BreastScreen Australia is the national breast cancer screening program. Every state and territory operates a BreastScreen Australia service, and invites women aged between 50 and 74 years to have a mammogram every 2 years.

Screening mammograms are used to find breast cancers early, before they can be seen or felt. The earlier breast cancer is found, the better the chances of surviving it.

Your chances of getting breast cancer increase with age. 1 in 7 Australian women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.

For a few minutes of being uncomfortable, these mammograms are offered for free, and although they widely promote this service to women aged between 50 and 74 years, the service is also offered to women aged from 40 years and over at no charge.

Like anything of value, you want to ensure you look after and maintain it to its best state. Isn't our body our most valuable possession? So why wouldn't you look after it and ensure it functions at its best?

When I discovered this service was available to women over 40 years, I jumped online and booked myself in. One reason was purely for curiosity, and another was because I wanted to ensure I was in the best possible health. I had not had any changes within my breasts, and I have always regularly self checked my breasts. Several years earlier, self checking had located a lump in my armpit (which did turn out to be nothing, but scared the life out of me at the time!)

My first mammogram showed up a few anomolies, so they spent some extra time getting images from more angles. The wait for results is usually around 14 days, when you will receive a call from BreastScreen Australia.

My call back was from a nurse from BreastScreen, who advised me that a dense mass was picked up in my right breast. She explained all possible outcomes of what this could be - ranging from thick breast tissue through to breast cancer. She was amazingly supportive and gave me so much information throughout the call, and also sent me information to my email that I could read, and call back with any questions I had. We finished the call by making a follow up appointment the following week in Bendigo for more mammograms and possibly ultrasounds.

I wasn't worried about heading in for more exploratory mammograms, I think because I was so well informed throughout. I didn't have a lot of time to dwell on it also, because I only had a few days down time before I had to be in Bendigo. (Ha Ha - down time....with a toddler!)

I arrived at BreastScreen in Bendigo, and waited for my mammogram. Again, they took extra  images from many different angles on both breasts. I then headed back to the waiting room while the doctor looked over them. I was then called in to have an ultrasound on my right breast, because the dense mass could not be identified from the mammograms.

For this, I had a nurse present, and the ultrasound was done by a specialist. Whilst I was nervous, I really just needed to know what the mass was, so I could get organised and prepare for whatever was coming. Both the nurse and the Specialist were amazing, talking and explaining everything to me throughout the whole process. They finished the ultrasound on the right breast, and then did the left also to compare. Through the ultrasound, they could identify the mass is dense breast tissue. I could have told them how thick and heavy my boobs are....as a matter of fact, I'm pretty sure I did! On discussions with my mum, the same thing had happened with her too - it seems that thick, heavy boobs run deep within my family!

I have just recently had my BreastScreen check up, and whilst I am waiting on my results, I am confident that no matter what they may or may not find, I'll be fully informed of all options available to me along the way, by sincere, caring, genuine staff.

And now that they have so many pictures of my breasts on file, this gives them a guide of what is my normal, and a comparison of what my tissue looked like a few years ago.

So if you're over 40, get online and book an appointment, or give BreastScreen a call on 132050. Due to COVID, non urgent appointments do take a while to be confirmed (I had been on the waitlist for 9 months for a routine check up). Most importantly, do your self checks and if you DO notice a difference, don't hesitate to see your GP and book your urgent appointment with BreastScreen Australia.

Classic Beauty is how I'd explain Mikayla. Those beautiful eyes and exquisite lips scream timeless beauty.

This selfless mother of three, came into the Studio feeling that level of nervousness that we all feel when placed in a vulnerable situation, but Oh Boy did she rise up to the occasion, and walked out ten feet tall, and feeling beautiful, sexy, confident and so full of self love and worth.

All photo shoot days are the best days!

​Did you have any obstacles or fears about doing this session?

