously spent time thinking about what is of real value and turning her desires into reality. She presents the information in a clear, easy-to-follow manner. I agree with her values and want to put some of these plans into practice.

The author has a lovely blog at simplemom.net. You can also read more about her at tshoxenreider.com/about.

...to love, honor, and vacuum

by sheila wray gregoire

When you feel more like a maid than a wife and mother

How to reduce stress and bring your housework, relationships, finances and more under control. Sheila shares insights that will help your entire household function better.

I found this book interesting and practical; you can use the information right away. There are even helpful organizational charts in the book that you can use. It's all presented from a Christian perspective and there is even an appendix especially for homeschoolers.

Visit the author's website at tolovehonorandvacuum.com.

Live more, want less

52 ways to find order in your life 


by Mary Carlomagno 

Each chapter describes a real-life problem the author, a professional organizer, encountered and her solution followed by practical actions for the readers to apply to their own lives.

Author's website: order.

Clutter Busting

letting go of what's holding you back

by Brooks Palmer

A self-help guide to getting rid of the things that are preventing you from being happy. The author cites examples from his own "clutter-busting" business.

While I don't agree with the world-view expressed in this book, I do think it could be a useful tool in simplifying your life and deciding what really is important to you.

The complete guide to a clutter-free home

by Philip Schmidt

This book has many tips for dealing with clutter as well as storage ideas and projects for every room. A good book.