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April 2018

Your First Mammogram: What To Expect

Your First Mammogram: What To Expect 1620 1080 Tammy Caciola

Mammogram what to expect

What To Know Before You Get A Mammogram

I wanted to spread awareness with this post and dispel a lot of anxiety that seems to come with getting your first mammogram. Before my first, I wondered if it hurt, how much time did it take, what do I need to do to prepare..? Having now had, at the age of 49, many mammograms over the years, I’m writing this post from my past experiences.  I hope this helps you feel at ease to schedule your mammogram and get the screening you need that might save your life!

1 in 8 women in the United States, or 12%, will develop breast cancer over the course of a lifetime

*Above statement is from BreastCancer.org

*I am not in the medical field in any way. All opinions are my own and you should speak to your Doctor about any concerns you might have.


What Age Should I start? 

When I got my first mammogram 35 was the age to get your baseline images. If that image is clear, you are good with manual exams for 5 years. Then at 40, you have another and at 45, the screening starts yearly. However, the guidelines have changed to age 40 for the baseline now. See Here for the American Cancer Society age details. I strongly believe if I were 35 again, I would schedule my first appointment. For myself, talking with the technicians at my exams and learning about the number of women who get breast cancer before 40 only to discover it when it’s too late is my reasoning.

Please talk about your timing with your doctor and do your own research to come to your own age to start.

What Is A Baseline Image?

Reading a mammogram film is a specialized skill a radiologist learns over time. The radiologist will read your current film and also compare it to previous years.  Your baseline film is your first image with hopefully all healthy breast tissue. Because of this, it is ideal to visit the same center each time. If you move or cannot because of insurance reasons, the old center can transfer the images to your new center.

How Do I Prepare?

Prep is minimal and easy.  You need to contact your insurance carrier for confirmed coverage and cost if any. Most of the time the center will do this for you. Also if you have implants, you need to let the center know when you book your appointment. I had to go to a different center because the first one was not equipped to scan breasts with implants.

On the day of your appointment wear two pieces of clothing since you only undress from the waist up. You will also be asked to wipe off any deodorant you may have on with special wipes. This is because the aluminum can alter the image. That’s it, put on your white robe and your nurse will guide you through the process.

 

 

Does It Hurt?

This was my biggest worry about screening. No, there is no pain involved. I am the biggest baby with pain, I would totally let you in on it if there was any pain! Botox, fillers, curling iron burns, monthly cramps, childbirth are all painful…a mammogram isn’t. You feel pressure at all.

Your nurse will step up to the machine with you and ask you to take one arm out of your robe. She will then position your arms around the machine, tell you where to stand and position your breast on a plastic board. Once she is good with the position, another plastic board then compresses down on top of your breast to flatten it. The nurse then steps back in front of the computer monitors, tells you not to move (I usually hold my breath to be extra still) and takes the image. Done. Kinda like a dental x-ray. There are about 3 different angled images on each breast. I think I have one more because of implants though.

How Long Does It Take?

The paperwork in the waiting room takes longer than the image process 🙂 Usually under 10 min.

What If I Get Called In For A Recheck?

DON’T PANIC! I’ve been called back once and I know the fear of what if… Most likely your radiologist just wants a different view of the breast tissue. However, if you’re starting your screening early in age, you are so much more likely to catch early signs of breast cancer that are treatable!


Mammogram what to expect

I really hope the post helps alleviate any fear or stress you might have with getting your breast screened. Cancer is a fact of life but we can be proactive and protect ourselves with proper monthly self-exams and mammograms.

Please don’t hesitate to ask any questions below about the process!

Thanks for reading!

xx Tammy

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Summer Vacation Must Haves For The Beach

Summer Vacation Must Haves For The Beach 1616 1080 Tammy Caciola

Summer Vacation Must Haves

Summer is right around the corner and the vacation planning has started! I have a girls trip I’m so looking forward to in May. We are headed to the San Diego beach area! Then my husband and I are headed to Costa Rica in June without the kiddos, which we have only not vacationed with them like twice maybe in 17 years! We love giving them real-world experiences and they wouldn’t have it any other way. Still planning a summer trip for us as a family but thinking Spain!

So this post is my shopping list also. I have some of these pieces already and planned to scoop up some more!

Mango

Short Buttoned Dress

I already have this dress and want to live in it all summer! Paired with Summer Slides, See Post Here, it is perfection!

9seed

Ruffle Mini Dress

Yellow or Ocean Blue

Love this dress to throw on and head out for the sunny day!

The Beach People

Wanderer Towel

56″ x 60″ This lightweight towel is easy to pack. You can use it as a beach blanket or towel!

Urban Outfitters

Ciao One Piece Suit

This suit would look amazing with cut-off shorts over also!

