SATURDAY STRENGTH: Strength and Courage DVD

In researching exercise programs for breast cancer patients, I came across a website called STRENGTH AND COURAGE. The DVD they offer was developed by breast cancer survivors and medical experts. They are a non-profit organization. If you'd like to get more information on their DVD or their group, click HERE.

As far as I can tell, there are no specialized exercise groups here in Utah for breast cancer survivors. I think there is a great need for this. Has anyone heard of programs here for survivors? If so, please email me at: sistersurvivors@gmail.com

Thanks,
Kara

FRIDAY FARE: Turkey and Strawberry Salad

I was at Costco today, and saw their strawberries. YUM! So, I thought I'd find a healthy recipe that uses strawberries and turkey... here ya go!

Turkey-Mixed Greens Salad with Strawberries, Kiwi and Cashews in Honey-Sesame Dressing
(This is from Quick Fix Meals with Robin Miller - on FoodNetwork.com)


Oh, my goodness, doesn't that look scrumptious!

Ingredients:

1 (1 1/2-pound) reserved cooked turkey tenderloin, sliced
4 cups mixed greens
1 cup sliced strawberries
2 sliced kiwi
1/2 cup dry-roasted, salted cashews
1/2 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons honey
2 teaspoons sesame oil
2 teaspoons honey mustard
Salt and ground black pepper

Directions:

Cut turkey into bite-size pieces and set aside.

Arrange the mixed greens on salad plates or large serving platter. Top with turkey, strawberries, kiwi, and cashews.

In a small bowl, whisk together broth, honey, sesame oil, and honey mustard. Season to taste with salt and black pepper. Pour mixture over turkey and spinach salad.

THURSDAY THOUGHTS - Angel Wings

I have long been fascinated with the concept of angels. I believe in them and feel that they are ever near to help us when our earthly journey becomes difficult or uncertain. When I was called in for a second mammogram because something didn't look quite right, I was uneasy to say the least. I forged ahead with the appointment where the technicians told me that I would need to undergo a sonogram. "No big deal," I thought,"at least know they aren't painful."

I laid there as they proceeded with the process. They then told me that I would need to have a biopsy to check a particular part on my left breast. By this time I was beginning to get more than a little nervous. Especially when I saw the size of the needle they were going to use. We were experiencing some other stressful situations in our life at that time and I thought that a Cancer diagnosis would probably push me over the edge emotionally.

At that very moment, I had an indescribable feeling of peace come over me. It was almost tangible and very real. I knew at that moment there was a presence in the room to give me comfort. All fear dissipated and I had the strong feeling that my diagnosis would be positive for Cancer but all would be well. Of course waiting for the results was a tense time for us, but each night as I went to bed, I remembered the feelings I had during the biopsy and I slept like a baby.

I don't know who that presence was in the biopsy room with me that day, but I know it was an angel of some kind, sent to bring me the comfort and courage I needed. Perhaps it was my grandmother who passed away about 16 years earlier. I will never know for sure. But the situation played out just like I was prompted that it would. I did have Breast Cancer, but we discovered it early, went through surgery and radiation treatments and I am now Cancer free. This experience was one that I will never forget and for which I will be forever grateful. I want to close with a poem about angels that made me think of my experience that day back in December of 2008:

Today I stumbled and once again
Was lifted up by an unseen hand
What comfort and joy that knowledge brings
For I hear the whisper of angel wings.

The guardian angels God sends to all
To bear us up when we stumble and fall
Trust Him, my friend, and often you'll hear
The whisper of angel wings hovering near.

--Anonymous--

Kathy Christensen
Sister Survivor Member
Guest Blogger

ALMOST WORDLESS WEDNESDAY - Love, Courage, Hope - Breast Cancer Ribbon...

I found this cute breast cancer ribbon at FINE ART AMERICA and fell in love with it. It was drawn by an artist who had a friend who died from BC, and aunt who survived BC, and who had a BC scare herself. This is her contribution to the cause. You can actually order a print of this, or even some cards!

TUESDAY TIPS - Post Mastectomy Specialist

While I was vacationing a few months ago, in St. George, UT, I came across an ad in a magazine there. I thought some of you would be interested in this...

CAROL'S POST MASTECTOMY SPECIALIST, INC.

"Our goal is to provide assistance to women in enjoying a fuller life after breast surgery (lumpectomy, mastectomy, and implant removal) and also correction of underdeveloped/uneven breasts. Insurance may cover some or all of the expense.

Call us today with any questions, or stop by for a bra fitting. No appointment necessary."

