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The 5 Best Nail Polishes I Come Back To Season After Season

The Tried-and-True Classics & New Favorites On Rotation
May 3, 2017
Story By: Mandy Kellogg Rye
Filed Under > Beauty & Tutorials

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While I always love a good new buy, especially in the beauty department, I’m truly a creature of habit when it all comes down to it.  There are just some products that deserve love and loyalty after all of these years of wearing them and replacing them.  And that includes the best nail polishes.

I’ve always preferred painting my own nails and giving myself an at-home mani.  I’m one of those people that can’t stand being held captive for that amount of time when I can do it myself at home.  And I’m pretty good at them, I must admit!  So when it comes to nail polish, I like to have all of my favorites on-hand.  

Like everyone and their mom, I could never quit OPI Cajun Shrimp.  The punchy fire-engine-red, yet tropical coral hue has always screamed OOO to me, even when vacation plans were not in the cards.  And I think I’ve been wearing Essie Ballet Slippers for going on 13 years…am I aging myself by saying that?!  

But the best nail polishes deserve their homage, and today I’m claiming my top five that I wear season after season.  When I discovered nontoxic and 8-free Smith & Cult a few years ago, I was thrilled to add a few more “constants” to my forever list, like this cold-weather oxblood and this universally flattering nude.  See any you love?!  What shades would you add to the list?  Truly, MKR

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Smith & Cult Ghost Edit

Net-a-porter, $18

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Neutral on my fair skin is always difficult.  But somehow, Smith & Cult nailed it with Ghost Edit. This color is utterly perfect, and it’s universally flattering on all skin tones. 

Essie Ballet Slippers

Target, $8.99

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I’ve been wearing Ballet Slippers for 15+ years.  It’s the smooth, soft pale pink that every woman should have in their arsenal. 

OPI Cajun Shrimp

Ulta, $10

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The classic of the classics, am I right?!  Cajun Shrimp will forever and always be one of the best nail polish colors in the land.  It signifies OOO with a drink in-hand…even if it’s just a state of mind. Ha! 

OPI That's Berry Daring

Target, $7.39

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It’s punchy, it’s bright and it’s an incredibly flattering shade all year ’round! That’s Berry Darling has been one of my favorite OPI colors for years, and one that I probably will always own. 

Smith & Cult Dark Like Me

Neiman Marcus, $18

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Here’s my go-to during the winter months; another rich, bold shade by 8-free brand Smith & Cult. The berry tones mix with oxblood for the absolute perfect deep red. 

Featured image, Kathryn McCrary for Waiting on Martha

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Boozy Chocolate Peppermint Bread Pudding

An Irresistible Southern Staple, Perfect for the Holidays!
December 14, 2016
Story By: Mandy Kellogg Rye
Filed Under > Desserts

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Chocolate peppermint bread pudding recipe by @waitingonmartha
Chocolate Peppermint Bread Pudding | Recipe by @waitingonmartha

Chocolate and peppermint is one of my all-time favorite flavor combos.  This should come to no surprise to you if you’ve tried our Chocolate Peppermint Martini, our Chocolate Peppermint Kiss Cupcakes, our Chocolate Candy Cane Popcorn and how could I forget about our Chocolate Peppermint Buttercream Cookie Cake?!  There’s just something about the cool, minty freshness of peppermint paired with smooth, rich chocolate.  

And simply, I’ve also been craving a good bread pudding recently.  When I say good bread pudding, too, clearly I’m talking about decadent, over-the-top bread pudding like this boozy Chocolate Peppermint Bread Pudding here today.  I, in true form, opted for what I consider the best-of-the-best ingredients (it makes such a difference!) and used fluffy, sweet Brioche bread and my new favorite Peppermint Mocha southern cream liqueur.  And because I had my favorite Peppermint Vitality Essential Oil from  The Well Code, on hand (I use it every day for my head and tummy) I was able to infuse the dessert with that extra boost of peppermint without having to buy the store bought sugary crap.

The beauty of bread pudding is all in the baking; it’s actually a simple dish to make, and it’s one that still delivers a gourmet effect when served to a table of hungry brunchers and indulgent desserters alike. The bite-size cubes of sweet bread lightly toast to perfection, giving the dish a crispy crust on the top and around the edges.  That toastiness of that top layer offers the perfect balance to the softness of the soaked gooey bread beneath, sopping up the smooth, creamy peppermint liqueur.  

If boozy bread pudding isn’t on your holiday menu this year, I highly suggest that changes STAT.  And once you try it at home, I’d love to hear how it turned out!  Enjoy!  Truly, MKR

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Boozy Chocolate Peppermint Bread Pudding
Serves 8
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Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
45 min
Total Time
1 hr 15 min
Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
45 min
Total Time
1 hr 15 min
Ingredients
  1. 2 loaves of Brioche Bread, cubed
  2. 1 stick butter, un salted
  3. 4 cups milk
  4. 1 cup heavy cream
  5. 2 cups Jackson Morgan Peppermint Mocha Liqueur
  6. 6 large eggs, beaten
  7. 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
  8. 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  9. 1 teaspoon Vanilla
  10. 1 teaspoon salt
  11. 15 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil (if you're using Peppermint extract only use 2-3 drops)
  12. Powdered Sugar for topping
Instructions
  1. Heat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Butter/spray a large baking dish and fill it with cubed bread.
  3. In a medium saucepan over low heat, warm milk, butter, vanilla, sugar and salt. Continue cooking just until butter melts; mix in cocoa powder and once completely combined remove from heat.
  4. Add eggs to cooled milk mixture and whisk; pour mixture over bread.
  5. Bake for 30 to 45 minutes, or until custard is set but still wobbly and edges of bread have browned.
  6. Let cool for 10 minutes, sprinkle powdered sugar on the top and serve.
Welcome by Waiting on Martha https://waitingonmartha.com/

