tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49013469448528518672024-03-14T01:41:55.109-07:00My French Lunch BreakLyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01856048097781972199noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4901346944852851867.post-6810346635470308422013-08-09T10:12:00.005-07:002013-08-09T10:13:39.241-07:00Bon Bini<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CULnRlx3GKs/UgUiFNO4GZI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/dVWwuHEKHeM/s1600/IMG_1943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CULnRlx3GKs/UgUiFNO4GZI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/dVWwuHEKHeM/s320/IMG_1943.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Aruba - "one happy island" as the tagline says. Mon amour and I are on vacation here - our first real vacation together. It's been five days now, and I am amazed at how the island life has transformed my stressed out, overwhelmed self into a calm, natural, and truly happy me. The transformation some sun, sea and love can make... </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v0V37F7dl6Q/UgUiVHQRCKI/AAAAAAAAAKY/DHpBsgH2hfQ/s1600/IMG_2007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v0V37F7dl6Q/UgUiVHQRCKI/AAAAAAAAAKY/DHpBsgH2hfQ/s320/IMG_2007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I think it is all too easy to get caught up in the corporate world, working from 8am to 6:30pm, and forget that we NEED nature in our lives. The insane colors here--bright turquoise water contrasted against pearly white sand; neon green lizards against a blazing pink sunset. They're enough to make you "ah" at the wonder that is the world around us. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And those are just sights - let alone the refreshing <i>feeling</i> of floating around the warm Caribbean water, the sharp <i>taste</i> of salt on your lips. I love letting my hair go wild and curly in the humidity and never changing out of my bathing suit. I don't think I've ever done that for so many days in a row. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PHt2icecVJI/UgUikd1p48I/AAAAAAAAAKg/8NFaKS69YhI/s1600/IMG_2121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PHt2icecVJI/UgUikd1p48I/AAAAAAAAAKg/8NFaKS69YhI/s320/IMG_2121.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It is good to explore and remember that there are other ways to live. I hadn't even used my passport since returning from France four years ago. But I am determined to spend more time traveling and exploring. I love it so much, and what good is all the hard work without the reward of a vacation doing what you love?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I had such a different mindset when I came home from living in France. And I think that mindset faded away with all the craziness of life and work. But this week has reminded me of the importance of slowing down and truly enjoying life. I'm lucky to be with someone who shares that desire to travel and explore, and I can't wait for all of our adventures together. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B-RTWJ4w61E/UgUi3QH9f4I/AAAAAAAAAKo/Q1KG0ANGdU4/s1600/IMG_2111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B-RTWJ4w61E/UgUi3QH9f4I/AAAAAAAAAKo/Q1KG0ANGdU4/s320/IMG_2111.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Maybe it's cliche to have these realizations on vacation on an island, but hey you have to take realizations as they come right? Last night we sat in the hot tub on the roof of our hotel and just took in the beauty of the stars blanketing the whole island, and I felt the kind of peace and happiness that I want to feel every day. So when stress creeps in, I'm going to go back to that moment and just let it all go. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Because after all, life is beautiful. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<3 Lyssa </div>
Lyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01856048097781972199noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4901346944852851867.post-50540571100757651602013-07-23T00:51:00.000-07:002013-07-23T00:52:12.464-07:00Karma<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FOuD4m-cR-g/Ue4NftVBIOI/AAAAAAAAAJo/QRCf0AjtXzs/s1600/ecard.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FOuD4m-cR-g/Ue4NftVBIOI/AAAAAAAAAJo/QRCf0AjtXzs/s320/ecard.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's funny how at one moment in life you can be so heartbroken over someone and then looking back you realize how much better off you are <i>without</i> that person. And it's even better when that person is making an idiot of himself along the way ;) Karma people, it's no joke. Glad I can look back and say, "Ha!" </span></div>
Lyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01856048097781972199noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4901346944852851867.post-73301784950539700252013-05-06T22:55:00.000-07:002013-05-06T22:56:28.973-07:00It's a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood<div style="text-align: justify;">
Those of you who know me know that I never planned to end up staying in the OC after graduation to work in Anaheim. But one dream job offer later, here I am! Growing up, I never spent much time in Anaheim besides going to Disneyland. Three and a half years of working there has taught me the lay of the land though...or at least the best lunch spots! (Come on Francophiles, that's all that matters right??)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So in honor of all the hole-in-the-wall eateries that have fed me so well these past few years, I thought I'd do a round up of the "Best Lunch Break Locations in Anaheim, CA." </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k0Qpl8IbAvQ/UYiMrYbTSgI/AAAAAAAAAHM/trezXSmiKv0/s1600/Punjabi+Tandoor+-+Anaheim.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k0Qpl8IbAvQ/UYiMrYbTSgI/AAAAAAAAAHM/trezXSmiKv0/s320/Punjabi+Tandoor+-+Anaheim.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.punjabitandoor.com/">Punjabi Tandoor</a> - Mm, mm Indian! I found this spot on Yelp and fell in love the first time I visited with my roommate. Now I've gotten everyone at work addicted, and I think every person who works at the restaurant knows me. At lunch they have combo deals that include two curry dishes, rice and naan. I always add a samosa as well. My top vegetarian picks are the Nav Rattan Korma (mixed vegetables) and the Bengan Bhartha (eggplant), and boyfriend loves the Chicken Tikka Masala. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_FsM9qIkgK4/UYiOlqUu06I/AAAAAAAAAHY/rExN11Q9Qas/s1600/Cortina's+-+Anaheim.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_FsM9qIkgK4/UYiOlqUu06I/AAAAAAAAAHY/rExN11Q9Qas/s320/Cortina's+-+Anaheim.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://cortinasitalianfood.com/anaheim-pizzeria/">Cortina's</a> - Family-owned Italian at its very best. I had lunch here on the very first day of my internship, and I probably still come back about three times a month. They have the best ingredients--fresh bread, amazing olives, incredible marinara sauce. And they also sell all of their ingredients their Italian market next door! I'm a weirdo, so my favorite meal here is the Eggplant Parmesan Sandwich with no cheese and marinara sauce instead of meat sauce (and yes, they know my order when I walk in). But everything is delicious--pizza, salads, pasta--you can't go wrong. NOTE: Cortina's is closed on Tuesdays. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8OajENUlTRk/UYiQ4eow_KI/AAAAAAAAAHo/ll8PdFid19Y/s1600/Papa+Hassan's+-+Anaheim.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8OajENUlTRk/UYiQ4eow_KI/AAAAAAAAAHo/ll8PdFid19Y/s320/Papa+Hassan's+-+Anaheim.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/papa-hassans-grill-anaheim">Papa Hassan's</a> - When I studied in Europe, I lived on falafel! It was so readily available and so delicious everywhere you went. But I've found it tough to find a falafel joint that rivals my European finds--that is until I found Papa Hassan's. The restaurant used to be located right by Chapman in Orange, but after a kitchen fire they relocated to Anaheim (all the better for me now!). Don't let the trashy strip mall deceive you though, the food is just as amazing as ever! And I always leave with a smile after chatting with the super friendly employees. My top pick is the Veggie Sandwich with a side of french fries. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JgQwRDpUWeI/UYiTBoanSOI/AAAAAAAAAH8/P1paZyyPCCM/s1600/Thuyen+Vien+-+Anaheim.