I think I was my main obstacle, I really had to remind myself that I was worth feeling good, sexy and empowered. It was scary being in such a vulnerable situation, but knowing I was in full control helped me feel a little less intimated by it all.

What made you take the leap of faith to do a boudoir session?

I needed the reminder that although my babies changed my body, my mind and my soul, I've come out of that change even stronger, even more beautiful, and to see those photos - it was so evident that I'm even more myself now, than I was before my body changed.

Did I provide enough pre-session info?

100%

How did you feel BEFORE your session?

I understood why adult nappies were made, I was pooping myself!

How did you like working with my team? Did you love your hair & makeup?

Oh they were fantastic, I loved it all.

​Did anything change about the way you see yourself after the session?
​
Um yes, mum titties are so 2021!

For so long, I've still remained attached...attached to my marriage that ended over two years ago.

Is it love keeping me bound? That's a resounding NO! - those feelings are well and truly gone! Is it because I spent the best part of fifteen years in a relationship with him? No!
Is it because we have children together? No!- but that will continue to keep him in my life - we co-parent and we do it well. The kids have always been our first priority throughout, and continue to be, and we have to be able to communicate to ensure this remains to work.

My attachment, until very recently, remained by name.

I chose to keep my married name after the separation, and also after the divorce was official, because "Everyone knows me by that name. It's too involved to change it again. I can't be bothered." etc, etc....

But approaching the first anniversary of my divorce, something in me began to stir. I was motivated and ready to make changes, BIG changes!

​Within 24 hours I was compelled to change my name back to my maiden name. This was like an unseen force was driving me to do it. Yes, it was going to be annoying, going to Centrelink, the Bank, all the updates everywhere, but none of it was putting me off.

I truly felt it was the right time, for me, to make the change,  and to release me back to my own self once again.

"A name represents identity, a deep feeling and holds tremendous significance to its owner."
- Rachel Ingber

Really, who would have thought that doing so would make me feel lighter, like I'd just had heavy chains lifted from around my shoulders? I do feel somewhat lighter, ready to move forward in my life, to live for me.

The future somehow seems brighter and easier. I'm coming back to being the "old me". The me that had fun, didn't care about people judging me (not that I really ever have anyway!). I feel like my parenting style is different - more chilled out and relaxed - mostly! And my attitude! Cue that sassy, fun attitude once more.
​
I do wonder what the deep rooted reason was that was stopping me from making the change?  But I also fully believe that our own intuition will lead us in the right direction at the perfect time in our lives.

As for dating.....well, let's just leave that one for another time...

​Love Kim xo
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If you have been lucky enough to meet Kellie, you know that your life is that little bit richer!

This beautiful soul got to experience her own Boudoir Session, and lucky for us....we now get to have a sneak peek at the finished product!

Kellie not only got her Pure Beauty Experience, but she also gained a new found love for her incredible booty, and has once again discovered her self confidence.

Kellie truly embraced everything that a Boudoir Experience gives you, and she celebrates that with love, excitement and enthusiasm, so much so, that we had to have her as a Brand Ambassador!
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Did you have any obstacles or fears about doing this session?

Yes, nerves, a lot of nerves. Was I going to look ok?, Was I going to be able to pull of poses?, Was I going to love my body again?

What made you take the leap of faith to do a boudoir session?

I saw Karen’s posts and how amazing she looked. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, but didn’t know it was available here.

Did I provide enough pre-session info?

OMG yes, Lauren is amazing, she was always willing to help me with any question I had and constantly was updating me with info about how things were going to run.

How did you feel BEFORE your session?

Nervous but excited at the same time.

How did you like working with my team? Did you love your hair & makeup?

Yes make up was really natural and hair was lovely.
​

How did you feel when you saw your images?

Amazed that even though I felt awkward doing the poses the end result was well worth it.

Did anything change about the way you see yourself after the session?

Yes, I feel more comfortable in my skin, sexy isn’t a size 6 or 8 or 10 or whatever size you are.

