Debbie's Fabulous Caramel Chocolate Popcorn

What do you do with an uneaten bag of popcorn? Turn it into this:

I know you're thinking - wow - that looks so difficult and I could never make that. Well, you're wrong. The hardest part was unwrapping the individual caramels.

Here's how to make Debbie's fabulous caramel chocolate popcorn:

You'll need:
Popcorn (I made two bags which was too much )
Caramel - I used one bag from the grocery store - maybe 12 ounces for both bags
Chocolate chips (I didn't measure, but used a few handfuls)
Pretzels (I used a few small snack bags from Southwest Airlines)
Nuts (I used a combination of Southwest Airlines honey-roasted peanuts, and mixed nuts left over from a party we had)
I would add salt in the future
Optional: mini marshmallows and mini M&Ms

1. Put the popcorn on greased tin foil or waxed paper (easier if you put that in a jelly roll cookie sheet).
2. Chop the nuts and pretzels.
3. Unwrap, then melt the caramel (I tried doing this over a double boiler but it took too long. The microwave worked just fine).
4. Pour the caramel over the popcorn and mix it up.
5. Mix in the nuts and pretzels and salt
6. Melt the chocolate chips and pour that over the popcorn
7. Mix that well - I used my hands and it did a much better job.
8. Let it cool/harden
If you want to make it even prettier, drizzle melted white chocolate over the top as well.

The caramel will not harden completely.

San Francisco's New Alternative School, the Schoolhouse

I have a lot of writer friends who homeschool. And have many other friends with kids in private school. We're fortunate to be in a good public school district where our needs are being met. But I'm fascinated by all the options and the reasons why people chose the schools they choose. Especially in SF, for which it's competitive to get into the public school of your choice.

There's a new alternative school that opened up in San Francisco called the Schoolhouse. I haven't done much research on it (though it was profiled in the Wall Street Journal). This looks like a mix between private school and co-op - where you pay something like $7-9,000 a year (according to the WSJ article), with a max of $10,000 according to the website. The parents volunteer as well.

If you're interested in learning more, they are having two intro sessions on November 2 and December 1, 2011 at 6:30 at 301 14th Avenue (@Clement). You can learn more about their philosophy here.

Deals of the Day: Coastanoa, Sylvan Learning, Plum District Sale, Books, Massage

COASTANOA
This is one of the places on my list to stay. Groupon is offering a deal now for a two-night stay (call the grandparents!) at this Pescadero place for $224-244. With this you get one massage and an appetizer at the restaurant. It's beautiful there - and a good deal for a short get-away (if you're looking for other Getaways, I have a big list of mom-approved ones here).
If you're new to Groupon, get the deal here.
If you're already a Groupon member, get the deal here.

PLUM DISTRICT - SAVE 30% THROUGH HALLOWEEN
Use code spooky30 through Monday at checkout and save 30% at Plum District Deals.
Too many great deals to detail, but a sampling: online shoes, Scandia Family Fun Center, Omaha Steaks, tickets to Annie, massage, hair, nails, drop-in classes at Jamaroo, food, wine, crepes, golf, beauty products, kids' clothes, jewelry, make-up, vacations...it goes on.


SYLVAN LEARNING CENTERS
If you're looking to get your kid some tutoring, here is a low-cost way to try out Sylvan Learning Centers. For $90, you get a skills assessment ($195 value) and 4 hour-long tutoring sessions - plus registration fees (which helps if you continue your tutoring there). The total value is $499. It's good in San Jose and Cupertino locations.

If you're new to Groupon, get the deal here.
If you're already a Groupon member, get the deal here.

SLIMY BOOKWORM
How's that for a name? This bookstore carries popular kids' books, and you can get $20 of them for $10 at Juice in the City (everywhere deal).


MASSAGE
Get a 1 hour AVEDA Elemental Massage at Reve Spa Salon in Mateo for $59 at Juice in the City.

Frisco Kids makes a tiny percentage of sales using these links, financially not even worth my time to post, but I love deals.

More Halloween Happenings

I just added a new event to the Halloween calendar - spooky fun and spooky music for the family - live! It's the Bellavente Wind Quintet, performing in Berkeley on Halloween night. Click here for details.

