Homeschool Fieldtrip San Francisco Zoo & Gardens #SFZoo #California #Homeschool

 *Hosted guests of the San Francisco Zoo

I LOVE the San Francisco Zoo. It is a beautiful place with amazing animals. The landscape, buildings, park playground and the food make this place more than a home for the animals, its a destination if you are visiting the Bay Area. 

We are a homeschool family (long before the pandemic) and I try to find ways to make what my son learns in books also an experience in life. This is why I love Zoos and what they do to educated children about animal conservation. I feel like kids seeing these wonderous animals in person will help them further understand why we must conserve the land of these creatures. 

My son LOVES and I mean LOVES Giraffes!! Anytime we can make a visit to a Zoo they are the first animal we check out. We enjoyed a close up visit with an adorable giraffe that made my son so happy. We also learned why they have dark colored tongues, its like sunscreen to not get a sun burn. We were standing in our group circle for this close encounter so he was all ours for a few moments. The Zoo created spots for families to stand in (they are painted on the ground) so people can keep a safe distance.

Educational opportunities are all over the park on signs and posters.

The Eastern Lowland Gorillas are one of my favorite animals to visit at the SF Zoo. I could sit there for hours watching them interact with each other. The silver back is magnificent to see in person and the antics of the other gorillas is adorable! We watched them toss blankets at one another and take turns sitting in a cozy bucket.

As a Californian, bears have a special place in my list of favorite animals. The California Grizzly Bear is our state animal and also on our state flag. The strength and size of the bears leave me in awe to see one close up. Watching one casually play in a mini lake was amazing to see.

We also saw a Mexican Gray Wolf, American Black Bear, Scarlet Ibis, Rhino, Zebra and so many other magnificent animals. We did not see the whole Zoo this trip since this place is HUGE but it is also a great reason to go back and see more of the animals.

THE FOOD. I did not expect the food to be so delicious or have so many options. Our chef was so nice and prepared our food right there fresh. My husband and I ordered the 100% Grass Fed burgers and our son ordered a meatball sub with of course mac n cheese on the side. They maintained safety by having us wear our masks indoors and eat outside on the wooden picnic tables. The Zoo is so beautiful that I prefer to eat outside, you will even get to see all the peacocks walking around as you enjoy your meal.

Back in 2013 my son was the first kid to play on the San Francisco Zoo Elinor Friend Playground. We visited the playground as guests and WOW was it cool! We of course had to take the time to play after we ate. 

Slide 2021 (he doesn't need my help up there anymore!)

Slide 2013 (he is so little and this must have seemed huge to him)

The playground is awesome. It has many places for parents to sit, a squishy ground to help in falls and bumps, different themes for each playground area and hand sanitizer stations too. My son played on the swings, went down the slides and we enjoyed the beautiful cool day outside.

We have a tradition to our Zoo trips that we always leave with a stuffed animal. We visited the gift shop and found a giraffe stuffed animal that we did not already own (this is tough to come by when your kid has dozens of them lol).

Welcome to our herd, Mort the newest stuffie to join our crew.

We always enjoy our visits to the SF Zoo. It is an experience in learning about animals, plants and conservation. All mixed in with a fun playground and even a train ride. We definitely rode the train ride, it is a lovely way to see part of the park and a rest for your legs. Our favorite, the carousel was not running that day but hopefully it will be next time.

Best Restaurants On Bainbridge Island, Washington State #cbias #ThrowbackThursday #Travel #BestRestaurants

#ThrowbackThursday This post was originally written in 2013.

Seattle is a very beautiful city, filled with many fabulous restaurants loved by locals and tourists alike.  But just thirty five minutes and a gorgeous ferry ride away, is a special place where I lived for twelve years, called Bainbridge Island.

If you are visiting or live in the Seattle area, I highly recommend you take a trip to this charming island. I have put together a list of some of my favorite restaurants to eat at, and this list is by no means complete, but I have eaten at all of the restaurants on the list, and can honestly say that I have enjoyed each of my visits there.

All of the Bainbridge Island restaurants are walking distance from the ferry terminal, so there is no need to bring your car to the island. Whether you are looking for a fine meal, a homey breakfast, a delicious organic salad, fish and chips, or just a sandwich, you are sure to find it at one of these great restaurants.

Pegasus Coffee House - 131 Parfitt Way SW Bainbridge Island, Wa.  (206) 842-6725

Don't let the name coffee house fool you, because Pegasus is so much more than that. Besides selling the best tasting coffee around, they are a great place for lunch or dinner, too.
Fresh, local, and organic  foods are used to make some of the most delicious salads, sandwiches, soups, and heartier fare available on the Island. Relax with a cocktail or glass of wine while listening to Northwest inspired live music, on many nights.

