Welcome back to another exciting and insightful episode of our podcast! It feels like ages since we last connected through our microphones, and we’re thrilled to bring you a comprehensive catch-up, brimming with updates, candid stories, and a deep dive into our evolving home renovation philosophy. In this jam-packed show, we’re peeling back the layers on everything from significant house transformations and our future renovation plans to sharing a few laugh-out-loud embarrassing moments. We even attempt to illustrate some complex ideas with a dash of humor, navigating bad metaphorical diagrams – because describing graphs and charts you can’t visually perceive is always a delightful challenge in an audio format!
Beyond the personal anecdotes, we’re opening up about how our ambitious house projects have gracefully slowed down, allowing us to truly live in and appreciate our spaces. We’ll discuss the remaining items on our never-ending (but now more manageable) to-do list and explore how our attitude towards having less on that list has dramatically shifted over the years, leading to a profound sense of contentment. You’ll also hear about an impromptu musical exercise that beautifully captured our family’s joy and satisfaction with living in a smaller, more intentional home. And, of course, we couldn’t leave out the tale of why Sherry might need to wear a disguise if she ever returns to a certain Florida city. Plus, we’ve got a fun holiday-themed game and a must-watch TV show that we’ve been eagerly waiting to tell you about. So settle in, grab your favorite beverage, and let’s catch up!
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Unveiling What’s New: Major Home & Life Updates
In this much-anticipated catch-up episode, we’re thrilled to share a year’s worth of updates, spanning our home, our projects, and our family life. We’ve made some significant shifts, both in our physical space and our approach to home improvement. One notable change we discussed in detail is our podcasting schedule. While we won’t be returning to weekly episodes, our aim is to periodically drop in with substantial, catch-all episodes like this one. This allows us to focus on delivering high-quality, in-depth content while also maintaining a healthier work-life balance. We believe this intentional approach helps us share more meaningful insights and keeps our enthusiasm for podcasting fresh and vibrant.
Speaking of fresh, you might be curious about our recording setup. Above, you can glimpse our *extra fancy* home studio setup from earlier this week when we recorded this very episode. And yes, those are the Ikea cabinet boxes we mentioned, patiently waiting in the background for their moment to shine in a future project! For a more comprehensive look at all the transformations, you can always scroll down our blog’s homepage, which serves as a living diary of our home’s evolution. However, we wanted to highlight some of the specific projects that have truly reshaped our living experience and that we touched upon in this episode.
Transforming Our Living Spaces: A Year of Intentional Projects
- One of the most exciting additions to our outdoor living space is our new pool. This project completely redefined our small backyard, turning it into a refreshing oasis perfect for relaxation and family fun. It wasn’t just about adding a pool; it was about creating a functional, beautiful outdoor extension of our home where we can truly unwind and make memories.
- Inside, we’ve made significant strides in maximizing functionality and storage. We tackled a common kitchen dilemma by adding a dedicated pantry to our kitchen, transforming a previously underutilized nook into a highly organized and efficient storage solution. This has been a game-changer for keeping our kitchen clutter-free and making meal prep a breeze.
- Our bedroom also received a crucial upgrade with the addition of a closet. This seemingly simple addition dramatically improved the room’s functionality and aesthetic, providing much-needed storage and helping to create a more serene and organized sanctuary.
- Outside, we carved out a cozy and inviting little firepit area. This space has quickly become a favorite for evening gatherings, marshmallow roasting, and simply enjoying the crisp night air with friends and family. It’s amazing how a dedicated outdoor spot can enhance your home’s appeal.
- Another beloved outdoor project is our hanging daybed. This DIY creation offers the perfect spot for lounging with a book, taking an afternoon nap, or simply enjoying the gentle sway and fresh air. It’s a true embodiment of relaxed outdoor living.
- Most recently, we completed our new kitchen porch, which seamlessly extends our indoor living space outdoors. This area has become our go-to for grilling, al fresco dining, and enjoying morning coffee. For a peek at how these outdoor improvements tie into our interior, here’s what the inside of the kitchen looks like these days, demonstrating the flow and updated aesthetics.
Beyond Renovations: Life & Design Musings
- Beyond physical renovations, we also shared a popular holiday gift guide, offering curated ideas for everyone on your list. We hope it sparked some inspiration for thoughtful and practical presents.
