I have always wanted to go to Nashville, but never had the chance. When I heard we had a segment in the “country” capital I knew I was in for a treat. I was a little nervous that I was expecting too much and I would be disappointed…NOPE. Nashville was everything I hoped it would be and more. From the moment we landed in the airport and were greeted by George Straight over the intercom I knew this was my kind of town. I have always had a little country in me, and I couldn’t wait to explore. We immediately referred to a post Gwyneth Paltrow did on her blog while filming “Country Strong” in Nashville featuring all of her must sees. She didn’t lead us astray. First stop was to The Family Wash in East Nashville. Oh. My. Goodness. Not only was the little restaurant more charming than we could have imagined, the veggie shepherds pie was just as good as Gwyneth promised. It was Pie and Pint Tuesday, and we truly felt like we had died and gone to heaven. YUM. After delicious cake (moist yet light…not sure how they pulled that off) and a quick set from the local talent we decided we better capitalize on being in Nashville for just one night. We headed downtown to Roberts Western World, home of the honky tonk. If you are looking for some good old country dancing-this is the place. Old school country (yes please!) and quite the collection of cowboy boots, this place alone would have been worth the trip.

Oh right, work. Matthew and I had been brainstorming, shopping and crafting all week to prepare for the segment in Nashville. We taped one segment full of  ideas for spring (which will air in the next few months), here is a quick teaser from that segment, but stay tuned for the full video.

Before (crafting away)

After!!

We presented some fun DIY escort card table and favor ideas inspired by my own wedding and the Portuguese bead chapter in the book. Let’s just say the glue gun and “mod podge” got some good use this trip.

Our live segment was centered around inexpensive ideas for winter inspired table décor. We created a wreath made of all woodland inspired materials. How much do you love the way that bleached/dried baby’s breath looks like snow. This type of wreath could hang on a door or could be placed on a table with pillar candles to become a lush centerpiece. Next, we displayed some inexpensive white candies, cookies, and treats on some vintage silver trays and in classic clear glass vases. We found some great glittered wrapping paper at the local craft store which made for a fab runner. I love the simple, clean palette and who doesn’t love to work with glitter and doilies!

On set we met the charming Jesse from the famous Loveless Café. He made a cobbler on set that filled the whole studio with the most savory smell.

We chatted with Jesse and immediately got directions to the café. We couldn’t leave Nashville without trying some of his fresh and famous biscuits. Loveless is a favorite of Martha Stewart, Gwyneth, Nashville locals Tim McGraw and Faith Hill…and now Kimmy Crosby and Matthew Robbins.  Our sweet waitress Virginia (who Matthew and I fell in love with) took great care of us during our visit! I am ashamed to say I had never had REAL fried chicken before, once Virginia learned this she insisted this was the place to do it. She was right, it was insane. Crispy, yet somehow light and unbelievably moist. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. Other favorites from Loveless? Their famous biscuits were heaven on a plate, each jam was sweet perfection (we each came home with a jar) and the fried okra was delicious. If you go…and you should go…don’t skip over the creamed corn, I promise you wont regret it. Matthew enjoyed the okra, grits and fried green tomatoes!

Also, stop by their online store for some great gifts for valentines day. We both loaded up, I cant wait to send these tea towels to my sisters on Feb 14!

Nashville, we love you!!! We will be back soon!

There is nothing better than a good old fashion road trip, especially when your driving down the coast of Florida in 80 degree weather…I know, we have rough lives. We had 3 segments in Florida, so we decided to road trip it rather than be on and off the airplanes. Good decision, we had a blast.

We started the trip in Jacksonville, Matthew’s Hometown. The weather in FL is simply divine. It didn’t dip below 70 the entire time we were there. The segment in Jacksonville was super quick, so quick in fact I didn’t get a single picture. The highlight of the Jacksonville leg was the most lovely lunch with all of Matthew’s family. I had such a good time getting a peek into Matthew’s roots and spending some time with sisters, cousins, moms dads and grandmas! Just the boost we needed!!!

We stopped by this adorable candy shop for some props for an upcoming segment in Nashville (stay tuned). They had a great selection of gluten free and vegan candies! SO fun.