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JgQwRDpUWeI/UYiTBoanSOI/AAAAAAAAAH8/P1paZyyPCCM/s320/Thuyen+Vien+-+Anaheim.jpeg" width="236" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-przIL3Gxpxk/UYiTsnQAq2I/AAAAAAAAAIE/5dhO7j3jlbM/s1600/Thuyen+Vien+-+Royal+Noodle+-+Anaheim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-przIL3Gxpxk/UYiTsnQAq2I/AAAAAAAAAIE/5dhO7j3jlbM/s320/Thuyen+Vien+-+Royal+Noodle+-+Anaheim.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/thuyen-vien-anaheim">Thuyen Vien (aka Pho Veggie)</a> - Vegan Pho, what?? This place is SUCH a hole in the wall, but they have a huge menu of amazing vietnamese food that is entirely vegan. Their ingredients are fresh and the flavors are incredible. It's the perfect spot for a chilly day (except on Mondays when they are closed). And the owner is the cutest man in the entire world. I recommend the Egg Rolls (served with fresh lettuce and mint leaves) and the Royal Noodle Soup. My mission is to eventually try something else, but those two items are just so good! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VtSkjT0YStA/UYiW-FlyViI/AAAAAAAAAIc/9ff8nQCh4nI/s1600/Center+Street+Anaheim.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VtSkjT0YStA/UYiW-FlyViI/AAAAAAAAAIc/9ff8nQCh4nI/s320/Center+Street+Anaheim.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DEgMhraOwzU/UYiW3EJ-KoI/AAAAAAAAAIU/ZcH61fdpAuM/s1600/GypsyDenAnaheim.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DEgMhraOwzU/UYiW3EJ-KoI/AAAAAAAAAIU/ZcH61fdpAuM/s320/GypsyDenAnaheim.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.gypsyden.com/#/">Gypsy Den</a> - Hippies (like me) are welcome at this trendy joint in the newly re-vamped Historic Downtown Anaheim area. One of three locations in Orange County, this spot blends vintage and modern seamlessly with a gorgeous outdoor patio to boot. I've been a Gypsy Den fan for a while, so I was beyond excited when they opened in Anaheim. I love coming here on a nice day to sit outside and enjoy their Stuffed Avocados (I fill them with the Quinoa Salad and the Orzo Salad). It's tough to pick a favorite here, but if you're hungry I'd always go with the (vegan) Mushroom Bacon Burger - with a side of BBQ sauce. Oh and their Vanilla Chai Tea Latte - to die for! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And that's a wrap my foodie friends! Now visit Anaheim and chow down ;) </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<3 Lyssa </div>
Lyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01856048097781972199noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4901346944852851867.post-20716237439255017192013-05-06T00:13:00.001-07:002013-05-06T00:13:46.753-07:00Truth #2Hearing the person you love say "i love you" is truly the best thing ever. It never ceases to make my heart melt...and i'm surprised and overwhelmed by it every time.<br />
<br />
<3 <3 <3Lyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01856048097781972199noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4901346944852851867.post-61489806923942041142013-02-02T14:06:00.001-08:002013-04-21T23:40:28.106-07:00She's Gone Country <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RKvkoMmZEYM/UQ2L37BojcI/AAAAAAAAAGg/yv6OFlPyuy0/s1600/Lake+of+the+Springs+.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RKvkoMmZEYM/UQ2L37BojcI/AAAAAAAAAGg/yv6OFlPyuy0/s320/Lake+of+the+Springs+.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Growing up my family's idea of vacation was spending three weeks camping up in Northern California at a preserve called Lake of the Springs. Camping...well, let's just say it's not exactly my scene. Don't get me wrong, there were some awesome moments like star gazing out on the lake in the warm summer nights and spending hours and hours reading in the shade of the 100+ year old trees. But when my Dad busted out the fishing pole, that's when I needed a getaway. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I think I was probably 10 when I first discovered that each morning in the club house an older woman with a thick Southern accent and a heavily sequined blouse would round up "the ladies" whose husbands were out fishing and teach line dancing lessons! Now THIS was right up my alley. The pace was a little slow--we were lucky to get through one dance in an hour--but hey it was way better than being out on the dock! And so, despite the apparent age gap between me and my classmates, I would show up each morning and rock out to country jams with Marilyn and Eleanor. Then on Saturday night a live band would play out by the lake and we would show off our moves! So cool right? </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
All those summers raised me to love country music and especially line dancing. We stopped going camping a few years ago, but I've recently gotten back in touch with my line dancing roots thanks to all the country bars that have popped up around Orange County. Compared to the trashy night clubs where you will undoubtedly be violated by multiple drunk guys who will never remember your name, I much prefer the country bar scene where you LINE dance in your own little space and the dancing actually requires skill and practice. There's also something so cavalier about a man rocking cowboy boots and a hat who actually comes up to you, face-to-face, and asks you to two-step :)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In honor of this country love, thought I'd do a quick round-up (no pun intended) of local line dancing bars and YouTube tutorials for a few of the most popular dances. Just in case any of you want to trade in your heels and skirts for some plaid and cowboy boots ;) </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>WHERE TO GO: </b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.ocincahoots.com/home.html">In Cahoots</a> - Fulleton, CA </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Cover: $5 for 21+, $10 for 18+ on Wednesdays </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Open: Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Ambience: Down home country. A little rough around the edges, but just right for line dancing.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Crowd: Mix of young and old with one thing in common--line dancing skills! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dz-etqv6CCM/UQ2MzEw07CI/AAAAAAAAAGo/tHjUMA1q3us/s1600/the+ranch.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dz-etqv6CCM/UQ2MzEw07CI/AAAAAAAAAGo/tHjUMA1q3us/s200/the+ranch.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.theranch.com/saloon/">The Ranch</a> - Anaheim, CA </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Cover: $5 before 10pm, $10 after 10pm </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Open: Monday-Sunday </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Ambience: Swanky country (including a disco ball made of rhinestone guitars!). The facility is new with lots of nice ranch-inspired details. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Crowd: Older in the early evening and younger after 9pm. A mix of line dance pros and newbies, both rocking cowboy hats and boots. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>HOW TO DANCE: </b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwIgPrWce1U">Fake ID</a> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90rqiAzaUts">Electric Slide</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRbR1VRRfE8">Tush Push </a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9lMWuY4rLY">Good Time</a> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCWHs_yULbk">Power Jam</a> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oeS1usUnkxk">The Wobble</a> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RROgKrmWxFA">God Bless Texas</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Y'all come back now!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<3 Lyssa</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Lyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01856048097781972199noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4901346944852851867.post-58581637930084946232013-01-07T18:13:00.000-08:002013-01-07T18:21:52.393-08:00Flu Season 101 <div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bl2vBqqBXFQ/UOt_64J6k1I/AAAAAAAAAGE/yEaZ5bEMxe0/s1600/sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bl2vBqqBXFQ/UOt_64J6k1I/AAAAAAAAAGE/yEaZ5bEMxe0/s320/sunset.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