Check out other Halloween happenings here at Frisco Kids. 
More posts on what to do on Halloween.

Ways to cut back on candy this Halloween.

Get 'Yer Tickets: You're a Good Man Charlie Brown

The Retrodome is doing the live musical You're a Good Man Charlie Brown and is offering a deal until November 1st. For $100, You'll get:
1 adult tickets
2 child tickets
2 popcorns
2 fountain drinks
a keepsake autograph from the cast

Use code SNOOPYNOV through November 1.
The show runs December 2-18th in San Jose (Friday-Sundays, with matinees on Sundays)

Focus Group: Grocery Shopping and Travel

Two focus groups from Plaza Research:

~Travel~ 

Wednesday, November 9th, a 2-hour focus group discussion and homework assignment
Requirement: People who travel
Incentive: $115 

If you are interested in the Travel study, please click on the link below and fill out the survey:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/5GVPKRC 

~Grocery Shoppers~ 

Tuesday, November 8th through Thursday, November 10th, a 4-hour focus group discussion and homework assignment
Requirement: Females ages 30-55
Incentive: $225 

If you are interested in the Grocery Shoppers study, please click on the link below and fill out the survey:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/TWCVP7W

8 Ways to Cut Back on Candy this Halloween

Too much candy is something we all think about at Halloween. I'm running an article that was sent to me by the MindStream Academy, a boarding school for teens and tweens who want to focus on healthy living, weight loss and other issues. (And read to the bottom, because there a few links about what other people do with the candy).

The Trick to Fewer Treats: 
Eight Ways for Cutting Back on the Candy This Halloween

We’re well into October, which means that a gaggle of witches, ghosts, vampires, and more are about to descend on neighborhoods around the country. For kids, Halloween is a dream come true: the chance to dress up, stay out late, and—best of all—fill their bellies with candy. For parents, though, Halloween can seem like more of a trick than a treat. In the age of childhood obesity, it’s already a huge struggle to get our kids to live healthy lives; the last thing we need is to compete with a bag bursting with candy bars.

 Relax—you don’t have to resign yourself to weeks of sticky fingers and chocolaty smudges as your children gorge on the wrong kinds of food. According to Sarah Stone, your family can enjoy this holiday without consuming ghoulish amounts of calories.

Deals of the Day: Jamaroo, Annie, Fandango, Restaurant.com, Omaha steak, Erin Condren, Paul Frank

Some deals for today.

JAMAROO KIDS
Get 4 drop-in classes AND a $10 California Pizza Kitchen gift card for $56 (value $122). Jamaroo has kids' yoga, dance, art, bilingual and parent/tot classes in San Francisco - they're new. While kids are in class, you get free coffee/tea and time to chat with other moms (or just check your iPhone). Kids can stay and play before/after class as well.
Get the deal at Plum District Deal - here if you're new to Plum.

And here if you're a Plum member already. It's on the San Francisco page.

FANDANGO
Get 2 movies at a Fandango theater for $12 on KGB Deals. You can buy an unlimited number (but must use them by January 31).


ANNIE
You're never fully dressed without a smile, right? Your kids need to learn that lesson too - and they can do so while watching Annie at the Berkeley Playhouse. Tickets are $18 at Plum District Deal, versus $36 at the theater. Get tickets for Sunday October 30, Friday November 4, or Friday November 11. You'll get the ticket emailed to you.
Get tickets at Plum District Deal - here if you're new to Plum.
And here if you're a Plum member already.

ERIN CONDREN
This Plum District Deal is back - Erin Condren makes very cute personalized paper products (calendars - see the day planners - photo cards, labels and more). Get $50 worth for $25 today and tomorrow, here. It's an "everywhere" deal.


OMAHA STEAK PACKAGE
Gift time or dinner time! The Top Sellers Pack includes two 5 oz filet mignons, two 4 oz boneless pork chops, four 4 oz chicken breasts, six 4 oz Omaha steak burgers, eight 3 oz gourmet franks and six stuffed baked potatoes for $59 ($165) - FREE SHIPPING. Get the deal at Plum District Deals.


PAUL FRANK
Get $30 in clothing/gear for $15 at the downtown SF Paul Frank store.
If you're new to Groupon, get the deal here.
If you're already a Groupon user, get the deal here.


