Our beach house has surprised us more times than we can count, but frozen pipes was a shock we didn’t expect. Thankfully the story mostly had a happy ending, though we did make one regrettable misstep at the very end. In this update we also tackle whether high-end paint is worth the price or if a more affordable brand does the job, share how Sherry is simplifying decor by choosing larger accessories over lots of tiny trinkets, and describe how John is trying to avoid social media FOMO while keeping up with projects and family life.
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What’s New
- Above is the photo our neighbor sent of the beach house during the recent winter storm—a heavy blast of snow and freezing temperatures that put our plumbing at real risk.
- I still regret not photographing the bizarre “duplex toilet” moment we described on the show. In the chaos I was focused on other immediate problems, but you can at least see the exterior after the snowfall in the image below.
- If you’re dealing with or preparing for frozen pipes, a reliable source of safety and prevention tips is available from emergency preparedness organizations and local utilities. It’s worth reviewing guidance on insulating pipes, keeping heat consistent, and what to do if a pipe freezes.
- For background on my yearly resolution word and why it helps keep decisions focused, see our earlier discussion in Episode #78.
- Also: I’m debating a new t‑shirt purchase—sometimes a little, silly personal treat goes a long way for morale.
- We’re waiting for our most recent family yearbook to arrive from our photo‑book provider; it should be here soon. For anyone doing their own yearbook, we chose a standard landscape photo book and saved with a promotional coupon—photo-book companies frequently offer discounts after you sign up.
Can We Just Talk About?
- We discussed whether pricey, trendy paint brands are worth the extra cost versus affordable options available at local hardware stores. The conversation weighs durability, color depth, VOCs, and the value of specialty finishes.
- Across our homes we’ve used a variety of paint brands. In our first house we used several Glidden colors, and in our second house we used mainly Benjamin Moore. Each brand has pros and cons depending on your goals: coverage, washability, sheen options, and true-to-swatch color reproduction.
- Some high-end paint brands advertise superior pigments, richer depth, and specialty formulations that can improve coverage and longevity. Other times, mid‑range paints with good primer properties can perform exceptionally well if applied correctly and paired with proper prep work.
- Our practical takeaway: if you’re after a perfect, ultra-rich finish for a prominent room or an heirloom piece, a high-end brand can be worth the investment. For many everyday rooms, a quality mid-range paint plus good technique will give excellent results and stretch your budget further.
We’re Digging
- Sherry solved a visually cluttered console in our dining room by using a single large-scale faux fern instead of multiple small accessories. The result is calmer, more intentional, and easier to style.
- She’s been favoring larger accessories: oversized vases, sculptural objects, and a few curated pieces rather than many tiny items. This approach reduces visual noise and makes surfaces feel curated instead of cluttered.
- If you’re interested in design books, the title This Is Where You Belong: The Art And Science Of Loving Where You Live was recommended on the show and offers thoughtful ideas about connecting with and improving the places you spend time.
If you’ve listened to past episodes and want to revisit things we’ve recommended, we keep a master list of favorites and discoveries from past seasons to make locating those recommendations easy.
Finally, a note of thanks to The Annie Selke Companies for sponsoring this episode. They offered a discount code for listeners to use on select bedding, rugs, and home goods. We appreciate sponsors who help support the show so we can keep sharing projects, tips, and honest product discussions.
Thanks for listening and following along with our projects and mishaps. We hope our frozen-pipe scare and paint chat give you useful perspective for your own home projects—whether you’re bracing for winter or planning a fresh coat of color this season.
*This post contains affiliate links and references to products we personally mentioned or used.*