World Without End – Ken Follett

World Without End

Ken Follett

World Without End, Ken Follett’s sequel to The Pillars of the Earth, is a must-read. It is the continuing story of the Kingsbridge Priory and its continuing powerful political and religious influence in Kingsbridge, England, beginning in 1337, one hundred years after the end of the prequel.

One hundred years or so before, one of the greatest cathedral—and the central driving force of this historical novel—was built. It was the culminating dream of then Prior Philip and Tom and Jack Builder. Follett has created counterparts to these three main characters in this sequel in the persons of Godwyn, who becomes prior, and builders Merthyn (hero) and Elfrin (villain). Counterparts to other important characters are Caris, Gwenda, and Ralph. This is a must-read, especially if you enjoyed The Pillars of the Earth. Kingsbridge is a “world without end” in this well researched novel. Much of the plot is dominated and driven by the plague, which rages during this period in history. You will enjoy every page of this 1014-page novel, which I highly recommend.

Reviewed by Lee Peoples

Hope with Feathers

Hope with Feathers

Hope is the thing with feathers

That perches in the soul,

And sings the tune without the words,

And never stops at all,

. . .

-Emily Dickinson

Earlier this week as I looked up into the sky, I noticed the clouds were as thick as chowder . . . but the sun peeked out still. Its presence indicated that through this darkness there was hope for a brighter, sunnier cloud-free day. And that takes me into the present state of affairs in which the world finds itself. It’s almost Christmas!

People are struggling as more and more get laid off in America. But throughout the world there is much sadness. The total state of Apartheid the Palestinians are experiencing at the hand of Israel is criminal. The fact that peace-loving Israelis are practically being ignored and forced to take part in a system they don’t believe in is also criminal. But there is hope. Only this week the Israeli government allowed the media and humanitarian aid into the isolated region. Will there continue to be struggles, starvation, and even death? Yes, there will. But will there also be salvation on some level? Yes, as people become more and more aware of the situation, not even a stubborn parliament can stop their ears and continue to do nothing. Hope is like the water that breaks down the stone. It takes forever, but the result is dust; and in this case, there will eventually be a sort of freedom for the people of Palestine and Israel as they begin to unify and put aside their differences.

It has happened in South Africa. The people arose. Both black and white defied a racist and unjust government to protest the inhumane treatment of one part of the population. Although there is still much to be done, the freedoms that were implemented were tantamount to climbing Mount Everest, a seemingly insurmountable feat accomplished by the outrage of the country and the greater outrage of the rest of the world.

That sun is burning brighter and those clouds still linger but cannot overcome the intensity of the sun’s rays. So it is that hope will triumph because those at war, those suffering through famine and disease, those going through inner struggles hidden from the surface just have to cry out a little louder, protest a little longer, volunteer a little more, and go on another day. Tomorrow is a better day. And wasn’t it just a few more days until the sky cleared and became the brightest blue? The sun stretched to fill the entire sky? It was there all along, and hope is a sign that we may one day live in peace, where there is no war, famine, or disease.

I struggled with hope this year. It has been a rough one for me and the rest of the country. I’ve been slighted and had to forgive. Forgiving is difficult, and unless I had taken that first crucial step, I would have stayed in a cloudy state. No love can enter in a blackened heart. I discovered that the mere desire to forgive could begin to clear up the pain. I discovered by wanting to love and get past all the slights, I could be like that sun peeking through the dismal clouds. In a few days or weeks or months I would find myself feeling joy.

My heart had been broken by a dishonest lover. The saying goes, “Hell hath no fury, than a woman scorned.” And in my case this was very true. I was so angry that I couldn’t even feel the joy that I found from my treks in the mountains, or from witnessing the sunrise, or by listening to the bells ringing at my front door—these things that sustained me in the past. I was so angry I couldn’t get past the tears that became my constant companion. But one day I spoke aloud into the stillness of my misery, “I want to forgive, I want to love, I want to be happy, and I want to get past this.” And I did in a matter of days. And not only did I forgive this dishonest lover, but I forgave all the dishonest lovers that had hurt me before, and I began to experience the joy that was always there waiting for me to notice as I took my walks, listened to the birds singing, worked on a song, or hugged my mother. The mere desire to see the light that was always there was all that I needed to see it.

