Local experts, gourmands weigh in on SF's top breweries to visit right now
The San Francisco brewery scene is thriving with more than 30 craft breweries in the city, despite recent news about Anchor Brewing Company closing its doors.
Gail Ann Williams, a freelance beer writer and co-founder of beer and transit resource BeerByBART.com, says in some ways breweries in San Francisco are just beginning to bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic. As was the case when veteran San Francisco beer-makers Cameron McDonald and Jesse Hayter announced plans to resurrect Enterprise Brewing Co. in SF's SoMa district.
I made burgers using 4 different appliances, and my grill-master husband preferred the air fryer
We really love burgers in my house — and by we, I mostly mean my teenage son, who'd order a plain cheeseburger at a fancy steakhouse.
We hold a weekly burger night as faithfully as we honor Taco Tuesday, but we like to switch it up when it comes to recipes and cooking methods.
I recently put my air fryer, stove, oven, and grill to the test to see which one makes the best burger.
7 teen-approved backpacks that are perfect for high school
Ask any parent and they’ll tell you: It’s much easier to shop for younger kids than teenagers. At back-to-school time, parents of high schoolers face the unique challenge of buying school supplies, clothing, shoes,and other necessities that their teens think are cool, or at the very least are not embarrassing.
Choosing the best backpack for high school students can be tricky. Bigger kids need more space for necessities like textbooks, tablets and laptops. And, since their school necessities are heavier than those of elementary-aged kids, they need backpacks that ease the strain on their backs. At the same time, a high schooler’s backpack needs to be stylish enough to keep them sure their peers will approve. It’s a lot.
These Clever Reversible Swimsuits Are Total Game-changers for Packing — and They Start at Less Than $50
I have a tendency to overpack, but as a travel writer who often travels with her kids in tow, I’ve made great strides in lessening the amount of clothing I pack in my suitcase. When I go on a trip these days, I try to keep things as minimalist as possible, which can be a challenge when you’re packing not only daytime and evening outfits, but also swimsuits and cover-ups.
As I was planning for a recent European cruise, I discovered reversible swimsuits from Carve Designs. I had no idea that reversible bathing suits existed, so I excitedly ordered a few reversible tops and bottoms from the brand to test out on my trip. Instead of packing four swimsuits, I packed only two, both of which were fully reversible.
11 Birkenstock Sandals That Are Giving Us Major Barbiecore Vibes — From Just $35
If you’ve seen the previews for the record-breaking Barbie movie, you’ll likely remember a hilarious scene where “Weird Barbie,” played by Kate McKinnon, offers Margot Robbie’s Barbie a choice: Without giving away spoilers, Barbie must visit the real world and is given the option to choose between her traditional stylish pink heels, or swap to brown Birkenstock sandals — which turn out to be a pretty significant symbol throughout the film. The heels are Barbie’s preference, but in the end, Weird Barbie convinces her to go on a journey of self-discovery, brown leather sandals and all.
The iconic Birkenstock Arizonas make another pivotal appearance later on in the film when Barbie is seen rocking baby pink Birks, the perfect blend of style and function.
9 top-rated backpacks for kids of all ages
Heading back to school brings kids lots of things to get excited about, but one of the most fun things about a new school year is picking out a brand-new backpack. For younger kids, backpacks are often chosen because of the design or color. Still, there are features that can benefit even the smallest of kids as they head back to the classroom — ones that go beyond that animated character on the pocket or that perfect shade of Barbie pink.
From water bottle pockets to matching lunch boxes, we’ve rounded up nine backpacks on Amazon that have features perfect for kids of all ages as they return to school. And yes, we like to think they’re still pretty stylish, too.
Disney World's free transportation isn't always best. After 50+ trips to the parks, I know springing for a Minnie Van is worth it.
As a frequent Disney World visitor, there's nothing I dread more than the painful logistics of getting from point A to point B.
In 2017, I started traveling by Minnie Van, Disney's network of polka-dotted Lyft rideshares. It's not cheap, often averaging about $40 a ride, but for me, it's worth it.
Minnie Vans can be scheduled through the Lyft app and will transport guests to all Disney World resorts, theme parks, Disney Springs, and anywhere else across the property from 6:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. daily.
