Ah, the 90s. A much simpler time, even though we were on the road to Y2K and thought Prince’s ‘1999’ was prophetic. In retrospect, the party definitely wasn’t “over” when the decade came to a close, but we miss everything about the era from the crazy candy to the boy bands and the birth of the term “whatever” to the video games. Read on for a nostalgic stroll down memory lane.
1. You drank every last drop of your Squeezit and then used it as a water gun.
photo: Squeezit
2. You bruised your ribs sliding on a Slip ‘N Slide but kept playing on it ’til dinnertime anyway.
12. You had no idea you were watching the most famous cast ever of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, Ryan Gosling, and Christina Aguilera, who?
What’s your favorite childhood memory from the 90s? Let us know in the comments.
––Beth Shea
Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy is a game that defined a generation and it’s unique in that new fans will be able to experience a beloved ‘90s game like never before. This collection is the ultimate gaming adventure, containing three fully-remastered games with over 100 levels in HD graphical glory.
In a town where every 1st grader can spot bad CG, a trip to the Magic Castle promises to wow even the most special effects-savvy among us. The chateau-esque mansion that turns heads no matter how many times you’ve driven past it on Franklin Ave. is for grown ups only, except for a magical Sunday brunch where junior magicians dazzle and delight and young Houdinis are welcome. Get ready for some good old-fashioned fun, right in the heart of Hollywood.
Getting In
It’s important to note that this is a Clubhouse, and like any private club, you need an “in” to get in. This means, to attend the brunch you need to be recommended by a current member, or stay at the Magic Castle Hotel. It’s LA: everyone knows someone. Try posting on your local Mom’s group, mention that you’re looking for guest passes at school drop off and asking the parent of the kid you meet at the playground. You’ll be surprised at how many people are members (or have a college roommate whose cousin is!) and members are always happy to arrange guest passes: they want an audience as much as you want to see the show! It’s not exclusive like the SoHo House or restrictive like bringing guests to Disneyland. We’ve honeslty never known anyone who did not find a way to get in.
It Was A Dark & Stormy Night
Ok, it’s a bright and sunny Sunday. But a Gothic darkness descends as you pull up to the gorgeous clubhouse that sits atop a hill, overlooking the hustle and bustle of Hollywood. Once you valet your car, you’ll step up to a great photo-op for the family in front of the house (red carpet included). Make sure you snap a pic now, since photography is strictly prohibited anywhere inside the castle. But don’t worry, there’s an in-house Photographer on hand to take pics for you (a photo package purchase comes with a free pass to come back).
photo: The Magic Castle c/o Vicki Greenleaf
If These (Magic) Walls Could Talk
Nothing is ordinary here, even doors are too dull for the castle. Secret password? Check. Dusty bookcase creaking open to reveal the secret entrance? Check. And so the adventure begins. Once inside, your kids will go nuts for all the fancy “old-timey” details, from fringed curtains to candelabra.
Be sure to pay a visit to “Invisible Irma”, a piano playing ghost. A Caspar level of scary (so not at all), what you’ll see is a piano play all by itself. The really amazing thing? Irma takes requests, from all eras of music. Simply speak to the chair sitting in front of the piano, make a request and you can be enjoying anything from Disney’s Let It Go to the Beatles Here Comes the Sun. Irma even knows modern music (we tested her out on some Lady Gaga, and she totally earned our Applause). Your kids will have a blast making multiple requests; don’t worry, Irma never gets tired.
Magical Eats, Too
After you’ve listened to your heart’s content, make your way upstairs for brunch. You’ll be greeted by the friendly staff, who will seat you in one of the comfortable chairs in the dining room. The cut-glass windows let in just enough light to make it homey, and you’ll easily settle in once you’re offered a mimosa (bottomless, of course).
