The Midlife Fashionista: Boston Blogger

Career to Cocktails Dress from robin b.

Boston Blogger

Tuesday, June 12, 2018
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Chico's lace bomber

ageless style

Tuesday, May 29, 2018
4 Comments

Camo scarf and OTBT sneaks

ageless style

Monday, March 12, 2018
2 Comments

Cancer
Cancer
Cancer
Cancer!

There, I've said it.
It's taken me a while to accept, but I have cancer.

It started last summer with some a few swollen lymph-nodes on my neck. I went to the doctor, but without other symptoms he wasn't concerned.
However in the fall I had some blood-work done (gyn issues) and my white blood cell count came back super high. Combine this with the swollen nodes, and there was concern.
After several CT scans and gallons of blood drawn, I finally got my diagnosis a few weeks ago. I have something called CLL, Chronic Lymphotic Leukemia, a type of cancer that starts in the bone marrow but then goes to the blood. It's rare--1 in 175 people .57%. My disease is not aggressive thank goodness, but it will need to be monitored carefully.

There's a strange feeling you get when diagnosed with cancer. It's like someone hit you over the head with a baseball bat---there's an element of surprise, shock and then pain. Next the questions and uncertainty kick in.

I've been so healthy--how could I have cancer?

Why me?

What's this going to mean for my future?

How will I live my life?

How long will I live?

How will my family deal with this?

What will my life look like?

Will I need chemo? Will I lose my hair?
And don't laugh...if I die will people think I'm a shopaholic when they see my closets of clothes?

I'm a worrier, so you can only imagine the strange places my mind goes!

However there is some light here. As my doctor said, if you're going to get cancer CLL is not the worst one to get. Although it's not curable, it's treatable. And treatment would not take place until I become very symptomatic....this could be years away. No one knows. For now, it's watch and wait.

After the immediate shock, I felt a sense of control. At least I know what I'm dealing with---there's a name for my illness and a course of action. There are also things that I can do to strengthen my compromised immune system, like eating well (seeing a wholistic doctor for nutrition counseling next month), taking yoga classes, meditating, and creating a better work/life balance. I'm a big-time worry wart, so a plan makes me feel better. Tomorrow I am seeing a specialist at Mass General. I'll also feel better with more information and a team of doctors in place.

For now, I need to figure out how to live life to its fullest without dwelling on the negative. I don't want this disease to define me, but I can't deny that it's a reality either. Any advice?

Life is so strange. One day you're healthy, the next day you're not. There's no crystal ball...it is what it is. I have cancer. Yikes.

Sunday, January 21, 2018
65 Comments

Revere Shoes

Boston Blogger

Let's talk shoes. How many pairs are sitting in your closet unworn because they hurt your feet? Through the years, I've become "foot smart"...no more painful shoes for me! It's worth every penny to invest in my feet.

I recently discovered Revere Shoes when they reached out to me to test drive these fabulous Verona Ballet Flats . I love these shoes for a variety of reasons...

The Verona has a small wedge for a bit of lift and support--they're not "super flat".

The removable foot bed has arch support and room for an orthotic (not easy to find)--it even comes with a filler to further customize the fit! Plus the bottom is slip-resistant. This is really important to me as I've skidded on slippery shoes way too many times!

The Verona is the perfect shoe for walking, shopping or just plain being on your feet!

T he Verona is so flattering and I love the beautiful metallic color that goes with everything! Here I've paired the Verona with my favorite super comfy jeans (LOVE), a black ruffle sleeve top (almost the same!) and a fun tassel necklace (similar). I think I need this wine glass from Helen Thomas that says "They whine, I wine".

Even Einstein agrees that these flats are fabulous--and he's pretty smart!

The Verona can also be worn with a casual dress or skirt and it's perfect for travel since it's so lightweight, comfy and versatile!

You have to admit that I'm getting "artsy" with these shoe photos! Thanks to Helen Thomas for providing the fun

background!

