Loss Books

A GREAT BOOK,OBVIOUSLY WRITTEN TO VERY HIGH STANDARDS,AS IS USUAL FOR READER'S DIGEST.AS THE TITLE SAYS, IT THOROUGHLY COVERS JESUS'S LIFE, AND THE POLITICAL,SOCIAL AND RELIGIOUS CLIMATE OF THE PROMISED LAND, FOR SEVERAL YEARS BEFORE HIS BIRTH, AND SEVERAL DECADES AFTER HIS CRUCIFICTION ( I.E., PAUL AND PETER'S TRAVELS AND TEACHINGS, THE FATES OF THE OTHER APOSTLES,ECT.)BEAUTIFULLY ILLUSTRATED WITH MAPS, PHOTOS AND PAINTINGS OF BOTH PEOPLE AND PLACES, IT ALSO INCLUDES AN APPENDIX TO IMPORTANT TOWNS AND CITIES IN JESUS'S TIME. THIS IS A MUST HAVE FOR ANYONE INTERESTED IN JESUS'S TEACHINGS AND BIBLICAL HISTORY.

This beautiful volume has a short introduction titled Jesus And The Four Gospels. The first chapter, The Birth Of The Savior tells of the census that brought Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem and the visit of the wise men from the East. The attached portfolio illustrates the events surrounding the birth of Jesus by artists like Andrea della Robbia, Federico Barocci, Jan van Scorel, Giotto and others.

A Troubled Land, chapter 2, deals with the political situation of the time and a brief overview of the ancient history of Israel, Alexander The Great, Hellenism, the Romans and Herod. This includes information on the famous historian Josephus, maps of the Holy Land including a political map of the kingdom of Herod The Great, full colour pictures of the landscape, a chronology of Israel and tables of the Hasmonean line and the Herodean family.

The next: Classes And Masses, looks at Herod in greater detail, especially his building programmes, with photographs and illustrations of amongst others the remains of Herodium, the aqueducts and roads, Masada, Sebaste, the palace at Jericho, jewellery and household utensils. There are also maps of Israel and a political map of the division of Herod's kingdom into the territories of Archelaos, Herod Philip, Herod Antipas and Salome.

Chapter 4: Village Life, discusses life in the countryside, rituals and rites dictated by the seasons, family life and family home and the festivals of Israel. The next chapters deals with Jerusalem and includes impressive photographs and maps of the city, the old city, the temple mount, the wailing wall, illustrations of King Herod's temple and other landmarks.

Chapter 6: The Life Of The Mind, discusses the Torah, educational life, the synagogue, the scribes, Greek education, the arts, the Alexandria library and Hellenistic Jewish Literature, whilst the next one: Trade And Travel, deals with the vigorous flow of trade and travel around the Mediterranean, Europe and the East.

Chapter 8: Religious Conflict, addresses the political situation, religion, the priesthood, the Pharisees, synagogues, the two great teachers Hillel and Shammai, the Essenes, John the Baptist and the baptism of Jesus. The next: The Mission Of The Messiah, looks at the areas of Capernaum, the Sea of Galilee, the family of Jesus, the Twelve Apostles, the travels of Jesus, the trial, crucifixion, the resurrection and the ascension. It includes beautiful works of art by Duccio, Claude Lorrain, Domenico Fiasella, Giotto, El Greco, Rembrandt, Velazquez and others.

With its many maps, chapter 10: Spread Of The Gospel, traces the growth of the gospel message from Pentecost, the conversion of Saul and the spread of the Word to Asia Minor, Greece and Italy, also dealing with the destruction of 70AD, the further growth of the church and Constantine The Great.

The reference section includes Places In Bible Times which lists place names from Alexandria to Tyre, Biblical Citations and an extensive Bibliography divided into General, Bibles & Commentaries, History & Archaeology, Biographies, Jesus: His Life & Times, Daily Life and Art. The book concludes with an index. Jesus And His Times is an absorbing and richly illustrated text and also a valuable reference work.

Understanding the Difficult Words of Jesus

Yeshua: A Guide to the Real Jesus and the Original Church

Yeshua: The Name of Jesus Revealed in the Old Testament

The Sacred Names

This is undoubtedly the best book ever written about life in the times of Jesus. It is comprehensive yet detailed, with voluminous illustrations, maps, geneaologies, etc. There are chapters on village life, schooling, trade and travel, and internal politics. A few chapters are devoted to Jesus' life, and here the editors make a number of mistakes. For example:

- they seem unaware that the proper translation of almah is "young woman" and not "virgin" (p. 17)

- they make the common error of translating "tekton" as "carpenter" (p. 26)

- they seem unaware of the fact that the village of Nazareth didn't exist as a village at the time of Jesus (p. 91) and it was more than a century after Jesus' death that a synagogue was build there. As a consequence, they translate his name as "Jesus of Nazareth" when in fact the proper translation is "Jesus the Nazarene."