After spending the past five debilitating days surrounded by mountains of tissue, used tea cups, Vick's VapoRub and Mucinex...I can finally function again! (almost) 100% normally. Yup, the flu caught me at last--it's been a couple years. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm the worst sick person...mostly because I'm hyper productive and can't stand being forced to lay there and do nothing while mutant viruses invade my body. People who can amaze me. Poor boyfriend got a rude awakening to my "woe is me" sickness attitude when he sweetly took care of me. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But alas, about 20 chick flicks and many, many episodes of Bones later, I am myself again! (it feels like a miracle even though it's quite inconsequential)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This flu, more than any I can remember, reminded me to appreciate the little things about being healthy. Yeah climbing a mountain is awesome, but what about breathing through your nose! I mean, that feels pretty incredible after you've been stuffed up for days. And sleeping through the night without waking up coughing--there should be a trophy for that. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Ok, ok we get the point. Being healthy should not be taken for granted. So tonight I sang a song out loud (with my newly regained voice!), took lots of deep breaths and watched the sunset from my bedroom window. And it was glorious. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So germs, I'm good for a while ;) </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Cheers! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<3 Lyssa </div>
Lyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01856048097781972199noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4901346944852851867.post-28438171010372350082012-05-02T19:10:00.000-07:002013-01-07T18:31:02.816-08:00Truth #1Truth: I envy my mom's ability to say whatever is on her mind without concern of judgment. For example, cute boy at church is named Michael so she goes "I love the name Michael. When I was little I used to name all my Ken dolls Michael."<br />
<br />
<3 LyssaLyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01856048097781972199noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4901346944852851867.post-72783049967546956942012-01-02T22:30:00.000-08:002013-01-07T18:50:06.326-08:00Spotify = Musical Bliss<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.spotify.com/us/about/what/"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YSbgtutC4UI/TwKfh09C_6I/AAAAAAAAAE4/7F3zqtBZLfM/s320/Spotify-Logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In honor of Twitter's #MusicMonday and because I just signed up for the Premium version, thought I'd give a quick shout out to the genius that is <a href="http://www.spotify.com/us/about/what/">Spotify</a>. For those of you that don't know, it's an online music database that contains practically any song your heart could desire. You sign up for a free account and can search and listen to all the music you want. You star your favorites and build playlists, and Spotify syncs with Facebook so you can see what your friends are listening to and message them songs.<br />
<br />
Musicians partner with Spotify and are paid a set amount every time their songs are played, so it's a win-win! The Premium version ($10/month) gives you access to the entire Spotify library on your mobile devices and takes away the 30 second ads that play every 30 minutes or so on the free version. And the iPhone app is awesome to boot.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
To me, music is happiness, so Spotify is magical. And talk about a great business model! Look out iTunes... Big shout out to my friend Luce who introduced me to Spotify back in June before it even came to the States. For those of you that don't have an account, get one! (watch the "Story About Spotify" video <a href="http://www.spotify.com/us/about/what/">here</a> if you need more convincing)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Happy Listening.</div>
Lyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01856048097781972199noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4901346944852851867.post-92091193902790560732012-01-01T23:52:00.001-08:002012-01-02T01:01:15.772-08:002012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5hWgtQTWp90/TwFpJi0FHtI/AAAAAAAAAEs/rLkDFVtcaFY/s1600/Family_Circus+12-31-10.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5hWgtQTWp90/TwFpJi0FHtI/AAAAAAAAAEs/rLkDFVtcaFY/s320/Family_Circus+12-31-10.gif" width="279" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">There are some years when all the holidays seem to happen right on time and other years when you wake up on New Year's Eve thinking, "It cannot possibly be New Years already." This year was definitely the latter for me. 2011 seemed to fly by in a blur of memories. It was a big year for me--college graduation, moving into my own apartment, starting my "grown-up" career. Lots of change and transition, which I guess explains the sense of unease as the year comes to a close. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Nevertheless 2011 wrapped up wonderfully with a holiday spent visiting family and catching up with great friends--lots of laughter and merriment. And now the New Year is here! The day began with me successfully opening a bottle of champagne, something I've never done before. Simple, yes, but it got me thinking about how many things I haven't done because I've been scared or nervous or just let someone else do it instead. I also had the opportunity to reconnect with a lifelong friend after she returned from living abroad today. I've always admired how she seizes new opportunities and pursues her passions. While I find comfort in stability, I find inspiration and fulfillment in adventure and taking chances. So I think that 2012 is a great time to start stepping outside my comfort zone. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">On that note and because it wouldn't be New Years without resolutions, here it goes: 1. Live in the moment. 2. Be consistently who<i> I</i> want to be. 3. Find happiness in helping others. 4. Prioritize friendships and relationships with those that bring out the best in me. 5. Smile as much as possible. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Cheers! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><3 Lyssa</div>Lyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01856048097781972199noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4901346944852851867.post-69077690489863616922011-11-08T22:20:00.000-08:002011-11-08T22:21:02.791-08:00Fall Finds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8w5VwCtlIz4/TroarYO335I/AAAAAAAAAEM/4qQAlOyubzk/s1600/Missoni+shoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8w5VwCtlIz4/TroarYO335I/AAAAAAAAAEM/4qQAlOyubzk/s320/Missoni+shoes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-deUXJFkOax4/TrobHdTg2_I/AAAAAAAAAEU/NJJmiN0gpbI/s1600/DSCN4249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-deUXJFkOax4/TrobHdTg2_I/AAAAAAAAAEU/NJJmiN0gpbI/s320/DSCN4249.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">A while ago i shared my autumn wish list...<br />
here's what actually made the cut.</div>Lyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01856048097781972199noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4901346944852851867.post-8684841715203388072011-09-10T16:29:00.000-07:002011-09-10T23:20:09.183-07:00I Say I Like Autumn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I should really be banned from online shopping.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Nevertheless I spent today's late afternoon lunch break creating my Autumn Wish List...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y5xfO-bDuEU/Tmvl0rKvvlI/AAAAAAAAASg/EBMFfc6EwAk/s1600/Anthro+Boots.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y5xfO-bDuEU/Tmvl0rKvvlI/AAAAAAAAASg/EBMFfc6EwAk/s320/Anthro+Boots.jpeg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=22657589&catId=SHOES-BOOTS&pushId=SHOES-BOOTS&popId=SHOES&navCount=12&color=020&isProduct=true&fromCategoryPage=true&isSubcategory=true&subCategoryId=SHOES-BOOTS-HIGH&templateType=subCategory">Sadie Ankle Boots</a> from Anthrpologie</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o0qqQuIuGPI/TmvmP3M83AI/AAAAAAAAASk/vc-pUvpAKMM/s1600/Anthro+Orange+Shirt.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o0qqQuIuGPI/TmvmP3M83AI/AAAAAAAAASk/vc-pUvpAKMM/s320/Anthro+Orange+Shirt.jpeg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=23101678&catId=CLOTHES-BLOUSES&pushId=CLOTHES-BLOUSES&popId=CLOTHES&navCount=150&color=080&isProduct=true&fromCategoryPage=true&isSubcategory=true&subCategoryId=CLOTHES-BLOUSES&templateType=subCategory">Nicoletta Blouse</a> from Anthropologie</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-63TcmM2l5NY/TmvnukA637I/AAAAAAAAASs/0fjzwdXMOtw/s1600/Urban+Quilt.