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Lets be honest, salads can be boring. So I’m always trying to think outside of the box to come up with salad recipes that I’ll thoroughly enjoy, but are beyond easy to make. Enter...
Essential oils have really become a cornerstone for not only my physical health, but my mental and emotional too. They were a core reason I founded our sister brand, The Well Code, and they’ve continued to address just about everything throughout my everyday routine. Natural beauty and personal care, as well as nontoxic cleaning and emotional support are just a few applications for essential oils. And as the seasons and my time diving deeper into essential oils continues to grow, so does the actual oils that I put to use.
As you may remember, I previously shared my top 10 beginner essential oils here in this post. But if you’re like me, deep down the rabbit hole, you’ll appreciate today’s list of summer essential oils that are worth putting on your radar.
At the top of that list? Citronella. The word citronella shouldn’t be new to most of you, as its basically the poster child for summer. Citronella is the oil distilled from the citronella plant, and it’s main use is for keeping bugs at bay this time of year. It’s so potent I’ve made numerous DIY bug sprays—my favorite blend is 15 drops Lemongrass, 15 drops Eucalyptus and 2o drops Citronella mixed with a little witch hazel and water. This spray allows me to actually enjoy my time being outside during these summer night, plus using just essential oils puts my mind at ease knowing I’m not putting anything toxic on my body.
I’ve also included a few others you may not be familiar with, like Carrot Seed and Valor. Carrot seed is a great natural detoxifier and even helps with appearance of aging! Since it has a calming scent, it’s really nice in the diffuser, and paired with Orange and Lavender. And I’m currently adding a few drops to a carrier oil, like jojoba oil, for a daily moisturizer all over. And Valor; my love. It’s one of Young Living’s most popular blends, and it’s incredibly lifting aromatically.
I’m breaking down the rest of my favorite summer essential oils below, and I’d love to hear if you’ve used any of them or have always wanted to try them. Also you can read more and get answers to frequently asked questions about why I chose Young Living here. It’s truly been one of the best decisions I’ve made for myself and my family! Truly, MKR
P.S. Are you interested in essential oils? But never have known where to begin, or have felt overwhelmed? Or have you recently gotten into them, but don’t know what to do now? We’re hosting a fun and casual night of cocktails, conversation and shopping at Waiting on Martha Home on Tuesday, July 25th from 6-7:30 and even doing a little Make & Take for all guests! For more information and to RSVP, click HERE. Space is limited, so hurry and snag your spot.
P.P.S. If you want to take the oily plunge with us over here at Waiting On Martha just sign up for the premium starter kit through this link and we’ll send you a Citronella Oil & Spray Bottle for FREE so you’ll have everything you need to live your best, non-toxic summer life. The premium starter kit has everything you need to begin and stay invested with essential oils; 11 oils and a free diffuser! Once you sign up, just comment below and we’ll get your welcome package all shipped out! xo
Citronella is a relative of Lemongrass, and has a slight citrus scent. As I mentioned above, it’s a great natural solution for bug repellant. But beyond that, it can also be added to your beauty routine as a nourishing moisturizer agent, and it can help freshen indoor spaces too.
If you’re interested in saving 24% and becoming a “wholesale” member, read more here.
Orange has a bright, sweet, citrusy aroma that is really an MVP here. It not only helps clear the mind, it also can help eliminate odor and it’s really just a mood-lifting scent everyone loves.
It also may help reduce the appearances of blemishes, when paired with a light moisturizer. #Score
I absolutely love diffusing this oil. And it’s so affordable, so it’s one of my constants in my monthly Essential Rewards order!
If you’re interested in saving 24% and becoming a “wholesale” member, read more here.
Abundance brings Orange and Ginger together for, what I think is, an irresistible blend. The two were actually used by ancient cultures to attract prosperity and magnify joy and peace, and I can totally get on board with that.
I like to diffuse this in the office to combat any afternoon slump.
If you’re interested in saving 24% and becoming a “wholesale” member, read more here.
