5 comments about Blueprints of Fashion: Home Sewing Patterns of the 1940s (Schiffer Book for Collectors).

1. I was amazed to receive this book. I learned about how rationing during WWII affected clothing and fashion. I saw how fashion evolved during a decade that began with war and ended with Paris reviving their Haute Couture.

   I think that the one aspect of Blueprints Of Fashion that caught me completely by surprise was the nostalgic feeling that looking at home sewing catalogue illustrations returned to me. I remember spending hours browsing through catalogues with my Mom during the 60's and 70's. I noticed the change of illustration styles, and the use of more photography, throughout those 2 decades of the big 3--Simplicity, Butterick/Vogue, and McCall's. In the 40's there were many more brands and that much more variation in illustration styles.

   Mr. Laboissoniere has done a great job of grouping the pattern face cards into a journey through the fashionable 40's. Even though he meant this as a guide for collectors, there are so many facets to his research that he has created something truly extraordinary.




2. This is a wondreful look at a time in fashion when looking your best when in public or private did matter. The fashions are an inspiration to those who love classic design. The only statement being made by these fasions are upbeat ones. Thanks for a great book that any sewer will treasure forever!!



3. This book begins with a lot of information about sewing pattern companies, sewing in the beginning half of the century, and fashion changes during the forties that are worth the price of this book. The second half is all reproductions of the fronts of pattern envelopes which provide inspiration for design as well as pointing out how much more advanced the average sewer seemed to be in the forties compared to today.



4. As a dealer in vintage patterns, (...) Wade's book is an indispensable resource in accurate dating of my pattern inventory. This in turn helps me to better serve my customers. Wonderful color examples of all the catagories, styles and companies.



5. this is one of the great fashion books. very well put together, interesting...unlike most fashion books (in terms of text) and classy and LOTS of images. Both of Laboissonniere's books are great.

2 comments about Sell Your Home in Any Market: 50 Surprisingly Simple Strategies for Getting Top Dollar Fast.

1. Just 2 weeks ago, I picked up Jim Remley's book "Sell Your Home in Any Market". The information was so good, so practical and so timely that I immediately contacted Jim and invited him to be a guest on our "Big Bad Home Sale" internet radio program.
   
   I make a living helping people sell their homes fast, and I've met a lot of experts with good advice on the subject. I found this book to be a must read for anybody that is trying to sell their home.
   
   Jim Remley is also an expert and knows how to sell homes. You can listen to him on our Big Bad Home Sale podcast on itunes or at [...].
   
   The book has great information for "FSBO", For Sale By Owner, Real Estate Investors and especially Realtors. If you are trying to sell your home, or even just thinking about selling your home, add this book to your shopping cart right now!
   
   Steve Rosenbaum
   [...]
   
   Skyrocket your home to the top of the listings. Big, Bad Home Sale is the quick and easy home selling system
   that attracts hungry buyers to your front door and helps you sell your home fast, without commission!
   
   Sell Your Home in Any Market: 50 Surprisingly Simple Strategies for Getting Top Dollar Fast



2. A MUST READ FOR ANYONE LOOKING TO SELL THEIR HOME - WHETHER THRU A REAL ESTATE AGENT OR ON THEIR OWN. PACKED WITH INFORMATION / TIPS / WEBSITES TO VISIT. AN EASY READ - HIGHLY RECCOMMEND !!

5 comments about Feng Shui Step by Step : Arranging Your Home for Health and Happiness--with Personalized Astrological Charts.

1. Excellent book for a beginner. Very clear instructions on how to set up a room or a whole house. I recommend this book as a starter course. If you don't want to buy more than one, make it this one.



2. My first language is Spanish. Even when I can read, write and speak English, sometimes I rather to read books in Spanish to avoid to run to the dictionary when I don't have very clear an idea.

   I checked out the price of this book for the edition in Spanish and it is TOO EXPENSIVE ($48.80). Comparing to the English version ($14.70). I know the author and/or the editorial house have to pay to a translator and expenses for printing and advertisement, and bla, bla, bla, but 3 times the price of the English version + another $4.70 is TOO MUCH!!! Now just wondering who sets the price on the books




3. I can't begin to tell you how many books I own or have borrowed regarding Feng Shui... I kept getting confused with each book. However - Raphael's step by step approach made it really simple and basic. I have donated all the other books but refuse to let my friends borrow the Step by Step one -they can buy it for themselves!