RESTAURANT.COM 
Get $25 dining certificates for $2 using code PUMPKIN through October 31 at restaurant.com.


By purchasing the deals above, Frisco Kids makes a ludicrously small amount of money, like pennies. But I had to disclose this, or I'd get in trouble.

Coming Up: Boo at the Zoo

Lots of Boo at the Zoo events this weekend in the SF Bay Area.

This weekend, the SF Boo at the Zoo has:

• Trick-or-Treating
• Take-home crafts
• Puppet shows
• Story time with “Witch Hazelnut”
• Haunted nature trail
• Creepy Crawly Critter Encounter at the Insect Zoo

Read Travel is More Fun with Kids for what the other zoos are doing, and tips on going with kids.

Deals of the Day: Body Shop, Fandango, Name a Star, Paul Frank, Erin Condren, Omaha Steak, Winchester Mystery House, Young's Ice Cream/Candy Bar

THE BODY SHOP
It's back! Get $40 at the Body Shop for $20, in-store only.

If you're new to Groupon, get the deal here.
If you're already a Groupon user, get the deal here.



PAUL FRANK
Get $30 in clothing/gear for $15 at the downtown SF Paul Frank store.
If you're new to Groupon, get the deal here.
If you're already a Groupon user, get the deal here.

FANDANGO
Get 2 movies at a Fandango theater for $12 on KGB Deals. You can buy an unlimited number (but must use them by January 31).


NAPA RIVER INN
This place looks GORGEOUS - get a one night stay for two (get a sitter for a night, or you can bring two kids for free) in an executive room WITH $50 SPA CREDIT, in-room breakfast, free bike rentals, bottle of wine and wine tasting passes for $245 (value $461) Sunday through Thursday, or $299 on Friday and Saturday.Get the deal here via Groupon.


YOUNGS ICE CREAM AND CANDY BAR - RWC
Get $20 in ice cream and candy for $10 at this fabulous Redwood City old-fashioned candy bar, ice cream place and soda fountain. Plus they have toys, knick-knacks, cards and more. Get it at Juice in the City for the next few days.


ERIN CONDREN
This Plum District Deal is back - Erin Condren makes very cute personalized paper products (calendars - see the day planners - photo cards, labels and more). Get $50 worth for $25 today and tomorrow, here. It's an "everywhere" deal.


NAME A STAR
Looking for a holiday gift for the kids? Name a star after them. I know it sounds hokey, but my kids got stars named after them and they were THRILLED and they still talk about it. Plus it takes up very little room in your house (aside from the map and certificate). It's $14 ($29 value).

If you're new to Groupon, get the deal here. It's on the Central Jersey page - click on the city that comes up in the top middle, and then find N for New Jersey, and find Central Jersey
If you're already a Groupon user, get the deal here. This takes you to North Jersey, but you need to be on Central Jersey. Just click on North Jersey at the top middle - then find Central Jersey on the menu.



WINCHESTER MYSTERY HOUSE
Get a VIP pass to the Curse of Sarah Winchestery Mystery House maze for $15 ($30 value), or $48 for four tickets.

If you're new to Groupon, get the deal here. It's on the San Jose page
If you're already a Groupon user, get the deal here.

OMAHA STEAK PACKAGE
Gift time or dinner time! The Top Sellers Pack includes two 5 oz filet mignons, two 4 oz boneless pork chops, four 4 oz chicken breasts, six 4 oz Omaha steak burgers, eight 3 oz gourmet franks and six stuffed baked potatoes for $59 ($165) - FREE SHIPPING. Get the deal at Plum District Deals.

RESTAURANT.COM 
Get $25 dining certificates for $3 using code FRIENDS through October 24 at restaurant.com.


Buying deals through these links supports Frisco Kids

Roller Derby!

I haven’t seen Whip It, the roller derby movie with Drew Barrymore, but now I want to. We’ve been to our first roller derby match, and it was awesome!

Big Bertha

You gotta love a sport where the players have names like: Mental Block, Divine Wreckage, Assay Kicker, Clara Form, Crimes New Roman, Judy Additudy, Hellen Bed, Ashlee Juggz (#34DD), Jane Scayre, Katherine Hipburn, Asalt N Pepper…

This indoor track sport has a set of rules that is easy to understand on a basic level. What’s harder is to figure out what’s legal and what’s not legal.

