Beauty Books

I was review it for my project that Hawaii in late 19th century and early 20th century so I need to know where the immigrant people were from other country to Hawaii..

Like the food they eat, the clothes they wear help express a people's relationship to the rest of the world. But the clothing used by Japanese immigrants to Hawaii is now surprisingly scarce.
Work clothes were used until they wore out. Clothes for special occasions, usually hand-woven and sometimes made from rare fabrics like bashofu (an Okinawan specialty made from plantain fiber), were carefully preserved, but after World War II, AJAs (Americans of Japanese Ancestry) sent much of this back to relatives left destitute by firebombing.
Thus Barbara Kawakami, who grew up in a plantation camp on Oahu, had to search many years to find even a single example of once-common items like the kappa, a raincoat sealed with a mixture of linseed oil, turpentine and a fire-retardant.
But she persisted, interviewing some 250 old-timers, many of whom generously presented her with old clothes that allow one to actually feel part of what it was like to leave home -- usually an impoverished farm -- for a strange new land that was often equally impoverished, at least in the early years.
Many of the garments illustrated in 'Japanese Immigrant Clothing' have a story attached, sad, joyous, tragic or triumphant. Kawakami sometimes unwraps her mother's black montsuki, the garment worn at weddings and other most important events. 'Now, as I look at that faded montsuki,' she writes, 'with the hand-drawn design of pine, bamboo and plum on the hemline, I am grateful for the valuable lessons my mother passed on to me, which are literally "bearing fruit" in my lifetime. Yes, to receive a katami (Buddhist keepsake, personal belongings of a dead person, often clothing), no matter what it is, brings back fond memories of loved ones and how they taught us to live.'
For those who have no such memories, this book is also interesting for the sense of immediacy it gives to the little stories of the pioneers. Thus the bleached rice bags, which provided cloth for bento bags (the covers of the tin lunchbuckets the cane and pineapple workers carried into the fields) and school clothes, tell of poverty. But the elaborate traditional style wedding clothes, to which nisei daughters increasingly turned in the 1930s, tell of the growing success of the AJAs.
'The issei (first generation immigrant) parents, especially mothers, sacrificed much to dress their daughters in traditional bridal clothing,' writes Kawakami. 'Others took in washing -- sometimes after working 10 hours in the fields -- to make extra money . . . . A proper wedding gave issei parents a great deal of satisfaction: It linked their lives in the new land to their lives in the villages they had left behind in their youth.'
It is perhaps unfortunate that this book is called simply 'Japanese Immigrant Clothing,' because that does not tip the potential reader to the treasure trove of trivia about daily life and the simple but powerful human stories that Kawakami has assembled.

A "Must-have" for jewelry collectors, designers ..... Excellent pictures!!!! Great details!!! With lots of great masterpieces! 100% +++++ satisfaction in owning it!!!

A superb book! A visual ravishment!

The book is well researched and wide ranging in its study of flora based jewellery!

Focusing not only on the great jewellery houses but also on historical pieces, it makes for interesting reading for anyone who appreciate fine workmanship but also the history of jewels!

Another well written, fantastic book by Renee Newman. This book is profusely illustrated with wonderful color photographs and the author writes very clear and informative advice on how to wear and select jewelry. Very useful tips on how to properly care for jewelry are a must to learn. Before acquiring more jewelry, reading this book would greatly help to understand jewelry in general, along value and fashion trends. Truly a great book!

Respected gemologist and the author of eight outstanding guides on the subject of gems and jewelry, Renee Newman combines her years of experience and expertise with a gift for writing to provide both jewelry professionals and interested non-professional general readers with an informed and informative guidebook and manual on selected just the right jewelry to match a lifestyle, a budget, and even a body type. Profusely illustrated throughout with color photography, the "Jewelry Handbook: How To Select, Wear & Care For Jewelry" lays out clear, concise, step-by-step instructions on choosing jewelry that flatters and which will endure in both value and tenure. Readers will learn how to properly decipher stamps on jewelry mounting, how to make jewelry versatile, how to care for, clean, and protect jewelry, and perhaps most importantly, how to get good value for the money invested in the purchase of jewelry. The "Jewelry Handbook" covers both the benefits and the drawbacks for various setting styles, mountings, chains and metals (including gold, silver, platinum, palladium, titanium, tungsten, and stainless steel). Before buying their next piece of jewelry, readers would be very well advised to read and rely on Renee Newman's "Jewelry Handbook".

