Big Lots

This is a great store for holiday shopping. Beware however that some of the stuff that they sell is a bit on the cheaper end, sort of like those dollar spot stores. However, often times you can find one of a kind items which are always fun. I like bringing my kids here and letting them pick out gifts for the relatives that come from them for the holidays. It is a cheaper way of doing it and the kids have a blast and the recipients always feel touched that they got something personally from the kids. Well worth the trip, lots of fun things to look at, especially holiday decorations and the like.

Body Manipulations

I was recommended by a friend to Body Manipulations to buy jewelry..but I found out it was more than that. They offered to do piercing and tattoos. I got myself a nice new ring and piecing in my ear. I was satisfied with their work and the price was pretty shabby. They are well trained and act in a professional manner.

Ghiradelli

This place is so much fun to visit when your out trolling the area. They have not only the best chocolates around, and they give you samples, but they also have an incredible icecream shop made with the finest cream and chocolate around. They make a huge sundae called the earthquake that can be shared with as many as five different adults! We eat here everytime we come to the city. It is usually pretty crowded and there are often lines and semi long waits, but definitely worth the wait! Would highly reccomend!

Wong Ben

This is one funny wedding photographer. He took beautiful pictures of our wedding day (at home, church, park, restaurant). His prices are competitive and he even gave us a few extras. He works out of his home so he gets distracted a lot, which made our visits with him a little longer than expected. Overall, he is a great photographer and his final presentation is gorgeous.

Russian Hill Bookstore

The largest collection of Russian Books in San Francisco is in the bookstore called Russian Books-Znanie Bookstore. It is located in the Richmond district where all the russian stores and people are. It is large and people working there are super helpful. You can find kids books as well as adults books. There are old classics there as well as some contemporary literature.

Alcatraz tour

I have done the alcatraz tour five different times and I would still go back. Every single time I go I learn something new. You get to ride a ferry to the rock which is pretty fun in itself. If it is a nice day out then you can be on the top section of the boat and get some gorgeous views. Once on the island you get an audio tape that will walk you through the entire prison and you will even get recounts from past prisoners. You can even see which cell belonged to Al Capone! Totally worth it if you are visiting the area and are a history buff!

Modern Times Bookstore

This is a very cutsie bookstore in the mission district in San Francisco. There is a great selection of different kinds of books that you can browse through. And the salespeople are very helpful in seeing that you are satisfied with the books. The store is very clean and well lit. Parking is a little on the difficult, but not impossible. Wonderful addition to the Mission District.

Homeworks The Home Improvement Company

I had the windows in my entire house replaced with Renewal by Anderson Windows by Homeworks. I LOVE the windows, but was extremely upset with the sales practices of the company.

First I was told that the company only uses their own installers - never contractors. When the installers showed up, they were wearing Anderson t-shirts but the truck was not an Anderson Truck. The installers were terrific, they really seemed to be well trained and were attentive to detail. In fact, I doubt that HomeWorks could hire and manage such quality workers themselves. But, after the big deal that the sales person made about having their own team - I really felt misled. There were several other minor issues that made me feel as if I had been lied on the purchase.

While I am very happy with the quality of the product - I have to say that I would not deal with one of their sales team again.

Cedar Lake Farm & Day Resort

This is a great place for company picnics. Our company has had them here twice and it has been a lot of fun both times. There is a lake to swim in, paddle boats, pontoon boat to take a ride on the lake, bumper boats and kayaks. There is a petting zoo and pony rides for the younger ones. Also a bouncing house. Some games to play and the have a bbq lunch of chicken and various sides. All around fun place.

Fairview Clinics-Burnsville

This place has an exceptional maternity ward. Their are private rooms for birthing and stay. They also have a great menu for ordering food. Each patient gets a menu and can order as much as they want and whenever they want. No more little meals and at awkard times. The food was even good. You also get a private shower which makes it very nice, often times hospitals with maternity wards ask that you share the shower which is never fun. Would recommend this hospital.