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-63TcmM2l5NY/TmvnukA637I/AAAAAAAAASs/0fjzwdXMOtw/s320/Urban+Quilt.jpeg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=16667768&color=00&itemdescription=true&navAction=jump&search=true&isProduct=true&parentid=A_FURN_BEDDING_DUVETS">Jones Patchwork Quilt</a> from Urban Outfitters</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xFbfp7G-Fz0/TmvqIUsKp4I/AAAAAAAAAS0/qFtVPvqPKyE/s1600/DESIGN+grey+ribbon+pillow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xFbfp7G-Fz0/TmvqIUsKp4I/AAAAAAAAAS0/qFtVPvqPKyE/s320/DESIGN+grey+ribbon+pillow.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/74475899/contemporary-light-gray-throw-pillow">Contemporary Light Gray Throw Pillow</a> from The Home Centric</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DLbtq9rSuTA/Tmvq15feriI/AAAAAAAAAS4/MjrHC75cfSE/s1600/Anthro+Apron.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DLbtq9rSuTA/Tmvq15feriI/AAAAAAAAAS4/MjrHC75cfSE/s320/Anthro+Apron.jpeg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=22529325&catId=HOME-KITCHEN-APRONS&pushId=HOME-KITCHEN-APRONS&popId=HOME-KITCHEN&navCount=300&color=081&isProduct=true&fromCategoryPage=true&templateType=D">Summer Frock Apron</a> from Anthropologie</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LSfNGyqwlxQ/Tmvs3CsWSlI/AAAAAAAAAS8/S3Sp8uEIc8Y/s1600/DESIGN+Trunk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LSfNGyqwlxQ/Tmvs3CsWSlI/AAAAAAAAAS8/S3Sp8uEIc8Y/s1600/DESIGN+Trunk.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Antique Trunk to DIY into a funky coffee table </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(idea courtesy of the Venice House) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T2XT7eCXxH0/Tmvth1rQjZI/AAAAAAAAATA/mrK7mF8rB88/s1600/DESIGN+Orange+Leaf+Pillow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T2XT7eCXxH0/Tmvth1rQjZI/AAAAAAAAATA/mrK7mF8rB88/s320/DESIGN+Orange+Leaf+Pillow.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/57360455/spring-leaves-throw-pillow-covers-16x16">Spring Leaves Throw Pillow</a> from Home Centric</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LYohmmxmT0s/Tmv1jICUv9I/AAAAAAAAATE/tFug1_AUzqM/s1600/Urban+Vinage+Hooks.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LYohmmxmT0s/Tmv1jICUv9I/AAAAAAAAATE/tFug1_AUzqM/s400/Urban+Vinage+Hooks.jpeg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=21226097&color=020&itemdescription=true&navAction=jump&search=true&isProduct=true&parentid=A_FURN_DESIGN">Vintage Wood Calendar Chalkboard</a> from Urban Outfitters</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">...sigh</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4901346944852851867.post-40384261268610372462011-09-05T21:13:00.000-07:002013-05-06T21:45:24.193-07:00Berkeley Love<div style="text-align: justify;">
Just a week after my San Francisco adventures, I journeyed back up north to visit to one of my oldest and closest friends in Berkeley. The trip was wonderful, beyond wonderful really. I have so much love for the Berkeley area and all it's pedestrian & vegan friendliness. If the opportunity presents itself, I'd quite enjoy living there one day. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Not surprisingly, my friend has amazing taste in food and atmosphere, and she took me to some incredible spots that I just have to mention. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5FcAHJa9j-A/TmWVpf7O7nI/AAAAAAAAAR8/A__BWfkiJl4/s1600/BERK-Razan%2527s+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5FcAHJa9j-A/TmWVpf7O7nI/AAAAAAAAAR8/A__BWfkiJl4/s320/BERK-Razan%2527s+.jpg" width="287" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://razansorganickitchen.com/index.html">Razan's Organic Kitchen</a>: Your typical hole-in-the-wall, with all the design quirks to go with it. Everything from their Tofu Shish Kebab Wrap to their made-to-order Vegetable Soup will knock your vegetarian socks off. I recommend sitting upstairs by the window. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zdXzuN4L0Ds/TmWW3YNeIvI/AAAAAAAAASA/lcECTg8bsK4/s1600/BERK-Guerilla+Cafe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zdXzuN4L0Ds/TmWW3YNeIvI/AAAAAAAAASA/lcECTg8bsK4/s200/BERK-Guerilla+Cafe.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xef8WeeiFX4/TmWXADPhxkI/AAAAAAAAASE/wXtTLznhe78/s1600/BERK-Waffle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xef8WeeiFX4/TmWXADPhxkI/AAAAAAAAASE/wXtTLznhe78/s200/BERK-Waffle.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://guerillacafe.com/">Guerilla Cafe</a>: "Coffee and Vibes" A funky joint with a modern groove feel. Perfect for breakfast or you can stop by for live music in the evenings. We opted for the Waffle of the Day special (Apple & Plum Waffle with apple syrup that day) and were anything but disappointed. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o_YCdfaSYGI/TmWYahQ8-LI/AAAAAAAAASI/0ySGMtIcTS4/s1600/BERK-La+Farine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o_YCdfaSYGI/TmWYahQ8-LI/AAAAAAAAASI/0ySGMtIcTS4/s320/BERK-La+Farine.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://lafarine.com/">La Farine</a>: A heavenly French bakery with a wide assortment of breads and pastries. There's just one long farm-style table inside so you get to mingle with fellow pastry connoisseurs. Highly recommend the Lemon Oatmeal Cookies. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nZJt5JO3WQU/TmWZeWUJN9I/AAAAAAAAASM/_jcoPLeSFg4/s1600/BERK-The+Meadow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nZJt5JO3WQU/TmWZeWUJN9I/AAAAAAAAASM/_jcoPLeSFg4/s320/BERK-The+Meadow.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-meadows-oakland#query:the%20meadow">The Meadows</a>: Just a couple doors down from La Farine, the flower arrangements here are stunning to see and smell. The perfect place to pick up a unique bouquet.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zO_4UDVzIiQ/TmWe6k8tWRI/AAAAAAAAASc/p2Lw3euK4E4/s1600/BERK-Salad+Place.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zO_4UDVzIiQ/TmWe6k8tWRI/AAAAAAAAASc/p2Lw3euK4E4/s320/BERK-Salad+Place.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pbohMfum958/TmWbDpO3dQI/AAAAAAAAASU/6Bz1dz5hybI/s1600/BERK-Salad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pbohMfum958/TmWbDpO3dQI/AAAAAAAAASU/6Bz1dz5hybI/s320/BERK-Salad.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/cafe-intermezzo-berkeley#query:salad">Cafe Intermezzo</a>: SALAD HEAVEN. Seriously, the largest and most amazing salad I've ever had. My friend and I shared the vegetarian-friendly Chef Salad, but there are tons of options, all of which looked incredible. Love the tree in the middle of the restaurant too. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cHqFHD1odQY/TmWcfZOMeXI/AAAAAAAAASY/SJkRLu9rUhk/s1600/BERK-Venus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cHqFHD1odQY/TmWcfZOMeXI/AAAAAAAAASY/SJkRLu9rUhk/s320/BERK-Venus.jpg" width="289" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.venusrestaurant.net/">Venus</a>: Go with a friend and split the Vegetarian Omlette and the Luxury Flapjacks (made with fresh raspberries and chocolate chunks). It's the perfect (though not the healthiest) Sunday brunch blend of savory and sweet. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wKnxhCbESxU/UYiF3K1Tv8I/AAAAAAAAAG8/LeSMkWeDYWY/s1600/La+Note+-+Berkeley.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wKnxhCbESxU/UYiF3K1Tv8I/AAAAAAAAAG8/LeSMkWeDYWY/s320/La+Note+-+Berkeley.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.lanoterestaurant.com/">La Note</a>: Two words...Ratatouille Omelette. It is absolutely INCREDIBLE. From the vibrant flavors to the homey corner cafe atmosphere, this place takes me back to France every time I visit. When I'm rich and famous, I'll fly up to Berkeley just to have breakfast here. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Time to book another trip to Berkeley I think...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<3 Lyssa </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4901346944852851867.post-63637319690913514202011-09-05T20:15:00.000-07:002011-09-05T21:29:43.651-07:00Up, Up and Away<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">A couple weeks ago I took off on a mini-vacation to San Francisco to visit friends and volunteer at the Outside Lands music festival. It was the first time I'd been on an airplane since flying back from Cannes my sophomore year of college, and I could barely contain my excitement. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Suffice it to say, Outside Lands wasn't all it was cracked up to be (ended with me stranded in Golden Gate Park at 10:30pm alone with no cell phone--if that's any indication). Fortunately, the rest of my trip was very enjoyable, particularly exploring the restaurant & shopping scene in Palo Alto and Downtown Stanford with my good friend. Here are some of my new favorite spots to enjoy a French lunch break in Nor Cal...<br />
