Home-management Books

After 24 years in the business, I still find myself using this book on a regular basis.

This book should be at the elbow of every New Home Sales and Marketing professional. Written by the master of generation. Dave has been the mentor of thousands of new home sales professionals.

Ms. Norwood covers every detail that one can imagine for beginners entering the field of consulting. Her vision of the consultive role, change agency, organizational climates, challenges, suggestions, supports, business forms and more are all contained in this volume. This book is a must have reference book for anyone that ventures outside of the traditional institutional settings for their professional nursing careers.

The role of consultation within nursing had been primary linked with the multifaceted aspects of the "work" of the clinic nurse specialists. Other advanced practice nurses (APNs) such as nurse practitioners (NPs) traditionally have not been regarded as experts in this matter, even given the identification of a consultant competency by Fenton and Byrkczynski (l993). Indeed, the consultation process was most closely linked in this seminal work to "consultation to physicians and other professional staff on patient management" (p. 321) with a notation that NPs were not usually expected to play a major role in the consultative process. With the advancement of the professionalism of nursing and burgeoning opportunities for expansion of practice, consultation as a nursing process has the potential to take its rightful place among the other established domains of the APNs. Yet, no text existed that established a nursing framework for this process; nor was there a text written that provided the foundation of the specific body of nursing knowledge required to translate "consultation" from a theoretical abstract into working reality. Thus, in recognition of this rather amazing void in nursing education, Norwood drew on her extensive experience as a nurse clinician researcher, educator, and consultant to create a "nouvelle ouvre"-the first of its kind in nursing literature. The text is well planned out-beginning with the more theoretical aspects and culminating in chapters on consultation in action. Moreover, the entire text is sprinkled with illustrative exemplars and scenarios of theory in practice drawn for the most part from real life situations. In addition, one of the book's greatest merits is the encouragement of critical thinking and analysis of chapter content by providing thought-provoking questions at the beginning of each chapter and by the provision of concrete suggestions for application of content at each chapter's end. Furthermore, boxed summaries are used liberally and judiciously to highlight major concepts, themes, and constructs. A review of the contents of this wealth of information can only be briefly summarized. The first two chapters of the first section of the book focus on the nature of nursing consultation and introduce an overview of the process of nursing consultation. Chapter 3 and 4 carefully delineate the types of interaction patterns to be found in the problem solving process and expand on nurse consultant roles and prerequisite competencies. The next section addresses the importance of understanding organization structure and behaviors and structure, group dynamics and the dynamics of change-both mechanical and emotional. Section three and its 5 chapters detail each phase of the process from gaining entry and problem identification to action planning, evaluation and disengagements. Again, Norwood makes a conscientious effort to emphasize potential pitfalls and supplies blueprints to enhance success. Section 4 with three chapters of the business, legal, and ethical issues is invaluable because of its practical applications, supplying the nuts and bolts of beginning a new business with fee schedule formulas, sample contracts, etc. The information on the legal and ethical aspects is most rewarding providing insight into problems and dilemmas not normally considered when embarking on the consultative process. The final section on "consultation in action" profiles legal and ethical consulting, standing as current prototypes, and provides inspiration for future nursing consultants. The last chapter underscores the need for "future think," identifying trends, driving and restraining forces that can lead the enterprising APN to create nursing niches in the wide range of consulting activities now available for those wishing to push past traditional boundaries. Although Norwood necessarily draws upon prevailing theories from other disciplines from time to time, her synthesis of the consultation concepts into a unique nursing perspective makes the text come alive-underscoring the premise that consultation is truly one of the domains of advanced practice nursing. Thus, Norwood's text promises to fill more than the proverbial gap in the educative process of APNs. The text would also serve as a reference and basis for consultation activities in progress and would encourage and enable practicing APNs who are contemplating adding consultation services to their repertoire of skills. Truly, the text stands as a premier catalyst-becoming a change agent in itself-by releasing the capacities of APNs (Sheston, l990). Finally, in case one is not prone to judge a book by a single reviewer, Nurses as Consultants was also chosen as one of the most valuable books of 1997 by the American Journal of Nurses in three difference categories: "Advanced Practice Nursing Professional Role Development," "Nursing Education," and "Gerontological Nursing" (AJN, l998). No nursing bookshelf should be without Nurses as Consultants, but what is more important, the book is not likely to remain on the bookshelf, but will be well worn with use. References: Fenton, M.V., & Brykczynski, K.A. (l993). Qualitative distinctions and similarities in the practice of clinical nurse specialists and nurse practitioners. Journal of Professional Nursing, 9 (6), 313-326. Nursing Resources: Books of the Year. (l998) American Journal of Nursing, 98, (1), 69 Sheston, M. L. (l990). Power: Its use and potential for misuse by nurse consultants. Clinical Nurse Specialist, 5, (1), 58-62.

