Giving Tuesday

Giving Tuesday is the Tuesday following Thanksgiving and was introduced in 2012 to encourage charitable contributions during a time of much spending and consumerism in the United States.

It has since become a global effort and continues to grow each year.

The idea is not just about sending money to a charity, it is about giving time, sharing kindness, spreading the word about good causes.

Here are some charities or ethical companies I would like to share with you to support:

Habitat for Humanity

Red Panda Network

NAMI – National Alliance of Mental Illness

International Sanctuary  and Purpose Jewelry

SheHeroes

Childhelp

American Red Cross

Humane Society

Any local shelter in your area.

This post was not something I took the time to plan well, but prefer posting something imperfect in hopes of reaching at least a few people, rather than not trying at all. There are so many I would add that I am not thinking of right now.

Go give some good today! Whether it’s dropping your change in the red kettle in front of the grocery store, taking some old clothes to the thrift store, handing a blanket or food to a person on the streets. And if you can donate to an organization today the receives matching funds, that would be really great!

Add your favorite charities in the comments to help spread the word!

 

What to do with extra party food?

I got this cool trick while attending a good friend’s bridal shower a few years ago.

The hostess offered us all to take home food because like any good host there was more than enough. And you know how some groups don’t eat as much? All that lively conversation keeping our mouths occupied. The food was delicious, but we had barely put a dent in it! Everyone’s politely declining until she points out the empty take out containers. Suddenly the idea of taking home leftovers seemed much more acceptable! If my memory is correct, she had like Chinese food boxes. You know the upright white cardboard with little metal handles.

Well I thought it was brilliant so I now keep a giant stack of paper take out containers so my guests can have something to tote home from our many gatherings!

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It’s so nice, especially when you have generous friends like I do who also bring more treats to any gathering. If I don’t send home leftovers after a party I sometimes end up with no room left to store everything. And it really works. People know you mean it when you ask if they would like to take some home if you also have a container for them. No one has to worry about returning a Tupperware and I feel ok about the fact that it’s paper and will break down naturally over time. Yay!

With the holiday party season upon us, I wanted to share this idea. It’s one of my favorite party tips. Take some with you, or have some available if you are hosting Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, Christmas, Ugly Sweater, New Years or ANY party this holiday season!

Enjoy!

P.S. Please enjoy all celebrations responsibly. Get a Ride if you are going to partake in libations. Keep the fun, fun and make sure everyone is still safely around for the next get together!