Oh, the joy of reading The Joy Formula by Dr. Laura Humphrey! Dr. Humphrey has given her readers a fresh approach to daily living - maximizing the positive and minimizing the negativity. The rewards for rethinking how we respond to what life gives us are gifts we can give to ourselves -- looking and feeling better!

Dr. Humphrey encourages us in simple, straightforward language to open our hearts and minds to a more positive way of living. She doesn't take a Pollyanna approach; she addresses that we all face many challenges, some of them very difficult. What she does do is give us realistic, "do-able" guidelines that allow us to re-examine our situations and re-evaluate them in a positive manner.

Dr. Humphrey's research shows how learning to better deal with negativity and to be grateful for the joyous things in our lives produces a whole body positive experience - our bodies' chemistries respond and we feel better, and our being joyful shows right on our faces!

This is a book that can be read again and again. It will reinforce the message, and give additional insight with each reading. Thank you, Dr. Humphrey!

Powerful work in the first section of bridging gaps between the scientific method of investigation and spirituality impresses me as a grand step forward. Comprehensive work in the second section for how to find joy in all aspects of life is truly refreshingly helpful, and easy-to-complete exercises for everyone! Highly recommend this book for "everyday" joyfulness

"...an Omaha girl was seen flitting among the tall prairie flowers, shifting her white blanket to suit her varying moods - now letting it float as she swept in ever-widening curves, or at the slightest sound, hiding her glossy head and laughing among its soft folds." ~The Omaha Tribe, Alice Fletcher

Robert W. Kapoun documents the wide variety of trade blankets in this fascinating study of Native American culture. He describes the blanket as a poetic statement that is given a voice by the wearer. If you have ever wrapped a blanket around yourself for comfort or used a scarf as a fashion statement, then you begin to understand how a robe can create various moods and gives the wearer a sense of fashion.

"These blankets are not merely being worn to provide warmth; they create a statement, if you will, which says, "These blankets are part of our culture." ~Robert W. Kapoun

The writing in this book is especially poetic and while learning about the cultural significance of the blankets, you may also start to feel a deeper connection with nature. These blankets promote a sense of community and are used as gifts, to carry children, to display wealth and to protect from the elements.

The designs on the robes make an interesting study when you see the charts for the terminology of the designs. Then this becomes art appreciation as you identify a dragonfly, a feather, clouds, lightning, turtles, teepees, rabbit ears, birds and leaves. The brightly colored blankets either have stripes or intricately woven patterns. This book identifies collectible blankets and also explores the historical significance.

The way to find modern versions of these blankets here at Amazon is to apparently type in "Pendleton Woolen Mills." I tried just about everything else.

~The Rebecca Review

Over three hundred photos beautifully spice a history and survey of pre-World War II Indian trade blankets, revealing not only examples from the five major manufacturers, but some surprises confronting the common myth of Native blanket-making. Collectors, textile artists and Native American history enthusiasts alike receive a thorough survey of these blankets, how they became a symbol of Native history, and how they were traded and constructed. From machinery purchases and business transactions within the manufacturing industry to how tribal customers directed the Indian trade blanket designs and manufacturing process, LANGUAGE OF THE ROBE is a fascinating, unusual history.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

Written out of the author's personal experience after the death of his wife from liver cancer when he was 68, this very practical guide can be a valuable resource for others who find themselves in similar situations. Blum relates his own response to his grief, some of his early dating experiences, and the story of his courtship of the woman who helped him fulfill his late wife's request to their daughter ("Make sure Dad meets a nice lady someday."). He then describes several other widows and widowers as illustrative of different approaches to the subtitle of his book. The last two-thirds of "Life Is for the Living" is devoted to very specific advice about a number of issues facing those whose spouses die relatively late in life. Guidance is offered about whether to join a support group, how to meet people and get back into the dating scene, what to do on dates, how to deal with adult children, and how to handle religious differences and the touchy question of living together or marrying. Although not everyone will agree with Blum's views and advice, many will find his frank discussions and concrete suggestions helpful, and the good humor and openness to new experiences expressed throughout the book will be a real plus for those who are trying to recover from a loss that truly turns most people's live upside-down.

