Author:Shelly Wu
ISBN-10: 1601630786
ISBN-13: 978-1601630780

If you’re like me and have this thing for Chinese Astrology, you will want to start the new year learning about your true life path with this book, The Definitive Book of Chinese Astrology.

Part 1 of the book will teach you about the Four Pillars of Destiny or better known as Ba Zi, the cornerstones of Chinese astrology. The Four Pillars Chart is derived from the Date of Birth of a person using the Chinese Solar Calendar, which is based on the return of the sun and the subsequent cycles of the sun’s orbit. The 8 chapters in Part 1 covers in depth details of how the Four Pillars can be used to forecast the destiny and characteristics of an individual and the relationships and interaction between the individual with the surrounding environment.

Next, the author Shelly Wu shares with readers about Zi Wei Dou Shu, or “emperor astrology,” known as the best-kept secret for millenniums and formerly accessible only to royalty.  The most accurate and profound divination tool ever discovered—a kind of Dewey decimal system of the universe—will help you identify your inborn capabilities, achievement potential, and life path. One word of caution though, this book may give you some basic information on Zi Wei Dou Shu but it will actually take you years to actually master this astrology.

In the final part,  you will learn about the Chinese astrological subspecialties, from the IChing, feng shui, and Chinese palmistry, to Face reading, 9 Star Ki, and what the combination of your western birth month and eastern birth year reveals. Included in this book is also an interactive CD-ROM which helps  readers create Chinese  astrological charts for themselves, their friends, and family. This will enable them to better understand  their destiny and assess their life options.

BUY IT : The Definitive Book of Chinese Astrology (EAN 978-1-60163-078-0, pages: 216, price: $18.99) was published by New Page Books. The book is available at Barnes & Noble, Borders, Amazon.com, and many other booksellers

Review copy courtesy of NewPageBooks.com

I am a huge fan of mineral makeup because they are made from naturally ground minerals from the earth,  non-pore clogging, provide long lasting weightless coverage through out the day and doesn’t irritate the skin. In fact, they are the perfect solution for women with sensitive and mature skin. Thus, when I was offered the opportunity to review Elizabeth Arden’s latest mineral makeup - the Pure Finish Mineral Foundation SPF20, I jumped at the chance!

I had chosen the the Pure Finish 3 shade and the mineral powder foundation came equipped with its very own portable grinder compact to create a fresh layer of microlight mineral makeup for each application. Just remember these simple instructions – Twist, Swirl, Tap and Apply. I absolutely love this innovative feature as it allows the powder to remain pure and fresh over time plus there’s no wastage or mess. (For full details of how to use its built in innovative grinder feature, click this application link here!)

Pure Finish Mineral Powder Foundation SPF20 is also enriched with anti-oxidants, natural skin smoothers, non-drying ingredients and an UV protection, SPF 20 and PA++. I am personally a strong advocate of using products with SPF and PA++, to the extent that I  will never go outdoor without such coverage. So, this product definitely scored extra points from me.

When I first tried it, I was amazed at how  comfortable it felt over my skin. The mineral powder was lightweight and blended smoothly and evenly. Unlike traditional liquid foundation, it doesn’t cake but instead, easily lasted all day without any retouching.  After 5 days of using Elizabeth Arden Pure Finish Mineral Foundation SPF20, I am now a firm believer that once you have tried it, you will not want to go back to traditional liquid foundation.

BUY IT : If you’re looking to keep your skin beautiful and problem free, Elizabeth Arden Pure Finish Mineral Foundation SPF20 is the smart alternative to chemical laden cosmetics that most of us are used to. For a look of pure perfection that’s non-drying, skin brightening and comfortable to wear every time, paying only $37.50 is definitely a worthy investment. Go and grab one of the nine shades available for yourself. You can thank me later.  

Recently, the Açaí berry has become all the rage with celebrities and health experts alike. Thanks to endorsement from Oprah Winfrey,  it is now known as the number one superfood in the world.

Indigenous to the Amazon rainforest, the Açaí, despite the recent surge in demand, is still somewhat allusive to the every-man. The good news is, Agrolabs has recently launched Naturally Acai Xtra to bring the benefits of the Amazon directly to the consumer.

Agrolabs Naturally Acai Xtra is loaded with the natural properties of the Açaí berry to promote energy, healthy digestion, cholesterol management, a strong immune system, and even a healthy, youthful complexion.

BUY IT : Pick up a bottle today to receive all the benefits of this illustrious superfood. Naturally Açaí Xtra is available at Costco for $18.99 (16 oz) or $23.99 (32 oz), and AgroLabs recommends one ounce per day to better health.