But these errors are few and relatively minor, when weighed against the plethora of interesting details that they supply.

Anyone looking for a desciption of what life was like in the times of Jesus needs to get this book. This isn't necessarily the best book about the life of Jesus, but it surely is the best book about his times.

I only rated this book at 5 stars because I couldn't go any higher. To think I got a copy of it for $.01 (a penny) plus shipping is unreal. Talk about a steal! This is one of the best books about the life and times of our Lord Jesus Christ that you'll ever find. The pictures of the Holy Land alone are worth it but there's so much more. By all means, get your copy NOW!!!!

This is a very good book for the student of faith who seeks a more thorough understanding of what life was like during the time that Jesus lived in the flesh on earth. Rich with photographs, drawings and maps, this book is a visual treat as well as providing much insight through the text.

The book is hard-cover, very study and well-made, and is 336 pages in length. There are 10 main chapters and some appendicies. The book begins with the significance of the expectation of a Messiah and his birth in Bethlehem. Then the political intrigue of the day is presented, especially a history of Herod the Great and the Roman Empire. The daily life of a typical Jew is then presented, how a person lived, what they did, what they ate, and how they raised their families. Jerusalem has a chapter dedicated to itself, with emphasis on the Temple that King Herod built for the Jews. The middle chapters deal with education, trade, travel, and religious conflicts of the time. Finally, the last two chapters explain the mision of the Messiah and how the gospel of his teachings spread after his death and resurrection.

This is not a book that is an easy or casual "fun' read. It is written for the more serious student of faith and the Bible. The information is detailed and quite extensive. A very thorough job was done in putting this book together. The reader can use it as a text book to teach themselves the cultural and religious signficance of the time. It is a good book to read for insight into Biblical times and Biblical narratives (scriptures).

At .01 cent (used), this book is a steal.

Jim "Konedog" Koenig

This is a true story of the author's grandparents' determination to survive in the face of horrible conditions during World War II and their desperate efforts to hold on to their families, their dignity, their hope for a future. It is a loving retelling of their stories by their grandson against the backdrop of his travels to the same places they had journeyed through, struggling towards freedom and security. This is a beautifully written, absorbing tale of their two journeys, separated by 60 years and extraordinary hardships. Definitely worth reading.

Benanav is a talented writer, turning a family history and personal journey into a page-turning adventure. He helps the reader understand the horror of the era, yet does so without sounding either maudlin or unsympathetic: a delicate balancing act made all the more difficult given the family connections. This is a thoroughly enjoyable book.

This was an incredibly heartfelt book. It was extremely informative and added some new thoughts about how tenacious and courageous these people were. It was flawlessly written.

Michael Benanav is a gifted young writer. His compassionate writing of this story made it a wonderful reading experience about a time in history that should NEVER be forgotten.

KL

A sad story beautifully written by a loving grandson. All very true and actuate. Very touching.

A chronicle of the author's grandparents who were married in a refugee train en-route from the Nazis, without speaking a language in common. True life fairy tale? Uplifting tale of people recovering from incredible oppression? Really it's so much more than this. This book is part history lesson, as the roots of European Jewry are explained, part travelogue, as the author travels to the places his grandparents were, and part historical narrative, the personal thread that ran through Europe convulsing during the war.

Joshua, Isadora, and several generations are given life as real people. Foibles when the young grandmother gets into a horse-drawn carriage accident while sneaking out for sweets. Heroic moments when a Jewish school is set up against a backdrop of pogroms and discrimination. Questionable decisions when disassembled weapons are hidden beneath the baby father of the author's bedding as British soldiers come searching. Heartwarming moments when children forge friendships in fetid refugee camps. A nuanced view of a now gone Europe is presented without easy moralizing. The same peasants that ransack corpses as they fall out of forced marches provide a starving young girl with life saving food. Life in concentration camps is presented starkly. Skill with sewing uniforms brings double rations and points out the absurdity of who lived and who died.

The book is mindful to be honest about the limitations of being based on old memories forged during difficult times. Ways that reality could have differed from recollection are noted. This breathes humanity into the people who made these memories. It makes them less idealized icons who shined at their moment in history, and more humans doing their best in a difficult time.

It is a pleasure to be welcomed into the life of the author and introduced to the people in his history. This is really a magnificent work.

