Ever since the Stay Home, Stay Safe order was enacted here in Michigan, we’ve honestly seen some insanely cool and innovative ideas emerge in our community and throughout the country!
We’re sharing some fun suggestions for ways that you can continue to support our local makers and small businesses during this time, while possibly learning a new skill or finding a new hobby.
Get a DIY Candle Making Kit from Kalamazoo Candle Company
The drop-in DIY candle making at Kalamazoo Candle Company Marketplace is such a fun and unique activity in Kalamazoo! Since the Marketplace is closed until at least April 13, the next best thing is to bring the candle making to your home!
This simple DIY kit is perfect for those who consider themselves crafty or those maybe just looking to try something new. Buy one for yourself and maybe gift one to a friend, then FaceTime together while you tackle this cute DIY idea. Kits are available in the Smitten or Lavender fragrances. Share your creations on social media with us by tagging your photos with #discoverkzoo.
If crafts are a territory that you don’t care to venture down, but still love candles (and a yummy smelling house), these locally made candles come in a wide variety of scents, and we’re positive they have one you will love. Never smelled one of their candles? No worries. You may not be able to go to the market and sniff them in person, but their new sample kits include six 1.6oz tins of their top selling fragrances for you to test before you commit to a full-sized tin or jar candle.
Green Door Distilling Company is an award-winning grain to glass distillery located in Kalamazoo’s River’s Edge District. Their mantra is,
“…moments and adventures in life are better with friends and craft spirits…there’s nothing better than enjoying a round of golf, a bonfire, or just laying by the pool with a quality spirit.”
Ok, obviously it’s not quite ideal golf or pool weather in Kalamazoo – and also, the whole social distancing thing – but hey, that’s why technology is so great during times like this! So, grab your phone and put in a Shipt or curbside pick up order for some ingredients to make a bomb Green Door cocktail at home, FaceTime your friends or family to show off your new skills, then cheers to supporting local and staying connected while staying safe at home!
SPRING COCKTAIL RECIPE
- 2 oz Green Door Get Lost Vodka
- 2 oz Grapefruit juice
- 1/2 oz Lime juice
- 2 1/2 oz Ginger beer
- Grapefruit to garnish
Don’t forget! You can also purchase some very timely and appropriate locally made hand sanitizer from Green Door. Find more info here.
Brew your own Bell’s beer at home
We know it wasn’t just us who were super bummed that being quarantined kept us all from celebrating Oberon’s 2020 release together at the Eccentric Cafe.
But, if there’s one thing we know about Bell’s beer, it has the power to bring people together from all walks of life – any time, anywhere! So, while we’re all enjoying our Oberon from the comfort of our homes, why not try your hand at making your own?
If there was ever a time that attempting to home brew was appropriate, being stuck at home until further notice is probably the best time.
Choose from the award winning Two Hearted Ale, Oberon, Expedition Stout and more! Just go directly to their online store to place your order. While you’re there, browse their wide range of branded merch like apparel, glassware and even pet items. An Oberon collar for your trusty quarantine sidekick? Yes, please!
If you live locally, you actually have the option of curbside pickup!
Livestream a yoga class with Down Dog Yoga
Down Dog Yoga Center is located downtown Kalamazoo and are passionate about sharing their enthusiasm for yoga and healthy living. They offer a wide range of yoga and special events, with styles that range from gentle and meditative to active or heated practices, and their goal is to connect you with the right class for you! Yoga is ideal for building strength, flexibility, balance, awareness, and joy. What better time than now to cultivate more of ALL of that into our lives?!
Given the new stay-at-home mandate, they will be live streaming classes from their teachers homes in an effort to make it through this trying time together.
They’ll be offering their regular schedule of weekly classes in an online format. All classes will be one hour in duration. Please note, they’re asking people to sign up via the Mindbody link at least 30 minutes before the class is scheduled to begin – 25 minutes before the class start time, they’ll email you a link to join in online. This advance registration allows time to include all pre-registered participants in the livestream.
Check out our Virtual Kalamazoo page for more ways that you can support locally from home!
