How would you spend $20?

Hi all!

It's giveaway time again!!! This time I am giving away a $20 gift certificate good towards anything in my online shop.

To enter, simply leave a recommendation of my wares on my Facebook fanpage. (under the recommendations section on the right column) and Bam!! You are entered!

Contest starts today and ends 4/12/13. The winner will be chosen by using a random number generator, then contacted through Facebook. 

*only one entry per person please

*gift certificate not redeemable for cash

*winner must use the full amount in one transaction

Good luck!! 

Click here to find my Facebook fanpage

Autism Awareness Month

Autism has been in the forefront of the news for the past decade or so. This disorder is defined as a complex disorders of brain development.

www.cdc.gov

The facts: 

* 1 in 88 children in the US are diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD 

* ASD's are five times more likely to be diagnosed in boy than girl 

* ASD's are found in all racial ethnic and socioeconomic groups all over the world

Add caption

What can we do? 

There are many organizations out there that help raise awareness and funds for research. For the month of April, I have teamed up with a friend of mine, Geri Piccola McNiece to help spread the word on autism. 

She owns a business called aRoundJoy. Her mission is to provide a physical and emotional wellness experience through the joy of hula hooping and she holds many fund raisers throughout the year for autism. 

Geri's connection to autism stems from her life of struggles and triumphs with her son Kyle, who was diagnosed at just 3 years old. (read more about her story here) 

So for the month of April, I will be offering this very special autism awareness cuff for $35 and a portion of each sale will go to aRoundJoy and their efforts to spread awareness. 

This cuff is made from 95% recycled materials. The image of the puzzle piece was hand cut out of a flattened silver plated spoon and riveted to a leather band. Have no fear! No animals were harmed in the making of these cuffs, they are made from recycled belts. A heavy duty snap serves as the closure. 

To purchase your own autism awareness cuff, visit my web site through this link: http://www.sunshynesilverwear.com/product/autism-awareness

To find out more about aRoundJoy visit their: 

Website

Facebook Fanpage 

Twitter

The Creative Process In Action

The idea of making "friendship pendants" has been floating around in my head for quite some time. A few days ago I sat down in my studio to bring them to life.

This was draft #1 that I posted on Facebook and got many great suggestions and constructive criticisms.

Ok Erika, maybe it DOES look like two fetuses hugging

So on to the second take. I got a lot of positive feedback from a suggestion to make Mother/Daughter pendants so with that in mind, I made this...

It's perfect because the smaller heart comes from the center of the larger heart. Very Mother/Daughter symbolic. So I posted this up on my Facebook page and got a TON of positive feedback and interest in this product so I set out to make them real wearable pieces. 

I added holes for the bails

Then soldered bails onto the pieces. 

Polished them up to a gleaming shine.

And voila!! The "always in my heart" Mother/ Daughter duo was born. 

I could not have done it without all of the great suggestions of my Facebook fans, so THANK YOU for your help in making the duo come alive. 

Visit www.sunshynesailverwear.com to get your "always in my heart" duo for only $40. 

p.s. I have been coming up with some more wonderful "friendship" style pendants in the last few days. Keep a look-out here and on my Facebook page to get the first look!

Beyond The Recycling Bin: A Sunshyne Silverwear Giveaway!

As most of you know, all of the wearable creations I make have an element of recycling.  I absolutely LOVE when an artist makes something beautiful out of something that might have ended up in a landfill. As a society I believe we need to do a lot more of that. 

Test Tube Chandelier by Pani Jurek

As a way to spread knowledge about the many marvelous things that can be created from recycled, upcycled and reused materials I am doing a special giveaway where you can enter to win a

$25 Sunshyne Silverwear gift certificate!

To enter, go to my Facebook Fanpage  and find the giveaway post pinned to the top of my page. 

In the comments of the post, paste a link to ANY item that has a recycling element to it. Then "like" the comment that you believe is the most original submission. (sorry, you can't "like" your own submission) 

Every "like" you get from others on your submission is another entry for you! So don't forget to share with your friends and ask them to vote! 

To get you started, here are a few wonderful Facebook pages that share an array of extraordinary products and artwork made with reclaimed ingredients. 

Eco-artware.com

Recyclart

Custom Made.com

Here are just a few of the curiosities you will find from the links above...

Sculptured animals made from shattered glass

Night-lights made from vintage cameras 

Garden Alligators made from recycled used tires.

So go ahead and explore the marvels of modern recycling! 

