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Women, You Need To Be Checking Your Breasts For Lumps At Least Once A Month. Best Time Is After Your Period.

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In the United States for every 8 women, 1 will be diagnosed with breast cancer.

This statistic is very alarming. Being a woman and having daughters pushes me to bring more awareness to this and to encourage the females in my life to ensure they are checking themselves regularly for anything abnormal.

I discovered a lump in my underarm almost a year ago. I was referred to woman’s imaging twice and I even requested to see a specialist because I still felt unsure.

Long story short, they have come to a recent conclusion that it’s a benign lymph node. I will continue to monitor it and am doing what I believe I need to do. I am still very hopeful that it will resolve on it’s on.

But in the meantime I feel a very strong obligation to share this and to encourage women to be checking themselves. Having this lump has led me to lots of googling, believe me. But when I go through something I try to ask myself, “what is this teaching me and how can I apply this to my life?” It’s all been a life lesson.

Hence, why I am writing this blog.

Maybe some female (friend or stranger) will read this and just her reading this saved her life! I mean, who knows! But if anything I just want encourage you, my friends, to take care of yourselves as best you can.

I know cancer is not something we want to believe that can happen to us but the truth is, it can. If not you, possibly someone you love dearly. And with a 1 in 8 statistic we should be even more proactive with this, as well as, providing more awareness to the women in our lives to check themselves.

I am not a health expert. But here are the answers that I can provide to you with my experience.

When to check your breasts?

At least once a month. Best time to check for any abnormalities is right after your period, this is what a breast specialist told me. What may help is setting a monthly reminder in your phone to prevent you from forgetting.

How to self exam your breasts?

Lay down on your back and lift one arm reaching far above your head. Use your opposite hand and begin pressing 4 fingers all around your breast, armpit, and collarbone. Repeat on the other side.

You’re feeling for any lumps (some women have natural lumpy breast tissue which is why it is good to become familiar with the way your breasts feel) you’re also checking for any discharge from your nipples.

Note: if anything AT ALL seems unfamiliar it’s best to just let your doctor know.

I feel a lump, now what?

First of all, don’t panic. Lumps do not always indicate cancer. They can be cysts or even a benign lymph node if located in the underarm. And given time they may go away on their own.

Either way I encourage you to call your doctor right away and to schedule an appointment to have it further check out.

My doctor referred me to have an ultra sound, what does that mean?

Most of the time it means they really aren’t sure what the lump is. And lumps in the breast is also not something they mess around with. So they refer you to have it checked out on a different level. I personably feel it’s better to be referred somewhere then to just be dismissed and told “it feels normal”.

Don’t panic once again if your doctor is referring you. I know this can be scary, trust me. But if it is something that is concerning you want it caught as soon as possible.

If you still aren’t satisfied, ask to be referred to a breast specialist.

All I’m going to say is, your peace of mind is worth it. Just trust your intuition and I encourage you have a health advocate if you’re uncomfortable being your own.

A breast specialist will check your breasts, will feel the lump, will ask if you’re experiencing any pain, ask if the lump has grown, and she may or may not have you come back in a few more months.

And if the breast specialist doesn’t suggest you come back and the lump is still present over time, I would definitely have it checked out again. Don’t just dismiss it because the doctor says it doesn’t appear abnormal. If it’s abnormal for YOU, stay on top of it.

When it comes to your health become comfortable being uncomfortable.

Don’t be embarrassed or uncomfortable with your questions, or requesting a second opinion or additional follow ups, or bringing it up to family or friends, etc. Having peace of mind is always worth it even when it feels like a lot.

I know this kind of stuff isn’t fun to discuss believe me. It’s scary and terrifying but we are all in this together.

With all this being said, check yourself and ask the women in your life, “how often are you checking yourself.”

You might save their life.

Breakfast Zucchini Bread

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This bread is easy to make and super tasty. A yummy quick breakfast treat, but hey, if you want to have this for lunch or dinner I won’t judge!

Is best served warmed up with unsalted butter! Enjoy!

Breakfast Zucchini Bread

(This is called ‘Breakfast Zucchini Bread’ because it’s best to make in the evening and allow to sit overnight.)

