Google+ is a fresh start for those of us who have been packing Facebook full of fluff for years now.  Now, this is NOT to say that it is taking the place of Facebook…I don’t see that happening any time in the near future.  Rather, I’m thinking of Google+ as a streamlined supplement.  I’m not about to rattle off all of the features that you’ve read about countless times—we all know by now that circles are simply genius.  But when I set out to create and fill my personal circles, I found myself questioning my circle-adding decisions.

The etiquette for “friending” or “following” people on each social network is so different…so before I committed any faux pas, I posed the question to my #BUNewMedia class about how to go about adding people to your circles.  Is it weird to add someone I don’t know but follow on Twitter because their conversations are interesting? Are they going to think I’m some socially awkward Google+ novice?  After a lengthy conversation and some tips from fellow student blogger Emily Wienberg, general consensus was that it was fine to add a PR professional, for example, to one of my circles.  He or she doesn’t have to add me back, after all, and I’m interested in what he or she is saying and sharing.  So, I proceeded hesitantly, adding just a few admirable professionals at first to see if I got any sort of response.

And then it happened.  My iPhone lit up with a notification telling me that social media guru Chris Brogan had commented on one of my posts. #OhEmGee. At the risk of sounding like a groupie, Chris’s blog is one of the handful of blogs that I read on a regular basis, so the fact that he didn’t think I was a creeper for adding him without having actually met him in person was proof enough that Google+ was going to be a game changer.  More formal than Facebook, less formal than LinkedIn, and slightly more involved than Twitter, Google+ allows us to connect on a professional yet still creative and interactive manner.

With new hangouts for brands that allow them to connect on a more personal level with customers and a Twitter-esque trending feature that keeps us up-to-date with important, relevant conversations, Google+ is well worth the time that it takes to check one extra account throughout the day.  I mean, we constantly have a browser open with various social networks anyway, so I suggest you add Google+ to the mix.  I also just received notice that Google+ is officially being incorporated into my Klout score, boosting it up two points in the past day.  That’s always a plus (…pun intended).

Add me to your circles here…I promise I won’t think you’re creepy.

I’ve been struggling with what I wanted to include in my “Do Get Go” to-do lists this week, so in search of some inspirational energy (and also the physical ability to stay awake and study for my dreaded philosophy exam tomorrow #womp), I decided to get a coffee on my way home from work this afternoon.  As I crossed the threshold into Commonwealth Avenue’s Blue State Coffee, a place I’ve been meaning to try for quite some time, I could swear I heard the ever-mighty Coffee Gods whispering sweet nothings into my ear.

With soothing music playing in the background and calm coffee drinkers working on their laptops, I had a feeling this coffee shop was going to be a game changing escape from the Boston bustle…”but, Christine,” I said to my coffee-deprived, semi-delusional self, “you haven’t even tried the coffee yet!”

So, as I braced myself for disappointment, just in case, I stepped up to the register and ordered a Café au Lait.  Now, I have to say, having spent four months sipping Café au Laits in outdoor Parisian cafés, I have fairly high standards for this heavenly brew (and I know this sounds a tad stuck-up, but I really don’t mean it that way!).

What happened next was like one of those cartoons where the character’s eyes start to sparkle and fireworks explode around him with excitement. #butreally.  I just had what was, undeniably, the best coffee experience I’ve had in months.  Made to perfect temperature and needing not a single thing added, my Café au Lait was delicious to the very last drop…and believe me, I savored every. last. drop.

Bravo, Blue State, you are by far my new fave!  I can’t believe I haven’t tried you until now, and am probably behind the curve in my profession of my love for you, but better late than never, right?

Beyond the fact that the coffee is to die for, the staff members are friendly and don’t make you feel like they’re in a rush to get you out the door.  And, while I do adore an occasional grande non-fat no-whipped extra hot peppermint mocha from a certain other coffee establishment, the Blue State menu is easy to decipher with no need for extra ordering instructions. #lovingit

As if all THAT wasn’t enough, Blue State values “a commitment to philanthropy, sustainability, and community involvement”…  Okay, they can talk the talk, but can they walk the walk?…um, YUP!  Blue State donates 2% of all sales to local not-for-profit organizations that are voted on by customers.  Customer and community engagement wrapped into one!  Thanks to this effort, over the past five years, Blue State’s five locations have donated over $250,000 to local and national causes.  In trying to become a zero-waste business, all items are drinkable, edible, recyclable, reusable, or compostable (my cup says it’s ‘corn-based’…#hm).

