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...
I’m unabashedly obsessed with trying new beauty and personal care products. And if you’ve been reading the blog and following along, you’ll know that the shift towards clean, nontoxic finds is a primary focus for me.
Simply put: I want to feel good about the products and ingredients I’m using, the products I’m ingesting, hello, Moon Juice dusts, and the products I’m applying and using every day. Products like charcoal cleansers, all natural toothpaste that actually works, and candles that that have intoxicating scents but not toxic fumes.
And you’ll notice those feelings are spreading to every area of WOM. For example, we recently welcomed French Girl Organics to the Shoppe; this amazing all natural and vegan brand has gained a cult-like following and can be spotted in Vogue, Goop and the like. It’s THAT good.
There are a lot of products out there, but the fun part is that I’m constantly discovering new-to-me brands and lines that are proving themselves as contenders (and mainstays) in my daily routine. So naturally, when I find good ones, I’m here gushing about them to you! I’m sharing more than a dozen goodies worth buying in the breakdown below; check them out and let me know if you’ve become obsessed with any just like I have. And of course, leave a comment with any other finds I should add to my list. Truly, MKR
P.S. Find other clean beauty roundups here and here.
P.P.S. We’re welcoming FGO (French Girl Organics) to Waiting On Martha Home with FREE SHIPPING and a FREE mini Rose Lip Scrub with and $50 FGO purchase. Just enter code FRENCHGIRL at checkout. xo
Petal, a hyper floral concoction by Boy Smells is a must-have; think notes of tree flowers, rose sage and patchouli.
Why WOM loves it: Like the rest of Boy Smells’ collection, this candle is safer than your common toxic candle culprits. The coconut and beeswax blend is poured in a glossy black glass tumbler (which we love to corral makeup brushes later!). It also comes ready-to-gift in a blush pink carton.
Made in California, this sustainable natural toothpaste safely whitens teeth, removes plaque and freshens breath. Safe, yet effective ingredients include: baking soda, birch xylitol and premium mint oil.
Why WOM loves it: Toothpaste is a no-brainer when giving your personal care routine a makeover; it’s easy to swap for a nontoxic alternative like this one. It’s fluoride-free, tastes great, and is creamy and non-gritty. David’s also uses 98% USA ingredients (read: supports our economy with US jobs!).
This edible “enlightener” has been alchemized to align you with the mighty cosmic flow for great achievement. It’s used to support superior states of mental clarity, increased memory and better ability to handle stress. It’s great to add to nut milk, coffee, tea, hot or cold water, and can easily blend into a smoothie. Ingredients include: Astragalus, Shilajit, Maca, Lion’s Mane, Rhodiola, Ginkgo and organic Stevia. If you don’t take our word for it, take the masses. Brain Dust is the most highly reviewed & loved of all the dusts. I’ve been using it for about a week and swear my brain fog is already better!
Why WOM loves it: We think of this as a true “healing force” made of of raw vegetables, fruits, petals, herbs, roots, nuts, and seaweeds that helps as a daily nourishment to our busy, busy minds. Something to keep in mind though, out of all the dusts this one might taste the worst on its own. I’ve read that some people can handle it in their coffee, but I’ve found the only way to mask the taste is in my morning smoothie.
Power Dust has been alchemized to support you for peak performance, strong stamina and longevity, while aiding in healthy recovery. This ingestible helps regulate your body’s energy, metabolic function and helps you withstand stress and injury. It’s great to add to nut milk, coffee, tea, hot or cold water, and can easily blend into a smoothie. Ingredients include: organic Astragalus, Ginseng, organic Eleuthero, organic Schisandra, Rhodiola and organic Stevia.
Why WOM loves it: It’s a great addition to our healthy living routines, and it works to relieve stress, boost metabolism, tame inflammation and so much more.
If you’re like me then you have the hardest time falling a sleep. Well I’ve got your solution…Dream Dust, a soothing edible “nightcap” that’s been alchemized to lull you into deep, restorative sleep. It’s great to add to nut milk, coffee, tea, hot or cold water, and can easily blend into a smoothie. Ingredients include: Zizyphus, organic Schisandra, organic Chamomile, Polygala and organic Stevia.
Why WOM loves it: It’s an organic and wild crafted sleep aid, using calming herbs that work gently and effectively. And I promise, it works!
French Girl Organics brings us a luxurious bronzing body oil that’s infused with a lightweight blend of nourishing oils, mineral oxides and pigments to moisturize the skin while leaving a subtle, sun-kissed glow.
Why WOM loves it:
It’s a safe, nontoxic way to get a mid-summer glow any time of the year. The subtle shimmer and lovely scent (jasmine/neroli) is just enough, too,. Its bottle also happens to be gorgeous; we don’t mind looking at it on our countertops!
