So I somehow skipped over March because I felt like it was three seconds long.  But we are BACK with a new Blogger of the Month! This month we are profiling Juliana of Ju Mao Yu!

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How long have you been blogging?

I’ve been blogging on and off since I was in college, but I really started committing to my blog in September of 2017

What made you want to start blogging?

I’ve been dealing with anxiety and depression ever since I was a young girl. Back then, there was a stigma around mental illnesses, so I wasn’t able to talk to anyone about what I was going through. But over the years, the stigma has lessened and I’ve been able to help my friends get through some dark times because I shared what I dealt with and how I made it through.

I’ve always wished I had someone to go through those tough times with, and I know there are people out there who aren’t able to open up with their friends or family. So I started my blog to share my story with others so someone else doesn’t have to feel alone. As long as one person is able to relate to my blogs and not feel alone in this world, I’ve completed my goal as a blogger.

What’s your favorite thing about being a blogger?

I love when people message me saying my journey has encouraged them to do this, or when people are able to relate to my blogs.

How did you decide on your blog name?

So fun fact, I was adopted from China! My mom and grandmother flew all the way over there to bring me back to Buffalo from 1995. When my mom was naming me, she kept the name the orphanage gave me (Mao Yu) as my middle name. Then in high school, I was given the nickname Ju, and Ju Mao Yu just made sense!

What do you love most about living in Buffalo?

I love our community; we really are the City of Good Neighbors. I’ve never met a city more willing to help scrape off your car in the middle of winter, shovel you out of a parking spot, or buy your coffee if you’re standing behind them in line just because.

What are your favorite local restaurants?

Oh geeze… this is tough. My favorite local coffee shop is Remedy House, hands down. I think I have a favorite local restaurant for each type cuisine, but I’ve been eating a lot of Hali Boyz tacos this month.

What are your favorite seasonal activities?

Winter – Attending Buffalo Bills and Sabres games

Spring – waiting for it to actually be spring (lol) but I do love when all the cherry trees bloom in the Japanese Garden

Summer – frequenting all the craft shows and food festivals!

Fall – Your typical Basic Buffalo Bitch activities like apple picking, pumpkin picking, and visiting Mayer Bros

What is your favorite neighborhood in the city?

I’m torn between the West Side and North Buffalo. There are so many good places to eat in both!

What are are a few of your favorite Instagram accounts that you follow?

@petermckinnon, @best.dressed, @beckiandchris & @thesill

What advice would you give to people who would like to start a blog?

Just go for it! Don’t worry about an Instagram aesthetic or the number of followers you have. Share what you love and do your best, and everything else will fall into place.