Spotify = Musical Bliss

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 Spotify. 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.

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.

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 here if you need more convincing)

Happy Listening.

2012

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. 

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. 

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 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. 

Cheers! 

<3 Lyssa

Fall Finds

A while ago i shared my autumn wish list...
here's what actually made the cut.

I Say I Like Autumn

I should really be banned from online shopping.

Nevertheless I spent today's late afternoon lunch break creating my Autumn Wish List...

Sadie Ankle Boots from Anthrpologie

Nicoletta Blouse from Anthropologie

Jones Patchwork Quilt from Urban Outfitters

Contemporary Light Gray Throw Pillow from The Home Centric

Summer Frock Apron from Anthropologie

Antique Trunk to DIY into a funky coffee table 

(idea courtesy of the Venice House) 

Spring Leaves Throw Pillow from Home Centric

Vintage Wood Calendar Chalkboard from Urban Outfitters

...sigh

Berkeley Love

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. 

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. 

Razan's Organic Kitchen: 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. 

Guerilla Cafe: "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. 

La Farine: 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. 

The Meadows: 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.

 

Cafe Intermezzo: 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. 

Venus: 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. 

La Note: 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. 

Time to book another trip to Berkeley I think...

<3 Lyssa 

Up, Up and Away

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. 

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...

 

Dolce France: 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. 

Stanford Shopping Center: A gorgeous outdoor mall with a wide variety of stores. Finally purchased my first pair of Toms (in Academy Plaid) at the Nordstroms there. 

 

Crepevine: 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. 

Coupa Cafe: 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. 

Cheers to Nor Cal! 

<3 Lyssa

iLoveBooks

Thank you, Book City Jackets. I couldn't agree more.