Here are the three locations and phone numbers:

330 E. 600 S.
St. George, UT
435-688-0452

3165 S. Main
Salt Lake City, UThttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
435-483-1262

72 N. Pecos Road, Suite B
Henderson, NV
702-568-9595

You can also visit them here: www.carolsutah.com, and you can join them on facebook!

-Kara

SATURDAY STRENGTH: Cancer Survivors and Patients Urged to Exercise...

Consider this:

In one year, women who needed chemotherapy for their breast cancer can see a swapping of muscle for fat that's equivalent to 10 years of normal aging, says Dr. Wendy Demark-Wahnefried of the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

In other words, a 45-year-old may find herself with the fatter, weaker body type of a 55-year-old.

In an article in USA Today - July 2010 - cancer patients and survivors are urged to exercise. There is growing proof that exercising can help with some cancer-related fatigue, and that it can improve your quality of life.

A recommendation by the American College of Sports Medicine issued guidelines advising cancer survivors to exercise the same amount of time that an average person should: 2 1/2 hours per week. If cancer patients don't feel up to that amount of exercise, they should at least do something on days when they feel well enough - they should avoid inactivity.

Exercise should include aerobic and strength-training. Check with your oncologist before starting any vigorous exercise program - especially if you have problems with things like Lymphema.

Try to find a physical fitness trainer who specializes in training cancer patients and survivors. Why? Well, for instance, studies have shown that careful weight training can protect against Lymphema, however, the average fitness trainer doesn't know how to safely offer that special training.

If you'd like to read the full article, click HERE.

FRIDAY FARE: Healthy Eating Out!

Today, I found an article at Health.com, that talked about America's Top 10 Healthiest Choices for fast food restaurants. Here in Utah, we are able to go to 5 of the Top 10. Since we probably all eat out every once in a while, I thought I'd mention those 5 restaurants here - for your information. I've used parts of the reviews and the pictures from the article here:


#2 - JASON'S DELI
Thumbs Up: Devotion to organic food - 1/5 of all ingredients are organic. Creative salads. Ultrahealthy sandwiches. Whole wheat wraps.
Danger Zone: High sodium in some sandwiches
Locations: Salt Lake City, Orem, and Murray


#4 - NOODLES AND COMPANY
Thumbs Up: Only healthy soybean oil is used in sauteing. Whole grain linguine noodles. You choose what goes into your dish. Lean proteins and organic tofu are options.
Danger Zone: Desserts are very high in fat and calories.
Locations: Orem, Salt Lake City, and Draper


#6 - CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL
Thumbs Up: Buffet-style gives you complete control over ingredients. Organic homone-and-antibiotic-free meats. You can skip the high-carb tortilla with Burrito Bowls.
Danger Zone: Don't go wild on cheese and sour cream!
Locations: 2 in Salt Lake City, Cottonwood Heights


#8 - MCDONALDS
Thumbs Up: You can choose apple dippers instead of fries in the Happy Meal. Lowfat milk or juice instead of soda. Fries are cooked in Canola Oil. Grilled Chicken Wrap - only 270 calories.
Danger Zone: Super-sizing!
Locations: Just look around!


#9 - EINSTEIN BROS. BAGELS
Thumbs Up: Reduced fat schmears. Other toppings available - hummus and peanut butter. Good Grains bagel has 4 grams of fiber. Salads, and fruit salad.
Danger Zone: "Overstuffed" sandwiches high in calories.
Locations: Provo, Salt Lake City, Midvale

The other restaurants on the list, that are not located in Utah, are:

#1 - Panera Bread
#3 - Au Bon Pain
#5 - Corner Bakery Cafe
#7 - Atlanta Bread
#10 - Taco Del Mar

If you'd like to read the full article, go to:
Health.com

THURSDAY THOUGHTS - You have an equal chance to be honored...

At times during my life I have been guilty of comparing myself with others. I am sure that I am not alone because I imagine we all do this upon occasion. I have had thoughts like, "They make much more money than we do," or "She is in such good shape, just look at that figure...I don't trust anyone who is that thin!" Back in college or even high school, I envied those that did better on a test than I did because I studied really hard while others seemed to just breeze through everything. Sherry Dew said in one of her books that most of us do three things which make no sense. We compare, we compete and we categorize and none of these are productive trains of thought. I have to agree with her analogy 100%.

