Links From Our Group Chat: Let's Talk Turkey with Teigen & Nuns with Chainsaws

If the weekend's activities have left you feeling stuffed to the brim, fill up on something else tonight before you head back to work tomorrow. Namely, Links from our group chat. Sure, we took a break from the office, but do you think we actually took a break from our C&C Dream Team Group Chat? No way. 

1989 was the first year a turkey was given a presidential pardon. And other odd facts about the world's ugliest bird. 

Chrissy Teigen is rarely wrong. And she is def not wrong about turkey. 

Turkey talk aside, since this week was all about giving thanks. We're throwing it back to this nun who took matters into her own hands. We are sure grateful for her holy badassery.

It's always hard to get back on track the week following time off. For one, there's no pie. So, stop doing meta-work.  

There's one day left to nab amazing deals from the C&C x Google Store. Did we purchase items from our own gift guide this weekend? Not even gonna pretend on this one. Yeah. We did. 

Want more? Check back every Sunday night. We're always reading the good stuff. 

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How Bri Emery Plans to Work More Effectively (Yes, Even Over the Holidays)

Bri Emery's life is a Design. Love. Fest. She designed it that way. As the Los Angeles-based founder and editor of designlovefest, her lifestyle blog that she says was never supposed to be her day job. 

But since her first post in 2009, she's collabed with Target, art director for Benefit Cosmetics, Gap, Nespresso and so many more. She even launched a limited run wine brand in the summer of 2016. Does that make you need a drink?

We checked in with the powerhouse creative to see how she handles the stress of work and holidays. Plus, how she's using her Google Home to stay even more on top of her ish. It's her hands-free assistant that's going to help her cook a turkey. We're into it. 

You're so freakin' busy! What’s your trick for staying on top of everything this holiday season?

I’ve learned my lesson not to completely bombard myself with tasks right before the holidays, because then I usually get sick the moment I have some time to relax. I’m staying on top of my to-do list this year and trying to finish up jobs earlier, so that the transition is less abrupt. The holidays are so important to be with the people we love and enjoy our down time.

We spy a Google Home. How did you think it will streamline your life and biz?

I love how it’s there to answer any little question I have. What’s the weather like in a city I’m traveling to for work? What’s on my calendar today? Setting reminders for appointments. It’s always helping me out.

Google has something for everyone on your list. To see our full Google Gift Guide click here. 

Ok, so any little question.... What’s was the first question you asked your Google Home?

Hey Google, "How do I cook a turkey!?"

Where are you using your Google Home the most? How is Google Home making your life easier?

I use my Google Home in the kitchen mostly. I'm constantly playing music while I’m cooking, using it for a timer, or asking it questions like "Hey Google, how many teaspoons in an ounce?” It’s like my sous chef!

What else can you do with it? What are your favorite podcasts to listen to on your Google Home?

I’ve been listening to the podcast “Where Should We Begin” with Esther Perel. She gives a peek at relationship counseling and has awesome communication advice. It’s fascinating. I also became obsessed with the crime podcast “Up and Vanished.”

Don't miss out, Friday to Monday Google is offering all kinds of holiday deals. 

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How Whitney Leigh Morris Is Staying Connected This Season

Whitney Leigh Morris and her Google Wifi. 

Whitney Leigh Morris and her Tiny Canal cottage are expanding. It's true. The woman who has perfected the art of TINY living, is branching out-- with an extra couple hundred feet. It might not sound like much to you, but for Whitney, her husband, baby, and two dogs, it's going to be a game-changer. So she's also changing up her wifi situation because she works from home. As Whitney shares, "A strong Google Wifi signal is the single most important factor in creating these efficient little pop-up offices.

What’s your technique for staying on top of everything this holiday season?

This time of year is delightfully tricky— there is so much more business to manage and wrap-up, and yet there’s also a marked uptick in social events to attend and vacation days to enjoy. The reality of running your own small business in this era is that you’re rarely ever able to fully unplug. But as long as my digital files are efficiently organized and synchronized, it is quick and painless to oversee activations, reply to requests and inquiries, and keep projects rolling from my phone over the holidays. When I can manage all of my tasks without having to open my laptop our power-up my desktop, I feel like I’m balancing the work/play nature of December.

What Christmas movies will you be streaming with your Google wifi?

I’m excited to show my son and his cousins "Christmas Eve on Sesame Street." It’s from the ‘70s, but that Jim Henson magic never fades. (We don’t have a TV, so we’ll stream the movie on my computer and project it on a screen or wall near the tree.)

Google has something for everyone on your list. To see our full Google Gift Guide click here. 