<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bMmpm3A5nck/TmWKRmEfGSI/AAAAAAAAARo/vtQyS67meXc/s1600/SF-Dolce+Cafe+Crepe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bMmpm3A5nck/TmWKRmEfGSI/AAAAAAAAARo/vtQyS67meXc/s320/SF-Dolce+Cafe+Crepe.jpg" width="320" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RtV8FQmOGqo/TmWGrWsvg-I/AAAAAAAAARg/Lwg6ksUH7rY/s1600/SF-+Dolce+Cafe+Chai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RtV8FQmOGqo/TmWGrWsvg-I/AAAAAAAAARg/Lwg6ksUH7rY/s320/SF-+Dolce+Cafe+Chai.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/douce-france-palo-alto-2">Dolce France</a>: Authentic French Bakery in Palo Alto owned and managed by a wonderful French man. Best Chai Latte I've ever had and amazing Banana & Nutella Crepes. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--e4yadY3Hpk/TmWMoC0AQJI/AAAAAAAAARs/FqnE94WEvDk/s1600/SF-Toms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--e4yadY3Hpk/TmWMoC0AQJI/AAAAAAAAARs/FqnE94WEvDk/s320/SF-Toms.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.simon.com/mall/landing/841/">Stanford Shopping Center</a>: A gorgeous outdoor mall with a wide variety of stores. Finally purchased my first pair of <a href="http://www.toms.com/academy-plaid-women-s-classics">Toms</a> (in Academy Plaid) at the Nordstroms there. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VF9ucuAG-q0/TmWN0-XNhKI/AAAAAAAAARw/y74UW-AE0eE/s1600/SF-Crepe+Place.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VF9ucuAG-q0/TmWN0-XNhKI/AAAAAAAAARw/y74UW-AE0eE/s320/SF-Crepe+Place.jpg" width="320" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dd8m8UGKTNo/TmWOCKAOghI/AAAAAAAAAR0/ReQzYraVWjE/s1600/SF-Crepe+Place+Meal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dd8m8UGKTNo/TmWOCKAOghI/AAAAAAAAAR0/ReQzYraVWjE/s320/SF-Crepe+Place+Meal.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.crepevine.com/">Crepevine</a>: Huge selection of savory & sweet crepes (and more) in the quaint Downtown Stanford area. Bustling with customers on a Sunday afternoon--great for people watching and feasting. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P5850HxPgfI/TmWPT6BMlVI/AAAAAAAAAR4/LcoS3zQ0cAs/s1600/SF-Coupa+Cafe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P5850HxPgfI/TmWPT6BMlVI/AAAAAAAAAR4/LcoS3zQ0cAs/s320/SF-Coupa+Cafe.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.coupacafe.com/index.html">Coupa Cafe</a>: If I went to Stanford, I'd live here. Amazing Chai Tea Latte (second only to Dolce), an eclectic atmosphere and customer base, and ample indoor & outdoor seating. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Cheers to Nor Cal! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><3 Lyssa</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RtV8FQmOGqo/TmWGrWsvg-I/AAAAAAAAARg/Lwg6ksUH7rY/s1600/SF-+Dolce+Cafe+Chai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4901346944852851867.post-87007926106752451452011-09-05T12:41:00.000-07:002011-09-05T12:41:17.137-07:00iLoveBooks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ICimYNV5e5M/TmUlRJ-qnEI/AAAAAAAAARc/kQjhBblDIDw/s1600/BCJ_Kindle_cropped_WEB_READY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ICimYNV5e5M/TmUlRJ-qnEI/AAAAAAAAARc/kQjhBblDIDw/s400/BCJ_Kindle_cropped_WEB_READY.jpg" width="321" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Thank you, <a href="http://www.bookcityjackets.com/blog/">Book City Jackets</a>. I couldn't agree more. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4901346944852851867.post-74192333263489220672011-08-07T14:32:00.000-07:002011-08-07T14:36:33.001-07:00Foolish Me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/FDRvOIAnqi4?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It's amazing to me how dance can so perfectly convey deep and complicated emotions, sometimes through the simplest of movements. This performance from last week's episode of <a href="http://www.fox.com/dance/">So You Think You Can Dance</a> left me with tears in my eyes and a heavy heart, but also in awe of the artistic power of dance. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In just two minutes I felt swept back to the excruciating pain I felt a few months ago when my first serious relationship ended with a complete betrayal of my trust, both by the boy I cared so deeply for and a person I had previously considered one of my closest friends. The lyrics to this song (<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oc5XJTI4LWg">Fool of Me by Meshell Ndegeocello</a>) are so piercing and terribly accurate. You can <i>feel </i>the soul and hurt in her voice when she sings. So many of us allow ourselves to be made the fool by giving our whole hearts to someone only to be pinned up against a wall of lies and abuse in the end. I hate it. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">But I suppose it's only through suffering that we learn how to protect ourselves and break through those walls to find people who truly care. It's difficult though--so difficult when such a great majority of people have no qualms about making choices that sacrifice the well being of those around them. Relationships are such complicated, twisted journeys... I'm far from understanding them, but at least I think I know better than to let someone make a fool of me again. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><3 Lyssa</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4901346944852851867.post-53264210305894898192011-08-02T20:39:00.000-07:002011-08-07T15:07:24.432-07:00Confessions of a Bachelorette<div style="text-align: justify;">Confession: I watch The Bachelorette. Who knows why such trashy television is so addicting, but it is! I follow the relationships throughout the season, get attached to my favorite guy and cheer him on to the end, even though I know that a TV show competition is a horrible place to find love and most likely it won't work out. I guess you could call it my Monday night french lunch break, because it's my time to just rest my brain and indulge in something so ridiculous you can't help but enjoy it. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">This Monday was the finale, and naturally (being my planner self) I invited my friends over for a little themed viewing party. So themed in fact, that we even made cocktails in honor of each of the top two men...<br />
<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4HYuoKcXlwA/Tj8I_z6t8EI/AAAAAAAAARI/82X1ICGTMZM/s1600/the+JP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4HYuoKcXlwA/Tj8I_z6t8EI/AAAAAAAAARI/82X1ICGTMZM/s200/the+JP.jpg" width="149" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pgckiddp6b0/Tj8MRriTO6I/AAAAAAAAARY/TybgJT6AkvE/s1600/the-bachelorette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pgckiddp6b0/Tj8MRriTO6I/AAAAAAAAARY/TybgJT6AkvE/s200/the-bachelorette.jpg" width="178" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>"The JP"</b> aka Sex on the Beach<br />
(for obvious reasons) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9VF6mfobYHY/Tj8Jk_B7dpI/AAAAAAAAARQ/UIdQugQXohM/s1600/the+Ben.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9VF6mfobYHY/Tj8Jk_B7dpI/AAAAAAAAARQ/UIdQugQXohM/s200/the+Ben.jpg" width="149" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CKQUtD3F-00/Tj8Jp5sKFII/AAAAAAAAARU/Lm6DffD1YPI/s1600/BENF4-1304460134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CKQUtD3F-00/Tj8Jp5sKFII/AAAAAAAAARU/Lm6DffD1YPI/s200/BENF4-1304460134.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And <b>"The Ben-elicious Sangria" </b><br />
(in honor of Ben F's wine making profession) </div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Yes, this is extremely lame and further qualifies me as a complete nerd, but I just had to share. Hope you get a kick out of it ;)</div><br />
<3 Lyssa<br />
<br />