Reading Marian's words causes thoughts to flow with new clarity. She has helped me to reconnect to who I was meant to be physically, spiritually and emotionally. I always look forward to writing about the thoughts she inspires. Getting to know myself has been a wonderful adventure. With her deep experience in coaching people through "The Shape of You", Marian has devoped the intuition and experience to help people, really help themselves. "Journey to the Shape of You" is about awareness and living. It is gentle, honest, and straight forward. The best part about working through this journey isn't even the fact that I don't have a weight problem that I struggle with anymore. It is being peaceful and being able to raise my children with awareness, with personal boundaries, with a strong and real sense of self so that they live in the light of awareness and won't fall into the same diet trap I did. I would (and often do) recommend "Journey to the Shape of You" to anyone that has struggled with their weight and wants weight to no longer be an issue in their lives.

This book is excellent! I have lost over 20lbs on this program simply by doing the journaling exercises in this book and without dieting. Marian's intuitive approach to compulsive eating shows how you can heal from the inside out. I would highly recommend this book for anyone struggling to lose weight and for anyone interested in feeling better about themselves.

Wow, what a terrific and insightful method of conquering compulsive overeating! After getting her book and companion workbook, I called Marian and now work with her directly to further achieve success. It works!

This book is excellent! I have lost over 20 lbs on this program without dieting. I loved the journal exercises and discovered a lot about why I was turning to food in the first place. Marian has a 'genius' when it comes to addressing the needs of the compulsive eater. I highly recommend this book to anyone struggling with their weight.

This book goes so much more beyond just weight loss. It deals with the issues of what causes you to turn to food, or as in my case, what makes you have a dysfunctional relationship with food and with yourself. As a recovered anorexic, this book has helped me deal with so many of the issues in my life that I was never really ready to deal with. It has helped me learn to set boundaries with people, therefore enabling me to have healthier realationships with those in my life that I love. Most of all though, reading Marian's words has helped me to reach a level in my life where I am taking better care of myself than ever before. With this book and the self-exploration that it will teach you, will be able to change the things in your life that you want to change through your own thoughts and actions. Best of all for me now, I am able to "deal" with those things in my life that I never thought I could before, instead of turning to food, diet and weight pre-occupation. I feel like I have my life back! Thank you Marian!!

Overweight for most of my life I tried every diet only to blow it after 3 days. Then it was start again, not 'continue.' I never understood how calories and weight are a cumulative process -- until I was introduced to the Lifestyle Program. Finally! Understanding food and seeing I could indeed have my cake and eat it too -- if I stayed 'cumulatively' within my losing-weight range. The Lifestyle Program helped me gain control over my food and my weight. I can't rave about it enough.
Terri Silverstone

This is like having your own personal weight-loss coach. It is not just a fad diet and it does take work on your part. If you are truly committed to changing your diet and exercise habits for life, then this program is fantastic. I have been doing the Lifestyle Program for Weight Loss for six months. I have lost weight and more importantly I finally feel in control of my body.

I have been on every weight loss program available. This is the one that help me lose 50 lbs. and KEEP it off for over 7 years! Ms. Werner teaches you everything you need to know to achieve long term success. Balancing calories the way she suggests, just makes perfect sense. You will not go hungry. The information is direct, precise and practical. After many years of failing, I am content with not only what I eat but how much I eat!

If you've tried everything to lose weight before, then this is the ONLY system for you! I've lost weight lots of times, only to find it again just around the corner. I thought I knew everything about dieting, but I was wrong. I was hesitant to commit to this (both the time and the money), but now I'm a convert. Not only did I lose the weight I wanted, I learned why I always gained it back and how not to gain weight ever again! I thought it would be hard, but it wasn't. I was so used to quick diets that it took some adjusting to being sensible. But I am very glad I bought the program and listened to the CDs. By owning the discs, I can go back and review the information any time I want. I learn something new each time. It turned out to be about the same price as attending Weight Watchers, but I have taken ownership of the CDs and my success!

This program is exceptional. It gives you the tools to manage your weight logically and with scientific basics. You will learn how to manage your weight by counting calories in a simplified way. This program will teach you how to lose weight and how to maintain that weight after you have lost it. A must have program for weight loss and health maintenance. SUPER!!!!!!!

I have really enjoyed this book. It is a great resource for the many people I have encountered who have issues of father loss and father abandonment. The book explains why you have such a fear of abandonment, and why you attract people who will later abandon you.

