"Back to School" Shopping

metallic folders ($9) // acrylic tiered organizer ($18)
// essential pen collection ($20) //
my go-to planner for 2015* ($58) // neon nesting boxes ($54)
// desk blotter ($12) //

I have always been someone who enjoyed shopping for school supplies at the start of a new school year (maybe a little too much).  I still never skip a trip to the Container Store when passing by.  Even though school is over for most of us, September always seems to present a fresh start, even if it is just a mental state.  There are plenty of "grown-up" supplies out there to transform your work space into one a bit more airy and minimal while also helping you GSD (get sh*t done).  Trust me, I've done the research!  What is your favorite "school supply" item to keep you on top of your game?

- Meredith


*Full review of the planner to come in 2015!

Hustlin'

It's hard to compete with some of the "dream desks" shown on Pinterest as not everyone works from home, has an unlimited budget or has a cute office. In fact many of us have budgets or other common constrictions like close proximity to others and maybe even a really ugly cubicle. But no matter the desk set up or the location, we can all admit that work can take a toll on oneself and we all need to create our personal "happy zones" in order to get through the day. 

I think some of the best remedies to uplift an exhausted work spirit is some perspective, organization and spunk. Perspective can remind you that whatever your latest work drama, it is not the end of the world, organization can make it easier to tackle the next task and a little spunk can make you smile through even the most mundane tasks. 

Here are some of my top picks as of late towards achieving a clean, organized, peaceful and uplifting work spirit:

1 // Be Present Print from shopampersand $40

2 // Rifle Paper Co Botanical Desk Calendar $16

3 // Poppin Desktop Set $51

4 // Poppins Signature Ballpoint Pens $12 

5 // Just Sayin' Post It's $4

6 // All Seeing Eye Hand Amulet from mudpuppy $48

7 // Metallic mason jars with succulents $17

8 // Arrow file folders $10

- Suzanne

Latest Obsessions

1 // 2 (the only way to start a party) // 3 //
4 ($17!) // 5 (truth) // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9 // 10 // 11

Memorial Day Weekend is upon us!  This upcoming holiday is typically the kickoff for summer, which was especially long-awaited this year.  Before you party, check out this chic invite, J.Crew's latest collaboration with Paperless Post!  Ever since touring the NikeBoston renovations last month, I've had my eye on a pair of Frees, and love the hilarity of this Biggie bracelet.  I think I need to pickup that weekly calendar pad to stay organized this summer.  I recently purchased this perfume at Saks and it is the perfect light, summery scent!

Which would you want to pick up before your long weekend?  Enjoy, everyone!


- Meredith

Daily Read: My Ideal Home

Out of the countless blogs I read daily, I often bookmark posts from My Ideal Home.  The name says it all, aspects of a dream abode!  As young professionals who live in the city, we don't have time (or reasons, really) to snoop in homes other than what is on HGTV.  Working in the real estate business has always made me curious to look at different spaces.  My Ideal Home, a blog based in Italy, presents an infinite collection of inspiring home decor.  It is no surprise that the author, Valentina, has nearly 20,000 pinterest followers.  There are so many airy, neutral, bright and clean habitats.  Let's hope she keeps it up, I don't want the daydreaming to end!

- Meredith

all photos from My Ideal Home

Week of March 24

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S P R I N G

Finally!!!!! Even though its not thaaaat warm yet, it may be time to start stocking up on sandals, sunglasses, and sunscreen. And, eeeek, maybe its also time to do a little spring cleaning? Here is some help to get that process started:

6 Ways to Declutter Your Life

7 Easy DIY Home Cleaning Products

12 Awesome Websites for Selling & Swapping Old Clothes

10 Zero Waste Tips for a Simplified Life

Oh, and ladies, don't forget to do your taxes!

M U S I C

So much is going on in Boston's music scene. After discovering Bearstronaut at We Are Music in February, the JUGs are hooked on their "tank top pop" sound. The awesome news is that they are having a show tomorrow night at TT and the Bears and tickets are only $9!

Also, keep your eyes peeled for tickets to the Hall & Oates show at the Blue Hills Bank Pavilion (formerly the Bank of America Pavilion) this June. It is sure to be an epic show.

JUGs fav Lana Del Rey is also playing a show soon. You can find her at the House of Blues on May 6th. 

N E T W O R K

If you're on the job hunt, or just need some inspiration, there are a bunch of great networking events happening around this week. The BOS Lady Project is hosting a game of "networking bingo" at Whiskey Priest tomorrow night. This event should be great for those who have a little trouble coming out of their shell.

On Wednesday, Lux & Concord is hosting cocktails, shopping, and mingling at Cyntha Rowley on Newbury St. This might be the perfect time to pick up a cocktail dress for wedding season.

If you're into sports, maybe the #SBWeek Boston Sports Business Networking event on Tuesday is more your speed. 

E A T S

This is the second week of Dine Out Boston! The JUGs are planning to check out Capital Grille, but there are tons of other options on the list. Did you go out last week? If so, would you recommend that restaurant?

We also can't wait to check out the South End's new hotspot, Merrill & Co. - gotta love a good raw bar!

W H A T ? !

By now you've all heard that Kimye is the cover of Vogue's April issue. Vom.

Luckily, there are also some good things going on in the world. Like, how these are probably the last few weeks you'll ever have to take a cab because the T will soon run until 3 am! And that Pharrell is now a warrior for eco-fasion. And that we can FINALLY buy a pair of white jeans! Life. is. good.

Have a great week!
-Cameron

Daily Read: Live Simply by Annie

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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!

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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

Writer's Resolutions for 2014 and Beyond

To continue with our 101 in 1001 here are the things I'm planning to work on over the next year or so! I have lots of specific things I want to do, but when looking back and planning ahead, I realized its my big-picture goals I want to work on. 

