Breast Cancer Awareness Month – My Story

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and every year I try to do my part to help find the cure. Breast Cancer is still the most common cause of cancer amongst women in the country (except for skin cancer) and more women are surviving the disease because of the strides we have made to prevent it. Almost everyone I know has a personal connection to the disease, whether it is something their mothers, sisters, or friends have experienced. I’m also one with a very personal connection to the disease.

Almost three years ago, during a routine physical exam, I was diagnosed with a “lump” and sent straight to get my first mammogram. The hardest part of getting a diagnosis like that is thinking about all of the hypothetical scenarios that could result from it. The idea that something terrible could happen to me, leaving Adam without the irreplaceable love that can only come from a mother, was too much for me. The results from my mammogram were mixed, it was something they were going to ‘keep an eye on’, and I needed to return in six months. Each time I visited the hospital I would think of all the things I should get done, such as visiting my mother, finding More information about critical illness insurance, taking Adam on an unforgettable vacation, and so on, in case the results were not favorable. So every six months, I returned, just to be given a similar result, until my last visit a few months ago when I was told the “lump” had subsided and I didn’t need to return until I reached a certain age, unless something is detected again. The feeling of relief and excitement from getting a clean bill of health is really hard to describe. I feel like I was given a second chance to live the best life, and I am determined to not take anything for granted.

If you want to support Breast Cancer Awareness, there are a few great companies I’ve listed below that are doing their part by donating proceeds of their merchandise. Also, scroll all the way down for a fantastic event in Chicago this Thursday! I hope to see you there!

Accessory Concierge: Donating 20% of the proceeds from the sale of the “Tough as Nails” necklace or the “Fight Like A Girl” or “Here Comes A Fighter” Cuff.

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Ann Taylor: Donating 50% of the purchase price of the Strength, Love, and Hope Bracelets.

Ann Taylor BCRF Bracelets high res

Chicago Premium Outlets: Between 10/1-10/31, if you donate $10 to Susan G. Komen for the cure, you will receive a 25% off coupon that you can use on any one item. They are also providing free shuttle service on Saturdays and Sundays from Chicago with code: PINK. You need to reserve the shuttle 24 hours in advance, by calling 312 361-4111 or online at premium outlets.com/chicago.

LVX Nail Polish: ALL proceeds from the sale of “Lolli” will be donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. I love this shade of pink – it is the perfect pretty pink.

Think Pink:

This Thursday, I plan to attend The Think Pink fundraiser at the Four Seasons Hotel in Chicago. They will have a Nicole Miller runway show styled by one of my favorite bloggers and personal friend Janet Lee Mandell of the blog Fashionaholic. The proceeds will benefit The Lynn Sage Foundation.

Prior to the event, the goal is to raise $3,000, and guests who donate $50 and up will get front row seats for the show. You can donate here.

More details about the event:


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Last week we took a quick trip to escape the snow for some sunshine in Key Largo, Florida☀️ We spent every moment possible outside, Tom and Adam got their Scuba Diver PADI certification (yay!) while Sophia and I spent our days either swimming or drawing marine life and landscapes. This was my first trip after my sister passed last November, and even though I look so happy here, there were so many moments I felt the grief and sadness, as if it happened just yesterday. I am still figuring out how I want to show up in this space, as I have changed so much as a person since the loss. I just don’t feel called to post some of the things I shared before. Maybe that will change someday, or maybe it will just naturally evolve into something new. I think I will take this year to just process it all. (Even the idea of taking an entire year to think through something is a huge shift for my usually hyperactive type A personality) My focus at the moment is just living in the moment with my family and friends, spending time doing things that make me happy and healthy. I hope to share some of that journey here with you ~ thanks for following along ❤️
I had planned to shoot this outfit in collaboration with @lenacoutureofficial right before my dear sister passed away. Saba, the designer, was more than understanding if I didn’t want to anymore - but after thinking on it for a while I decided I wanted to - in my sister’s honor 💗 She was always my biggest hype woman. When i would feel like I’m not good enough or that I should quit (which was often) she would tell me I was unique and great and to keep it up. When I think of my sister, beauty and love is all that she embodied in her being. She expressed that on the outside also - as she loved to wear everything glam, bright & colorful, and full of bling. Hair done, nails done, everything did - that was Nusrat. For this shoot I took the time to get glam after a long hiatus - and makeup and hair took so long because I think I forgot how to do it, but afterwards I was surprised how I felt transformed. When I wore this gorgeous outfit that I know was designed with such love and incredible attention to detail by @lenacoutureofficial, I felt all of that beauty - like a walking piece of art, and very much at peace. Thank you so much to @divmophoto for capturing the feeling so well 💕
Ski weekend with my favorites ❄️❄️ So proud of Sophia for skiing on her own for the first time!
There are some trees with seeds that only grow after a fire. Their seeds are completely sealed with a resin that have to be physically melted off by a great fire in order to propagate. So to do we as humans, gain wisdom only after great pain and suffering.*
A month ago (and one day) I lost my sister and best friend to cancer. I am still completely gutted and broken. But, I’m also so so grateful to have had felt the love that now brings me so much heartbreak. ❤️ I am so inspired by her - and I will forever live my life to honor her memory. Miss you sis ❤️
Classic outfit combo: oversized blazer + denim 🖤fendi mules @shoeslutz
Just a mom who loves mums 🌸 🪴
Cozy for a coffee date ☕️
French. Toast. Egg. Bake. Save this recipe for a weekend or holiday brunch - it’s SO good and fool-proof! I’m not even a sweet person and I love it. The pecans are a non-negotiable IMO - I get honey bourbon vanilla pecans for this and it is just heavenly. Enjoy!