This special blend contains 17 therapeutic grade oils, and it promotes harmony in all areas of our life. It’s thought to help us reestablish the connections by balancing the energy centers, or chakras.
I’ve found that it helps ease stress; I just love the scent. I like to keep this one in my bag to directly inhale throughout the day, and sometimes I diffuse it in my office if it’s one of Those Days.
If you’re interested in saving 24% and becoming a “wholesale” member, read more here.
Ylang Ylang has a rich, romantic scent and is known as “Poor Man’s Jasmine.” It’s a popular element in a lot of luxurious perfumes and skin care products, and it smells amazing.
It has moisturizing properties that can work well into your skin care regimen; simply add a few drops to coconut oil for a deep conditioning hair treatment or a few drops with a carrier oil like jojoba oil for all-body nourishment.
I love to diffuse Ylang Ylang for a calming, mood balancing effect, but I also like to add a few drops to the bath for a spa-like experience.
If you’re interested in saving 24% and becoming a “wholesale” member, read more here.
This special blend has a calming, woodsy scent from Black Spruce, Blue Tansy and Frankincense. It’s thought to help bring about a positive attitude in the morning and to help tap into gratitude and contentment at the end of the day.
It’s one of Young Living’s best sellers for a reason; it’s an incredibly versatile oil that I find myself reaching for many times throughout the day. My favorite way to use it is to simply directly inhale it from the bottle or rub a drop or two on my wrists.
If you’re interested in saving 24% and becoming a “wholesale” member, read more here.
This oil has a midly sweet, soft aroma with a hint of something earthy and herbaceous. It’s traditionally been used to help digestion, and it’s thought to be a huge support for a healthy liver. But I just recently learned how wonderful it is for skin and complexion! Carrot seed oil can help bring a bright glow to otherwise dull skin, and it’s gentle enough for all skin types.
I’m currently pairing a few drops with jojoba oil for a daily moisturizer to combat signs of aging.
If you’re interested in saving 24% and becoming a “wholesale” member, read more here.
Featured image, Rustic White for Waiting on Martha
In the thick of wedding season, and with a few special events on the books, I recently found myself at a loss for a go-to source for what to wear to all of these upcoming occasions. And as someone who loves a good excuse to dress up, anything short of extraordinary would never do. With visions of flowy gowns, fluted hems and beaded detailing, I swear I think the wardrobe gods must have heard me when wondering what to wear to a summer wedding. My prayers were answered as the BHLDN team reached out about their new collection, giving me beautiful inspiration for my social calendar.
As you may know, since its launch in 2011, BHLDN has offered more than bridal gowns; the brand has an assortment of dresses perfect for bridesmaids, wedding guests and special occasions. And just last spring, the brand expanded their wedding guest and event collection even further, which now includes top names such as Jenny Yoo, Needle & Threat, Nicole Miller and Watters, as well as a a few pieces that are entirely BHLDN-exclusive.
So with an upcoming beach wedding in mind, I scheduled a private appointment at our Atlanta boutique, where I received a full 60-minutes with a dedicated stylist that helped me with sizing advice and recommendations on styles and accessories. You don’t typically need to make an appointment to try on bridesmaids or event dresses, but you absolutely can if you’re looking for additional guidance on look you’re going for.
The styling appointment was truly a refreshing run to the dressing room; I received personalized attention and tips that gave me options I never would have imagined on my own. While I chose the stunning Inesse Dress as shown above, I was especially smitten with the detailing on the Marina Dress and the Anessa Dress—how amazing would these be at a garden wedding?—and the Nevena Dress for a black-tie affair.
I shared my favorite picks via Instagram Stories and was blown away by everyone’s helpful comments and engagement! I received a lot of comments from you all about not wearing white or neutrals to a wedding in risk of offending the bride, and I must say I’ve always agreed with that stance. While the dress I chose at the end of the day, pictured above, shows more white than it is, I was confident in the fact that it’s a truly floral dress. I wasn’t worried about offending the bride, as I know her well. I think everyone should take that into consideration when they’re selecting a dress that could be seen as similar to a wedding gown; know the bride and if she wouldn’t be comfortable with it, then don’t wear it!