Makes one small 8 x 4 loaf

Bake at 350 for 50 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

What You Need:

1 large zucchini or 2 small ones finely shredded

1 beaten egg

1 1/2 cups of flour

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon plus a sprinkle of nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup of sugar

1/4 cup of vegetable oil

Steps:

1. In one small bowl whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and baking soda.

2. In a separate medium/large size bowl mix the beaten egg, sugar, vegetable oil, and shredded zucchini with an electric mixer.

3. Begin adding the dry ingredients (the flour and spices) to the wet ingredients (the egg and oil) slowly till batter is consistent.

4. Generously butter up the loaf pan and pour batter into pan. Bake at 350 for 50 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

5. When bread is complete, allow to cool completely. Cover and let it sit overnight.

And then, enjoy for breakfast!

Mix all the dry ingredients in separate bowl.
Then, mix your wet ingredients.
Combine flour mixture and zucchini mixture together and bake at 350.

Barbecue Meatloaf

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Servings: 4 – 6 servings

Bake at 350 for 1 hour. Temperate should read 165 when complete.

What You Need:

1 lb ground beef

1 cup bread crumbs

1 diced onion OR 1 tablespoon of onion powder

1 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce

1 teaspoon of salt

1/2 teaspoon of pepper

1 egg beaten

Steps:

1. Combine all ingredients into a large mixing bowl. Reserving 1/2 cup of the barbecue sauce.

2. Mix well with hand, form loaf shape and place in loaf pan. Pour remaining barbecue sauce over loaf.

3. Bake at 350 for 1 hour. Allow meatloaf to rest for about ten minutes. Check meatloaf temperature, it should read 165.

Enjoy with fresh veggies and roasted potatoes.

Saturday Morning French Toast

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What You Need:

1 loaf of French bread (Vienna bread is tasty with this recipe as well) cut in 1/2 inch slices

1 cup whole milk

2 tablespoons of sugar

2 teaspoons of vanilla extract

2 tablespoons of unsalted butter

4 beaten eggs

Cinnamon sugar spice, fresh fruit, and pure maple syrup for finishing – OPTIONAL (but truthfully, makes a huge difference!)

Steps:

1. Heat skillet to medium-high heat.

2. In a shallow bowl combine beaten eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract and sugar. Dip bread slices into egg mixture and allow a few moments to absorb the mixture on both sides of each slice.

3. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter on a hot skillet and begin your first batch of bread slices. 2-3 minutes on each slice of bread until golden.

4. Repeat step 3 with remaining butter and bread slices.

While warm spread softened butter on French toast. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar and serve with pure maple syrup and fresh fruit.

Enjoy!

3 Steps To A Perfect Hard Boiled Egg

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What came first, the chicken or the egg?

3 Steps To A Perfect Hard Boiled Egg

Step 1: Fill a small to medium size pot of water, then, place desired amount of eggs into water. Turn stove top to medium high (to about a 7 or 8 on stove)

Step 2: When water comes to a rolling boil, turn heat down to medium (About a 5 or 4). You want to keep the rolling boil going but you don’t want it to be an aggressive boil. Set timer for 18 minutes.

Step 3: Once the timer goes off remove pot from stove immediately and place eggs into an ice bath (a bowl of water with ice). Let sit for about 5 to 10 minutes.

After removing from ice bath, cut in half, and your eggs should look like this.

PERFECT AND DELICIOUS.

That’s it!! Place in fridge to enjoy later or eat right away.

Blueberry Muffins With Oatmeal Streusel Topping

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Pair this muffin with a cup of coffee or make some for your friends & family!

Blueberry Muffins With Oatmeal Streusel Topping

Oven: 400 Makes: 12 muffins Bake: 15-18 mins oven time varies

Insert toothpick and when it comes out clean then it’s complete

What You Need For Muffins:

1 3/4 cups of flour

1 1/4 cup of sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 beaten egg

1/4 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup of milk

1/4 cup of vegetable oil

3/4 cup fresh blueberries

What You Need For Oatmeal Streusel Topping:

3 tablespoons of brown sugar

1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon

A dash of nutmeg (optional)

2 tablespoons of butter

3-5 tablespoons of rolled oats (if you don’t want to use oats you can use flour)

Steps For Muffins:

1. Combine flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder in large mixing bowl. In another small mixing bowl combine beaten egg, milk, and oil.