Clare V

Alice Tote

I have this bag and LOVE it! This is the new blush color that will sell out quickly. Easy to stuff it with clothes, then put in your suitcase or use as a carryon!

freepeople

Levi’s 501 Cut Off  Shorts

5 colors available in all sizes!

Anthropology

Anya Kimono

Very versatile piece! You can wear it as a cover-up, over denim shorts, also over a dress at night.

Mango

Striped Shirt Dress

Lots of options with this gem! Wear as a loose shirt dress, belted dress or unbuttoned over bathing suits!

Revolve

Soudos Knotted Wedge

These are in my cart now!

Madewell

Rainbow Stripe Top

I scored this top and can’t wear it! There is also a matching midi skirt you could pair with it to make a set!

Revolve

Michael Stars Straw Hat

I don’t like to pack expensive hats, this one is $54.00 and packable. Love it!

Anthropologie

Tracy Reece Wrap Dress

This dress comes in 4 prints! Hard to choose!

xx Tammy

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beauty cocktail eye shadow, blush, bronzer

Why You Need Beauty Cocktails In Your Routine

Why You Need Beauty Cocktails In Your Routine 1579 1058 Tammy Caciola

Beauty Cocktails 101

Beauty cocktails are basically combining several products together and applying as one. This not only saves time but you can also control how much product is in the mixture. I usually have the main product be the bulk of the cocktail then another product at half as much and a third product at a quarter. Mixing the products in your hand before you apply to your skin or hair will give you an even application. There is such a noticeable difference when applied this way, especially to your face!

Why You Need Beauty Cocktails In Your Routine

Why You Need Beauty Cocktails In Your Routine

Beauty Cocktails

Cocktail – Night Anti-Aging Treatment

I started using Tazarotene, a strong prescription Retinol cream and found I was missing using my usual oils and moisturizer at night. I decided to start mixing the products together, then applying as one blended product and woke up to my skin literally glowing!

*All of the details of what you need to know about Retinol are found here 

I love the effective results, Retinol gives! It is an anti-aging prescription cream that minimizes wrinkles, builds collagen and lightens dark spots. It is the one cream that you need in your skin-routine over 35.

The Naturopathica Carrot Seed Oil smells so good!  The three key organic oils in it are carrot, evening primrose seed, and lavender.  Maybe it’s the lavender oil in it, but I can’t wait to put it on! It hydrates and protects the skin. You can also mix this in with your facial cleanser!

The CosMedix pure C  in a powdered form keeps the strength high. It can sometimes degrade in liquid form. This product is an absolute favorite of mine!  It tingles a little when you put it on. That just helps me know it is active and working. This anti-aging product brightens my skin and helps protect it from free radicals. I never want to be without this!

1 part – Tazarotene (Retinol A by Prescription) Alternate over the counter – SkinCeuticals

1/2 –  Naturopathica Carrot Seed Oil

1/4 – CosMedix Pure C 


Beauty cocktails

Cocktail – Foundation For Natural Glowy Skin

I actually just started doing this and I’m obsessed! La Mer soft fluid foundation is my personal favorite. I’m on my second bottle of it. I feel like the patented miracle broth ingredient, sunscreen, smell and texture are worth the high price. It is, however, is a bit matte for my tastes.

I used to layer Charlotte Tilbury Healthy Glow over my foundation.  If you haven’t tried CT Healthy Glow do yourself a favor and order a tube today! This magical product evens out your skin tone and truly gives you a summertime healthy glow! I then found another CT product, Brightening Youth Glow, which is also so amazing! The results when I blend them together before I apply are gorgeous!

If you need more moisture in your skin during cold months or just have a drying foundation, add a bit of skin oil to the cocktail.

1 part – La Mer soft fluid foundation 

1/2 – Charlotte Tilbury Healthy Glow

1/3 – Charlotte Tilbury Youth Glow


beauty cocktail eye shadow, blush, bronzer

Cocktail – Makeup

Using makeup pallets is an easy way to blend together colors to achieve your desired effect.  Whether you’re blending a bronzer, eyeshadow or blush, you can create your perfect custom color! Also, lipsticks are almost always better mixed with other colors. Most in-home professional makeup artists bring a pallet of cream lipsticks and create and blend a custom shade for you.

I’ve used the La Bella Donna products pictured above for years! They blend beautifully and have all day staying power that I love! The luminous glow you get with these powders is just gorgeous!  All ingredients are pure, clean and never tested on animals.

Bronzer Pallet La Bella Donna Sunset

Blush Pallet La Bella Donna

Eye Shadow Pallet La Bella Donna


Beaty Cocktail

Cocktail – Hair Smoothing

Not sure why I didn’t start doing this sooner but better late than never I guess! I have thick coarse hair and achieving the smooth finish my hairstylist is able to achieve is a challenge for sure! If you have hair like mine, I highly suggest this cocktail!

