Excitement + Anxiety

Guys, this week has been a crazy mix of excitement and anxiety. I'm excited because I've made some great progress on a personal project, but so anxiety ridden because I have looming deadlines that need attention. For example, I haven't purchased a single Christmas gift. Eekkk! I have less than 12 days to make that happen and I'm trying to be budget conscious this year. Any recommendations? I would LOVE to hear some. Mix that in with Content deadlines and holiday festivities, and we have ourselves a great (read: sweat inducing) time!

Back to the excitement. Although my poor time management has made me sweaty, it really is a great time of year. Pretty white lights everywhere, people put a priority on spending time with one another, and good food as the centerpiece at every function. I'm absolutely thrilled that my best friend will be home in just over a week, and I'm loving the fact that Christmas carols are being sung everywhere. These are the things I need to remember as I'm worrying about a long list of to-dos.

(Photo take at DisneyWorld last Christmas)

Content Issue 4.4

Content's latest issue, Education, has landed! I'm super excited because we were able to interview Vincent Kartheiser (a.k.a. Pete Campbell from Mad Men) and have a very real conversation about life and death. It's exciting to watch the magazine grow and continue to gain momentum.

If you haven't already done so, you should subscribe. I realize that is a blatant sales pitch, but I can't help but feel pride for what my city does and how beautifully Content displays that (I have no problem talking about how beautiful it is because I don't actually contribute to any of those parts :). The whole team does a fantastic job of uncovering what is happening throughout the city, as well as the people who are making it happen.

Even if you can't bring yourself to subscribe (even though it only breaks down to $3.50 a month ;), flip through a copy today. You can download a copy on our website or found us at one of these retailers.

What Do You Want to Be?

One of the bloggers I read, Sharon Beesley, just landed a pretty sweet gig at Elizabeth Street (congratulations!) and shared her experience getting to this point. Here is a quick snippet of her post:

PS Jordan Ferney took the above picture of me when I was in Paris a few years ago. One night she asked me what I wanted to be. I told her I really wanted to be a writer. Her response was something like, "You want to be a writer? Great! Call yourself a writer when people ask you what you do. Put it as your occupation on Facebook. There. Now you're a writer." She's the best at going after what she wants without making excuses. I love that about her. She's right--calling myself a writer actually turned me into a writer. This theory doesn't exactly fly for someone who wants to be a brain surgeon, but it works for most other things. What do you want to be? A runner? An artist? A baker? Consider yourself one and watch what happens!

This idea got me thinking about what I would call myself. Right now, I would call myself a manicurist and magazine contributor (because that is what I am doing), but is that what I really want to call myself? To be honest, I'm not sure. I feel more content now than I have for months and I am so grateful for the place I am in. I love my internship and I love the personal interaction I get from being in the salon, but I have zero thoughts for the future. 

Will I stay in the salon long term? Will the magazine take off? Who knows! All I know is that I am ok with where life is right now. I'm not anxiously awaiting the next season or frustrated that I haven't moved onto a new phase; I'm happy. I do like Jordan's advice (and I think that it can be very freeing), but I'm ok with not knowing what my title is yet. 

Do you know what do you want to be? 

Content Issue 4.2 Is Here!

Content magazine has struck again! This month we published the Vacation 4.2 issue. It's packed full of ways to enjoy your summer here in San Jose. We highlight restaurants with great outdoor seating (which I LOVE to do during summer), places to find outdoor music, and a few of the amazing innovators that are shaping San Jose's culture.

Want to be a part of the action and up to date on what's going on in this great city? Subscribe today. It's super easy and affordable (it breaks down to $3.50 a month; the same cost as a latte). An added bonus is that you're totally supporting a local business. Not ready to commit? Grab a copy at one of the following locations:

• Zanotto's Family Market
• The Usuals
• The San Pedro Square Gift Shop
• La Lune Sucree
• Satori Tea Company
• St. Claire Newsstand
• Art Boutiki 

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.

p.s. Yes, I realize that this is a total pitch of a post, but we're a small business and need to get the word out. It really is an amazing publication and I am so proud to be a part of it. 

