Saturday, October 31, 2015

Young Fans of the Peanuts Gang Will Love the New Personalized Books from Put Me in the Story -- My Girls Sure Do!! -- Review and #Giveaway

Disclosure: I was sent samples from the vendor in order to facilitate an honest review. All views shared are mine and mine alone.


Sourcebooks




The Peanuts gang is everywhere you think.  And, next week the much anticipated movie is hitting theaters on November 6th.  Do you have your tickets yet?  We bought advanced tickets to take the girls, as this is one of Bella's requests for her 4th birthday on the 10th, which will be Peanuts themed. :-)  I have to say, growing up and being a huge Peanuts fan, it is nice to see the gang back again.  I love being able to share some of my childhood favorites with my girls and have an excuse to sit down and watch shows and movies with them, that feature these throwback favorites. :-)  Come on, you know you do this too!

If you have been to the stores lately and ventured down the toy aisles you will find Peanuts toys for the upcoming holiday season.  And, don't forget to check out the clothing dept. as you'll find cute Peanuts pajamas, which my girls spotted the other day and just had to have!  And, the timing couldn't have been better as that same day the girls received their personalized "My First Peanuts" books which I created the other day from Put Me In The Story.  Put Me In The Story may sound familiar, as I have featured them several times over the years, with their wonderful selection of personalized books for kids that make for great gifts and keepsakes.  Out of all the personalized books I have made for the girls over the years, they love their Put Me In The Story books the best.

Now you can visit Put Me In The Story and choose from two "My First Peanuts" books to personalize and create for your child.  You can choose from My First Peanuts: ABC – An Alphabet Adventure, which teaches all about the ABC's in a fun and colorful way, thanks to the helps of all your child's favorite Peanuts gang characters; or, how about My First Peanuts: 123 – A Counting Adventure, which is great for beginner counters to help them learn how to count from 1-10.  This book also features all your favorite Peanuts characters and is filled with colorful illustrations that will have your child lingering after you are done reading the page, just to admire the artwork and to count the things on the page.


My girls were so excited to receive their "My First Peanuts" books and couldn't wait to have me read it to them the other night.  But, before I could, they had to change into their new Peanuts pajamas they bought with their allowance money and then find a good spot on the couch so that we could snuggle up and read the books, and learn with the help of the Peanuts gang our ABC's and 123"s. :-)



When I am not reading these cute personalized books from Put Me In The Story to the girls, they are grabbing them off the bookshelves to flip through and read on their own. Just the other day, I caught Savannah reading to Bella on the couch as they waited for me to join them and read their books again.  :-)  



Not only were they counting and reciting their ABC's, but they were also talking about their favorite Peanuts characters and how excited they were to see the new Peanuts movie in theaters soon.  It is always nice to see the girls getting along and enjoying time together. And, thanks to the new Peanuts craze, they now have something they both like and can talk about. :-)

So, if you have a little one who is anticipating the upcoming Peanuts movie or can't get enough of Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Linus, Lucy, etc., why not surprise them with their very own personalized book from Put Me In The Story that features not just their name scattered throughout the pages and front cover, but also photos in the front and back of the book.  There is also a fun pull out poster in the back of each of these books that your child can hang on their walls and practice their ABC's and 123's, while enjoying their photo in the center, surrounded by the whole Peanuts gang.  



Both of my girls loved this added feature and have their personalized photos on the wall next to their bed.

This holiday season is surely going to be filled with Peanuts wish lists request.  So, why not get a jump start on your shopping by heading over to Put Me In The Story and creating one or both of these "My First Peanuts" books for your child today. This is definitely one keepsake they will treasure for a long time. :-)

Here is more about each of the two Peanuts books available from Put Me In The Story that you can personalize for your child today...



Hurry, friend! Your Peanuts pals have made a mess of the letters of the alphabet and they need your help to get them back in order. Go on an alphabet adventure with the Peanuts gang as they hop from A to Z and teach your little one just how fun learning can be! Find fun little phrases and colorful letters on each page to help your child recognize every letter of the alphabet. Delight your little reader with their first Peanuts ABC book and begin a lifelong alphabet journey. Practicing the alphabet has never been this fun!

Personalize this story with a name, cute photo and a dedication message. Plus, discover a personalized alphabet poster at the end of the book!