4. Feng Shui Step by Step is a book of some 200 or more pages...most of which are informative and useful. The book is a good size so you don't get that small print overpacked info feeling when reading. The author invests ample explanation clear and understandable about the basics. It doesn't have a lot of boring introduction but gets straight to it without skipping essentials. The introduction actually has a handy "Personal Data" sheet in which you can write down all your relavent information for organize and clear reference. While it gives the read a taste of what is to come with the "personal data" sheet..what good does it do there so early in the book?. It Better off as a tearout if itis going to situated right at the start or it could be within or after all the necessary information.
   
   The first 85 pages including the intro proves the reader with a sturdy foundation. There are drawings for visual reference througout the book. "The Five Elements" chapter goes through each element in detail via the subheading: Your Season of Birth, Mental and Physical States, Occupations, Shapes and Colors, Weather, Flower, Directions in Space, and Parts of the Home. In this chapter also you learn about the cycles. There are "Excerices" after each chapter.
   
   The next chapter "The Nine Stars" is where the reader is introduced to finding their Kua number or Birth Star. The author maintains consistancy with what has been introduced in prior pages. Each Birth Star is dealt with in detail via subheadings. His subheading approach is very helpful as it provides a clean and organized view for the reader. Also in this chapter you learn about your doorway directions and how to harmonize. The following chapter after these is for harmonizing the situation for two people.
   
   The next parts of the book "Diagnostic Methods" involves staking out your space. The author has been up to now basically following Compass School. He is better off staying with this as it is by far the most useful, clear, and accurate method in the book. Using this method we learn about applying colors to balance areas. The other two methods are "The Eight Point Method" and "The Stick Figure Method". As a very basic beginners excercise the stick figure approach is cute and interesting since it correlates with health/the body with areas your space. I can see how that works..but thats as far as it goes.
   
   The Eight Point is none other that a watered down Black Hat Ba-gua. Whats even worse is that the author suggests "reassigning" the eight points to take up more space if it doesn't fit your floorplan as it should. This is fraught for problems, unprofessional, and regresses. Not to mention that this "Eight Point Method" has NO HEALTH section...how great is that!?. Black Hat often puts Health as center of the trigram ..however that works. The stick figure methods also uses the eight points..not recommeded.
   
   The remainder of the book addresses spacial and placement issues decently via several chapters. Its not heavy on the cures approach but deals with it sparingly or generally..e.g "Lighting and Mirrors". It also deals with case scenarios (which are given according throughout the book as well) with more than one person living in a space. Each persons' "Personal Data" and their doorway are taken into account. The end of the book deals with a case scenario in "Making a New Home and Alterations"..which is good for those especially in the position to do so. Also miscellaneous adjunct information is offered. In the back Appendices...are charts and visuals that basically repeat the info given earlier but in a more comprehensive; full circle way.
   
   This is is good to have around in terms of its sturdy information and consistancy throughout the book. It doesn't seem to loose itself much..expect for the "Methods" section. Its good on how to understand and apply the elements and directions to your space. The author is more focused on the color interior design, however, he does offer other decorating guidelines in the opening chapters.
   
   Advanced folks would already know much of what this books has to say..so its a good one for advanced beginners to the novice. It will keep them very busy for starters!.



5. I am brand new to Feng Shui and recently picked up two books. Unfortunately, this was one of them! (The other being "101 Feng Shui Tips for Your Home". Thank goodness I read that one first -in one evening, and got a grasp on the concept. I found this book misleading because the cover makes it seem like a beginners guide ("step-by-step" blah blah), furniture placement, etc., when in actuality, this book was highly technical and confusing. It demands way too much time, concentration and adaptation for it's principles to click! -perhaps after a few simple less structured books, this highly technical one will make more sense. But for now, this is the first book I will ever be returning to Amazon! -no wonder in the preface he says 'don't jump around, read each page'. He knows what he's talking about. You just want to skip it and cut to the chase. -which never happens.

1 comments about Second Homes for Dummies (For Dummies (Business & Personal Finance)).

1. Covers most financial aspects of owning non-primary properties, including second homes, vacation homes, rental properties, and strategizing for retirement property. Tax questions are covered in detail.
   
   Could have used more personal examples to give the book a more homey feeling. Also not a great resource for rural or undeveloped land purchases.
   
   Overall, very useful for anyone considering purchasing investment property, including rental property or renting to tenants part time.
   
   Lisa Merritt
   www.lockboxdeals.com

5 comments about Unclutter Your Home: 7 Simple Steps, 700 Tips & Ideas (Simplicity Series).

