Surgery Day

Today our sweet dog, Zoey, is going into surgery. She has a condition called, Luxating Patella (or "floating kneecap"), and it needs to be corrected so that she can walk and run correctly. If we don't take care of it now, then her kneecap will eventually disintegrate and she won't be able to use her leg at all.

Robbie and I are feeling pretty good about the surgery itself, but are more concerned with recovery period. For the first two weeks, she will hardly be able to move; we have to limit her activity almost completely. The following two weeks, her activity can increase, but very slowly. She is a super active pup who loves to run, loves to play with other dogs, and loves to be involved in everything we do. After the four-week recovery is finished, she should be back to normal. Wish us luck!

Happy Weekend + Big Travel News!

I am thrilled to be able to share some very exciting travel news with you. Robbie and I will be traveling through Europe for most of July! We'll be backpacking our way through five countries with our dear friends Alison, Elijah, and Ian. We have been fortunate enough to travel to Europe before, but have never experienced it by backpacking. The gang and I have been planning where we want to go, what we want to see, and where we will be staying. I'll be sure to share my excitement with you as we continue to plan and the trip gets closer.

As far as plans for this weekend, birthday celebrations are the name of the game. Not only are we invited to my co-worker's '80s themed roller skating birthday party, both of my brothers are celebrating birthdays this week.

What are you up to this weekend? Any travel plans? 
(We're not actually going Paris, I just thought this map was too cute to pass up)

Wanderlust: Munich, Germany

Guys, wanderlust has hit me again (then again, I'm not sure it ever goes away). As the weather heats up, my mind heads straight to summer and all of the fun things it brings. Last week I was talking to a co-worker about vacation and he described the summer trips he took to visit family in Germany. He talked about the jovial nature of Munich's people, the warm weather that lends itself to evenings spent in city centers, and the celebratory nature in which people embrace their friends and neighbors. After talking with him, I started jonesin' (BIG TIME) for a trip to Munich. It would be a great opportunity to check out a Beer Garden, and I'm sure I would be drawn to the city's rich history and beautiful architecture. Now to decide, would a visit during Oktoberfest or a summer Beer Garden be best?

Have you traveled to Munich? Would you choose a beer festival in October or a community eat out in July? 
(Photos: All Things Europe / Twin City Photos)

SJMade

Over the weekend, I took part in Discover Downtown San Jose and spent most of the day at the SJMade fair. It is a bi-annual vendor fair, showcasing local artists and crafters, sponsored by The Usuals clothing boutique. This year it was held at the San Pedro Square Market. My main responsibility was to man the Content booth and let people know who we are. Lucky for me, I got there before my shift and was able to walk around. As guests walked around, people found products ranging from jewelry to clothing to art. Unfortunately, I didn't have my camera on me and couldn't take any pictures, but here are a few vendors that caught my eye:

Shop. Find. Love.
This may have been my favorite booth in the whole place. Tera, the owner/creator, recycles old books and creates journals from their covers. In an effort to use all aspects of the books, she uses the bindings for books markers and the extra pages to create pre-made celebration banners. Some of her banners included, "Happy Anniversary, "I Love You", and "Happy Birthday".

new modern love
I'm a sucker for stationary and notecards; I really have to practice self-control if I get anywhere near the Paper Source. That's why I had to stop at new modern love's booth at the fair. Once I was able to look closer at Melissa's designs, I knew I had to have them. Melissa targets niche audiences through her witty and clever designs. For example, her "Last Cigarette" card may not be applicable to my life, but it made me want to find a person that could use it for a loved one.

Isobell Jewelry
As I came up to Isobell's booth, I was drawn in by the natural, earthy designs of her jewelry. The jewelry doesn't feel exaggerated or over the top, rather it was understated yet elegant. I snatched up a pair of colorful stud earrings before I continued on my way.

Overall, it was a great day at SJMade. The weather was a bit warm, but it didn't seem to wilt the moods of the people who came by. I loved seeing all of the talented people and the treasures they produce. It gets me excited just thinking about the next one!

Did you happen to stop by the SJMade fair this year? What was your favorite vendor? 
(Photos: SJMade / Shop.Find.Love. / new modern love / Isobell Jewelry)

Coachella Wrap Up

Last week Robbie and I headed down to Indio, CA for the Coachella Music Festival. We left right after work on Thursday evening, with our friends Sarah and Jeremiah, and were home by Monday afternoon. It was the first time I had been to a multi-day music festival, so I wasn't sure what to expect. I did my best to gather advice and suggestions from friends before we left, in order to be as prepared as possible, but am definitely walking away a wiser Coachella attendee. Here is a bit of what I discovered...

Technical Difficulties

Happy Monday friends!

