Welcome to the comprehensive show notes for Episode #2 of Young House Love Has A Podcast! We’re thrilled to have you join us for another engaging session filled with design inspiration, personal anecdotes, and home decor insights. This week, we had the immense pleasure of hosting acclaimed designer and beloved TV personality, Sabrina Soto. She generously opened up about her remarkable journey over nine years in the demanding world of design television, sharing what truly fuels her passion, the challenges she’s overcome, and even those moments that have brought her to tears.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Sabrina delves into a deeply personal topic: how motherhood has profoundly influenced and evolved her signature style. Listeners will gain a unique perspective on the intersection of family life and aesthetic choices. Furthermore, Sabrina pulls back the curtain on the exciting, fast-paced environment of the Home Shopping Network (HSN), offering an exclusive glimpse into what it’s truly like behind the scenes. In addition to our insightful conversation with Sabrina, John and Sherry share their latest updates and design adventures, challenge each other in another spirited round of our popular segment “What’s Not,” and highlight a truly remarkable, resilient plant that proves its versatility in both indoor and outdoor settings. Prepare to be inspired and entertained!
You can effortlessly tune into this week’s captivating episode on a variety of popular platforms, ensuring you never miss a moment. Find us on Apple Podcasts (iTunes), Google Play, Stitcher, and TuneIn Radio. For instant access, simply use the integrated player provided below on this page. Once you’ve enjoyed the episode, be sure to revisit this page to explore all the referenced links, detailed notes, and captivating photos that complement our discussion. These show notes are designed to enrich your listening experience, offering visual context and further resources on all the topics we covered, from stunning design projects to the quirky music choices that made us laugh.
What’s New: Updates from John & Sherry’s Home and Beyond
In this segment, John and Sherry catch you up on the latest happenings, DIY triumphs, and interesting discoveries from their world. It’s always exciting to hear about their ongoing projects and the stories behind their home improvement journeys. This week, we revisit some memorable challenges and introduce you to a charming new family member.
- Remember the infamous Craigslist dresser? It was truly an “adventure” to bring that piece home, involving unexpected turns and a fair share of logistical puzzles. But the effort was well worth it! If you’re curious to see its stunning transformation, we’ve documented the before & after in detail. You can view its initial stage and its role in how we masterfully hid our TV wires, creating a seamless and clutter-free entertainment area. For its grand debut in our redesigned space, don’t miss its appearance in the final reveal of our bonus room, where it anchors the space with its renewed elegance.
- Speaking of challenging home projects, John recounts his “harrowing hardwood floor trip.” This wasn’t just a simple trip to the lumberyard; it involved a memorable journey filled with unforeseen obstacles and a test of patience. The full story of this flooring saga is available in this older post, where the narrative is enhanced by fantastic, albeit simple, stick figure illustrations that perfectly capture the humor and trials of the experience. It’s a testament to the fact that not all home improvements go exactly as planned, but the stories they create are priceless.
- And, as promised, gracing the image above these notes is Chloe, our delightful and serene beta fish. She’s become a charming addition to the Young House Love household, bringing a splash of color and tranquility to their daily lives. Chloe’s calm presence is a wonderful contrast to the often bustling world of home renovation!
What’s Not: Our Playful Quiz and Cultural Highlights
Our “What’s Not” segment is where we playfully challenge ourselves and our listeners with a quiz, usually centered around a quirky theme. This week’s edition featured a delightful dive into paint colors inspired by the animal kingdom, alongside a look at significant architectural achievements and a dive into some truly unique country music.
- For those who wanted to visualize the charming animal-themed paint colors featured in this week’s quiz, we’ve gathered all the links. These hues are often chosen for their natural tones and ability to evoke a sense of warmth and comfort. Explore the rich, earthy tones of Otter, the cozy feel of Hamster, the deep, rustic shade of Beaver, and the playful, subtle warmth of Chipmunk. Each color offers a unique character, perfect for adding a touch of nature-inspired elegance to any room.
- We also referenced PBS’s compelling list, “10 Homes That Changed America.” This insightful series highlights architectural marvels that not only stand as design icons but also represent pivotal moments in American history and cultural evolution. From revolutionary designs to influential styles, these homes have left an indelible mark on how we live and build. It’s a fascinating resource for anyone interested in the intersection of architecture, history, and social change.
- And for a dose of pure, unadulterated country music whimsy, we mentioned a collection of songs renowned for their incredibly inventive and often humorous titles. If you’re ready to feast your ears on these unforgettable tracks, here are the links. As a fun aside, John specifically played the David Frizzell classic for Sherry, expecting a certain reaction, but in a surprising twist, she absolutely loved it! It just goes to show that good music, regardless of its quirky title, can always win you over.