1. I found this book to be very helpful. There were many ideas that are really just common sense but you need someone to point them out to you. For example, just the idea that everything has a place and mail once opened never goes into a pile, but gets filed or thrown out. My piles are now a lot less. There are many other great tips and ideas and it is sometimes helpful to hear things over again. It is also one of those books that you can pick up when you just have a few minutes and get something out of it.



2. Although a lot of these ideas boil down to common sense, (open the mail each day as it arrives and while standing next to the recycle bin, for instance) I do have to say that reading this book inspired me to do some *SERIOUS* uncluttering. I've only owned it a month and in that time I think I've thrown out, sold, or donated about two dumpsters worth of things I was holding onto for all the wrong reasons. For the first time I'm enjoying getting rid of things, and making room to actually have places to put things away. Let's just say I used to browse for costume jewely in online auctions, but now I drool over storage accessories. Sigh. (Another lifelong clutterbug bites the dust.) In short: yes, I'd have to say that the book was very helpful, at least in providing that intial kick-start that so many of us pack rats need.



3. An easy to read format with several tips/ideas on each page covering all the clutter zones with suggested systems to simplify your home.
   
   Each idea is presented in a paragraph format, about three sentences with basic details. The book consists of 176 pages of these ideas with seven to ten on each page with many being similar and pretty basic in concept. There are some tips that are used for more than one room, so when another room is discussed this tip is presented again with examples.
   
   I think if someone stopped and tried to come up with ideas for how to organize their house they would easily have the format for this book, because it read like many thoughts jotted down in sentence form.
   
   Many of the tips make sense and may be overlooked when trying to tackle the task of uncluttering years worth of collections and junk. Finish one room before attempting another, for every new item brought into the home toss out five items, plan activities around garbage day.
   
   There are a few tips and recommendations that I did not agree with or really understand the need. When going through your home to decipher what is clutter, think in terms that each item is sacrificing space. The question to ponder is do you want the space for this clutter or for breathing space. The tips are presented with suggestions, but I did not get the sense that the author has done all these steps due to the lack of personalization to these ideas.
   
   Unclutter your home: 7 Simple Steps, 700 Tips & Ideas is a quick read, good for someone who might need a push in this direction and certainly a wise investment for someone to kick in their new year resolution come holiday time. Most of this is just common sense and not too difficult to begin the process. I had time to kill while at the library and wanted to see what I might have overlooked when arranging my house.



4. delivery was prompt. book in good condition



5. Small book but packed with loads of information. Mostly common sense stuff I think but we wouldnt be buying this book if we were doing those things to keep our house uncluttered! I suggest this book to anyone! I enjoy it !

3 comments about Town & Country Toasts for Every Occasion (Town & Country).

1. This book is ideal as a gift to anyone who attends lots of social functions. The suggestions for toasts are tasteful and there's something for any occasion or gathering---weddings, funerals, graduations, etc.



2. On a recent trip to America's "Low Country"(in and around New Orleans etc.) I was charmed and delighted by its fabulous foods, and sophistication. I wish this book had the same high level of civility..it does not. Good toasts should not have poetry that could have been written by elementary school children. I look to Town and Country to set a higher standard.



3. I was hoping for a book to assist in writing a good toast. This book simply offered toasts for use. Not exactly what I was looking for to assist me in creating toasts for two very special occasions. Could be useful if you are looking for something quick and impersonal.

2 comments about The Power of Positive Talk: Words to Help Every Child Succeed : A Guide for Parents, Teachers, and Other Caring Adults.

1. If you've ever seen Stuart Smalley ("I'm smart, I'm good, and damnit--people like me") on Saturday Night Live, then you know all there is to know about this book. The authors do nothing but state the obvious by saying that we shouldn't tell our kids things we might have heard growing up, like "You're a loser." Thank you, Captain Obvious. There is some comedy here, though I don't think they intended for readers to laugh. For instance, he says that when he starts feeling sick (eg, with the flu!) he just says "My flu bug is gone. I am healthy and well." Mr. Bloch gave this advice to a twelve-year-old, never mentioning the value of a flu shot. Even worse, the authors carry this simplistic theme throughout the book. They actually believe that kids need only repeat positive statements in their heads to solve complex problems, like making new friends. Apparently, by saying things like, "I can make new friends" over and over in one's head will bring instant popularity. The underlying complexity of the social fabric and the individual characteristics are never discussed. I did learn one thing from this book, though--anyone with time and money can get a master's degree.



