A product of a simple, rural upbringing, food and dining columnist Julie Arnan's interest in food began early thanks to a stay-at-home mom who regularly included her in meal preparation. Her cuisine exposure expanded greatly beginning in her teens with a stay in Budapest. Since then, she has also spent time in many European countries, Mexico, Israel, Taiwan and China.

After the birth of her third child, Julie began writing a cooking blog for 2.5 years testing recipes, learning food preservation techniques, gardening and attending food and wine events like Taste! Washington.  Her Julie Jams continues to be one of the most popular cooking blogs in the Seattle area. Julie attended Biola University in Southern California and earned her degree in Fine Arts. She specializes in oil portrait paintings through her website J. Arnan Artist and serving as an adjunct faculty member at Kirkland's Northwest University. Julie lives on Rose Hill with her husband and children.