- We provided an update on our family room, detailing how this central gathering space has evolved to meet our family’s changing needs and preferences, becoming a true hub of comfort and connection.
- For those living in smaller spaces or simply seeking smarter solutions, we highlighted 7 of our favorite storage pieces that truly help our house work harder. These clever solutions prove that functionality and style can go hand-in-hand, even in compact areas.
- On a more somber but deeply heartfelt note, we shared a tribute to our beloved dog Burger, who sadly passed away in October. Burger was an integral part of our family and our journey, and his absence is deeply felt. We cherish every memory and never tire of looking at his pictures, so here’s one more for good measure, capturing his sweet spirit:
Kitchen Functionality & Future Plans
- As for that tricky narrow drawer we discussed, the one situated next to our stove, here’s a revealing photo from an old kitchen organization post. Back then, it could barely house a single bottle of olive oil and a jar of salt, highlighting the limitations of its design. This image also clearly illustrates how much space the frames on our old cabinets consumed. With our upcoming kitchen refresh, we’re transitioning to newer, frameless cabinets. This design choice, combined with strategically shifting the stove over slightly, will unlock significantly more storage space and improve the overall functionality of our kitchen, making every inch count.
Outdoor Space Evolution & Sustainable Choices
- Looking ahead, we also spoke about our long-term plan to pave our front driveway. Currently, we’re sporting a rather rustic, shall we say, “fancy pine-straw-over-sand” setup, which, while natural, isn’t exactly practical (you might even spot my tire marks below!). While paving is on the horizon, our primary parking spot has actually shifted to the side of the house, conveniently located right off the new kitchen porch. This means the front driveway will primarily serve as parking for guests. And yes, we’re proud to still be a one-car household, faithfully driving the same 8-year-old Toyota Highlander, which is still going strong at 150,000 miles! Our commitment to conscious consumption extends to our vehicles as well.
- Another ambitious future project involves the potential construction of a “guest house” building. In our world, this translates to a cleverly designed shed with a bed inside, offering a cozy retreat for visitors. The ideal location for this would be directly behind that magnificent large tree, nestled where the green fence currently stands (our pool is just on the other side of that fence). Naturally, this would necessitate a reimagining of the fence structure, but our overarching goal is to meticulously plan around and preserve that gorgeous, established tree, integrating it seamlessly into the overall landscape design.
- Finally, Sherry shared a fascinating nugget of wisdom: “circles make you happy.” This delightful insight comes from the wonderful book Joyfulby Ingrid Fetell Lee. We first delved into the profound impact of aesthetics on our emotions when discussing the book in Episode #130, and we were fortunate enough to later interview Ingrid herself in Episode #136! It’s a concept that truly resonates with our approach to creating a home that not only functions well but also genuinely uplifts our spirits.
What’s Not Game: Holiday Towns – A Festive Challenge
Get ready for some festive fun with our “What’s Not Game: Holiday Towns!” This segment brings a lighthearted challenge that explores the unique holiday spirit embedded in American geography. We stumbled upon a fantastic article that compiled a list of 29 American town names that genuinely “embody” the holiday spirit. From places like North Pole to Santa Claus, it’s fascinating to see how many communities across the country embrace festive names.
The game involved guessing which of these wonderfully named towns are legitimate places on the map and which ones are, well, not! It’s a surprisingly tricky and entertaining way to learn about some quirky corners of America. As a special treat, and tying into the holiday theme, we also discovered more captivating pictures and stories about Santa Claus, AZ – not a fictional town, but an intriguing abandoned theme town. You can take a virtual tour and dive deeper into its history and ghostly charm in this fascinating article. It’s a reminder that even in abandonment, some places hold a unique, almost magical, allure.
That’s Embarrassing: Sherry’s St. Augustine Adventure
Oh, the stories we could tell! This segment, “That’s Embarrassing,” dives into one of Sherry’s more memorable (and thankfully un-photographed) moments during our trip to St. Augustine, Florida. While we’ll spare you the excruciating details of Sherry’s particular predicament – mercifully for everyone involved – rest assured it was a moment that prompted both gasps and guffaws. What we can say is that it involved a public setting and a temporary lapse in grace, leaving a lasting impression (mostly on Sherry herself!).
