Here are my thoughts on that…

@everydaybest.com

Breast Biopsy Results. #mammogramssavelives #mammogramresults #octoberbreastcancerawarness #breastcancerawareness #breastbiopsy

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If you are here on this page because you have also recently had a breast biopsy, are waiting on results, would like to learn how to schedule a mammogram, or have recently been diagnosed with breast cancer – here are some resources I’ve found helpful.

Mammogram Screening Guidelines (how to know if you should be getting them): https://www.breastcancer.org/mammograms

Resources for after a Breast Cancer Diagnosis: http://www.abcdbreastcancersupport.org/

Support for Younger Women (45 and under) when diagnosed: https://www.tigerlilyfoundation.org

Male Breast Cancer Support:https://www.hisbreastcancer.org

A Core Needle Breast Biopsy – what to expect: https://everydaybest.com/breast-biopsy/

Sending you all big hugs and thanks for checking in on me while I waited for the Breast biopsy results. I feel very lucky that I got my yearly mammogram on time this year, it means my tumor was found earlier. And earlier is always better when it comes to breast cancer.

If you have been waiting – this is your sign. Make your mammogram appointment today! Hugs!

The post Breast Biopsy Results appeared first on Everyday Best.

First off, let me tell you immediately that my breast biopsy was much less scary in reality, than I had imagined in my mind. And I bet yours will be too. I’ll give you some specific details of my procedure below. Take a breath. Odds are good this will be a less intimidating experience then what you’re expecting.

How it started:

I went for my yearly mammogram, and a few days later I got a call asking me to come in for further imaging. When I returned to the office I repeated my mammogram and also got a breast ultrasound. (In case you’re wondering a breast ultrasound is totally the same thing you get on your tummy when your pregnant, just on your breast. Same goopy gel, ultrasound wand, and totally painless imaging). In my case, I knew before I left the office that I was going to schedule a biopsy for later that week.

Three Biopsy Types: It’s likely that you’ve been told you are having either a fine needle aspiration biopsy, a surgical biopsy – (or what I had) a core needle biopsy. I can only tell you my experience, but my understanding is that a fine needle aspiration biopsy is such a thin needle that you may not need much more than some medicine to numb your skin. A surgical biopsy would be under anesthesia – so again very little would be felt by you.

What my Core Needle Biopsy was like:

I arrived for my appointment, and much like a mammogram I had been asked not to wear any lotion or deodorant. I could keep my pants on, but needed to take my top off and put on a hospital gown. *TIP* This is not the day to wear a dress or romper. You will want to have a separate top and bottom, so that you can keep your bottoms on! I was brought into a small medical room with an ultrasound machine, and a bed. I laid down and the doctor made sure I was laying in such a way that the tech could move the ultrasound wand around easily. In my case, they used an ultrasound to see where the needle was in relation to the breast tissue they wanted samples of.

I was given a shot of lidocaine, and that felt like a moderate bee sting. And then I was given a couple more shots of numbing medicine I believe, but those I couldn’t really feel – as the first shot had done it’s job! I will honestly tell you that the needle they use for the core needle biopsy looked big. And I wished I hadn’t seen it. Especially because it’s size made me anticipate great pain, that I never actually felt. So it was needless worry. The doctor told me everything before she did it. I looked at the ultrasound screen to avoid seeing the needle for the rest of the procedure. She told me she was going to insert the needle, and then she would let me know before activating the spring loaded tool inside the needle, which would take a little “bite” from the area being biopsied. I could feel movement, and pressure and a loud noise whenever another biopsy was taken. I believe I had about 5 biopsy samples collected. And there was only once when the needle moved deeper than the other times, that I felt anything. And that was still just a very small sting. Once the biopsy was over, the very tiny wound that the needle entered through in my breast was patched up with bandage stitches that fall off over time.

Within about 20 minutes the whole thing was over, and I was getting dressed to go home.

Breast Biopsy After Care: I was told to bring a sports bra to wear after the biopsy, one that was on the tighter side. Apparently some compression can help with soreness after the numbing meds wear off. I was gifted a small circular ice pack to place inside my bra. I was told it was ok to use Tylenol for pain or soreness. And I did take that for a day or so. But the pain was pretty minimal.

