Thursday, November 9, 2017

Goodbye, Mom.

I'm sure many of you already know this, but my beautiful, amazing mama passed away very suddenly and very unexpectedly the night of October 24. Everyone who knew her, even for if just a little while knows how amazing she is. Was. Speaking about her in the past tense is something I will never get used to. My mom's cause of death (as we currently know it) was a pulmonary embolism. The pulmonary embolism was caused by blood clots on her lungs (which were originally mistaken and misdiagnosed as pneumonia) and the blood clots were caused by pancreatic cancer. We had no idea she had cancer again. She just had her quarterly checkup and scan not long ago, and nothing was found. (Since having uterine cancer almost five years ago she's had quarterly scans.) Pancreatic cancer is the same fucking awful disease that stole my Auntie Linda and my Father-in-Law, Tom. This was all found out via autopsy, which I am so grateful we chose to do. We were told by the coroner that if this didn't kill her at best she would have had another two months. Those would have been two months of a rapid decline and suffering. None of which we would have wanted for our mom. As horrific and shocking, and completely devastating as her sudden loss is, I know she was spared two terrible months, and in turn, we were spared. Her death would have been terrible at any point, even if she lived to 150. My mom was the greatest person in the world.

My family and I are all trying hard to get back to some sense of normalcy. Or at least what our new normal will people. Fact of the matter is, there is an enormous hole in each of our hearts that will never be replaced. It sucks. It hurts.

This is so raw, and I know it will be for a long, long while. We are all in a deep hole of sadness, and your prayers are appreciated.


Monday, October 23, 2017

BCA 2017 Products

It's no surprise that I love shopping. I'm also a big fan of products that give back, which is why I like to highlight products that give money to various breast cancer charities in the month of October. I lost my Auntie Joy to breast cancer. It's a beast. Many products and companies are guilty of "pink washing" - slapping a pink ribbon on something, but not donating any of their proceeds. These products ACTUALLY give back.

Elemis SUPER SIZED Marine Cream. This beautifully packaged cream retails for $160, but is worth $256. My mom has been using it, and has already seen an improvement in overall moisture and skin texture. Proceeds from this purchase will benefit The Pink Agenda, a not-for-profit organization committed to raising money for breast cancer research and care, as well as awareness of the disease. 

This adorable rose gold compass necklace by Modern Citizen. October, $10 from each Going Places Necklace will be donated to Bright Pink.
OneHope California Chardonnay in a limited edition pink glitter bottle, with coasters. I have had this chardonnay and it is fantastic!! And how pretty is it in that bottle?! ONEHOPE works with Gateway for Cancer Research, and every two bottles sold funds a clinical trial for a woman with breast cancer. 


During October 2017, Tory Burch will donate 20% from select products to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, up to a maximum of $35,000. If you're going to treat yourself, now is the time!


Le Metier de Beaute Breast Cancer Kaleidoscope. 30% of total sales will be donated to various breast cancer charities within the US.
The Pink Peony illuminating set with brush. Bobbi Brown is one of my favorite lines, and this little set is at the top of my wishlist right now! For every purchase of the set, $11 will be donated to the BCRF
The Pink Print Canvas Tote from Land's End is something I own (I have their BCA bag from a few years back) and it has been put through the wringer, and still looks beautiful! This bag is super sturdy, and better yet anywhere between 15% and 25% of proceeds going to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. If you choose to get it monogrammed $4.50 of the $6 fee will also be donated! 
The season of giving is right around the corner, so whether you plan on doing some giving to yourself, or others, why not shop for a cause? ;)
 

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