WIN IT : Thanks to www.agrolabs.com, THREE lucky readers will win two 16oz Naturally Acai Xtra bottle each. Here’s how to enter this giveaway:

• Visit Agrolabs and tell me in the comment section below one benefit of this supplement
• Three entries – if you subscribe to this blog via email (button on sidebar)
• Three entries – if you stumble this post (please state your SU id)
• Giveaway closes on 30th January 2009. Winners will be selected using the Random.Org.

How to Be a Geek Goddess
By Christina Tynan-Wood
December 2008, 344 pp
ISBN 9781593271879, $24.95 USD

If you are a woman who feel that you are technically challenged, this is a book that you MUST READ simply because it is written by a woman in simple, easy to understand, everyday language that we, women communicate with. None of those confusing acronyms (Thank God!) and technical jargons which makes you roll your eyes and wonder “What the heck is that?”

Mind you, the author, Christina Tynan- Wood is also one knowlegeable chick in the field of Technology. She has published hundreds of articles on technology, parenting, and education in her 15 years as a working writer. Christina has written for Family Circle, Parenting, This Old House, USA Weekend, Edutopia, Working Mother, Scholastic Administrator, Family PC, and Popular Science and has contributed regular columns to both PC World and PC Magazine. She has also won multiple awards for business and investigative journalism. You can visit her at www.geekgirlfriends.com (Yes! She’s a blogger too!!!)

My Take On The Book

I find How To Be A Geek Goddess witty, easy to understand, with some tinge of humour added. I especially enjoyed the foreword written by Christina’s other half, Dan Tynan. I thought that was a pretty smart “special touch” which would probably garner some interest from male readers. I am confident that those new to the world of computers will find this book to be a comprehensive guide. There are practical advice on buying computers, shopping for a cell phone, information regarding the world of internet (including blogging) and more.

My only dissatisfaction is in the presentation of the book - I thought the cover was boring! Being a woman, I wished it was more colourful and attractive looking – afterall, we do not want to stereotype technology books too, do we?

WIN A COPY!

To enter yourself in this Blog Giveaway for a copy of How To Be A Geek Goddess, here’s the requirements:

1. One entry – Tell me why you are interested to win this book
2. Three additional entries – Subscribe to this blog via email (button on the right side bar)
3. Three additional entries – If you add me to your blogroll
4. Giveaway closes on 23rd January 2008. A winner will be selected using the Random.Org number generator.

How many of you store folders and folders of great and memorable photo in your laptop and do nothing about it? I know I was guilty of doing just that but not anymore! If you nodded your head to my earlier question, I’d recommend you to create a EuroBook with all those wonderful digital photos of yours. After all, they are certainly not memories that you want to forget.

EuroBook is a new service provided by dotPhoto which gives user the ability to create customized, hardbound digital photo books, which in turn can be ordered online and delivered within 6 to 10 business days. EuroBooks are available in more than 200 configurations that vary in sizes, features, and price. What makes Eurobook software stand out from its competitors is the fact that it has a feature that groups photos together by colors, textures and matches background – giving the photo book a professional design look.

The Eurobook software is FREE to download and available at www.dotphoto.com or www.eurobook.us. Another advantage of using this software is you can create the photo books offline without worrying about Internet connections.

ORDER NOW : EuroBooks resemble “coffee table”-style books with high-quality professional binding as well as 135 pound paper. Pricing begins at $9.95 for the 5×5 inch, 26-page book. The popular Classic 8×11 inch EuroBook starts at $19.95. The Deluxe 11.6×11.6 inch EuroBook, which is perfect for special occasions and presentations, starts at $68.95. Pricing is also based on the number of pages and choice of cover material: soft cover, hard cover, linen, premium linen, booklet and faux leather.

Get your Eurobook in 3 simple steps:
• Download the free EuroBook software
• Create your book from your digital photos
• Place your order online

WIN IT : Thanks to dotPhoto, I am giving away two gift codes of up to $100 each for creating Eurobooks to two very lucky readers (one EuroBook each up to $100).

Here are the rules to participate:

• Visit www.eurobook.us and let me know in the comment section below which EuroBook will you spend your $100 gift code on.
• 3 additional entries if you Stumble This Post with a review
• Contest is open to US shipping addresses only
• Winners will be selected using the Random.Org number generator. Contest closes on 17th September 2008.

That’s exactly what Recycline‘s Preserve Toothbrush are known for. If you believe in being environmentally responsible, I highly recommend that you check out these toothbrushes which were designed by dentists and engineers.