Come along for some counting fun! Your favorite Peanuts pals are ready to play and teach a new friend to count along the way! Show your silly Peanuts friends how to keep their numbers in order, then rhyme from 1 to 10 to start your counting adventure. You will play hide and seek, splash at the beach, visit the library and find a pumpkin patch. Through every adventure, your smiling friends are counting on you to learn something new. Join this bright bunch and jump into the fun. Discover lessons that last a lifetime with your first Peanuts 1-2-3 book!

Personalize this story with a name, cute photo, and a dedication message. You can also include a very important number–your child’s age! Plus, discover a personalized 1-2-3 poster at the end of the book.


--- BUY NOW AND SAVE!!!! --- 

Use code SNOOPY to receive $10 OFF on personalized Peanuts books.
will both be discounted to $19.99. Code valid 10/25-10/31.

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--Rafflecopter Giveaway--

Win a $30 Movie Gift Card so you & your family can see The Peanuts Movie!
Winner will be notified on November 2.


http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/54ca7af7223/ a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I was sent samples from the vendor in order to facilitate an honest review. All views shared are mine and mine alone.

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Thursday, October 29, 2015

Just in Time for the Holidays -- SHELBY: A MAGICAL HOLIDAY TAIL Arrives on DVD Next Tuesday, Nov. 3rd (Review)

Disclosure:  I was sent a screener copy from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  All views shared are mine and mine alone.



One of my favorite things about Christmas is watching and sharing all the different heartwarming movies with my family and friends.  One upcoming DVD release that will make for a great family movie night as you begin to get into the holiday spirit is "Shelby: A Magical Holiday Tale."  

Here is a little background on the movie...

"Directed by Brian K. Roberts (En Vogue Christmas), written by Jeremy Wadzinski, developed and financed by The Fyzz Facility Limited, SHELBY, the Dove®-family-approved movie for all ages, arrives on Digital HD Oct. 23 and on DVD and On Demand Nov. 3 from Anchor Bay Entertainment. In this heart-warming family tale, rescue dog Shelby manages to escape the dog pound on Christmas Eve and runs straight into the arms of little Jake (John Paul Ruttan, Robocop) and the two are immediately inseparable. The only thing standing between them and a perfect Christmas is the notorious local dogcatcher - he has Shelby in his sights and he's not going to stop until he finds him. SHELBY also stars the legendary comedian Chevy Chase (Vacation franchise, “Community”), Tom Arnold (Underdog Kids, Chilly Christmas), Addison Holley (“Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood,“ “Little Charmers”) and Rob Schneider (Deuce Bigalow franchise, Grown Ups) as the voice of Shelby. 

Christmas is coming, and notorious stray pup/escape artist Shelby (voiced by Rob Schneider) is once again locked up in the dog pound. But when a spoiled rich kid tries to adopt him for all the wrong reasons, Shelby runs away and hides in the suburban basement of 10-year-old aspiring magician Jake Parker (John Paul Ruttan). Now with the frazzled local dogcatcher (Tom Arnold) hot on their tail, can Jake, his siblings and their visiting grandpa (Chevy Chase) – who knows a thing or two about messy vacations – pull off the ultimate magic trick and rescue Shelby, making him a part of the family forever? Jefferson Brown (Make Your Move) co-stars in this heartwarming comedy about Christmas magic and the holiday love that speaks to us all. SHELBY will be available for the suggested retail price of $19.98."

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We are a dog loving family and have always rescued our dogs, so we love stumbling upon dog-friendly movies like this one.  And, when you include to strong comedians like Chevy Chase and Tom Arnold you know you are in for a true comedic treat.  



We couldn't stop laughing throughout this family-friendly movie about the friendship between humans and animals.  We couldn't stop rooting on Jake and his siblings to successfully rescue Shelby and give this cuddly pup a forever home (each and every rescue dog deserves). What happens in the end, you ask?  You will just have to pick up a copy of this DVD when it arrives on store shelves on Nov. 3rd to find out for yourself. :-)


Disclosure:  I was sent a screener copy from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  All views shared are mine and mine alone.
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THREE PBS KIDS SPOOK-TACULAR TITLES PERFECT FOR HALLOWEEN! (DVD Review)

Disclosure:  I was sent screener copies from the vendor in order to write up an honest review. All views shared are mine and mine alone.


