Navigating the Holidays, Renovations, and New Beginnings: A Journey Towards Intentional Living

The festive season, while brimming with joy and connection, often presents a unique challenge to our aspirations for a clutter-free and simplified home. This past Christmas, we consciously adopted a strategic approach, employing four distinct tactics designed to curb the influx of material possessions without diminishing the inherent merriment and magic of Christmas morning. We’re thrilled to report that this endeavor was largely successful, though, like any experiment in intentional living, it wasn’t without its memorable, minor setbacks—one particular ‘fail’ still brings a chuckle to our lips! Beyond the holiday aftermath, as we step into a new year, we find ourselves reflecting on our wildly differing philosophies regarding New Year’s resolutions. We’re eager to share some of the personal commitments and aspirations we’re embracing for 2018, both individually and for our home. Moreover, our ambitious duplex renovation project, a venture we’ve poured considerable thought into, has encountered an unexpected hurdle even before the first hammer could swing. And in a rather unconventional turn, a reality television show featuring individuals confronting their possessions in a deeply revealing way has sparked a profound new perspective on our own relationship with material goods, prompting us to re-evaluate what truly holds value in our lives.

Join us as we dive deeper into these topics, offering insights into our experiences, challenges, and the lessons learned along the way. For those who prefer to listen, you can access the full discussion of this episode across various podcast platforms, ensuring you can tune in wherever you are. Find us on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn Radio, and now on Spotify. Simply search for our podcast, and you’ll find this engaging episode ready for your listening pleasure. This page serves as a comprehensive companion, offering additional links, detailed notes, and visual references for everything we discussed. Please note: If you are reading this through a feed reader, you might need to click through to the original post to access all embedded content and links fully.

What’s New: Updates on Our Home and Life

Our journey through home renovation, mindful living, and family adventures is continuously evolving, bringing new stories and insights. Here’s a deeper look into the latest developments that have been occupying our thoughts and energy.

• The Duplex Renovation: A Historic Challenge

  Our excitement for the duplex renovation project has been palpable, as we envision transforming this property into a beautiful, functional space while honoring its inherent character. We initially introduced our plans and vision for the duplex in Episode #76, detailing the significant changes we aspire to make, particularly to its roofline. This modification, while crucial to our design vision, necessitates navigating a specific and often intricate approval process with the town’s historic review board. We knew from the outset that working with a historic property would bring its own set of unique considerations, but we’ve now hit an unexpected snag. The initial stages of review have introduced complexities we’re actively working through, demanding patience and creative problem-solving. We’re committed to preserving the historical integrity while bringing our modern aesthetic to life, a delicate balance that is proving to be both challenging and rewarding. Stay tuned as we share more about this intricate dance between preservation and renovation.

• A Glimpse of the Duplex’s Current State

  

  This image provides a visual representation of the duplex as it currently stands. It highlights the foundational structure and existing architectural elements that serve as our canvas for this ambitious renovation. Our goal is to reimagine this space, enhancing its curb appeal and functionality, all while respecting its historical context.

• Embracing Minimalism for the Holidays and Beyond

  The concept of minimalism has gradually, yet profoundly, influenced various aspects of our family life, particularly how we approach holidays and managing our children’s possessions. We’ve shared our journey towards a more intentional Christmas in Episode #30, where we discussed tactics for reducing clutter and focusing on experiences rather than an abundance of gifts. This philosophy extended this year, as we actively implemented four distinct strategies to ensure the festive period remained joyful and memorable, without the usual overwhelm of excessive stuff. These tactics included setting clear gift-giving guidelines with family, prioritizing consumable or experience-based gifts, and engaging in thoughtful discussions with our children about what truly brings them joy. While largely successful, we did encounter one particular moment that didn’t go quite as planned—a gentle reminder that progress, not perfection, is the goal.

  Our commitment to mindful consumption also extends to managing children’s toys. The transformative book Simplicity Parenting played a pivotal role in inspiring us to adopt a more curated approach to our kids’ playthings. We explored this in detail in Episode #45, discussing how reducing the sheer volume of toys can actually enhance creativity, focus, and appreciation. It’s about creating an environment where children can thrive without being constantly overstimulated by an endless array of options. This thoughtful approach has significantly improved playtime and overall household organization, demonstrating that less truly can be more.

