All hail Jenna Lyons

Two days ago, I walked into a Barnes and Noble for a book I had put on hold. As per usual, I was distracted by the lustrous array of magazines in the corner, and let the haze of the covers lure me in. My attention was snagged by the new copy of Fast Company--a magazine I've only read twice in my entire life-- because the woman on its cover. There, in her thick framed, nerdy glasses was Jenna Lyons, staring back at me as I looked at the cover in excitement for the article awaiting me within its pages. The all-white white shirt, pants and bow tie (yes, bow tie) against a white backdrop invited her to blend into the background, but "blending in" isn't exactly Lyon's thing.

So there I stood in my navy, scalloped J.Crew summer dress and jean jacket to match, for twenty minutes reading every word of the article, and with each paragraph I found myself wondering why more people don't talk about Jenna Lyons. In my opinion (as well as that of the magazine) she is the Steve Jobs of J.Crew, transforming brand into a retail monarch reigning over men and women of all ages.

The article was a testament to how much of an inspiration Lyons is for young women. She has been with J.Crew her entire career, starting as the assistant to somone's assistant, and has worked her way up to become executive creative director. She's made fashion relatable, with her eye for creativity and the idea that fashion needs to always be exciting.

I hope you pick up the latest issue of this magazine, and are equally as inspired as I was by Lyons' story and love for her career, along with her fabulous office!

Have a great weekend!

Chocolate banana breakfast power milkshake

Any time I can avoid drinking coffee in the morning I do, especially if I can replace it with a healthy breakfast drink that's going to give me lasting energy throughout the day. Oddly, I only drink coffee for its taste, and it leaves me jittery rather of ready to face the day with an extra spring in my step. 

I try to make one or two green drinks a week (seriously, the amount of kale I eat has to be an overdose of vitamin K), but it's always a little more enticing if you have chocolate incorporated into your breakfast, right? I was inspired by this recipe to make a chocolate breakfast smoothie of my own with oats, bananas and a Carnation Breakfast Essentials packet. Instead of the jittery, not-so-satisfied feel I always get from coffee, this kept me full on its own and ready to start my morning. 

Chocolate banana breakfast power milkshake 

- 1 packet of Carnation Breakfast Essentials powder drink mix in rich chocolate

- 1 1/4 cup skim milk

- 3 ice cubes

- 1 frozen banana

- 1/4 cup uncooked oats 

Pour all ingredients into a blender and blend on high for 30 seconds, or until well blended. 

Photo via

Menswear Wednesday: Blue suits

Justin Timberlake brought sexy back with his #1 hit in 2006, and I think we can all agree that he's brought back the clean-cut look of a suit and tie. His performance at the Grammys with the incorporation of a jazz band gave it a classic, 1950s and 60s era feel that we feel nostalgic for when we watch shows like Mad Men or movies like the original Oceans 11. The color of choice for Justin has been a black suit, but I love the look of these blue suits by Suit Supply.

This company's website does a great job of marketing their items, and their Don Draper-esque models aren't too hard on the eyes either. Are blue suits a must for men this summer? What do you think?

Clockwise from top-left: {1} {2} {3} {4} {5} {6} 

Mom's homemade macaroni and cheese

One thing about my family - we make an amazing homemade macaroni and cheese. I've been eating this for as long as I can remember, and helping my mother make it since I was six-- I have the pictures to prove it! The cheese is made starting from a flour/butter/onion/seasoning salt paste, and I'll be the first to admit that when I first started making this on my own, there were at least three failed attempts. However, looking back I don't know how I could have screwed it up... it's so simple!

Mom's Macaroni and Cheese

Saute:
-2 T white onions
-2 T butter
Then add:
- 2 T flour (and brown all together)
Then add and whisk:
- 3 cups milk
Grate:
- 1 block of Cracker Barrel Sharp Cheddar Cheese and add to mixture, along with 1t onion salt, 1/2t seasoning salt

Boil 3 cups of noodles and pour into baking dish. Pour cheese sauce over noodles and bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.