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9 Easy Steps to Create An At Home Vanity

Vanity Styling Ideas that Help You Create the Perfect Personal Space
March 31, 2017
Story By: Mandy Kellogg Rye
Filed Under > Everyday

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Vanity Table Essentials, Waiting On MarthaMarble Vanity TableVanity Essentials, Waiting On MarthaBeauty Essentials, Waiting On MarthaEssential Oils, Waiting On Martha Marble Vanity Table Vanity Essentials, Waiting On Martha

One of the biggest issues with my home is functionality and space.  It just wasn’t built with enough great kitchen, closet or bathroom functionality for my liking.  Oh how I dreamed of a big marble vanity table full of all my candles, crystals, and beauty products. A place where I could sit and welcome the day rather than stand and feel rushed to get out the door. So after years of complaining I finally decided to to create that space I craved with an easy vanity.  

The great news is you don’t need a lot of actual space to create a vanity, and it doesn’t even need to be in your bathroom.  After playing around with the setup my newly created vanity is actually in an unused bedroom.  

I found an great sized marble vanity table I already owned, perfect for me to apply makeup, give myself an at-home mani, meditate and journal.  Proof that you don’t need the perfect piece of furniture or a huge amount of counter space to create your own vanity. 

The key, though is to have a few pieces, like trays and baskets, that can corral items and keep things in order.  And if you’re creating a space that’s semi-temporary or will be changed frequently, details like a standing mirror rather than one on a wall, framed art propped against the wall, picture frames of loved ones, and fresh flowers can give it that personal touch without getting too permanent. 

Below I’m breaking down nine easy vanity styling ideas and essentials.  I think you’ll find that so many of the items that make a beautiful vanity are super versatile, affordable and can always grow and evolve with your routine!  What’s your must-have item on your vanity?  How do you enjoy a little moment to yourself in the morning?  Truly, MKR

P.S. Find some of our favorite vessels and vases that would look wonderful on your vanity! xo 

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Gemini 6" Oval Mirror

Bed Bath & Beyond, $24

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Having a mirror is a no-brainer; you need a good one here!  If you’re creating a space that may evolve and change, or just prefer a closer look, I’d suggest a stand mirror like this one.  Sometimes I end up moving my setup to another corner in my room or bathroom, so it’s nice to have a mirror that can easily follow suit. 

Gone Wild

Etsy, $20

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Setting up art and picture frames with photos of loved ones can instantly make the space feel like it’s your own. This personal touch helps create a more special and sacred feeling when you’re having your alone time. 

9" Peonies in Tapered Vase, Faux

One Kings Lane, $89

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When have flowers ever been a bad idea?!  But seriously, I love the idea of having fresh blooms, or even faux, around to keep things feeling light, fresh and inspiring.  Flowers make me happy, and they are very fitting in the space that I have created just for me, myself and I! 

Rattan Square Tray Basket

Wayfair, $60.99

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Another must-have for your vanity is a tray, or two.  Trays easily and effortlessly corral everything and keep things looking tidy.  This is especially important with beauty products and random trinkets, candles, crystals, etc.  They have a way of making everything look in place. 

Mint Julep "The Best" Cup

Waiting on Martha Home, $35

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Having vessels like mint julep cups, vases and candle glasses after they’re done burning to serve as holders for makeup brushes and other necessities is important.  The added height helps create a balanced vignette, too. 

Woodlot "Recharge" Coconut Wax Candle

Waiting on Martha Home, $26

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I don’t know about you, but having candles lit always soothes and recharges me.  I love keeping candles, always non-toxic, at my vanity for the wonderful fragrance too.  

The Five Minute Journal

Amazon, $22.95

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As I mentioned above, I love to carve out time in my mornings for quiet time, and that doesn’t just mean for my makeup and skincare routine.  I use this time to journal, meditate and read my devotional.  And being able to do all of this in a space I love, that’s just for me, makes it even more enjoyable. 

Young Living Essential Oils

The Well Code, $160

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If you’ve been reading the Blog for some time then you’d know that I am in deep with essential oils.  In fact it wouldn’t be a stretch to say that along with myself every WOM team member is in deep with EO’s and they’ve done nothing short of change all of our lives. No joke, change lives!  Anyway, with essential oils being such a large part of my daily routine you’ll find a diffuser on my vanity along with my morning and evening oils of Peppermint, Lavender, Stress Away, Abundance, Joy, Peace & Calming and Breathe Again.

Marble Top Vanity/Bar

West Elm Marble Counter Table, $699

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If you remember my old WOM offices then this bar/vanity will look familiar to you…it was our coffee bar.  But I’ve found its the absolute perfect vanity if you don’t have an actual built in vanity for your home.  And just as I did, when it’s done being used as a vanity it can easily go back to being a bar, island, or desk.

Photography, Kathryn McCrary for Waiting on Martha

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Discovering the Conture Skin Toning System

An easy, at home device and system for anti-aging results
March 21, 2017
Story By: Mandy Kellogg Rye
Filed Under > Beauty & Tutorials

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Conture skincare toning system review via waitingonmartha.comConture Face & Neck toning system on Waiting on MarthaConture Kinetic Skin Toning System via waitingonmartha.comBeauty and skincare routine on waitingonmartha.com Kinetic toning system tool by Conture via Waitingonmartha.com Vanity styling and skincare via Waiting on MarthaConture Kinetic Toning System review on waitingonmartha.comConture Kinetic PM night cream on waitingonmartha.com

I’m always intrigued by the latest-and-greatest beauty gadget like the rest.  Give me something that will address my laugh lines, hide those Crow’s Feet and give me that goddess glow and I’m all in.  So you can understand how excited I was to recently try the Conture Skin Toning System.  I was able to get a first peek at the system before it launches today on QVC, 10 pm EST on The Find.  Like all good things that launch on QVC, it will probably sell out quickly, plus with this package price, you’ll enjoy months of treatment rather than one trip to the med spa.  