Even the pickiest little eaters will be in heaven (we literally heard one kid exclaim that the brunch was “a piece of Paradise!”). With a kid-friendly selection of chicken tenders, grilled cheese, waffles and French fries, your tinies will happily nosh. The grown-ups can choose from prime rib, shrimp, crab legs, a made-to-order omelette bar, salads, fresh bagels, pastries, and more. If you’ve left room for dessert, there’s a variety of adorable miniature sweets with tiny spoons, and a mouth-watering ice cream station, with whipped cream, Oreo cookie crumbles, maraschino cherries and mini M&M’s. Once you’ve had your fill, head on down for the stage show, mimosa in hand. (Yup! Cocktails are allowed!)
photo: The Magic Castle c/o Vicki Greenleaf
Now, It’s Magic Time
There are three chances to be dazzled during your afternoon visit. While dining upstairs, you’ll be given tickets to the Main Show (tickets are included with brunch), which happens in the Palace of Mystery. Be sure to review the show time schedule in advance, and make a plan. It can get crowded, and the other two shows (in the Close Up Gallery and the Parlor of Prestidigitation) are first come, first served. Allow at least 15 minutes before each show to line up and take your seats.
The Close Up Gallery
At this smaller stage, shows take place every 45 minutes during the afternoon, but allow time to get settled before the performance starts. While you wait in line, you may be entertained by one of the in-house magicians, who will perform up-close magic right before your eyes (did that card really just jump to the top of the deck?). They may even teach your kiddo a trick or two.
Once you’re welcomed into the theater, the host makes sure to cater to kids first, ushering all the littles to the front few rows (in fact, the kids get front row at every show). Your mini magician may even be chosen as one of two Kid Assistants, who sit on stage for the entire performance and help with the magic act. The magicians in the Close Up Gallery are often part of the Junior Magician Program (the Magic Castle’s program for young magicians ages 13-20). But don’t let their youth fool you, their magic is wildly impressive
photo: The Magic Castle c/o Vicki Greenleaf
The Parlor Of Prestidigitation
Can’t pronounce it? Don’t worry, your jaw will be on the floor, so you won’t be able to speak anyway! This theater features one of the Magic Castle’s mind-boggling family entertainers, who perform magic appropriate for the children in the audience. The show is full of jokes, so you and your kids will be laughing throughout. All the material is appropriate for tiny ears, and it feels at times like stand-up mixed with magic.
photo: The Magic Castle c/o Vicki Greenleaf
The Palace Of Mystery
This, ladies and gentlemen, is the main event, and the only show of the afternoon that requires tickets (included with brunch). Complete with music, lights, and a sparkly gold curtain, you’ll definitely be treated to the full shebang. The kids are engaged from the very beginning, with the magician talking directly to the first few rows (full of kids), and making them feel special. Kid volunteers are chosen from the audience, and have a blast getting to head up to the high stage and help with the tricks. The magic is varied, and comes flying at you fast and funny.
Divided into two acts, the first is light and witty, while the second act harkens back to older times (think top hat and tails, and a tribute to Singing in the Rain). You’ll enjoy the nostalgic nod to bygone eras, and your kids will be entranced by the sleight of hand magic, all done to music (no words, just enchanting tricks).
Hogwarts in LA?
By the end, your tyke may be eager to be a magician when they grow up. If you happen to have a tween or teen, LA’s version of Hogwarts does exist: a program designed to train young magicians (ages 13-20), the Junior Magicians learn their craft in workshops and enjoy lectures from some of the finest names in magic. No sorting hat required.
photo: The Magic Castle c/o Vicki Greenleaf
The Gift of Magic
Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop before you leave. With stuffed bunnies, kid’s capes (magic wand included), magician tee-shirts and storybooks on magic, you’ll find lots of fun souvenirs. Teach yourself the tricks of the trade with one of the magic DVD’s ($20), or splurge on a spooky home decoration and get the “changing portrait” ($150), guaranteed to surprise guests.
If you love the Clubhouse and want more frequent access, you can even buy a membership. With several options to choose from, you’re sure to enjoy all the members-only perks, and the ability to dine in Victorian elegance at a discounted rate. Plus, you’ll get access to magic classes for adults, so you can wow your kiddos at home with your new-found wizardry.
The brunch takes place Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Reservations are required. Adults are $39.95 for the buffet and a $20 door fee, and kids 6-10 are $19.95 for the buffet and a $15 door fee. (You must book the brunch, but it’s kid heaven food and they’ll love it!) Kids 5 and under are free, and are welcome, but honestly, most of the magic and jokes will go over their heads, so it’s best for 5 & up.
As parents, we seem to be in a constant war against chaos (how can a two-year-old be so very, very messy?). But today, instead of battling clutter, laundry, dishes and toys give yourself permission to #embracethechaos. Read below for our ideas on making that happen.
