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San Francisco, California, is one of the best shopping cities in the world.  From major department stores to the smallest of boutiques, the city’s offerings provide a great excuse to shop ‘til you drop. 

Here is your guide to eight shopping hot spots in the San Francisco Bay area:

1. Union Street, San Francisco: Union Street between Fillmore and Gough.

You won’t find many large chain retail shops on Union Street.  What you will find is small boutiques selling clothing and accessories, beauty products and chocolate, art, antiques and eye wear.  Favorites: Ambiance (women’s fashion), Cocoa Bella (chocolate), Lush (soaps & beauty), Carol Doda’s (lingerie).

2. Union Square, San Francisco

Union Square is a big retail shopper’s dream. All the big boys are present: Macy’s, Neimen Marcus, Tiffany’s and Nike.  There are also as many art galleries as there are Starbucks here. Favorites: Ted Baker (men’s fashion), Crocker Galleria (art & fashion), ALESSI (home), and local faves Shreve Co (jewelry) and Levi’s flagship store.  Here are a pretty handy map andguide.

Union Square, San Francisco. Image by Kevin Lau.

3. Fillmore Street, San Francisco: Fillmore Street between Bush and Clay.

The Fillmore shopping district has really come into its own over the past few years, growing from just a handful of cool shops to becoming one of the hottest shopping districts in San Francisco.  Here you will find major international brand shops right alongside boutiques.  Favorites: Scotch & Soda (men’s and women’s fashion), De Novo (women’s fashion), Gimme Shoes, Crossroads Trading Company (resale) and  Kiehl’s (beauty).

Read more: http://communities.washingtontimes.com/neighborhood/out-and-about-san-francisco/2012/dec/14/8-san-francisco-holiday-shopping-hot-spots/#ixzz2FFBgRQ4k 
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Mother, mom, ma, mama, mum, mummy, momma, amma, nana, madre, mère. Whatever you call the special lady in your life, one thing is certain, Mother’s Day presents a wonderful opportunity to show her how much she means to you on May 13.

The San Francisco Bay Area offers a smorgasbord of different things you can do to celebrate this beautiful day.

BRUNCH

Ah brunch, the quintessential Mother’s Day activity. There is no better place than the Bay Area for brunch. From farm fresh, organic ingredients to perfect blue skies and sunshine, you are bound to find the perfect place to celebrate Mom. Make reservations in advance, these places are bound to book up.

Aurea, Nob Hill,San Francisco: Enjoy an a la carte brunch to help celebrate your favorite lady in your life. Harpist Bertina Mitchell will be performing from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Moms receive a complimentary Bellini. And the kids can create pancakes for mom at a pancake-making bar complete with nuts, chocolate chips, and fresh berries. Bring the wet naps!

SF, Chaya Restaurant, Patio

Chaya, Financial District, San Francisco: incredible bay and Bay Bridge views can be had from this downtown waterfront favorite.  Chaya is featuring a 3 course prix fix menu, with a bottomless mimosa option. This is a great option if Mom is a sushi lover. Be sure to finish with the warm chocolate croissant bread pudding. It’s to die for.

Estate, Sonoma: toast your moms in style at this beautiful paradise in the heart of Sonoma. Estate will be featuring al fresco dining, with seats available on their gorgeous outdoor patio, surrounded by Sonoma paradise. They are featuring a three-course prix fix meal.  Try their veggie frittata, brunch pizza and mixed berry semifreddo. Then finish up with a taste of their famous grappas, or their delightful Prosecco Bar. Delicious!

Five, Berkeley: Treat Mom to this lavish brunch, featuring bottomless mimosas and a buffet that is packed with treats Mom is sure to enjoy. Kids under five are free. And Mom will also have the chance to win a romantic dinner for two or a hotel package. Be sure to try their signature mac ‘n’ cheese, waffles and sample from their assortment of quiches.

Hyatt,Burlingame: They offer a Sunday jazz brunch in their signature nine-story tropical atrium. This brunch is sure to delight Mom with their sustainable and local approach to cuisine. Featuring a packed-full seafood display, locally grown spring salads, a large variety of meats, made-to-order omelets, and even a kids’ corner with activities for the younger brunch-goers. Kids under four are free.

Twenty Five Lusk, SOMA, San Francisco: this architectural delight is featuring a three-course menu that’s sure to please Mom. And if Mom is a wine lover, this is the place for her. Have a chat with sommelier Caesar for an extra treat. Be sure to try the smoked salmon, spring leaf salad, coffee and doughnuts, and the brunch sandwich. If you’re looking for something a little heartier, try the grilled flat iron steak and eggs.  

Wente Vineyards patio

Wente Vineyards, Livermore Valley: Just 45 minutes outside San Francisco, let Wente take you and your mother away to their special Mother’s Day celebration brunch. They are featuring a chocolate dipped strawberry and Brut tasting for only $5, hosting a spa day from 12-3p, complete with chair massage, Lancome make-up refresh, snacks and of course Wente wine.  No reservations needed, first come first served.

Perhaps you are throwing your own brunch at home. Here are some ideas from Lulu B. Fabulous Cocktails for simple drinks you can serve that are brunch worthy, as well as light on calories and carbs:

Chocolate Martini: it’s like drinking your dessert! Made with vodka, Crème de Cacao and natural chocolate flavors and aromas, at 48 calories per serving, it boasts just a third of the calories found in the typical high-sugar version of this cocktail. Add a dusting of cocoa powder as a garnish.

Margarita: A blend of tequila, Triple Sec and natural lime flavors and natural sweetener, this Margarita is refreshing at only 38 calories per cocktail, compared to more than 150 in a regular Margarita. Serve chilled over ice, with a salted rim and lime wedge.

Cran Cosmo: Enhanced with real cranberry flavors, this classic “Girls’ Night Out” cocktail is made with vodka and Triple Sec and only 38 calories per serving. Enjoy chilled over ice.

Mojito: Lulu B.’s version contains only 37 calories per serving and combines natural mint and lime flavors with rum. Add fresh mint leaves as an added garnish.

RELAX WITH WINE, BUBBLES & SPA

Wine, sparking wine and spa treatments galore. What a wonderful treat for Mom this holiday. No matter if Mom is a chardonnay, cabernet or sparkling fan, Northern California has everything to tickle her fancy and pamper her all day long.  Click through to read the entire article…

The frantic holiday shopping season is in full swing.  From department stores to local boutiques to discount stores, here’s the Top Ten places in San Francisco to help you get through that gift list (and maybe even pick a little something up for yourself):

1. Ambiance: a local boutique for women’s clothing, shoes, handbags, and accessories.  With three locations, this super-sheik gem is convenient for nearly everyone. Be sure to get on their mailing list to get discounts and invites to sale events.  Champagne is always flowing at their sale events.
2. Anthem: a local boutique with a great selection of gifts for the home and entertaining, as well as items for your personal style like clothing, jewelry, accessories and even pet accessories. You can always find something beautiful and stylish here.

Go to the full article to see the complete list…