Have a Jolly Weekend!

What are you up to this weekend? We’re headed to Christmas in the Park in downtown San Jose with friends. We’re not only going to be enjoying the holiday spirit, we’ll be celebrating our friend, Jesse’s, birthday (Happy Birthday Jesse!). Rob really likes Christmas in the Park, and while I think it’s fun, I don’t think I love it as much as him. If I’m honest with myself, I think I’m most looking forward to ordering a jumbo hot chocolate (it’s the sweet things in life) and hanging out with friends (we really do have awesome friends).

Do you have any holiday related activities this weekend? Have you started your shopping, or are you one of those impressive individuals that is already done? I haven’t even started yet, ha!

(Photo found here)

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.

Dishcrawl San Jose

Last Wednesday my good friend, Sarah, and I attended the vegetarian Dishcrawl in Downtown San Jose. Dishcrawl is similar to a pub crawl, except it focuses on food instead of alcohol. We met at a starting location and began the testing right away! Food is such a great equalizer and ice breaker. Sarah and I didn't know anyone else before the event, but were able to make strike up conversations easily.

From here, we walked to three more establishments. Each offering different textures and flavors, while all focusing on vegetarianism. My favorite stop of the night was with SV Local Market (#2). SV Local Market isn't a formal establishment, rather it's an online Farmer's Market. Paige (the owner) created SV Local Market to bridge a gap between CSA's and the people who feel overwhelmed by them. For dinner, she presented an entire meal created with local ingredients; cheese from local goats, honey from a local bee keeper, and fruity beverages from local trees.

Overall, it was a GREAT night; Sarah and I loved it. It was so fun to walk around downtown and try places we'd never been before.

Locations included: Good Karma / SV Local Market / Fahrenheit / Whipps

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.

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)

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

Love Letter: San Jose

Today's letter will be from me to my city.  Enjoy!

Dear San Jose, 

I can't help but love you.  You have given me culture, an education, friends, inspiration, and so much more. I love that you have embraced the food truck culture, local artists, and small businesses. I love that other professional hockey teams complain about the noise level we create within our arena. 

You are beautiful. I love your golden hills in the warm summer and your green hills in the wet winter. I love that I can always find something fun to do or something delicious to eat. I appreciate that you make an effort to reduce your impact on the environment. I love that your airport in the heart of the city makes travel easy. I love your perfect location: 45 minutes from the Pacific Ocean, 50 minutes from San Francisco, and 3 hours from snow. 

I love your people and I hope we continue to grow into a local lovin' community that promotes from within!

What is your favorite part of San Jose? What makes you love the city you are in? 

(Photos courtesy of Daniel Garcia Photography)