As it has been for me, so can it be for the rest of us. If we can get past our differences and have the merest desire to move past our anger, we can learn to live together in harmony, a little at a time, and like the slow dripping of that meager drop of water, we can turn the stone of our bitterness into dust. We can make room for love in our hearts and burn away the hopelessness in our lives.

As the song goes,

Let there be peace on earth

and let it begin with me.

Let There be peace on earth

the peace that was meant to be.

With God as our father

brothers all are we.

Let me walk with my brother

in perfect harmony.

Let peace begin with me

let this be the moment now.

With ev’ry step I take

let this be my solemn vow

to take each moment and live

each moment in peace eternally.

Let there be peace on earth

and let it begin with me.

-Lyrics by Jill Jackson Miller

http://www.angelfire.com/in/omega2/LetThereBePeaceOnEarth.html

Written by Lisa Trimarchi

Make a Loved One’s Closet Turn Chic With the Help of a Personal Shopper!

So what could be worse than having an empty closet with nothing to wear? Having a closet full of fun fashion that you have no ideahow to wear!

Long before my February 2007 launch ofGood Girl Gone Shopping, an affordable personal shopping and wardrobe consultant business, I had noticed how fearful most people are when it comes to trying out new styles, fun trends, and basically, stepping out of the norm. Here are some of the reasons why men and women turn to a professional for assistance:

They can’t get the help they need from a salesperson

They are not aware of which specific cuts and fabrics are right for their body shape and size

They do not know how to stretch their small budgets to still purchase lavish styles

They are unsure of how to stylize what they already own

They want to feel more attractive

They do not have time to shop for themselves (productively) due to a busy schedule

And no time seems fuller of anxiety and apprehension than now, the holiday season. After all, there are family gatherings, employee luncheons, company dinners, and social parties that offer festive times for most of us. But during these events, gift giving is a key focus and typically, a key frustration.

Just what do you give someone?

Maybe you have a friend, coworker, or loved one who adores hot-off-the-runway styles but admits to being clueless on how to put anything together. Sound like someone you know? If you are tired of buying gift cards to his or her favorite stores, especially because you never see that person actually wear the new items, a gift certificate that allows him or her some time to work with a personal shopper for free is a new gift-giving route you may want to explore. Because really, it’s a win-win situation for both of you: You get rewarded for giving the creative gift of the season, while that person can finally find items that will complement his or her wardrobe…while gaining a boost in self-confidence in the process!

And if you are the person needing personal shopping and wardrobe consulting assistance, well, treating yourself to a Christmas or Chanukah gift might be just what you need to alleviate your own stress of the season.

If you would like to contact Elana Pruitt to discuss the many services of Good Girl Gone Shopping, and gather information about holiday gift certificates, please contact her atelana@talkingchic.com or (909) 997-3216. She is based in Upland, Calif., just over an hour east of Los Angeles.

Gifts for the Rich and Shameless

Gifts for the Rich and Shameless

We thought we’d add this category because we didn’t want to leave out the Donald Trumps of the world. We decided to include in our holiday gift guide, outlandish and extravagant gifts, and the above definitions describe these gifts to a tee. Need a $30,000.00 doll house? Or maybe you’d like to carry that $120,000.00 purse to the inaugural ball. Well, here is the place to look for that one-of-a-kind gift fit for royalty.

1942 Willys MB Junior Replica

Price: $9,900
www.faoschwarz.com

What child wouldn’t want his own Jeep from F.A.O. Schwarz? He can read about big wheels and tonka toys when the stock market crashes. Since Christmas is just around the corner, don’t forget to run out and pick up this fun Willys MB Junior Replica. One of these babies will soften the blow of junior’s acceptance into his new military school.