OKAY just one more word of praise…as I was sitting here writing this post, just minutes after I started following Blue State on Twitter (@bluestatecoffee), my phone lit up with a direct message from them thanking me for the follow…SO on top of their social media game!  Small touches like that can make a huge difference.

So, clearly you can tell why I’m urging you to GET: A Blue State Coffee…and yes, it probably would’ve made more sense if I posted this on Friday so it was GO: To Blue State Coffee, but this just really couldn’t wait, so I’m goin’ with it.  To all my friends at Providence College—there’s a Blue State on Thayer Street!  Just another reason to head down to my personal fave street in that city.

The name Alex & Ani comes from owner and artistic mastermind Carolyn Rafaelian’s first two daughters.  Rafaelian created the brand in 2004, and since then has been working to focus on infusing spirituality and positive energy into her art.  Each piece is made here in the United States and is eco-friendly, made from recycled materials.  The Rhode Island-based company comprises various themed collections from seaside to their newest Arabian Nights, gold & silver finishes, and from single bangles with a charm to stunningly bold beads.  Mix & match them, wear one or wear tons, switch up your colors with the seasons…that’s the real beauty of these bangles…you can tailor your collection to fit your personality (and your outfit).

Again, you WILL become addicted…

another #cantstopwontstop situation on our hands here. #sorryimnotsorry

Click to view slideshow.

Because Alex & Ani bracelet collections are so customizable, they also make incredible gifts!  A new, fresh take on the charm bracelet, start a collection for a friend and you can both add to it along the way!  The bracelets usually come attached to cards that explain their specific meaning, so bring a word of inspiration to someone going through a tough time or celebrating an achievement.  Two of my personal favorites are the Path of Life and the Endless Knot.

Beyond the fact that this brand is more than mildly addicting, offers countless possibilities, and has positive energy built right into it, Alex & Ani also has a strong social media presence.  Whoever is managing their Twitter account deserves a raise, because the visible time spent and effort exerted to retweet and respond to followers (both when praising and complaining about the brand!) is truly great.  Providing astrology inspiration and tactfully spreading the hashtag #charmedarms, among other things, make Alex & Ani a social media all-star.  I applaud you.

If you’re anywhere near North Andover, MA, Rose & Dove is the place to go to start your Alex & Ani collection.  With a wide in-store selection and opportunity to place custom orders, Rose & Dove will have you covered.  Check out their Facebook page too!  For those of you in Boston, Alex & Ani has a retail store on Newbury Street!  While the walls filled with seemingly endless amounts of bracelets may be overwhelming at first, don’t let it deter you.  I would even suggest taking a peek at the website beforehand to get an idea of possible directions you’d like to go in in terms of your bangles.

How many of you have #charmedarms?

Check out this video featuring Carolyn Rafaelian

to get a better idea of the brand’s background and unique features!

In recent years, we’ve found ourselves bombarded with new social media platforms popping up on what feels like a daily basis.  Some of these take off, others lay stagnant waiting for their chance to break into the social scene.  I’ve found myself hesitating on jumping on the bookmarking bandwagon…quite honestly, I’m not totally sure why.  I think part of my reluctance has been that I felt like social bookmarking can be scattered, like my brain is just jumping around from topic to unrelated topic while pressing through pages on StumbleUpon.  And then I discovered Pinterest.

Pinterest’s Mission: Our goal is to connect everyone in the world through the ‘things’ they find interesting. We think that a favorite book, toy, or recipe can reveal a common link between two people. With millions of new pins added every week, Pinterest is connecting people all over the world based on shared tastes and interests.

Pinterest is a virtual pinboard.

Now, we know how much I adore making lists (#ChecklistJunkie #sorryimnotsorry).  I mean, I did base an entire blog on it, so you can see why I was instantly attracted to this creative concept!  Pinterest made me feel organized, like I had more control over my bookmarking than usual.

