Networking Event with BASG and NEWIEE

1

Ok business gals, time to get your network on! We are thrilled to be attending next week's meeting of Boston Area Sustainability Group so we can mingle, network, and listen to a great panel, featuring:

• Ann Brewster Weeks, Senior Counsel, Legal Director at Clean Air Task Force
• Erica Mattison, Legislative Director, Environmental League of MA
• Lea Reynolds, SeniorPolicy Analyst, M.J. Bradley & Associates, LLC
• Steve Long, Director of Government Relations, The Nature Conservancy

The event is to take place on February 4, 2014 at 6pm. A drink and snacks are included in the (very affordable) ticket price. REGISTER HERE.

Hope to see you there,

Cameron

Sochi Olympics 2014

The 2014 Sochi Olympics are kicking off next week (Friday February 7th) and we are as excited as ever! A lot happens in four years and the new talents have certainly brought that to light. As with every winter Olympics, I will be watching on and off but dedicating most of my viewings to my four favorite sports - figure skating, freestyle skiing and snowboarding, and the bobsled. To get you gals (and myself) up to speed on the happenings for each I've compiled a quick list of athletes to watch for each sport. 

G R A C I E   G O L D   |   F I G U R E   S K A T I N G

Ever since I was a little girl I have always loved watching the figure skating competitions. Their grace (no pun intended) and agility matched with beautiful, glitzy costumes always lure me in (also I'd really like to know what it's like to wear one of those costumes, have an insanely sturdy hairdo in place and then do a couple triple axles). This year, 18 year old Gracie Gold is on the top of my list for female athletes to watch at Sochi. With an extensive history of winning competitions including this year's U.S. Figure Skating Championship (in Boston!), Gracie is sure to promise an excellent performance. Follow her and her experience at Sochi on on twitter: @GraceEGold

A J A   E V A N S   |   B O B S L E D

Next up: Aja Evans. I love stories like Aja's. Aja started practicing bobsledding just TWO years ago and has quickly climbed to the top earning her spot on the 2014 U.S. bobsled team. Previous to the bobsled, Aja competed on the University of Illinois track and field team in shot put and sprint events. Basically, Aja is a fierce competitor but that comes as no surprise - her brother, Fred, is the Vikings' Defensive Tackle.  Follow her on twitter: @AjaLEvans

H A N N A H   K E A R N E Y   |   F R E E S T Y L E   S K I I N G

This fellow New Englander is no stranger to the ski mountains. Hannah, who's been skiing since she was two, has made two Olympic appearances and won the gold medal at the 2006 games. Watch Hannah and her famous pigtails as she hopes to defend her title at Sochi. Follow her on twitter:  @HK_Ski

K A I T L Y N   F A R R I N G T O N   |   S N O W B O A R D I N G 

Kaitlyn, an Idaho native and half pipe master, has a resume full of championship awards and records including being the first woman to execute and successfully perform a backside 900. I don't even know what that is, but it sounds scary! Having finished 3rd at the 2014 X Games we are anticipating Kaitlyn to come in hot at Sochi. Off mountain Kailtyn is also an active philanthropist participating in POW (Protect Our Winters) and B4BC (Boarding for Breast Cancer). Follow Kaitlyn on twitter at: @KaitlynFarr

Good luck to all the athletes, we can't wait to watch you all succeed! Safe travels. 

- Suzanne

Daily Read: Live Simply by Annie

via

Today, we present Annie Traurig, organization queen in Seattle by way of Detroit.  Although I don't recall which source led me to Annie's blog, I'm just glad I landed there!  I have always been slightly obsessed with organization, but that commonality is not the only reason Live Simply is a daily read for me. Annie does not just provide before-and-after pictures for the common "how-to" where you're left with afterthoughts of the excess and likely hold onto just a smaller section of mess you started with.