Miller is an exceptionally blunt, honest, straight-forward writer. I like that in a writer from whom I am seeking business advice. Fanciful stuff is great in science fiction, but this is the real world, the harsh, unforgiving world of business today. I need to be able to trust the writer to relate facts, not fiction, and to do so in a way I can easily understand and quickly apply to my own business plans. I highly recommend this book, and this writer. You can rely on the information to help you move your business forward.

Any fan of Slashdot knows that the site has never embraced the kind of silliness that led some people to fool investors into believing that the road to riches was in selling cheese graters on-line at cheese-graters.com. Part of this reason is Robin Miller, one of the steadiest hands on the tiller. This guy used to drive a limo and that taught him how to manage a real business. Now, he's written down all of the secrets that has kept Slashdot from following cheese-grater.com into Chapter 11.

This is really a practical book that contains none of the new economy mumbo jumbo. Keep your costs low, says Miller, and he suggests a number of ways to use free or very low cost software to accomplish that. If you want to dream of infinite growth, endless revolutions, or shattering paradigms, look somewhere else. It's all about balancing the books and keeping costs in line with revenue.

Good addition to my computer book library. Currently studying for the CompTIA A+ exam and this will help answer questions that the training doesn't provide.

Anyone that works with computers should get this book, fixing an unstable PC is sometimes a mind numbing experience without any preparation, where do you start? This book addresses how to isolate a potential problem, prevent and get organized in the event a PC Software or Hardware Disaster, how to recover and future preventions.

This book will transform yourself into a smart troubleshooter, specially when you read and really learn how the hardware, operating system and applications work together. There is a lot to learn here for every walk of your computer life. Make It Part Of Your Resource Learning Library. Good Luck.

I have used this calendar for about 10 years now. It has a great layout with each week opening flat to the entire week. Columns for appointments, meals/kitchen, home, To Do, To Buy and a handy message area at the bottom corner as well as a small monthly calendar at the top for reference and a nice quote of inspiration.

The front inside cover has a place for emergency phone numbers and info, a 2 page year at glance planning calendar for whole year.

Each month has a full page calendar and opposite page that is lined and blank, I use this for finances and recording bills I am paying out of each paycheck. The calendar has big blocks to write in as well.
It was intended as a To Do, New Projects and Notes area.

I put post-it tabs ( the sturdy ones you can write on) to label each months calendar page for easy reference.
The back has the next years planning calendar.
Family Profiles to record birthdays, favourite things, clothing sizes etc.. of each person and a wish list. Great to have .
Dates to Remember Page, Items Loaned and Borrowed Page,
Storage Record page, Notes pages both blank and lined where I record my budget, real estate taxes paid that year, other tax stuff for easy reference. I also have an investment page with corresponding info and contact info. Then there is a Phone List 5 pages long. Last but, no least 3 pages of tear off sheet for To Buy and To Do lists.

Overall it is a very handy, easy to use format with big spaces to write and plan out your life. It helps me keep organized and know I have paid everything whether I am off or on the computer.

I got a Polestar calendar for a gift 10 years ago and have bought one every year since. The layout is great with a full week's schedule over two pages, tear off tabs at corners to easily find your week, a sidebar for To Do, and grocery list and address book built into appointment book.

Definitely recommend for busy women.

I got mine early this year so I can plan ahead. Someone gave me this calendar as a gift ten years ago, and I loved it so much I've bought one every year since.

I love the weekly format with plenty of room to add appointments, phone numbers, to do lists, and grocery shopping. Nice tear out tabs for convenience, an address book, and plenty of inspirational quotes for each week.

You won't be disappointed. Buy this book!

I puchase this calendar every year, usually from Canada, until I discovered Amazon carried it, and the price is compatible. I like the format, month and day, address book at the back, to buy list take with you list. To do list. Aside from a business calendar, I consider this the best Calendar for just about everything, including gift, items borrowed, and more.

This is a wonderful book that can be enjoyed by all age groups and levels of education. The book's introduction says "Although a pond looks peaceful, a pond is home to more creatures doing more things than you imagined. There are millions of ponds everywhere. . .there is a good chance that one is close to your home."

The book does a good job of telling the reader about these creatures and their activities. Pond is written primarily for younger readers. From the beginning it stresses safety and adult involvement in the field activities. The book has excellent illustrations of the pond organisms and the equipment needed for the field activities. The pictures are very communicative and would be enjoyed by younger readers. The accompanying text may be a little beyond their understanding.

Overall the book describes the pond creatures, their habitats, and their activities. Some of the habitats mentioned include the surface film, lily pads, water column, and bottom muck (benthos). Some activities covered are feeding, laying eggs, photosynthesis, and absorbing oxygen, plus others. The book also talks about changing conditions in a pond, such as when it rains, nightime critters and activities, and the pond during different seasons.

The end of the book has seven pages of common pond creatures. It groups them by mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, insects, non-insect invertebrates, plants, fungi, protists, and monera. Both this section and the well-organized index contain many pictures. The groupings may be lost on younger readers, but are very useful for higher level students.

All in all I really like this book. It is well organized and an enjoyable read. As a college educator I use this book as a reference source, yet can read it and show the wonderful illustrations to my young nieces.

