This giveaway is now closed and the winner has been contacted. Congrats Carol!
I was recently contacted by Sally Shields with the exciting offer of reading her book The Daughter-in-Law Rules 101 Surefire Ways to Manage (and Make Friends with) Your Mother-in-Law. The title of the book had my interest, so I was excited to be able to read it. And since I am certainly not the perfect daughter-in-law I knew I could probably gain quite a bit from reading this book.
The Daughter-in-Law Rules was an easy and enjoyable read. Some of the tips made me laugh and some of them really made me think. Here are a couple of my favorite tips:
Rule #3- Tell Your MIL What a Great Job She Did As a Mother
Rule #11- Frequently Ask Your MIL For Her Advice
Rule #35- Do The Dishes When Visit Your MIL
Rule #71- Send Lots of Pictures of Your Kid to Your MIL
Rule #100- Tell Your MIL You Can’t Wait to Have Even More Babies
Now of course Sally goes on and expands on all of the tips- but I don’t want to give the whole book away so you’re going to have to read it yourself to learn more. There really are a lot of fun tips and great advice.
Sally was also kind enough to take the time for a little question and answer session- check out her responses:
Q: What encouraged you to write the book?
A: I had read “The Rules,” a guide for single women who want to land a husband the old-fashioned way. I followed it to great success, and married the man of my dreams. But after a couple of years, I was having a hard time getting along with his mother. I was scratching my head, going, where is the manual for this?
I put the book together by taking each anxiety-inducing situation I’d encountered (from household items, to beauty techniques, to that lovely and oh-so-appreciated advice as to how to handle my children!) and offered myself a solution as a tongue-in-cheek coping mechanism. As I applied them, I noticed that my MIL’s attitude started to shift. So, I thought that maybe I could help save other wives years of needless contention!
Q: How did you become the “Mother-in-law Manager?”
When the book came out, I started receiving hundreds of emails from women all over the world – including Africa! The #1 testimonial I received after offering my support and advice was, “I wish I had this book 10 years ago!” and that is how I become the MIL Manager! The book is based on the 7th spiritual law of success which is: The quickest way to get what you want is to help others get what they want. What I mean is that I want a loving and peaceful relationship with my husband and a loving bond between my children and their grandmother. And a peaceful relationship with my mother-in-law. Be a kindhearted, open, sensitive person, and the world will reflect that back to you—even in the form of your Mother -in-law. And she may just surprise you and turn out to be an ally—and friend!
Q: So does this mean that, when you are staying with your Mother-in-law, you should be polite and do stereotypically female tasks like offer to wash the dishes, even when your husband normally does that sort of thing for you at home?
A: Yes! You should be polite and do everything you can to help her out, such as clearing the table, loading the dishwasher, making the bed, and offering to launder the sheets when you leave. It is also a nice touch to strip the pillowcases and fold the blankets neatly upon the bed upon departure. You should also empty the facility in the guest bathroom, and store all of your toiletries in your suitcase or under the vanity while you are staying there. These are things that you are doing in a willing and proactive manner, not only because it is the polite thing to do, but it is also self-preservation! You want to give your Mother In Law as little ammunition possible for complaining about you now—and in the future!
Q: What are the three best ways to make a good impression on a Mother-in-law?
A: 1. Call her once a week–preferably when your husband isn’t home. If you’re super busy, try aiming for her machine (i.e. like when you know she’s at Bingo). Leave her a quick message if only to ask how she has been feeling! 2. Compliment her often. Mother-in-laws can be just as self-conscious as we are, so take the time to notice how pretty, thin, healthy and young she looks, occasionally asking if you can borrow an item of clothing or an accessory such as a scarf or a purse. 3. Send her cards and flowers on her 3 special days—birthday, anniversary (if she has one), and Mother’s day. But, here’s the trick: make sure that your MIL doesn’t receive a note solely with your handwriting on it, or she may mistakenly get the impression that her son has forgotten her special day … Rather, become a great ghostwriter, and have your husband pen it from the both of you!
