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

By Susannah Seton, Robert Taylor and David Greer

Illustrated with charming line art, this is both a guide to and a celebration of the art of living well, with stories, quotes, recipes, craft ideas, all arranged by season. From relaxation techniques to how to make candied flowers, this is a compendium of ideas to bring moments of pleasure to everyday life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Red Wheel Weiser
• Release date: Jan 31, 2002
• ISBN: 9781609253516

Susannah Seton

Susannah Seton is the author of the Simple Pleasures series, which includes titles such as Simple Pleasures of the Home, Simple Pleasures for the Holidays and 365 Simple Pleasures. When Seton was young, she would listen to her grandparents tell stories of when they were young, and the fun they would have even though all the stories were based around the simplest actions: new recipes they would make in a new house, road trips, early mornings by the water, and so much more. This made Seton realize that it wasn’t what we had, but our mindsets that made life enjoyable. Seton began writing the Simple Pleasures series with one goal in mind: to remind her readers that even the smallest things in life can bring us immense joy.  She currently lives in Berkeley, California, with her husband and daughter.

Reviews for Simple Pleasures

[anne arnold · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Rather disappointing . Ended up skimming through the book as there was little to hold my interest.
What I would call a 'copy and paste' book - nothing new.

[gaylesstuff · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I love this book! it is packed with wonderful ideas on how to relax and get away from the hustle-and-bustle, whether you have a few minutes, hours, or days on your hands. There are also lots of delicious recipes. I can't wait to try "Nostalgic Brownies" and "Bread and Butter Pudding." The next time I go camping, I'm going to try "Bannock," (camping bread). There are ideas for the garden, such as putting in a fishpond and growing your own lavender. Ideas for the home include, livening up throw pillows with old scarves, making potpourri, and creating a tabletop waterfall. I like the arrangement of the book. It is divided into four sections: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. These are further divided into four sections each: "Home," "Garden and the Great Outdoors," "Body and Soul," and "Family and Friends." Throughout the book are inspirational quotes, like this one from Laura Ingalls Wilder:"I am beginning to learn that it is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all." (p. 133)