These Comfy, Versatile Sneakers Are My Go-to Travel Shoes — and They’re So Easy to Slide On
One of my favorite parts of traveling is planning my outfits for the trip, but any traveler knows shoes can take up lots of prime real estate in a suitcase. Whether I’m headed to Walt Disney World for the weekend with my family or flying to Europe, it’s always a struggle to pack light and be stylish. But recently, I discovered a white canvas sneaker that seemed perfect for both keeping my feet comfortable and matching lots of outfits.
The Kizik Irvine is a canvas sneaker with a springback heel that allows for slipping your foot in and out of the shoes without needing to tie and untie them. The shoes come in a variety of colors, from tan to navy blue, but for a recent 10-day trip to Europe, I wanted a white sneaker I could pair with everything from shorts and tanks to skirts and dresses. I’m already a fan of the athletic shoes Kizik makes, so it seemed like a no-brainer to put this casual canvas style to the test.
Costco vs. Sam’s Club: Cost, benefits and which you should get
While warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club have existed for years, still many are new to shopping in the stores, which are known for selling items discounted in bulk and having incredibly-affordable food courts in addition to offering exclusive discounts to members.
Sam’s Club was started by Walmart founder Sam Walton in 1983. In addition to more than 600 locations in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, Sam’s Club has international locations in Brazil, China, and Mexico. Costco began as Price Club in 1976, and today has more than 800 locations worldwide. Both warehouse clubs require a membership to shop there.
This Versatile Linen Tunic Is a Must-have for All My Travels — and It’s on Sale for Less Than $30
I’ve lived at the beach with my family for the last seven years and with that Florida beach house came a backyard pool. I’m also a travel writer who’s no stranger to a dip in the ocean or the hotel hot tub while I’m away covering destinations. This means I own a lot of swimsuits and cover-ups and am always on a search for the best options for both.
For a recent European cruise, I had been eyeing up linen button-down swim cover-ups in stores and online. Turning to Amazon, I came across the Unibelle Linen Button-Down Shirt and was immediately struck by its oversized style and crisp appearance.
You haven't had Dole Whip until you've had it at Disney World
On a hot day at Walt Disney World, there's truly nothing better than taking a break from the crowds and excitement to find a seat in the shade and enjoy a Dole Whip. The delightful and delicious frozen treat has been a Disney Parks staple for nearly 40 years, but its roots go back to 1976, when Dole became the sponsor of Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room at Disneyland Park in California. Dole Pineapple Whip, as it was known back then, debuted at the Florida resort's Magic Kingdom Park in 1984 as a sweet treat sold at Aloha Isle.
Dole Whip arrived at Disneyland two years later and has since spread globally to the company's resorts, including to Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disney Resort and Aulani in Hawaii. In 2017, Dole Whip even hit the open seas, sailing aboard Disney Cruise Line.
The New Feta Pasta Is Here: You Have To Try The Baked Boursin Pasta
There's no denying it: Boursin Cheese is having a moment this summer, and it’s all thanks to TikTok. Videos of home cooks making baked Boursin Lemon Pasta have amassed more than 5 million views on the social media app, with many creators praising the dish for its one-pot simplicity and fresh flavors.
Boursin, which is the brand name for a French style of cheese called Gournay cheese, is known for its creamy texture and garlicky flavor. It hails from Northern France, where it first gained popularity in the early '60s. Today, Boursin is a household name, and its versatility has made it a popular choice among cooks and creators on social media. They're using it for everything from cheese boards to pastas to easy, yet seriously impressive appetizers. And now the cheese is behind a viral pasta trend that calls to mind another baked cheese pasta that we still make to this day. Here's what you need to know about the Baked Boursin Lemon Pasta.
Should you get a Costco membership? Here's what you need to know
There are more than 800 Costco locations worldwide, and like Peloton riders or Disney fans, if someone is a member of the warehouse club, they’ll tell you all about it. Why? Costco is known for everything from its exclusive Kirkland brand of products to its food court, where guests can snag a quarter-pound beef hot dog and a soda for just $1.50.
The company first opened in 1976 as Price Club, a warehouse club for businesses. In the early '80s, the first Costco opened in Seattle, Washington, and by 1993, the two had merged into one mega-store. What makes Costco different from a grocery store, in addition to the savings it offers to those who buy in bulk, is its highly-selective stock: Where grocery stores can carry 30,000 different items, for example, Costco only sells about 4,000 products at a given time. Costco believes this helps it provide the best quality and value possible to its members.