So- my final recommendation- If you’re a daughter-in-law I suggest you read this book! And one lucky reader will have a chance to win their own copy of The Daughter-in-Law Rules 101 Surefire Ways to Manage (and Make Friends with) Your Mother-in-Law.
Here is what you need to do for a chance to win the book.
- Go to The Daughter-in-Law Rules and look around the site.
- Come back here and leave me a comment telling me something you saw on the site- it can be anything at all.
Want some extra chances to win? Leave an ADDITIONAL COMMENT FOR EACH extra entry.
- Blog about this giveaway linking back to this post. Then leave me a comment with the direct URL.
- Subscribe to my RSS feed and then leave me a comment letting me know you’re a subscriber.
- Stumble this post and leave me a comment letting me know and tell me what your name on Stumble is.
Check out this fabulous deal- if you order the book you can get 101 Free Bonus Gifts from now until Christmas!
This giveaway is open to all shipping addresses and will end on November 23, 2008. The winner will be chosen on November 24, 2008 via random.org and notified by email. Please read all of my giveaway rules here.
Elaine R says:
This book sounds great-even gives you the top 7 tips for surviving the holidays!
November 17th, 2008 - Thank You For Your Comment!
susan varney says:
i saw The Daughter-in-LawRules Gift Certificates
November 17th, 2008 - Thank You For Your Comment!
Pam says:
I boy do I ever need this book! I thought the testimonials on her site were good.
(PS – will it help any that I voted for you at the Velveeta site?? With the holidays coming up- I really need this book)
November 17th, 2008 - Thank You For Your Comment!
rebecca snodgrass says:
It is an amazon best seller!!!
November 17th, 2008 - Thank You For Your Comment!
Shirley says:
This would make a nice C’mas gift
November 17th, 2008 - Thank You For Your Comment!
LOUISE says:
I can see why its an amazon best seller
November 17th, 2008 - Thank You For Your Comment!
charline s says:
I learned that The DIL Rules reached #1 on the Amazon.com bestseller list, and Sally was a featured on Martha Stewart Whole Living Radio as a wedding expert.
November 17th, 2008 - Thank You For Your Comment!
christopher h says:
its an amazon best seller
November 17th, 2008 - Thank You For Your Comment!
Jennifer says:
I love that it donates 15% to the Cancer Research Fund! That’s great!
November 17th, 2008 - Thank You For Your Comment!
Susan Smith says:
It is an amazon best seller
November 17th, 2008 - Thank You For Your Comment!
Linda Chaput says:
With Christmas drawing near this would make a great gift.
November 17th, 2008 - Thank You For Your Comment!
Brenda S. says:
Wow! I know younger family members would like to read this and I would like read it myself even though I am the MIN!
November 17th, 2008 - Thank You For Your Comment!
Jenn S. says:
I noticed that it was recommended by Dr. Laura.
November 17th, 2008 - Thank You For Your Comment!
Shirley says:
I HAVE THREE DAUGHTER IN LAWS.ONE AND TWO ARE NOT BAD, THE THIRD ONE WE NEVER SEE , AND WHEN HER AND MY SON GOT MARRIED SHE KEPT HER LAST NAME.THIS BOOK WILL MAKE A GREAT GIFT FOR HER I REALLY DO I HOPE I WIN. I VOTED FOR YOU
November 17th, 2008 - Thank You For Your Comment!
bunny says:
I went to their site and saw that they\’re giving away a free e-book copy of The Daughter-in-Law Rules weekly.
November 18th, 2008 - Thank You For Your Comment!
Ginny says:
I learned that the book talks about The 7 Top Tips for Daughter-in-Law Survival During Holiday Time!
November 18th, 2008 - Thank You For Your Comment!
Ginny says:
I subscribed through bloglines
November 18th, 2008 - Thank You For Your Comment!
Robert A. Piacquad says:
I hope I win the book. It sounds like a great book.
November 18th, 2008 - Thank You For Your Comment!