PS- SO glad she chose JP!!!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4901346944852851867.post-40598715970990996652011-07-31T22:56:00.000-07:002011-07-31T22:58:23.382-07:00Outside Lands<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0PyhGGgpN78/TjY_wZIsDuI/AAAAAAAAARE/8gO9-daN-Fo/s1600/outside-lands-2011-lineup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="85" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0PyhGGgpN78/TjY_wZIsDuI/AAAAAAAAARE/8gO9-daN-Fo/s400/outside-lands-2011-lineup.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I applied to be a volunteer at this year's <a href="http://www.sfoutsidelands.com/">Outside Lands</a> music festival in San Francisco, and I just found out today that my application was accepted!! Just a chance to get out of the OC and take a trip to SF will be awesome, let alone getting a free day pass to Outside Lands in exchange for a six hour volunteer shift! So excited, just had to share :) </div><br />
<3 Lyssa<br />
<br />
PS- the Outside Lands<a href="http://www.sfoutsidelands.com/"> website</a> is awesome...mad graphic design skills on that teamUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4901346944852851867.post-47368174641098075272011-07-31T22:39:00.000-07:002011-07-31T22:48:07.447-07:00Ghandi Bowl & Thai Stir Fry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">After seeing Julie and Julia, I'll admit that I was tempted to buy Julia Child's cookbook and try out the daily cooking challenge myself. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">...then I remembered that I'm a vegetarian who hates cheese (who could barely eat anything in France) and reality overcame my lofty dream. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Fortunately, there are now entirely vegan cookbooks--my favorite of which is the <a href="http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=native+foods+cookbook&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=2374548404296593702&sa=X&ei=6Do2TtqBDcfYiALcvKC6CA&ved=0CEwQ8wIwAg">Native Foods Restaurant Cookbook</a>. I bought my own copy last summer after discovering the <a href="http://www.nativefoods.com/">Native Foods</a> restaurants, and I am now challenging myself to make a new recipe from the book every couple weeks (sorry Julie & Julia fans, a recipe a day is just too much).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6aCE14Uu6CE/TjY6BWM_CgI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/OuumLACfkEc/s1600/Ghandi+Bowl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6aCE14Uu6CE/TjY6BWM_CgI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/OuumLACfkEc/s320/Ghandi+Bowl.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Last week I got started with an indian curry dish--deemed <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">The Ghandi Bowl</span></b> by Chef Tanya. My new blender had its inaugural use as I blended up a lime green curry consisting of everything from cilantro to maple syrup to soy sauce to curry powder. I had my doubts about this array of ingredients, but when poured atop a plate of biryani rice, grilled tempeh and sauteed veggies, this curry sauce is heavenly. Simply garnish the dish with some green onion and dried cranberries and you have yourself a vegan bowl Ghandi himself would devour. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VzXI1NMD954/TjY6LCLcZwI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/J5Ch98J8-gw/s1600/Thai+Stir+Fry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VzXI1NMD954/TjY6LCLcZwI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/J5Ch98J8-gw/s320/Thai+Stir+Fry.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Those who know me know I'm quite the practical thinker, so it's not surprising that I scoured the cookbook for recipes that contained some of the same ingredients as the Ghandi Bowl so I could make two meals in one week and not waste ingredients. The <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">Thai Stir Fry</span></b> turned out to be a great match! Tuesday night I broke out the cutting board and got my cook on once again. This stir fry is similar to a pad thai--complete with peanuts and bean sprouts. I had the pleasure of sharing the meal with my fantastic roommate over a glass of wine. Based on our crumb-free plates and vow to make the dish again soon, I'd say this cooking adventure was a success. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Two recipes down...<i>many</i> to go. Cheers! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><3 Lyssa</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4901346944852851867.post-71292993059366875902011-07-26T23:16:00.000-07:002011-07-26T23:28:59.856-07:00LA Creative Mornings (at night)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1Tby7bc-NA/Ti-s2dMKBrI/AAAAAAAAAQw/o6iiT2pek9U/s1600/212+peir-i+love+you.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1Tby7bc-NA/Ti-s2dMKBrI/AAAAAAAAAQw/o6iiT2pek9U/s200/212+peir-i+love+you.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>A few weeks ago, I ventured to LA for a creative escape day...<br />
<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EOQdSqyXCuA/Ti-iAVZ0-0I/AAAAAAAAAQg/KfIqZcN-5rg/s1600/212+Pier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EOQdSqyXCuA/Ti-iAVZ0-0I/AAAAAAAAAQg/KfIqZcN-5rg/s320/212+Pier.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Started out with a trip to <a href="http://www.212pier.com/">212 Pier</a>, a funky coffee shop in Santa Monica that friends of mine had given rave reviews. After this first visit, I'd definitely vouch for their espresso smoothie and the quirky style/ambience of the place (check out the view from our second story table above). After our caffeine fix we walked down to the beach and people watched then grabbed lunch and shopped around a bit. The Santa Monica boutiques are always a nice change of pace from the sprawling shopping centers of Orange County.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ApVIvTfZhWs/Ti-nmmBwiwI/AAAAAAAAAQk/MZ3BpxcL3iw/s1600/Creative+Mornings+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ApVIvTfZhWs/Ti-nmmBwiwI/AAAAAAAAAQk/MZ3BpxcL3iw/s320/Creative+Mornings+.jpg" width="238" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Then it was off to <a href="http://fordandching.com/">Ford & Ching</a> in Chinatown for a Creative Morning (at Night)..so post modern right? <a href="http://www.creativemornings.com/">Creative Mornings</a> are free design lecture series sponsored by <a href="http://www.swiss-miss.com/">Swiss Miss</a> that take place monthly in various cities throughout the world. This special "at night" version served as part-Creative Morning, part-Dwell on Design Conference Launch Party. The speaker was <a href="http://www.davidtrubridge.com/">David Trubridge</a>, renowned New Zealand lighting and furniture designer. The ambience of the Ford & Ching studio was perfect for the event. There was free food, wine and cocktails and an eclectic collection of creatives to mingle with. Best of all was David's presentation, which far exceeded my expectations. Here are a few of my favorite takeaways...</div><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">The creative process should flow through art, design and craft to be complete...</li>
<ul><li style="text-align: justify;">Art is where your heart lies. Then you have to develop a vocabulary for expressing what is in your heart.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">With that vocabulary, you have something to design with. There must be an element of you in our design. The design is the structure of your artistic vocabulary.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">As a craftsman, you refine that design.</li>
</ul><li style="text-align: justify;">The brain naturally works best right, left, right; just like the art, design, craft creative process</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">We must pay attention to "new" vs. "novelty" when it comes to design--novelty is not original</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Cultural design connects all three elements of the creative process, and is like good food--it nourishes you so you don't constantly crave more</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Find inspiration in nature, but don't go<i> looking</i> for inspiration in nature. Simply<i> be</i> in nature and the inspiration will come. </li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ISlRrfmu0iI/Ti-sMF0ZGqI/AAAAAAAAAQs/O9XFWPG-kQc/s1600/the+last+bookstore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ISlRrfmu0iI/Ti-sMF0ZGqI/AAAAAAAAAQs/O9XFWPG-kQc/s320/the+last+bookstore.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">With creative juices flowing and our minds open to new sources of inspiration, we ventured to our final stop for the day...<a href="http://www.lastbookstorela.com/">The Last Bookstore</a> in downtown LA. The owners of this gargantuan used book store believe, like I do, that the printed book holds special value and that it should not be replaced by the newly popularized e-readers. With Borders, my former employer, recently announcing bankruptcy, it is refreshing to find a used book store that is still thriving. I had eagerly awaited my visit here, and the store did not disappoint! I got lost among the high shelves and became immersed in the worn pages of classics and contemporaries. I left with a bag full of great finds, including some of the owner's suggestions (one of which he bought for me!). For all you bookworms out there, I highly recommend a visit.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LcNur8FGs3c/Ti-rEJvyrkI/AAAAAAAAAQo/EwhuQo8VROk/s1600/last+bookstore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LcNur8FGs3c/Ti-rEJvyrkI/AAAAAAAAAQo/EwhuQo8VROk/s320/last+bookstore.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Many books to read and much to think about the next time I approach a creative project...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><3 Lyssa</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4901346944852851867.post-9086842185156222412011-07-10T23:12:00.000-07:002011-07-10T23:20:03.152-07:00Where LA Fitness Went Wrong<div style="text-align: justify;">You know what I hate more than anything--obnoxious sales people... Let me tell you why.<br />
