Secrets of the World Wide Sisterhood

The Christmas Sweater

I'm not a person who reads a lot.  I'll read a book about anti-aging or beauty or maybe about fitness.  But, very seldom do I sit down and read just for the pure joy of reading.  However, I heard Delilah on the radio talking about a book she read called The Christmas Sweater.  She talked about how the book was really good and heartwarming.  It sounded like it would be worth my while.  So, I got the book and began reading it on Christmas Day.  It was written by Glenn Beck.  I found it to be very easy to read and it held my attention (most books don't).  This book's setting sounded like the time period when I was growing up.  It never said, but he is probably around my age.  As you read this book, you stop and think of all the selfish things you have done and said to other people.  As kids, we all said hurtful things to our parents when we didn't get our way.  And, we never really stopped to think about what we had said.  And like, Eddie, in the book, you someday realize you can never take back what you have said or have done.  Eddie realizes that life isn't always perfect and everyone has to learn to "weather the storms," take what life throws at you, and in the end you will be a happier person.  I finished this book today, which is the last day of 2008.  I always feel a little sad to see the old year go......not knowing what the new year holds.  I feel really fortunate and thankful for what I have.  My parents are still alive, my brother and sister are alive and well, and my husband and children are healthy. My son, John, has a good job and has been successful and so has his wife.  Unfortunately the economy is uncertain and we can all only hope that things will get better and pray for those who have lost jobs or will be losing jobs in the months ahead.  Luckily, I have a stable job and I feel so fortunate for that.  However, I am constantly thinking about those who are less fortunate and I hope they can "weather the storm" as Eddie did.  As the year comes to an end, I think back on all my accomplishments.  I started this blog, I wrote a children's book, I've done a lot to help parents and children realize the importance of a good education, I have met new friends and reconnected to one of my best childhood friends (thanks to the internet) , I've increased my running distance, and most of all this has been a year for me to accept who I am, and enjoy my life and being in my forties.  Also, this year I had Lasik surgery.  I have worn glasses since 1st grade and couldn't remember what it was like to be able to wake up in the morning or in the middle of the night and be able to see.  Now, it is like a miracle.  The surgery was probably the best thing I've ever done for myself.  I've seen many of my parents' friends and some of my acquaintances pass away, and I've begun to realize how short life is.  My good friend, Lori, just lost her mother-in-law to cancer this morning.  My heart goes out to her,Brantley, and the rest of the family.  Please keep them in your prayers.  Debbie was just in her 50's.  Cancer is such a terrible disease that has no mercy.  We should all take the time to enjoy our lives and live each day like it is our last.  I'm going to try to make 2009 one of the best years yet and I hope you do the same.       

Hanny Bonz Leaves the Farm

I've got a great gift idea for your child or grandchild.  It's a children's book titled Hanny Bonz Leaves the Farm.  You haven't heard of this book??  Well, probably not because it was written by Me!  My first children's book has just been published.  I wrote this book about my dog, Hannah, and how she became a member of our family.  Hannah is a ten-year-old basset hound that I've had for almost as long as I've been married.  She was given to me by my husband as a Valentine's Day gift.  She was actually my first Valentine's Day gift from my husband--as my husband.  She is the greatest dog and she is so special to me. She is really adorable and has the most remarkable personality.  I wrote this book with the intention of doing a series depicting the life of Hannah as she has grown from a puppy to an adult dog.  This first book was meant to be her introduction and the books that follow (if I actually get around to doing them) will be the hilarious events that have taken place since she has been in our lives.  If you would like a copy, you can click on the ad in the right column of my blog.    Thanks for buying a copy of my book and supporting my first real writing project!!!  There is an actual picture of her on the back of the book........You will love her!   