I’m sorry that I don’t have a normal post for you today. I’ve been experiencing technical difficulties with Blogger (it is no longer posting my scheduled posts!) and am trying to figure them out. If you know of a customer support number, technical support FAQ page, or support forum, please let me know! I would love to have this resolved ASAP, so any help is greatly appreciated. I’ll be back to regular posting tomorrow.

Thank you!
Stacy

Discover Downtown San Jose

Tomorrow is an exciting day for Downtown San Jose. The new San Pedro Square Market farmer's market will be in full swing, the San Jose Made (SJMade) Fair is being held from 11a - 8p, there is a Downtown Condo Crawl in three of the high-rise condominiums downtown, and the Moveable Feast trucks will be set up at the SPSM tomorrow evening. If you've never really spent much time downtown, tomorrow is the perfect opportunity to see what San Jose is up to and what it has to offer. I get giddy just thinking about it!

There is a lot going on, so if you're unsure where to start or how to fit it all in, Content has created a roadmap for you! One of our contributors, Sarah, has created the perfect itinerary for downtown newbies and San Josiens who want to get the "biggest bang for their buck". Here is a quick tip from her roadmap (read the full itinerary here):

9:00—Hop on your closest lightrail and get off at the Paseo de San Antonio Station.

10:00—Stop in for breakfast goodies at La Lune Sucrée. Sweet and savory crepes, croissants with poached eggs and homemade hollandaise sauce.

10:30—Hop back on Light rail and get off at the St. James Park Station. Head toward the new San Pedro Square Farmers Market at St. John and San Pedro Streets where you can cleanse your palate with some locally grown fruits.

Whatever your plans are for the weekend, and if you're in San Jose, I hope you can stop by for at least a little bit. Tomorrow is going to be full of great food, great people, all within a great place. I'll be spending most of my day at the Content booth at SJMade, so be sure to come by and say hello!

Fashion Frames for Kids

I recently found a new design website and blog, Blog Milk, that I have been loving. Their designs are so simple and clean, and their blog is a great place for inspiration. Earlier this week, they featured the design duo of Very French Gangsters, who focus on children's eye wear.

I loved this post because it introduced me to two amazing ladies and brought me back to my own childhood. When I was a kid, I wanted to wear glasses so badly. I thought they made people look so smart and mature. As I hit my tween years, glasses were something I continued to be interested in, and I even went as far as buying a fake pair to wear out and I called them my "fashion frames" or "faux frames". My desire to wear glasses was already pretty strong, so I can't imagine how I would have reacted if I had known this children's line existed when I was a kiddo...

How cute are these mugshots?!
(Photos: Very French Gangsters via Blog Milk)

A Different Look at Italy

When I think of Italy, iconic images of sun soaked vineyards and beautiful cathedrals come to mind. That is why this image in Tuscany is so striking...

The lush green pathway and fog drew me in instantly. It makes me want to grab my guy's hand and walk along this road together, letting it lead us along the way.

(Photo: All Things Europe)

Colorful Cake

The gang and I are headed back from Coachella today and I can't wait to tell you all about it! Unfortunately, I'll be in a car most of today and won't be able to fill you in on the details until later this week. In the meantime, I wanted to share this awesome cake I stumbled upon...

Isn't it fun?! I don't know if I would want to eat it because it looks so nice. Ha! Who am I kidding, I'd dive right in.
(Photo: Capital Romance via QuiteLikeHorses)

Have a Rockin' Weekend!

What are you up to this weekend? Robbie and I are headed down to Indio, CA for the Coachella Music Festival with friends. I've never been to a full blown, multi-day music festival before, so I'm not sure what to expect. We've all made lists of the artists we want to see, so hopefully everyone can at least catch a few of their top choices. I've also solicited recommendations from friends on what to bring. Some of my favorites have included, baby wipes, baby powder, electrolyte packets, and toilet paper. I thought the T.P. suggestion was pure genius!

Have you ever been to a multi-day music festival? What did you bring?

Happy Friday the 13th!

For some reason, I absolutely love when a 13^th falls on a Friday. I think it’s because I’m not superstitious, but I love how serious some people take it. People have rituals, routines, and specific actions that they participate in on days like this. It’s even better when one of these days falls in October!

Are you doing out of the ordinary today? How do you feel about Friday the 13^th?

p.s. Don’t forget to come back a little bit later, for a regular weekend post!

Matchy Matchy

Do you and your partner coordinate outfits? Matching (especially on purpose) is absolutely forbidden in my relationship; Robbie won't have any part of it. If we are wearing the same color, he'll go back to his closet and pick a new shirt before we leave. The most coordination I could sneak in was during dances in high school. I'm not bothered at all by his strong distaste for matching, in fact, I find it humorous. So, when I found out about One of Us Should Change (thanks Sharon!), I knew Robbie would crack up and I had to share. It's a blog about people who accidentally dress similar and the awkward moments that creates. Here are some of my favorites...