THREE NEW PBS KIDS DVDS OFFER
SPOOK-TASTIC HALLOWEEN FUN  

Image result for pbs kids


My girls are counting down the days until Halloween-- they are even doing a cotton ball ghost advent to keep track of the days.  In addition to counting down until the 31st, they have also been getting their fix of Halloween movies and television shows featuring some of their favorite characters.  They have been keeping busy watching three recent PBS Distribution titles featuring their favorite PBS Kids characters, including Caillou, Peg + Cat and WordWorld.  And, they certainly came in handy recently as the girls have been sick and laying around not wanting to do much.  usually I wouldn't have them sitting in front of the television all day, but knowing they were watching educational shows from an award winning television network, I couldn't say "no" when asked to watch a few episodes that make these three new releases.  While there is no new content to the DVDs, the girls still enjoy watching these Halloween themed episodes -- a few times each so far.  And, with Halloween only two days away, they are watching these DVDs more and more to get into the Halloween spirit. :-)

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"PBS Distribution announced today it is releasing three new Halloween themed DVDs on September 1, 2015. Each of these DVDs features a PBS KIDS series – CAILLOUPEG + CAT, and WORDWORLD. From carving a jack-o’-lantern with Caillou to going on a trick-or-treating adventure with Peg and Cat, these DVDs include fun-filled laugh-out-loud stories full of Halloween excitement

The three new DVDs available are “CAILLOU: CAILLOU’S HALLOWEEN,” “PEG + CAT: A TOTALLY AWESOME HALLOWEEN,” and “WORDWORLD: HALLOWEEN FUN.” Each DVD has an SRP of $6.99. More information about each DVD is below.


CAILLOU: CAILLOU’S HALLOWEEN
CAILLOU’S HALLOWEEN” features 13 stories including “Caillou Loves Halloween,” “Pumpkin Patch Kid,” and “Caillou’s Halloween Costume.” In “Caillou’s Halloween Costume,” Caillou and Rosie are trying to pick out costumes as Halloween quickly approaches – but Caillou can’t decide what he wants to be. With help from Mommy and Daddy, a furry blue monster costume is created for Caillou so he can join Leo, a cowboy, and Clementine, a bumblebee, for trick-or-treating!


PEG + CAT: A TOTALLY AWESOME HALLOWEEN
Combine Halloween excitement with mathematical fun and you’ve got “PEG + CAT: A TOTALLY AWESOME HALLOWEEN.” This DVD features four adventures, two of which are Halloween themed – “The Parade Problem” and “The Halloween Problem.” In “The Parade Problem,” kids will learn about sorting and estimating as they watch Peg and Cat clean up a park to ensure the nursery school’s Halloween parade takes place. After watching Peg and Cat solve this problem, kids can join Peg, who dresses up as a mailbox, and Cat, who decides to be a fire hydrant, on a trick-or-treating adventure that features the duo using their math skills to divide up Halloween treats so that everyone gets a fair share. 

The PEG + CAT series is funded in part by the U.S. Department of Education through the Ready To Learn Initiative, a program that supports the development of innovative educational television and digital media targeted at preschool and early elementary school children and their families, and by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB).


WORDWORLD: HALLOWEEN FUN
In the frightfully fun DVD “WORDWORLD: HALLOWEEN FUN,” join the WordFriends on adventures that demonstrate the connections between letters, sounds, words, and meaning. This DVD features five stories including “A Kooky Spooky Halloween” and “Sheep’s Halloween Costume.” In “A Kooky Spooky Halloween,” Pig is so worried about finishing his Halloween bags, because he’s missing the letter B, that he ends up sleepwalking. As he sleepwalks, collecting Bs along the way, everyone thinks he’s a ghost!"

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About DHX Brands
DHX Brands is the dedicated brand-management and consumer-products arm of DHX Media Ltd. (NASDAQ: DHXM; TSX: DHX.A, DHX.B) (www.dhxmedia.com), a leading creator, producer, marketer and broadcaster of family entertainment. DHX Brands specializes in creating, building and maintaining high-profile global entertainment brands within the children’s and young-adult markets. With expertise in brand development, licensing, marketing and creative, we develop brands which captivate and inspire through engaging content, first-class distribution, quality consumer products, immersive live experiences, and digital media. DHX Brands’ world-class portfolio includes TeletubbiesTwirlywoosIn the Night GardenYo Gabba Gabba!Caillou, Make It Pop!, Slugterra,  and Degrassi. DHX Brands has offices in London, Toronto and Los Angeles.

