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The Best Home Décor Shops in Charleston

November 14, 2012 by

At The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction, we’re always surprised by how a little decorating around the office breathes new life and energy into the space.

For those visiting Charleston, plan a little time to stroll through these fantastic galleries and shops, and let your imagination wander as you envision the transformation of your most-loved rooms. When you’re ready to revamp your interiors, these boutiques will help bring your ideas to fruition with elegant home décor:

Candelabra: Are your interiors in need of a contemporary flourish? Then you’ve come to the right place! Candelabra in Mount Pleasant offers an array of home décor and light fixtures to take any room from ordinary to fashionable. Take a look at their teal mirrors, sculptures, wall art, throw pillows, designer bookends, and beaded chandeliers, and you won’t want to leave empty-handed!

  • Elizabeth Stuart Designs:  For the connoisseur of fine home furnishings, this emporium is indeed a wonderland. Glowing with luxurious furniture, lighting, frames, candles, and paintings, you could easily spend an evening simply taking in the beauty of this store. ESD even offers work local artists, such as the Charleston painter Teil Duncan.
  • GDC Home Interiors: The original Gregorie, Douglas & Co. was founded in historic Charleston, South Carolina in 1781, and has offered gorgeous textiles, furniture, lighting, rugs, and garden décor ever since. Though all of their merchandise is exceptional, we recommend their hand-knotted carpets and the Algonquin Table Lamp!

    Image Above Taken From: www.shopcandelabra.com

  • Michael Mitchell Gallery: Just walking through the doors of this gallery is sure to leave you breathless—and inspired! Featuring original work from painters, sculptors, and glass artists, you can take home a one-of-a-kind piece to liven up your home. If you need an artist’s eye to truly capture the beauty of your spaces, gallery owner Michael Mitchell is also a seasoned interior designer.

Which of these boutiques have you visited in Charleston? We’d love to hear about the treasure you brought home!

Filed Under: All Things Charleston Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Your Favorite Football Appetizers Slimmed Down

November 12, 2012 by

With football season in full swing, there’s no shortage of game day appetizers to tempt even the most diligent dieters. Fortunately, you don’t have to forego your favorite snacks to spare your waistline.

Check out these easy recipes that save you calories, but still retain their entire flavor:

Baked Wings:

Ingredients

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

20 chicken wings

1/2 cup melted butter

1/2 cup hot pepper sauce

Directions

Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil, and lightly grease with cooking spray. Place the flour, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and salt into a resealable plastic bag, and shake to mix. Add the chicken wings, seal, and toss until well coated with the flour mixture. Place the wings onto the prepared baking sheet, and place into the refrigerator. Refrigerate at least 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Whisk together the melted butter and hot sauce in a small bowl. Dip the wings into the butter mixture, and place back on the baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven until the chicken is no longer pink in the center, and crispy on the outside, about 45 minutes. Turn the wings over halfway during cooking so they cook evenly. Makes 20 wings. (Recipe courtesy of Allrecipes.com.)

Spinach and Artichoke Dip:

Ingredients

1 (8 ounce) container reduced-fat sour cream
1 cup fat-free mayonnaise
1/2 cup chopped canned artichoke heart
1/2 cup frozen spinach, thawed, squeezed and dried
3 scallions, diced
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon sun-dried tomato, finely chopped
1 tablespoon asiago cheese, shredded

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine ingredients in an oven-safe casserole dish, sprinkling cheese on top. Bake until heated through and cheese is bubbling; serve with veggies [] and baked tortilla chips. Serve and enjoy! (Recipe from .)

Guacamole:

Ingredients

1 large zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

1 large ripe avocado, cubed

1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro

1/4 cup finely chopped onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons lime juice

1/2 teaspoon hot sauce, such as Tabasco, or more to taste

1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

Place zucchini in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel and microwave on High until tender, 4 to 5 minutes. Drain in a sieve, pressing lightly on the zucchini to extract any liquid. Transfer the zucchini to a large bowl; add avocado, cilantro, onion, garlic, lime juice, hot sauce and salt and coarsely mash until combined. (Recipe from Eatingwell.com.)

