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A Day at Fisherman’s Wharf

This is the first article in our series this week on San Francisco.

If you’re visiting San Francisco, you’re going to want to spend a day at Fisherman’s Wharf. It’s kind of like Times Square in the touristy factor, but it is a fun place to spend a day – and there is some authentic San Francisco there.  My son and I were in San Francisco for spring break, so we are sharing our knowledge with you – as former San Francisco and Bay Area residents (I lived in SF for 7 years – and another 7 outside the city).

We started off taking the trolley from Union Square. But before you hop on, check out the Walgreens on Powell Street between Market and Ellis? Wow! It’s really nice and they sell fresh foods like sushi.

Part of the sushi selection at Walgreens in Union Square SF. It was good. Copyright Deborah Abrams Kaplan

Cable Car Continue reading “A Day at Fisherman’s Wharf”

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BattleBots filming: What to expect

My son is a huge BattleBots fan. But the BattleBots filming was going to be in Long Beach, California and we live in New Jersey. We weren’t making a special trip to watch the filming. Lucky us – after making plans to spend part of spring break in Los Angeles, we got an email announcing that BattleBots filming would start on our last day there.

Battlebots set – copyright Caroline Jusko

Here’s what it’s like going to a BattleBots filming Continue reading “BattleBots filming: What to expect”

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Review: the QVC Tour

I have to admit, I’m not a home shopping on TV kind of gal, (or even home shopping on the internet person). Certainly I buy things online, but I rarely browse sites just to see what they’re selling, and if I’m going  to watch TV, it’s not going to be a shopping show.  While I’m not alone in that, I am in QVC’s demographic, of women 35-64, who are educated homeowners. BUT, I can’t resist a factory tour, and the QVC tour of the studio sounded like too much fun to pass up.

Inside the QVC studio. Copyright Deborah Abrams Kaplan

Continue reading “Review: the QVC Tour”

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Medieval Times for Mother’s Day – Win 2 Tickets

If you’re like us, you still haven’t figured out what to do for Mother’s Day. It’s this Sunday, by the way. Medieval Times wants you to come to their castle between now and Mother’s Day and is offering some incentives to do so. And you can win 2 free tickets to go (after Mother’s Day), compliments of the castle – see info below.

They’re letting Mom in for free, for all shows through Sunday, May 13, 2018 when accompanied by one full-paid adult admission. But wait! There’s more! Upgrade one ticket in your party ($20) and all the guests in your group can add a special Mother’s Day package that includes:

1.       “Mom’s the Queen” sash (see our Medieval Times review of the show with the queen in charge)

2.       Souvenir glass of champagne or mimosa (cider or non-alcoholic drink for minors)

3.       Framed photo of mom (maybe she’ll let someone else in the photo with her?)

The fine print:  Mention code: MOM18 at the time of purchase. Not valid on prior purchases or gift certificates. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Advance reservations and payment required.

Giveaway

***Update – contest is closed. Congrats to winner Rebecca!***

And for the giveaway. Share a memory as a mom or of your mom in the comments below. We’ll choose one winner on Saturday, May 12 at noon EST. The winner receives 2 tickets to a Medieval Times show of your choosing. Bring your favorite child, bring a date or bring the whole family and pay for the rest of them. It’s up to you! We’ll contact you by email if you won. The giveaway is sponsored by Medieval Times.

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Easter Bonnet Parade NYC

A few years ago we were wandering around New York City…on Easter. We didn’t end up at the Easter Bonnet Parade on purpose. We just happened upon it. But it was fun. People wear crazy hats and costumes. Some carried live bunnies. It wasn’t an organized parade, just a bunch of people in costumes (mostly spring/Easter themed hats) walking around and posing for photos.

This year it’s Sunday, April 1 from 10-4. It’s from 49th Street to 55th Street, on Fifth Avenue.

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Medieval Times Ticket Giveaway – The Queen’s in Charge!

**The contest is now closed and the winner has been notified. Congratulations to Rae!**

If you’ve been to a Medieval Times show before, you’ll know there are a bunch of knights, and the king is in charge. There’s a pretty princess, but her role is relegated to handing out flowers and playing a ceremonial role. After the last show we went to, my kids debated why there weren’t more women in the show, and specifically why there were no women knights (even though historically women knights weren’t a thing).

The procession at Medieval Times. Copyright Deborah Abrams Kaplan

Continue reading “Medieval Times Ticket Giveaway – The Queen’s in Charge!”

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Review: The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures in Tucson

We visit Arizona every year, and the Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures in Tucson has been on my list to see for the last few. I finally made it a priority, and am glad I did.

This historic dollhouse opens its front automatically to reveal the rooms and dolls inside at the Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures in Tucson. Copyright Deborah Abrams Kaplan

The fun start when you walk in. There’s a miniature door on the side, a regular size door within the large door (and a massive handle too). We got a kick out of that. Continue reading “Review: The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures in Tucson”

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Tipsy Tea Party at the Camby in Phoenix

When in Phoenix visiting family, the ladies sometimes go for tea (while the guys find a craft brew pub). With the  2017 opening of the Tipsy Tea Party at the Camby, we had to go there.

The tea is in the Bees Knees, a dark paneled classic bar with mirrored walls and banquettes. Casablanca was silently playing on the wall above the fireplace.

The Bees Knees, location of the Tipsy Tea Party at the Camby Tea. Copyright Deborah Abrams Kaplan

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Review: Museum of African American History and Culture with Kids

Should you go to the Museum of African American History and Culture with kids?

My friends who live in DC were jealous. I got tickets to the Museum of African American History and Culture which has been open since September, 2016. “How did you get tickets?” they asked. None of them had been yet. Tickets, which are free but are timed and reserved in advance, are in high demand. (More on how to get them at the bottom). They all wanted to know what it was like.

Continue reading “Review: Museum of African American History and Culture with Kids”