This morning I went to the Levine Cancer Institute for a blood test and a session with a genetic counselor. In two weeks I'll know if I tested positive for a BRCA2 mutation.

I've had several people ask me how I'm holding up; how I feel about getting the genetic testing, and I have to be totally honest even if it sounds ridiculously optimistic--I've been looking forward to this, and I'm almost excited to hear how the blood work comes back. My counselor said something to me this morning that had already been on my mind for a while: knowing that you're BRCA positive doesn't mean anything except that you're more well-informed about your health.

For as long as I can remember, I have been deathly afraid of needles. The past few times I've had blood work done, I've walked so slowly and carefully that you'd think I was on my way to an electric chair. I usually have to lie down, and I toss and turn a few nights before, losing sleep over the anticipation of a simple couple of seconds. This time, however, I just didn't worry about it. I feel fortunate to have the access to a test that can give me potentially life-saving information. (Watching my mom recover from major surgery certainly helped me gain some perspective.)

So if my test comes back negative, I'll continue along with the same risk that most other women have. And if it's positive, we'll just go from there. But we'll know, and that's really something.

“For any woman reading this, I hope it helps you to know you have options. I want to encourage every woman, especially if you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, to seek out the information and medical experts who can help you through this aspect of your life, and to make your own informed choices...

I choose not to keep my story private because there are many women who do not know that they might be living under the shadow of cancer. It is my hope that they, too, will be able to get gene tested, and that if they have a high risk they, too, will know that they have strong options.

Life comes with many challenges. The ones that should not scare us are the ones we can take on and take control of.”

— Angelina Jolie, "My Medical Choice"

There's just something about white and grey (and black, not pictured this time) that makes me feel like myself. I don't always do it but I also love the little bright pop of color in shoe form. Also, a PSA to anyone who's ever lost an expensive pair of sunglasses and felt bad about it: these ones were six bucks and I'm still wearing them over a year later.

Skirt: J.Crew | Shirt: Everlane | Shoes (similar here and here): J.Crew

Sunglasses (similar): Forever21 | Bracelet (similar) and Earrings: old | Necklace: PRIMP

Photos by Andi Perullo for Freckled Italian.

It's that time of year again! I know, I know, Halloween isn't even here yet and I've already ordered this year's holiday cards, but sometimes I just can't help myself. My friend Sarah took some photos of me, Rob, and Ender the other day so I was super excited to design and order them. 

As usual, there are lots of unique designs on Minted right now, but a lot of them are less traditional (think bright colors, bold fonts, and less red and green). I had a really hard time choosing between this one, this one, and this one, but finally landed on the Painted Prism design (I can never resist the gold foil).

It's been such a pleasure working with Minted for the past few years, and I hope you've enjoyed our partnership as well. They've been generous enough to offer one lucky Freckled Italian reader $150 to spend at Minted! They have so much more than just holiday cards--from wedding invitations to party decorations to home decor and art. Enter below, and good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This post is brought to you in partnership with Minted.