If you’re not familiar with Conture’s skincare tools and products it’s okay, I wasn’t either until recently.  And trust me, you’re going to want to educate yourself today.  They offer an easy and painless at-home device that claims some pretty impressive anti-aging skincare results, along with solid clinical research to prove it.  

So what is it?  And what does it DO?!  The Conture Skin Toning System is a non-invasive (read: no harsh or scary procedures) device that helps fight signs of aging, while improving your skin’s texture and radiance.  And it didn’t take me long to realize that the magic behind Conture’s Kinetic Skin Toning System is definitely all in its low-frequency vibrations that it sends through your skin.  When I was using it, I could definitely feel it working…almost like a super soft suction all over my face and neck.  Think med-spa style; the Conture Skin Toning Device uses their gentle vacuum technology to first lift the skin, then release the vibrations to stimulate and tone.  

If you’re reading this and you’re as intrigued as I was when I learned about it, get this: Conture has clocked over 250,000 hours of clinical research that backs its claims of the increase in radiance, evenness and firmness.  I was completely hooked when I learned this, hence why I was so quick to give the device a whirl and gush about it on here. 

The anti-aging system is super easy to use, and for good measure, it comes with an AMAZING instruction manual that explains exactly how to use it at home, along with tips when you watch the application tutorial video (I highly suggest watching this first).  When I was using it, I could see what Conture was saying about not overdoing it though too; my skin was tender around the delicate eye area after concentrating on it a little too long. 

But I think you’ll find that this device and product line is definitely worthy of adding to your skincare routine.  Since the goal is to improve and maintain your toned skin, you’ll get the best results by using a great day cream and night cream after using the device, and being consistent with actually using it all.  I’ve tried the Kinetic AM Ignition Lotion and Kinetic PM Recovery Crème which both feel great, but you can also use your own favorite lotion if you’ve got one that you love.  

Okay so now the good news!  As I mentioned above, QVC is launching a promo TODAY with a special package price for everything…the device, the serum, the day cream and night cream for just $179 (!).  Set a reminder on your phone for 10 PM EST on The Find on QVC for this amazing deal, friends, because this is a STEAL.  I just may stock up for later!!!  Truly, MKR

Photography, Kathryn McCrary for Waiting on Martha | This post is in collaboration with Conture, a brand we love and adore.  All opinions are 100% our own. 

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Crock Pot Corned Beef & Cabbage

A One-Pot Meal that Hits the Spot This St. Patrick's Day
March 9, 2020
Story By: Mandy Kellogg Rye
Filed Under > Food

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Slow Cooker Corned Beef & Cabbage recipe on Waiting on MarthaCorned Beef & Cabbage for St. Patrick's Day - Waiting on Martha 

Nothing says St. Patrick’s Day like this traditional one-pot meal.  It’s perfect in a cozy-comforting-savory-tender way.  And I actually just learned that this beloved dish is actually rarely eaten in Ireland!  But it sure makes one heck of a St. Patty’s Day dinner. 

I didn’t do anything fancy with mine, but I have found that I’m particular on a few specifics when cooking it at home.  I always throw it all into my slow cooker, and I always, always cook it low-and-slow for up to eight hours.  You can, of course, cook it on high for four hours, but you’ll have a chewier bite than if you take the slow route, believe me.  I like mine to practically fall off the fork!  And the beauty with corned beef is that it comes pre-seasoned, so you don’t have to fuss with any kind of marinating or additional spices while you’re preparing it to cook.  Find the full recipe below, and tell me – will you be slow cookin’ some corned beef and cabbage next week?!  Truly, MKR

P.S. A nice little suggestion for your leftovers the next day: get some white bread, and make some cold corned beef sandwiches for lunch! My mouth is drooling just thinking about it.  You can plate it traditionally (as shown above) or shred it like your typical brisket sandwich. xo 

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Crock Pot Corned Beef & Cabbage
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Ingredients
  1. 1 corned beef with seasoning
  2. 1 head of cabbage, cut into quarters
  3. 10-12 raw carrots
  4. 10 baby red potatoes
  5. onions, peeled and quartered
  6. 2-3 cloves garlic, to taste
  7. grainy mustard, to garnish
  8. Salt and pepper, to taste
  9. Fresh thyme, to taste
  10. Fresh parsley, to taste
Instructions
  1. Fill crockpot with corned beef (fat side up), potatoes, onion, & carrots. Add water so it comes up to the bottom quarter of the beef. Top with one bottle of beer.
  2. Cover and cook the corned beef on low for 8-10 hours. (You can cook it on high for 4 hours, but I swear the meat tastes the best with my low-and-slow method!)
  3. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, add cabbage.*
  4. Slice into preferred cuts, add grainy mustard, fresh parsley and thyme to serve.
Notes
  1. *You can also cook the cabbage separately by boiling it in water for 20 minutes if there isn't enough room in the Crock Pot.
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Photography, Rustic White for Waiting on Martha

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