Saturday, August 31, 2013

End of Summer playlist


Well, gals, although this weekend tends to signify the end of summer, the fall season could be a new beginning! What are you embarking on this fall that is new for you?  Hope you enjoy this playlist as you wind down from summer and get back to business (adulthood, sigh).  This is the first of many we'll be posting at the beginning of every month!
 
- Meredith

Friday, August 30, 2013

Lately





Thank you all for following along with us JUGS this Summer! What a whirlwind! From Alt to Bostonfest, beach days, pool days, weekend getaways, Red Sox games, muggy nights and cotton candy sunsets, we had one of the best summers yet.  I can't believe it's already Labor Day Weekend and it's all coming to a close, and while that saddens me deeply, I know it doesn't mean the fun is coming to hault. We have lots of exciting things planned for fall so be sure to follow along via the blog, instagram, and twitter!

Thanks, gals!

- Suzanne



Thursday, August 29, 2013

The Marriage Plot Settings



After the characters of The Marriage Plot graduated from college in the 1980s, they bounced around, each going through their own personal journey to find their way in life. How did these settings help them discover themselves?


Wednesday, August 28, 2013

The Marriage Plot Discussion Questions

via

This month's read was The Marriage Plot by Jeffrey Eugenides.  This coming of age novel depicts the post-grad year via the book's main characters and more specifically, the love triangle in which they are involved.  Since we have book club tomorrow night, here are questions to get the gal gab started:

1 // Grade the book A-F.  Why that grade?
2 // What parallels do you see between classic literature and this novel?
3 // Would you be friends with Madeline?  Why or why not?
4 // Do you support Madeline's decisions of her heart?
5 // At character introduction, who would you rather date, Leonard or Mitchell?  Does the evolution
of either character change your decision over time?
6 // How do Madeline's beliefs of love shift throughout the novel?  We're introduced to her as a lover
of classic, Victorians, and she is living in the 1980s, post-feminism...
7 // How do you think mental illness shapes Madeline's relationship with Leonard?
8 // How does Mitchell return from his European trip?  How has he changed?
9 // What were your expectations for Madeline, Leonard and Mitchell?  How did these alter at the end of the book?
10 // What were take aways from the book with relation to your own dress rehearsal prior to marriage?
11 // Thoughts on the book's overall irony?
12 // If this were turned into a movie (a rumor last year, recently confirmed), who would you assign to play each character?  Mine are:
  • Mitchell // Penn Badgley (wallflower, interest in religion)
  • Madeline // Emma Watson (waspy, well-read)
  • Leonard // Hunter Parrish (complete babe, dark past)
1 // 2 // 3

We'd love to know your thoughts!  If you haven't read it, be sure to add it to the list for your book club!  We'll be posting our newest picks shortly!

- Meredith

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Lara Spencer is Just Like Us



Newsflash: it's nearing Labor Day and in Boston that means some Boston only holidays are coming up - September 1 (love it or hate it) and Allston Christmas. I'm sure everyone knows September 1 by now and for those who don't know, Allston Christmas is a term coined by Allstonites which refers to the amount of "junk" that is left on sidewalks from people moving in or moving out to the hood. As we all are starting to notice, Allston Christmas extends all over Boston...and one gal's junk is another gal's treasure!

For those of you that agree with me, I highly suggest you add a new book to your collection, I Brake for Yard Sales by Lara Spencer, as it is an excellent resource that tells you how to wheel and deal at any yard sale or large flea market. From finding the best name brands, to knowing your price, to endless makeover ideas - Lara helps guide you through it all.

Can you guess how much some of those gorgeous items above were? That awesome Missouri Pacific Lines sign (what an amazing statement piece) was just $80!  The pair of yellow club chairs - just $45 each and that pair of peacock velvet chairs - $40 each! How jealous are you?

It also has really come in handy for me as I navigate through endless amounts of stuff on Craigslist and consignment sites in attempts to furnish my new apartment!

Have any recent DIY furniture makeovers? Send them our way! And don't forget, Brimfield is right around the corner!