A safe, nontoxic deodorant (that ACTUALLY WORKS) made up of coconut oil, shea butter and kaolin clay helps absorb sweat and keep the underarm dry and comfortable. Additional ingredients include: tea tree oil (has powerful antibacterial properties to benefit your skin and is an effective all natural deodorizer) and pumpkin seed (helps reduce redness and itching).
Why WOM loves it: We’re always on the search for a natural deodorant that really works, and doesn’t make us smell funky…and this one is one of them. It’s free of aluminum compounds, parabens and artificial coloring agents, too.
This mask works to rebalance skin and draw out impurities, while infusing it with major moisture. The gelée offers the moisture rich consistency, while the black silt brings a cooling, fresh and supple feeling to your skin.
Why WOM loves it:
I bought this mask when I read on Byrdie Beauty how it was one of the most amazing masks on the market. And while I’m not sure it’s the most amazing mask I’ve ever used, it is in my weekly rotation and makes my face as soft as a baby’s bottoms. It’s remarkable how moisturizing, yet brightening its effects on the skin are.
Say hello to French Girl Organic’s invigorating rose & mint infused sugar scrub. It’s formulated with nourishing butters to gently remove dry skin, smooth out rough patches and leave lips supple and moisturized.
Why WOM loves it: The polish’s rose/mint scent is utterly divine, and it does the trick when we’re looking to give our lips some much needed TLC all year ’round. It’s also very gentle where other lip scrubs we’ve found to be on the rougher side, so great for sensitive skin!
A gentle, anti-aging oil blend rich in skin-supporting fatty acids and essential oils to ease under-eye inflammation and eliminate fine lines.
Why WOM loves it: It’s a super gentle product that easily fits into our nighttime routine. And the gang’s all here with this one: rose hip oil, argan oil, rose geranium oil, evening primrose oil and more.
This deep cleansing, detoxifying cleanser is perfect for blemished and acne-prone skin. It’s easily application, subtle and lovely scent, and nice price point make it a team favorite.
Why WOM loves it:
It’s effective, yet super gentle, too. The line is also hand-crafted here in Atlanta, and the company helps provide provide soapmaking skills and business training to women in developing nations by donating a portion of each sale to the Lovin’ Soap Project.
This one’s a super moisturizing coffee scrub that’s been formulated with coconut oil, vanilla bean seeds and natural cane sugar to tone and firm the skin.
Why WOM loves it:
It smells like heaven, and exfoliates and moisturizes all in one.
French Girl Organic’s luxurious body oil is formulated with a lightweight blend of nourishing oils and botanical resins to leave skin supple and glowing. Available in 2 scents: Jasmine/Neroli and Rose/Ylang.
Why WOM loves it: It’s entirely vegan and organic, and offers a subtle scent and glow after massaging into the skin. It also works wonderfully with a few drops in the bathtub for a nice, long soak!
A perfectly masculine-yet-feminine scent, Replica Jazz Club is a cult favorite for a reason. Top notes include: pink pepper, primofiore lemon and neroli oil, with a middle of rum absolute, clary sage oil, java vetiver oil. Lastly, the base hints at tobacco leaf absolute, vanilla bean and styrax resin.
Why WOM loves it: It’s a woodsy and earthy scent that’s intriguing and refined.
This is another French Girl Organics gem; it’s a creamy, non-foaming face and body wash formulated with activated charcoal, green tea extract and soothing aloe and jojoba oil that gently detoxifies and balances the skin.
Why WOM loves it: It double as a make-up remover and cleanser, and has 100% plant ingredients that are 100% vegan friendly. Plus the price point is pretty great!
This argan-based hair oil infused with the scent of Moroccan rose is a must-try. It delivers instant shine and deep moisture for long-term hair repair. I use this at least two times a week, and a little goes a long way with this oil
Why WOM loves it:
We’re always on the hunt for a hair oil that gives our strands a little TLC. It’s great to apply to towel-dried hair, and works like a charm if you use it as a hot oil treatment, too.
A paraben & fragrance free non-toxic mascara with an innovatively-engineered silicone applicator brush that provides each lash with an even dose of creamy, buildable formula to amplify volume and length without caking, crumbling or flaking.
Why WOM loves it:
It lengthens, it doesn’t flake, and it’s free of many major toxins and harsh chemicals you’ll find in many other top mascara brands. A better question would be, what’s not to like?
Over the past year I’ve become addicted to all things Smith & Cult. The colors are GORGEOUS, and it’s free of all the bad stuff (ie. chemicals). It’s custom-tailored to provide high-performance color and Pillow Pie is my new go-to light pink.
Why WOM loves it:
We’ve tested a lot of nail polishes over the years, and Smith & Cult is simply the best. Plus it’s free of all your typical nail polish chemicals: Dibutyl phthalate-free; toluene-free; formaldehyde-free; formaldehyde resin-free; camphor-free; ethyl tosylamide-free; xylene-free; triphenyl phosphate-free. And if you needed another reason, it’s all made right here in the USA.
