Welcome to our inaugural episode of 2020, and what an exciting way to kick off the new year! We are absolutely thrilled to unveil some momentous news that promises to bring positive changes for us, our cherished friends, and the duplex itself. This significant development is deeply intertwined with our ongoing commitment to simplifying our lives, and it even features a delightful, twisty tale involving an unexpected table swap. Beyond this big reveal, we’re also sharing a truly special holiday gift we gave this season, designed to help families honor the cherished memories of a loved one. Plus, we’ll provide a much-anticipated update on our bathroom renovation progress, introduce you to the Instagram account that consistently sparks laughter, and share details about our all-time favorite geography-based game.
You can easily access and enjoy this episode on your preferred podcast listening platforms, including popular choices like Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, TuneIn Radio, Stitcher, and Spotify. Don’t miss out on all the exciting updates and discussions!
Exciting Updates & What’s New
As we step into 2020, we’re buzzing with excitement to share some fresh developments, starting right here in our office! For those who’ve been following our podcast journey, you might remember my somewhat makeshift recording setup – affectionately known as “the baby chair.” Well, I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve officially graduated! We’ve been diligently fine-tuning our new, dedicated podcast setup, transforming a corner of our office into a functional and comfortable recording space. This upgrade isn’t just about aesthetics; it significantly streamlines our process. No more lugging heavy chairs, computers, and various recording equipment back and forth to the living room for every episode. This new arrangement not only saves us time and effort but also brings a much-needed sense of professionalism and permanence to our podcasting endeavors. We hope this behind-the-scenes glimpse proves that while it might sound glamorous, podcasting also involves a fair bit of logistical planning – and we’re always striving to make it smoother for you, our listeners!
In addition to our new podcast digs, we know many of you are eager for updates on our ongoing home projects and recent family adventures. We briefly touched upon our bathroom remodel and our unforgettable trip to Costa Rica at the top of the episode, and if you’re craving more in-depth details, photos, and insights, you’re in luck! We’ve meticulously documented these experiences in three comprehensive blog posts. Dive into the links below to catch up on every twist, turn, and triumph:
- Our Master Bathroom Reno Progress Over the Holiday: Get the full scoop on the exciting advancements we made in our bathroom during the festive holiday break.
- Our Costa Rica Vacation Recap & FAQs: Relive our family’s incredible journey to Costa Rica, complete with stunning photos, travel tips, and answers to your most frequently asked questions.
- Our Closet Before & After, Budget & a Video Tour: Discover the dramatic transformation of our closet, including a detailed budget breakdown and an exclusive video tour showcasing all the clever storage solutions.
And for those eagerly following our renovation saga, mark your calendars! Next week, we’re planning to delve even deeper into the creation of our new bathroom. We’ll be sharing more captivating stories about how the project unfolded over our winter break, including some unexpected curveballs and challenges that inevitably popped up along the way. Stay tuned for an honest, unfiltered look at the realities of DIY home renovation.
Unveiling Our Big Duplex News: A Story of Simplification and Swaps
This episode marks a pivotal moment as we finally reveal the significant news surrounding our beloved duplex. While these cliff notes offer a glimpse, they truly can’t capture the full narrative or the emotional weight of this announcement as comprehensively as the actual podcast segment does. We highly encourage you to delve into the full story, which is deeply connected to our ongoing journey of simplification and re-evaluating our priorities. For those who prefer to read, a complete transcript of this segment is available; you can find it here. Alternatively, simply click play on the podcast player above and tune into the first 22 minutes of the episode to hear all the exciting details directly from us. This news is a game-changer, not just for the duplex, but for how we approach our future projects and lifestyle.
During our candid discussion about the duplex, we made several references to past projects and financial considerations that have shaped our decisions. To provide you with full context and transparency, we’ve linked those foundational blog posts below. These articles offer valuable insights into the operational aspects and renovation costs associated with owning and managing the duplex, underscoring the complexities that often inform our big decisions:
- The On-Going Costs of Running An Airbnb: An honest look at the financial realities and recurring expenses involved in maintaining a vacation rental property.
- How Much Did The Duplex Kitchens Cost?: A detailed breakdown of the budget and investments made during the duplex kitchen renovations.