- “Flushed From The Bathroom of My Heart” by Johnny Cash – A classic country lament with a title that perfectly captures its heartfelt, yet somewhat comical, sorrow. Listen here.
- “I’m Gonna Hire A Wino To Decorate Our Home” by David Frizzell – A delightfully humorous take on domestic disputes and unique interior design solutions, proving that sometimes, you just need a different perspective. This is the one Sherry unexpectedly adored! Tune in here.
- “Billy Broke My Heart At Walgreens (And I Cried All The Way To Sears)” by Ruby Wright – An iconic and specific tale of heartbreak set against the backdrop of everyday retail, capturing a universal feeling with a distinct country charm. Experience the drama here.
- “You Can’t Pull A U-Haul To Heaven” by Hobson Smith – A poignant and thought-provoking song that uses a simple, relatable metaphor to discuss deeper themes of materialism and spirituality. Listen to its wisdom here.
Main Segment: An Exclusive Interview with Sabrina Soto
Our main segment shines a spotlight on the incredible Sabrina Soto, a name synonymous with accessible yet chic design. Sabrina shares invaluable insights from her illustrious career, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the world of design television and the evolution of her personal style as a mother. This interview is a treasure trove of inspiration for anyone passionate about home decor.
- For a beautiful visual tour of Sabrina Soto’s personal sanctuary, be sure to check out HGTV Magazine’s online feature on her stunning Los Angeles home. You might also find it in their June 2016 issue, showcasing her impeccable taste and how she brings her professional expertise into her own living spaces. Her home exemplifies her unique blend of sophistication and livability, offering endless inspiration.
- Sabrina’s design prowess extends beyond television, making her stylish collections available to everyone. You can explore her affordable yet elegant designs at major retailers like Target and HSN. As Sherry enthusiastically highlighted during the podcast, her personal favorites from Sabrina’s lines include the charming and nautical-inspired anchor sheets, perfect for adding a touch of coastal chic to any bedroom, and the vibrant pineapple bedding, which brings a playful and tropical flair to your decor. These pieces truly embody Sabrina’s ability to create designs that are both trendy and timeless.
- If you’re curious to see Sabrina’s captivating presence and impressive sales skills in action at HSN (and she truly does nail it, as we discussed!), you can easily find examples. View a compelling clip here that showcases her engaging presentation style and her talent for connecting with her audience. Alternatively, if you browse her product pages on HSN, simply click on any item and scroll down to locate the “Live Presentation” thumbnail, offering you a dynamic demonstration of her products and her infectious enthusiasm.
- To stay connected with Sabrina Soto and follow her latest projects, design tips, and personal updates, you can easily drop in on her various online platforms. Visit her comprehensive official website for a deeper dive into her portfolio and philosophy. For daily inspiration and a glimpse into her creative process, follow her on Instagram. And for community engagement and updates, be sure to like her Facebook page. These platforms offer a fantastic way to keep up with one of the design world’s most dynamic personalities.
We’re Digging: Our Current Home & Lifestyle Favorites
In this much-loved segment, “We’re Digging,” John and Sherry share items, ideas, or experiences that they’re currently passionate about and find genuinely valuable. It’s a chance to discover new things that might just become your next favorite too, from versatile plants to captivating podcasts.
- You’re likely familiar with the classic, lush look of those magnificent big outdoor ferns, a staple for adding natural elegance to any porch or garden. But if you wanted to see them truly “in action” and appreciate their full glory in a real-life setting, this post provides a wonderful visual. It features several of these vibrant ferns adorning our back deck, showcasing how they create a verdant, welcoming atmosphere. As an added whimsical bonus, a few of them were even festooned with festive flamingo balloons at the time, adding a playful touch to the greenery! These ferns are not only beautiful but also surprisingly resilient, thriving in various conditions both indoors and out.
- We’re also enthusiastic fans of the Surprisingly Awesome podcast, a show that masterfully takes seemingly mundane topics and transforms them into fascinating, engaging discussions. It’s truly a testament to the power of curiosity and storytelling. You can easily download episodes on whatever podcast app you regularly use. We highly recommend starting with the “Mattresses” episode (episode #12 from a few weeks back), which will utterly change how you think about where you sleep. The episodes on “Pigeons” (#9) and “Adhesives” (#7) were also particularly fascinating, revealing incredible facts and history about subjects you never knew you cared about. Give it a listen; you’ll be surprised by how much you learn and how entertained you’ll be!
Psst! Looking for something we’ve raved about in a past episode but can’t quite remember which show notes to click into? We’ve got you covered! Here’s a master list of everything we’ve been digging from all our previous episodes, organized for your convenience. It’s your ultimate resource for discovering all our favorite recommendations and inspirations.
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