August 7, 2010
No Scarf Today
My hair has been slowly growing over the last 5 months and today was the first day that I actually ventured out in public without a scarf or a wig to cover my head. So this is a milestone day for me.
Because my hair grows so slowly, it has taken five months for my hair to grow long enough for me to feel OK to go in public with it uncovered. I did babysit my grandson a few times over the last month without my turban on and I actually went out into my yard to water my plants several times (hoping that no one would see me).
But today was different. I had a lot of errands to do for an upcoming trip and I thought,”Well, why not?”! So I did. In my excitement to ‘bare what little hair I have’, I shared this milestone day with several people whom I met while out and about today. Their remarks encouraged me to feel much more comfortable. We will see how tomorrow goes.
By the way, it took me forever to ‘fix’ my hair. Now remember that there is almost no hair there, and I can’t believe that I spent so much time ‘fixing’ what little hair I have. I think I was gaining courage. For the last 16 months, I have not even looked at my hair in the mirror, but I sure checked every single angle of it today before going out. I needed to build up my confidence. I didn’t have to use hair spray because there isn’t enough hair to hold down!
This is just one more step on my recovery and it feels so good. This has given me so much hope….
And it has driven my spirits higher than they have been in 18 months…..
Who would have thought that a little bit of standing-straight-up dark grey curly hair would have been such an uplifting thing?
PS: My Pre-Chemo hair was very fine, very straight, and dark blond with a few (very few) grey hairs and was also highlighted. This Post-Chemo dark grey poodle-like hair that I have is a completely different ‘look’ for me and that is the reason for my not feeling completely confident with my new look. But don’t get me wrong, I am so grateful to God for my physical healing and for my new hair ~~ whatever He has chosen to give me, I will gladly take!!! But it is strange that my hair is shorter than my Son’s short hair style!
August 6, 2010
Travel Size Deodorant
I know this is a strange title for a weblog post, but that is what this is about –travel size deodorants.
While getting ready for a recent trip, I looked in many different types of stores for a travel size of my favorite deodorant. Since it is a ‘all natural’ product, I even searched the pharmacy sections of my local health food stores . No Luck. Oh they carried the regular size, but the TSA allowable 1 quart bag per passenger is so tiny and I have so many things to put into it, that I needed the smaller travel size so I could fit everything into that TSA allowable bag.
In desperation, I called the product’s toll-free phone number. The customer service representative was very nice to me and informed me that stores rarely stock that travel size anymore. I groaned. She said that they do have a few in the warehouse and that she would be happy to send me one. I gave her my address and was about ready to get off the phone when I realized that it would not arrive in time for my trip. She then offered me what I consider to be the worlds greatest kept secret and a super travel hint.
She told me that I can ‘make my own’ travel size if I have an empty container to put it into. I told her that I did. This is what she told me to do.
Take what is left in the bottom of the deodorant container and microwave it for just a few seconds. I found that 5 seconds was enough. Be careful, It can be hot and spill easily! Then you just simply pour the now melted deodorant into the smaller travel size container. Let it set for a few minutes and you have now made your own travel size deodorant!
It was so cool, money saving, convenient and best of all, I get to use my favorite deodorant when I travel.
July 30, 2010
QVC Super Saturday Live Designer Sale
Super Saturday Live is this Saturday, July 31, 2010 from 11:00am – 1:00pm West Coast time.
QVC presents Super Saturday Live, a nationally televised sales event featuring designer products in support of the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF). The net proceeds from this event will be donated to OCRF to advance ovarian cancer research, raise awareness of the disease, and eventually find a cure.
