Boobies for Breast Cancer Awareness

I know I've said it before, but I'll remind you again...October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Many of us know someone whose life has been changed by breast cancer, it could even be ourselves.

In my case, it was my maternal grandmother. I can remember, as a young girl, asking about the fake boobie she always put in her bra. She was very open about it, and would answer all my questions in terms a young person could understand. This was way back in the day, as a society we weren't as medically advanced. She was almost 80 years old, so implants weren't her thing. It definitely made an impression on me.

Be sure to do your monthly self exams, and if you're of age, PLEASE get a mammogram! They suck, just like going to the gyno, but are a necessary evil. Ok, I'm done sounding like your momma, now for the juicy part of the post.....

Recently, a great kindness was extended to me in my time of temporary insanity, so in turn, I'm paying it forward. I have three sets of boobie earrings and a pendant listed in my Etsy shop.

100% of the proceeds from sales of these four items will go to the Susan G. Komen Foundation for breast cancer research.

In the coming days, I'll be showcasing some items from my fellow Etsyians that support breast cancer research, so if you know of any that just outright rock your socks, please share! :)

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Now I'm off to finish loading up the camper for our weekend in Asheboro. I have a show there this weekend. If you're in the area, please stop by downtown Asheboro and say hi! I'd be glad to meet you! The show is October 4th and 5th. Have a great weekend everyone!

Pink Sugar Type ~ October's Scent of the Month

I thought long and hard about this month's Scent of the Month. Part of me wanted to honor the coming of fall with something pumpkiny and warm, but it's October, and that means there's more important things to notice this month....it's Breast Cancer Awareness Month! Most of us know someone whose life has been changed by breast cancer, it could even be ourselves, so I have chosen Pink Sugar Type as the Scent of the Month. Not only do you receive 20% off of this scent for the month, but I will donate 10% of the regular price of each candle sale to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

So head over to my shop to pick up your Pink Sugar Type candle and support breast cancer awareness! Both the 8 Ounce and the 16 Ounce are 20% off this month, so stock up now!

Tuesday Spotlight: LonesomeRoadStudio

I've cultivated several special friendships since joining Etsy, and I'd like to introduce you to some of my artist friends! Today, I'd like you to meet Angie at LonesomeRoadstudio! The first thing that drew me into Angie's shop, was her unique style. Her pendants just jumped right off the page and screamed "Get in here and LOOK AT ME!!" Up above, I've showcased a picture of her very first ACEO (Hopefully of many more!), entitled Lasiren Blue.

Also very notable are her Breast Cancer works of art! She donates 10% of the price to the Susan G. Komen foundation.

So without further ado, since I'm not a master journalist, I asked Angie to tell me a little bit about her, and here's what she had to say....

I really just love to draw, and incorporate my artwork into functional items like jewelry and other accessories, altered clothing, gifts, home decor, etc. I primarily use markers (mainly Sharpies) but every once in a while some colored pencil slips in. As I expand what I do, I will also be incorporating more fibers and beads. I also hope to learn more about PMC and fractals and integrate those elements in some way.

I love vintage Peter Max posters and retro tattoo artwork but I'm also inspired by images from nature. I also love Mexican Day of the Dead, vintage Halloween art and cheesy old movie poster art, and I have a real thing for mermaids and Bettie Page as well.

I love cooking and want to design a line of kitchen accessories (towels, potholders, magnets, etc.) and create mini-cookbooks with my illustrations.

I'm a member of the Etsy Honeybee Helpers team and the upcoming new Illustration team and I've also recently joined Illustration Friday.

I live on a gravel road outside of a prison town (heh heh, that always impresses people) about an hour SW of Chicago, with hubby and two cats.

If you're ever in the area of Oswego, Illinois, you can stop by Imagine on Main and see some of her artworks first hand!

And since she loves cooking and creating fun and funky kitchen accessories, I asked her to share one of her most favorite recipes, so without further ado, here it is!!

"Da Best" Chicago-style Italian Beef
1 (5 lb) rump roast (please don't use chuck roast, too stringy and greasy)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon coarse-grind black pepper

"Da Gravy"
2 cups boiling water
2 beef bouillon cubes
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon coarse-grind black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
8 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
salt to taste

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
Sprinkle the roast with garlic powder, oregano and pepper, then cook roast, uncovered, in a shallow roasting pan, about 30 minutes per pound.
Roast will be very rare-- don't overcook it!
Let cool slightly, then thinly slice.
Add to the roast's pan drippings: the boiling water, bouillon cubes, oregano, thyme, pepper, Tabasco sauce, garlic and Worcestershire sauce.
Simmer for 20 minutes, scraping up the browned bits.
Taste for salt and add some if you wish.
Add the sliced beef; cover and marinate in da gravy overnight.
Reheat the next day and serve in crusty Italian sandwich rolls.

So stop by and check out Angie's shop! With her wide variety of awesomeness, you're sure to find something you want to take home, or give as a gift.