Inspiration Comes In Many Forms...

Kristen, of the the amazing Greenbean Designs, was forced to face breast cancer at an age where most woman are just learning who they are. And it truly is a inspiring to have a young woman who faced such adversity come out of the ordeal with so much optimism, creativity and enthusiasm for life. There really are no words of introduction, I am just going to let Kristen tell her story…

It was a Friday night in November of 2005; my husband, Michael, and I were at home watching a movie (Tom Cruise & Jamie Foxx…I won’t soon forget that movie). And, in classic form, I was multi-tasking away… watching the movie and wrapping a birthday gift for a very dear friend of mine (so pleased that I found the most perfect gift weeks ahead instead of the night before). I had a little itch under my arm. Honestly… it was a little itch. Not supposed to be a significant itch… but this little itch scared me silly. I instinctually raised my arm to relieve this little nuisance and go back to wrapping the gift when I felt something. Not a “lump” (as if I knew what a “lump” truly felt like), rather my entire underarm and breast felt dense, almost rock-like. I never noticed this before. How long had this been here? Immediately, my mind raced to negative-town. I had just turned 30 years old. NOT POSSIBLE!!! I tried to convince, control and calm myself and mentally dismissed it as a fluke thing.

But, each day…my concern grew, as did the itchiness, radiating heat and rash. So, I made an OB/GYN appointment. That’s where it all REALLY began, just after the holidays…

January 9th, 2006 I found myself sitting in my breast surgeon’s office waiting for the news. Good or bad? “Oh God, please let it be good. Let it be an infection or a cyst. Amoxicillin will fix everything, right?” I repeated this over and over in my head believing that the news would be fine. However, my heart knew it was something else… Starting with a whirlwind doctor office tour just days before… first at the gynecologist office leading to a same-day office visit with a radiologist for a mammogram; which, by the way, the mammogram yielded no result because mammograms are less effective for women under 40 years of age, to a sonogram (showing a large mass in my right breast) to a biopsy with the breast surgeon… And, here I was! I waited out what felt like a very long weekend and at the same time, a weekend I never wanted to end, in fear of bad news at the end of it. But, here it was, the day of the results… anxiously wringing my hands, holding on to the arms of the office chair (sure that I have left some fingerprints ingrained in the wood). All I was hoping to hear were the words “It’s nothing”. After all, there was no family history.

The results came back. It was Stage 3 breast cancer. Her2 triple negative. The rest of the news sounded like that of the Peanuts cartoon teacher lecturing her students. I heard nothing except my own repetitive thought…. “Am I going to die? What now? Am I going to lose my hair? What about work? Am I going to die? How are we going to tell family? Am I going to die? God, is anyone else sweating in here? I think I am either going to pass out. Maybe if I pinch myself, I will wake up from this nightmare.” I pinched, and blinked and refocused and there was the surgeon continuing to speak in what I thought was tongues to my husband who listened intently but with despondency in his eyes. Our lives had forever changed after those words… “It’s cancer”

I had my first surgery (and first one ever in my life) to have a port put in and off I went… I began chemotherapy immediately to stop and reverse the growth of the tumor. For 5 months (every 3 weeks to be exact) I sat in a chair in a room that had a longer waiting line than the deli counter on a Saturday morning. Except, rather than everyone in a hurry to accomplish their Saturday shopping, this group (aged from teen to twilight) was ready to settle in for 3-5 hours of what we called “cocktails”. Only this hangover made the morning after a few glasses of wine feel like a walk in the park.

I found so much strength in these other patients. Each surviving and, most importantly, LIVING through this disease. Some newly diagnosed, some “LIVING” with the disease after 10 years. Who would have thought you could laugh so hard in the face of cancer? The oncology doctors, nurses, and volunteers (who by the way passed out sinfully delicious cookies on an almost 5 minute rotation schedule) made the hours spent there like a group, comedy therapy session!

So, of course my hair fell, but on the upside, I saved a fortune in hair care products, not to mention lots of time in styling each morning. My chemo completed, I underwent a bilateral mastectomy, radiation and finally, multiple reconstruction surgeries. It has been almost 3 years (this January) and 3 major surgeries (not to mention countless little surgeries).

Like so many women that have lived through this disease or have been great heroes and lost their lives in the battle, we must find a cure. I believe it is so important to educate all young women to do self-exams. Cancer has no boundaries, but early detection is critical. Please, please visit your doctor.

My greatest life lessons: Always listen to what your own body & mind are telling you. Do what you love and LIVE everyday. Tell that special someone that you love him or her as often as possible. Hold the door for the person behind you (you never know what their personal struggles may be, it may just make their day) and take that puppy for a long walk, don’t put it off till tomorrow!

I will always hope and pray that the cancer does not return, but in the meantime, I have a lot of living to do! And many beautiful wedding invitations to design!

And in the spirit of positivity and paying it forward, I am designing a new edition to the Greenbean Design that will truly inspire and hearten our always fashionable and socially responsible brides-to-be! The new website is coming soon and it will be worth the wait!

Warmest Regards,
Kristen

Kristin is an inspiration to all woman in so many way… you remind us to love with every inch of our hearts, to let our creativity thrive and most importantly… to take care of the one body that we have no matter how busy our lives are.

And, if you've never had the opportunity to visit Greenbean Designs… go ahead and take a peek.

Enjoy!

Your wedding planner,

Lisa

Limited-Edition Liplingo by DuWop ~ Benefiting Breast Cancer Awareness

The makeup dilemma solving cosmetic company DuWop introduces a limited-edition Liplingo Pink lip palette to raise awareness about breast cancer. October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and DuWop has joined in the fight to support research and save lives. DuWop proudly supports the Cosmetic Executive Women Cancer and Careers Foundation by donating a portion of proceeds from Liplingo Pink to breast cancer research and the betterment of women living with cancer.