Designer Sponsors
In support of the fight against ovarian cancer, QVC has invited top brand names and companies to donate high-quality accessories, beauty, jewelry, and home goods at wholesale cost. This merchandise will be sold during the Super Saturday Live event both on QVC’s broadcast and QVC.com with all net proceeds benefiting OCRF. Check out the brands that have partnered with QVC and OCRF this year to make this event a success:
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| Amrita Singh | Bare Escentuals | Dalton Cosmetics | DHC |
| Dr. Denese Skinscience® | Dr. Michelle Copeland Skin Care | Honora | It Figures!® |
| Joan Rivers Classics Collection® | Judith Ripka | Laura Geller | Lierac Paris Skincare |
| Lucky Brand | Mally Beauty | NARS | Perricone MD |
| philosophy | Slatkin & Co. | Supersmile | Smashbox Cosmetics |
| Talbots | tarte: high performance naturals™ | Votre Vu | WEN by Chaz Dean |
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| Jacqueline Kennedy Collection | Juicy Couture | kate spade new york | LORAC |
| Poppy King’s Lipstick Queen | Rivka Friedman Jewelry Collection | Theory |  |
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This is just a partial list, for more information, go to : http://www.qvc.com/cgen/render.aspx?qp=promo|supersaturday_2010&rewrite=no#
July 24, 2010
Shop QVC for Ovarian Cancer Research
Saturday, July 31, 2010 QVC will be having a special event to benefit Ovarian Cancer Research from 2 to 4:00 pm Eastern time. That would be from 11:00 am to 1:00pm Pacific Daylight Time on the West Coast. It is called Super Saturday Live and they actually have some designer items on sale online now.
I was told that the show items are very nice, high quality and that they are below retail prices so they sell out very fast. This sounds like you should not miss this opportunity to pick up a few goodies (early Christmas shopping perhaps) and benefit Ovarian Cancer research in the process.
Some items are already available onlline at:
http://www.qvc.com/cgen/render.aspx?qp=promo|supersaturday_2010&rewrite=no
July 18, 2010
America’s Next Top Model Auditions
The auditions for America’s Next Top Model, cycle 16 are now under way.
In the Portland area you must go TODAY from 10:00am -2:00pm to be considered for the show.
1221 Southwest 12th Avenue
Portland, OR 97205-2036
(503) 226-7355
The basic requirements are: 18-27 years old, a citizen of the United States, at least 5’7″ tall (although there are exceptions). You must live in the United States and be able to obtain a valid US Passport as international travel may be required. Three photos are required, a head shot, a full length, and one in a swimsuit. A video (no longer than 3 minutes in length) is required. Producers are looking for a variety of models, including plus size models.
You can go to this weblink for additional information: http://www.nw32.com/entertainment/antm/
Good Luck!
July 9, 2010
Hair Length
It has now been 4 months since Portland Firefly went off Chemo. I’m doing well and my CA 125 numbers are relatively stable. My eyebrows and eyelashes have grown back. YEA!!! And my hair is making a slow comeback.
It is the longest at the nape of my neck and it sometimes peeks out from under my head scarves so it looks like my hair is longer than it really is. Last week I saw a documentary on PBS about a woman who gave up everything and became a Buddhist nun. Her shaved hair is longer than mine.
And so, when people ask me I tell them that my hair is shorter than a Buddhist nun’s hair!
July 5, 2010
Dr.Oz and Olive Oil
Well, Dr. Oz did it again! He (his staff) came up with some unusual uses for olive oil. None of them really surprised me.
He emphasized that drinking olive oil will help reduce bad cholesterol and showed this with one of his ‘science experiements’. Then he had one of his guests shave her legs with olive oil. She liked it as it also moisturizes your legs. Then he had her pour olive oil on her long dark tresses; massage it in and cover with an old shower cap for 15 minutes. You then wash your hair.
I wonder if her husband thought that she was a salad!
July 3, 2010
A Good Wishes Gift
Portland Firefly was just made aware of a business that sells accessories for women’s hair. This business owner now makes pre-tied head scarves available for chemotherapy patients who have lost their hair.
So I called their toll-free phone number after I viewed their offerings online. They asked me to give them three choices on fabric styles and that they would be mailing a headscarf to me within 3 weeks. I am pretty excited about this offer as I have been wearing scarves for 17 months now. I love the scarves I have, but it is always fun to get a new something for the wardrobe!!!
June 16, 2010
Eyelashes
As you know, Portland Firefly lost all of her eyebrows and eyelashes during her 13 months of Chemotherapy. I would pencil in my eyebrows, but you can’t put mascara on something that isn’t there!
It is now three months after my last chemotherapy treatment and my eyebrows and eyelashes are finally growing in. I actually had to pluck the stray hairs from outside my eyebrow line! That is something I have not had to do for 16 months! Last weekend, when I applied my mascara, I could actually see my lashes again! There were only a few times during the course of my chemo that I choose to wear my false eyelashes and that was for special occasions that came up during my treatment. Now I can put those false eyelashes away for another ‘rainy day’. And I ‘ll have to go and get some more mascara!!! Black , of course!