Susan C says:
They have a cool contest-submit a story and win a book!
smchester at gmail dot com
November 18th, 2008 - Thank You For Your Comment!
Tracye says:
It’s been featured on Martha, Dr. Laura, and Star magazine.
What an awesome book!
November 18th, 2008 - Thank You For Your Comment!
ANGELA KOHLER says:
THIS AMAZING BOOK IS AN AMAZON BEST SELLER!
November 18th, 2008 - Thank You For Your Comment!
Kathy Scott says:
Looks like a great book. It is an Amazon best seller!!!
November 18th, 2008 - Thank You For Your Comment!
Lori Downs says:
Sally was a featured on Martha Stewart Whole Living Radio as a wedding expert.
November 18th, 2008 - Thank You For Your Comment!
Mel F says:
Sounds like other people, not just me, have MIL issues. I would love to win this book.
I think it’s great that 15% of the proceeds of this book will go to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
mjf926 at gmail dot com
November 18th, 2008 - Thank You For Your Comment!
M. Joy says:
This sounds like such a useful book.
The author is the Winner of the 17th annual Great American Jazz Piano Competition
Please enter me. mjharvey26 at yahoo dot com
November 18th, 2008 - Thank You For Your Comment!
Megret says:
How cute that a purchase of this book gets you a coupon for 1-800-Flowers! My mother-in-law’s language IS flowers. Thanks!
Megret
musesofmegret (at) gmail (dot) com
November 18th, 2008 - Thank You For Your Comment!
jenna says:
I learned that it is an Amazon best seller. I would love to read this book. Thanks for the giveaway!
November 18th, 2008 - Thank You For Your Comment!
valerie mabrey says:
I noticed that it was recommended by Dr. Laura.
November 19th, 2008 - Thank You For Your Comment!
David Bertolo says:
The Daughter-in-Law Rules Gift Certificates
November 19th, 2008 - Thank You For Your Comment!
favorite MOTHER-IN- LAW says:
I REALLY WOULD LOVE TO WIN
November 19th, 2008 - Thank You For Your Comment!
rebecca says:
Each week they give away a free e-book copy of The Daughter-in-Law Rules to the person who submits the funniest MIL story, anecdote, or rule!
November 19th, 2008 - Thank You For Your Comment!
Natalie says:
This is going to sound silly, but I noticed it’s been seen in Star magazine…that’s my guilty pleasure magazine. Hehehehe
November 19th, 2008 - Thank You For Your Comment!
Jessica says:
I learned that 15% of the proceeds of the book will go to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation!
November 19th, 2008 - Thank You For Your Comment!
Alice Hansen says:
I like the endorsements on the website – I had no idea Dr. Laura liked this book. Thanks for the chance!
November 19th, 2008 - Thank You For Your Comment!
megan says:
Wow! I wish i would have read this earlier but I bet I could still learn some things. I’d love to win!
November 19th, 2008 - Thank You For Your Comment!
sito says:
I saw a button showing that Martha Stewart has featured this book.
November 19th, 2008 - Thank You For Your Comment!
Misty VanEpps says:
very cool. i found out on there site that 55% charectorize there in-laws and estranged. i find this sooo funny. because that is exactly how i feel about my MIL!
mommy2skie@yahoo.com
November 19th, 2008 - Thank You For Your Comment!
Maureen says:
The 7 tips when it is the holidays and your mother in law is coming. I could use some help basically each time.
November 20th, 2008 - Thank You For Your Comment!
jennefer sweitzer says:
15% of the proceeds of this book will go to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation
jemmmers74@aol.com
November 20th, 2008 - Thank You For Your Comment!
Donna K says:
I like the donation for breast cancer research.
November 20th, 2008 - Thank You For Your Comment!
Kari Follett says:
It’s been featured on Martha, Dr. Laura, and Star magazine. Looks great!!
November 21st, 2008 - Thank You For Your Comment!
Cassandra says:
i love that 15% of proceeds go to breast cancer research
November 21st, 2008 - Thank You For Your Comment!