About The Fred Rogers Company
The company was founded by Fred Rogers in 1971 as the non-profit producer of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood for PBS. In the years that followed, it not only created hundreds of episodes of this much-loved program, but also extended Fred’s values and approach to other efforts in promoting children’s social, emotional and behavioral health and supporting parents, caregivers, teachers and other professionals in their work with children. The Fred Rogers Company continues to build on Fred’s legacy in innovative ways through a wide variety of media, and engaging new generations of children and families with his timeless wisdom. The company’s highly-rated, award-winning children’s series include Daniel Tiger’s NeighborhoodPeg + Cat and Odd Squad. For more information, visit www.fredrogers.org.

About CPB
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), a private, nonprofit corporation created by Congress in 1967, is the steward of the federal government's investment in public broadcasting. It helps support the operations of more than 1,400 locally-owned and -operated public television and radio stations nationwide, and is the largest single source of funding for research, technology, and program development for public radio, television and related online services. For more information, visit us at www.cpb.org.

About The Ready To Learn Initiative
The Ready To Learn Initiative is a cooperative agreement funded and managed by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Innovation and Improvement. It supports the development of innovative educational television and digital media targeted at preschool and early elementary school children and their families. Its general goal is to promote early learning and school readiness, with a particular interest in reaching low-income children. In addition to creating television and other media products, the program supports activities intended to promote national distribution of the programming, effective educational uses of the programming, community-based outreach and research on educational effectiveness.  Proceeds from “PEG + CAT: A TOTALLY AWESOME HALLOWEEN” DVD will help support projects that further the goals and objectives of the Ready To Learn Initiative.

WORDWORLD
About WordWorld
“WordWorld” was developed with funding from the U.S. Department of Education as part of the Ready To Learn initiative. Incorporating the latest research into the most effective ways for kids to build reading skills, “WordWorld” produces delightful educational experiences for preschool children, on screen, in print, and online. “WordWorld” is owned by General Word LP.

About PBS Distribution
PBS Distribution is the leading media distributor for the public television community, both domestically and internationally, extending the reach of these programs beyond broadcast while generating revenue for the public television system, stations, and producers.

PBS Distribution offers a diverse range of programming to our customers, including Ken Burns’s films, documentaries from award-winning series such as NOVA, FRONTLINE, AMERICAN MASTERS, NATURE, and AMERICAN EXPERIENCE, dramas from MASTERPIECE, as well as films from independent producers and popular children’s programming. PBS Distribution offers consumers high-quality content in multiple formats including DVD, Blu-ray, digital download, and digital streaming, and is also a leading source for factual content for international broadcast, cable, and satellite services.

About PBS KIDS
PBS KIDS, the number one educational media brand for kids, offers all children the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television, digital platforms and community-based programs.  Kidscreen- and Webby-award winning pbskids.org provides engaging interactive content, including digital games and streaming video. PBS KIDS also offers mobile apps to help support young children’s learning. The PBS KIDS Video App is available on a variety of mobile devices and on platforms such as Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Xbox One and Chromecast. For more information on specific PBS KIDS content supporting literacy, science, math and more, visit pbs.org/pressroom, or follow PBS KIDS on Twitter and Facebook.

CAILLOU: CAILLOU’S HALLOWEEN
Street Date: September 1, 2015
Genre: Kids
Run Time: Approximately 100 Minutes
SRP: $6.99
Format: DVD

PEG + CAT: A TOTALLY AWESOME HALLOWEEN
Street Date: September 1, 2015
Genre: Kids
Run Time: Approximately 60 Minutes
SRP: $6.99
Format: DVD

WORDWORLD: HALLOWEEN FUN
Street Date: September 1, 2015
Genre: Kids
Run Time: Approximately 60 Minutes
SRP: $6.99
Format: DVD

Disclosure:  I was sent screener copies from the vendor in order to write up an honest review. All views shared are mine and mine alone.
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My Girls Can't Stop Playing with the Play and Learn Shopping Cart from The Learning Journey International #playandlearn (Review)



I cherish the moments when my girls will play together and not fight.  If you were to walk into our house right now you would find almost two of everything as the girls at age/stage where they don't want to share and we need to buy two of everything so they don't fight.  Knowing this, I wasn't sure how the girls would act when I put together the Play and Learn Shopping Cart of The Learning Journey International for them to help me review.  



