Ben Franklin Crafts in Vintage Oaks Shopping Center, Novato

Ben Franklin Crafts has a good assortment for our craft needs. Recently we visited to pick up supplies for a middle school science project. Ben Franklin's should have everything you need. The staff can help you find things as their inventory is large and spread out. I sometimes visit the shop when I am waiting for a child to get finished at the tutor or dance class. I usually find some inspiration here for sewing, beading, and scrapping. They also have fine art supplies.

Here are a few tips for shopping at Ben Franklin Crafts.

1. Get ideas from the examples on display. In most sections there are samples made by crafters. I've seen amazing examples of wreaths and floral art.
2. Ask for a discount if you are a teacher. You will need to show id. I used to be an art docent at the elementary schools. Ben Franklin Crafts is great about honoring the discount for class projects.
3. Shop after season. Wait until the day before a holiday, or a few days after and you can get deep discounts on seasonal merchandise.

Have fun shopping for art supplies!

Matsuyama Japanese Restaurant Affordable and Friendly

We like Matsuyama on Front Street for a casual evening and some delicious Japanese food. The best deal is the combination dinner. You can choose 2 items for 11.95 or 3 items for a few dollars more. It comes with miso soup, rice and a salad with tasty honey mustard dressing. The gyoza potstickers are great. The Teriyaki salmon is very nice. The sushi rolls are traditional and satisfying. It's a great place for families. We used to order their food for take out when the kids were little. The staff is very friendly. We like the Japanese collectibles on the shelf, and the red paper lanterns!

Birthday Dinner at the Hilltop 1892 Restaurant

We tried the newly re-opened Hilltop 1892 for Mark's birthday dinner. After hearing some mixed reviews we were open for a nice dining experience. We totally enjoyed it. The food was nice, service was excellent, the view is spectacular and the atmosphere was enjoyable.
Dinner for 4 with 2 drinks, and 3 desserts was around $105 with tax. We thought it was reasonable. Garlic chicken got rave reviews. Chocolate Mousse Cake was decadent and delicious. We didn't mind the noise level because we were celebrating a birthday. There is also a banquet room that is a bit more quiet if you need it. While it seemed the vegetarian options were limited, we found that our server had ideas and the kitchen was willing to prepare other vegetarian entrees. I would recommend talking to the very friendly wait staff. We will go back for lunch because the patio seating looks really wonderful with the view and everything.

Welcome to Blog Novato

I decided to start Blog Novato CA this year. It's the 50th birthday of Novato, California and my family has lived here for almost 17 years.

I live, work, and shop here.

I will share my favorite stores, places to get out and enjoy and let you know about current events. I love hiking, walking our dog, and playing at the beaches in West Marin.

I'm also looking for other bloggers to post here. All I ask is that your stories must be about Novato and our local folks. It would be ideal if you post once a week but even once a month would be fine. Please contact me if you are interested Kerry Boozenny (415) 328-3716.

I work out of my home office here in Novato. Every month I teach eBay classes on Saturdays. I have 2 daughters attending Novato High School and Hill Middle School.
We are active in our local girl scouts. Note: Cookie sales start in February.

My husband is Mark Boozenny, he has a hardwood floor company, Boozenny Bros. Hardwood Floors. He eats many of his meals at Marvin's on Grant Ave. He is in the Rip City Riders motorcycle club. They are the good guys. Each year they give back to the community in so many ways and I'll share some of that with you too.

Please check back and thanks for visiting!