Beauty Books

I'm not big on the self-help book category and this is probably one of the only ones I've actually read. Well, it was worth it. It is insightful, clearly written with no "psycho-babble" and is the best relationship advice I've ever received. A friend recommended the book to me during a break-up - a friend who read it and has been happily married for the last 10 years. Thanks to this little book, I didn't fall apart during the break-up, had some amazing revelations in understanding my partner AND myself, and ended up getting back together with the person. I'm now happily married myself to that same person and I believe it was in great part thanks to the advice in this book that I was able to make it through relationship hurdles that both my partner and I created. It not only helps you better understand the person with whom you are having the relationship, but yourself as well. Everyone in a relationship, out of a relationship, or wanting a relationship should read this book.

I just recently ended a seven year marriage. Having gotten married in my twenties, I have limited dating experience. At the age of 30, I am having to learn this all over again and a friend gave me this book to help me out. This was probably the best gift I could have gotten at this time in my life. I highly recommend this book.

This relationship book is the best out there! I haven't read lots of relationship books, but I don't have to in order to know that I'm right. Woman or man, this book helps explain why we chose the partners we chose, why we expect the wrong things, why we expect the right things at the wrong times, what we do to push people away, and how to change so that our relationships work.

Dr. Sills' assessment of relationships and their phases are right on target, and her writing style is pure perfection--a mixture of get-on-to-yourself common sense and you're-not-alone reassurance. Her insights are uncanny. It's like she was in the living room, bedroom, car, bar, restaurant, etc. with you when either you or your partner said or did whatever you are now agonizing about. If you're a woman, Dr. Sills knows what you said when you stalked him after he didn't call. She knows why your cute voicemail message was a turn-off. If you're a man, Dr. Sills knows you snapped at her when she kept interrupting your football game to have a heart-to-heart talk. She knows why your girlfriends seem to become demanding and possessive just as you are losing interest in winning them. She not only pinpoints what you are feeling in each stage of a relationship, but also helps you understand what your partner is feeling.

I read this book when I started dating my first boyfriend. The relationship lasted for nine months. Although, things did not work out for us, the book helped me through Selection and Pursuit, including a phase called "The Switch," where the pursuer backs off and the pursued panics. My ex married his next girlfriend and credits me with helping him to build important relationship skills. Trust me, it was this book. Again with the book under my arm, I started dating my second boyfriend. I married him almost six years ago. I had the opportunity to thus apply the deeper relationship chapters in the second half of the book, which are also right on target. A friend of mine is almost 50, has never been married, and wondered why all his relationships fail. After he started a new relationship, I lent him my copy of this book. He is now two years into the relationship and engaged.

Don't start a new relationship without this book, particularly if you are a woman! When you get an urge to cry, overanalyze something he's said, or call him so you can feel closer, read the book instead of conveying a needy and demanding image that is not the real you. Once you are further along in your relationship and sure that you have one (Dr. Sills defines it), share the book and its tips with your partner, too. Regardless of your sex, age, or previous marital status, this book feels like it was written for you and about you. At each stage of your relationship, there will be hurdles. It answers the question, "Why?"--most helpful since your partner can't or won't answer this question for you. Better still, the book helps you change your own way of thinking so that the relationship mistakes aren't perpetuated by your own behavior and so that you can help your partner come to terms with his or her own fears of commitment and closeness. Buy several copies! Make it your ritual to read it, mark it up, then throw it out if you break up. You'll feel a sense of renewal when you initiate a new copy. You may even find one or two copies are all you need;) Happy reading and good luck!

This book has almost everything for those (i.e., all of us from time to time) who run amok in the uncertainty and anxiety of romance. Some who write on this subject merely employ sweeping generalizations which they beat into the ground throughout their book. Dr. Sills is a great writer who analyzes the complex world of romance. She makes it easy to understand how our drives and emotions can rush us into poor decisions. She fails to touch on one subject that many people find important in romance--spirituality. "Fine Romance..." is nonetheless the pre-eminent book on the subject.

This book was recommended to me by someone I met on line...I was struggling with some of the aspects of relationships...he told me he had found it most helpful....WOW what a find...started reading with pink highlighter in hand...had to keep reminding myself that if I highlighed everything, highlighting would lose its value!!!! I am reading slowly and letting the words soak in...so much basic information and insight. Today I am here to buy 2 more copies to give as gifts...If you are wondering how you should act and what you should expect, etc. This is the place to find out...

This is the only yoga book I have ever been able to read and do the exercises. Raquel Welch is amazing. I grew up with her yoga. My mom did it every day. There are some good diet ideas in there as well. I've learned a lot from her book.