You’re expanding your space, so why is Google Wifi the smartest choice for your expansion?

Our cottage is also my full-time office and studio, so I’m constantly working to varying degrees while at home. We recently acquired the neighboring tiny house as an expansion, and even though our increased square footage only totals under 800, our wifi signal now has to carry through exterior walls, and even reach into our “new” front garden. Before using Google Wifi, the strongest signal was near my desktop computer. But as my business continues to expand, and as my family’s daily routines evolve, I need to have flexible, functional work stations for myself and others throughout the cottages. A strong Google Wifi signal is the single most important factor in creating these efficient little pop-up offices.

Don't miss out, Friday to Monday Google is offering all kinds of holiday deals. 

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How Simply Cyn Is Keeping It All Together Over the Holidays

Simply Cyn and her Google Home Mini. 

Need a little handsfree help this holiday season? Everyone does. Including Cynthia Andrew AKA @SimplyCyn, who is a fan of the Google Home Mini for more reasons than one. We checked in with the full time blogger and lawyer on how her Google Home Mini is helping her keep it together. 

What’s your trick for staying on top of everything this holiday season?

Staying organized for me means calendaring, setting alarms/reminders and making lists.

What’s the first question you’re gonna ask your Google Home Mini?

Hey Google, can you please set the following reminders.... long list to follow.

How do you think your Google Home Mini will help you balance your two FT jobs?

It's easy to get distracted or completely absorbed in one so you have to set specific boundaries and timelines for different projects. Sometimes, I have to force myself to move away from one in order to dedicate the appropriate amount of time and energy to the other.

Google has something for everyone on your list. To see our full Google Store Gift Guide click here. 

What feature of your Google Home Mini are you most excited to use and why?

I love to use the pure speaker function at night and mornings to stream music. It'll most likely just be me playing rain sounds before bedtime.

How does your Google Home Mini make your life easier?

Quick access to Google Assistant - I’m on-the-go and sometimes just need to know what’s happened with emails, my calendar, traffic or weather- it’s a real game changer.

Don't miss out, Friday to Monday Google Store is offering all kinds of holiday deals.

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How Kristin Ess Is Streamlining Her Crazy Busy Life This Season

Kristin Ess and her Google Home.

We all get by with a little help from our friends. And this holiday season, you just might want to consider Google Home your BFF. It's hands-free help. You can ask it questions. Tell it to do things. Make it play your favorite jams. Time your turkey so perfectly that your mom-in-law asks you for the recipe. OR. If you're a working BOSS like Kristin Ess who launched her Target line last year and styles the coifs of babes like Lucy Hale and Create & Cultivate keynote Lauren Conrad lives by her schedule.

Find out why the hard-working redhead says she "almost died" of happiness when she found out Google Home can do this...

How do you think your Google Home will streamline your life? Your biz?

I'm used to opening 5-7 apps on my phone first thing in the morning alone-- emails, my schedule, I turn on music/news, read my to-do lists for the day, adjust the temperature in my studio, etc... I always thought it was incredibly convenient to be able to do those things by phone, but the fact that I can now just request these things vocally into "thin air” it allows me to keep moving and truly helps me multitask, which I’m not naturally good at.

What’s your trick for staying on top of everything this holiday season? Can you list 2-3 ways you are juggling the busy season + incorporate google home into one response?

First things first, I almost died when I figured out I can ask her to make me various shopping lists because I have a lot of people to shop for these days, running 3 different business, and I can’t manage the all on one list, so that’s exciting. Second, I love that I can say “Hey Google, how long do I cook a sweet potato?” or “Hey Google, what’s in a hot toddy?” and it tells me the most popular results and/or gives me a recipe. That is incredibly helpful to me when I have people over. I don’t necessarily have time to stop and look it up. Last but certainly not least, I can keep that Michael Buble, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston and Justin Bieber holiday mix flowing like fine wine.

What’s your #1 jam to play while clients are in your chair?

There’s not one jam. It’s just Aretha, Alabama Shakes and Adele all day, every day in my chair.

What’s was the first question you asked your Google Home? Hey Google...

I asked her to play NPR radio. I like to listen to the news while I set up for my day— it gives me interesting topics to discuss with people.

How does your Google Home make your life easier as a hair stylist?

My hands are always busy when I’m in the salon and my assistant is always doing a million things as well, so there’s not a lot of time for using my phone, tablet or computer because you literally need hands to do that! I love being able to vocally set timers for client’s colors, I can ask when my next client is coming, shout out a Google Search (because if you’ve ever been in a salon you know we discuss very random things in the chair sometimes), I can order food, we can verbally order inventory, which is a life changer, and when my client is cold or warm I can adjust the temperature for them. I’m also constantly losing my phone around the studio so it’s really nice that I can ask, "Hey, Google, call my phone for me."