No More Cellulite

In my recent post Reducing Cellulite--Is It Possible?? under my Beauty Products category, I talked about different methods to reduce cellulite.  I read a book I ordered off Amazon.com called No More Cellulite by Wayne Westcott, Ph.D., CSCS, and Rita La Rosa Loud.  It is a proven 8-week program for a firmer, fitter body.  I didn't follow the suggested plan for 8 weeks. I just read the book and incorporated some of the suggested exercises into my routine I normally do and got a lot of new ideas for a diet plan.  I probably should have followed their plan for 8 weeks, because I'm sure it would have been beneficial. However, I did see results from the information I found in this book. There have been some books written since No More Cellulite.  I'm sure there will be a lot of the same information in all these books.  The Cellulite Solution: 7 Ways to Beat Cellulite in 6 Weeks by Helen Foster ,The Cellulite Solution: A Doctor's Program for Losing Lumps, Bumps, Dimples, and Stretch Marks by Howard Murad, and The Cellulite Cure by Lionel Bissoon all seem like they would also be good. They are highly rated.  

Change Your Smile

There is a book called Change Your Smile by Ronald E. Goldstein, DDS.  He is an internationally recognized cosmetic dentist.  This book covers many aspects of cosmetic dentistry.  It gives different options from which a person can choose for their particular problem.  Anyone thinking of having cosmetic dental work done, should definitely read this book.  It will answer all your questions and possibly answer questions you didn't know you had!

The Wrinkle Cure

One of the most informative books I’ve read on the subject of anti-aging is The Wrinkle Cure. It was written by Nicholas Perricone, MD. He is a world- renowned researcher and scientist. He is also on the NEWBEAUTY Editorial Advisory Board. He is regarded as the father of the Inflammation Theory of Aging. He believes wrinkled, sagging skin is a disease you can fight, not the inevitable result of getting older. His theory revolves around an all natural approach to preventing the signs of aging. He believes that beautiful skins begins with good health on the inside. After reading his book, which I did about 2 yrs. ago, I have drastically changed my eating habits and have added supplements and antioxidants recommended from this book and I have seen quite an improvement in my skin. He believes expensive plastic surgery and procedures are not necessary if you follow his cosmeceutical program. I, however, still rely on Botox every three months and have Jessner Peels quite frequently. I believe in doing everything I can to correct all the years of abuse I have inflicted upon my skin. (And I still can’t stay out of the sun!!!) Dr. Perricone has his own line of products for the skin and also sells the supplements. I looked at his web sight and found his supplements to be very expensive. So, I purchased mine from Vitamin World. (I have an ad on my sight for your convenience) Everyday I take a DMAE supplement , which can also be applied topically. It is an antioxidant membrane stabilizer. It becomes part of the cell plasma membrane and makes the membrane more able to resist stress which gives the cell membrane protection from free radical attack. When mixed with other amino acids and nutrients, it has a firming effect on the skin. I also take Alpha Lipoic Acid. It is a completely natural molecule that exists in every cell in our bodies and is the most powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. It increases the other antioxidants in our bodies such as Vitamins C and E. I also take CoQ-10. It is also a powerful antioxidant that protects the skin but also helps protect the heart. I take Fish Oil to fight inflammation in the body and improve skin appearance. And last, but not least, I take a One A Day multi-vitamin. My husband thinks I’m crazy taking all of these supplements. But after reading the book, I truly understand how they can be beneficial. I suggest getting this book and reading it(there is an amazon.com store link on my site for your convenience), and then come up with your own regimen to fit your needs.

Eat This Not That

If you are trying to lose weight or just trying to eat healthier, you need to read this book. It is by David Zinczenko. It lists about any restaurant you can imagine, gives you their menu items, the number of calories, fat grams, and sodium found in some of their most popular foods. It suggests lower calories foods to eat, instead of the other more fattening foods.  I couldn’t believe some of the choices.  Many times I was making the wrong choices, thinking I was eating less fat. I could have eaten the food I actually preferred.  It also provides better choices for holidays and special occasions, products from the supermarket, drinks, etc. This is a small paperback book.  I carry it in my car all the time, so when I drive through and get take out for lunch, I’ll make a better choice.