The allure of a crisp, white exterior for our brick house has been a persistent daydream for years, growing steadily into a compelling vision. Yet, despite its undeniable charm, a few lingering concerns have kept our paintbrushes firmly in storage. Today, we’re finally laying out all the arguments for and against this significant transformation, drawing from years of internal debate and a fresh batch of research. We’re eager to hear your thoughts – what would you do if this was your home? Beyond our exterior design dilemma, we’re also delving into Sherry’s recent shift away from veganism and the unexpected twist in our home entertainment setup after our television provider abruptly cut ties, forcing us to re-evaluate our cable-cutting strategy. The good news? We actually discovered a way to save even more money in the long run!
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What’s New in Our Home & Lives: From Diet Shifts to Digital TV Solutions
Life in our household is always evolving, and this episode touches on some pretty significant recent changes. We’re excited to share insights into Sherry’s updated approach to eating and our journey to optimize our home entertainment setup.
Sherry’s Dietary Journey: Beyond Veganism
Last fall, Sherry embarked on an interesting veganism experiment, a topic we explored in detail in Episode #66: Are Meal Delivery Kits Really Worth It? While the experience offered valuable lessons and insights into plant-based eating, Sherry recently decided to shift gears. Her new approach isn’t about rigid restrictions but rather about finding a sustainable, energy-boosting eating plan that truly works for her body. This ‘opposite’ experiment, as she playfully calls it, focuses on nutrient-dense foods, ample protein, and healthy fats, without cutting out entire food groups unless absolutely necessary. The goal is enhanced energy, improved focus, and overall better well-being. She’s found a renewed sense of vitality by listening to her body’s cues and embracing a more balanced diet.
Here are some of her favorite new meals and snacks that have become staples in this refreshed eating experiment, often prioritizing convenience and nutritional impact:
- Protein-Packed Breakfasts: Scrambled or hard-boiled eggs have become a go-to for their versatility and sustained energy release.
- Customizable Taco Bowls: Ditching beans and rice, she loads up on extra meat, creamy avocado, cheese, zesty salsa, and even a dollop of sour cream for a satisfying and flavorful meal. This allows for all the beloved taco flavors without the carb overload.
- High-Quality Nut Butter: Barney Butter Almond Butter has been a revelation, providing a delicious and healthy fat source, especially useful for an afternoon energy boost. We’ll talk more about this later in the “We’re Digging” section!
- Hearty Salads: Cobb salads, or any salad generously topped with chicken, ham, or bacon, paired with a rich bleu cheese dressing or a refreshing tzatziki (like the one from our new favorite spot, Cava, pictured above), have become a delightful way to get in greens and protein.
- Simple Chicken Salad: Often enjoyed straight from the bowl with a fork, it’s a quick, protein-rich option for lunch or a substantial snack.
- Effortless Roll-Ups: Turkey and cheese roll-ups are perfect for a grab-and-go snack or light meal.
- Veggie & Dip Combos: Fresh broccoli paired with creamy spinach artichoke dip offers a satisfying crunch and flavor.
- Quick Cheese Options: String cheese and classic mozzarella, basil, and balsamic combinations are ideal for warding off hunger between meals.
- Savory Olives & Nuts: Kalamata olives and roasted almonds provide healthy fats and a burst of flavor.
- Creative Turkey Snacks: Thin turkey slices spread with Laughing Cow cheese and rolled up offer a delightful and easy snack.
- Hydrating Beverage: She still highly recommends Bai as a sweet-tasting breakfast beverage, especially the Pineapple flavor, with its minimal net carbs.
Cutting the Cable (Again!): Our Journey to Smarter Streaming
Our initial decision to cut the cord on traditional cable was a game-changer, saving us nearly $1000 annually. We shared the full story in Episode #46: The New Home Habit That’s Saving Us Nearly $1000 and detailed it further in our dedicated blog post on cutting the cable. We loved the flexibility and cost savings. However, our television provider recently decided to part ways with us, meaning our existing streaming setup needed a rethink. This unexpected turn forced us to delve back into the world of live TV streaming services.
After researching various options, we landed on Sling TV, which has proven to be an excellent solution, maintaining our savings while offering a robust channel lineup. We currently subscribe to the “Sling Blue plan” for a reasonable $24.99/month. This plan offers a great balance of entertainment and news channels. For those looking for even more budget-friendly options, the “Sling Orange” plan is available at $19.99, and both plans offer a plethora of a la carte extras, allowing you to customize your viewing experience precisely to your needs without paying for channels you don’t watch. This flexibility is truly what makes modern streaming so appealing.
And speaking of home entertainment aesthetics, we’ve always been keen on a clean, minimalist look. If you’re struggling with unsightly wires cluttering your living space, you might find our post on how to hide your TV wires incredibly helpful. It’s all about creating a seamless look that lets your decor shine.
