Month: November 2020

And just like that—it’s the holiday season! What a year it has been, and what better time to show the people in your life you love them but now? Jersey City residents are always ready to support local businesses and it’s never been more important than this year. Some of these neighborhood establishments are brick-and-mortar; others are not. But either way, you’ll be supporting small businesses and your community in a number of valuable ways. So if you’re looking for a holiday gift guide to light your way, check these out. You’ll be feeling festive in no time. 

Jersey City Gift Guide to Artisans and Crafts

There’s nothing like hand-made gifts. They feel special to give and to receive—even shopping for them is inspiring. Whether you’re browsing in person or online, take your time to enjoy the result of so much talent. 

• Artist & Maker Market – Don’t miss this year’s holiday extravaganza on December 12 & 13 and 19 & 20. Two featured this year are The Hive Goods and Deep Space Gallery who will be there on the 12th. 
• The Lucky Honeybee – Buzz on over to this charming shop full of eco-friendly goods like candles, soaps and custom favors. Shop for stocking stuffers like lip tint or indulgent self-care items like bath soaks. 
• Spellbathing – Aish Gupta is a burn survivor who specializes in handmade skincare items. Purchase deliciously scented bath bombs, body butter and clay masks—all made with natural ingredients that are gentle on skin.
• Bloom with Sam – Combine tarot card readings with lavender-infused soy candles and give the gift of stress relief. Sam Cagman is a yoga and reiki instructor who works with clients to create personalized services for balance and healing. 
• Taproot Organics – Beard, body, face and hair hygiene items make wonderful gifts. These aesthetically-pleasing products are available for a 20% discount on Tuesdays, plus they offer curbside pickup. 

For Your Sweet Tooth

Our gift guide wouldn’t be complete without a list of where to go for sweet indulgences in Jersey City. These bakers and confectioners know how to make their treats stand out from the everyday. Think of the people you want to thank in 2020 with a special sweet. 

• Milk Sugar Love Creamery – Owner Emma Taylor’s passion for high-quality ice cream shines through in every flavor. Her small-batch, handcrafted treats make the perfect gift and you can order gift cards online or arrange for delivery. 
• Gary’s Sweet Shop – Loyal Jersey City residents know and love this classic candy store and the owner, Gary DeFlippo for its down-to-earth charm. Not only is it famous for its wide variety of candy, but according to locals it’s the best place for a quick breakfast. And it opens at 3:30 AM so, no excuses.
• Lee Sims Chocolates – This iconic business has been owned and operated by the same family for 65 years on Bergen Ave. It’s truly a sweet tooth’s dream come true, marked by its old-school storefront with the red and white awning. Everything you’d want to give as a gift (or keep for yourself) is here, wrapped with care. Best of all, it’s the story of resilience through the pandemic that buoys the spirit of Jersey City. 
• The Grind Coffee Shop – All that sweet stuff needs a cup of good coffee alongside. Shop coffee beans and coffee-related products and gifts. Also check out The Grind General Store, which just opened in September. It’s a great neighborhood quick-stop shop for anything from vegan products to home goods and snacks. 

Grow, Read and Move 

Sometimes the gift of knowledge or movement is what you’re looking for. These Jersey City independent business owners know their stuff and can guide you to the right gift. 

• Tia Planta – Shayla Cabrera wants to “Plantify your life!” and help people be the best plant parents they can be. This fun and informative service helps people “greenify” their thumbs through helpful videos, pop-up shops and consulting. She offers workshops for adults and kids, making a unique gift giving experience. 
• Word Bookstore – Another silver lining of pandemic times is that many people have dove headlong back into books. Having the time and space to read as an escape has helped many stave off boredom and fear. Support your local, independent bookseller this holiday season by checking out what Word has to offer. Their friendly and knowledgeable staff will help you find something for everyone. 
• Jane DO – Give the gift of strength, flexibility and resilience. This fitness brand started by two former Radio City Rockettes focuses on empowering and uplifting women to be their best selves. Virtual and outdoor classes are happening now. 