Nachos:

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef, I used 96%

1 cup onions, chopped

1 tablespoons garlic, minced

1 (1 oz) package taco seasonings mix

⅔ cup water

7 ounces reduced-fat tortilla chips, (about 100 chips)

1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained

1 (4 oz) can Ortega fire roasted diced green chiles, see shopping tip

1¼ cups salsa, I like Pace Chunky Salsa, medium hot

1½ cups (6 ounces) reduced-fat cheddar cheese, shredded

6 tablespoons fat-free sour cream

Tabasco Sauce, optional

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large pan or skillet, cook ground beef with onions and garlic until meat is browned. Stir often. Pour cooked meat into a colander in the sink and drain off all excess fat. Add meat mixture back to pan. Add taco seasoning, water and mix well. Bring to a boil, turn heat down to simmer and cook for 5 minutes.

Place the tortilla chips evenly on a large oven proof serving plate or baking sheet coated with a little cooking spray. Top the chips with ground beef mixture. Sprinkle beans evenly over the meat. Next, spoon over beans the fire-roasted chilies and then salsa. Sprinkle the cheese all over the top.

At this point, you can place in the fridge until you’re ready to serve it. When ready to serve, bake in preheated 350 degrees oven for 15 – 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and the nachos are hot. Dollop with sour cream and add a bit more salsa. If you really like food spicy, sprinkle a bit of Tabasco sauce over the top! Makes 12 servings. (Recipe from Skinnykitchen.com.)

Do you have a favorite slimmed down recipe to share? Tell us about it in the comments section!

Filed Under: Health and Wellness Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

What Is the Recovery Period for a DIEP Procedure?

November 9, 2012 by

I’m getting ready to have reconstruction surgery in Mount Pleasant and the procedure I’m having consists of the tissue being taken from my abdominal area. How long is the recovery period for this procedure versus having the tissue taken from my back?

If the tissue from the abdomen is being transferred as a DIEP flap, you will probably require 4 – 8 weeks for recovery, of which less than one week will probably be spent in the hospital (usually 4 days in our practice). If the tissue is being transferred as a pedicled TRAM flap (in which your abdominal rectus muscle is sacrificed to carry blood for the flap), the time quoted by your surgeon for recovery may be about the same, but some patients may complain of discomfort for considerably longer periods. With either procedure, some patients will heal faster, and some will heal more slowly, not surprisingly.

When you say tissue is taken from your back, I assume you mean a latissimus muscle flap will be used. This is generally done in conjunction with a prosthetic implant being placed, as the latissimus muscle rarely has enough bulk to make a breast by itself. Generally speaking, a reconstruction using the latissimus is easier to recover from than one using the abdomen, because the latissimus is not used constantly for activities such maintaining posture and breathing. Additionally, at least two other muscles, the teres major and the pectoralis major, have functions which strongly overlap the function of the latissimus, and they are able to “take over for it” to some extent. There are no muscles which duplicate the function of the rectus abdominus quite as closely.

—Richard M. Kline Jr., M.D

Do you have breast reconstruction questions you want answered? Submit them here and get personal answers, straight from our doctors!!

Filed Under: Ask the Doctor Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Best Gifts Shops in Charleston

November 7, 2012 by

Whether you’re just passing through Charleston, or you’re here to stay, at these gift stores, you can find the perfect token to remember what you love most about the Lowcountry.

From candles to kitchenware, to cufflinks and cutlery—these keepsakes make a wonderful treat for yourself or your loved ones. Take a look at our favorite gift shops in Charleston, and remember—it’s never too early to get started on your holiday shopping!

  • Charleston Collections Gifts: Peruse the endless gifts and home accessories with accents of the Lowcountry. Check out their Charleston Candle collection and the locally designed dinnerware featuring scenes from the Holy City. For collectors of beautiful jewelry, this shop has a gorgeous line of sterling silver charms, pendants, bracelets, and even cufflinks.
  • The Silver Puffin: In downtown Charleston, you’ll find this locally owned and operated gift shop filled with charming gifts and handmade items. Tour their selections of glassware, tableware, local gourmet food, gift baskets, hand-crafted jewelry, and toys for the kids.
  • Harbor Specialties: Take a stroll through Harbor Specialties on East Bay Street, and try not to swoon over Michael Healy’s brass blue crab door knocker—just one of the many distinctive, bay-inspired gifts you’ll find at this little shop. Be sure to explore their apparel, purses, jewelry, hats, cutlery, and more!
  • Palmetto Moon: We adore this gift shop for promoting Breast Cancer Awareness Month with its merchandise throughout October, their storefront boasting pink rain boots, Columbia jackets, mugs, t-shirts, and watches. Regardless of the month, you can find a piece of Lowcountry life at Palmetto Moon. And for the sports enthusiasts, you’ll quickly discover this is your go-to store for collegiate fan apparel!

