Something all women need to think about

So, this entry is something a little bit more serious. This is about women’s health.

To explain, I’m going to share my story with you. So, a few months ago I found a
lump in my breast. I am a worry-wart and I HATE doctors, so I ignored it. I was due to
go to a pap smear and decided while I was there to have my doctor have a look at it.
My appointment was not the breeze I hoped it would be.

First of all during my pap smear, my doctor told me that she could see a little collection of cells on the outside of my cervix. She told me that it could be perfectly normal (although it is not normally
seen in childless women like me), it could be endometriosis, or it could be something more sinister which we wouldn’t know until the results of my test came back in a week.

She then went on to examine my breasts and could feel multiple lumps in both of them. She referred me to have an ultrasound done which I wasn’t too worriedabout. Not really, anyway.

So, my world was a little shaky for a week waiting my for my pap smear test results
to come back. I had to consider that it may be endometriosis in which there was a
chance my fertility would be affected. Not that I really want kids (I have 2 fur-babies
already) but it was a bit of a kick in the guts to think that there was the possibility I
didn’t have a choice. I tortured myself with looking up symptoms on the internet and
found that I had many of those associated with Endometriosis.

I cried a little, I cried for not knowing, I cried for being scared, and I cried for the choice that may not be mine to make.

Before my results were due back in, I had to go for my ultrasound. It was something
I hadn’t really thought much about until I was half naked in a cold, dark room waiting
for the nurse.

My scan was one of the most terrifying experiences I had in my life. The nurse didn’t talk to me, or even make chit-chat. I could see her focussing the ultrasound machine on different areas on both of my breasts, and I could see the dark patches that were obviously not meant to be there. She measured them on the screen, and though most were less than 1cm, on the screen they were the size of my
palm.

 I was then told by the nurse that the doctor was very interactive and may come
in to examine me herself. I sat in the cold, dark room, on my own, alone and scared.
The doctor came and lucky for me, she was lovely. She had a look and a feel and
said that there were 2 lumps she wanted to test via biopsy to make sure they weren’t
anything sinister. The things is – I HATE NEEDLES. She said that it should be no
more painful than a blood test, and that if I really wanted a local anaesthetic I could
have one but most patients find that more painful than the test itself.

She said the lumps were a good shape, and they moved around, which was a really
good sign. She said that she needed to be sure but that if she thought it was anything
serious she would do the biopsy right on the spot, which she didn’t want to do. I am
not one to break down in front of strangers but I couldn’t help myself, it had been the
week from hell and my hubby was away for work so I was on my own.

The nurse who I had determined had no soul, actually did have one. She cracked a smile,
handed me some tissues and said that she could understand why I was scared –
the “C” word gets thrown around so much that it rings in your head when anything is
unusual. A bit of female understanding goes a long way.

So, I went back to my doctor armed with my lumpy scanned images. She agreed that
a fine needle biopsy was a good idea just to rule out anything serious, but that the
Big C was rare in someone my age, although not impossible. She did put me out of a
little bit of my misery – my pap smear results were normal so that was one part of my
body I could stop being angry with!!

So, I made my appointment to have my biopsy done for Monday 2nd July. The night
before, I tossed, I turned, and I had horrible dreams. I was so anxious on Monday
morning that I felt physically ill. I got a phone call from the clinic in the morning, and
lo and behold – the ultrasound machine was broken. The clinic was trying to get
a technician in to fix it before my 2:30pm appointment but they couldn’t guarantee
anything. It was so frustrating, I had built myself up, stressed myself out and
exhausted myself about this appointment and then?? Cancelled. Ugh.

Anywho, after some phone calls and to-ing and fro-ing, my appointment has been
rescheduled for Friday. I had to go to a different clinic which is a bit disappointing because I loved the lady-doctor where I got my ultrasounds done. Beggars, however, cannot be choosers.

So, I am disappointed that this ordeal isn’t over, but I am honestly a little bit grateful
to have a few more days to compose myself before the test. I did some reading on
the internet and it doesn’t sound as painful or traumatic as I had imagined it to be. I’m
looking forward to getting my life back on track! By the time I have my follow up with
my doctor for the results, I would have had 5 medical appointments in 3 weeks.