This is a fantastic book with the Bikram yoga sequence, presented in a much more clear, easy to follow way (step by step), unlike Bikram's book which is essentially useless for home exercisers, since it has only one photo for each pose with the finished move, without showing how to get there.

Raquel Welch has surprisingly good form. This book is a must have for yoga lovers who dislike endless sun salutations - not a single one here! highly recommended!

I purchased this book back in 1984 and have never found another yoga book with as much detailed written and visual instruction. The next best thing to Raquel's book is taking a class with an experienced instructor. In her book there is a diagram, "A Chiropractic View of the Spine," which explains what areas of the spine effect certain aspects of your health. My favorite part of the book is the "Benefits." Under each pose is a benefit section which tells what that position does for the body and which conditions it can help to relieve.... I have yet to find this information in another yoga or pilates book. After the pose, there is an "Extra Help" section that is really beneficial to newbys. Every detail is covered in her instruction. Would love to see this on DVD(have the video and love it). Bought a second book because the pages are coming out of my original one. The poses in her book are more advanced than in many of the other yoga books. Not necessarily a lot harder, but more bang for your buck.

I've been practicing the yoga in Raquel's book since I was in junior high. When I started going to yoga class, instructors were impressed with my "beginner" yoga. Altho I have loved many of my yoga classes, I've longed for a class that features the same balance of postures that Raquel demonstrates.

I recently moved to California and tried Bikram yoga. I surprised to find it is the exact same sequence! I couldn't take the heat, so I'm back at home with Raquel. Now if only I could find a class that had the same postures sans heat!

The book is great in that it details the benefits of each posture and the specific steps and breathe within each posture. Each posture is followed by an explanation of common challenges.

I've purchased many yoga books over the years. Raquel's book and Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha by Swami Satyananda Saraswati are the best that I've found.

I bought this book when I was in college in 1987!! The poses are difficult, but Ms. Welch's instruction, and the excellent, un-retouched photos are very easy to follow. The food-combining section is simple to learn and gives immediate results. After doing both the yoga and eating plan for several years, I was in the best shape and lowest weight of my life. Now, nearly 20 years later, I plan to go back to my "old friend" to take off baby weight and get back in shape. I've never found a better book or VHS tape on Bikram yoga.

"Beauty By The Book" is a surprisingly insightful book by Nancy Stafford of "Matlock" fame. This life-changing read is loaded with scripture to memorize, encouraging stories, and absolute truth as to why we are so obsessed with physical beauty. Nancy tells it like it is from an experienced viewpoint from both sides of the fence. I thank God that I picked this book up on a whim. It has helped me see myself through His eyes.

I am currently a senior in college and before I left for this semester of school, my mom handed me the book to read. As I read the book, I saw so many applications to my life in college. One of the main areas I could see the application of this book was in my sorority. Needless to say, it's a place where outer beauty is more often valued over inner beauty. Last year I started a Biblical discussion group in my sorority and I thought that your book would be a great place to start for topics this semester. So I have been using the book for the past 5 weeks or so in my discussion group along with the online Bible Study.
The conversations that have come out of this series have been unbelievable. So many young women want to talk about this topic! The intertwining of the essense of beauty with the truth of the Bible in this book is great. I just think that the book provides a wonderful bridge between women who are trying to figure out what words like faith and spirituality mean for them and the truths of the Bible. It makes the Christian life so applicable to people who are seeking God! Thank you Nancy for sharing your story and your resources with me and let you know the powerful impact that your book is having for the Kingdom of God.

I heard Nancy speak on Focus on the Family and I immediately identified with her. I have struggled for many years with many of the same issues that Nancy discusses with such honesty in this book. I've come to realize that I'm not alone and that these types of struggles can be overcome. I appreciate Nancy's honesty and transparency about her own struggles. I still have a long way to go, but this book has given me hope that there IS light at the end of the tunnel. This book is for any woman who has ever struggled with these types of issues. This book touched me deeply and I cried many times as I read. A life changing and powerful book.

As a young Christian actress in Los Angeles, I too struggle with many of the self-worth issues that Nancy addresses in this wonderful book. I found immense healing and hope in this book. Nancy's honesty draws you nearer to her story and her struggles. Her hope sheds light on a topic so often "swept under the rug," even by women. This book is not only for actors, it is for all women. I am sending a copy to all of the women in my life.

Like the green glasses in THE WIZARD OF OZ that distort people's view of the Emerald City, our culture and our past hurts distort our concept of beauty and our image of ourselves. Nancy Stafford's book gently lifts that false image and replaces it with timeless, eternal truths. Written with humor, warmth, compassion and vulnerability, this book will bring hope and healing to all who read it. I can't think of anyone who wouldn't gain from what is written on these pages.

