Blogging interview #6: Pints, Pounds and Paté

A career as a lawyer, a fascination with history and many, many travel experiences all come together to make Julianne from Pints, Pounds and Paté a brilliant writer and a genuinely lovely person to chat to. Her blog is full of both fashionable and practical clothing guides for various places, tips for getting along with locals, and travel guides for everywhere from rural Scotland to San Fransisco, Boston and Florida! I loved hearing about how she likes to make a difference with her blog, and I won’t lie, it was nice to hear such a positive opinion of my country!

---

Q: How has blogging met your expectations and/or differed from them?

A: Honestly, blogging is both harder and more rewarding than I expected. The “technical” side has taken a lot of getting used to, but I think I’m finally getting there, and fairly proud that I was able to figure it out! I didn’t realize how much I’d enjoy the social aspect – definitely one of the best parts for me.

Q: Do you find it tiring to keep up an online presence?

A: Definitely. When I start feeling exhausted by keeping up on social media, I try to focus on my favorite SM channels (Twitter and Pinterest, for me, personally). I find those more rewarding, so I keep myself entertained.

Q: Do you have a goal or future vision for your blog?

A: On my favorite blog post, How to Charm the French, I feel like I’ve actually made a difference – and I get some of the greatest comments from people about improving how they navigate cultural misunderstandings. I’m hoping to bring more of that to the blog. Beyond that, just continued growth.

Q: What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far in life?

A: Nearly a year ago, I walked away from my “prestigious” job as a corporate attorney at a big, “fancy” law firm. I had a private office, an assistant, etc., etc., and I was miserable each and every day. I’m very fortunate that I was in a position to leave, and it’s the best decision I ever made. My only regret is that I didn’t leave sooner. Biggest lesson = no one is gossiping/thinking about/judging me. Friends, family, even colleagues were just just glad that I was happy.

Q: If you could relive one era of your life so far, whether that’s a month, a year or a decade, which would it be?

A: That’s a hard one! I’d have to go with college. I attended such a unique school (shout out to The College of William & Mary) in a historic, beautiful city. I got to spend time each and every day with so many amazing friends and with the best teachers I’ve ever had. It was a great four years. And you just can’t beat those Virginia winters.

Q: How do you define happiness?

A: Doing what makes me/my family most happy, while trying to make what difference I can in the world.

Q: What’s your favourite way to spend a free day?

A: I’m fortunate to have so much flexibility lately. Weekdays are mostly drinking coffee, blogging, doing volunteer work, & a few lunches and gym visits sprinkled in. Weekends, my husband and I love antique shopping and hitting “the pub” (in Scotland, if we have a choice!)

Q: Do you speak any other languages, or do you want to learn any?

A: Oui! I speak French – I studied it from middle school through college. I really enjoy it and practice keeping it up. I was so pleased with how lovely the French were when I visited their splendid country – they taught me new words (nicely) and couldn’t have been kinder when I got flustered and said nonsense. I’ve tried learning other romance languages, but French just won’t make mental room for them.

Q: Would you ever move to another state/country permanently?

A: Probably not, though we’d love to buy a second home in the UK someday. #lifegoals

Q: Of all the places you’ve visited, which culture is your favourite?

A: British, by far. We just can’t seem to stop visiting. Look for me at your local.

After reading these answers I was intrigued to learn what it is about Britain that keeps her interested – I personally love British culture, but we’re an odd bunch sometimes! Her answer? “Well, I’m a huge history buff (colonial America was my major in college), so being able to see so many sites (especially relying on public transit) is a big factor. The fact I can go to a pub older than my country is endlessly amusing to me! Ease of travel, no language barrier, good drinks culture (couldn’t get a second beer in Spain to save my life and half of them were tiny), and the blend of big city perks within easy reach of a day trip – in short!” Can’t argue with that!

Thank you for reading this interview! If you don’t already know Julianne, you can find her at the links below:

Blog | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Edinburgh, Off the Beaten Path

What to Wear in Spain in Winter

10 Charming Things to do in Glen Arbor, Michigan

---