Basically, there are two teams. Each team starts with four blockers (or rather, three blockers and a pivot), and one jammer. The jammers start skating behind the blockers, and try to pass them. For each blocker from the other team that the jammer passes, the jammer’s team gets a point. The match consists of two 30 minute rounds, and within each round is a series of two minute (or less) “jams.” The lead jammer (the one who gets out first) can end the jam by flapping her arms like a chicken. Here's a summary of official rules.

While they are skating around, the blockers do their thing by hip checking, elbowing, holding hands, and doing what they can to prevent the other team’s jammer from passing.

If you're looking for roller derby in California, there are teams in San Jose and San Francisco, as well as Redwood City, Antioch, Monterey, Modesto, Sacramento, Santa Rosa, Stockton and more. The kids had a blast watching too.

Ashley Juggs (#34DD) races around the track

Rent a Bike or Surrey in San Francisco

If you're visiting San Francisco or live here and don't have your own bike, you can now rent one at Golden Gate Park. And soon you can rent them at three other SF areas as well (Justin Herman Plaza, the Marina/Fort Mason, and Union Square Plaza).

In addition to bikes, you can rent a tandem bike, a two or four person surrey (without a fringe on top), tagalongs (pull your kid who is big enough to sit on a bike, but not ride alone), or a bike trailer. Get more info on San Francisco park bike rentals here.

Deals of the Day: Omaha Steak, Napa River Inn, Youngs Ice Cream Bar, Facial and Foot Massage, Blockbuster Video, Shutterfly Cards, Labels, Stuffed Animals, Mel's Drive-In, Restaurant.com

Some deals for today:

OMAHA STEAK PACKAGE
Gift time or dinner time! The Top Sellers Pack includes two 5 oz filet mignons, two 4 oz boneless pork chops, four 4 oz chicken breasts, six 4 oz Omaha steak burgers, eight 3 oz gourmet franks and six stuffed baked potatoes for $59 ($165) - FREE SHIPPING. Get the deal at Plum District Deals

NAPA RIVER INN
This place looks GORGEOUS - get a one night stay for two (get a sitter for a night, or you can bring two kids for free) in an executive room WITH $50 SPA CREDIT, in-room breakfast, free bike rentals, bottle of wine and wine tasting passes for $245 (value $461) Sunday through Thursday, or $299 on Friday and Saturday. Get the deal here via Groupon.

YOUNGS ICE CREAM AND CANDY BAR - RWC
Get $20 in ice cream and candy for $10 at this fabulous Redwood City old-fashioned candy bar, ice cream place and soda fountain. Plus they have toys, knick-knacks, cards and more. Get it at Juice in the City for the next few days.

FACIAL AND FOOT MASSAGE in FOSTER CITY
Get 50% a full facial and 30 minute foot massage at Oceanic Foot Spa in Foster City. Pay $42 ($85 value) at Juice in the City for the next few days.

BLOCKBUSTER VIDEO
Get $5 in rentals for $2 - and you don't have to use it all at once. It's on the Central Jersey page, which I don't have a direct link to, but click here and then click on the North Jersey link in the middle of the top, and find Central Jersey.

SHUTTERFLY
Get a move on your holiday cards with half off personalized photo 5x7 flat stationary cards - $40 ($83 value).
Get here if you're new to Groupon.
Get here if you're already a Groupon member.

HAPPY TOY MACHINE
These cute stuffed animals look a bit like Ugli dolls, only you can personalize them and make your own (or rather your kids can design their own, choosing from monsters, dogs, bears, cats, etc.). This $25 deal toward $50 in animal (plus free shipping) at Plum District Deals.

LABELS
I recently bought a label deal and am excited to get these things for my kids. This one is with Label Daddy, and you can get pictures including Disney characters and Marvel Heroes on the labels. Dishwasher, microwave, washing machine safe. 'Nuff said? Get $50 worth for $25 at Plum District Deals. (They also have allergy note labels).

MELS DRIVE-IN - WALNUT CREEK
Get $20 in Mel's Drive-in food and drink for just $10 at Juice in the City.

