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Tips for Conquering Writer’s Block:

8/28/2018

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​My dearest kitty cats and kitten caboodles, it’s time to talk about something that can be very real and frustrating as a writer that can dampen even your brightest of days: WRITER’S BLOCK. Well fear not my friends, this dementor-esque creature living in your mind and sucking away your imagination does not have to exist; especially not in your imagination – I feel like that would be self destructive, but anyway, that’s not the point. As a writer myself, I have been blessed with many ideas that continue on an endless list that is added to every day. Below I have listed a ton of different practices I use to constantly and consistently create new worlds, characters, and stories that I feel are worth telling! Check it out!:
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​Travel to New Places as Often as You Can!

  • Treading over new ground is the best and most beneficial way to come across new inspiration, uncovered stories, or a new found imagination. If you are in a place of unfamiliar territory, your observation levels are heightened to a new extreme  - take advantage of what your mind, heart, eyes, ears, nose, hands, and toes tell you. The feelings you get will take you to places unknown that you further want to explore even when you’re standing still. These places are the worlds in which you will create. Write it down while the feeling is fresh!

People Watch on the daily

  • I couldn’t stress this enough! Whether you’re taking the train to work or are sitting by the window in the coffee shop looking out onto those bustling downtown - keep your mind, eyes, and heart open as people pass by. Pay attention to what their eyes are saying about what they’re going through. Listen to the way they talk and what their dialogue says about them. Take in the music they listen to, the way they walk, what they look like, and unique features they may possess – they might just inspire a new character. 

​Read Newspaper Articles and Letters from Then and Now

  • My goodness, some crazy things go on in the world each day! Some are even in your hometown, and sometimes the best ones took place decades ago! Make sure you read the local newspaper as often as you can and then go to your community library and look back to the articles and stories shared about your hometown or some random city around you. There’s no telling what concepts could be derived from a simple happenstance a hundred years ago, or beloved characters from a single interview. Give it a go. You just might be surprised.  

​Listen to Music and Go for a Walk.

  • There’s something about getting the blood flowing and listening to the lyrics of some of your favorite tunes. If you really listen carefully to what each artist is saying and then taking in your surroundings at the same time, the music can dig into some deeper feelings you may have or create an idea in your head you might want to act upon. It’s a great way to get the wheels of your imagination turning!

​Look through Photographs and Paintings. 

  •   Whether they’re of people, places, things, or are swirly, weird and abstract photographs and paintings provide a certain beauty other than the obvious visual they posses. These things allow you to create your own story based off of a picture, a look, a color, a stroke of paint, or the perception you have on it. So next time you’re at a museum, looking at a photo on Pinterest, or looking through a book that holds different collections of art, take a few moments or minutes longer to really look at the piece that calls out to you in particular. Analyze it emphatically and see what you come up with. There are millions of ways each story could go. 

​Keep a Sketch Booklet of all the Characters You come across and imagine.

  • Going back to the people watching on the daily – draw these people! The way you draw them will even heighten the details of the character that is created through your own perception. Whether you make their nose a little longer, or color their shirt in pink instead of blue, or give them an Afro instead of long wispy hair – it’ll make your character more unique to you and the story you might create. Underneath the picture you draw of them, give them a name, an occupation, what they do for fun, where they come from, what their aspirations and fears are, as well as maybe a catch phrase. Allow them the opportunity to come to life. A story just around who they are just might be the next hit. 

​Free Write Five Minutes at the Beginning of Each Day

  • After you wake up, do your yoga, and make your morning coffee, sit down with a notebook of yours and just write for five minutes. It could be about absolutely anything. It could be about what’s on your mind, something you dreamt of, a feeling you might have, a person you want to see – anything! This will get your creative juices flowing right away in the morning and a way to activate your mind for the rest of the day. Also – writing every day is important to stay involved in your craft and constantly learning. 

​Use the Word of the Day on www.Dictionary.com and Write a Story. 

  • This is a fun challenge I like to do. Instead of Free writing sometimes, I do this and come up with the wildest things. For example, the word of the day today is forbearance and based off of the definition of this word, I would create a concept for a story told in a three-act structure summary! It’s fun – plus it’s a way to extend your vocabulary. 

​Sit Alone in Nature

  • Sitting in a space where the only sounds you hear are those of nature will allow you to enter a realm to think and expand your creativity in.  Also, while you’re here, express your thoughts, fears, story points, characters, or questions you may have out loud. Hearing them in an empty space and directed towards yourself will allow you to think more deeply about them compared to just writing them down. I always like to go to the beach at night and listen to the waves crash while I lay or sit on the sand. Some of the best points or moments in my life as a writer have been while sitting in nature.

​Keep a Journal and Write in it every day. 

  • Going along with the necessity of writing every day, if you write about your day, the events that happened, the people you met, how you felt, and what progress you may have made – no matter how simple, it’s important to document your life’s journey. You can always go back and take tidbits from it to make stories from in the future. Either way – it’ll be the story of your life – and that’s pretty dang cool. 

​Read. 

