#OOTD: Faux Fur & Sneakers

An effortlessly cool look with major statements
November 22, 2016
Story By: Mandy Kellogg Rye
Filed Under > #OOTD (Outfit of the Day)

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Faux fur lapel with military jacket and black jeans. @waitingonmarthaFaux fur addition to military jacket. Ootd by @waitingonmartha Colorblocked faux fur scarf @waitingonmartha Faux fur scarf with military jacket on @waitingonmartha Golden Goose sneakers, @waitingonmartha Faux fur with military jacket and black jeans. @waitingonmartha Colorblock faux fur scarf with sneakers @waitingonmartha

I’m not going to lie; there are some outfits I wear for the Blog because they’re beautiful, or on trend, or simply because they’ll photograph perfectly.  And then there’s outfits like todays that couldn’t be more “me.”   Like if there was an outfit named MKR this would be it.  Comfortable (sneakers), classic (cashmere sweater), tomboy (cargo jacket), girly (faux fur), and just a tad trendy (clutch).  See what I mean…MKR in a nutshell!  

So let’s break it all down for you in case you just started following along and don’t know my love for a good little juxtaposition of styles yet. The glam of the faux fur mixed with the utility of the military jacket, (tomboy + girly), and the mix is the perfect move as we transition into colder temps…not too hot and not too cold.

The faux fur is actually from Zara?!  Yes Zara!!??  Has anyone else scored a MAJOR piece from Zara lately?!  Last time I was in the store, I was a kid in a candy shop over their premium line.  I was quick to snatch up a boss belted blazer that I wore to Create & Cultivate here a month ago.  And of course this fun color block faux fur stole (also available in this color) and which I love because it’s actually separate entirely from my jacket, making it the most versatile and soon-to-be most worn item in my wardrobe.

Paired also with this look: my favorite, super soft ripped black jeans.  I continue to love these black jeans season after season because they’re as comfortable as ever.  Forget that stiff, cardboard texture that so many black jeans have…these I could practically sleep in.  And on top, it’s time to pull out the always classic cashmere sweaters.  This one might truly be my favorite cashmere around and hint hint;I always wait until it goes on sale (like right now) and stock up.

And for the record, I’m officially convinced that Golden Gooses are the best sneakers ever.  I know, I know, they make an expensive sneaker.  But they’re the epitome of casual-cool, and beyond comfortable.  There’s nothing worse than getting a blister from cheap sneaks!  And trust me when I say these Gooses have been road tested.  I literally had to clean the red dirt off of them after our ropes course adventure in Birmingham last week (I hope you caught it on Snapchat).   

To top it all off, I turned to my amazing statement clutch by the talented Lizzie Fortunato sisters and Sally King Benedict.  Because life is too short to carry boring handbags, don’t you agree?!  Truly, MKR

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Photography, Haley Sheffield for Waiting on Martha

AS pictured: faux fur stole | jacket (similar here and here) | jeans | sweater | sunnies | sneakers | clutch (different style here)

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How to Build a Seasonal Cheese Board

A holiday-worthy cheese & charcuterie platter
November 21, 2016
Story By: Mandy Kellogg Rye
Filed Under > Appetizers & Sides

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Building a seasonal cheese board, @waitingonmartha

I don’t know about you, but the holiday season find us doing a whole lot of sitting, a whole lot of visiting, and a whole lot of noshing.  And what’s better, or easier to nosh on then a crowd pleasing, seasonal cheese and charcuterie board that will be quickly devoured even when a huge meal is next up on the menu.  I mean this is the season of over indulgence is it not? 

If you may remember, I shared this easy cheese and charcuterie board for New Years Eve last year, and shared my usual suspects on this ultimate cheese platter.  No matter what you have on your seasonal cheese board, it should be hard to stop at just one bite.  So with that in mind, I like to cater everyone with picks for the savory & sweet, the soft & hard, and the indulgent & health conscious alike. 