Pegasus is a wonderful place to come to no matter what time of the day you choose.

Café Nola - 101 Winslow Way East   Bainbridge Island, Wa.  (206) 842-3822

Café Nola is the place to come to if you want to experience a European style café offering eclectic and Northwest inspired cuisine.

It is a little on the expensive side, but I love coming here for a special lunch or dinner. On a beautiful day, it's really a treat to sit out on the patio, or at night, the interior of the restaurant takes on a romantic glow from the candlelight. They offer classic cocktails, an extensive wine list, and a full bar. The desserts are delicious, and it's wonderful to come here if you are looking for a truly lovely dining experience.


Streamliner Diner -  397 Winslow Way East  Bainbridge Island, Wa.  (206) 842-8595

As you walk up the hill from the ferry terminal, and turn onto the main street of Winslow Way, you will see an Island favorite of many years, the Streamliner Diner.

Breakfasts are legendary here, and the restaurant is a welcoming combination of homey and hip. Eggs, bacon, potatoes, pancakes, omelets, and more, are cooked in the open kitchen, and it's always fun to sit at the counter and watch your own breakfast being cooked. The food is delicious, and sure to please.
Streamliner Diner is also open for lunch, and limited dinner hours.

Spice Route Cuisine Of India - 403 Madison Ave. N  Bainbridge Island, Wa.  (206) 780-3545

If you love great Indian food, you will certainly enjoy eating here. The ambiance is very casual, and the service attentive.
The proportions are generous, and I have shared one meal at lunch time with my daughter, and it was plenty. The prices are reasonable, and take-out is available. The lamb curry is a favorite, and so are the garlic, or spinach naan, which is very fluffy and delicious.

Fork and Spoon - 120 Madrone Lane  Bainbridge Island, Wa.  (206) 842- 3675

If you are looking for a casual and delicious lunch, then Fork and Spoon is the place to go.
This is a cute little restaurant where you order at the counter, and then your food is brought out to you. On a good weather day, sitting in the outdoor patio is a nice choice.
From delicious sandwiches, soups, quiche, chopped salads, and more, you are sure to find something you will love. The Reuben Sandwich, soups, and chopped salads are a personal favorite. Beer and wine are also available.


Harbour Public House - 231 Parfitt Way SW  Bainbridge Island, Wa.  (206) 842- 0969

This 21 and over Pub and restaurant, is a great place to have a cold beer on a hot day. The building is an old 1881 house that has been turned into a very charming space. The sunny and spacious deck has a lovely view of the harbor and is a great place to enjoy your lunch or dinner.
The food here is quite delicious, using very high quality ingredients, and much of it is grown locally.
It is definitely a large step above the usual bar menu. With burgers, salads, seafood, chicken, and more, there is plenty to choose from. And of course the beer and wine selection is fabulous.

Doc's Marina Grill - 403 Madison Ave. South  Bainbridge Island, Wa.  (206) 842-8339

Doc's is located right on the waterfront, and has a great view of the harbor and all the boats there. There is a large patio for summer dining.
My family and I have been coming to Doc's since they opened in 2003, and always enjoy the warm and welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant caters to locals and tourists , and you may meet your neighbor there, or someone from across the globe.
Northwest cuisine and seafood are their specialties, along with burgers, fish and chips, pasta dishes and more. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served, and there is a  bar area with a TV for watching sports.


The Four Swallows - 481 Madison Ave. North  Bainbridge Island, Wa.  (206) 842-3397

If you are looking for a lovely and magical night of dining, there is no better place on the island than The Four Swallows.

Located in a large and beautiful old house, this restaurant is perfect for a birthday, anniversary, or special occasion dinner. Serving fine Northwest cuisine, and some of the most delicious seafood dishes around, the wait staff are welcoming and efficient. The restaurant offers a wonderful selection of Washington State wines, and the desserts are to die for.


San Carlos Restaurant - 279 Madison Ave. North  Bainbridge Island, Wa.  (206) 842- 1999

The San Carlos has been run by the same family since it opened almost twenty years ago. If an islander wants delicious Mexican food, this is where they will come. With a very extensive menu, featuring specialty beef, pork, and chicken dishes, there is also plenty of seafood dishes to choose from, including my favorite, crabmeat enchiladas.

