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A SPOOKY HALLOWEEN WITH UBER

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Happy Halloween everyone! 

This is my second year now celebrating in Los Angeles. Having grown up in Massachusetts, I grew up with a huge emphasis on Halloween. Salem, a north coast city in MA with a widespread reputation for being ‘spooky‘, attracts people from all over the world… During the 1692 witch trials, they executed local individuals who were allegedly practicing witchcraft. The renowned Halloween film Hocus Pocus even took place in Salem.

Thanks to my friends at Uber, I went to some of the most reminiscent New England Halloween spots that I could find in Los Angeles. I also want to note that for the first 8 months that I lived in LA, I only took Uber everywhere and opted out of driving all together as I couldn’t tolerate the level of day-to-day traffic… & Even though I’m far from home during my favorite holiday, I’m undoubtedly #Hallowinning thanks to Uber getting me around to some of my favorite LA Halloween destinations.

My first stop with uberX was the Heritage Square Museum – It was incredibly convenient to take Uber as the museum attracts many visitors… and parking was especially minimal.

Heritage Square is an open-air architecture museum that exudes Halloween vibes from the moment you step on the premises.

 

 

 

On the way to a pumpkin patch in La Crescenta, I picked up my friend to join me in uberX with the new convenient feature that Uber offers, known as Multiple Destinations. You can use this feature by simply tapping the “+” next to the destination box to add up to 1-2 stop(s) at any point during your ride.

Once we arrived at Smith’s pumpkin patch, I found my myself immediately drawn to the weird, quirky gourds & pumpkins. I ended up buying the one below (that I’m holding) and a few smaller ones.  Just in time for decorating for the trick-or-treaters!

 

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A YEAR IN CALIFORNIA

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A year in Los Angeles — but California in totality is a true treasure.

 

Its beauty is understated and my only regret is not having moved out here sooner. Here are a few photos that I wanted to share of some of my favorite Cali moments!

MY FIRST ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY ATTEMPT, WOOT!

 

 

 

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A Weekend Getaway in San Francisco

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I finally made my way to San Fransisco for the weekend after having lived in Los Angeles for a year. If you ever have the opportunity to fly out of Burbank airport – DO IT! It can’t even be compared to LAX. The entire experience went seamlessly – in and out through security in under 5 minutes.

 

What to know before visiting San Francisco 

  • You can fly into SFO but flying into San Jose is also fairly convenient and offers decently priced airfare
  • 2-3 nights is a fair amount of time to experience SF
  • It’s a fairly small city and has a population of 865,000
  • According to the Global Business Cities Alliance, it’s now the 8th most expensive city in the world.

 

 

WHERE TO STAY IN THE CITY

 

The Intercontinental San Francisco on Howard Street is conveniently located near the Moscone Convention Center and about a 12-minute walk from Union Station. The rooms are contemporary and cozy – & if you’re lucky enough, they offer a spectacular view of the city. The hotel also has an amazing private spa and indoor pool. A mere 30 feet away from the lobby lies the noteworthy Michelin one-starred restaurant, Luce!

 

 

 

 

 

 

WHERE TO EAT

  • Mina’s Test Kitchen || I’m so grateful that my friend suggested this at the last minute. It was one of the more memorable dining experiences I’ve had in a long while. The renowned Michael Mina has partnered with chef Hugo Ortego to create Mi Almita – a homage to Mexican dishes with a twist. The translation of Mi Almita means “my little soul” and that’s exactly what they provide in each and every dish… A $39 5-course tasting menu that also offers additional courses. Having just spent some time in Holbox Mexico, and really learning more about traditional Mexican cuisine – I felt that I was in an acceptable position to gauge the flavors. The ceviche tasting portion included 3 varieties: Ceviche Caracol (with pieces of charred pineapple, papaya, and red onion), Ceviche Verde (lime cured white fish with cilantro), and Campechana Estilo DF (Mexico City- style shrimp & crab). An incredible second opener but the two dishes that stood out as my favorites were the  Ostiones Asados (fire-roasted West Coast oysters with Chipotle butter) and Pato en Mole de Higos (crispy duck, fig mole,  sweet potato purée, and fresh figs).

 

 

 

 

 

  • Baked Bear Ice Cream || If you want an incredible ice cream sandwich that’s tailored towards your palette- then Baked Bear is an ABSOLUTE must!

 

 

  • Luce || Michilen cuisine experience is undoubtedly an amazing experience. Conveniently located in the lobby of the Intercontinental San Francisco on Howard Street, is one of the most worthwhile dining locations in the city! They offer an amazing tasting menu, and if you find yourself there on a weekend afternoon – you have to try the Di Stefano Burrata off the Brunch menu. It’s out of this world.

 

 

  • Mr. Holmes Bakehouse: I finally made my way to the most acclaimed bakery in the entire city. The conclusion definitely lived up to the hype – even surpassed any previous expectations I may have had. I can’t believe I went 27 years without trying a cruffin. YES – it was arguably life-changing!

