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See what's coming up this year with Stacey Chillemi's best sellers.
Featured Categories: Self-Help,Inspirational, Motivational, Romance, Poetry, Children's Books, Inspirational Christian Poetry and Health and spirituality.
New: We now offer all Stacey Chillemi books on CD and DVD. Stacey Chillemi now created a new line of colorful and inspirational calendars for 2008.
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Print: $22.96 Download: $12.95 As I have been getting older now in my mid-thirties I have seen several of my friends develop breast cancer and other types of cancers.
I wrote this book to help educate women about breast cancer, so they can help prevent it or catch it in the early stages when it can be treated and cured.
Today, approximately 1 in almost every 8 women (13.4%) will develop breast cancer in her lifetime.Why take changes with your life. I have learned over the years that doctors are people too, not miracle workers. It is up to us to research and do what ever possible to help maintain a happy, healthy and productive life.
The American Cancer Society estimates that approximately 211,240 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer and approximately 40,410 will die. Although these numbers may sound frightening, research reveals that their are ways to protect yourself and help prevent your chances of developing breast cancer.
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Print: $40.95 Download: $15.95
The Complete Herbal Guide: A Natural Approach to Healing the Body is essential reference book for anyone interested in maintaining optimal health and overcoming disease. The book contains concise and comprehensive listings of over 175 herbs and conditions. The book has quick and easy references to the all information you need to maintain excellent health the natural way.
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Disc: $11.95 (CD Book)
DO YOU OR A LOVE ONE HAVE EPILEPSY? DOES YOUR CHILD HAVE EPILEPSY? ARE YOU LOOKING FOR AN EXCELLENT CHILDREN’S BOOK TO TEACH WHAT EPILEPSY IS TO YOUR CHILD?
Are you trying to figure out how to explain to your child or a child in your family about your disorder, so they will understand what epilepsy is and what they can do to help you when you are experiencing a seizure?
This book helps educate children and help them understand what they can do if a friend or love one is having a seizure. There are so many myths that still roam through our society about epilepsy.
"My Mommy Has Epilepsy" gives children and their family truth; medical facts explained in simplistic terminology so there is a clear understanding about epilepsy.
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Print: $35.10 Download: $21.27 Author Stacey Chillemi and Illustrator Iacovos Kyriakides provide spectacular proof that children really understand more than you think. Illuminating the cartoon illustrations of confusion and fear that epilepsy can cause, this new edition of My Daddy Has Epilepsy uses lively, subversive illustrations to show how to understand what epilepsy is and what to do if someone is experiencing a seizure. This picture book is sure to elicit a clear understanding—and opportunity to eliminate children's fear of epilepsy—from all who read it. About the Author STACEY CHILLEMI is constantly tempted to help others with epilepsy and help their family on what it is, how to cope with it, how to get on with their lives, and more.
In this edition all illustrations are now in color.
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Print: $12.95 Download: $9.95 Each day, we have a new opportunity to find happiness; and unless we are able to learn to be happy on a day-to-day basis, we will probably never find true happiness. There are situations, when we find ourselves trapped, full of anger, not knowing where to turn or what to do. The anger of losing control of our lives. You may feel like life is meaningless, and happiness is no longer an option. My poems will show you otherwise. I will show you through my poetry that there is no reason to be angry. Love yourself as your loved ones love you. Life is meaningless unless you can love, be happy and bring your happiness to others. As you read my poetry, you will see a completely new meaning of life. In addition, faith will once again be a part of your life.
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Print: $24.95 Download: $16.95 Did you know...?
Stephen King brought epublishing to the attention of the world by publishing his novel, "Riding the Bullet", exclusively in ebook form. In the first 24 hours of availability, 400,000 copies were downloaded - more than any other book in any format!
Epublishing is becoming today’s future. This book will help people who want to become wealthy selling eBooks.
This book is a must have for any perspective ebook entrepreneur. Using the techniques in this book, you will learn how to create your own ebook money tree.
In the past, prospective authors had to hope that their book would be picked up by a publisher and have their work put into print. Today, an informed author can take control of their publishing needs and publish their work themselves.
Using this book and the information I have supplied to you in this book will help you create, sell, market, and profit from ebooks. This book will help you create strategies to sell ebooks and become a success at it.