Once you sign up (and you have to request an invite, which seems exclusive and initially turned me off and I may or may not have sent an aggravated tweet about it…but my uneasiness quickly faded away once I was officially signed up), you can create a pinboard for any and every category your little heart desires.  For example, my pinboards include “craft it.” “plan it.” and “bake it.”  Based on my interests, Pinterest suggested some boards for me to follow, and so the pinning began.

#cantstopwontstop

Once you install the “pin it” button into your Internet browser bookmark bar (which is super easy), you can pin directly from any website you come across, no need to copy and paste photos or worry about crediting the source…Pinterest takes care of it all!  Each time you pin or repin something you get the choice of which of your boards to include it on, and thus the outstanding organization.  Reference your pinboards at any time, pin from your phone, the possibilities are actually endless.  Although I’m obvi not going to start Christmas shopping yet (see Monday’s rant below), I have come across several DIY gift ideas that I have pinned in a safe place so they’re easy to reference once Thanksgiving is over and Christmas begins

Adam Belz featured Pinterest in the USA Today Tech section, saying “Pinterest stands out in a crowded social media field.”  The intriguing article provides a background of how Pinterest was created and how it’s being used now.  This past August,  TIME Magazine named Pinterest one of the 50 Best Websites of 2011, alongside A-listers like Klout and Google+.  Clearly this relatively new startup has been getting noteworthy and valuable coverage, and I highly suggest you check it out.  Whether you’re truly looking to organize & share your vast array of interests, or simply want an entertaining way to procrastinate, Pinterest is the way to go.

This environmentally conscious brand offers a wide selection of styles (pullovers, quarter-zips, hooded, full-zips) that cater to different warmth needs from casual strolling through the city in the crisp fall air to trekking through the winter tundra (…can you guess which one I got?).  Colors range from neutrals to bright blues and burgundies, so pick a Patagonia that complements your personal style.

WARNING: Once you put on your Patagonia, you will never, I repeat never, want to take it off.  You will want to wear it out, wear it while watching tv, wear it while sleeping, just wear it. #butreally

If you don’t yet have a Patagonia, you’re missing out.  On top of the fact that the actual product is, in my eyes, flawless and the most heavenly jacket I’ve ever worn and I may or may not be having a love affair with it, the company is incredibly dedicated to environmental conservation efforts.  They don’t just have one program, they have a whole slew of awareness campaigns that speak to varying issues.  Their internship program allows employees to spend up to a month working with an environmental organization of their choice while being paid and receiving benefits.  Yes, you read that right, Patagonia actually believes so strongly in their cause that they are willing to allow their employees—brand ambassadors—to support an organization about which they feel passionate without losing out on their income.  Talk about genuine dedication.  In this era filled with greenwashing corporations, Patagonia stands leaps and bounds ahead of the pack in actions taken to make a real difference.  Below is a video introducing their Common Threads Initiative: Reduce, Repair, Reuse, Recycle, Reimagine.

While my initial reason for purchasing a Patagonia did not have to do with their cause efforts (because I wasn’t aware of them), learning about the brand’s background has certainly made me want to become a loyal customer from now on.  I will absolutely be adding a second Patagonia to my collection very soon, and I intend to explore how else I can show my support for this extraordinary brand.  I highly recommend you do the same.

(…so much for keeping this post brief! 

I’m just so excited I can’t stop talking about it.)

How many of you have a Patagonia jacket?  Did you buy it because of the brand’s alignment with its cause or simply because you liked the coat?

“So the FCC won’t let me be, or let me be me, so let me see…” – Eminem, “Without Me”

(…Only quote that came to mind about the FCC, plus it was Eminem’s birthday this week, so I think it’s fitting. #nojudgementsplease)

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Lately I’ve become much more diligent about watching the morning news every day….and it’s a good thing I have!  This Monday, while quickly coiffing my hair, still half-asleep having not yet sipped my first coffee of the day, a startling report caught my attention.  Good Morning America (GMA) featured a story about the underestimated amount of dangerous radiation due to cell phone usage, saying that FCC testing of cell phone radiation effects only takes into account 3% of the American population (based primarily on height and weight).  Myself being a part of the other 97% (AKA not a 6’2”, 220 lb. man), I started to think about how often I use my beloved iPhone and how little consideration I give to the possible dangers.