Sexy is confidence

Do you have any advice for women considering doing a boudoir session?

Do it!!!!!! You’ll feel amazing, relaxed and empowered. Follow the instructions Lauren sends out prior, those little tips really help the preparation process.

Any final thoughts on your session, or anything you'd like other woman to know?

Don’t ever change Loz. What you are doing is amazing and life changing ❤️
​

I truly get so excited when a Beauty walks in to the Studio, and they don't yet know their worth or their beauty. This was Michelle.

This brunette beauty with the piercing eyes absolutely nailed her session! She brought sexy, fun, laughter and light with her, and had us all smiling along with her!

​Michelle shone bright in her amazing outfits, and had us all not wanting the session to end.
​

Did you have any obstacles or fears about doing this session?

No, I was just full of excitement.

What made you take the leap of faith to do a boudoir session?

I've felt pretty down on myself for a while and started feeling back to the real me again and wanted to capture it and enjoy it when I'm old and grey.

Did I provide enough pre-session info?

Yes

How did you feel BEFORE your session?

Pure excitement

How did you like working with my team? Did you love your hair & makeup?

Absolutely loved working with you and your team. You all did such an amazing job.

How would you describe the session? (poses, direction, comfort level, thoughts, FEELINGS)

Very comfortable except for not being able to get my bum out - Ha Ha!

​It was a great deal of fun. I did feel awkward at some points but that's just me not thinking I can do sexy (I was mistaken).

Was the session different than you expected? If so, how?

It was perfect.

How did you feel AFTER your session?

I still feel great and am sure I will continue to.
​

​What was your favorite part?

The whole experience.

What was your least favorite part?

Nothing.

Would you ever do another session?

Absolutely.

How did you feel when you saw your images?

Excited and amazed!

Did anything change about the way you see yourself after the session?

That I have sexy within me! Ha ha ha!

​Do you have any advice for women considering doing a boudoir session?

Do it! It's worth every cent.

Any final thoughts on your session, or anything you'd like other woman to know?

It's a very calming space, there is no need to stress or worry about it and you will be so grateful you did it.
​

Kale is outgoing, bubbly, confident and a wonderful, self assured woman who knows what she wants, and isn't afraid to get it!
​
Kale first put her hand up, just after launching Pure Beauty Photography, for an outdoor lingerie photo shoot, and she nailed it! Racy in red, juicy booty - this gal has it all! So when Kale put her hand up for another shoot, but this time with Pure Beauty and for herself, I knew I was in for a fun filled shoot!

​Did you have any obstacles or fears about doing this session?

Not really

What made you take the leap of faith to do a boudoir session?

Knowing that it would make me feel more empowered, and to capture my youth and beauty.

Did I provide enough pre-session info?

Yes, absolutely was happy to answer any questions forwarded.

How did you feel BEFORE your session?

Slightly nervous, but excited more so.

How did you like working with my team? Did you love your hair & makeup?

I think it was enough for me to be happy, a few minor things could have been better but overall, still satisfied.

​If you or someone important to you were presented with a physically threatening situation, would you know how to handle it?

Enter Strike Force Self Defence, who deliver an effective, powerful and practical self defence system that simulates real life scenarios.

Strike Force Self Defence is a locally operated and owned business, and Pure Beauty spoke to facilitator, instructor and trainer Don Carrazza about how they could assist Pure Beauty followers.

"It is designed for people 16 years and older, any shape, size and gender to participate in," Don explained.

Strike Force Self Defence seminars cover strategy, tactics and techniques in hand to hand combat, knife and stick threats.

Although the business has been operating for seven years, the duo behind Strike Force Self Defence have been involved in martials arts for over 30 years.
​

Photo sourced from ​https://unsplash.com/

The reasoning behind starting the business was to empower people and give them confidence.
"(And to do so) with a strong focus on how to protect yourself without hurting anyone, unless you had no other choice," Don added.

Strike Force Self Defence offers cardio kickboxing, close quarter combat, functional training and women's self defence.

