paris fashion: 5 Tips To Help Prevent Breast Cancer and more...

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A healthy body is a beautiful body, and with October being breast cancer awareness month, I want to share some of my personal tips on how you can maintain a healthy, energized body that is full of vitality and radiates beauty from the inside.

1. Don't eat microwaved food - We live in a society in which we just don't seem to have the time to cook. Microwaved food is fast and easy, but I do believe that there is a link between microwaved food and cancer. According to some studies, nutrients are destroyed when food is microwaved.

2. Eat organic when possible - I eat as many organic foods as I can. Grocery stores such as Whole Foods, Henry's Market, and Trader Joe's carry many organic fruits and vegetables at relatively affordable prices. Organic foods are grown without toxic pesticides or chemical fertilizers. Even a presidential panel recommends eating organic food.

3. Don't use deodorant that contains aluminum - The highest proportion of breast cancer is diagnosed near the underarm region, where breast tissue has been shown to concentrate aluminum.

4. Be careful what you put on your skin - I always keep Consonant's tagline in mind: "What goes on your body, goes in your body." Stay away from beauty products that contain parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. Few studies have been yet to be published, but it's been said that phthalates exposure may double breast cancer risk.

5. Take time to de-stress - Although it's been a challenge to provide evidence of a relationship between stress and cancer, I think stress does play a role in the development of cancer in the body. Proof or not, the bottom line is that stress is not healthy and unnecessary. One of the ways I de-stress is to meditate for at least 5-10 minutes each day.

So, what steps will you take now to start living a healthier lifestyle? What tips would you add to the list?

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Bloggers Do It Better Challenge: Animal Attraction

As much as I love these Dolce Vita leopard print pumps, I've been a bit hesitant about wearing animal print because a certain someone said that animal print should stay on, well, animals...and that it was definitely a turn-off. So, when the latest Bloggers Do It Better challenge came up, I was excited, yet caught in a dilemma. Do I participate and turn the guy off? Or do I say, The heck with it, and have fun?!

Well, I decided to play it a little safe. I put together a scarf and these grey and ballet flats to create an outfit with subtle touches of animal print, but not enough to scare away my predator :) I took these pictures while he was at work, so he actually will never know.

I've actually worn the snakeskin ballet flats several times, but I don't think he has paid attention. Also, I remember having a leopard print purse years ago and he never said anything about it, and we are still together, so it can't be that bad of a turn off for him, right?

Scarf - Pink Zone
Shoes - Kushyfoot Flats to Go
Sweater - No Boundaries
Skirt - Forever 21

Well, at least there are creatures who do appreciate leopard print. My friend's cat, Luna, loves her new boots...

Check out how other bloggers are doing animal print these days.

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Beauty Product Review: Sanitas Pumpkin Enzyme Mask

All the stress, cold, rainy weather, plus the hustle and bustle of life can take a toll on your complexion. The best treat you can give your face after a crazy, hectic week is a facial...and since fall is here, what is even a better treat is a yummy enzyme mask that smells like pumpkin. I think that Sanitas Pumpkin Enzyme Mask just might be my favorite fall beauty product just because it smells so good!

This mask is made with locally grown organic pumpkins, and has a nice silky texture that goes on smoothly. Before using this enzyme mask, I had been using Kiss My Face's deep cleansing mask, which is the type of mask that tightens and hardens on your face. I did notice that my skin had a slightly orange tone when the pumpkin mask was on my face. Now I know how I'd look with that spray tan stuff on!

Sanitas Pumpkin Enzyme Mask promises to accelerate skin tissue regeneration and stimulate collagen production. It has naturally exfoliating enzymes; is paraben-free, preservative-free, and contains these ingredients: NaPCA (biogenic moisturizer), Hyaluronic Acid (promotes healing and softens skin), Squalene (another biogenic moisturizer), plus Vitamins A, C, D, E, and K.

After applying the mask, just leave it on for 10 minutes and wash it off with a wash cloth using a gentle, circular motion. I don't know what it is about this mask, but I just feel revitalized after using it. My skin feels fresh, soft, and nourished.

Note: Keep this product away from young children because they may be tempted to lick it!

Retail price $32; Available at spas and salons nationwide or getsanitas.com

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