Some of products in this post were gifted, and links may generate a small commission. However, all opinions expressed are my own. 

As a style and beauty influencer, I test out TONS of products. There are so many fabulous products out there, but I do have favorites. 

I'm very selective about what I post about, which is why you won't see me endorsing beauty products every few days. Paid or unpaid, I test everything out thoroughly and will only put my name behind the products that work well for me.  

I made a video for social media, but the size of was too large for this blog (UGH).  However, you can check it out on my very old Youtube account HERE (which I plan to revive!), or on Instagram.  Here's a snipped.

Madison Reed The Great Touch-up for brows and roots (using light brown)  HERE

City Beauty Multi Sculpting Cream HERE

Flyte.70 Code Fashionista15 for 15% off the line and free shipping over $75

Lipstick (Fast Car)  HERE

Lipliner (Sabotage) HERE

Blush (Linger)  HERE 

Eyeliners (I have all three shades and just discovered Blue Monday) HERE 

Trinny London

Just a Touch 

Face Finish

I'm excited to test out more products in 2023, and I promise to keep you updated on the ones that blow me away.  Stay tuned!

Wishing you a very joyous and HEALTHY New Year! Thank you for following me and for your kind words, comments, and support. I'm grateful. I hope you'll sign up for my blog to stay in touch!

xx Susan 

It wasn't a Christmas tree kind of year.  Between grueling visits to Dana Farber for cancer treatments, no holiday gatherings or parties, and my kids being away for Christmas, I just wasn't feeling the holiday spirit. It's not that I'm depressed, but I've had zero motivation to get a tree or decorate the house.  Bah humbug.

I'm so lucky to be a part of an incredible support group called CLL Women Strong for women living with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), which I cofounder and facilitate with my friend Michele Nadeem Baker.  Our group members are the most amazing, kind, and supportive women.

I posted an Instagram story last week about my pitiful holiday decorations (a few straggly branches on the mantle) and the fact that I wasn't getting a tree this year.  Besides lacking the spirit of the season, our "faux" tree is a train wreck. A few years ago we decided to make the switch to an artificial tree and purchased one of the fold-up umbrella types.  Opening it was a breeze, but folding it up with a joke. Richard and I simply couldn't figure it out, so we dragged it to the basement after the holidays, scratching the walls and woodwork on the way down.  It's been pitifully sitting on the cellar floor (fully opened) since last Christmas. Due to basement construction work, now it's almost impossible to get the tree upstairs.  Couple this with the fact that I'm feeling like Scrooge, and it's a treeless Christmas.

Not so fast.  Catherine, a support group member and new friend, took pity and asked if she could buy me a tree. As sweet as the gesture was, of course I said ''no''.  How could l accept her offer since I can easily afford to buy one myself? I thanked her profusely for her kindness, but declined.

Fast forward to a week later, Richard announced that there was a tree on our front steps.  I thought he was kidding, so I brushed him off.  But yep, the sweetest 3' live tree in its own stand was sitting on our front steps.  I knew right away who had sent it. 

I texted Catherine to confirm that she was my Secret Santa and got this reply.

"LOL what tree?!? The lights will come on Wednesday and little red and gold ornaments on Thursday so you don't have to go digging around for anything.  Easy peasy! I want you to feel the Christmas spirit and know that you are loved and appreciated."

Such kindness. Such amazing humanity. Such love and friendship.  I cried tears of appreciation. This was truly one of the nicest things anyone has ever done for me. Catherine, thank you for making Christmas brighter and happier. It's amazing how this tree has shifted my mood.  I smile every time I look at it.

Penny loves the tree too and we had so much fun putting the decorations on it.  It's just her size!

The post is sponsored by Vegamour, but all opinions expressed are my own. 

 Vegamour reached out to me several months ago to see if I would be interested in testing out their GRO Hair Serum, GRO Biotin Gummies, and GRO Advanced Lash Serum.  As I hope you know by now, paid or unpaid, I will only give honest reviews about products that I review. 