March 8, 2010
Lip Stix Remix
Portland Firefly enjoys watching the show ‘Shark Tank’ where inventors pitch their products to the 5 multi-millionaires in the hopes that they will provide money and guidance . There are some deals that are made and one regarding lipstick caught my attention.
A young woman has developd and patented a product that enables us at home to melt and re-make our broken and partially used lipsticks into a usable product. She has named it Lip Stix Remix. You can find it on this web site: http://www.lipstixremix.com/index.html
January 23, 2010
Brides Against Breast Cancer Gown Sale 2010
The Brides Against Breast Cancer organization is having their annual sale here in Portland this weekend, Jan 22 – Jan 24th. It is at the Doubletree Hotel at Lloyd Center. For brides looking for a wonderful bargain on a unique dress this is the ‘must attend’ event. The gowns are beautiful and are often one of a kind designer or sample gowns that would normally sell for up to $9,000. The gowns range in price from $99 to about $800. Be sure to eat a high protein breakfast before you go and take a power bar and a bottle of water with you to keep you thinking straight while you make this important decision! If you can take a friend with you too.
Happy shopping for your dream dress!!!!
Portland, OR
Friday, January 22,
General Sale – Free Admission
Friday, January 22, 11 am – 8 pm
Saturday, January 23, 10 am – 8 pm
Sunday, January 24, 10 am – 5 pm
Doubletree Hotel
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Executive Meeting Center Portland – Lloyd Center
1000 NE Multnomah
Portland, OR 97232
For more information, please go to this web site:
http://www.bridesagainstbreastcancer.org/index.html
December 18, 2009
From Hair on Out
A few days ago I wrote that my head was aching and that has been known to be a precursor to my hair falling out. I knew the signs, but since my hair has just started to grow back in, I didn’t want to believe that it would really happen a second time. Well, I was wrong.
Wednesday night when I was washing my hair, I kept getting hair in my mouth. “Oh, no,” I sadly thought. “I was told by more than one person that it would most probably fall out, but I wanted to believe that I was different.” My head hurt so much… it is so tender that I cannot even touch my hair without my head hurting. Imagine barley touching your hair and the dull aching pain radiating into your head.
So I got out my trusty hair cutting scissors and started cutting my new 1 inch curly locks (well almost locks). My hair fell into beautiful tiny crescents on the sink and counter. I have never had curly hair before and I really hated to cut it off. I was after all just starting to get used to it and now I had to cut it off.
The reason I choose to cut my hair really short (almost completely off) is because when it starts to fall out, you have hair everywhere. It gets in your eyes, in your mouth, in your toothpaste, on your clothes, in the bed, on your towels on the computer and is really a mess.
But this time I do not plan to go to the beautician and have my head shaved like I did last time. I have been through this once and right now I am less willing to lose my hair than I was the first time. I guess that means that I am much better than I was last time! And you know I am!!
December 11, 2009
Skin Care VII
Recently a friend asked me what products I use. I have given the names of several of them in my previous posts on Skin Care (I – VI). But I have not mentioned the name of one particular line of products that rate right at the top.
One time when I was visiting my daughter in West Hollywood, she made an appointment for me at a Beverly Hills Salon. That was fine with me!!!! I felt really special going to a Beverly Hills Skin Care Salon. I was impressed with their beautiful expert nurse, Joy and she has ‘the most beautiful skin’ of anyone I have ever seen in my life (and as a flight attendant I have seen lots of people).
I walked out with several of their high quality products and I have continued to use them ever since. Now, I know that you are sitting on the edge of your chair wanting to know the name of the salon and their products….
The name of the salon is Leaf and Rusher; www.leafandrusher.com. The one product that I never want to be without is their Rapid Resurface which is their microdermabrasion in a tube. I love their high quality products and value the information that was given to me at my consultation. If I lived in the area, I would be making appointments there several times a year.
Here is a picture of the nurse who has the most beautiful skin in the world!
November 22, 2009
Green Tea Uses
For many years, green tea has been a drink that I enjoy, especially in the mornings.
But over the years the recycler in me became unsettled over throwing out all of those tea leaves. I figured that there has to be a use for them. Then I remembered something that my parents used to have me do as a child.
