Back in November you may recall I had the great pleasure of speaking at my gal pal Anna’s (In Honor of Design) The Brand Market Workshop.  While I’d gladly join Anna in practically any endeavor she’s undertaking I was especially fired up (nod to my cheerleading days) to speak about branding.  At the core of everything and every arm of Martha is our brand and it’s message, “creating a beautiful everyday.”  So to be able to talk passionately about branding to other creatives was right in my wheel house.  Not to mention it was the first Brand Market Workshop and there’s something about the first of anything.  Though at the time it’s always stressful because you don’t know what lies ahead and what bumps you’ll incur, but that’s the fun of it.  You eventually look back and laugh and reminisce at the “remember this time” and the “we had no idea what we were getting into” memories.  Life is all about learning right?

Anyway, I’m getting off track…back to the workshop.  In Anna’s own words, ” The Brand Market was born out of a passion and desire to enable creative entrepreneurs to make their big dreams an achievable reality.  Each workshop is taught by a series of creatives with expertise in their field and focuses on making your brand and site stand out by diving into the essentials of branding, marketing, and photography styling skills.”  And since Atlanta was a huge success, and such an amazing experience it’s happening again!  So get ready Atlanta, March 15th we’re coming for you and registration is now officially open.  And if you’re not in Atlanta no worries, Anna’s taking the show on the road and will be headed to Raleigh and NYC this spring/summer.  Will I be seeing you in March?   TGIF Loves!  truly, MKR

P.S.  Seats are limited so hurry and sign up now!

All images property of The Brand Market

Over the last year I’ve been honored to join forces with my dear friend, and ridiculously talented creative entrepreneur Anna to co-host The Brand Market here in Atlanta.  For those of you who don’t know The Brand Market (TBM) is a one day intensive for bloggers, small business owners, and creative entrepreneurs that focuses on taking your business to the next level through branding, marketing, social media, and photography.  And while Atlanta has been, and will always be home for TBM I’m beyond excited to be hopping on a plane to take TBM to Chicago.  

As most of  you know Chicago was my home for a decade.  It’s the first “big city” I ever lived in.  It’s where I went to (and where I quit) law school.  It’s where “Martha” was born.  And most importantly it’s where I met my husband and got married.  Which makes the date of TBM Chicago, October 11th, even more sweet because not only will I be celebrating a handful of creative entrepreneurs but also the night I met the Mr. 8 long years ago (Rolling Stones Concert, Soldier Field 10/11/06).  Bottom line, Chicago has, and will always have a large piece of my heart and I can’t wait to bring this amazing workshop to an amazing city.  So who will I be seeing in the Chi?  TGIF Loves!  truly, MKR     

P.S.  If you’re thinking about attending, or an out of towner thinking about attending and have any questions or need recommendations about where to stay, eat, shop, etc. don’t hesitate to drop me a line.  waitingonmartha@gmail.com

Image via The Brand Market

The weekend is wrapping up, but there’s no better time for an easy Sunday morning at the farmers market.  Today’s look includes more warm weather essentials and wardrobe staples from ONE OF OUR FAVORITE BRANDS, ANN TAYLOR.  Whether you’re heading to Friday cocktails, Saturday brunch, or Sunday’s farmers market, a few key wardrobe pieces will have you set. 

Essential Number Five:  denim shorts.  Denim shorts are always a summer staple, but I especially love this chambray version.  A refined, yet relaxed short they’ll allow you to dress them up or down all summer long.

Essential Number Six: chic, comfortable sandals.  I could walk for hours with no complaints in these slides, plus the navy blue color is still classic, but breaks up the boredom of typical black and brown.

So there you have it Loves, eight wardrobe staples worn three different ways (and they’re all 40% off right now!). So tell me which piece is your closet lacking?  Truly, MKR