*Funny Story* I had a fun girls night out planned with some friends for the evening following my biopsy. They were sweet and told me it was no problem to reschedule, but a fun night out seemed like just the thing to take my mind off things. So I pre-froze several ice packs and put them in a bag, and brought them with me! When one ice pack thawed, I just ran to the restroom or in my friends car and switched it out. Then I just stuck a new icepack in my bra and got back to my friends! So if I could do that, you know the pain and soreness was not bad! I’m sure my weirdly lumpy icepack chest looked a little odd, but no one around us seemed to take much note of it!

You may, if you’re like me, get some very colorful black and blue marks on your breast for a while. But honestly, that was the extent of it.

 

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*TIP*If your provider tells you you may not be able to shower for 24 hours after the procedure, be sure to take a shower right before you go to the biopsy. You’ll be glad you did!

The Worst Part: Everything I read said the worst part of a biopsy is waiting for your results. And I’m here to tell you, that’s the truth. Not knowing if you have cancer or not, is heavy. Be sure to ask your medical team how long results usually take. I’ve heard different people say it took a couple of days, and some say that it might even be a couple of weeks. So my best advice is to distract yourself. Live your life.

If you’re reading this, odds are good that you recently had a mammogram or breast ultrasound, and you were told that your breast health advisor would like you to get – a biopsy. This recently happened to me, and I was instantly worried about what happens in a breast biopsy. What would it be like? Would a biopsy hurt? Leave scars?

And by all means – don’t freak out about your upcoming biopsy! I mean, do as I say, not as I do – right? Because I for sure, 100% was freaked out about my biopsy. But I didn’t need to be. And hopefully by reading this I can save someone else from being as scared and freaked out as I was! You got this girl!

Below are a few links you may find helpful, if you like to do a bit of research!

https://www.verywellhealth.com/breast-biopsy

https://www.breastcancer.org/breast-biopsy

And remember – get your yearly mammogram!

The post A Breast Biopsy – what to expect appeared first on Everyday Best.

But I live in Texas – and cooler temperatures and falling leaves isn’t guaranteed to happen anytime before December! So what’s left to do, other than to bring the autumn glow to your own house? One way I like to do this, is to bring warm and cozy feelings of fall to our home through warmer toned decorations. That’s why I was excited to partner with Nearly Natural to get started.

Bring on the Fall Decor!

And since plants  always seem to add a happy quality to a space, and can really tie a seasonal look together – I knew I needed some! But with most plants come other considerations… Pets, and children aren’t always a good mix with plants that are beautiful but can be toxic. And of course, you have to remember to diligently water the plants so you don’t let your investment wither away.

I’ve been enjoying using some high quality faux plants from Nearly Natural,  interspersed with real plants in my home – so I can avoid all those concerns.

I appreciate the simplicity that comes with not having to worry about plant upkeep, and I still being able to enjoy the color and magic of fall!

Nearly Natural has maintenance- free plants for just about every place in your house. They even have plants that are meant for the outdoors. Remember my backyard holiday makeover from last year? But this year I used indoor decor to create a fall look on covered porch, and around our home’s fireplace using a 22″ Dahlia & Mum Wreath from Nearly Natural.

The exact wreath we used is called “Autumn Beauty” and it absolutely lives up to it’s name!

The colors are bright and bold and it’s the kind of wreath that looks like someone hand gathered the most beautiful flowers from a fall garden – and arranged them with love and care. Buds that are just beginning to bloom are expertly mixed with showy open flower petals adding to a life-like and striking appearance.

We also completed the styling on our covered porch, and inside hearth area using one of Nearly Natural’s Autumn Fiddle Leaf Trees, in the 4.5′ size. It’s the perfect compact size that can be tucked in a corner that just needs a little more warmth and color.

I also really appreciate the autumnal color palette used on the leaves, it’s a subtle look that makes a beautiful statement on display in any season – not just the fall. And finding decor that can do double duty all through the year – is especially important when you are low on space.