Bugatti Veyron – 2nd Legal Fastest Car

Price: $1,192,057

This is by far the most expensive street legal car available on the market today. It is the fastest accelerating car reaching 0-60 in 2.5 seconds. It claims to be the fastest car with a top speed of 253 mph+.  Check it out.Bugatti Veyron. Visit this link to see more expensive super hot rods: http://www.thesupercars.org

Hermes Matte Crocodile Birkin Bag

Price: $120,000

Named after French singer/songwriter Jane Birkin, the bag made of crocodile is like the one sold at auction house Doyle New York. The clasp of this 30-centimeter tote boasts 10 carats of white diamonds.

For more information, visit www.hermes.com.

About Lilliput Play Homes – The Ultimate PLayhouse

Lilliput Play Homes offers a selection of high quality playhouses and playhouse accessories that are great for making lasting childhood memories. These playhouses have attracted media attention from established broadcast shows, magazines, and newspapers such as Wall Street Journal and Home and Garden. Lilliput Play Homes customizes play homes to reflect the buyers’ imagination in a replica of their homeBuilt with high grade materials, such as lumber and molded polyurethane trim, these playhouses are created by the finest craftsmen in the small village of Finleyville, Pennsylvania.

Browse Products from Lilliput Play Homes

Lilliput Play Homes gvp – Grand Victorian Playhouse – List Price $28,900

This enchanting play home is picture perfect, including a wraparound porch, a stained glass window, window boxes, a skylight, doorbell, and brass door knocker. Inside, the decorative details continue with a bay window seat, sponge-painted walls, simulated hardwood floors, fireplace mantel, and upstairs loft accessed by a ladder. The most luxurious Lilliput play home, this Victorian is truly grand indeed.

Features:

  • Skylight
  • Wall stenciling
  • Hardwood floors
  • Doorbell
  • Great for children ages 2-10
  • Materials include lumber and polyurethane trim
  • 1 Year limited warranty

About Lilliput Playhomes
These posh playhouses have become the golden standard in play homes appearing on the Oprah Winfrey Show, HGTV, VH1’s ‘The Fabulous Life: Celebrity Kids 2006, and in the Wall Street Journal!

Reviewed by Kaylene Peoples

Belli Pregnancy Products

Belli Pregnancy Products is the world’s safest skincare line available for pregnant women and their babies and come highly recommended by leading obstetricians across the country. All products use the best ingredients with aroma and massage therapy for a holistic and wellness approach. Check out the following pregnancy products below.

For the Mom:

Elasticity Belly Oil helps protect against stretch marks. The oil features Gotu Kola Extract, Vitamin E and Collagen Hydrolysates. Lavender and sweet almond soothe and calm the senses, nourish and moisturize to help prevent stretch marks. Price $42 (4 oz).

Acne Clearing Facial Wash is an exfoliating wash to help clear up acne, leaving your skin clear and refined without over-drying. Belli’s breakthrough formulation is the first to safely address pregnancy-related acne, using lactic acid, an ingredient found naturally in the body. Price $22 (6.7 oz).

Pampered Pregnancy Body Wash is the safest daily cleanser for pregnancy. Some of the ingredients include green tea and cucumber with the relaxing aromatherapy of lavender and chamomile. Price $18 (14.35 oz).

Anti-Chloasma Facial Sunscreen SPF 25 is a facial hydrator and sunscreen that leaves you protected and feeling comfortable all day. Its ingredients guard against UVA rays and chloasma–dark brown splotchy areas on the face that occur in 70% of pregnant women. The ingredients include zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, natural humectant glycerine and is oil free. This lightly tinted product blends in with all skin types. It can be worn alone or under makeup. Price $24 (2 oz).

Skin Smoothing Body Exfoliator is filled with anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients, ridding the skin of dead cells to reveal healthy skin. It features green tea, ginseng, and peppermint oil. Price $24 (6.7 oz).

All Day Moisture Body Lotion deeply moisturizes, comforts, and soothes dry, itchy skin with uplifting qualities, which includes aroma therapy to calm upset stomachs. Chamomile softens and refreshes. Price $25 (14.35 oz).