So make your feet happy and check out Revere Shoes. You'll be smiling more when your feet feel great!

Use code EXTRA25 to get 25% off all sale merchandise at Revere Shoes!

XO Susan

Photos by "the hubby"

Hair by Robert Jason Salon

Revere Shoes sponsored this blog and links may generate a small commission. However the content of my posts are based on my own honest opinions and are not in any way influenced by partnerships. I only post what I love!.

Wednesday, January 03, 2018
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The Year in Review

2018

I'll be honest, 2017 sucked.

Of course it wasn't all bad...there were some good things that happened.

Uncommon Threads thrived (we served more than 300 women!) and it brought some amazing new friends my way. Our volunteers are some of the most caring and compassionate women I know--they are the truly the backbone of the program. It takes a "village of women" to make great things happen.

With the amazing Laury Cote, one of our volunteer stylists.

Our clients amaze me. The women we serve are strong, courageous and kind despite the hardships they've endured. They are a blessing in my life.

Photo by Annie Rae's Photography

Here's another good thing. Richard and I sold our house (very quickly!) and bought into a new "over 55" development. Our new home will be beautiful and our future neighbors are beyond wonderful. I can't wait to move in!

My blog has connected me with some incredible companies. In December, Soma flew me to Florida for a photoshoot along with my beautiful daughter Alyssa! We had a blast and made some mom/daughter memories that will last a life-time.

Yes, there were some good things that happened in 2017. But the bad was really awful. Geez where do I start? So many crazy things have happened! Please don't think I'm whining, but you have to admit that I had more than my fair share of trouble! Here goes...

WHILE we were packing up our house to put it on the market, I broke my wrist and I was in a cast for 7 weeks).

Richard threw out his back.

I threw out my back.

Richard got tendonitis in both wrists.

On July 1st, we moved into a rental for the summer thinking we'd be in our new home by October. All of our winter gear went into storage--winter coats, boots, holiday decorations, snow tires, etc. etc.

A few weeks after the move, we got the news that our new home would be delayed until November. No big deal as we could stay a bit longer in the rental.

But in August we were notified that our home had some basement floor joist issues due to a national recall. The fireproof coating on the joists needed to be fixed and the manufacturer was trying to figure out the best solution to the problem. We soon realized that we would not be in our new place until spring! Although we didn't have to rush to leave the rental, we accepted the fact that another move was imminent. So in November we packed up for the second time in five months, and on December 1st we moved into yet another temporary home. Now mind you, we were managing all of this chaos on top of working 60+ hour/week jobs and smack in the middle of the holiday season!

My exhaustion was real. I stayed up late every night trying to balance work, construction issues, packing, unpacking, etc. And then my health went downhill in a big way. I felt horrible. I went to the doctor and she ordered numerous tests. Everything so far has come back normal, but I'm waiting for the rest of the results this week. Praying to hear good news!

Social media can be a bit misleading. What you see on the outside isn't always what's real. Clothes, fashion, hair, and make-up are so much fun and a huge part of my life, but the healthy looking woman you saw in photos wasn't feeling so great. I burned the candle at both ends, stressed myself, and let my health go.

Getting sick was a wake-up call to pay attention to my body. Without our health, we have nothing. I've realized that working myself into the ground is NOT a good thing. Self-care is on my list of New Year's resolutions...eating healthier, sleeping (what's that??), relaxing, and being with the people I love more often. I feel like life is throwing me a curve ball as a warning to SLOW DOWN!

If I could wave a magic wand, I'd wish for good health in 2018.

Wand from Helen Thomas Andover, MA

Thank you for following along on my blog. I'm grateful for your support...it means a lot to me. Through this blog and Instagram, I have met some truly incredible women and have made wonderful new friends from all over the U.S. and the world! I'm also incredibly grateful to my amazing family and friends (old and new) that shower me with love every day. I am a lucky woman.

Here's to a happy and most of all HEALTHY New Year.

Love always,
Susan XO

Monday, January 01, 2018
14 Comments