With seven different kinds of margaritas to choose from, including The Santa Fe, The Lemon Drop, and The Prickly Pear, I always enjoy coming to The San Carlos.



*I was not compensated in any way for this blog post or restaurant recommendations. All opinions are strictly my own.
I am participating in a restaurant blog hop with other members of the Social Fabric Community.

Family 4 Pack Ticket Giveaway Disney On Ice Celebrate 100 Years of Magic Mickey's 90th Birthday #Sacramento #DisneyOnIce #100YearsofMagic #hosted

*We will be #hosted for Disney on Ice 100 Years of Magic Mickey's 90th Birthday Celebration

M-I-C-K-E-Y....... M-O-U-S-E!!! I have been chanting this magical tune since I was a little girl. I LOVE Mickey and all his friends. My son thankfully feels the same, well with the exceptions of the Princesses lol. We always have a fun time when we attend Disney on Ice and want you to have the chance to WIN tickets to attend. I am giving away a Family 4 Pack of Tickets to the Sacramento show to one lucky reader.

SHARE THE LEGACY OF DISNEY WITH YOUR FAMILY AT DISNEY ON ICE CELEBRATES 100 YEARS OF MAGIC 

COMING TO SACRAMENTO THIS FALL FROM NOVEMBER 1–4

One-of-a-Kind Skating Spectacular Featuring More Than 50 Disney Characters In One Show!

*Arrive Early for Special Mickey’s 90th Celebration Pre-Show*

The celebration of the century comes alive in Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic. This monumental ice skating spectacular is coming to Sacramento playing November 1st – 4th at the Golden 1 Center.

Families are encouraged to arrive early to join the fun as we salute Mickey and Minnie as the original hosts of Disney On Ice during the special Mickey’s 90th Celebration Pre-show at the start of the show.

WHEN: Thursday, November 1 – Sunday, November 4

Thursday, Nov. 1 @ 7:00 PM

Friday, Nov. 2 @ 7:00 PM

Saturday, Nov. 3 @ 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

Sunday, Nov. 4 @ 12:00 PM & 4:00 PM


WHERE:  Golden 1 Center – 500 David J Stern Walk, Sacramento, CA 95814

TICKETS: Tickets start at $20 each! You can BUY TICKETS HERE

Discount Opening Night tickets available for only $10 each on select seating (not valid for premium VIP/Front Row seating)

GIVEAWAY

Enter to WIN a Family 4 Pack to the Sacramento Disney On Ice show on OPening Night Nov.1, 2018 at 7pm. One lucky winner will be selected and emailed if they are the winner.


a Rafflecopter giveaway



*Limited to US residents 18 years old and above. Giveaway starts Oct. 12, 2018 and ends on Oct. 26, 2018 at 12:01 am PST. Winner will be emailed and has 48 hours to respond before another winner is selected. The opinions on this item are 100% mine and may vary from others. The sponsor is responsible for providing the prize.

Frugal Fun Golfland Roseville Arcade Mania Wednesdays #FrugalFriday #Roseville

As a Frugal Mom I am always trying to find ways for my family to have fun without paying full price! I am not cheap I just love the thrill of a good deal or discounted savings lol.

I have found a super fun and frugal place to take the kids and even myself to have some fun at Golfland Sunsplash Roseville. Now that it is Fall and the water park area of this facility is closed the crowds have lessened and the deals are awesome.

We recently visited Golfland Roseville on Arcade Mania Wednesdays and my son had hours of fun. You pay $7.99 for unlimited game play of non ticket games. This includes the racing games which he loves like motorcycles, jet skis, race cars, Mario Cart and battle games like Star Wars, Ninja Turtles and more. He was issued a wristband and a card to swipe at the games. The game hours are from 6 pm to 10 pm so its definitely an after dinner with all homework must be done activity.

This wristband also gave us discounts to mini golf, lazer tag and go cart racing. My son and husband loved playing mini golf. I love the themes of the holes and the castle feel to Golfland. It is a great place to visit for the whole family to have fun and be on a budget.

GOLFLAND SPECIALS

CASTLE FUN PACK $21.99
A $31 Value! Includes the following Golfland attractions: 18 holes of mini golf, one go-kart race, one laser tag session and 20 Credits on a Game card. Some height restrictions apply. Cannot be purchased online, please purchase at the Golf counter. (Item stops selling 2 and a half hours before closing.)

KINGS FUN PACK $32.99
A $55 Value! Includes the following Golfland attractions (For one person): 36 holes of mini golf, two races on the go-karts, two laser tag sessions and 40 Credits on a Game card. Some height restrictions apply. Cannot be purchased online, please purchase at the Golf counter. (Item stops selling 4 and a half hours before closing.)

