Kim's Pink Kiss Cookies (meringue)

These are my sister in law, Kim's recipe. However, when I made them I used 3/4 cup of splenda instead of sugar and sugar free jello. Also, I tried to make them the regular way with sugar first, but the egg whites wouldn't thicken enough. My friend, Ronnee, told me to chill the bowl, and it worked!!!! oh, and I skipped the chocolate chips cause I forgot them. Also, I had to cook them for about an extra 45 minutes, seriously. Must \ be the crazy humidity here, I had looked at a few recipes online that said that could happen. I ate one after 30 mins and tasted like a big marshmallow. Probably not so great to eat uncooked egg whites, oops!

3 egg whites (let eggs come to room temperature)

1/8tsp salt
3/4 c sugar
1 1/2 tblsp strawberry jello
1/2 c chocolate chips

Beat egg whites and salt til fluffy. Add sugar and jello, beat til stiff. The mixing process must add LOTS of air or it will not work. No kitchen aid mixers.

Fold in chocolate chips. Drop with spoon onto lightly greased then floured pans.

Bake at 250 degrees for roughly 25 -30 minutes. Observe for pink chalky color.

My Breasts Are Lumpy: What Does It Mean?

I have fibrocystic breasts. I am also at high risk for breast cancer, as there have been multiple relatives with both of breast and other types of cancer on both sides of my family I have a micro-cluster of calcifications that I'm told is precancerous yes if I think about this, it does worry me some. My problem is with the fibrocystic breasts they are lumpy. According to the Mayo Clinic fibrocystic breast disease is a very common noncancerous benign condition the cause of the condition is unknown. However, it is thought to be associated with the change in hormones in premenopausal women. It is also associated with the hormone fluctuations during a woman's menstrual cycle.
Fibrocystic breast syndrome may or may not come with pain . The pain can be intense and is generally in the upper outer quadrant of the breast. Moist heat, a reduction in your intake of caffeine and a good support bra may help relieve your symptoms. According to Dr. John Lee's book, "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Premenopause," natural progesterone cream applied at a dose of "15 to 20 mg per day from ovulation until a day or two before your period returns will usually result in a return to normal breast tissue in three to four months." Dr. Lee further advises that once the desired results have been obtained that you should taper your dose of natural progesterone down until you have reached the minimum dosage required for you to maintain your results. Dr. Lee , also recommends the use of Vitamin E, in doses ranging from 400 IU to 600 IU per day, to reduce symptoms associated with fibrocystic breast changes. Other vitamin suggestions include Vitamin B6, a B complex, and magnesium.

What to Do When You Find a Lump in Your Breast

First, don't panic. Calmly call your physician to schedule an appointment and ask yourself the following questions:

• What is the date of your last period?
• When did you discover the lump?
• Is there a family history of breast problems?
• Have you had any previous breast problems?
• Have you had a previous breast biopsy or other breast surgery?
• How does the lump feel? Is it hard or soft? Does it feel grainy?
• How big is the lump and has is grown larger or smaller since you discovered it?
• Do you have any nipple discharge?
• Are you taking any medications?

My Grandma

Anyone who knows me can tell you what a huge proponate of Breast Cancer Awareness I am. In fact last year for my birthday I received two big gift bags of “Think Pink” gear. The year before, pink pots and pans (which inspired a pink kitchen that thrills my husband). In fact, october is my favorite month. Breast Cancer Awareness, aka “Think Pink!” month is like my Christmas – pink everywhere.

What people may not realize or know is I am not a Breast Cancer Awareness fan or supporter because I love pink, rather I’m a pink fan because I’m a breast cancer awareness supporter. In 1979 my Grandmother, Virginia Phoenix, died from cancer that started in her breast. She had a large lump which, I understand from my Mother, she ignored for quite a while. By the time she went to the doctor it was too late, the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes then her entire body. I was eleven at the time so I don’t remember much about her… her smile, her thin curly short thin gray hair. Large family dinners at the holidays with a table that seemed to stretch for miles (Grandma had 8 children some of whom had large families themselves), her love of the color lavender or purple.
This is why I love pink. Right now I want you to feel your boobies. That’s right feel ‘em. Better yet, have someone feel them for you. And, if you haven’t had a mammorgram recently pick up the phone and schedule that too. YES, RIGHT NOW….. GO!!!!