Vegamour; An Honest Review Of The GRO Hair Serum & GRO Advanced Lash Serum

Over the past few years, I've noticed major thinning around my hairline, brows and lashes. I used to have super thick hair, so it's disturbing to see the changes.  My lashes were never very long (grateful for mascara), but they also weren't stubs like they are now!

I had heard good things about Vegamour from researching online and also from other influencers who have talked about the products.  I like that they contain sustainably harvested organic plant extracts cruelty free (Leaping Bunny) and made with safe vegan formulas.  I was looking for a chemical-free option that was actually effective and I found it.  I also like that the GRO Hair Serum isn't heavy or greasy and doesn't weight my hair down. 

A few months ago I started using the GRO Hair Serum twice a day and the GRO Advanced Lash Serum once a day --so far, so good!

Does Vegamour Really Work?

Let's me say that there is no miracle for regrowing hair.  Even some of the strong over the counter products like Minoxidil are not going to grow back a head-full of hair. So I was not expecting Vegamour to work magic, but what I did notice is less shedding and lots of new baby hairs growing in around my hairline.  I'll take it!

Before and After

Take a peek at my before and after photos.  There is a noticeable difference.

As you may know, I started treatment for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) last week. I've been grateful to remain in a "watch and wait" for the past four years, but honestly, it hasn't been as good as it may seem.  I felt like I was walking on eggshells, not knowing when my health would go south. Imagine living with cancer, but not doing anything about it!

A few months ago, it became apparent that the time had come for treatment. My white blood cell count (WBC) hit 345,000 (cancer cells), my bone marrow was at 90% cancer, and some of my other numbers bottomed out.  Although there is no cure for CLL, there are treatments to keep it at bay and even catapult a remission (I'm hoping for that!).  

I had the option of choosing between a trial and a standard treatment at Dana Farber in Boston.  After digging into the research and speaking with doctors and other CLL patients, I decided to go with the standard protocol, a combination of Obinutuzimab (infusions) and Venetoclax (an oral drug).  The treatment  begins with infusions that happen over six months, followed by the oral drug which gets introduced three weeks after the start of the infusions and carries over for the duration of the year.  At the end of the year,  a bone marrow biopsy determines if remission is achieved. Patients on this treatment  plan with my cancer markers, have an 80% chance of going into a remission for 5+ years until they need additional treatment.  These drugs literally blast cancer away like dynamite.

Let me back up to tell you that I'm the type of person who doesn't even like to take a Tylenol! So the thought of pumping my body with toxic drugs took quite a bit of processing.  I had to shift my thoughts and look at the treatment as a "GOOD THING", instead of something harmful.  Gratitude helps too.  I'm grateful to live near excellent medical care and have access to cutting edge drugs that could put me into remission. I'm also grateful for the support of my husband (who is incredible), friends (old and new), family, support groups, and community. When life throws you lemons, squeeze some lemonade.

And of course, I want to LIVE!  After all Penny needs her Sue-Sue, and I have lots of memories to make with my amazing kids and family.

I started the first two infusions last week, and although the experience was far from fun, I got through it. I did have a few bumps though, including a rapid heart-rate that caused a pause in the treatment.  All went well until Saturday when high fevers, uncontrollable shaking, and major fatigue set in.  The drug almost worked TOO well, creating a horrible inflammatory response in my body.  Imagine, 345,000 cancer cells dying within 24 hours releasing toxins in the blood! This was NOT what I was expecting.

Although I had a 4:00 a.m. ER visit last weekend and I'm still feeling HORRIBLE, I'm hopeful that the side-effects will pass over the week.  If things don't improve, a hospital stay may be necessary. Fingers crossed that this is transient.

Living with cancer and now dealing with treatment, has given me a personal understanding and deep empathy for what cancer patients go through.  It's hard, very hard.  When people say, "you have the good kind of cancer", "just live your life", or "you're lucky it's chronic",  quite honestly I get pretty angry.  There is NO good cancer and chronic diseases mean that there is no cure.  The anxiety and stress of having cancer (or any serious illness) is overwhelming. No judgement please--just support.