Google has something for everyone on your list. To see our full Google Gift Store Guide click here. 

Don't miss out, Friday to Monday Google Store is offering all kinds of holiday deals. 

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The Skinny Confidential Spills Her Holiday Work From Home Hacks

Lauryn Evarts of The Skinny Confidential and her Google Pixelbook.

Lauryn Evarts, founder and oh-so-tells-it-like-it-is voice behind The Skinny Confidential, knows how to keep it real. From sharing advice on her blog to running her podcast, "The Skinny Confidential Him and Her Podcast," with hubby Michale Bosstick, she's a busy babe who needs to keep things steamlined (the best she can). 

Plus she's the perfect person to give us the low-down on avoiding awkward family interactions over the Holidays.

Do you have any tips for avoiding awkward family small talk at the table? No. Aunt Helen, not appropriate.

OH AUNT HELEN. WE ALL HAVE A HELEN, RIGHT? I mean really can we all agree we all have that one person who has too much Pinot Noir & brings up drama from 1989? My rule of thumb is not to stay too long anywhere- we move around & move around in conversations too. If someone brings up something you don't want to talk about? Simply slowly exit the conversation. I don't like to argue- you know I'm not the type to fight fire with fire. I've always preferred to slowly back away as opposed to cutting anything off. This concept very much applies to Thanksgiving. You know what I mean? Also my chilled glass of champagne never hurt a flea.

What’s your trick for staying on top of everything this holiday season?

TIME-BLOCKING! This is this amazing, simple hack that's changed the game for me. Basically I carry a big time cube in my oversized handbag (I even did a big blog post on this subject & now a bunch of The Skinny Confidential readers do this too!). Anyway it comes in handy because I use it to block time off ( for instances 1 hour of e-mails when I wake up ). For one hour you're only allowed to focus on the one task you pick. No phone, no distractions, no other tasks besides the one you choose, sorry! I know, sounds painful but it really ups the efficiency. Seriously helps so much during the holiday seasons when there's so much distraction. I'm very much a "oh how cute a puppy, wait OMG- did you see that squirrel?" type of person. Distracted is my middle name so yes, a time cube certainly helps. Let's just say they will be in the entire family's stocking stuffer this year.

What about hacks for getting work done when you’re surrounded by friends and fam?

This is hard. I want to write a biography on this. It would be called: Hacks For Getting Work Done When You’re Surrounded By Friends and Fam: A Memoir.

Seriously sometimes I edit an Instagram in the bathroom? Just being real here. 

I REALLY try to get all my work done so I can put my phone away at parties with friends and family. My latest is to take IG Stories and save them and then post when I have some time to myself. And then there are times when you just need to go outside and do what you gotta do.  

What feature of the Google Pixelbook are you most excited to use?

THE PEN GIVES ME LIFE.

I've never been more excited for an accessory. Like screw shoes and handbags! All I want is a Google Pixelbook Pen. How chic is it in white? Before I got it I envisioned myself in business meeting with my white Google Pixelbook and the matching Google Pixelbook Pen. It was a very clear vision and now I throw it in my handbag (next to the time cube) and head to meetings.  As you can imagine I feel very cool when I whip out my pen to take notes.

You travel so much, how do you think it will streamline your travel days?

Honestly, the Google Pixelbook will be so amazing for travel. I actually SCREAMED when I got it in the mail. For one it will fit perfect in my black travel backpack and for two it's lightweight and so easy to use. Since we travel so much for work it's ideal for writing blog posts on-the-go. There's nothing better than a long red eye flight with a fast Internet, a glass of champagne, and side of plane peanuts- this is heaven for me. The Google Pixelbook will make my dreams come true while I'm flying. As you can see, I'm overly excited for how it will streamline my travel days.

But let's be honest what I really love is it's white, chic...AND has a Pen!

Google has something for everyone on your list. To see our full Google Gift Store Guide click here. 

Don't miss out, Friday to Monday Google Store is offering all kinds of holiday deals. 

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The Girl From Panama on How to Handle Holiday Travel

Pam Hetlinger and her Google Pixel 2. 

Pam Hetlinger is The Girl From Panama, a blog dedicated to providing fashion trends, beauty tips and travel destinations in an attainable yet elegant aesthetic.