  • Chances are if you want to be a writer and would like people to read your stories, you should probably be reading other peoples stories too. Not only would you be reading to make yourself a better writer and to expand your imagination and knowledge, but you’d also be getting an idea of what’s selling and is interesting to people. If you want to become a better writer, read every day. 
​I hope some of these practices will help you along the way to creating your next masterpiece! If anyone has questions regarding story, want to send your stuff over to me for an opinion, or want to know more about the business of screenwriting, please reach out via comment below or through e-mail! I want to help you succeed and get your stories out there to share with the world!!!
 
I hope you all are having the most fabulous day and creating constantly!!
 
XOXO
 
 
Mary Gabrielle Strause
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TIps for Artists Moving to LA

8/21/2018

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The time has come!  You're moving to the City of Angels and you couldn't be more excited to make your dreams come true! Though the ride of making it in Hollywood is wild enough, so are the logistics of living in Los Angeles and the more prepared and aware you are, the better off you will be! Though there are a lot of incredible things about this city, there are also so many things you need to know in order to be safe and far from drowning in hot water emotionally and financially. Below are a few of my tips for those of you making the leap over to the West Coast! I have so many more and if you have any questions, please comment below and I'll be sure to answer them! For now though - here are my top 23 tips for artists moving to Los Angeles! 
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1. Wait Two Weeks or so Before you Move to Lock Down an Apartment.

  • Because there are a million people moving to LA, the housing market is extremely saturated, and places go quickly. If you think you have a place locked a month out from moving, chances are if there is someone interested in moving in sooner – you’ll lose your spot.  By waiting until two weeks before you move to lock down a place, its allows your landlord to have patience – especially if you put down a deposit right away, and it also gives you enough time to prepare for where you’re moving to, gives you peace of mind, and a chance to find and apply to a part time job in the area. 

2. Meet your possible roommates before moving

  • Whether it’s through Facetime or Skype, meet your roommates (if you are planning on having any) in some shape or form before you lock down a place. They’ll probably want to do the same with you. If you’re grabbing a place off of craigslist or subletting, you want to know if you can mesh with the people you are going to be living with. Especially if they’re other artists. If you’re a writer and your potential roommate is a DJ and does most of their work at 1AM – you’re going to have a bad time. You want to be comfortable with where you live – it’s your sanctuary. Also, it'll behoove you to have roommates. It will keep costs down as most studios go for no less than $1,250/month. 

3. Pack lightly

  • Chances are you’re not going to have much space at place you end up in, so unfortunately, that Harry Potter nightlight and blowup dragon will have to stay behind. It’s a good idea to start fresh and with only the necessities, which are typically clothes, especially if you’ve never been to the apartment you’re moving into.  If you’re driving your car out, bringing small pieces of furniture and a bedframe can be helpful and will save on moving costs. Otherwise, it’s best to thrift and get a few things to supply for your daily life when you arrive. 

​4.Get canvas/reusable bags

  • When you go grocery shopping or the like in Los Angeles, those plastic bags will cost you ten cents a pop and are not great for the environment – but you know what is? Reusing a few of your canvas bags every trip to the store instead. This way you save fifty cents or so when stocking up, aren’t having dozens of bags piling out of your cabinets or ending up in the trash, and are helping to keep the planet clean all at the same time. 

5. If you have a dog, make sure to get an ESA letter for your landlord.

  • When you’re back home, it’s important to see a psychiatrist to get an emotional support letter for your pup to show your landlord when you move in. Having this letter allows for your dog to move into whatever building no matter what the restrictions may be. Plus, it would be valid – because moving hundreds or thousands of miles  away from what you previously knew can be a tough journey. 

​6. Lookup your neighborhood before moving – make sure it’s central and safe.

  • Living in a central area to everything is especially important. Mid-City (it says it all) is a good place to shoot for or Fairfax Village and Hollywood. Otherwise, you’re more than likely going to be sitting in traffic for an hour no matter where you go  - also you’re pretty close to everything you need if you’re in mid-city. 

​7. Live near a grocery store!

  • It just makes everything simpler. If you forget something or need something last minute (like a bottle of wine for a spur of the moment horror marathon to dull the fear) you can just mosey down the block instead of getting in your car, fighting tooth and nail for parking 

8. keep tabs on LA Weekly and Discover La

  • This is a beautiful online calendar and publication that always gives you the most delicious inside scoop to all of the fun concerts, shows, events, bar crawls, flea markets, fairs, etc. that your heart desires! There’s also Discover Los Angeles and an app for both of them! You should get those! Right now. 

9. ​Street parking all the way!  

  • There will always be street parking! And there is always a grand chance there will always be FREE street parking. If you take the time to circle a bit around where you plan on going or where you live, you’ll probably find a magical place where your car can sit and stay a while. Even if you’re going somewhere that has a parking garage, parking on the street is both good for your health being that you’re going to be walking further to your desired location, and for your wallet! 

10. ​Get a car or learn how to navigate the metro system right away. 

  • LA is extremely spread out and not having a car will be the death of you in multiple situations. Most jobs require you to have reliable transportation and if you ever need to get somewhere quickly (or as quickly as you can) having a car will always be your best bet. Uber gets extremely expensive if you’re using it daily, and the metro system doesn’t go far. If having a car isn’t in the cards though, the metro is relatively easy to navigate and will drop you off in a central area that you can take an Uber from. 

