Navigating Unprecedented Times: Our Latest Home Life & Design Podcast Update

In these ever-evolving and often challenging times, it’s easy for daily concerns like home projects and personal moves to feel insignificant. Yet, we believe in the power of connection and the importance of finding moments of escape. That’s why we’re committed to continuing our podcast, offering a welcome distraction and a familiar voice for anyone tuning in—and it certainly provides a much-needed mental break for us, too. This week, we’re tackling the most pressing questions from our listeners: how the global health crisis is impacting our highly anticipated move to Florida and the ongoing process of selling our homes. We’ll share a candid update, including the unfortunate news that one of our house contracts has recently fallen through. Beyond the serious discussions, we’re also diving into a surprisingly thorough—and perhaps unexpectedly entertaining—conversation about the fascinating world of high-tech toilets and bidets. Plus, we’re excited to share two invaluable resources that have been instrumental in helping us make the most of being home with our kids 24/7.

You can seamlessly tune into this enlightening episode on your preferred podcast listening platforms, including popular choices like Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, TuneIn Radio, Stitcher, and Spotify.

What’s New: Navigating Life & Real Estate Amidst Global Shifts

The current global landscape has introduced unexpected complexities into our personal plans, especially concerning our much-anticipated move to Florida and the concurrent process of selling our current properties. We dedicated a significant portion of this episode to providing an honest look at the situation, acknowledging the emotional and logistical hurdles we’re facing. While we remain optimistic, the reality of these times has certainly presented challenges, including the recent setback of a contract falling through. We delve into how market conditions are shifting and what this means for our timeline.

As promised, we’ve also gathered crucial information on ways everyone can contribute and help others during the pandemic, which you’ll find detailed further down this post. Your support, whether big or small, truly makes a difference.

Catch Up on Our Journey: Key Updates You Might Have Missed

For those new to our journey, or if you simply need a refresher on the exciting (and sometimes stressful) updates we’ve shared leading up to this point, these links provide essential backstory:

• Our Big Announcement: We’re Moving to Florida! – Discover the initial excitement and rationale behind our decision to relocate.
• A Successful Sale: We Sold Our Duplex! – Learn about the process and lessons learned from selling one of our properties.
• Goodbye to the Beach: We Sold Our Pink Beach House! – Relive the journey of transforming and selling our charming beachside retreat.
• Another Chapter Closes: We Sold Our Richmond House! – Get the details on the sale of our beloved Richmond home, marking another significant step in our moving process.

A Deep Dive into High-Tech Hygiene: The Bidet Revolution

In a segment that might surprise some, we dedicate a substantial portion of this episode to a topic that has unexpectedly captured our attention: bidets and the evolving landscape of high-tech toilet solutions. What started as a casual observation quickly spiraled into a fascinating discussion about personal hygiene, technological advancements, and even cultural differences in bathroom habits.

Why America Is Rethinking the Toilet: A Global Perspective

Our curiosity was initially piqued by an insightful article from NPR’s Planet Money, provocatively titled Why America Is Losing The Toilet Race. This piece brilliantly opened the floodgates for our discussion, highlighting how many other parts of the world have long embraced advanced toilet technology, particularly bidets, as standard for cleanliness and comfort. The article makes a compelling case for why American bathrooms have lagged, exploring both cultural nuances and practical considerations. We explore the arguments for better hygiene, environmental benefits (reducing toilet paper consumption), and the sheer luxury that modern bidets offer, challenging traditional perceptions.

Exploring Modern Bidet Solutions: From Luxury Washlets to Accessible Attachments

The market for bidets is incredibly diverse, ranging from integrated toilet systems to simple, add-on attachments. We delve into some of the leading options:

• The Toto Washlet: The Epitome of Smart Toilet Technology
  Pictured above (conceptually, as the image is generic but represents home updates), the Toto Washlet stands out as a prime example of a premium bidet seat. Available on reputable sites like Wayfair and Amazon, these units come with a vast array of features, including heated seats, customizable water temperatures and pressures, air deodorizers, and even warm air dryers. While some models can indeed exceed $1000—just for the seat!—their advanced functionalities promise an unparalleled bathroom experience. The official Toto Washlet website also features a video that, while perhaps dancing around the direct subject matter, beautifully illustrates the elegance and innovation of their products.
• The Tushy Bidet: Approachable, Affordable, and Playfully Designed
  On the other end of the spectrum, the Tushy website adopts a much “cheekier” (pun absolutely intended) approach to promoting personal hygiene. Their bidet attachments, such as the standard Tushy Classic and the Tushy Spa (which includes temperature control), are significantly more affordable and don’t require an electrical outlet, making them an easy upgrade for almost any bathroom. While they offer fewer high-tech features compared to their pricier counterparts, they provide an excellent entry point into the world of bidets.
• Innovative Bathroom Accessories: Tushy Ottoman and Squatty Potty
  We also gave a well-deserved “slow clap” to the Tushy Ottoman for its ingenious reinterpretation of the term. This product cleverly serves as a stylish competitor to the popular Squatty Potty, promoting a more natural and ergonomic posture for bathroom visits. Speaking of which, for those looking for a more aesthetically pleasing option, this bamboo version of the Squatty Potty offers both functionality and style.