Annie's honesty is evident through her writing.  She delves into the psychology of stuff and helps her reader understand purpose behind its placement (and, ever-important reasons to just purge).  Annie's recommendations for change in ones life are straight-forward and inviting to put into practice.  Here are a few of my favorite posts including tips I have bookmarked for present (and future) use:

• essentials for a cleaning caddy
• hidden kitchen storage
• online planners and time management systems
• painless lunch packing
• how to organize your wallet

own interpretation of Live Simply's philosophies

Isn't it clear why I look forward to each of Annie's posts?  With series such as small space solutions (#citygirlproblems), organizational product recommendation/reviews and Monday mantras that support how you can simply, live simply each week, it's all there!  What a motto to get on board with!

via

via

via

via

via

Be sure to make Live Simply your next daily read!  Annie knows how to show one the beauty in simplicity.  It's never too late to implement some self-discipline in a gal's life! 

- Meredith

Book Club Questions for Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter

1 / 2 / 3 / 4

The gals have spent this freezing month reading a book set in warmer climates: Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter. Grab your girls and discuss with our monthly JUGs book club discussion guide. 

1. If you had to give the book a letter grade, what would you give?

2. Did you prefer the modern day story or the 1960s storyline?

3. Which character did you find the most sympathetic? 

4. Besides Michael Deane, who was your least favorite character? Why?

5. What is the significance of the novel's title? (It was first used by a journalist to describe Richard Burton many years after his marriage to Taylor.) Who else, or what, are the "beautiful ruins"?

6. The overarching themes of the book are love, sacrifice, and dreams. Which had the most impact on the story?

7. Do you think the book would be different if it had been written by a woman?

8. What purpose did the story of the "Donner Party" serve within the novel?

9. Lastly, what actors would you choose to be in a film version of Beautiful Ruins?

- Cameron

The Week of January 27th

Another Monday is upon us! Let's get down to the happenings for the last week of January 2014!

B U S I N E S S   &  C A R E E R S
Promised yourself you'd make solid steps towards finding your dream job? Start tonight by joining in on The Everygirl's twitter #CareerChat with career confidence coach, Nicole Williams at 8pm.

How Alexa Von Trobel, CEO of Learnvest stays productive.

S H O P P I N G  &  S T Y L E
Did you catch the Grammy's? My best dressed votes go to Kacey Musgraves and T-Swift forrr suuuuure.

Refinery29 reviews 5 clothing brands that are sustainable and stylish. I am excited to see Everlane on the list!

L O C A L   E V E N T S
Superbowl Sunday is upon us. Check out our list of JUGs Approved bars to watch football and start planning your game day!

Thrillist rates the best places to brunch in Boston.

A R T S & E N T E R T A I N M E N T
Fun fact: James Middleton does have a job and it's printing your Instagrams on marshmallows. Yep.

This sounds fun - a scavenger hunt to find free Boston Calling 2014 tickets starts today! Good luck to all those who participate.

Ugh, Harry Styles is just so precious. Of course he would send concert tickets to Mahky Mahk's daughter.

B L O G O S P H E R E
Valentine's Day is right around the corner and I love this little round up of cute Etsy gifts by Lonny Magazine.

Have you guys checked out Kumbuya yet? Comparable to a Reddit for bloggers, Kumbuya allows you to create content and share it with your communities. Check out our page here, part of The Everygirl Community.

Have a great week!

- Suzanne

photo source

True Confession: I am a Shameless SnapChatter

Sooooooo yeah.  Any potential candid?  I'll take it.  Since I downloaded Snapchat, I've been capturing moments like the below, and those that tend to be much more scandalous, of the clueless public, so I can share such with friends.  Luckily, I have not been caught.  Yet...

