Ashley Laird Designs

Cancer Strong

25/10/2017

Norma Reid not a Victim - Fighter

Norma Reid did not have a positive introduction to cancer as she remembered as a child her cousin passing soon after telling the family of her own diagnosis.

So it is understandable that at age 57 years in 2014 when she discovered lumps in her breast she rushed to Jamaica Cancer Society as soon as possible to do a mammogram.

Relief hit when it came back negative and the lumps seemed to disappear after. However, in 2016 when they returned and she opted for an ultrasound. The radiologist was not positive this time around and recommended that she did a biopsy urgently. It came back positive for stage 2 breast cancer.

She first told her colleague who marvelled at her strength as she did not appear grief-stricken. Two weeks later it was time to tell her adult children whom she did her best to put on a brave face and positive spirit for. They mirrored her attitude and encouraged her.

A mastectomy on her right breast was the first course of treatment and a successful one thanks to the late
Dr. Garwood and his team at KPH. But the journey was not without fear but she clung to the fact that she knew God would not forsake her. Befriending a lady on the stretcher across from her, they sang “Yes, Jesus loves me,” together which brought her comfort.

Eleven lymph nodes were removed, 10 were positive for stage 2 breast cancer while the receptors tested positive for stage 3 with triple negative - the most aggressive stage kind of cancer. So her doctors came up with an equally aggressive treatment which would include 16 weeks of chemotherapy. She hated it, between the nausea and the insomnia in the early stages, it took a toll on her.

Her children including her daughter-in-law was her rock. Then there were he co-workers at the Food for the Poor clinic who were so generous, not to mention her head of department who showed great understanding throughout her illness.

She would advise women to know their bodies and get an early detection. If detected they should fight and not become reclusive and have the disease take over their lives but fight head on. Talking about it also helps, this is why she strongly recommends Jamaica Reach to Recovery to every survivor or fighter that would listen.

She also offers one scripture for comfort, Isaiah 40:31, "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they

shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."

As Norma leaves you with that strengthening scripture, we hope that the stories which have been shared have touched the life of even one reader. You can also view our 2017 Pink Ashlet Collection. Part proceeds goes towards the Jamaica Reach to Recovery to aid in their support of Breast Cancer Fighters and Survivors.

Until next time, stay beautiful!

XOXO,
~Ashley & Jody-Anne

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Cancer Strong

18/10/2017

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Janet Smith holds on Through Faith

Even with a family history of breast cancer in 2014 Janet Smith was not mentally prepared for a stage 2 diagnosis for breast cancer when she did her mammogram.

This was not a routine check up for the then 48 year old Smith as she did a self examination, and discovered a few lumps of her own and then she decided that she would do a mammogram. It is safe to say that the news hit her like a tonne of bricks, as the only word she could find to describe her emotions at that time is, “devastated.”

She could not handle the emotions on her own. Smith quickly told her friend and her daughter who were also overcome with grief but extremely supportive of her. She had a great support group in family and friends and she would need this during her treatment process.

Smith did two months of chemotherapy which was the hardest part of the diagnosis for her. The side effects consumed her and completely weakened her, a process that she would never want to go through ever again. It also brought her closer to her faith as she needed to trust and believe in God that she would make it through this ordeal. If there was one good thing about this diagnosis it is that she grew in faith.

If she could give women any advice about breast cancer it would be to get tested early. It will save your life.

Please revisit next Wednesday as we share the story of another brave Survivor. Also, view our 2017 Pink Ashlet Collection. Part proceeds goes towards the Jamaica Reach to Recovery to aid in their support of Breast Cancer Fighters and Survivors.

Until next time, stay beautiful!

XOXO,
~Ashley & Jody-Anne

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Cancer Strong

11/10/2017

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Nioca Irving-Simpson fighting cancer head on...

Nioca Irving-Simpson was 45 years old when she was diagnosed with Breast Cancer last year and all that she could think of was how she was going to beat this disease.