Content Issue 4.1 Has Landed!

Content Magazine's latest issue has launched! Power (4.1) was released on Monday, at Content's Pick Up Party. Each issue amazes me, and this one is no different. I'm so proud to be a part of something so beautiful, that exhibits San Jose's creative and innovative culture so well. Whether I'm reading about the history of one of San Jose's districts, or learning about a local business owner, I love the feeling of discovery as I flip through the pages.

Power is hot off the presses, so be sure to pick up your copy as soon as possible. My recommendation is to subscribe, so that it will be delivered directly to your door. Otherwise, you can find your copy at one of these locations:

• The Usuals
• The San Pedro Square Gift Shop
• La Lune Sucree
• Satori Tea Company
• St. Claire Newsstand

Or order individual issues from the Content website.

If you want to be updated on what we're up to, like us on Facebook, or send a quick email to: editor@content-magazine.com.

Freshly Painted Nails

I love freshly painted nails, especially when they're short and neat. I think they look so clean and ready for anything. Unfortunately, I don't know the name of the polish I'm wearing above, but I've been loving it this past week. It seems to go with everything I wear and draws attention away from my veiny hands (win-win!).

Do you paint your nails or go all nature? Do you like to keep your nails long or short?
(Photos taken for Short Story Long)

Farmer's Market Finds

On Saturday morning, Robbie and I headed to the Grand Opening of the farmer's market at San Pedro Square Market (SPSM). It is a year 'round market held every Saturday from 10am - 2pm, and features vendors selling fruits, veggies, artisan food, meat & fish, eggs, dairy, flowers, and art. On top of all the selection from the sellers the farmer's market is right outside SPSM, which means you can shop around the market and then grab brunch with a friend.

Robbie and I bought some oranges, artichokes, and flowers and then ordered brunch from The Little Chef. As always, the food was delicious and the outdoor seating was great. I was too caught up in enjoying the sunshine and forgot to take a picture! You'll have to trust me when I say that it was gorgeous.

Overall, it was a wonderfully relaxing morning. Although it was the grand opening for their new farmer's market and some permanent vendors, we didn't feel rushed or forgotten. It was a casual morning that set a great tone for the rest of the weekend!

Do you have a farmer's market near you? What's your favorite things to get?
(Photos taken for Short Story Long)

Have a Productive Weekend!

I have big plans for this weekend. I'll be spending this evening at the First Friday Art Walk in Downtown San Jose with Content Magazine. You should definitely come by if you are in the area. From there, I will be diving head first into Saturday and spending some much needed time with the blog. I have some new ideas and I'm excited to start working on them. Sunday will consist of yoga and an Easter celebration with friends, and I will cap off my weekend (although it technically lands at the beginning of next week) with the Content Pick Up Party on Monday evening. Are you going? You should!

What are your plans this weekend? Will you be spending Easter with your family and friends or solo?
(Artists: Shannon Amidon and Andre Hart)

Sometimes You Just Feel a Little... Funky

I must admit that in the last couple of weeks, I have felt a little out of control. It all started with that week that was unexpectedly slammed; I feel like I haven't recovered since then. It seems like we have something scheduled every single night and I can't catch up. All good things, of course, just tiring.

But have no fear, there is a light at the end of the tunnel! I don't want to say that I feel more balanced (who does anyway?!), but I am getting very excited about some things in the works. I have some great friendships developing, Content is really building a presence in San Jose, and I've had a new wave of ideas for the blog. I'm excited to start diving into each. Now, if only I could figure out how to balance everything...

Do you have suggestions for balancing family, friends, work, and pleasure? 
(Photo: Sell your soul for a _____)

Juicing

Do you know much about juicing? No, I am not talking about 'roids or growth hormones, I'm talking about turning fruits and vegetables into juice. My brother has been juicing almost everyday since December and he completely loves it. A friend at work raves about her recipes and swears I have to try it. I've never really thought much about it, so I want to learn more about the process before I invest in an actual juicer.

So, do you have any recommendations on where I should start? Any favorite recipes I should try first? Is there a "must have"juicer I need to know about? Any reasons why I should stay away from juicing?

Bucket List

Do you have a bucket list? I do, but it's pretty small and I have never really taken it too seriously. I guess I'm worried that I'll end up with regrets if I never get around to checking things off. Some friends and I were comparing lists and I was surprised by how quickly people were able to answer. Here are a few of the highlights...

Skydiving - Check!

Machu Picchu, Peru

Drive on the opposite side of the road - Check!

Watch the entire mini-series without falling asleep. Yes, I am serious.

What's on your bucket list? Have you crossed anything off yet?