2. Make a well in the middle of the flour mixture and then add egg mixture. Mix until completely combined. Then add fresh blueberries to mixture.

3. Spoon batter into muffin tins, then sprinkle streusel topping on muffins. Bake at 400 for 15 to 18 mins.

Serve with softened butter. Absolutely delish.

Steps For Oatmeal Streusel Topping:

Combine the oatmeal, brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg in a small bowl. Add butter until the mixture becomes crumbly. Sprinkle onto muffins before baking.

Enjoy!

4 Ingredient Baked Pop-Tarts

The Wild Gems

Easy, yummy, and quick!

Once you figure out how easy this is the possibilities are endless!

I’m so excited to try more flavors and to really get creative!

Let’s just get to it shall we.

All You Need Is (for this specific pop-tart)

• premade pie crust

• smuckers natural strawberry fruit spread

• The egg white of ONE egg (all you do is brush this over the pastry before popping into the oven)

• Cookie Icing

(Sprinkles optional)

Maybe one of these days I’ll try making these with homemade dough and icing but I don’t have time! Do you!? This method of using store bought and pre-made makes this super easy, especially with your kids!

This is something fun then can make by themselves too! With adult supervision with the oven of course.

4 Ingredient Baked Pop-Tarts with pictures

Steps:

Step 1. Follow steps on the pre-made dough, on the box of dough I bought it said to roll out and let rise for 20 mins.)

– once dough is ready, cut out the size of rectangles you want and as many as you want (doesn’t need to be perfect).

– in this picture there are 6 rectangles which will make 3 pop -tarts.

Step 2:

Put a dollop amount of strawberry spread onto the rectangles. However many you are making you want to make sure each rectangle has a plain one to go on top.

Step 3.

Place a plain rectangle of dough onto each rectangle with strawberry spread. And seal each pastry with a fork. Poke some holes on top with a toothpick.

Brush egg white wash all over the pastries. (whisk egg white a little before brushing)

(I made these with my girls so they aren’t the prettiest but I’m sure if you have time you can do a nicer job!)

Step 5.

Bake at 400 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes (oven time may vary) allow to cool

Step 6.

Add cookie icing and sprinkles!

Enjoy! See, simple!

Now go get creative and Wild with this!!!

To The Wildest Dreamers – Keep This In Mind

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Whatever you want in this life, I hope what I have to say can motivate or encourage you in some way.

Don’t ever stop being a dreamer.

“Set impossible goals”. I actually heard that quote on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. It was one of her greatest holiday giveaway ones.

A man had been swimming in the ocean, he did a flip, and broke his neck. Just like that, his life changed in an instant.

Life as we know is full of those kind of moments.

He was told that he may never walk again. A nurse told him something that gave him strength and determination. “Set impossible goals.”

Over time, he did learn how to walk again, he is one of the lucky few. He didn’t allow being told that he wouldn’t be able to walk again stop him or hold him back. He dreamed that impossible dream. The beautiful part of this story is he walked his wife down the aisle. And I’m willing to bet they danced too. All because he didn’t give up. All the frustration, the tears, the try after try were absolutely worth it.

(This isn’t them btw, I’m just providing a visual so you can truly try to empathize with this couple and to gain perspective. Hope it works.)

Now……

Everyone has something that they desire. What is your dream? I know you have one.

I’m willing to bet some of you reading this have never really been asked that question. Or you haven’t shared it with anyone.

I want this post to get you thinking about what you want in your life. To take a moment to identify what you seek.

When I was younger the only dream I truly desired so much was to become a mom. I’m not even kidding, that was my dream. It was a dream and it felt like a calling, I can’t really explain it. I wanted to be a mom so bad and my greatest fear was that I wouldn’t be able to have children.

When I became a mother my dream literally came true. Words cannot describe how much joy motherhood gives me. However, what’s crazy though, when I became a mom I also lost myself a bit.

Losing a bit of myself was very bizarre to me. I became something that I wanted so badly, yet, here was I not feeling completely fulfilled.

I went on a serious soul searching journey. And 3 kids later I feel the most confident, courageous, that I have ever been. And I have grown so much.

