NEW! "If you’re looking for something to teach you how to make your own soap I highly recommend, “The Joy of Melt & Pour Soap Crafting”. Just keep in mind, you’ll want to read the whole book before you start. Every tip is helpful." Erica, Bass Giraffe blog. Read the entire review and see step-by-step photos of her making some awesome looking soap!
The Joy of Melt and Pour Soap Crafting - "What I like best about this book is how comprehensive it is overall. It starts small with many of the basics some instructional guides tend to skip over or breeze through, and expands on the information as you progress. It includes instructions on not only the best way to make your soaps, but what equipment to use for the greatest product results." Rebecca, Soap Deli News Blog Read the entire review at her site!
"The end also has some websites listed where you can buy some oils, some soap bases, and it looks like a lot of good information to get someone started. These resources alone are worth the cost of the e-book as it will save a lot of time in getting started." Riki, Crazy for a Deal
"I always wanted to make my own soap, however I thought it might be too dificult until I read the book by Lisa Maliga – The Joy of Melt and Pour Soap Crafting.
It is a great book not only for beginners, who are only starting their adventure with soap making, but also for the ones who already made soap products.
The book contains information on what equipment you should have for soap making, what type of soap base and moulds you should use. It details the use of fragrance & essential oils, herbs. You will also learn all about what is best for you to use in soaps, which colorant to use and which you should avoid. If you intend to make more than just one bar of soap there is great information on how to store, package and label your creations. But what I like most about this book is that it offers many clear and easy to follow recipes to create your own soaps.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is thinking about soap making. This practical guide is well written and researched and you will really enjoy reading it and you will get ideas for your own soap recipes." Book review by Ewa Kelly of Blueberry Craft and Hobby Time
"The more recipes in this eBook I looked at the more excited I became. I absolutely love pictures and having them on each recipe is a wonderful addition. When I see the pictures it gives me an idea of how the soap will look and if I want to try it or something else. They also give me an idea of how the soap will look with the different molds. This is just an all around must have eBook for the crafter who wants to learn something new." Book review by Terri of Terri's Little Haven
"Lisa has been crafting soap years. She goes through the materials that you need; how to shape, mold, scent, and color soap; as well as recipes for different types of soaps. She goes through the different kinds of scents, oils, colors, herbs and what not that goes into crafting different soaps." Leila B of The Go To Mommy
"If you are looking into getting into soap making this is a must read. It's great book with tons of information. She even tells you about mistakes you don't want to make!" Kime' Braden, Adventures of the Domesticated Mama
"What I like about this book is it's just not a book full of projects. Lisa gives you some background on what melt and pour soapmaking is along with tips and tricks as well as facts and safety tips. This book is perfetto for newbs and presents some fun, indoor activity for the kiddos. Throw a soap party and invite your best buds over for a little pinot and soapmaking." Book review by Patrice, soapmaker at The Soap Seduction. You can read the full review there and see some of the awesome soaps she has made!
"She explains how to use colorants, liquid, mica, mineral and natural. She also explains why using a double boiler or a crock pot is a better option than microwaving your soap."
"The e-book is very detailed about the process of melt and pour soap. The author cares a lot about the topic and wants to share that with you.'
Book review by Shala Kerrigan of Don't Eat the Paste Read the entire review at her site or at Amazon.
"The book is really well written and very detailed. I love the heartwarming dedication to the author's mother and the forward that gives a history of soap making and why you should make your own. The book has many sections and a particularly interesting one for me was the one on herbs and other additives." Book Review by Karen Mead Read the rest of the review at Verging On.