ARCADE MANIA (WEDNESDAYS) $7.99
Get unlimited video games for one low price! Add golf, cars, or a game a lazer tag at half price. Wednesdays from 6pm - 10 pm. *Excluding Redemption Games*

ARCADE MANIA (FRIDAYS) $13.99
Get unlimited video games for one low price! Add golf, cars, or a game a lazer tag at half price. Fridays from 6:00PM - Midnight. *Excluding Redemption Games*

TRIPLE PLAY (SATURDAYS) $14.99
Every Saturday from 9am-12noon. Get unlimited video games, Unlimited Golf, 2 Rides on Fastcars, and 2 games of Lazer Tag *Excludes redemption games ** Must be at least 58" to drive Race Cars

ARCADE MANIA (SATURDAYS) $7.99
Get unlimited video games for one low price! Add golf, cars, or a game a lazer tag at half price. Saturdays morning 9:00am-Noon. *Excluding Redemption Games*

MONDAY NIGHT GOLF $5.99
Valid from 5:00pm to close. Last sale 1 hour before close.

LAZER TAG SPECIAL $10.00
Valid Tuesdays and Thursdays after 5pm. Includes one game of Lazer Tag and a 30 minute Arcade Card. *Excluding Ticket/Prize Games* Must be purchased with first crusade and cannot be shared, transferred or split

100 Years of Magic and Celebrate Mickey's 90th Birthday Disney On Ice is Coming to Sacramento Nov. 1-4 #Sacramento #DisneyOnIce #hosted

*We will be #hosted for Disney on Ice 100 Years of Magic and Mickey's 90th Birthday Celebration

Fall is almost here and that means Disney on Ice is coming!! This year we are thrilled to be attending for 100 Years of Magic and Mickey's 90th Birthday Celebration. I have loved Disney since I was a child and sharing my love of all things Disney with my own son is so special. We love the Disney on Ice show for the awesome costumes, the beauty of ice skating and the music. It is always a fun time to attend these shows.

I will be hosting a ticket GIVEAWAY at the start of October. Be sure to check back then!!

SHARE THE LEGACY OF DISNEY WITH YOUR FAMILY AT DISNEY ON ICE CELEBRATES 100 YEARS OF MAGIC 

COMING TO SACRAMENTO THIS FALL FROM NOVEMBER 1–4

One-of-a-Kind Skating Spectacular Featuring More Than 50 Disney Characters In One Show!

*Arrive Early for Special Mickey’s 90th Celebration Pre-Show*

The celebration of the century comes alive in Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic. This monumental ice skating spectacular is coming to Sacramento playing November 1st – 4th at the Golden 1 Center.

Audiences will be a part of the magic of Disney as Mouse-ter of Ceremonies Mickey Mouse leads a parade of more than 50 beloved characters starring Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy and featuring an ensemble of Disney Princesses including Cinderella, Rapunzel, Ariel, Snow White and Tiana. The wintry wonderland of Disney’s Frozen also comes to life with Anna, Elsa, and the hilarious Olaf, as they discover that true love is the greatest magic of all. Exciting moments from Disney•Pixar’s Finding Nemo, Disney’s Aladdin and Beauty and the Beast will leave the whole family with memories to last a lifetime.

The legacy of Disney is displayed through 14 classic and modern stories in this epic production that features an international team of award-winning figure skaters, high-energy choreography and a breathtaking set. With over 30 melodious masterpieces such as “Let It Go!,” “You’ve Got A Friend in Me” and “Hakuna Matata,” Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic is the ultimate Disney fan experience.

Families are encouraged to arrive early to join the fun as we salute Mickey and Minnie as the original hosts of Disney On Ice during the special Mickey’s 90th Celebration Pre-show at the start of the show.


WHEN: Thursday, November 1 – Sunday, November 4

Thursday, Nov. 1 @ 7:00 PM

Friday, Nov. 2 @ 7:00 PM

Saturday, Nov. 3 @ 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

Sunday, Nov. 4 @ 12:00 PM & 4:00 PM


WHERE:  Golden 1 Center – 500 David J Stern Walk, Sacramento, CA 95814

TICKETS: Tickets start at $20 each! You can BUY TICKETS HERE

Discount Opening Night tickets available for only $10 each on select seating (not valid for premium VIP/Front Row seating)

FANtastic Day at Sacramento Fandemic Tour #hosted #fandemictour #Sacramento

*We were hosted at the event in exchange tickets. My opinions in this post are my own. #hosted #fandemictour

We had such a FANtastic time at the first ever Sacramento Fandemic Tour! Cheesy to say I know but it is true. We attended on a Sunday, which was the last day, not as many cosplayers and other things going on but I took my 8 year old and my 68 year old mother in law so it was perfect for them. We saw many of our favorite characters like these awesome Storm Troopers and even R2D2 rolling around.