'Beautiful Ruins' Makes Us Dream of the Italian Coast

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5

- Cameron

Latest Obsession

For this edition of Latest Obsession I am showcasing my favorite trend of Fall / Winter 2013-2014, the sneaker chic look. Finally stylists and bloggers are accepting that sneakers paired with a non-workout outfit is no longer "dorky" and are replacing their favorite heels with a pair of comfortable kicks. As someone who has always had a love-hate relationship with heels and flats, I could not be more relieved. My go to kicks to pair with dresses or skinny jeans include the following (from top left to right):

1. Nike Dunk Hi-Skinny Print $85

I love high tops. I've loved them ever since that one time I saw a model (or someone who should've been a model) wearing them while I was abroad in Madrid in 2007. They are super cute with skinny jeans and most often a great conversation starter with guys. Tip: if you don't find the women's styles to be your style, always be sure to check the Nike Boys section as they have comparable sizing, cheaper prices, and tons of color options.

2. New Balance Retro Runner $45

New Balances have always been a classic and I am super pumped about this gorgeous cobalt color. Most people seem to buy their NB in the staple gray color, but this cobalt would go very well with skinny jeans or black leggings - basically what I'm guilty of wearing everyday.

3. Steve Madden Ecentric $99 

As a long time Vans girl I'm still indifferent about high end brands taking the Vans classic slip on style and selling pairs for high fashion prices. Now I'm not saying I'll never get on board, but I just can't justify buying the Celine pair that MK&A Olsen sport. I could however see myself buying the knock off from Steve Madden in the near future...

4. Sam Edelman Becker $110

Same as above but in leopard print...say no more.

5. Nike Air Max $56

Air Max Sneaks have always been high on my list and now I finally don't have to search through the boy's section as the girls are getting their chance with some super cute new styles like these black and leopard ones. On her blog, Ring My Bell, Ashley Madekwe shows us a flawless way to pair these sneaks with a leather mini and sweatshirt.

6. Vans Leopard Camo Prelow $59

Ok, I guess you guys get it by now, I like leopard and cobalt.

7. Nike Air Pegasus+ 30 $100

I also just love anything neon pink, yellow... or anything neon really. Wouldn't these running shoes be just great paired with your black spandex and comfy T that you wear all weekend for various (and most often non-workout related) actives? I'd say yes.

8. Nike Free 5.0+ $100

I. Love. Nike. Frees. I have a pair in the gray with neon yellow and I'm looking to pick up a more simple black pair soon as well. And then probably another pair, and another...I can't help it! 

- Suzanne

Sneaker Chic Images From: Luella & June

Overdrive App for Book Lending

via

Remember that place called the library?  Yeah, between the holidays and hectic after-work schedule, it had been a while for me, too.  Well, so long as you have a library card, you can borrow books and have them sent right to your iPad/kindle!  A friend of mine walked me through this, and I'm so glad that I no longer have to buy book club books!  Steps are as follows:

1.  Using your library card number, create a pin either at your local branch or online
2.  Install the Overdrive app on your device
3.  Search for the book on the library website

4. Choose "ebook" version, and select "send to kindle" when the amazon prompt appears.

You now have the book on your device for a two week lending period.  Now, off to start (and finish) Beautiful Ruins before next Thursday!  Have you tried the Overdrive app?  Or do you still prefer the classic physical paperback version from the library?

- Meredith

Sweet Lemon Brings Us The News We Want

One of my absolute favorite lifestyle blogs is Sweet Lemon. I love reading content that enriches me in some way and doesn't feel like gossip or a waste of time. This is why I am obsessed with Sweet Lemon's motto, the sexiest trait you can have is a fruitful mind. And while their articles are definitely fruitful, they aren't dry, long, or boring. Every article is written by someone in our generation who really speaks our language. Plus, the site isn't overrun with too much politics or business; there's fun stuff too like beauty, fashion, recipes, and music.

Sweet Lemon has over 100 contributors from around the world, but their content is curated and edited by a team of talented, beautiful young women. Their bios are super relatable with mentions of nutella, Liz Lemon, Instagram, and red lipstick. These are our type of gals! 

images courtesy of Sweet Lemon

Doesn't hurt that their website is beautifully designed either! Some of my fav recent articles include:

• We're Sweet on First Aid Beauty

• Experimentation Creates Olivia Wilde's Conscious Commerce

• Grilled Brie and Nicciolata Sammie

• The Financial Proof (in One Handy Chart) That We Need to Do Better for Women in Film

Happy reading!