Living in the near perfect climate of Southern California, we had a beautifully landscaped yard consisting of my Father’s favorite plants and flowers. I came to love those same flowers and to learn their names. One day, my Mother told me to take the tea bags and to put them in the garden around a specific plant. My Dad instructed me to gently incorporate the tea leaves into the top of the soil for these acid loving plants. It is something that I have always remembered because it was so unusual.
This came back into my consciousness while I was pondering my used tea bags. Then I remembered that green tea is now a popular ingredient in some cosmetics. Hum-m-m-m, I thought. I now have three uses for these tea bags. And that sounded like a bargain to me!
So after I make my green tea, I remove the bag. I then like to ‘wash’ my face with it as a toner. Then I let the tea bag dry. When the tea bag is dried out, I put the tea leaves into a little container and then I sprinkle them around my beautiful roses. I had the most fantastic long-stemmed roses this summer —they were over four feet tall!!!
And the recycler in me was satisfied that I was actually helping something in the environment instead of adding to the landfill problem.
November 19, 2009
Broken Fingernail?
My recent post about green tea reminded me of something that we would do as Flight Attendants.
Appearance is an important part of being a Flight Attendant because, lets face it, we are what I like to refer to as the ‘In-Flight Entertainment’. Passengers watch everything we do and this is most evident when we are serving beverages or meals. That means that you are watching our hands; so having nicely manicured nails was part of our appearance standards.
But what do you do when you are on a flight and you catch a nail on a galley carrier and your nail starts to rip off? One enterprising Flight Attendant came up with the solution that was always readily available to every flight attendant.
She took a tea bag and tore off a small part of the bag and applied it over the torn part of her nail. If no one had any nail glue, then we would use nail polish to secure the tea bag patch to help hold our nail in place until it could grow out or we could get to the nail salon.
This is a solution that I was most thankful for on many occasions and perhaps it might come in handy for someone else out there some day!
November 15, 2009
I Met the “Hat Lady”
When I was at the Cancer Center before my trip to Spain, I was waiting to be taken to the lab for my blood draw. I had an unusally long wait because there was a mix-up regarding my appointment day.
While waiting, a lady struck up a brief conversation with me and we continued talking for some time. At one point I sat in the chair next to hers in order to present her with my business card and it was then that I noticed a large bag on the chair on the other side of her. The bag was bulging over the top with items that were somehow familiar to me. My immediate sense was that they look exactly like something that belongs to me and is in my house. How can that be? I looked more carefully and then I recognized the items in the bag. The bag was over-filled with the soft Chemo hats that someone had made for the cancer patients at this center.
It became very clear to me who this lovely woman was. She is the “Hat Lady”. She is the one who selflessly makes and donates hundreds of hats each year so that we can have some sense of dignity in the baldness that accompanies our killing Chemotherapy treatments.
I have two of them and I wear them all the time. They travel with me, even on a short overnight stay at my Son’s house. I love these hats. They are so soft and so comfortable and they keep your head warm, which is sometimes the primary reason for wearing one. Now I was able to thank her personally and to give her a very heartfelt hug for providing these hats for us.
She told me her name, but since she wishes to remain anonymous, I will not reveal it here. She has been making these Chemo hats and donating them for over 8 years. What a wonderful thing to do and I hope she realizes how appreciated her efforts are by all of us who are the lucky recipients of her generosity! Thank you so very much, A…….
October 23, 2009
Self-Defense for Women
Every woman needs to have the emotional and physical resources to protect herself. Portland Firefly came across this web site for a school that teaches several different classes on self-defense. A class such as this will give one the tools to help fend off an attacker.
As a disclaimer, I have never been to this school, nor attended any of their classes, but for $45.00 for a 3 hour class it certainly sounds reasonable.
“Real strength is having the confidence to be who you are in the world. Tulen self-defense builds strength from the inside out. You learn to set boundaries and to respond to any situation with calmness and confidence. You gain a sense of power and competence that will benefit all aspects of your life.
Tulen self-defense is simple to learn and highly effective. Inspirational and experienced martial arts instructors teach how to live strong, assertive lives and prepare participants to respond to real life situations. We offer dynamic, practical skills for all ages and abilities. Our courses affirm the limitless power and potential of each individual.”
