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(Click on the pictures of the books to purchase.)

Reviews of 52 Weeks of Passionate Sex

Reviews of Hummingbirds: Jewels On Air

Review of Passion Starters: Seduce. Surprise. Satisfy

Reviews of The Art of Chinese Calligraphy

Reviews of The Cocktail Kit

Reviews of Five-Minute Erotica

Reviews of The Creative Impulse Lecture and Meditation CD

Reviews of Discovering Your Life Purpose Meditation CD

REVIEW OF 52 WEEKS OF PASSIONATE SEX:

Finally--A Unique, Lighthearted Book on Sex!, January 21, 2004
This is one of the better sex books I've read. There are actually some original ideas in it both for men as well as women, and the writing is bright, sensual, and funny. The erotica book is pretty good, too, and the kit is a great gift for Valentine's or a bridal shower. You can get it as a gag gift for someone, but I'll bet they end up using it for real. I love the packaging, and it has so many fun little items in it - the cards are especially great, and the massager is a nice plus for the price. I'm really glad I purchased this.

What I really love about this set is the books. The accessories are okay and the mini vibe is a great extra, but the book of erotica and the book of 52 tips will fill you with inspiration. Although the tips can be done at your own pace, if you commit to one a week, you really will have a great year of sex! MyPleasure.com.

REVIEW OF PASSION STARTERS: SEDUCE. SURPRISE. SATISFY.:

"Wow! Great price, great product. There are 40 cards and I'm only going to use about half of them, but it was still very worth buying this item. The cards I will FOR SURE try out are completely new ideas to me. Very original and exciting suggestions. I never in a million years would have thought up these ideas on my own, so I am grateful for this purchase. This product is for the very timid, the mildly timid, and the outright kinky. Everyone can and will enjoy this!"

REVIEWS OF HUMMINGBIRDS: JEWELS ON AIR:

Gorgeous photos and fun, informative read!, June 24, 2003
This is a great introduction to hummingbirds. The text is delightful for all ages, and the photographs are stunning. These creatures are amazing, and I was surprised by so many things about them. I was also surprised that I didn't lose interest reading about them. From a birdwatching relative, I understand that the book has a lot of useful information for the novice as well as the veteran, and I've also been told that some of the species pictured are very rare to see in a book. I had no idea that hummingbirds come in so many different varieties with head crests and odd tails, not to mention their fascinating feeding, nesting and migrating habits. We all know they can fly like no other bird, but they sleep in an almost dead state? Truly amazing! My kids and I have really enjoyed having this book, and I have to say that my birdwatching relative prefers it to most other comparable hummingbird books on the market.

Gorgeous photos, smart writing -- what's not to like?, June 16, 2003
This is a wonderful coffee-table book! I've read it twice and still find myself picking it up at odd moments, paging through it, lost in the beautiful pictures. I can't qualify as an expert on birds, or even a more-than-casual bird watcher, but even so, I used to spend hours of my vacations in New Mexico on my relative's deck, mesmerized by "hummers." This book has reawakened my fascination with them! The spritely writing compresses a vast amount of potentially soporific information into a lively account of hummingbirds' peculiar aerodynamics and physiology, of habitat and appetite, of "livin, lovin and fightin." (Did you know hummingbird intimacies last from 2-5 seconds? That should make all of us feel better. But since they live only 3-5 years, and have to eat every ten minutes, it doesn't.) It also includes a section on the care and set-up of your own hummingbird feeder, and the hummingbird in myth and folklore. Oddly enough, this book didn't come to me through a love of hummingbirds but of poetry -- I'd read the author in a back issue of a poetry journal, looked her up in a bookstore, and found this. No wonder the prose is so enjoyable! But it is the photos that keep me coming back -- in life you tend to get a glimpse of hummers in your peripheral vision. This book brings them to a full stop, in glowing color.

REVIEW OF THE ART OF CHINESE CALLIGRAPHY:

Beautiful kit and excellent intro to the art!
I can't believe how beautiful the items are in this kit! I expected something kind of cheap considering the price, but that's not the case at all. It has a beautiful stone, ink stick, brush, paper, and a sweet little china bowl - the works. The little book is interesting and clearly written, offering a great introduction to the art of Chinese calligraphy. I was surprised that with a little practice, I was actually able to duplicate the characters in the book pretty well. This kit is a lovely stocking stuffer and the perfect way to find out if you want to really study this art thoroughly. Highly recommended!

REVIEWS OF THE COCKTAIL KIT:

All you need to know in a tiny box!
Amazingly, this little booklet gives you an amazing amount of information about how to throw a cocktail party, including plenty of recipes for the old favs as well as trendy drinks and theme parties. With its wine markers, umbrellas, and plastic monkeys and mermaids, it's a great gift for the hostess or stocking stuffer. What fun!

Lots of fun in a little box!, November 11, 2002
This would be a swell stocking stuffer! If, like me, you think cocktails are lots of fun, then you've got to get one of these for yourself and more for your friends. The little box has a little book with recipes for all kinds of cocktails (even ones you thought you knew) and most of what else you need, too (except for barware and liquids, of course). There are six plastic hanging monkeys, six cute metal drink markers, and even six bright colorful paper umbrellas. Lots of drinking fun without the possiblity of a hangover!

REVIEWS OF FIVE-MINUTE EROTICA:

Fun stories!, September 11, 2003
Really enjoyed reading these spicy stories. Especially liked "Give Me a Shine" by Melanie Votaw. Recommend.

REVIEWS OF THE CREATIVE IMPULSE Lecture and Meditation CD:

"This CD's touching poetry, creative visualizations, and soothing guidance are uplifting and purifying. After meditating, my self-esteem and creativity came back stronger than ever. I highly recommend this CD."--Cathy O.

Review by Peter Shepherd of Tools for Transformation

On this two-part CD, Melanie first discusses the importance of self-expression to personal fulfillment. All too often we find ourselves living lives which have nothing to do with who we truly are or what we really want. When we connect with our innate creative impulses, whether it be in the arts or in new ways to resolve problems or achieve our goals in all walks of life, we connect to our essential selves. To express ourselves individually is a joyful experience. This is our birthright: to have joy, pleasure and fun in our lives; to be and express our unique selves.

The introductory lecture is followed by a guided meditation in which Melanie first leads you to a deeply relaxed state, then sets up a scenario that helps you to become aware of your deeper self, where your true creativity resides. And she explains how you can take that resource into your daily life.

It's an inspiring talk and the meditation is effective. Melanie has a great understanding of what creativity is about and communicates this well.

REVIEWS OF DISCOVERING YOUR LIFE PURPOSE Meditation CD:

I truly enjoyed these inspiring and uplifting meditations. I highly recommend this CD. Trust its soft guidance, and be ready for a surprising and creative journey. -- Catherine

With a very calming soothing voice, this CD speaks of the soul and touches the heart. As a person who has never learned meditation, this was a great introduction. I was immediately relaxed and calmed. I highly recommend it! -- Bonnie C.