It’s been a big year for me! I started my blog, I started touring a lot more, I released two songs to radio, and there were ups and downs, and bridges to cross, it was a lot packed into one year, but all in all, it’s been a great year and so much fun. I loved playing shows in LA, Chicago, New York City, Vermont, Maine, and visiting so many new places as well! I’ve grown as a musician, I’ve learned so much professionally, personally, and through going to school at Belmont all the while. I love the people I get to work with, the music I get to create, the musicians I get to play with, it’s such a magical experience every time we step on stage. Here are some of my favorite pictures from this year, I’ve had such a great time sharing it with you!
Baked By Melissa
Have you ever had a really good cupcake? I mean really delicious; the kind with soft moist cake with the perfectly adequate amount of frosting for the size of the cupcake. That’s what Baked By Melissa is, with one tiny exception…all the cupcakes are BITE SIZED. Which at first my sound disappointing, but when you realize that you can try ten different delicious baby cupcakes for the calories of one typically sized cupcake any disappointment vanishes instantly! I have gotten Baked By Melissa almost every time I’m in New York City. I’ve tried most of the original flavors and I have yet to find one I don’t love. If you’re visiting New York City, make sure this pipsqueak bakery of awesome is on your to-do list!
Live Music In Burlington Vermont
I love touring. I love traveling to new cities and meeting new people at shows, it’s all so fun. This show in Burlington was great and so intimate compared to the bigger shows I play with my full band. During the day I get to hang and explore, but on show days I’m always really excited for the actual show to start! Arriving at the venue, sound checking, and beginning the set is always so exciting!
First Time To Vermont
Burlington was such a cool city! I’d never been to Vermont before and it wasn’t hard to fall in love with the state when this city was so beautiful and artistic. I spent time right in the downtown core and then went to this adorable breakfast spot the morning after my show! One of the coolest shops I discovered was Common Deer, where almost everything they stock is made by small vendors from all over America. I definitely indulged in some sweet treats as well with Ben and Jerry’s, because they were founded right in Burlington! Have you been to Vermont? If so, what was your favorite part?
Ferrying Through Fall
I’ve been on a ferry before, but it’s always been much longer than this one! This was a short jaunt across the waterway between New York And Vermont and it was so pretty to be able to see both states from a different perspective. It was my first time to Vermont and I really loved my time there! As soon as we crossed over the lake it felt different from upstate New York, and I already felt like it was somewhere I’d like to explore, which was great because I had about 24 hours to explore the city of Burlington! I’ll tell you all about Burlington Vermont in my next post!
Montreal’s Best Bakeries
If you know me, you know my love of baked goods is nearing infatuation. I love a good cupcake, cake, muffin, and a nice crunchy bread! So when in Montreal it felt essential to sample a couple croissants and baked treats! I have to say, I was not disappointed! Now I don’t think I’ll be able to eat another croissant outside of France and Montreal that could possibly be as good! (Although I welcome the challenge!) I did a little research while lying in bed on the morning of our first and only day in Montreal and discovered some cult favorites were Boulangerie Mr Pinchot, Boulangerie Les Co’Pains D’abord, and Boulangerie Guillaume! We tried a few treats and I think the almond croissant was my absolute favorite! Do you have a favorite baked treat?
Boulangerie Mr Pinchot
Boulangerie Les Co’Pains D’abord