<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JDWIK1CESS4/ThqTZw-lAxI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/Y5t8kHievFU/s1600/pilates.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JDWIK1CESS4/ThqTZw-lAxI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/Y5t8kHievFU/s200/pilates.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">So, I have always loved dancing. I've taken classes since age 3, and I just find it to be a great way to increase physical and emotional health. I've been missing dance terribly since graduating, so I decided to check out some nearby gyms that offer classes to get my dance fix. I made my list of gyms to check out and was happy to find a mailer from <a href="http://www.lafitness.com/Pages/Default.aspx">LA Fitness</a> offering a free 7-Day Pass in the mail Friday. I researched the class schedule at the nearby location in Orange and decided to try out Zumba and Pilates this morning. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So I forced myself out of bed bright and early and headed to the gym. The staff was very helpful in getting me checked in quickly so I could make it to the class on time and just requested I check back in afterwards. The Zumba class wasn't bad--not quite as fun as the one I took at 24 Hour, but still a good workout. But the Pilates class was awesome! The teacher was great and it meshed well with my Pilates background. I walked out off the class feeling great and pretty psyched about <a href="http://www.lafitness.com/Pages/Default.aspx">LA Fitness</a> overall.<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Then my experience went downhill...I walked up to the desk of the sales rep I'd spoken to earlier--Victor to be precise--and he asked me how the classes were. I began explaining that the Zumba class was not as good as I'd expected but the Pilates class was great and before I could finish my sentence he cuts me off saying, "Great! Yes, our classes are all much better than other gyms like 24 Hour. So should we get you signed up for a membership??" Granted this guy hadn't even toured me around the gym or asked me a single question about myself before going in for the close! I was so taken aback...aren't sales reps supposed to <i>listen</i> and make you feel heard to get you to want to buy??</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9ujuFjuaR0s/ThqVPMgdb_I/AAAAAAAAAQY/EuyDENwcjPg/s1600/Salespeople+Cartoons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9ujuFjuaR0s/ThqVPMgdb_I/AAAAAAAAAQY/EuyDENwcjPg/s320/Salespeople+Cartoons.jpg" width="253" /></a></div>I proceeded to explain that I just really wanted to do the 7-Day Trial, try some classes and then make a decision at the end of the week. Well, Victor wasn't cool with that. He went on to give me some nonsense about not being able to get the special monthly deal the flyer offered unless I signed up the day I brought the flyer in even though the flyer clearly advertised that you could give the gym a try and then benefit from the summer special. Sorry Victor--I'm not that stupid. By now, I was just angry, and I called him out on his backwards argument. Of course, five minutes later he was offering me some bigger and better deal with a 5-day money back guarantee. When I declined the offer, sticking to my guns on wanting to use my 7 day pass first, he asks if the money is the issue in a very condescending voice insinuating that I wouldn't have the money for the first payment. Not a good move. I rebutted saying I did not appreciate his comments or feeling pressured and would just like to redeem my 7 day pass and leave. Well now Victor felt bad so he promised that his "amazing" deal would still be valid at the end of my trial...surprise, surprise. He walked me to the door, still never having toured me or so much as asking me a single question about why I was looking to join a gym...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Needless to say I left feeling angry and totally turned off from <a href="http://www.lafitness.com/Pages/Default.aspx">LA Fitness</a>. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1HxKta_RAdc/ThqVj43uIiI/AAAAAAAAAQc/aYoNdlMcHIY/s1600/salespeople.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1HxKta_RAdc/ThqVj43uIiI/AAAAAAAAAQc/aYoNdlMcHIY/s200/salespeople.jpg" width="156" /></a>So, if anyone from the <a href="http://www.lafitness.com/Pages/Default.aspx">LA Fitness</a> sales team comes across this blog, here's my advice: All you need to do to make people want to join your gym is provide a great gym experience and invite potential members to share that great experience. It is seriously as easy as that. If you provide great classes, quality facilities, nice equipment and friendly, helpful staff, people WILL join because that is what everyone looks for in a gym. BUT, if you try to push memberships down people's throats through impersonal, aggressive sales pitches, I guarantee you will turn people away. Nowadays people hate being sold. They like to assess their options and feel free to choose whatever suits them best. So when you advertise a free 7 day trial in the mail, DON"T use it as a trick to get people in the door and then guilt them into signing up. <i>Give them a free trial, no strings attached.</i> It may take a little longer for people to make up their minds, but they will be so much more inclined to sign up. It's called content marketing, and it <i>works</i>. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So <a href="http://www.lafitness.com/Pages/Default.aspx">LA Fitness</a>, start treating me like a person instead of a potential commission check, and maybe I'll reconsider. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4901346944852851867.post-60824103954821840572011-07-10T20:10:00.000-07:002011-07-10T20:13:43.869-07:00In Search of Vinyls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-81lDMwlKPjM/ThpkFO630ZI/AAAAAAAAAQI/UesaS3JUySY/s1600/Record+Player.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-81lDMwlKPjM/ThpkFO630ZI/AAAAAAAAAQI/UesaS3JUySY/s320/Record+Player.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">After quite the adventure to meet up with the girl selling it, this funky record player is now the newest and coolest addition to my apartment! Now just need to grow my vinyl collection...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Suggestions for cool vinyl shops in the OC/LA area?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><3 Lyssa</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4901346944852851867.post-85052244165117073712011-07-10T19:44:00.000-07:002011-07-10T20:12:42.500-07:00Dejeuner de la Semaine: Vegan on Wheels<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">As a vegetarian who hates cheese, it is <i>rare</i> for me to be able to order anything off a menu--extremely rare. And the food truck menus are generally no exception, except in the case of <a href="http://seabirdstruck.com/">Seabirds</a>! This heavenly restaurant on wheels is all vegan, all the time. Their menu changes every day and only features a few items, but rest assured you will never find an ounce of meat or cheese in any dish. Fantastic right??</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X_FUX2E7-wE/ThpdxnIFzlI/AAAAAAAAAQA/GdHExtDdwAA/s1600/seabirds+truck.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X_FUX2E7-wE/ThpdxnIFzlI/AAAAAAAAAQA/GdHExtDdwAA/s1600/seabirds+truck.