- Cameron

Craigslist Hidden Treasures

I know I've mentioned it before, but I love love love anything campaign. This vintage campaign chest is located in RI, so you might have to do a bit of driving, but if you are in the market for some bedroom storage solutions, it could be a great option. The description says it's "gold," and honestly I am unsure of how that wood finishing looks - could be amazing and on trend with the metallic look or it could be very strange. Either way, a paint job is an easy solution to make it pop like this pink number. 

One thing to be careful of - make sure to ask the owner if the brass hardware is the chest's original (you don't want to pay $200 for an Ikea hack). Also because the owner calls it "vintage," be sure to inquire about condition of the drawers and if their are any major structural issues. 

Styling the perfect coffee table has been on my mind as of late. Maybe I've been spending too much time on Pinterest or maybe it's because I keep finding more and more coffee table books that I want to buy and display. Either or, I know this square glass coffee table will be a fantastic addition to any gal's small space. 

Perks - while 34x34 inches may seem large, the lucite quality will help it blend in the room without being over bearing. The brass edging? That's a great way to add a feminine metallic touch to your living space while mimicking some of the more expensive coffee tables that are on the market today. Final perk, this glam piece is just $65 dollars and located in Wellesley! 

Ok, $2300 is a lot, I know. This card catalog is also most likely something that no one can fit in their current space, but as an item of this quality is such a rare occurrence on Craigslist, I just had to share it...just in case! As I know many of you have a serious eye for interior design you'll be right there with me saying that this card catalog is a top notch find and could really tie a room together like this or this. Recently refurbished, this antique (c. 1853!) will be one of the best statement pieces you could buy, and would have for many years. Storage reasons are obvious. Statement and investment factor - insane. 

That's it for hidden treasures for now! Be sure to share any of your Craigslist Treasures and styling tips, and of course, let us know if you purchase any of the above! 

- Suzanne

The Week of January 20th

print available via Auro Bowman on etsy

H O L I D A Z E

Hopefully many of you have today off and are catching up on sleep, skiing, or using today to re-organize. The MFA is free today, so its the perfect time to get out and experience some culture. Plus, its the LAST day of the John Singer Sargent Water Color Exhibit (which is AMAZING)! If you've already seen the water colors and are looking for something new to check out, the Green Patriot Poster Exhibit just went up at the Design Museum Boston.

B U S Y  B E E

The JUGs love to keep busy by attending local events around the city. Luckily, there are tons of cool things going on. We are excited to attend the kickoff event for the BOSLady Project on Thursday - tickets are still available (wine included in ticket price)! Then, this weekend, we are gonna get our shop on with Emily of Shell Chic'd at Free People in Harvard Square. Also, mark your calendars now for the We Are Music fest on Feb. 1. I am already jamming out to Bearstronaut and Escort to get pumped up!

F I T N E S S

How we doing on those New Years Resolutions, ya'll? Yeah, me too. Get re-inspired with some helpful tips from around the web:

7 Steps to Fool-Proof Fitness

Fitness That Fits: The Who, What, When, and Where of Exercise

How to Get Back to the Gym

8 Pro Tips for Working Out in the New Year

Have a great week!

- Cameron

Sunday's True Confession

Jasmine - Color of the Year Inspiration

1  /  2  /  3  /  4  /  5  /  6  /  67

JUGs Approved: The REAL Bachelor

via

via

I'll preface today's post with the fact that the act of watching "The Bachelor" came into my life involuntarily.  After catching bits and pieces* during college, I was not a fan, and I don't typically shy away from buzz-worthy reality TV.  Earlier this week, Joanna said it best:

“The Bachelor” is kind because he has no reason not to be. He’s generous because he has a production team purchasing intense, expensive experiences for your dates. He’s funny because you’ve both been flown to a charming village in Switzerland and a funny little cow wandered up behind your picnic. If you want to insist that the show is about falling in love, then it’s more accurate to say it’s about falling in love with being on vacation.