11. ​There are a lot of Homeless  - Even a Smile is enough. 

  • It’s tragic and unsettling just how many homeless there are in Los Angeles, but this being said, it’s difficult to give money to them all. What I find more beneficial is once a month making boxed lunches and handing them out if I can swing it. Also, if you pass them on the street, instead of looking away, give them a smile at least. Living in Los Angeles is ridiculously expensive, but being kind is not. 

12. ​Take time to explore on foot during the day – never at night and alone. 

  • It’s good to get a lay of the land and explore new places when it’s light out and there are people around. Also, it’s good to possibly come across not so great areas (like Skid Row, around USC’s Campus, or South Central Downtown) when people can see you and you can see them, compared to at night. Also, don’t travel anywhere alone at night after 9PM. 

13. ​Get a Ralph’s Rewards card, Download the App and download your coupons!

  • I mean, this will be the best thing to ever happen to you – regarding the happiness of your tummy and wallet anyway. By getting the Ralphs App and going on it each day to download digital coupons will literally save you HUNDREDS! Also – there’s always Freebie Fridays – don’t be a dummy and take advantage of this pronto!!

14. Learn how to cook and do it at home!! Eating out is expensive!

  • You know what you like by now and you should definitely learn how to make it! Making your meals at home and doing meal prep is the most inexpensive way to eat and eat healthy! There are dozens of incredible places to eat in LA, but you should definitely limit eating out to once a week. The dollars add up, and each dollar it especially important in Los Angeles. 

15. ​Give yourself an hour no matter where you’re traveling. 

  • Being that LA is so spread out, there are always a million cars trying to get to different places at the same time causing numerous traffic jams all around the land. Being in a central location like I discussed earlier will dull the time down a bit, but giving yourself an hour to get anywhere is usually safest. It’s always better to be early than late!

16. ​Get your Universal Studios Annual pass right away

  • I’m bringing this up because I think this place is absolutely incredible. My boyfriend and I  go to visit almost every weekend, and it’s never an additional expense until the next year rolls around. It’s be best and most inexpensive way to have fun after you buy it the first time, and there’s always something new to discover, whether it’s on the Studio Tour or on the Universal City walk – it’ll be worth every dollar! ALSO once you get your pass, no matter if you’re with friends or not, use the single rider line. There will hardly ever be a wait and you’ll make the most of your time! 

17. ​Get on Meetup, Surkus, and General Assembly to network and make new friends!

  • If you’re moving out here alone or even if you are with friends, joining any of these apps/groups are great ways to be involved in all of the things you love and meet new friends! They also give you the opportunity to try new things and discover incredible places you might not have otherwise. And if you’re wondering, there is a Quidditch team. 

18. Thrift stores are your best friends – especially St. Vinnie’s. 

  • If you’re not looking to pay full price for furniture, necessities for your home, or expanding your wardrobe thrift stores are always the way to go. They are also the key spot for production design and wardrobe when you’re starting out in film! On top of that, St. Vincent De Paul Thrift is right outside of China Town – it is ginormous and has the best stuff – especially furniture!

19. ​Get Movie Pass

  • Say what you’d like, Movie Pass is a God Send, especially when movies are nearing $20.00 a pop and then you obviously need popcorn on top of that. When you’re going into the movie making biz and you don’t see and current films, you have a problem in my perspective. Pay $9.95 a month for three movies a month already pays for itself six times over! Also, if you’d like a concessions hack – when you’re bringing your special friend with you to the theater and you both want popcorn – instead of paying twenty bucks for two, buy one large popcorn and ask for the refill right away – they’ll give it to you and then you can hand it right on over to your friend for $8.00 instead!

20. research before you invest

  • Whether it's acting class, a job, craigslist, a service of any kind or an agent, research the heck out of them. Look at reviews, try to get in contact with those who've experienced what or who you're looking into before you invest to verify it's not a scam and that your money is worth it. So many try to fool whoever they can to make a quick buck - don't let this person be you.

21. have a flexible job

  • If you're coming out to LA to work as a freelancer and you land yourself an agent or manager, it's important that you have a job that supports you and your lifestyle that is flexible enough to allow you to attend or audition for last minute gigs. If you get a full time job or let your supporting job consume you - you missed the point of you coming out to Los Angeles in the first place. 

22. come out with at least 3K and realistic expectations. 

  • You need to be able to start out in LA on the right foot and without  infinite amounts of stress. Make sure you save up all you can before you make the move and prepare immensely before doing so in your respected field. Whether it be connecting to people in the industry through LinkedIn to help find you a job, or just to make a few connections, getting on casting sites, attending showcases, or sending inquiries to agents - make sure you come out to LA with your head already in the game. There are thousands of people already there and coming in every day trying to do exactly what you're doing. Competition is insane, so if you want to make it at all, your work ethic should outshine everything, each step of the way should be taken seriously, and never think you're better than anyone. Always take time to educate yourself, invest in yourself, and get ahead. If you're not doing these things, you'll be back home before you know it. Trust yourself and try your hardest. 

