Why You Must Try Dry Brushing

 1

Oil pulling, charcoal teeth brushing, juicing - there have been countless beauty trends over the past couple years - all a little strange, but many effective. Our latest tested-and-approved beauty trend is dry brushing. 

I first heard of dry brushing from Jody and Ashley as a way to continue the journey to good health after completing the 14 Day Whole Food Detox. And, after spotting a selection of dry brushes at Follain, I decided to buy one and try body brushing for myself. 

WHY BRUSH: Dry brushing daily before each shower promises to exfoliate, draw toxins out from the skin, activate the lymphatic system, smooth rough spots (elbows), and even help slightly decrease cellulite. 

COST: Sustainably-made sisal brush from Follain: $10. 

ACTUAL RESULTS: Starting out, I was nervous about over-exfoliating and irritating my sensitive skin, but so far, no problems. In fact, rather than being itchy or awkward, dry brushing is really soothing and comforting - like a quick mini-massage. As far as the other claims, let's go through them one by one. Does dry brushing...
Exfoliate? Yes.
Detox & activate lymphatic system? Hard to tell, but I feel great.
Smooth skin? Yes.
Decrease cellulite? No results in this arena yet, but I've only been brushing for about a month, and I hope to start seeing results in a matter of 6 months or so (before next bikini season)!
Bottom Line: Dry brushing takes less than 5 minutes per day and the results are well-worth the time. Plus it feels great!

 

- Cameron

JUGs Approved: This Is Life with Lisa Ling

So I've only seen three of the five aired episodes to date, but I'm already prepared to say that I am a huge fan of CNN's new show, This Is Life.  Renowned reporter Lisa Ling (who, fun fact, delivered my college commencement address!) produces and hosts the investigatory program that focuses on various life choices, often questionable and unusual, within sub-cultures of the US.  Her journalism is raw, with an early episode diving into the serious stuff right away, painkiller addiction within affluent Mormon communities in Utah.  Needless to say, the topics are incredibly real and moving.  I'll leave everything to your own interpretations, but there is no doubt that this show will open up your mind and awareness to the candor shown.  I find This Is Life a great outlet to expand horizons and to learn!  New episodes air on CNN Sunday nights at 10pm, with past episodes available on demand.

- Meredith

Networking

As Boston is a front-runner for innovation and entrepreneurship, we are lucky to be in a city where there are many influential women all around us. Since starting our blog, Cam, Meredith and myself have found ourselves attending many women-only networking groups that I feel completely grateful to have stumbled into by accident. 

They started as a space for us to go out, grab a drink and promote our blog, and have grown into a network of peers we ask not only about blog advice, but life, health and career advice. Many of the women we have met have participated in our Who's That Gal series and have become long term friends that inspire us in so many ways, which is something I know we are all three very amazed by.

As we like to share inspiring stories in our Who's That Gal series, we also aim to provide our readers with the best resources we know of. Below is the list of groups we have attended and found to be great spaces for learning, connecting and brainstorming, and we hope you accept this list as an invite to join the Boston networks of hustling gals that we have fortunately found ourselves in.  

If anyone has other networking resources for women they'd like to share, please send them along as we are always looking for input!

- Suzanne

Young Women in Digital

Young Women in Digital is a networking group for professionals working, or interested in working in digital marketing, social media, experiential and online marketing.  Typically events are held twice a month and vary from cocktail meet ups to panel led discussions or workshops. 

Bos Lady Project

The BOS Lady Project is the sister chapter to Providence based group, The Lady Project, and hosts monthly events for women looking to connect and get inspired by other entrepreneurial women around the bean.  Each event features the BOS 3×3, three local women of different backgrounds, industries and career levels share their story in three minutes.

Bonus - since they are a non-profit organization,  each event benefits a local charity or organization that is either run by women or benefits women in our community.

Wonder Women in Boston

Wonder Women of Boston is an open community of ambitious, accomplished women of all ages and backgrounds in the greater Boston area. Whether you work are an entrepreneur, job-seeker, or student, Wonder Women in Boston is a network that aims to help build helpful relationships and skills for rewarding life work for the female community in and around Boston.

Ladies Lounge (via General Assembly & WeWork)

Ladies Lounge is a monthly event hosted by General Assembly and WeWork that features women entrepreneurs. Each event is focused around one theme and generally has up to three speakers as well as time for mingling.

