10 All-Natural Ways To Show Your Breasts Some Love
If you're like a lot of women, probably the most thought you give to your breasts is when you're putting your bra on (or when you're taking it off), when you're trying to make the soreness stop while you're PMS'ing, when you're trying to get your partner to give them just the right amount of "attention" during sex and/or when it's time to get a mammogram (by the way, they now say that you should be 45 instead of 40 when it comes to getting them on an annual basis).
But the reality is the more attention we give to our girls, the better our mammary glands—ones that are made up of lobules that produce milk, lymphatic vessels that drain unnecessary fluid and breast tissue—will not only feel but look as well.
If you're wondering about what you can do to get your breasts sundress-, swimsuit- and little black dress-ready, these 10 tips will make you—and them—very happy!
Rinse Your Breasts in Cold Water
I don't know one woman on the planet who doesn't want perky breasts. If this is a personal goal of yours, first it's a good idea to keep in mind what causes breast tissue to sag in the first place—mostly it's genetics, cigarette smoking, drastic weight gain or loss, multiple pregnancies and poor posture.
If you have lost some of your breasts' elasticity, something that you can do is apply some hydrotherapy to them. If you soak them in warm water for about 15 minutes (basically if you take a bath), it will increase blood flow to them. Then, if you rinse them in cold water (basically if you rinse off in a cold shower), that is what will stimulate collagen production so that your breasts look and feel firmer.
Massage Your Breasts with Clove Oil and Olive Oil
Speaking of making your breasts firmer, it can never hurt to massage them for about 10 minutes a couple of times a week. If you do it with a blend of clove oil and olive oil, it can help to (slightly) increase their size and "round out" their shape over time. That's because the warmth of the clove oil also stimulates blood circulation while the properties in olive oil moisturizes the tissues of your breasts, making them supple and soft.
Make sure to warm up the oil combo in your microwave for five seconds or so and massage each breast for 10-15 minutes in a circular motion in order to get the best results.
Soothe Your Nipples with Shea Butter
Unless you're currently breastfeeding, you probably don't give your nipples much thought. But you should. They are a part of your breasts and deserve their fair share of TLC. If lately, you've been noticing that your nipples or your areolas (the ring of skin that surrounds your nipples) are itchy, it could be that they are irritated due to a skin condition like eczema or because your laundry detergent is too strong.
Whether your nipples itch or they are slightly cracked, soothe them by rubbing them down with some shea butter. It's moisturizing, it's healing and it contains anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties too. Also, thanks to the emollient and humectant properties that shea butter contains, it can lock in moisture on your nipples so that they stay hydrated for hours at a time.
Just as a heads up, your best bet would be to get the kind of shea butter that is unrefined. That way, you can get it in its purest form; one that has the most concentrated amounts of vitamins and minerals in it.
Keep Your Weight Stabilized
If your breast size is in direct correlation to your breast tissue, losing and gaining weight won't change it very much. So, if you recently lost 25 pounds and you went down a few cups, that usually means your breasts were made up of fat more than anything else. And since maintaining a healthy weight can reduce your chances of having breast cancer post-menopause, this is a good thing to know.
What can happen with a spike in weight gain or loss is it can alter the shape of your breasts and/or cause them to sag. That's because the change in weight directly affects the collagen and elastin in our bodies (breasts included).
Aside from doing your best to keep your weight off of the up and down roller coaster, from a cosmetic standpoint, the non-cosmetic remedy is to invest in bras that have padding in the lower part of the cup so that your breasts will appear plumper and fuller. Something else that can help (although it has a more subtle effect) is to consume foods that are high in collagen. Some of those include garlic, berries, bone broth, quinoa and white tea.
Something else that can perk your breasts up a bit is to apply a collagen mask on them. Combine a kiwi, a peach, three tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt, two teaspoons of lemon juice and a teaspoon of sweet almond oil. Rub the mixture on your breasts, let it sit for 15 minutes and rinse with warm, then cool water. It's one of the most delicious ways to give your breasts an immediate collagen boost!
