Next Steps, Home Life, and The Latest Embarrassment

Welcome to a special, unscripted pop-in episode of the podcast, where we dive headfirst into one of Sherry’s most mortifying moments – an unforgettable incident that, of course, unfolded in the most opulent home we’d ever visited, directly in front of one of Sherry’s personal design idols. Beyond this laugh-out-loud (or cringe-inducing) anecdote, we’re pulling back the curtain on our current home’s journey. Join us as we meticulously list the remaining items on our comprehensive to-do list, offering a transparent look at our ongoing projects. We’re also finally addressing the burning question that consistently lands in our inbox: “What’s your next big project?” Prepare for a detailed breakdown of what makes this current house feel profoundly different from our previous abode, exploring the subtle nuances and tangible contrasts that define our living spaces. We’ll even ponder the varied impressions a first-time visitor might form if they stumbled upon our home without us there to guide them. And finally, as always, we’re sharing our latest and greatest home-related purchases – those small yet impactful additions that bring us joy and efficiency. Plus, we’ll give you a peek into the books we’re devouring and the TV shows keeping us either roaring with laughter or perched on the edge of our seats in delightful suspense.

For those who prefer to listen on the go, this episode is readily available on all your favorite podcast listening platforms. Whether you’re an avid user of Apple Podcasts, prefer the seamless experience of Google Podcasts, enjoy the diverse offerings of TuneIn Radio, appreciate the curation on Stitcher, or find your rhythm on Spotify, we’ve got you covered. Tune in and enjoy!

• Curious about our current podcasting setup? This cozy corner, affectionately dubbed our “podcasting cocoon,” is where all the magic (and sometimes the mayhem) happens for each episode. We’ve become quite resourceful in optimizing our sound quality. Take a peek at the image below, and you’ll spot a strategically placed microphone nestled behind an array of stacked pillows. These aren’t just for comfort; they’re our DIY acoustic treatment, significantly helping to absorb echoes and improve vocal clarity. The blanket draped over the table and the closed curtains also play vital roles in creating a sound-friendly environment, proving that effective audio production doesn’t always require a professional studio.

• For those who enjoy a nostalgic trip down memory lane, we’ve had a few unconventional recording setups over the years in our old house. If you’re interested in seeing how our podcasting “studios” have evolved, you can glimpse one of our earlier arrangements in Episode #160’s show notes. For a truly retro experience, check out the original “baby chair” setup – a testament to our humble beginnings – documented in Episode #29’s show notes. It’s fascinating to see how far we’ve come in our quest for optimal sound and comfort!

Well, That’s Embarrassing: A Story for the Ages

Prepare yourselves for a tale that combines personal heroes, the epitome of elegance, and a moment of pure, unadulterated mortification. Sherry bravely recounts one of her most embarrassing experiences to date, an event made all the more memorable by its prestigious setting and the company present. This story highlights the humorous side of life’s unexpected moments, especially when they occur under the watchful (and hopefully understanding) eyes of those you admire.

• Our treasured friendship with the renowned designer Vern Yip began in an unexpected way back in 2016, when he made a surprise call into our podcast during Episode #15. This initial connection blossomed, and we finally had the immense pleasure of meeting him in person in 2017 at a book signing for his inspiring work, Design Wise. It was a true full-circle moment for us, meeting someone whose work we admired deeply.
• Over the years, our professional admiration evolved into a genuine Instagram friendship, fueled by mutual respect and shared interests in design and family life. Given that Vern now has a stunning house just a few towns over from ours, we’re incredibly fortunate to be able to connect and meet up whenever he’s in the area. These encounters are always a highlight, and you can see just how star-struck our daughter Penny was during one such visit, captured perfectly in the photo below. Her wide-eyed wonder truly reflects the joy and excitement we all feel in Vern’s presence.

• For those eager to feast their eyes on Vern Yip’s exquisite design aesthetic, particularly his stunning beach house, we highly recommend exploring his book, Vacation At Home. It’s a masterclass in creating serene, luxurious, and inviting coastal spaces. Additionally, you can find several captivating shots of his beautiful retreat in this online HGTV feature, offering a glimpse into his design philosophy and impeccable taste.
• But let’s be honest, we know what you’re truly here for – the visual evidence of Sherry’s epic ordeal! Below, you’ll find the infamous “reenactment” photo Sherry bravely snapped after her mortifying experience. Pay close attention to the very visible hinges of the open door, a small but significant detail that adds to the narrative of her unforgettable moment in that fancy powder room. This picture truly speaks a thousand words about unexpected bathroom adventures!