Unique Gifts and One-of-a-Kind Creations

Some presents speak volumes when we can’t find the right words. These thoughtful and personal gifts combine your message with a beautiful item and the result is unforgettable. You can always count on creative ideas from local entrepreneurs. Additionally, as a companion to this gift guide, check out our roundup of Jersey City Black artists for everything from art and design to music and accessories. 

• Happy Box – These custom care packages are the epitome of creativity and personalization. Customers choose from among 100 gifts and cards to cheer up a friend or say thank you to a loved one. 
• Anna Mae Creates – Owner Anna Mae is a theater costume professional who sews everything from masks and stockings to children’s clothes. Check her site out for truly one-of-a-kind items that will be enjoyed for years. 
• Tchotchkes for Change – All proceeds of these beautiful gifts go to charities. Browse her website for handmade pins, keychains, clips and more. Owner Laura Lew is currently raising money for The Flow Initiative, a Jersey City-based nonprofit whose mission is to empower women and girls. 
• Noellery – If you’re looking for creative design and vibrant colors, check out Noellery jewelry. Their collections range from subtle to bold and help women find the style they’re looking for without breaking the bank.
• Hazel Baby & Kids – This family-owned boutique is both sustainable and eco friendly. They offer nursery accessories, toys, clothes and gear as well as bath products. Browse their keepsakes for families welcoming new babies this year. 
• Brennan’s Florist – Located in the historic district of Jersey City, this family-owned florist has been bringing cheer indoors since 1997. They use the freshest, most beautiful flowers from around the world. If you can’t decide what to send, one of their designers will customize your arrangement for you based on colors and occasion. 

The Spirits of 2020

Finally, a gift guide for those who want to share a drink with a loved one. If ever there was a year to sit and contemplate one’s existence over an adult beverage, this is the one. These Jersey City staples are the heart and soul of a socially-distanced gathering or a fireside chat at the end of a long work week.

• Jersey Wine & Spirits – Shop early and often at Jersey City’s beloved home to an amazing collection of craft beer and liquor. Visit today for a great selection, pairing advice and even wine on sale. 
• Departed Soles – The options are endless at Jersey City’s first modern brewery and tasting room. Connoisseurs can also select from a wide range of gluten-free craft beer and gift cards are available for the holiday season.
• Corgi Spirits – While the tasting room and patio are open (indoors to a reduced capacity), you can also enjoy spirits by curbside pickup this winter. Choose from vodka, whiskey and a variety of gin including seasonal editions. 
• 902 Brewing – The guys at 902 Brewing have a lot going on from weekly events to private parties and beer delivery. Check out their extensive list of revolving beer options to gift to the brew lover in your life. 

There’s so many ways to support your local community this holiday season. Give the big box stores and giant online retailers a rest — they’ll survive. We know that the businesses that last through the pandemic of 2020 are solid: loved by their customers and savvy enough to creativity weather any storm. 

Before March of this year, only some Americans worked from home on a regular basis. But since the arrival and spread of Covid-19, more people are working remotely. There can be many benefits to working from home like employee morale and increased productivity. Since working from home was new to so many people who went virtual this spring and summer, many are still struggling to get used to it. Here are the best tips from veteran telecommuters and work-at-home experts. 

A Solid Foundation to Work from Home 

Of course, not all jobs or careers are the right fit to work at from home. Some things are obvious, like getting the approval from your employer to work from home. If you’re self-employed, there are still things you need to consider. Use the following ideas to help you plan.

• What are your tech needs? Consider everything from computer equipment, printers and internet service. What software platforms will you be using? If you work for someone else, make sure your employer is specific about ground rules. You may need other equipment like an additional monitor, headset or a monitor mount. 
• Know your schedule. If you work for someone else, do they require a 9-to-5 schedule, or can you make your own hours? 
• Make a transition plan. Unless you’ve been doing it for years, changing over to a work-from-home situation requires planning. Set reasonable expectations with your boss, team and organization about work and accountability. 

A Designated Workspace 

One of the biggest misconceptions people have about working from home is that it can be done in any room of your house. This may work short term, but it’s misguided to think you don’t need a space just for work. Here are some ways to create the best space for your working lifestyle. 

