From School Library Journal
YA-Hinds has done a stunning job of celebrating the spirit-building wellness of African-American women. The book is old-fashioned and full of zest, and includes many of the ingredients that teenaged girls need to be healthy. Readers will learn how to cleanse and moisturize their skin and make facial masks at home, and acquire expert advice on beginning a fitness program. Facts are provided about how to treat, care for, and love their hair; assess its condition; and select styles that are best for individual facial features. The author also gives advice on how to balance one's life, tap into one's soul power, and find peace in the new millennium. Last but not least, a sprinkling of beauty secrets from celebrities and experts around the world is included. The book is profusely illustrated with photographs. YAs searching for a book about pampering themselves from head to toe would do well with this book.
ayo dayo, Chinn Park Regional Library, Prince William, VA
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
ayo dayo, Chinn Park Regional Library, Prince William, VA
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From Library Journal
This is a fully illustrated guide from the popular lifestyle magazine for African American women, covering all the beauty bases: skin, hair, makeup, fitness, diet, and health.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Review
"More than anything, this is a book about possibilities--about our unlimited potential for creativity and happiness once we assume the courage to be our true and best self. What a blessing it is to be able to envision how and what we want to be in the world, then roll up our sleeves and do the work of bringing that vision into being. Any time we choose, we can renew ourselves, we can begin again."
--From the Introduction by Susan L. Taylor
From the Hardcover edition.
--From the Introduction by Susan L. Taylor
From the Hardcover edition.
Book Description
The millions of sisters who read Essence have always known that looking and feeling good go hand in hand. True beauty is much more than having perfect makeup and a great hairstyle. It's about maximizing your potential -- spiritually, mentally, and physically. Here, from Essence Books, is a step-by-step guide on making the most of your assets.
The Essence Total Makeover provides useful, in-depth, very practical advice on how to be your best. You will learn how to:
¸ Care for your face, cleanse your skin, and moisturize it to bring out its natural glow
¸ Treat your hair with love, assess its condition, and decide what style is best for you
¸ Nurture your body from head to toe, with everything from recipes for at-home manicures to expert advice on beginning a fitness program
¸ Incorporate healthy eating into your active lifestyle
¸ Get your life in balance by taking stock and seeing what works and what needs to be changed
¸ Tap into your soul power and find peace
Illustrated throughout with stunning full-color photos, The Essence Total Makeover is a must-have for any woman of color looking for easy tips and practical techniques to reveal her total beauty.
The Essence Total Makeover provides useful, in-depth, very practical advice on how to be your best. You will learn how to:
¸ Care for your face, cleanse your skin, and moisturize it to bring out its natural glow
¸ Treat your hair with love, assess its condition, and decide what style is best for you
¸ Nurture your body from head to toe, with everything from recipes for at-home manicures to expert advice on beginning a fitness program
¸ Incorporate healthy eating into your active lifestyle
¸ Get your life in balance by taking stock and seeing what works and what needs to be changed
¸ Tap into your soul power and find peace
Illustrated throughout with stunning full-color photos, The Essence Total Makeover is a must-have for any woman of color looking for easy tips and practical techniques to reveal her total beauty.
From the Back Cover
"More than anything, this is a book about possibilities--about our unlimited potential for creativity and happiness once we assume the courage to be our true and best self. What a blessing it is to be able to envision how and what we want to be in the world, then roll up our sleeves and do the work of bringing that vision into being. Any time we choose, we can renew ourselves, we can begin again."
--From the Introduction by Susan L. Taylor --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
--From the Introduction by Susan L. Taylor --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
About the Author
During the past thirty years, ECI has grown into a vital business of diverse media properties and communications systems that include Essence, its flagship magazine, launched in 1970.
PATRICIA MIGNON HINDS, writer, editor, and educator, is the director of Essence Books. She is the editor of 21st Century Sister: The Essence Five Keys to Success (Three Rivers Press) and Essence: 25 Years Celebrating Black Women. The author of nine children's books, she lives in New York City.