New Favorite iPhone Apps

After bitching and moaning to friends last week about a broken iPhone (white screen of death for 4 whole days), I rejoined 2014 with an upgraded phone.  Thanks to iCloud, everything restored perfectly and now that I have more space, I can download more apps.  Here are some of my recent favorites that I would recommend to bring efficiency to your life:

LevelUp // As a Boston-based company, LevelUp is essentially that "virtual wallet" we should all have by now.  You hook up a debit card to your account and can pay with your phone at local retailers, racking up savings over time.

ShopStyle // After selecting a brand, item type or specific product name, ShopStyle scours the internet for you to find your favorite items on sale.  You receive an email when the item's price lowers, so you know it's the right time to grab it!

Uber // From suburban meetings for work to not wanting to deal with Boston cabbies, Uber is IT. The cars are generally immaculate, fares cheaper than taxis due to different licensing, you pay through the app itself and even rate the driver at the end of each ride.  Plus, the promotion of 25% on UberX rides all summer is reason enough to download.

Songza // Songza presents curated playlists according to mood, time of day, or a certain event.  You can then "like" or "dislike" the song, and those you do like, save in your account.  It's like having a DJ with you at all times!

Drive // Google just does no wrong in my eyes.  Drive is connected to your Google account and is virtual storage of documents, spreadsheets, photos and more.  You can easily share items with friends via email in addition to group editing.  Cam, Suz and I pretty much live by this app for all JUGs-related things, such a lifesaver!

VenMo // I use VenMo almost weekly, it is a great way to split bills and pay friends back for that cover charge you just didn't have in cash for this weekend.  This is a shared favorite in my friend group, it just couldn't be easier! Plus, the newsfeed of payments is built-in entertainment.

Any others I missed?  What are your favorite apps these days?

- Meredith


photos from Google and Forbes

Summertime Sleepwear

paisley // striped set // navy chemise
lace trim // eyelet set // citrus slip

So, we're in July now, and it. is. hot.  Now is not the time for college t-shirts, sometimes that cotton is just still too hot.  Instead, try silky, light, fabrics that won't hurt that sunburn from earlier in the day, and are not too heavy when under the covers in an AC-induced slumber.

Which is your pick for the best summer sleepwear piece(s) in order to keep cool?

- Meredith

Sunless Tanners

clockwise, from top: 1 // 2 // 3

Quick soapbox moment on this topic, I am a huge proponent of not using tanning beds.  I frequented them regularly in my youth (including a job working at one during high school...stupid), and ended up paying for it as a young adult.  Even though I was always good about sunscreen use, you're never invincible to the strength of the sun.  Especially with Boston being such a seasonal city, I make sure to slowly build a base tan to avoid burning, which is always the goal (plus leaving the dermatologist after an annual visit with the OK is an amazing feeling!).

Lately, I've been looking into and trying a few different sunless tanning solutions.  My most recent trial was a spray tan at Elizabeth Grady for an upcoming wedding this weekend.  It was completely customized and results are expected to last 7-10 days, not bad for $40!

A few of my favorite products above are so easy to use that they're a part of my daily regimen the first day that "tights season" ends.  LC and other online sources present a wide variety of products for the sunless tanning user.  Do you have a favorite you would recommend?  Leave a comment so we can try it, too!  And, while you're at the store picking it up, grab that 30-50 SPF, nothing less!  You'll be grateful when people think you're still in your 20s in another 10-15 years, wrinkle-free and a clean bill of health to boot!

- Meredith

Week of April 28

1

E A T

We loved the "Shop and Nibble" event in the North End yesterday, and after trying tasty treats at different shops around the neighborhood, we decided that we NEED to get over to Panza next time we are in a pizza mood. Their fig & blue cheese slices offered at Twilight were amazing!

Since this weekend it will finally be May, it will definitely be time to head over to SoWa and check out this season's selection of food trucks. (hint: Mother Juice was our favorite from last summer).

E A R T H

Tonight is the first event in the Nature Conservancy's Future of Nature Lecture Series. Head to the Boston Center for the Arts tonight for a thoughtful and engaging conversation about how a growing global population will affect each of us.

If you're not headed to the Bearstronaut concert on Thursday, consider heading over to the New England Aquarium for a free lecture about Oyster and Salt Marsh Impacts on Cape Cod.

E N E R G I Z E

Boston's favorite fitness guru, Jennifer Phelan, is hosting a Bikinis & Bellinis Bootcamp at Sterling on the patio every Saturday in May and June!

Has anyone checked out SoulCycle in Chestnut Hill yet? We haven't been, but would love to hear what you gals think!

If you need new workout gear, be sure to check out Nike Boston which just reopened in Back Bay.