The Great Debate: Painting Our Brick House White
Our brick house has served us well for years, standing as a testament to classic architecture. However, the idea of painting its exterior a fresh, bright white has been a topic of fervent discussion in our home for what feels like an eternity. The desire stems from a longing for a more modern, refreshed aesthetic, a common aspiration in today’s design trends. But a decision this significant comes with a weighty list of pros and cons, and we’re carefully weighing each one.
- To give you a better idea of the current canvas, the image above shows the front of our house as it stands today.
The appeal of painting brick white is undeniable. It instantly brightens a home, enhancing curb appeal and creating a contemporary, airy feel. White houses often photograph beautifully and provide a versatile backdrop for landscaping and outdoor decor. It can also make a house appear larger and more inviting, contributing to a sense of freshness and newness. For a brick home, it’s a dramatic transformation that can redefine its character, moving it from traditional to a more updated farmhouse or coastal aesthetic, depending on the architectural style and complementary elements.
- And here’s a view from the back, giving you another perspective. You can even catch a sneak peek of those beloved cafe lights we’ll be discussing later!
However, the cons are equally significant and are largely what’s kept us on the fence for so long. The permanence of painting brick is a major consideration; once painted, it’s a commitment that’s not easily reversed. Maintenance is another concern. While modern paints are incredibly durable, a white exterior will inevitably show dirt, dust, and environmental stains more readily than natural brick, potentially requiring more frequent cleaning or repainting. There’s also the initial cost, which can be substantial, involving thorough cleaning, priming, and multiple coats of specialized paint. Some purists argue that painting brick diminishes its natural character and historical value, and there can be concerns about moisture trapping if the wrong type of paint or application method is used, although advancements in breathable masonry paints have largely mitigated this risk.
To help us navigate this monumental decision, we’ve drawn inspiration and practical advice from others who’ve taken the plunge. A huge thanks to Elsie Larson at A Beautiful Mess and Gwen Hefner at The Makerista for sharing their invaluable experiences and tips on maintaining a painted white house. Their insights have been instrumental in our research, offering real-world perspectives on the challenges and rewards. You can dive deeper into Elsie’s stunning exterior transformation, seen below, by clicking here to read her full account.
The debate continues, and we’re truly torn. The thought of a bright, modern exterior is incredibly appealing, but the commitment and potential upkeep give us pause. We’d genuinely appreciate your input on this. If this was your home, what factors would weigh heaviest in your decision? Share your thoughts!
What We’re Digging: Patio Lights & Power Snacks
In this segment, “We’re Digging,” we share a couple of items that have recently brought joy, convenience, or a touch of magic to our daily lives and home. These are the small discoveries that make a big difference.
- Transforming Our Patio with String Lights: We’ve been dreaming of creating a cozy, inviting ambiance on our back patio for ages, and finally, we made it happen with these incredible Fiet Electric 48ft Indoor/Outdoor String Lights. The glow they cast is simply magical, turning our outdoor space into the perfect spot for evening relaxation and entertaining. We actually ordered two sets, initially thinking we might crisscross them multiple times for a denser look. However, with only a single robust anchor point available on the right side of our patio, doubling back created an unsightly clump of wires. So, we wisely re-boxed the second set, which now has a new destiny: illuminating the patio at our beach house! It’s a testament to how even the best-laid plans can sometimes need a flexible pivot.
- For a seamless and neat installation, these lights are currently powered by a discreet white outdoor extension cord, which we manually plug into an outlet on our covered porch. The lights themselves are securely attached to the house using small, unobtrusive white Ook hooks, designed to blend in and hold up against the elements. We considered another option initially: the Smith & Hawken string lights from Target. While they boast excellent reviews, their shorter 14ft length made them less ideal for our expansive patio. However, if you’re working with a smaller space or looking for a shorter strand, they could be the perfect fit for you!
- Sherry’s Afternoon Power-Up: And finally, adding to Sherry’s updated eating habits, we have to talk about these amazing Barney Butter almond butter packs. These individual packs have become her secret weapon for battling the dreaded 3 PM slump. They’re incredibly convenient, perfectly portioned, and deliver a satisfying blend of healthy fats and protein to keep her energized and focused through the rest of the day. It’s a simple, delicious, and effective way to fuel up without reaching for less healthy options.
If you’re ever curious about other discoveries we’ve shared in past episodes but can’t quite recall where to find them, we’ve got you covered. Check out our comprehensive master list of everything we’ve been digging from all our previous episodes.
And a heartfelt thank you to Annie Selke’s BED101 for generously sponsoring this episode. Don’t miss your chance to win a complete “Load It On” set of luxurious bedding! Head over to AnnieSelke.com/Giveaway to enter. This exclusive prize is reserved solely for Young House Love listeners, so your odds of winning are fantastic!
Thanks for tuning in and being a part of our journey, guys!
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