I started using Monat hair products and have truly seen a difference in my texture. #notsponcered  It also helps with hair loss and tames that brassy look between hair appointment I used to get! The Blo Out cream is made for ALL HAIR types. It is a game changer!

The Phyto Secret de Nuit Intense Hydration cream is actually an overnight repair product. It is going to restore softness and shine to your hair. This whole product line is top of the tier for anti-aging hair products.

Lastly, I’ve been a Kevin Murphy fan for years. This smoothing product does just that, it smooths the hair follicle to give you a silky feel!

 

1 – part Monat Blo Out Cream Jonie Canfield with the link in her bio for more information.

1/2 – Phyto Secret de Nuit Intense Hydration

1/4 – Kevin Murphy Smooth Again


Do you use beauty cocktail now? Are you ready to try one?

Thank you so much for reading!

xx Tammy

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Polka dot dress

Styling A Polka Dot Dress Three Ways

Styling A Polka Dot Dress Three Ways 720 1080 Tammy Caciola

Polka Dot Dress with denim jacket

 

Polka dot dress with denim jacket

The polka dot trend is coming back around. I remember wearing this print in the 80’s! Princess Di and Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman also jumped in on the trend. It’s such a fun and actually versatile print when styled right.  Minnie Mouse is the best, however looking like her is not my goal 🙂

I have styled the same polka dot dress three ways for you!

I started with the daytime look here. If you are subscribed to my newsletter, you will receive styling tips for the trendy look which is super cute and the date night look, which is totally chic! I’m using the same $49.00 polka dot dress in all three outfits to give you three completely different looks!

Daytime Styling For A Polka Dot Dress

When you wear polka dots in the day, mix it up with natural textures, such as denim jeans or a denim jacket over your shoulders. For shoe choices, I like to be comfortable in the day so I gravitate toward espadrille sneakers, or sandals, (See sandal post here) or low block heels. Choosing one of these shoe styles will give you the casual look you’re going for. Lastly, wearing a crossbody bag will also give you daytime feels in your outfit!

You’re not going to want to miss the other two styling options for this dress! Date Night Chic and a fun Trendy Look!

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    Outfit Details


     

     

    Thanks so much for reading,

    xx – Tammy

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    denim dress

    My Denim Dress Obsession

    My Denim Dress Obsession 720 1080 Tammy Caciola

    Denim Year Around

    I love to wear denim year around! Seriously every time I go shopping I’m bound to bring home some type of denim! From dark jeans in the winter to destroyed boyfriend jeans and skirts or shorts in the summer. Then there are jean jackets which are always hard to pass up! A denim dress completely has me at hello though! I have multiple but… I can still find somewhat of a reasonable reason why I need another! I wear them all spring and summer. Actually, I have worn one so much it now has holes, which I kinda don’t mind because I do not want to give up the dress!


    Fitted Denim Dress Styling

    Elevated Look – There are so many shades and cuts of a denim dress. I like a darker fabric with a fitted fit for a little more of a dressier feel, add heels and a clutch to complete your look.  As you can see in the pictures here, I have styled two different fitted dresses. One by adding color in the bag and rainbow heels. The other by adding a floral printed topper and a leopard heel. I felt comfortable in the daytime with these accessories, but you could scale back to flat sandals, (See sandal post here), in the day and save the heels for date night.

     


    Denim Dress Obsession


    Sheath Dress Styling

    Casual Style – I love a sheath dress for a casual everyday outfit! Especially in the hot Texas summers! Like I said I’ve worn mine so much it has holes! Just add some neutral slides or for a preppy look, an oxford shoe is a favorite of mine! Old school or luxe sneakers are always a good choice too for daytime errands! If you wear your bag as a crossbody, it will give the dress a little more definition. Belting at the waist is a great option for doing that also.


    Denim Overall Styling

    There are also overall dresses which are sooo cute with a simple t-shirt or bodysuit under! Wear them with your favorite sneakers for a casual look. Dress it up a bit with a light fabric blouse under and an espadrille wedge shoe.  Off the shoulder tops are also a great choice under overalls!


    Denim Romper Styling

    Denim rompers have caught my eye since Alexa Chung designed hers with AG denim! (Her latest is here.)These can be simply a one and done piece or layer a light moto jacket over it for an edgy look. Kimonos also look great styled with a romper.


    What is your denim obsession you have too much of in your closet?

    I hope that gives you styling choices to try a piece you might not have in your wardrobe! Please let me know if you need any other options!

    Thanks so much for reading,

    xx – Tammy

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      Her Fashioned Life