So let’s pick it apart this seasonal board, shall we?  On my seasonal cheese boards, you can usually always find the following: four to five mixed cheeses, think soft, hard, pungent and mild, (you can never go wrong with Cow Girl Creamery and Midnight Moon).  Two to three meats (think thinly shaved prosciutto and high quality salami).  A variety of local honey (I always include actual raw honeycomb because it’s so much prettier on the board), jam and chutney (fig is my favorite), spiced and salted nuts, and for this time of year roasted root vegetables. Root vegetables are especially an unexpected treat on the board, yet they’re such a simple way to incorporate warm, rustic flavors that pair so perfectly with the season.  And last but not least, I like to toss candied ginger on the spread for a little aid in clearing the palette between bites.  Tell me friends, what’s a must-have on your seasonal cheese board?!  Truly, MKR

P.S. If you’re at a loss for which cheeses and meats to include, don’t be afraid to ask someone at the deli counter in Whole Foods or your local grocery store.  They’ll be able to point you in the right direction for a nice variety of flavors that no one can resist. xo

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Photography, Rustic White for Waiting on Martha

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Life Skills: 3 Things To Consider When Making A Major Financial Decision

Learning how to finance your dream car with Capital One
November 19, 2016
Story By: Mandy Kellogg Rye
Filed Under > Life Skills

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One of my favorite things about having my WOM family is experiencing the girls’ milestones with them; it’s fun to feel the feels all over again.  Whether they’re getting out of grad school, going through the angst of love, traveling abroad or simply saving for the future, seeing them grow is a reward all in of itself.  Like any boss or mentor, I find myself playing the role as sounding board for a handful of hopes and fears, and I try to give my two-cents and advice whenever I can. 

So when Capital One reached out, wanting to talk navigating the financial side of car buying, my ears perked up with Kat in mind.  Sure, auto loans are something we all get to know at some point or other when buying a new car, but I knew they’d especially be important to Kat right now. As WOM’s Editorial Director, she’s in her late twenties and has recently found herself with her first car out of college, totally paid-off. The first go-around, she had her mom to help her navigate the steps and jargon.  And this go-around, she wants to take the process into her own hands, but she’s hesitant on how to move forward.  And I mean hesitant; we’ve been talking about it for almost a year now.

I was quick to understand though; car buying can be really stressful.  In a decision where you should feel 100% in control, you usually don’t.  And I know I certainly felt my hands were tied many times when discussing my options for the loan pay-off.  So that’s why I was intrigued to read that Capital One offers an Auto Navigator tool that lets you “test drive” all of the different options for your loan; make and model, term length and most importantly…price. 

I did a little digging before sharing with Kat; my father and the Mr. have both taught me something about car buying, and research ahead of time is ALWAYS key.  I was pleased to find that you can use the free Auto Navigator tool on your laptop or phone (in your pajamas at home in peace) to search for your dream car based on payment and APR info.  And to get started and pre-qualified, you won’t get dinged on your credit score (which is always a good thing). My favorite part is that you can modify and personalize the financing terms before you even get to the dealership…because, seriously, who likes to negotiate that kind of stuff at the dealership?  But why I really love this tool, is the before you even get there part I just mentioned.  Because if you’re anything like me (hands up) you may let common sense escape you when the prospect of something bright and shiny is on the horizon.

Along with the Auto Navigator tool, I felt we would be amiss if we didn’t share a few other practical tips when looking to make this, or any major financial decision.

One.  First things first; before making any financial decision, have an honest conversation with yourself about your personal financial situation.  Understand how much you truly can afford in a monthly payment and how that monthly payment will realistically fit in with your other bills.

Two. Do your research, especially if you’re buying used.  For a new car, price out your car with all of the bells and whistles, and make sure to ask at least three dealers for the the best price they can give you.  For a used car, make sure you understand through research any issues your car type has had in the past and do some digging for fair market value numbers.  Also, if buying used, stay away from any cars with CVT; continuously variable transmission.  According to numerous manufacturers and experts in their field, this is a system that can be faulty and may lead to trouble down the road.

Three.  Lastly, remember that car dealerships are a business, and they need to make a profit to survive.  Don’t be afraid to negotiate, but if you get a fair deal for the car you love, then go with it.  

Tell me friends, are any of you in the same boat? Have you had a great experience with financing your dream car?  We’d love to know!  Truly, MKR

Photography, Kathryn McCrary for Waiting on Martha | This post is in collaboration with Capital One, a brand we love and adore.  All opinions are 100% our own. 

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