October 2, 2009
The Best of Beauty
Every year Allure Magazine publishes an issue with what they call “The Best of Beauty”. These are new products that the staff and editors at Allure magazine have tried themselves and voted on for inclusion in this annual issue. If you are looking for … say … a new mascara, body lotion, nail polish, etc. you can check their website for their recommended products. At the store, if I see the round red Allure symbol on a product that I am considering purchasing, I always buy it because I feel it has been road tested by my peers and must have a degree of quality to make the cut.
Some of the awarded products that I may purchase this year include the Sallie Hanson Insta-dry nail polish (drys in 1 minute); The Dove Body Wash with Nutrium Moisturizer (people undergoing Chemotherapy have dry skin) and the Georgio Armani Beauty lasting Silk UV foundation
September 2, 2009
Skin Care VI
Sixth Installment:
This one deals with vitamins. Remember, there is nothing so beautiful as healthy skin and healthy skin starts with what you eat and the nutrients you take into your beautiful body. Be sure to drink at least 8 8oz glasses of high quality water every day.
The following Vitamins are helpful for nourishing good skin health:
A, E, C , D, Alpha-lipoic Acid, Co Q-10 enzyme, and a good multi-vitamin.
Milk thistle will detoxify your liver – which will cleanse your system.
Note: Do not take any supplements unless you check with your health care provider first.
August 24, 2009
Farmers Market
Farmers Market Bounty by PDXFirefly
With this new Chemo schedule, I have more energy on the weekends instead of during the week. This enabled me to go to my local Saturday Farmers Market today which I thoroughly enjoyed. This was my first outing to the Farmers Market all summer, so it was a special trip for me.
The best part of all was the close parking space that was left for my car. It was as close as one could park to the Market. I pulled right in! I put my hat over my scarf over my bald head, grabbed my reusable shopping bag, locked the car and had an enjoyable stroll across the street to the market. I told you I parked close!
My first stop was at the first stall! Actually, I walked past it when the smell of the fresh ripe peaches drew me back into the stall. I left with two of the biggest peaches I have ever seen. 3 pounds for the two of them! The next stall had fresh made scones. Scones!! The biggest scones I have ever seen. They were the size of a bread and butter plate. Almost the same size as the peaches I had just carefully placed in my shopping bag. I love scones. Well I walked past that stall, too. But then I turned around and came right back and purchased a marionberry scone. I was a little disappointed in it, but I managed to eat the rest of it after my dinner.
The third stall had beautiful fresh flower arrangements. I had to remind myself that this was my first outing to the Farmers Market and I had told myself that I wasn’t going to buy anything — well maybe something special if I saw it. And food doesn’t count because we all have to eat. And here I was at only the third stall on one side the first street and I just kept getting cash out of my purse!
I think I passed up the next stall, but the fifth stall was my nemesis. Lauri had beautiful jewelry that she had made. I had been watching QVC off and on this week during my “chemo daze” and was now up on the latest jewelry trends. At least I like to think I am. Anyway, she had beautiful large necklaces and so I spent a considerable amount of time exploring the possibilities until I saw IT. I picked up the amethyst and silver work of art and looked at it. I set it back down . It was about $6.00 more than I really wanted to pay, so I kept looking through her prolific stock for something similar at a lower price. It wasn’t there.
Now remember, Portland Firefly hasn’t been out of the house since Chemo on Monday. I’m still a little “chemo-dazed” which means “ditsy”, ”not thinking straight” , “not a good time to be making quick decisions”. ”This is a handmade, one of a kind piece,” I tell myself. “I am going to be taking a vacation when I am able,” and “This would be just perfect for those trips.” Another shopper comes to the area of the booth where “my” necklace sits back among its friends on the tabletop. I have that fleeting panic thought “What if she picks up my necklace?” “How would I feel if she buys my necklace?”
That pretty much says it all. Frantically, trying to be totally cool, I move toward the place I had set it down. “Where is it?” I know that she hasn’t been here long enough to see it on this part of the table. I spot it just to her right. My left hand casually stretches over toward it. I pick it up again. It is not going to be hers. I examine it again….not really examine it …just admire it. It is really beautiful and it is my colors. I know I’ll wear it. I am not setting it down again.
