Shopping During Covid

Una Baker | December 11, 2020

I have been so challenged on what is the best way to shop during the past 10 months. OMG, 10 months have gone by and I have not taken the subway, a bus or been to Whole Foods. Crazy! I must say I have been doing a ton of research on how to support small businesses during this pandemic. I have really loved reading about how each business started and how they are surviving during the past 10 months. Supporting small business brings on a little extra cost and it is worth it. First, most of them offer free shipping, second, you know what you are getting is quality, and third you are supporting made in the USA.
So, from home, kitchen essentials, delicious gourmet food, personal care and must have pantry items…Here is my list.

June Taylor Organic Marmalades, Conserves, & Preserved

I discovered June Taylor while strolling the Ferry Building in San Francisco many years ago. Her Jams, candied peel citrus and Christmas cakes are amazing.
June is from Northern California and unfortunately is no longer at the Ferry Building. She is still offering online ordering.

Toiro Kitchen

If there was a kitchen item I recommend as a must have it is the Donabe. This is my go to winter version of a stock pot/pressure cooker. Each Donabe is hand-crafted in Japan and can be used for a variety of dishes from soups to stews. The Donabe is multi functional and can be used on top of your stove as well as in the oven. It is versatile: you can use it for a hot pot, soup, stew, steaming fish or vegetables, making rice or even grilling. I have two and so love them. Also, Toiro is a great site for finding beautiful and unique dining ware from Japan.