An Ode To Valentine's Day Past

My sister and I were joking earlier on Facebook. She  was asking why does a guy have to wait for Valentines Day to be romantic and how she would like to be surprised with flowers randomly throughout the year.  I responded with:

Obviously Valentine's Day is no longer a whimsical time of the year for me, plus I am a pretty practical person, but there is someone who used to make Valentine's Day very special for me, and to this day, there has been no one who has made me feel more loved...

When I was a child, my mother used to surprise my sister and I with a little Valentine's Day gift every year.  We would wake up and run downstairs to find our annual goodies. There on the kitchen table would be a little box of chocolates (in the shape of a heart of course) and a card wrapped up in a pink or red envelope. "Happy Valentine's Day, Love, Mom" It would read. It was a small gesture, but it meant so much to us.

Mom always had many ways of letting us know we were special and that we were loved. Our V day present is just one of countless memories colored by love and gratitude. 

So I guess the moral of the story is this,  for me, it doesn't take a dozen roses and an expensive dinner to make a life long impression on me. Just a little thoughtfulness mixed with love goes a long way. 

What are your favorite Valentine's Day pasts? Do you or your family have a special V Day tradition? 

A Fraction Of My Two Minutes Of Fame

Ok, well maybe I didn't make it to the news, but one of my pendants did!!

While vending Fairport Canal Days last year, I remember this woman tell me all about her ice cream shop, Moonlight Creamery, and how one of my pendants fit right in with the theme of her biz. I'm sure the fact that it's made from a spoon didn't hurt either!

Check out "Moondance" around the 29 second mark.

FYI, your computer speakers are not broken, the audio 

on this clip leaves much to be desired. 

Just for fun, here is a link to the first time my wares were highlighted on the local news back in 2010. Click here to watch me make a fool of myself at the 1:19 minute mark. 

Have you ever been on the local news? What was it for?! Were you happy with what was shown? 

How To Be A Cheap Date

I will be this first to admit, I am a thrifty person. But this time of year, my "off" season, it is even more important to pinch those pennies. You see, I do arts and crafts shows for a living and between January and April, they are few and far between.
So this is a tutorial on how to have a great night out with your significant other for around $20.

Movies 10 was the best thing to ever happen to the budgeted night out. And on Tuesdays, your admittance is a mere $1. Craig and I went and saw Cloud Atlas. (it was a pretty decent movie, but in my opinion, one that you have to see many times in order to get from it all that it has to give. Oh, and you need the attention span of a Saint, let your mind wander for even a moment and you will miss something) But for just a dollar, we were entertained for about three hours!

our Movies 10 in Henrietta,NY 

After a three hour movie, you know we are famished. So we head out for some Indian food.

It's a little known fact, that at most buffets, you can get take-out by paying by the pound. Tandoor of India  is one of our faves and is located right in Henrietta. (Less than 2 miles from the theater) And it just so happens that on Tuesday nights they have a dinner buffet. 

The picture below is one of three large buffet tables filled with the most scrumptious Indian food. You know as well as I do, that when you eat at a buffet, because you want to try at least one helping of everything, you end up feeling like you should be rolled out of the joint, or possibly fork lifted for that matter. Craig and I get the best of three worlds when we fill a to-go container instead of sitting down to eat.  We get to sample a little of everything, we don't get uncomfortably full because of the unlimited food, and we pay a lot less. 

I'm getting hungry just looking at their spread! 

To sit down at Tandoor and enjoy the buffet costs about $12 per person. "To go" costs $5.99/pound. We ended up spending only $11 on almost 2 pounds of food! Now our total for "Date Night" has come to $13 so far. 

I admit, I prepared for our outing with the intention of spending as little as possible, so I brought a can of soda from home to enjoy with our dinner. We ate a lovely dinner in the car while listening to our favorite tunes and having nice conversation. Normally we might have driven home and eaten our dinner in front of the TV, but Date Night was not over yet, we had $7 to burn!! 

So after dinner, we decided to take a stroll around the plaza. It just so happens that this particular plaza has three different thrift shops in it. So we spent about an hour walking to each one and looking for treasures. 

always on the lookout for spoons

I found some spoons and a new pair of jeans. Craig also found a nice pair of pants. Bringing our Date Night total to just a little over $20.

So, if you put your mind to it, you and your date can go see a blockbuster movie, eat a gourmet meal and buy whole new outfits  for just over $20. 

