Hello friends, we are halfway through the festive season, oh my! So much holidaying yet to do. Watch the sparkle and glow as the boats in the bay parade on the waterfront tonight. Take a shopping and feasting break with an end-to-end hike tomorrow finishing with a beer at the beach. You know I must throw in a few more gift ideas for those of you still waiting to check off the list. Intentional jewelry made with inspiring crystals might be what you need!  Winterwalk is here and you must visit that marvelous area of AstroTurf in Union Square while checking out the skating rink and holiday windows! Lastly help feed the homeless. Best Holiday feeling – giving back!

Tonight. Boat Parade

Come out tonight from 6 to 9 PM and see the oldest and largest lighted holiday boat parade on San Francisco Bay. Boats festooned with lights and holiday decorations will parade along the waterfront. A holiday tradition since 1994, the parade typically includes members of various yacht and boating clubs in SF.

Even if you aren’t a sea faring tomato, you can enjoy the sparkle from various locations. Best viewing from Aquatic Park, Pier 39, and Marina Green in addition to Crissy Field. In addition to a fantastic vantage point, restaurants along the wharf will be featuring traditional holiday menus. Get the details.

Dec. 15. Holiday Hike

A festive group of hikers have come together to explore and adventure throughout SF. This once a month hiking group explores all the gloriousness that is San Francisco and then ends up at a pub drinking a few pints and giggling with other like-minded hiking pals. Tomorrow the 15th, join the merry band of walking wanderers for the End-to End of Golden Gate Park finishing at the Beach Chalet Brewery (it’s all about balance and buffalo and beer!)

Meeting point is at Golden Gate Park entrance on Haight/Stanyan and the hike continues through the park exploring all the favorite spots, Lily Pond, Stow Lake, Strawberry hill before proceeding to the Buffalo and ending at the Windmills of the Great Highway. Sounds like a great way to work off some of that holiday cheer. www.hikeitupsf.wordpress.com

Intentional Jewelry

I know I give you a lot of info on jewelry – could this be a pattern? Yes, I love it and I love gifting it, especially from local artisans. This week’s find is from Nelya Hochleutner who creates intentional jewelry made with healing crystals. Nelya began her company, Lux in Latin designs, after a career in arts education. She began her company after she created a bracelet for a friend who was grieving the loss of her dog. She chose crystals she connected with feelings of serenity and love. Besides looking beautiful, her friend derived much comfort from the piece.

Seeing this effect moved her to experiment and delve deeper into the healing power of crystals. Her hobby soon became a passion and each design is set with intentions related to the healing properties of the combined stones. For instance, one beauty I snagged is entitled New Beginnings made of turquoise and moonstone. In addition to soothing and healing it dispels negative energy and helps you tap into your intuition. Whether or not you subscribe to the healing properties of the bracelets (but I do!) they are exquisite. Enjoy 20% off now through the end of the month with the discount code Holiday. www.luxinlatin.com

Winter Walk Holiday Pop Up

 If you have been shopping or dining around Union Square, you have most likely noticed the 17,000 square feet of open green space. This holiday pop-up pedestrian plaza will be open through New Year’s Eve, on Stockton Street between Geary and Ellis. Expect to find a bite to eat from rotating food trucks and a variety of activities and performances. Want some free yoga? Tomorrow at 11 go through your vinyasa poses at Core Power Yoga.

Then on the 16th you can learn how to make the perfect wreath and centerpiece as floral experts demo their skills. On the 21st there will be a special winter solstice performance by Luminescent Grand (the world’s first synesthesia piano). On the 23rd get your craft on with your family and friends as the Museum of Craft brings you a holiday craft station. All the fun can be found here. http://www.winterwalksf.com

Dec. 22. Feedmob to Feed the Homeless

FeedMob SF is an idea brought together by good friends wanting to make a difference in our community. Mob mentality generally has a negative stigma but it doesn’t have to be so. There are flash mobs and fitness mobs bringing positivity in large groups, they took that mentality to create something positive in our community.  FeedMob SF hosts pop up gatherings throughout San Francisco to not only feed those in need but also get to know those individuals on a more human level.

It takes 2 seconds to toss a quarter in a cup but a simple “how are you doing?” can reach places a quarter can’t. On the 22nd, they will be setting up a tent to feed the homeless. They ask for warm dishes, ready to be served, and connections to any restaurants willing to be food sponsors are welcomed. Set up at 4:30 p.m. serving at 6. Lend a hand to help feed someone’s body and soul if you are able. http://www.feedmobsf.org