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Print: $17.94 Download: $15.02 This book has the most in depth-coverage of important development topics found anywhere on "How to Sell Informational Product's on the Internet. The author of the book is a renowned expert in the area. Learn directly from a recognized community expert.
If you've mastered the basics of the Internet development, this book provides the next step. It has unique coverage of "How to Become Wealthy Selling Informational Products on the Internet, a detailed tour of how to become wealthy selling informational products. Hot topics Throughout the book. Tips and techniques are also covered.
This book is packed with code examples and never-before seen secrets of Internet.
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Download: $12.95 This book has the most in depth-coverage of important development topics found anywhere on "How to Sell Informational Product's on the Internet. The author of the book is a renowned expert in the area. Learn directly from a recognized community expert. If you've mastered the basics of the Internet development, this book provides the next step. It has unique coverage of "How to Become Wealthy Selling Informational Products on the Internet, a detailed tour of how to become wealthy selling informational products. Hot topics Throughout the book. Tips and techniques are also covered. This book is packed with code examples and never-before seen secrets of Internet.
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Print: $14.95 Download: $9.16 DO YOU OR A LOVE ONE HAVE EPILEPSY? DOES YOUR CHILD HAVE EPILEPSY? ARE YOU LOOKING FOR AN EXCELLENT CHILDREN’S BOOK TO TEACH WHAT EPILEPSY IS TO YOUR CHILD?
Millions of people have epilepsy or experience Seizures. Are you one of them? Are you trying to figure out how to explain to your child or a child in your family about your disorder, so they will understand what epilepsy is and what they can do to help you when you are experiencing a seizure?
The book helps educate children and help them understand what they can do if a friend or love one is having a seizure. There are so many myths that still roam through our society about epilepsy. "My Mommy Has Epilepsy" gives children and their family truth; medical facts explained in simplistic terminology so there is a clear understanding about epilepsy.
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Print: $24.94 Download: $12.95 Epilepsy You’re Not Alone is a 200-page book targeted for individuals who have epilepsy. Unlike other books on epilepsy, it will focus on the facts of the connection between the mind, body and spirit as it relates to epilepsy, showing readers how to use that connection to cope with epilepsy. Epilepsy You’re Not Alone presents readers with a workable program for coping with their disorder and forming a healthy relationship with their mind, body and spirit enabling readers to overcome their disorder and get on with their lives. Lad - Star Ledger Newspaper Chillemi is the author of epilepsy you're not alone, an inspirational book written for people living with epilepsy. Inspired by her own battles with epilepsy, chillemi wrote a book to give those coping with the disorder greater self-esteem, hope and motivation to continue living normal lives.
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Download: $6.25 Hardcover Print: $22.75 How do you know when you are in love? What is true love and what is not? How can I find a person to love and share the rest of my life? Will true love come to me naturally? How can I build a relationship? The poems in my book answer these questions.
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Download: $12.95 Hardcover Print: $24.95 Epilepsy You’re Not Alone will be a 200 page book targeted for individuals who have epilepsy. Unlike other books on epilepsy, it will focus on the facts of the connection between the mind, body and spirit as it relates to epilepsy, showing readers how to use that connection to cope with epilepsy.
Through example and encouragement Epilepsy You’re Not Alone will offer readers a variety of strategies for coping with epilepsy. Epilepsy You’re Not Alone will present readers with a workable program for coping with their disorder and forming a healthy relationship with their mind, body and spirit enabling readers to overcome their disorder and get on with their lives.
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Download: $6.68 Hardcover Print: $22.94 (Hardcover version)DO YOU OR A LOVE ONE HAVE EPILEPSY? DOES YOUR CHILD HAVE EPILEPSY? ARE YOU LOOKING FOR AN EXCELLENT CHILDREN’S BOOK TO TEACH WHAT EPILEPSY IS TO YOUR CHILD?
Millions of people have epilepsy or experience Seizures. Are you one of them? Are you trying to figure out how to explain to your child or a child in your family about your disorder, so they will understand what epilepsy is and what they can do to help you when you are experiencing a seizure?
The book helps educate children and help them understand what they can do if a friend or love one is having a seizure. There are so many myths that still roam through our society about epilepsy. "My Mommy Has Epilepsy" gives children and their family truth; medical facts explained in simplistic terminology so there is a clear understanding about epilepsy.