PATRICIA MIGNON HINDS, writer, editor, and educator, is the director of Essence Books. She is the editor of 21st Century Sister: The Essence Five Keys to Success (Three Rivers Press) and Essence: 25 Years Celebrating Black Women. The author of nine children's books, she lives in New York City.
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
Foreword
by Patricia Mignon Hinds
My life has been a quest to learn and grow, in knowledge and in spirit. And there's always room to develop, learn more, and be better. For most of my life, I didn't comprehend the full meaning of taking care of myself. I had always automatically gravitated toward healthful activities and practices, such as sports and exercise, a more natural approach to makeup, and a do-it-at-home-between-touchups less-stress hairdo. But it all caught up to me when my life became so frenzied I stopped playing tennis, and didn't spend quite as much time maintaining my natural bronze. Then I began to value what it takes for everything to run in sync, to work in balance and in harmony. It made me appreciate my mother on a deeper level.
Seemingly effortlessly, my mother always stayed in shape, monitored her eating habits, kept every hair impeccably in place, maintained flawless skin and makeup, and kept an upbeat attitude. I am now more astounded than ever -- wondering how she kept it all together. Growing up, I didn't fully appreciate what efforts it took for my mother to look so good, or what it took for her to take care of herself -- as well as my sister Gail and me. Now I recognize, it's not that easy! My mother Gloria is my inspirational touchstone -- and I want my life to reflect her loving attention, strength, and positive outlook. I know I should think green salad instead of glazed doughnut when those hips start feeling or looking out of control, make sure those elbows have some lotion on them, and keep my mind and spirit in the right direction. It's about keeping the right mindset and planning to live under an overriding philosophy. So even when I go astray, I will get back on track before too long. It all boils down to some basics -- be good to yourself and others, eat right and exercise, and plan for some pampering.
Pampering is about feeling good, taking care, and loving. We all deserve our share, and we shouldn't deprive or neglect ourselves. We must make time to allow ourselves to relax, enjoy, and enhance our lives. Through some simple acts and attention, we can add a spring to our steps, a spark to our souls, find a renewed sense of peaceful serenity. It's amazing what a little fragrance from a jasmine candle will do while soaking in a warm, relaxing bath, or how much more energy we have and fit we feel after just a half-hour of swimming, or how peaceful yet strong we feel after quiet moments of prayer. The value of taking care and honoring ourselves is priceless.
I embraced this project with the passion and excitement that I'd want to feel for anything I have lived and breathed during its creation -- to make it the best -- with meaning, substance, and beauty. This beauty isn't about makeup, but about radiating on the outside a reflection of what's inside. It's about inner as well as outer beauty. The Essence Total Makeover is developed with that in mind -- putting together all the pieces that it takes to be our best. As this book emerged from its cocoon, it's come to embrace, reflect, and celebrate all we are as unique originals. It's about optimal health, happiness, and wholeness -- all we can be to take ourselves to a higher level. It evolved to be both a learning experience and to reflect my pursuit of how I try (with varying degrees of success) to live my life.
I have always been especially interested in keeping informed -- from today's news and technology to ancient Egyptian history. And that's not a stretch when I realize how it all comes together -- learning that many generations ago, our African ancestors tapped nature's resources for some of the same healing and beautifying sources that now have emerged as "breakthroughs." Like Egyptian kohl being used as eye shadow or liner. Or clay, as well as plants like aloe vera, being utilized by various African peoples -- like the Yoruba and Ashanti -- for healing and aesthetic aids. Or the Bororo people of West Africa and people of Kau in the Sudan, two groups of many who use natural colors found in ocher, ground shells, and ash. Or water being revered for its therapeutic, cleansing, and spiritual benefits among many cultures around the world. Some of their wisdom has been tapped to make this book both current and timeless.