This eco friendly Preserve Toothbrush has the following features:

•  1. Handle is made from 100% recycled plastic, including Stonyfield Farm yogurt products

2. Its 45° curved, easy to grip handle makes it wasy to reach every part of your teeth and gums. Thus, ensuring a through and even cleaning.

3. With soft, virgin nylon bristles placed in a tri-level configuration and softer outer rows, gums and tooth ennamel are protected.

You can choose from seven vivid colors which are available in Medium, Soft and Ultrasoft. When it’s time to replace your Preserve Toothbrush, just send the toothbrush and case back to Preserve using their postage-paid label and it’ll be re-processed into plastic lumber for picnic tables, boardwalks and decks. Now, doesn’t it make you feel good being able to help keep the environment green with such simple steps? Keep your teeth sparkling and help preserve the earth by buying The Preserve Toothbrush.

I’ve got great news for those interested in offers by TV Programming service provider, Dish Network. Dish Network Offers just keep getting better – Free Equipment, Free Installation and Discount Programming Deals. Check out the latest deal below:

Free DISH Network Deal 
NO Equipment to Buy
FREE Fast Professional Installation!
FREE DISH Home Protection Plan
100% Digital Programming
FREE DVR Upgrade Options DVR 510/DVR 625
New High Definition Mpeg-4 Receivers HD 211/HD-DVR 622
FREE LIFETIME Equip. Warranty
Local Channels Available
Start with as little as $29.99 per month (100 Channels) 

To those who are new to Dish Network, they are the leading provider of high definition TV programming, with a full thirty-one channels in high definition and more being planned to be added in the near future. Those who have already signed up will know that no other TV programming service provider comes even close to this number of DISH Network high definition channels.

Dish Network’s high definition TV programming provides a picture that is six times more precise and defined as the standard digitized format. On top of that, the sound feature of the programming also comes in digitized surround sound that also incorporates Dolby noise reduction technology. That simply means, the sound effects is similar to when you are watching a movie in a theatre. Simply awesome!

Another feature available through Dish Network is the ability to record the programs with just a click of the recording button once everything is properly set up.  The DVR is built right into the solid and attractive low profile unit and can record up to a total of one-hundred and twenty five hours of recording time in its memory. Being digital means there are no messy tapes or CDs while flawless picture and sound quality is a guarantee!

For those who are interested, you can call and enquire about Dish Network Promotions at 1-866-817-3341.

FOR HIM – The bottle of spray which comes fitted in a canvas like pouch is available in sizes of 50ml and 75ml. While the packaging is undeniably unique, the fragrance itself is even more so - a magic potion of mysterious star anise, vintage raspberry and authentic heliotropine. Sexy, stimulating and naughty, it is ideally suited for any men who enjoys love and life.

FOR HER – Once again, another out of the ordinary packaging with an obvious touch of feminity. The phial comes encased in a crocheted cover and similar to the men’s fragrance, there are two sizes available – 50ml and 75ml. The scent itself is a secret elixir of sexy blackcurrant, precious jasmine and antique patchouli. I’m eager to try this Fuel For Life Eau De Parfum and can’t wait to get my hands on it.

Fuel for Life is now available for purchase online at Diesel’s official website.

I am a big fan of the Apple iPhone, the revolutionary new mobile phone that allows you to make a call by simply tapping a name or number in your address book, a favorites list, or a call log. Other cool features includes auto sync of all contacts from a PC, Mac, or Internet service and users can also select and listen to voicemail messages in whatever order you want. It works just like email!

Unfortunately, the iPhone will only be available to us towards the beginning of Year 2008.  Meantime, I can’t help but envy my friends in the US who are already using it. I must admit, I definitely can’t wait to get my hands on it!

Non-tech savvy users will be happy to note that the scanning and image processing are fully automatic. It is also easy to use and set up. Here’s how it is done:

All you need to do is insert the card into the ScanShell 800N medical card scanner. Its automatic card-feed detection mechanism will trigger the scan and scan the card in a matter of seconds. Thereafter, the process will depend on your settings, whether to export or store it.

Other advantages of using MedicScan includes less paper work, especially for those who are working towards a paperless environment, improve customer service & productivity and most important of all it reduces human errors. MedicScan has proven to produce clear and sharp images and it is also able to scan any photo media including paper photos, ID cards, checks and even rigid plastic credit cards.

MedicScan can be purchased through ScanShell Store, a certified reseller of MedicScan products, by CSSN,