Do you have a thrifty tips to contribute? Feel free to comment below and share them with us!

This non-breeder

I'm a 33 year old woman who has been in a stable relationship with the love of her life for close to seven years. What's missing from that sentence? Kids. My boyfriend and I have talked it over numerous times and we both agree that it is just not our cup of tea.

Why?

There are many reasons why. But for me, I think that it's because I'm too selfish. I can't imaging giving up any part the life I worked so hard for, in order to raise a child. I am super happy in my life, and isn't that what it's all about? I feel like I have already won, why complicate things.

My handsome nephew Landon

I have heard many people tell me that I wont know true love until the moment a child is born to me, and that may be true, but love is just the beginning, cue the hard work...for the rest of your life!  I believe that raising a child is a very complex and serious matter. Hell, I don't  want to be the one responsible for having any sort of negative impact a human being's life, let alone my own flesh and blood. (and you know most people blame the parents for one shortcoming or another) And from what I remember as being a child and what I see as my sister raises her's, it's the hardest job in the world. From diapers and tantrums to teenage rebellion and beyond. Like they say, kids are not born with an owner's manual so you are constantly having to learn to be a parent through all of the different moments of their life. I'm not sure I will ever be up to the task.

And don't get me started on the paranoia I would have of my child getting hurt or sick in any way. I would definitely be one of those moms with their kid on a leash.

Yeah, I know it looks ridiculous. (P.S. the original caption
on this Tumblr pic was "only white people put their
children on leashes") Kind of made me snicker. 

I'm very content being the fun Aunt. I love playing made-up games with my nephew and running around outside. There is something totally freeing about having fun with a child. You can be as silly and goofy as you want, because it only makes it more enjoyable. I love teaching him things and asking him questions. Children are so smart and amusing, and some of the things they do and say are priceless! But then I get to go home, to my sanctuary with no toys scattered about and most importantly, peace and quiet.

My other nephew Miles! (or SMiles, as we call him)

In the end, do I feel like I am missing out on incalculable life experiences? Sure, but most of you parents out there are missing out on the life of absolute freedom that I cherish. My life is just filled with a different kind of precious life experiences. 

Got an opinion on this post? Feel free to leave a comment here...and don't forget to subscribe!

Just call me The Grinch

There where a couple of incidents that happened this week, and I cant get them out of my head. I keep wondering who is the real victim inside the circumstance. Me or them?

Here is the first scenario: A few days ago, my boyfriend and I were at Aldi's grocery store on Lake Avenue. (For those of you not from the Rochester area, lets just say that you wont be finding any country clubs in this part of town.) While loading up the car we were approached by a fella in his mid to late thirties in ripped up jeans and an all around frumpy look to him. He told us that he had run out of gas and his kids were in the car. (both were nowhere no be seen) and could we please spare a dollar or two. My boyfriend, the kind person that he is, not only gave him a dollar, but also the quarter that he got from taking the cart back to the corral. As we drove away, I asked Craig why he gave the money to the stranger. He said because it was Christmas. I told him that the guy was probably going to go spend the money on crack, but it didn't matter to Craig, it was all about giving.

Brilliant creativity. 

Personally, I take more of a "no tolerance" approach to begging. In the neighborhood where I live, I come across it all of the time. I have no problem saying no to the person with the sign at the red light because odds are, they are going to spend it on something unsavory. If he/she really needed help, there are many many programs and places to go to get the help/food/warm bed that they need. 

Now, I don't want you to think that my hardness towards charity comes from nowhere. I have tried to help many a drug addict get better.  I've had many close friends and loved ones who had lost their way, and when I tried to help, I was lied to and stolen from. What I have learned over the years is that the only person that can help a drug addict is themselves, and I refuse to be a victim of their problems any longer. That goes for loved ones and strangers alike. I also find the act of begging a bit offensive itself.  I feel like there is a difference between taking a handout that has been offered and begging with a motive to guilt those into giving who may otherwise might not be in a position to give themselves. 

at least he is honest

Now, I guess that is assuming that the man was bullshitting us. And that is where my dilemma comes in.  If my assumptions were wrong, then I would feel bad, horrible in fact. And if my assumptions were right, I'd be mad that I was preyed upon, so either way I get no piece of mind. 

