I love, love, love Tsh and her Simple Mom blog. She’s a huge inspiration to me in so many areas.
I’ve seen her ebook, One Bite at a Time: 52 Projects for Making Life Simpler, many times and had really wanted to read it–someday. Well, over Christmas break, I decided it was someday (maybe the fact that I found out there was a coupon code for the ebook had something to do with that?!) and so I bought it and dove right in.
This book, as expected, is fabulous. I read it over the course of the past week and a half–in little bits in the morning as I was doing my warm-up and cool down on the treadmill before my morning run. I enjoyed the book so much that I had trouble getting off the treadmill every day because I just wanted to keep reading. As I emailed Tsh earlier this week, I guess that’s not a bad problem. 🙂
As you probably well know by now, I love the concept of breaking things down into bite-sized manageable pieces. And Tsh’s ebook does just that. It gives you 52 bite-sized steps you can take to become more efficient, streamlined, and organized.
You know those things you always say you want to do someday? Like planting a garden, switching to natural cleaners, composting, setting up a system for paper clutter, organize your photo collection, learning to cook from scratch, setting up menu plans, planning regular date nights, or regularly turning off technology? Tsh gives you the tools, motivation, and encouragement you need to slowly make those positive changes you’ve hoped to make. And she makes it simple and doable.
Now I have to tell you: Tsh suggests that you pick one project per week for a year–thus the 52 projects. However, I’d suggest to maybe slow the pace down a bit and just pick one project every other week or once a month. That way, you can really take your time and let the changes really sink in before moving onto something else.
One Bite At a Time is available as a PDF, for Nook, or Kindle for $5. If you order the PDF version you can use coupon code HAPPYNEWYEAR and get it for $4. You can download a sample from the book or see the full list of projects covered.
And be sure to check out all the fantastic content from Tsh on her blog, Simple Mom. I promise you’ll be inspired!
Have you read any good books recently?
Holly says
http://www.amazon.com/Reading-Gods-Story-Chronological-Daily/dp/1433601125/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1326496703&sr=8-1
Chronological HCSB Bible is awesome!
Crystal says
Loved doing that last year. My husband’s doing the Chronological Bible this year and loving it!
megan says
just bought the book, but when I download it, my computer won’t recognize the file. I have never had this problem with a PDF before. I can’t find an email contact for help on the blog. Anyone else have this problem?
Joanna says
I loved the idea of mind mapping inTsh’s book. This is a novel concept for me and it speaks to my creative mind so much better than a to do list!
Lori says
Can anyone tell me how many pages this book has? I’m trying to decide whether to buy the PDF in order to print it out like a workbook or buy the Kindle version if there are too many pages to print… Thanks!
Jill says
169 pages.
Lori says
Thanks, Jill!
Brooke says
I wanted to know the same thing!
Beth Cranford says
Thanks for pointing out this book, I plan to buy it for my reading list this year (which I’m trying to finish compiling today). Like another reader mentioned, I appreciate your willingness to stick to a budget and not go buy everything you want (even when it’s only $5.00) just because you could probably find the money. I’m not really bad about spending outside my budget but I can’t say I’m as disciplined as I should be. Thanks for the example, hopefully by “watching” you, I can keep myself more accountable.
Jeff Crews says
Totally agree. The use of language and examples were not always the best, but there were some great ideas within the book.
Jeff Crews says
Have you read 4 Hour Work Week? Although I do not agree with everything in the book, it was a great read on time management.
Crystal says
Yes. Didn’t like the crude language in it, but I found it had lots of thought-provoking stuff for a business owner to consider.
ZombiemommySaves says
I got this ebook recently after reading a review at NaturalMomsTalkRadio.
This BOOK IS GREAT. I am going at it a little slower, because I want to have it as a habit before I start my newest project.
But eating my frog every morning has been part of a complete and nutritious breakfast! It doesn’t always taste good but eventually if you just hold your nose it gets easier.
Crystal, you work out everyday, I am inspired. I need to make exercise happen more often. Once a week would be a start. I think because I run around all day I think I am covered. Maybe I should just get a Zumba DVD and start in my kitchen while I am cooking. Then again falling on the ceramic tile doesn’t sound good either.
