SHOP
5. Tutti Frutti: After a bite at Arizmendi or Kiki (see below), we stop in here for unique toys, cards, T-shirts, and lunch boxes. Eric and I really enjoy the nostalgic "blast from the past" items, such as Pez dispensers and Mad Libs -- and so do our girls. 718 Irving Street; 415-661-8504

6. The Global Exchange Fair Trade Store: Browsing among the beautiful handmade crafts in this shop takes us on a trip around the globe. Plus, the store is located in Noe Valley, another of the city's great strolling neighborhoods. 4018 24th Street; 415-648-8068

7. Just for Fun & Scribbledoodles: The girls love to plan a pretend get-together inspired by the wonderful party goods on the shelves here. There's always a beautiful seasonal display in the front window, and inside are fantastic toys, games, and stationery. 3982 24th Street; 415-285-4068

EAT
8. Arizmendi Bakery: Located in the 9th and Irving neighborhood, where we love to check out the fun shops, this bakery serves yummy focaccia, cookies, scones, and more. The girls' favorite snacks: the bialys and the breadsticks. Baked goods from 60 cents. 1331 9th Avenue; 415-566-3117

9. Kiki Japanese Restaurant: Another 9th and Irving favorite, this spot sells great bento boxes and sushi. We always order the crispy tempura and the savory unagi rolls. Entrees from $6. 1269 9th Avenue; 415-661-5522

10. Chinatown: We attend church every weekend in this famous part of San Francisco, and afterward we often eat dim sum goodies like crispy sesame seed balls and cha siu bows (barbecued pork buns). Our favorite spots are such holes-in-the-wall as You's Dim Sum, New Woey Loey Goey, and Golden Star Vietnamese Restaurant. We usually end up at the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory in Ross Alley, where we watch fortune cookies being made and eat the warm, flat "mistakes" right off the cookie press. You's Dim Sum: 937 Stockton Street; 415-781-6923. New Woey Loey Goey: 699 Jackson Street; 415-399-0733. Golden Star Vietnamese Restaurant: 11 Walter U Lum Place; 415-398-1215. Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory: 56 Ross Alley; 415-781-3956