I think we can all agree that this is a strange time, indeed. But in the grand scheme of things, our household is relatively isolated from the longer-term effects of COVID-19. (Knocking on wood that we steer clear of the actual virus, itself, of course.) We have careers that allow us to work from home with relatively little disruption to our workflow. (The same can’t be said for efficiency, but we’re more than making do. My only true disruption, in fact, is that I suddenly have two co-workers in my office every. single. day.) Lana’s school schedule is part-time, so we’re used to spending hours at home — and she’s actually acquired quite the affinity for downtime. When we make it a point to get outside, we practice social distancing to the tune of breaking waves and trilling gulls. When all is said and done, we will be stir crazy — yes. (Like, KitchenAid mixer status.) But our livelihood will still be intact.

Small Business Love Half Moon Bay: Shop Local With Nationwide Shipping (sometimes free)

The same can’t be said, however, for many of the small business owners whose livelihoods are dependent, quite literally, on a steady flow of clients and patrons that has been dammed overnight by Shelter in Place (and similar) orders around the country. In our area, many of these businesses voluntarily closed their shop doors before the order was made official, all in an attempt to flatten the curve, which I can’t imagine was an easy choice to make when faced with the temptation of another day or week of sales.

Fortunately, many of my favorite local retailers have e-commerce sites — some of which were established just this past week! — that will still allow them to function, at least in part, so that they can continue to stay afloat through the crisis. This list is in no way exhaustive, but these are a few of the Half Moon Bay (and surrounding) businesses — offering everything from apparel and home goods to children’s books and artisan foods — that I’ll be going out of my way to support when possible during this bizarre time.

And, thanks to nationwide shipping (FREE, in many instances), you can, too.

Supporting Small Businesses: Coronavirus Relief
My Favorite Half Moon Bay Shops (with Nationwide Shipping!)

Crow’s Nest // This tightly curated women’s boutique right on Main Street is like a goldmine of TME faves — AGOLDE, COH, Rails, 360 Cashmere, Misa — plus unique gifts (we hoard their candles, Lana loves their little bags) and locally-designed jewelry. While we’re all on lockdown, Angela, the owner, is offering free nationwide shipping and 15% off all denim through the end of the month (pretty cool since she stocks some denim cuts that have been harder to find on the larger shopping sites, like my beloved AGOLDE Jamie.) Their IG account covers loads of inventory and style inspo, too. Shop Crow’s Nest online — and for personal shopping suggestions, sizing help and more, email angela@crowsnesthmb.com or DM @crowsnesthmb.

Home Town Mercantile // We’re all stuck at home for the foreseeable future, so why not make it as cozy a spot as can be, right? Everything in this small housewares shop feels so intentional and ethereal — NEST candles, handmade serving boards and vessels (my kryptonite!), textiles, pillows. FANCY HAND SOAP. Gah. They’re also offering free shipping and 15% off for TME readers with code FIRST (I’m already eyeing a couple of gift ideas for friends whose birthdays I won’t be attending given the new restrictions.) Shop online and follow @hometownmercantile for inventory updates and discounts.

The Reading Bug // This little children’s bookstore in San Carlos, CA (our old stomping grounds) has provided us with SO many hours of joy. You can shop millions of books through their website, but my favorite offering is their curated Reading Bug Box, a subscription delivery completely personalized to your child based on their age and interests. Seriously so cool. And their exceptionally produced podcast (featuring exciting adventures told in vivid detail so listeners can create accompanying illustrations) is not to be missed.

Craftsman Coffee // Hip artisan coffee, minus the ego. The sweetest husband/wife team runs this Instagram-worthy coffee stand that we frequent at our weekly farmer’s market, but they also sell whole beans online (and even offer a subscribe and save option). Their packaging is beautifully designed, too. And they’re offering free nationwide shipping and 20% off all beans through March, so you can pour yourself a cuppa artisan Coastside coffee no matter where you are.

Miette Patisserie & Confiserie // Delving into Bay-Area based artisan bakers could be quite the slippery slope, but given the fact that we buy Miette cookies for almost every holiday and celebration, they’re making this rather limited cut. Granted, everything they make is delicious (and gorgeous) but I have a serious weak spot for their cookies. The gingersnaps are crunchy, caramelized and spicy; the brown butter shortbread is nutty, melt-in-your-mouth and almost savory. Their candy selection is top-notch, too — and perfect for Easter baskets. While their kitchens are closed as we Shelter In Place, they’re selling off some of their current inventory at a discount. (Options are going fast!)

Nooworks // Laura and I are both huge fans of this San Francisco-based company, which works with artists to make limited runs of eye-catching textiles that are then fashioned into dresses, blouses, leggings, jumpsuits — even kids clothes. My favorite piece is the Magic Suit — it’s genuinely comfortable, washes well, is just thick enough, and dresses up/down easily. I’d own one in every pattern if I could. (TTS.) Sizes go fast, and once a pattern run is done, it’s done, so if you see something you can’t live without, don’t wait. Free domestic shipping.

And…a couple locals-only favorites I couldn’t do without…

This list could also be much longer. There are quite a few favorite restaurants who have resorted to a take-out only format (Pasta Moon, I’m looking at you) but these two businesses, in particular, make up a large majority of what we consume on a daily basis: wine and veggies (ha!). If you happen to live in the Bay Area, I can’t recommend them enough.

Vinoteca // We are embarrassingly frequent patrons of this local wine shop/bar, where the owners Kit and Larissa have traveled the world to find exceptional, interesting wines (at a surprisingly reasonable price point). During the COVID-19 closures, they’ll continue to offer bottles for sale locally, either via pick-up or delivery. (Coastsiders: they’ll deliver purchases free of charge from Pacifica down to Santa Cruz.) Serving locals only, unfortunately, but if you’re ever in the area, it’s not to be missed.

Greenhearts Family Farm // We have been members of this local Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program for a few months now, and it’s always such a pleasant surprise when we receive our monthly box. (I’ve documented ideas for washing/storing/using the produce to my IG Stories to reduce the intimidation factor of what is, in fact, a giant box of produce.) Obviously, this particular CSA is specific to our area (they deliver all over the Bay), but if you’re interested in supporting local farmers during this time, visit Local Harvest to find a CSA program in your area. 

And of course, here’s hoping that we resume some sense of normalcy soon so that you can add all of these spots to your Half Moon Bay bucket lists! I know you’ve got ’em started friends — and if you don’t, well, I realize I might be biased, but it’s truly one of the most pleasant places on the planet. We’re so fortunate to be Sheltering In Place here for the duration. Like I alluded to at the beginning: it could be so much worse.

Hang in there, friends.
Virtual hugs and elbow bumps,
Em

Guys! Follow me on Instagram for more peeks into our life on the Northern California coast. And if you feel so inclined, pop over to my personal food + lifestyle blog, The Pig & Quill, where I share salty scribblings from my kitchen and home life. Byeeeeee!