Good Morning Tri-Valley! Let’s Start Exploring!

• Mochi Donuts and Popping Boba

• 7 Days, 5 Ports, and 3 Teens: What It’s Really Like to Cruise Europe as a Family

• 2 Weeks Left for the Alameda County Fair 🎡

• ComicCon This Weekend!

• Tuesday Night Open Mic Night!

Mochi Donuts in Livermore, Pleasanton, & San Ramon!

🍩 Bober Tea & Coffee – Mochi Dough & Mango Magic

If you’re craving something sweet and fun, Bober Tea & Coffee hits the spot. We stopped by for a treat and fell in love with their mochi donuts—those chewy, crispy, pull-apart rings that are as photogenic as they are delicious. Our favorite? The Strawberry Shortcake—a crunchy top with strawberry icing. But honestly, every flavor we tried was a hit.

To sip, I ordered the Chizu Mango Green Tea with fresh strawberries. The creamy foam on top was the perfect match to the fruity tea underneath and popping boba.

Whether you’re a milk tea lover or just need an afternoon pick-me-up, this spot is a must. The interior is bright, playful, and totally Instagram-worthy. Bonus: it’s an easy stop to make your day a little sweeter.

🛳️ What It’s Really Like to Cruise Europe as a Family (With Teens!)

Thinking about taking your crew on a European cruise? We just returned from 7 nights, 5 ports, and countless gelatos aboard the MSC Divina—and yes, we brought the teens. It was our second time cruising Europe with MSC, but this trip felt entirely different. The kids had their own room (game-changer), we hit new ports across Greece and Turkey, and we leaned all the way into the cruise life: balcony breakfasts, poolside cocktails, and nightly shows that even got nods of approval from our hard-to-impress teens.

This week’s post is all about the onboard experience—what it’s really like to cruise with older kids, what we loved, what surprised us (hello, Cirque du Soleil-style show!), and why I’d absolutely do it again! Click here to read my full review!

I’m breaking down the following:

• What to expect from MSC’s dining options—what’s included, what’s extra, and what’s good

• Our cabin setup and why booking two rooms across the hall was the best decision we made

• Entertainment, clubs, live music, and where to find chocolate croissants and gelato at 10am (or midnight)

• Pool deck tips (get there early!) and spa surprises (hello, affordable pedicure)

• How our teens stayed busy without needing kid clubs or structured activities

If you’ve ever wondered whether a cruise is actually a good way to see Europe as a family—or just want a behind-the-scenes peek at cruising with kids—this one’s for you.

📖 Click here to read the full blog post ➝

And stay tuned—next week I’ll be sharing all the juicy details from our days ashore, from ancient ruins to surprise donkeys.

_{In Partnership with Alameda County Fair}
🐐 Just 2 Weeks Left at the Alameda County Fair!

The Alameda County Fair is in full swing—but not for long! You’ve got until July 6 (open Wednesday through Sunday) to soak up all the summer fun.

One of this year’s highlights? The brand-new Safeway Barn, where you can meet adorable baby animals, see award-winning livestock, and explore hands-on exhibits that showcase local agriculture. From fuzzy goats to massive draft horses, it’s a barnyard adventure that’s equal parts fun and educational.

You’ll find daily animal shows, petting pens, and interactive “ag-tivities” the whole family can enjoy. It’s the perfect blend of county charm and kid-friendly fun—and it’s all included with admission.

Grab a lemonade, snap some pics with a piglet, and make the most of fair season before it’s gone!

Enter to Win 2 free Fair admission PLUS 2 free Reserved Seats to Tesla.

ComicCon this Saturday in Livermore!

Something Colorful Is Coming to Livermore… and It’s Free!

Here’s something fun for the Tri-Valley!

On Saturday, June 28, the Livermore Toy-Anime-Comic Con is popping up from 11am to 4pm, and it’s completely free for everyone to attend. It’s a family-friendly event with vendors, art, games, and a costume contest that’s open to all ages. So yes, you’re encouraged to dress up and bring the kids—even if they’re just there for the merch and the snacks.

One very cool guest? John Morris, the voice of Andy from Toy Story, will be there for meet-and-greets.

I may not know much about cosplay or anime, but I love seeing people light up when they get to celebrate what they love. I’ll be there checking it out—and probably learning a thing or two along the way.

Tuesday Night Fun - Open Mic Night!

I saw this on the Tri-Valley Music Scene Facebook Group - looks like a great way to spend Tuesday night!