Extra TGIF

Never is the phrase TGIF truer than on the Friday following a midweek holiday. With rain on the agenda this weekend, we've all earned a cozy day of apple cider and Harry Potter movies (Judging by the number of Harry Potter-themed costumes I saw on Tuesday, we're not the only family taking occasional refuge in the wizarding world right now.). If wizards aren't your thing, I hope your family finds another way to make like the Danes and get hygge for the weekend. 

And when you're ready to venture out, consider introducing your kids to San Francisco artists and makers at one of the many family-friendly events over the next few weekends.

Here are some things that caught my eye this week in San Francisco and beyond.

Around the City

For the next three weekends, you can expose your kids to arts, culture, and some of the incredible humans who make our town such an inspiring place to live, while also knocking out some holiday shopping. 

Nov 4-5
Open Studios - Meet emerging and established San Francisco artists and check out their work. Buying art isn't just for fancy collector types (seriously). View this map to see this weekend's open studios in Fort Mason, Marina, North Beach, Pacific Heights, Western Addition, Hayes Valley, NOPA, Upper & Lower Haight, Cole Valley, Tenderloin, MIDMA, Downtown, SOMA, Buena Vista, Russian Hill.

November 11-12
Open Studios - View this map to see this weekend's open studios in the Mission, Noe Valley, Castro, Upper Market.

Renegade Craft Fair - Your answer to the question "where can I get one-of-a-kind gifts by independent makers for teachers, besties, sisters, mothers, new babies, children, husbands, brothers, fathers, and everyone else I know?" This roving craft fair is also just a fun way to kill a few hours. Expect a DJ, a photobooth, kombucha and cocktails, and DIY workshops.

November 18-19
West Coast Craft - WCC is a juried exhibition of artists, designers, and makers who exemplify a west coast aesthetic, which makes it my favorite of all the craft fairs. Oh, and Mother and Lonny host a family-friendly lounge to take a break with your littles. You'll find me at the Little Paper Planes booth snagging one of their not-to-be-found-anywhere-else art kits and hoping for some sale items from Ace & Jig and Ally Golden.

Also, Of Note

My mom has a knack for making little events feel like holidays and holidays feel like traditions. This book simultaneously provides inspiration for bringing more joy into your house and lets you off the hook for traditions that don't serve your family.

I had the privilege of hearing Susan Cain speak recently about parenting an introverted kid in an extroverted world. Her talk was illuminating and her website, Quiet Revolution, has been an ongoing resource since then. 

Target's Cat & Jack line now has sensory-friendly and adaptive apparel pieces. Design for all at work. Read about their product design and development here.

It's been three weeks, but I still can't stop thinking about this piece by Rebecca Solnit, my all-time favorite essayist (who also happens to be a local). Women are always to blame.

How to reset after daylight savings time ends this weekend.

Enjoy your extra hour of weekend!

Comments? Ideas? Contributions? Please email Elisabeth at blog@ggmg.org