Which is your favorite gift shop in Charleston?

 

Filed Under: All Things Charleston Tagged With: , , , , ,

Foods to Eat for Heavenly Hair

November 5, 2012 by

Heavenly HairDoes you hair need a little more oomph lately? You may find the “rinse, lather, repeat” system just isn’t enough when it comes to healthy, resilient hair—and the reason may seem obvious: your hair needs to be nurtured to look its best.

And the best way to indulge your locks is by fueling them from the inside out. Incorporate these hair-friendly foods into your daily diet, and watch your hair transform from dull and drab strands into glossy lively tresses in no time!

Fruits and dark green veggies. It’s true—healthy hair begins with a healthy body, so it’s no wonder these fortified foods would be at the top of our list. In terms of your hair, leafy green vegetables like spinach and broccoli are an excellent source of vitamins and they provide you with iron and calcium—necessary nutrients for a full and thick head of hair. Fruits high in vitamin C and A help your body to produce sebum, which is an oily substance in your hair follicles that acts as a natural conditioner.

Foods with omega-3 fatty acids. Want to add a little vibrancy to your mane? Snack on flaxseeds and walnuts to add some serious shine to your hair. Fish like salmon, mackerel, sardines, and herring are a great source of omega as well.

Foods that produce beta-carotene. Carrots, sweet potatoes, kale, asparagus, and pumpkin are all foods that convert beta-carotene to vitamin A during digestion. Vitamin A not only nourishes your hair and skin, but it also prevents dandruff. Remember, a healthy scalp is the very foundation of soft and supple hair.

  • Beans. Snack on legumes like kidney beans and lentils for Rapunzel-like locks. These foods contain growth-boosting proteins that will increase the thickness and length of your hair. Additionally, beans also have iron, zinc, and biotin, which prevent hair breakage.
  • Cysteine-infused foods. The amino acid cysteine gives your body a healthy detox, all while promoting hair growth by actually increasing the thickness of each individual strand. This magical nutrient can be found in poultry, eggs, red peppers, garlic, onions, Brussels spouts, oatmeal, and broccoli.
  • Nuts. If you’ve been toiling with way to decrease hair shedding, look no further. Nuts—such as Brazil nuts, walnuts, cashews, pecans, and almonds—are one of the best sources of selenium and have minerals that keep your scalp and hair healthy. Additionally, they all have zinc, which can help prevent hair shedding.
  • Whole grains. This healthy diet staple is good for both your hair and your overall health. Not to mention, whole grains are an ample source of zinc and iron. Whole wheat breads and fortified cereals also sources of B vitamins, which promote happy strands by boosting your red blood cell count. Red blood cells will carry oxygen to the living portion of hair strands and therefore increase your hair’s growth rate.
  • Silica-rich foods. For stronger, more durable hair, include foods rich in silica into your diet. Some healthy choices include bananas, oats, and raisins—and when you mix all these together, you have a nutritious, beauty-fortified breakfast!

Do you have more healthy hair tips you’d like to share? Tell us your best-kept beauty secrets in the comments section below!

Filed Under: Health and Wellness Tagged With: , , , , ,

Breast Reconstruction After Lumpectomy and Radiation

November 2, 2012 by

The below questions are answered by Dr. Richard M. Kline, Jr. of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction.

Can I have a breast reconstruction two years after the lumpectomy and radiation?

Absolutely! While reconstruction with implants after radiation (even if lumpectomy and not a whole mastectomy were performed) can often be problematic (if not impossible), the chance of getting a successful reconstruction using your own tissue is very high. In the simplest scenario, it is usually possible to use tissue from the abdomen or buttocks to simply “replace” the breast tissue lost from lumpectomy and radiation.