Eat Some Sweet Potatoes, Salmon and Red Grapes
We are what we eat. There is certainly a lot of truth to that. The next time you head out to the grocery store, do your breasts a favor and pick up a couple of foods that they will totally thank you for.
For instance, if you have a history of breast cancer in your family, it can't hurt to eat foods that are high in carotenoids. They're the kinds of foods that are loaded with carotene. This is great because studies reveal that the more carotenes that are in our system, the lower risk we have of being diagnosed with breast cancer. Sweet potatoes are one food that fits the bill.
Something else that our breasts need is omega-3 oils. They are responsible for keeping inflammation in the body low; the more omega-3s, the less disease (cancer included). Salmon has plenty of it.
And finally, red grapes. They're the kind of fruit that contains a natural phenol known as resveratrol. What's so good about that is not only does resveratrol have the ability to lower your blood pressure and protect your brain, it also neutralizes free radicals in your system, keeping cancer cells at bay.
Fun fact: Resveratrol is also found in red wine too (woo-hoo)!
Take a Sulforaphane Supplement
GiphyIf you've never heard of sulforaphane, don't feel bad. I'd venture to say that most people haven't. Basically, it's a compound that's found in foods like broccoli, cauliflower, kale, cabbage and collards that not only reverses the signs of aging, but also decreases the progression of cancer cells in the body too. As a bonus, something else that sulforaphane does is decrease how carcinogens impact our system.
If you don't like to eat a ton of veggies, you can also take sulforaphane in supplement form. Speaking of supplements, if you want to take something that will make your breasts appear fuller (or can help your breastmilk to come in easier if you are a new mommy), fenugreek is pretty awesome too.
Do Breast-Firming Exercises
GiphyIf you can't remember the last time you even attempted to do a push-up, maybe your breasts will motivate you to take another crack at it. Truth is, a lot of us have saggy breast tissue simply because the muscles underneath our breasts could stand to get bigger. The remedy? Do the kind of exercises that will expand the mass of your chest muscles.
Push-ups are just one example. If you want more, click here for a way to get your chest (back) into shape.
Wear a Bra That Actually Fits
Breast tissue needs support; that's why we wear bras. You've probably heard somewhere that a whopping 80 percent of women wear the wrong bra size, but what you might secretly wonder is how can you know for sure that your bra fits well. For starters, your bra's band needs to comfortably fit around your torso. The part of your bra that attaches the cups together should lay flat on your body. If you're wearing an underwire bra, the wire should fit right underneath each breast. Also, each of your bra straps should fit comfortably on your shoulders.
If it's been a couple of years since you've been professionally fitted for a bra, I know from personal experience that you should get fitted ASAP. The last time I went (last year), I thought I was a DDD. Nope. Sistah girl is an H. (Chiiiiile.)
Make a DIY Bronzer
If you're planning on wearing something low cut and you want your cleavage to look extra sexy, one of the easiest ways to make that happen is to apply a little bronzer to your breasts. I've done it before and it gives your skin a youthful glow that is, incomparable, really.
You can buy some, but I prefer to make my own. All you need to do is mix a little cocoa powder, ground cinnamon and mica powder if you want a hint of shimmer added in. Use a large make-up brush to dust it onto each breast and, I promise, even you won't get enough of looking at 'em!
Sleep on Your Back
Final one. While sleeping on your back definitely increases the chances of you snoring (more), it's one of the best positions for your breasts. The reason being, whenever you sleep on your side or stomach, it causes your breasts to droop all throughout the night and that can ultimately lead to sagging and wrinkly breast skin.
So, if you wanna know how to improve the appearance of your breasts even while you're asleep, spending more time on your back is the way to do it. Sweet dreams.
