Home Time: The Ultimate Manual for Dust and Stress-free Living - Hardcover

Innes, Jocasta

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0091879353 ISBN 13: 9780091879358

Publisher: Ebury Press, 2002

Synopsis

The phenomenal resurgence of interest in the art and craft of proper housekeeping should not really surprise us - a smoothly run, clean home not only gives immense pleasure to its inhabitants, it actually saves time and stress. In this extensive book, the queen of interiors, Jocasta Innes, provides the ultimate manual for dust- and stress-free living. Jocasta's approach is a realistic one - she recognizes that in the real world a lot of us have cleaners, as well as jobs that mean that we are not going to spring clean the entire house every week. Her aim is to set up routines which mean the work happens automatically, as well as providing a wealth of information on just how it should be done. Chapters cover everything from cleaning materials to how to do the laundry, from stain removal to the proper way to clean antique glass. It should provide the answer to every domestic enquiry, as well as being a primer for briefing professionals where necessary. And shining through every page of the book is Jocasta's humour as well as her expertise, her great ideas and her love of homes that not only look good, but that work for those who live in them.

About this title

Review:

Whilst many deride the term "housekeeping" and believe the days of "keeping house" are over, this could not be further from the truth. We all have to wash up, clean, make and change beds else we would be living a life of squalor and this is, in effect, housekeeping. The main dilemma these days is how to successfully fit it into our hectic schedules of work and play. Jocasta Innes, renowned for her interior design skills, brings us her thoughts on the subject in a witty, intelligent and infinitely practical way. Foreseeing the inherent distaste of the matter, she manages to translate the chores into positive steps for a happier, more satisfying life. What better to lift the mood than to see a tidy room in the morning? Or a gleaming glass table or well-polished piece of furniture? No longer is a weekend blitz required if you follow Jocasta's simple, time-saving tips during the week. From organising your belongings to cleaning them, de-cluttering and laundry hints, and, realising that many women can now afford cleaners, she gives advice on their employment and how to best utilise them to ensure that you get the best out of this additional assistance. All are clearly explained for the novice, all contain handy notes for the more experienced and all are written accompanied by Jocasta's amusing anecdotes to give both a practical and entertaining read. For anyone, house-proud or not, this is an indispensable guide to organising and maintaining your home thus improving your standard of living, your life and giving you more time to do the things you really enjoy. - Lucy Watson

From the Inside Flap:

un, clean home can give immense pleasure to its inhabitants. This extensive manual, a response to the growing resurgence of interest in the art and craft of proper housekeeping, shows how it can be done.

About this edition

• Publisher: Ebury Press
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 0091879353
• ISBN 13: 9780091879358
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 304