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Print: $22.98 Download: $13.52 Approximately 2.5 million people in the U.S. suffer from epilepsy. “Live, Learn, and Be Happy with Epilepsy,” is a superb book that is truly unique. It is a 200-page book targeted for individuals who have epilepsy. Unlike other books on epilepsy, it will focus on techniques that will help the reader build the inner power to do anything or become anything they want in life.
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Print: $19.95 Download: $14.24 Young and young-at-heart parents, unite! Author Stacey Chillemi and Illustrator Iacovos Kyriakides provide spectacular proof that children really understand more than you think. Illuminating the cartoon illustrations of confusion and fear that epilepsy can cause, this new edition of My Daddy Has Epilepsy uses lively, subversive illustrations to show how to understand what epilepsy is and what to do if someone is experiencing a seizure. This picture book is sure to elicit a clear understanding—and opportunity to eliminate children's fear of epilepsy—from all who read it. About the Author STACEY CHILLEMI is constantly tempted to help others with epilepsy and help their family on what it is, how to cope with it, how to get on with their lives, and more. The Illustrations in this book are in black and white. This book is now available with color illustrations.
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Print: $14.97 Download: $9.02 Stacey Chillemi is a young writer, speaker and leader in the epilepsy community. She is a Christian, who went on a spiritual journey, found her place in the world and most importantly, discovered Jesus' relevance for everyday life.
This book, in its own elliptical way, tells the tale of that journey. Her style of writing enlightens and her poetic analysis of life as a Christian personally revealing rather than profoundly insightful. As such, it offers a postmodern riff on the classic evangelical presentation of the Gospel, complete with a concluding call to commitment. Written as a series of short essays on vaguely theological topics (faith, grace, belief, love, life, happiness), and disguised theological topics (magic, romance, ETC…), it is at times plodding or simplistic, and sometimes falls into merely self-indulgent musing. But more often Chillemi is enjoyably clever, and her poetic story is telling and beautiful, even poignant.
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Print: $22.96 Download: $9.95 After many years of deliberation, I have taken the time to create new poetry, true inspirational stories, and I have took the time to recreate my old works so I could deliver a wonderful poetry and inspirational book that will touch your hearts forever.
“Beyond Words,” is a coherent, inspirational and passionate collection, very various in all its unity of purpose. In the language and circumstances of our day and age, it re-animates and continues a long tradition of the poetry and stories of love and inspiration.
The inspirational stories in this book are a collection of personal memories that have implemented a space in my heart and have become a part of my soul. Now I would like to share these stories with you.
This passionate, highly personal collection of inspiration and love focuses the intensity of life on all matters of the heart.
The poems and stories, sing with individual life, while the collection as a whole follows a dramatic arc that consumes the reader’s attention.
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Download: $9.95 Hardcover Print: $22.81 The poems in this book will give you the faith, hope, courage and strength to be happy and love life. If you cannot find happiness in the present, you will never find it in the future. Those who find true happiness pursue the goal of achieving as much success and finding as much happiness as possible every day of their lives. These poems will show you through my poetry that there is no reason to be angry. Love yourself as your loved ones love you. Life is meaningless unless you can love, be happy and bring your happiness to others. As you read my poetry, you will see a completely new meaning of life. In addition, faith will once again be a part of your life.
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Download: $7.95 (ebook version)“Faith, Courage, Wisdom, Strength and Hope,” is a collection of poems that Inspire your mind, body and soul. This book will give you the inspiration to want to live life to the fullest and be the best you can be. The poems in this book have been written to inspire and comfort readers, as well as to give you a completely different view of life.
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Print: $21.21 Download: $13.33 For the millions of people who love to read poetry, these poems will provide words of inspiration and joy to your lives. Whether you just love to read poetry or need to inspire your life with inspiration, “Let the Love of Life be the Strength of your Soul,” will give new meaning to your life.
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Print: $22.75 Download: $9.95 Discover real estate investing wisdom from this book, “How to Become Wealthy in Real Estate. Does the idea of becoming a wealthy intrigue you? Are you skeptical about becoming wealthy? There are hundreds, maybe even thousands, of books on how to become wealthy in real estate investing. Many of them promise a lot but deliver very little.
In this book you will learn:
• How to find ideal investment properties.
• How to determine a good investment.
• How to manage and maintain properties.
• How to invest a little and obtain a lot
• And much, much more!
