Embarking on a monumental journey, we’re thrilled to finally unveil the details of our next major home renovation project! This isn’t just another home improvement task; it’s a vision that has been years in the making, a dream we’ve contemplated for what feels like an eternity. Now, thanks in no small part to the successful sale of our duplex, we finally have the courage and the means to transform this long-held aspiration into reality. This week, we’re diving deep into the profound reasons behind this significant life change, why the timing feels absolutely perfect, and how this monumental undertaking has stirred a fascinating blend of excitement, melancholy, and profound inspiration within us. It’s a project that truly embodies our core philosophy of simplifying our lives, pushing our fondness for streamlined living to its ultimate test. Beyond the big reveal, we’ll also share how some unexpected travel hiccups recently led us to discover a few captivating new books we’ve absolutely fallen in love with – and one particularly intriguing title that I’m eagerly anticipating, as strange as that might sound!
This episode is packed with personal insights, major announcements, and a peek into our evolving lifestyle. We invite you to join us on this exciting ride as we navigate the complexities and joys of a project that promises to redefine our living space and, by extension, our daily lives. From the initial sparks of inspiration to the practical considerations of such a significant move, we’re laying it all out. Our commitment to simplifying isn’t just about decluttering physical spaces; it’s about making conscious choices that align with our values, allowing us to focus on what truly matters. This upcoming renovation is a testament to that commitment, a bold step towards a more intentional and fulfilling way of living.
You can also find this revealing episode, along with all our past discussions, on your favorite podcast listening app. Tune in on platforms like Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, TuneIn Radio, Stitcher, and Spotify. Don’t miss out on any of our candid conversations about home, life, and everything in between!
What’s New: Diving into Our Next Chapter
This week’s episode marks a significant turning point for us, as we finally open up about a project that’s been a long time coming. For those who prefer to read rather than listen, or simply want to revisit the details discussed, we’ve got you covered.
- If you can’t listen to this podcast right now, or wish to review the conversation at your own pace, you can read the full transcript of this episode here. It’s a comprehensive resource for all the juicy details we’ve shared.
Our journey towards this new project has been filled with careful consideration and, admittedly, a bit of secrecy! We’re incredibly excited, but as we mentioned in the episode, we’re holding back on sharing too many specific photos or exact details about our new venture until the deal is officially sealed. This ensures everything is set in stone before we invite you all into the full scope of what’s next. However, we couldn’t resist giving you a little visual tease from our recent scouting trip.
- The photo above offers a glimpse into one of the stunning neighborhoods we explored during our trip to Florida earlier this month. Both Sherry and I were genuinely surprised and utterly charmed by just how incredibly wooded and naturally beautiful some of these areas were. It truly challenged our preconceived notions of Florida landscapes, revealing pockets of serene, tree-lined communities that felt miles away from the typical bustling coastal scenes. The lush greenery and mature trees instantly captured our imagination, painting a picture of tranquility and natural beauty that could be the backdrop for our next chapter.
- Beyond the natural scenery, the trip provided an abundance of design inspiration to absorb. While strolling through one such charming neighborhood early one morning, we stumbled upon this particular house. It wasn’t for sale, but its distinct character immediately caught our eye. You know us; we instantly fell in love with its vibrant minty color scheme and thoughtful exterior details. It served as a fantastic reminder that inspiration can strike anywhere, and often, it’s the unexpected finds that leave the biggest impression on our creative process.
- Our recent Florida excursion also brought back fond memories of previous spring break trips, highlighting our long-standing affection for the Sunshine State. We specifically referenced our 2018 adventure, which we emphatically declared to be our best spring break yet. That trip set a high bar for family travel experiences, filled with cherished moments and new discoveries. Last year’s trip to the same Fort Lauderdale-ish area was equally delightful and memorable, proving that Florida continues to hold a special place in our hearts for family getaways and creative rejuvenation. These past experiences have undeniably influenced our thoughts on future living spaces, particularly those offering a blend of relaxation and potential for new adventures.
- For those who’ve followed our journey for a while, you know that the idea of downsizing and simplifying our lives isn’t new to us. It’s a conversation that has evolved over time, starting several years ago. I specifically promised a link to Episode #95 from two years ago, which was one of the first times we publicly voiced our growing feelings about our current Richmond house feeling a bit too large for our needs and desired lifestyle. This sentiment has only strengthened, pushing us towards this new renovation project. We’ve also had incredibly insightful conversations with other inspiring individuals on the podcast who have embraced the concept of downsizing and living more intentionally. This includes our chat with Dana Miller in Episode #33, where we explored the philosophy of buying less, and our enlightening discussion with Shavonda Gardner in Episode #106, who shared her experiences with making a smaller space feel incredibly luxurious and functional. These discussions have been invaluable in shaping our perspective and solidifying our decision to pursue a more simplified, yet equally fulfilling, way of living.