"I highly recommend this ebook [THE JOY OF MELT AND POUR SOAP CRAFTING]. She has pictures in the ebook so you can see what your soap should look like. It would also make a great gift, you can purchase it and it can be sent as a gift through email." Kat of Your Organic Child
"I have had the opportunity to read and explore this book, written and photographed by Lisa Maliga is an instructional book with some great tips. I have attempted to make my own soaps before, on a whim and I wish I would have had a book like this back then! I made plenty of mistakes, and so did the author of this book, which is why she had great tips and advice." Jessi of Coffee Matters
"My kids enjoy helping me make crafts and with The Joy of Melt and Pour Soap Crafting we were able to have so much fun and ended up making some great soap together." Jessica of Deal Finder Chick
"After Lisa breaks everything down and explains very thoroughly; from liquids and colorants, minerals, mica, and fragrances to melting options she gives detailed instructions on how to make many different types of soaps. Including baby soap!" Carli of Grandma's Guide to Life
"I read the book, and honestly, learned quite a lot - especially since I didn't really know much about this topic to begin with. Making your own soap is a lot easier than one might think! Lisa's book gives incredible step-by-step instructions on how to create your own soap, and goes into great detail about why you should create your own soap, information on fragrances and essential oils, reputable soap suppliers, and even crafts for kids of various ages." Laura of Between the Lines
NEW! SATAN'S CASTING CALL - "a microcosm of hollywood as a swift kick to.....
your right kidney... really fun short as i'm a fan of la and sf stories. i see it as a washed out color short... 17 minutes tops... lol... seriously, fun read...." P.D. Durie
Notes from Nadir - "I first started reading this memoir through the author's blog, and I was quickly hooked by her conversational, down-to-earth style. The book - with lots of new content not featured on the blog - follows the author as she leaves behind her LA life and returns to her roots, with lots of vignettes and familial snapshots along the way. A very enjoyable read about trying to fit back into a mould you no longer fit." Author of The Hating Game, Talli Roland
"This book reads like a memoir and I think it's because it is. Honestly, I wasn't sure I could get through it because it started at an odd point in the character's life. However, after I started, I couldn't put it down. Seriously.
Why? It boils down to one thing: The writer is an amazing story teller. The way she describes even the most mundane events drew me in. I had to know what was going to happen next. I can't compare this book to any other books I've read because it isn't. If this isn't a true story, you'll believe it is.
The ending really surprised me and it left such a impact, I'm sure I'm not going to forget this novel in a long time. This is part one in the series. The second book is a must read for me." Clarissa Draper, Listening to the Voices
"What started off as a blog series, ended up as a book. One I have thoroughly enjoyed reading. Notes from Nadir are quite literally just that--notes. A journey home from Hollywood to Nadir has its adventures.
Jobless, financially bereft the author drives across country to live rent free with her mother, until she is financially stable again. Arriving home brings about the mundane pressures of living with an elderly mother, while searching for work. Each day thoughts and happenings of the author Lisa Maliga are recorded in a light-hearted banter. Amusing anecdotes of jobs she applied for and those she was successful in obtaining.
The author created an interesting story with her notes, the flow is not broken with the short snippets. We see the changes in the relationship between a romantic crush on a boss, and new affection between mother and daughter.
If you enjoy memoir style books you will enjoy this one. If you enjoy something different, you will enjoy Notes from Nadir."
Glynis Smy - Writer, Notes from Nadir by Lisa Maliga: Book Review
Love Me, Need Me: A Narcissist's Tale - "Helena Hoffman is a wannabe writer who stumbles across established author Arlen J Stevenson in an online writer's forum. At first their online meeting is based on shared distrust of a vanity publishing scam but their friendship soon turns into something more sordid. As months of chatting over the internet turn more intense Helen is soon running very dubious websites for Arlen without realising (initially) that Arlen is using these to meet women to satiate his insatiable sexual appetites.
For me the main pull of the story is Arlen J Stevenson. Lisa Maliga has conjured up a most colossal character in this man. He is completely without a moral compass and is most detestable and yet I found him extremely fascinating. I was totally mesmerised by his exploits. It was like watching someone crash and burn and being unable to look away for fear of missing anything salacious! He totally brought out the voyeur in me! I think the other characters paled in his presence and were like shadows at the edges of this man's adventures. He overwhelmed and drowned all and sunder.
