Support Local during Social Distancing!

Hi Dolls,

As a moderate extrovert, who enjoys giving and receiving hugs, international travel, weekend brunch, and social gatherings with friends, I never would have imagined I’d be forced to practice “Social Distancing” in my lifetime. I never thought I’d experience a pandemic in my lifetime either. It’s funny because I’m a science teacher and talk about viruses, epidemics, and pandemics of the past, often. I enjoy movies like Contagion and World War Z yet still, never thought I’d experience anything remotely close to it. Perfect example of “It’ll never happen to us!” Well…never say never! I am truly grateful that my loved ones (and myself) are healthy and safe and that I currently have job security and enough resources to sustain comfort, but I know many can’t say the same. Now, more than ever, is a time to support local businesses!

As a food blogger and avid supporter of local restaurants and small businesses, I am truly sad to see the impact this situation is having on them. It is heartbreaking to think that some of my favorite local restaurants may not be able to keep their doors open once this is all over with. I will continue to do my best to support local businesses in their time of need as many of them have been instrumental throughout my journey as a local food blogger! I like to think of myself as an optimist and pray that this will come to an end soon and in the meantime encourage everyone reading this to take a moment to breathe and be grateful, first and foremost, for this day you were able to wake up to. Here are a few suggestions to help pass the time: Take long, brisk walks, FaceTime with frends and loved ones, pick up old hobbies, join the virtual dance parties (click here), cook a meal as a family, try new recipes, or support your local restaurants and small businesses by making The Great American Takeout Day everyday! You can place orders to-go or purchase gift cards you can use with them later. You can also gift those gift cards to cashiers, first responders, and healthcare providers who are working around the clock to keep us safe and with food and everyday necessities!

A few blogger buddies and I did a “Social Distancing” shoot a couple weeks back when we found out we couldn’t go to The Players (insert sad & pouty face here). We were all disappointed but definitely understood it was for everyone’s health and protection! We decided to do this as a fun way to show examples of what you can do for yourselves and for your communities during this unprecedented time!

SIDENOTE: We were at least 6 feet away from each other the entire time! 😉

Of course, a lot, if not all, of these things you already know but it never hurts to read it again! 😉

Order To-Go & Support Local!

Let’s do our part in keeping our amazing local restaurants and franchises in business! They need us more than ever right now! If you can, order to-go or place pick-up orders at least once a week to help keep them afloat! No matter how big or small the order may be.

A lot of restaurants are offering curbside pick-ups! If you are unsure, simply call them or check their social media before heading out, to find out what they are doing to serve their customers during this time!

Shop Small Online!

I’m pretty sure we’re on our computers more than ever now! A lot of our favorite small businesses are online as well so even if their doors are closed temporarily, you can still support them by shopping via their websites! Two of my favorites are Pretty Pieces and An Unlikely Pear! Check them out and thank me later! 😉

Of course while buying take-out and shopping online, try to make sure that you support local businesses first! Let’s help keep our communities strong and flourishing!

Sanitize and Be Kind!

It’s interesting that our stores are constantly running out of Clorox wipes and hand sanitizer (and don’t even get me started on the toilet paper :/). It makes me wonder, what on Earth were people doing before?!?! Anywho, sanitize, sanitize, sanitize! A helpful tip for when you have to be outdoors, put your cell phone in a small ziploc bag and when you get back home take it out, throw out the baggie, and sanitize your phone. Make sure to let the sanitizer dry on its own. Be kind! It doesn’t cost you a thing! We are all going through this together and don’t need the added stress of someone being rude and obnoxious!

Wash Yo’ Hands!

Last, but not least, please, please, please, WASH YOUR HANDS for goodness sake! Be cognizant of keeping your hands off of your face, out of your mouth, and away from your eyes.

These are unprecedented times for sure and though we can’t quite see the light at the end of the tunnel just yet, we are ALL in this together so let’s come together and get through this together! And unless you are heading to work or to get food and necessities, please STAY HOME so we can contain this virus and make it go away as soon as possible! Stay safe everyone and continue to support local businesses!

And as always, thank you for stopping by!

XOXO