There’s nothing better than versatile pieces that can take you from the boardroom to Friday night drinks with your girlfriends. And while many of you may think that a blazer is not that piece, I’m here to tell you it is.
Take my navy belted blazer for example. Easily paired with slacks, a silk blouse and pointed toe pumps to rule your nine to five. Then just as easily paired with a pair of jeans and statement heels for happy hour. In fact my favorite way to wear this blazer is actually with a lace body suit underneath for date night. With just a peak of lace showing I still feel comfortable, covered up, and sophisticated, but just a tad on the saucy side.
And you don’t have to spend a fortune, this blazer is actually from Zara! Sadly, like all great Zara finds, it’s sold out, but I’ve linked similar blazer options here, here, here and here, and I’m OBSESSED with this striped one! I wore this jacket on stage at Create & Cultivate late last year, and it seriously made me feel like a million bucks the second I put it on. Can’t beat that!
Just keep in mind you want a blazer to be tailored, but not tight, and very few blazer will EVER fit you correctly off the shelf. My suggestion, especially if you’re investing in a more expensive one, size one size up and then take it to a tailor. That way you’ll have the length working for you which is where I find so many people get the look all wrong.
Another thing that happens to help this outfit is my favorite new ZAC Zac Posen bag. The overall structured feel of the bag accented with the delicate flowers is my favorite combo of masculine and feminine. Plus with the navy and red colors you don’t have to only wear this floral bag in spring. And just a little something to brighten your Friday, we’re giving away one of these killer ZAC Zac Posen bags (retail value $550)! Enter the giveaway via the Rafflcopter below, and good luck friends. xo Truly, MKR
SHOP THE STORY / CLICK LEFT & RIGHT ARROWS TO EXPLORE
With spring officially upon us (at least here in the South it is) I’ve packed up all my winter clothes, filled my closest with bright, sunny essentials, pulled my bicycle down from storage and shined her up so she’s ready for a ride. In the spring before the pollen is in full effect and before it hits 100+ temperatures one of my favorite things to do with my family is pack a picnic, and go to the farmers market in the park.
Stopping by the farmers market first always allows me to pick up fresh flowers (because who can resist a bouquet of beautiful blooms, especially if they’re local?!) and all of the pastries my basket can carry! We lay out a blanket and lie there for hours catching up on what’s transpired the week before and I usually pack a salad along with something easy to nosh on like homemade pimento cheese. But today is not a story on packing a picnic (that is coming Monday), today I wanted to talk about those spring essentials that are filling my closet; because planning your picnic outfit is just as fun as the picnic itself.
I surprisingly love to wear a sundress if we’re picnicking; it’s effortless and easy, always breathable, fun to move in, and all around a great look. This sleeveless dress from J.McLaughlin was calling my name from the second I scrolled by. I love the juxtaposition of the punchy pink with the graphic snake skin pattern; it’s the perfect balance of feminine with a little edge and honestly it’s one of the most comfortable dresses I own. Since the weather is still a bit fickle here, a light jacket on top was a must and is always a spring/summer wardrobe essential. White denim keeps things light, and is there anything better than a bright, crisp white piece of clothing? Plus it’s always classic design make it a no-brainer when you’re layering during these warm-and-cold days.
Anytime I’m outside in the sun, I have a hat with me; panama, wool floppy, fedora…you name it, year ’round a hat is an always essential for me. I picked up this panama hat last year from J.McLaughlin, and I still bring it on every picnic (and vacay). Panama hats tend to lose their shape, but not this one and trust me when I say it’s been on plenty a trip.
Last year J.McLaughlin also launched sunnies and I’m so glad they did. I’ve opted for these classic tortoise ones, but I’ve got my eye on these blue aviators as well. And since more is always more with accessories in my humble opinion, I snagged this gorgeous floral scarf to give my outfit that extra pop. Plus I love how a scarf this size can double as a light throw in case there’s a chill in the air. Lastly, how great is this basket-weave bucket bag?! If that doesn’t get you in the mood for springtime picnics, I don’t know what will!
So there you have it, spring time essentials from J.McLaughlin, (which honestly has been a constant in my life with each change of season), and a bicycle chalked full of flowers; if this doesn’t get you excited for warmer weather I don’t know what will! Happy Friday friends! Truly, MKR
P.S. On Monday I’ll be sharing a few tips on just how to execute a great picnic plus sharing my easy breezy recipe for homemade pimento cheese and great, portable Mason Jar salads.
SHOP THE STORY / CLICK LEFT & RIGHT ARROWS TO EXPLORE
Photography, Kathryn McCrary for Waiting on Martha | This post is in collaboration with J.McLaughlin, a brand we love and adore. All opinions are 100% our own.