WHEN A MAN GETS TO A POINT WHERE THEY DON'T WANT TO LOOK TRENDY ANYMORE,AND START TO FOCUS ON QUALITY AND STYLE, THIS IS THE REFERENCE BOOK TO READ AND OWN,TEACHES YOU HOW TO TIE A BOWTIE AND SEVERAL TIE KNOTS,ALSO COVERS WHAT SHIRT COLLAR FITS YOUR FACE,THIS IS A UNIVERSAL REFERENCE BOOK FOR FINE DRESSING......

If you could buy only one book to have as a reference on men's clothes, this would be it!! If you are choosing between this book and A.F.'s "updated" later version, get this one. The updated one has less information and also a questionable section on modern casual wear. The book's illustrations are excellently clear, and it is a great learning and reference tool.

I have Dressing the man which is almost as good. Clothes and the man was the first book I bought on mens clothing just as I was starting out on my own 14 years ago and I am glad I did..
Flusser taught me everything I know about clothes and then some. This book is well wiritten with practical advice on how a man should dress.

I've now read several highly recommended books on men's style. This book is the best out of all of them. In my opinion 'Clothes and the Man' is a little better than Flusser's more well-known 'Dressing the Man' (seen stacked in Ralph Lauren stores). 'Clothes and the Man' delves deeper into the subject laying out specific guidelines to build season-specific wardrobes. Unfortunately the book is out of print now...fairly easy to find on the net though!

This is a quick, one-day read, but a lifetime keeper for reference.

Mr. Flusser covers all the essentials in detail: suit coats; suit trousers; sport coats; blazers; dress shirts; neckties; handkerchiefs; hose (socks); shoes; hats; and jewelery.

He covers sportswear such as cable-knit pullover sweaters and cardigans very briefly.

Mr. Flusser asserts the lines, look, and feel of all fine mens wear can be traced to the timespan of the 1930s - 1950s. This was the Golden Age of Hollywood when men dressed well (Cary Grant; Fred Astaire; Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.; Adolph Menjou; and England's Edward, Prince of Wales). Mr. Flusser's point is that if you want a suit that will not be out of date in five or ten years, ensure it is grounded in 1930s - 1950s style, with emphasis on the 1930s.

The only thing I disagreed with in the entire book was his reverence for the four-in-hand necktie knot in all settings. This knot is asymmetrical and does not belong in the boardroom or office. It is a knot that is to be worn casually to a club or in some other social setting. The Windsor or Half Windsor should be worn to the office.

This is somewhat a digression, but there is more to fine dressing than just the fabric against your body, or the leather upon your feet. Care must be taken to groom the hair inside your nose, so that it does not protrude outward. The hair on and in the ear must be cut. Nothing looks worse than looking at a man in fine clothes and seeing he has a thick patch of hair growing out of each ear cavity. Andy Rooney eyebrows are also verboten. Hair, beards, moustaches, eyebrows, ears, nose, teeth...all of these must be groomed/maintained properly to accentuate the look of fine clothes. Without these grooming basics in place, no suit is going to make you look good. Mr. Flusser elected not to cover grooming as essential to the "total package," yet he devoted many areas of the book to items that were not strictly related to clothing. I feel it was a mistake to neglect grooming.

Clothes and the Man is now 21 years old. It is as relevant now as when it was written. This book is a timeless masterpiece, fully deserving five stars.

I met Karen Ford at a book signing in Knoxville, TN. Her enthusiasm and confidence inspired me to read her book. This book follows through... Karen and Tina don't just throw ideas out there, they gave me practical usable techniques that are changing my life!
Great book, I recommend it!

Free to Be Beautiful is a great gift book for any woman. It will help to inspire and bring out the beauty in any woman. The authors write from their hearts, and that comes out in the book. You feel like they are writing it for you. What a great way to honor all women.

Karen & Tina did such a great job writing this book, and being so honest and upfront. It makes you feel so good about who you are and to help you realize just how special you are, because God made you and we His daughters - WOW - why wouldn't you feel special!! Karen & Tina also help you to realize you can achieve your dreams and goals. I also loved their stories they shared - what a great addition to the book. I highly recommend this book to everyone - it is easy to read and will be one that you will want to highlight those special thoughts and read it again.

I loved this book because of the simple, no nonsense approach to how we should look at life. Karen and Tina's stories mixed in with their awesome advice made this a book that you could really relate too. You actually got to know them as people and authors and could laugh as much at the stories as you do relating yourself to the situations. I recommend this book to anybody!!!

