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Father’s Day with Nautica

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By Janine Waite ·
Affiliate Disclosure: This Post May Contain Affiliate Links.
Happy Happy Nester has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions and story are mine alone. 
#NauticaforDad #CollectiveBias
Father's Day present

I know when life gets somewhat busy, I tend to forget about our unique journey towards parenthood. You see, we dealt with many years of infertility treatments and at times having children looked unattainable. Eventually, we were so happy to pursue a foreign adoption. My husband, who knows no boundaries never questioned the idea that we would have to take an adventure that would literally take us around the world to the beautiful country of Kazakhstan. Fifteen years ago, we traveled many long hours to meet our son in the northern part of the country. He instantly made us parents and filled an empty space in our hearts! We returned to Kazakhstan about a year and a half later, to adopt our daughter. Both children have been such a wonderful addition to our lives, and they make every Mother’s Day and Father’s Day extra special.

~ A Note about the Nester ~ 
On our first outing as a family of three, we bathed our son and started to venture out of our Kazak apartment. Once stepping out the door, we were hit by a massive windstorm. Within minutes, the three of us were instantly covered with dirt from head to toe. Let’s just say, we didn’t make it out to dinner that evening!

So, this year my children wanted to do something extra special for their dad, on Father’s Day. They wanted to give him a couple of gifts, and one of which is the Nautica Voyage Gift Set. The kids and I decided to take a fun shopping trip into San Francisco. Come along on our adventure and see what we did for the day!

San Francisco

At this point, we are making our journey to the Macy’s located at Union Square. San Francisco is always busy, and the kids and I thoroughly enjoy all the great energy in the city. So, here is a picture of one of the many steep streets. Did you know in the 1850’s, that the city used to be relatively flat? But with the big earthquakes during the turn of the century, the terrain began to develop the famous hills of San Francisco!

San Francisco trolley

A trip into San Francisco wouldn’t be complete without spying a packed trolley.

San Francisco Union Square

Don’t you just love open cafes where you can bask in the sunshine? Here is a lovely cafe in Union Square. Our day in San Francisco was perfect in regards to the weather, not too hot and not too cold.

San Francisco Union Square statue

San Francisco Union Square Macy's

One thing I forgot is Macy’s is so huge, and they have a Men’s store and a Women’s store. So, if you visit the stores in San Francisco, make sure you go to the right one. Let’s just say, I learned the hard way. :o)  The two stores are side by side, and Bart construction is between them.

Macy's SF
Father's Day shopping trip
Alas, we made it the Men’s Macy’s in Union Square. Can you tell one of my kiddos is always smiling and one is more serious? Ok, now off to find the gift for their dad!
Nautical life
Here is the gift set my kiddos were intent on buying for their special dad. I just love the look of this Nautica fragrance, don’t you think it looks like blue ocean water?

Macy's Men's Fragrance
Here is the store counter that we found the gift set. Wow, who knew there are so many choices of men’s fragrances!

Macy’s in Union Square is like a little city; it has its own Starbucks! Of course, I had to treat the kids to some cool drinks and enjoy the view of Union Square. One year during the holidays, each of these windows was adorned with a beautiful Christmas tree. It was quite impressive and very festive.

Ghiradelli San Francisco
With our mission complete we decided to adventure on, and enjoy the beach front of Pier 39. Our trip into the city wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Ghiradelli Square. Yes, you can get free chocolate samples for just visiting the store. We have never ordered their scrumptious chocolate ice cream sundaes, but one of these days we’ll splurge and brave the long lines.
Nautical life
San Francisco's Maritime National Park
This building is a part of the San Francisco’s Maritime National Park. On a previous trip, we ended up visiting this educational museum and was able to hop on the big ships and view all the nooks and crannies of nautical life.  
San Francisco's Maritime National Park
SF pier 39

SF Wharf

Now, we are on the boardwalk heading to Pier 39. Next stop, the lovely open air seafood booths, where you can buy a local clam chowder in a yummy sourdough bread bowl. Did you know that the city of San Francisco naturally has yeast in its air? Well, this condition makes it a conducive environment for baking the famous sourdough bread..

San Francisco wharf sign

I had to include a photo of Alcatraz; it’s surrounded with the infamous San Francisco fog.

I’m not sure what this little building is, do you have any guesses? I would love to hear your ideas.

We are now at Pier 39. Those napping bodies to the left of the photo are the famous Sea Lions of the pier. These creatures have been here since 1990. They arrived in droves after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. So originally, they numbered 10-50 in population, but due to a plentiful herring supply, available dock space, and the marina’s protected environment, the population grew quickly. Each winter, the population can increase up to 900 sea lions. 
Zynga Games
After a long and fun day at the San Francisco’s wharf, we finally arrive at my husband’s workplace. Yes, he makes games for a living. If you wonder why there is a dog on Zynga’s logo, it is named after, and a replica of the owner’s bulldog named, Zynga. So, naturally dogs are commonly seen in the offices and encouraged to be brought to work by the employees. 

My husband, and the father of our children is a very active and funny guy! He is always embracing life to the fullest! He is always embarrassing my son and pushes the line of goofing off in public. He is a wonderful father and husband and I love how he makes his family his biggest priority.
Nautica Voyage Fragrance
So, his favorite past time is to be near water and a beach. He and my daughter both share a love of water. This Nautica gift set is the perfect gift for him since it has a fresh, cool and aquatic scent. But, I’m not sure he is going to receive the whole set (which includes, two bottles of Eau de Toilette, Aftershave Balm, Shower Gel). You see my son has his eye on impressing the girls with one of these fragrances. I’m still not sure of this little scheme, and his goal to attract the girls!
I hope you have enjoyed our little trip to San Francisco. We love our city by the bay. We would like to wish a Happy Father’s Day to all the men in your life! Let us know a thing or two about your fathers.

Make sure to enter the contest(located on the right side bar) to win a cruise vacation package.

Cheers,

Janine Waite
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Comments

  2. Colette Joseph

    Your son looks like he just can't wait to get into Macy's!

    Did you see the Bushman of Fisherman's Wharf?
    He's just this (clever) guy who stands on the sidewalk, hiding behind some tree branches and scaring passersby for a buck or two. My husband got a good laugh out of my being startled.

    You're all set for Father's Day. I'm not ready yet!

    Reply

    • Janine Waite

      Colette,

      I haven't seen the Bushman! I haven't even heard of him! Ok, now I'll have to look him up and keep an eye out for him on our next trip to the wharf! SF is a funny town!

  3. David Dial

    Your husband seems like a really awesome guy! I hope he had a great Father's Day this year! #client

    Reply

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