Crystal says
I usually take Sundays off and sometimes another day if I have to leave early in the morning for something or I was up with a sick child. I aim for at least five days a week because I feel so much better when I do!
Even just 10 minutes two or three times a week can be a great start. I promise it will give you more energy and make you feel great–or at least it always does that for me!
becky says
Hmmm, composting and planting a garden? I guess I can still be superwoman if I just break it down into manageable chunks! 🙂
Crystal says
We started composting last year and it wasn’t at all as hard as I thought it would be. It’s actually been fun and easy–and such a great hands-on science experiment! 🙂
Charli says
I’m with ya! I just finished reading One Bite at a Time and it was great. I’ve picked 25 projects to persue this year from her book. Starting Monday.
Crystal says
I love the idea of picking 25 projects!
Laura Jane says
I also read and enjoy the Simple Mom blog. I’ve seen the book several times and thought about buying it, but just now purchased it. I really like the concept of 52 smaller projects instead of one big overnight overhaul. I can see that I definitely would need to slow it down (especially because I’ve already set several other goals to work on this year). Some of the topics correlate with some of the goals I’ve set so I’ll use them for additional inspiration.
I just finished listening to “Eat Your Frog” based on your recommendation and really liked. The concept of focusing on your most important first is so basic and simple, but I realized that I totally wasn’t doing that! I ended up feeling really stressed because I would start on tasks of less importance (falsely thinking I had time to get it all done – ha!) and then not leave time for the things I really needed to accomplish.
I’m currently reading Screwtape Letters with my husband. We’ve only finished the first two chapters, but I would recommend it.
Next on my list to listen to is 168 hours which you recommended.
Danielle @ Cozycakes Cottage says
I just got it and can’t wait to read it. Thanks!
I apologize for being off topic, but I’m going a little nuts trying to a find a book list I thought for sure I saw here on MSM a few weeks ago. It was either a list compiled for children or for families and had many, many books on it. Sound familiar? Would love any help if you recall this. Thank you in advance!
Crystal says
Do you know what kind of books? I know I linked to a list of Christmas books on a blog, but I can’t recall any others. If you remember anything else about the post, I might be able to help you find it!
Danielle @ Cozycakes Cottage says
Hmmm, I only remember that it seemed to be family-friendly and it was a long list that “she” adds to regularly. I remember originally thinking it would be a great resource for read-alouds. Was it a dream? 🙂 I searched your site and can’t find it so I’m thinking I lost my mind over the holidays. Thank you for trying to help me!
If I find it (fingers crossed) and it wasn’t from you, I’ll send you the link in case you or your readers are interested.
JoannaTopazT says
Wasn’t this, was it?
http://lifeasmom.com/2010/11/family-novels-you-dont-mind-reading-over-over-over.html
Or, here’s another blog that has a heavy focus on books. Check the tab at the top for “booklists,” or the “read aloud Thursday” archives. Of course, there will be way too many great ideas. 🙂
http://www.hopeisthewordblog.com/
http://www.hopeisthewordblog.com/
Heather @ Work At Home Market says
Oh…thank you for sharing this. I love her web site!
Jan says
How do you pronounce the name Tsh? is it like Tish?
Crystal says
Yes, it’s pronounced like “Tish”! I mention her in my book and my publishers kept marking it as a mistake in the edits. But nope, that’s how you spell it!
Savvy Spending says
Hmm… that sounds like a book I could use! May have to consider that. How long is it?
Here are the books I’ve been picking up and working my way through. I normally only read 1 book at a time, but I’m currently in the middle of 3-4! http://www.savvy-spending.com/2012/01/on-my-bookshelf-non-fiction-books.html
Cate says
I love that even though you and your husband have achieved a high level of financial security, you still don’t buy every single little thing you want whenever you want it. I find that so refreshing to hear!
Anne @ Modern Mrs Darcy says
I just bought mine this morning 🙂
Allyson @ A Heart for Home says
I completely agree that Tsh’s book (& blog) are wonderful. I love how the projects in the eBook can be completed at your own pace and in any order you want.
We have a giveaway for one PDF download of One Bite at a Time right now on our blog. The giveaway closes on January 8th, 2012.