Which Fall Vignette do you like the Autumn Fiddle Leaf Tree and Dahlia & Mum Wreath in the best? The covered porch, or the fireplace?

I’d love to hear your opinion!

You can also check out my Instagram & Tik Tok to see some behind the scenes footage of how we put these spaces together using plants from Nearly Natural.

For more information on Nearly Natural, and the amazing all year round and seasonal plants and trees they have – you can check out their website here: https://www.nearlynatural.com

This post was sponsored by Nearly Natural, and all opinions were my own.

The post Fall Decor Ideas Using Faux Autumn Plants appeared first on Everyday Best.

So here is a list of several Harry Potter themed products on sale already, or worth watching as prices drop this July, just for Amazon Prime Day!

How do I shop Amazon Prime?

You must have a Prime Account to shop some of the Amazon Prime Deals. Sign up for an Amazon Prime Account here, or if you just want to shop today’s sale – sign up for a month to month Prime account here, and then cancel whenever you want.

Are there Amazon Prime Day Discounts? Yes!

• Amazon Prime Student – You will need an .edu email address or you will need to be pursuing a degree, to qualify for this super deep membership discount on this 6 month Prime program.
• $5.99 Monthly Discounted Prime Program – This program is income based, but depending on your income – you could receive Prime for only $5.99 a month!
• Try the FREE Trail Amazon Prime Membership – Perfect, if you are not sure if Amazon Prime is right for you, but you’d like to try it!

—> Breaking Deals on Amazon Prime Day will be linked here! <—

Harry Potter themed Gifts expected to be discounted for Amazon Prime Day:

• Harry Potter Trivial Pursuit
• LEGO Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets Arogogs Lair Building Kit
• Harry Potter Niffler
• Harry Potter Quidditch Set
• Potter themed Wand Make up Brushes
• Harry Potter Wizard Chess
• Harry Potter Complete Paperback Book Set
• Harry Potter Hard Back Boxed Set
• Harry Potter Crochet Kit
• Harry Potter – Complete Film Collection
• FUNKO Harry potter – Advent Calendar 2019
• Harry Potter – 12 Days of Socks Calendar
• Harry Potter Wizard Training Wand

Not expected to Go on Sale for Prime Day, but worth watching for price drops in reaction to Prime Day:

• Harry Potter Monster Book
• Harry Potter Occamy
• Harry Potter Quidditch Ball/bat
• Harry Potter Collectible Luna Lovegood Doll
• Harry Potter Pygmy Puff

And as we hear about other GREAT Amazon prime Day deals we will be posting on Facebook and Instagram as well! So follow us there, to stay in the know!

Happy Amazon Prime Day Shopping.

Love all things Harry Potter? Check out this fun Harry Potter themed Party!

Or this DIY Luna Lovegood Costume tutorial!

Happy Prime Day Shopping!

The post Amazon Prime Day – Harry Potter Gifts appeared first on Everyday Best.

It’s expected that in 2023, there will be more School related items on sale for Amazon Prime Day then ever before, here are a few deals to watch out for…

How do you participate in the Amazon Prime Day Sale?

Do you have a Prime account? Sign up for an Amazon Prime Account here, or if you just want to shop today’s sale – sign up for a month to month Prime account here, and then cancel when ever you want. You will need an Amazon Prime Account though, in order to get the deals on classroom supplies, laptops, electronics, backpacks, and back-to-school clothing!

Are there Amazon Prime Day Discounts?

• Amazon Prime Student – You will need an .edu email address or you will need to be pursuing a degree, to qualify for this super deep membership discount on this 6 month Prime program.
• $5.99 Monthly Discounted Prime Program – This program is income based, but depending on your income – you could receive Prime for only $5.99 a month!
• Try the FREE Trial Amazon Prime Membership – Perfect, if you are not sure if Amazon Prime is right for you, but you’d like to try it!

What School Supplies are on Sale?

You will want to check out the Happy School Year Store on Amazon, as new items will be going on sale all the time! But here is a list of some of the products already on sale, that are bound to appeal to teachers, students and PTA groups! Many of these are over 50% off retail prices!