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Needless to say, trying Seabirds has been on my list of things to do for quite some time, and today I finally got the chance when I visited the <a href="http://www.ocgp.org/visit/farmers-market/">Farmer's Market at the Great Park</a>. My veggie friend and I perused the quaint fruit stands, sampled pita from the overly friendly hummus stand man and finally arrived at the food truck arena. From Seabirds' chalk board menu we selected the California Burrito and the Beer Battered Avocado Tacos--opting to share so we could both try each. We took our food over to the picnic area, packed with families and couples enjoying some live music by a rockin' band--complete with a trombone, trumpet and sax! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bJhjdeygRO0/ThpjZ2utkSI/AAAAAAAAAQE/TWGHOIZVexY/s1600/Great+Park+Farmers+Market+Band.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bJhjdeygRO0/ThpjZ2utkSI/AAAAAAAAAQE/TWGHOIZVexY/s1600/Great+Park+Farmers+Market+Band.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">As we sang along to "Sweet Caroline" we savored every last bite of our much-awaited meal. We both decided the California Burrito took the prize for the day. It had french fries (weird right?), BBQ seasoned "carne asada," guacamole and vegan sour cream; and it was GREAT. The avocado tacos were noteworthy as well--the fried avocado and the signature Seabirds sauce were the best ingredients for sure. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">It was a vegan recipe for a perfect sunday lunch :) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I wonder what the French think of the food truck craze...??</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Peace! </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4901346944852851867.post-7581859787707913602011-06-27T23:27:00.000-07:002011-06-27T23:27:18.041-07:00Yum<div style="text-align: center;">"Good food nourishes you while junk food leaves you constantly craving more"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8DH8bY4-MxQ/Tgly5_4n5DI/AAAAAAAAAP4/QOD6i7hWSgA/s1600/Salad+Lunch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8DH8bY4-MxQ/Tgly5_4n5DI/AAAAAAAAAP4/QOD6i7hWSgA/s320/Salad+Lunch.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Homemade Salad + Hummus + Sheephearder's Bread </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bIQ52PV6dYo/TglzaMZcPYI/AAAAAAAAAP8/5gLuw2mdPlM/s1600/Indian+Food.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bIQ52PV6dYo/TglzaMZcPYI/AAAAAAAAAP8/5gLuw2mdPlM/s320/Indian+Food.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Indian Feast from<a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/punjabi-tandoor-anaheim#query:indian%20food"> Punjabi Tandoor</a> in Anaheim-highly recommend</div><div style="text-align: center;">(Buy One, Get One Lunch Specials on Tuesday if you mention Yelp!)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I'd put these lunches in the "good food" category...though I must say I'm craving them right now...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><3 Lyss</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4901346944852851867.post-65258160952413514252011-06-15T23:21:00.000-07:002011-06-15T23:28:05.071-07:00Now Stop...Fiesta Time<div style="text-align: justify;">What does one do with a produce drawer full of veggies and one perfectly ripe avocado in the fruit basket? Throw herself a little fiesta of course! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Q8mR7QgRaE/TfmcPj8CiZI/AAAAAAAAAPs/DUWswstmkYA/s1600/Mexican+Food+%25231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Q8mR7QgRaE/TfmcPj8CiZI/AAAAAAAAAPs/DUWswstmkYA/s320/Mexican+Food+%25231.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">So I chopped up some veggies for fajitas and diced ingredients for my guacamole. There's nothing quite like fresh guac...a perfectly ripe avacado, onion, tomato, sea salt, a good squeeze of lemon and you've got perfection in a bowl (at least in my opinion). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-twxi44OZG4M/Tfme2IL-aSI/AAAAAAAAAPw/B5PzLn_LUi0/s1600/Mexican+Feast+%25232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-twxi44OZG4M/Tfme2IL-aSI/AAAAAAAAAPw/B5PzLn_LUi0/s320/Mexican+Feast+%25232.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>A bowl of black beans and a couple grilled corn tortillas and my veggie fiesta fajitas were complete.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OZ2PO9QqYAo/Tfmgjrwp5NI/AAAAAAAAAP0/0UrRvGCKhgM/s1600/Mexican+Food+%25233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OZ2PO9QqYAo/Tfmgjrwp5NI/AAAAAAAAAP0/0UrRvGCKhgM/s320/Mexican+Food+%25233.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Through I admire the French for most things when it comes to cuisine, their take on "Mexi-Cannes" food left me pretty disappointed. So here's to growing up in Southern California with an appreciation for authentic mexican food. Nothing compares. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
Cooking therapy; that's my french lunch break.<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><3 Lyssa </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4901346944852851867.post-55105431991822902972011-06-15T00:11:00.000-07:002011-06-15T00:15:16.272-07:00Parisian Ponders<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BYFAvHX71ws/TfhU-heeBiI/AAAAAAAAAPo/urafTetpZBs/s1600/Midnight+in+Paris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BYFAvHX71ws/TfhU-heeBiI/AAAAAAAAAPo/urafTetpZBs/s320/Midnight+in+Paris.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Tonight I sat in row two of theater eleven at an Orange County theater but felt transported back to France thanks to the film stylings of one Woody Allen with his newest flick, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1605783/">Midnight in Paris</a>. A blockbuster or academy award winner...no, but a well-made, well-casted smart comedy with spot-on reflections on the varying reactions to Paris by Americans...yes. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The backdrop of Paris just makes everything better and kicking off a movie with a five minute reel of glamourous arial and street shots of the magical city was a great editing decision. I was immediately reminiscing my trip there and got caught up in that intangible longing to travel again. That longing makes you (or at least me) identify with the protagonist who is jaded by the LA film industry and aspires to move to Paris and write a novel instead of another lack-luster script. Without spoiling the tale, suffice it to say that there are many road blocks between him and this "perfect plan"--one being himself and his inability to believe in his talent and embrace the present. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So I'll admit it, I totally share that inkling towards nostalgia and the romance of years past with Owen Wilson's character (Gill). I don't know how many times I've thought, "I would have been so much happier growing up in Europe in the 20's." I find myself daydreaming about life in other cities of the United States constantly thinking how much better things must be there. In reality, I live in California where the sun mostly always shines, the beach is 15 minutes away and there is an infinite variety of anything you could ask for. I need to take a hint from Gill's discoveries and embrace my current situation and the potential for inspiration just outside my balcony. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">But while embracing the now is an excellent ideal to live by (thank you Buddha), I think find it equally important to study and appreciate the past...to remember what life was like without the internet and how a hand-crafted letter could be the your only contact with a lover or friend for months upon months. Learning and growing from the past is never too old-fashioned in my book. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">But enough of my thoughts. There was one line from the movie that I just loved and thought I'd share: "All cowardice comes from not loving, or not loving well enough." Ernest Hemingway's character shares this thought while he tells Gill how true love should make a man forget his fear of death and feel immortal, even if just for fleeting instants now and then. I find this concept curious and interesting to ponder. I hope you do too... </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">A $6 "trip" back to Paris and a chance to hear the french language in all it's glory...now that's what I call a French lunch break ;) </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><3 Lyssa</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0