Simpler by the Dozen: A Mom's Gritty Pursuit of De-cluttering to Find Peace Amidst Chaos

by Leilani Orr, Jason Hommas (Illustrator), Stephanie Siu (Editor)

Dive into Simpler by the Dozen and roll with just a little bit of humor and sarcasm as Leilani, mother and home-educator of 10 kids, talks about practical decisions and choices she has made by de-cluttering her home and schedule without taking life too seriously. When becoming a parent, it's easy to feel like we start losing all semblance of order and control. While there's much to let go of as a mom, Leilani says she has found ways to create a sense of order and peace amidst the noise and clutter that having children creates. In a straightforward and easy to read style, come along with Mom of 10 and get a glimpse of how getting gritty and implementing while having a dozen people to manage has great benefits within your home. - - - "In a house with two kids, it seems we have stuff everywhere. Have you noticed kids are messy? Keeping a clean and organized home can feel like playing Jenga with raccoons. When I learned the Orr family has 10 kids, I thought the parents only kept their sanity by making the kids sleep in the back yard. There must be stuff strewn about everywhere. But now I know the SECRET; in Simpler by the Dozen, you will learn what all parents need to know to get their home under control. Leilani Orr will take hold of your hand and walk you through each area of your home. Whether it is deciding what to do with toys and trinkets, or clearing room in your closet or calendar, Leilani has tips and routines to get you and your family on track."-Jody Maberry, Dad, Traveler of the World - - - "Even though our family is a small fraction the size of the author's, we still found practical advice to breathe some more calm into our days." -Nick and Bryn, Side Hustle Nation - - - "This book is a must-read for anyone who needs to gain control over life's messes, big or small! Simpler by the Dozen is a quick, tongue-in-cheek read with real, long-term solutions to clean up your home life, parenting, and schedule. You will find yourself pulling this book out time and time again to remind yourself that you're in control."-Vanessa Vazquez, 2nd-grade teacher, Mom of 3, Wife - - - "Leilani will give you a realistic perspective on what it's like to manage a home as a mother of 10 children! She will make you laugh out loud and give you the confidence that yes, you CAN create order in your home amidst all the chaos!" -Vicky Lashenko-Mompreneur Show, Wife, Mom of 3

140 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 14, 2019

Reviews

[Kimberly Patton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I skimmed this quickly because I was familiar with most of the concepts presented but I wanted to check it out. The author has experience like no one else does, and a perspective that is so unique! I am interested in learning more about her and her life.
As a semi-minimalist and always short on money, I stand with her on these principles and am inspired to be even more focused on non-material things in life as chiefly important.

[bunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book was fabulous.

i worked in hvac when this book came out. as one of bryan orr’s subscribers, i knew his character. he promotes positivity, education, and professionalism. he never promotes brands or products. so when i got his email, proud as can be, that his wife had written a book, i added it to my wishlist immediately.

i could not have been more pleased to have received this book or more thrilled to have finally read it cover to cover. i have more things to praise than i know what to do with.

the chapters are tight, clear, relatable topics moving in an easy but linear fashion through Leilani’s house and home. they come with practical steps, warm and cheery anecdotes, and (the best) a tip summary at the end of every chapter.

it is a slim volume, easy to store anywhere within reach for constant reference. and yet the emotional impact this book had for me was that of a much longer book. i feel i have spent a few hundred pages with Leilani. look, i’m even calling her by her first name!

this book is remarkable in every way. a MUST for any organizational nerd or scholar, be they mother or otherwise. a MUST for any mom who likes to learn with a smile. a MUST for those who enjoy indefatigable spirits. a MUST for any woman who loves celebrating women. this book will leave you calmer, more grateful, more confident, and fully prepared to love your closets.

[Vicky Lashenko · Rating 5 out of 5]

This mama knows her stuff! LOVED every single bit of this short, sweet, and to the point book! So many good lessons to take away and apply to my own life! As a mom of 3, learning from a mom of 10 is GOLD. If she can do it - so can I! This book is not only inspiring and encouraging, but Leilani also gives me the permission to take life less seriously. She is so light hearted and doesn’t freak out over little things (if you don’t already follow her on Instagram, you should)

One of the biggest AHA moments for me from this book is not buying in bulk. Omg - EVERYONE write about buying in bulk and how money saving it is. But Leilani sheds such a different light on this “issue” in a way I’ve never thought of before. As soon as I read that chapter, I instantly remembered the stale walnuts I have in my pantry. The moldy carrots I ALWAYS throw away because buying 10lbs of carrots at Costco for a family of 5 is so smart! I will spare you the rest!

When I told my husband that I’m not buying bulk anymore, he was so relieved 😂 Our chickens can only eat so much spoiled baby greens 🤦🏽‍♀️

If you’re a mom or want to be a mom - please read this book, share it with a friend, and follow Leilani on social! She’s so fun!!!!