Well Tomatoes, it’s been a hot week, and everyone is clambering for ice cream (or sorbet) in my house, how about you? Lots of our fav places are delivering or you can take it to go. San Jose Stage has new virtual offerings with the insider scoop on creativity. The DeYoung brings Bouquets to Art to your devices, and check out some bay area online shopping finds that we love. Soon, friends, soon – we will get our hair colored and our nails done – but for now, please stay safe and wear your groovy masks! Grey stripes are IN! Want to know what guys think? Listen in to this week’s Happy Hour Podcast. And the virtual Renewal Summit has launched!

Now Playing at The Virtual Renewal Summit

We launched our first two episodes of our ten panel Renewal Summit, this week. They will inform and inspire you. Stay tuned for next week’s videos. WATCH NOW.

I Scream….

SF, even though often riddled with fog in the summer, is home to the most delicious ice creameries. If you are craving the home made goodness here are some local scoop shops ready to keep you cool and satiate your sweet tooth.

Smitten (multiple locations in SF, Oakland, and San Jose) is a hometown favorite that’s proven itself beyond the semi-gimmick of making instant ice cream with liquid nitrogen. During shelter in place, they’re scooping up creative flavors including Bee Sting With Chico Honey, Brookies & Cream, and Chocolate Ganache by the quart and pint for takeout via online order at smitten.revelup.com. Don’t miss out on the sundae kits with homemade toppings; there are even vegan scoops (I’m thrilled!)

Milkbomb (1717 17th St., Potrero Hill) disrupted the old ice cream sandwich by stuffing scoops into a sliced, hole-less doughnut for one delicious sugar bomb. During SIP, the owners of this family-run shop are personally making deliveries to those who text their full name and address to 408-702-5143; the wait can be up to two weeks, but you’ll be helping out a small, independent business. Find updates via Instagram, www.milkbombicecream.com

Salt & Straw (multiple locations in SF, Palo Alto, and Burlingame) is not for plain ole vanillas. The small-batch ice cream is all about intense (and sometimes cuckoo) flavor combos: Pots of Gold & Rainbows, Honey Lavender, Salted & Malted Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, and more. Order for pickup at saltandstraw.com.

So listen up Tomatoes, it’s not just women who struggle with middle age and we were so excited to welcome Chris Cimino and Rick Sommers who recently launched The Middle Aged Warriors podcast. We had a fun and illuminating conversation with these two terrific guys who want to encourage other guys to—get this—talk about their feelings. 

Theatre Behind the Scenes

Ever wondered about the creative process that goes on in a theatre company choosing plays, staging and casting? San Jose Stage Company has just announced BEYOND THE BOARDS, a virtual series of conversations between their Artistic Director, Randall King and leading artists in our community and beyond. These weekly chats will take you behind the scenes of the powerful, provocative, and profound work portrayed at The Stage.

Through these discussions you get to have an in-depth look at the creative process and how important collaborations contribute to shaping our communities and the “New American Theatre.” Segments are available now for viewing. www.thestage.org/beyond-the-boards

Bouquets to Art

Our favorite floral fabulousness is going virtual! Members of DeYoung get special access to entertaining and informative talks online. Well worth it to support our museums at this time in particular. From June 1 – June 7^th the programs begin and include talks, floral-themed games, interactive demos and more.

You can now bloom in place! If you have a penchant for floral design, the museum is asking you to create an arrangement using flowers or other objects found in your home, inspired by artwork around you. Send photos and the art piece that inspired you for a chance to be highlighted on their social media or in the newsletter. Or, send them a photo of you in your favorite, fun, floral fashion outfit. https://deyoung.famsf.org/bouquets-to-art

Shopping

We know that you can google anything you want to buy online. However, we have some local finds that you may not know about. So let’s support small business when we can and when we feel the need for something new to lift our spirits.

On June 1, online for a pop-up featuring 11 amazing woman-owned brands for a self -care & wellness-themed virtual event. The site curates fabulous products, ethically sourced, created by women for women. Time for some self-care! June 1 – 14^th only. Loveindieb.com  

Shop TreasureFest’s first-ever online marketplace of small Bay Area makers. May 29-31. All proceeds go directly to the artists, so pretend you are on Treasure Island while you peruse the creations from the comfort of your own home. Head to their Facebook page for more info and a link to tickets. https://www.facebook.com/TreasureFestSF/

Le Marché is a biannual Bay Area event curating ethically made products for the modern home with timeless French touches. Now they are going digital for their pop up on June 6 – 7. Lemarchebayarea.com