Featured image by Getty Images
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- 10 Foods For Good Breast Health, Healthy Breasts - xoNecole: Women's Interest, Love, Wellness, Beauty ›
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Different puzzle pieces are creating bigger pictures these days. 2024 will mark a milestone on a few different levels, including the release of my third book next October (yay!).
I am also a Professional Certified Coach. My main mission for attaining that particular goal is to use my formal credentials to help people navigate through the sometimes tumultuous waters, both on and offline, when it comes to information about marriage, sex and relationships that is oftentimes misinformation (because "coach" is a word that gets thrown around a lot, oftentimes quite poorly).
I am also still super devoted to helping to bring life into this world as a doula, marriage life coaching will always be my first love (next to writing, of course), a platform that advocates for good Black men is currently in the works and my keystrokes continue to be devoted to HEALTHY over HAPPY in the areas of holistic intimacy, spiritual evolution, purpose manifestation and self-love...because maturity teaches that it's impossible to be happy all of the time when it comes to reaching goals yet healthy is a choice that can be made on a daily basis (amen?).
If you have any PERSONAL QUESTIONS (please do not contact me with any story pitches; that is an *editorial* need), feel free to reach out at missnosipho@gmail.com. A sistah will certainly do what she can. ;)
Exclusive: Brandee Evans On Faith, Fibroids, And Chosen Family
Do you remember your first time at The Pynk?
We were first introduced to Mercedes at Uncle Clifford’s beloved strip joint, a matrix of secrets and self-discovery nestled deep in the heart of the Mississippi Delta. Brandee Evans, who plays the ambitious single mother and seasoned dancer in the STARZ original P-Valley, quickly won our hearts and has since earned widespread critical acclaim.
Her captivating command of the pole left many of us intrigued, perhaps even tempted, to explore pole dancing ourselves after witnessing the mesmerizing performances at Mercedes Sunday. But it wasn’t just her physical prowess that kept us hooked. Mercedes is a character of depth—empowering, complex, relatable, and deeply human.
These are qualities that Brandee embodies both on and off the screen.
(L-R) Marque Richardson and Brandee Evans on 'UnPrisoned' Season 2
Courtesy: Hulu
A Memphis native, Brandee is no stranger to dance. She boasts an impressive career as a choreographer, having worked with renowned artists like Katy Perry, Monica, Ke$ha, and Ledisi. But while it has been a significant part of her journey, Brandee has her sights set on more—expanding her acting career beyond dance-inclusive roles. This ambition nearly led her to pass on the opportunity to appear alongside Kerry Washington in Hulu’s UnPrisoned, where she plays Ava, Mal's (Marque Richardson) new girlfriend.
“When Kerry Washington slid into my DMs, I nearly said no,” Brandee revealed with a laugh. “She mentioned pole dancing, and I told myself and my team that once I was done with Mercedes, I wasn’t going to do that again.” Fortunately, Washington assured her that the role would be vastly different, leading to what Brandee described as an invaluable masterclass in comedy under the guidance of Washington herself.
“Kerry is a force of nature,” Brandee reflected. “She’s everything you’d hope she’d be—strong, compassionate, and incredibly talented. Working with her was like a masterclass in acting.” This opportunity was no mere stroke of luck; it was something Brandee had manifested years earlier. But make no mistake–she credits her faith and praying hands for her success. “I’m praying, you know what I mean? I’m asking God for what I want and working for it too,” she said.
"When Kerry Washington slid into my DMs, I nearly said no."
(L-R) Brandee Evans, Kerry Washington, and Marque Richardson on 'UnPrisoned' Season 2
Courtesy: Hulu
This role marked Brandee’s first foray into comedy, and while she was eager to embrace the challenge, she found herself in the hands of an incredible mentor. “Kerry was always so kind in her critiques,” Brandee noted. “She’s not a diva by any means. She knows exactly what she wants, but she’s gentle and encouraging in bringing it out of you. That’s something I’ve taken with me to other sets—I want to lead with the same kindness and openness that Kerry showed me. It’s a lesson I’ll carry for the rest of my life.”