Liplingo Pink is housed in a sleeve bearing the names of many women who have been affected by breast cancer. "DuWop honors all women in their journeys dealing with breast cancer," said Cristina Bartolucci, DuWop co-founder and creative director. "By listing names of women we know and love who have been affected by this disease on the packaging, we are creating a physical tribute."

Liplingo Pink is a sleek lip palette containing a rose lipstick and four wonderful ways to top it: a subtle gold frost, a pale pink shimmer gloss, a rich pink sherbet tone with sparkle and a pink tinged clear balm with a high shine. Both the lipstick and the glosses pack an extra punch with a potent blend of antioxidants including pomegranate and berry extracts.

Check out the Liplingo Pink lipstick palette and their limited edition blush Pink Shimmer Brick.  They both are perfect colors for a bride, pretty, light, natural and versatile. Plus now through October 31st receive an adorable makeup pouch with any purchase of the limited edition products. You will look great on your wedding day and help woman affected by breast cancer, now that's a smart consumer!

Your wedding planner,

Lisa

O.P.I.'s Pink of Hearts 2 For Breast Cancer Awareness, Research & Finding a Cure

Looking for a way to make a difference in someone’s life? Wear OPI Pink of Hearts 2 Nail Lacquer to build support for breast cancer awareness, research, and finding a cure.

OPI’s second exclusive Pink of Hearts Nail Lacquer, the 2008 Edition is a full-of-life light pink – a color of hope, optimism, and positivity – and a beautiful way for women to support each other and the power of pink.

In support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, in 2008 OPI will make a donation of $25,000 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. To support research and treatment in Canada, OPI will make a $5,000 donation to Rethink Breast Cancer.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure is the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. Rethink Breast Cancer supports young people concerned about and affected by breast cancer through education, research, and support programs.

All if the above and plus it's the perfect color for a natural, beautiful look for your wedding day! What more can you ask for, style, beauty and helping out a very important cause!

Your Pink of Hearts wearing wedding planner,
Lisa

5 Ways Your Wedding Can Help Fight Breast Cancer

October is breast cancer awareness month and although we should keep this issue in the forefront of our minds all year round, I would like to acknowledge it by making a blog entry in honor of my beautiful, hilarious and courageous friend and sister. Here are a few ideas that will fit in effortlessly during your wedding plans or wedding day, but will make an important impact on supporting breast cancer research and awareness. 

Excepts from The Knot...

From the dress to the favors, here's how you can help fight breast cancer.

1. Run or walk the Race for the Cure with your loved ones and support

Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
How to Do It: Grab your bridesmaids, fiance, and family and sign up to walk or run a national or local race that benefits Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Go to Komen.org to find and register for one of the five sponsored Susan G. Komen for the Cure marathons taking place this year and commit to raising $2,200 for the cause, or sign up for a local race in your area. There are over 100 events annually, so you can be sure there's one going on near you.
How It Helps: The 26-year-old foundation is the leading breast cancer awareness grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists working to cure breast cancer and raise awareness nationwide.

2. Buy your wedding favors through a Breast Cancer Site.
How to Do It: Shop The Breast Cancer Site store and choose from a large offering of votive candles, bracelets, and pins. Give them out as favors at your wedding shower or for all your guests at your reception.
How It Helps: The Breast Cancer Site gives free mammograms (one of the best early detection methods for breast cancer) to underprivileged women in low-income areas who don't have the means to pay for an exam themselves. Funds from the site's store go to providing these free mammograms.

3. Donate or buy your wedding dress and benefit the Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation's "Brides Against Breast Cancer" project.
How to Do It: Go to the Brides Against Breast Cancer website to find out how to package your wedding gown and send it off to the program after your wedding day. They'll sell it at one of many wedding dress sale events held across the country, and all the money will go to the Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation fund. (A bonus: Your donation is tax-deductible.) Still on the hunt for the perfect wedding dress? Browse the racks at one of their sales. Check the calendar of events on their site to find out more.
How It Helps: The Brides Against Breast Cancer project is a part of Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation, which works to grant wishes, fund "memory-making moments" for metastatic breast cancer patients, and raise breast cancer resource awareness across the country.

4. In lieu of traditional wedding favors, donate to the Pink Envelope Project in your guests' honor.
How to Do It: Make your donation through the website Pink Envelope Project. The site recommends a $3 to $10 donation per guest. Once you've sent in your donation, they'll send you the requested amount of wedding favor cards to use at your reception. The cards are pink (of course!) and include a thank-you to your guests.
How It Helps: The Pink Envelope Project is another initiative by the Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation. It encourages third-party hosted events across the country -- from casual dress days in the workplace to wedding receptions -- to raise money for the foundation.

5. Set up an Avon Breast Cancer Crusade Registry Tribute Fund.
How to Do It: Go to their website and set up an Avon Breast Cancer Crusade Registry Tribute Fund. There, you can upload your picture, tell your wedding story, and share your passion for breast cancer awareness. Once you've created your page, you'll be able to send out emails to your wedding guests and add a link to your wedding web page encouraging guests to donate to the cause.
How It Helps: Having raised over $525 million in over 50 countries, the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade benefits educational programs, screening and diagnosis, access to treatment, research, and breast cancer support services worldwide.

Last but not least, check out the gorgeous tote up top... such a beautiful gift for every bridesmaid in your destination wedding party. Great way to show your support for breast cancer research while having a bridal party look smart, trendy and oh so cool! Go to Sea Bags to check out all three styles.

Your wedding planner Lisa, who asks every reader to please do your monthly exams and have your yearly mammograms!