Recycling Tomatoes – it’s good for the planet, good for us and when it comes to clothes, it’s fun – try it with ThredUp and their new stores (not a paid advert!). Love those briny, yummy jewels from the sea? Oyster fest has returned to the glorious Waterbar. Now that cannabis is legal, a local company can help you throw your own “high tea!” In the category of there is a festival for everything, learn and see the ancient Japanese art of folding paper, or origami at Origami-palooza.

Thredup

I admit it, I love consignment stores. Whether I am consigning clothes or shopping, I just feel so much better being a conscious consumer. And who doesn’t love a bargain. You probably have seen ads for ThredUp, an online consignment store. Recently I found out that they have several “brick and mortar” stores in the bay area and I perused one in Burlingame. Considered peer-to-peer online shopping, this gem of an idea was born in 2008 and is now headquartered in San Francisco. Brick and Mortaar locations can be found in Burlingame, Los Gatos, Pleasanton and Walnut Creek – these are so much fun to shop!

Of course, I found my own little gem to purchase, but I drooled over a pink Burberry denim jacket. All the clothes are so clean, and the organization is neat and tidy. They have brands from Old Navy to Burberry and of course every store carries something a little different. Best of all is the ease of consigning your clothes. You get a huge bag with a prepaid label on it and pop your clothes inside to drop off at USPS. They don’t accept everything, but this is such a convenient way to clear the clutter! Of course, you can shop online as well, with more options for women and children. The thrill of fashion for less – YES! https://www.thredup.com/

Kikoko – High Teas

Ok Tomatoes, you may or may not be a fan of cannabis – but surely you have heard of its wonderful healing benefits. Two amazing women (extraordinary tomatoes if you will) started a cannabis tea company after a friend was literally crawling to the bathroom in agony after many rounds of chemo. Cannabis products were the only things that gave her some relief. Enter Kikoko, a fully female owned and managed local company. The two founders, longtime entrepreneur Jennifer Chapin and adventure travel writer Amanda Jones have created a low dose cannabis tea product. It’s been around for a year or so, but now that it is legal to purchase, they have become better known.

They began by introducing their teas at “High” Tea parties so women could understand the properties and benefits of consuming their products. The tea parties responsibly educate people, mostly women, since we all have so many questions and many of us have a little fear around trying the products. The parties inform guests about the amount of THC and CBD in various products and are much less intimidating than meekly sauntering in to a dispensary. Kikomo teas can be purchased at various dispensaries and include Sympa-Tea for pain, stress and anxiety, Tranquili-Tea to help you relax and sleep, Sensuali-Tea to increase that libido and Positivi-Tea, great for outdoor adventures or belly laughs. Pinkies up ladies – to find out where to purchase and more great info: www.kikoko.com

Aug. 26. Origami-Palooza

The fine art of folding paper is a skill that apparently anyone can learn. Try your hand at it on August 26^th in Japan Town. More than a dozen Origami teachers will be available to lead you through the intricate art of folding. One of the most special events is joining members of Rainbow World Fun as they gather wishes and cranes for the World Tree of Hope. This famous tree appears during the holidays in San Francisco’s City Hall.

Don’t worry if you have never folded before, we are assured that you will learn how to create a crane from the beautiful paper on hand. Origami pro Linda Mihari will also be available to take you behind the scenes of some amazing commercials featuring Origami. And if you are an experienced folder, or even if you just want to watch, the Origami Challenge takes place at 4p.m. Watch the Special Masters Division for High Complex entries. Over $1,000 will be awarded in prizes. Start practicing now! www.japancentersf.com

Aug. 26. Oysterfest

Join your fellow oyster lovers to slurp some briny goodness and benefit the Surfrider Foundation as well. The epic patios of the Waterbar with their stunning views of the bay provide the perfect backdrop for sipping champagne and nibbling on pearls from the sea. Waterbar hosts the event but the eats and sips are from several iconic and delicious SF restaurants, so you are not limited to just seafood.

Epic Steak, Dobbs Ferry and Homestead are among those providing nibbles. Local breweries such as Fort Point and Bare Bottle will be pouring as will may of your favorite vineyards, including Domaine Chandon and Carneros (cheers!). Your donation of $90 includes admission, bites, wines, beers, oysters, live music, games and a silent auction. Sunday 8/26 from 12 – 3 p.m.  Get tickets.