Brandee speaks with profound respect and gratitude for her peers and fellow actresses as many have shown her genuine sisterhood and support in an industry often notorious for its competitiveness. “Danielle Brooks sent me a prayer the other day, and I was just so touched. Those are the moments that people don’t see,” she shared. “I call Sheryll Lee Ralph my fairy godmother, and Loretta Devine is like my auntie. Being able to pick up the phone and seek advice from these incredible women is a true blessing.”
And she pays it forward.
Brandee Evans
Courtesy: Hulu
But her commitment to supporting others extends far beyond her career. As an advocate for health and wellness, she empowers women to prioritize their well-being. “Azaria [Carter], who plays my daughter on P-Valley, mentioned wanting to start a weight loss journey and get more fit. I told her, ‘Well, let’s work out together,’” Brandee recounted. But her dedication to healthy living goes beyond physical fitness, encompassing a holistic approach to wellness. “When she came to my house and tried to microwave something in plastic, I said, ‘Let’s use glass instead. At 20, I wasn’t thinking about that, but let me share some tips now so you’re not battling fibroids in your 30s.’”
Because she was.
While filming the first season of P-Valley, Brandee faced enormous stress—not only as a caregiver for her mother, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, but also due to the physical demands of the role. Yet the impact on her body was far greater than she expected. “I was literally on my cycle every day while playing a stripper, which is far from ideal,” Brandee revealed. It was Harriet D. Foy, who plays her mother, who urged her to get checked for fibroids.
"I was literally on my cycle every day while playing a stripper, which is far from ideal."
Brandee Evans graces the 2024 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards Ceremony.
Arnold Turner/Getty Images for ESSENCE
The statistics are staggering—80% of Black women develop abnormal uterine growths by age 50, making them more likely to suffer from fibroids than any other racial group. But like many, Brandee was initially unaware of these growths and their debilitating effects, and the prospect of surgery was daunting. “I was scheduled to have a myomectomy on my birthday, but I thought about what it would mean for my career. How am I going to climb the pole? The healing process is similar to a C-section.” Determined to avoid surgery, she committed to healing herself naturally.
After a deep dive, she sought treatment at The Herb Shop of Vinings in Atlanta, which ultimately led to a remarkable recovery. “This man saves lives. His name is Jeff, and I call him my doctor.” Brandee shared. “I started detoxing my body with herbs and following his program. During my follow-up with the gynecologist, they said, ‘We don’t know what you’re doing, but your fibroids are shrinking.’”
Emerging on the other side of this journey not only fibroid-free but with a regulated cycle and a renewed outlook on life, Brandee is now focused on sharing her story and advocating for women’s health. “I know y’all want to hear about P-Valley, but I want to talk about regulating your period,” she said with a laugh.
Of course, she didn’t leave fans hanging when it came to what to expect in the upcoming season. “It is worth the wait. The world is about to go crazy. Oh, the world is about to lose it,” Brandee teased. “Y’all might be mad at us right now, but baby, it’s going to be worth it.”
All episodes of Season 2 of UnPrisoned are now streaming on Hulu.
Featured image courtesy of Hulu
How To Know If You're Following Your Destiny, According To Astrology
Your destiny can be defined as fate or the hidden power believed to control what happens in your future. Some say your destiny is not set in stone and can be changed or redirected over time. Others say you come into this life with events in the future predestined for you.
North Node In Astrology Meaning
Astrology considers both approaches regarding destiny and defines this phenomenon through the North Node. The North Node represents the direction toward your evolution, life lessons, your calling, and destiny in this lifetime. It is the area of astrology you want to go to when looking at the full picture of your life, your future potential, and where you should be directing your energy and intentions. “Living your best life” is living like your North Node sign.