If you or someone you know is impacted by cancer (all types), please follow Kicking Cancer in Heels on Instagram and Facebook.  I co-founded this positive and hopeful community with the amazing and inspiring patient advocate Michele Nadeem Baker.  One of the gifts of the pandemic and CLL has been my special friendship with Michele and connecting with women all over the country sharing our cancer journeys and supporting each other,

By the way, I took comments off this blog because I'm having a hard time managing everything.  But please reach out to me on Instagram and Facebook. I love hearing from you! I also hope you'll subscribe to my blog to stay in touch.  The mobile version has the sign-up link at the bottom of the page, and desktop has it at the top. 

Thanks for stopping by.  Here's to a cure for ALL cancers!

With love,

xx Susan

#AD This post has been sponsored by Idorsia, but all opinions expressed are my own.

Let's talk sleep, or lack of it in my case. I've been sleep deprived for years due to multiple factors including menopause, stress, and health issues.  Lack of sleep causes real problems that can impact physical and mental health, work, relationships, our appearance, and the way we function in the world.  The statistics are staggering. According to a recent survey of 1,000+ U.S. adults conducted by The Alliance for Sleep, approximately 7.125 billion dollars was spent during the past year on products to help sleep. Check it out here. . Guess I'm in good company!

Insomnia has had a huge impact on me, as well as those around me (sorry Richard!).  When I'm sleep deprived, I'm irritable, anxious, stressed, overwhelmed, and downright unproductive. When I sleep too late in the morning then I'm behind on everything. It's not a good feeling! Sleep issues have also had a negative impact on my energy level and physical health. Being in a chronic state of sleep deprivation might make you feel like eventually that becomes "normal", but it's NOT! By the way, in case you didn't know, sleep is the third pillar of health along with diet and exercise, and it is crucial for our wellbeing!  I learned this here. 

But it's not all gloom and doom.  I am thrilled and honored to be a part of the Seize the Night and Day campaign to bring awareness to insomnia.  The information is eye opening (no pun intended) and has helped me to incorporate better sleep habits that have truly made a difference in the quality and quantity of my sleep. I've learned so much about insomnia, both the facts and myths.  

I'm happy to say that I am finally sleeping better. I've carved out a sleep routine including cutting screen time  before bed, decreasing my daily caffeine intake, going to bed at the same time every night, listening to a meditation to help me doze off, and keeping my room as cool as possible (I get SO hot at night!).  There is a ton of valuable information on the website, so take a peek here and share with others who are also having sleep difficulties.   

Thanks for stopping by. Sweet dreams tonight!

xx Susan

#seizethenightandday #idorsiapartner 

 Links in this post generate a commission, but know that I only post what I love and have tested out! 

A personal health coach, exercise and cooking classes, yoga, mediations, health resources, and a supportive community ALL designed for us over 50 folks and accessible right from your phone or computer...too good to be true? Nope, it's real and actually the first of  of its kind! 

 Links in this post may generate a commission, but please know that I only post what I love!

OK, I'm just going to say it.  This jacket is worth EVERY penny!  I'm so in love with the Cotes of London Devon 2-1 Down Jacket.  And by the way,  code Susan30 will get you $30 off all orders over $100! 

Here's why this jacket is SO fabulous! 

Option #2 for warmth!

I'm a huge Cotes of London fan and also adore this Elton Long Down Shirt too...so much so, that I have it in black and latte!  This "shirt" is also a jacket and when layered with a sweater, it's super warm! It's also extremely lightweight and is prefect for travel (you can even stuff it in a tote bag!). 

 Some of the links in this post may generate a small commission, but know that I only post what I love!

Last weekend felt like summer.  The weather was warm and the convertible was waiting for us, so Richard and I went for a ride up the coast for a lobster roll.  

I'm also wearing my comfiest sneakers. I own them in white and black...they're amazing!

Shop here.

I'm a huge fan of The Freshwater Pearl Company. Not only is their jewelry stunning and reasonably priced, but the owner Brian has become a dear friend.  He started the business in honor of his amazing mom who passed away from breast cancer and he gives back to many important causes, including cancer research and Uncommon Threads.