• X-acto School Pro Electric classroom Pencil Sharpeners
• Face Masks
• Amazon Echo Dot
• Classroom Rolling Carts
• Thermal Laminator System
• Hospital Grade Hand Disinfecting Sanitizer – Gallon Size
• Alphabet Flash Cards
• TICONDEROGA Pencil Packs
• Fire HD Kids Tablet
• Calligraphy Pens
• Insulated Personal Beverage Containers
• Rolling Storage Cart with 12 Drawers
• Hand Sanitizer options
• Plastic Face Shields

Can I get anything School Related for FREE?

Yes! Teachers can use Amazon Inspire to download FREE classroom learning materials! All at no cost!

And as we hear about other GREAT Amazon prime Day deals we will be posting on Facebook and Instagram as well! You can also check out these Amazon Prime Day Harry Potter Gift ideas or Amazon Prime Day Tips. Happy shopping!

The post Amazon Prime Day for Teachers & PTA Groups appeared first on Everyday Best.

And that’s how I landed on our choice. Here are some of the things I loved about staying at Margaritaville Resort Times Square, in case it helps your NYC trip planning process…

ROOMS:

Margaritaville Resort Times Square is one of the newest and freshest hotels in NYC. This was a real plus to me, because I’ve stayed at other big name chains in NYC and the rooms were just so worn and dark that it was hard to enjoy being in them. And while it’s true that you are likely to spend most of your time in NYC outside your room, the time you do spend there is pretty important. You need a place that feels clean and safe and lets you recharge before each days adventure.

*TIP* Margaritaville Resorts offer perks to anyone that joins their loyalty program! Be sure to join before staying at Margaritiville Resort Times Square. It’s free and you it will make you eligible for free drinks, room upgrades and more. It’s an easy way to make your money go farther and possibly get an upgraded room.

Our room in Margaritaville Resort Times Square was decorated in a light and bright ocean motif that is a breath of fresh air. Sometimes people forget that NYC is  surrounded by water. And the rooms have several NYC touches that blend with that laid back beach vibe better than you might imagine! Our bathroom had a fun print for instance that featured Lady Liberty in a hammock enjoying Island life!

I also love that the rooms have beautiful fans over the beds. I’ve never seen that particular feature in a NYC hotel room before, and as a big fan user at night at home – I loved having that option on vacation too. Other hotel room perks include: Wi-Fi access, 55-inch Smart TVs, Mini fridge, Signature Margaritaville bed linens, Walk-in rain shower, Soundproof windows and more.

*TIP* Our room had a perfect view of the back of the Times Square New Years Eve Ball! This room would be an incredible place to spend New years Eve! You’d be above the craziness of Times Square and yet still in the middle of everything – and with one of the best views of the ball drop in the city!

Hotel Amenities:

I also appreciate that Margaritaville Resort Times Square has a lot of opportunity for enjoying the greater resort when you are spending time at the hotel. One of our favorite hotel perks was the rooftop pool right in the heart of Times Square!

It was a total trip to be able to look over the glass walls of the hotel pool area and see the lights, and billboards of Times Square – but from above the hustle and bustle – and in a peaceful and calm pool lounger! With a Margarita in my hand!

Did I mention you can order food right from your pool lounger, or choose a table outside for al fresco dinning? That’s a seriously chill way to spend some time in Times Square! The pool is also heated, opening up the option of pool time even in cooler weather.

Hotel Dinning:

If you get peckish while visiting Margaritaville Resort Times Square, there are a ton of food and entertainment options outside of just the pool deck. So if you get home from a long day of sightseeing and just want to give your feet a break from the NYC walking, there are multiple rooftop bars and restaurants you can get to in the very same building as your hotel room!

Some of the Food Options within the Resort:

• Margaritaville Restaurant
• LandShark Bar & Grill
• 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar
• License to Chill Bar
• Joe Merchant’s Coffee & Provisions

*TIP* If you visit the Margaritaville Restaurant during your stay, ask to be seated near Lady Liberty. About every 30 minutes the restaurant lights will dim and her margarita glass torch will do an incredible projection show to music. Its quite a spectacle! Or if you don’t mind missing the show, and prefer some privacy – not many people know you can actually ask to be seated in the booth inside Lady Liberty!

