Daily Read: Monika Hibbs

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For those of you who have read blogs since the late 2000s, you know the veterans out there.  Monika Hibbs of Vancouver is one of those trailblazers many bloggers have followed since discovery.  She has a curated sense of style you just drool over, and it's easy to enjoy watching her picturesque adventures, most recently a trip to Vegas with her husband.  Her tasteful home decor DIYs and recommendations are my personal favorite piece of her strong brand.  I could definitely stare at her home tour all the livelong day!

It is not surprising she has been all over the press from Boston-local Style Me Pretty to HGTV to Glitter Guide, just to name a few.  Don't forget about Monika's shop, too, which we hope is replenishing soon before we start rolling out our gift guides in the coming weeks, it's definitely one of my go-to resources.  If Monika is what Vancouver is about, we better get there sooner than later!

- Meredith

Recap of JUGsNightOut

On Monday, a fabulous group of bloggers, friends, and entrepreneurs gathered at Shake the Tree in Boston's North End to celebrate a night out hosted by your's truly! We had an absolute blast shopping at our favorite clothing, jewelry, and decor boutique while sipping on sangria and munching on arancini from Bacco, quesadillas from Urban Cantina, wraps from Going Bananas, and sweets from Bread + Butter (yeah, we definitely exceeded our calorie goal for the day, sorry PactApp)! And we know that shopping can be stressful sometimes (hmmm should I get two of these cute stackable rings, or three?!?!?!?!!!)...luckily, Exhale was there to provide back massages and mini reflexology sessions.

It was a full house, and it was great to see some of our fellow Boston Bloggers in the mix, including Annie White, Boston Day Book, Danielle Kempe, Dear Friend, Elizabeth Swartz, Faith Towers Design, Feathers and Stripes, Fenway Fashionista, Lifestyle of a Fashionista, Notes on Lifestyle by Georgina, Prim & Propah, Rentwhich, and I am probably missing a bunch more (please let me know in the comments)!

We had so much fun that we already have some plans in the works for another event! Check back for details.

- Cameron

Week of August 11

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E N D  O F  S U M M E R  C H E C K L I S T

Can you believe it is already the second week in August? So much to do...and so little time left! Here are a few JUGS-approved activities for your end-of-summer short list:

• picnic on Boston's Harbor Islands
• see an outdoor movie at Christopher Columbus Park
• search for vintage finds at SOWA
• finally check out Revere Beach
• get farm fresh corn and tomatoes at the farmer's market
• take a walk in the Arnold Arboretum
• see the Magna Carta at the MFA
• get a new bikini on super sale somewhere

B L O G O S P H E R E

Blog Better Boston just opened registration for the third part in their summer series - BBBos Learning Labs: Ask the Experts featuring tips from some of our favorite ladies at Bostinno, ECBA Law Offices, and Good Girl Gone Blog.

The JUGs are also excited to meet some fellow bloggers and fashion experts at the 9W<3InStyle event on Wednesday with Leah Karp.

And though we can't make it, we are pumped to see photos from the BHLDN Open House with Boston Bloggers!

H E A L T H  &  F I T N E S S 

YESSSSSSSSS: 7 Ways Drinking Wine Can Improve Your Health and Happiness.

Mark your calendars - Free BollyX Class at the Hatch Shell on September 4th.

I absolutely swear by these 10 Tips for Better Living. And if you're new to meditation like I am, this is a great place to start.

New challenge - no complaining for 7 days.

B E A C H  R E A D S

The next JUGs book club discussion is just around the corner. Grab Mindy Kaling's Is Everybody Hanging Out Without Me and check back soon for discussion questions.

Have a great week!

- Cameron

Gal Gab: Celebrity "Lifestyle" Sites

Maybe it's just the longevity of the site, but I think Gwenyth is killing it with goop.  The site encompasses everything a lifestyle site/blog should, beauty, fashion, exercise/health, food and more (just like us!).

With the recent launch of Blake Lively's site, The Preserve, a different approach was taken.  As a new site, there is not a ton of content on there, but what is on there has some fruitful writing, but not sure how many people it appeals to.  The shop items are a bit obscure, but the site is up front about being a for-profit business as 5% of proceeds are donated to charity, like goop.

This week I discovered another lifestyle site, Amore & Vita, by actor Shay Mitchell.  I am not ashamed to be a fan of Shay and admire her grace in the celebrity world.  Shay writes with a friend, Michaela Blaney, which us JUGs can relate to being part of the blogging fun.  The two post according to a weekly theme, and I think this site is really going places

What do you think of these lifestyle sites?  Which celebrities are getting it right?

