I’ve always been a fan of a great at-home bar. I strongly believe it’s a must-learn life skill to mix up classic cocktails, and as an avid host, it’s important to provide an array...
Looking back on Easter as a child, I remember how excited I was to dig through my Easter basket. Full of chocolate bunnies, malt ball Easter eggs, Peeps, golden coins, and my favorite Cadbury...
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...
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...
Spring cleaning has always gotten a bad rap. The annual chore of purging the whole house, whether you secretly enjoy it or not, brings about the connotation of an overwhelming slew of dirty work. But when we actually take a second to think about it, cleaning gives you a huge sense of accomplishment, and it can be incredibly meditative and regenerative.
A good cleaning works to clear the space, and it encourages a calm, peaceful and healthy (literally) environment. It can also help extend a feeling of contentment with what you already have, decreasing your likelihood of spending money on things you don’t need.
So this year, instead of moaning and groaning about it (and putting it off) I’m embracing this springtime ritual. In fact, recently, I have basked in glorious Sundays inside, where I have cleaned the house for a busy week ahead. I’m finding that the “reset” feeling is priceless, and it’s gotten me to understand the joy that Marie Kondo taught us.
While spring cleaning can be great, I also understand it can be overwhelming. So to help you get started we at Team WOM got together and created the ultimate spring cleaning, printable, checklist. This spring cleaning checklist should quiet that feeling of where to start and make your home easier to navigate; breaking it all down room by room. Find our printable checklist HERE.
Along with checklist I’ve also highlighted a few additional tips for those hard to clean spaces and places. Tips like how do you actually clean your wood cutting boards, a breakdown of expiration dates, and the easiest way to tackle your blinds. And if you’re looking for some organizational inspiration make sure to check out our previous posts on linen closet, laundry room, and bathroom organization.
Lastly, I urge you to do your research and consider making the switch to non toxic cleaning solutions. Switching to non toxic cleaning solutions is not only one of the healthiest things you can do for you and your family, it’s also the least expensive in the long run. Cheers, MKR
P.S. While you’re degreasing, decluttering, and cleaning from top to bottom why not rid it of some bad juju with our DIY smudge sticks while you’re at it?
SHOP THE STORY / CLICK LEFT & RIGHT ARROWS TO EXPLORE
As you’re sanitizing your wood cutting boards, stay away from the dishwasher. Instead, be sure to immediately rinse with hot water and soap, letting it dry properly and thoroughly.
And did you know? You can bring an old cutting board back to life and remove stains with a sprinkle of coarse sea salt and half of a lemon. Scrub all over with the lemon, then let it sit for 10 minutes before rinsing. If it’s a little stinky, spritz the board with white vinegar and a drop or two of lemon essential oil.
When you tackle the blinds and curtains around the house, remember to vacuum horizontal ones across the slats, not up and down, and starting top to bottom. Team WOM swears by the Dyson Cordless Vacuum with all sorts of detachments perfect for cleaning blinds, sofas, cars, etc.
If you’re dusting vertical blinds, brush downward. These motions will help ensure the blinds do not become damaged or unhinged during the cleaning process.
As you’re decluttering and cleaning the bathroom, pay extra attention to expiration dates on beauty products and pill bottles. This is a great time to purge unused and expired items that are taking up precious space below the sink. Here’s a great breakdown of common expiration dates to keep in mind (it’s pretty mind blowing if you haven’t thought about it!).
Don’t forget about sanitizing the most-used items in the bathroom like soap dishes and toothbrush holders. These items can catch and store moisture (which is never good) and should be cleaned more frequently than you probably realize.
Try to limit the amount of water collected by wiping down frequently after uses. When you deep clean, soak them in hot water in the sink, or run them through the dishwasher.
Featured image, Rustic White for Waiting on Martha
It’s been awhile since we shared a roundup of our favorite Etsy finds, right?! There’s something so satisfying with discovering great gifts on Etsy; they’re unique, usually a lot more affordable, and each purchase supports small biz owners like ourselves. It’s a win-win in our books!