This book has changed my life, and I will be forever grateful. I feel like a new person. I know this may sound dramatic, and no, I don't know the author. It opened my eyes to sooooo much! Such wonderful news, that I'm NOT all that my 8 year old mind believed I was, for the last 20 years. And now I know the reasons why, and can take it as truth. This book is such a blessing. What a freedom I feel from the thinking that I wasn't good enough, or deserving of just about everything. That's gone, and I feel like I can do anything. I've given myself permission to actually like myself. I wish the same type of miracles to whomever else reads it, and of course, to my angel, the author!

I purchased this book to help me understand a family member's issues with not knowing her father. It really gave me much needed insight on how this dilema impacts children. I have several other children in my family who will benefit from the knowledge I have gained from this book as they too begin to question the issue of their father's absence from their lives. It's a big issue in our country and couples should truly realize the effects not having a father present in their lives will have on children and make sure both partners are truly commited to a child long before conception.

If you're wondering why you settle for dead end relationships, alienate loved ones, or just have trouble relating in general, this book is for you. It provided me with the facts and explanations of behavior that a year of therapy had barely touched on. It also reads very well. Truly an empowering guide to living well in spite of father loss issues.

Dr. Erickson writes clearly about absent fathers from both her personal experience and a clinical standpoint. This is an excellent work because she succeeds in conveying important and complex psychological theory for laypersons to incorporate into their journey of healing.

Dads fail often and easily in their children's mind. But such failure is rarely, if ever, purposely intended by Dad. It is difficult for some suffering adults to know and believe today, based on lingering childhood experiences, and not seeing the best of Dad, that his deeds were not planned. This is largely due to the fact that, as kids, they had difficulty seeing their father's own personal struggles and social-cultural realities outside of their own needs as kids. In this respect, it is easy to understand that little boys and girls can't organize their feelings properly--or as Dr. Erickson calls it in an "abstract" manner: kids only really care about their own survival, central importance, and how much they deserve love while growing up. And this is good... However, unfortunately, what children fail to grasp as they pass through their childhood without an appropriate father, is that fatherhood is awfully difficult and that Dad's apparent behaviour should not lead a child to blame him or herself for what appears to be a lack of loving from him.

Many grown men and women carry flawed imprints of 'childish' conclusions with them into adulthood. Well, sometimes Dad was just a plain jerk... In any case, adults manifest it through agression, fear of men (boyfriends), feelings of inferiority around groups of men, passive aggression, and a host of other ways. Grown men and women often pass their feelings of inadequacy due to father loss to their own children by acting out like their own father. Cycles can perpetuate if left unchecked.

Dr. Erickson sets out diffenrent sources and impacts of father loss. One major strength of this book is that her typologies and descriptions of causes and effects of father loss speak to any affected reader's situation and history. This is done without making the reader feel boxed in or categorized.

Another major strength is the inclusion of several helpful appendices. They include meaningful and insightful comments and 'instructions' for spouses and potential therapists. These provide supporters to 'get on the same page' before, during and after the reader's healing journey.

For readers that are ready to accept the painful process of introspecting into the dad-child dynamic, this book helps as a guide towards forgiving Dad, overcoming grief, and, hey, maybe even getting your Dad back at some appreciative level.

Thanks Dr. Erickson; good luck fellow travellers.

No "huggy," feel-good philosophy here. Laurie Bell's book is a wake up call for the weight-loss crowd. I liked her to-the-point, no nonsense approach. People fail themselves because they cling to a number of deceptive lies. As a champion body builder, mother of 2 and a holder of a Master of Science degree, she knows what she is talking about.

--Doug Setter, BSc, author of Stomach Flattening

I read Laurie Bell's Lose the Lies, Lose the Weight, followed the program, and already lost 10 pounds. I love the fact that Laurie is also someone who struggled with her weight. Like myself, she is over 40 and has children. Laurie's book is motivating because if she did it -- so can I. Thank you so much for inspiring me, Laurie! I emailed my results to Laurie at laurie@losethelieslosetheweight.com and she responded back because she is truly excited for me too! If you want the "real deal" on weight loss, read this book.

When the full-length mirror says things your husband would never, ever dare say, it's time to read, Lose the Lies, Lose the Weight.

Laurie Bell is 41-year-old mother of two who educates women about losing weight. What she does differently than most "weight loss books," is she digs deep, sometimes too deep, into the psychology of weight gain, thus weight loss.

Bell really cares about the women she is writing to and about--and this brings honest information. She jumps hard on the reasons people are gaining weight today in such numbers it is almost an epidemic. She doesn't (pardon the pun) sugarcoat a thing, because sugar, especially the hidden sugar, is what got a lot of overweight people into being that way. That, and oh yes--fast food, packaged food, convenience, lack of exercise.