23. trust no one

  • This may sound cynical, and though you should always have an open mind and heart, you should also be watching your back at all times. Be aware of people's tone and body language and be sure to take into account the way your gut feels about them. LA is full of shady people and the only one who will always have your best interest is yourself. Take care of you, and make that your priority. 
  
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A Letter To Me at 23

8/13/2018

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 I woke up early this morning with an unusual peace surrounding me. I stood in the mirror and decided to put just a little bit of powder and mascara on compared to the typical fifteen minute makeup routine I lived by. To my surprise, it wasn't long until I was looking back at the eleven year old version of myself putting on brown mascara for the first time. Here, for the first time in a long time, time stood still. It felt like I was standing with my dearest friend from a distant memory. There was no one else but her and I, the world beneath us, and that moment to be lived - all things that I can't remember the last time I experienced them. So, when I saw this wide-eyed, smiling, and hopeful girl, I found myself saying these things to her:

This is only the beginning. And let me tell you, the more you look back on who were, the better the chances are of finding yourself again. Even if it's just in moments and memories, but in this moment, this memory, you are everything I want to be and what I can find myself becoming in this new chapter of my life. You are so incredibly bright and the amount of love you have in your heart will far surpass many of those you may ever meet - even if you ever feel this way, you keep on loving. You keep on smiling. You keep on exploring every avenue of your interests and don't you ever stop doing everything you do for you - You know what I mean. You're living each second as it passes and making the most it. You need to teach me how to do this. I can't remember the last time I laid down and looked at the stars without feeling there was some place I needed to be or something I needed to do. 

Right now you're going through life enjoying who you are and just being so incredibly happy to be alive - all the while you have some people making fun of how chubby you might be, the pink and green braces you wear, your ridiculous vocabulary and strange sense of humor, and they pay attention to the fact that you have  no idea what's cool and you don't exactly care. It's because you are this way that you don't realize until you're twenty years old that you were bullied a little bit. Guess what though. You're so sensationally beautiful, and I would ever change these days for the world. You know why? Because you never sacrifice who you are and the light God put inside of you to appease the darkness and cruelty of others. You love and respect everyone you meet, and you soak up their perspective the best you always can - don't you ever change this aspect of yourself. 

A few years down the line you find yourself in a dark place. You are your own worst enemy and keep reliving the thought and nightmare that you are not enough. This couldn't ever be further from the truth. You're growing up in a small town with a big heart, mind and even bigger aspirations. You are exceeding so many expectations already, but you use this feeling and opportunity as motivation to find yourself. From this moment you try anything and everything, and you never let the idea of fear get in your way, because you're more afraid of being unhappy than of failure. Both things come into play throughout this life, and they make you into who you are - as you've discovered. You know though, as I said earlier, you did all of these things in pursuit of finding yourself with no intention of gaining anyone else's perspective on the matter. You did them because you enjoyed them, and quite frankly, you were pretty great at most everything, and it shaped you into who you are today - even if you may have hit a few unexpected road bumps along the way.  As much as it's broken your heart, you realize that the friends that you've had won't stick forever and that they may have never had the best of intentions. You see that the love you're looking for may only come from your family, but you realize this all you really ever need, and if someone were to come along to give you that love, they'll become your family all in the same. 

Your first year in college, you pursued something that would be realistic and also satisfied what you thought of as your dreams, only to find yourself searching for yourself even further. You did find the next step in your journey by meeting your first true love, having him teach you who you were to become, and then breaking your heart into a million different pieces shortly after. This is how you know people come into your life for a reason, even if it's not to stay. He taught you what the future could be by looking back into your past. Back to when you wrote and illustrated your own books, took so many pictures, stole your mom's camera only to record over your brother's basketball game with you singing Phantom of the Opera to yourself in your bedroom, and then also editing together little music videos that consisted of Harry Potter fan drawings that you posted on YouTube. You discovered who you were to become by uncovering the obvious from the past - back to when you did what you did because you loved it and it's how you wanted to spend your time. 

Now, you've been living in Los Angeles for four years. You finished film school this last May and discovered that you wanted to spend your life writing as a screenwriter and author, just like you had when you were four years old. You quit the full-time job you thought you were supposed to have in order to achieve this dream, and Mary, you sure will. Truth is, every time you're feeling unsure of what move to make next at any point in your life, revisit that young girl you used to be.

Looking back to your past mostly holds a negative connotation, but to me, it's an affirmation. You're looking back to who you were when no one's opinion mattered and you were living life on your own terms. You did what made you happy without thinking twice about what others thought, and to me, that's what life is about. Why lead a life that creates an inner misery and indecisiveness, when the answers to who you truly are, are in your childhood. 