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Download: $12.95 This book has the most in depth-coverage of important development topics found anywhere on "How to Sell Informational Product's on the Internet. The author of the book is a renowned expert in the area. Learn directly from a recognized community expert. If you've mastered the basics of the Internet development, this book provides the next step. It has unique coverage of "How to Become Wealthy Selling Informational Products on the Internet, a detailed tour of how to become wealthy selling informational products. Hot topics Throughout the book. Tips and techniques are also covered. This book is packed with code examples and never-before seen secrets of Internet.
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Download: $1.25 Ways to improve lovemaking using herbs.
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Download: $9.95 From the beginning of civilization, more poets have written more convincingly, more poignantly about love than about any other subject. Author Stacey Chillemi has written some of the most moving, romantic, shameless, and erotic love poems in the English language. Stacey has written over 100 poems, she offers a startling collection of love poetry. Expressing love in all its different aspects and perversities, this outstanding romantic poetry book demonstrates vividly a person’s changeless responses to the changing seasons of the heart.
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Download: $2.99 (eBook)
At one point of our lives, we all try to set goals and tell ourselves OK I am going to lose weight. I am going to eat right and do all the other the stuff that I am suppose too so I can stay healthy, but most of us fall off tract at some point. In this ebook we will teach you the easy way to get back on track.
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Download: $1.25 Love and marriage may "go together like strawberries and chocolate," but most couples especially; newlyweds tend to get off on a bumpy road. Each partner comes to the journey with their own set of guidelines including -- belief about responsibility, expectations about how to spend time and money, and idea about children should be raised. Then there's also the old baggage that everyone carries into a new relationship. It takes desire, honest communication, and hard work to move a relationship from the romantic stage through the power struggles to a loving marriage based on shared importance. Get off to a good start by avoiding these five major mistakes:
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Disc: $11.75 (CD Poetry Book)
Keep the Faith consists of beautiful, inspirational poetry that will inspire your life forever.
As you read this poetry, you will see a completely new meaning of life.
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Disc: $12.95 As I have been getting older now in my mid-thirties I have seen several of my friends develop breast cancer and other types of cancers. I wrote this book to help educate women about breast cancer, so they can help prevent it or catch it in the early stages when it can be treated and cured. Today, approximately 1 in almost every 8 women (13.4%) will develop breast cancer in her lifetime.Why take changes with your life. I have learned over the years that doctors are people too, not miracle workers. It is up to us to research and do what ever possible to help maintain a happy, healthy and productive life. The American Cancer Society estimates that approximately 211,240 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer and approximately 40,410 will die. Although these numbers may sound frightening, research reveals that their are ways to protect yourself and help prevent your chances of developing breast cancer.
Learn how to protect yourself with the information in this CD Book.
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Disc: $11.95 (CD Book) For the millions of people who love to read poetry, these poems will provide words of inspiration and joy to your lives. Whether you just love to read poetry or need to inspire your life with positive ness, “Let the Love of Life be the Strength of your Soul,” will give new meaning to your life. “Let the Love of Life be the Strength of your Soul,” is a collection of Stacey Chillemi most popular poems put together in one book. She has received many wonderful reviews about the poems in this book and she as added some new poems in addition.
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Disc: $15.95 (CD Book Version) The Complete Herbal Guide: A Natural Approach to Healing the Body is essential reference book for anyone interested in maintaining optimal health and overcoming disease. The book contains concise and comprehensive listings of over 175 herbs and conditions. The book has quick and easy references to the all information you need to maintain excellent health the natural way.
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Disc: $11.95 Epilepsy You're Not Alone, is targeted for individuals who have epilepsy. Unlike other books on epilepsy, it will focus on the facts of the connection between the mind, body, and spirit as it relates to epilepsy, showing readers how to use that connection to cope with epilepsy.
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Disc: $11.75 (CD book version) Discover real estate investing wisdom from this book, “How to Become Wealthy in Real Estate. Does the idea of becoming a wealthy intrigue you? Are you skeptical about becoming wealthy? There are hundreds, maybe even thousands, of books on how to become wealthy in real estate investing. Many of them promise a lot but deliver very little. In this book you will learn: • How to find ideal investment properties. • How to determine a good investment. • How to manage and maintain properties. • How to invest a little and obtain a lot • And much, much more!
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Disc: $11.95 “Faith, Courage, Wisdom, Strength and Hope,” is a collection of poems that Inspire your mind, body and soul. This book will give you the inspiration to want to live life to the fullest and be the best you can be. The poems in this book have been written to inspire and comfort readers, as well as to give you a completely
different view of life.