One particularly memorable aspect of our duplex journey, and a charming twist in our story, involves the dining table pictured above. This isn’t just any table; it’s the centerpiece of a fun anecdote that perfectly illustrates the interconnectedness of our lives and friendships. This very table, which we meticulously sanded and refinished with our own hands, was part of a playful swap with our dear friends, Ryan and Ahren, way back around 2013. The story began when our initial, large round dining table, featured in a previous post, proved to be a bit too much of a “tight squeeze” for our space at the time. This particular rectangular table then lived happily in our Richmond dining room for many years, even gracing the pages of our second book (the photo below captures its earlier, darker finish before its refinishing transformation).
And what became of our big round table, you ask? It found a wonderful new home with Ryan and Ahren, residing in their Richmond residence ever since its relocation. We had the pleasure of a heartwarming reunion with it during their festive holiday party in December, proving that some pieces of furniture, much like friendships, truly stand the test of time and location.
Speaking of Ryan and Ahren, we simply must reiterate how incredibly charming their house in Cape Charles is. It’s a testament to their impeccable taste and ability to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. While their Airbnb listing offers a more extensive visual tour, we couldn’t resist giving you a quick peek at its delightful character. It’s a space that truly inspires and evokes a sense of comfort and style.
Game Time: Exploring the Quirks of Weird Town Names
Get ready for a geographical giggle! In today’s episode, we dove headfirst into a hilariously engaging game centered around “Weird Town Names.” The map referenced during our game is displayed above, providing a visual guide to some of the most oddly named locales across the country. This game proved to be an absolute blast, sparking both curiosity and laughter. For those of you who revel in quirky facts and geographical oddities, you’ll be thrilled to know that the accompanying blog post, generously shared by Estately, offers a treasure trove of even more bizarre and fascinating town names for each state. It’s an excellent resource for anyone looking to explore the lighter side of cartography and learn about the unique naming conventions that dot our nation’s landscape. Prepare to be amused and perhaps even a little bewildered!
What We’re Currently Digging
Every episode, we love to share a few things that have captured our interest and brought us joy. This time, we have two fantastic recommendations:
- First up is StoryWorth, a truly heartwarming service that we gifted my parents for Christmas. This innovative platform provides weekly prompts, encouraging individuals to record and share their life stories and memories throughout the year. The quick video linked above offers a concise explanation of how it works. I initially stumbled upon StoryWorth via an Instagram ad (surprise, surprise – and no one is surprised!). So far, the response from everyone involved has been overwhelmingly positive. We’re incredibly excited about the prospect of compiling all these invaluable stories into a beautifully printed book at the end of the year, creating a cherished family heirloom that preserves my grandmother’s experiences for generations to come. It’s more than just a gift; it’s an investment in legacy and connection.
- And if your social media feed needs a dose of light-hearted humor and keen observation, we highly recommend following @InfluencersInTheWild on Instagram. This account brilliantly captures and pokes fun at the often-comical and sometimes absurd lengths people go to for the perfect social media photo. It’s an amusing commentary on modern digital culture that will undoubtedly bring a smile to your face. The particular post that Sherry described during our episode, showcasing a classic example of influencer antics, is displayed below. Prepare for some relatable laughs!
If you’re ever searching for something we’ve recommended in a previous episode but can’t quite recall which show notes to revisit, don’t fret! We’ve curated a comprehensive master list of everything we’ve been digging across all our past episodes. This handy resource makes it incredibly easy to track down those forgotten gems. Additionally, you can explore all the books we’ve enthusiastically recommended by visiting our dedicated Book Club page.
And finally, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to You Need A Budget (YNAB) for their generous sponsorship of this episode. YNAB is a revolutionary budgeting app that empowers individuals and families to take control of their finances, reduce stress, and achieve their money goals. If you’re looking to transform your financial outlook, we strongly encourage you to visit YNAB.com/YHL. There, you can access their invaluable and entirely free video course, “Four Rules To Less Money Stress,” which provides actionable strategies for financial peace of mind. As an added bonus, if you decide to sign up for YNAB’s full service, you’ll receive your first 34 days absolutely free! It’s an incredible opportunity to experience the power of smart budgeting firsthand.
Thank you for tuning in and joining us for this exciting first episode of 2020. Your continued support means the world to us!
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