Need a Closer look? Check out the short video of our room tour at Margaritaville Times Square, below!

For More Info on Margaritaville Resort Times Square: https://www.margaritavilleresorts.com

Margaritaville Resort Times Square
560 Seventh Avenue
New York City, New York 10018

Thank you to Margaritaville Resort Times Square for a fabulous time.

The post Margaritaville Resort Times Square {NYC Hotel Review} appeared first on Everyday Best.

The sky is the limit with Paper Flower making. So let’s get started creating flowers!

You Will Need:

• 3 Sheets of Tissue Paper (per flower)
• Scissors
• Some string or yarn

Directions for How to Make Paper Flowers

Step 1. Lay the 3 Sheets of Tissue Paper on top of each other. Use bold contrasting colors for a Mexican paper Flower look. Or any other color combo that matches your event. You will however want the 3 sheets of tissue to be different colors in order to show layers.

Step 2. Make a fold with your stack of tissue, about 2 or 3 inches think. Continue to fold, front and then behind. This is just like when you made a paper fan as a kid. Just pretend you are making a giant tissue fan. Repeat until the entire sheet is folded up accordion style.

Step 3. Find the center of your folded tissue length. Cut a small circle or triangle shape on each side of that middle, allowing you to tie a piece of yarn or string around the middle. It doesn’t need to be tightly pulling on the paper. Just long enough to circle the middle.

Step 4. Very gently pull each sheet of tissue paper up, separating it from the other layers. When all tissue layers are separated, flip them and pull a handful of the bottom together. This will create a flower like shape.

Step 5. Tie more yarn around the bottom to make your blooms more secure, and able to hold their shape.

Step 6. Decorate your space! These make a great feature wall or doorway arches too!

P.S. Use all those clippings from the triangles you cut out, as confetti on your tables. It will match your color scheme perfectly!

These Tissue Paper Flowers are perfection for a Cinco De Mayo Party theme! Check out more ideas here: https://everydaybest.com/how-to-throw-a-cinco-de-mayo-party/ ‎

Happy Paper Flower Making!

The post How to make Easy Mexican Paper Flowers appeared first on Everyday Best.

And it uses music and costumes to draw visitors into once in a lifetime experiences!

If you’re currently considering a vacation to The Bahamas, travelers are invited to participate in The Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival, the second annual Spring Festival celebrating Bahamian Music and culture!

And with activities for both families and adults, the festival may be uniquely suited to appeal to your whole travel group.

The Details of The Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival:

~Grand Bahama Island~

Grand Bahama Weekend (4/15/16 – 4/17/16) – A prelude to the Masters Nassau, the top 20 semifinalists from Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival song competition will compete for a spot in the finals. Taino Beach will be transformed into a cultural village, showcasing the culinary and artistic talents of Grand Bahamians.

~Nassau, Paradise Island~

Junka Mania (5/5/16) – A Carnival Concert of Junkanoo Orchestras in celebration of the drum, the soul of Junkanoo, the heart of the Bahamian people.

Music Masters (5/6/16) – The biggest Concert of the Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival season featuring top Bahamian and International artists. This concert will ultimately determine who is crowned, Master of the Bahamian sound.

Road Fever (5/7/16) – The main Masquerade. An epic collage of culture, costume, color on parade in the streets of Nassau

For More info:

http://bahamasjunkanoocarnival.com

And apart from The Bahmas Junkanoo Carnival, it’s just a short plane ride to so many of The Bahamas Islands – each with their own charm and beauty.

My husband is an avid diver, and many of the outer islands cater to folks just like him, with diving experiences you cant experience anywhere else! My daughter loves all things nature – and The Bahamas has wonderful wildlife and natural vistas to explore! And if we picked an Island in The Bahamas for mama to visit? I can’t make up my mind! Would it be the Island Shopping, my feet in the sand or perhaps some special couple time?

I hope I someday get the chance to experience all that The Bahamas have to offer!