The poems make you realize that you are special and you have the potential to love yourself and love life. Each of us has a responsibility to try to make us feel good about ourselves. We need to love ourselves, be proud of ourselves, accept ourselves and make ourselves happy.
The poems in this book will give you the faith, hope, courage and strength to be happy and love life.
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Disc: $15.95 (My Daddy Has Epilepsy CD Book)
Young and young-at-heart parents, unite! Author Stacey Chillemi and Illustrator Iacovos Kyriakides provide spectacular proof that children really understand more than you think. Illuminating the cartoon illustrations of confusion and fear that epilepsy can cause, this new edition of My Daddy Has Epilepsy uses lively, subversive illustrations to show how to understand what epilepsy is and what to do if someone is experiencing a seizure. This picture book is sure to elicit a clear understanding—and opportunity to eliminate children's fear of epilepsy—from all who read it. About the Author STACEY CHILLEMI is constantly tempted to help others with epilepsy and help their family on what it is, how to cope with it, how to get on with their lives, and more.
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Disc: $9.95 (CD Book)
At one point of our lives, we all try to set goals and tell ourselves OK I am going to lose weight. I am going to eat right and do all the other the stuff that I am suppose too so I can stay healthy, but most of us fall off tract at some point. In this ebook we will teach you the easy way to get back on track.
|
 |
Disc: $11.75 After many years of deliberation, I have taken the time to create new poetry, true inspirational stories, and I have took the time to recreate my old works so I could deliver a wonderful poetry and inspirational book that will touch your hearts forever. “Beyond Words,” is a coherent, inspirational and passionate collection, very various in all its unity of purpose. In the language and circumstances of our day and age, it re-animates and continues a long tradition of the poetry and stories of love and inspiration. The inspirational stories in this book are a collection of personal memories that have implemented a space in my heart and have become a part of my soul. Now I would like to share these stories with you. This passionate, highly personal collection of inspiration and love focuses the intensity of life on all matters of the heart. The poems and stories, sing with individual life, while the collection as a whole follows a dramatic arc that consumes the reader’s attention.
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 |
Disc: $11.75 From the beginning of civilization, more poets have written more convincingly, more poignantly about love than about any other subject. Author Stacey Chillemi has written some of the most moving, romantic, shameless, and erotic love poems in the English language. Stacey has written over 100 poems, she offers a startling collection of love poetry. Expressing love in all its different aspects and perversities, this outstanding romantic poetry book demonstrates vividly a person’s changeless responses to the changing seasons of the heart.
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Disc: $14.25 Did you know...? Stephen King brought epublishing to the attention of the world by publishing his novel, "Riding the Bullet", exclusively in ebook form. In the first 24 hours of availability, 400,000 copies were downloaded - more than any other book in any format!
Epublishing is becoming today’s future. This book will help people who want to become wealthy selling eBooks. This book is a must have for any perspective ebook entrepreneur.
Using the techniques in this book, you will learn how to create your own ebook money tree. In the past, prospective authors had to hope that their book would be picked up by a publisher and have their work put into print. Today, an informed author can take control of their publishing needs and publish their work themselves. Using this book and the information I have supplied to you in this book will help you create, sell, market, and profit from ebooks. This book will help you create strategies to sell ebooks and become a success at it.
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Disc: $19.95 (CD Book)
“Live, Learn, and Be Happy with Epilepsy,” will be a 200-page book targeted for individuals who have epilepsy. Unlike other books on epilepsy, it will focus on The History of Epilepsy, Learning How to Cope with Your Epilepsy, What is Epilepsy?, The Brain and Epilepsy, When Your Child Develops Epilepsy, Types of Seizures, Epilepsy Medications and Treatments, How to Boost Your Self-Esteem, Getting on with your Life, Learning How to Love Yourself Again, Say Goodbye to Stress and Hello to Happiness, Our Dreams Are Our Future, Let Your Confidence Be Your Strength, Worried, Lost, Confused?, How Keeping Yourself in Good Health Can Help Your Epilepsy, Glossary for epilepsy, and a Resource Guide to organizations, websites and other helpful resources. The techniques in “Live, Learn, and Be Happy with Epilepsy,” will help the reader build the inner power to do anything or become anything they want in life.
