October in the D: Fantastic Causes & Delicious Food

By: Toni Cunningham | October 8, 2014
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Whether serious or silly, national monthly holidays help shed light on some really important (and maybe some not so important) causes. I’m sure most of us know that October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but did you know that it’s also Hispanic Heritage Month?

Read on for a compilation of this month’s national holidays, both legitimate and not so serious, that are worth celebrating.

Adopt a Shelter Dog Month

If you ask me, every month should be Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, but probably not everyone is as crazy as I am about dogs and puppies. Perhaps you’ve been considering adding a four-legged friend to your family and haven’t found the right buddy yet. Well, now is the time to get seriously looking!

From transporting food and goods to having enough room for pets and family, owning the right SUV is essential for pet owners. See the available features that make the Chevy Tahoe a pet lover's dream.

The Detroit Dog Rescue, 19500 Harper Ave., Harper Woods, and Last Day Dog Rescue, P.O. Box 51935, Livonia, are great local resources when it comes to adding a cuddly friend to your clan. Check out these little cuties dressed up in Halloween costumes just waiting to be adopted!

Anyone seriously considering adopting a shelter dog should take a peek at this handy information the ASPCA provides on the topic. Adopting a pet should be taken very seriously.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Shades of Pink Foundation is a Metro Detroit based non-profit organization that provides financial assistance to women currently going through breast cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery. Last year alone, Shades of Pink aided over 106 women in five local counties.

Throughout October, purchase a handmade soy Candle for a Cause at Green Daffodil, 624 Livernois St., Ferndale, for $12, and $5 of your purchase will be donated to Shades of Pink. Check out these other events sponsored by and benefitting Shades of Pink this month.

Exercise while supporting the cause by participating in a Michigan walk for breast cancer event this month, sponsored by the American Cancer Society. Sign up for one of the following local events:

You can even support the cause this month while simply grabbing your cup of morning coffee. Order a private roast to start your day at M-Brew, 177 Vester St., Ferndale, make a $1 donation to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, and you’ll receive a free pink ribbon cookie. At that low rate, dig a little deeper into your purse (or wallet) and you can probably supply your entire office with cookies. Speaking of cookies…

National Cookie Month

I’m not one to go against a celebration, so if I must, I’ll have a cookie this month. If you too like to follow the rules (just this once), grab a cookie (or two) from Astoria Pastry Shop.

With locations in Royal Oak and Detroit, it’s a great place to find a huge variety of cookies, including Black & White, Chocolate Walnut, Honey Cinnamon, Michigan Cherry Chocolate Chunk, Raspberry Tart, Oatmeal Raisin, Semi-Sweet Dark Chocolate Chunk and more.

The Cookie Cool Cookie Company is perfect for those who want to indulge in cookie month but don’t want to feel the guilt. These gourmet cookies include natural, organic, vegan and gluten free varieties. Try the Blueberry Swirl Cream Cheese (natural and organic), Fruit-Filled Bon Bons (no bake), Spicy Chili Cornmeal & Pepitas (natural and organic) and Vegan Bacon ‘n Maple and you won’t regret it. While the Cookie Cool Cookie Company does not have a storefront location, you can order online or via email.

National Pasta Month & National Pizza Month

Wait, National Pasta Day and National Pizza Day are not an everyday thing? And to think I’ve been celebrating in such a fashion for, well, never mind. Are you in need of some ways to help celebrate pasta or pizza in the D? Not anymore.

After you’ve paid some attention to these great causes and indulged your tastebuds, remember this very important fact: October is also National Squirrel Awareness Month, which is not to be foolishly confused with Squirrel Appreciation Day, as that takes place in January. Now is the time to make oneself aware of those bushy tailed critters that dart out in front of our cars at the least opportune times. In other words, do your best a little bit extra this month to avoid making contact while operating your motor vehicle.

While you’re at it, make sure to pay attention to the porcelain throne at home, as it’s National Toilet Tank Repair Month. This is serious business, folks. Today, Oct. 8, just so happens to be National Fluffernutter Day as well as National Bring Your Teddy Bear to Work/School Day, and wouldn’t you know it, I’ve got a peanut butter/marshmallow creme sandwich in the fridge for lunch and a plush Ted the potty-mouthed bear sitting on my lap at my desk.

The following scenario may or may not be happening, because remember, October is also National Sarcastic Awareness Month.

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