Foot Relief Cream is an aroma therapeutic and anti-bacterial moisturizing massage treatment that comforts swollen tired feet and relieves calf cramps. Ingredients include peppermint, tee tree oil, and shea butter. After using this product, feet are left feeling cool and refreshed. Price $18 (6.7 oz)

Other Belli Products:

Baby Products include shampoos, lotions, baby powder, diaper rash cream, and a complete baby gift set with all the baby products. Prices range from $12 – $32.

Belli Motherhood Products consist of Eye Brightening Cream, Stretchmark Minimizing Cream, Body Firming Serum, Pure Comfort Nursing Cream, Moisturizing Hand Sanitizer, and Surgical Scar Reducer. Prices range from $6 – $34.

Belli Pregnancy has set the standard for prenatal safety in the industry as the only skincare line in the world to perform ongoing screening of each ingredient. The medical director works with CARE Northwest to exclude ingredients linked to birth defects. Many published studies show links between common skincare ingredients and birth defects when taken orally or systematically. Skincare ingredients are often absorbed into the bloodstream in small amounts and can be easily passed into the fetal circulation. Belli’s exclusive teratology screening process helps moms err on the side of caution by avoiding the following red-flagged ingredients: Vitamin A, salicylic acid, oxybenzone, glycolic acid, benzoyl peroxide, aloe vera, caffeine, and rosemary. These ingredients are excluded from Belli Pregnancy Products.

To learn more about Belli Pregnancy Products , visitwww.belliskincare.com.

Reviewed by Kaylene Peoples

Lucky Me Tees

Lucky Me Tee

There’s nothing like a soft great fitting tee-shirt to brighten someone’s day, especially when the message reflects the recipient. That’s why Lucky Me Tee is the perfect gift this holiday season. The comfortable yet affordable tee-shirts are well-designed and range in color and size, fitting mommies and babies alike.

Long Sleeve T-Shirts are v-neck and sheer rib tees, featuring longer body length and slim fit silhouette. They’re made of 98% cotton and 2% Spandex super soft knit and are available in black and white, retailing for $46. Other items in the collection include Tank Tops in pink, retailing at $36; Baby Number Long Sleeve T-shirts, designed for easy on-and-off in gray, retailing at $26; Hoodies, which are sweatshirts made of 50% cotton and 50% polyester, in navy, retailing for $50; and finally, Tote Bags, perfect for any outdoor occasion or a long weekend getaway. The tote has contrast straps, side panels with water-resistant lining for easy cleaning, and an outside pocket with velcro closure and inside pocket flap. Made of 100% cotton and comes in Natural/Fuchsia, retailing for $34.

Lucky Me Tee was founded by mother-of-three Marlo Moleski, whose designs are cuttingedge, providing moms the opportunity to flaunt motherhood on a trendy tee. For more information, please visit www.luckymetee.com.

Reviewed by Kaylene Peoples

The Ultimate Receiving Blanket

The Ultimate Receiving Blanket

This large square 42″x 42″ multi-use blanket is an award-winning design. It could be used as a play mat, privacy throw, sun shield, and more. This receiving blanket is 100% preshrunk, super soft, and certified organic cotton flannel, all designed by an RN and mother, and made in the USA.

My inspiration for SwaddleDesigns came from many sources: the love of my mom as she carefully wrapped my children in blankets she had sewn for me; the knowledge of many wonderful reasons why swaddling is important; and the discovery that many of my friends and family did not know how to swaddle effectively, couldn’t remember how to swaddle, or didn’t have the right kind of blanket to bundle their babies.

-Lynette Damir

The idea to design the Ultimate Swaddling Blanket was born when Lynette Damir shopped for blankets for her friends and family. She found the blankets were too small, not the right shape or material, and too fancy, slippery or too thick.

The blanket includes a special Tip Tag to help parents master the art of swaddling:

  1. Wrap baby snuggly, but not so tight as to impede breathing;
  2. Baby may self-soothe when hands are within reach of mouth;
  3. Baby’s knees and hips should be slightly bent;
  4. Etc. . . .

The Ultimate Receiving Blanket is a great gift and an everyday essential, designed to nurse, and is much larger than the average receiving blanket. It outlines the many benefits of swaddling your baby.