So to my future self, the person who will continually be my motivation and hero, every time you're looking for a sign or guidance, look back to that picture of you in bed when you were four years old with a book over your head and passed out sleeping. Think of all of the stories you wrote and how they resonate with who you've become. Look back to that little girl who was smiling to the camera because with what small amount of time she had been living, she had life figured out. 
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TOP 23 TIPS FOR TRAVELING THE WORLD ALONE AND ON A BUDGET

8/6/2018

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Are you ready to take on the world solo and for the first time? I know, it can be a daunting thought, but let me tell you, nothing you ever experience will be more rewarding than walking through this world with you as your own best friend. You are able to see the world through your own eyes without anyone else's opinions pressing down on you. It's a fresh start to discover who you are, how you view the world, what freedom truly is, and how those things that stick with you along the way, those things and people that set your soul on fire, are connected to your purpose. I continue to feel this way each time I travel alone, and the first time was when I was fifteen years old. 
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There's no reason to hold back - go out and venture the land you've always dreamt of, no matter the price or risk. It'll always be worth it. But first, take a peak at my top 23 tips for traveling alone and on a budget  - chances are it'll make your first journey out into the world a little bit easier and step in the right direction towards changing your life forever. 

CHECK OUT MY TIPS BELOW!
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1. research! budget! research!

Know exactly what part of the city you're staying in - make sure it's relatively central.  It's important to know what the city life is like and if there is any crime in the area, and if there is, don't stay in that area. Also, check the weather, be aware of the current events and politics surrounding where you're going - it could effect your stay and potential safety. For the fun part though, take note of everything that you might want to see (touristy or non-touristy) and how it can fit into your trip cost-wise, time-wise, or potentially even at all! It could be under construction (who knows? You will if you look it up).

​Frommer's Travel Guide books are always extremely helpful in finding things you may never knew existed and could be interested in. AND SET A BUDGET, you set that budget and you stick to that budget. This includes airfare, meals, lodging, entertainment, transportation, souvenirs, and contingency! Researching prices and CONVERSION RATES (these suckers get ya) is necessary. You best make an excel document now, print it out, and let it sink in so you don't let it impact you while you're on your actual journey. You'll know it like the back of your hand so you have more time to think about the fun things. 

2. Make a checklist before you leave

Depending on where you're going, it's always helpful to have an interactive and tangible checklist to take with you no matter where you go and how many places you plan on traveling within the same span of time. Write what you need down, and actively check it off once it's in your suitcase.

​These items should be but are not limited to your passport and drivers license, an outlet adapter that provides you the proper input regardless of what country or region you're in, a phone charger, extra cash in a safe container, medication, specific toiletries, extra undies etc. If you forget something, you're going to have a bad time - and it could take money out of your travel budget - don't let that happen!

3. Pack light! bring only the necessities

After you've researched the weather, which I know you've done, be sure to ONLY pack what you need to. If it's going to rain, bring a proper jacket and shoes. If it's snowing -do the same. If you're hiking - rent boots. Otherwise, stick to light materials and articles of clothing that you can wear multiple times without being gross while still being stylish. One pair of sexy and comfy jeans, jammies, a cute skirt, a few cute tops, a sweater or light jacket, a nice evening dress, one pair of walking shoes and cute shoes, a bra and undies - and that's all you need!

​You're good to go! If you bring more than necessary, lugging a fudge ton of unneeded junk around gets old fast, not to mention, it's easier to get lazy with your belongings and eventually lose things. Which reminds me, never bring anything of sentimental value on a trip with you. If you miss someone from back home along the way - talk to them or send them a letter. It's not worth losing. 

4. manage your information!

You’ve got your passport, your currency, your driver’s license, the picture of your boo, your plane tickets, your hotel confirmation, concert, Harry Potter walking tour, and haunted house tickets,  and who knows what else! That’s a whole bundle of hooblah that you sure don’t want to lose.
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Keep all of this in one place - whether it be a proper agenda keeper, a folder in your inbox, a physical folder, a fudging huge- wallet, a fanny pack, whatever suits your preferences, keeping it all together will make your life easier. You can just grab what you need that day and go and never have to look back. More time to focus on all of the good happening on your trip.

5. Get off of your darn phone 

Seriously. You’re in a new place with a million different things to discover. You don’t need to be on your phone where absolutely nothing is happening to take away from your time in the real world.
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If you plan your day accordingly, you won’t need your phone for a single thing except to take pictures if you don’t have a proper camera, to grab an uber, or to show tickets you bought online (take screenshots because WIFI is hardly available). This brings me to my next point...

6. Be absolutely present and observant

I never get an international phone plan while I’m abroad - firstly, because I think they’re expensive, secondly, I think the way our phones take us away from being present in daily life should not even be an option when you’re in a new place discovering yourself. It’s time to live life through your own eyes and not through what a screen is feeding to you. Pay attention to people. Pay attention to places. Look at the way people talk.
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Take in the intricacies of architecture, food, wine, someone’s eye color when they talk. Experience the daily life that someone may have where you’re at, and hold onto that perspective.  Take the time to understand the beauty in the world with each passing moment - you’ll realize this life is such a blessing, and then take it back with you wherever you go.
Also my dudes, if something seems sketchy - use your intuition. Don’t engage. Walk the other way - still be aware of your surroundings and get to a place that’s safe with people that are aware you’re there.

7. Use airbnb 

Chances are, if you are traveling abroad or to somewhere you’ve never been before, you aren’t going to be in your hotel room very often - so why pay for more when only the necessities are key. It only matters if it’s safe, has water, a bed, wi-fi , and a door that can lock. It does not need to be fancy or expensive, nor should it be.