Photography, Rustic White for Waiting on Martha

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5 Healthy Meal Delivery Systems for Every Eater

Meals & Subscriptions that Will Fit your Personal Lifestyle
May 25, 2017
Story By: Mandy Kellogg Rye
Filed Under > Everyday

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I’ve pretty much tried it all when it comes to food delivery meals.  And that includes the ones you cook yourself, the ones you have to simply heat up, and the ones that arrive at your doorstep ready-to-eat. We find ourselves in the day and age where delivery subscription services no longer market to only the cooking-challenged; they include plans that can fit perfectly into all of our different, busy lifestyles. 

By now you know how much I enjoy cooking.  So I’m not looking to replace cooking, though I am always interested in ways to supplement our weekly meals with healthy, creative options.  And honestly, I don’t have the time nor energy to deal with breakfast and lunch if I’m cooking dinner that night.  So I’ll be the one to tell you that I see the benefits in all of the different plans out there; they deliver—quite literally—the meals that you and your family may need at that time.  

Ladies, if you’re struggling to get your husbands and boyfriends to eat healthier, there’s a great meal service for you.  My husband really loves Freshly, and as I note below, it’s one of the companies that send you meals that are ready in two minutes that are really low in carbs and gluten.  They also happen to be tasty—and Mr.-approved. 

And if you’re interested in ready-to-eat meals with a full wellness regimen, I have to recommend Sakara to you. The Sakara Life meals are an investment, but totally worth it in my opinion when you take note of how much you’re spending on supplements, beauty waters and more if that’s your kind of thing.  This service includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, detox teas, morning waters and night waters…and you save when you subscribe.  

Find more of my tried and tested suggestions for healthy meal delivery services below.  Have you tried and of these options?  Which plans work for you and yours?  Truly, MKR

P.S. Speaking of food delivery-esq deals, I’m also a huge fan of Daily Harvest for healthy smoothies, Butcher Box for meat delivery every two months, and of course Farmer’s Dog, which is fresh food for Fido!  xo 

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5-Day Organic Meal Delivery, Ready to Eat

Sakara Life, $450

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Sakara Life
Perfect for: The wellness junkie on the go

As I mentioned above, this is your whole wellness kit: breakfast, lunch, dinner, detox teas, morning waters and night waters.  Good news is that you save $30/week when you subscribe.  The Sakara Life girls have really created more of a lifestyle than a meal delivery service with this one, and I’m hooked for all of the times I’m needing nutrients on the go. 

3 Meals per Week for 2, Recipes & Ingredients

Green Chef, $80.94

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Green Chef
Perfect for: Those wanting all organic, specific diet-planned meals

I’ve done Green Chef for a year or two now, and I’ve always been so impressed with the fresh, organic ingredients in the box. Though you do have to pay $9 shipping each time, you can customize the creative meal plans to fit your diet: paleo, gluten-free, omnivore, carnivore, etc.  It’s one of the first times I’ve found decent vegan-friendly dinner recipes.  The meals can be relatively easy to make, with some lessons in simultaneous steps. 

4 Meals per Week for 2, Pre-Prepared

Freshly, $49.99

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Freshly
Perfect for: Those interested in almost instant healthier weeknight meals

As I mentioned above, Freshly is a great option for straight-forward, almost-ready-to-eat food.  No cooking is required, besides heating up a meal or two.  Shipping is free, and it’s possible to opt only for breakfast, or lunch, instead of getting only dinners, etc.  This is a favorite plan of ours because we can do breakfast this way, and we can have a home-cooked meal for dinner.  I’ve found it to be hugely successful with the Mr. when we’re trying to eat a bit healthier, without all of the fussy weird recipes that he’d turn his nose up to. 

 

3 Meals per Week for 2, Recipes & Ingredients

Martha Stewart & Marley Spoon, $61.50

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Martha Stewart & Marley Spoon
Perfect for: Those wanting easy, Martha-approved recipes

Let’s just say that these menu options are a lot more classic, and they’re all Martha-approved recipes. You won’t be getting anything too crazy to cook in your boxes, and the recipes don’t feel as overwhelming as some of the other plans.  Less ingredients, free weekly delivery and Martha’s seal of approval make this company one of my favorites of the bunch. 

 

3 Meals Per Week for 2, Recipes & Ingredients

HelloFresh, $59.94

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HelloFresh
Perfect for: Those wanting to cook reliably good meals; nothing too funky or out-there

I always consider HelloFresh as the crowd-pleaser among the home delivery meals; you’ll cook low-difficulty things like chicken pineapple quesadillas, strip steak bernaise, sriracha turkey burgers and more.  And you’re only paying $9.99 per meal for the classic, rather than $11.99 on average for the other options. Shipping is always free. 

Featured image, Rustic White for Waiting on Martha

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