December 31, 2015

Best of 17 Apart 2015


Over the past (5!) years, we've celebrated the year-end close with a look back and assembly of our most popular posts from the blog over the past year. This year was refreshing taking a look back — realizing when in a time where we felt less productive, we actually accomplished a heck of a lot. We are inherent "doers," and revisiting our 2015 projects, travel, gatherings & everyday adventures maintains that spark of motivation to continue to archive.

December 30, 2015

What We Found Under the Tree: Our 2015 Gift Roundup

As the holiday season comes to an official close, we wanted to share a quick roundup of the cheer we found waiting under the tree this year (thanks Santa!). As you can gather, we tend to go for simple, useful and a little bit fun — all things we're looking forward to putting to good use in the new year!


December 29, 2015

Oh What Fun! Our 2015 Holiday Recap


With the festivities around the holidays winding down this week, we wanted to take a moment to share a few of our favorite shots from the season leading into Christmas here on the blog. From new and familiar decor, to Christmas Eve on the farm and Christmas dinner at here at home, it's been a full season to say the least — we hope you enjoy!

December 23, 2015

Recipe: Spiced Holiday Nut Mix


Looking for a simple yet festive holiday snack for gatherings and quick gift ideas? This recipe for spiced nuts is one of my go-to's around this time of year — the salty, sweet & crunchy combo makes for an all around pleaser.

December 21, 2015

NYC in December

We spent the bulk of early December in New York, primarily working, eating and enjoying the holiday decorations this time of year while in town. Today we've rounded up our collective phone snaps from the week to share here on the blog if you care to see...


The city over the holidays is a special thing — Christmas trees line the street corners and decorations line the streets. A simple stroll through Little Italy feels more like a walk through a busy wonderland:

December 20, 2015

Over on eHow: DIY Farmhouse Christmas Tree Stand


This time last weekend we were heading out to pick up this year's Christmas tree. We opted for a smaller 5ft tree since we've decided to position it in our family room (since fully updating the front room into an office early last year).

December 14, 2015

Weekend Basics: 'Tis The Season


Coming back from a week in NYC, this past weekend was a welcome return to sunny December weather, a trip to the country with Basil and scouting out this year's Christmas tree. We've rounded up our collective iPhone snaps from all the events today if you care to see...

December 4, 2015

Making Spirits Bright: 2015 Gift Guide

Hints that the holidays have arrived are popping up everywhere we look — we've admired the re-emergence of seasonal decorations, the holiday greeting cards trickling in with the mail, the return of our favorite late autumn foods and the holiday gatherings beginning to fill up our December calendar. It's a busy time, but one we look forward to every single year.

In the holiday spirit, today we've rounded up 15 of our favorite gift ideas to share. From new gadgets and stocking stuffers to pet toys and last-minute hostess ideas, there's a little something special for everyone — enjoy!


November 30, 2015

Our Thanksgiving in St. Stephens Church, Virginia


Thanksgiving day we spent time with my Dad and extended family on my aunt and uncle's Virginia horse farm. This is a place I've been visiting since early childhood and a favorite place we've highlighted here on the blog from time to time over the years. Tim has been hunting with family in these woods and we loved the chance to just walk the grounds, check out the garden, take in the fresh air, admire the horses and visit this year's new colts.

November 18, 2015

Over on eHow: How to Make DIY Mulling Spice Bundles


As the draw holidays near, we've been leaning into the season. In that spirit, for our latest project post with eHow we raided the pantry to create a handful of mulling spice bundles — there's nothing like the smell of citrus and spice to invite immediate warmth and seasonal aromas throughout the house.

November 11, 2015

Recipe: Potato, Zucchini & Dill Savory Tart


Today we wanted to pop in to share one final recipe from our time spent vacationing in Italy. With access to an abundance of fresh and wild herbs on the grounds, we found ourselves looking for any excuse to incorporate them into the meals we'd prepare during the evenings, hence the fresh dill is truly the star of this potato and zucchini tart.