(Podcast Player for Episode #45 would typically be embedded here. Access it via the link above!)

• Christmas Morning Unwrapped: Thoughtful Gifts and Robot Adventures

  Our recent Christmas morning, captured in a snapshot we shared on Instagram, was a testament to our efforts towards intentional gifting. Many of you inquired about the specific items featured, and we’re happy to share the details behind some of these cherished presents. The highlight for our daughter was undoubtedly her new 20″ cruiser bike, beautifully complemented by a smaller balance bike for her younger sibling. Both of these were thoughtfully chosen as the “big” grandparent gifts, embodying our desire for durable, engaging items that encourage active play and skill development. Alongside these, she also received a truly beautiful set of books, nurturing her love for reading and imaginative storytelling. These gifts were selected not for their quantity, but for their quality and potential to create lasting memories and foster development.

  Santa also delivered a highly anticipated gift: the Coji coding robot for our daughter. This little robot has been an absolute sensation, captivating her interest in coding and problem-solving through play. It’s been incredibly rewarding to watch her engage with it, demonstrating the power of educational toys when chosen thoughtfully. However, not all robot adventures were equally successful! We have a cautionary tale for those considering similar purchases: definitely steer clear of the one our son received. What promised to be an exciting, interactive toy turned into an absolute nightmare of frustration for both him and us. Its poor functionality and constant glitches made it an almost unusable experience, serving as a stark reminder that even with the best intentions, some gifts simply don’t live up to expectations. This contrast truly highlights the importance of research and, sometimes, a bit of luck when it comes to toy selection.

• A Snapshot of Our Christmas Morning

  

  This heartwarming image captures a moment of pure joy and discovery from our Christmas morning. It perfectly illustrates how thoughtful, quality gifts can bring immense happiness without overwhelming the space or the senses, aligning with our ongoing efforts to create a more mindful and less cluttered holiday experience.

What’s Not Quiz: Unpacking Pinterest’s Latest Trends

In a fun segment we like to call the “What’s Not Quiz,” we delve into popular trends and fads, often challenging our own perceptions of what’s current or timeless in the world of home design and beyond. This time, our focus shifts to the fascinating world of Pinterest, a platform renowned for forecasting emerging styles and preferences. Each year, Pinterest releases its “Pinterest 100” report, identifying top trends poised to dominate the coming year. It’s always a compelling read, revealing shifts in collective taste and inspiring new ideas for home decor, fashion, food, and lifestyle.

• The Pinterest 100 for 2018: From Patterned Plants to Rug Stencils

  We recently explored the much-anticipated Pinterest 100 trends for 2018, and one particular trend caught our eye for its sheer novelty: “patterned plants.” This concept moves beyond mere greenery, highlighting foliage with unique patterns, stripes, or variegations, transforming plants into living works of art within the home. It suggests a growing desire for distinctive botanical elements that add visual interest and personality, rather than just a splash of green. We discussed how this trend could integrate into various decor styles, from bohemian to minimalist, adding a touch of natural artistry.

  We also took a nostalgic look back at past Pinterest trends, specifically recalling an intriguing idea from their 2015 list: the “rug stencil.” This trend involved using stencils to create custom patterns or designs directly onto existing rugs, offering a creative and cost-effective way to refresh floor coverings. We examined the specific image Pinterest linked to this trend, analyzing its appeal and practical applications. These trend discussions not only offer a glimpse into the evolving landscape of home design but also prompt us to consider how we might incorporate some of these innovative ideas into our own projects, or perhaps, what trends we might be perfectly happy to skip!

Setting Intentions: Our New Year’s Resolutions for 2018

As the calendar flips to a new year, the tradition of New Year’s resolutions invariably comes into focus. For us, this process is approached with distinctly different philosophies, creating an interesting dynamic when we discuss our goals and aspirations for the year ahead. One of us leans towards meticulous planning and detailed goal-setting, charting out specific milestones and actionable steps. The other prefers a more fluid, intention-based approach, focusing on broader themes and personal growth without rigid expectations. Despite these differences, we converge on a shared desire for personal improvement, greater efficiency, and fostering positive changes within our home and family life.