Repeat after us, “the dishes can wait.” Yes, they will need to be done eventually but tonight, instead of doing the dishes right after dinner, take the 10-15 minutes and read a story with your kid instead, or draw a picture, or go for a walk.
Once your little plums are all passed out, before you sweep all the toys into a basket/pile/corner take a minute to look at the layout. See what your kids see: the site of an epic battle between tractor and stuffed alligator, an ottoman turned ice-cream shop.
Raise your hand if you’ve let your kids brush their teeth anywhere but the bathroom. Because the key here is actually getting them brushed, right? Just go with it and stash tiny toothbrushes around the house for them to grab. Buy the multi-pack, because you’ll quickly find them in the couch cushions.
Take a morning jaunt to the beach or a park and leave them in their pajamas. You’re just going to have to change them when they get home anyway, and they’ll probably think it’s the coolest thing ever.
Build a fort in the family room and hang out with a book and your child. Here’s the embracing part: let them leave it up for weeks (okay, maybe days) as their secret clubhouse.
How do you embrace the chaos in your house? Let us know your tips for “letting it go” in the comments below.
—Amber Guetebier with Jen Miller, Jen Caynan, Jess Pluskowski
Another day, another novelty food item debuts in New York City. If you and the kids checked out every new culinary creation or confection in the five boroughs, not only would you very likely be clinically obese, you would also probably be unemployed. (Who else has that kind of time?) Furthermore: the under 10 set is probably not going to vibe on, say, kale-flavored ice cream with cilantro-infused whipped cream. However, 10Below is an ice cream shop worthy of your attention, time and taste buds. Here’s the scoop (har) on NYC’s latest nouveau parlor serving up the cool stuff.
The Concept Debuting just a few weeks ago at the end of July, 10Below creates ice cream through a process originated in Thailand, during which you literally see your order made from fresh ingredients right before your eyes.
The shop takes its name from the ice cold (or, we suppose, even colder) plates maintained at the temperature of minus 10 degrees Fahrenheit, AKA, 10 below — or less. Creating ice cream with this frigid method apparently results in smaller ice molecules leading to not only a smoother and creamier product, but also eliminating the need to add the fat and emulsifiers used in conventional ice cream production.
The Process After choosing your flavor and paying, the raw ingredients are prepped in a cup and you wait for your turn. When you’re up, your personal ice cream concierge places the raw ingredients — which range from fresh fruit to Nutella to graham crackers — on the cold plate to give them the deep freeze. A proprietary, cream base is then added to the mix, and you watch as a 10Below employee mashes, smashes, slices and dices your raw ingredients, melds them into the rapidly freezing cream, and then ultimately, smoothes the mix into a sort of tasty frozen disc. Finally, the amalgam is carefully scraped from the cold plate in the form of what can only be described as an “ice cream roll up.”
Your cup of rolls is then topped with your choice of any number of fresh, tasty toppings, such as fresh fruit, condensed milk, whipped cream or even a marshmallow individually roasted on the spot.
The Tastes of 10Below Flavors change weekly, but Strawberry Shawty (strawberries and graham crackers), Monkey Business (bananas and Nutella) and Honey Boo Boo (blueberry, raspberry and honey) are among the recurring popular choices. The roster also reflects what’s currently in season when it comes to fruit; the Mo Money Mo Mangoes (mangoes and strawberries), for example, is a hot seller right now. Other flavors include Smores Galore (marshmallow, graham crackers and chocolate) and Cookie Monster (Oreos).
Everything tastes fresh because it really is: Everything is made and prepared day of. (10Below doesn’t even have a freezer, so nothing is kept overnight.)
The Vibe 10Below is a pretty small place on the basement level of a building in Chinatown. A giant chalkboard decorated with an illustration of a rainbow and the parlor’s cheery logo/mascot, a whale with an ice cream cone on its head, greets visitors when they walk in.
Hip-hop tunes boom from the sound system, and a young crowd is helped by an equally young staff and everyone seems to be having a god time. Because of the shop’s tiny footprint, things can get tight, but everyone’s, uh, chill about it, making 10Below feel a little like a clubhouse.(You may be the oldest person in there; we were.)
Before You Go to 10Below Should you and the kids go to 10Below? Absolutely. But there are a few things you should know in advance.