I found a quote by Archibald Rutledge which puts a wonderful twist on this topic. He says:

"You should remember that though another may have more money, beauty and brains than you, when it comes to the rarer spiritual values such as charity, self sacrifice, honor, and nobility of heart, you have an equal chance with everyone to be the most beloved and honored of all people."

I love this perspective because it is so healthy. At this time in our country when so many are struggling with the recession and other difficulties, we really don't have to look too far to find opportunities to give comfort and encouragement to those around us. Although I have wished upon occasion that I had more to give in a financial way to those who are hurting, I decided to make an effort to be the best at giving the things I CAN give. Sometimes a phone call, a note in the mail or even a smile and a hug can really make a person's day. Although I am training myself to be more aware of these situations, I have a long way to go, but I consider it a worthy goal to pursue.

I applaud the efforts of those who have organized this blog and this group formerly called Sister Survivors. They have given and continue to give so much to help those of us who have been humbled by the disease of Breast Cancer. Kara, Collete, and Bethanie... we love you all!!!!

Kathy Christensen

ALMOST WORDLESS WEDNESDAY - Spring is here... plant a pink garden!

I LOVE SPRING! And, it's finally here. I have a flower bed in my front yard that needs to be re-planted. I've planted several trees there, but none have survived. I've been thinking lately that a "PINK" garden might be just the thing to plant in this bed. Seeing these beautiful pictures has put me in the mood to go look for flowers to plant... ENJOY!

TUESDAY TIDINGS - The Power of Positive Thinking

I recently received an email from Tim Elliot, who wrote the following:

"I am very passionate about maximizing cancer patient's mental and physical health and how best to cope with terminal illness. I feel that I could write a compelling article that would be of great interest to the readers of Sister Survivors."

Tim sent me a well researched article that I'd like to post here. I was especially interested in the third paragraph, where Tim writes about cancer support groups having a strong positive effect on cancer patients. There are links throughout the article that you can click on to read his sources...

The Power of Positive Thinking

As more and more studies begin to show the connection between positivity and health, there is a growing consensus that positive thinking can have a strong effect on cancer treatment and longevity. Scientists studying the new field of physchoneuroimmunology, which explores the interaction between the nervous and immune systems of the body, have discovered that positive emotional experiences can often boost the immune system.

Although an exact link between positive thinking and cancer treatment is still unclear, what is certain is that there is a direct, harmful connection between stress and cancer. Both cortisol and norepinephrine, chemicals that are produced in significant amounts when you are stressed, are proven to have an effect on tumor growth. Norepinephrine has been shown to help induce cancerous tumor cell growth in mice and is thought to possibly play a role in ovarian cancer in humans.

As the importance of positivity and emotional and mental well-being becomes more and more a part of cancer treatment, doctors have begun emphasizing the importance of cancer support groups. Because support groups act as a buffer allowing cancer patients or survivors a chance to discuss their emotions and reactions with others who have been through similar experiences and help build lasting relationships they often have a strong positive effect on a cancer patient or survivors’ outlook. Even in cancers caused by environmental toxins, such as mesothelioma, and genetic factors, such as breast cancer there is evidence of support groups benefitting the mental, emotional, and even physical condition of patients. For example, the average mesothelioma life expectancy is only a little over a year- but patients who have been in support groups as part of a healthy lifestyle can extend it by up to several years, part of which can largely be attributed to a more positive outlook.

Of course, even for patients and survivors in a cancer support group it can be extremely difficult to stay positive when coping with cancer. But with more and more information coming to light about the possibility of positive thinking affecting tumor growth, it’s important to remember that that phrase we always hear- “Just stay positive”- might have a lot more power to it than you ever thought.

Part of the reason I helped to start this support group was my belief that talking with other breast cancer survivors is critical to the healing process. I'm happy to read in the article above, that doctors are beginning to see the importance of support groups for cancer patients, too.

Thanks to Tim for the article. I enjoyed reading it - I hope you did, too. Comment if you'd like to!

-Kara

MONDAY MEMOIRS - SMELLING MEMORIES

Have you ever thought about how strong your sense of smell is?
What happens when you smell these things?
1. A pine scented candle
2. Cinnamon Rolls
3. Homemade bread
4. Roses
5. The air from a dryer vent in the laundry room
6. Leather Furniture
7. The ocean
8. Old books

Well, for me, when I smell these things, I immediately think...