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Disc: $17.95 (CD book version) This book has the most in depth-coverage of important development topics found anywhere on "How to Sell Informational Product's on the Internet. The author of the book is a renowned expert in the area. Learn directly from a recognized community expert. If you've mastered the basics of the Internet development, this book provides the next step. It has unique coverage of "How to Become Wealthy Selling Informational Products on the Internet, a detailed tour of how to become wealthy selling informational products. Hot topics Throughout the book. Tips and techniques are also covered. This book is packed with code examples and never-before seen secrets of Internet.
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Print: $16.50 Wall calendars are the world's most popular calendars. They open up and hang from any wall you choose. They display each month of the year in a clear easy-to-read grid, along with art or photography that can add an important decorative element to any room or office. For the exact size of a calendar, check the "Dimensions" listed under the title.
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Print: $16.95 Wall calendars are the world's most popular calendars. They open up and hang from any wall you choose. They display each month of the year in a clear easy-to-read grid, along with art or photography that can add an important decorative element to any room or office. For the exact size of a calendar, check the "Dimensions" listed under the title.
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Print: $15.95 Wall calendars are the world's most popular calendars. They open up and hang from any wall you choose. They display each month of the year in a clear easy-to-read grid, along with art or photography that can add an important decorative element to any room or office. For the exact size of a calendar, check the "Dimensions" listed under the title.
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Print: $16.29 Wall calendars are the world's most popular calendars. They open up and hang from any wall you choose. They display each month of the year in a clear easy-to-read grid, along with art or photography that can add an important decorative element to any room or office. For the exact size of a calendar, check the "Dimensions" listed under the title.
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Print: $16.94 Antigua Sunsets Calendar, 1 year calendar, taken by a professional photgrapger. The pictures are outstanding. A great gift for the one you love.
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Print: $16.95 Beautiful pictures from around the world.
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Print: $16.94 Beautiful photography of Antigua Plantlife. Wall calendars are the world's most popular calendars. They open up and hang from any wall you choose. They display each month of the year in a clear easy-to-read grid, along with art or photography that can add an important decorative element to any room or office. For the exact size of a calendar, check the "Dimensions" listed under the title.
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Print: $18.95 Antigua Seascapes Wall calendar has never looked better, or sold better— sales in 2007. Beautiful Antigua Seascapes covers sixteen months, starting in March 2007. It’s beautiful, relaxing and it will make you feel like you're drifting away each time you look at the beautiful pictures it displays. Wall calendars are the world's most popular calendars. They open up and hang from any wall you choose. They display each month of the year in a clear easy-to-read grid, along with art or photography that can add an important decorative element to any room or office. For the exact size of a calendar, check the "Dimensions" listed under the title.
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Print: $16.95 Dog Calendar starting from January 2008
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Print: $16.94 Antigua Sunsets Calendar,1 year calendar for 2008
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Print: $16.95 The Most Beautiful Sunsets in the World
April 2007-March 2008
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stacey chillemi's Blog
2007 Aug 17 Hi my name is Stacey chillemi. I just created two new groups that I would love to have you check out and join. The groups are called Inspirational, Motivation and Self-help Group and Epilepsy and Disorders. Please feel free to list your books and calendars on the site at the message board. Let others know who you are, why you created the projects and what they can do for them. I look forward and hope to have you as a member. The links are below:
Come join the inspirational, motivational and self-help group
http://groups.msn.com/InspirationalMotivationandSelf-helpGroup
Come join
http://groups.msn.com/EpilepsyandDisorders
Epilepsy and disorders
2007 Jan 22 Stacey Chillemi keeps a positive outlook when disorder poses challenge
BY KATHY BARATTA
Staff Writer
Author Stacey Chillemi, shown here with her husband, Michael, tries to look on the bright side of life as she deals with the effects of epilepsy.
MANALAPAN - Stacey Chillemi is no stranger to a challenge. Since the age of 5 when a viral infection left her with epilepsy, she has been determined to live a life as full and happy as anyone else.
According to the Epilepsy Foundation of America, epilepsy is a physical condition that occurs when there is a sudden, brief change in how the brain works. When brain cells are not working properly, a person's consciousness, movement or actions may be altered for a short time. These physical changes are called epileptic seizures.
Now, as the mother of children ages 3, 6 and 8, and the published author of fiction and nonfiction works, Chillemi, 34, has accomplished the goal she set for herself following that first grave challenge that came at the tender age of 5. That goal was to enjoy life in spite of her disorder.
