Local Gem: Wingaersheek Beach

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One of the reasons we love living in Boston is that we have our pick of hundreds of gorgeous beaches at our finger tips. Revere Beach and the M Street Beach in Southie are just a few minutes away, and more glamorous destinations like Block Island,  Nantucket, and Martha's Vineyard are only a matter of hours (and more accessible than ever before via the Cape Flyer). But what about something in between - less than an hour away but quieter and cleaner than the T-accessible beaches? My pick is Wingaersheek Beach in Gloucester, MA. 

1. Wingaersheek is a perfect getaway since it is less crowded than nearby Good Harbor Beach. Even in 80 degree weather this past Sunday, we got parking at noon with no problem! (Which certainly can't be done at all North Shore beaches).

2. This beach is in a protected inlet, which allows the water to get warm - well, almost warm. 

3. The rocky shore makes for some gorgeous scenery. Don't worry - the beach is covered in super soft sand, the rocks are just pretty to look at and/or climb on. Plus the horizon is framed with the cutest little New England lighthouse. 

4. Got a boat? Or, even better, got a friend with a boat? Boaters can pull right up to the beach and tailgate. fun!

5. The water gets so far out at low tide that sandbars are revealed. Between climbing the rocks, partying with boaters, snapping instagrams of the lighthouse, and swimming out to the sandbar, you'll be able to fill the whole day up without even cracking the spine of your book club book!

6. Have some free time before/after the beach? Downtown Gloucester is an easy 10 minute drive away. I highly suggest going to Sugar Mags for the BEST brunch of your life. 

There are only a few summer weekends left, so pack a beach bag with all necessary beach hair products and go explore the North Shore! (Then you have full permission to watch The Perfect Storm and shout "I've been there!" at every scene.)

- Cameron

JUGs-Approved Moving Tips

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After four years, I'm moving to a new place!  As exciting as it is to be upgrading to a larger space and planning to decorate it, I quickly remembered what a hassle the moving process can be.  Since my move-in date is within the month, I have to get going!  Here are some tips I have come across that I will be incorporating for myself: Purge // Plan // Be Proactive:

1. Purge: Think about how much you take into your apartment over the course of a year, let alone more than that.  Now, it's time to get everything out.  Spend 10 minutes per day on a different area of your current place and evaluate what you no longer need.  If you have a mover, you're paying for the time it takes them to complete the work, start to finish...imagine how much time you could cut out for them when you are only taking the essentials on with you!  Put that cash toward rent (or a housewarming party).

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2. Plan: At first I thought this was just about labeling boxes, but a few of my favorite organizing blogs have inspired me to take this further.  I'm not sure I'll go all-out with a moving binder, but I love the idea of having an "Open Me First" box.  Probably best for that to have an outfit, a few toiletries, Clorox wipes, towel, makeup and basic bedding.  Other boxes can be categorized as you'd like, so you can open and unpack things in an orderly way without feeling completely overwhelmed.  Additionally, having boxes labeled discretely and a separate list of their contents is smart so you do not lose any valuables, say something you might pick up at the next GiltCity sale...

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3. Be Proactive: Sure, cardboard boxes are great, but I'm considering renting a few of these eco-friendly containers.  They come at a low price, are uniform in shape which should be helpful to your movers and they're dropped off and picked up for you!  What's not to love?


Any other tips to share with us?  Happy packing!

- Meredith

BostonFest

This Thursday we will be attending BostInno's BostonFest, a celebration for all those that a) love Boston and b) work hard, play hard. What's not to love about all that? Yes, maybe all networking events aim to have that agenda as well, but if you haven't been to a BostInno event yet, just know that they throw some of the best. 

Take this Thursday to try something other than Tia's. Head down to the Seaport and enter your company into the Coolest Company Competition or network your way into one of the top ranked.

Not looking for a new gig? Hang with Cam, Meredith and I as we plan to dominate the giant Jenga game and ladder ball stations in between hitting up the food trucks and drink stations!

This Thursday is going to be a good one so come hang with us at BostonFest!  Get your tickets fast, there's only a few left!

- Suzanne

This post is a sponsored post. Thank you to BostInno for making events like this happen.

Week of August 5th

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S H O P P I N G

I can't believe it is already August. And while I'm not too excited that summer is ending, I am totally ready to ramp up my wardrobe for fall. Luckily, the Gilt City Warehouse sale is this weekend! And all of the JUGs approved Boston boutiques are just getting in apparel for fall 2013 and I can't wait to check it out. I love fall clothes!

B O O K  C L U B

August means serious beach time, and there is nothing better than reading on the beach. This week I am going to the library to pick up The Marriage Plot by Jeffrey Eugenides which is the next JUGs book club read. Grab a copy and read  along with us. 

S W E E T  T R E A T S

Us North Enders are pretty excited because the Hanover St. Pinkberry location just opened! Walking past it every day is going to put a serious dent in my budget. In other North End news, Feast season is in full swing. This weekend is the Madonna Della Cava Festival. What activities are going on in other neighborhoods?

E V E N T S   &    N E T W O R K I N G
We're pretty pumped that BostonInno is hosting yet another to-be amazing event this week. Grab your friends and head over to the seaport for networking, tasty food and beer samples, and really fun backyard games at this Thursday's BostonFest - a celebration of the work hard, play hard lifestyle in our beloved city. The event is already selling out fast so get your General Admission tickets here quick! We hope to see you there!

Have a great week gals!

-Cameron