The very nature of 10Below’s individual creations means that each order takes time, which means that no matter when you go, there will probably be a bit of a wait. (The nice part is that when it’s your turn, it’s your turn, and at least when we were there, fellow patrons tend to respectfully give you a “front row seat” to view your roll ups coming together.) That said, waits can be long; its not uncommon to see a line down the block and wait for an hour on a weekend afternoon. Which is why we recommend going on a weekday, ideally from 11 a.m. when they open, to early afternoon; from 4 pm. to early evening, things get a little nuts, apparently. The store also has limited seating and tables, so plan on taking your treats to go.
Picture this: a playspace that’s part clubhouse, part community hotspot–filled with tons of toys and games and bursting with ways to learn and grow. That’s the reality at Peekadoodle, an epicenter of activity that includes a preschool, classes, playspace, and more. Now, one lucky family can see what all the fun is about with a three month family membership and one-quarter of a class of your choice (45 minute classes included). Thanks to this fab prize, valued at $635, you can enjoy unlimited access to the Club–including the interactive PlaySpace, romper room, gourmet café, wireless Internet and lounge spaces.
What’s the scoop on Peekadoodle Kidsclub?
A balance between exploratory play and structured learning is paramount to your child’s development. Peekadoodle kidsclub has been designed to foster independence and creative thinking at the earliest stages, and to nurture those principles from infancy through preschool – providing just what your kids need at each developmental stage. Become a member to gain access to a diverse array of services that has been carefully curated to serve San Francisco families with children 5 and younger. The benefits of club membership include access to a community of kidsclub members, a dramatic indoor playspace that’s perfect for social interaction, thoughtfully designed enrichment classes, and part time and full day preschool programs starting at 22 months. Visit www.peekadoodle.com for additional information!
How to enter:
1. Head over to the Giveaway Entry page and choose “3 Month Membership at Peekadoodle + Class of Your Choice” in the dropdown menu.
2. Fill out rest of the form, click on the “enter” button and you are all set!
Want to double, triple, and even quadruple your chances to win?
As summertime winds down, it’s about time for some back-to-school excitement—and we’ve got just the thing! We’ve partnered with 15 of our awesome friends to make sure your family’s school year starts off with a bang. Enter to win amazing prizes like a Dabbawalla Monkey Set, a great backpack from Bixbee, gift cards to some of your favorite brands, and much more!
These are A+ giveaways and we can’t wait to share them with you!
Well? Are you wondering who’s on the giveaways roll call? Click through the slide show for more details for each prize pack.
Dabbawalla Bags are designed for the littlest adventurers and are the perfect combination of fun and function. Backpacks have two handy inside mesh pockets and are crafted from neoprene-like fabric that cushions, protects and insulates. Inside adjustable straps grow with your kiddo or can be pulled tight when carrying as a tote. Lunch Bags are recyclable, 100% free of toxic chemicals and solvents, machine washable, stain resistant, and insulated. Click here to enter
PlanetBox Rover Complete Kit
Dabbawalla Monkey Set
$100 Moxie Jean Gift Card
Two Pairs of See Kai Run Shoes
$125 Organic Kidz Gift Card
Bixbee Signature Purple Backpack & Lunch Box
$150 pediped Gift Card
Brother’s All Natural Mickey’s Clubhouse Fruit Crisps, 24-pack
$150 Itzy Ritzy Gift Card
Easy Lunchboxes Lunch Set
Cleanwell Botanical Home Care Pack
$100 Ella’s Kitchen Prize Pack
Goodbyn Lunchbox Green Monster Lunch Set
14 Bags of Snikiddy Snacks
$100 Value GoGo squeeZ Prize Pack
How to enter:
1. Head over to the Red Tricycle Facebook page; if you haven’t already, “Like” us.
2. Pin the prize you’d like to win and fill out the short entry form
Want to double, triple, and even quadruple your chances to win?
Invite friends! For each friend that enters, you will get an extra entry.
In the midst of all the summer concert hullabaloo, there’s one music series you might miss, and later kick yourself for forgetting, especially because it’s completely free! Kicking off its 76th season, the Stern Grove Festival is returning to the stage for another summer full of free shows. Starting June 16th (that’s Father’s Day weekend) and running through mid August, Sunday afternoons in the Grove will be bustling with crowds of picnickers on the terraced lawns of this beautiful outdoor venue. As you walk through the park, you’ll find toddlers stretched out on blankets with their parents, friends pouring wine into paper cups, and food everywhere you look. Read on to find out all the details about how to make the most of this free summer series in the park.