1. Christmas time - decorations - friends - family - gifts
2. Baking homemade Cinnamon Rolls with my grandmother - how she looked - being a little girl - how much I miss Grandma
3. My mother-in-law - when we got our new breadmaker - bakeries
4. My anniversary - funerals - my yard
5. Fresh clothes - work - my mom doing laundry
6. My dad's house - my office - my new furniture - my grandfather
7. Our trip to Virginia Beach - my kids when they were little - The boat that took us around Alcatraz
8. My grandpa's books - an estate sale I went to once long ago - how much I love reading - being in a book store

Isn't it funny how one smell can transport us to places we haven't been in years, and help us remember things from long ago?

I was reading through some posts from my cancer blog recently. I found one about the sense of smell, that made me remember something that happened a couple of years ago. I thought I'd share it here, and see if I'm the only one who ever had this happen...

SENSE OF SMELL TRIGGERS EMOTIONS: Thursday, September 17, 2009
"Something weird happened to me this morning in the shower. Last year, during most of my surgeries and during chemo, I used this body wash soap (Olay Ribbons with lotion). But, I haven't used it for quite awhile. This morning I opened the bottle and used it. Mistake! As soon as I smelled the soap (which actually smells really good), I started having flash backs to all of that awful stuff! It was so weird. I thought about showering with drains in my chest, showering with just barely enough energy to get in and get out, showering and almost fainting from sickness, etc. It was very unpleasant. The same thing has happened to me when I've used the body powder with the chamomile scent that I used during chemo.

Isn't that weird? Has this happened to anyone else? I guess our sense of smell triggers memories and emotions. Interesting.

By-the-way, I won't be using those products anymore. Yeah."

Just reading that post made me sick to my stomach - isn't that funny? I thought for today's Monday Memoirs, I'd ask you to take out your cancer journal and write about this. What things did you use, or eat, that you can't use and eat now? For those of you who haven't had cancer for several years, how long does this reaction last? Comment and let me know.

Have a good day,
Kara

FRIDAY FARE: Healthy Italian appetizers...

One of my favorite things to order at an Italian restaurant is Bruschetta. Crusty slices of freshly made Italian bread, topped with tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil. Mmmmm! Bruschetta is a recipe that dates to the 15th century, and comes from Central Italy. It usually stars as the appetizer in a meal. It's always seemed pretty healthy to me, but if you make it yourself, you can make sure it's healthy, right? So, today I've got two different healthy recipes for you to try: One is a Bruschetta recipe, and the other is a Crostini recipe - very similar...



Tomatoe Bruschetta
(This is exactly how I like Bruschetta, but I've never tried it with Pine Nuts - hmmmm. This is a single serving, so multiply the ingredients by how many people you are serving.)

Ingredients:

1 baguette (10 slices per serving)
1 tomato
1 clove garlic
5 fresh basil leaves chopped
1/4 C toasted pine nuts
sea salt to taste
pepper to taste
fresh grated parmesan cheese to taste
1/4 C balsamic vinegar
1/4 C extra virgin olive oil

To make:

Dice tomatoes, chop garlic and basil and place in bowl. Add other ingredients and combine. I always sprinkle the sea salt and add the vinegar before I add anything else because I like the tomatoes to marinate for a minute in that combination, but that is totally not necessary. Slice your baguette into 1/3 inch slices and drizzle olive oil over their tops. Toast your bread until it's golden in color. I broil mine in the oven for just a minute or two. Top your bread with the delectable tomato combination and enjoy!


I found this recipe, and picture, on the blog: Twohealthysisters.blogspot.com. It sounded so good! I've linked the title of the recipe to their blog, so that you can visit. I'm sure you can find many good recipes there! The only two things I would change - I'd add some garlic to the olive oil that you drizzle on the bread before you toast it. And, instead of parmesan, I LOVE Feta cheese - it's tastier, and very strong - you only need a little bit to make a big impact.




FRESH HERB-TOMATO CROSTINI
(This one sounds great, but it does lack one of my favorite ingredients: fresh basil)

Ingredients

1/4 cup olive oil
2 garlic cloves, pressed
1 (8.5-oz.) French bread baguette, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 large tomato, finely chopped
3/4 cup finely chopped green onions
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Stir together olive oil and garlic; brush on 1 side of each bread slice. Place bread slices, garlic sides up, on a baking sheet. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly toasted.
2. Whisk together lemon juice and next 3 ingredients in a large bowl. Add tomato and next 3 ingredients; gently toss to coat.
3. Top each bread slice with tomato mixture (about 2 rounded teaspoonfuls each). Sprinkle with cheese.

(This recipe was submitted to Southern Living magazine by Anita Embry, Vincent, Alabama, in MAY 2009. Click on the name of the recipe to visit the "My Recipes" website I found it at.)

