Customer Reviews

Simple Pleasures: Soothing Suggestions and Small Comforts for Living Well Year Round

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I absolutely love this book. I go back to it time and time again when I'm feeling that my world has gotten out of control, or I'm having a case of "I want/need/gotta have" some outrageously priced item that will lose its appeal in 24 hours. This brings me back to the basics of what is important and what really brings me pleasure. I have given this book to so many people as house-warming gifts, birthday gifts and Christmas gifts. Everyone so far has called me up within a week of receiving it saying how much they love the book. I keep two on hand in case somethings unexpected comes up where I need a gift.

The cover could be a metaphor for the book: the soothing comfort of sitting in a sunny country garden enjoying flowers or the meanderings of a stream. This book is a collection of experiences, recipes, ideas, and quotes on savoring life's simple pleasures: warm socks, homemade vanilla ice cream, beading, etc.. Separated into seasons, this is a wonderful book to browse around through when you need to take a mini-vacation from the hectic schedules and stress.

Within the four Seasonal sections (Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter), there are four categories: Home... Garden & the Great Outdoors... Body & Soul... Family & Friends. These are further broken down into sub sections sprinkled throughout the categories:

- Things To Do, for example, has recipes, crafts, and suggestions for taking advantage of the season. These are easy to follow, even offering suggestions for upkeeping the house and getting the family involved.
- Stories of simple pleasures are very short, almost like thoughts, but are presented in the form of advice or wisdom.
- The quotes remind us to take things slow and enjoy life.

Easy to read, and wonderful to poke around through. I recommend it to anyone whose ever had one of those "nothing is going right" days. You don't have to read it every day, or even every month, but even a chancing glance after a hard day made this a worthwhile purchase for me.

I love the soft illustration on the cover. The image of the wicker chair and wide open front porch invites the reader to come sit for a while. This book is perfect for the women in your life who needs to learn how to 'live in the moment'. Most of us are too busy being busy that we forget what's important in life, what will truly matter in the long run. The authors offer suggestions on how to slow down the world in their recipes, tips and the stories they've selected for the book.

This book contains numerous excellent recipes (everything from perfume to garlic soup), uplifting and inspirational quotations, and personal observations about how people relax and/or derive pleasure. I'm very glad I bought it.

Unfortunately, however, there is no semblance of order. To find a recipe for brownies, you must first wade through numerous quotations, and read about the person who derives great pleasure from washing windows, one who loves vacuuming and one who loves swimming nude in the lake. Although in no way putting down these pleasures, many of us loathe vacuuming and window-washing, and would be arrested if we tried swimming nude at any lake to which we have access. Moreover, recipes/projects usually appear under THINGS TO DO, rather than MAKING CANDIES, MAKING FOOT LOTION, or whatever.

I therefore feel that it would have been much wiser to organize the book by "esoteric" pleasures, quotations, recipes, and crafts projects. In my op! inion, this would have made it infinitely easier for people to find subjects of interest to him.

There is admittedly a certain logic to having relaxing thoughts interspersed with uplifting quotations, relevant projects/recipes, et cetera. However, many of us do not find it remotely relaxing to vacuum (or to read about vacuuming) ... If anything, that just adds additional stress by reminding us that we have to clean the house, too. Separating this type of entry from Alexandra Stoddard-type ideas and directions woud appear to make it easier for each person to find areas of interest to him, and which will be a source of pleasure for *him*.

JMHO -- and it IS a very worthwhile addition to one's bookshelf.

I facilitate support groups for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. This book is wonderful for closing the group when we've done some really hard work, and we want to end with something positive. One of my favorite stories to use is the "Stuffed Animal Support Group". This book is such a refreshing reminder of how to incorporate pleasure into our lives. It has stories for every season of the year. If you need a mini retreat, curl up in the corner with Simple Pleasures and a cup of tea. You won't regret it!

I got this book at an AAUW booksale that I work at each year. It probably cost me $.50 and it is definitely the best book buy I have ever made! Even though I have not followed through with many of the suggestions, just reading them makes me feel better. When I have the time, I am planning on trying out each idea because they sound so great, and easy! I'm sending this book to all my closest girl friends.

Relaxing and inspiring ideas are contained in this lovely little book. It was very refreshing to see such simple ways to treat yourself or sooth your soul. I am definitely stocking up to give as bridal shower gifts, etc.

I love this book for the beautifully written quotes by true leaders of our evolving consciousness that precede or follow the suggestions for living well. And I love how the author has divided the book by the seasons. Not only is it a book about how to nurture the body but also how to nurture the soul.