Ways to support local small businesses during COVID-19

Hi my Beer Lovers!

So what’s new? We are working from home, making happy hour virtual with Zoom, giving Tik Tok a try, and/or watching a series on Netflix about a woman who (probably) fed her 2nd husband to a tiger.

One piece of good news: New York liquor stores have been deemed “essential” and are still open. Hooray! Many other states have also kept the alcohol flowing such as Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, and California. Stricter states such as Pennsylvania are allowing breweries to remain open for Pick Up & Delivery options.

It appears that even through a pandemic, beer is continuing to prevail. However, the industry needs our continued support.

We can still be supporting local small businesses (if they are open or temporarily closed) during this time of uncertainty. By doing this we can help our favorite places stay in business and aiding their staff.

Here are a few ways to support businesses while being cooped up at home:

1. Giftcards
   
   Many businesses are offering digital giftcards that can be spent now or when we are finally allowed out of our homes again.
   
   Examples: Beer Street
   
   
2. Growler & Crowlers
   
   Growler and Crowler sales means higher profits for them and more beer for you! Bring your own growler or opt for one of theirs. Either way – you’ll have a good supply of quality beer and an excuse to drink it quickly.
   
   Examples: Hops Hill, Brouwerij Lane, Harlem Hops
   
   
3. Donations
   
   Venmo and GoFundMe donation pages have been set up for many businesses to support their staff. Every small donation helps – but, if you can, try to donate the amount of money you would normally spend at your favorite spots.
   
   I have personally found that Instagram is the easiest way to keep up with donation pages.
   
   Examples: Astoria Bier & Cheese, The Well Brooklyn, The Owl Farm
   
   
4. Take Out/Delivery
   
   Tons of restaurants are offering beer at discounted prices with and without the order of takeout food – but why not order a date night dinner with your beer?
   
   Examples: Keg & Lantern, Glasserie, The Meat Hook
   
   
5. Merch
   
   Support your favorite businesses by buying their merchandise. You’ll be able to change up your quarantine wardrobe and give support.
   
   Examples: Merch Aid
   
   
6. Share Information!
   
   I am a freelancer and my income has been severely impacted by this pandemic – but we can all help by sharing information! Sharing GoFundMe pages, encouraging people you know who are still making their incomes to donate, purchase, & share.

If you have other ideas on how to help please email me at chrissy@chrissyconnors.com! I will be revising this post periodically to make sure all information stays relevant!

p.s. If you are like me and indulging in more than a few drinks in a day – check out Toast and their delicious anti-hangover supplements based out of my hometown of Boston!

Talk soon ❤

*Cheers* 

Brewing Beauty ❤

It’s been a year…

Hi Beer Lovers & Friends,

I am realizing it has been an entire year since my last post! I have been battling some health problems over the last 12 months, and have found myself stepping away from the blog more and more. Many of you may know, I have been battling with Crohn’s Disease for many year, but was hospitalized in May 2018. Before the hospitalization, there was many episodes of what I assumed was food poisoning, which was later explained to me as warning signs that my disease was not under control.

I deeply apologize for my absence, as it has been a long road of re-finding my way into a healthy lifestyle. Due too many enhanced allergies and hypersensitivities post surgery. Unfortunately, alcohol and beer specifically have been forced to take a backseat in my everyday life.

If you have been following me on instagram, I am attempting to keep you up to date with some of my current beer adventures, but they have been fewer and farther in-between.

I am making a conscious effort to create more content, and I am of course here for anyone else in the beer community or beyond that is struggling with health problems outside of their control. Feel free to reach out to me, I am always willing to talk or just listen ❤ Health always comes first.

See you all soon ❤

*Cheers* 

Brewing Beauty ❤

Updates :)

Hello all my beer-lovers!

I wanted to give a quick update as I have been MIA for quite some time now drinking and living life away from this blog – and while it’s been a wonderful time – I am circling back around to share some of my recent adventures including Portland, ME + Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany + Copenhagen, Denmark and more!

Can’t wait to share my favorite brews, beer travel + budget travel advise, and more!

See you shortly 😉

*Cheers*
Brewing Beauty ❤

 

Beer Street <3

If it’s a Tinder date, catching up with a friend, or just drinking alone – Beer Street is the perfect bar for all of the above.

I am disappointed it has taken me this long to write a post about one of my favorite bars in Brooklyn. This Zagat-rated, cozy, craft beer bar is located on Graham Avenue in Williamsburg. I honestly take anyone and everyone here – and when I am not enjoying a brew at their bar, I am probably telling someone we should go…

Quarter Barrel – Brewery Highlight – Oxford, Ohio

A few weeks back, my family took an impromptu girls weekend to Ohio. While my family (apart from my father) are much less interested in the beer scene, it did not take much convincing to stop into Quarter Barrel. And we all loved it so much – we went in again and again.

KCBC – Brewery Highlight

Just half a block from the Jefferson L Train is KCBC – King’s County Brewers Collective. In the heart of Bushwick – a young, lively, artistic section of Brooklyn – KCBC is quickly gaining popularity at just under a year old. (Important Note: They are open Tuesday-Sunday, No Mondays!)

After more than a handful of friends (and beer acquaintances), told me they love KCBC –  I decided to pay Bushwick a visit. With rotating food stands, Drink & Draw, Crowlers, Growlers, flights and board games – there is always something new to try at KCBC. The three brewers/owners put a big emphasis on community – which is easily seen by their events, collaborations, and open nature of their space. Follow them on Instagram at @KCBCBeer for updates on new releases and events.  

Oktoberfest 2017 – Under $2k

With absolutely no regret – I very very happily announce I will be partaking in Oktoberfest 2017 in Munich, Germany! There will also be adventures in London, Berlin, & Copenhagen. I also have a $2k budget for the entire trip – accommodations, airfare, food, etc. – sounds crazy, right?

This is not my first trip to Europe – but it will be my first trip to the UK, Germany, and Denmark. I am filled with excitement, and I am thrilled to share my journey with you all 🙂 Also – if anyone has secrets, tips, must-sees or must-drinks, I am all ears!

First of many Budget Travel Tips

Quench your Thirst @ Tørst NYC

This weekend we were blessed with incredibly warm weather for February in New York City – 60 degrees – woohoo! So, of course, I sat indoors on my phone, googling where to get a drink for approximately 20 minutes before I found Tørst – a Danish beer bar in Greenpoint (Tørst directly translates to thirst in case you were curious.)

With Google’s $$$$ – I was slightly nervous to try this spot out – but the beer list quickly calmed my nerves with Grimm, Jack’s Abbey, Tired Hands, and Evil Twin – just to name a few.

3 Superbowl Sunday Guinness Recipes

Preparing for your Superbowl party? Here are 3 killer recipes that will surely please.
And while you’re at it, sip on a strong Irish Coffee  ☕

Shout out to my roommate, Emily Schultz, for assisting in photo styling 👍  Follow her on Insta