When I went to London on my own in 2017, I stayed in a 4’X 7’ room that was built of canvas and plywood that stood where the flat’s living room used to be. It was split in two and there was a room exactly the same as mine next to me. This was an Airbnb in a flat that was shared with three other people, with these two guest rooms. It had a bathroom (that hardly worked), Wifi, a controlled security system for the building and lock for the apartment ( I also had a lock on my door), and a comfortable twin-ish sized bed.

It was all I needed and it converted to $25 a night. It was also in a central location - perfect. Use Airbnb, It’s the cheapest, most efficient, and most homey way to feel like you’re a part of the city.

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8. Go to the supermarket for meals

So, of course you should go out to eat and delve into the local food and delicacies, but my dears, it does add up. If you’re spending all of your money on food, how much of your experience are you going to have to take back with you?

​My strategy is to have one meal out a day when I’m on my own and go to the local grocery store or stop - like Tesco in London - for the two other meals or whenever I’m actually hungry (they have a three pound meal deal - sandwich, drink, and a snack - that is perfect). You save oodles of money, feel like a local, and have more cash to spend on what really matters - experiences!

9. spend what Money you have on experiences  

Yes. Yes. Yes, a thousand times - yes! If you spend your money on things that truly immerse yourself in the culture and history that the place you’re in has to offer, the more incredible stories you’ll have to tell! Not only that, but it gives you even more opportunity to make lifelong friends.

​Whether it be a painting class that you find on Airbnb experiences, a walking ghost tour of the city you’re visiting, a site-seeing bus ride, or random museum you find along the way. If anything is worth investing in, it’s moments that could change your life.

10. carry a map

You carry that sucker everywhere you go, and you like it. Circle where your lodging is and the nearest train station. Be aware of what area you’re traveling to for the day and mark it down. Having a map is the most reliable source of navigation, especially when you’re lost and your phone’s map isn’t working because wi-fi isn’t available.

​Use your resources. Right when you get off the plane, you can find a map of multiple cities available to you. Grab it. If you’re going to a smaller place, print a simple one off of google maps at home, just to be sure. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

11. don't drink too much

By not drinking too much, I obviously mean alcohol. Of course, you can have one or two, but always be aware of how you’re feeling and gauge when you should stop. It’s necessary to be safe in situations like this when you’re alone and you don’t know who you can trust.

​Many people, and sometimes not the right people, can tell when they can take advantage of you, don’t ever let it get to that point. This matter especially comes in handy when it comes to getting home, protecting yourself, and staying out of trouble.

12. spark up a conversation with a local

Don’t be shy! If you’re interested in learning about the culture and building relationships, who better to talk to than someone who lives there! Who knows - they could potentially change your life, and you could change theirs. And besides, I’m sure your smiling personality and genuine interest would be more than enough to make their day. Give it a try. You won’t regret it. ​

13. leave room in your day for wandering

Just like in life, not everything should be planned because some of the best things come when you least expect it. Don’t feel obligated to pack your days with different events that are back to back. Give yourself some time to explore and let your intuition and interest take the reigns.

​By doing this you’ll discover amazing things you never knew existed - and it even may bring you in contact with a new friend, passion, or story idea.

14. join in on group activities

Whether it be these walking tours I keep going on and on about, bar hopping with a group at your hostel or Airbnb or meeting up on an Airbnb experience, or going to a random free course at a museum - jump into the opportunity to make new friends and bask in the fresh slate you’ve created for yourself. Take notice of who you are with new people, and understand what you’re really looking for out of life.

​Different people from all around the world will surprise you in many ways in kindness, intellect, creativity, perspective, lifestyle, and experience - just like you might surprise yourself when you respond to them.

15. take pictures - always

Even of the random things. Take pictures of the people you meet - with the people you meet. Of the tickets of the show you went to, or the receipt from the incredible meal you had, and the weird guy carting around a corgi with sunglasses on his bicycle.

​Anything that sticks out to you or makes you smile - of anything that makes your journey more of your own and that you’ll know you want to remember. Take videos of you by the eiffel tower,  on The Great Wall, or chasing an adorable sheep down a hill in Ireland. Don’t hold back! And make sure you find a random someone you feel you can trust to take pictures of you!

16. carry a notepad/ Bring a journal

There is no question or compromise on this one. At the end of every day, you write about what happened, how you felt, who you met, what you saw, what inspired you, what thoughts cross your mind and how your reacted to those thoughts. Write it all down. Also - if an idea for a story sparks while you’re walking the streets and you see someone or something, or its something you hear, smell, taste, whatever it may be - bring a small notepad with you wherever you go so you can jot down your ideas and continue to flesh them out if the inspiration is there.

Coming back to these entries and stories throughout your trip, when you’re back home and are telling your friends about all you’ve experienced, or it’s ten years later - your mind and your heart will go straight back to those moments you set out to discover the world and who you are - it just might ignite rediscovery.