• Choose your space. Ideally, this is a space with a door that closes. This has many benefits. It cuts down on distractions from the rest of your household. It also helps you mentally step “into” your work zone, allowing for focus and attention. If you have a small space, you might have to get creative, but you can make virtually any space work. 
• Lighting for success. While a ceiling light is a good start, a desk lamp for focusing on reading is also important. Positioning your desk near a source of natural light will help you stay energized. 
• Desks Having a well-organized desk area is key to productivity when it comes to working from home. The variety of comfortable, smart and ergonomic desks available today are as wide-ranging as careers. This guide can help you decide what kind of desk is right for you.
• Storage Stuff. Most of us are not completely paperless yet, so smart storage is essential for the home office. Start by decluttering and choosing the right storage furniture. Remember your home office should not double as any other functioning room (like the dining room or a gym) if you want to maximize your productivity there. 

The Work at Home Life Balance

It’s a topic we’ve heard more about since the pandemic began. For some people, lines blur between work and home. What begins as a “flexible work schedule” can turn into working odd hours that eat into previously-sacred time for self or family. Some employers worry that projects may languish and the weekends extend, but many work-from-home vets feel they work more. The solution is to find a balance, or at least strive for one. The following are ways to work smart and take care of yourself, too. 

• Schedule screen breaks. For most companies, a one-hour lunch break and two 15-minute breaks is standard. Ask your employer to be sure, and if you’re self employed be sure to carve out daily time for yourself away from screens. 
• Use an app to make yourself take breaks. Setting timers and messages to pop up and lock your screen are effective ways to force a break. Spending too much time on screens can cause problems from red eyes to poor posture. If you know you’re a marathon worker, do yourself a favor and download one of these tools. 
• Set boundaries. This means physical and mental. Daily interruptions like pets, kids and other responsibilities can add up. It can be hard to say no when pressures creep in. Be firm and stick to your routines, so when you’re with family or friends you can be fully present for them. 
• Replace your commute. Most people don’t love having a commute to their job. But many do appreciate the time for podcasts, music, audiobooks or just zoning out. Incorporate something into your morning to replace this time, just for you. A daily walk, meditation or time outside doing something physical can start your day off right. 

If there’s anything 2020 has taught us, it’s about balancing. Dealing with a lot of stress, bigger and heavier than ever before, while still maintaining all the responsibilities of life. Working from home is not only a luxury for many people but truly a necessity. With the right mindset and tools of the trade, you can successfully work from home and practice self care.

Everyone loves to look forward to the holidays. From Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve and everything in between, celebrations mean family and friends. So how does that all work with Covid? The pandemic of 2020 has brought us countless challenges and this one requires careful thought for sure. When the one thing we all want to do is get together in person, safety guidelines must be first and foremost. Here are the best ways to plan for a safe, healthy and memorable holiday season. 

Celebrating the Holidays during Covid

Months ago, the idea of a Thanksgiving Zoom would’ve gone over like a clay pigeon. Back in the spring, many people hoped we would be “over” this steadily lingering problem of coronavirus. Warmer months made outdoor socializing easier, and even Halloween gets the benefit of crisp but not frozen temps. But when getting ready for November to January festivities, outdoors might not work for many people. Begin by mapping out your holiday season and starting the conversation with loved ones to decide what’s best for you. First, decide on where your celebrations will take place. 

Traveling During a Pandemic

If you make the decision to visit family and friends this holiday season, do so wisely. Make clear plans about who’s attending and when. Getting together in smaller groups is preferable. Also, you should know about Covid rates where you’re planning to go. Use this coronavirus checker before you make plans. Here are some other tips:

• Road trip – Best option is to travel by car. It’s all about minimizing exposure to other people, so be particularly cautious at rest stops. Gas stations, restaurants and public restrooms pose a health risk. Wear a mask, wash your hands, and wear disposable gloves (once) when possible. 
• Air travel – Flying itself is considered relatively safe. Airlines are seating people further apart and enforcing mask wearing on planes. The airports are where you have to be most careful and vigilant. 
• Stay alone – It’s best to pass up the offer to stay at loved ones’ houses, as much as it would be nice. Those who insist on staying with family should quarantine for 14 days before they travel, then get a Covid test two days before they leave. There is no way to eradicate risks, but you can minimize them this way. 