I Tried Spam's New "Breakfast" Flavor And I Didn't Hate It
There’s a new flavor of Spam in town and it pairs perfectly with everything from waffles to Brussels sprouts. Spam Maple Flavored is rolling out on grocery store shelves now, bringing the brand’s total varieties to 11. While many Spam flavors, like the original, Spam Hot and Spicy, or Jalapeño, are on the savory side, the brand has released sweet flavors in the past. Allrecipes editors tried the pumpkin spice variety with mixed reviews, so we were skeptical about this new Maple Spam.
“This is by far my favorite-to-date product that we have launched,” says Jennesa Kinscher, a senior brand manager at Spam. “It’s because it just makes sense. When you think about Spam, one of the natural usages that you think about is during breakfast.”
Dive deep into aquatic fun and learning at the Texas State Aquarium
The Texas State Aquarium is the largest aquarium in the state of Texas and one of the largest aquariums in the entire U.S. A visit here makes for a fun family day of learning about the sea creatures and wildlife who call this Corpus Christi aquarium home.
While the nonprofit organization is passionate about helping people learn about and engage with animals, the aquarium's biggest goal is to conserve wildlife in both the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea — as evidenced by its new addition, the Port of Corpus Christi Center for Wildlife Rescue, which opened in March 2023.
I had bariatric surgery and lost 85 pounds. Here's how I talked to my 12-year-old daughter about it.
The first time I told my daughter I was considering bariatric surgery, my family was enjoying dinner at a sports bar during a weekend getaway. It was December 2020, and I had already been to a consultation with the doctor who would later perform the procedure. But I was terrified to move forward; the process seemed overwhelming.
In tears, I looked into my then-10-year-old daughter's eyes and said, "If I do this, I want you to know it's because my body hurts and I feel unhealthy, not because I think there's anything wrong with having fat on your body." At the time, I was 5-foot-4 and weighed over 220 pounds, but I would gain another 15 before I decided to have the surgery nearly two years later.
I canceled my BJ's and Sam's Club memberships when Costco opened 40 minutes away. It's now the only warehouse I shop at for my family.
I've been an avid Costco shopper for most of my adult life but when my family relocated from the Northeast to Central Florida seven years ago, I was disappointed to learn the closest Costco to my beach town was a 90-minute drive away.
The trip seemed just a bit too far so my family and I looked for other warehouse-store alternatives. Sam's Club and BJ's Wholesale Club were only about 15 to 20 minutes away so, over the course of six years, I shopped at the two stores. However, I was never completely happy.
‘Barbie’ movie merch: Toys, accessories, and clothing you’ll want
Counting down the days until "Barbie the Movie" hits theaters? You’re not alone. As the July 21 release date of the film, approaches with a star-studded cast including Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, Barbie fans everywhere are obsessing over which doll-inspired merchandise to stock up on.
Not only are brands like Gap and Stoney Clover Lane getting in on collaborations to celebrate the new addition to the Barbie universe, but neon, pink and heart-shaped products are more popular than ever as Barbie girls prepare to dress like everyone’s favorite fashionista. From Barbie dolls that look just like Robbie and Gosling to inline skates inspired by the film, the amount of shopping options for Barbie fans can seem a bit overwhelming.
My family of 4 paid $300 for an after-hours Disney World event. It's a great deal for early park access, live music, and more.
Disney World is known for its four theme parks, but the Central Florida property also offers two water parks — Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach.
At Typhoon Lagoon, Disney World's tropical-themed water park, there are 11 water attractions ranging from waterslides to a wave pool. Typhoon Lagoon closes at 8 p.m. most days, but on select nights, it holds H2O Glow Nights, a special after-hours ticketed event that runs from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
The San Antonio Aquarium offers experiences other zoological facilities do
At San Antonio Aquarium, guests can get up close and personal with sharks, reptiles, parakeets and other wildlife through interactive exhibits and educational programs. With thousands of species calling the aquarium in San Antonio home, the facility offers a wonderful day of fun and learning for visitors of all ages.
Located in the Leon Valley area, the locally-owned aquarium has been open since 2014 and offers additional programs beyond encounters with wildlife and aquatic animals. From photo opportunities with a mermaid to an iguana-themed bounce house, there's lots to see and do on a visit.