 

 

 

 

 

SIGHTS YOU MUST SEE

With such a fleeting amount of time in the city, you definitely have to see the staple spots

  1. The Golden Gate Bridge (this is an absolute must obviously) though, I would advise going in the early afternoon during the summer, so you’re not bombarded with an abundance of fog.
  2. Fisherman’s Wharf – This is where you can buy a quintessential San Francisco souvenir and find some of the best clam chowder!
  3. The Japanese Tea Garden – An array of beautiful gardens, koi ponds, a gorgeous bridge, and delightful green tea, of course!
  4. Alamo Park – San Fransico is notably recognized for the famous reference point of these distinguished houses that were seen on the Hit 90’s show of Full House.

 

 

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A DAY IN LA WITH HONEY BUM

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I recently discovered a clothing brand that I’ve fallen in love with… Honey Bum offers a look that has LA summer written all over it! I also love this brand… because for every purchase, they plant flowers to further ensure a sustainable bee community.

 

 

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7 REASONS WHY BALI SHOULD BE YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE

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I’ve been craving a Bali adventure for as long as I can remember. After spending 3 weeks in this exotic paradise, I’ve orchestrated a list of compelling reasons to visit. I will say, my idea of what Bali would be like prior to the trip was incredibly contrasting to how I felt afterward. So, let’s jump right into why you should absolutely plan on visiting!

 

1.AMAZING SCENERY
This may be the most obvious one. Bali is an attractive destination to a variety of people from all over the world – it’s lush vegetation is indisputably distinct. The sunshine and beaches are assuredly HUGE selling points, but the abundance of greenery and exotic plants will make you feel as though you’ve transported to an otherworldly, Jurassic Park-esque dimension. With each new turn somehow seeming more breathtaking than the last. I dare you to try to put your camera down.

 

 

2. THE BALINESE AND THEIR KINDNESS

To say that the Balinese are friendly is a profound understatement. The locals are eager to connect with you and offer their personal viewpoints on their culture’s customs, traditions, and religious beliefs. They’ll provide a sense of ease and immersion into the culture that you wouldn’t necessarily be able to find elsewhere.

 

 3. AMAZING, HEALTH-FOCUSED FOOD

Food so good – you’ll be spoiled forever. There’s an overlapping junction of nutritional value and pure yumminess! Each corner seems to offer acai bowls, dragon fruit smoothies, and organic food.

 

 

4. The Cafe Culture

Don’t let work deter you from venturing to this paradise.  There is a large emphasis on Remote work here  – so much so that many people who have the luxury of being able to work remote, end up relocating to Bali indefinitely. There’s a myriad of stunning cafes on almost each corner.

 

 

5. The Culture

Religion is a huge focal point in the Balinese culture. For the Balinese, life revolves around their daily offerings and religious ceremonies. Their devotion to Hinduism is reflected in their beautifully baroque temples.

 

 

6. Affordability

Bali is amazingly inexpensive. With the average meal costing around $7.50, you’ll be able to implement a really wallet-friendly budget. One of my favorite meals during the entire trip cost a whopping $4.75! You can also get a massage or traditional Balinese bath for as little as $15.00.

 

 

7. Wildlife

Go bananas for the Monkeys! The Monkey Forest was one of the highlights of my time in Bali. While they’re seemingly cute, they can certainly display aggression – be especially mindful of your belongings! If you’re conscientious of your time and have a heightened awareness during your time in the forest, you’ll almost certainly have a really positive and memorable experience!

 

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THE ABSOLUTE MUST-DOS IN SWEDEN

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Stockholm is an amazing city – but learn what off-the-beaten path destinations in Sweden are worthwile!

Between the cafe culture and trendy minimalist approach, it’s very easy to lose yourself in the Swedish culture. After spending about a week in Sweden, I’ve come up with a handful of MUST-DOS to refer to when you find yourself here!

I booked my most recent trip to Stockholm for $268.00 non-stop from LA (thank you Kayak!) The Explore section has been a HUGE factor in my traveling frequency.

 

 

When it came to planning accommodations for my trip to Sweden, I did a combination of Airbnb and Hotels. The hotel I stayed at my first night was called Hobo. It’s in one of the new, up and coming areas in the city known as Brunkebergstorg. The interior is filled with lush greenery and funky art installations. It’s unquestionably one of the hip new spots – whether you end up booking a stay or stop by for a drink, you probably won’t be able to put your camera down!

 

 

The following evening, I stayed at The At Six boutique hotel. It’s an upscale hotel that makes you feel as though you’re walking through a beautiful, contemporary Art gallery. The modish vibes even extend to their ‘listening lounge’ where you can listen to everything from live podcasts to record releases.

 

 

 

A list of my favorite Stockholm Eats!

  •  Público: a take on Swedish inspired tapas($10-$15)

 

  • Speceriet: Swedish dishes with a twist ($13-15)

 

 

  • Raamen: A Swedish interpretation of a traditional Japanese meal ($10-$12)

 

  • Rosendals Trädgård: is an incredibly unique place and absolutely worth visiting!
    This hidden gem is a garden, restaurant, and shop with a huge focus on sustainability and functionality. Fun fact – their wood oven is the largest in all of Stockholm. A dish from their Garden Café will cost you about $15. All of their meals are prepared with herbs and plants from their garden. A truly special experience!