“What can I do to lessen the possibility of radiation damage?” …I pondered to myself.  Well, I’m not one of those people who can walk around with headphones plugged into their cell talking into the little dangling microphone.  It’s just not going to happen…I don’t need to look like a crazy person talking to herself while power walking around Boston.  So, if I can’t necessarily do anything about it while I’m out-and-about, maybe there’s a solution for when I’m at home!  Luckily, a good friend of mine recently told me about a curious gadget that people like me can use when in the privacy of their own humble abode (or I guess in public, if they really felt the need, and didn’t mind looking #superawk).  After searching around a bit, the brand I found to be the most legitimate (and stylish, of course) is the “YUBZ” Retro Handset!

This vintage-looking phone plugs directly into your cell through the headphone jack and… TA-DA! …97% less radiation seeping into your brain.  How fun/sensible/genius is that?!  This way, you can walk around with your cell in your pocket while chit-chatting on the larger handset, which is easier to hold between your ear and shoulder anyway, making it easier to multitask and reduce possible radiation damage all at the same time.  Done and done.

These resourceful gadgets come in an array of cool colors and patterns, arrive in a compact package, and can all be bought online!  Couldn’t be easier, people.  Definitely take a second to read about YUBZ (“Why You Busy?”)…their story is a nice one with a great brand message.

The Environmental Health Trust Organization is urging the government to begin using more accurate testing methods, such as MRI tests on a variety of real people that would represent a typical family in age, body type, etc.  It’s also important to note that there have been no direct links proven between cell phone radiation and cancer, so don’t totally freak yet!  There’s no need to stop using your cell (that would just be irrational and, let’s face it, impossible!).  Instead, be smart and take steps like this one to keep that sharp mind of yours in tip-top shape.

Before we start planning our supportive shopping spree, let’s take a few minutes to watch this video that accompanies Kal Hourd‘s inspirational song “When Pink Is Just A Color Again“…

…Did you love it?  I did.

As I’m sure you know, we are in the midst of Breast Cancer Awareness Month!  You’ve heard the statistics, you’ve seen the destructive path that Breast Cancer carves into the lives of families every single day, now it’s your chance to help!  Yes, of course you could write a check to a charitable organization of your choice and call it a day.  But there are so many brands that have stepped up to the plate in an attempt to do their part too, so why not help them help others?  It’s #ShoppingForACause, people, so grab your pinkest purse and let’s go!

1. Primp

We’ll start with some pink primping…Makeup maven Bobbi Brown has created a Limited Edition Pink Ribbon Collection that will fit perfectly into every girl’s lip color queue.  Over 20% of proceeds from this lipstick/lip gloss duo will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, and, as an added bonus, Bobbi is offering free shipping on all orders that include this sensational set.  Every leading lady needs a luscious lip color, and by purchasing this one you’ll be taking part in the effort to help all those leading ladies who are fighting for their lives.

2. Indulge

Next we’ll stop for a little sweet treat…EdibleGiftsPlus.com has baked up an Edible Pink Ribbon Treats collection that looks scrumptious.  Isn’t this an adorable way to brighten the day of someone you know who is battling Breast Cancer?!  Edible Gifts will be donating 10% of every single sale of their Pink Ribbon products to BreastCancer.org…and there’s quite the selection!  From marshmallows to “cookie cards,” everyone’s sweet tooth will be more than satisfied with these goodies!

3. Accessorize

Let’s top it off with a little bling, shall we?  Designer Chan Luu has initiated a “Think Pink. Live Green” campaign in celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and her philanthropic efforts stand out from the crowd.  With three exclusive bracelet styles featuring (appropriately) pink and green, Chan Luu is going to donate an astounding 50% of all sales of these to BreastCancer.org!  Each of Chan’s pieces “celebrates the sublime power of personal expression to enhance our daily lives,” a sentiment we should all keep in mind when sending positive thoughts to the thousands of women (and men!) who forcefully push Breast Cancer out of their lives every day.

Let’s be honest, you’re going to go shopping no matter what. So, this month especially, make the effort to buy from brands that are giving back!  Remember, even the smallest action can help make a difference.

Hundreds of other brands and organizations have announced Pink Ribbon campaigns for this October…which ones have you found most notable?