RESTAURANT.COM 
Get $25 dining certificates for $3 using code FRIENDS through October 24 at restaurant.com.

Using these links supports Frisco Kids.

Link Love - What I'm reading

Some links for you to check out:

Favorite hiking spots in the Bay Area  - a reader's list by Frog Mom

Where to milk a cow or goat in the Bay Area - from Red Tricycle

Read to Succeed - get free tickets to Great America - from Cookies & Clogs

Do one nice thing - some ideas to do nice things for others (and ideas for people who would appreciate all that Halloween candy you don't need). Thanks for the link, Cynthia!

Halloween - what to do in the Bay Area

Did you forget that Halloween is coming up???

Of course not! Here are a few previous posts to get you ready for the holiday.

Halloween Events in the Bay Area

Still not sure what to give out to Trick or Treaters? Try a candy-free Halloween.

Still don't know what to wear for Halloween? Try some Halloween costumes on the cheap.

Free Scary Face Pancakes at IHOP on 10/28, and at a low price otherwise.


Favorite Halloween baby costumes


Create a dazzling "witching hour" at your house

Make a pumpkin cake!

Make easy Halloween ghosts.


Red Tricycle has a list of local costume stores (that include thrift and consignment stores).

Halloween deals and coupons online - by Bargain Babe. Some of the discounts might be gone by the time this posts, but many are still good.

Pumpkin carving stencils - and more here

Coming Up: Kids Music Festival

It's concert day! Check out the Kids Music Festival in San Francisco this Sunday. This is an all-day music festival performed by kids - 10 kids' bands from local schools. Plus a festival atmosphere, Tree Frog Treks, de Young Museum artists, the SF Fire Dept, and local food trucks. Expect a crowd - around 2,000. The concert benefits SF public schools.

Where: Little Marina Green
When: Sunday, October 23 from 11:30 - 5
Tickets: $10/each. Children's tickets include free event t-shirt. Family pack (2 adult, 2 kids) for $30, including two kids' t-shirts. Tickets are $5 for kids under 5, and free for kids 2 and under. Get tickets here or at the Sports Basement (ticket fees waived)

Coming Up: Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Prime Time Players

It's almost time for Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime Players.

Brief synopsis: rare West Coast performance. Sing along together to tunes like Meltdown, My Brother Did It, Taking off my Training Wheels and Stay at Home Dad. Listen to tunes here. See video here. Tickets are only $13 in advance (it benefits the Mountain View Parent Nursery School - it's a co-op). Who isn't behind a preschool education?

We've been to this concert before - very fun!

When: Sunday, October 23 at 11 a.m. or 2:00 p.m. (each show is one hour)
Where: Spangenberg Theater, Gunn High School (780 Arasteradero, Palo Alto)

Cost: $13 each in advance, $14 online, $15 at door. Buy tickets here or by mail (same link for info). Or at Linden Tree Bookstore in Los Altos.

Focus Groups: Grocery Shopping, Technology, New Products, Gift Shopping

Some focus groups recruiting through Plaza Research:

~Gift Shopping~

Monday, October 25th through Friday, October 26th, a 3-hour in-home/shop-along interview
Requirement: Engaged couples 
Incentive: $275

If you are interested in the Gift Shopping study, please call them at: 415-980-0400

 

~New Products~
Wednesday, October 26th, a 2-hour focus group discussion in downtown San Francisco
Requirement: People ages 25-45
Incentive: $85-$100

If you are interested in the New Products study, please click on the link below and fill out the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/XLCRTGD 

~Technology~
Thursday, October 27th, a 2-hour focus group discussion in downtown San Francisco
Requirement: People ages 18-50
Incentive: $75

If you are interested in the Technology study, please click on the link below and fill out the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/M5GKLLP 

~Grocery Shoppers~
Tuesday, November 8th through Thursday, November 10th, a 4-hour focus group discussion and homework assignment
Requirement: Females ages 30-55
Incentive: $225

If you are interested in the Grocery Shoppers study, please click on the link below and fill out the survey:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/TWCVP7W

Gilroy Gardens Holiday Light Event, Harvest Family Day, Botox, That Takes the Cake

Some deals for today...

