In this (short-lived, we hope) series, the PHOENIX magazine editorial and art teams share what quarantine is like for them, from who they’re sheltering in place with to where they’re ordering takeout.
How have you supported local during the pandemic?
Craig Outhier – Editor-in-Chief
Besides take-out meals and drive-by beer, we’ve made a point to continue using local service-economy businesses that can and have moved their products online, or adapted to social distancing. Case in point: my son’s taekwondo class at Squaw Peak ATA, which now offers limited one-on-one classes, as well as video instruction and Zoom meetings.
Leah LeMoine – Managing Editor
I think I have an online shopping problem now. I took advantage of smoking deals from two of my favorite shops. Peixoto Coffee is offering two free bags of coffee with the purchase of four bags (plus free shipping!), so I ordered six bags of freshly roasted beans. Strawberry Hedgehog Soap Shop & Vegan Boutique is offering free shipping on orders more than $45, so I stocked up on my go-to soaps: tea tree-rosemary and bamboo detox.
Additionally, a friend mended some of my clothes for me a while back (I can’t sew to save my life), so I bought her a gift card from CRUjiente Tacos to express my gratitude, since that wily minx wouldn’t accept my offer of cash. Now she’ll have to accept my offer of tacos! Right now, if you buy a $100 gift card from CRU, they’ll throw in an extra $25 gift card, so it really stretches your money. (OK, I also ordered myself a couple of gift cards. I told you, I have a real problem!)
Madison “Maddie” Rutherford – Associate/Digital Editor
I recently came across a local handmade-to-order clothing brand called K.S. Garner on Instagram. The owner, Kelsey, just started making face masks out of leftover fabric. For every mask she sells, she donates one to a local hospital. I was sold on the cute patterns of each mask, but supporting a local maker AND health care workers at the same time sealed the deal.
Judy Harper – Calendar Editor
I’m a sucker for nonprofits, so last week I popped the top on a cold one and enjoyed a virtual Roars & Pours happy hour at the Phoenix Zoo. We met some stingrays, flamingos, camels, a desert tortoise and a PT skink, and even played Chicken Poop Bingo. Fun fact: Chickens poop about every 20 minutes.
This week, I’m walking 4.17 miles in the Light It Up Red virtual run/walk to benefit Arizona Bleeding Disorders. Both events were free to join, but I was happy to contribute and toast to better days ahead. Join me by donating at phoenixzoo.org, arizonahemophilia.org, or choose your own charity.
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill
Mirelle Inglefield – Art Director
I know an angel, and her name is Melissa “Missy” Pruitt. She is tirelessly devoted to rescuing cats through her Tempe adoption sanctuary, La Gattara Cat Lounge & Boutique, where unwanted or abused cats can live happily until they find their “furever” homes.
Amidst the COVID-19 outbreak, Missy has had to close her cat lounge but is adapting to a one-on-one adoption strategy so resident orphans can find good homes. Still, the rent, utilities and kitty care all cost money, and without the earnings brought in from events like cat yoga and Drag Queen Bingo, she is turning to creative ways to pay the bills such as selling cookies and T-shirts. She is looking to the public for support via an Amazon wish list and a fundraiser, which is expected to start up in the next couple of weeks. You can also just send money, which is what I did.
Angelina Aragon – Associate Art Director
We all need coffee. I’ve already stocked up twice on a few bags from Peixoto Coffee. I absolutely love the Peixoto family and don’t mind driving a total of 74 miles just to pick up some coffee.