E N G A G E

Are you a blogger or thinking of becoming one in the near future? Join the Boston Blogger community for cocktails and conversation at the High Ball Lounge on Tuesday.

The BOS Lady Project is hosting a Closet Cleanout clothing swap on Thursday evening at Wild Rover to benefit the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer.

We'd also like to say congrats to our gals over at Follain on the opening of their second location. Check them out on Nantucket!

- Cameron

Happy Earth Day

1

Hope everyone is safely and happily recovering from running or watching yesterday's marathon! Today we have something different to celebrate - 44th Annual Earth Day! There are so many ways to celebrate our environment, especially in such a green city like Boston. This week, Boston Green Blog is giving away two free passes to The Future of Nature Lecture Series hosted by the Nature Conservancy. The three events in the series promise to be both interesting and inspiring - covering the issues of population, finance, and climate change. 

This Thursday is the first ever Fashion Revolution Day, which is another worthy way to celebrate Earth Week. FRD asks people to wear their clothing inside out for one day in order to encourage transparency, equality, and sustainability in the apparel industry.

If these events are too much for you, how about simply reducing your carbon footprint by biking more with Boston's Hubway program? Or, keep informed by occasionally checking out the city's Greenovate Boston initiative. 

- Cameron

Daily Read: The Awear Project

Today's Daily Read isn't a blog per se, rather, its the web-home of an entire social movement. AWEAR 2014, founded by Kestrel Jenkins, aims to shift the consciousness of apparel consumers. For years, fast fashion and trendy designers have dominated the market, but we are quickly finding that this is not socially or environmentally responsible. AWEAR invites fashionistas from around the globe to submit their "AWEAR-ready" looks for a chance to be featured on their site, blog, and social media accounts.

AWEAR ready outfits can be looks by eco designers, something you found at a thrift shop, or even something you've designed yourself. If this sounds intimidating, simply start by scrolling threw their list of Style Icons for some great outfit inspiration!

We also love the AWEAR motto: Inspiring stylish change, one real person at a time.
Can't wait to assemble some of my fair trade accessories, vintage apparel, and cruelty free shoes to create an AWEAR outfit of my own.

While we're on the topic of conscious consumerism, mark your calendars - Fashion Revolution Day is 4/24/2014. FRD encourages people to wear their clothing inside out for one day so that the tags showing where your garments are made are readily visible. As a society, we often buy clothing without thinking about the journey that garment took before getting to us, so Fashion Revolution Day is a great reminder of the hard work that is put into everything we buy. On 24th April last year, 1133 people were killed and over 2500 were injured when the Rana Plaza clothing factory complex collapsed in Dhaka, Bangladesh. By joining the FRD movement, you can show that slave labor and unsafe working environments are unacceptable.

- Cameron

JUGS APPROVED

Sometimes picking a location is just as important (and nerve-racking) as picking your mate. To help relieve you of your stress, Cam, Meredith and I sat down to pick our favorite JUGs Approved date spots. 

For more information on each location: 

Cam's Pick: Row 34

Meredith's Pick: The Salty Pig

Suzanne's Pick: East Coast Grill

Have another Boston date spot you'd like to suggest? Send it our way! We love finding new gems in and around the city of Boston! 

- Suzanne

JUGs Approved: The Slip-on Sneaker

clockwise, from top:  leopard // laser // floral // stars // shred // metallic // camo // croc

As I alluded to yesterday, I am loving the slip-on sneaker trend!  I don't know about you, but I'm psyched that some 90s styles are making their way back into modern day.  Fashion is cyclical, after all!  Sure, I love my TOMS shoes, but sometimes they can be a bit too light and slippery for Boston cobblestoned streets.  These slip-on sneakers are stylish like we've featured before, but also act as a more of a statement item and neutral for an errand-running outfit, whether it be separates or with a dress!  Which kicks are your favorite pair?

- Meredith

Interior Inspiration

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

Week of March 3

Its finally March! Spring is JUST around the corner (we hope)!

E N T E R T A I N M E N T

Did you all see the Oscars last night? Ellen did a fab job hosting as usual, and it was great to see our fav stars decked out in their finest. I particularly loved Cate Blanchett's dress. Lupita's sky blue gown also looked gorg against her skin. Did you have any favorites of the night?

G R E E N

Eco-themed events are happening left & right this week! Most importantly, the NESEA Building Energy Conference and Trade Show is Tuesday - Thursday in the Seaport. I am pumped to see the EPA's Gina McCarthy speak and the conference. Also, on Tuesday is this month's meeting of the Boston Area Sustainability Group in Kendall Sq. The topic of the month is food systems - should be an informative and thought provoking event. Finally, on Saturday, our favorite cosmetics & body shop, Follain, is holding a Meet the Maker event with featured brand Shamanuti.