Man & Camera

Planning for 2014: Agendas

clockwise from top: Lilly (mini) // May Books // Lilly (jumbo) // Graphic Image // Erin Condren // Kate Spade

I know, I know, there is no need to jump ahead to 2014.  I still can't believe how fast the summer sped by, and that we are well into the fall.  The shift of seasons has me evaluating changes I want to make.  I believe that changing something starts with a concrete plan, which got me thinking about agendas and how I am in the market for something new!

As our loyal readers might remember from the archives, I have featured the planner I currently use.  Since I change bags often, I do not always carry it on me, and am constantly trying to coordinate a written record of plans that I jot in my phone for convenience.  I would go with a May Designs planner again, they're thin, simple and colorful.  Although, I like to switch it up and want something with a bit more substance.  For 2012 I used one by Erin Condren which is amazing, but is better fit for those with busier days than the average 20-something and is just too heavy duty for my needs.  I just cannot decide (although I don't think spending over $30 is necessary...)!

These options above range the spectrum of price and style, and I feel the need to purchase it in the near future so I start the new year off right.  What do you think?  It is a real Goldilocks-type situation.  #firstworldproblems.  At any rate, please spill!  Do you have a favorite you'd recommend?

- Meredith

Latest Obsessions: May 6th

Similar to Suzanne, I am constantly thinking up a wish list.  Luckily, Pinterest is a fantastic (free) outlet for ideas to have a home and helps to curb my spending.  However, now that my tax refund is somewhat burning a hole in my bank account, I wanted to share!  Please feel free to weigh in on some items I'm currently coveting and loving:

1. A 13" MacBook Air is bound to be my next big purchase.  I've loved my MacBook Pro for the near seven years I've had it since college, but I've decided that this year it is time for an upgrade. (I'm hoping Apple sticks with their usual release of new models in June... can anyone out there confirm this for me or know the best time to buy?!?)

2. These Agate bookends would bring the sparkle my plain, white bookshelves desperately need!

3. For my ever-growing jewelry collection, I'm always looking to sport something related to my Irish heritage, and this dainty necklace would be perfect to do so.

4. This is one of my most recent beauty purchases.  I love learning about new products, and this lightweight moisturizer made with natural products has solidified its place in my daily regimen.

5. Speaking of lightweight, this tunic would get a lot of use this coming summer... I plan to keep my eye on it like I did for a scarf by the same brand that is nice and airy with a subtle punch of color.

6. Over this past weekend while out for Derby Day with some fellow JUGs, I was introduced to this brew.  I'd highly recommend if you haven't yet tried it.  Its composition of beer + lemonade sounded weird to me at first, but I enjoyed its refreshing flavor.  Sure to be a regular order of mine on roof decks this summer!

7. Fellow blogger, Mackenzie, offers the most precious items in her online boutique, Design Darling.  I recently ordered a recycled leather business card holder (really bought it to impress others at AltSummit next month, but carry it in my purse daily!) and acrylic pen holder for my desk to exhibit my growing monogrammed item collection.

8.  This is simply the perfect throw to jazz up your bed, regardless of the New England season.

9.  And, because a girl can always dream, my ideal pièce de résistance item for my arm party for decades to come!


- Meredith

Just Hukk It

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A few months ago, my friend Zoe told me about Hukkster. Have you guys heard about this? Its amaze!  I don't like paying full price. Like many of  gals, I find shopping to be a sport. How can I get the best deal on my "must-have" item? There is now a web site that helps monitor my "wish list" and alerts me when an item goes on sale. Hukkster, allows you to "hukk" items that you would like to buy, but not until they are on sale. Simply sign up, install the "hukk it" button in your browser, visit your favorite web site and "hukk it!"

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- Cameron

Digital Get Down

No, not speaking of the *NSync hit...

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As winter (hopefully) dwindles to an end, this time of year gets me thinking of spring cleaning!  An excellent place to start is a very crowded area in your daily life, your digital world.  Between the flood of social media, email and sharing/sending large files, it can seem like you're losing precious time looking for something instead of being productive.  It is time that you start to declutter your personal devices before rooms in your home, really starting from the inside and working your way out.  Here are some suggestions and sources to help you start:

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1. Find the online storage source that works for you.
   a. Cloud-drives: those places in cyberpace that store everything for you and allows you to access from anywhere in the world (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox).  You can also upload items here and grant permission to certain users.  JUGs co-authors are a HUGE fan and we use it on the reg!

2. Create a new organization system
   a. Do you really need to save every paper you wrote in college?  NO.  Delete these files since they just crowd the space on your hard/cloud drive or back up to an external hard drive if you can't part with your senior thesis that owned your life as an undergrad.

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3.  Organize your email and curb those subscriptions!
   a. Unroll.me is an amazing tool that automatically senses and filters emails for you to declutter your inbox.  Online subscriptions (huge problem of mine!) as well as those detected to be from sources aside from your mail contacts quickly disappear from your inbox and archive for you to weed out later.  You can review subscriptions in summary and decide which you do not need to waste valueable time with anymore.  I've used this for over a month now, and it is amazing how less annoying email has been for me!

4. Simply social media using hootsuite, a platform that manages main social media networks (e.g., twitter, facebook, linked in, etc.) in one simple dashboard.  No more going back-and-forth to various apps, using more battery life on your laptop/phone/iPad!

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JUGs challenge:  Try to integrate at least one of the above sources into your digital life.  We'd love to hear how you have simplified!  Any other resources not mentioned that you'd recommend to other gals?

- Meredith

p.s. Stay posted for another spring cleaning post in the coming weeks!