2. Actually, this is a wonderful book. While yes, stating several obvious, key ideas through out the book, some people actually need to be told that 'duh' stuff (hello, have you seen the state of our children recently?). And this book is about believing in the power of words... NOT using them as a cure-all for everything but rather believing your attitude and your outlook on life has a huge impact on what happens in it.(And for the record the child in the book with the flu merely used an affirmation for good health and noticed a decrease in symptoms and seemed to be rid of the bug quicker than normal). The reason it's broken down into a more simplistic dialogue is because we're using it as a tool to communicate to our kids and help them communicate for themselves, and having it in a simple language makes it that much easier to put into practice. Quite frankly, this book speaks to me and I wish a parent of mine would have cared enough to have picked it up when I was young (I'm sure many parents out there aren't as in tune with their children and their feelings as others... and maybe their kids are the ones who will wish their parents would have given a book like this a chance some day)

4 comments about Parties that Wow: Setting the Stage for Creative Entertaining (That Wow).

1. This designer Jonathan Fong has a wonderful sense of humor, you can see it in his creations. They are reasonable arrangements that can be achieved by the every day lay person with very good step by step instructions.



2. I was disappointed in this book - ther is nothing elegant or stylish about this eent planner and quite frankly it all seems amatuerish and cheap. Harsh, I know, but I do this for a living and look to other peers for ideas and inspiration.
   
   I happy that he was able to fulfill a dream with a book. It just does not make the mark for excellence.



3. Any who love throwing parties who want to put on an outstanding celebration will relish the many ideas, from decorating to food to fun interactions between guests, which comprise PARTIES THAT WOW: SETTING THE STAGE FOR CREATIVE ENTERTAINING. More than your usual focus on foods, this teaches how to offer guests theme parties with fun, memorable experiences - and on a budget, too. Any general-interest lending library will relish the theme and seasonal ideas.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch



4. Interesting book....creative ideas for party giving that may spark some of your own. Cool photos.

5 comments about The New Natural House Book: Creating a Healthy, Harmonious, and Ecologically Sound Home.

1. Our home, especially if we have the opportunity to build from scratch, should reflect a great deal about our worldview. The visitor should be able to tell from what he sees and from a few simple questions how the owner feels about some of the most pressing questions of our time, including the environment. Do we wish to tread lightly on the earth, taking for ourselves a fair portion of the world's resources or are we more interested in looking after ourselves whatever the price paid by others? These are not easy questions to deal with in practical terms as we are continually faced with trading off one priority against another and sometimes the factors we have to consider become overwhelming.

   The contributors to this book are those who want to help us to tread lightly on this earth and find our way through the complex maze, realizing that the hundreds of small, and perhaps seemingly unimportant, decisions do make a difference and we must remember that we have an influence on others through the home that we create.

   The reason that I read this book was that I want a well body in a well home in a well earth and I needed practical, down-to-earth advice on how to get there while building our house. I am aware that the house of an unwitting builder can actually damage health and do damage to the earth and that it is not easy today to find the path to ensure that our house would be a healing place for body, mind, spirit and the planet. I want to take advantage of all the wonders of science, our latest technologies and new materials but want to reject those which could be harmful. I don't want to turn the clock back and live according to the best of a bygone age but want to do the best possible job in today's world. I am also aware that our world will be different at some point in the future - whether it be very soon or some years away. We cannot take cheap fuel and clean water for granted, and there will be increasing pressure to adopt a sustainable life style as poorer nations seek a similar standard of living for their people as I seek for my family. So was this book helpful to me? The answer is yes.

   The book has been written by people who have an interest in and experience in ecological architecture and the Gaia movement (inspired by the view of the earth as a living planet) and is divided into three parts. The first provides the big picture telling us how the home interacts with the environment and the user. The second part shows how to build, service and furnish a home for health and ecology while the third applies the principles to the design of spaces in the home.

   I had not studied the Gaia Home Charter, which is the heart and soul of the philosophical approach adopted by the authors, but it seems to me to be sensible and to reflect the values I would want to be known for. The Charter does not ask me to give up those things that I truly value - in fact it urges us to do only what we are ready for and can carry through - but helps to ensure that all people on the earth, if they adopt the Charter, have a better chance to enjoy those same pleasures and benefits.

   The second part goes into detail about the various systems such as solar windows, solar walls, sunspaces, natural cooling, energy conservation, prudent water use, indoor air pollution and the criteria for selecting healthy materials.