November 9, 2015

Over on eHow: DIY Wine Bottle Christmas Lights


In our most recent project collaboration with eHow, we transformed a handful of glass bottles into a set of sparkling holiday decorations. These festive lights are a such a fun way to recycle different bottles from a special occasion or trip, and make a budget-friendly gift idea as the holidays draw near.

November 5, 2015

Over on eHow: How to Grow Wisteria in a Planter


After returning back home from our stay in Italy, we have officially caught a case of the wisteria-fever. Known for their cascading blooms, the farmhouse where we stayed had a mature wisteria vine covering the outdoor pergola like a beautiful living canopy.

November 3, 2015

Weekend Basics: Our Halloween Festivities


It seems like we blinked this year and now it's November. Classically my favorite month out of the year — it always sneaks right up, signifying the busy holiday season is here. Before plunging head deep into the holiday spirit, we wanted to take the time to share a quick recap of our weekend and Halloween festivities.

October 31, 2015

Halloween Party Recipe: Haunted Punch


Popping in today to wish everyone a Happy Halloween and share this frightfully festive recipe for a haunted punch sure to delight ghouls and goblins of all ages.

October 27, 2015

Recipe: Caramel Apples


Now that we're in the throws of autumn, Mary and I are soaking in the cooler mornings, changing leaves and the fall offerings cropping up everywhere we look. In the spirit of the season and with this year's apple picking trip, I recently whipped up a batch of caramel apples in collaboration with Furniture.com's lifestyle blog and had fun pairing this classic treat with grown-up toppings for a gourmet twist.

October 23, 2015

Fancy That!

Original image by Tori Watson

Today we're back again, sharing all the smaller things we're into (or fancying, hence the series name) that might not fit into a single post for one reason or another. Sometimes there might be a long list of randomness, other times it might be a single gem — whatever the case, here's what we're into right now.

October 22, 2015

Apple Picking in Crozet, Virginia


Over the weekend we drove up near Charlottesville to go apple picking. We'd been planning to meet up with Brandon, who's in his 3rd year at JMU now (where has the time gone?), and Tim discovered Chile's Peach Orchard at about the halfway point between Richmond and Harrisonburg as a fun meeting spot.

October 20, 2015

Vacation Photos: Italy // The Sights


Now into the latter part of October, it's been a solid month since returning home from our 2 week stay in Italy and life has been just as busy as ever. Upon returning, we shared a roundup of photos from the farmhouse and orchard we called home base — and today we're excited to share a recap of the sights, both big and small from our travels throughout Italy if you care to see...

October 2, 2015

Fancy That!

Original image by Tori Watson

Today we're back again, sharing all the smaller things we're into (or fancying, hence the series name) that might not fit into a single post for one reason or another. Sometimes there might be a long list of randomness, other times it might be a single gem — whatever the case, here's what we're into right now.

September 30, 2015

The World Visits Richmond: UCI Road World Championships

UCI Women's Elite racing through the Fan

Over the past week, Richmond was the hosting city for the UCI Road World Championship bike race. This has been an event I've been looking forward to since they announced it about 4 years ago.

September 23, 2015

Recipe: Fig & Rosemary Tart with an Apricot Ricotta


While vacationing in Italy, we enjoyed the chance to cook at home with fresh local ingredients, including those found among the grounds of the house where we stayed. Some of our favorite offerings were those of the ripe fig tree and bursting hedges of fragrant rosemary — this place was like walking through a foragers dream.

September 21, 2015

Vacation Photos: Italy // The House

The Italian olive grove where we stayed 

We're back from the heels of a 2 week vacation in Italy — it's a bittersweet spot to be in as we're happy to be home and re-energized to take on the busy season ahead, though our heads keep wandering back to the remote hills of Umbria and the 300 year old farmhouse where we stayed while away.

September 14, 2015

Recipe: Farro Salad with Pistachios & Dried Cherries



While vacationing in Italy we've enjoyed the chance to dine out, but have also taken the opportunity to cook at home using some of the freshest and local ingredients we have access to while in Umbria.

September 12, 2015

Fancy That!

Original image by Tori Watson

Today we're back again, sharing all the smaller things we're into (or fancying, hence the series name) that might not fit into a single post for one reason or another. Sometimes there might be a long list of randomness, other times it might be a single gem — whatever the case, here's what we're into right now.