But, to my surprise, they played along nicely and loved the shopping cart.  :-)

The girls have been playing non-stop with this shopping cart since we received it a few days ago. 







They love pretending they are at a supermarket and use the food that comes with the shopping cart, as well as simply go around the house and pick up toys and pretend to be a toy store and make their purchases with real money.  As a homeschooling mom, I love not only seeing the girls use their imaginations, but also want to play with real money and come up with pricing for each item for each other to pay.  I even caught the girls scribbling on a piece of paper when they ran out of money as an IOU for bank. :-)  Very creative. 




We have had plastic shopping carts in the past, but they were never made well.  After a few rams into the wall, pushes down the stairs when the girls were fighting, or simply loading it too much with toys to the point it broke, their old shopping carts never made it past a few weeks (if that long).  But, when I took the Play and Learn Shopping Cart from The Learning Journey International, I found myself being happily surprised at how well this toy was made and how easy it was to put together.  



Within a few minutes I had this shopping cart snapped together and ready for the girls (ages 3+) to use.  Both of my girls, having had previous experience with plastic shopping carts, also mentioned how well this was made and how they liked this one much better than the others.  They also loved how this shopping cart came with all the plastic and cardboard foods to use and play with, which had made for more creative play.  



As a parent, I love how well this shopping cart is made and how it had kept my girls' attention, as they continue to play each and every day with it.  And, with the addition of the play food and not needing to buy extra, it makes for the perfect gift for that special little girl in your life.  The colors are bright and vibrant and make this a stand out shopping cart.  If your child is asking for a shopping cart for Christmas or has a birthday coming up and you are wondering what to get, why not consider purchasing the Play and Learn Shopping Cart from The Learning Journey International, for only $24.99 --- a steal, if you ask me (and my girls). :-)


--BUY IT NOW--



Head on over to The Learning Journey International to purchase this lightweight plastic shopping cart for only $24.99 today.


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Start Your Holiday Shopping -- Save 25% on American-Made Christmas Decor and Personalized Holiday Gifts from Wendell August #wendellchristmas #madeinamerica #wendellaugust

Disclosure: In exchange for promoting this brand, I will be given a promotional product for review.  All views shared are mine and mine alone.


Only 56 days until Christmas.  Have you started your holiday shopping yet?  I am halfway done, and hoping to be done before the big holiday Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. But, you know me, I can't resist a good deal, and will probably be shopping these days, too!  And, right now, I am taking advantage of 25% off sale at Wendell August, and wanted to make sure you were aware of it, so that you can snag some great holiday decor, gifts and more.

"Decorate your home and give unique and personalized gifts this holiday season with handcrafted, American-made products from Wendell August. The artisans at Wendell August, America's oldest forge, hand create every piece of giftware in their collection. Choose from ornaments, Christmas decor, personalized gifts, entertaining accessories, or jewelry."


Shop Now and Save!!!

Save 25% on your order through the month of November with code 25NOVB. Visit Wendell August now and begin your holiday shopping, while saving 25% off your entire order. 


Follow Wendell August on their social media channels for special offers, discounts and more: 

  • Wendell August Official Website - https://www.wendellaugust.com
  • Wendell August on FB - https://www.facebook.com/WendellAugust/ 
  • Wendell August on Twitter - @wendellaugust - https://twitter.com/WendellAugust 
  • Wendell August on Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/wendellaugust/
  • Wendell August on Instagram - https://instagram.com/wendellaugust1923/ 



Disclosure: In exchange for promoting this brand, I will be given a promotional product for review.  All views shared are mine and mine alone.
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Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Tips on How to Support Someone with Cancer + Learn How You Can Join Aflac to Help Raise Funds for Breast Cancer Research #ThisDuckWearsPink #ad @AflacDuck




October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month


BreastCancerRibbon
Are you doing your part to help find a cure?



October is not just about Halloween.  It is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Have you or someone dear you been diagnosed with breast cancer.  While I am not a breast cancer survivor, I am a cancer survivor of stage 2 nasopharyngeal carcinoma, which I received chemo and radiation treatment for back in 2008, and can say with a smile that I am 7 years out of treatment and in remission. Yes!!!  