While you can see the one I decided on, I’m sharing the rest of my top picks below, along with tips for specific weddings they’d be perfect for. And I must say: the little white number was a HUGE hit with all of you, and again I must clarify that this would be best for the bride at the rehearsal dinner or even an elopement! It was the #1 choice from everyone via IG Stories; it got the most votes but caused the most controversy. I actually almost bought this for date night; it’s just so good on other levels!
Dreaming of a donning a BHLDN dress for a wedding or event this summer? I’d love to know which styles you’re eyeing! Truly, MKR
P.S. Booking an appointment with a stylist is easy for whatever you’re dressing for, and it’s even possible to have all of your maids try on at the same time, too. Simply go to the STORES pages on bhldn.com and select your location, clicking either “Bridal Appointments” or “Bridesmaid Appointments.”
SHOP THE STORY / CLICK LEFT & RIGHT ARROWS TO EXPLORE
For a Cocktail (of Even Black-Tie) Wedding This super comfortable elegant jersey dress can be worn a whopping number of fifteen different ways, from strapless to halter and criss-crossed in tons of colors. Its versatility and universally flattering fits make it a top choice for bridesmaids, too. I especially loved the olive green for a fall or winter wedding!
For a Black Tie Wedding You’ll have to see this one up close to truly appreciate the amazing level of detail; the allover beading is truly breathtaking. This form-fitting, long-sleeve dress is sure to make a statement at any black-tie affair. My favorite part? It has a back slit for fuss-free dancing all night long.
Another beautiful option is HERE (a girl can dream!).
For a Beach or Destination Wedding
Another stunning option that comes in numerous colors, this Jenny Woo number was my top choice after my fitting. It’s a wonderfully flowy dress in a gorgeous watercolor print that’s classic and feminine. The blouson top with v-back and airy chiffon material complimented my figure and felt amazing from the second I tried it on.
For a Garden or Day Wedding I especially love to wear little detailed dresses like this one for a garden or daytime affair. The allover embroidery over the silk organza material make it an elevated option that’s sure to turn heads.
For the Bride; an Elopement, Vegas or Fancy Courthouse Wedding While this dress has a modest neckline, its fitted bodice, tuplic skirt and flare sleeves give it a flirty fun vibe. And yet, at the same time, this simple yet sophisticated dress is the perfect option for a courthouse wedding. A great versatile number for a slew of events!
Photography, Haley Sheffield for Waiting on Martha | This post is in collaboration with BHLDN, a brand we love and adore. All opinions are 100% our own.
As most of you know two weekends ago I celebrated the Grand Opening of Waiting On Martha Home, and while I still haven’t had time to catch my breath, I wanted to take a moment to share a peek into the weekend, the design, and a little into the process of how I got here.
Opening my own brick & mortar shoppe has been a dream of mine for years. Almost five years, and four different pop-up shop test runs if I’m being exact. So believe me when I say getting to this moment has not been an easy journey.
First I had to tackle the question of, “do I even want a retail storefront?” Retail is not for the faint of heart; I lost many a night’s sleep making pro and con lists over this question. But, in the end I knew this dream of being a Shoppe Girl has been in my heart well before there was a WOM.
So with that box checked the next question was “where?” This was definitely one of, if not the hardest part. Location, location, location was of course key, but I also had a vision of what I wanted the storefront to look like. And then the clientele of course; I needed to put roots in a place where Waiting On Martha Home would be welcomed and supported, and most importantly shopped! Enter the Vinings Jubilee, an adorable neighborhood of speciality stores and restaurants tucked in historic Vinings Village Atlanta. It was, it is, the perfect place for our flagship store!
Lastly, design. This was by far the easiest, and most fun part of the whole process. Having been dreaming this dream for so long I knew exactly what I wanted to do down to the very last detail. First things first, demo.