However, we’re happy to report that this minor mishap did not, in any way, dampen our enjoyment of this magnificent and historic city. We had the incredible fortune of visiting St. Augustine just after it had been spectacularly lit up for the holiday season, transforming its ancient streets into a breathtaking wonderland. The twinkling lights and festive atmosphere made the entire experience feel truly magical, proving that even a moment of personal embarrassment can’t overshadow the beauty of a place. It’s a city steeped in history, with stunning architecture and an undeniable charm that captivated us completely.
Beyond some of the more well-trodden tourist spots, we discovered a few absolute gems that we wholeheartedly recommend if you ever find yourself in St. Augustine:
- First up is Osprey Taco. This place was so good, we actually ate there twice in three days! Their fresh, creative tacos are simply unforgettable, making it a must-visit for any foodie.
- For those with a sweet tooth, Mayday Ice Cream is an absolute delight. Their unique flavors and creamy textures provided the perfect treat after a day of exploring.
- And for a dose of history and incredible views, we highly recommend walking around the Castillo de San Marcos. This majestic fortress offers a fascinating glimpse into the past and commanding vistas of the surrounding bay, making for a truly memorable experience. Despite Sherry’s minor personal drama, St. Augustine remains one of our favorite travel destinations!
We’re Digging: Our Latest Obsessions and Comfort Finds
In our “We’re Digging” segment, we share some of our current favorite finds, from captivating entertainment to cozy home essentials. These are the things that have brought a little extra joy, comfort, or intrigue into our lives recently, and we’re excited to pass on our recommendations to you.
- First on the list is Home Before Dark by Riley Sager. This thrilling novel quickly became one of my favorite recent reads, a true page-turner that kept me guessing until the very end. Its captivating storyline and suspenseful atmosphere are why I also enthusiastically included it in our holiday gift guide last month – it’s perfect for anyone who loves a good mystery!
- Next, for all the TV enthusiasts out there, we’ve been absolutely captivated by Only Murders In The Building on HULU. This delightful series, starring Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez, is a unique blend of comedy, mystery, and heartfelt storytelling. We both thoroughly enjoyed its clever plot and charming characters. Be warned, though: the trailer might contain some language that could be a little colorful for younger ears.
- Shifting to comfort, Sherry can’t stop raving about this weighted blanket that she sleeps with every single night. This particular one is the original weighted blanket I gave her years ago as a Christmas present, and it’s still going strong. Sherry highlights its washable cover, incredible softness, and the fact that its fabric isn’t too hot as some of its standout features. It’s truly made a difference in her sleep quality and overall relaxation.
- But if you’re seeking a lighter, equally luxurious option, we recently acquired this furry throw blanket for our downstairs sofa. The entire family is utterly obsessed with its cozy texture and inviting warmth. We chose it in a neutral color, and it’s become a highly coveted item, perfect for snuggling up during movie nights or chilly evenings.
- To give you an idea of how seamlessly a weighted blanket can integrate into your bedding, here you can see the bed made with Sherry’s weighted blanket discreetly tucked under the duvet on her side. (And yes, that’s our sweet Burger making a cameo, reminding us of his constant presence in our lives!) It’s incredibly easy to make it part of your regular bed setup without it looking bulky or out of place.
For those times when you remember a recommendation but can’t quite recall which episode it was from, we’ve made it easy for you! We maintain a master list of everything we’ve been digging from all of our past episodes. It’s a fantastic resource for discovering new books, products, and experiences. Additionally, you can explore all the books we’ve recommended over the years on our dedicated Book Club page, perfect for finding your next great read.
And finally, we want to extend a massive thank you to Agility Bed for generously sponsoring this special catch-up episode. Their support allows us to continue bringing you content we love creating. For a limited time, before December 31st, you have an incredible opportunity: use the exclusive code YHL to receive an amazing 25% off any Agility Bed mattress, plus your choice of free gifts – either a pair of their cooling pillows or luxurious sateen sheets! Even after December, the savings continue; you can still score a fantastic $300 off any mattress by using that same YHL code. Don’t miss out on the chance to upgrade your sleep and comfort. Just head over to AgilityBed.com to snag either of these incredible deals and experience the difference a quality mattress can make!
Thank you so much for tuning in and being a part of our journey, guys! We truly appreciate your continued support and enthusiasm.
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