September 11, 2015

Basil's 5th Birthday


This time last month we celebrated Basil's 5th birthday. He donned his favorite bow tie collar for the occasion and was rightfully spoiled with extra walks and special treats throughout the day. Just look at this guy.

September 5, 2015

Checking in from Italy!


Buongiorno! That's, "good morning" in Italian! As you may already know, today we're checking in from the start of a 2 week vacation in Italy. We're staying in the Umbria region in a remote stone farm house that sits atop an olive grove overlooking the small historic town of Assisi.

August 8, 2015

Fancy That!

Original image by Tori Watson

Today we're back again, sharing all the smaller things we're into (or fancying, hence the series name) that might not fit into a single post for one reason or another. Sometimes there might be a long list of randomness, other times it might be a single gem — whatever the case, here's what we're into right now.

August 6, 2015

‪The Thrill of The Hunt: #‎FindTheGirlsOnTheNegatives

Image via Meagan Abell, lookslikefilm.com


We wanted to pop in today to share an interesting photography story that's unfolding here in Richmond. Perhaps you've already heard about the film transparencies that Meagan Abell, local Richmond photographer, uncovered at a nearby Antique Mall? If not, you're in for an intriguing mystery we've been having fun following along with...

July 24, 2015

Giveaway: Durathon Digital Steam Iron With Hamilton Beach


Today we're excited to be hosting a giveaway in collaboration with Hamilton Beach for a Durathon digital steam iron, just like the one we used to make a set of no-sew sachets with dried flower petals from our wedding.

July 22, 2015

How To: Make DIY Potpourri With Wedding Flowers


When Tim and I got married over 2 years ago, I ended up saving my bouquet and the large centerpiece from our florals, allowing them to fully dry out. I wasn't sure what I'd do with them at the time, but didn't want to throw them away and knew at some point an idea may strike for how to preserve them in a meaningful way.

July 6, 2015

Our UK Trip: London Snaps


It's been 2 weeks since arriving back from our quick trip in London and we're still reeling from such a great time. All of your recommendations for things to do and places to see made for a memorable trip we won't soon forget — we took them to heart and you helped us uncover bits of the city we'd never have stumbled across on our own. Thanks to everyone that sent along tips via comments, Facebook, Instagram and email.

July 5, 2015

Fancy That!

Original image by Tori Watson

Today we're back again, sharing all the smaller things we're into (or fancying, hence the series name) that might not fit into a single post for one reason or another. Sometimes there might be a long list of randomness, other times it might be a single gem — whatever the case, here's what we're into right now.

June 26, 2015

Over on eHow: Rustic Tree Stump Side Tables


We've constructed a new pair of rustic end tables, using little more than tree stump slices and hairpin legs. find the full furniture tutorial for these tables newly published in our eHow project series.

June 22, 2015

Mulberry Galette Tart Recipe


June notoriously means mulberry season here in Virginia. Mulberries are similar in appearance to blackberries and raspberries, but grow on trees and have a milder berry taste. They aren't commonly found in markets, so we look forward all year to that small seasonal window where the trees produce fruit.

June 20, 2015

The Great Gardenia Purge


We've just returned home from a week in London and are looking forward to sharing a photo recap early next week — before doing so we wanted to pop in with a little front yard update we tackled before heading out. In what we are calling The Great Gardenia Purge of 2015,  you can see we've done quite the bit of "pruning" out front...

June 16, 2015

Father's Day Gift Guide

With Father's Day just around the corner, I've rounded up a few of my favorite ideas for a little last-minute gift inspiration. From the gourmet to the traveler, the old schooler and the music buff — these are few new ideas sure to make him smile:


June 15, 2015

Over on eHow: DIY Cement Flower Pots


We recently made a trio of cement flower pots to act as an outdoor centerpiece for our patio table — they help brighten up our backyard and were silly-simple to make. With basic materials like plastic containers, quick drying cement, water and a little cooking spray these planters are one of those projects that takes minimal effort but gives off a huge return.