 

  • Kommendören – get the Swedish lobster! ($25)

 

Even though I loved Stockholm, I wanted to explore a bit off-the-beaten-path. I ended up taking a ferry to Visby, Gotland for 2 days. This was unquestionably the highlight of my entire trip. It’s one of the most charming little towns that I’ve experienced on any of my travels. The architecture is distinctly uncommon and enchanting.

 

The cobblestone roads are appropriately narrow and filled with a myriad of quaint mom and pop shops. An absolute must dining experience is Crêperie & Logi – It’s an amiable and intimate spot where they offer both kick-ass crepes and lodging!

 

 

 

My one regret is not having spent more time in Gotland. The way I see it, it’s just another compelling reason to go back!

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WHY ITALY WILL ALWAYS BE MY FAVORITE COUNTRY

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I have now traveled to 45 countries.

I can’t say that I’m too taken aback by this – but I certainly find it remarkable that I’ve made travel such a priority in my life. I’ve somehow managed to carve out the time to see so many different destinations! It’s truly a wild thought.

Needless to say, there’s no end in sight. There are so many more places on my radar! With that being said, there’s really no other place in the world that has left an imprint on me quite like Italy has. I can still vividly remember the first time I traveled to Italia… I was 14  (for those of you trying to do the math and figure out my age- this was 13 years ago). I went with a student organization called People to People. My best friend Laurie joined the trip which created such a large sense of ease for me – I could just allow myself to experience it with minimal worries and misgivings knowing she was alongside me sharing the same moments, fears, and considerations. There is an undeniable heedfulness you’re hyper-aware of when traveling in general, never mind at such a young age.

 

 

On the trip, we also visited France and Malta… but I can’t recollect nearly as many details while in these countries nearly as well as I can memorialize my moments in Italy. I can remember the distinct aromas permeating throughout the small alleyways in-between activities, the first slice of Napalitono pizza that I salivated over, and the infectious energy that Italians seemed to have possessed. I was assuredly enamored with the culture but for reasons, I couldn’t truly appreciate until the next time I visited.

Which now brings us to my study abroad during my final year of college. I spent a month in Milan with 30 other girls working with a PR agency and Online Fashion Publication. I also reconnected with a distant cousin during my time there. I  felt an ardent connection to the culture.  I was radiating an energy that must have been one of the preeminent factors to why I was invited back by both companies and offered a job. I was absolutely elated! Living in my favorite country – could anything be better?!

 

 

 

Half a year later, I packed my two oversized bags and moved to the Italian fashion capital. I felt so compelled to connect with the culture on a far deeper level. I forced myself to learn the language, get lost frequently, visit my family in Genoa on the weekends, and travel all over. The more vulnerable I allowed myself to be…it felt like I was stripping back the layers of a culture that I was already so bewitched by.

 

Living in Italy is unquestionably one of the most amazing experiences I’ve ever had.  There are so many reasons to love this country – but my personal leading ones being:

  •  It’s so rich in history
  • The food is AMAZING  (it will spoil you though – beware!)
  • The people are captivating
  • Beauty everywhere… literally! Architecture, the sea, mountains – you can have it all!
  • An energy you can’t find anywhere else in the world

 

 

 

Since living there… I’ve been beckoned back to Italia countless times and I’m certain I’ll never stop going, nor will I ever tire of it! 

 

 

 

 

 

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I’M BACK!

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My name is Julianne. Julie to my many – and Jules to those closest!

 

I was first introduced to the idea of making a living off of a blog in 2012.  I was living in Milan, Italy at the time – working in PR and also blogging/photographing for an Online Italian publication called Fashion Times. It was an amazing time in my life. I had only just graduated college a mere few months prior to living in this strange and thrilling, new culture. I was attending fashion shows, photographing events, and immersing myself into this exciting industry.

 

There’s no doubt that this experience was the catalyst for my love of photography and Social Media.

In spite of these extraordinary opportunities I had experienced while living abroad, I was finding it exceptionally challenging to find inspiration upon moving back to the states. Comparably, my day-to-day was feeling a bit triter and lackluster.

As time passed, I continued to travel and photograph – but consciously placed the blogging aspect on the back burner. I can remember thinking at the time, “Social Media is thriving and soon blogging will be obsolete“.

 

 

Having a background in Marketing and a love for photography, I decided to hone in on and invest a great deal of my energy into Instagram. This decision had certainly proven to bring in a lot of amazing opportunities. As my Social Media presence grew, I found myself writing for a variety of different Startup companies.

 

It wasn’t difficult to recognize that I had developed a real passion for writing and sharing my experiences. Many of you have had a lot of questions, especially pertaining to travel – and I’m hoping that you’ll find this space especially advantageous when it comes to seeking out those answers from me!

 

 

SO… STAY TUNED. MUCH MORE TO COME!