A few suggestions: make your Bruschetta or Crostini with FRESH ingredients - chop fresh veggies, mince fresh garlic, chop fresh basil, etc. I love the cherry tomatoes at Costco - they are sweet, and pretty. It would be fun to use these in either recipe. Just slice them, so they stay that nice round shape.

ENJOY!! And let me know if you try the recipes - I'd love to hear if you like them.

-Kara

THURSDAY THOUGHTS - Outliving Your Self Judgements...

In her book, "Kitchen Table Wisdom" Rachel Naomi Remen shared the following thoughts:

"The life in us is diminished by judgement far more frequently than by disease. Reclaiming ourselves usually means coming to recognize and accept that we have in us both sides of everything. We are capable of fear and courage, generosity and selfishness,vulnerability and strength. These things do not cancel each other out, but offer a full range of power and response to life.

Life is as complex as we are. Sometimes our vulnerability is our strength, our fear develops our courage, and our woundedness is the road to our integrity. It is not an either or world. It is a real world. What a blessing it is to outlive your self judgements and harvest your failures."

What great food for thought!

Kathy Christensen
Guest Blogger
Sister Survivor

ALMOST WORDLESS WEDNESDAY - Komen 5k - 2010

Susan G. Komen Salt Lake City walk - 2010



I promised to post the picture from the Komen walk last year. I circled me and my friend, Janie Squire. It was an incredible day - it was my first Komen walk, and it was empowering to know that I could do something like that when just a year before I was so sick while on chemo! My sister was with me. We walked 3 miles, and then gathered at the end for a picture. There were over 17,000 people there!

We'd like to get a Sister Survivors team together to walk this year. The Komen 5k is on May 7th, in Salt Lake City. Please let me know if you are interested in joining us.

-Kara
sistersurvivors(at)gmail(dot)com

TUESDAY TIPS - Mammograms save lives! "Just GO"

The Salt Lake Tribune recently reported that Utah has the second lowest breast cancer screening rate in the U.S.

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for Utah women, according to the American Cancer Society, and mammography is the only test shown to reduce mortality. If you'd like to read about the new "Just GO" campaign, urging Utah women to get their mammograms, go to:

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/home/51561964-76/cancer-women-breast-utah.html.csp

A mammogram SAVED MY LIFE!!! I hope you'll share this article with the women in your life.

Also, take a minute to click on the button on our right side bar that says: "Give a woman a free mammogram" - you can click daily, and it only take a few minutes.

FRIDAY FARE: One Bowl Chocolate Cake

ONE BOWL CHOCOLATE CAKE

I got this recipe from www.eatingwell.com. The little blurb on the recipe said the following:

"This easy-to-make chocolate cake is dark, moist, rich—and only dirties one bowl! Not quite as easy as boxed cake mixes, but those often contain trans fats. Our simple “from scratch” recipe gives you a home-baked cake with healthful canola oil and whole-wheat flour."

Ingredients

* 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons whole-wheat pastry flour, (see Ingredient Note)
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup nonfat buttermilk, (see Tip)
* 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
* 1 large egg, lightly beaten
* 2 tablespoons canola oil
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/2 cup hot strong black coffee
* Confectioners' sugar, for dusting

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat a 9-inch round cake pan with cooking spray. Line the pan with a circle of wax paper.
2. Whisk flour, granulated sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large bowl. Add buttermilk, brown sugar, egg, oil and vanilla. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes. Add hot coffee and beat to blend. (The batter will be quite thin.) Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
3. Bake the cake until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean, 30 to 35 minutes. Cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes; remove from the pan, peel off the wax paper and let cool completely. Dust the top with confectioners’ sugar before slicing.

Tips & Notes

* Ingredient Note: Whole-wheat pastry flour, lower in protein than regular whole-wheat flour, has less gluten-forming potential, making it a better choice for tender baked goods. You can find it in the natural-foods section of large super markets and natural-foods stores. Store in the freezer.
* Tip: No buttermilk? You can use buttermilk powder prepared according to package directions. Or make “sour milk”: mix 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup milk.

Nutrition

Per serving: 139 calories; 3 g fat ( 1 g sat , 2 g mono ); 18 mg cholesterol; 26 g carbohydrates; 2 g protein; 2 g fiber; 212 mg sodium; 60 mg potassium.

I'm going to try this cake as soon as I get all of the ingredients - let me know if you make it, and what you think of it!

