Read Up: Create & Cultivate Book Club
We could wax on forever about the virtues of books: they're portable, they feel good in your hands, they look good in your apartment, they give you a chance to get off the internet—and most importantly—you learn something. That's why we're kicking off Create & Cultivate Book Club! Each month, we'll pick a book (we're also open to suggestions!) and invite you to read along, and in a couple of weeks, we'll check back in to see what you think. At the end of the month, we'll wrap it up and discuss how/if the book was applicable to us and what we were able to apply.
We could wax on forever about the virtues of books: they're portable, they feel good in your hands, they look good in your apartment, they give you a chance to get off the internet—and most importantly—you learn something. That's why we're kicking off Create & Cultivate Book Club! Each month, we'll pick a book (we're also open to suggestions!) and invite you to read along, and in a couple of weeks, we'll check back in to see what you think. At the end of the month, we'll wrap it up and discuss how/if the book was applicable to us and what we were able to apply.
Our first book is The Crossroads of Should and Must by Elle Luna. A designer who worked at startups such as Medium, Uber and Mailbox, Elle left her full-time job to become an artist, and first wrote about should and must on Medium. In the hugely popular essay, she defined 'should' as "how others want us to show up in the world" and 'must' as "what happens when we stop conforming to other people's ideals and start connecting to our own." These two concepts are recognizable to anyone who's ever felt like their career didn't match up to who they were, and especially to any entrepreneur who's ever decided to pursue their passion only to hear "Here's what you should do..." a million times.
Through writing, quotes, and illustrations, Elle takes the reader through her journey and offers tips and tools for recognizing the shoulds and musts in their own lives.
We're excited to dive in! If you're reading along, let us know your thoughts in the comment section below or @ us with #ccreadup.
#CreateCultivateCHI City Guide: Sequins & Stripes
By now, you know that we're super excited to head to the Windy City for #createcultivateCHI! We asked C+C Mentor—and one of our favorite Chi-town bloggers—Liz Adams of Sequins & Stripes, for some must-see spots while we're in town.
Read below for her top spots from dog-watching to pregnancy cravings and catch Liz in person at Create + Cultivate on August 15th. Ah! So soon!
By now, you know that we're super excited to head to the Windy City for #createcultivateCHI! We asked C+C Mentor—and one of our favorite locals—blogger Liz Adams of Sequins & Stripes, for some must-see spots while we're in town.
Read below for her top spots from dog-watching to pregnancy cravings and catch Liz in person at Create + Cultivate on August 15th. Ah! So soon!
Best Saviour for a Sweet Tooth
"Jeni's Ice Cream, Bobtail, and Sprinkles Cupcakes are my favorite spots to curb my sweet tooth!"
Best Street Style Photo-Op
"Chicago is filled with fun street art, skyline views, parks, and cute shops. The Greetings From mural is a perfect photo backdrop."
Best Sunday Shopping
"My favorite shopping spots in Chicago are Oak Street, the shops on Damen Avenue, and the Southport Corridor. Filled with beautiful boutiques, tasty restaurants, and everything in between."
Best Cheat Day Grub
"Two words: Doughnut Vault. My weekend weakness."
Best Long Walk with the Dog
"On most days you'll find me walking our chocolate lab, Webster, throughout Lincoln Park. I love that you get a mix of lakefront, nature trails, and parks all in one."
Best Place for a Coffee Meeting
"I'm always in need of a quick caffeine fix and Heritage Bicycles, La Colombe, Intelligentsia, and Floriole are ideal for a morning meeting or afternoon pick-me-up."
Best Kept Secret
"I don't think many people realize that Chicago sits on the prettiest lakeshore! Our city is lined with beautiful beaches making summer in Chicago the best!"
Follow Liz on Instagram @liz.adams_ for more fun, food, and fashion in Chicago!
C+C Link Love: Vol 1
Sitting poolside for the 4th of July? Vegging out and binge-watching Netflix on the 5th? Here's a roundup of some of the Create + Cultivate staffer's favorite people, places, and things from the week to keep you busy. Enjoy.
Sitting poolside for the 4th of July? Vegging out and binge-watching Netflix on the 5th?
Here's a roundup of some of the Create + Cultivate staffer's favorite people, places, and things from the week to keep you busy. Enjoy.
Jaclyn, Founder
WORKOUT Before or after work? Which is better for your mood and productivity? Fast Company investigates.
READ DryBar's mega-successful founder Alli Webb's beauty & career advice from Byrdie
READ Got a co-worker who's slacking off? Read this.
Linnea, Intern
HIGH TEA Griffith Park just got a new teahouse with epic views of the city!
ADVISE NY Mag asked 25 famous women for the best advice they've ever given or received.
BINGE If you're still binge-watching OINTB like I am, enjoy this.
Jazzi, Editorial Director
DANCE vicariously or go take a barre class in honor of the incredible Misty Copeland's historical promotion to Principal Dancer in the American Ballet Theater.
FOLLOW @unclesamsung on Instagram. He's like @marniethedog's super-weird counterpart.
READ Peter Nguyen's The Money of Art changed the way I think about my creative work—check out his awesome C+C post on self-publishing too!
Priscilla, Social Media Director
WATCH Still celebrating marriage equality! Obsessed with Beyoncé's #LoveWins dance on her Insta!
DOWNLOAD This app might be even more helpful than your tax lady. Keep track of your earnings, income, and expenses with zen99.
LISTEN After three years, we were due for some new Beach House material. Hear "Sparks", the new single off of their upcoming album Depression Cherry.
Hope, Event Coordinator
FOLLOW @jamieleereardin. She is Dior's resident Beauty Artist and her #dailyscribbles will make you want to start sketching ASAP.
DOWNLOAD Whether you love or hate to cook, Forks Over Knives will be your kitchen BFF. It's an app that takes you from boxed macaroni to Rachel Ray in no time.
READ Nice Is Just a Place in France, a hilarious yet hard truth perspective from The Betches (@betches) on “how to win at basically everything” and why just being nice won't cut it. Read it poolside.
Steph, Director of Events
LISTEN to "10,000 Emerald Pools" by BØRNS. It’s bringing me to zen.
FOLLOW Linda Kim (@itslindak). She is the raddest, baddest, sweetest chic with an eye for design.
READ Los Angeles Stories by Ry Cooder. It's an L.A. noir mystery series and a must-read.