Rescue from Domestic Perfection: The Not-So Secrets of Balancing Life and Style

by Dan Ho

Dan Ho, described in "USA Today" as the "anti-Martha Stewart," humorously discusses how to simplify life and find one's true style with minimal money and time. 150 full-color photos.

Genres: Nonfiction

192 pages, Paperback

First published October 4, 2006

Reviews

[Jmp · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute but nothing new

[Janell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I discovered Dan Ho, the Guamanian Richard Simmons, on his TV show on the Discovery Health channel. He's not your typical lifestyle guru - he embraces finding your "gai" or, "your spirit is your style" by simplifying and remaining stylish at the same time. It's easier than it sounds. One example - "get rid of 'one trick wonders" - like a garlic press - and make do with the butcher knife you probably already have in your pantry anyway - to get the job done. It's easy, effective, and doesn't add to clutter.

I like his enthusiasm, his honesty, and his style - but most of all, I enjoyed reading about his childhood on Guam, his parents, and how that shaped who he is today. The book is an easy read - it's a big picture book that goes by quickly. If you haven't seen his show or been to his website - check it out first before reading the book, you'll appreciate the book more.

[Caron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wish I had read this years ago. My go-to book when life seems to be getting complicated. De-cluttering? Organizing? Starting over? Decorating? Simplifying? Trying to save money? Setting up a first home? This is the ONLY book you need. This book answers the serious questions in life. Why do you need more storage space? Why do you need to buy in bulk? Why do you need a guestroom? How many plates do you need? What is the bathroom for anyway? Balance your life, live your own style, your own life. Tips for entertaining, gardening, decorating, cooking, the basics that are lost in the never ending quest of consumerism and keeping up with the neighbors.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great read! Reinforced what I've always believed..."in fashion" does NOT equal style. Loved the whole intro and philosophy section. So refreshing and freeing! Loved the S.L.A.V.E. rule and many other practical tips the author had to share. By the end of the book I felt very comfortable weeding out what I didn't agree with in his own book because of the foundation he laid in the beginning.

[Cortez_jk · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book was good, its a nice guide of helpful hints to live with less to appreciate more. i liked watching his show so i figured i should read his book. i live with family and our house is clean where it neads to be but cluttered behind cabinets and the spare room. a lot of this stuff we dont even know we have and probably buy 2 or 3 of them because we cant find the one we lost. so i can see why his theory is sound. its a fast read as well.

[Marilee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dan Ho is the anti-Martha. I laughed, I cried, I totally learned to appreciate my crazy hair. The philosophy of pairing down and living more deliberately is something I've been working on for a long time. He describes how and why he does life his way, and I felt (to use a really cheesy, psychobabble term) empowered to do things my way, even as I disagreed with him. Love it.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun read to help you know you don't have to have domestic perfection and don't decorate for others..decorate for yourself with things that you like and find interesting. I like his style..eclectic!

[Heidi · Rating 3 out of 5]

not brilliant literature, but it's a good counter-balance to Southern Living and other perfect (and impossible) standards.

[Leiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written by a guy from Guam...

[Terry Lynn Corsello · Rating 1 out of 5]

What a piece of useless dreck. I was so disgusted I returned it to the library after the second chapter. Terrible. Don't bother.

[Marsmannix · Rating 4 out of 5]

i was prepared not to like this book based on the 4 minutes i'd seen of Dan Ho on his short-lived HGTV show. Sadly, his show was cancelled. Dan Ho is the anti-Martha Stewart in all the best ways!!!