A R O U N D  T O W N

At some point before May, it is essential to get to the MFA to see the museum's much-buzzed-about Boston Loves Impressionism exhibit. Once it gets warm out, a museum will seem less appealing, so we suggest going now while being indoors is still preferable!

On Thursday evening, one of our favorite boutiques, Shake the Tree, is hosting a Cocktail Party Fundraiser for the Friends of Maiti Nepal. Free massages, cocktails, and appetizers? Count us in!

But if that sounds to low key for you, check out the Deep Eddy Cranberry Launch Party, which is also on Thursday at Kings. Should be a great way to get a head start on the weekend.

P L A N  A H E A D

St. Patrick's Day is right around the corner .... maybe its time to tell your boss that you'll be out "sick" on March 17, since the epic Southie celebration is on the 16th.

Dine Out Boston (formerly known as Restaurant Week) starts on March 16 as well! Yum, I can't wait to make some reservations at restaurants I normally couldn't afford.

Have a great week!

- Cameron

Cooking Light with Instacart, Part 3

For our last healthy and affordable installment with Instacart I am sharing my new favorite recipe for asparagus. Asparagus ribbons with goat cheese, tomatoes, and lemon dressing is an easy and affordable side dish that could pair well with any dish or stand on it's own for as a light salad. Note: the only hard part is shaving the asparagus into pretty ribbons!

This dish fits in perfectly with my 2014 resolution to cook more, eat cleaner and shop less at over-priced local markets or Whole Foods. I'm sure many of you are like me and agree it's easy to collect yummy new recipes with the help of blogs and Pinterest, but it's hard to set aside time to go out and grab all the ingredients from a super market.

That's why Instacart, the same-day delivery service, is a savior for anyone living in the city without a car. Just select your location, the super market you'd like your groceries to come from and shop away! Huge perks - they deliver alcohol and have just added Costco to their list of grocery stores! I literally can't wait to perfect a few more recipes and start planning my next dinner party with the help of Instacart! 

Asparagus Ribbons with Goat Cheese, Tomatoes and Lemon Dressing from Cooking Light

I N G R E D I E N T S

1 pound large asparagus spears, trimmed

1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1/4 teaspoon sugar 

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup (2 ounces) crumbled goat cheese

R E C I P E S

Hold each asparagus spear by the tip end. Shave asparagus into ribbons with a vegetable peeler to measure 3 cups. Reserve asparagus tips for another use. Combine asparagus and tomatoes in a medium bowl.

Combine chives and next 6 ingredients (through 1/4 teaspoon salt), stirring with a whisk. Drizzle over the asparagus mixture, tossing gently to coat. Top with goat cheese.

P R O M O   C O D E   A L E R T!

Wanna try out this recipe for yourself? Enjoy $10 off your first order of groceries with Instacart by using the code JUGS10 at checkout!

- Suzanne

PS - They also give you re-usable bags with every order! Pierre not included. 

Winterlude Recap

Last week I had myself a little Ottawa adventure! Incase you missed my pre-trip post which explained my plans, I drove 7.5 hours up north with my boyfriend to partake in one of my favorite Canadian traditions, the Ottawa Winterlude. The Winterlude is a winter festival centered around the city's famous 6 mile long canal turned public skating rink. Up and down the canal you'll find food vendors, beer and wine vendors, carnival games and lots of locals and tourist enjoying the freezing temperatures. I'm sad the weekend ended so quickly but I'm excited that I finally whipped out my camera so I can share some of my favorite photos here with you gals! 

Here's a look at the start of the canal so you can see what it's like. Parliament Hill is in the backdrop (the castle building, not the ugly building).

Off the canal there are also lots of little vendors and events going on. I was lucky and caught a few music performances at a nearby stage as well as some figure skating performances at an inclosed rink. Above: Fresh home made frozen taffy stored in the snow, yum!

I was shocked to learn there are wine vineyards so far north but as the Wine Country Ontario reps told me, there is such a thing as cold weather vineyards! Very cool and very delicious... and yes I had trouble skating off 6 sippy cups.

Sometimes further down past the vendors you get the canal all to yourself!

I was taking a break and this girl was c-r-u-i-s-i-n-g...must've been a local. I love her red jacket!

Mermaid ice sculpture - I took this for you, Merm!

Obviously ended my 12 mile skate with beaver tails and poutine. 