I am a busy, now single, stay at home mom, who owns her own business. Initially I fell in love with this book because the chapters are "snippets"--I can easily read and grab enough to go on for the day simply reading for 10 minutes while waiting in carpool! I enjoy making the most of my time, and this book affords that luxury!

On a more inimate level, over the past couple of years my self confidence has grown in leaps and bounds because of my accomplishments and the accomplishments of those I work with. However I found that many times I have avoided dealing with "life's complications" by staying busy. Through their book God has used Karen and Tina to very gently peel away the proverbial bandaids from the wounds, and allow the healing process to begin. I am learning not to ignore the hurts and disappointments of life, not to pretend there are no struggles, but to face them head on--actually embrace them, and find myself and my children more empowered for it! As difficult as it can be to do this, it is worth the effort...I am loving who I am becoming, and what I can offer to others--especially my daughters!

I highly recommend this book to any woman, as it speaks to females at any age or time in life...teaching us to take an honest look at our lives and our thinking, and challenging us to become who God intends us to be. Karen and Tina have given us the tools to define the core of feminity--and it's a beautiful place to be!

Kevin Sheehan has simplified the great qualities of important leaders and placed them in an entertaining text. A gift which I have passed on to my dearest friends, this book is both inspirational and educational. My highest recommendation.

Poignant, powerful stories. Beautifully written with a distinctive and important design. This book's not to be missed--by you, your friends, your business colleagues. Bravo!

Within his book A Leader Becomes A Leader, Kevin Sheehan delightfully illustrates the essence of true leadership. He poignantly definies a diverse group of past and present leaders; while exploring their life events and characteristics of greatness. Encourage your friends, family and coworkers to read this motivational book!

The author does a phenomenal job of breaking the topic down into small manageable and inspiring readings; also covers a great cross-section of leaders and the characteristics that made them successful. I ordered a dozen copies as executive and motivational gifts.

J. Kevin Sheehan presents a celebration of what's possible in his biographical snapshots of great leaders. By focusing on the unique character traits of outstanding leaders the author transforms the mysteries of leadership into something very real. He answers the question "what made them great?" in an extremely concise and inspirational style. Great as a corporate gift or graduation present. My children have used it for school projects and I have found inspiration for my own business. No home or school library should be without this most valuable tool.

This book was great! It was very interesting. I couldn't put it down. It gives you a great insight into how big cosmetic companies really think.

THIS IS NOT JUST ABOUT MAKEUP, IT IS ABOUT THE PRODUCTS WE USE ON ON BODIES! I COULDN'T PUT THE BOOK DOWN.

This book provides enlightening insight into the ongoing deceptions in the skin care industry. There are numerous studies cited as to the effects of chemicals found in most skin care products. An absolute must read for anyone, especially those with children.

This book came quickly after I purchased it. The book is fabulous and I highly recommend it!

First let me put my biases up front. I do not like the cosmetics industry. I do not like the petroleum industry and I certainly do not like the advertising industry.

Having said that, let me try and and provide a constructive review.

This is a book that proposes to expose the seedy underside of the cosmetics industry. It is very readable and "user friendly". I read it from cover to cover in just a few days and in every chapter learned/was repulsed by something new. Given my biases I do encourage readers to check out the provided sources to determine for themselves the veracity of the information (I did so and was convinced). However, be aware that this is not an unbiased perspective. The author has a definite point of view (which I happen to agree with) but still raise some interesting and important issues that are worthy of further consideration beyond the "preaching to the choir" crowd. It is a well written, entertaining read and encourages you to pause and think a moment without being overly preachy. My wife is now regularly visiting the database the author and the affiliated organization has set up and made self informed choices about makeup, sunscreens and other cosmetics. Not as a reactionary "go all natural" consumer but being able to make reasonable choices about products that work for her and possible alternatives that are less risky/carcinogenic.

I highly recommend this book.

This book was so inspring when I first read it when it litteraly first came out and it always lifted my spirits, I still use it while i'm in the teen yars.

We all know where 'Real Beauty' comes from. Why not start your young lady out early in learning that beauty is more than skin deep? Help the preteen in your life be more selfconfident and beautiful by knowing how to accomplish this elusive trait.

If you have a young girl in your family circle, I urge you to give her a copy of Real Beauty: 101 Ways to Feel Great About You (American Girl Library.) I promise you that the benefits will be of lifelong value! If more girls had this sense of self-worth, we would have fewer eating disorders, schoolyard bullying, distorted body images, and other issues that plague the lives of teens -- and adults.