Pam’s global experience working in London, San Francisco and Panama, in both the beauty and fashion industry, have helped her establish a unique brand and source of inspiration for a large group of dedicated buyers and followers.

Now she's living in Los Angeles and after one year in the City of Angels, she's having a blast. And taking amazing pics to prove it. 

How does having a Google Pixel 2 make your life + work easier?

Having the new Google Pixel 2 has enhanced my life greatly! With so much happening in my life with being so busy, it really helps to have a phone that’s just as eager to work hard as I am.

What feature of the Google Pixel 2 are you most excited to use? (#1 rated smartphone camera, quick + long lasting charger, Google Assistant in your pocket...)

The feature I’m most excited about on the Google Pixel 2 is without a doubt the long lasting charge and the camera. Its camera is rated #1 smartphone camera for a reason! Having the extra long battery life makes working on my phone so much easier. I’m always on-the-go, and sometimes bringing a charger with me isn’t my priority! Thankfully I won’t have to worry about that anymore. Also, I'm so excited to use the song identifier. Listening to music is a great way of keeping me stress-free throughout the day. Having a program that identifies songs near me makes all of the difference in the world!

What are your "can’t live without" apps that will go on your Google Pixel 2?

Instagram, Spotify, Uber, VSCO, to name a few!

What’s your trick for staying on top of everything this holiday season?

I live each day through a schedule, so in order to stay on top of everything, I write everything I need to do each day on a calendar! Another wonderful feature of the Google Pixel 2 :)

Google has something for everyone on your list. To see our full Google Gift Store Guide click here. 

Don't miss out, Friday to Monday Google Store is offering all kinds of holiday deals. 

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How Nicolette Mason Is Taking Her Pix to the Next Level

Nicolette Mason and her Google Pixel 2. 

With her blog, her writing career, and her new line Premme, Nicolette Mason has a lot of pics to take. And how better to capture all of her content than with Google Pixel 2, rated the #1 camera on the market?

What photos are you most excited to capture on the Google Pixel 2?

I was immediately blown away by the camera and display quality on the Google Pixel 2. The videos and photos are crystal clear and look like they were shot on professional DSLRs, and are pretty amazing in low light. Every since launching Premme, we’ve relied on our built-in phone cameras to capture IRL moments of our clothing, shooting inspiration, and getting clear photos and BTS during our campaign shoots. It’s so great to know I have the tools to capture them right in my pocket!

Can’t live without apps that you’re adding to your Google Pixel 2 right away?

This is kind of nerdy, but I really do live and die by my Google Drive. Because I work on the go so much, I need to be able to access my docs while I’m running around from one meeting (or coast) to the next. Besides that, I love VSCO for editing my pics, and also love that there are really amazing mobile versions of Photoshop available.

How does having a Google Pixel 2 make your life + work easier?

I don’t always have a free hand, but the Google Assistant really does act like an assistant in my pocket. When I’m driving or just in serious multitask mode, I can ask the Google Assistant to help me out. A big one for me is, “Hey, Google, what’s on my calendar?” or, “Hey, Google, read me my latest emails.”

What feature of the Google Pixel 2 are you most excited to use? (#1 rated smartphone camera, quick + long lasting charger, Google Assistant in your pocket)

So, the first three days I had the Google Pixel 2, I literally charged it... ONE TIME. It charges up in less than 20 minutes, so I don’t feel like I’m attached to a landline. Time is my most precious resource, lately, so anything that helps me save time is a huge win.

What’s your trick for staying on top of everything this holiday season?

I put literally EVERYTHING in my Google Calendar - from wake up times, to travel distances to meetings, to little reminders of things I need to do throughout the day. It keeps me organized and on track for all my personal and professional deadlines and commitments.

Google has something for everyone on your list. To see our full Google Gift Store Guide click here. 

Don't miss out, Friday to Monday Google Store is offering all kinds of holiday deals. 

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Why Bianca Alexa Plans to Daydream A Lot This Holiday Season

Bianca Alexa and her Google Daydream.  

What are you most excited to use your Google Daydream View  for?

I'm most excited to use the Google Daydream View to unwind and watch Netflix while I'm in bed with a pint of Ice cream :)  

What’s your trick for staying on top of everything this holiday season?

Asking my husband to remind me of important dates so I don't forget. That and saving everything in my calendar, especially when my schedule gets so packed. It's easy to lose track of deadlines and important dates so I am constantly setting reminders and alarms to help me stay on top of it.

Google has something for everyone on your list. To see our full Google Gift Store Guide click here. 

Don't miss out, Friday to Monday Google Store is offering all kinds of holiday deals. 

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