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

Week of June 23rd

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This weekend marked the first official weekend of summer!  We hope you were able to enjoy the weather like we did!  Here are some must-knows this week:

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

One of my favorite childhood books is coming to the big screen!  Leave it to Spielberg.

I'm excited for this Breaking Bad spin-off, considering season 2 is already in the works!

The Bayside crew (new generation) is back!  Saved by the Bell, the movie, is coming to TV.

Chelsea Handler is leaving late-night television and moving to a new network.  What do you think of her new show premise?

There's nothing else I can say about this cover song other than it gave me c-h-i-l-l-s.  As much as I tend to eat up most UK influences, I am really loving Sam Smith's presence in the music world these days!  He is a true talent.

Something a lot of us (bloggers or not) need to remember, how to remain anonymous on the internet.

M I S C E L L A N Y

I just read about this app, have you heard of it?  It seems like making plans with a group of friends easier and would help indecisive people like myself!

After purging your closet, use these savvy tips for sticking to your budget.

S H O P P I N G

Did you hear that Club Monaco is coming out with a line of interiors?!  This is sure to be good.

Piperlime is offering 25% off dresses, skirts and sandals through 11:59pm tonight!  A perfect time to load up on summer essentials.

Have a great week!!

- Meredith

The Week of February 24th

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Well, gals, we had a wonderful preview of spring with this weekend's weather!  The start of spring just has to be around the corner.  I mean, Sullivan's is open, which is always a sign we're close!


E N T E R T A I N M E N T
Jimmy Fallon totally killed it during his first week.  My favorite moments were this and this.

Did you hear LiLo is resurfacing with a new reality show?  I'm gonna need to figure out how to get access to this since I don't think I have the OWN channel...

If you watch Pretty Little Liars (okay, I do too), you'll agree with this article!  Viewers have been tortured a lot this year (spoiler alert!).

One of my favorite shows to DVR, The Americans, comes back for its third season this Wednesday night.  And don't forget about the 86th Academy Awards this Sunday!  The Oscars are another sign of winter's end.  We'll surely have a fashion round-up for you in next week's coffee break!


L O C A L
Some friends and I checked out the Harpoon Beer Hall this past Saturday (walked there and back in the amazing weather, finally able to not have to wear boots!).  The environment, prices and staff were great!  I will be sure to return the next chance I have!

On a similar note, Yuengling beer is finally being served in the Hub!  The company has announced where you can find it in your favorite neighborhood bar, and it looks like Yuengling by the bottle is coming next week.

Yettttt another reality show about Boston's "finest," but now Marky Mark is featuring "blue collar" women from the area.  This cannot be positive for our city's reputation...


F I T N E S S
The Olympics sure brought us many highs and lows these past few weeks.  Which was your favorite event to watch?  Are you surprised by the US standings?

It has been twenty years since the epic Harding/Kerrigan battle on ice.  Did you catch the interview about this last night?

Fitbit bands have been widely popular this past year.  Although, the company just announced its "Force" line had to be recalled.  Hopefully the newer, improved, model is on its way soon!


AND, J U S T  B E C A U S E . . .

• I found this interesting, the evolution of the area code
• As much as I can't stand T.Swift, I had to share the pun about new BFFLs, Lorde & Taylor
• A hilarious commercial (NSFW) about being sexually responsible and natural condoms that donate proceeds to developing countries.
• Friends + finances just never mix well.
• An important article about cleaning your home and how there are always hidden spots for grime to hide!
• I am totally pre-ordering one of these bad boys as soon as they're available... I'd love Gray Malin with me all day, every day!  Let's also hope there is one for the iPhone6 (if that surfaces this year)!
• How to finally get rid of those pesky random people who add you on Linked In.

If you're new to JUGs, be sure to check back daily.  And remember, we'll have a new playlist for you on Saturday!  Hope you have a great week!

- Meredith

True Confession: I'm Obsessed with Adam Devine

Every now and then, someone "new" in Hollywood surfaces, and you develop a crush.  Mine has become an obsession.  After the first episode I ever saw of Workaholics, I new I was in love.  Let me count the ways...

He has stunning good looks:

He knows how to diet:

Similarly, he knows how to stay fit:

He likes kids:

He keeps his friends honest:

He knows how to kick back:

And, he knows we're meant to be.  SIGH.

photo sources here and here.

JUGs Approved: The REAL Bachelor

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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?!

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- 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

True Confession: I Re-watch Felicity Every Winter

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Without question, my all-time favorite TV show is Felicity. I watched it when it first aired on the WB in 1998.  There is so much that unravels during the four seasons, hell, JJ Abrams wrote it!  I was always someone who yearned to be in college very early on, and this show was my outlet for such.  For that and many other reasons, I re-watch the entire series each winter.  Can't help but to relive the drama all over again!  If you haven't seen it, do yourself a favor and enjoy the heated moments and the ultimate love triangle with Felicity choosing either Ben or Noel!

Sunday's True Confession: I am Space Cops' Sister

Any of you gals fans of  Kathy Griffin? Well, I’m sorry to say that her Bravo show was cancelled after its second season, but this week’s true confession goes back to Kathy’s first season: I am Space Cops’ sister. Space Cops is a sci-fi movie inspired electronic “band.” My brother’s first live performance (as Space Cops) was on the Kathy Show. Woah. Enjoy the vid!

Sunday's True Confession: I Watch Pretty Little Liars as a 20-something

Never thought I'd love something so much on ABC Family, but I'm in my 20s and I (religiously) watch Pretty Little Liars.  The plot is addicting.  The girls dress fashionably.  But, most of all, the dudes are attractive:

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 

Need I say more?

- A

TODAY, in Boston!

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Like most, I tend to start my day in catching up on world news and anchor antics in catching the Today Show on NBC.  The fabulous foursome made up of Matt Lauer, Al Roker, Natalie Morales and Savannah Guthrie are both informative and entertaining, exactly what you need during your morning routine.  Tomorrow, the show’s “Friday Field Trip” series will be held in OUR great city!  We are sure they will highlight our city’s renowned history, beautiful sites and controversial accents.  Be sure to contribute to the show in telling them what to see via twitter, using #TODAYinBoston! 

The JUGs welcome Matt and Savannah with an infamous “Hi, how ah yah?!”

Tell us, Gals, which aspects of Boston do you think should be featured?  Is anyone heading there tomorrow (with homemade poster in tow) morning before work?  Or will you be watching from home? We have our DVRs set!

You can find out more here: http://on.today.com/Vd7sX3

- Meredith