- Suzanne

1  //  2  //  3  //  4 

Monday, August 26, 2013

Week of August 26

1

S U M M E R T I M E  S A D N E S S 

Welp, its the last week before Labor Day, which is bittersweet. Luckily, the weather should be amaze for another month or so. A fun and easy way to celebrate the end of summer is by doing a classy dinner with friends - afterall, its Restaurant Week

E C O  S T U F F

While you're out and about this week, make sure to check out the Cool Globes Exhibit (5 ft. diameter globes installed throughout the city to draw attention to Climate Change issues). If the globes have you feeling inspired, head to Lucca Back Bay on Tuesday night for Boston Green Drinks.

S P O R T S

Five Red Sox games at home this week, so grab your hat and hit Bleacher Bar! And on Thursday, the Pats play their last preseason game. Can't wait to start hitting the bars in Southie every Sunday to watch football! And while we're on the topic of sports, I'm also planning to play a little bocce at the North End courts at some point, which is the perfect early September activity.

J U G - T I V I T I E S

This week, the JUGs are meeting with their book club to discuss The Marriage Plot by Jeffrey Eugenides, so keep an eye out for our discussion questions later this week.

And, Suz and I are also going to MSL Cardio Pilates Bootcamp on the Greenway tonight. I am so nervous!!!

- Cameron

Sunday, August 25, 2013

Sunday's True Confession: Must Make Bed Everyday

via

Sure, this looks carefree, messy-chic, if you will, but I cannot leave my apartment every day without making my bed.  Call it OCD, call it superstitious... but on the few days I leave my bed unmade, I swear, that day is not my best.  It's also a plus that even if the rest of your room is not as orderly, you appear somewhat put-together when you come home from a tough day or have unexpected visitors.  I like to think this helps to organize my mind each day.  It only takes a minute!

Saturday, August 24, 2013

Latest Obessions


1  //  2  //  3  //  4  //  5  //  6  //  7

Have you been compiling a list for your new fall wardrobe? I have! Mine consists of new skinny jeans, a new lightweight jacket (if I can find a varsity jacket like the sold out Madewell one), some comfy sweaters and long sleeves... and of course some statement shoes.

What's on your list for your wardrobe refresh? 

-Suzanne

Friday, August 23, 2013

Local Gem: 5 Reasons to Love The Esplanade



I'll be honest, sometimes I forget about the Esplanade. Unless there is a concert or its the Fourth of July, I usually go to parks closer to where I live, such as Christopher Columbus Park. But after recently taking a summer stroll through the Esplanade, I am determined to head there more often. Us Boston gals truly value our time outdoors since we are stuck inside all winter, and now that fall is approaching, I plan to spend as much time in the sun as possible!

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5

Here are my top 5 reasons to love the Esplanade:


2. It is the ideal place to sunbathe (with sunscreen on of course!) or read a book because it is gorgeous, on the water, and quieter than the common. 

3. The park is sustainable. The have a thorough sustainability commitment which includes composting waste and using it to create better soil for the park. 


5. Is the perfect meeting spot for charity walks and other organized outdoor programming. This fall, the esplanade will be host to the Boston Heart Walk, a 5k benefiting Diabetes, and an event for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.

- Cameron

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Trendy Tortoise



Neutrals in fashion and home are no longer the traditional black, tan or white.  Patterns, specifically tortoise, are popping up everywhere this year!  Here are some of my favorites for your summer-to-fall transitioning:

top // clockwise from top left: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 (for the *hopefully* new iPhone 5S out this fall) // 5 (new apartment keys!)
bottom // clockwise from top left: 6 (monogrammed!) // 7 (Warby!) // 8 // 9 // 10 // 11 // 12 // 13 (for your bar cart!)

- Meredith

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Fall Fashion Preview




1  //  2  //  3  //  4  //  5  //  6  //  7  //  8  //  9  //  10  //  11

I hate saying goodbye to Summer but nothing makes it easier than the thought of renewing your wardrobe with the latest Fall fashions! J.Crew, Madewell, Shopbop, Vince and many more of our favorite brands have already gotten me very excited to do some saving before a big "back to school" shopping trip.  Most of all I am very excited for cooler nights, boyfriend jeans, cozy sweaters, warm tea, pumpkin beers and brining some leopard print back into my life!

