Save The Ta Ta's!

There comes a point in a womans life when she's had a scare, nomatter how great or minute you might rationalize it, a bump is a bump.

I cannot stress how important it is to do a self breast check. Early detection helps save lives, not all the time, but that's better than never.
I lost Aunt's and my Mother in law to cancer and I don't want this disease to steal any of you!
Even if you feel silly "feeling yourself up" get the boyfriend or the husband to help you do it or do it for you. I for one ask my husband. And if you're not sure about how to do it, or what you're feeling, ask your doctor for advice.

There's no greater time than now to start a routine monthly check.

Here are five quick tips to help you out.
Operation save the Ta Ta's is in session.

*Steps and Photos taken from BREASTCANCER.ORG*

Step 1: Begin by looking at your breasts in the mirror with your shoulders straight and your arms on your hips.

Here's what you should look for:

• Breasts that are their usual size, shape, and color
• Breasts that are evenly shaped without visible distortion or swelling

If you see any of the following changes, bring them to your doctor's attention:

• Dimpling, puckering, or bulging of the skin
• A nipple that has changed position or an inverted nipple (pushed inward instead of sticking out)
• Redness, soreness, rash, or swelling

Step 2: Now, raise your arms and look for the same changes.

Step 3: While you're at the mirror, look for any signs of fluid coming out of one or both nipples (this could be a watery, milky, or yellow fluid or blood). Step 4: Next, feel your breasts while lying down, using your right hand to feel your left breast and then your left hand to feel your right breast. Use a firm, smooth touch with the first few finger pads of your hand, keeping the fingers flat and together. Use a circular motion, about the size of a quarter. Cover the entire breast from top to bottom, side to side — from your collarbone to the top of your abdomen, and from your armpit to your cleavage. Follow a pattern to be sure that you cover the whole breast. You can begin at the nipple, moving in larger and larger circles until you reach the outer edge of the breast. You can also move your fingers up and down vertically, in rows, as if you were mowing a lawn. This up-and-down approach seems to work best for most women. Be sure to feel all the tissue from the front to the back of your breasts: for the skin and tissue just beneath, use light pressure; use medium pressure for tissue in the middle of your breasts; use firm pressure for the deep tissue in the back. When you've reached the deep tissue, you should be able to feel down to your ribcage.

Step 5: Finally, feel your breasts while you are standing or sitting. Many women find that the easiest way to feel their breasts is when their skin is wet and slippery, so they like to do this step in the shower. Cover your entire breast, using the same hand movements described in Step

Set your silliness and awkwardness aside, swallow your pride and just do it! Your Ta Ta's will thank you!

XoXo,
Zxen

Where Does The Time Go?

With the beginning of September comes and goes the beginning of a new school year.
It's hard to believe that summer is over. Where did the time go?

My little man is starting grade 3 and some of you may just be putting your little ones into Kindergarten. It seems like just yesterday when Dorin was going to Kindergarten and again I ask where did the time go?

Every school year is a mother's new dread. Between school supplies, a new wardrobe, new friends, PTA meetings and the enrollment in extra curricular activities there comes an unstable stress level. For me, the majority of my stress is not in relation to buying him new clothes because of his sudden 2" growth spurt, or because of an endless list of school supplies but because the realization that my baby is growing up right before my eyes, hits me like a ton of bricks.

I can still remember when he was in my belly demanding his cheese obsession be satiated and bruising my ribs from his endless kicks.
How is it that we get so comfortable in our role of parenthood that we don't notice the time fly by until it hits us right between the eyes when we least expect it, like it does me on his first days of school? Perhaps my sadness comes not from the fact that he is indeed getting older and maturing before my eyes, but in the fact that I too continue to mature and get older.

You're only as old as you feel!
Stay healthy my Sweets!

XoXo,
Zxen

Zesty Cheesy Baked Potatoes

Wondering what to make as a perfect side dish to complement your chicken, pork or beef? Try these zesty cheesy baked potatoes that will leave your guests sure to ask for seconds.

1. Wash and dice your potatoes into bite sized pieces.
2. In a roasting pan pour in about a 1/2 cup of EVOO (extra virgin olive oil).
3. Toss your potatoes in the pan coating them with the oil and sprinkle with garlic plus, steak spice and parmesan cheese.
4. Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees until potatoes are tender.
5. Remove foil and sprinkle more parmesan cheese and continue to bake for an additional 15 minutes.

Quick! Easy! Delicious!
Enjoy!

XoXo,
Zxen

Fall Fashion With Forever 21/Torrid/H&M

From left to right:Forever 21, H&M, Forever 21
H&M, H&M, H&M
H&M, Torrid, Torrid

From left to right:Forever 21, Forever 21, Forever 21
Forever 21, Forever 21, H&M
H&M, H&M, H&M

Complete outfit from H&M

For those of you that love Fall, then you're just like me! Most people are in love with summer, swimsuits and a fresh wardrobe, make-up and fun summer shoes. But who says Fall can't be all that too? Nothing beats wrapping yourself up in a warm sweater on a breezy day. Make-up? No problem! Don't need to worry about sweating it off either. Autumn is the perfect season to play with and blend all those warm earthy colors.

What's got your eye this Fall season?

XoXo,
Zxen

UrthBags Handbag Giveaway Winner!

Congratulations - smilinggreenmom!
You are the winner of the fabulous Coco UrthBag Handbag.

I will contact you by e-mail shortly.

Don't forget to become a subscriber of this blog for fun monthly giveaways.

XoXo,
Zxen