Image of I AM A SURVIVOR
I wear this necklace proud seven years in remission. It is a great reminder of how precious life is and how not even a cancer diagnosis can keep me down. :-)

During my personal cancer journey, both during treatment and out, I met some amazing women who found themselves battling breast cancer.  While I wish I could say they are all still with us, unfortunately two passed away from the disease, after a courageous battle.  It seems when you think of cancer, breast cancer is one of the most common that comes to mind.  I know for me, whenever I tell someone I had cancer, they assume it was breast cancer, and not a rare head and neck cancer.  But, no matter the cancer type, we all go through a similar journey and experience  ups and downs along the way, emotionally, physically and even financially.  


Part of my recovery process including joining a handful of cancer support groups.  While I was hesitant at first to attend a meeting, it was the best thing I did, as I was able to meet some amazing women, and hear their courageous stories -- many of whom battled breast cancer 1 or more times, and had the scars to prove it.  I found myself listening to their personal stories and being educated on breast health and the importance of early detection as well as routinely checking yourself for lumps or masses in your breasts.  Even though my family doesn't have a history of breast cancer, nor my cancer, I have learned that you have be proactive when it comes to your health.  You can't take things for granted, or put things off.  It took me over a year to find a doctor to biopsy a mass I found to find my cancer.  And, I have heard so many other women share their stories of getting lost in their busy schedules to get a mammogram done or check their breasts monthly. It is not until the mass has grown and/or spread that they seek treatment.

Thanks to national health observances like Breast Cancer Awareness month in October, more and more people are becoming educated about breast health and the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, so that they can detect it early and seek treatment.  In addition Breast Cancer Awareness month is also helping family and friends by providing tips and support on how to help someone close to you through breast cancer.  I, for one, found myself scaring friends off when I told them I had cancer.  Some didn't know what to say or how to act around me, while others simply were too scared of the unknown outcome so they began to distance themselves from me.  I found myself learning as much as I could about my rare cancer not only for myself, but to educate family and friends, so it wouldn't be as scary -- even though I was terrified until I got a clean scan result a year later.

During a recent support group meeting, myself and other cancer survivors found ourselves talking about ways family and friends could help someone recently diagnosed with cancer, as there were a handful of newly diagnosed breast cancer patients who found those close to them walking around on egg shells, not knowing how to act.  Here are some ways you can help and support someone going through cancer, including breast cancer:

Tips for Supporting Someone with Cancer

1)  First and foremost, just be there for them...no matter what.  Just like you, we are scared about the whole cancer journey and just need to know we have support of those we love -- for the many ups and downs treatment and recovery brings.
2)  Don't treat us differently.  So many of us find family and friends acting weird or wanting to treat us a child or someone who can't do things for themselves.  We need to stay strong to fight our cancer, and we need you to do the same and push us to go on, even on the darkest of days
3) Laughter truly is the best medicine.  When you see our smile gone, crack a joke or say something funny that will make us laugh and smile.  Even cheesy knock knock jokes with perk our spirits up.

I was given this beautiful charm pendant from a dear friend and continue to wear -- it brought me strength and hope during my cancer treatment in 2008.