Written out of the author's personal experience after the death of his wife from liver cancer when he was 68, this very practical guide can be a valuable resource for others who find themselves in similar situations. Blum relates his own response to his grief, some of his early dating experiences, and the story of his courtship of the woman who helped him fulfill his late wife's request to their daughter ("Make sure Dad meets a nice lady someday."). He then describes several other widows and widowers as illustrative of different approaches to the subtitle of his book. The last two-thirds of "Life Is for the Living" is devoted to very specific advice about a number of issues facing those whose spouses die relatively late in life. Guidance is offered about whether to join a support group, how to meet people and get back into the dating scene, what to do on dates, how to deal with adult children, and how to handle religious differences and the touchy question of living together or marrying. Although not everyone will agree with Blum's views and advice, many will find his frank discussions and concrete suggestions helpful, and the good humor and openness to new experiences expressed throughout the book will be a real plus for those who are trying to recover from a loss that truly turns most people's live upside-down.

"For the wise children who embrace knowledge and personal growth, there are many roads that lead to success, and many people out there who are willing to help you achieve it." ~ Keith G. Wright

Keith G. Wright encourages teenagers to take their lives seriously so they can limit negative situations that can haunt them into adulthood. He explains why following the crowd is a bad idea and why you should think about what you can do more than what you can't do.

"No Joke Teen Truth #368: Truly remarkable teenagers have figured out that their power for a greater future lies with them developing their own voice, their own opinions, and their own passions in life."

Through straight talk Keith G. Wright gives ideas on how to develop the courage to overcome everyday obstacle and gives guidance on how to stay safe and be wise in a complex world.

~The Rebecca Review

Author Keith G. Wright has penned a wonderful book for teens encouraging them to live their lives courageously no matter what has or is going on in their lives. There is so much that a teen can get into today, and they can tick off plenty of excuses, like being raised by a single parent or a grandparent and perhaps seeing nothing but a drug-infested neighborhood.

In his book, author Wright shares personal situations and the process that was taken to get him to a place of resolve. By sharing what is called `teen truths' the author admonishes teens to read, not to allow society to have anything to do with their success or failures in life, challenging them to be better people every day and many other tips that will only promote growth and progress in young lives.

I recommend this book for teens and pre-teens everywhere, especially those who have self-esteem issues and feel they do not have much to live for or to make of their lives.


Reviewed by Sharel E. Gordon-Love
Apooo BookClub

I didn't know what to expect when I bought this book but I was pleasantly surprised! It offers so much great advice for dealing with a variety of life's situations. The advice is simple & easy to read. There are so many topics covered, I liked the section on personal finance the most. Although the parts dealing with family situations are very useful, direct and to the point, like tracing a family tree, dealing with problem neighbors, etc...I recommend this book. It a good home reference book.

What an amazing achievement. Antoniak takes life's most problematic tasks and turns them into easily followed step by step processes. From the monumental -- buying a home -- to the mundane -- shopping for a used car -- Lifemaps offers solutions. Buy this book and you won't need to fill up your shelves with lots of other how-to books. Since I bought it I've used it dozens of times...and I've bought copies for all my kids too.

This is a glorious book in every respect. In a class by itself. Please keep us posted on reprints, if any. Thanks.

If you are looking for a book full of easy to follow instructions on how to make your own bath and beauty products this is it. It is straight forward and easy to follow. The pictures are great, and give you an idea of what your finished product should look like.

It is always difficult to decide which of O'Connor's CDs is the better one, it is all so personal but he has outdone himself this time. All the tracks are so eloquent, touches one's soul but 1, 3 and 8 are truly remarkable.

Having read many romance novels, I usually find them predictable. Not this one. Valerie Sherwood writes a story of romance and adventure. She also includes an author's note which briefly describes the era that this book takes place. Several incidents are based on fact.

Her heroine, Carolina Lightfoot, is a young woman that is reckless, romantic, and fearless. She travels abroad, has a love affair, and follows her heart.

It is a long book (526 pages), but you will not want to put it down. I enjoyed it so much I ordered the 2 books that follow it; Windsong and Nightsong!