GILROY GARDENS HOLIDAY LIGHT EVENT
For $16 ($30 value), get admission to the Gilroy Gardens Holiday Light Event. We've been, and it's fun! The event is during December. Get it here.

HARVEST FAMILY DAY
Get a family package to this Treasure Island event - including BBQ and wine - for $52 ($104 value) for 2 adults, 2 kids, on October 29. Includes bouncy houses, face painting, pumpkins and more. Get it here.

BOTOX
I questioned whether to put this here because I have such mixed feelings about Botox. But in case you're interested, you can get it for half off - $169 ($340 value) for the next few days on Plum District Deals.

THAT TAKES THE CAKE
Get $40 in cupcakes/cake for $20 at That Takes the Cake today. Get it here.

VEGAS
Get a cheapie Vegas vacation for $99 - including 3 nights at the Luxor or Stratosphere. There is an additional booking cost ($50) - and a bunch of fine print - be sure to read it all if you buy it. It's an Everything Deal here and you can get it for the next few days.

RESTAURANT.COM
Get $25 restaurant.com certificates for $4 today, using code TREAT at checkout.

Using these links supports Frisco Kids.

Coming Up: Lowe's Build a Monster Truck

Build a free monster truck at Lowes Build and Grow Clinic on Saturday, October 22 at 10 a.m. Sign up here.

Coming Up: Tricycle Music Fest in San Francisco - free!

The second annual Tricycle Music Fest is coming to San Francisco, sponsored by the public library. All concerts are free and open to the public.

MAIN STAGE EVENTS

Sunday, October 23

11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Main Library (100 Larkin St.) Larkin Street Steps

Presented in Partnership with Sunday Streets Mission

Featuring:  *Lucky Diaz and the Family Jazz Band and The Time Outs

Sunday, Aug. 28 3 p.m. Merced Branch Library 155 Winston Drive Featuring:  The Monkeybutts	Saturday, Oct. 8 3 p.m. Ortega Branch Library 3223 Ortega St. Featuring: Rhythm Child
Saturday, Sept. 10 11 a.m. Park Branch Library 1833 Page St. Featuring:  The Sippy Cups – Rudy Trubitt and Alison Faith Levy	Saturday, Oct. 22 11 a.m. Main Library 100 Larkin St. Featuring: *Lucky Diaz and The Family Jazz Band
Saturday, Sept. 17 3 p.m. Presidio Branch Library 3150 Sacramento St. Featuring:  The Hipwaders	Saturday, Oct. 22 3 p.m. Bernal Heights Branch Library 500 Cortland Ave. Featuring: *Lucky Diaz and The Family Jazz Band

Coming Up: Very First Concerts (for kids) - FREE

San Francisco Chamber Concerts presents Very First Concerts - a 20 minute (free) concert designed with little ones in mind. Plus, you don't have to sit still. They want you get get up and dance. They're geared toward ages 0-7. Two concerts coming up at Crowden Music Center in Berkeley (1475 Rose Street):

“What Does a Conductor Do?”

Community Music Day, October 23, 2011
Repeat performances at 11:00 a.m., 11:40 a.m., and 12:20 p.m.

Unravel the mystery of the maestro in this 20-minute concert. What’s the magic in that little wooden stick, and why is that guy standing in front of all those musicians in the first place? Come find out!

“The Rhythms of Life”

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, January 16, 2012
Repeat performances at 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.

Clocks, footsteps, cadences of speech, the rhythms of daily life are all around us. Come explore these and more in a special musical presentation featuring the San Francisco Chamber Orchestra’s own amazing rhythm section, the percussionists.

Coming Up: Author Talk - Brian Selznick

If you have a tween kid who likes Brian Selznick books, you'll be interested in this. Brian Selznick, Caldecott Medal winner and author of The Houdini Box, The Invention of Hugo Cabret and more, makes his only San Francisco appearance at the Contemporary Jewish Museum. Selznick will read and show illustrations

from Wonderstruck, his new novel for young adults.

The story, told alternately in words and picture, is about two 12-year-old runaways, a girl in 1927, and a boy in 1977, whose stories intersect at the American Museum of Natural History. They have one thing in common: she is deaf, and he loses his hearing when he is struck by lightning. Selznick will sign books after the talk.

When: Sunday, October 23rd from 3-5 p.m.

