It’s November – that came quickly!  And you know that means it’s holiday shopping time. The Museum of Craft and Design can help you get started this weekend, with fab one of a kind gift items. Tea lovers say cheers for the SF International Tea Festival at the Ferry Building. The biggest sandcastle competition in Norcal has arrived – head to the beach to see the creations. If you or Mr. Tomato love your beer and/or bacon, there’s a festival for that.

You and a BFF could win a fabulous 13 day trip to Costa Rica, just for women.  GET THE DETAILS  and get your BFF to enter too.

Nov. 3-4. Museum of Craft & Design

The M of C and D is hosting Style ’18, a juried event celebrating 40 local, national and international contemporary fashion, jewelry and accessories artists. You must know a gal pal or family member who would love a one of a kind item. From up cycled denim pouches and purses, to hand painted silk and jewelry creations too beautiful to describe.

Local Tomato Ellen Brook will be showing her exquisite hand painted silk clothing. Another local artist Claudia Alleyne is participating as well. She began her career in metal as a welder then served in the Peace Corps where she found a love of unique jewelry. Jump forward to today’s delicate and unusual pieces.  All of the artists have similar stories and you will get to meet and talk to them. Selecting your favorites will be the hard part!

Free to enter – Tomorrow 11 – 6 and Sunday 10 – 4. Complimentary valet parking is great news! 2569 Third Street, SF. www.sfmcd.org/style18

Nov. 3-4. International Tea Festival

Pinkies up ladies, it’s Tea Time! For a verified tea lover like myself, this festival warms my heart (and tummy!). Tomatoes will discover teas straight from local and global producers – hundreds of organic teas at their finest.

Lectures are included in the general admission price of $25, you can learn all about Matcha and why it has gained such popularity. Or did you know that tea has emerged as a champion of social enterprise? Info will also be shared on Cannabis and why it belongs in tea.

Never attended a Japanese tea ceremony? You will also be able to experience an authentic brewing experience using the finest Japanese Tea ware. Workshops on Sunday are an additional fee, but you will learn how to blend your own chai and discover how to make natural tea from Hawaii. Wear your finest tea outfits! www.sfitf.com

Nov. 3. Sandcastles

The artistry behind building art out of sand is a challenge for any of you who have tried to do so. Tomorrow, Leap Arts presents its annual Sandcastle building contest fundraiser at Ocean Beach. These are not your 5-year-old castles made from buckets and molds.  Building Bridges is the theme that will showcase sandcastles that connect, overcome and bring us closer together.

Tomorrow the teams begin their sculpting at 11 a.m. Building ends at 2:30 and the awards ceremony begins shortly after. Teams compete and do so to raise funds for Leap arts in Education. Their mission is to provide top quality arts education programs to help students build skills to reach their fullest potential. Leap believes that art is a fundamental part of every child’s education and success.

The non-profit was created in response to the severe cuts in our school budgets. The event is free to attendees, so bring your down jackets and your own buckets and pails and join in the fun. http://www.leapsandcastleclassic.org

Nov. 10. Bacon and Beer

Vegetarians read no further, carnivore Tomatoes please keep going! AT&T park will soon have that bacon aroma wafting throughout the stands and on the field on when the Bacon and Beer classic returns. Craft brews from a variety of local breweries will be serving up hops in abundance. You can “pig” out with savory, spicy or sweet bacon infused dishes. All your fav pork dishes can be sampled as local chefs and restaurants offer up delectable tastes.

Even if you don’t indulge in one or the other, Bacon or Brew, there is still plenty of fun to be had as you accompany your friends to the event. A big event like this wouldn’t be complete without “lawn” (stadium) games like giant Jenga. Have a bacon-loving friend, cholesterol is not being counted on this day – they, or you, can compete in the bacon-eating contest to win a year of free bacon! http://www.baconandbeerclassic.com