4)  Tell us your love us and that we can do this.  We can reassurance that we can fight this and win.  I found myself questioning what I was fighting for after scans showed cancer spreading.  I was terrified and didn't know if I was strong enough to fight and win.  But, with family and friends telling me "You got this" and "We are fighting alongside you," the fire to fight and win grew, especially when I needed it most.
5)  Just be there to provide a shoulder to lean and cry on, or to listen to us.  With all the decisions one has to make on treatments, we really need someone to talk to and that will listen to us.  We may not need your advice, but just knowing we have someone to talk to means the world to someone battling cancer.
6) Distraction, distraction, distraction -- When you are undergoing cancer treatment, your life is consumed by treatment, doctors' visits, hospitals, etc.  It is nice to be distracted once in awhile, and have someone take our minds off of cancer.  I loved when friend would come to visit or whisk me off for an unexpected lunch or movie date.  For those precious few hours I forgot I was battling cancer and felt normal.
7) Remind me that I don't have to do this alone and that there are many organizations and support networks out there to help me through my cancer journey and post treatment.  Like I mentioned above, I was hesitant to join a support group, but it has made a world of difference and helped me cope with the anxiety most cancer patients face after treatment ends about recurrence, etc.  With breast cancer being such a publicized cancer, there are so many great organizations and programs geared towards breast cancer patients and survivors, that should really be looked into and taken advantage of.  Friends and family can research these and share them with loved ones, as we may not know about them.
8)  Depending on your type of cancer and treatment, food may be an issue, so don't assume that we want dinner made and delivered to us each night.  I ended up with a feeding tube, and have had many breast cancer friends say their nausea post chemo or radiation made for days where food was the last thing they wanted to see or talk about.
9)  While cancer survivors will eventually need to find a new normal, during cancer treatment, please try to keep things as normal as possible.  It is nice to get help for things like groceries, dinner or help with the kids, we want to feel like we can still function normally and do things.  Once we start feeling like we are losing control of our life, we can slowly question our fight or feel weak.  Try to keep things normal, as much as possible.
10)  Hair loss -- this is a big one, especially for breast cancer patients, as they usually lose all their hair.  I ended up losing the back of my hair, where I was receiving radiation.  I was self conscious of this and could only imagine what other women were feeling who had no hair at all.  So many of my breast cancer friends, after getting over the whole hair loss thing, embraced wigs as it let them try out new hair colors and styles and head coverings.  I was never that stylish, but loved my hat collection I was given by family and friends to protect my bald back head during the hot summer months. :-)  Remember to always tell someone who has lost their hair that they look great!  :-)  We love to hear this.

I could go on and on about ways to support someone battling cancer, but I have to amazing girls -- my miracle babies (as I was told I wouldn't be able to have children) to tend to.


But, I will leave you with breast cancer statistics, things your should know about breast health and early detection, as well as some information about Aflac’s Cancer policies, which may come in handy if you find yourself being diagnosed with cancer or know someone who is. 
Did You Know?....
  • Breast cancer is the second most common kind of cancer in women, with skin cancer being the first.1
  • About 1 in 8 women born today in the U.S. will get breast cancer at some point in their lives.1
  • Approximately 231,340 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in the U.S. each year.1
  • Breast cancer patients with employer-sponsored health insurance spend $6,553 out-of-pocket.




This October, get the facts on breast cancer awareness...

  • Early detection is key
    • "Even as the second most common cancer among women in the United States, millions of women are surviving breast cancer thanks in part to early detection and improvements in treatment.3
    • The goal of screening exams for breast cancer is to find cancers before they start to cause symptoms (like a lump that can be felt). Screening refers to tests and exams used to find a disease, such as cancer, in people who do not have any symptoms.
    • Breast cancers that are found because they are causing symptoms tend to be larger and are more likely to have already spread beyond the breast. In contrast, breast cancers found during screening exams are more likely to be smaller and still confined to the breast.
    • The American Cancer Society recommends the following for early breast cancer detection in women without breast symptoms:4
      • Women age 40 and older should have a mammogram every year and should continue to do so for as long as they are in good health.
      • Women in their 20s and 30s should have a clinical breast exam (CBE) as part of a periodic (regular) health exam by a health professional preferably every 3 years.
      • Breast self-exam (BSE) is also an option for women starting in their 20s.
    • Even as the second most common cancer among women in the United States, millions of women are surviving breast cancer thanks in part to early detection and improvements in treatment.3
    • The goal of screening exams for breast cancer is to find cancers before they start to cause symptoms (like a lump that can be felt). Screening refers to tests and exams used to find a disease, such as cancer, in people who do not have any symptoms.
    • Breast cancers that are found because they are causing symptoms tend to be larger and are more likely to have already spread beyond the breast. In contrast, breast cancers found during screening exams are more likely to be smaller and still confined to the breast.
    • The American Cancer Society recommends the following for early breast cancer detection in women without breast symptoms:4
      • Women age 40 and older should have a mammogram every year and should continue to do so for as long as they are in good health.
      • Women in their 20s and 30s should have a clinical breast exam (CBE) as part of a periodic (regular) health exam by a health professional preferably every 3 years.
      • Breast self-exam (BSE) is also an option for women starting in their 20s."


