Jenna Boron of Balance + Chaos
If you are obsessed with fashion, hair and makeup Instagrams then you need to be following Jenna Boron. Each picture gives you total outfit/makeup envy. Not only is Jenna’s Instagram amazing, but so is her blog Balance + Chaos. It is everything you could ever want in one place, fashion, food, makeup and life advice. Managing a full-time career in nursing and a full-time career in running a blog sounds daunting, but Jenna makes it look easy (and does it with amazing fashion sense, of course!)
MM: What’s in a name? Why did you choose the title Balance + Chaos for your blog?
JB: I dedicated a lot of time and thought into choosing what I like to call “my brand”. If you ask any of my close friends or family members, they will laugh and say that I am the definition of “balanced chaos”. And that is exactly what I want! You can read more about me and why I chose my name here but it’s pretty self-explanatory.
I strive for Balance and Chaos to be a real and relatable corner of the internet. My goal is to promote a healthy lifestyle while remembering that we are human beings.
I never wanted to be one of those cookie-cutter lifestyle bloggers who try to convince their readers to use 101 different health and beauty routines. Let’s be real — there is no way that we have time to do ALL OF THAT! I only share what works for me and what I believe is useful or interesting for my readers. Food-wise, I share a ton of “Skinni-Minis” but I never forget to toss in the occasional “Cheat Day” recipe. What would be the fun in that!? And as far as my fashion-related blog posts, I recognize that my personal style may not be for everyone but that’s what makes it fun. Style is definitely a form of expression for me.
Basically, I am inconsistently consistent and I like to believe that most of us are, too.
MM: How and why did you get started in blogging?
JB: I’m asked this question all of the time and every time I tell myself I’m going to come up with a good answer!
I always had a creative side that I kept dormant. I’m actually a very private person so creating a public blog was somewhat uncomfortable for me. With the encouragement of a close girlfriend, we decided that it would be the perfect outlet to dabble in writing, amateur photography, fashion, cooking, and all things creative that I loved to do. B&C has changed immensely since day one and continues to grow in different directions. I’m excited to see what other opportunities will be presented to me through it. It’s been a ton of fun!
MM: When did your interest in fashion begin?
JB: It sounds cliche, but I’ve been into shopping/clothes since I was little. I’ve definitely had my share of fashion no-nos, though. You know – the typical awkward teenage phases. I still don’t consider myself a fashion pro, though. I’m not here to tell anyone what I think they should and shouldn’t wear. I believe that owning your style is the most important. Forget the trends, forget the passing fads — be you. My style is constantly changing. Right now I’m feeling the edgy, more masculine look. I like to just go with my mood of the day.
MM: You often post recipes on your blog, what is your favorite splurge recipe?
JB: Right now I am hooked on my Caprese Avocado Toast (pictured right) recipe. But let’s be real — if I’m splurging, to heck with the cooking, I’m picking up fries or a pepperoni pizza. Cheese is my weakness.
MM: How about your favorite “skinny-mini” recipe?
JB: My favorite “Skinni-Mini” recipe from B&C is my Panzanella Salad. I first tried this dish at The Summit in Mt. Washington and had to recreate it at home the very next day. Who would have thought that a giant bowl of chopped up vegetables with vinegar would be addictive? It’s definitely a must-try!
MM: What is your must- have fall staple for this season?
JB: Neutrals, destroyed black denim, chunky turtlenecks, and anything over-sized on the top. I am also a black shoe addict. I am crazy about my over the knee boots this season.
MM: What are your guilty pleasures?
JB:Kelly and Michael, Impractical Jokers, caffeine, rap music, writing restaurant reviews (embarrassing), dry shampoo, cheese.
MM:You list “me time” as one of your loves in your about me. How do you spend your “me time?”
JB: Don’t get me wrong, I love my friends and family but sometimes I need to shut down. I love being alone. It’s healthy and good for the soul. This might sound weird but I like to get really clean — I’m talking 30 minute shower, intense exfoliation, tons of moisturizer clean — and lay mindlessly with a candle lit. There’s nothing better than feeling fresh. I’ll also settle for a solo-shopping spree.
MM: You are also what you call a “kiddie nurse,” how do you balance your blog with your career?
JB: Yes! I mainly work with pediatric brain and spinal cord injuries. It has definitely been interesting trying to find balance between my full time career and B&C. Working various shifts already has my brain in a state of confusion so it makes it difficult at times. I just try to stay prioritized and remind myself that I can only do so much.
MM: What does your perfect day look like?
JB: An uninterrupted cup of coffee paired with my favorite morning television. A good hair day. Good company. Lots of laughs. Good music. Good food.
MM:What is your daily beauty routine?
JB:I exfoliate with a Clarisonic and a gentle cleanser. I try to use toner pads at least 1x/day and I make sure to moisturize any time I cleanse. I am an anti-wrinkle freak!
I love trying new products so my makeup routine changes bi-monthly. Right now I use MAC foundation products, Urban Decay mascara, and Anastasia for my brows. I’m not a huge fan of eye shadow so I usually skip that step. I am forever devoted to MAC for my liners and sticks. I curl my hair with a thick wand pretty much every day. I’ve mastered the art of loose curls so it really only takes me 6 minutes max. My signature scent right now is Flowerbomb by Viktor & Rolf.
MM: Describe your style in 1 word.
JB: Mine.
MM:You made a comment in a blog post that you are still not completely comfortable in front of the camera, but looking at your pictures you would never guess! What advice do you have on the importance of self-confidence?
JB: Thank you! At times I am still mega-awkward in front of the camera. You should see some of the blooper photos that never make it to B&C! I always make sure to tell people that I am not a model, I am just showcasing my personal style.
B&C has basically forced me to have more self-confidence. For me personally, stepping outside
of my comfort zone has helped me to be more assure of myself. I’ve attended a handful of uncomfortable events, met a ton of cyber-strangers and photographers, and have done various “things” that I never would have imagined myself doing two years ago if it weren’t for blogging. Don’t get me wrong, I still have plenty of insecurities. It is so unhealthy to constantly compare yourself to others so I try not to fall into that behavior.
MM:Who is your biggest inspiration?
JB: My mom. She is the total opposite of me in some ways so it’s funny! I always say that my dad is more like me than she is. My mom doesn’t like spending money on materialistic stuff, doesn’t go out of her way to pamper herself, and knows slim to nothing about style. But most importantly, she reminds me to stay kind, humble and respectful.
MM: Favorite store to shop at locally?
JB: I am a total Urban Outfitter’s addict but I love No. 14 Boutique in Lawrenceville and Rosewood Boutique in Sewickley.
MM: What is your life motto?
JB: I’ve always loved the phrase “revel in the chaos”. Life would be so boring if it always went the way we hoped or expected.
MM: What is your most maniac moment?
JB: Probably the summer I lived at the beach with 5 of my girlfriends. I literally shared a single full-sized bed with my best friend because it’s all we could afford. Best summer of my life.
Subscribe to Balance + Chaos here and follow Jenna on Instagram here.
Photography by: Nicole Jarock / Chancelor Humphrey / Jenn Ott
