Women today are facing so much uncertainty–about life and the future. The need to pivot is stronger than ever, but many of us feel powerless to change or simply don’t know how to take that essential first step. For Lori Allen, business owner, breast cancer survivor, and star of TLC’s Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta, these vital life lessons are the inspiration for her new book. Say Yes to What’s … What’s Next is more than just a guide for our best tomorrows, it’s the beginning of a life-makeover movement for women of all ages.
Lori Allen’s advice stems from the ups and downs of her personal life: from building one of the biggest and busiest bridal megasalons in the country to navigating her position in the sandwich generation and caring for a husband battling cancer during her breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. Lori shares her life experiences with confidence, wisdom, and her signature humor to model how today’s women–especially those of us approaching age fifty and beyond–can live out the coming years as the best of our lives.
Whether you’re feeling invisible, ignored, or like your voice doesn’t matter, or you’re simply uncertain about what’s next, Lori offers advice on what to do, what not do, and how to see your way through the unexpected.
In Say Yes to What’s Next, Lori addresses crucial issues, such as
- how to pivot, embrace the unexpected, and live out your passion
- how to practice essential self-care that enriches your mind, body, and spirit
- how to make space for yourself and your priorities while still being a caring partner, parent, and friend
- how to maintain a close circle of girlfriends at every age and stage of life
- how to take charge of your money and attain financial freedom and security
Say Yes to What’s Next is a life makeover and therapy session all in one, as Lori helps women from all walks of life shape their futures with confidence, style, and sass. This is your opportunity to get real with yourself, to give yourself the truest form of self-care by putting yourself first. Discover your potential by saying yes to what’s next.
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*Review of audio version*
I’m not usually fond of the idea of ‘self help’ or ‘advice’ books but as an avid fan of SYTTD, in all its locations, I wanted to know what Lori Allen had to share that could possibly be of use to women heading towards a ‘certain age’.
I loved that she narrated this audio book herself, it certainly helps the listener believe that the pearls of wisdom bestowed are indeed what Lori lives.
The areas where self-worth, self-care and financial literacy was highlighted were probably my favourites, alongside those of advocating the continuing of education in whatever interests individuals. As a teacher, I find this paramount in helping feelings of self-esteem and self-worth.
There were also times where there was more than one tear in my eye and this surprised me… Pleasantly so!
Lori, thank you for letting us into your life, sharing your journey through difficult times, which I don’t doubt was done with extreme grace and more than a touch of class!
I have to start by saying I love Lori Allen!
Maybe it’s because I still have 3 small children running around my home, but this book just didn’t land for me like I thought it would. I craved to see the real yet down to earth, Lori that we all love. While I think we definitely saw parts of her, I felt like the made for TV persona would drop in at the most inconvenient times. Parts of this book felt gimmicky to me.
Things I didn’t love:
How it felt like she was throwing her DIL under the bus without really saying it. Be for her, or don’t.
How she played off her faults as “Well it’s just how I am, and I’m not going to change” instead of trying to discuss becoming better for those around her (this is where I felt the gimmicky side crept in).
The fine line between self-centeredness and self-love. There were times I felt as though she promoted more of a selfishness mentality than the selfless one required of our faith.
Things I adored:
Well, Lori, of course! I listened to this book on audio, and I am SO GLAD Lori narrated it. You really got a feel for her intended prose, personality, and wit. This was part of what made the book so good.
The honesty. Lori is known for her honesty, and it was on full display here. While I felt as though she used it at the expense of others in some parts, her overall willingness to share the nitty gritty of what many are not was refreshing.
Her commitment. Whether that be to her husband, her business, or the care of her family, there is no doubt that Lori is dedicated and doesn’t believe in giving up.
THE ONE IN EIGHT CHAPTER! Ok, full disclosure, I lost my aunt to breast cancer and have spent the last 7 or so years raising thousands or breast cancer research and community programs. Breast cancer stories get me every time. That being said, the rawness with which Lori shared her breast cancer journey made this book a winner. I will buy it for others, simply for the gem that is found in that one chapter. I wish the entire book had been written about Lori’s cancer journey (and beyond) and in the vulnerable way in which she relayed it to us. THIS was the Lori I read the book to know. It was real and it was powerful.
I received this audiobook book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I loved this book!
You might be familiar with Lori Allen as the star of the hit series, “SAY YES TO THE DRESS: ATLANTA” and now she is back with this self-help, personal growth and self-esteem book called, u202aSay Yes to What’s Next: How to Age with Elegance and Class While Never Losing Your Beauty and Sass!u202c
During this pandemic when taking care of ourselves may have not been a priority, Allen shares how important self care is.
For me, I enjoyed that chapter, ‘Self Care is the New Black’ the most, since it really resonated with me. As a mother and a nurse, it is second nature to me as a caregiver to prioritize others first. My husband, my children, and my patients are my priorities and always will be. She offered sound advise on how to normalize self care in our daily routine.
Allen offers a “Girlfriends’ Guide” at the end of every chapter. It highlights and focuses on the important stuff like not putting our health on the back burner, addressing PMS (no, not that one – The Physical, Mental and Spiritual Health one), friendships, finances, the importance of giving back, and so much more.
I found the writing pleasant, easy to read, funny with great anecdotes throughout, yet never preachy. This southern belle delivered thoughtful advise that anyone at any age would relate to.
This would make for a lovely gift and this book is available now.