One.  Kate Spade New York Ornament  ||  Two.  C. Wonder Serving Set  ||  Three.  Season’s Greeting Tray  ||  Four.  Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin Candle  ||  Five.  Dachshund Ring Dish  ||  Six.  Deer Wine Holder  ||  Seven.  Monogrammed Glass Plate  ||  Eight.  “Plastered” Napkin Set  ||  Nine.  Jingle Bell Wine Stopper  ||  Ten.  Dauville Pebble Dish  ||  Eleven.  “Ciao” Sign  ||  Twelve.  Kate Spade Roll of the Die Decision Maker  ||  Thirteen.  Macaroons  ||  Fourteen.  Oops, no fourteen so straight to…  ||  Fifteen.  Marble Cheese Board  ||  Sixteen.  Monogrammed Domino Set  ||  Seventeen.  Wishbone paperweight  ||  Eighteen.  “Cheers” Coasters  ||  Nineteen.  Mason Jar  ||  Twenty.  Copper Moscow Mule Mugs

Last weekend I started sharing a few of my holiday traditions beginning with the great and mighty Christmas tree.  I also wrote about how Christmas has a “smell”, and upon further reflection I’d like to revise that statement to; “the entire cold weather season has a smell to me.”  It starts in late September with pumpkin (all things, all day, everyday pumpkin), moves to frasier fir or anything woodsy/cedar (hence the Christmas tree), and ends with gingerbread.  

My mother and  I have been baking homemade gingerbread cookies for years and that tradition, that smell, is a big part of my holiday season.  And just like my obsession with pumpkin I don’t limit gingerbread to just cookies.  There’s gingerbread houses, gingerbread coffee (how amazing are the gingerbread mug toppers?!), gingerbread ice cream, and of course that spicy and sweet gingerbread smell wafting through my home thanks to Thymes spot on Gingerbread fragrance.  From their candle and soaps to their lotion and reed diffusers I’ve got this fragrance in each and ever room.  Isn’t it amazing how warm and fuzzy feelings and years of memories can be represented in a scent?  Truly, MKR 

P.S.  Thymes is offering a free Fragrance Studio Sample Kit (a sample set of 18 fragrances) with any purchase of $25 or more. It’s a great gift to give yourself or friends and family this holiday season (their packaging is beautiful)!

…AS PICTURED…Jonathan Adler Muse Mug, Waiting On Martha  ||  Gingerbread Mug Toppers, Williams Sonoma  ||  Gingerbread Candle & Lotion, Thymes c/o

*This story was in collaboration with Thymes, a brand I love and adore.  Opinions are 100% my own.  ||  All images original to Waiting On Martha

If you live in Atlanta then you know all about The Avalon (for those of you not in the A it’s a big shiny new work-live-outdoor shopping center).  And recently I had the opportunity to make the journey to check out Lou & Grey.  Have you heard of Lou & Grey yet?  Lou & Grey is part of the Ann Taylor family and was born to “add texture to a life more considered.”  Focusing on dressed up basics and pieces that make women feel beautiful without feeling fussy.  

Upon entering Lou & Grey I was immediately drawn to it’s open, airy and cool aesthetic.  Clothing was sorted by color, hanging from copper pipes with rows of vintage records lined underneath.  Handmade leather chairs flanked tables filled with books, candles, and dainty jewelry from independent artists while textiles and pillows lined the shelves.  As I perused the racks I was impressed with not only the craftsmanship of everything, but also the cost.  It’s hard to find reasonably priced, well made pieces that are both on trend yet classic so when I do I load up.  

After hours in the dressing room, and a quick episode with leather leggings, I finally settled on this monotone navy ensemble that is as comfortable as it is versatile with the ability to be dressed up with heels or dressed down with flats.  I also snagged quite a few everyday basics like the layering tank in every color available, these leggings, and two zip tunics.  And I can’t get this dress out of my head so I may make a quick trip back there this weekend, (I wasn’t kidding when I said I’m loading up).  So tell me, are you loving on Lou & Grey as much as me?   Truly,MKR

P.S.  If you don’t have a Lou & Grey near you and are ordering online I suggest ordering a size down as their pieces run a tad big.

Photography, Kathryn McCrary

…AS PICTURED...Brushstroke Tunic c/o (on MAJOR sale)  ||  Twill Drawstring Pant c/o  ||  Hooded Jacket (available in store)  ||  Layering Tank c/o (I bought it in 4 colors, such an amazing basic!)  ||  Necklace (available in store)  ||  Scarf & Gloves (available in store)  ||  Wynn Heels, Sole Society c/o  ||  Sunnies, Warby Parker c/o  ||  Bag, Goyard

*This story was in collaboration with Lou & Grey a brand I love, adore, and wear all the time.  Opinions are 100% my own.