This is one of the best books in a spectacular series that represnts the world, particularly to the young child, as a place of science, high drama, and magic. The magnificent illustrations of Patricia J. Wynne, the world-renowned natural history artist, pull the reader into the world of the small small pond with power and intimacy that no photograph could ever match; the clear and concise text of Donald M. Silver encourages the exploration of science and the joy of reading. I highly recommend this book to teachers, libraries, and parents everywhere, and suggest pursuing the rest of the series as well.

I wasn't sure which book to buy on mold, but found the topic I needed - mold on furniture. The other chapters were helpful and shed some light on a problem with the planters at the house. It is written from an insiders perspective which was helpful to really understand what is going on with mold, sampling (or not to sample! haha), and good removal. Very candid and practical. I recommend it.

This is a very useful book that gives you the scoop on mold and building issues. Initially I am always skeptical about "mold" books as most of them on the market seem to want to tell you how scarry mold is rather than attempt to give you common sense advice on how to prevent mold or hanlde mold situations. Since I deal with people's homes this book has been a great resource in a readable succint package.

Orison Swett Marden was the original editor-in-chief of the now defunct "Success" magazine. In fact, he probably rolled over in his grave when the magazine went out of publication. It was a time of mourning for me. In fact, I was just in the process of renewing my subscription when I found out..."Success" was no longer successful (how ironic).
This set of books is excellent. Most of the writing is examples of successful people from the past and present (1911). This type of motivational writing tends to get repetitive, however, there is a lot of advise tucked carefully between the many examples given. It was a very different world when the author wrote this book, but as I read it I noticed, the more things change, the more they stay the same. One difference I like is the chivalry and honesty exhibited from the time period. Even the highest standards of decency today are a far cry from that time. It was a lot of fun reading some of the examples from that era and knowing they were current events. These books are well worth the read, if you can find them.

This book is the greatest book that I have ever read next to the Bible. It is in my opinion the premiere self help of all times. After reading this book your life will never be the same. Marden is able to capture the essence of life, self development and true success. If you have read other self help books you will see how many modern day writers, used much of his material to develop their thoughts and philosophy.

Although this book was written in the early 20th century, its message is truly timeless.

Lisa Reid's "Raising Kids with Just a Little Cash" illustrates that is is not only possible to raise a family with a limited budget, but it is also the right thing to do. Her book is about reducing unecessary spending while spending more time with your family. Its reminds us to focus on the more important issues of life - that kids and family need your love and attention, not your money. Lisa's suggestions are not about doing without. There are hundreds of creative ways to have fun and to deal with everyday issues. My favorites are her ideas on free family entertainment and parties. She includes many references to money-saving resources. Lisa uses real life stories, hers as well as others, to show that you don't need two incomes to raise happy and healthy children. Her writing style is friendly, concise and easy to read. You will enjoy reading "Raising Kids with Just a Little Cash" and use it as a reference for years while your children grow. I recommend this book to anyone who is serious about raising their children with less money and more love.

In RAISING KIDS WITH JUST A LITTLE CASH, Lisa Reid quickly dispels the myth that it takes two incomes and a hectic lifestyle to raise children. In fact, by making the decision to live on one income so she could stay at home with the kids, the author discovered a richer, more abundant life for herself and her family. The book is peppered with inspirational, real-life testimonials of parents who have made a similar choice and found their lives to be fuller as a result. In a friendly, conversational style, Reid tells you how you can do it, too. All you need to do is make a commitment to live on one income and then hire yourself as your family's "money-saver". Reid gives detailed tips and instructions on ways to reduce the cost of just about everything involved in raising children. She discusses the economics of diapers and baby clothes in depth. Follow her strategies for obtaining second hand clothing and shoes and save up to 90% on the cost of outfitting your children and yourself. Occupy your children with activities instead of cartoons on Saturday mornings, and you will avoid unnecessary toy purchases spurred by advertising. Purchase inexpensive, basic toys such as Legos that make use of your child's imagination and creativity. Or make them yourself; plans and instructions are included. Entertain your children with free trips to the bakery, the train station, the airport, museums, the library, instead of the amusement park or arcade. Cut your food budget dramatically and eat better by following the tips and strategies outlined in the chapter on food. Throw memorable birthday parties by investing time and imagination instead of money. The author shows you how. Enjoy good health and travel for less by making use of the information in the chapters devoted to these subjects. You don't have to be a parent or a spendthrift to benefit from this book. My wife and I are frugal and our children are grown and out of the house. Yet, we found numerous tips that we have put to immediate and good use. One theme surfaces again and again throughout this book: thrift is not deprivation. Quite the opposite. A frugal lifestyle is liberating. It presents new choices and opportunities. These lead to a fuller, more satisfying life. Those who have followed the advice in this book all claim to be richer by every measure as a result of their employment of thrift. I heartily recommend this practical book to anyone who desires a simpler, more abundant life, both for themselves and their children. It comes with a money-back guarantee. What more could you ask for