My Favorite Thing: Sassy Magazine

This Monday, I want to share with you something very near and dear to my heart- Sassy Magazine circa 1988-1994.

I spent most of the late 80s and early 90s a shy, overly sensitive, awkward girl. I was a far cry from homecoming queen, or a popular kid. Sassy helped me to embrace, and even celebrate, my "oddness". It opened my eyes to the the alternative subculture, and introduced me to an entire new genre of music, movies, literature, and fashion.

Looking back, I am surprised that Sassy magazine existed at all. It was a girl-power, alt culture, feminist magazine aimed at teens and young women. Sassy was an inclusive voice in an exclusive world. All shapes and sizes, races, and sexual preferences were welcome to read, it did not discriminate. Also, the writers at Sassy had a wicked sense of humour :)

Sassy has a major cult following, from teen fashion blogger Tavi Gevinson (who has created a "modern day" Sassy in Rookie), to multiple badass Tumblr blogs that pay homage to the magazine. It makes me happy that a new generation of young women have discovered Sassy, and the independent mindset in encapsulates.

Here are some random Sassy covers and nuggets to share. As you can see, Sassy was not all seriousness and politics. It was quite a fun read as well :)

April 1994 Note the rad article "How to Start Your Very Own Band" (image from Sassy Scans)

Juliana Hatfield on the September 1992 cover

November 1992 Election Special

 Chloe Sevigny was an intern (image courtesy of Suicide Blonde Tumblr)

Make Tuna Tacos with Sonic Youth (Image courtesy of Sassy Scans)

 How to Be A Drummer Article (courtesy of Sassy Scans)

This dress is still pretty cute (image courtsey of Sassy Scans)

I've noticed many bloggers reminiscing fondly of the 1990s. Many of these posts are laced with Saved by The Bell and Backstreet Boys references. While I'm totally cool with that, the 90's to me are more about this:

If asked what pop culture image represents the 90s, for me it would be this cover of Sassy. It is everything :)

What has shaped me to be who I am today? First and foremost, my Mom who raised me on her own, and taught me how to be an independant lady.  Secondly, it would be Sassy Magazine.

Thanks for stopping by!
Adrienne

My Favorite Thing: Betsey Johnson Bags

Hello Again!

By now, most of us fashion lovers know that Betsey Johnson filed for bankruptcy back in April. This news broke my heart for both Betsey's employees and for Betsey herself, as I am a long time fan of her clothing and accessories.

Betsey is such a fun, funky, and hopeful presence in the fashion world, that many fashion insiders look for her company to make a comeback. The Betsey Johnson line is still sold in select department stores and online retailers (such as Nordstom, Dillard's, and Zappos), and I hope this is enough to keep her brand alive for the time being.

I took a look at the current Betsey Johnson line styles available, and found some cute things. (I mostly collect her bags, so that's what I had my eye one while writing this post.)

Fruit-y Tote

Mine & Yours Dome Satchel

Zip It Up Weekend Tote

Teal Spot On Satchel

Mine & Yours iPad Case

I no longer can find any info on her less expensive and funkier accessories line, Betseyville. I see a few pieces for sale here and there online, but it looks like the retailers are clearing out the merchandise. Hopefully Betseyville will be resurrected again in the very near future.

I wanted to share some of my Betseyville/Betsey Johnson bag collection. Warning-I love purses more than your average woman.

Have a great week!
Adrienne

My Favorite Thing: Mac and Cheese

I thought it was time for another "My Favorite Things" feature, AND to share a recipe, so here goes!

I began making macaroni and cheese at holiday gatherings about 6 or 7 years ago. Over the years I have become somewhat well known (at least in my family) for my yummy dish.

When I speak of mac and cheese, I'm not referring to that powdered Kraft stuff, I am referring to homemade, baked, mac and cheese. There is a time and a place for the pre-fab stuff, but my opinion, it is not for special occasions.

Looking back, mac and cheese was was never one of my mom's favorite holiday dishes. I do remember my grandmother making it when I was little. Her macaroni and cheese was beyond amazing. It was a meal in itself; rich, nourishing, and comforting. My grandmother did not teach me to make her recipe, but I like to think that her recipe is recorded somewhere in my DNA, as my dish is very similar to hers.

 I last made macaroni and cheese on Christmas Day, and took a few photos to write a quick blog post. Yep, back on Christmas Day. Slacker much?

I've used different recipes over the years, but I think the best one I've made so far is the Fannie Farmer's Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese I found here.