Where: Contemporary Jewish Museum, 736 Mission Street (between Third and Fourth streets)
RSVP: Recommended - info@thecjm.org or online or call (415) 655-7800

Cost: free for members and youth 18 and under, $12 general admission otherwise, $10 for seniors and students over 18 with valid ID

Coming Up: Free Cooking Class and Meal

This looks like a fun cooking class and free lunch too! You have to RSVP (space is limited) so if interested, grab a friend and RSVP for both of you.

It's called Miele, Moms and Meals, and they're offering it for free ($85 value) with RSVP. Here's what they say about it. "Join Chef Chris Krotke, Culinary Director, educator and official gourmet baby food taster of the gorgeous Miele Gallery, and Chef Rachelle Boucher, Culinary Marketing Manager of Standards of Excellence, blogger and family private chef, for a class for moms (or moms to be) who have kids of all ages.

Chris and Rachelle will share their combined passion for food and fun to give moms new, healthy & time saving ideas for foods and techniques that work for all ages and all palates. Fall flavors abound with a menu for adults that is easily made kid-friendly as well.

From convection cooking to steaming, canning and sanitizing, our chefs will bring forth an interactive experience you will love!

Harvest Menu, Small Bite Hors d’oeuvres:

Roasted Sweet Potato Chips with Celery Root puree and Maple Roasted Pear

Braised Fennel and Sun choke Shots

Oven “Fried” Chicken & Fish

Maple Baked Apples with Toasted Hazelnut Yogurt Semifreddo

and more!"

When: Saturday, October 22 from 11-2
Where: Miele Gallery in the Sobel Building (680 8th Street, SF)
RSVP: Mandatory. Print out your ticket here, then call (415) 431-8682 to RSVP.

They said the cooking techniques apply to any appliance, and their goal is to show off the showroom so you'll want to come back in the future.

Coming Up: Pedalfest in Oakland

For you bikers out there, this Oakland event looks like fun. It's called Pedalfest - and it celebrates bicycles. If you're coming from SF, you can take the ferry for free. It's at Jack London Square on October 22, 2011 from 10-5.

Highlights include:

·         A kids’ bike parade, hosted by Red Tricycle

      ·     Kids' Zone 

·         A Bicycle rodeo

·         A Rock-the-Bike pedal-powered sound stage will provide live music by DJs

·         A New Belgium beer garden by New Belgium Brewing Company (All proceeds from the New Belgium Beer Garden will be donated to Walk Oakland Bike Oakland and East Bay Bicycle Coalition)

·         A handmade and a vintage bike show

For more info, check out this link.

Coming Up: Discovery Days Science Activities

Discovery Days are coming up, with hundreds of hands-on activities, performances, interactive demonstrations and family-oriented science enterainment. Look for events:


Cal State East Bay - Hayward - 10/29/11
Infineon Raceway - Sonoma on 11/5/11
Festival Finale at AT&T Park San Francisco on 11/6/11

Halloween in the Bay Area 2011

SAN FRANCISCO

STERN GROVE'S "SCAREGROVE"
When: Friday, October 28 from 4-9
What: Haunted house, hay rides, arts & crafts, inflatables, carnival rides
Cost: $8/person - all inclusive
Who: the whole family
More info: Scaregrove

SUPERNATURAL HALLOWEEN 2011
What: Celebrate with the creepy-crawlies, including trick-or-treating, face painting, dancing, costume parade,  photo booth, movie in the planetarium, food and drinks and more
Where: California Academy of Sciences, SF
When: Saturday 10/29 from 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Who: everyone
Cost: adults $50 ($45/adult member), kids 17 and under $35 ($30/child member). And anything over $30 is tax-deductible
More info: here


PENINSULA


GREAT AMERICA - SNOOPY'S COSTUME PARTY
What: Great America's kid Halloween party. Planet Snoopy is transformed into Planet Spooky, and kids can wear their costumes and trick-or-treat with Snoopy and the gang. This is not a scary event (unless your kids are freaked out by giant versions of the Peanuts characters, which to be honest, I am). Oh, and if you're scout, there's a special scout trick-or-treating event with special pricing on Oct. 22.
When: weekends in October, from noon to 4
Cost: free with park admission
Who: kids 12 and under
More info: here