It wasn't until I found myself in the midst of cancer treatment that I learned firsthand the importance of having a cancer insurance policy.  You would think that while you were receiving treatment to help save your life that the debt collectors and insurance companies would hold off on bills.  Not at all.  By the end of the first month of treatment I found myself with over $10,00 in medical bills that weren't covered by my health insurance.  I was no longer working and had to rely on loans from family and friends and payment plans with the hospitals to manage the growing medical expenses a cancer diagnosis can bring.  

I now know about Aflac's cancer insurance policies and how they can make a world of difference to cancer patients needing to concentrate on their health and recovery and not thinking about how they will be pay all the bills coming in.  



"When caught early, the survival rate for breast cancer is as high as 99 percent5, but the diagnosis can be accompanied by an expensive treatment regimen. Aflac’s cash benefits can help policyholders pay the out-of-pocket costs associated with costly cancer treatments."

Here is more about Aflac's Cancer Insurance Policies...
  1. "A cancer insurance policy can be used not only for treatment expenses not covered by major medical insurance, but also for extra child care that may be needed, transportation to and from the doctor or treatments, and even everyday living expenses, such as mortgage payments or groceries.
  2. With Aflac’s recently introduced One Day PaySM initiative, which allows Aflac to process, approve and pay eligible claims in just a day, you can have the cash you need in hand faster than ever before.* Watch this video video to see how Aflac’s cancer insurance policy helped policyholder Celia through her breast cancer journey."
To learn more about the Aflac’s cancer insurance policies and their new One Day PaySM initiative, visit http://clvr.li/1OzpC1N today.  If only I had known about cancer insurance policies from Aflac back when I was diagnosed with cancer.  It would have made things a little easier, especially when it came to paying for treatments, everyday living expenses, etc.


--JOIN AFLAC IN SHOWING YOUR SUPPORT THIS OCTOBER--


During the month of October, Aflac is partnering with the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) for the second year in a row on the “This Duck Wears Pink” campaign.  By selling a variety of campaign-related merchandise including the plush duck, hats and a breast cancer ribbon pin, proceeds from the sales will go to the AACR for the specific purpose of funding research aimed at finding a cure for breast cancer.  To learn more about the Aflac’s partnership with the American Association for Cancer Research Foundation and the This Duck Wears Pink campaign, visit http://clvr.li/1G3fCFJ.  

In addition, Aflac is also supporting the groundbreaking work of the AACR – the first and largest cancer research organization in the world with a membership of more than 35,000 professionals residing in 101 countries working on the front lines of the effort to eradicate cancer. The AACR backs every aspect of high-quality, innovative cancer research.

So, why not join the cause and show your support for breast cancer awareness, and help Aflac raise crucial funds to help find a cure for breast cancer in our lifetime!  You can donate and shop for merchandise here.

-----

1 American Cancer Society, “Breast Cancer,” accessed on Sept. 29, 2015 - http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/cid/documents/webcontent/003090-pdf.pdf
2 Everyday Health, “Coping With the Cost of Breast Cancer,” accessed on Sept. 29, 2015 - http://www.everydayhealth.com/breast-cancer/coping-with-the-cost-of-breast-cancer.aspx
3 American Cancer Society, “How the American Cancer Society Fights Breast Cancer,” accessed on Sept. 29, 2015 - http://www.cancer.org/healthy/morewaysacshelpsyoustaywell/breastcancer
4 American Cancer Society, “Breast Cancer Prevention and Early Detection,” accessed on Sept. 29, 2015 - http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/cid/documents/webcontent/003165-pdf.pdf
5 American Cancer Society, “Breast Cancer survival rates, by stage,” accessed on Sept. 29, 2015 - http://www.cancer.org/cancer/breastcancer/detailedguide/breast-cancer-survival-by-stage

*One Day PaySM available for most properly documented, individual claims submitted online through Aflac SmartClaim® by 3 PM ET. Aflac SmartClaim® not available on the following: Disability, Life, Vision, Dental, Medicare Supplement, Long Term Care/Home Health Care, Aflac Plus Rider, Specified Disease Rider and Group policies. Aflac processes most other claims in about four days. Processing time is based on business days after all required documentation needed to render a decision is received & no further validation and/or research is required. Individual Company Statistic, 2015. Coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus. In New York, coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of New York. Worldwide Headquarters | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999




I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
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