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!

Local Cheer: Our 2014 RVA Holiday Gift Guide

It seems as if we blinked and now it's December! This is a favorite time of year for us, where seasonal smells and traditions seem to be around every corner — a busy time, and a chance to catch up with family and friends without the normal hustle and bustle of our daily routine.

When heading out to holiday gatherings, we always like to bring a little something along with local origins — it's always a great conversation piece and makes us feel good about spreading a little local cheer. Today we wanted to take the opportunity to highlight some of our choice gift picks this river city has to offer. Whether looking for a select option to bring to a holiday party or ideas to knock out your entire gift list, we've rounded up some of our favorite local goodies and offerings from Richmond spots to make it a very RVA season!

RVA Foodie

Third Annual 2014 Ledbury Quail Hunt

Saturday we spent the better part of the afternoon soaking in the crisp fall air and early sunset at Ledbury's 3rd annual Quail Hunt gathering.

Weekend Basics

Hi from the Jersey Turnpike! Yep, that there is our view when driving home from NYC and we're happy to now be back. Friday night we cooked at home and literally kicked up our feet. After a great week in Brooklyn, Tim and I were ready to be here, relax and spend some quality time with this big guy:

#HistoryMeetsHorsepower: An American Heritage Chocolate Giveaway

Today we're excited to share the details behind a recent day trip we made to Colonial Williamsburg to meet Nascar driver, Kyle Busch and his wife, Samantha and we've got a delicious giveaway at the conclusion of this post for one lucky reader!

Summer Memories at Water Country USA

I can't believe this final summer weekend before the kids go back to school is actually here. Tuesday I'll make the drive back up to Harrisonburg to help Stephanie move back into her college apartment and get Brandon all set up in the JMU dorms as he starts out his first year there. Mary and I couldn't be happier they will be there for 1 year together and while we're thrilled at where they both are in this stage of life — it's definitely flying by.

The week before Stephanie first moved into the dorm, we celebrated the end of summer by taking them both on a tubing trip down the James River. It was a fun way to spend some family together doing something active, summery and memorable at the same time.

Richmond Magazine: Best BBQ

Have you seen the latest issue of Richmond Magazine? We've been keeping quiet about it until now, but I've been excited to share a peek here on the blog since I was one of the contributing writers (among many I admire) to the cover story — all about BBQ. You just do not turn down an opportunity to eat BBQ and write about it, right?

Weekend Basics

Sunday evening we had the chance to get all gussied up and head over to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts with the 2nd Annual Elby Awards were held...

Weekend Basics

Tim and I are enjoying a long weekend with an extra day off today. We made the drive up to NYC for the week ahead (I'll be working in the Brooklyn Etsy offices while Tim E.A.T.'s his way through the city). While we're exploring the city today, we thought we'd leave you with a little roundup of other goings-on throughout our weekend...