Our Prior Experience: Connecting Bidets to Personal Hygiene and Cloth Diapering

This discussion naturally led us to reminisce about our past experiences with cloth diapering our kids (you can find more details on that journey here). A key component of our cloth diapering setup was adding a sprayer attachment to our toilet. While the specific bumGenius-brand version we used seems to no longer be readily available online, this one appears to be a similar alternative, demonstrating the practical utility of water-based cleaning solutions in daily life.

And finally, for a touch of humor and a nod to preparedness (or perhaps panic-buying in retrospect), Sherry regretfully had to link to the Travel John disposable urinal bags. These, um, ‘necessities’ were ordered during what she describes as her denial/bargaining stage about a week prior. Yowza indeed!

Thriving at Home: Activities and Apps for Families

With most families spending unprecedented amounts of time together at home, finding engaging and constructive activities has become more important than ever. We’re sharing two things that have been incredibly helpful for our family in navigating the 24/7 togetherness, offering both entertainment and opportunities for connection.

Creative Escapes: Our Family’s Love for Lego Masters

One of our current family obsessions is the wonderfully imaginative show, Lego Masters. It’s an absolute joy to watch the incredible creations come to life, sparking creativity and awe in both kids and adults. It’s more than just a competition; it’s an inspiration for problem-solving and teamwork, which are values we cherish. We’ve been enjoying this show as a family on Hulu (it regularly airs on Fox), but for those who prefer other viewing methods, it’s also conveniently available for purchase on YouTube and Amazon. It’s a fantastic way to bond over creativity and engineering from the comfort of your living room.

Staying Active: Embracing Walks with Map My Walk

Maintaining physical activity is crucial for both mental and physical well-being, especially when daily routines are disrupted. To encourage regular movement and make our outdoor walks more engaging, we’ve been utilizing the free Map My Walk app. This app allows us to track our walks, monitor distances, and even discover new routes, turning a simple stroll into a measurable achievement. It’s a great tool for the whole family to stay motivated and appreciate the fresh air, even if it’s just around the neighborhood.

Standing Together: Practical Ways to Support Your Community During the Pandemic

Amidst the challenges, the outpouring of support and community spirit has been truly inspiring. As promised, we want to highlight actionable ways everyone can contribute and make a tangible difference. From supporting our heroic healthcare workers on the front lines to assisting local businesses and bolstering critical services, every effort counts.

• Protecting Our Frontline Heroes: Donating N95 Masks

  Our medical professionals are putting their lives on the line daily, and they urgently need protective equipment. If you happen to have N95 masks in your DIY or emergency supplies at home, please consider donating them. Even one or two masks can make a significant difference and potentially save lives. These aren’t just for large institutions; smaller clinics and nursing homes are also in desperate need. For detailed information on where and how to donate these vital supplies, please refer to all the info you need here. Check your garage, workshop, or storage — every mask truly matters.

• Lifesaving Donations: The Urgent Need for Blood

  Blood banks across the nation are experiencing severe shortages, threatening the ability to provide critical care for accident victims, cancer patients, and others in need. Donating blood is a simple yet profound way to save lives directly. The process is safe, regulated, and essential, especially now. You can make an immense difference by scheduling an appointment. To find out how you can contribute and potentially save multiple lives with a single donation, visit the Red Cross Blood Donation website. Your participation is a direct lifeline to those who need it most.

• Bolstering Local Economies: Creative Ways to Support Small Businesses

  Small businesses are the backbone of our communities, but many are struggling immensely. We’ve seen so many creative and impactful ideas for how to support them. Consider purchasing gift cards now to use later, which provides immediate cash flow to the business. Many establishments are offering phone orders for pickup or delivery, or even online shopping options. Check with your favorite local restaurants, boutiques, or service providers. Every purchase, no matter how small, helps keep dreams alive and ensures these businesses can reopen their doors when the time comes.

• Nurturing Minds: Championing Independent Bookstores

  Independent bookstores, in particular, hold a special place in our hearts and communities. They are cultural hubs that foster literacy and connection. To support these vital establishments, consider ordering books online directly from their websites or calling them to place orders. This excellent article about supporting independent bookstores offers more specific strategies and highlights the unique value they bring. Let’s ensure these havens of knowledge and imagination continue to thrive.

• Ultimately, this is a fantastic resource compiling numerous other ways you can contribute to the collective effort. It’s truly heartwarming and amazing to witness the countless helpers emerging from every corner of society. We are all in this together, and by supporting each other, we will emerge stronger.

Further Resources & Special Thanks

If you’re searching for something we’ve enthusiastically recommended in a previous episode but can’t quite recall which show notes to delve into, we’ve got you covered! Here’s a comprehensive master list of everything we’ve been digging from all our past episodes. You can also explore all the books we’ve recommended on our dedicated Book Club page, perfect for finding your next great read.

And finally, we extend a huge thank you to Rothy’s for generously sponsoring this episode. Their commitment to sustainability and style is truly admirable. Be sure to check out their incredibly comfortable and stylish shoes, along with their new line of bags—all innovatively crafted from repurposed plastic water bottles! Visit them today at Rothys.com/YHL, where you’ll enjoy the fantastic benefit of free shipping and returns on every single order!

Thank you so much for listening and being a part of our community, guys! Your support means the world to us.