- Meredith

Daily Read: Sequins & Stripes

There's so much I want to share with you about Liz Schneider, creator of the popular blog Sequins and Stripes, but for everyones sake I'll keep this Daily Read short. 

I've been following Sequins and Stripes since I first started reading blogs back in 2011, right around the time when Liz first launched her first post. She started on the scene with a cute blog that posted outfit ideas she put together for clients from her newly emerging stylist business, and I thought that was so incredibly inspiring and brave. It wasn't everyday that I heard about someone my age starting their own fashion business, especially when the blogging and stylist arena had not reached the popularity and level of respect that it has today.

Over the past three years Liz has continued to be an inspiration. We have watched her blossom from a small business to a virtual friend and style advisor to thousands. It's honestly remarkable how she still finds time to keep up with her blog and frequently contribute to some of the most respected brands like Refinery29 and Kate Spade. 

Trust us when we say that you should add Liz to your Daily Read list. Not only is she a fierce business woman and career inspiration, but she has impeccable taste and will help you refine your everyday glam. You can find her amazing fashion picks on her blog here and get even more updates on her instagram here. And of course, watch out for her upciming collaborations!

- Suzanne

Images via Sequins & Stripes and Refinery29.

Daily Read: Tuula Vintage

No, Jessica Stein is not a model.  She is a mid-twenties beauty from Australia with a serious case of wanderlust and someone with the best. job. ever.  She left the real estate world in 2010 and started an online visual diary, easy to see why she has built a solid following over the past four years!

Jess travels the world for fashion shoots and documents everything for her blog, Tuula Vintage.  The title was chosen based on the word "wind" in Finnish, which describes her lifestyle as a traveling fashionista.  Her statement is made in designer pieces, and she keeps accessories to a minimum.  I love seeing the various cities and landscapes that she visits. 

 Tuula Vintage feeds my daily case of wanderlust!

- Meredith

all photos from Tuula Vintage

Daily Read: The Londoner

Rose Thomas is the girl-next-door type lifestyle blogger whose life you (I) covet.  Finding The Londoner was such a treat for me, it's a nice daily reminder of my time studying abroad in London during college, x amount of years ago.  [[Full disclosure, I would move to London tomorrow if I could.]]

Rosie's log of daily adventures are chock full of drool-worthy images, whether she be at Harrod's, in Kensington Gardens, at the local pub or elsewhere, which could be all over the world.  She seems to be stateside in NYC often, and chronicles the city in a new light I don't see replicated elsewhere in the blog world that captures the essence of the city.

In my opinion, Rosie has impeccable taste in clothing, accessories and, food!  You need to start following her Instagram account immediately, if not sooner.  Rosie may have a modelesque figure and amazing Kate Middleton brunette locks, but girlfriend keeps it real with her online life journal.  Aside from a passport anyone would envy, her friendly humor is evident in her writing, too.  You can't help to want to go grab a pint with her!

- Meredith

all photos from The Londoner

Week of April 28

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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

Daily Read: Luella and June

Bradley Agather Means is a woman who does. it. all.  The Dallas-based blogger and magazine fashion editor (at only 27!) shares her daily musings via beauty, clothing and lifestyle finds any gal can relate to.  Bradley's blog, Luella & June, presents her curated picks with readers.  I just cannot get enough, which is why she is one of my favorite daily reads!

It is easy to see why others agree, Bradley has been featured on The Everygirl, Barney's New York (her 2012 picks are still on trend!) and more.  Her 2013 wedding was incredibly chic, and I could read her articles for hours, especially what she would take from her closet in the event of a fictitious fire... a true fashionista!  Be sure to join us in reading Luella & June daily for some of the best home, lifestyle and fashion forecasting around!

- Meredith


photos from Luella & June blog and Bradley on Instagram

Daily Read: Sincerely, Jules

Julie Sarinana and her "visual diary," as she calls her blog, Sincerely, Jules, is exactly the California sunshine we need this and every week! I have been following Jules for a few years, and she has always exhibited a classic style I hope to adopt more of in my wardrobe. It is the perfect combination of comfortable classics mixed with simply stated accessories that are not overly trendy.  She also has THE best handbag collection I think I've seen on the internet, hands down.

Julie takes some pretty bomb trips, most recently featuring her home country of México, in a township called Tulum that I definitely need on my travel bucket list.  Girlfriend has seen a lot of the world, and it is amazing following along with her!  

 

  

Aside from traveling the globe, she is also a designer of witty t-shirts, available here and here.  Be sure to add her as your next daily read!  Also, one of my favorite trends this year Jules' sometimes sports will be featured tomorrow...any guesses out there?!

- Meredith