Demanding the prices we wanted to pay! LOL

My son has been to a few more conventions than I have and he knew exactly how to have fun. He dressed up as one of his favorite characters and interacted with the vendors and other cosplayers. We saw so many great items for sale at the booths. From comics, collectible toys, Funko Pops (our favorite to collect) and even comic book themed shoes. The unique items you will find is part of the adventure of checking out all the booths.

One of the best parts of Fandemic Tour was meeting legendary artists that have brought to life so many loved characters. My son is a writer and illustrator of his own comic book series and these people are inspiration for him. I love being able to encourage his creativity and have him see art can be a profession if he chooses to do so.

This photo right here was so awesome for me!!! My husband and son have met Phil Ortiz from The Simpsons and have some signed art from him that is on the wall of our living room. I have been a bit envious that I had not met him. On Sunday I had the opportunity and we shared a personal conversation of just he and I for about 15 minutes discussing my admiration for his work, things about my personal story of love for The Simpsons and where will he be next so we can get a family portrait done where he makes us "Simpson" style. He was even so sweet to ask as to why I was limping, I am suffering with health issues currently and his concern was genuine, such a nice guy!

I had planned on staying all day and waiting in line for some photo ops with my favorite The Walking Dead actors but had to leave after only being there for couple hours. My health issues were bothering me so much I could no longer walk around definitely could not stand in long lines waiting for photos. It was sad to have to leave early but we certainly had an amazing time while we were there. We did see Chandler Riggs aka Carl Grimes at his booth. He was texting on his phone and as we walked by my son yelled "Coral!" we all started cracking up and Chandler did look up for a second. The funniest part is my son has never seen The Walking Dead but he constantly hears my husband and I discussing it and apparently even picked up on the "Coral" jokes we make.

Krypto the Superdog is the next Funko POP my son has on his must have list.

My son had been saving his allowance for a few months preparing for Fandemic Tour shopping. He has a huge collection of Funko Pops and knew of a few he wanted to add to his collection while we were there. Buying an item for a collection at a convention is awesome because you will have the memories of the event attached to the item, a story of "this one I got at Fandemic Tour very first show in Sacramento". He purchased Jetsons Astro Dog and Baby Hercules. He was smiling ear to ear as we left the show with his new items to add to the shelf in his room.

If you missed the Sacramento Fandemic Tour don't fret they will be heading to Houston on September 14, 15 and 16 2018.

You can check out the photos and videos of the fun had at the #Sacramento event and the journey to Houston on Fandemic Tour Instagram and Twitter. Use hashtag #FandemicTour to find the best stuff.

Meeting Stan Lee in San Francisco #StanLee

When we had the chance last Fall to meet Stan Lee in person at a charity event at a San Francisco CA  I took off of work and we drove there just in time to get in the growing line of people waiting outside. My heart panicked a bit when a guy with a clip board was checking if people in line had prepaid for the event! Thankfully they still had a few spots left to meet him for that day purchases. My son was dressed in his Spider-man costume and we grabbed one of our classic Spider-man comic books from our collection to have signed. This was a first time meeting with Stan Lee for our family, we were elated to meet the comic legend!! My son has started writing his own comic books but would not let me post them here in case he's famous one day as he says, he did offer to sell me one though!

Amazing Fantasy Comic store held the event at their tiny store in San Francisco. It created an intimate atmosphere as each person took turns going inside the store to take a photo and get an autograph. The buzz outside the store was awesome as people passing by tried to get a peek at Stan Lee and the people who just met him were comparing and showing off the items they brought for him to sign. We all shared stories of Stan Lee, the Marvel Universe, comics in general and all the nerdy geekness of being a fan, it was epic!

Being in San Francisco is always a day trip for us and we made the most of it by visiting the beach where I may have possibly let my son swim in the ocean while wearing his Spider-man costume. My son told me Spider-man defends New York and he could defend California!!

No trip to S.F. is complete without a clam chowder in a bread bowl for dinner. We stopped by Boudin bakery for ours and had to go say "hi" to the seals on Pier 39. It was a perfect day meeting a legend with the people I love!!