"It's not a mole, it's a beauty mark."--my mom, when I was 12

"It's not a mole, it's a beauty mark."--my mom, when I was 12

Ciao Bella,

Being born American-Italian comes with so many definite facial and body profiles.

I have cousins that can shave their legs on Monday and by Wednesday have porcupine stubble. They have turned to professional waxing which in time may kill some hair roots. The one and only solution for unwanted bodily hair is a professional electrologist--search out one who is highly recommended.

As we all matured into self-conscious teens our dermatologist became our best friend. He always reassured us "it would go away". Prescribing an ointment or an oral treatment he would calm down our facial anxiety!

I was one of the fortunate ones who barely had to shave and always had pretty good teenage skin years.

And as for those "beauty marks" with all the years I was told that's what they were-well I really came to appreciate them in time. I had a light tan one that was quite raised on the top of my shoulder blade. I was truly convinced it was a mark of beauty. Thanks mom! After all Marilyn Monroe had one painted on her lower cheek everyday!

Oh and the curly hair everyone wishes they had! We rolled it up in beer cans, ironed our tresses with the laundry iron ( really got in trouble with mom for that) and reverse perm straightening-all not worth it. Just one humid hour in Florida or anywhere moist and I could watch my hair spring back into it's frizzy coiled state in seconds. Thank goodness now for Keratin relaxing systems. There is the 6 week one and the 6 month one. No more frizzes. Shiny hair with the most remarkable results I have ever experienced!

The food. It's always been a huge part of my childhood. It's always kept me curvy! I had an aunt that would serve my dad a half a chicken when my mom was in the hospital. Feed them whether it was celebratory, sickness, sadness or whatever the reason. There is definitely a solace and a kind of medicinal effect in food. Then off to the gym.

Proud of my culture and all my wonderful relatives with their glorious smiling faces, warm and giving hearts that has made me the woman I am today.

Wishing all my Post Gazette friends and fans a most joyous and blessed Thanksgiving!

Buona giornata and God bless the United States of America!

--Mary N. DiZazzo-Trumbull

Read prior weeks' "All That Zazz" columns at www.allthatzazz.com. Mary is a third-generation cosmetologist and a Massachusetts distributor of Kosmea brand rose hip oil products. She may be contacted at (978) 470-8183 or mary@mary4nails.com.