So, things I have learnt from this experience thus far:
♥ NEVER ignore anything suspicious about your body, just get it checked
♥ Ladies – make sure you get regular pap-smear tests (embarrassing – yes,
ignorable – no), every 2 years, no excuses!
♥ Have a feel for lumps and bumps and have them checked, even if you think
you are too young
♥Treasure your body, worship it because it is the first and last you will have.
I have decided to start eating healthier, trying to squeeze some exercise into
my week and start meditating for a better mind, body and spirit.
♥Spare a thought for those people who don’t get the good news they are
hoping for. Freaking out over having to get tests done is one thing, but getting
less than happy news is an entirely new ballgame. There is always someone
who is worse off. I am lucky to have youth and no family history of breast
cancer, others aren’t so fortunate.

Stay tuned, results should be back in next Wednesday so I will update after then.

The Long and the Short of it (Hair, I mean!)

Ohhhhh dear, I am doing a pretty ordinary job of keeping up with regular posts on my

blog that I was so passionate about haha.

I felt like it was time to add a new post. This one is about hair.

Something that has fascinated me for years now, is short hair. I’m not talking a chin-

grazing bob, I am talking pixie, ala Michelle Williams (I am pretty sure I have already

mentioned my obsession with her) and Ginnifer Goodwin (my most recent girl-crush,

welcome aboard Ginny!). I have always toyed with the idea of getting a pixie, I kind

of go hurtling towards the idea, full of gusto and guts and armed with an Ipad full of

pictures to the hairdresser, but then I get in the chair and suddenly, I chicken out. I

feel like I have started running towards the edge of a building and changed my mind

just a few steps away and I am busy trying not to fall face first.

Anywho, I have been doing a bit of research into pixie cuts, looking at Youtube

video’s and blogs, trying to get different ideas of pixies. Some girls seem to decide to

grow it out the minute they step out the hairdresser’s, and one poor girl who looked

ah-may-zing with her short pixie admitted that she had been called a ‘dyke’ on her

first day back at school. I saw video’s of model show makeovers where girls had

cried buckets of tears at the idea of getting their hair cut off. It makes me wonder

what the stigma is with short hair?

Long hair seems to be a symbol of the ultimate femininity. Long, flowing locks

tumbling down a woman’s back, twisting pieces of it to flirt, wearing it as an

elegant statement to the world – see me, see my beauty. Is this why some people

automoatically assume that having short hair, particularly pixie length, symbolises

masculinity and a possible lack of sexuality?

Myself, I think that short hair is beautiful. With hair out of the way, you can see

someone for their other beautiful traits, such as big eyes, good bone structure, or

even cute ears. Natalie Portman once rocked a pixie, and she has these cute little

ears, I thought it made her look like a fairy!  

Cutting all your hair off is brave, because you are literally putting yourself on display.

You can see my face, you can see my neck, you can see my smile. There isn’t hair

to hide behind. I think that having a pixie challenges one to embrace their femininity

in other ways, such as with accessories or makeup. Myself, I like to wear pretty little

studs in my ears with crystal diamantes and a splash of colour. I also like to wear

makeup, making sure that I am drawing attention to my eyes. I feel like my lack of

hair makes me feel more feminine. I am more selective with what clothes I wear as I

don’t want to look boyish or butch.

I think a lot of girls also worry about how they will be viewed by men if they have very

short hair. I am pretty lucky in that my husband supports me in my experimentation

with my looks, and I know he will love me regardless of whether I have long hair,

short hair, or no hair! There was a makeup artist in a Youtube video that I was

watching recently who was standing with a crying model who was in the process

of her hair being cut. He said to her “Why are you upset? Are you worried your

boyfriend won’t like it?” She nods. More tears. He says “Girl, if he doesn’t like it, you

need a new boyfriend.” I think I fell in love.Watch this:  Model Makeover

I think something else that drives women to chop their hair is a life changing event –

like a break up, a new job, or a new relationship. For me, my desire for a change is

coming from work. I’ve been having a tough time, and I have been feeling pretty low

about my place in the world and what choices I have made to get here.

 I am fairly certain I chose the wrong career path and now I have to wait until I am in a better

position to take steps towards the right direction. So, I have been feeling a bit “blegh”

about myself, and I am ready for change.

So, I have never really gone the distance and gotten a proper pixie. I always have

longer layers over my ears, or longer layers at the back of my neck. Now, my layers

are a mess and I am desperate for a cut. I think I am going to go all the way – I need

the change.