Bell has been there before she turned health-conscious. If our mind (where the weight problem rests in a stupor) got fat like our behinds did, more women would understand why they are overweight, and why they have difficulty losing the weight.

This book is in several parts:

Part 1: Destructive Lies You Tell Yourself
Part 2: Manipulative Lies Others Tell You
Part 3: Nutrition Lies
Part 4: Exercise Lies
Part 5: Getting Fit

If being fit is important to you, you need to make the commitment to take the time to eat right and get exercise.

Armchair Interviews says: In Bell's inspiring story, you will see that you need to stop lying to yourself. If you are serious about making changes in your life, this book's down-to-earth message can help.

I read an advance copy of this book and have passed along the information to many friends. Ladies,if you are SERIOUS about losing weight, this is the ONE book you will need. If you are not serious, buy it anyway and save it until you are. After reading this book, I made several changes in my life ~ I ended a relationship with a non-supportive spouse and have lost more than 20 pounds. Laurie Bell rocks!!

For people, especially women, who have dealt with a weight problem for most of their lives, giving people like Laurie Bell "the look" as she refers to it in her book doesn't bother her in the least bit. You know you do it and your mind instantly moves from admiration to jealousy because you believe that you could never look as fit and trim as she does.

While most people would look at Laurie Bell today and think, "She's so lucky because she was born to be physically fit," little do they know just how wrong they are about this former junk food junkie turned health-conscious woman. That's the underlying message she conveys in her book, Lose The Lies, Lose The Weight.

Let me warn you about this book! It is not for those who are afraid to hear the truth unmasked from any use of psychological innuendo and "feel-good" euphemisms to sugarcoat the hard message that you need to hear about losing weight. In fact, Bell is unabashed in her convictions about what is causing people to gain weight at such epidemic proportions and refuses to simply appease you with what you want to hear. If that's what you are looking for in this book, then you might want to find another book to read instead.

But Lose The Lies, Lose The Weight tells it to you in a direct and authoritative manner that will keep you turning the pages of this book like you would a riveting, plot-thickening mystery novel. Bell obviously cares about the people who are reading her book so much that she is unwilling to lead them astray on their pathway to better health. You should appreciate any author who is willing to tell it like it is!

Because I was able to lose nearly 200 pounds by implementing some basic lifestyle changes in my life, I was extremely interested in reading what Bell had to say about the subject of weight loss. To my delight, she did not disappoint me.

As I have personally said many times to people, weight loss doesn't begin with a "diet" program or attaining the mysterious willpower to suddenly resist poor food choices. Instead, it begins in the mind where we often lie to ourselves about why we are fat. We make up excuses to ourselves, such as "I'm happy with the way I look" or "I can't give up my sweets." I have three words for this kind of thinking -- LIE LIE LIE! We tell ourselves these lies because we just don't want to change. Bell discusses 10 of these "Destructive Lies You Tell Yourself" in Part I of Lose The Lies, Lose The Weight.

In Part II, she moves from the lies you tell yourself to the "Manipulative Lies Others Tell You." Ooooh, this is a touchy subject as well. I know first-hand how other people will do anything and everything they can to sabotage your weight loss efforts. Some don't mean to do it, but many others do because they want to feel better about themselves. It's a cruel and ironic world we live in, but Bell shows you six lies that you will need to be aware of that will come from others.

The section called "Nutrition Lies" in Part III takes a look at the various ways of eating and how the lies about them can contribute to your being overweight or obese. Since I lost weight on the low-carb lifestyle, I was especially interested in Bell's comments about carbohydrates. While she does not believe in eating zero carbs (and neither do I), instead she promotes that there are certain healthy complex carbs that should be eaten in sufficient amounts for stronger muscles and increased energy.

She also promotes the consumption of high-fiber foods (something virtually every low-carber supports) and avoiding sugars, especially the hidden ones that often end up in most foods that people are simply unaware of. Bell shares a story about how deceptive these marketing tactics can be and, like me, encourages you to scour food labels for any trace of unnecessary sugars. Be sure to read Bell's tips about how to quit sugar for good.

Next, in Part IV of Lose The Lies, Lose The Weight, Bell addresses the "Exercise Lies" that prevent most people from beginning a regular workout routine. Continuing with her in-your-face writing style, she refuses to back down from her belief that people make time for what is important to them and shouldn't make useless excuses get in the way of their deepest desires and needs. If you want to lose weight and get fit, then you will start exercising -- NOW!