Simply put, this book is worth its weight in gold.

I read it first, and I am looking forward to reading it again with my granddaughter.

Whenever I feel bad about myself, hating myself, etc, I pick up this book and start reading it. Then I feel good about myself. Of course, though, I don't really need braces yet but I will when I'm 12! The book gives you lots of information on how to eat healthy, exercise, and if you are maybe 10-15, it tells you what to put in your back pack if you get pimples, your period starts, etc. I DEFINITELY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK! P.S I am ten years old.

This book is helpful in dating old photographs, and for those interested in fashion from the 19th century. It is also a very interesting read that is filled with exceptional photos. AAA+++

I thoroughly enjoyed this entire book. The author gives a detailed overview of each decade of fashions for men, women, and children then provides many photographs with indepth explanations of each. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in genealogy research.

As a researcher period clothing and producer of reproduction clothing, I find this book is a fabulous resource! Not only is there a wide scope of social backgrounds represented here, but the accompanying writings are an additional insight to the people on those pages. A great work!

Dressed for the Photographer has a wealth of beautiful images, and has informative and interesting text with each image. Both text and images show the realities of fashion during the era covered. We see how real people dressed, rather than fashion templates which were always more extreme version of the latest fashion.

I liked the descriptions of dresses remade from older dresses to keep up with fashion, as well as her description of how one can tell the dress has been altered. I also enjoyed the way she pointed out little details of outfits. I never would have seen those details otherwise.

I would have preferred a few more examples of upper-class women throughout the eras and middle-class women in the latter part of the 20th century. The reform dress was an interesting movement, but I believe the reform dresses are over-represented. But, overall, the book reflects the diversity of the people in the society very well.

To be honest, I haven't seen a better resource for someone who wants to know what people really wore from 1840-1900.

It is a rare opportunity to see how people dressed in reality so far in the past. Fashion plates show the garment in its perfect form, portraits are idealized, and original illustrations change the proportions, whether purposefully or not, to fit the times of the artist, not that of the garment.

The pictures feature a range of people from different walks of life in different situations, and the reader can enjoy seeing these ordinary people in their clothes, whether dressed to impress or caught looking somewhat odd in ill-fitting garments or clothes that have crooked seams--the details are so telling!

The text dissects the pictures and explains costume of the era in detail, discussing the general trends, exceptions, class distinctions, and how the people in these old photos relate to all this. A Very good book for a costume historian.

I was a little disappointed to see just two disc in the case when there were 8 for the book. The second disc is all music. This book pulls out one of the most important points from his book "A New Earth " which is "Staying in the Now". I listen to the music CD on the train or just before I got to bed to help me relax. This book is a nice compliment to his other books.

I have listened to most of
E. Tolle's book on cd and especially loved this one for the 2nd cd. I find his message powerful and important in todays world. This set contains the best meditative music I have ever heard. I'm sure I lent it out and never got it back, so for the very powerful music in this set I am reordering....very well worth it!

Gateways to Now is a wonderful extension of Tolle's two books: The Power of Now and A New Earth. The audio book is a way to hear Tolle's ideas from his own voice. Tolle gives several ideas of ways to become "More Present". It is well done and great for expanding consciousness.

This CD has some techniques discussed by Tolle to perceive inner space. They require some repeated practice for those not familiar with meditation, but seem to work fine. The music is a minor distraction.

Even though I love to read, because of a life long engagement with ADD and insomnia,it is not often easy to obsorb or retain the contents of any book let alone one such as this. One that requires serious contemplation and quiet reflection. However I found this book to provide,a meaningful metamorphosis to this mecurial mind, a soothing serenity to my secluded spirit, and a sedative to my oft troubled soul, things that I seldom enjoy. I completely agree with many of his points, such as the eternal nature of our Spirits. Also the concept that all living things have presence and Spirits. In fact I have I personally found that while riding my bicycle in the nearby mountains(for me by keeping my body active seems to quiet this overactive mind)I can actually hear and feel the presence of life forms around me especially durring early spring mornings. On several occcassions I hold my hands close to the long grasses, trees, or whatever life form is near and feel it's energy and each ones' very discerable Spirit/presence, which is exciting to be part of. Additionally on such mornings it seems that the annimals, insects,etc. do not fear me and will often come out and seemingly greet me. They know I come in peace and love, with an appreciation for each of them and their Creator. It is also interesting to note that most of the indiginous peoples of the earth were very much in tune with all this. I believe this book can help all of us get in touch with the spiritual side of all that exists on this planet. It sure makes it a much more interesting and beautiful place to live!!A New Earth