Alternatively, sometimes a better result can be obtained if the lumpectomy is converted to a mastectomy prior to reconstruction. Finally, if the survivor is in a high-risk group for developing another breast cancer, she may wish to consider whether bilateral mastectomy is advisable prior to reconstruction. Usually reconstructing a lumpectomy defect will require only one side of the abdomen, so if the other side is not needed for reconstruction, it will be removed for symmetry and discarded.

What tips do you share with your patients for them to achieve the very best results from breast reconstruction?

1. Have a positive attitude! Patients who are excited about their reconstruction frequently do very well and tolerate any “bumps in the road” much better.

2. Education. Try to become very familiar with your desired type of reconstruction, both through reading and discussing it with patients who have been through it already. Knowing what to expect allays fears and makes everything easier.

3. If time permits, maximize your body’s fitness through diet and exercise, to the extent that you are comfortable doing so.

—Richard M. Kline Jr., M.D.

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Filed Under: Ask the Doctor Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Trick or Treat: The Best Candy Shops in Charleston

October 31, 2012 by
Trick or Treat

Image Above Taken From: Christophe Artisan Chocolatier – Patissier
www.christophechocolatier.com/

Happy Halloween, from all of us here at The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction! In the spirit of the season, we’ve compiled Charleston’s most delectable shops where you’re sure to find a holiday indulgence for yourself or for trick-or-treaters!

Robot Candy Company:  If you have young children or grandchildren, nieces or nephews, treat them to a trip to Robot Candy Company on 322 King Street this Halloween. With toys and sweets galore, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a place that sings more to a child’s heart. You can even pick up a little candy for yourself!
Charleston Candy Kitchen:Looking for a little something to pass out to your neighborhood trick-or-treaters? Check out Charleston Candy Kitchen. Though the shop is renowned for its homemade taffy, it’s also lined with shelves and barrels of colorful serve-yourself candy. They even have caramel-dipped apples, hand-dipped berries and nuts, truffles, and gelato. Stop by 32 North Market Street and discover the spoils for yourself!

Kilwins Chocolates:Chocolate, toffee, caramel, saltwater taffy, brittle, and fudge—if you can crave it, Kilwins Chocolates has it! Since 2001, this little chocolate and ice cream shop on 59 South Market Street has been innovating new ways to make our mouths water! For a seasonal treat, try the pumpkin ice cream, pumpkin walnut fudge, or Kilwins Tuttles, a rich concoction of chocolate, caramel, and your favorite nut!

  • Christophe Artisan Chocolatier-Pâtissier: Christophe Paume is a third-generation French chocolatier, who grew up in his father’s pâtisserie in Toulouse, France. Alongside his father, he learned to create artisan chocolates that are just as beautiful as they are delectable. The French chocolatier showcases his artistry on 90 Society Street in Charleston, where you can check out the array of hand-painted truffles, chocolate bars, chocolate sculptures, and chocolate orange peels—your sweet tooth will thank you!
  • Market Street Sweets: On 100 North Market Street in Charleston, you’ll find all the treats you could dream of for the spooky season. Try their Pumpkin & Pumpkin Pecan Fudge, Fall Chocolate Caramel Apples, or Pumpkin Pralines! One thing’s for sure: you won’t leave this sweet shop empty-handed!

What is your favorite Halloween treat?

Filed Under: All Things Charleston Tagged With: , , , , , ,

The A, B, C’s (and D, DD, E, F’s) of Proper Bra Fitting

October 29, 2012 by

It’s estimated that 8 out of 10 women are wearing the wrong size bra. That’s 80%, ladies – shocking! We are delighted today to feature our guest blogger, Cindy Bunce, of Chantilly Lingerie on West Coleman Boulevard in Mt. Pleasant. In this interview, Cindy shares the basics of proper bra fitting.

See below for our interview with Cindy:

How do you find the proper size? What measurements should I be using? 

Our staff is devoted to putting our customers in the correct bra! It is a sad fact that the majority of women are spending time in an unsupportive, improperly fitting bra. At Chantilly we do not use a measuring tape to fit bras because there is more to it than the width of your chest and back, and depending on the bra company, your size may vary.

