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 ❤

Lamplighter Brewing Co.

Long time no see, Beer Lovers!

Do you ever feel discouraged by your lack of productivity? (Or is this just a New Yorker thing?) I know I definitely have lately. For the last couple months, all these lovely posts have felt like a whole lot of work — instead of passion. I took a little bit of time to refresh and prioritize, but I’m back 🙂

Anyway, enough of that. Here is my review about Lamplighter Brewing Company in Cambridge, MA (Boston)

New Beers Resolution?

Long time no see, Beer Lovers!

It’s that time of year – the time for New Year’s Resolutions. Did you think of any new goals to shape your 2018? Or maybe one of those resolutions found you. (Yes – I can be thought provoking at times)

I feel that you deserve an explanation for my recent absence. I have been battling with some health issues – which has unearthed some rather difficult feelings – and most importantly – resulted in questioning my relationship with beer.

Are you ready for this…? I promise there is a happy ending.

3 Beer Press Recipes for Memorial Day

Happy Memorial Day Weekend! Who’s ready for one of America’s favorite drinking holiday weekends? In other countries, Memorial Day is often spent in quiet reflection of the soldiers that have fought and died for their country. But in the US – we have outdoor parties and get wasted on cheap, watered down beer 😉

Created just for you – here are 3 Beer Press recipes to impress your friends and up the quality of your beer for all your Memorial Day celebrations.