Everyone fights to survive cancer but with national Beast Cancer Awareness month coming upon us in October, Michael D. Colanero of UNCOMMON Gallery, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is collaborating with a select group of female body paint artists to help women across the globe win personal victories against breast cancer. As a way to raise awareness and funds to battle this type of cancer, the Breast Cancer Awareness Body Painting Project: A Fine Art and Photography Essay of Survivors, was born.

As fate led him, Michael has accepted the challenge and taken up the cause of breast cancer awareness and in doing so, created a unique way to help find a cure! With his amazing photography and digital design skills, Michael is working with Keegan Hitchcock of Body Art by Keegan and incorporating actual breast cancer survivors as their body painting and photographic models. Many of them never thought they would ever do anything like this. However, Michael’s efforts have managed to draw the attention of participants who have chosen – at their own expense – to fly into South Florida from as far away as Los Angeles and New York. They were all compelled to be a part of this amazing fund-raising and artistic process.

The calendar and other fund-raising products will be available to the public starting October 1, 2009. All of the profits from these sales will be donated to charities that support breast cancer awareness. Including, but not limited to The Kristy Lasch Miracle Foundation – a breast cancer foundation helping women under the age of 30 with medical related expenses.
 
Future plans for the project in production include a coffee table book featuring 50 survivors and their stories. Potentially, including a national gallery tour for some of the first images in the series. Artist signed fine art prints and framed images will also be available. Breast cancer survivors across America are stepping forward, getting painted and speaking from their hearts. Two of the models said:

“One year ago, when I was going through my ordeal with breast cancer, I never in a million years would have imagined that I’d be modeling. Participating in this project is the coolest thing I’ve ever done. This was one of those rare experiences that I feel very lucky to have had. I know I’ll look back on this for the rest of my life, and I’ll think about how I was a part of something truly amazing. I hope that I’ve played a small part in helping other women realize that breast cancer cannot steal your beauty. And I hope that this calendar & book will help other women to find strength and dispel their fear. Thank you Michael, Keegan & Bonnie – this was the most incredible experience of my life, and I am honored to have had the opportunity to be a part of it!” Melanie Joy Singh

“I really believe that this project was a perfect way to gently write the final chapter to all that pain, suffering, worry and consumption of my entire life with the enemy Cancer – and a beautiful, artistic way to put that final stamp on the final chapter. Then when I washed it all off, I washed off that pain and stepped out of the swimming pool a brand new person ready to go forward and I felt younger, happier and beautiful again.” Pamela Embury

Almost all of us have been touched in some way by cancer through a parent, sibling, friend or spouse. By supporting the Breast Cancer Awareness Body Painting Project and purchasing a calendar or other products it is your opportunity to help make a difference in someone’s life. For more information, to participate in, or to help in sponsoring or promoting the project, please email Michael Colanero at BCABPP@uncommonstock.net and visit http://www.cafepress.com/bcabpp
All images in this press release are exclusively owned and copyright by Michael D. Colanero and UNCOMMON Stock. They may not be reprinted or reproduced in any way without the express permission of the artist himself. For image releases please call Michael D. Colanero at 954-336-4305.

http://flavormagusa.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/breast-cancer-cover3.pdf 

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. In fact, about 192,370 women in the United States will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer this year, and there are currently more than two million female breast cancer survivors living the United States.

While the number of people affected by breast cancer is huge, the death rates, which increased rapidly in the 1980’s, are currently on the decline, likely attributable to early detection and improved treatment. However, one in ten women with breast cancer is still not diagnosed as early as she could be. Here are five important ways to protect your self:

Get an annual mammogram

The most important and effective screening test for dectecting breast cancer early is a mammogram. It can detect breast cancer up to two years before either you or your doctor can detect a tumor. The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that all women age 40 and older have a mammogram screening every year and should continue to do so for as long as they are in good health.  

Recognize signs and symptoms

Early breast cancer usually isn’t painful and may not produce any symptoms at all.  But, as cancer grows, it can cause changes that should be observed. If you experience any of the following symptoms, consult your physician:

• A lump or thickening (a mass, swelling, skin irritation, or distortion) in or near the breast or in the underarm area
• A change in the size or shape of the breast
• A change in the color or feel of the skin of the breast, areola or nipple (dimpled, puckered, or scaly)
• Nipple discharge, erosion, inversion or tenderness

Know your risk factors

Any woman can develop breast cancer. However, the following risk factors may increase the likelihood of developing this disease:

• Gender: Breast cancer occurs nearly 100 times more often in women than in men
• Aging: Two out of three women with invasive cancer are diagnosed after age 55
• Personal history of breast cancer
• Previous breast irradiation
• Family history and genetic factors: Having a close relative, such as a mother or sister, with breast cancer increases the risk
• Benign breast disease
• Previous breast biopsy in which the tissue showed atypical hyperplasia
• Menstrual periods that began early in life
• Menopause that began later in life

Practice healthy habits

While you can’t avoid the risk factors listed in the previous section, women can take some measures to help prevent breast cancer. Women should know that exposures to tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption are risk factors for breast cancer, as well as other cancers. Research also suggests that women can decrease their risk of cancer simply by eating healthy and exercising regularly. Other lifestyle-related risk factors include not having children or having children later in life, using oral contraceptives, long-term post-menopausal use of combined estrogen and progestin (HRT) and weight gain or obesity after menopause.

