Sink Reflections by Marla Cilley (2002, Paperback, Reissue)

I first saw this book four years ago when it first came out. Given the fact that it is still getting a decent price four years later, you know there is something to it.

Marla, called the FlyLady because she had a career tieing fishing flies, was a disorganized single mother living in chaos (or as she would say, CHAOS--Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome) when she came up with her system for getting and staying organized. Basically, she believes that a clean home reflects a person's inner state and by building up your own self-esteem and applying some simple tools, you can live a happier life of peace with a home that welcomes you.

This book tells some of her life story (living in an abusive home, etc.) as well as some stories reported on her website, flylady.net. I pictured her as a blue collar "Roseanne" who practices both tough love and compassion. Hey, she's been there. I liked this book because it's slim and a fast read and a great reference for when you're feeling down and discouraged.

She basically says you should never go to bed without shining your kitchen sink. The sink basically is like a lighthouse beacon, cheering you up enough to try doing other cleaning activities. This little act of nightly discipline helps you establish a routine. (Among her other mantras are to wear tie shoes in the house--tie shoes give you a more productive feeling. If you don't wear shoes in the house, buy shoes meant just for indoors.)

Overall, this is a great addition to the library of organizing books as it reflects the opinions of someone who has truly been there.