We didn't find this amazing hole-in-the-wall cafe until the end of the trip, but it turned out to be one of our faves! They have a tiny menu - acai bowls, smoothies, beef or pork lunch bowls, and tacos - but the food is so delicious that it doesn't get old.

I had the most amazing trip to LA a few weeks ago, and had the opportunity to shoot with some new bloggers, as well as one that I shot with previously in Palm Springs - Allison of www.butwhatshouldiwear.com. We had a ton of fun romping around Melrose Ave, and actually ended up finding a lot of the Palm Springs vibes in Los Angeles (not surprising, since we both love succulents).

This morning I woke up to major sales from 3 of my fave brands! So I had to share the excitement (and savings) with you.

This edition of Julia Recommends is ... (drumroll please) ... my nail salon! I usually just go for a pink/nude/grey color, but this week I was feeling extra saucy so I got this adorable (schizophrenic?) mixed canvas kind of deal. Take a look for yourself (and notice that pretty much anything I hold, ever, had to do with boba tea, obvs):

I always have a hard time choosing the wallpaper for my phone, but recently it's been easy with all of the spring florals around the city! I'm currently using and loving the black and white poppies, but you know the succulent are next up!

One of my favorite things to do is take photos of bloggers who haven't worked with a professional photographer before. The vibe is a mixture of excitement, anxiety, and endless possibility, which is intoxicating. It's so fun to answer questions and guide them through the experience, while also watching progress into getting comfortable, having fun, and finding the rhythm of being in front of a professional camera.

Last week, my hubs and I went to Palm Springs for the first time to celebrate our 1 year wedding anniversary. It was honestly our best vacation ever! I've heard so many great things about Palm Springs, and yet it was still even better than I imagined it.

Some of you know that I eat Paleo, which means no dairy, no processed sugars or processed foods, no alcohol, no gluten, minimal grains. Basically it's mostly meats and vegetables, and some fruit. It may sound terrible at first, but it makes you feel great, is super healthy, helps you naturally lose weight, as well as other benefits like clearer skin and more energy, and honestly it's not that difficult once you pass the 1-2 month addiction/craving period. I can go on and on, but I'll save that for a later post.

I love working with new bloggers because I get to help them feel comfortable in front of a professional's lens for the first time, and to figure out their esthetic. Last week, I got the chance to photograph Dita, a young, super fashionable mom who recently moved to San Francisco from Stockholm (@sf.stockholm).

Lauren of pinkonthecheek.com recently styled a full outfit just from Uniqlo! Honestly, I kind of thought that Uniqlo only had super casual activewear, but apparently, they now also have seriously stylish pieces for the office and going out, called the Drape Collection. I love the way that Lauren styled boyfriend jeans with a long blazer - it's so comfortable but looks put together.

Unlike my NYFW experience, winter weather in San Francisco is generally what you'd call Fall weather anywhere else in the country. So what does that mean? Sweaters and warm drinks and scarves, oh my! Amanda of Mela Moda wore the epitome of this season's winter sweater for this shoot. It was comfy over-sized, over-the-shoulder, neutral color, and had bell sleeves. What more could you want?

One of my favorites Valentine's Day sessions was with Shannon of Style by Lolly. She went girly, but still edgy. Instead of roses, she picked tulips. No dress, but jeans and a tee. She did keep the red lips and glittery heels, but they were wedges and she paired the whole outfit with a statement necklace.

I know that the 90s are back in style, but Kelsey brought it with a flashback to the 70s. Orange bell bottoms, huge sunglasses, and colorful fur, perfectly styled with white and gold accessories. What you can't tell from the photos is that Kelsey is actually short, but did she stun in this outfit anyway? Yes she did!

I haven't been to NYC as an adult. The only time I'd traveled there before was to visit my cousins when I was 10 years old. I barely remember that trip, but I think I spent most of my time in their Bronx apartment, eating pizza and listening to my older cousin's ska collection.

My absolute favorite neighborhood in San Francisco (and the one that feels most like home) is the land of endless graffiti and burritos: The Mission. 

I didn't know what to expect, but I definitely never expected Trumpocalypse shirts or penis-strap halters, puffer jacket gowns or race car wings. This was the most out-there presentation I saw during my whole trip, and I loved every second of it! ...

Katty Xiomara was the last runway show I saw during my time at NYFW. It was also my first experience in a runway photography pit, and the most amazing way to end the week.

This runway showcase by Francesca Liberatore was one of the first shows I went to at NYFW and it definitely set a high standard! I left completely inspired. I loved all of the lace and fur, with classic feminine touches that still somehow made the models look fierce and empowered. ...