I want to try it on first. The craftswoman instructs me on the easiest way to fasten the beautiful clasp. She has the tiniest mirrors possible, but she offers to hold one up for better viewing which she does. I am now in the “preening” and “admiring” part of the buying process. My sunglasses come off and I really wish that she had a larger mirror. I don’t want to insult her by bargaining, but it is just a little more than I want to pay. I think about the prices on QVC and then I remember the added shipping and handling cost…as high as $7.00 on some items. “That mirror is really small” I think to myself, as I try to get a good view of my new necklace, which isn’t really mine yet.
I really want this. I reach into my purse and pull out the cash for my necklace and she removes the hang tag from it for me. As an added bonus, I am given a pretty little mesh bag to protect my confection when I finally take it off later in the day. As my change is returned to me, I remark that I’ll be taking this with me on my travels and I thank her for the storage bag as it will come in handy.
As I walk around the Saturday Market, my only other purchases are some green beans, some purple heirloom beans and a Chia Latte. But before I can return to Lauri’s booth as I exit the market, I have been complemented 4 times on my new necklace. I think I got my money’s worth already!!
July 13, 2009
How to Apply Falsh Eyelashes
One of the side effects of chemotherapy is the loss of hair. What the average person may not realize is that someone undergoing Chemo looses all body hair, not just the hair on ones head. I lost the hair on my head within 2 1/2 weeks after my first Chemotherapy session. But I didn’t lose my eyebrows and eyelashes until more than 8 weeks later.
In preparation for loosing my eyelashes, I had purchased a set of false eyelashes so I would have them ready when I needed them. Well, last Saturday, I needed them.
Here is how to apply your false eyelashes. Apply all of your other make-up first, including ALL of your eye make-up, including liner. If you are fortunate enough to have your own eyelashes, you can apply a thin layer of mascara, just to plump up your own lashes. Allow it to dry before proceeding.
Before the first use, you must make sure that the eyelashes you purchased are the correct width for your eyes. If they are too wide, then simply snip off a little bit from the outside edge of the lash. You want to keep the integrity of the inside of the lash where it is shaped. Having the correct width is important because you want the lashes to look natural and to lay flat against your eyelid which they will not do if they are too wide across your eyelid.
I purchased an eyelash starter kit made by Andrea. I purchased black lashes which I would recommend for most wearers. The exception would be if you have extremely light blond hair and light lashes and eyebrows. In that case you should consider a brown lash. It is difficult to pick out a set of eyelashes the first time because there are so many styles to choose from. My Andrea lash Starter Kit has the number 53 on it. This corresponds to the actual style of the lash that I purchased since I prefer a more natural looking eyelash. I am not interested in a fakey, showgirl type of lash which can be fun to wear at times, but not for what I needed. I needed to look as normal as possible and just to give my eyes the semblance of a lash.
The reason I purchased the “Starter Kit” is because it contains a tool to help you apply your eyelashes. When I wore false eyelashes years ago, I always used a pair of special tweezers to hold and apply my eyelashes and I wanted to compare the new tool to my previous method. I think it would be a fair investment for the beginner, but I found the tool not as easy to use as I had hoped it would be. But then, I am out of practice myself!
A word about the eyelash adhesive. They now have one that dries a dark grey or black. In the future I would invest in the dark lash adhesive, because the dark glue will help to create the impression of eyeliner and hide any unevenness in applying your lashes. My kit came with clear adhesive which is fine.
Now for the fun part! Take one eyelash and insert in your tool or in your tweezers. Carefully apply a thin line of lash adhesive to the edge of your false eyelash. Remove any excess adhesive with a toothpick. Wait about 20 seconds. Then bring the lash up and over your own eyelash setting it down firmly along your eyelash line making sure the ends are secure. You can check with a small compact size mirror to see if your lashes are on securely and where you want them to be. The glue will dry in about 4 minutes.
Don’t allow yourself to become frustrated. You are learning a new skill and it takes time to master new skills. Portland Firefly strongly advises that you practice applying your lashes a few times before your big event… just to give yourself more confidence and to get the hang of it.
When you want to remove them, simply grab the outside edge and gently pull them off. After you remove the old adhesive, store them back where they came from to help your eyelashes keep their shape. Have fun!!!!