 It's been a rough month.  In addition to my Instagram account issues and the stress that goes along with losing a business that I've spent seven years organically building, my health has taken a major turn in the wrong direction.  Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) is a strange beast with lots of unpredictable twists.  I've been blessed to have 4 1/2 years in a watch and wait (not as easy as it sounds), but over the past month I started running daily fevers and losing energy.  I met with a team of infectious disease doctors last week at Dana Farber, and they are trying to piece the puzzle together.  It's a mystery.

I need treatment NOW.  I'm having pretty serious anemia which is causing a very racy heart-rate and major exhaustion. I feel winded when walking up the stairs and I can no longer take my daily 3 mile walks. It's crazy. I've dreaded starting treatment for the past four years, and now I'm begging for it.

However, it's not that easy, my medical team at Dana Farber won't initiate treatment if there's an infection.  And pinpointing an infection can be like finding a needle in a haystack.  So far, all of my routine tests like chest x-rays and bloodwork results for Lyme and other infections, have come back negative.  However, there is something going on since a few of the tests point to an infection.  I hope to have some answers this week.

I've been blown away by the incredible support I've received from friends, family and my followers (you!). I get messages on a daily basis from people I don't even know personally, just checking in to see how I'm feeling.  I'm grateful and it truly warms my heart. Thank you.

One piece of good news....my Instagram account has been restored (after two months!)), but I've been told to post slowly as it's still fragile.  If you're not following me already, I'm at @TheMidlifeFashionista.  I'm also working on getting an email sign-up for this blog (it only took me seven years! ). Once the sign-up link is installed, I hope you'll opt in.  Should my IG account go down again, at least we'll be able to stay in touch this way!  Lesson learned. 

Again, thank you for your support, kindness. and love.  More to come. 

xx Susan

 Links in this post generate a small commission, but please know that I only post what I love.

First of all, thank you for all the well wishes.  I've been running fevers for the past three weeks on and off and feel pretty horrible.  I'm waiting to see an infectious disease doctor at Dana Farber, but it's taking longer to get in than I had hoped.  More to come.

In between fevers, I squeezed in some photos and videos.  It's amazing how getting a little dressed up always makes me feel better!

First, let me say that not all joggers are created equal.  I am super picky about the length, cut, and fabric.  So when I tell you that these joggers are PERFECT, I really mean it!  They work with just about every shoe from sneakers to boots and heels. The fabric is yummy---so soft and the perfect weight! And I love the space dyed material that's a bit different from solid black. The slim fit is super flattering too! Plus they come in several colors if you don't want black (one of each please!). Worth every penny!

Shop the joggers HERE.

This jacket is also fabulous. With faux leather sleeves and an open front, it can go from day to night in a flash and the longer length gives great tush coverage with leggings.  It also comes in black and is on major sale!

  Shop the jacket HERE.

Next up, I paired the joggers with this faux suede shacket. I love it so much that I have it in white too!

Shop the shacket here.

But I'm not done yet! Watch this video to see at all of the ways I styled these amazing joggers!

Links in this post may generate a small commission.  But please know that I only post what I love!  

This is an important PSA. DO NOT PUT AWAY YOUR SUMMER CLOTHES YET!

Seriously, sleeveless dresses, tanks, and even capris can all be transitioned so easily to fall! Just add some layers.

I love this dress and code CEFASHIONISTA for 40% off the site! I own it in black but the white is gorgeous for fall too! 

Here's another similar dress

Boots  here  here and   here

Jacket  and here

Handbag gold   --love this one too,

Handbag tan  and here 

Let me know if you try this--it's so simple and can maximize your wardrobe!

xx Susan

 Some of the links in this blog may generate a small commission, but know that I only post what I love!

Even though the weather is still warm here in Boston, the temps will soon be dropping. I love the fall, but I don't love what comes next.  Winter is tough for me, especially since I'll most likely be in treatment starting in November. Stay positive Susan...

But I DO love fall clothes almost as much as apple picking, pumpkins, and hay rides. And regardless of what the trends are, you simply cannot go wrong with a fabulous tweed jacket to pair with just about everything from jeans to a dress.  I got this one last year from Chico's and wore it quite a few times... even with joggers!

Shop here.