It was an unusual decision to make instantly but Nioca knew exactly what treatment method she would choose. She opted for a complete mastectomy. For a woman this is a scary decision, one which she handled quite well surprising even herself.

The fear that she felt was in the inception of her diagnosis. Having a history of Breast Cancer in her family, Nioca did routine mammograms. It was the result of one of these routine checks that on
May 27, 2016 that she was diagnosed with stage 1 Breast Cancer.

She shared the news with her family first. It was a bit overwhelming for her as they took the news quite hard. However, the support from her children was heartwarming. Seeing her children and grandchildren was enough to keep her holding on.

Having to do physiotherapy was the real test. But Nioca had joined the Jamaica Reach to Recovery which she said helped her in ways beyond words. She did not feel alone in a fight that was not easily explained.

If she could give one advice to women it would for them to get tested, even if they don't have the time, make the time.

Please revisit next Wednesday as we share the story of another strong Survivor. Also, view our 2017 Pink Ashlet Collection. Part proceeds goes towards the Jamaica Reach to Recovery to aid in their support of Breast Cancer Fighters and Survivors.

Until next time, stay beautiful!

XOXO,
~Ashley & Jody-Anne

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Cancer Strong

3/10/2017

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Marcia White - Always the Mother

A 36 year old mother, Marcia White having no family history of Breast Cancer had no expectations of being diagnosed with this disease.

After hearing an advertisement on RJR on self examination, Marcia did self checks. In 2004, she found a lump and after doing the relevant tests, she was given the dreadful news. Diagnosed with stage 2 Breast Cancer, her concerns were not of her own well-being but that of her children. How were they going to handle the news? How would they handle the treatment?

As it pertained to treatment, she never lingered. She also found the support group Jamaica Reach to Recovery which she was grateful for. Seeing other women who beat Breast Cancer was motivating. It was not the death sentence that many thought it was.

Marcia even took some time before telling anyone about it. She finally let her guard down to a friend who was so overwhelmed with grief that Marcia had to remind her that she was the one who actually was coping with the disease.

The treatment, as awful as it was, she could handle. The physical pain and her personal emotions that she could cope with. It was having her children see her fight for her life which was painful. But she had to fight for them. They needed her to see them finish school and become positive contributors to society. She herself was determined to see this.

Her advice to women is to do their self-examinations and to not be afraid. If you are diagnosed with Breast Cancer trust and listen to your doctor. Find a support group because no one needs to do this alone.

Please revisit next Wednesday as we share the courageous story of another inspiring Survivor. Also, view our 2017 Pink Ashlet Collection. Part proceeds goes towards the Jamaica Reach to Recovery to aid in their support of Breast Cancer Fighters and Survivors.

Until next time, stay beautiful!

XOXO,
~Ashley & Jody-Anne

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CARING FOR YOUR JEWELLERY COLLECTION

10/4/2016

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Here’s to hoping that my last post has inspired you to become a collector or to increase your current collection! But now that you’ve commenced your collection, what’s next? Well, like any other investment you’ve gotta care for and maintain your new babies! The same way you would maintain a house or car for example, your jewellery collection needs a little TLC. Read on for a few tips on how to do just that.

Wear your Jewellery often. Yup! Believe it or not, you body’s natural oils help to keep your pieces clean and shiny.

Accessorize with your Jewellery AFTER applying beauty products such as creams, lotions, perfumes and other cosmetics to protect them from the sometimes harsh chemicals in those products.

Prevent your pieces from being physically damaged by protecting or removing them when engaging in tasks that will expose them to chemicals or cleaning fluids. Examples of such activities are gardening, house cleaning and swimming in chlorinated water.

Remove your jewellery before showering as soap can cause a film to form, making your piece appear dull and dingy. #NotCute

Research on how to care for the particular stones and gems which you may have as some are more delicate than others (e.g. pearls).