June 13, 2009
My Hair
As my regular readers know, I lost all of the hair on my head (which I had dyed a delightful vibrant purple) less than three weeks after my first Chemotherapy session. I just thought that would be the end of it. Not so…..
First of all, my dear friend in California warned me that my head would hurt prior to my hair falling out. That was really nice to know. Chris then let me know that I should be prepared for all of my hair to fall out — not just the hair on my head, but all body hair. No hair under my arms, no hair on my legs (makes for a nice smooth summer) and no hair on my arms (even though I don’t have much hair there to begin with). Those are the good points.
After my hair started falling out, I had my head shaved to eliminate the mess of hair all over everywhere. I thought that would be the end of it. It was not. I started getting little bumps on my head and I couldn’t figure out why. I am not sure the reason. I started washing my head with shampoo every day and that has helped. Even though I didn’t have any hair growing, I think my hair follicles still produced some oils and they need to be shampooed off of my bald head. So, I am not saving any money on shampoo by losing my hair. Besides it feels good to have the water pouring over my head. Sometimes I even pretend that the sheets of water coming off of my head are long golden tresses and I raise my chin and shake my head in that sexy way and for just a few seconds, I pretend that I have hair again. And it feels really good.
Now, about 6 weeks after loosing most of the hair on my head, I find that I am also loosing the hair on my face…. No, I don’t have a beard or anything like that… You Silly Goose!!! But I use to have eyebrows and eyelashes. Please note the past tense that I used here. I was not prepared for my eyelashes and eyebrows to fall out. Lets say that I can cover up my hairless head, but not my missing eyelashes and missing eyebrows.
Enter the world of cosmetics. I have a medical condition that caused my eyebrows to thin considerably many years ago when I was still working for TWA. Since appearance was an important part of my position as Flight Attendant, I invested in permanent cosmetics. In English, that means that I had my eyebrows tattooed on, permanently. And the artist who did them did an incredible job. If you didn’t know, you wouldn’t have known. I also had my eyeliner done at the same time. Yes, it hurt. Yes, one must have touch-ups done every several years. And yes, I did have the touch-ups done on a regular basis, which was a good thing. A very good thing when I was diagnosed with Cancer and needed Chemotherapy.
This was a very good thing on several levels. One, when you have cancer and are undergoing Chemotherapy, you are more prone to infections and your blood doesn’t clot very well. That means that even if you wanted to invest in permanent cosmetics, you cannot do so when having Chemo because of the dangers of infection and blood loss. Luckily I had a touch up done early last summer. My girlfriend told me that she had a difficult time applying eyebrow pencil after she lost her eyebrows due to Chemo, because she didn’t know where her eyebrow line would have been. Since mine are tattooed, I can at least find the general outline of my eyebrows. And that is a good thing.
Now for the eyelashes. My friend , Chris made the following comment, and we both laughed —because what else are you going to do?! She said that she continued to put mascara on her one tiny remaining eyelash. Well, I am prepared for that upcoming event in my life, thanks to her. I purchased a set of false eyelashes, complete with glue and a special “eyelash applying tool”. Back in the 70′s everyone wore false eyelashes — well everyone I knew anyway. I was a Flight Attendant, remember? And applying false eyelashes is an art in itself. They are the last thing that you put on after doing all of your make-up. And you have to develop a special technique in order to get them to set just right on your eyes. I still remember “my arm extending outward and upward then curving carefully into the base of my lashes” technique that I developed over the years. It is sort of like a ballerina’s port-de-bra (French for carriage of the arms), which is a ballet arm exerecise . I do like beautiful things in all aspects of my life and this was a sort of a last dance before I went out the door for an event.
I wonder if I’ll be able to actually apply a set of false eyelashes when the time comes. I am loosing my lashes more frequently now. Of course, they are not growing back in, because the Chemotherapy drugs are killing all of the fast growing cells in my body. Hair being one of the bodies fastest growing cells. And so daily the time is getting closer that I will want to wear my purchased eyelashes. I’m sure I remember how to put them on with a few days practice. And then maybe I’ll feel beautiful again.
May 25, 2009
Skin Care V
This is the fifth installment of my skin care series. You can read them all by clicking on “beauty” under the categories sidebar to your right. You must then click on the title of the post you want to read. Or you may type “skin care” into my search box on the right.
This installment deals with moisturizing your now clean skin.