Finally, "Getting Fit" in Part V provides practical advice and instruction on how to implement a workout routine into your life. Bell even shows you pictures of the resistance training exercises she has used to become the fitness bombshell that she is today. She didn't get those muscles overnight, but by taking it day-by-day to invest in her health and future to live a long life for those two beautiful girls of hers on the back cover of the book.

What an inspiring story Bell should be for anyone who thinks, "I could never look like her!" Stop lying to yourself and let her success push you to look even better than she does. Bell believes anyone can make this happen! Regardless of which weight loss eating plan you have chosen, there is something in Lose The Lies, Lose The Weight that will help you make this lifestyle change permanent.

I bought the book, lost forty two pounds in four months just by doing two of the things that the author suggests. I bought copies for family and friends for Christmas. I felt as though the author was talking to me, making it very easy to follow. It worked for me. The information is interesting and very practical!

After reading this book, I finally feel like I have an understanding of my relationship with food. This is not a quick-fix gimmic. The discussion of how we digest food made me realize that I need to pay attention to everything I take in. I've already lost 9 pounds in 3 weeks and I feel incredible!

I really enjoyed reading this book. The author is upbeat and follows an easy, common sense approach to weight loss. I was a little confused as to why homeopathy was mentioned in the title though. The author doesn't recommend any remedies except a homeopathic remedy for worms. She only recommends going to a homeopath. However, she still gives a lot of good information and the book is enjoyable and motivating.

First of all, I read other reviews and nowhere in the title does it say HOMEOPATHIC...it reads HOLISTIC. I bought the book, lost forty two pounds in four months just by doing two of the things that the author suggests. I bought copies for family and friends for Christmas. I felt as though the author was talking to me, making it very easy to follow. It worked for me. The information is interesting and very practical!

I lost 28 pounds on the author's holistic weight loss program. Previously I had been under the guidance of a personal trainer, and I would loose weight and then gain it all back. LOSING IT - NATURALLY gave me a plan for weight loss that really made sense. The author is encouaging, friendly, and very informative. I started this program last year and I feel and look better than I ever have!

Since June 2004 I've lost 35 pounds on a low-cal medically supervised diet that used pre-packaged shakes and entrees. Going into the maintenance phase now I am looking forward to starting to cook again. After receiving this cookbook for Christmas, the third in a great series of cookbooks, I went through and dog-eared the pages of the recipes that fit my criteria of low-cal.

Tonight I made Beer-Braised Pork Chops, page 219. It was EXCELLENT and sooo easy and less than 30 minutes. Only 5 ingredients. The moistest pork chops I've ever made. I ate one serving, only 173 calories, and put the other servings into individual containters in the fridge and freezer for quick meals later in the week. Don't let the Low Carb title of this book limit you. Pick all the great recipes that can fit into any nutritous diet regime.

Now I do need to disclaim that Lauri is my sister. BUT, I have a BS degree in dietetics and would not endorse any cookbook I did not believe in. In college I lived with Lauri off and on and she is one of the most creative cooks ever. She taught me how to cook meals from scratch that were sooo tasty. A better learning ground than any food classes I took for my degree. She cooks with the passion of an artist, marrying herbs and spices just right is a real niche. And as an educated mechanical engineer she has refined the science of EACH recipe, testing them over and over in her kitchen before adding them to her cookbooks. If you've ever made a recipe from a book, magazine or the paper that obviously was incorrect in it's methods, timing or proportions, like I have, you will appreciate that Lauri tests EACH of her recipes to perfection so you know you can count on it coming out just right. ENJOY.

I am so excited about this new low carb cookbook: so far every recipe has been incredible! I usually have to "tweek" recipes in most low carb cookbooks (including the recipes from the low carb queen Dana Carpenter). But so far with Lauri's new cookbook, most of my margin notes are simply a heart symbol next to the recipes that I love (which are so conveniently listed at the beginning of each section). Lauri's first cookbook was good but this one is great! I applaud how well this cookbook is organized. Each section has the recipes categorized as Induction, Weight Loss and Maintenance. This has been very helpful!

When I get a new cookbook, my first choices are the vegetable and chicken recipes. So far I have made the Chicken in Coconut Sauce with the Hawaiian Salsa (incredible!), Chicken Paprika (oh my god!) and the Aspen Chicken (outstanding). As for the vegetables, I've tried the Turnips Au Gratin, Poached Red Cabbage and Pepper Jack Cauliflower; all are super great. But the Mock Rice Pilaf is out of this world and brilliant! I can't wait to try all the wonderful looking variations offered.

