Last weekend I had the pleasure of joining forces with other small business owners to participate in the 39×43 Pop Up Shop here in Atlanta.  Though I’ve participated in a pop up once before this was the first time where I really put together a true “shop feel.”  Which was such fun.  I mean such fun.  Granted, it was one of the craziest and most difficult weeks I’ve had in a long time.  Cliff notes version…3 days of setting up “Shop”, delivery driver mishaps, U-Haul rentals, Ikea trips, getting sick (like flu sick), my car getting hit in the parking lot (but the person did leave a note), oh and did I mention I also pulled off a full editorial shoot for Occasions Magazine all day on Thursday?  Yes it was a crazy week and I was truly practicing what I preach in Brand Market Workshop.  Being an entrepreneur is the toughest thing you will ever do.  But guess what?  It was all worth it. 

First and foremost when weeks like this happen you know what else happens?  You feel so supported and loved.  The amount of people that show up.  That are in your corner.  Well it always blows my mind.  From the people who helped me schlep really heavy boxes (The Mr., The Parents, Kat, Blair, Emery, and Zack) and rushed orders to make sure product arrived on time (Roxy & Julia), to the people who took time out of their busy schedules to pop in (friends, colleagues, people I’ve never met before other than “digitally”).  I mean Mama Te even drove all the way from North Carolina with cookies in hand just to support Society Social and WOM.  See mind blown.  

And while this is enough to make all the planning and pain worth it, the other thing is it reconfirmed why I’m doing what I’m doing.  Because I love it.  I loved it all.  Every second of it.  In fact I think we should do it again!  Though I’m pretty sure I’m the only one screaming that at the moment and I’m pretty sure I need a nap.  Actually I know I need a nap, a long one which brings me to my next point.  

I’ve escaped to the mountains for a week and will not be shipping anything from The Shop until we return on Tuesday, April 1st.  And because of this little delay we’re having a sale to thank you for your patience with shipping.  You’ll find everything currently on the site is 20% off with code SPRINGBREAK.  Again, this applies to what is currently on the site.  And because I know you’re going to ask no a lot of the WOM goodies you’re seeing in these pics are not on The Shop site yet as they are brand spanking new.  If there’s something specific you’ve got your eye on, like one of the animal heads (most popular item of the weekend), email customerservice@waitingingonmartha.com to reserve.  Make sense?  Good, now I’m going to get to relaxing while you all get to shopping!  truly, MKR

All images original to Waiting On Martha

Lately I’ve been trying to get back to the simplicity (hence the launch of a new series today), or basics of cooking.  Rather than dousing my food with a million spices (which don’t get me wrong I love), trying to instead enhance the flavor of whatever vegetable, fruit, etc. I’m cooking with.  Case in point, my crazy-easy-delicious roasted tomatoes.  With just 3 basic ingredients (not including salt and pepper as practically every dish needs salt and pepper), it’s one of my all time favorite side dishes to make.  Plus with tomatoes being abundant during warmer temps, there’s really no better to cook with them.  And these little gems are obviously great alone, but try them on top of a olive oil pasta with a little garlic and fresh parsley, or alongside some grilled shrimp, or really with just about anything.  Enjoy!  truly, MKR    

All images original to Waiting On Martha