"The Self Defence for Women training seminar is taught during a Saturday afternoon," Don said.

"We have found this time frame to work effectively, especially for women with busy schedules".

"Classes are kept to a maximum of 20 participants, allowing for a more controlled environment. 
 Empowerment, Confidence, Strength and Safety are the key end results".

"Our teaching strategies develop effective fighting skills and encourage a strong fighting spirit against an attack or possible rape".

"These seminars are a great bonding experience for women and highly recommended for larger businesses employing women".

Don said the most rewarding thing about his role is seeing women change their mindset... from when they first come in, to when they leave; feeling confident, empowered and standing up to any situation.

For more information about Strike Force Self Defence, you can visit http://www.strikeforceoz.com.au/​
​

EVEN before COVID-19 diverted our lives drastically this year, violence against girls and women had reached pandemic proportions.

Worldwide, 243 million girls and women have been abused by an intimate partner in the last 12 months.

​Forty percent of these females don't report it or seek help.

For someone who has never experienced domestic violence, it would be easy to shake your head and wonder why.

As someone who has experienced domestic violence. I know why.

As countries implemented lockdown incidences of violence against women increased, in some countries five-fold.
​

Wednesday, November 25 was "International Day for Elimination of Violence against Women". It also signified the start of 16 days of activism to end violence against females.

You may have seen the orange ribbon tied around trees at places like the Langtree Mall or Mildura Base Hospital.

The theme is: Orange the World - Fund, Respond, Prevent, Collect.

There are many different types of violence - some more prevalent in our community then others.

Probably most common in our country are domestic violence, which includes economic violence (controlling finances, school or work), emotional violence, physical violence, psychological violence and sexual violence and Digital or Online Violence, which includes cyberbullying, doxing (public release of identifying or private information) and non-consensual sexting.

In Australia, 16 percent of women have experienced physical violence from a partner since they were 15.

More than one million children are impacted by domestic violence.

On average, one woman per week is killed by a current or former partner.
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And then one day I had enough. I had enough of being belittled. I had enough of being controlled financially. I had enough of the emotional abuse. I had enough of the name calling. I had enough of being scared and I had enough of walking on egg shells.

Suddenly the unknown was less scary than reality; the life I was then living.

And so I did it. I ended my relationship. I turned to my family and friends, I turned to The Orange Door.

I let go of that control and I trusted, because I believed I deserved more than how I was being treated. I believed my family deserved more than how they were being treated.

I'm not going to lie. It's been challenging, it's been hard. Most days I cry.

There are constantly times when I feel how hard this all is, dealing with all the services when you have a family involved is overwhelming.

I can even understand why people contemplate staying in abusive relationships with how hard separation is made.

But there is that underlying feeling of relief. Relief that I don't have to be subjected to that abuse again. Relief that the only way now is up. I just keep reminding myself I am one step closer to freedom and happiness.

I recognise my past relationship gave me some of the best experiences and times of my life, but I also refuse to let the bad times define who I am today.

I never thought I would be brave enough to break the cycle. I never thought I would be brave enough to say enough is enough. But I made that change.

And if you need to make that change - it all starts with you.

You don't need a referral to call The Orange Door or you can visit their website for further information about their services: https://orangedoor.vic.gov.au

And remember, if you believe your safety is at risk, call 000.
​

With her striking coloured locks, bombshell curves and sexy pout, I think all of our breath was taken away when we were given a glimpse of Stevie's Boudoir Session.

Stevie absolutely nailed her session, and brought to it a bit of sass, a sultry style, and her favorite boots!

Let's read on about what fears and feelings Stevie overcame during her session and take a look at this Goddess absolutely Slaying her Shoot!
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Did you have any obstacles or fears about doing this session?

I’m not a fan of my body

What made you take the leap of faith to do a boudoir session?

How short life truly is.

Did I provide enough pre-session info?

Definitely
​