For me the story only stalled with the deluge of online chatting. I guess I was much too impatient to move onto Mr Stevenson next exploit!
A truly mesmerising read." J. Domingo, Amazon UK
Back in 2004 I sent a copy of my book to fantasy author Piers Anthony. He wrote: "North of Sunset by Lisa Maliga. She's the one listed in my Survey as I'm a Published Novelist Ha Ha! Ha!, a pertinent warning for starry-eyed aspiring writers. Her web site www.lisamaliga.com is worth checking similarly; she tells it as it is. If you took a few decades off my age and changed my gender, the result might resemble Lisa. North of Sunset is fun, about a Hollywood producer and his temporary secretary, showing a good deal of what I presume is reality. It is written with the omniscient viewpoint, which I dislike, but it held my interest regardless. "
From the Piers Anthony site, June 2004 Newsletter.
Paranormal Reality: Investigating Paranormal State - "If you're a fan of paranormal shows on television, any of them, or a fan of critical thinking, you too will enjoy the expert critical analysis the authors bring to bear on the show Paranormal State. This book will blow you away.
I very much enjoyed reading this book, did so in one sitting in fact, and enjoyed it enough to take the time to review it, something I don't typically do.
The authors do a masterful job of breaking the television show Paranormal State down show by show, segment by segment, scene by scene, revealing that which almost everybody misses consciously. Amazing.
From start to finish the authors kept me engaged and focused, not an easy task, and they leave no stone unturned, all without getting into the personal lives of the team members themselves.
One recommendation which is also noted in the book: Do have either the episodes of Paranormal State on DVD or access to the episodes online (or possess a photographic memory) so you can see EXACTLY what the authors are talking about, scene by scene, for yourself.
It's a great book, and a recommended read. Author Kirby Robinson was even kind enough to come onto my radio show and talk about the book, a visit which was both memorable and informative. That's how much I enjoyed this book! Listen to Kirby talk about this book at blogtalkradio, show name claranormal." Steve, Claranormal
Writing is not easy. Putting a book out that one has worked on so diligently can be daunting. On the other hand, finally seeing one’s book come to fruition is an exciting time for any author. As a writer, I understand. And will overlook Kirby Robinson’s zealousness in promoting his book. He has achieved something many will not. He has written a book. And writing is not easy. Anyone who has ever spent the long hours required to produce a book deserves to be proud.
The first thing that struck me about this book is that early on Robinson gives us the definition of a para-celeb. And by that definition (a famous person due to speaking gigs, books and internet) he has himself joined the ranks of para-celebrity. Never does he acknowledge his new earned para-celebrity.
But he assures us that the book is not about personal attacks and Paranormal Reality moves forward. The book in itself is informative. While I don’t necessarily agree with Kirby Robinson’s findings, there is no denying that he has included some interesting facts. As a side note, I will mention that one of which is the history of reality television. It’s been around longer than I imagined. Inclusion of this tidbit peaked my curiosity. Is the rest of his research as thorough? Apparently it is.
He has spent a lot of time focusing on what he sees as flaws and wrongdoing by the television series Paranormal State. But that should not surprise given the title of his book, Paranormal Reality Investigating Paranormal State.
To his credit, Robinson offered all those involved with the show the opportunity to tell their side of it. Most declined. The book covers all 5 seasons and Robinson suggests the reader watch DVDs of the show. And that is a very good suggestion. By using the book as a guide, the viewer will not miss anything that Robinson points out. Whether or not the reader will enjoy this book depends on his, or her, interest in the television series Paranormal State. Fans of the show will no doubt find this book invaluable and eye-opening. Those who don’t care about the show (or who have never watched an episode) probably won’t understand a lot of what Robinson attempts to point out.
Paranormal Reality Investigation Paranormal State is available on Amazon.com. Here is the original review at Paradacity.
