Everybody Vs. Cancer

I'm going to get serious for a minute (if you follow me on Instagram, you probably already know why).

This past week has been extremely emotional and difficult for me. Two weeks ago I began experiencing constant pressure in my chest and shortness of breath. All too familiar symptoms. Cancer symptoms.

On Monday, I met with my radiologist to discuss a possible relapse. On Tuesday. I got poked and prodded and scanned. On Wednesday, I waited. I waited the longest 22 hours and 52 minutes of my life. I waited as each passing second felt like an eternity. As anyone who has had cancer and has then relapsed from cancer can attest, every single second feels like a torturous lifetime.

I was lucky. After spending my time in limbo panicking (because getting cancer for the third time in as many years does not typically yield positive outcomes) and attempting to not completely lose it, my scans came back clean. Three days before my 3rd year of clean scans.

So on October 3rd, I took a deep breath and celebrated making it to 3 years.

I'm not totally in the clear yet (medically, I'm not "cancer free" until year 5). Because of previous cancer treatments, I am still dealing with health issues every day. My thyroid remains out of control. My body doesn't properly absorb nutrients, meaning I am severely deficient in most of my vitamins regardless of how  much green juice I consume. My digestive system is in full on dysfunction mode. The pressure in my chest still needs to be addressed.

But all of that? I can deal with. Because all of that? Is not fucking cancer.

Life is crazy and unpredictable, so take a moment and appreciate it. And I promise on Wednesday, I'll be back to our regularly scheduled program, appreciating clothing and shoes and accessories.

tee: detroit vs. everybody

skirt: zara (similar here)

shoes: zara (similar here)

clutch: clare v. via willys detroit

Break

Sometimes we all just need a break. For me, that time is now.

I know I just announced some new changes to the blog and built up all kinds of excitement, but sometimes in life, the unexpected happens and you just need to hit the pause button. Sometimes you need to take a break and focus on life outside of your computer screen.

Sometimes life screams at you gently reminds you to spend less time stressing about deadlines and emails and money and spend more time living. To spend more time with friends and family. More time reflecting. More time breathing.

Last week my uncle Dan lost his battle with cancer. He was a fighter who kept his wit, humor, and compassion until the very end. This past week has been one of tears and sadness over his death and love and laughter over his life. We ended the week with a “MAJOR party” (per his wishes) celebrating the incredible way he lived. Every single day he lived with optimism, joy, and humor.

As I listened to countless stories and looked through hundreds of photos, I was reminded by Dan to really enjoy life. We all struggle. We all have shit happen to us. But it’s how we respond to those hardships that will be remembered in the end.

So rather than giving you guys forced blog posts, where my exhaustion is evident, I’ve decided to take care of myself and I’m taking a break.

I’m getting out of town and going to focus on living. I’m going to lay in the sun, read books, hike, and make memories.

If there is one thing my uncle Dan taught me, it was to live.

So that’s what I’m going to do.

See you all in a week.

Be Grateful

Life can be tough. 

It’s in those tough moments that you are forced to evaluate what’s important. And there is no greater reminder of what and - more importantly - who really matters than the loss of someone you love.

It’s not about the newest “it” bag or having the perfect outfit. It’s about compassion and kindness and laughter. It's about graciousness and gratefulness. It’s about love.

This week, through tears and sorrow, stress and hardships, I have seen more acts of love, cooperation, and big ole belly laughs (and when all else failed, a kitchen dance party) to honor a man that viewed the world with childlike wonder. He possessed a curiosity for everything and found amusement in anything.

To a man who was always up for a story and was in the everlasting search for the next million dollar idea, I’ll miss you dearly.

Don’t wait for a reason to appreciate the moments. Life is too damn short.

Red, White, and Blueberry Smoothie

Now that summer is here in full force, I'm constantly looking for ways to stay cool. And with Fourth of July just a couple of days away, I'm celebrating the holiday with a refreshingly cool (and patriotic) smoothie.

And if you're looking to impress your friends at an Independence Day cookout this weekend, this concoction will totally do it. Healthy, delicious, and totally impressible.