- Speaking of our current Richmond house, Sherry wanted me to humorously include this picture of one of the two (YES, WE STILL HAVE TWO!) seashell-shaped sinks that remain in our home. These unique, albeit dated, fixtures are both located in the hall bathroom upstairs. They serve as a quirky reminder that even after seven years of living here and countless renovation projects, our current house still has a few items stubbornly lingering on its “to-do” list. It’s a testament to the ongoing nature of homeownership and the constant balance between ambition and reality, a theme that undoubtedly continues as we embark on our next big project.
- Our recent travel experiences, while instrumental in our new project’s inspiration, also brought their share of logistical challenges. Our flights back home proved quite complicated, involving multiple layovers and unexpected delays. Yet, amidst the chaos, we felt incredibly lucky to experience a truly delightful coincidence. During our first layover in the bustling Charlotte airport, we literally bumped into our dear friend Traci from Beneath My Heart. She was flying in from Nashville, and we had arrived from Richmond, and by some incredible stroke of luck, we ended up standing just three feet away from each other at the exact same gate! It was a wonderfully unexpected moment, a reminder of the small, joyful connections that can occur even in the most harried of travel situations. It felt like a little cosmic wink, an encouraging sign amidst our big life changes.
We’re Digging: Current Reads & Memorable Moments
Beyond our major home project announcement, we’re always keen to share what’s currently capturing our interest and providing a much-needed mental escape. Here are a few things we’ve been really “digging” lately, especially after some extended travel time!
- Sherry recently devoured two captivating reads that she thoroughly enjoyed: 99% Mine and The Hating Game, both brilliant works by the talented author Sally Thorne. Sherry raves about Thorne’s witty dialogue, engaging characters, and ability to craft truly delightful romantic comedies that are both smart and heartwarming. They were the perfect companions for unwinding after our busy Florida trip.
- As for me, I’m eagerly anticipating diving into Malcolm Gladwell’s latest thought-provoking book, Talking To Strangers. My excitement stems from hearing this episode of his incredible podcast, Revisionist History, which featured an excerpt from the book and a fascinating discussion around its core concepts. Gladwell has a unique way of dissecting human behavior and societal norms, and this book, which explores why we so often misread or misunderstand people we don’t know, promises to be an insightful and challenging read. It’s a topic that resonates deeply in today’s complex world.
- That podcast segment was actually audio from an interview Malcolm Gladwell did for Oprah’s Super Soul Sunday. This mention instantly brought back vivid memories for us, as we were featured ever so briefly on Super Soul Sunday ourselves a few years ago, back when we were living in our second house. It was a surreal and incredibly exciting experience, even though it was filmed on the very morning that Sherry unfortunately threw out her back – which explains the slightly comical “waddling” you might notice in the clip! It was an unforgettable moment in our journey, connecting us to a platform we deeply admire.
- While the official clip that OWN has generously shared on YouTube is wonderful, it doesn’t quite capture the entire magic of the moment. Specifically, it omits the iconic introduction where our names actually tumbled out of Oprah Winfrey’s very own mouth! Being the enthusiastic fans and, yes, perhaps a little nerdy, we are, we made sure to capture that precise moment on film in this short, personal clip. It’s a cherished memory that still gives us goosebumps!
- If you’re curious to learn more about the entire surreal experience of being featured on Super Soul Sunday, including all the behind-the-scenes stories and our reactions, you can read more about the whole thing in this dedicated blog post. It’s a fun trip down memory lane that truly highlights one of the most unexpected and exciting chapters in our lives.
If you’re ever looking for a specific recommendation or something we’ve “dug” in a past episode, but can’t quite remember which show notes to click into, don’t worry! We’ve made it easy for you. Here’s a master list of everything we’ve been digging from all of our past episodes. It’s a comprehensive, ever-growing compilation of products, books, ideas, and experiences that have genuinely resonated with us. You can also explore all the books we’ve enthusiastically recommended over the years on our dedicated Book Club page, a perfect resource for your next great read.
And lastly, we want to extend a huge thank you to Rothy’s for generously sponsoring this episode. We’re big fans of their stylish, comfortable, and sustainable footwear. Their commitment to eco-friendly practices and innovative design truly aligns with our values. Visit Rothys.com/YHL to explore their latest styles, discover their versatile collection, and enjoy complimentary free shipping on all orders and returns. It’s a fantastic opportunity to refresh your wardrobe with shoes that feel good and do good.
Thank you so much for tuning in, guys! Your continued support means the world to us as we share these exciting, sometimes emotional, updates about our lives and our home journey. We’re incredibly grateful to have you along for the ride as we embark on this new adventure, simplifying our lives and building our next dream space. Stay tuned for more updates and behind-the-scenes peeks as our major renovation project truly gets underway!
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