June 13, 2015

Across the Pond: Off to London


After a quick trip in NYC, today we're all packed up and headed off for a week in London. I'll be working from the London Etsy office the better part of the week, with a few free evenings and days stacked in for exploring together. We'll be staying in the Holborn area of the city and are excited to see the sights, eat the eats and do all the things. With that in mind — we'd love your favorite recommendations and suggestions for London as we make our way through the city.

June 2, 2015

Giveaway: Complete La Paloma Gourmet Sauce & Salsa Package


Today we're excited to be hosting a giveaway for the complete line of La Paloma Gourmet sauces and salsas. That's right, one lucky ready will win one of each of the 10 pictured products below, ranging from moles, to adobos and salsas.

June 1, 2015

Two Years Strong

It's hard to believe May has already passed us by. Today we find ourselves at a fresh start to June, which also marks our wedding anniversary.

Image by Tori Watson, Tori Watson Photography

It's been 2 years since we officially got married here in Richmond, surrounded by a small group of close friends and family. When thinking about it, Tim and I both agree it feels longer than 2 years ago — probably because we've actually been in this relationship together coming up on 11 years. While we took things slow, I'm a true believer that when something is right, it will still be right if there's reason to wait.

May 31, 2015

Fancy That!

Original image by Tori Watson

Today we're back again, sharing all the smaller things we're into (or fancying, hence the series name) that might not fit into a single post for one reason or another. Sometimes there might be a long list of randomness, other times it might be a single gem — whatever the case, here's what we're into right now.

May 27, 2015

Summer Salad Idea: Roasted Red Pepper, Mozzarella & Basil


Tim made a summertime salad this week I couldn't help but share — roasted red peppers, fresh mozzarella and thinly sliced basil leaves. Finished with extra virgin olive oil, a pinch of Maldon salt and fresh cracked pepper, you can call me ready for summer.

May 21, 2015 Richmond, VA 23220, USA

DIY Vertical Succulent Garden: eHow's Ikea Lack Hack #ProjectThrowdown Challenge


Over the last couple of weeks we've been stretching our creative muscles and working with new-to-us materials on what's turned out to be one of our favorite new projects — the hanging vertical wall garden pictured above.

May 19, 2015

Weekend Basics: May Roundup


This May has been filled with eventful weekends — day trips, outings, weddings, projects and more. At just over halfway through the month, we've been on a whirlwind of activity and wanted to share a roundup of weekend happenings around here if you care to see...

May 15, 2015

Fancy That!

Original image by Tori Watson

Today we're back again, sharing all the smaller things we're into (or fancying, hence the series name) that might not fit into a single post for one reason or another. Sometimes there might be a long list of randomness, other times it might be a single gem — whatever the case, here's what we're into right now.

May 14, 2015

Over on eHow: DIY Industrial Entry Bench


We've mentioned a few times that my daughter, Stephanie, recently moved from our place into her first apartment nearby with one of her college roommates. Throughout this process, we've gained an empty guest room upstairs (handy for shooting big projects), and have also had fun making a few projects for her new place. The first request we were thrilled to DIY turned out to be this custom bench for their entryway.

May 12, 2015

Giveaway: JJ Suspenders

Desert Navy & Chesnut Java suspenders from JJ Suspenders

Today we're excited to be hosting a giveaway for two pairs of remarkable suspenders from JJ Suspenders. One lucky ready will win both of the pairs, pictured in Desert Navy and Chesnut Java below, featured in today's post.

May 8, 2015

How to Build A DIY Giant Jenga Stacking Game


A couple weeks ago we invited our youngest nieces and nephew over to visit for the afternoon. We'd recently completed our latest DIY project in collaboration with eHow, an oversized wood block stacking game (like Jenga), and thought Teller's kids would love playing with it — not to mention act as the perfect models for capturing the final project shots.

April 30, 2015

Mother's Day Gift Guide

Can you believe Mother's Day is right around the corner? From sentimental to funny, quick ideas to last minute DIY's, we've rounded up some of our favorite gift ideas to show mom (or any of the special women in your life) just how much they mean to you.


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