San Francisco Exploratorium

Bay Observatory at the New San Francisco Exploratorium

I am sad to see the Exploratorium leave its long time home at the Palace of Fine Arts.  For years my father would rent out the entire building and throw an over-the-top holiday party for the families of the Armed Forces.  We would spend months shopping for gifts and planning the food and entertainment.  I can easily say it was the best part of my holidays every year.  However, change is inevitable, and I am excited to bring my kids to the the new home of the Exploratorium at Pier 15 to make some new memories.  Past experience with the Exploratorium leads me to believe that the new exhibits are going to leave visitors with more than they came with.  I am sure that many will be excited to see if there will be a new tactile dome.  The previous tactile dome was a test of the senses, and, in my case, courage.  It is not an exaggeration to say it was a panic provoking experience:)

While you are waiting for the Exploratorium to open in April, keep checking the website to see what you can expect on your first visit.

Museum Map

You can also check for the Exploratorium “on the move” events, on March 10th, that will be happening on the streets on San Francisco prior to opening day. Calendar

I will be updating this post once we get to experience the new Exploratorium first hand.

For more family fun in the Bay Area click here.

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Flipping Out at House of Air

House of Air

It may not be a National Treasure, but, to the TeamDuff children, it is a “must visit” while in San Francisco.  House of Air is an indoor trampoline park with over 60 trampolines.  It is located in a historic airplane hanger right in the city’s beautiful Presidio.  A fabulous place where those ages seven and up, without wings, can take flight.

There are many Programs and Classes available at the trampoline park.  Click here for general park hours.

• Workout Classes
• Dodgeball
• Private Aerial Lessons
• Classes
• Corporate Events
• Birthday Parties

House of Air: Tips

• Fill out the required waiver on-line in advance.
• Make reservations on-line at least 3 days in advance for weekend visits.

Looking for other fun things to do in the San Francisco Bay Area Click Here.

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There is so much to do in the San Francisco Bay Area, and, once you visit the San Francisco Academy of Science, you will see why we added it to our Bay Area Family Fun List.

The San Francisco Academy of Science has re-opened after 10 years of planning and is an amazing place.

• Sunday March 3, 2013
• Sunday June 2, 2013

The San Francisco Academy of Science in Golden Gate Park offers a variety of adventures for every age group of children….and adults.    As a member, I have early access on Sunday mornings when doors open at 10 a.m., an hour earlier than general admission.   Before heading out, familiarize yourself with the museum’s floor-plan.

When visiting the museum with my grandchildren, we go directly to the Planetarium.  We immediately pick up passes for the Planetarium Show (ages 6 and older).  While waiting for the 10:30 a.m. show, walk over to see Claude the “albino alligator”. Claude shares his habitat with many turtles.  Back at the Planetarium show, you will recline in comfortable seats and enjoy an educational journey through the universe.  Exiting on the upper level, you can take the stairs up to the Living Roof and a enjoy a great view of San Francisco.  Our next stop is to get in line for the Rain Forest.  Here you get cocooned inside waiting chambers so no butterflies can escape traveling on your clothing.  A gentle ramp brings you up two levels, as you admire flora and fauna and read about different rainforest creatures.  You might be lucky enough to have a butterfly land on your head as I did one time.

When you reach the top, you must exit via the elevator which takes you down to the Aquarium where you walk amongst the sea creatures via a magic tunnel.  There are over 38,000 fish and sea creatures spread throughout several rooms of fish and aquatic exhibits including a touching Tide Pool.  Just sit and watch these amazing colorful fish swimming in their schools, coexisting with different species.

In addition to these standard features, the San Francisco Academy of Science hosts special exhibits, such as the recent Earthquake Exhibit.  This exhibit demonstrated how an earthquake feels, showed storyboards of how to keep your family safe, and listed emergency supplies every family should have.  An Ostrich Exhibit showed live little chicks and how quickly they grow.  Currently there is a video show about dinosaurs.  There are scientists and lab workers, an African Room, a Penguin Exhibit, a video about the Galapagos Islands, and much more. Of course, the kids love the two gift shops with unusual educational games and souvenirs.  Always check the website before heading to the museum to see what new exhibits they will be offering.

I suggest you get the San Francisco Academy of Science Family Membership and limit your visit to no more than three hours.  Come often and concentrate on two or three areas so the children have an opportunity to study and learn without being overwhelmed with too much new information.  When you visit the Gift Shop, my favorite purchase is “astronaut ice-cream”.  It’s inexpensive and delicious, as well as a special treat.

San Francisco Academy of Science Fun Facts:

• There are 20 African Penquins and the oldest penguin, Pierre, was born in 1983.
• The are approximately 1.7 million native Californian plants living on the Living Roof.
• There are over 2,000 tropical fish calling the Philippine Coral Reef tank their home.
• The Pendulum knocks down a peg every 39 minutes.

Let us know what fun facts you discover and comment below.  Happy touring!

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The week started with a “Hey Mom, I forgot to tell you that I am the Student of the Week!”.  Not music to a mothers ears after she is already tucked in for the night.

My friend and “Health Guru” brought me some superfood chocolate to sweeten up my Monday.  Now that is a true friend!

GMa brought us a pot of Squash Soup.  A little salt and a sprinkle of Pepitas, the hulled out potion of a pumpkin seed, made for many yummy lunches this week.

A new shoe store has come to town.  Junction Shoes has unique shoes for every occasion.

