Breast Cancer Awareness Month (self exams)

When I started my blog in 2009, I wanted to share about things that were important to me. Breast Cancer Awareness is one of my personal causes that I champion on the front line for prevention and awareness. Self Exams are important and should be Incorporated in your routine monthly. I always do mine the 1st Sunday of the month.  It's important to set a day and time that you will remember. Breast self-exam (BSE), or regularly examining your breasts on your own, can be an important way to find  breast cancer early, when it's more likely to be treated successfully. Not every cancer can be found this way, but it is a critical step you can and should take for yourself.

Try to get in the habit of doing a breast self-examination once a month to familiarize yourself with how your breasts normally look and feel. Examine yourself several days after your period ends, when your breasts are least likely to be swollen and tender. If you are no longer having periods, choose a day that's easy to remember, such as the first or last day of the month.

Don’t panic if you think you feel a lump. Most women have some lumps or lumpy areas in their breasts all the time. In the United States, only 20% of women who have a suspicious lump biopsied turn out to have breast cancer. Below is a video on how to do one properly.

Breasts tend to have different “neighborhoods.” The upper, outer area — near your armpit — tends to have the most prominent lumps and bumps. The lower half of your breast can feel like a sandy or pebbly beach. The area under the nipple can feel like a collection of large grains. Another part might feel like a lumpy bowl of oatmeal.

What’s important is that you get to know the look and feel of YOUR breasts various neighborhoods. Does something stand out as different from the rest (like a rock on a sandy beach)? Has anything changed? Bring to the attention of your doctor any changes in your breasts that last over a full month's cycle or seem to get worse or more obvious over time.

After my  self exam in October, I look forward to the breast cancer research products because their pink statements,  and I know some of the money is going to a good cause and helping many people.   My favorite this year is the Shower for the Cure by Philosophy. You can find it all month long at Ulta or at www.ulta.com.

Primer

Recently on a trip to the MAC counter on the hunt for the new Matchmaster foundation,  I decided to try a primer. On occasion, I use one by Becca Cosmetics called The Resurfacing Primer  which I love but ran out of, so I thought I would give MAC a shot. I was pleasantly surprised on how it made my face and foundation look. Since it is the change of seasons my skin has been breaking out and giving me the blues so instead of  a little power I need a little more coverage. But adding the primer helps me keep the foundation at a minimum. The primer is in the prep and prime line and it is called Refined Zone. I applied it to my T- zone area, which for me, is the most oiliest part on my skin, especially the cheeks. I love that it is oil free, that helps to cloak visible pores while controlling oil or shine. You can apply it wet, for a gentle exfoliating, that dries instantly to create an invisible long lasting matte finish. Locally, you can find this at Macy's or Nordstoms or at www.maccosmetics.com

Hello All,

I am excited and happy to have my blog updated with new features. A special thanks to Christina at Visual Luxe graphic design studio(www.visualluxe.com) for her fabulous work and patience with me. Please feel free to look at the new features. I will be posting a special post coming soon with one of my favorite people and my all time favorite beauty and style icon. Thanks for reading.

~Leah

Leahlovesbeauty is getting a make over

Stay tuned! Coming soon Leahloves beauty is getting a make over.

DIY DIVAS Watermelon Mask

Watermelon juice contain a variety of important health benefits and beauty of the chemical constituents. Watermelon of these nutrients, easy absorption by the skin, for the facial skin, have the effect of moisture, nutrition, sun protection, whitening.Skin beauty Effects: removal melasma, add Water, sedation
Method 1: cut the white watermelon skin in to 2 mm thickness slice, use the watermelon skin gently massage the face, with the effect of ease sedation and add water.
Method 2: The whole watermelon, wash clean, peel the green skin, and then cut of the white skin into slice, then apply to the face and arms, about five minutes change the new watermelon skin, a total of four times, and then rinse off with clean water.

My favorite cutting the watermelon slice in to 4 cubed chunks and mashing it with or fork or spoon until it becomes smooth. Then apply to the face for a about 20 minutes and then rinse off.