Tomatoes, it’s November and whoa, holidays are a coming. But first, a great way to support our neighbors to the north who suffered fire devastation, is to head to the Napa Valley Film Festival for entertainment and support. Then Pinterest and SFMade have the first holiday fair featuring all locally made items. The JCCSF offers a new series of dinner and literature, books and food – sounds like a winning combo to me. And, Cal Academy continues its popular Thursday evening Night Life series with an emphasis on the brain and the body. Let’s get those brain cells moving tomatoes!

Nov. 7-12. Napa Valley Film Festival

Yes tomatoes, our lovely Napa Valley is going on with its annual film festival and yes they will be donating 10% of the proceeds to the Nap Valley Community Foundation’s Disaster Relief Fun. We need to support our neighbors to the north, so even if you can go for just a day, let’s show them some love. Of course the 120 films, culinary demos, wine tastings etc. should entice you. Super great sponsor Lexus is donating 1,000 free tickets to select movies for those impacted by the fires.

You can view the top rated independent films, including Stuck where five strangers on a NYC subway car find themselves stalled in a tunnel, or American Folk about a man and woman thrust together on the momentous day of September 11th. The movies are the premier in cinematic storytelling and the food is bound to be deliriously over the top delicious as the areas top chefs prepare their finest. You know this year will be spectacular in so many ways. www.nvff.org

Nov. 4. Holiday Fair Curated by Pinterest

I know it seems a bit early to think of the holidays my friends, but you know Christmas/Chanukah – right around the corner. You can get an early start on your shopping tomorrow at a Holiday Fair held at the Pinterest offices. 38 makers kick off the season with this event curated by Pinterest for those of use looking for artisan, locally-made gifts in a unique and festive setting. This is amazing, it’s a Pinterest board brought to life.

SFMade and Pinterest combined their passions for bringing creative ideas to life for this fourth annual event. All products are made in SF. Wreaths, bar essentials, savory and sweet bites, coffee and tea; clothing, jewelry and so many more handcrafted items will be for sale. Saturday November 4th 11:00 – 4, 651 Brannan Street. A $5 donation goes to SFMade and their efforts to support local manufacturers. More info can be found at: www.sfmade.org

Eat, Drink, Be Merry

Tomatoes, I tell you the JCCSF has so many great offerings. They now have a new series pairing literature with chefs- aka yummy dinners. You get to raise a glass and share a meal with well-known authors and thinkers. Dinner, wine, dessert, a reading or conversation with the featured author or a discussion on the creative process will delight you.

On Tuesday November 7th at 6p.m. Wendy MacNaugton and Sarah Rich will be introducing you to Cipe (C.P.) Pineles, the world-changing, influential designer-illustrator you’ve probably never heard of. After they discovered her book a few years ago, Wendy and Sarah found themselves inspired by C.P., a tomato of the 1940’s. Her painted book Leave me alone with the Recipes reflects a strong, independent woman whose drawings, recipes, diaries and letters led Sarah and Wendy into a dazzling history of mid-century design, art, and food.  The dinner will feature recipes from the book and conversations on all of the above as well as discussing the prominent role food plays in memory making. Tickets are $100 that includes the dinner and a copy of the book. Tickets found here: www.jccsf.org

Nov. 9. Brain and Body NightLife

You know our museums really have it going on. NightLife at Cal Academy just keeps getting better and better. Their Thursday evening series are inspiring, educational and downright fun. On November 9th at 6:00 p.m. you get to explore the brain and body as through delving into the fascinating world of human health and wellness. Yogis take note. This week is all about yoga sessions sprinkled throughout the museum.

You can roll out your mat in the aquarium, near the coral reef or in the jellyfish-filled water planet. Prefer to do your poses with the zebras – that’s happening too.  Silent Disco Yoga will be offered as well.  No poses required as you can just, breathe and meditate and feed your body with holistic nutrition tips from Bauman College. Cocktails are also available for purchase. Like I said, the museum is totally a happening place! $12 for members $15 for non-members. Get there early! Explore NightLife here: www.calacademy.org