The next day we drove down the coast to Miami. A big thanks to Mariah, Britney and good old Dolly for getting us through the drive. We made a few quick stops along the way. Have you ever been to St. Augustine? ADORABLE. We only had time to do a drive through but I felt like I could stay for a year. We had a fab dinner at the cancun café…Fish in this state is insane. I had fish tacos and thought I had gone to heaven.

The NBC studio in Miami were beautiful. They have quiet the production going on down there and we love Natalie who hosted our segment. We try to incorporate a little local flavor into each segment, so for our Miami segment we brought some seashells and one of my favorite props in our collection…a white pineapple. I don’t know why I love that pineapple so much but I was thrilled we got to use it as inspiration for our objects table.

After the segment we jumped back in the car and drove to Orlando. Home of Disneyworld…no we didn’t have time to see Mickey but still had a great stay. We were hosted by the lovely duo, Amy Kaufeldt and Michelle Burdo of Fox 35, this is the first time Matthew was on set with 2 hosts and we loved their combined energy. They asked great questions about how someone at home could pull off our ideas which made for an extra special segment.

On to Nashville!!! Stay tuned….only 2 more segments to go!

Lucky for us our next stop was back on our home turf !  We got in very late from Denver, and made it to Martha Stewarts studio very early the next morning to do the live show at 10 am! As Martha has been a huge part of Matthews journey going to her studio truly is like coming home. The staff and crew are like family and it was such a lovely and much welcomed stop for us.

Martha Stewarts TV set is amazing. I am always blown away with how pristine and beautiful it is. You truly feel like you are walking into a domestic wonderland. The bowls, cake stands and produce are always perfectly placed and there is something wonderful they do with the lighting…is insanely dreamy and cozy. I could stay there all day.

Matthew was lucky enough to have Martha write the forward to the book so this was a key stop on our tour. Have you had a chance to read the forward in your copy yet? If not, do it. It is such a lovely tribute to Matthew and all he does.

The segment was lovely, and it was so fun for Matthew and I to have so many people from our team there to share in the fun.

Did you catch the segment? If not, check out highlights on Martha’s website!! If so…share your thoughts below, we would love to hear your feedback and favorites!!!

Next stop on the big tour was San Antonio. How much do you love Texas? I lived in Dallas for a bit and have had a special place in my heart for the lone star state ever since. I am always excited at the opportunity to return. Once again…Texas delivered! We landed in San Antonio and made our way over to our adorable hotel which was conveniently 30 steps from the news station where we would do our segment the next morning. I could dedicate this entire post to the Havana Hotel. It was beyond charming. The decor was perfectly Texan without being plastered with stars and flags. Everything was made of dark wood that made every room smell deliciously of murphys oil. Each room had a vintage styled fridge filled with bottled soda, and coconut water, and there was a goodies basket with the most amazing chips and salsa. (which was exactly what we needed after a day of airplane snacks.)

While unpacking our bags to prep for the segment we realized we left a bag full of bread, breadsticks, almonds and other treats that we needed for the food display the next morning on the airplane! Thank heavens for the kind folks at United Airlines for finding our bag and holding it for us. Crisis averted, we were able to pick up the bag early the next morning just in time to make our segment!!

I promise I will get to the segment …but quickly a note about the most amazing breakfast we enjoyed. The hotels restaurant was to die for. Located just next store, Ocho is a MUST if you are in the area. What is better than refied black beans, warm tortillas and a huge bowl of fresh fruit to start your day??

We made it to the news station and had an amazing segment! The San Antonio Living studio was so fun, complete with great southwest decor and beautiful local art! (can you see the cute little Texan statue that pops up in some of our pictures below?!)

Here are a few more pictures of our favorite finds in San Antonio!! We were so inspired! What is your favorite detail from our tour so far?

During our recent quick trip to Atlanta I had the opportunity to meet the fabulous Rena Williams of Soren Tea. Rena was absolutely lovely and her products are divine. Have a look at her website Soren Tea for more info on the many loose leaf teas Soren offers. You can never have enough delicious, unique tea!