Chillemi's previous writings for the national Epilepsy Foundation as well as her nonfiction books that include children's books, made her a prime pick for the newest additions to the "Chicken Soup for the Soul" series.
Chillemi's original short story "Shop-ping My Way Out of the Blues" is included in the latest addition to the series, "Chicken Soup for the Shopper's Soul - Celebrating Bargains, Boutiques and the Perfect Pair of Shoes," which joined previous series entries on The New York Times best seller list.
If nothing else, Chillemi's message is one of perseverance and positive thinking, one that says physical or material setbacks are no excuse to buy into a victim mentality.
In an interview, Chillemi looked back and ahead with truth, honesty and a little self-effacing humor, the humor she says helps her deal with the harsh realities of life that beset everyone.
Chillemi said perhaps it was because she never saw herself as handicapped that she did not want to embrace limitations but knew she would have to be realistic and set a list of goals, not a wish list; like when she had to surrender her driver's license after suffering a slight seizure while driving and rely on her friends and family to be her transportation.
At the time, Chillemi said, she saw not having a driver's license as relinquishing any sense of independence or freedom.
It was while in college that she wrote her first book, a book she said came from her own experience of dealing with "the strain of college and the effects of epilepsy medication."
She said when she went looking for books to help her deal with her problems, she found there were none and so she decided to write one. That first book, she said, was a self-help book.
Chillemi said she has written several self-help books since the first one, which was a compilation of her own experiences and those of others with epilepsy who shared their stories with her through the auspices of the national Epilepsy Foundation.
"They were stories of struggle and triumph," Chillemi said.
She shared the story of her first foray into the workplace after earning a bachelor's degree in marketing with a minor in advertising. Chillemi said she had always dreamed of being the quintessential New York career woman, and it seemed like she was on her way when she took a job with a television network in Manhat-tan.
Chillemi said it was shortly after she started working that again, circumstances out of her control would take over. She said she was walking down a corridor at the network's offices when she felt a seizure coming on.
With a rueful laugh, Chillemi recalled that as she was sliding to the floor, "two producers walked right by, one actually stepping over me when I was down, and never stopped." She said they did not even take the time to call someone to help her.
Chillemi said she recovered from the seizure, taken aback by the indifference she had just encountered but determined to keep going. However, she said, she was called into "the office" a short time later and told that "it looked like I wasn't really what they were looking for."
Chillemi said she was young and naive, and it never occurred to her to sue the company.
"It just wasn't something I thought about doing," she said.
Chillemi said her seizures only seem to occur when she is ovulating or menstruating. She said one thing she can always count on with her seizures is that she gets a "warning," what she described as almost like an electrical hum through her body. She said that built-in "early warning system" is what has made it possible for her to have children and be able to take care of them without fear of a seizure affecting them.
She said there was always time to set the children down in a safe place until a seizure, which typically lasts just under a minute, had ended.
In fact her decision to have children is one, she admits, that not a lot of people afflicted with epilepsy make and the reason she co-wrote a book with a doctor from New York University Medical Center for pregnant women or women who are thinking of getting pregnant, who have epilepsy.
She admits that having a supportive spouse "makes all the difference."
Chillemi said her husband, Michael, a chiropractor, and his family took her condition in stride and have never been anything but completely loving and supportive.
With characteristic humor, Chillemi said that when she told her future mother-in-law she had epilepsy, the woman's reaction was, said a laughing Chillemi, "Thank God. I was afraid maybe you were a little simple-minded."
Chillemi said she knew her future mother-in-law was referring or reacting to one of the manifestations of her seizures; that she sometimes will start to blankly stare past a person or object until the particular episode passes.
Chillemi said her humor has always sustained her and allowed her to focus her perspective in a positive direction. She said there are plenty of people in the same situation as she is - people who rely on others to some degree.
Instead of bemoaning her lot, Chillemi said she came to realize how she could look at the same situation in a way that celebrates the fact that she is lucky enough to have family members and friends to rely on and that she is able to help them fulfill their humanity.
Although she said she now has her husband and wonderful in-laws to rely on along with her tried and true friends and family, Chillemi said, "it's still hard sometimes to cope with not being able to be totally independent."