Win, win, win.

Get the recipe (makes two large servings):

Blue:
1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1/4 plain greek yogurt
1 tablespoon honey (optional)

White:
1 banana (fresh or frozen)
1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
tablespoon coconut flakes
1/4 plain greek yogurt

Red:
1 cup strawberries (fresh or frozen)
1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1/2 pitted cherries (fresh or frozen)
1/4 cup plain greek yogurt

Blend each section separately, filling one third of your glass with each flavor. Depending on the amount of fresh or frozen fruit you use, you make want to add some additional ice to get the desired consistency and thickness (the more ice, the better the separation between colors). Top with extra berries or coconut flakes. Add a fun straw and enjoy!

Be Awesome

On Wednesday I had my 18 month cancer scan. As you can imagine, the anticipation, the actual scan, and the waiting for the results is a stressful situation. So I decided to give myself permission to take the day off from blogging and just BE. Instead I spent the day napping, watching terrible tv, and organizing my books. Sometimes you just need a day to organize your books.

Our regularly scheduled programming will be back on Monday. Enjoy your weekend!

{Not} Born To Run

I am not a runner. In fact, despite being incredibly active when I was younger, I am now incredibly lazy. Like too-lazy-to get-ice-cream-from-the-freezer, lazy. I blame working from home. Or maybe just getting older. But if I didn’t have a dog that needed to be walked three times a day, I’m not sure I’d leave the house at all.

So to my own surprise, in an act of extraordinary motivation, I signed up for a half marathon.

I have no idea what I was thinking.

That's not true. I was probably in my sweatpants, with a carton of ice cream in one hand and my laptop in the other, watching one too many motivational TED Talks. I was probably thinking, if that blind lady with no arms and no legs can overcome that incredible feat, I can most certainly run a measly 13 miles.

What can I say? I'm a sucker for 20 minute increments of inspiration.

What I'm not a sucker for? Running. (You can see my dilemma).

But I've committed. And with that commitment comes the responsibility to follow through. That commitment also brings cute running outfits. And let’s be real people. One of the biggest motivations for working out is the outfit. I mean, the added benefits of getting in killer shape and strengthening my heart, lungs, and muscles help too. But when I lack the impulse to get up and run, it’s the cute outfit that gives me that extra push out the door.

So for the next 14 weeks I'll be following this training plan to get my ass in shape and cross that finish line. And regardless of how long it takes, you can count on one thing: I'm going to look good doing it.

Now if someone can just make sure there's a pint of ice cream at that finish line...

Sports Bra / Fitbit / Nike shorts / Hairband / Tank Top / NIKE Running Shoes / Earbuds / Water Bottle

It's all about balance, right??

 

Lucky Green Smoothie

I have a confession: I used to be a hardcore McDonald’s addict.

Double cheeseburgers and a coke were my weakness. Every late night at the bar ended with a trip to Mickey D’s (sometimes in a cab). I even celebrated my 5th birthday party at the joint, complete with an appearance from Ronald McDonald. I was hooked. And it wasn’t just habit, it was something I was proud of.

Then I got the big C and I started to pay attention to not only what I put ON my body, but what I put IN my body. I started to learn that looking good is not just about what clothes you wear, but how you feel. For the first time in my life, I learned to cook and really love real food (not just fast “food”).

For me, the best way to feel (and look) great is starting the day with a green smoothie or green juice. It means that no matter how crappy my food choices are throughout the day, I know I’ve at least gotten in several servings of fruits and vegetables before I’ve even figured out what  to wear. 

So in honor of St. Patrick’s Day, I’m sharing with you my favorite super healthy, energizing green superfoods smoothie (to counteract all the super green beer you may or may not drink today). This is also a great “day after” cure for anyone feeling less than lucky tomorrow.

2 cups coconut water
2 large handfuls of spinach
1 banana
1/2 cup frozen mango
2 tbsp chia seeds
1 tbsp hemp seeds
1/2 tbsp bee pollen

Blend all ingredients together and enjoy!