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17.  know your means of transportation

How you’re getting to the airport. How you’re getting to your hotel from the airport. Where is your hotel? How are you going to get around the city or cities? These are all questions you should know before you even get on the plane to go wherever you’re going (for the first part of the series of questions anyway. )

​Know what train stations you’re closest to, and which transfers you’ll need to take to get to where you need to go. Know where you can find Wi-Fi if it’s late and you need to call an Uber. It’s always important to understand distance, area, and details involved with getting from place to place in a foreign area.

18. LEARN THE LANGUAGE - OR TRY TO - 

This is the biggest thing. If you’re going somewhere where a different language is spoken, it’s extremely helpful, polite, and necessary in some situations to know at least basic words and phrases of that language. When you need help, or need to go to the bathroom, or when you’re confused about which direction to go, how to find a specific place or person, or when you’re needing to explain yourself for a possible misunderstanding - knowing parts of the language is key. Learn these before you leave.

​Also, being more fluent in a language or multiple is especially helpful and gratifying when trying to immerse yourself in the culture. Nothing feels more satisfying and enlightening than talking to a native in their language and learning about them, gaining their respect, and pushing yourself along the way.

19. check in with family/FRIENDS every night 

Just so they know you’re safe and where you are. If anything were to ever happen, it gives them a good idea of what’s going on and where to go back to. You know, your parents are always worried - give them peace of mind and send a picture or two. Plus, it’s a fun way to talk about your daily adventures. ​

20. Don't go to the same place twice

Life is too short to do the same thing twice, especially if you’re only in a place for a week or two. If you grab a cup of coffee every morning, and you go to the same place twice, you’re denying one of the hundreds of coffee shops around you the opportunity to give you a new experience - and why would you do that to yourself?

​Smile at a new face, try something new. Take a different path to the main road that’ll take you to where you’re planning on going. Give yourself the opportunity to live a new life every day - a new blank canvas waiting for the masterpiece of the day to be painted on it.
​

21. take note of the time differences

Whether you’re calling back home, trying to take the train, book tickets for a concert or show, or are catching a plane for goodness sakes - it’s so important to know before you leave on your trip how many hours ahead or behind you are, and switch your watch, phone clock, computer, whatever it may be to the correct time zone, right away! We don’t want you missing out on everything you’ve planned for, for such a silly, but easily mistakable reason!

22. Create something awesome 

Let your mind wander - create stories in your head, paint a bomb picture of something that inspires you while on your journeys, make a video - whatever! Make something that will always take you back to the moments where you lived life to the fullest and will be something that you never forget. Even if you just start something while you’re traveling - it’ll give you room to keep on living the dream when you finish it back home.

23.live. Have fun. Don't let anything stop you.

Just do the dang thing. Nothing can hold you back. Live your life without reservations - you never know when you’ll get an opportunity like this again. Life can change in a minute. Take advantage of getting to know yourself the best you can possibly can, and enjoy every single moment of it. The discoveries that come from traveling alone are beyond what you could ever imagine. In fact, just a moment could change your life forever - don’t let it pass you by. ​

NOW go! Travel the world!

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2 Comments

Best Bars in DTLA

8/3/2018

1 Comment

 
So guys, anyone who knows me knows that I love a good beer and a killer atmosphere. Lucky enough, living in LA gives me an infinite amount of options that surely never disappoint. However, there are a few that rise above the rest, and because it's so difficult to choose, I'm sticking to my top suggestions in Downtown Los Angeles for now! Next time you're looking to go out in the concrete jungle, make sure to check these places out! You won't be disappointed! ;)

1. clifton's republic (cABINET OF CURIOSITIES) 

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648 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90014

With it being within the shining lights of historic Broadway in Downtown Los Angeles, there's no question that Clifton's is always my go-to. With a cafeteria on the main floor during the day to meet your friend's for breakfast at, a mid-day jazz band to swing dance into the night to, to four different themed bars amongst the three floors of this cabinet of curiosities - it's hard to not have a good time - no matter what your nightlife preferences are. Whether you're taking part in the California themed bar, The Monarch, the parlor that takes you back to Old Hollywood glamour and speak-easy style dancing, The Brookdale, getting down with the DJ in the purple and black, cathedral themed Gothic Bar, or do the art deco, map-themed tiki room in the Pacific Seas - you're in for a night to remember. Plus, it's in the heart of Downtown, so it's the best place to start and end. Don't miss out!

2. The Edison

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108 W 2nd St #101, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Wow. This place blew my mind the first time I walked down a few flights of stairs into it's industrial and velvet swaddled glory. With it's award winning design, The Edison is the lavish embodiment of art, culture, science and commerce neatly placed within the walls of what used to be the first private power plant in Downtown Los Angeles. Themed after Thomas Edison (the place is decorated head-to-toe Edison bulbs) and the Industrial Revolution there are numerous rooms such as the Ember Parlour (for you to smoke your cigars or have a private party), The Lab and stage where all of the best discoveries happen (whether it be a new or flirty friend), the Game Room and the Tesla Lounge where private parties are also held and The Generator Room where there a few seats amongst the historical remains of the power plant, there is no shortage of space in this massive time traveling experience to make the memories of your wildest dreams.