CURIODYSSEY - SLITHER AND SQUEAK
When: Friday, October 28, 6-8pm
What: Slither & Squeak (Discover the science behind the spooky things you see at Halloween! Museum educators will expose haunted house tricks of the trade and reveal to visitors how those creepy, scary things happen. Wear your costume and meet CuriOdyssey’s nocturnal animals, experiment hands-on with spooky science, and take part in science-inspired trick-or-treating. Food will be available for purchase from gourmet food trucks. Everyone will receive a sweet treat for attending the event
Tickets: limited, must purchase in advance Here
Cost: $5-$15 (free for those under age 2)
More info: here
Where: CuriOdyssey, 1651 Coyote Point Dr., San Mateo


HILLER AVIATION HAUNTED HANGER
What: Halloween event and helicopter pumpkin drop (crafts, exhibits, carnival, candy, prizes)
When: Saturday and Sunday, 10/29 & 10/30 from 11-2 (pumpkin drop is at 2)
Where: Hillier Aviation Museum in San Carlos
Cost: free with museum admission
Who: everyone
More info: here

SERRAMONTE CENTER EVENTS
DOG COSTUME CONTEST
What: Dog Costume Contest
When: Saturday, October 22 10-1 (registration) 2-4 (contest)
Cost: Free
Who: Pets in costume
Where: Serramonte and Gellert Blvd, Daly City
More info: here

SERRAMONTE KIDS CLUB HALLOWEEN PARTY
When: October 18 from 5:30-6:30
Where: Serramonte and Gellert Blvd, Daly City
Who: 12 and under
More info: here

SERRAMONTE SPOOK PARADE AND COSTUME CONTEST
When: October 31 from 3:00-6:00
Where: Serramonte and Gellert Blvd, Daly City
Who: 12 and under
More info: here


HILLSDALE SHOPPING CENTER
What: Trick-or-treating, costume parade, face painting, balloon animals, pirate show, slime booth, cookie decorating and crafts
Where: Hillsdale Mall, 60 31st Avenue, San Mateo
When: Monday, 10/31 from 5-7 p.m. (trick-or-treating is 5-6, while supplies last)
More info: Here
Cost: Free

HALF MOON BAY PUMPKIN FESTIVAL
What: street fair, crafts, pumpkin weighing contest, pumpkin carving contest, etc.
When: Saturday and Sunday, 10/15 & 10/16, 9-5
Where: downtown Half Moon Bay
Cost: Free
More info: here

MARIN


GOBLIN JAMBOREE
What: Goblin Jamboree - entertainment, pony rides, games, activities, make witch's potion, petting zoo and more
Where: Bay Area Discovery Museum, Sausalito
When: Saturday and Sunday, 10/15 and 10/16 from 10-4
Cost: $15 ($13 for members)
More info: here

EAST BAY


JACK O'LANTERN JAMBOREE
What: Rides, parades, goody bags, treats, crafts, jumpy houses, pirate school, balloon animals, clowns and more
Where: Children's Fairyland, Oakland
When: Saturday and Sunday, 10/29 & 10/30
Cost: $10 ($5/members)
More info: here

SAN FRANCISCO CHAMBER ORCHESTRA
What: Bellavente Woodwind Quintet - spooky and adventurous music - family fun!
Where: Freight & Salvage Coffee House, Berkeley
When: Monday, October 31 at 6:30 p.m.
Cost: Free for kids 12 and under. For all others, $8.50 in advance, $10.50 at the door
More info: here

SONOMA COUNTY
Looks for Sonoma County Halloween events at Sonoma on the Cheap

I posted a big list of SF Bay Halloween events last year, and many are occurring this year, though you'll need to check out the updated dates and details using links. I didn't have time to do a complete overhaul of the list this year.

Michael's Arts and Crafts - has lots of craft events this month

Trick or Treating in the Bay Area - Red Tricycle has a great posting about where to go

Red Tricycle has a list of Halloween activities here.

Frog Mom: Fantastic Halloween Events for Families: 2011 Edition

PlayPlanIt.com list of Halloween events

Boo at the Bay Area Zoos - by Travel is More Fun with Kids

I'll update this list as time goes on.