What are some indications that I might be wearing the wrong size bra?

We begin the fitting with an actual bra and adjust the size by visually checking the fit. If you are constantly pulling your strap down in the back, you are in the wrong bra. If your strap falls off your shoulder, your bra is not fitted properly. Your bra should not give you rolls under your armpit or make it impossible to breathe. A properly fitted bra will make all the difference in how you look and feel.

How important is it to have a professional bra fitting performed?  Is it expensive?

A properly fitted bra will make all the difference in how you look and feel. Our fittings are free, and we offer a large variety of styles, cuts, and colors. Something for everyone! Come see us at Chantilly in Mount Pleasant. You will be glad you did!

Visit Chantilly Lingerie today on West Coleman Boulevard or follow them on facebook!

 About Chantilly Lingerie: Originally from Mt. Pleasant, Letha Polk has owned and operated Chantilly Lingerie for 24 years. Chantilly Lingerie realizes more than anything that form-fitting and flattering clothing is the most important thing to a woman as she shops. That’s why Chantilly Lingerie specializes in finding the undergarment that fits your body. A proper-fitting bra is important for comfort and flattering the figure. Sizes range from a 30 A all the way through to a 40F .

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Filed Under: Health and Wellness Tagged With: , , , , ,

Lymphedema After A Mastectomy: Will Breast Reconstruction Surgery Affect This?

October 26, 2012 by

Lymphedema after mastectomyThe below question is answered by Dr. James Craigie of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction.

Lymphedema after mastectomy. What will reconstruction surgery do to my lymphedema if anything? 

The lymphedema is a difficult problem and it is directly related to having a mastectomy as well as removal of the lymph nodes under the arm.  It happens more frequently when these procedures are followed by radiation.  It is a combined effect and we do not understand why some people have it and some people don’t.  We feel that there is something with regard to someone’s anatomy that makes one person more prone to lymphedema.  There have been people who get lymphedema of the arm even after a sentinel node procedure although it is rare.  Therefore, it is important to know if reconstruction surgery of the breast can impact lymphedema.  There have been some studies to show that actually a healthy reconstruction of the breast may improve someone’s lymphedema.  It is unlikely to cure it but there have been situations when the reconstruction has helped if not minimize it.  Other things to expect while undergoing reconstruction or any surgery of the entire body may have become more swollen and therefore people who have lymphedema may see an increase in the size of the arm following breast reconstruction surgery or any other surgery for that matter.  Therefore, leading up to surgery we made sure that they have been compliant in performing their compression daily routines as well as massage helps and frequent follow-ups with their lymphedema therapist may be beneficial as well.  After surgery we have our patient seen by the lymphedema therapist to have their arm appropriately treated with massage and customized compression.

-Dr. James Craigie

The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction.

Have questions for our surgeons? Submit your questions today and get answers straight form our surgical team! No matter where you are in your reconstruction process, we are here to help!

Filed Under: Ask the Doctor Tagged With: , ,

BRAdayUSA 2012: A Photo Journey Recap

October 24, 2012 by

We are thrilled with the turn out and success of our BRAdayUSA event held last week aboard the Carolina Belle in Downtown Charleston! The night was filled with great people, food, a little retail therapy and outstanding raffle prizes. The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction team couldn’t be prouder to have hosted our own BRA Day event for the first time this year, or to raise awareness of a cause we so firmly believe in.

If you couldn’t make it this year, or just want to relive the great moments, we’d like to share some of our favorite pictures from the night with you below!

Guest enjoying the hors d’oeuvres and mingling on the top deck!

What a beautiful night spent in the Charleston harbor.

The Premier Design Jewelry booth featuring fabulous baubles.

Some of our guest enjoying a little retail therapy in the cabin.

The Radberry Nails with nail creations to match any mood!

We cannot say thank you enough to all of the wonderful businesses that donated beautiful raffle items for this year’s event. Without you, this event would not have been the success it was! For a complete list of the participating vendors click here

For more pictures from this year’s event make sure to visit our facebook page!

Filed Under: All Things Charleston Tagged With: , , , , , , ,
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