I worked closely with Rob and his amazing team from Vision Construction. With the help of Vision we knocked down walls, tore up all the flooring, moved electrical, exposed windows that were hidden…which I’ll never quite understand, painted, wallpapered, and built out 8 custom shelving and cabinetry units and 1 custom beverage bar.
And while Vision was a dream to work with, I can’t give them all the construction credit. My father, the talented man that he is, built by hand…in my parent’s garage no less, the most gorgeous check out station you’ll ever see. Plus he built the fireplace, laid the custom flooring in the backroom and with a little help from the hubs hung a room full of shiplap. As Kat says, “dad is a unicorn.”
For the actual design details, it really breaks down to the paint, wallpaper, countertops, and flooring.
For the flooring in the main room, I chose a wide plank, warm toned maple colored laminate wood flooring that I swear you’d never know wasn’t real wood. This was able to save me quite a bit of cash, plus it’s so nice not having to worry about it getting scratched or damaged.
In the back room, I went with hand-stamped laminate wood tiles from Charleston designer Mirth Studios. I stumbled upon these tiles on Instagram and immediately fell in love. Available in 40+ patterns, and with a 15 year warranty I knew they would be just the right amount of pizzaz I was looking for, plus the Sweet Cecilia design paired perfectly with my Farrow & Ball Pale Powder shiplap walls. I loved the tiles so much, we are now the exclusive retail partner of Mirth Studios. So if you’re in Atlanta, stop by the Shoppe and check some of the designs out for yourself!
The wallpaper had to be grasscloth; no question in my mind. My favorite line of grasscloth currently is from Bradley USA. The quality is amazing, and it’s a better cost option than others. And though I loved all of the grasscloth patterns, colors, and textures I ended up going with the Jute Grasscloth in Gleam.
Just as the wallpaper had to be grasscloth, the paint had to be Farrow and Ball. If you remember I visited Farrow and Ball’s headquarters in England last September and actually saw the entire paint process from start to finish, and there’s just no one who does it quite like F&B.
I used Chappell Green in lacquer, Pale Powder in both a flat and semi gloss, Dimity in lacquer, and All White in both a flat and semi gloss. There really are no words to describe just how gorgeous it all turned out. Honestly, the coloring evokes just the right amount of happy, calm, and bright…pure perfection.
Lastly, the marble. This was a difficult task. The marble needed to go in four very large places: the check out station, wrapping station, beverage bar, and fireplace. Measuring to be at least 2 full slabs of the exact same marble, which meant digging through remanent pieces that are always more reasonably priced was not an option. And of course I wanted thick, beautiful, white carrera-esq marble. Not granite, not quartz, not laminate…marble.
After visiting a few marble yards, and finding nothing in our budge, I was referred to Elise from Stone Select. Thank God for Elise!! You see Elise is basically a stone-marble-granite dealer. I told her what I wanted and she searched all the yards and found it. The best part, she found it fast and under budget! Seriously, if you are in Atlanta and need marble Elise is your gal!
And with that, and a lot of product styling, my pinch-me moment of finally opening my Waiting On Martha Home doors was ready.
I’ll be putting the finishing touches on the place over the next few weeks, and invite you to come join the fun; sip on coffee in our custom coffee cups, treat yourself to a little “sercie” or “happy”, find gifts for quite literally everyone, or let me help in designing that custom piece of furniture you’ve been dreaming about. And be on the lookout for upcoming events at Waiting on Martha Home.
One more quick note; thank you. I was thoroughly blown away by the support of WOM’s family and friends who came out to shop on opening day regardless of the torrential down pour. To my online customers and friends who sent so many well wishes. And of course, it meant the world to me to see the amazing response of the Vinings community. Thank you to Kat, Liz, Steph, and the entire WOM Team. To my parents, who have worked tirelessly my entire life to give me everything I could have wanted and needed, who have supported my dreams, and most importantly have loved me unconditionally. And lastly, to my husband, who along with Addison is always my biggest cheerleader. THANK YOU. The best is yet to come Friends! Truly, MKR
P.S. Be sure to follow along on the shoppe’s Instagram and Facebook page for exciting updates, special discounts and more! xo