The second scenario just happened yesterday. I went to Rite Aid on the corner of East Ridge Road and Hudson. (again, not the best of neighborhoods) I walked in while on the phone with Craig. As I hung up, I noticed a woman standing a few feet away, staring at me. She said that she was waiting for me to hang up so she could ask me a question. She was wondering if I could spare some money so she could get some orange juice and feminine pads. According to her, she was a few dollars short. I just told her that I had no cash, I was paying with a credit card, sorry. So she walked away. 

I just felt like this woman saw a clean cut, young chick come in while talking on a cell phone, she must have money. I couldn't help but think that she thought I was an easy target, especially this time of the year. 

Am I the totally crazy and should just lighten up? Should I even care what the money is being spent on and just give and be on my way? Am I truly the Grinch who left a poor man's children freezing in a car and a woman malnourished and hemorrhaging in the street? I honestly don't know and probably never will...

Maybe love will keep her alive

Last Sunday, my 11 year old pit bull Lola was acting strange after her walk. After lying in her cage alone and not even taking lunch meat that I dangled in front of her face, I knew for sure that something was majorly wrong. That night I couldn't sleep. I stayed up and watched over her all night. I even crawled into her living room sleep spot and cuddled with her for hours.

Lola is 2008

The next morning I called the vet as soon as they opened. Craig and I  drove her down there a moment later.   They took Lola in for tests right away, and after a long wait, the vet finally came back with x-ray results.  Not good news. Lola has an extremely large lump in her abdomen. From the x-rays, he couldn't tell us what it was or what it was attached to, so they recommended going to the veterinary specialists in Henrietta,NY.  Through blurry, stinging eyes, we drover her across town to the specialists office where we had to leave her all day until they could squeeze her in for an ultrasound. Four grueling hours later, they had us come back in for a consult and to tell us some more bad news. It's a tumor, attached to the worst possible place, her adrenal gland. Where it is pressing down on her bladder and colon and excreting a fluid that might be blood. Also, in a matter of 2 days, her red blood cell count dropped 10%. (I had the vet do blood work a few days before this incident because out of nowhere Lola was making "accidents" all over the house...now I know why) According to the surgeon, there would be a 8% mortality rate if we should decide to take out the tumor, which sounds great until you hear what the bill would be...$10,000. yeah, that's right 10 GRAND.

Beautiful hike with my girls

I love my dog very much, I would consider her nothing less than part of the family. I have had her since I first became an adult. She's been with me through thick and thin. Always by my side and forever happy to see me. I watched her be born, she is my soul dog, I couldn't just give up on her. especially because of money, but lord knows, I don't have 10 large laying around the house. So that's when I really lost it.

this is how I fall asleep every night

I thought that was the end, until the vet suggested that we go to Cornell University to have the surgery done because it would cost less. I asked her to call and get a quote. They came back with a $3-$5,000 estimate, I said book the appointment.

So we drove to Cornell, got there around 9pm. Dropped off Lola and drove another 45 min to our friend's house in Binghamton to spend the night.

another summer hike in Durand Park 

In the morning, I was full of hope, until I got a call from Cornell at 10am. They told me that the surgery is much more complex than first thought. There were a lot of complications to take into consideration and with a dog of her age and a tumor of that size, being optimistic there was a 45% chance she would make it through surgery, and even less of a chance she would make it the first 24 hours after surgery. She also told me that the last 2 dogs that had this surgery had passed away within 24 hours of the surgery. There was NO WAY I wanted to take the chance of Lola dying in some cold room surrounded by unfamiliar people in a strange place. She was coming home with me.

Lola and her favorite dolly

So with all hope lost, we drove back to Cornell to take Lola home. I was beyond pissed that none of the vets I spoke with in the last 24 hours were even remotely honest with me. (and it took over $1200 just to get to this point) I felt as though I had lost a whole day of being with my dog because they all gave me hope that surgery was the answer. Her first day home, she wasn't eating or drinking at all. We invited Craig's parents over to say their goodbyes. I cancelled the arts and craft show I had for Friday and Saturday and I loved and cuddled with her all night long. And in the morning....

She had somehow reverted to the dog she was two weeks ago! Eating, drinking, alert and even asking to go for walks! It seriously has been a miracle that she is able to have some sort of a quality of life. We took it really easy with her the few days after coming home from Cornell but yesterday we took her on a short walk and she was just fine. Not even one accident in the house. Weird, but welcome. I know in the back of my mind what the facts are, but until she is showing signs of discomfort I'm going to treat her as I always did. She deserves the best out of life that I can give her because for over a decade she has been the best part of my life.