But, she said, positive projection is what she consciously strives for and tries to impart to the readers of her non-fiction essays, her poetry and her fiction writings.
She said she started to write children's books after her children saw her having a seizure.
"It was very scary for them, so I wrote a book to help them cope," she explained.
Chillemi said there are still hurdles to overcome, stereotypes and myths that are attached to the stigma that is still attached to epilepsy. She said that in spite of the technological and medical advances that have been made, people still tend to fear what they do not understand.
She tells of a woman in Hawaii who told her she has spent her life trying to keep her epilepsy quiet, "because her mother told her that if people knew, they would think her cursed."
Always keeping in mind that epilepsy is a "disorder, not a disease," Chillemi said it is people like that woman who inspire her to write stories and to work to dispel the myths that stunt happiness and fulfillment in anybody, for any reason.
Best Regards,
Stacey Chillemi
2006 Sep 14
By Stacey Chillemi
Self-confidence-like being rich - it is something we think everyone else is but us. Yet feeling insecure about ourselves is perhaps the most common problems of humanity. The majority of people in society think, "You have to be born with it." This is not true. You can learn how to be confident, just like learning how to cook or drive a car.
Self-confidence all boils down to how we feel about ourselves. Our self-confidence develops and is affected from the moment we are born, to how we are raised and things we experience during our lifetime. Many of us tend to judge how well we our doing in life by what society thinks it is right or what the people who center our life think.
We all have standards and expectations that we all tend to try to live up too. If we do not meet up to our standards, which most of us do not, our self-confidence begins to slowly decline. Many of us try to have unrealistic standards that we try to live up too and we tend to lose sight of the fact that we cannot be perfect.
We need to accept ourselves, love ourselves and be happy with who we are as people. We were valued for just being people, for just being in this world. We often believe we must continually try to prove to other people that we are worthy of them or on the same level as them. We often spend too much time doing that and we lose sight of the fact that we are fine just the way we are and that the only person that needs to be happy with them is themselves even though we are not perfect people.
In order to gain self-confidence you need to believe in yourself. If you believe in yourself then you can succeed in anything you put your mind to. You may not succeed the first time you try, but you have to keep trying until you do succeed. Quick success does not exist in our society. Achievements only come to those who strive hard to get them. You get nowhere in life if you do not push yourself. You need to create a lifestyle that is right for you and nobody else. Do not settle for anyone else's lifestyle or for a lifestyle that is beneath your standards.
My "10 step plan" to increasing confidence:
1. Begin a journal. Ask yourself what is making you feel like you cannot get to the point in life you want to reach. Write any thoughts that come to mine. Also, write down what self-confidence means to you.
2. Remember the past is over; you can only change the future.
Write down 10 positive things about yourself. Go through your journal and look at all the positive things about yourself. Concentrate on your strengths. These are the reasons you should love yourself and have high self-esteem and self-confidence in yourself. Give yourself credit for everything positive you have written about yourself. Remember, you are somebody special.
3. Accept yourself and learn to love yourself for whom you are a person. Everyone has his or her own unique qualities and characteristics. We are all born differently for a reason. Do not compare yourself to others.
4. Understand yourself mentally, physically and spiritually. Take some time to relax by yourself in a quiet room... Rest on your back with head and neck comfortably supported.
Rest hands on upper abdomen, close your eyes and settle in a comfortable position. Breathe slowly, deeply and rhythmically. Inhalation should be slow, unforced and unhurried. Silently count to four, five or six, whatever feels right for you. When inhalation is complete, slowly inhale through the nose. Count this breathing out, as when breathing in. The exhalation should take as long as the inhalation. There should be no sense of strain. If initially, you feel you have breathed your fullest at a count of three, which is all right. Try gradually to slow down the rhythm until a slow count of five or six is possible, with a pause of two or three between in and out breathing.
5. Be ready. Self-confidence comes a lot easier to the person who is sure their ready.
6. Strengthen your inner self. Write down in your journal what you will be able to do once you acquire the confidence you need.
7. Begin changing what you do not like about yourself. Confidence comes from within. You need to concentrate on the positive things about yourself.
8. Notice the change in our self-esteem and self-confidence. Reward yourself each time you do something that makes you feel proud...go out some place or take it easy for the day.
9. Learn how to give and take. Confidence is being able to find a balance between giving help to people and excepting when we need help.
10. Have a tremendous amount of pride in yourself. Remember, you are number one!
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