Melinda L Smith says:
15% of the proceeds of this book will go to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
I would just love to give my sister-inlaw this book!!! LOL.
November 21st, 2008 - Thank You For Your Comment!
Rebecca says:
I rea that it has been featured in Star magazine and on Martha!
November 21st, 2008 - Thank You For Your Comment!
Rebecca says:
I am subscribed via RSS, thanks.
November 21st, 2008 - Thank You For Your Comment!
Shirley says:
I would love this book just to read myself. I do have a daughter in law who can really use this book
November 22nd, 2008 - Thank You For Your Comment!
Carol Drury says:
talks about The 7 Top Tips for Daughter-in-Law Survival During Holiday Time!
November 22nd, 2008 - Thank You For Your Comment!
Ed Nemmers says:
Mother-in-law tips for the holidats!
November 22nd, 2008 - Thank You For Your Comment!
Ed Nemmers says:
Mother-in-law tips for the holidays!
November 22nd, 2008 - Thank You For Your Comment!
Steve Scott says:
My poor wife is on her third mother in law.
November 22nd, 2008 - Thank You For Your Comment!
Mindy says:
I thought the testimonials ‘”Wishing you had married an orphan? Forget Valium, read the Daughter-In-Law Rules!”‘ about summed up my life!!
November 22nd, 2008 - Thank You For Your Comment!
Raspberry Light Bulb says:
On the site I saw that 15% of the proceeds of this book will go to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. That just rocks!
Boy I could really use this book. My mother-in-law has never cared for me very much. Things are getting a little better but I still need all the help I can get.
November 22nd, 2008 - Thank You For Your Comment!
Rosanne Morrison says:
As women we have mother in laws then we become mother in laws. It’s always a balancing act. I like that part of it goesto breast cancer research. I’ve had it 3 times and losta sisterto it so that means a lot.
November 23rd, 2008 - Thank You For Your Comment!
Veronica Garrett says:
15% of the proceeds from the sale of this book will go tp The National Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
November 23rd, 2008 - Thank You For Your Comment!
favorite MOTHER-IN- LAW says:
REALLY WANT TO WIN GOOD LUCK TODAY
November 23rd, 2008 - Thank You For Your Comment!
Janet says:
I learned that the book talks about The 7 Top Tips for Daughter-in-Law Survival During Holiday Time!
November 23rd, 2008 - Thank You For Your Comment!
Jo says:
15% of earnings go towards breast cancer research
jceko77@yahoo.com
November 23rd, 2008 - Thank You For Your Comment!
SERENA OSSANA says:
I JUST GOT ENGAGED TO A WONDERFUL MAN…I WOULD REALLY LIKE THIS BOOK TO HELP WITH MY RELATIONSHIP WITH HIS MOTHER.
November 23rd, 2008 - Thank You For Your Comment!
Rebecca says:
It think it is funny that the book includes a coupon for 1-800-FLOWERS! Just to soften up your MIL a little more? LOL
November 23rd, 2008 - Thank You For Your Comment!
Gina says:
This is a great book. I totally love my MIL (and assume the feeling is mutual) but I am sure I could do a little better. I see it’s a bestseller on Amazon-surprised Amazon didn’t “suggest” this title for me!
reg8w@aol.com
November 23rd, 2008 - Thank You For Your Comment!
Lily Kwan says:
I love the cover of The Daughter-in-Law Rules! It’s very whimsical and cute! I also like the bonus gifts included with the book.
November 23rd, 2008 - Thank You For Your Comment!
Caryn B says:
Each week they give away a free e-book copy of The Daughter-in-Law Rules to the person who submits the funniest MIL story, anecdote, or rule.
November 23rd, 2008 - Thank You For Your Comment!
Christina Almond says:
I saw that you donate 15% of the book proceeds to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation–which is GREAT!
November 23rd, 2008 - Thank You For Your Comment!
Julie says:
15% of proceeds go to breast cancer research
November 24th, 2008 - Thank You For Your Comment!