   The third part gives advice, examples, pictures and photographs of how to integrate the philosophy of Part I with the details of Part II to produce beautiful, harmonious, peaceful, and practical living spaces.

   Having read this book, I feel that my wife and I are better equipped to build a house which is a practical place to raise three active children but which reflects the values which we want to espouse in our lives. I have a better understanding of the wisdom and knowledge of other cultures, ancient and modern, and how to blend these into our house in a manner which balances the demands of ecology, health, and spirit, integrated into the natural systems which surround us. I have found that practical restrictions do not allow me to be as environmental as I would have liked to have been, but I have taken a step in the right direction by reading and acting upon the wisdom contained in this book.

   If we wish to do something positive for the environment, there is no better place to start than in our homes and in our personal lives. People in West Germany and the Scandinavian countries have already adopted the lifestyle proposed in this book so there is nothing impossible about making a positive change to demonstrate respect for the environment and care for our personal health. Whether or not you are building, renovating, advising or just interested, this is a good book to guide us through the maze.




2. A pretty book that is mainly a life-style and remodeling book. NOT a necessary book for anyone interested in sustainable building or substantial practical advice. I highly recommend The Natural House: A Complete Guide to Healthy, Energy-Efficient, Environmental Homes by Daniel D. Chiras. No glossy dream rooms (or houses) unless your dreams are realistic and desirous of making a smaller impact on the Earth.



3. The New Natural House Book by David Pearson is a very serious, very dedicated book...dedicated to changiing the way we look at things, through the footprints we leave.
   
   The renderings are clear and thought provoking...exciting even. There is not only imagination here but considerable working knowledge. One is left with the feeling that even if I do not build a home from the ground up I can still do many things to alter my lifestyle. It is at once practical and vibrant.
   
   Superb quality throughout and a real bargain at this price.



4. True to its name, this book is about building natural homes or creating healthier ones. A classic. Not much specific information in regard to where to order healthier materials and product. The book has been out for a while and new products are on the market. What the book does really well is explain the history of architecture in regard to building for health and how to build with health in mind. Lots of cool, full color pictures of natural and healthy interiors including kitchens and bathrooms.
   
   I am Dan Stih, author of Healthy Living Spaces: Top 10 Hazards Affecting Your Health.



5. I found this book interesting to start with but it seemed to go off on a tangent about lifestyle and spirituality rather then focusing on natural house building techniques. It's definitely not a nuts and bolts guide to natural house building which is what I was after; it's more a very general overview of natural houses with the whole philosophy behind it thrown in also. A very general introduction to the whole concept maybe but not focused enough for my liking. Looks nice on the coffee table though.

4 comments about How To Raise A Gentleman A Civilized Guide To Helping Your Son Through His Uncivilized Childhood.

1. It is an easy read with practical advise. This book basically uses examples to illustrate real life situation. For example, when kids are in the car and someone releases gas, come up with a code word (hers was safety) that alerts other of this uncomfortable situation. This book also talks about basic etiquette and how and when to illustrate it for your kids such as introduction or not correcting other peoples manners, etc. Buy either this or How to Raise A Lady. Don't buy them both, THEY ARE THE SAME BOOKS. One just uses her son for the example, the other her daughter.



2. My 60s something father gave me this book. I am a 45-year-old middle-class man with a 6-year-old son using my wife's account. I don't understand for whom this book is written. It is full of painfully obvious advice such as "Don't play with your food" or "Do not throw golf clubs... in anger." Anyone raised in America (presuming that is the author's intended audience) who doesn't already understand these things and take them to heart isn't going to be interested in reading about them in a book, if they can even read. Chapter 15 deals with Staring and differences where the author admonishes: "Do not repeat racist, sexist or ethnic jokes or tolerate them in your presence." If you were not a racist you would obviously already understand and agree with this. If you are, this book isn't going to change your attitude and you would probably want to burn it. I found this book useless for any reasonably sophisticated person unless you happen to be from a third world country or another planet. If the book was intended to teach good manners to the unsophisticated, dream on! I think the author has a Professor Henry Higgins Jones. I am also concerned about my father's opinion of me, I mean "Do not expect a child to endure a lengthy shopping trip unless it is to a toy or candy store." Duh!



3. My Grandson is reading this also, he is 14 and asked to,I think even he finds something missing in todays manners (or lack of).



4. This little pocket-sized book is a concise and thorough overview of gentlemanly behavior. A must-read for a parents of boys.