Educate yourself

Empower yourself by learning as much as possible about breast cancer. While October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, breast cancer awareness and education are important all year long.

Broward Health is committed to providing excellent, compassionate care to cancer patients and their families. We are making critical improvements in cancer treatment and detection. With unprecedented new technology, medical expertise and comprehensive services, residents of South Florida can rest assured that we offer the best in cancer care close to home. For more information, or for a referral, call the Broward Health Line at 954-759-7400 or visit www.BrowardHealth.org.

 Breast Cancer Awareness Quiz

 True or False: Early detection of breast cancer is the key to successful treatment.

True: More than 1.7 million women in the United States with a history of the disease are alive today, mainly because of early detection. The five-year survival rate is 95 percent if the cancer is detected before it spreads.

True or False: Older women are more likely to develop breast cancer.
True: However, women of any age can develop breast cancer.

True or False: Fifty percent of breast lumps aren’t cancerous.
False: Eighty percent of breast lumps are not cancerous.

True or False: Women who drink more than one alcoholic beverage a day increase their risk for breast cancer.
True: The ACS says the use of alcohol slightly increases the risk of getting breast cancer. One drink a day may cause a small increased risk; two to five drinks a day increases the risk to about one and a half times the risk of women who drink no alcohol.

True or False: The best time to examine your breasts is two weeks after your period starts.
False: Although experts no longer recommend that women do breast self-exams, if you choose to do so, the best time is one week after your period starts. Check your breasts on the first day of each month if you have gone through menopause.

True or False: Women who have their first child before age 30 and breast-feed for longer than six months are less likely to develop breast cancer.
True: The risk for breast cancer increases somewhat for women who have children later in life or who have never had children.

True or False: Smoking may increase your risk for breast cancer.
True: The ACS says although no direct link between smoking and breast cancer has been discovered, some studies suggest it might increase breast cancer risk. This is particularly true for women who start smoking as teens.

True or False: Starting at age 40, women should have a mammogram every one or two years.
True: Talk to your doctor about how often you should have a mammogram. She may want you to start having mammograms at an earlier age and have them more often if you’re at high risk for the disease.

True or False: A woman’s chances of developing breast cancer are higher if her mother, a sister or daughter had it.
True: The ACS says women who have a mother, sister, or daughter with breast cancer have about double the risk. Women whose close blood relatives from either the mother’s or father’s side of the family had breast cancer also have an increased risk for the disease.

True or False: Regular exercise can reduce your risk for breast cancer.
True: Studies show that exercise reduces the risk, but how much exercise is not known. Women under age 40 who exercised at least four hours a week reduced their risk for breast cancer by 60 percent, one study found. Another found that 75 minutes to two and a half hours per week of brisk walking reduced the risk by 18 percent.

We have for over a decade, carefully chosen and assembled a wide array of culinary finds from around the globe that are perfectly suited to our culinary repertoire, and we are very proud to make them available to you at our new Gourmet Emporium, a place where the highest quality is always to be expected, and the uncommon the usual. Our impeccably well trained staff with a combined experience spanning over fifty years will graciously assist you in selecting those unusual one of a kind items that you have long been searching for, and we are certainly more than willing to advise you as to how you may properly use them to your best advantage.

Our proprietary selection of fine spices, carefully selected for their freshness, and dramatically penetrating aromatic properties are most unique to South Florida, and will certainly propel your culinary adventures to new heights as much as they have ours. Exotic Vindaloo seasoning from the Malabar Coast of India, aromatic Fenugreek can be found in our treasure trove of spice selections, and will add a new dimension to many recipes.

Spices, sauces, and embellishments have been the cornerstone of our catering success, and you can be rest assured that our products have been tested over time, and will continue to measure up to our exacting high standards. Each day, we offer freshly prepared foods for takeout that will provide you with a partial glimpse into the world of L’Hermitage Catering. Our reputation for quality, originality, creativity, and consistency has established a new benchmark for caterers in South Florida, and speaks to our unrelenting devotion to the pursuit of excellence, and the always so wonderfully satisfying art of food that is an essential part of our world.

We welcome you to the world of L’Hermitage Catering, and cordially invite you to sample our delectable fare at our new Gourmet Emporium. Your new culinary oasis is located on the southwest corner of Federal Highway, and Oakland Park Boulevard, in Fort Lauderdale. For more information, call 954-568-2383 or log onto lhermitagecatering.com

In Spain, both history and geography have intertwined to create one of the most varied and savory cuisines in the world.