The entire SwaddleDesigns collection also includes the following:

1. Baby Burpies, which are handy when burping your baby and cleaning up messes;

2. Baby Lovie, a soft security blanket which absorbs parents’ scent to help baby bond with his/her blanket.

Many parents of newborns just love SwaddleDesigns, Ultimate Receiving Blankets, Baby Burpies, or Lovie. The list includes Angela Jolie and Brad Pitt, Marcia Cross, Gwenyth Paltrow, Geena Davis, Kim Fields, and Debra Messing.

You can purchase these products online or in stores. For a list of retailers, visit www.swaddledesigns.com.

Reviewed by Kaylene Peoples

You Too Can Afford Great Style—Jane Marvel

You Too Can Afford Great Style—Jane Marvel

And what a marvel she is! First of all, let’s discuss color pallets. I am looking at this absolutely adorable teal wallet trimmed with chocolate brown. It zips open and all your stuff is neatly tucked away. But this little vegan-friendly wallet is what you’d call an appetizer. The handbags and totes are the entrées. Jane Marvel is a relatively new collection of bags with a variety of styles. They’re waterproof with laminated canvas and totally lightweight, unless of course you’re carrying a brick, which by the way, the handbags are durable enough to support the weight.

The collection consists of computer bags, satchels, duffel bags, and more. With the economy the way it is, purchasing an affordable handbag is definitely the way to go. Currently, Jane Marvel offers a free gift with every bag. So, ladies, husbands, grown kids, go out and buy that perfect gift for your significant other, mother, child, or friend. The free gifts consist of beautifully designed cosmetic mirrors, portable CD/DVD holders, eye masks, and mouse pads. They make for great stocking stuffers.

The collection comes in all colors, which means mixing and matching, ladies, and the bags are reasonably priced. Jane Marvel has been featured in O MagazineCoastal LivingLifestyle MagazineStreets, and more. For pricing information and retailers, visit www.janemarvel.com.

Reviewed by Kaylene Peoples

Holiday Jewelry from under $100.00 to under $300.00 from Ice.com

Looking for the right jewelry can be tricky during the holiday seasons. Deciding what to wear for Christmas and New Year’s parties can be a real challenge, but matching your outfit with the right accessory could prove to be even more daunting when you have no idea where to shop. Ice.com provides a vast selection of seasonal jewelry under $100 to $300. It fits any budget and looks amazing, too. Ice.com has had some of their trendiest jewelry selections featured in LuckyInStyleGood HousekeepingHarper’s Bazaar, and have appeared on “Dr. Phil,” “Desperate Housewives,” and Spiderman 3.

Ice.com offers an array of colors and styles.

Jewelry under $100.00:

Silver Belle – These accessories allow for a sleek and elegant winter look.

Sterling Silver Grey Quartz, Hermatite and Grey Pearl Necklace

Sterling Silver Diamond Earrings

Sterling Silver Geometric Pendant w/Chain

Silver Bracelet: Sterling Silver Fancy Link

Sterling Silver Turquoise Ring

Winterberry – Warm and vibrant, these pieces are inspired by Winterberry reds and evenings by the fire.

Sterling Silver Red Onyx Bead Drop Necklace

5/8 Carat Garnet and Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Flower Earrings

Sterling Silver Red Onyx Bead Drop Necklace

14k Yellow Gold Red Jade and Ruby Elephant Pendant w/Chain

11 Carat Garnet Sterling Silver Pendant w/Chain

14K Yellow Gold Red Coral Freshwater Pearl Earrings

Gifts under $200.00:

Blue Satin – These majestic blue selections have deep dramatic hues.