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)

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!

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.

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 _____)

Cinequest's Picture the Possibilities

The 2012 Cinequest Film Festival kicked off last night with lots of excitement! For those who may not know, Cinequest is a twelve day film festival in San Jose, CA that blends film lovers and film creators. What many don't know is that Cinequest has also created in a non-profit organization called Picture the Possibilities. Picture The Possibilities (PTP) is a dynamic program empowering youth from around the world to create films expressing visions of a better tomorrow in order to invoke change within their communities. I was fortunate enough to speak with PTP Coordinator, Marcela Villegas Castanon for Content magazine. Here is an excerpt from my article:

Do the students/youth develop all aspects of the film? Do they write the screenplays? Do they direct the actors? Do they manage the casting?
Usually, participants turn in story ideas about a month before the program. We review and read all the stories and then we select a topic that is prevalent in all the stories. Since there are 15-20 kids, and we can’t make 15-20 films. We choose about three to four stories. Then we start constructing a script from there.

The first few days, we lecture on how to create screenplays, on filmmaking and finally on editing. So, participants get lectures on the basic fundamentals of filmmaking. Then we go over the scripts we’ve selected and start the pre-production part of the process. We get the props we’ll need, we figure out who is going to be the actors, find our locations. This all happens in one day. Then we have three to four days for filming.

So, you make three to four films in a two-week period?
Yes, we do. Plus, we do a personal profile piece on each of the participants. We basically interview them and ask them to tell us about themselves, their community, about their home life, and about what they want to share with us. They each have an opportunity to express what they want through these profiles. So, we create 15-20 profile pieces and we do the three, sometimes five film pieces in two weeks.

To read the full interview please click here 

(Photography by Ezra Gordon)

Meeting Rick Steves!

My weekend was amazing. Not only did I enjoy an extra day off work, I also met my travel hero, Rick Steves, over the weekend. I was super excited about the whole experience, and didn't really start feeling nervous until Saturday morning. Robbie wasn't able to come with me for the first lecture, but was planning on meeting me there for the actual meet and greet. Luckily, my roommate Sarah and friend Sobrina were able to join me from the start.

Once we arrived, Sarah and I planned on heading straight to the Travel & Adventure theater to get good seats. As soon as we walked in, Sarah said, "There's Rick Steves". I freaked out! I couldn't help myself. The thought of being in the same room made it all the more real. It turns out that he was conducting an improv Q&A session before his lecture and was taking questions from the audience. There were already a ton of people there, but I was somehow able to score a seat in the second row! (Disclaimer: it was a solo seat and I totally ditched my friends for it. I realize it is horrible, but at the time I couldn't walk away. I was making eye-contact with the man for goodness sake! )

His first lecture was on traveling Europe effectively, while still on a budget. To be honest, I had actually heard a lot of his advice before from his DVD series. Since the girls and I had been separated, Sarah decided to get in the meet in greet line before his lecture actually ended. Genius! By the time he wrapped up and I made my way over, Robbie had found us and we were only ten people back. I had brought two DVDs and Sarah had a travel journal for him to sign; I was responsible for all three. I put Sarah in charge of taking pictures and Robbie was there for moral support (plus, I think he was most excited to see my reaction).

Even Robbie was thrilled for me! Haha!

a) Look at the excitement on my face and b) Check out the Tech issue of Content in his hands!

I was completely nervous as I approached his autograph table. I had an idea of what I wanted to say, but was suddenly second guessing it. Before I realized it, the time had come. I was face-to-face with the man whose television show I watch on an almost weekly basis. As he began to autograph my items, I just started to speak. I told him that I loved his shows and that he is an inspiration to me. I gave him a business card for my blog (I would LOVE it if he read it) and told him I was practicing some of the advice he offers on his website. He says (as paraphrased in my mind), "Write about what you love and make it available for free. Eventually people will pay for your writing". I concluded our meeting by gifting him with the Tech issue of Content magazine.