Motherhood has been the best thing to ever happen to me, because I found a different part of myself. New dreams are being born and new goals are being formed because of my first dream. My daughters inspire me. I have started dreaming ‘impossible dreams’ because of them.

I share this because I don’t ever want you to feel discouraged. The feeling of reaching something but not quite feeling the way you thought you would will happen sometimes.

I saw an interview with Tom Hanks on The Today Show and he said something along the lines of, “The good things you feel from an accomplishment don’t last, and the same goes for the things that bring you down.”

I’m grateful for my dream of motherhood coming true. Greatest, hardest thing ever! This blog exist because of my girls! I have no idea where this blog will take me, but so far it’s probably helped me more then it’s helped any of you.

Trust the Timing of things. And trust your path. Each path provides some type of lesson to get you where you need to go next.

It can take time trying to figure out what you really want.

The point is, don’t give up. Keep trying, keep experiencing, keep doing! And stop being so concerned with what others think. Otherwise you’ll just become stuck and you will settle. If you only knew that just a few feet more you’d see that something greater was waiting for you.

If you’re afraid to fail in front of others, you’re going to have to suck it up. I say that in the nicest way possible.

I personally would rather keep trying new things and experiencing failure to find what really lights my spirit up, then to just settle because I’m in a content position.

You can’t be afraid of dead ends, u-turns, or any paths that lead you into a roundabout.

The pitfalls, the mistakes, the redos are going to happen and they have to happen in order for you to learn and grow and to get where you want to be.

4 THINGS TO CLOSE THIS UP

(Thanks if you read this whole thing!)

Be patient.

Don‘t forget the reason why you’re doing what you are doing.

Write your goals down and work towards it everyday.

Stop limiting yourself, set yourself to be free and to express who you really are and who you want to become.

Enjoy the crazy maze of life!

DIY Ripped Jeans – All You Need is Scissors, A Steak Knife, And Tweezers

The Wild Gems

First, I just want to say this is a super easy DIY. And I don’t know why but I felt it to be kind of soothing pulling out the jean threads.

I’m weird.

Anyways, I had a pair of black jeans with a little bit of white paint on them and because of that white paint they just became dormant in my drawer.

I have no idea what prompted me to pull them out and to decide to do something with them but here we are.

(I can be very impulsive. Sometimes I’ll decide I want bangs so I grab scissors and cut.)

I cut a big hole in the blacks jeans and thought, well, this looks stupid. I better YouTube this.

And I learned how to make your own ripped jeans! Honestly, it makes sense why they charge an arm and leg for ripped jeans when you buy them. It’s really easy but it’s a bit tedious.

Let this be your craft for the month!

DIY RIPPED JEANS – All YOU NEED IS SCISSORS, A STEAK KNIFE, AND TWEEZERS

Step 1: Identify where on your jeans you want to place holes or distressed marks.

(Tip: Try on yours pants, and mark with chalk if needed.)

Step 2: (for just a distressed look) Take your steak knife and run the steak knife side to side on parts of the waste, tops of the pockets, and a few random spots on your jeans.

Step 3: To achieve the “ripped look” take your scissors and cut horizontal lines where you want the holes to be. One horizontal line on top of another.

Step 4: (this is the soothing yet tedious part. Turn on some Netflix) take your tweezers and begin pulling the vertical jean threads out, so eventually all that will be left are the white threads in the middle.

THERE IS NO WRONG WAY TO DO THIS, GET CREATIVE AND HAVE FUN WITH IT.

It’s going to look cute!

Work it girl

Simmering Pot Scents-Orange Peel, Spice, And Peppermint

The Wild Gems

Your home is about to smell amazing!

This simple simmer pot recipe will give you all the feels! It’s absolutely heavenly!

This scent is great for the holidays and for your soul. It’s super easy and once you try it I bet you’ll be anxious to get creative with other simmer pot scents!

Get to it! It’s so easy!

Simmer Pot Scents – Orange Peel, Spice, And Peppermint

What You Need:

2 1/2 cups of water

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp nutmeg

2-3 drops of peppermint oil (optional)

Steps:

1. Pour water into a pot, bring to a boil, add ingredients.

2. Next, allow the aroma of this sweet scent to fill your home!

(May need to add water depending on how long you let this yummy smelling combination simmer)

And enjoy!