Sapphire and Diamond Ring: 14K White Gold ½ Carat

1 1/3 Carat Graduating Sapphires and Diamond Drop Earrings in 14K White Gold

Sapphire Bracelet: Sterling Silver 29 Carats

Joya 1/5 Carat Diamond and Sterling Silver Ladies Watch with Blue Snake Strap

Sapphire and Diamond Ring: 14K White Gold 7/8 Carat

Stardust – Sparkling Snow-like Diamonds and Zirconia

Sterling Silver Zirconia Necklace

9 ½ Carat White Topaz and Diamond 14K White Gold Earrings

1/10 Carat Diamond 14K White Gold Star Pendant w/Chain

26 Carat Sky Blue Topaz Sterling Silver Bracelet

Gifts under $300.00:

Golden Glow

Turkish Glass Bead 14K Gold Bracelet

11 ¾ Carat Diamond 14K Two Tone Gold Pendant w/Chain

2 ¾ Carat Citrine and Orange Sapphire 14K Two Tone Gold Earrings

5/8 Carat Citrine, Fire Opal and Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Ring

1/6 Carat Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Ladies Ring

Christmas Green – Emeralds capturing the essence of Christmas – the quintessential holiday gift.

¾ Emerald and Diamond 14K White Gold Multi Circle Pendant w/ Chain

1 ¾ Carat Emerald 14K Yellow Gold Ring

1/6 Carat Diamond and 1/3 Carat Emerald 14K White Gold Earrings

7/8 Carat Tsavorite and Diamond 14K White Gold Heart Ring w/Black Rhodium

1/3 Carat Emerald and Diamond 14K White Pendant w/Chain

Visit www.ice.com for more information.

Affordable Household Life-Saving Gifts!

Affordable Household Life-Saving Gifts!

Roomba cleans routinely so you don’t have to. With the touch of a button, Roomba automatically vacuums carpets and hard floors on its own!

  • Roomba 400 Series
  • Covers 2 rooms on a single battery charge

My neighbor across the street has two shedding dogs and her house is all hardwood floors. I could not understand how she kept her floors so clean and free of dog hair. I have one short-haired dog that sheds, and I have to vacuum my hardwood floors at least every other day. Recently, I popped in at my neighbor’s house and discovered her secret! There was a disc-shaped motorized robot quietly vacuuming the floor, the iRobot Roomba.

The Roomba navigates through your house, while avoiding furniture that’s in the way. It offers the option to stay in one room; it also has a timer so you can set it to run when you’re not home. It is the best solution if you have pets, kids, or are just a slob! Well, it won’t pick up your clothes or do the dishes, but it’s destined to make your life easier and your house cleaner. Oh yeah, and it’s affordable, too. I found it for as low as $125.

Black & Decker Brew ‘n Go Personal Coffeemaker & 15-oz. Travel Mug

$19.99

Ever just wanted 1 cup of coffee? Tired of wasting coffee when brewing a pot? You’re on the run and have to get to work but haven’t had your coffee yet? The Black and Decker Brew n’ Go Personal Coffeemaker is the right choice. At just under $20 this is a great gift. 15 ounces of delicious coffee is brewed directly into the stainless steel travel mug. With the mug’s rubber handle, lid, and tapered design, it fits most vehicle cup holders, making it ideal for those on the go. The coffeemaker shuts off automatically after brewing, and it has a permanent filter, which means no messy disposable filters. The mug is perfect for tea, hot chocolate, or soup.

BakerEze 12-Pc. Bakeware Set

$29.88 – A baker’s dream, the BakerEze 12-Piece Bakeware Set includes virtually everything you need for both oven-cooked sweet treats and savory meals. Made of heavyweight steelconstruction that ensures even heating, each pan sports a DuraGlide PLUS nonstick finish that ensures food releases effortlessly and makes cleanup a cinch.

BakerEze 12-Pc. Bakeware Set includes:

  • 9″ round cake pans (2)
  • 13″ x 9″ cake utility pan with cover (1)
  • 12-cup muffin pan (1)
  • 12″ pizza pan (1)
  • 16″ x 11″ jelly roll pan (1)
  • 13.9″ x 11.6″ cookie sheet (1)
  • 15.9″ x 13.9″ cookie sheet (1)
  • 10″ x 16″ cooling racks (2)
  • 9″ x 5″ x 3″ two-piece Fat-Away meatloaf pan (1)
  • Made of heavyweight steel construction that ensures even heating
  • DuraGlide PLUS nonstick finish ensures food releases effortlessly and cleans up easily

Dishwasher safe

Reviewed by Kaylene Peoples