Pineapple – Pillow and Blanket

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It doesn’t get better than this – snuggling up with a fruit-covered blanket and squishy pineapple pillow for a Saturday movie night, ice cream in hand. This cute smiling friend is from Target.

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23 Ice Sculptures That Celebrate Winter

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Everyone asks us why we moved to Chicagoland, especially right before winter? Don’t we miss sunny California, with its endless 75 degree days? Why move to the land of snow and ice? I tell them, yes, we miss aspects of California life, but something we love about the chilly North is how its residents embrace…

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High-Flying Lion Dancers in SF Chinatown

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Here’s the routine: Park in the affordable garage below the public park in Chinatown. Walk through Chinatown and grab a boba drink from Lady Luck Cafe or a moon cake from Eastern Bakery. Walk through the North Beach Little Italy area and hike the steep hill to Coit Tower. Pause to catch our breath and…

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Pineapple – Lunar New Year Envelopes

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Happy Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year! To celebrate, we headed to San Francisco’s Chinatown district to pick up moon cakes and red money envelopes for our friends and family. In the Eastern tradition, red envelopes like these are gifted to friends and family, especially children, to symbolize good luck and good wishes.…

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Lions Club – My First Service Project!

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It’s official, I’m a Lion! Ever since our big move from California to the Chicagoland area, I’ve thought about how to get more involved in our community, meet new friends and fill these cold winter months with some cheer. Joining a local Lions Club solved all of these challenges, overnight! Lions Clubs International is a global service organization…

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Adventure Challenge – Valentine’s Day S’mores

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Wondering how to keep your relationship fresh and fun? Stumped for date ideas this Valentine’s Day? We recommend The Adventure Challenge! This book, the couples edition, is filled with inventive date ideas that range in price, setting, and time commitment, giving you and your boo opportunities to reconnect with a romantic activity. This Valentine’s Day,…

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Pineapple – Photo Booth Props

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If you’re gonna get silly, get silly with some pineapples! These are my go-to party props for any luau or summer soirée I attend, plus a pair of pineapple earrings to complete the ensemble.

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Experiencing Vincent Van Gogh in San Francisco

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My first dive into Vincent Van Gogh’s art and legacy was at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. In the neatly arranged two-story exhibit, we viewed his paintings in the typical setting; a frame here, a paragraph of text there. We examined some of the Dutch artist’s most famous works and learned the sad story…

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Pineapple – Petite Sugar Cookies

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Believe it or not, I found these adorable, petite pineapple-shaped sugar cookies at a The Palm Deli, a convenience store deli counter in Aptos, California, on the way to Santa Cruz. What a fabulous find when I wasn’t even looking for a pineapple treat!

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Return to Fine Dining at Erna’s Elderberry House

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In a few short months, our friends José and Roya will be first-time parents! This sweet couple has been our rock through the pandemic with every Zoom happy hour and game night around our tiny dining table. When Roya announced her pregnancy, we shouted “road trip!” and promised to take them on one last fancy…

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