Located in southwestern Europe, Spain is the third largest European country. It is at the crossroads between two seas — the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. With both Spain’s location and mineral wealth, its ethnic and cultural heritage is complex. It is an area of Europe often fought over and invaded.  With each invasion, new traditions and flavors were incorporated into the cuisine and culture of Spain

Its history began with the Phoenician, Greek and Carthaginian coastal settlements. Later, the Romans and, more importantly, the Moors brought with them elements of their own cooking. Imports from the New World include the tomato, potato, sweet potato, vanilla, chocolate and many varieties of beans, zucchini and the pepper tribe. There are olives in profusion, vineyards and citrus fruit. Spaniards are very fond of garlic; they love all types of sweet and hot peppers and their beloved jamon serrano — cured ham. The golden spice saffron enhances many Spanish foods, paella, in particular.

Spanish cuisine echoes the cooking of the Middle East (honey and cumin) and that of the Americas (dishes combining meat with chocolate). Yet, essentially, it is family cooking, relatively simple to prepare and characterized by fresh ingredients. Besides meat, poultry, game and fish entrees, there are a wealth of dishes featuring beans, rice, eggs, vegetables and savory pies that make a meal. Tapas, small morsels or appetizers in great variety, play a role in meals throughout the day.

Ubiquitously apparent at every meal is Sangria and traditional Spanish rice, both recipes included here for your enjoyment.

Bon Apetit!

Marci Boland

Executive Chef and Owner of L’Hermitage Catering

3100 North Ocean Blvd.

954-568-2383

Perfecting the Art of Catering in South Florida Since 1996

Experience the Art of Food!

Events for from 10 – 500

Saucy Sangria

2 bottles red wine or dry white wine
1 cup Grand Mariner
juice of 2 lemons
1 lemon, thinly sliced
1 orange, thinly sliced
1 quart seltzer water

Combine all ingredients in large pitcher or punch bowl with ice or chill overnight. Serve over ice. Garnish with frosty (nearly frozen) fruits and long slivers of fresh orange peel. Sparkling wine or champagne may be substituted. Can also be served over a scoop of rainbow or orange sherbet.

Spanish Rice

1 cup rice
2 cups water
1 tablespoon tomato bouillion *
2 tablespoons butter or vegetable oil

Heat the butter or oil in a skillet on medium heat. When hot, add rice to skillet and let get nice and toasty, not burnt. Have water ready, and, just as the rice starts giving off a toasted smell, add the water to the pan. It will sizzle; as it’s sizzling, add the tablespoon of tomato bouillon to the skillet and stir. Cover with a lid and let cook just as you would normally (about 20 minutes). That is all there is to it, very simple and very easy. You could also add about a 1/4 cup of diced up carrots, corn or green beans if you choose to do so, while the rice is cooking. *Tomato bouillon can sometimes be found in the ethnic aisle of your local supermarket. If you can’t find it there, then try a Mexican market, and they should have it.

Flavor Magazine presents your business to the luxury consumers you want to target. Published monthly, Flavor is a beautifully designed, full-color, glossy magazine that provides you with the best resource to deliver your message to high-end professionals. With distribution extending from Aventura to Boca Raton, Flavor distributes to luxury condos, expensive restaurants and high-end businesses in such areas as Hollywood Beach and Boulevard, Las Olas, Fort Lauderdale Beach, Wilton Manors, Pompano and Deerfield with more locations being added all the time!

Flavor’s content is driven by our advertisers and promotes your business with free article space that helps tell your whole story. We provide free restaurant reviews for our fine dining clients, promotional and educational articles for your business and events listings for our art galleries. If you’re advertising with us, let us help you to further promote your business at no additional cost to you!

For a closer look at the magazine, click on the the linked tabs throughout the Blog and look through the pages. Flavor caters to the luxury consumers with advertising from high-end businesses. You’ll find incredible restaurants, luxury cars, health and fitness professionals, art galleries, home furnishings and accessories and quality businesses.

If you’re interested in advertising, we can assure you that Flavor Magazine has the best rates of any magazine in the area coupled with the luxury distribution that drives qualified customers to your business! For a sample of our distribution list, click on the distribution tab above. For more information call us at 754-422-2806 or email us at info@FlavorMagFl.com.

There’s a Flavor for everyone!

Flavor Magazine targets the double-income professional audience throughout each city. As our median age is increasing with the rising cost of housing, our readers are 35 to 55 years old, with median incomes of over $100,000 per year. These households are the real estate buyers, retail shoppers and restaurant patrons our advertisers want to target. The majority of our readers have earned at least a bachelor’s degree, most have continued on to earn masters degrees and hold down professional careers or operate their own businesses.

 Target Demographics

 Age Group

 18-34                  2%

35-45                   32%

46-55                   36%

Over 65               3%

 Male                    56%

Female                44%

For a sample of our distribution list, click on the distribution tab above. For information on rates or ad sizes, please call 754-422-2806 or email us at info@FlavorMagFl.com and we will be happy to assist you!