With everything happening right now, house projects can feel trivial. Still, we’re keeping our podcast going as a small, comforting escape for anyone tuning in — it helps us, too. In this episode we address the most common question we’ve had over the past few days: how the coronavirus is affecting our planned move to Florida and our recent house sales. Spoiler: one contract fell through. We also get surprisingly into the world of high-tech toilets and bidets, and we share a couple of practical things that are helping us navigate being home with kids full-time.
What’s New
- Note: at the end of this post we list helpful, actionable ways you can support others during the pandemic.
If you missed some of the backstory we referenced in the episode, here’s a concise summary you can search for on our site: our announcement about moving to Florida, and the recent posts about the duplex, the pink beach house, and our Richmond property. Those posts give fuller context about timing, sale plans, and what led up to the current situation.
Can We Just Talk About Bidets?
We went down a surprisingly deep rabbit hole about bidets and washlets, inspired by an article about why bidets are more common elsewhere in the world. We discussed luxury electronic models with heated seats and multiple wash settings, as well as simpler, more affordable attachments and add-ons. There are seats that plug in and offer extensive features, and there are non-electric options that are far cheaper and easier to install but with fewer bells and whistles.
We also talked about sprayer attachments that can be added to a toilet — a straightforward, practical option many parents who used cloth diapering have relied on. We mentioned a few novelty or travel products we’ve come across as well, mostly as a lighthearted aside. Overall, bidets and sprayers make a lot of sense from a hygiene and sustainability standpoint, and they’re worth considering if you’re thinking about an easy bathroom upgrade.
We’re Digging
- We’ve been watching the family-friendly show Lego Masters as something uplifting we can enjoy together — it’s a nice, creative distraction and a good way to spend a relaxed evening with the kids.
- If you want to track family walks or neighborhood strolls, we mentioned a popular free walking-tracker app we use. It’s a simple tool to encourage short daily outings while staying mindful of distancing rules.
Ways To Help During The Pandemic
- There are many practical ways to help right now. If you can donate medical supplies such as N95 masks, even small quantities can matter. Check local hospital and health department guidance for drop-off and donation procedures.
- Blood banks and donation centers are facing shortages. Donating blood is a direct, critical way to help if you are healthy and eligible.
- Support local businesses where possible. Buying gift cards, ordering takeout, and purchasing future services or products supports workers and keeps small businesses afloat.
- Look for reputable articles and local organizations organizing assistance and volunteer efforts. Many community groups have programs to help seniors, frontline workers, and families in need.
If you’re trying to find a recommendation we mentioned in a past episode, we keep a master list of things we’ve been enjoying and recommending, including books featured on our Book Club page. Those lists are a good resource if you want to revisit an earlier suggestion.
Finally, a quick thanks to the sponsor who supported this episode. We appreciate the brands that help us keep producing content while we focus on family and home life.
Thanks for listening and reading. As always, we’re grateful for this community and for the small routines that help us get through unpredictable times. Stay safe, be kind to one another, and reach out if you have questions or want to share what’s helping you at home.
*This post may contain affiliate links; if you make a purchase through links in our content we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.