Let's look at all the opportunities and possibilities there are for us. When the hair, skin, body, or spirit seems to be breaking down -- and we all know what that means -- let's think makeover time. When we conceive makeover, let's imagine rebirth or rejuvenation in those areas where we can use a little cleansing, fresh approaches, a new breath of life. Let's remember what we can do to become empowered and enlightened. Let's look at some of the steps we can take on our journeys to looking, feeling, and being our greatest and most powerful.
by Patricia Mignon Hinds
My life has been a quest to learn and grow, in knowledge and in spirit. And there's always room to develop, learn more, and be better. For most of my life, I didn't comprehend the full meaning of taking care of myself. I had always automatically gravitated toward healthful activities and practices, such as sports and exercise, a more natural approach to makeup, and a do-it-at-home-between-touchups less-stress hairdo. But it all caught up to me when my life became so frenzied I stopped playing tennis, and didn't spend quite as much time maintaining my natural bronze. Then I began to value what it takes for everything to run in sync, to work in balance and in harmony. It made me appreciate my mother on a deeper level.
Seemingly effortlessly, my mother always stayed in shape, monitored her eating habits, kept every hair impeccably in place, maintained flawless skin and makeup, and kept an upbeat attitude. I am now more astounded than ever -- wondering how she kept it all together. Growing up, I didn't fully appreciate what efforts it took for my mother to look so good, or what it took for her to take care of herself -- as well as my sister Gail and me. Now I recognize, it's not that easy! My mother Gloria is my inspirational touchstone -- and I want my life to reflect her loving attention, strength, and positive outlook. I know I should think green salad instead of glazed doughnut when those hips start feeling or looking out of control, make sure those elbows have some lotion on them, and keep my mind and spirit in the right direction. It's about keeping the right mindset and planning to live under an overriding philosophy. So even when I go astray, I will get back on track before too long. It all boils down to some basics -- be good to yourself and others, eat right and exercise, and plan for some pampering.
Pampering is about feeling good, taking care, and loving. We all deserve our share, and we shouldn't deprive or neglect ourselves. We must make time to allow ourselves to relax, enjoy, and enhance our lives. Through some simple acts and attention, we can add a spring to our steps, a spark to our souls, find a renewed sense of peaceful serenity. It's amazing what a little fragrance from a jasmine candle will do while soaking in a warm, relaxing bath, or how much more energy we have and fit we feel after just a half-hour of swimming, or how peaceful yet strong we feel after quiet moments of prayer. The value of taking care and honoring ourselves is priceless.
I embraced this project with the passion and excitement that I'd want to feel for anything I have lived and breathed during its creation -- to make it the best -- with meaning, substance, and beauty. This beauty isn't about makeup, but about radiating on the outside a reflection of what's inside. It's about inner as well as outer beauty. The Essence Total Makeover is developed with that in mind -- putting together all the pieces that it takes to be our best. As this book emerged from its cocoon, it's come to embrace, reflect, and celebrate all we are as unique originals. It's about optimal health, happiness, and wholeness -- all we can be to take ourselves to a higher level. It evolved to be both a learning experience and to reflect my pursuit of how I try (with varying degrees of success) to live my life.
I have always been especially interested in keeping informed -- from today's news and technology to ancient Egyptian history. And that's not a stretch when I realize how it all comes together -- learning that many generations ago, our African ancestors tapped nature's resources for some of the same healing and beautifying sources that now have emerged as "breakthroughs." Like Egyptian kohl being used as eye shadow or liner. Or clay, as well as plants like aloe vera, being utilized by various African peoples -- like the Yoruba and Ashanti -- for healing and aesthetic aids. Or the Bororo people of West Africa and people of Kau in the Sudan, two groups of many who use natural colors found in ocher, ground shells, and ash. Or water being revered for its therapeutic, cleansing, and spiritual benefits among many cultures around the world. Some of their wisdom has been tapped to make this book both current and timeless.
Let's look at all the opportunities and possibilities there are for us. When the hair, skin, body, or spirit seems to be breaking down -- and we all know what that means -- let's think makeover time. When we conceive makeover, let's imagine rebirth or rejuvenation in those areas where we can use a little cleansing, fresh approaches, a new breath of life. Let's remember what we can do to become empowered and enlightened. Let's look at some of the steps we can take on our journeys to looking, feeling, and being our greatest and most powerful.
