Rating: 
Summary: Not for the truly frugal
Review: A good book no doubt about it. But some of the hints and suggestions seem rather unfrugal to me and more often than once i had the idea that not following a suggestion might be more frugal. Yet, some good hints for those trying to prove that living simple has to be without joys.
Rating:
Summary: I wanted to love this book but...
Review: Ever since the simplify scene has become popular we have been presented with various outlooks on the "less is more" lifestyle, but few have approached the theme with such style and grace. In fact, Ms. McBride�s attempt of bridging the gap between the Amy Dacyczyn and Martha Stewart approaches proves to be quite successful, particularly if one seeks inspiration and a sort of uplifting of the soul along with their reused Ziploc bags.On the other hand, we found the book overly focused on the author's personal experience especially since she has been the editor of a newsletter since 1993. We were surprised to not see more information culled from her readers over the years. This would have fleshed out the book and provided substance with which more readers could identify. Despite the lack of a varied viewpoint and a slight absence of practical tips (though we appreciated the tip on how to create home-made soup cups), readers who seek more soul than Dacycsyn and have less cash than Stewart will appreciate an evening in the garage-sale purchased armchair with this book.
Rating: 
Summary: Simple pleasures and creative ideas don't have to cost alot.
Review: Frugal Luxuries has many new and innovative (and some not very new and innovative) ideas on enhancing the quality of life. The most important element of the book is that it successfully projects an "attitude" that encourages the reader to indulge while remaining financially responsible. The book seems to be written for lower middle class women who struggle with the "have nots". It is not a synopsis on living off the land or altering American consumerism. If a book is to be judged by the impact it has upon reading it I believe Frugal Luxuries stimulates action on the subject in which it writes in a subtle but thoughtful way.
Rating: 
Summary: Frugal does not equate with unintelligent!!!
Review: I bought this book 2 months ago and I am still kicking myself for spending the money. I found this book to be condescending, preachy and at times, down right irratating. I was looking for practical, sensible tips on how to live my life in a more frugal and environmentally friendly manner. All I got from this book was pie-in-the-sky, warm and fuzzy, painfully trite prose. It became increasingly obvious as I forced myself to plow through this book, page by sappy page, that McBride spent far too much time researching quotes as headers for her chapters. Had she spent anywhere near as much time writing about tried and true, honest to goodness money saving tips and techniques, this book would not be such a waste. To anyone considering this purchase, check it out of the library first to see if you like it, I sure wish I had.
Rating:
Summary: Not worth it
Review: If you want to be told that you should try on gloves at the thrift store before you buy them (duh!) or that you should always buy larger sizes of food, because they're always a better deal (they sometimes are, and sometimes aren't), then read this book. If you want something more intelligent, with real ideas and advice, try the Tightwad Gazette. Much, much better.
Rating: 
Summary: For those of us who are serious frugal Martha Stewart types
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: For those of us who are serious frugal Martha Stewart types
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Little Things Mean a Lot
Review: 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!
Rating:
Summary: Not for the truly frugal
Review: This author has read too many Martha Stewart Living and Victoria magazines--you can tell by some of the projects. She makes it seem as though frugality is something to be ashamed of and hidden at all costs by all of these fake luxuries. While she does have some good ideas, they get bogged down (not to mention hard to find) by all of her "sermons". This book is interesting to read once or twice, but not worth buying unless you can get it used.
Rating:
Summary: A lovely and inspiring book.
Review: This charming book is the perfect handbook for those of us who want to create a life that borrows from the timeless wisdoms of books from a more innocent time, such as "Anne of Green Gables" and "Little Women." After reading it, I immediately felt this book was a handbook on how to create a life like the characters within a Jan Karon novel ("At Home in Mitford," another lovely book I highly recommend). "Frugal Luxuries" is worth the time and money spent (although it leans more toward intangible luxuries than material ones).
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