Now let's talk about chili - the Slap Me Silly Chili is unbelievably delicious and what a cute name! This chili has a little heat (although not as much as Lauri seems to think it has) but it is the flavor that slapped me silly. Wow! It is so good! The blend of spices and textures is excellent. Perhaps it is the chorizo sausage that sets this chili above all others.

For breakfast I have tried two variations of the pancakes and love them. The spiced Pumpkin Muffins are delicious and so very moist. I had the Hot Cereal this morning which has 12g of fiber and it is wonderful too. However, I did tweek this recipe by omitting the psyllium husk (because I didn't have any) and substituting a bit more flax seed meal.

As for the desserts, so far I have made the Blackberry Yogurt Pie which was outstanding and a really healthy dessert option as well as the Ginger Pecan Cookies which never completely cooled as my whole family gobbled them up. I'm looking forward to making the other cookie recipes.

Although I have tried only a handful of recipes so far, I am astounished that each one has been so incredibly wonderful! Move over Dana Carpenter, it looks like you are going to be usurped by Lauri Ann Randolph as my new favorite low carb cookbook author.

If you are looking for an easy to understand, easy to use low carb cookbook, with tasty recipes to indulge in, this is the book for you. It is a well organized book with a friendly tone.
I love how she adds special details about prepackaged low carb foods, sweetners, fats and oils, herbs and fiber, to a simple course in cooking with alcohol. Lauri's a good teacher, who shares her wisdom in a down to earth fashion. Whenever I pick up her book, I feel like I'm visiting an old friend. Right now I'm going through a soup kick, and Lauri has some amazing soup recipes, from her Pumpkin Coconut Soup to her Barbados Stew. I love how now and then she shares her story about what inspired her to create the recipe. It really is a treasure of a cookbook, and one that I highly recommend whether you are watching your carb intake or just looking for good eats!

Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful .. each recipe is perfect and easy to make! The instructions are so clear that even I can cook like a pro. Some of my favorite recipes are the Cheesy Chicken with Artichokes, Confetti Snow Peas, Curry Turkey Salad, the Sauerbraten and the Chicken Caesar Salad. I've also made the Almond Cookies at least 10 times since the first of the year; they are so good!

This cookbook is huge, packed full of great recipes. And there is lots of other information in it too, like the proper oil to use for different cooking methods. The discussion on the different cuts of beef has been useful for me too.

This is my 4th low carb cookbook and the only one I need. The weight is starting to come off again because I am enjoying cooking again. So if you are only going to buy one cookbook, then I highly recommend this one; you will not be disappointed.

if there were more stars for reviews this book would keep going. laurie really "gets" it. these recipes are awesome and i didnt think she could get better than the last book which i bought for friends for gifts. this book is the best of the best she gives us info on some of the things we have to buy for seasonings as well. i can now mix herbs to give to friends along with the book . picture a basket with the book and a packet of herbs de provance that you made up yourself i am blown away by all the additional info in this book as well this author approaches cooking from the perspective of making food with ingredients from the market,made without being time fussy and making enough to have additional meals. there are all different carb counts for all phases of the lifestyle and best of all many of the higher counts give choices to leave something out for the induction phase, while still being able to have the item now isnt that original... i can have pancakes many different ways and she has lots of breakfasts for those of us who dont ever feel like eating breakfast. she uses the new dairy beverage (hood countdown) for some recipes in place of cream and i find that the cream makes things very thick where the dairy beverage gives more of a custard texture.i have never had hicama going to try that soon. i reviewed all my other cookbooks and when the weather gets better ill be having a yard sale. if you can only afford one or two low carb books i can tell you my shelf has laurie's two books and george stellas and you dont need any others . that is until laurie comes out with number three.....

From the front cover of the book to the end paper in the back, both filled with pictures of different (often famous) peoples' teeth and the dates they lost them, the story of MABEL THE TOOTH FAIRY is a delight! The zany illustrations and the fun text give this rendition of the tooth fairy story a new twist. My kids love the book, and I took it to school as a read-aloud for both of their classes, and their classmates loved it, too! Great job!

This has been such a fun and entertaining book for not only my 3 year old, but also for me. It's a quirky yet sensitive and sweet staple in our reading library.

We checked this book out from the library and we read it so many times, we all had it memorized before we had to return it. My daughter is 4 and this was one book she was sad to return. We haven't read it for about 6 months now and she still draws pictures to emulate the ones from the story-- obviously it made quite an impression on her. We will most likely be buying this book for her to keep since she loved it so much.