Battling paper clutter and rewarding myself with one of the best cookies I have ever tasted.  This cookie alone could get me to go Gluten Free.

Sweet note from a friend’s 2nd grader.  Can’t explain how much this meant to me.  The pen is truly mighty!

My little basketball player heading to his game.  He is so serious about this sport that he always has his bag, never wears his shoes on pavement and is always willing to sub on any team.  I love his dedication!

The city is lit up to honor the 49ers this week.  It has been a great year for San Francisco.  The pot of chili is on for our Super Bowl Party and we are all hoping for a win.  Click here to see what else is on the menu.

Here’s what the preteen girls were up to during the party.  Photo credit goes to Mags L.

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Put the Crock Pot to work again this week and made some homemade refried beans for taco night.  Paired with some homemade chips and Wholly Guacamole’s fresh products led to some happy kids.

Santa brought Duff Daddy a funnel cake kit for Christmas.  How did Santa know that he almost misses the fireworks every 4th of July while trying to get his yearly funnel cake at the fair?

Our favorite new sandwich shop.  Notice there isn’t a picture of any sandwiches because they were gone before I could snap one.  I guess we will have to go again soon and gather more “research” for a proper review.

More home maintenance.  Makes you wonder what we are up to, doesn’t it?

I was one of the lucky ones chosen to join the sixth grade class on one of the best field trips of the year.  Our first stop was at Ano Nuevo where we were guided through the natural habitat of the elephant seals.

Our second stop was to the Monterey Bay Aquarium where we were allowed to explore for hours at our own pace.  We especially liked the new Jelly Fish exhibit.

Had some one on one time with my oldest son after he shadowed at the local high school.  We had lunch at California Pizza Kitchen.  We hadn’t been there for years.  My kids have always loved their Mac & Cheese so when we saw this new item, Fried Mac & Cheese, we had to try it.  Scary good!

I want to end this week with a big “Thank You” to my family that puts up with my blogging mess.  I hope you are all enjoying the journey with me but I know trying to grab lunch amongst fifteen projects can be a bit challenging!

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Gumdrop Pizza Cookie

February 15th is National Gumdrop Day

Looking for a yummy and unique sweet treat to celebrate an occasion or bring to a party?  Try this gumdrop pizza cookie recipe and surprise everyone who tries a “slice” with how delicious it is!

Gumdrop Pizza Cookie Recipe

• 1 cup of Sugar
• 1/2 cup of shortening (reserve 2 teaspoons)
• 2 eggs
• 2 1/2 cups of pancake mix
• 1 cup of vanilla frosting
• 3 cups of mini gumdrops
• 1 cup of  white chocolate chips

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Lightly grease a 12 inch pizza pan or cut out a circular piece of parchment paper.
3. Mix the sugar, shortening and eggs.
4. Blend in the pancake mix.
5. Stir until dough forms.
6. Using a rolling pin, flatten the dough into a 12 inch circle.
7. Bake for 10 minutes or until crust becomes a golden brown.
8. Once the “pizza” is cool, spread a thin layer of frosting on the top.
9. Decorate with the gumdrops.
10. Microwave the white chocolate chips and the 2 teaspoons of shortening.
11. Drizzle all over the gumdrop pizza cookie.

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Time to buy up all the Christmas candy still on the shelves at a fabulous discount of 50%-70% off!  Why?  Because Valentines Day and St. Patricks Day are right around the corner.  Divide the candy into two camps, red and green:)

 First Valentines Day treat to be made is the perfect gift for almost any valentine.  The M&M Chocolate Chip Pizza Cookie, Yum!

Broke in my new Wok.  The Beef Stir Fry was delicious!  Cross Wok cooking off my Bucket List:)

Found a new use for ripe bananas and added Ally’s Banana Bread to TeamDuff’s favorite breakfast foods.

Found these popsicle molds.  We filled them with super food juice just in time for the winter sore throats floating around the household.  Popsicles aren’t just for summer anymore.  We are looking forward to coming up with popsicle recipes.  Please share in the comment section if you have any favorites that you would like to share.

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You can decorate with different colored candies to suit any occasion.  Stop by your local Dollar Tree and grab a pizza pan and a plastic wrap gift bag and you have a great gift.

M&M Chocolate Chip Pizza Cookie

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 sticks of room temperature unsalted butter
• 1 cup of light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1 12oz bag of chocolate chips
• 1 small bag of M&Ms or other similar candy that you wish to decorate with.

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.
2. Line a 12 inch round pizza pan with parchment paper.
3. Mix the first three ingredients in a bowl and set aside.
4. Cream butter and both sugars in a mixer.
5. Beat in eggs and the vanilla.
6. Mix in the flour mixture.
7. Fold in chocolate chips.
8. Place the batter onto the parchment paper and flatten into a pizza shape.
9. Leave an inch from the rim.
10. Decorate the top of the cookie cake with the M&Ms.
11. Bake on center rack for 30 minutes of until the cookie cake turns a golden brown around the edges.

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Dear CEO,

Got Milk?

Dear Fellow CEO,

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For the last nine years, my daughter has had a darling friend by the name of Ally.  You know those friendships that kids get where it is “Ally this and Ally that”?  Well Ally is one of those girls for sweet Emily.  Ally is often in our kitchen baking right along side us and we have nicknamed her “Betty Crocker”.  This Banana Bread is being adapted from Ally’s submission in the 3rd grade class cookbook four years ago.  If it is good enough for Ally, it is good enough for us.  Perfect for breakfast on the go.

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