• Oh, and for those wondering about Sherry’s equally legendary story involving Kevin Bacon, we scoured our archives but couldn’t pinpoint the exact episode where she shared that hilarious anecdote. Rest assured, you got the general gist of it in this episode, keeping the mystery alive for now! If any eagle-eared listeners happen to stumble upon it while revisiting old episodes, please don’t hesitate to DM Sherry so we can link it here for everyone’s enjoyment. It’s another classic that deserves its rightful place in our hall of fame!

Which House Feels the Most Like “Us”? A Journey Through Home Evolution

One of the most profound aspects of our homeownership journey has been discovering how different houses resonate with us at various stages of our lives. As we discussed in the episode, articulating that subjective feeling of a house truly embodying “us” can be incredibly challenging. It’s more than just aesthetics; it’s about comfort, functionality, and how a space aligns with our evolving lifestyle and personal preferences. While words can only go so far, we hope the comparative photos below will offer a tangible illustration of what we mean, highlighting the distinct personalities of our current home versus our previous one.

• Let’s start with a classic point of comparison: the bathrooms. The top image presents a glimpse into our last house’s opulent ensuite bathroom – one of three in that home, featuring traditional marble finishes and an elegant herringbone tiled walk-in shower. Below it, you’ll see a photo of our current home’s sole, shared bathroom. This space boasts a distinctly modern white aesthetic, complemented by a vibrant mint chevron floor and a practical floating wood shelf in the window. The contrast isn’t just about style; it speaks to a shift in our priorities, moving from multiple luxurious spaces to a single, highly functional, and thoughtfully designed family bathroom that feels undeniably “us” in its quirky, approachable charm.

• The exterior of a home often sets the tone for its interior, and ours are no exception. Comparing the facade of our current residence to our previous one provides a clear visual representation of the stylistic evolution we’ve undergone. Our current home, with its clean lines and abundant greenery, exudes a quirky, modern, and notably more casual vibe. It feels inviting and less formal, perfectly reflecting our current laid-back lifestyle. In stark contrast, our last house presented a more stately and traditional silhouette, commanding a different kind of presence. This shift from a grander, more formal exterior to a relaxed, modern one perfectly illustrates what we mean when we talk about a house feeling truly “us” – it’s about the entire package, from the curb appeal to the inner workings.

• Sherry frequently highlights the stark contrast between the two kitchens we’ve called our own, and it’s a difference that profoundly impacts daily living. Our previous kitchen boasted an impressive, expansive 10-foot island, topped with custom extra-thick quartz – a grand centerpiece perfect for entertaining and elaborate meal prep. Our current kitchen, in contrast, features a much cozier, smaller footprint. Instead of a built-in island, a casual dining table anchors the center of the room, fostering a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere. This shift from a large, formal kitchen to a more compact, family-centric one with a dining table at its heart speaks volumes about our evolving lifestyle and what truly brings joy and functionality to our home.

• Another revealing comparison lies in our approach to personal storage, specifically our closets. Imagine standing in the spacious, custom-designed walk-in closet of our last house – a testament to tailored organization and ample space, often featuring built-in shelving and luxurious finishes. Now, contrast that with the practical and efficient setup in our current bedroom: a series of sleek IKEA wardrobes thoughtfully arranged along one wall. This transition from a dedicated, custom walk-in to a more adaptable, off-the-shelf system illustrates our evolving perspective on storage – prioritizing smart, accessible solutions that seamlessly integrate into our living space, proving that stylish organization doesn’t always require a dedicated room.

• We understand that no single photograph or description can perfectly capture the nuanced and deeply personal feeling of how a house resonates with its inhabitants. The contrast we experience between our two homes, particularly “in person,” is truly unique to us, and indeed, the very notion of a “home feeling” is inherently subjective. However, our hope is that these visual comparisons and detailed explanations provide a clearer illustration of that amorphous thought we’ve been striving to express – the evolving sense of what makes a house truly feel like “home” for our family.

We’re Digging: Our Latest Favorite Finds & Recommendations

In this segment, “We’re Digging,” we share a curated list of our current obsessions – from captivating books and binge-worthy TV shows to clever home organization solutions and innovative smart tech. These are the items and entertainment that are currently enhancing our daily lives, sparking joy, or simply making things a little easier around the house. We love sharing our finds, hoping they might bring a little extra something to your world too!