For more info on visiting The Bahamas:

http://bahamas.com

The post The Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival – A Unique Travel Idea! appeared first on Everyday Best.

From the holiday shows, to the thrilling rides, to winter holiday characters roaming the park – there is something that feels perfect for every age.

The holiday and winter season is one of the busiest for me, and sometimes it takes something really special to get me to take a breath – and really enjoy the moment. But I def had a lot of moments like that when our family last visited the park.

Here are a few things you can look forward to when you visit….

Some of the Special Holiday Attractions include:

• S’mores Pit Stop
• Kristy Kringle Kids Experience
• The Majestic Tree of Lights
• Santa’s Village
• Mrs. Claus’ Crafts, Hay Ride
• A Special Visit with Santa

Rides: Try to get a glimpse of Santa’s Reindeer as you soar through the sky on Texas SkyScreamer. Launch into the New Year with a resolution to experience more thrills on New Texas Giant and THE RIDDLER Revenge!

Shows: Be dazzled by live holiday music and dancers around the park, including The Jingle Belles and the award-winning Christmas At The Southern Palace. Plus, visit from Santa and friends at the new Holiday Market.

Special Note: Need something to do after Christmas during Winter Break? The park is open everyday from December 26th – 12/30th from 12- 8pm and on December 31st from 12 – 9pm!

I highly recommend Six Flags over Texas the next time your family needs a little bonding time! Bring the grandparents, bring the teens – bring the preschoolers – it is all here! And definitely bring your phone fully charged – there are too many photo opps to count!

Book  Your Tickets Here: https://www.sixflags.com/overtexas/events/holiday-in-the-park 

The post Six Flags Over Texas – Holiday in The Park appeared first on Everyday Best.

Here is some information on a few of our favorites to help you decide what activities you may want to explore…

Gaylord Texan ICE! at a Glance:

• ICE! uses 2 million pounds – or 1,000 tons of ice!
• Ice carvings range in size from details as tiny as a coin, to soaring scenes more than 30 ft. tall.
• This years theme is the holiday classic – The Polar Express!
• ICE! is brought to life by a team of 40 ice artisans, who work for approximately six weeks!
• The ice carvers will tally more than 12,000 man-hours on the project.
• Colored ice (created by a chemist who mixes special food coloring to ensure sculptures maintain their bright colors the entire season), clear ice and LED lights are all used to create the display.
• The ICE! environment is kept frozen by a state-of-the-art chilling system that maintains the temperature at a frosty 9 degrees Fahrenheit at all times.
• ICE! is a 17,000-square-foot frozen attraction!

And is there a promo code for Gaylord Texan? Yes!

How to get Tickets to ICE! at 50% off on select days:

Use Promo Code: BEST

Go to: ChristmasAtGaylordTexan.com

Tip: Some dates will sell out- reserve sooner rather than later.

(Dates you can still access this deal: ( 12/4-12/8, 12/11-12/15, 12/26-1/1)

What Other Activities can you do at Christmas at Gaylord Texan?

There are escape rooms, gingerbread decorating, ice skating, a lobby light show – you could spend days here and not run out of activities! But I’d like to highlight a couple of our families favorites…

 

Merry & Light
This wonder of holiday magic and light conjures cozy feelings of Christmas with a sparkling array of larger-than-life decor and immersive state-of-the-art light elements. Guests will be wowed by an amazing wonderland of one-of-a-kind photo ops and memory-making moments melding modern technology with good ol’ fashioned holiday tradition.

Race Down Snow Tubing Hill
Calling all thrill-seekers! Grab a tube and zoom down the two-story, eight-lane Snow Tubing hill covered in real snow.

This year at the Gaylord Texan Resort was the most beautiful and colorful – and celebratory I can remember! And it’s not just for before holiday season. Be sure to use Gaylord Texan discount code: BEST for 50% off general admission to ICE! from 12/26- 1/1 too! It’s the perfect way to keep the kids entertained during winter break!

To find out more or to book, check out: ChristmasATGaylordTexan.com

 

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Happy Holidays!

Thank you to Gaylord Texan for providing tickets to this event to facilitate this post. All opinions are my own.

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