What are you most excited for as Summer turns to Fall?

- Suzanne

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

JUGs to Attend The Boston Bloggers Summer Soiree

1 / 2 / 3

As we mentioned yesterday, we are super pumped to attend our second Boston Bloggers event tonight. We had so much fun with the blogger gals back in April, and we can't wait to hear what they've been up to all summer! If you're new to the blogging community (or Boston), check out the Boston Bloggers website to learn more about the group. 

A few things to remember for the soiree:

> Bring lots of business cards

> Breath mints

> Face powder (gals, its supposed to be HOT today!)

> Make sure phone is fully charged to maximize live instagram/tweet capacity

> Review Verily Mag's tips on Networking Etiquette

Will we see you at the event? 

- Cameron

Monday, August 19, 2013

Week of August 19th

via

I'm finally taking a few days off to relax on the Cape before summer comes to a close.  Soaking in as much as I can while I keep work email shut off!  Now diving right in to this busy week's happenings...


B L O G  W O R L D
We are psyched to attend the Boston Bloggers Summer Soirée Tuesday night!  After our first blogger event earlier this year, we can't wait to meet more of the talent right in our common backyard.  Stay tuned for more!  If you're attending, comment or tweet so we can be sure to connect! 


H U B I T A T
Saint Anthony is coming!  Well, his celebration, the infamous St. Anthony's Feast is the 23rd-25th.  This is the largest festival of the summer and should not be missed!


S H O P P I N G
Usually a destination when visiting our friends in NYC is to hit up C.Wonder for some pop of color in your wardrobe or home.  Well, a few weeks ago, a C.Wonder pop-up shop opened here in the Bay State!  Take the MBTA ferry after work (they should really open this up on Summer weekends, but I digress...) to Derby Street Shoppes in Hingham!  They've extended their promo of an extra 50% off of sale items through Wednesday the 19th, too.  We posted a preview for you on our instagram account, which you should start following if you're not already!

Boston blogger extraordinaire, Erin Gates, recently posted about her faves for Fall.  She also reveals a deal at Copley this Thursday night I plan to follow through with, but you'll have to read to find out more!


S P O R T S
Pre-Season has begun for Tom & Co., which means fantasy football leagues are starting up again.  I need to start reading up on stats before next week's draft!  Are you involved in a league?

Have a great week!

- Meredith

Friday, August 16, 2013

JUGs Book Club: Next Reads


links below

As you may know, this blog stemmed as a creative outlet for our book club.  We choose books six months at a time, and we are picking the new group later this month.  We try to mix genres so we can cover all of the bases: classics, non-fiction, various fiction, etc. 

I have come across many that seem to be great options and keep a "note" on my phone to keep track throughout my magazine and blog perusal.  With so many top-rated reads, it is tough to choose!  I admittedly do not read everything that we choose, so I'd love for some of the above to make the list this time around.

Have you read anything amazing this summer that we need to add to the option list?  Let us know in the comments below!

Book sources and descriptions: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9

- Meredith

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Work It Girl

1  //  2  //  3  //  4  //  5  //  6

Lately I've waking up earlier allowing myself more time to get to work which means skipping the T and walking a little further to work instead. I've been really enjoying my "me time" in the mornings and it's extra nice knowing that I'm soaking up the last few moments of summer. The longer walk has not only refreshed my mind, given me a little extra exercise, curbed my twitter and instagram addiction, but most importantly it has made made me realize that sometimes a handbag just isn't practical. With a lap top, agenda, book, lunch and sometimes even more than all that, not only is my bag exploding, but so are my shoulder muscles. 

Because of this new dilemma I've been searching around for a two shoulder bag, aka a backpack, but a backpack that will say "I'm a with it 20 something, not a [enter college name] sophomore." I have to be honest, I actually really heart the Herschel Supply bags...and really want to get one with my next paycheck....

What's your pick, even if you wouldn't wear a backpack? 

