LOCATION: SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA, CALIFORNIA • APRIL 17th, 2020
Hello! It's been two years since I’ve been on here and yet this blog has been on the back of my mind the entire time. I’ve continued to create content elsewhere - constantly taking photographs, creating flatlays and recipes that never made its way on here.
When I started this blog, I had just moved to Baltimore. A new chapter: new city, newly married, with my first big-girl pharmacist job. I had more than one person tell me “I’m so sorry you’re living in Baltimore now” or “Is it anything like The Wire?” or “I’ve been to the Inner Harbor once, the city seems nice.” Realizing how little people knew about the city, I wanted people to join me as I explored my new home. Together we would discover the beauty of a place with a rich historical and cultural significance that has also seen many hardships and challenges. Thus the blog was born - the title is an ode to Baltimore’s nickname “charm city.” Through this lens, I found myself falling in love with Baltimore. I loved the strong sense of community, the people, the vibrant food culture, and colorful art scene.
For personal reasons, I stepped away from the blog. And then we moved across the country to Palo Alto, California. These two cities could not be more different. When I finally sat down to write again, I found myself stuck. I didn’t know what the purpose of this space was anymore. So here it sat.
Now our world has come together to battle a common invisible enemy, Covid-19. For the past few weeks, I’ve sat in isolation with my thoughts trying to process the overwhelming amount of grief/tragedy/change and seeking solace in others as they share their support and stories.
As a healthcare professional myself, I felt responsible to do my part in shaping the conversation. So amidst all the uncertainty and anxiety, I now have clarity in what I want this space to be. A place where we can start thoughtful dialogue. A place that sparks joy. A place that inspires.
With that in mind, here is a highlight of some organizations and positive things that resonated with me these past few weeks. I hope you will join me in finding ways to give back or help during this time.
CAUSES THAT ARE MAKING AN IMPACT
Second Harvest of Silicon Valley is one of the largest food banks in the country that Danny and I have donated to. Other local San Francisco Bay Area organizations to support include Silicon Valley Strong, Street Life Ministries, and the Stanford Blood Center.
Hospitals have released sewing patterns for masks, including Johns Hopkins Hospitals, and are asking the community to sew and donate masks for non-patient care settings. Please check with your local hospital, they may have their own guidelines and patterns.
The CDC now recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings (4/3/20). I've been helping my dear friend Cailin design washable, reusable cotton masks. She is creating two styles: a standard accordian-style and a form-fitting style that would fit better when worn under other masks. With the shortage of disposable surgical masks for hospital workers, these masks are a great alternative. I’ve already placed my order with her and I'm excited to receive them soon!
UNC graduates (my alma mater) have created Feed the Fight and teamed up with local restaurants to support healthcare workers at UNC Hospitals. They have also started a fundraiser campaign for Duke Hospital. Our close friends at Brothers Vilgalys Spirits, along with other local distilleries, are making hand sanitizer according to WHO guidelines and FDA-approval.
Invisible Hands is an organization currently supporting New York City and parts of New Jersey to deliver groceries and supplies to the most at-risk members of the community during the COVID-19 outbreak. They are also in the process of expanding to San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Boston. Other NYC charities to donate to include City Harvest and ROAR NY.
Google launched a comprehensive COVID-19 hub and this video that made me teary-eyed, reminding us that “where there’s help, there’s hope.” There are resources for educators, students, small businesses, first responders and more. Google will also match $2 for every $1 you donate to the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for the WHO through the UN Foundation.
If you have any organizations you would like to share, please leave them in the comment section below!
FOR A GOOD LAUGH & SOME JOY
This family’s rendition of “One Day More” from Les Miserables was the highlight of my morning.
Ina Garten’s hilarious Cosmopolitan Cocktail video recipe on Instagram IGTV.
This is a must watch for Hamilton fans on the second episode of John Krasinski’s new youtube channel ‘Some Good News.’
I may have to go down a rabbit hole of Disney movies, after watching Kurt Tocci’s video of Disney Characters in Quarantine.
Watch Daisy Ridley aka Rey, read “Star Wars: BB-8 on the Run” for storytime, great for children and adults alike.
Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, Stay Home!!!
Thank all the health-care workers and other essential employees fighting on the front lines during this coronavirus pandemic by doing your part and staying home! We are at our strongest if we all work together. We can all use some more optimism and positivity in our daily lives, so I hope this space will provide you with a little joy.
XO,
Tiffany
Everlane Sweater, Zara Dress, Polene Bag