3. The little easy

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 216 W 5th St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

This Cajun-style speak easy takes you from Downtown LA to the heart of New Orleans. With its vintage elegance and southern charm, this place is full of spunk and endless character. On the street it looks like you're walking into a small yet sophisticated joint, only to turn the corner into a luminescent and charming veranda that opens up into a banjo-blaring party. The beer is unique and effective (if you know what I mean), the people are great, the service is always welcoming and lively - if you want a hidden treasure, this is the place to go. 

4. Cole's French dip

118 E 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014

Talk about historic Downtown LA. Cole's is the oldest restaurant and bar in the City of Los Angeles that has remained open and continuously operating from it's original building since being established in 1908! How insane! Not only was the French Dip sandwich invented here, but several members of the mafia dined here on a regular basis AND their original speakeasy is still alive and kickin'- with a jazz band and dancing most nights after 7PM! If you are wanting a taste of history and a good time - Cole's is where you should be. 

5. seven grand

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515 W 7th St #200, Los Angeles, CA 90014

Are you a fan of whiskey and bourbon? What about playing pool and live music? Well my dear friends, Seven Grand is for you. This bar makes you feel like you're the richest son of a gun with a mustache and plaid hat wearing a monocle and riding boots getting ready to go stag hunting at the crack of dawn! Seven Grand is a home to the popular and unique membership program, the Whiskey Society. This program allows those involved to further educate themselves and experiment with the ever so wonderful spirit. This place is sophisticated yet extremely relaxed - think of your grandpa. He would love it here. Also, if you love whiskey, which you should, come to Seven Grand to immerse yourself in a plethora of options that will satisfy your whiskey needs beyond your heart's content. 

6. wurstküche

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 800 E 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

First of all..YUM...second of all...FUDGE YUM. Guys. This is one of my favorite places! Two words: Beer.Brats. That's all you need to achieve happiness my friends, and that is exactly what Wurstküche provides. Being from Wisconsin, these two items are a necessity, and when provided with over 19 options of sausages, and 50 different beer options both bottled and draft from Belgium, Germany, and a few from North America, I couldn't be a happier. I promise you will walk into this place beyond satisfied and walk out with your expectations exceeded. PLUS - it's in the Arts District, which is an amazing area with some pretty cool shops, sites, museums, and markets. Try to get over here for lunch on the weekends so you can catch all of the excitement! 

7. perch

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448 S Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

So the first thing I have to say about Perch, is WOWEE! This rooftop bar serving delectable French Cuisine and hand crafted cocktails gives you the MOST sensational view of the Downtown LA Skyline. You are immersed within the skyscrapers, sipping on My Fair Ladies, listening to chill and groovy live music, while soaking up the moonlight on this elegant rooftop secret garden-esque hideaway with the ones you love and hold dear. Whenever someone special is in town or it's time to celebrate a milestone - I bring them to Perch. It's simply irreplaceable and the views from all around are sublime. Not to mention, the food is absolutely to die for! But I swear to goodness, if you get the Bunny Frou Frou...we are no longer friends. 

8. Love Song

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446 S Main St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Connected to the newly remodeled and infamous concert house, the Regent Theater, is the eclectic and nostalgic - The Love Song Bar. Inspired by various and classic tunes involving a little bit of the a-a-a-a-a-alcohol (cue Jamie Foxx and T-Pain), this place gives you the perfect blend of historic DTLA's aesthetic and the love of music that it's neighbor has shared throughout time. Also, this place is a pretty bomb pizzeria, so make sure before you hit your favorite show next door that you stop in here for dinner and a few drinks with your friends. It's cozy, quaint, and unforgettable. 

9. Preux and proper

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840 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90014

This corner stone masterpiece filled to the brim with southern hospitality and all of the delicacies of New Orleans, also has some of the best blended drinks mixed within it's Cajun Elegance. Preux and Proper used to be right down the street from where I lived, and it's the best little hidden gem in downtown and is housed in what used to be the point of time-square of DTLA back in the 1920s. Their food is amazing. The atmosphere is perfect for small and quiet get togethers and is within historic DTLA, so you know it's going to be absolutely beautiful. For it being the last stop on South Spring Street, it should be one of the first places you check off your places to go when wanting to go out for a nice and relaxing night out with friends. 

10. Beelman's pub

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600 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90014

Catch a game at this high-end yet completely relaxed Irish pub ever so known as Beelman's. In the heart of DTLA, this place brings people together for any occasion, to sit back and enjoy each other's company. With it's welcoming presence brought to us in form of it's outdoor patio and all of it's string-lit glory, the service is fantastic, the energy is always up, and you will never be disappointed with the plate in front of you or the beer in your hand. If you're looking for a casual and relaxing night, but don't feel like parading in to a dive - Beelman's is always the place to go. 

Now that you have my top ten bars to go to in DTLA, keep an eye out for some of my other suggestions coming your way within the next few blog posts! Let me know if you stop by any of these crazy fun joints and send me a picture! Subscribe and send me all of your stories below! I want to hear about all of your DTLA bar hopping adventures! 

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by: Mary gabrielle strause

A Traveling Artist living to inspire others to live their best lives by traveling the world and creating the art they've always dreamed of!

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