• Dive into our latest literary adventures! Here are the links to all the captivating books we couldn’t put down, including the two that Sherry has passionately gushed about on Instagram earlier this year. These reads offer a diverse escape, perfect for any bookworm:
  • The Light Pirate: A thought-provoking and atmospheric novel that captured Sherry’s imagination. (Amazon, Bookshop.org)
  • The Measure: This gripping speculative fiction novel poses a fascinating premise that will leave you pondering long after the last page. (Amazon, Bookshop.org)
  • The Only One Left: A thrilling and suspenseful read that kept us hooked from start to finish, perfect for mystery lovers. (Amazon, Bookshop.org)
• When it comes to unwinding, we’ve discovered some fantastic TV shows that have us either laughing out loud or glued to the screen. Below are the platforms where you can find these gems, along with links to their trailers on YouTube if you’d like a quick teaser (a heads-up on language warnings for some!):
  • Only Murders In The Building: This witty and charming whodunit, starring an iconic trio, is currently in its third season on Hulu and is an absolute delight.
  • Based On A True Story: A darkly comedic thriller with a unique premise, this show offers a fresh take on true crime obsessions, with its first season streaming on Peacock.
  • Barry: This critically acclaimed series, a brilliant blend of dark comedy and crime drama, concluded earlier this year with its fourth season, all available on Max.
• Moving into home organization, Sherry found an ingenious solution for her closet clutter: these practical acrylic purse dividers. Sold in a convenient 2-pack, they’ve proven incredibly effective at keeping her smaller purses, wallets, and clutches neatly upright and perfectly organized. The clear design makes it easy to spot exactly what she needs, saving time and frustration. The image below features just one of these game-changing dividers in action, demonstrating their simple yet powerful impact on closet tidiness.

• Another fantastic organizational find that has brought immense satisfaction is this clever nail polish caddy. Sherry’s collection of nail polishes and related accessories used to be a jumbled mess, but this caddy has transformed it into a beautifully ordered display. Not only does it keep all her nail essentials neatly contained, but its thoughtful design also makes it significantly easier to browse her color options. No more digging through drawers – everything is visible and accessible, making at-home manicures a breeze.

• Lastly, for smart home enthusiasts or anyone looking to add a touch of modern convenience to their kitchen, I picked up a refurbished Amazon Echo Show 5. We managed to snag ours for an amazing price of around $40 during a sale. A crucial tip for savvy shoppers: always double-check the prices of the new versions, as sometimes they can surprisingly be cheaper than the refurbished options, depending on ongoing promotions. This device has quickly become an invaluable kitchen assistant, perfect for setting timers, listening to music, checking recipes, and displaying digital photos.
• You can see the delightful tropical plant graphic that utterly captured Sherry’s heart on our Echo Show 5 below. This charming display is just one of the standard clockfaces Amazon offers, meaning we didn’t have to do anything special to get that vibrant image – it’s readily available to customize your device.
• If you’re intrigued by how smart tech integrates into everyday living, we have two insightful blog posts dedicated to our experiences and recommendations:
  • Explore a variety of ways we leverage smart devices throughout our home in: 10 Ways We Use Smart Home Devices.
  • Discover which smart home technologies have stood the test of time, those we’ve embraced, and those we’ve decided to move on from after our recent move in: What Smart Home Tech We’ve Added, Ditched, And Still Love After Moving.

• And if you’re inspired by our neighbors’ impressive, tricked-out Echo Show 15, which acts as a fantastic family hub and digital dashboard, you’ll be pleased to know that Amazon also offers certified refurbished versions of these larger, wall-mountable smart displays. It’s a great way to get premium smart home tech at a more accessible price point.

Should you find yourself searching for a product or recommendation we’ve “dug” in a previous episode but can’t quite recall which show notes to delve into, fret not! We’ve meticulously compiled a master list of everything we’ve endorsed from all our past episodes. This comprehensive resource is your one-stop shop for discovering all our favorite finds. Additionally, for our fellow book lovers, you can explore every single book we’ve ever recommended on our dedicated Book Club page, making it easier than ever to add to your reading list.

Finally, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to ShopTherapedic (formerly Agility Bed) for their generous sponsorship of this episode. Their support helps us continue bringing you fresh content and home renovation insights. Right now, you have an incredible opportunity to take advantage of their fantastic Labor Day deal: enjoy 20% off any mattress purchase, plus receive two free temperature-regulating pillows – a perfect combination for a restful night’s sleep. Simply visit ShopTherapedic.com to snag this limited-time offer. If you miss the Labor Day special, don’t worry! After September 10, 2023, you can still get $300 off any mattress by using the exclusive code YHL at checkout. For those who prefer to experience comfort firsthand, use their convenient retailer locator to find a store near you and explore their innovative new Immunity mattress in person. Investing in quality sleep is investing in your overall well-being!

Thank you so much for tuning in and being a part of our community! We truly appreciate your support and hope you enjoyed this episode filled with laughs, lessons, and inspiring home updates.

*This post contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely love and use ourselves.