Amen, sister. Whether or not you agree, I am telling you, you NEED to stop DVRing Juan Pablo and start watching this show, an accurate depiction of how silly "The Bachelor" is. Thanks to a friend's introduction to this amazingly hysterical cast, Burning Love quickly became a favorite of mine. It started off as a web series and has luckily hit primetime TV on E! early last year. The show was written by Ken Marino's wife, Erica Oyama. Talk about a perfect marriage. I'd go into how much I love Ken Marino and the men in Burning Love season 2, but that's a discussion for another day.

Don't you want to hold Mark's hose?!

via

via

- Meredith

*Okay, I did watch Sean's season last year but only to participate in a bracket. #knewitwascatherine

Night Creams that Banish Winter Skin

We're halfway through January, which means we will be sitting on the beach in just 5 months! Unfortunately, we still have to endure about 3 more months of unpredictable New England weather, and dry, artificial indoor heat. Like many gals, my skin goes cray in the winter - it is dry and oily at the same time. Brutal. Night creams have been a godsend this season because they address dry skin while you sleep, so you don't have to go to work with too much shiny moisturizer all over your face in the morning. Plus, since entering my "late twenties" this fall, I've decided to get serious about wrinkle prevention (though, not as serious as Martha Stewart).

I did my homework by testing a bunch of samples, so here are the final four JUGs approved creams:

• Burt's Bees Clary Sage Night Cream, $18. This is the best budget cream: no weird chemicals and comes from a trusted company. Skin feels super soft when you wake up!

• Nerium AD Age Defying Treatment, $110. This is for serious wrinkle-prevention with definite results. Nerium is great for people that aren't as worried about dry skin, but are mainly concerned with looking 25 forevahhh.

• OSEA Advanced Protection Cream, $98. This night cream is made with organic ingredients and is rated very well by the Environmental Working Group's Skindeep Database. It works wonders, in fact, the only reason it isn't my fav is because of the pricepoint. (I am also obsessed with their ocean cleansing mud - great for oily skin). 

• Organic Doctor Virgin Olive Oil Night Cream, $20. This is my overall favorite- it works, smells amaze, is affordable, and doesn't contain any weird chemicals! Win!

-Cameron

Daily Read: Designlovefest

If you are looking for an inspiring young woman to follow in 2014, look no further than Bri Emery, LA-based art director and founder of the lifestyle and design blog, Designlovefest. 

On Designlovefest, Bri goes beyond just sharing pinable photography (trust me, you will want to follow her on every social network) from her beautifully styled fashion and interior design shoots, but she also shares her expertise and her process behind her work. 

With her DIY tutorials series, "Make It," and her very popular (and national traveling) Blogshop sessions, Bri and her team are growing a large and collaborative network of blogger women around the country. Now isn't that a refresher from all the outfit stealing, blogger competitive mumbo jumbo?

And then, if that isn't cool enough, aside from producing her own content for the blog, Bri has contributed her professional design eye to many other brands and blogs that you may have heard- eh hm Rue, Cupcakes and Cashmere, Top Shop, The Beauty Department, and Gap to name a few. Basically, Bri and her team have got it going on. 

The best part is, if any of you are drooling over her career right now, the most important thing to realize is that Bri is showing us that you can create your dream job.

Please, add Designlovefest to your feedly, you won't regret it! Then follow Bri on instagram and pinterest. And thennnn, request for Blogshop to make a stop in your city ('cmon gals, let's get them to come to Boston)!

- Suzanne

Photo sources: The Glitter Guide, Bri's Instagram, Designlovefest, and The Everygirl

Crushing on Julian Edelman

Gronk is injured. Brady isn't getting any younger. We are ready for some new Pats obsessions, and we've found one in Julian Edelman! He is our reason for watching the playoffs. Enjoy this Tuesday pick-me-up.

- Cameron