There are a limitless number of moisturizers out there and they are all price ranges. You can go to the cosmetics counter at a department store or you can go to a stand alone store like Sephora (one of my favorites) and ask one of the saleswomen there for guidance. They are all trained by their company so that they can give you the best advice.
You should know what type of skin you have, sensitive or average. You should have an idea of how much time you spend in the sun so you can get the correct sun screen which is now a daily must wear.
I actually use a moisturizer that I have used for 25 years and I love it. It is high quality and medium priced and I love the results it gives me. I then use a tinted sunscreen moisturizer over my initial moisturizer. this is something new that I have added to my daily beauty routine but I feel that the benefit of protecting my skin from the sun outweigh the cost of the product.
Again, you may have to try several products to find just the one that suits you best. Read the labels and think about what you have read. Don’t be in a rush to make a decision that day. Think about what your skin needs and what suits your lifestyle.
Now, that takes care of daytime. If you have read all of my skin care posts, then you know that cleansing is very important. So, when it is time for nitey-nite, go and cleanse your face , being very sure to rinse it well (20 splashes, remember?). Then pat dry (we don’t want to stretch your skin and create more wrinkles do we?) and then moisturize again for bed.
Our bodies actually repair themselves while we sleep and that is why quality rest is so very important to our daily functioning. Your skin is no exception. And that is the reason why there are daytime moisturizers and night time moisturizers. The night time moisturizers will be a little heavier and should contain different ingredients and nutrients because your skin will take them in during the night and then you can wake up even more beautiful than when you went to sleep! They call it “beauty sleep” for a reason!
May 11, 2009
Skin Care IV
This is my Fourth Installment on skin care. The other three can be accessed by clicking on “beauty” under the category sidebar to your right. Then you just click on the title of the post that you want to read. Or you may type “skin care” into the search box on your right.
There are three phases of skin care:
1. Cleansing
2. Exfoliation
3. Moisturizing
1. You have the cleansing.
2. Exfoliation : This is the one to work on now.
Exfoliation: Removing dead skin cells that are on the top surface of your skin.
The live skin cells are underneath ( right on top of the fat layer).
As your skin grows, it moves outward, so what we see is actually the dead seventh layer of skin. ICK! Let’s get rid of it and get down to the pretty new, clear, healthy layer of skin.
There are lots of exfoliants. This is where you hear about buff puffs, masks, and things like chemical peels, and microdermabraision, laser resurfacing etc.
When the top dead layer is removed, it stimulates new growth, as well as collagen production (responsible for youthful -looking skin).
There are a many different products that can help you achieve this result.
There are many different types of masks. They are designed to remove the dirt and grime that has found it way into your pores. Some of them also “tighten & firm” and make other claims. some are clay masks, some are gel like, others are like a clear liquid that is designed to dry on your face and then be rinsed off. Be sure to read labels carefully and follow the directions. .
One that I particularly like is Avon Clearskin Cleansing Scrub Exfoliant. It is easy to obtain, reasonable and works great. Please note that I am not associated with Avon in any way, and I am not receiving any consideration for mentioning this product. I discovered this product when my children had “teen-age skin” problems. I started using it then and still do. It is a mild, blue grainy cleanser. You will notice immediate result. And teen-agers usually like using it because it shows immediate results.
One soap that I used at one time is called Basis — it is a very mild soap and I actually used with something called a “buff puff” that is like a scratchy pad. I would put a little basis soap and water on my face and then use the buff puff in a circular motion on my skin. This is another method to exfoliate, but you must be careful to not get too vigorous with the buff puff, or you will have red splotchy skin, instead of nice fresh looking skin. I almost scrubbed my face off the first time I used it and it took me a day or so to recover, but all the dead skin cells were gone!
My Daughter started a series of Microdermabraisions and it did wonders for her skin that had been damaged by the stress she was under and the pollution that she couldn’t avoid in the city she was living in at the time.
There are now several “appliances” that can be purchased at your local drug store or on TV (I’m sure you have seen them advertised). these work in the same manner, circular motion, removing that top dead layer of skin, which gives you a fabulous glow because you are seeing the new skin cells instead of the old dead ones.
Then there are several cosmetic companies which sell “exfoliating” products, usually in a kit of some sort because they want you to use their moisturizer afterward. Be sure that you seek out the product that suits you.
