Frugal Luxuries: Simple Pleasures to Enhance Your Life and Comfort Your Soul

Here's a man's perspective on this book: I found this book several years ago and bought it for my wife (for 50 cents at Half Price Books!) after an English friend of ours suggested we read it. We three are fans of British country living, the kind you see portrayed in television programs like the series All Creatures Great and Small, where people are shown living gracious lives away from the city even though they might be pinching pennies (think, not decrepit dairy farms and bad schools, but neat stone cottages and horse leisure). My wife and I have long been practitioners of this old-fashioned "frugal but dignified" approach to living, so I knew that she would like this book. But I was surprised to see just how much I enjoyed it myself. I have come to realize that this book is a sort of Class litmus test... reading this book, you either "get it," or you don't. If you're the kind of person who thinks being frugal means buying cheap clothes at Wal-Mart, or that buying your way into the upper classes with charge cards makes sense, then yes, there's very little about this book that will appeal to you. Some reviewers have even stated that it doesn't contain much practical information... are they kidding? Open the book to any page and you'll see loads of great advice for bringing beauty and joy into your life without spending much money. Frugality isn't just about following Amy D and reusing plastic bags or thrifting all your clothes, it's also about looking at life in a much more gracious and expansive manner. It's seeing possibilities in the simplest things. It really doesn't take much money to elevate your life, and as the book says, live every day with a sense of abundance, beauty, and luxury.

Of course the book is about her ideas and her life. Of course she has frugal Martha Stewart style ideas. Being involved in a voluntary simplicity community since the late 80's I have evolved from a Tightwad Gazette person to someone who wants class and frugality. Frugal to many people I encounter means cheap plain food or clothes and nothing fun or fancy. For me and many of my frugal minded friends it is about wanting quality as well as frugality. The Tightwad Gazette proved of little use to me since I like quality and classy clothes Martha Stewart style and not simply clothes that are simply cheap. Different strokes for different simple living folks.

Reading this encouraging book is a frugal luxury in itself. I enjoyed its philosophical yet practical approach. I'm the author of NEW PSALMS FOR NEW MOMS: A KEEPSAKE JOURNAL, Judson Press, which encourages mothers to put spirituality at the top of their priority lists. This book is also a step in that direction, helping us to slow down, look at what is really important to us, spend our time on people and projects that matter to us, and take the time to savor the little things along the way. Enjoy!

I have read and reread this amazing book...on the first layer, you think it is merely a book to help you budget or make do with less...but in reality it is a book that helps you to simplify everything....it shows that less is better and that the simple life is truly blessed.

Tracey makes being frugal sound romantic and rich. It is wonderfully written. Her written language is so eloquent and pleasant to read. I love it!!!