Beauty Books

"...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!

Many people see the word "perfumes" and, figuring that they don't need a whole book on perfume, pass this book by. This is unfortunate, as this book is one of the treasures in my library! I cannot recommend this book highly enough, even if you are downright allergic to perfume!

The book does cover perfume, and is a valuable reference on perfumes in all their uses, BUT it is not only about perfume. This book is one of the best primers on Kabbalistic thought, the tree of life, and ritual magic that a beginner (or advanced) student could hope for. The first few chapters are a basic primer on kabbalistic theory that is seldom equalled in clarity and usefullness, including a very clear example of the middle pillar excersize. The next chapters focus on perfume and incense blending, both for pleasing scents and for magical use.

For the herbal students the middle of the book is the most rewarding. Every point or path on the tree of life is associated with a perfume/incense/scent. Each plant or animal source of that scent is discussed in detail. (Including synthetic, cruelty free, alternatives to the traditional musk and other animal scents) The entry on Olibanum, Frankincense, begins on page 59 and takes three pages, covering history, trade, uses, value, botony, and blending scents. Since every card in a Tarot deck corresponds with a sphere or path on the tree of life, it is also a useful addition to Tarot meditations.

Towards the end of the book, as a delightful bonus, all the planetary rulers and influences, and their typical correspondances and God-forms, are discussed.

This book is a MUST HAVE for any ritual magician, any student of incense or perfume,and anyone studying Kabbalah. I consider it a valuable addition to the library of anyone interested in magic, aromatherapy, or incense making. I strongly recommend it to anyone interested in the history and trade of incense and perfume, which makes this a perfect gift for anyone in one of the historical re-enactment groups.

This somewhat obscure volume deserves more recognition, particularly within the occult circles to which it is addressed. This book gives ample treatment to the subject of metaphysical perfumery--that is, the ritual use of scent within a magickal context. Not only that, but the book has brief discussions on Qabala and also contains some basic directions for the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram and the Middle Pillar exercise, which should already be familiar to the practicing ceremonial magician. Anybody at any level of occult development could find something of use in this book. The rudiments of perfumery are explained here. Later, various perfume scents are associated with Tarot, Qabala and astrology in a way that will likely prove indispensable to the working magician. Even if you're not interested in the magickal aspects of perfumes and just want a good basic guide to the art of perfumery, this text will likely serve you well. It's a professional and knowledgeable guide to one of the lesser-researched areas of metaphysics--the art of scent and its relation to ritual.

This book was an excellent resource. The sponsor letter that was used for an example was an excellent guide. I am following Jessica's advice.

I have competed in many pageants before finding this book and I wish I had found it sooner!
It takes you step by step through the entire process of preparing for a pageant. It even has areas for you to take notes with a work out and food journal!
I love it.

If you are frustrated by living in a world of "cookie cutter" fashions, that do not offer even a hint of feminity, then Shell Kepler's "MAKE FASHION MAGIC", is the exact book you should purchase. Shell's down to earth and simplistic approach in showing you how to embellish either your current clothing or great second-hand finds, will leave you screaming for more. All women have a deep desire to feel feminine and sexy and unfortunatley many of todays fashions leave that important part out. And many times when you do find clothing with her type of style, the price tag equals the national debt! Purchase Shell's book and see how she turns an ordinary white tuxedo jacket and a daring bustier into the most romantic and sensual set of clothing you will ever own...Be daring, be sexy and find the passion inside you with Shell's clothing ideas. No more boring T-Shirts and plain old jeans after you purchase this book!

We found this book at the library and it so impressed us that we've actually started having Shell competitions at work. The book is so full of inspiring ideas and easy-to-use techniques. And the children's clothing ideas...

Shell is a role model for us here at work and we all strive to incorporate her ideas of clothing conservation and decoration. In fact, we LIVE by Shell's rules of life and have constructed a shrine (recycled, of course!) in her honor.

Was a good book..That's why I was motivated to get this for my recently graduated niece. John Maxwell has written countless books about leadership..and this audio CD didn't fall short of my expectations...

The basic premise of this book is that the secret to your success is determined by your daily agenda.

The author has a list of 12 areas to focus on daily that he believes are critical to success. He calles them the "Daily Dozen." They are:

1. Attitude
2. Priorities
3. Health
4. Family
5. Thinking
6. Commitment
7. Finances
8. Faith
9. Relationships
10. Generosity
11. Values
12. Growth

He spends a chapter on each of the Daily Dozen. For each, he notes what decision he has made in each area. As an example, for "attitude," his decision is "I am going to keep a positive attitude and use it to influence others." Then he provides suggestions on how to incorporate the items critical to success into your daily life.

He makes the great point that what you become is the result of what you do today. The only way to change your life is to change what you do daily.

This is a great little book that packs a powerful punch!