- Suzanne

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Latest Obsession: Headscarves

1 / 2 / 3 / 4
 
 
As I admitted in my bio, I am a sucker for the bohemian look. I love floral prints, loose layering, and nature-themed jewelry. This season, I'm quite intrigued by the headscarf trend. In fact, headscarves were given out as swag at Alt NYC. The first time I wore it, I was definitely nervous about my ability to pull of the look. (please forgive the photo, it was taken after hours of dancing at the Central Sq. Dance Party!)
 

 
While there is definitely some room for improvement, I am totally excited to try the headscarf look again! I am already browsing the shops to build a collection to last throughout the rest of the warm weather. My picks include:
 
 
 
- Cameron


Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Various Uses for Washi Tape

In starting the moving process, I've slowly started to part with odds and ends.  Although, not everything needs to be recycled right away.  I came across a few rolls of Washi tape, a seemingly simple craft item.  A quick search on Pinterest confirms that the uses for this tiny roll of tape seem endless!  Here are some simple upgrades to every day items that you can try:


I took one photo of inspiration (and zero "skill" level) for a DIY to label a few of the various chargers I have that can easily be confused with others.  The tape repairs split cords in the short term, will make them stand out in bags and against others on a weekend excursion among other iPhone/iPad cords.  Albeit, it's a bit ghetto, buttttt, never lose yours again!



Have you tried any of the above?

- Meredith

Monday, August 12, 2013

The Week of August 12th

Annnnnd it's back to the grind. Last week was a whirlwind all the way up to the final Jay-Z/JT show last night, wasn't it?

Here's what's up for this week:

H E A L T H   &   F I T N E S S
Tonight Ali Baldassare is hosting another free pilates boot camp session on the Greenway near Haymarket at 6:30.  I need to make it to this since last week's events really killed my workout routine! Follow her on twitter for up to the minute updates at @movesweatlove.

Looking for other ways to change up your fitness routine? Check out BostInno's list of 10 Cool Ways to Get Fit in Boston.

S H O P P I N G
Per usual we love a good collab fashion event like this Anne Taylor x Birchbox party happening Thursday thanks to Boston's fashion blogger, Extra Petite.

P O P   C U L T U R E
I learned over the weekend that one of my beloved high school t.v. shows ,The O.C., turned 10...and it made me feel really old... and slightly embarrassed that I still would love to sit through a marathon of episodes one rainy day this summer. Vulture did a fantastic job covering the momentous event and here is one of the best pieces I've come across so far - an ode to The O.C. soundtracks.

That's all for now folks. This week I'm aiming to get home from work at a normal time and hit the hay at 10 p.m. on the dot. Perhaps I'll even have time to catch up on this month's book club read, The Marriage Plot.

- Suzanne


1  //  2  //  3  //  4

Sunday, August 11, 2013

Sunday's True Confession: I eat cupcakes frosting-first


Yes, like small child, I lick the frosting off and then eat the rest of the cupcake separately. Not sure why, just a habit. (And because frosting is the best part....DUH!)


1

Saturday, August 10, 2013

Legends at Fenway

No, not baseball legends...


You'll know where I'll be tonight.  Still pinching myself that I'm seeing these two handsome guys.  It is the perfect weather for a night out, let alone at Fenway with performances by appropriately-named legends!  From what I've researched, they will not even have an opening act, that's how epic they're expected to be for cities they're touring together...







I came across this recent piece by Jay-Z, Picasso Baby, a mixed-media performance in Brooklyn.  You'll recognize some other famous faces, identified at the end of the short 8-minute film.  I have always admired Jay-Z and think he is truly a philosophical artist.  My favorite takeaway from him in this is: 

"Rap is pretty much thinking out loud, you're talking and you're putting your fears and your vulernabilities, and you're, ya know, you're putting your bravado, insecurities, all on music; And it's there for the world to see.  Out there for everyone to see.  You're really giving a glimpse into who you are."




If he was this interactive with this intimate audience in an art gallery for minutes, I can only imagine the spirit he'll be bringing to Fenway for hours!  If you missed out on tickets, here's a sample playlist of the tour setlist, via Spotify.

No, I didn't forget about Justin.  It's a given that he never disappoints in any of his performances.

Will I see you there?  Any other fun weekend plans?

-Meredith

photo credits: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6