Life’s Too Short to Fold Fitted Sheets

Life’s Too Short to Fold Fitted Sheets by Lisa Quinn I was sold as soon as I saw the title, because even though I do fold my fitted sheets, I gave up the quest to make them look as nice as the flats years ago. Quinn has written a book designed for the recovering Martha Stewart addict, with sections on cleaning and organizing, decorating and entertaining. It’s all designed to help you feel pulled-together enough to enjoy your life and your friends without having to stress about it all. There are no Fly Lady-type tips on establishing regular routines here. Instead, there are lists: what to clean up if you have company coming in 30 minutes; tips on best floor and furniture finishes for easy cleaning and not showing dirt; hardest house plants to kill; easy mixed drinks. A few of the ideas that she called “slacker” were still more work than anything I’ve done – easy centerpieces, for example, when my table is so small that a pair of candlesticks makes it feel crowded. But these were mostly in the entertainment section, and maybe that’s just the difference between Hollywood entertaining and the casual Midwest. There were still a lot of good ideas, such as using large covered baskets to stash your clutter just before guests come, and how to make that ugly carpeting blend into your décor. Most of all, Quinn wants women (and especially mothers) to ease up on themselves and only do as much as is truly enjoyable.