The North and South Node In Astrology
The North Node or the “True Node” is one of two lunar nodes that form an axis, with the South Node on the other end. The North Node is where the Moon moves into the northern ecliptic hemisphere. The South Node is where the Moon enters the southern ecliptic hemisphere.
The North Node represents the aspects of your life you need to develop for spiritual growth and to fulfill your destiny in this lifetime.
We often feel challenged the more we pull away from our North Node energy, and it helps shape identity and purpose in the long haul. The South Node represents your past karma, what you already know, and the energy you are moving away from in this lifetime.
In short, you want to be more like your North Node sign and less like your South Node sign. You will know if you are following your destiny by how well you connect with the aspects of your North Node sign and when you have fully embodied and embraced the archetype of this sign.
What Does Your North Node Tell You?
Think about some of the traits, essence, and characteristics of your North Node sign that you admire, and start there. Connect with what types of purpose, careers, life paths, or directions this sign typically takes in life, and define which ones you feel called to most.
Once you can step fully into your North Node energy and have learned the lessons it comes with, you will feel personal fulfillment on a deep level and be aligned with your destiny or be able to shape it.
Read on for your North Node sign below to see how you can follow your destiny and live at your highest potential:
North Node in Aries Meaning
You are working through being more self-reliant in this lifetime. Independence, freedom, confidence, and inner resilience are the energy you need to enhance your life to live your full potential. Staying active, getting your body moving, and exercising all help you get in the right head space and think clearly, especially about your future.
You are learning how to take more action, go after the things you want, be direct, and leave toxic relationships unapologetically in this life. You are following your destiny when you are putting yourself first and aligned with independence rather than interdependence.
South Node energy that you are working on letting go and moving on from in this lifetime: Libra
North Node in Taurus Meaning
A North Node in Taurus teaches you to be more self-sufficient in financial matters and to always be able to count on yourself. You want to move away from being too reliant on others by finding a deep sense of confidence and stability within.
Building a life for yourself, being financially responsible, not giving more financially than you have, having financial independence, and being willing to be vulnerable with others is important. You are following your destiny when you are being consistent, standing by your word, and keeping the promises you make.
South Node energy that you are working on letting go and moving on from in this lifetime: Scorpio
North Node in Gemini Meaning
Communication is very important for you and your destiny in this lifetime. The conversations you have with others hold significance, and you learn a lot through the different types of connections you make in life. Being outgoing, getting out of your comfort zone, being involved in your local community, and being around a lot of movement serve you well.
Having good friends and mental connections around you is everything for your well-being in life and purpose. You are following your destiny when you are sharing your ideas, connecting with people, and saying what you truly mean.
South Node energy that you are working on letting go and moving on from in this lifetime: Sagittarius
North Node in Cancer Meaning
With a North Node in Cancer, your purpose or destiny involves nurturing yourself and others. You have motherly energy to embody in this lifetime, and you feel more aligned with your purpose when you can live in compassion, let go of overworking, and give yourself some TLC. In past lifetimes, a lot of your life was surrounded by work, and you put all of your energy into your accomplishments.
In this lifetime, you are learning how to care for yourself more, find self-love, and build a supportive family or emotional support system for yourself. You are following your destiny when you are in a space of comfort and safety and have a strong home base.
South Node energy that you are working on letting go and moving on from in this lifetime: Capricorn
North Node in Leo Meaning
A North Node in Leo signifies that your destiny involves aligning with your higher self and living life boldly and with proud confidence. You are meant to show up, shine your light, and take up space. You are working on being the leader of your life, letting go of shyness or isolation, and making yourself or your energy known in the world.
Use your creativity to your advantage and put your work and intentions out there. You are destined for the spotlight, and you are following your destiny when you are taking on these types of opportunities, have a strong sense of self, and are confident in yourself.
South Node energy that you are working on letting go and moving on from in this lifetime: Aquarius
North Node in Virgo Meaning
Following your destiny involves being logical, critical thinking, being direct, and being more communicative. You are meant to evolve mentally in this life and to move away from a more spiritual perspective to a logical one. Spirituality is still important, but in past lifetimes, you got lost in this area of your life, and now you are learning how to be logical and realistic as well.