1 (8 ounce) package macaroni

4 tablespoons butter

4 tablespoons flour

1 cup milk

1 cup cream

1/2 teaspoon salt

fresh ground black pepper, to taste

2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded good quality

1/2 cup breadcrumbs, buttered

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Cook and drain macaroni according to package directions; set aside.

3. In a large saucepan melt butter

4. Add flour mixed with salt and pepper, using a whisk to stir until well blended.

5. Pour milk and cream in gradually; stirring constantly.

6. Bring to boiling point and boil 2 minutes (stirring constantly).
7. Reduce heat and cook (stirring constantly) 10 minutes.
8. Add shredded cheddar little by little and simmer an additional 5 minutes, or until cheese melts.




9. Turn off flame.
10. Add macaroni to the saucepan and toss to coat with the cheese sauce.

11. Transfer macaroni to a buttered baking dish.

12. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs. (I omitted this part)
13. Bake 20 minutes until the top is golden brown

And there you have it! Pretty and golden and yummmm! What is your favorite comfort food?

Adrienne

My Favorite Thing: Redheads

So, my favorite thing/people this week are redheads. I realize that sentence might sound a bit pervry, but I promise I don't mean it in that way! I am just a bit obsessed with the beauty that is red hair.

Redheads have endured quite a bit of grief throughout early history, with accusations of witchcraft, volatile tempers, and uncontrolled passions. At least modern times have been a bit kinder. Here are some of my favorite redheads:

Christina Hendricks

Isla Fisher

Amy Adams

 Ann Margret

Rita Hayworth

I was not lucky enough to be born with red tresses. My natural color is a dark brown, but I took care of that when I was 15 years old. I spent the weekend with my friend at her family's beach condo, and decided it was time to become the redhead I had always dreamed of being. So, I bought a bottle or two of L'oreal's Copper Penny, and made it happen. I lied to my mom and told her I had just put a bit of Sun-In in my hair. Somehow that seemed more innocent.

Over the past 20 years, my hair was been dark brown, platinum blonde, and now back to a copper red.  What hair dye do I use? It is Feria #74, Copper Shimmer.

Hope you are all enjoying your day :)


Adrienne

My Favorite Thing: Instagram....and Lola-Rocks Cyber Monday Sale!

Yes, I am a bit late to the Instagram party. Once we upgraded our iPhones (and I now have a camera with a flash) it is on! I tend to overdo it a bit with the filters.

Does anyone notice how Instagram compells you to take photos of randomness?

Before I forget, our website, Lola-Rocks Clothing, is having a Cyber Monday Sale! 20% off of all items, just use coupon code CYBER at checkout.

Enjoy the random Instagram images below, and follow me on Instagram at "lolarocksme":

 Me and Aron, smiling because the lights are up.....and we are getting Pei Wei for dinner

 Fave childhood ornament

 Artwork which sums it up

 Anniversary roses from Aron

Our reindeer

Hope you all had a fab Thanksgiving, and have as rad a Monday as possible. For me, I will be packing orders for about 6 hours, and trying to limit my diet to yogurt and salads, at least for a few days :)

Adrienne

My Favorite Things: Halloween Edition

Happy Halloween my lovely readers! This weeks My Favorite Thing is Halloween, of course :)

First, I want to share some Halloween party photos with you. Our friends The Ellers were nice enough to invite us along to the The Pate's Halloween Party last Saturday. The Pate's throw an amazing Halloween party every year, and this years' theme was White Trash. For whatever reason, I wasn't really feeling a costume-I played it safe with a skeleton tee and jeans. Boo to me!

 Me dancing toward Tracy and Aron making his Muppet face. Tracy says this photo captures our essences perfectly, and she is correct :)

 Me and Tracy

 Ben has light up fingers!

The dancing

Too much fun was had by all, and I woke up Sunday with a wicked hangover.

So, let's discuss Halloween movies, shall we? What are your favorite horror films? Here are my top five:

1)The Shining

2)The Exorcist

3)The Grudge (both the Japanese and American versions)

4)28 Days Later

5)Shaun of the Dead (but that is more comedy)

Happy Halloween!

Adrienne

My Favorite Things: Pamela Love Jewelry

I have recently stated that I need to start a new blog feature titled "Shit I Can't Afford". It looks like Pamela Love Jewelry falls into that category. But a girl can dream, can't she?

I am fascinated by Pamela Love's Classic Collection: the bird claws, talons, and the snake necklaces have such an amazing, organic feel. Maybe the eagle claw necklace will be a Christmas present from my fabulous husband? We'll see.....

Thanks for stopping by :)
Adrienne