Face-to-Face Holidays during Covid

For those who want to get together in person, there are many precautions you must take. Some details seem like they should be understood at this point, but they bear repeating. Like: wear a mask, always. Stay six feet apart and wear a mask whenever you are around people other than your immediate family. 

• Take it Outside – We have substantial evidence that the coronavirus transmission is greatly reduced in open air environments. Sharing a meal with family and friends is safest in your yard, not in your home.
• Find Warmth – If you are gathering in a place like New Jersey that tends to have cold winters, invest in a heater. Those larger propane heaters you see on restaurant patios are in most people’s price range. Pick up one or two to make an outdoor meal possible.
• Use Multiple Rooms – It’s important to spread out and make the most of your space if indoors. Try breaking the party up into small eating units by household. When you take your mask off to eat you will only be exposing your housemates. Then you are free to socialize with your mask on for the rest of the evening.

Virtual Gatherings

Many people will opt for virtual celebrations this year. Families with immune-compromised members, eldery or small children, or just people who are choosing to stay on the cautious side. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun and create lasting memories. Here’s how:

• Create shared experiences – Get into the spirit by doing some planning and legwork ahead of time. Agree on who will be there, then decide on ways to share an atmosphere: this could be a common playlist for background music or the same scented candles in each house. Sharing the same rituals will create a sense of unity, even if via the internet.
• Meal prep together – Children and grandparents and friends alike can connect prior to the actual holiday by baking and cooking “together.” As with all big holidays in fall and winter, it’s the spirit of the season that can bring us joy, not just one event on one day. 
• Make a gratitude bowl – For the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving, ask everyone to write something they’re grateful for into a bowl. Then read aloud at the virtual table and make a toast to the good things we can find despite 2020. 
• Game on – Try out some online games you can share in a virtual experience with everyone from grandparents to young kids. Practice with everyone a couple times to get the hang of it and let the good times roll. 

New Traditions 

For a large part of our population, Covid holidays will be tough: there’s no way to deny the loss that’s been felt far and wide. As people find new ways to support each other, that also means branching out with traditions or ways of connecting. Try these creative and different ideas out this holiday season. 

• Holiday hike – Gather a socially-distanced group for a brisk hike in lieu of a meal or sitting around a tree indoors. Choose from local or day trip and enjoy the great outdoors. 
• Host a wreath party – Wreath making and decorating is a perfect outdoor holiday activity. You supply the picnic tables and your guests contribute wreath making supplies and warm beverages. Everyone leaves feeling crafty and connected. 
• Send holiday care packages – Support the post office and let loved ones know how much you care. Send or drop off local treats and holiday goodies to help guests feel part of the fun. If you can’t share the same pie this year, send mini pies to “share” virtually. Drop off homemade centerpieces to neighbors or anyone who could use a burst of sunshine on their table. 
• Do a meal “swap” – This can be done for any holiday! Plan on who will attend the outdoor swap, and what each household “rep” will bring. It can be side dishes, baked goods, beer. Check out some make ahead meals and meet up in an outdoor space the day before the big meal and swap, socially distanced. 

A Taste for Everyone

The world of virtual tastings and classes has exploded since the arrival of Covid. With so many ways to learn something new while sharing a fun experience, it’s a must for this season. Here are the best places to go for world class experiences. 

• In-home and virtual wine tastings – couch + cork offers an amazing wine tasting experience that is custom-made for their guests. It’s the perfect way to stay in but connected with loved ones through a shared experience. 
• Cocktails and an education – Check out this list of virtual distillery tours. From single malts to blended whiskeys, you can learn about the facilities from the comfort of your own home. 
• Pour me another – Virtual coffee tastings are also taking off. Begin a new family ritual that everyone can partake in this holiday season. There’s even tea tastings to give your family another virtual event. 

This season, stay healthy and be well. Getting together with family and friends won’t look the same this year, but that doesn’t mean anyone needs to be in isolation. You’ll find holiday joy with a little creativity, perspective and flexibility.