Living Beautifully Together

by Alexandra Stoddard

In this very charming book, celebrated author Alexandra Stoddard explains how to bring beauty and joy to a life shared with one's spouse or lover, family and friends. She shows readers how simple acts of self-nurturing--meditation, long baths, studying art--can help foster self-esteem and inward good health, qualities which will naturally lead to love and respect for others.

Genres: Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Design, Self Help

Paperback

First published March 1, 1989

About the author

ALEXANDRA STODDARD is a philosopher of contemporary living and author of many best selling books, including the classic Living a Beautiful Life: 500 Ways to Add Elegance, Order, Beauty and Joy to Every Day of Your Life, Choosing Happiness: Keys to a Joyful Life, Things I Want My Daughters to Know: A Small Book About the Big Issues in Life, and You Are Your Choices: 50 Ways to Live the Good Life. Alexandra's newest book Happiness For Two: 75 Secrets for Finding More Joy Together, published in January 2008, is now in its second printing.

Reviews

[Poiema · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked this up at a thrift shop because I remembered liking a decorating book by the author w-a-y back in the day. This one seems dated in many places. Also, the author was trying too hard to push the “modern woman” persona, stating “the women of today are social pioneers.” I felt she was subtly pushing her lifestyle choice to juggle marriage, family, and career as the one ideal. She pulled it off beautifully, but not all women pull it all off beautifully, even with the help of her book. Some women find they are not stifled, but set free when they make the choice to focus on one thing instead of many things.

This book was written for younger people who are just developing adulting skills. Some of what she writes could contribute to healthy lifestyle, but some I strongly disagreed with. Such as, “Trust that the universe will take care of your child.” Umm, NO. At that point I tossed the book in the DNF pile.

[Kaethe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Turns out you can live beautifully together if you have a lot of money. Good to know.

[Dottie · Rating 2 out of 5]

"Too much of a much" for the most part. A few glints of inspiration but far too much "fool's gold" and other fol-de-rol to suit my tastes. Maybe I've become too cynical, too grumpy -- but this one simply didn't sit well nor did it do anything earth-shaking for my "spirit". Bleagh as Snoopy might say.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chock full of inspiration for creating a lovely retreat out of your own home. Uplifting.

[Makena · Rating 5 out of 5]

i love Miss Stoddard's books, I believe anyone can benefit from them.

[Kristine Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book to have mostly practical solutions and suggestions for living your best life through work, family, friends, and hobbies. An enjoyable read.

[Lianne Jasper Gillespie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent self-help style book from her. This one about living together with your spouse or partner.

[Francine · Rating 5 out of 5]

My husband and I often take one passage from this book and try to integrate it into our lives together.

[Lisa]

Marriage

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

can't really remember anything about this title but I always enjoy this author

[Christi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like Alexandra stoddard--interior design that matches your lifestyle.

[Cws]

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