Tag Archives: happy holidays

Share the Spirit Stamford!

It’s Christmas Eve Stamford and I don’t know about you, but I’m in full Santa crunch mode!

On this special night, I wanted to post some ways you can give back in our community. To support the people, animals and organizations that rely on donations to keep them going.

What a special way to Keep it Local!

This of course is by no means a complete list or organizations , but maybe it will be enough to get you in the spirit!

So let’s get to it…

snowflake (2) snowflake (2) snowflake (2)
While we humans, for the most part, can find help for ourselves and others, animals have to rely on their human friends when they are sick, lost or looking to find a forever home. Stamford has wonderful places all around the city that do just this. However, they can’t do it alone. Here are three such places that could use donations of money, food, blankets, newspapers, etc to help care for those who cannot care for themselves. (And PLEASE if you are thinking of adopting, don’t just adopt for a gift only to have to give the pet back a few weeks later. If you are planning to adopt–COMMIT.) Stamford Animal Control: http://www.stamfordct.gov/animal-control-center OPIN: Outreach for Pets in Need: http://opinpets.org/ Friends of Felines: http://www.adoptapet.org
snowflake (2) snowflake (2) snowflake (2)
Whether it’s food, money or your time, these organizations can really use your help: The Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County: https://www.foodbanklfc.org/ Shelter for the Homeless: http://shelterforhomeless.org/ DOMUS Kids: http://domuskids.org/ Sexual Assault Crisis Center: http://www.thecenter-ct.org/ Salvation Army Stamford: http://ctri.salvationarmy.org/SNE/Stamford
snowflake (2) snowflake (2) snowflake (2)
Looking more to donate goods? While these places will also take monetary donations, clothes, furniture, books, etc. are their main goal:  Laurel House:
snowflake (2) snowflake (2) snowflake (2)
How about helping out places around our city? There are so many ways to use your time to help out and it’s also a great way to get outdoors: SoundWaters: http://www.soundwaters.org/ Scalzi Riverwalk: http://www.scalziriverwalk.org/  Mill River Park Collaborative: http://www.millriverpark.org/ East Side Partnership: http://eastsidepartnership.org/support/Friends of Mianus River Park: http://friendsofmianusriverpark.org/index.htm Cove Island Wildlife Sancutary: https://www.facebook.com/Cove-Island-Wildlife-Sanctuary-156082077767515/?fref=ts
snowflake (2) snowflake (2) snowflake (2)
There you go. Again, this is a far cry from a complete list. But hopefully it will get you thinking of ways you can help out your community, your city and how you too can KEEP IT LOCAL STAMFORD!!
~
A very Happy and Healthy Holiday to all of you

Keep the Holidays Local Stamford!

The Holiday season is upon us Stamford and what better way to Keep it Local than to shop and support local?!

While by no means is this meant to be a complete list, I’m hoping that this will give you ideas on where to shop with the focus being small and family owned businesses.

Please note that no compensation was paid to get on this list.

You’ll find everything from jewelry and gift shops to spas and salons and even package stores (for a touch of the holiday ‘spirit!’). So whether you’re looking for something handcrafted or a gift certificate to get the hair and nails done, hopefully, you’ll find something here.

PLEASE NOTE: at the end of the list, you’ll find ways that you can shop and help to support and keep WOTM going at the same time.

Here we go…

Gifts: the fun and funky, to the unusual and more:

The Funky Hippie Wellness and Gift Shop: 101 Glenbrook Rd.– Handcrafted items by local artisans, crystals, oils and more.

Friends Book Shop @ Ferguson Library: One Public Library Plaza Downtown — Books from every genre including local history, now includes a pop-up shop in the former Starbucks library location and they offer book baskets and gift certificates! Same hours as the library so head on down!

Heart of Gold Fine Jewelry: 930 Hope St. — Handcrafted items including jewelry as well as home decor, candles, ornaments, ceramics and more!

