I know we all rave about Sarah Ban Breathnach, but does anybody else adore Alexandra Stoddard as much as I do?
After an evening spent flicking through my old favorites, "Choosing Happiness", "Open Your Eyes" and "Living A Beautiful Life", I was once again reminded why it is so important to make the tiniest parts of our day, pleasures that may go unnoticed, but are on some level absorbed.
The beauty of Alexandra’s work is her inability to exercise any kind of restraint when it comes to the small luxuries of life and although some may find this elitist, to me it is aspirational. I want the best sheets, the time soul searching by the fireplace,the fine fountain pens, time to write letters, the collectible art, and the early nights in a bedroom that makes me feel calm. I want it enough to make sacrifices in other areas of my life and it is Alexandra Stoddard who frequently reminds me why it is important to make such grace notes the focus of my happiness…
If you haven’t read her, then you are in for a treat because she has written 24 books, each as gently inspirational as the last. And while admittedly the interiors described may have dated quite dramatically, the message remains as lovely as ever.
Find them all here, then go over and meet the woman who describes herself as a "contemporary philosopher at her website, AlexandraStoddard.Com.
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Thanks for the link to the list of books! I have been half-heartedly looking for any of them, but so far havn't found a thing! I have made a list to take on my next trip to the library (I like to test run them before I buy).
By the way – you are the only person who understands my obsession with ironing my tea towels! Thank you 🙂 At least I know I'm not the only one…
I adore her. I bought and read "Living a Beautiful Life" while I was in college and it really inspired me to find a bit of beauty then. I too go back to her books and am always reinspired.
I love her, she is such an eloquent writer and has a passion, much like you do, for beauty and substance. "The Decoration of Houses" is quite a terrific book. I am reading this one right now!
I love Alexandra Stoddard! I have Living A Beautiful Life, and Gift of a Letter. And I was squinting away at your photo of your books, trying to see more titles! My guilty secret is that whenever I am at someones house, I cannot help peeking at their bookshelf! And I just spent my weekend taking every book off my shelves, sorting and restacking. And now I am wondering, are vintage style bookplates a step too far…?!
I love Alexandra as well!!! I read her book 'Living a beautiful life' when I was trying to get my chaotic life in order.. I may need to re-read it.
She's great!!
Jade
I absolutely adore Ms. Stoddard. I am currently borrowing Tea Celebrations from the library. I am fortunate to own Living a Beautiful Life, and I think it's time to reread it and peruse used book stores for more of her wonderful volumes.
I LOVE your website! It really pulled me in and makes me feel connected to others that feel the same way I do about life.
I adore Alexandra and her books! My hubby and I attended one of her "Happiness Weekends" at her cottage in Stonington, CT last year and it was a wonderful time. She and Peter are such dear gracious people. I originally met her in 1994 and have told many people about her books! 🙂
I have been reading Alexandra Stoddard's books since 1991 while living in Alaska. I love the way she writes, and her appreciation for the lovely things in life. Very uplifting to read and always feel more positive after reading her words. I just happened to stumble on her books while browsing in the bookstore — looking for something beautiful and inspiring to read. What a beautiful lady.