Brini Maxwell's Guide to Gracious Living: Tips, Tricks, Recipes & Ideas to Make Your Life Bloom

by Brini Maxwell

Book Overview

Brini (aka Ben Sander) has a cult following that's growing every year (Sex in the City star Kim Cattrall and fashion designer Cynthia Rowley are fans). Famous for her novelty know-how and unparalleled flair for retro design, Brini helps viewers conquer their domestic difficulties and introduces uncompromising fabulousness into all aspects of their lives. Each episode of The Brini Maxwell Show is brimming with thrifty home design ideas, savvy secrets,...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1584794267
• ISBN13: 9781584794264
• Release Date: October 2005
• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
• Length: 128 Pages
• Weight: 0.92 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 7.0" x 8.0"
• Age Range: 13 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 8 to Postsecondary

Customer Reviews

Martha for the Masses

I think the most wonderful thing about Brini Maxwell isn't the admittedly brilliant skewing of the whole "domestic goddess" ethos by having a male actor (the super-talented Ben Sander) portray her, but that she actually connects to more people than most of the people putting out books today. Martha, Sandra, and the rest are great if you have a place with extra bedrooms, a seven figure income and scores of assistants willing to weave you place settings or 3000 thread count sheets. Brini will show you how to eke out storage space in a cramped apartment, or spur you on to create a party in a galley kitchen using an electric skillet and a blender. The most subversive thing about Brini is how much useful information she gives while turning the whole home-show thing on it's ear. If the people at the revamped Oxygen network have a brain, they'll sign this ultimate domestic diva up for a show for people like us who live in apartments, but aspire to some chic on the (I hate to type it) cheap! Because Brini's the gal for that!

Tips for Everything

This book is full of how-to projects that will keep you busy. Everything from entertaining, to recipes, to organization, this book has it all.

Gotta love Brini!

It's nice to have this book, though it's not as engaging as the show. In this book, Brini tells how to pack for a trip, how to entertain, how to organize a living space -- it's very nice, but no substitute for her show.

A fun read and a great little book

Brini's guide is more than just that -- it's a fun read and a visual companion to the television show that celebrates urban life with color, whimsy, charm and a sense of humor. The photos are done with great wit and style and the text reads as if Brini were reciting the book to you! A great gift for your gay (and straight) friends and favorite aunties alike -- and don't forget to try the recipes too -- they're delicious!

Full of fun and useful domestic tips

I adore Brini Maxwell and always catch her show on Style. Now all of her unique tips for cooking, cleaning, decorating, entertaining, and living are in one useful, little book. Who else can make cleaning a bathtub or making breakfast fun and exciting? The photographs of the domestic diva on the go are terrific and her tips are easy, practical, and inspirational. From choosing the perfect wardrobe for travel to throwing a retro cocktail party, Ms. Maxwell's advice is invaluable. I already feel more gracious after just one read!