"Mabel the Tooth Fairy and How She Got the Job," by Katie Davis, is a picture book that tells how the title character goes from being "just a regular old fairy" to becoming the world-famous Tooth Fairy. Writer-illustrator Davis combines wacky, cartoony illustrations with a clever and enjoyable text.

The blue-skinned, green-haired Mabel is a character with a lot of visual appeal. The pictures are bursting with bright, bold colors; there are also lots of witty sight gags and other enjoyable details. The book contains positive messages about friendship, responsibility, having pride in one's work, and practicing good oral hygiene. The combination of these educational elements with light-hearted humor makes this book a real gem. I recommend "Mabel" not only for children, but also as a fun gift for any dental professional.

Mabel, a blue-skinned, green-haired, pink-winged fairy is, unfortunately, almost toothless. (The result of not brushing, flossing, and visiting her dentist regularly.) One day she hits upon the perfect idea: She will become a tooth fairy! With all the teeth she collects-and some really, really, really, really sticky glue-she will make herself a new set of choppers!

"After a while, Mabel had an impressive selection of molars, bicuspids, canines, and lateral incisors. But no matter how many teeth she tried, she never found the perfect fit."

Alas, after all her hard work, she finds herself alone with no friends and no teeth to call her own.

So, it's off to the WikiWikiWacky Seaside Resort for a little R&R. She beachcombs, she snorkels, she plays tennis, she lies on the beach supping on applesauce and Jell-O through a straw. Such is the life of a toothless fairy.

One day, at a sand castle contest, she meets Dr. Les Payne, who just happens to be a dentist. With their mutual affinity for teeth, they become quick friends. Life was good for Mabel. But soon she realizes all the little toothless tykes are missing her. She simply has to get back to work! Would this be the end of her one and only friendship?

No! Luckily Les has a plan. Mabel will be his dental assistant during the day and the tooth fairy at night. Of course, working for a dentist has its perks-like free floss and comprehensive dental coverage. And so our toothy tale ends with Mabel dazzling us with her new, bright, white smile.

The story itself is clever and quite funny. The colorful, cartoon-like illustrations make it doubly so.

We took Mabel into a classroom for a read-aloud. The split-age classroom of first and second graders gave her five stars (their highest rating) and asked for it to be read again. Mabel is still there and currently has a waiting list of eager readers. Highly Recommended.

Reviewed by the Education Oasis Staff

I have gotten Rosa's cd and book and it has AMAZED me how powerful the mind is over your body. The mind is not an organ to be reckon with. If you get a hold on what it is you want to how you see yourself, you WILL achieve it. I would recommend this series to anyone who wants to lose 1 lb OR 100 lbs. She does a lot for you, but YOU have to do the majority of the work. If you are persistent, you WILL lose the weight YOU want!!!! THANKS, ROSA!!!!!!!

When I ordered the cd, I was a bit skeptical. I needed a kickstart on my weight loss. I knew it was simply a matter of training my mind to not overeat as I had been doing. I took a shot and figured at the very least it would be about 45 minutes of relaxation a day. Sure enough, on my first listen I was able to achieve that numb, tingly feeling throughout my body, signaling complete relaxation.

I have been listening to the "Imagine Yourself Thin" session for 1 week now. I noticed an immediate decrease in the meals and snacks I was eating. So far, I've lost 2.5 pounds. I haven't had time to listen to the exercise session yet. I'm hoping to do that soon and I'm sure it will improve my results.

I will try to check back in a few more weeks for an update.

This book not only unlocks the secrets to permanent weight loss, it opens you up to the techniques and ideas that will lead you to a fabulous life.

If you have tried all the programs only to have little or no long-term results, this is the book for you. Rosa, walks her talk and provides a level of inspiration reserved only for the masters.

Her extensive study in multiple disciplines gives her the credibility to teach you how to manage your mind and body for weight loss and personal success.

Read this book now and change your life!

This is an exciting book that gives everyone the power to over come thier food addictions. I have found from my weight loss experiences that Rosa is right, the key to successful weight managment is all in our minds and she tought me how to control mine, and to learn how to think differently about food. I will be greatful to her forever for this!
Laura Ann Leonard

Smith-Montanaro is part coach, part cheerleader and part tough survivor.
SM doesn't have a pill or a panacea, but she does have a program. The program is physical and spiritual. She understands, from her own painful vivid experience, that changing your weight is changing your life. She doesn't sweet-talk you into thinking it's easy, but she does-- a la girlfriend-- convince you it is possible, even though difficult.
The book is easy reading. Her narrative style is riveting. But she never lets you off the hook - if you don't change your mind about your portion in life, you'll never change the portions on your platter.