A friend of mine who I have been egging on to get a short hair cut has just taken the

plunge, and sent me a text saying how excited she was about her new look and that

it was my short hair and my love of wearing accessories that inspired her to do so. I

think that is one of the most touching things I have ever heard. So, I think I am ready

for the plunge. I am going to say the one thing you never say to a hairdresser unless

you want something drastic… “Do what you want”. It is hair, right? It grows back!

***UPDATE***

I went to the hairdresser and finally got my pixie cut! I must admit, I feel like a million dollars! She took the time to really listen to what I wanted, what I liked and looked at some pictures I had with me. I didn't feel 'pushed' like I do sometimes whenever hairdressers get a bit excited at the thought of chopping. She left a little bit of hair in front of my ears but I feel really comfortable. I have a lot less hair but I feel really feminine and I love that I can now wear my funky earrings for the world to see. I am so, SO happy I took the plunge!!!

Berry Lips!!!

TRENDING RIGHT NOW……. Berry lips!

I recently stumbled across this photo of the very lovely, the very gorgeous, Michelle Williams (I will warn you now – I am OBSESSED with her). To me, Michelle rarely puts a fashion foot, or makeup brush wrong – she knows what suits her and she sticks to it!

Michelle has a very minimal look to her makeup – with clear, even, pale skin, mascara, liquid eyeliner and blush with nude or light pink lips.

However, I found this photo of Michelle Williams with Berry Lips and my eyes almost fell out of my head. Up until now, I haven’t been a big fan of lipstick – I always though I looked like a bit of a clown with anything other than a natural pink or nude colour. I was so impressed by Michelle’s look I immediately raced out and got myself 2 different shades of berry lipstick – L’Oreal Infallible Le Rouge in Blazing Sangria and Eternal Rose (approx. $24.95)

A great tip I got when I bought my new lipstick to see if it will suit your tone, is to rub it on the pad of your fingertip and hold it against your lips in front of the mirror to get a better idea of how it will look on your face.

Here is my how-to...

In general it is a beauty rule than when wearing makeup, choose one feature on your face to accentuate. For example, you can wear smoky eyes, or a bright, bold lip, but NEVER both together (unless you are a pro). Most times, if you try both together, you will look overdone and the effect won’t be the same as we don’t know where to focus on your face.

Start with smoothing out your skin tone by applying your favourite foundation. Apply a very light, neutral colour to your lids (try a baby pink or a vanilla tone) and line with eyeliner on your top lash line only (or forgo eyeliner altogether). I prefer liquid liner because it is more defining and makes a bolder statement. Apply mascara to your top lashes only.

Line your lips with a pencil close to the shade of lipstick you are going to wear. I found this is a must with darker colours to prevent the colour ‘bleeding’ (leaking) outside your lip line. Follow the natural outline of your lip. Apply your lipstick, rub lips together gently. You can bite a tissue and then reapply if you like. You could also put some gloss over the top to really make the colour pop – I like Revlon Super Lustrous gloss in Pearl Plum (approx. $21.95) to go with berry shades.

Finish off your look with a light dusting of a pink blush on your cheeks – make sure you don’t go overboard so you don’t look like a clown (i.e. bright cheeks and lips).

I didn’t notice until later but the L’Oreal lipstick I bought claimed that it would last up to 10 hours. This wasn’t a factor when I purchased it, but I apply my lipstick at around 6am, and by the time I had had a coffee and some lunch at midday, the colour was completely gone, so I am lucky to get 6 hours out of it. So, I would strongly suggest that you put it in your purse for touch ups throughout the day.

My only other tip for berry lips is to be careful what you wear it with. Personally, I like to wear berry lips to brighten up a boring black outfit, with some cute studs in my ears or simple accessories. Berry looks lovely with the colours that are going to be hot this autumn – think fuchsia, mustard and emerald green.

I think berry lips are going to be huge for autumn, so get cracking!

Introduction to Natures Showgirl

Welcome to my blog - Natures Showgirl. I have chosen the name 'Natures Showgirl' as this is the nickname sometimes given to Peacocks. They are gifted by nature with beauty and they show it off to the world - bold, beautiful, proud, as we should be about ourselves.

I am an average twenty-something year old lady who loves everything about beauty, makeup, and skin care. I have had no training or experience in beauty, but I wanted to start writing a blog to show you how someone without training can make the most of your products. I will also do reviews and how-to's. 

I get all my beauty and product information from sources such as the internet, beauty sites and magazines, and also a bit of self-experimentation! If you want me to review or do a how-to for any particular product, please let me know! I will do a post on the first product in the very near future - stay tuned!!