All in all, it was a really great day and an exciting interaction. I can't believe I met my hero and was able to give him examples of my work. Robbie and the girls were extremely supportive and helped me laugh off my nervousness after. It was such a fun afternoon!

I'll be back for part 2 tomorrow with highlights from his lecture!

What do you say when you are meeting your hero?
(All photos taken for Short Story Long)

Have an Inspired Weekend!

Last night, Content Magazine hosted a Launch Party to celebrate our first print run! A few months ago, we participated in Kickstarter and set out to raise enough money for a full print run. Guess what... we succeeded! It was amazing to see all of the individuals who believe in Content's vision, and who are choosing to support it. I am so inspired by everything that is going on with Content and the creative culture it is fostering. I'm grateful to be a part of something so exciting and I can't wait to see where it leads.

(Photo taken at the Launch Party)

Harvest Issue 3.3

I am very excited to announce that Harvest Issue 3.3 for Content magazine has launched! There is a ton of hard work and energy that goes into publishing each issue of the magazine, and I am so proud to be a part of the process.

Be sure to click on the issue below and let me know what you think! Enjoy!

Open publication - Free publishing - More design

Content Kickstarter

As I mentioned last Thursday, I contribute to a San Jose based magazine called Content.  My favorite part about working with the magazine is that I am able to discover and display the innovative and creative culture my city has to offer.  In the last year, I have interviewed a man who left a career in order to follow a life-long passion, I've discovered an amazing tea shop founded by a 24-year-old woman, and I've experienced a home-grown, grassroots revival that has left me with a sense of pride as strong as a mother's.

Content has been discovering and displaying the great "gems" of our city, but now we need your help.  We have launched a Kickstarter campaign in order to raise enough money for a full print run in January.  Follow the link below, watch our video, and donate if you want to support Content's vision.  Every little penny helps, but if you don't have any to spare, word of mouth is just as good!

Kickstarter Link Here!

Fun fact: Robbie recorded the band whose music is playing in the background (their name is Fialta and they are amazing!).  Thank you everyone and happy "almost" Friday!

Hot Chocolate

I am lucky enough to be a Content Strategist and contributor for a San Jose magazine called Content.  Working with the magazine has given me the opportunity to discover the the innovative and creative culture of my city.  I love being about to display local artist, entrepreneurs, and business.

A few months ago I was sent out on a mission to find which coffee shop boasts the best hot chocolate.  Since I am a lover of hot chocolate, it was an exciting assignment for me.  Today, I've decided to share an excerpt of my article here.  I hope you enjoy!

Red Berry

Today is a perfect day for hot chocolate.

I was able to snag a sweet spot in the front window of the shop. Usually, this is the coveted spot in coffee shops, but I have to say that the view inward is more aesthetically pleasing than the view of our City Hall’s concrete walls.

Upon entering, I feel as though I have stumbled upon a go-to place in a trendy city. Beautifully dark wood lines the bottom half of the walls, while cream walls blend into the ceiling to contrast the wood’s richness. The simplicity of their menu board is appealing, and I LOVE the white tile covering the walls behind the counter. It feels very clean, focused, and intentional.

The beauty of Red Berry is in the details. Intricate details have not been lost on the front door, and one of the owners is delicately planting new flowers for the store front. The baristas make each patriant feel as though they are the first and these details make me feel as though time, energy, and effort have gone into my drink.

The hot chocolate is very chocolatey. It tastes as though they melted high quality chocolate and added creamy milk. The temperature is just right and the taste left lingering on my taste buds is not at all bitter. The top layer is a bit frothy (which I don’t always love), but once you break through, it is pure enjoyment. It continues to get better with each sip. 

To read the full article and see what Content is up to, click here or here.

(Photos courtesy of Content magazine)