"I just wanted to thank you again for joining me this past Thursday [March 31, 2011] on Forgotten Truth Radio. I really enjoyed the interview and the discussion we had. I feel that your book is very well written and deeply researched."
Erik Scerbak, Forgotten Truth Radio
"This Blog put out a book that claims to have all sorts of evidence that A&E and Ryan may be running "Paranormal State" as a scripted show. I have read it and do not want to make any accusations, but it is a very eye opening look into the making of the show, and why some people left. http://eyeontheparanormal.blogspot.com/ The interesting part is that the book is written by a believer, not a blinded skeptic type." Haunted Bytown
"I was surprised to see you are into the paranormal. I would expect a book like this from James Randi. Much more interesting coming from someone in the field." John
Monoi de Tahiti: Spa in a Bottle is the only ebook to explore more about this versatile Polynesian beauty oil. 2 Amazon reviews were added on April 23.
" I've heard of Monoi De Tahiti but after reading this book I learned that you can get it in many different flavors like vanilla and sandalwood! If you like all things natural like I do then you should learn more about monoi and how its good for your skin and hair and even lips. Ebook has good information and is worth the price." Reviewed by Dee
"Monoi oil is coconut oil with fragrance . lots of information in this book which has cool recipes + good tips + 99 is ok price wish it came with a bottle of monoi oil or at least a cupon." Reviewed by JoyB
NEW! "Would you love for your hair to look and smell like you’ve been on a vacation to Tahiti? Then coconut-based Monoi de Tahiti oil is for you. It can be added to shampoos and conditioners, or used as a conditioner. It can also be used as skin care because it is like a spa in a bottle filled with skin-soothing benefits and is highly versatile. Other ways this oil is used is in lip gloss, perfume, as bath oil, as a makeup remover, and is used in tanning to help skin from being dry and peeling. And the great thing about this oil is that it’s not greasy or sticky. It comes in a variety of scents, and it also comes unscented.
Monoi comes from Tahitian coconuts, obtained from naturally-dried coconuts and has a long shelf life. The book tells more about where the coconuts are grown how it is extracted. The base for Monoi de Tahiti, which is Tiare flowers, is a wonderful version of gardenia and it also contains soothing, purifying, and skin helping properties. To find out more about the Tiare flowers and their roll in this wonderful oil, you will need to read the book! Oh and there are some cool recipes in here, too.
Having always liked oils, lotions and soaps, I wanted to check this book out and see what this oil was about. I was very impressed with the pureness of it. This is the real stuff. It was also interesting reading about how the oils were extracted, how the flowers were added to the oils as the base, and all of the wonderful uses of it. This is a very informative little book telling you all you need to know about this Monoi de Tahiti oil, and where to buy the real stuff. But please be careful in purchasing Monoi de Tahiti: Spa in a Bottle because it is becoming increasingly popular, bringing many online and offline imitators. If it doesn’t say Appellation d' Origin, don’t buy it, it’s fake." From Manic Readers
Nuts About Shea Butter ~ "The information in this book is researched well and presented in understandable everyday terms. Each type of unique Shea butter is covered with detailed information that was presented in an interesting way, not just a bulleted list of facts. The tips about shelf life, storage and shipping would be helpful for anyone wanting to stock large quantities of Shea butter. There is a recipe for a melt & pour soap using Shea butter, no cold process recipe though. The supplier’s links at the back of the book will be of use to anyone wanting to find quality Shea butters and oils.
I am taking away half a star, because I believe some of the chapters should be rearranged, and combined under broader chapter headings. Many of the chapters are less than a page each and I think belonged together. The other half star was lost because this book is a case for photos. I know color will not come through on a Kindle, but texture will. I love looking at pictures of butters, and seeing the different consistencies and uses would have been a bonus to this book.
There are no major inconsistencies or errors in the book, and I found it a nice reminder about all things Shea." B. Tackitt for Red Adept Reviews
All titles are also available on B&N NOOKbooks and Smashwords. The covers below are linked to the Amazon Kindle versions.
