Friday, September 26, 2025

Season of Giving


Season of Giving

Today I am going to share something special to me, charity. This has is usually a busy time of the year for me as an interior decorator with the impending holidays. It’s also a time to prepare for gift giving.  Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to participate in several charitable events, a different kind of giving. 

Major changes in the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) which supports United States local, national and international charities have taken place. The CFC enabled federal employees to donate to causes around the world. I hope we will recognize and contribute  to a charity of your choice as many require funds and needs volunteers to complete their mission. 

Ways to Contribute:

Donate unused goods. Especially household items and clothing. These items will become more expensive for many with the increase in tariff. Goodwill and Salvation Army Stores use funds from their sales to further help the local communities. Hospital sponsored thrift shops are another great place to donate unused goods their funds help pay medical bills.

Food banks, family shelters and International charities like, Doctors Without Borders deliver humanitarian aide.

With the addition of  government cut grants, we are in unprecedented moments that require a unprecedented response. Visit any of these sites  to see how you can donate or  choose one close to your heart.         

Tuesday, September 2, 2025

End of Summer Family Fun 2025


End of Summer Fun and Taco Casserole

Family Fun usually involves good food and shared recipes. This is one that has been loved by most of my family and guest during our visits, unless they are avoiding cheese. There are many variations of taco casseroles but here's my version.










Ingredients
1 lb. Ground Turkey (chicken or beef)
1 Packet of Taco Seasoning
8 oz. Mexican Shredded Cheese
8 oz. Cream Cheese
8 oz. Sour Cream
1 Cup of Diced Tomato (optional)
1/2 Cup of  Sliced Jalapeno Peppers (optional)
1/2 Cup of Sliced Green Onions (optional)

Brown meat of your choice and follow seasoning packet directions. 
Soften cream cheese and blend with sour cream. Layer on bottom of a  9 x 13 oven bake dish end to end. Cover the ground meat over the cream cheese and sour cream blend end to end. Create another layer with the Mexican cheese covering end to end. The tomato, peppers and onions lay on top. I make variations with these garnishments based on who I am serving sometimes creating a small dish variation. Bake at 350 degrees until the cheese bubbles (about 30 minutes). Cool for 15 minutes and serve. There are many ways to serve it. On a Fiesta Flat, on a bed of Lettuce or just for scooping with your Tortilla chips. Regardless of how you enjoy it. It's delicious.   

View this video for our End of Summer Fun!