THURSDAY THOUGHTS - Slow Me Down, Lord

About 22 years ago when I moved home from the East coast, a young woman gave me a note with a wonderful poem in it. It so touched my heart that I memorized it at one point. On some of those nights when sleep was hard to come by, I would go over the words in my mind and they gave me great comfort. I want to share that poem now with you and I hope that you enjoy its message as much as I did.

SLOW ME DOWN, LORD

Slow me down, Lord, and ease the pounding of my head by the quieting of my mind.

Steady my hurried pace with the vision of the eternal reach of time.

Give me amid the confusion of the day, the calmness of the everlasting hills.

Break the tensions in my nerves and muscles with the soothing music of the singing streams that live in my memory.

Help me to know the magical restoring power of sleep.

Teach me the art of taking minute vacations by taking the time to smell a flower, talk to a child, to pet a dog, or read a few lines from a good book.

Slow me down, Lord, and send my roots deep into the soil of love's enduring values that I may grow toward the stars of my greater destiny.


I want to thank the person who wrote these inspired words, even though the author is unknown, as well as the wonderful young girl who shared their message with me so many years ago. I think one of the best parts of our lives here on earth is the potential each of us has to share our insights with one another. Each of us has the potential to influence the lives of others for good. Perhaps that is why I love the Sister Survivors group so much. I see women who are actively involved in the process of enriching the lives of those around them.

Kathy Christensen
Guest Poster
Sister Survivor

ALMOST WORDLESS WEDNESDAY - Rainy Days

March definitely did NOT go out like a lamb. It's been kind of yucky weather here lately, in Utah. Then, I saw this cute umbrella, and it brightened up my day!



CLICK HERE to purchase this cute 42" folding umbrella!

TUESDAY TIPS: Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Oil

I recently had a major surgery, and my scar is about 15 inches long - running from one hip to the other. One thing my surgeon told me to do was to put Vitamin E oil on my scar. I took the advice of someone who had the same surgery as me, and got Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Oil with Vitamin E. It is the most wonderful stuff on the planet!



This oil is formulated to help improve the appearance of scars, stretch marks, dry and damaged skin, uneven skin tone, and aging skin, and fine lines and wrinkles. It has Cetesomate-E Complex. This helps improve the skin penetration and absorption characteristics of the formula in to the epidermal layer of the skin.

Ingredients and their benefits:

For scars - Cocoa Butter, Vitamin E, Cetesomate-E, and Rosehip Oil
Results: Helps diminish scar's appearance

For stretch marks - Cocoa Butter, Vitamin E, Cetesomate-E, and Rosehip Oil
Results: Helps improve the appearance of stretch marks

For dry, damaged skin - Cocoa Butter, Vitamin E, Sesame Oil, Canola Oil, Cetesomate-E, and Rosehip Oil
Results: Deeply moisturizing ingredients absorb quickly while improving skin's moisture levels. Skin looks hydrated, firmer and more plump.

For uneven skin tone - Cocoa Butter, Vitamin E, Canola Oil, Cetesomate-E, and Rosehip Oil
Results: Targets marks and spots due to breakouts and pregnancy. Helps even skin tone for a more perfect complexion.

For fine lines and wrinkles - Cocoa Butter Vitamin E, Canola Oil, Cetesomate-E, and Rosehip Oil
Results: Keeps skin conditioned, forming a protective barrier while allowing skin to breathe.

This oil is dermatologically tested. It's a fast-drying formula that penetrates deeply without greasiness, and is non-staining. It allows you to dress immediately after you put in on. This oil can also be used as a bath oil - just add it to your bath for hydration.

I really love this oil. I've been using it for a few weeks. I obviously haven't been using it long enough to be able to see a huge difference, but I do believe it will make a difference in my scar. I'll continue to use it, and in about 6 months, I'll review it again. I didn't use this with my mastectomy scars, so I'll compare the two scars to see if this oil made a difference. I haven't used it for any of the other things it claims to help, so I can't say it works on skin problems, or lines and wrinkles, but if it does a great job on this scar, I am SO putting it on my face!

One last thing - it smells heavenly. Yum!

I got this at Target, in the area with all of the lotions. You can ask the pharmacist, too. I'm sure you could find it near almost any pharmacy. And a little goes a LONG way.

Go out and get some, and then let me know if you like it. I'd love to hear from anyone who has used this oil.

MONDAY MOTIVATION - Click For Your Mama Video

Just saw this video on facebook. Love it!! If you look down on the right hand sidebar of our blog, you'll find a place to click that will take you to the Breast Cancer website, where you can click once a day to help women in need with FREE mammograms.