Free Crafts at Lakeshore Learning --Saturdays

As the holiday gift-giving season rolls around, check out the great teacher supply store Lakeshore Learning on Bascom Ave. in San Jose. It's a great place to find art supplies, workbooks, puzzles and math and science activities for preschool through elementary kids that are non-commercialized, durable and classroom tested. The also have a make and take center with a laminating machine. Check out their free arts and crafts workshops on Saturdays with your kids.

New French Bakery Open in Downtown SJ

I just had to plug this brand new tiny shop near my workplace: A Taste of Paris which just opened a week or two ago. It's a sandwich shop/bakery with a limited menu located conveniently on the Paseo San Antonio near Christmas in the Park and San Jose State University where you can walk in and get a yummy pannini, baguette sandwich or croissant. I did attempt to "parlay Francais" with my American "Frenglish" the other day with the owner -- and he was super friendly and welcoming. For an authentic pain au chocolat at less than $2.00, it's a great deal.