Simple Matters: A Scandinavian's Approach to Work, Home, and Style

Beware- this is not a design book. Not really at all. It turned up in my recommendations based on having bought a Kinfolk book but this is no Kinfolk, though the numerous shots of that book in this book makes clear that it's trying to be.No, this book positions itself as a Scandinavian-style lifestyle design book but it's actually the author's love letter to herself. The back cover calls the author a "Scandinavian minimalist expert" who "provides the inspiration to curate one's everyday life into something simple, realistic, and utterly enjoyable." Setting aside the irony of that description in view of the multi-million dollar modernist chalets, the numerous shots of sitting alone mid-day in cafes with coffee or wine, or the catchy life slogans, the thing that really resonates with me is that this book is everything wrong with social media and the rise of influencer culture- the pure ego of it.The author, a self-described "YouTube sensation, fashion blogger, lifestyle influencer, and a vegan food, travel, and design lover..." (I just threw up in my mouth typing that description) includes 24 portraits of herself (no really) and 10 more portraits of just her hand or foot next to a wine glass, coffee cup, or other handy accessory for photographing oneself for the pleasure of it. That's 34 pictures of the author in a book about... Design? They are mostly better than selfies with a heavy filter but J-U-S-T barely. Let's say that the staging involved is anything but simplistic, realistic, or utterly enjoyable.I feel tricked into having bought this book based on the recommendation, the reviews, and the cover. I would never have guessed at the vapid, self congratulatory fluff it contained by seeing the item description. Not even the actual design photos are unique in any way (there are only so many deconstructed fruit and bread board photos one can find inspiring) and the "essays?" Well, you can imagine the insightful thoughts by someone who writes two pages titled "freedom from addiction" that laments all addictions but posts endless photos posed with coffee or wine. Or captions her braless selfie wearing a men's suit (Madonna circa 1985) and full makeup "thank God it's Monday." So yeah, just ICK all around.

... and to know yourself, you may first have to eliminate all the distractions in your life.Okay, that synopsis is not fair to the author, as her book is so much more than that. But it was one of my takeaways.Jenny Mustard is a self-described minimalist (at least on her blogs) but in this book she pushes that thought farther with simplicity, seeing it "... as freedom from rather than sacrifice of." Minimalism always seemed like something I should strive for, while the idea of simplicity put forth in this book seems like something to fall into because if feels right. When you pare away all the stuff that's not really you, what you are left with is ... you. And what you want, what your passions are, what calms you and what excites you.This book is by no means prescriptive. Instead, in her direct, humorous, and idiosyncratically quirky way, you are shown how this works for the author, as well as pointed towards a number of different ways it might work for others. You simplify your life in tandem with defining your priorities, the things that rock your world, whether in the area of keeping your home, having rituals, traveling, working, relationships -- she covers the gamut.If you would like some ideas about how to keep your life focused on what you love, buy this book. If you are already happy and enjoy reading about someone else's road to being happy, buy this book. If you are not sure, go to YouTube, type "The Mustards" into the search box, and watch five or six of their videos. If you enjoy them, buy this book, as it gives an extended dose of Jenny Mustard's unique take on the world.

The book is absolutely terrific. It’s slow. Like a cup of tea. If you’re looking for 5 ways to do this and 6 ways not to do that, this is not the book for you. Instead, each page invites you to think of a concept and how you might incorporate it (or not). Great book. My only complaint is with Amazon. Book arrived bruised, with top corner scratched and the back dirtied. I thought I had bought a new book. :(

Like sitting snuggled up under a quilt with a cuppa and your bestie who keeps mesmerizing you with every word she says! Enchanting! Wise! Soulful! I ate up every delicious page and now I'm ready for a reread! My new favorite everything! Like Jenny herself, this book is full of sage wisdoms and beauty. I feel like a better version of myself the more I surround myself with Jenny and her hubby David. Such preciousness. I always take away how to live life on your own terms and in your own time from what Jenny writes or says on her youtube channel. This book is so much more than I anticipated. I'm hoping Jenny's cookbook will come to Amazon in something other than French soon, and I look forward to other books written by her in the future! I hope David will write a book on movies as well! I'm an avid follower of their youtube videos and Instagram. So much of the heart of Sweden in such an adorable couple! Share the wealth! You won't be disappointed in this book! A true treasure to savor again and again!

Reading this book feels like a day curled up in a blanket by the fire with a cup of tea. I came to this book already loving Jenny and David and was so excited to support them by purchasing and reading the book. Not only is the book physically beautiful (even the kindle version which I purchased as a minimalist myself) but Jenny’s writing feels so warm and cozy like spending time with a best friend. Even if you have seen all of her videos on YouTube the book is very much worth reading, the information is new and presented in a different form that moves at a smooth relaxing pace allowing you more time to enjoy it than a video would. I recommend book this to anyone looking for inspiration, a relaxing and uplifting read, or even just a beautiful book to flip through. Sit down with a cup of tea and enjoy!

I hadn’t realised this was from a you tube ‘influencer’, very disappointed with the content, very bland and superficial although the photos were nice. Really lacking in substantial content. Look her up on you tube for free and you’ll have the same content.

I love this book. Firstly, it is beautiful, the cover, the photos and the layout of the essays. Jenny is thoughtful and intelligent and reading this book is calming and refreshing. Can't wait to sit down with my coffee this weekend and finish it, but I know I will come back to it again and again.

Grate book but it arrived damidged I didn't expect that from preorderd itemLost star because of amazon otherwise 5 stars

Disappointed that I purchased this book as a coffee table book for Christmas and it is damaged on the corners !

Lovely coffee table book very fast delivery