Getting There
Parking is limited around Stern Grove, but if you’re going to find a spot, you might want to consider parking along one of the nearby avenues (20th Ave, 21st Ave, Wawona, etc.)
If possible, try taking public transportation to the Grove. Both the 23-Monterey and 28-19th Avenue stop right at 19th Avenue and Sloat Boulevard at the park entrance. The M Ocean View or the K Ingleside both stop at St. Francis Circle. From there, walk west one block to 19th Avenue and Sloat Boulevard.
If you’re biking in, there’s a bike valet at the entrance to the Grove (19th Ave & Sloat Blvd). From there, it’s a beautiful walk down into the canyon surrounded by trees. The valet opens at 10:00 am and remains open until one hour after the end of the concert. No bikes are allowed on the festival grounds.
What to Bring
Blankets or lawn chairs are a necessity. Chances are you’ll be sitting on the terraced lawn, West Meadow, or hillside and you’ll be thankful you brought something along to sit on. Picnic tables are awarded to families by raffle and benches are reserved for seniors and the disabled and one guest. This leaves the grass, where you can stake an 8×10 claim, or the hillside.
Pack the sweaters. It’s summer, but after all, this is San Francisco. While the weather could be comfortable in the Grove, it definitely can get chilly towards the later afternoon.
Get there early
People show up as early as 10:00 am to stake out a spot for the 2:00 pm concert, so early birds definitely have the advantage here. As a reward for showing up beforehand, families have access to special activities just for kids from 12:00 pm -1:00 pm on the KidStage, with everything from art-making, to Instrumental Petting Zoos to keep the little ones entertained.
The concerts begin at 2:00 pm and last until around 4:30 pm, with world-class acts bringing on the world music, classical, jazz beats, and more. It’s a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon and introduce the kids to the arts – one of the reasons the festival was founded 76 years ago!
The Lineup
The Stern Grove Music Festival traditionally brings in some pretty big names, which makes the fact that the shows are free all the sweeter! Check out some of the performing acts for the 2013 season:
June 16 – The Big Picnic Starring Michael McDonald and Boz Scaggs
July 7 – San Francisco Symphony
July 14 – Kronos Quartet
July 28 – The San Francisco Ballet
August 4 – Shuggie Otis, The Relatives
August 11 – Pink Martini, La Santa Cecilia
August 18 – The San Francisco Opera
Insider Tips:
– A large part of the oncoming crowd finds refuge up on the dirt hillside, so if you’re late (or even if you’re early) be prepared to walk up the slippery slope. (And back down again for a potty break.) You may not be able to see the performers close up on the stage from here, but you’ll be able to hear them beautifully. There’s also more access to shade in this area. If you prefer to remain lower to the ground, there’s also the less crowded West Meadow, but you won’t be able to see the main stage from here.
– Bathroom are located at the Trocadero Clubhouse, on the southeast end of esplanade, and west meadow entrance.
– You can bring your own picnic lunch to the concert, as well as beer and wine. No alcohol is sold at the event, but food is available on site at the Grove Café.
What concert are you most excited about seeing this summer?
–Renee Rutledge
all photos courtesy of the Stern Grove Festival facebook page
Instead of a store-bought card and a handful of roses, why not treat Mom to some delightful comestibles and luxurious pampering this Sunday? And what better place to treat Mother on her day than along or near the shores of Lake Tahoe?
To get a good start on the day, you need a hearty breakfast, and several area restaurants are offering Mother’s Day special brunches.
Take, for instance, the extensive Champagne brunch menu at the Edgewood golf course clubhouse in South Lake. All morning and into early afternoon, they’ll be serving up a variety of salads, seafoods, breakfast staples and a host of other entrees. The cost is $39.50 for adults and $14.95 for kids 4 to 10.
This is our weekly guest post from our friends at 7×7, a site that keeps you up on the best of SF. We’ve teamed up for an exciting partnership to bring you a fantastic Date Night idea each week. Be sure to check out their blog for hourly doses of the best of SF.