Helping others is also a part of your destiny with a North Node in Virgo, and the daily rituals and routines you have are beneficial to teach the people around you. You are following your destiny when you are healing, thinking logically, and creating healthy boundaries in your life.
South Node energy that you are working on letting go and moving on from in this lifetime: Pisces
North Node in Libra Meaning
With a North Node in Libra, love, partnerships, and the connections you form in life are significant to your destiny. You are meant to communicate, connect, understand romance on a deeper level, and be in union in this lifetime. You are also learning the importance of thinking before speaking, not being too impulsive or reckless, and working cooperatively with others.
In past lifetimes, you were too independent, brash, and more of a lone wolf, and in this lifetime, you are learning how to connect more. You are following your destiny when you are being diplomatic, considering another's needs, and having balance.
South Node energy that you are working on letting go and moving on from in this lifetime: Aries
North Node in Scorpio Meaning
Patience, dedication, and following your intuition are aligned with your destiny with a North Node in Scorpio. You have a lot of potential to gain financially through marriage or an inheritance with this placement, and this is a good sign for wealth in this lifetime.
However, with a Taurus South Node, you are working on letting go of being too frugal or envious in financial matters, releasing attachments more, and honoring the more spiritual sides of life. You are following your purpose when you have a good balance between giving and receiving in your life and when you are not over-controlling things.
South Node energy that you are working on letting go and moving on from in this lifetime: Taurus
North Node in Sagittarius Meaning
With a North Node in Sagittarius, you have a natural philosophical and explorative mindset. You are working on embracing new opportunities, getting out of your comfort zone, traveling, and living life on your own terms in this lifetime. It’s important to travel, learn, pursue higher education, and expand in life.
You are moving away from your Gemini South Node energy, which is about being easily distracted, oversharing, being indecisive, or not standing by your word. You are following your purpose when you are growing your mind, exploring new places, meeting new people, and making confident decisions for yourself.
South Node energy that you are working on letting go and moving on from in this lifetime: Gemini
North Node in Capricorn Meaning
With a North Node in Capricorn, you are meant to grow financially and establish yourself in this lifetime. You have a lot of potential to make some great accomplishments, and you are destined to thrive in career matters. You are aligned with your destiny when you are working towards a goal or intention of yours and when you are building a legacy for yourself.
With Cancer on the South Node, you are moving away from feeling like you have to mother or nurture everyone and instead giving yourself that compassion and care. You are learning emotional discipline in this lifetime and are following your destiny when you have a healthy work-life balance.
South Node energy that you are working on letting go and moving on from in this lifetime: Cancer
North Node in Aquarius
You are aligned with your destiny when you have a humanitarian and open-minded perspective. You are meant to think about the collective as a whole, progress, and leave the world a better place. You have a lot of visions for the future and can be quite psychic as well. Manifesting your dreams and desires is significant, and you are learning how to strengthen this internal power.
It’s important to move away from egotistical pursuits, conforming to societal rules, or being too selfish as well with this energy. Overall, you are following your destiny when you are giving a voice to the voiceless, being your authentic self, and contributing to society in some way.
South Node energy that you are working on letting go and moving on from in this lifetime: Leo
North Node in Pisces Meaning
With a North Node in Pisces, following your destiny means following your heart and never giving up the dream. You are moving away from needing to have all of the facts and letting logic rule over your emotions in this lifetime. Getting creative, pursuing artistry, healing, and having compassion for yourself and others are all aligned with your purpose.
You are a true visionary and have a lot of creative potential and gifts to bring to the world. You are following your destiny when you are emotionally regulating, honoring your spirituality, and creating.
South Node energy that you are working on letting go and moving on from in this lifetime: Virgo
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Featured image by Getty Images