I’ve found that it can be difficult to find gems on demand on Etsy though. You can’t just search “thoughtful gift idea” or “cool, unique gift for coworker.” So when I get lucky and fall down a rabbit hole and come across a great shop, I’m quick to favorite them and bookmark for later. Case in point: Kate Pugsley’s art, Lattice Coffee’s unique pieces and Mollum Vellum’s simple leather goods.
Check out the 10 gift ideas below that I’m saving for later. Have you gifted a great Etsy find recently? I’d love to hear it in the comments below! Cheers, Kat
I was scarred from gifting (and receiving) bath and body sets for years after my middle school years…anyone else? Brings me right back to Bath & Body Works and cucumber melon lotion. But now, in my late twenties, I am utterly obsessed with having at-home spa nights and anything and everything self care.
When it comes to gifting, I love finding gift sets like these and discovering small batch companies that use simple, amazing ingredients.
I can’t get enough of this fun print by Kate Puglsey. Gifting art can feel a bit intimidating and/or intrusive, but this 11 x 14 print makes for a fun piece that can easily fit into a gallery wall, or stand alone in the bathroom, nursery or office.
Here’s a mirror-selfie approved iPhone case that would make a great “little happy” for someone. The rose gold marble is right on-trend, and the monogram adds a nice personalized touch. It only sets you back $25 (score!).
I’m currently exploring the world of making coffee shop coffee at home, and this brass pour over holder is at the top of my wish list. It would make the perfect gift for the coffee purist in your life, bringing the beauty back into this beloved morning ritual.
If you’re scratching your head with what to gift your colleague, friend or family member to commemorate a milestone, these leather card wallets are it. They’re timeless, minimalist and high quality, so you know they’ll be cherished and well-used.
These geometric glass boxes make wonderful miniature terrariums or ring boxes. I have my eye on these for when the next one of my friends gets engaged!
Like I mentioned above, I am a sucker for small batch self care products, and that means soaps, soaps, soaps. This Himalayan Rose Organic Soap Bar would be perfect to gift the organic beauty buff in your life. It’s also handwrapped in flower seeded paper; you’re encouraged to plant the paper after you unwrap the soap. Love!
Not the most glamorous on the list, but this cord organizer is awesome. This desk essential is unique and flat-out genius, in my opinion. Pick up one of these for a coworker, your college grad or yourself.
I love the idea of gifting loose leaf tea. It’s an affordable and thoughtful gift for the tea lover, offering a return to the ritual of traditional tea making. This wildflower tea helps soothe and calm with an irresistible aromatic blend; think Organic Roman Chamomile Flowers, Rose Petals, Lavender Flowers, Organic Lemon Balm leaves and Linden Blossoms.
Doesn’t this handmade mug just beg for a cozy Sunday morning in bed? Pair this with some loose leaf tea, and treat someone with one of life’s little luxuries.
This vintage bar tool set would make a fun gift for the cocktail aficionado in your life. It’s made of wood and gold brass, and the handles are rounded and smooth with beautiful graining to the wood. The set includes a jigger, stirring spoon, bottle opener and strainer.
Featured image, Kathryn McCrary for Waiting on Martha
I’m sure you saw that we had quite the adventure in Louisiana a few weeks ago. We teamed up with Atlanta Food & Wine Festival and Louisiana Travel on a 3-day road trip to get a taste of the best Louisiana food and drink. Last week, we shared our recap of Baton Rouge and Lafayette and today we’re all hungry again reminiscing over our stop in New Orleans.
We kicked off the 3-day trip with a bang in NOLA, hurricane in-hand the second we stepped off the plane. First stop, NOLA Distillery. Opened just last month, we were lucky enough to get a little behind-the-scenes tour and tasting. We all loved the craft vodka made from only Louisiana-grown sweet potatoes (the state is known to be the home of the best sweet potatoes, FYI). We saw first-hand how NOLA’s vodka is distilled twice and filtered, giving it a hint of sweetness and a touch of earthy flavor. The vodka went perfectly in what the team joked as their “Kale-Gate” cocktail (more on that backstory here) and their take on a Cosmopolitan.