• Looking Back and Moving Forward with Resolutions

  Our approach to resolutions isn’t just about looking forward; it’s also about reflecting on past commitments and learning from those experiences. In Episode #30, we had a delightful segment where we compiled a collection of “house resolutions” submitted by our listeners through voicemail. These ranged from tackling long-ignored DIY projects and decluttering specific areas to implementing new organizational systems and cultivating a more serene home environment. Hearing these diverse goals from our community was incredibly inspiring, offering a collective sense of purpose and shared aspirations for creating better living spaces. In that same episode, we also shared some of our personal resolutions from 2017, openly discussing our successes and where we might have fallen short. This candid reflection helps us refine our approach for the upcoming year, ensuring our resolutions are both ambitious and attainable.

  For 2018, we’re building on these past experiences. While our individual methods for resolution-setting diverge, we’re united in our desire to foster growth. Our shared “house resolutions” for the duplex renovation include navigating the historic review board process with grace, making sustainable material choices, and creating spaces that are both beautiful and highly functional for potential renters. Personally, we’re focusing on balancing ambitious projects with family time, simplifying daily routines, and exploring new creative outlets. The full conversation, including listeners’ resolutions and our 2017 reflections, kicks off around the 13:15 mark of Episode #30, offering a comprehensive and engaging dive into the world of New Year’s intentions.

We’re Digging: Unconventional Inspirations and Fun Discoveries

In our “We’re Digging” segment, we share some of the interesting, entertaining, or thought-provoking things that have recently captured our attention and brought a little extra something to our lives. From unexpected reality TV shows that spark profound conversations to games that bring out the best in adult gatherings, these are the finds we’re excited to tell you about.

• Stripped: A Social Experiment on Possessions and Identity

  One of the most surprisingly fascinating discoveries recently has been Bravo’s reality series, Stripped. This show presents an incredibly unique social experiment: participants voluntarily give up all their material possessions for 21 days, receiving one item back each day. The premise alone is compelling, but watching individuals confront their dependence on “stuff” and re-evaluate what truly matters has been incredibly insightful. It’s not just about decluttering; it’s a deep dive into identity, comfort, and the psychological attachment we form with our belongings. The show pushes boundaries, inspiring profound discussions about consumerism and minimalist living, themes that deeply resonate with our own efforts to simplify. While the show features participants in their most vulnerable state, a quick glance at one of the Stripped promos (which is blurred for obvious reasons and therefore too NSFW to embed here) will give you a taste of its unconventional yet thought-provoking nature. It’s a powerful reminder to look at our possessions in a whole new, often challenging, way.

• What Do You Meme?: The Ultimate Adult Party Game

  For a dose of lighthearted fun and laughter, we wholeheartedly recommend the game What Do You Meme? We had an absolute blast playing this with some friends over the holiday season, and it quickly became a staple for our grown-up gatherings. If you’re a fan of the irreverent humor found in games like Cards Against Humanity, then this game is definitely up your alley. It challenges players to pair hilarious captions with iconic internet memes, resulting in genuinely side-splitting combinations. The competitive yet convivial atmosphere it creates is perfect for unwinding and sharing some serious laughs. We’re still chuckling over some of the card combos that left us gasping for air, proving that a good game can be the perfect ingredient for memorable social occasions.

For those eager to discover more of our favorite finds and recommendations from previous episodes, we maintain a comprehensive master list of everything we’ve been digging. It’s a treasure trove of inspiration, covering everything from books and tools to home products and lifestyle tips, all curated from our past discussions.

Finally, we extend our sincere gratitude to You Need A Budget (YNAB) for their generous sponsorship of this episode. YNAB has been instrumental for many in gaining control over their finances, helping users understand where their money goes and make intentional spending decisions. Their intuitive platform and effective methodology make budgeting accessible and empowering. We highly encourage you to explore their services and experience the benefits of mindful financial planning. You can sign up at YNAB.com/YHL to claim your exclusive offer of the first three months free! It’s a fantastic opportunity to kickstart your financial goals for the new year.

Thank you for tuning in and joining us on this journey, guys! Your support and engagement mean the world to us.

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