Happy Life Studios CT: Etsy shop — Stamford artist and crafter Heather P has beautiful artwork, painted glass and luminaries and crocheted pieces that will keep you warm all season long! (look for her ‘messy hair hats’ –they are so cool!)

Big Dreams Gallery: 96 Franklin Street — From the guys who brought you Big Dreams Tattoos (located on Bedford Street), Big Dreams Gallery has raw, unique art from local talented artists that range from HipHop to Marvel and so much more. You never know what you’ll see here and they also do arts shows and paint nights!

Pacific Cycling & Triathalon (and Cafe!) 984 High Ridge (across from Trader Joes) — Have an athlete on your list? Check out the gear here or grab a gift certificate.

United House Wrecking: 535 Hope Street — A Stamford icon, you can find big and small items here and the more unusual the better!

Stamford Toys: 970 High Ridge Road (behind FEDEX) — Why go to the big stores when you can grab a new favorite toy at this Stamford legend? Great finds for all ages here.

~

Coffee Shops–think gift cards, coffee presses, and baked goods:

Lorca Coffee Bar: 125 Bedford St. Downtown

Beanz Coffee Bar: 1032 Hope St. Springdale

Humbled Coffee House: 575 Hope Street Glenbrook

Bonjo Coffee Shop: 345 Elm Street Shippan/East Side

~

Looking good–Hair, nails, spas, fitness for ‘me day’ gift ideas:

La Jolie Salon: 388 Summer Street

Mint Spa & Nails: 2344 Summer Street

Noelle: 1110 High Ridge Rd.

Harbor Point Nail & Spa: 711 Canal Street

Family Tree Yoga: 980 Hope Street

Vertical Addiction CT: 575 Pacific Street

~

Holiday Spirits:

LaRocca’s Country Wine & Spirits: 105 Old Long Ridge Road

Wagon Wheel Fine Wine & Spirits: 1051 Long Ridge Road (cigars too)

Franklin Liquor Store: 99 North Street

Beverage Barn: 1232 East Main Street

Crazy Grapes: 491 Hope St.

Stamford Wine and Liquor: 583 Newfield Ave. (Newfield Green)

~

Baked Goodies (no need to turn your oven on with these folks around!):

DiMare Pastry Shop: 12 Largo Drive South

Beldotti Bakery: 605 Newfield Ave (Newfield Green)

Matthews Bakery: 71 West Broad Street

~

Stamford love:

Stamford Magazine: Give the gift of a subscription this year.

Half Full Brewery: Grab a shirt, a glass and more.

Stamford History Center: Give a membership, a Stamford at 375 DVD or check out their bookstore to find a hidden gem.

~

Shop and Support WOTM:

Here are ways you can shop for gifts and help keep What’s on the Menu? Going:

WOTM on CafePress: From shirts to mugs to puzzles and more–each link has a different WOTM theme. Perfect for showing some Stamford pride and great for those away at college to remind them of home, these are the official WOTM shop pages. Note, these will be closing up shop in 2019 so grab the goods while you can! Great ways to KEEP IT LOCAL STAMFORD!

Shop 1: https://www.cafepress.com/onthemenuct

Shop 2: https://www.cafepress.com/onthemenuct2

 

The Goblet on Etsy: For 19 years I’ve been creating handcrafted jewelry. Now in my Etsy shop, I sell not only my handcrafted items but also vintage pieces. All items created by myself are one of a kind and what may be there today, may be gone tomorrow! Be sure to follow my shop on IG: Instagram.com/gobletdesignsjewelry for info on sales, new pieces and more. Free US Shipping and Free Gift Pouch with each item.

Stamford Books: Great as gifts for the person who wants to learn more about where they live. Note each purchase done through this site, helps support it.

         

 

Thanks so much all and remember to support our local businesses…they keep Stamford going!!

 

#wotm #keepitlocal #knowwheretogo

#supportlocal #supportsmallbusiness #stamfordstrong