After we sipped a few cocktails and talked plans for the tasting room (opening soon) with the lovely NOLA team, we scooted over to St. James Cheese Company. This local shop would definitely become my go-to for an easy lunch with the girls; think cheeses on cheeses, wines and drool-worthy sandwiches. We were thrilled to have the queen of cheese herself, Liz Thorpe, with us to introduce us to some pretty fantastic pairings with our wine. Liz published The Cheese Chronicles back in 2009, and her immense knowledge about the many variations of cheese was downright inspirational. Her newest book, The Book of Cheese, breaks down cheese into nine “gateways” of flavor, rather than by country, milk type, etc. Her take on enjoying cheese, finding flavors and kinds you love, and understanding the wide varieties in this unique way is refreshing. It’s approachable. And with over 400 pages in The Book of Cheese, there’s something for everyone. Seriously cannot wait to get our hands on this “cheese bible”!
We could have stopped there; bellies and hearts SO full. But alas, we were in New Orleans, and there was more goodness to taste. Next up: Willa Jean. And oh, let me tell you: Willa Jean is an absolute MUST when you’re in NOLA. This contemporary bakery was opened by Chef John Besh, Chef Kelly Fields and Chef Lisa White in the Central Business District, and it celebrates the best of the best Southern comfort food with fresh, local ingredients. We loved chatting with Chef Kelly Fields; she was incredibly welcoming, hilarious and to say that she blew us away with her cornbread, frosé and homemade chocolate chip cookies (a recipe that includes 5 different kinds of chocolate and one she took two years perfecting!) is an understatement. COME HERE with your girlfriends for a boozy brunch on your next trip; you won’t regret it.
Next, (no we’re not done yet), we downed a quick dozen raw oysters with wine at Borgne, another gem by Chef John Besh and Chef Brian Landry. Borgne is known to be one of the best spots for fresh seafood in the area, and it did not disappoint. Its menu is a true celebration of Louisiana coastal fare, with everything from Oysters on the Half Shell to Pan Roasted Lemonfish with brown butter turnips and Shrimp Toast with pork belly and sweet chili sambal. Its ultra cool, modern vibe in the bottom of the Hyatt makes it a hotspot (and easy locale in the Central Business District) for visitors and locals alike.
It was a big day, but we (somehow?!?) left room for dinner at Balise. Balise, manned by 2016 James Beard winner Chef Justin Devillier (also with La Petit Grocery), was named after the first French settlement at the mouth of the Mississippi River. And the place is clearly steeped in its history; located in a 19th century Creole townhouse that’s expertly decorated, and irresistibly intimate in its ambiance. On our prix fixe menu, we enjoyed fare like Fried smoked oysters, chilled Roasted Beets with Lemon, Mint and Brown Butter, Roasted Lamb Shoulder, Pan Roasted Gulf Shrimp and Chicken & Ricotta Dumplings…I mean my mouth is watering just recounting it here now. And to top it all off, Walnut Cake, Apple Crisp and Sticky Toffee Pudding (the table’s favorite).
Lastly, we (somehow) made it to Cane & Table because who could say no to Hurricanes. Located in the heart of The French Quarter, Cane & Table is a gem of a restaurant and bar where Chef & Mixologist Nick Detrich mixes up the best hurricanes I’ve ever had. Truthfully, when I looked at our itinerary and hurricanes where on the menu I wasn’t impressed, but that’s because I was used to the cheesy spring break, overally sugared hurricanes in neon plastic cups. Chef Nick sticks to the original recipe; refreshing, crisp, and goes down like water Hurricane. Cane & Table deservedly tops the list for where to drink in town, being featured on Vogue and The New York Times. The vibe here was second-to-none (string lights out back, drippy candles and palms), and the company was even better. Nick was the warmest guy, welcoming us into his tiki-inspired world and teaching us a bit of history along the way.
After that whirlwind of the day I rolled myself into bed and woke up the next morning still full from one of the best days I’ve had in awhile. A big thank you to all of the chefs for welcoming us into their worlds, and make sure to check out the entire photo gallery below! Truly, MKR