Invest in jewellery storage containers and/or airtight bags

Clean your pieces gently after use with a soft cloth such as a cotton t-shirt which can be dampened with plain water or if needs be, a mild soap and water solution. Just ensure that your piece is completely, let me repeat, COMPLETELY dry before sealing in an air tight plastic bag.

A mild detergent, diluted with warm (not hot) water can be used to remove heavier dirt and grime from your pieces. If necessary, use a SOFT bristle brush to GENTLY clean your piece. Take care to not scratch your Jewellery.
(Important: Again, please research about the particular stones and gems which you own as some are much more sensitive than others. Your valuables are important so treat them as such.)

Use Polishing Cloths to bring back the luster and shine to your pieces. Ask about including one of our polishing cloths in your next order.

Store your pieces with an Anti-tarnish strip to absorb oxidants which can discolour and tarnish your jewellery. Remember I previously said that metals do tarnish due to normal exposure and wear and tear. These strips help to slow tarnish.

Store each piece of Jewellery separately to prevent them from contacting and scratching each other. This can be done by simply wrapping each piece in a separate piece of tissue before storing them in your Jewellery box or pouch.

Lastly, let the professionals give a little loving once in a while. A professional jeweller will be able to give your piece a thorough cleaning with special tools and agents which you may not own.

Now that you have your pieces and better know how to take care of them, all that’s left to do is to thoroughly enjoy your collection!

Comment below to share any tips and tricks that you have or to let me know if you found this post helpful.

Stay Beautiful!

XOXO,
~Ashley

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START YOUR JEWELLERY COLLECTION WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK

22/2/2016

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Costume Jewellery is great! From simple to elaborate pieces filling your closet space for next to nothing prices. But what happens a short time later when loose stones and beads litter your room and once silver or gold toned metals now look dull and near black or green? Do you go on a shopping spree, thrilling yourself with a bunch of new pieces that will need replacement in the near future? When does the cycle end? How about starting a more substantial collection of your own? Yes, it is possible on almost any budget and I’m going to share with you some personal tips on how you may achieve this target

When just starting your collection, knowing what type of wearer you are is important so that you can obtain your basic pieces.

Do you like to change your jewellery daily?
Are you willing to remove it before activities such as showering, cleaning with chemicals or going for a swim?
Will you take care to use your cosmetic products such as hair spray, lotions and perfumes before putting on your jewellery?
Would you rather wear your pieces for a week, a month or just until you get bored without having to remove them?

EVERYDAY WEAR
If you like to wear your pieces for extended periods of time, then invest in pieces that work with your lifestyle and won’t tarnish easily such as Stainless Steel or Gold (my personal favourites for my daily wear). Metals such as Sterling Silver will tarnish quicker. It’s important to note however that tarnish does not indicate that the piece is of low quality or fake. Metals tarnish normally; some just need a little extra love and with a simple polishing cloth they’ll come right back to their original brilliance. Additionally, if you have a particular colour tone preference (gold, rose gold, silver etc.) then begin your collection with a piece in your preferred tone as you will most likely wear it as opposed to a tone that you’re not so crazy about.

CLASSIC PIECES
Invest in classic, versatile pieces that can be worn alone or with other pieces to create a statement. A classic piece can be worn as your everyday look but mixed/ layered with other fine pieces or costume jewellery to create more of a statement.

POPULAR BRANDS VS. START-UP BRANDS
Pursue brands that have not “made” their name as yet. Usually as brands become more popular and sought after, their prices increase (supply and demand). Seeking out a startup brand that has quality craftsmanship and materials will get you worthy pieces at reasonable prices. Remember, top jewellery brands all started somewhere. There’s nothing wrong with being one of the few that steps out and tries something new.

Thanks for reading! Now go forth and start YOUR awesome collection!
:-) :-) :-)

Stay Beautiful.
XOXO,
~ Ashley

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