Looking for recommendations on what to do in Ottawa? Message JUGs for more details!

- Suzanne

Healthy Cooking and Easy Delivery via Instacart

Picture this, you're in your pajamas, your doorbell rings, and in your foyer is a delivery person with groceries you ordered a short one-to-two hours earlier (in a reusable shopping bag, no less).  You're not dreaming, this is made possible by a JUGs-approved service, Instacart.  It started in San Fransisco, quickly moved to Chicago and has grown at an incredible rate.  Needless to say, we're thrilled it is now in the 'hub!  Don't you wish you did this yesterday during your snow day?!  Well, we all tried this last week, and the process SO easy, we had to share with you!

1. Create an account on Instacart's website (or mobile app) and choose a grocery provider (Whole Foods (!)/Shaws)
2. "Search" for an item or browse isles through their user-friendly interface
3. Watch your cart fill on the right-hand side (you can even edit quantity/weight of items!)
4. Enter coupon code (see below) at bottom
5. Check out and choose delivery time

The Instacart team even gives you updates before they're at your door, so it is best to stay by your phone in case your delivery buddy has a question for you.  My list wasn't too specialized, but I was glad that they called me to confirm something before leaving the store.  

Now, what did I do with all of these ingredients, you ask?  My co-authors and I decided on a theme for our meals to be "healthy and affordable," two of our major goals when shopping and when we (attempt to) cook.  I made a few adjustments on a recipe I found via pinterest and after setting off the smoke detector 3x (hey, I followed the recipe closely!  Tip: only cook the 'sprouts at 350 F!), I was done!  I had honestly never had Brussels sprouts until a few weeks prior, and wanted to try cooking them myself.  The sprouts were great crispy, but I did shed a layer before adding it to the pasta.

Looks easy, right?!  WELL, because YOU are a loyal JUGs reader, Instacart is kind enough to offer our readers $10 off your first order with them!  Just enter coupon code JUGS10 at checkout or click here to activate the code. 

Here's a close up, and I know my family members are in shock at the finished product (and with only one attempt)!

You can even order wine (*adds to new cart*) and it's looking like the service will expand to offer Costco products.  A true savior for city gals like ourselves!  Stay tuned for Cameron and Suzanne's posts in the coming weeks!  

Thanks again, Instacart!

- Meredith

Most photos courtesy of Instacart, meal and screenshot taken by JUGs.

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

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

JUGs Approved Award Season Fashion

One bonus the winter months provide is award season!  There were a few events this past week to kick it off, and tomorrow's Golden Globes continues the red carpet roll.  Let's take a look at some JUGs-Approved outfits from the Palm Springs Film Festival and People's Choice Awards to see who rocked it and which trends may translate into fashion later this year.  And the "winners" were:

colorblocking done right by Sandra

Ciara] (kind of forgot about her) looking edgy

animal print tastefully done by Julia

JT, always a winner to us

Allison, bold yet simple

Nina dressing dark with plenty of bling

Which looks did you love?  Any predictions for later in awards season, fashion or otherwise?

- Meredith

Local Gem: Sweetgreen

If you've ventured down Boylston over the past couple of months, you may have noticed the new lunch spot, Sweetgreen. Sweetgreen is a revolutionary take on fast food - healthy, local, and environmentally friendly. This unique salad spot was started by young entrepreneurs in Washington D.C. and quickly spread up the coast. Sweetgreen is already looking to open its second Boston location (Fort Point District)! And, being the treehugger that I am, I had to check this place out see what all the fuss is about. First, I need to mention, I am not a huge salad person. When it comes down to it, at a typical restaurant I'm always going to order the pizza instead, but the December Salad I got at Sweetgreen is a total GAME CHANGER. I loved it! It was rich, flavorful and filling. 

Unfortunately, it is no longer December, so this salad has already retired. But, I am pumped to try the January Salad:

• organic mesclun 
• shredded kale 
• kimchi 
• apples
• organic carrots
• sesame seeds
•  raw beets
• cucumbers
• topped with miso sesame ginger vinaigrette

Um, yum! I'm also itching to try their take on the cobb salad. In addition to salads, they have some awesome organic iced tea options, which are always changing. And, most importantly, after visiting Sweetgreen, I can confirm that they are really living up to their sustainability commitment. Everything they give customers is compostable. The "landfill" trash receptacle indicates that nothing from Sweetgreen should be placed in there (aka it is for the polystyrene cups from your last Dunkin run).  

Sweetgreen undoubtedly earns our "JUGs Approved" stamp!

- Cameron