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Summary: A Beautiful Book That Takes You Back...
Review: A picture's worth a thousand words... Sarah Ban Breathnach has skillfully blended the wisdom of "Simple Abundance" and the charm of victorian art into a splendid keepsake and reference. This book reminds me of the magic of discovering a new story book as a child. I peek into it and soon I lose myself in the wonderful world of tradition that Sarah Ban Breathnach has so gracefully created. Whether you are new to Sarah Ban Breathnach's work or if you've been living "Simple Abundance" for years, you'll find this new work to be a charming reminder to simplify, beautify, and grace your life with the seasonal rhythm of the holidays.
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Summary: Wonderful!
Review: Finally, it is back in print! Beautifully written, this book had me longing for some new traditions in our household, and since receiving a used copy about a year ago, I have started. Though my daughter is 15 years old, some of the things we can still do. An added plus: there is lots and lots of Victoriana history that I never knew. This book would make a great baby shower gift for the new mom. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Thank you Sarah! P.S. If you haven't already, buy her Simple Abundance Book - it has changed my life!
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Summary: Old-fashioned family treasure!
Review: I AM A FAN OF THIS AUTHOR AND THIS BOOK IS WONDERFUL!!!!!! IT IS VERY INTERESTING AND FUN TO LOOK UP IDEAS EACH MONTH. THIS IS NICE TO PASS ON IN A FAMILY FOR CREATING TRADITIONS.
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Summary: Really wonderful book !
Review: I AM A FAN OF THIS AUTHOR AND THIS BOOK IS WONDERFUL!!!!!! IT IS VERY INTERESTING AND FUN TO LOOK UP IDEAS EACH MONTH. THIS IS NICE TO PASS ON IN A FAMILY FOR CREATING TRADITIONS.
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Summary: A Family Treasure!
Review: I bought this book nearly eleven years ago when my first child was a toddler and have used it for every holiday ever since! Through this book we have learned so much about the history of holidays, as well as recipes, crafts, and activities. Even more importantly the author has helped our own family develop holiday traditions that are both fun and meaningful, even for that toddler turned teenager! Holiday traditions are comforting and bring families closer together, and this book is a tremendous help if you are looking for inspiration. After eleven years I still can sit down to look up a certain holiday and find myself still reading an hour later! It is definitely one of the most treasured books in my collection!
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Summary: Simple pleasures for Simple Times
Review: I love the noble simplicity of the Victorian age. This book is an invitation to experience simple rituals in your daily life. I especialy enjoyed the beautiful art work and many pictures. This book takes the reader on a gilded journey through the entire year with wonderfull passages describing a myriad of traditions and daily rituals for living. If you cherish the victorian tradition then you simply must have this book. Buy it new or used, read it, experience it, and pen a review to spread the joy, this truly is home.
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Summary: Looking to make your life special and fun? Buy it!
Review: I'm a HUGE fan of Sarah's Books. Her books are so real, and even almost life-altering! (P.S. I REALLY love Simple Abundance) This book is so charming, with great ideas on how to celebrate just about every holiday! Beautiful illustrations! Live your life to its fullest with this book! A definite must for people with families and children.
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Summary: Preserving family memories
Review: It is Thanksgiving Day as I write. I have used this book extensively over the past week as I write down the activities we will do as a family this holiday season. We are a family with young children (8, 6, 3, baby), so we are only now starting our family traditions. It is VERY important to me that the children have family memories to keep them reminded of their happy childhood. This book has been a wonderful keepsake. I have already started purchasing it for others, as it is beautifully written and breathtakingly beautiful. Do not hesitate to buy this book. It will enhance your library like few others. I am wishing for another book like this one, but have not found it yet.
Rating:
Summary: Preserving family memories
Review: It is Thanksgiving Day as I write. I have used this book extensively over the past week as I write down the activities we will do as a family this holiday season. We are a family with young children (8, 6, 3, baby), so we are only now starting our family traditions. It is VERY important to me that the children have family memories to keep them reminded of their happy childhood. This book has been a wonderful keepsake. I have already started purchasing it for others, as it is beautifully written and breathtakingly beautiful. Do not hesitate to buy this book. It will enhance your library like few others. I am wishing for another book like this one, but have not found it yet.
Rating: 
Summary: Okay, but definitely nothing special
Review: This book is okay, but nowhere near as good as the author's earlier works. Although initially intrigued by the "legends", those I checked looked stupid to me ... e.g., about how a pansy's petals tell the story of how a wicked queen mistreats her stepdaughters, with no positive (much less fairytale) ending, nothing remotely uplifting, no moral, etc. DEFINITELY not the type of thing you'd print to give with a pressed flower pansy, or other form of the flower. The recipes are equally impractical, since few people use suet in desserts these days.
And all the stories in the voice of the mythical Mrs. Sharp just seemed stupid and contrived. Although the premise was excellent, the book just didn't follow through.
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