Supporting each other

It’s a weird and scary time, isn’t it? Like many of you, I have spent the recent past trying to keep up with the news, trying to sort out fact from fiction, and trying to do what’s best. We have all witnessed our worlds get a little smaller, temporarily. Our schedules and routines have been thrown out the window.

I’m fortunate to have the ability to work from home. I know not everyone has this opportunity and I am extremely grateful to those who are still showing up to work every day — especially our health care workers and the people working to keep our daily lives running.

I’ve been trying to think of things that I, as one person, can do to help, from the comfort of my couch (because, #physicaldistancing and all). It doesn’t feel like enough, but here’s what I came up with. If you want to help – feel free to like/share this post or pay it forward in whatever capacity you can.

Share my love of food

I love food – cooking, eating, socializing, and trying new restaurants. I’ve been organizing a Restaurant Club with friends for nearly 15 years. Since 2006, we have gotten together every month to try a new (or new to us) restaurant. This month will be the first time since January 2006 that we will not be getting together. Instead, we are each buying a gift card to a favorite restaurant or donating to a local organization. I donated to the Boston Resiliency Fund.

I am also going to use the equivalent of my monthly grocery and restaurant budget each month to help while we’re in the midst of this sh*tty situation.

• If you need groceries, DM/email me (karacooksandeats@gmail.com) and I’ll send you a GC (gift card).
• If you need a meal, DM/email me (karacooksandeats@gmail.com) and I will send you a GC – bonus points if it also supports a local restaurant.

It’s your preference, as long as I can send it electronically. The only caveat is that you’ll need to share an email address with me (don’t worry, I’m not saving or collecting them in any way). If I hit my budget for the month, I’ll start a list for the next month!

If you want to help, there are many restaurants and organizations doing great things. A few other that are on my radar include:

• Restaurant Strong Fund (to support the Massachusetts restaurant industry)
• James Beard Foundation Food and Beverage Industry Relief Fund
• Off Their Plate (restaurants teaming up to provide meals to healthcare workers)
• Independent Restaurant Coalition (to use your voice to advocate for economic assistance for local, independent restaurants)

If you’re not in a position to donate or advocate, consider posting great reviews for your favorite restaurants!

Share my love of clean beauty

I am passionate about clean skincare and beauty products. I believe beauty should be good for you, and that’s why I love Beautycounter. We’re on a mission to clean up the beauty industry and advocating for more health-protective laws for everyone. This is not your stereotypical MLM – they just got recognized (again) on Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies list, coming in at #1 in the beauty category. They’re also a certified B corp.

• There’s a 10% off sale going on through the end of March, if you’d like to check it out or stock up!
• If you’re in need of some self-care, DM/email me (karacooksandeats@gmail.com) and I will send you a little care package, no strings attached, though you’ll have to share your email and mailing address (I’m not saving or collecting them). Teachers, healthcare workers, and folks working to keep essential services running – I see you! Anyone who is in quarantine or practicing physical distancing – I see you too!
• If you recently lost an income source and want to learn about creating a Beautycounter business, DM/email me (karacooksandeats@gmail.com) and let’s chat. You can start from your home and it’s a great time to join the movement.

We’re all trying to figure this thing out and I think it’s important to remember to give each other grace, and to especially remember to give ourselves grace. Kindness and empathy matter, especially in times of uncertainty. Let’s all do our part to #flattenthecurve and #savelives and also remember our shared humanity.