Monday, October 5, 2009

A word & then...Pink Beauty - Breast Cancer Awareness Month



This blog is my hobby. I love talking about makeup, skincare, haircare and all that stuff. But let's face it, that's superficial stuff, I'm deeper than that and so are you. So I'd like to take a few minutes to remind everyone that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Did you know that The National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) organization is 25 years old this year? Proceeds from the sales of eveything from coffee pots to makeup to yogurt are donated by hundreds of companies big and small. But it's the stories of real people that truly bring home the message. Please indulge me while I tell you about some women I know and a woman I knew.

Karen was like us; she worked, was a busy mom, drove her kids to all their sports practices and attended every game. In addition, she volunteered at her church and she and I had a Camp Fire Girls troop. Karen was the one you called on to get something done and when no one else would volunteer, she would. She left behind 3 children, the youngest 8 years old. Karen lived for 2 years after her diagnosis but went through hell. A mastectomy, radiation, chemotherapy, stem cell replacement, she did anything it took to stay with her family as long as she could. To say it was hard on her is a colossal understatement-- it was horrid and debilitating and humiliating and every other horrible adjective you can think of.  I miss her.

I have two co-workers currently struggling with breast cancer. They both have been through surgery and chemo, infusions and have completed their treatment.  D is the most amazing person you will ever meet. She is smart, beautiful and witty, but perhaps the most striking thing about D is her positive attitude--you cannot help but be happy in her presence. She is grateful for the experience of having cancer, not that she would have asked for it or wanted it, but she's learned about herself and others and as usual she has tried to make the best of of a bad situation. When I was going through my divorce, D would send me cards with notes of encouragement--the woman has cancer and she's concerned about me? That's who she is, like I said---amazing.

I can only think of one word to describe V and that is GOOD. She is just a good, good, kind person. I will never reach that level of goodness. She never has a bad word to say about anyone, is always willing to help and is sympathic and understanding. I swear there are days when I catch a glimpse of something shiny hanging just above her head.

Both women are blessed with wonderful husbands, friends and supporters from their churches. Both women are of great faith which I'm sure helps to sustain them through these difficult times.

I'm only telling you this in the hope that you will make your health a priority. Karen's doctor told her to slow down and take care of herself, he said that chronic illness and disease is more common in women who have busy schedules and are givers. Hey doc, that describes all women! Did you know that one in every 8 women in the United States will develop breast cancer? Now that's scary! We 'mature' women have taken care of our spouses, children, friends, parents, grandchildren, etc. and put everyone before ourselves. Now it's time to take care of yourself. Your family needs you to stay healthy and active! We mature women also know that the world is a sweeter, calmer, more compassionate place because of US.

On a lighter note, let's take a look at some of the beauty products that have offerings for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. You can help just by buying products that donate in some way and thanks for indugling me.



Smooth the way to finding a cure for breast cancer. Buy this limited-edition Dramatically Different™ Moisturizing Lotion and help the Breast Cancer Research Foundation with its mission to prevent and cure this disease. Comes with a Clinique bracelet with dangling charms: a Clinique “C” and Breast Cancer Awareness Pink Ribbon.  $10.00 from your purchase helps support The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. $35




Limited-edition trio of Long Last Glosswear SPF 15 minis on a keychain. Comes with 2 charms: a Breast Cancer Awareness Pink Ribbon and a Clinique 'C." In Air Kiss, Kissyfit &Whisper. $10 from your purchase helps support the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. $18.50

Bonus: For every Clinique.com order placed in October, receive 3 gifts, no code necessary. Pink ribbon pin, pink ribbon charm and a bookmark featuring "7 tips for a healthier lifestyle".

Imagine a world without breast cancer. Your purchase of any product from the Pink Ribbon Collection will help Estée Lauder donate $500,000 to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation®. BCRF is dedicated to preventing breast cancer and finding a cure in our lifetime by funding clinical and translational research worldwide. To learn more about BCRF, call toll-free 1-866-FIND.A.CURE or visit www.bcrfcure.org






Golden Ribbons Mirror Compact. This elegant mirror compact is a gleaming way to show your support of Breast Cancer Awareness. On the cover, a subtle golden ribbon design catches the eye. Open the compact to reveal a dual mirror (one side has 5X magnification). Compact is approximately 3' in diameter. $55
Give your lips a world of pinks and show your support of Breast Cancer Awareness with the Elizabeth Hurley Lip Design Collection. $22


Elizabeth Hurley hand-picked the shades for this exclusive set:


Pure Color Lipstick in Elizabeth Pink


High Gloss in Pink Lady


Artist's Lip Pencil in Pink Writer


Pink Case with Mirror



Give your lips a world of pinks and show your support of Breast Cancer Awareness with the Evelyn Lauder Lip Design Collection. $22


Evelyn H. Lauder hand-picked the shades for this exclusive set:

Pure Color Lipstick in Bois de Rose


High Gloss in Blush


Artist's Lip Pencil in Spice Writer


Pink Case with Mirror



Bobbi Brown's Limited Edition Pink Ribbon collection features a limited edition pink glitter lip balm and an exclusive new shade, Creamy Pink lipcolor.  $40




During the month of October, Tarte will donate 20% of the proceeds of the Think Pink natural collection to the Young Survival Coalition, a support network for women under 40 living with breast cancer. See the Think Pink natural collection here  Get a free pink clutch with a $40 purchase from the Think Pink natural collection, use code PinkOct9.

More Pink Beauty products will be featured throughout the week so make sure to check back . Be healthy and God Bless!

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