We don’t always agree on every home purchase, so this week we’re sharing practical strategies we’ve developed to help your partner understand your point of view — whether they’re eager to buy something or you’re the one trying to hold the line. We also learned a surprising online-shopping trick that has already saved us more than $1,500 on items for our beach house. Plus: how we’re actually getting outside more often, how cancelling cable inspired a new, kid-friendly TV setup, and why crafting while talking on the phone can lead to hilariously bad results.
You can find the episode on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, and TuneIn Radio — or listen from the podcast player on the original site. Use this page to follow up on links, photos, and notes mentioned in the show. If you’re reading in a feed reader, you may need to open the post in your browser to see the audio player.
What’s New
- We’ve chosen Ikea cabinetry and countertops for the beach house kitchen. Our goal is a relaxed, lived-in look that feels like it has a little age, even though we’re putting it together ourselves. Below is a brief mood board of selections so far:
- Pink vintage stove found at a thrift shop.
- Faucet for the island sink.
- Stainless steel hood to complement the stove’s chrome accents.
- Sconces for the walls.
- Pendants over the island.
- An inspiration kitchen that features the Ikea butcher block countertop we ordered; we’re leaning toward a simple white tile backsplash so the pink stove remains the focal point.
- White flat-front cabinet doors for a clean, timeless look.
- A modestly sized refrigerator so the kitchen stays proportional — we’re planning white appliances so only the pink stove stands out.
Below is a helpful rendering from the Ikea kitchen planner so you can see how the layout is shaping up. It’s not a perfect representation — we’ll add some upper storage and finish the island sides ourselves — but it gives a general idea of the flow.
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That’s Embarrassing
- Above is the final version of the painted globe Sherry worked on a few years ago. It’s a simple, hand-painted piece rather than an ornate, professional-style globe.
- Below you can see a mislabeling incident that happened while she was on the phone. A little paint fixed the problem — sorry, South America!
What’s Not
- We referenced an infographic about things to look for when viewing a home that’s especially useful for first-time buyers. It highlights 13 essential considerations to evaluate during a showing, from the condition of systems to neighborhood factors.
Main Segment
- Sherry has a soft spot for an inlay mirror that’s no longer available, but we found several comparable options for anyone chasing that look. We included a few similar styles that convey the same textural, handcrafted appeal without the high price tag.
We’re Digging
- We bought a traditional fabric hammock that’s become a permanent (summer) fixture in the backyard. It comfortably fits two adults, though it provides no protection from little brothers armed with inflatable balls.
- We also have a double camping hammock that a friend gave us; it works well between the front-yard trees and gets tucked away when not in use. The kids love it.
- There’s a third outdoor item we’re excited about that adds another cozy spot for relaxing outside.
- We’ve been enjoying classic OK Go videos and other creative music projects with the kids — their elaborate visuals and inventive concepts are fun to watch as a family. We also follow groups like Pentatonix and Walk Off The Earth, and enjoy cooking and baking shows geared toward families.
If you’re trying to remember a favorite recommendation from a past show, we keep a master list of everything we’ve been loving from previous episodes so you can find it quickly.
Finally, thanks to The Annie Selke Companies for sponsoring this episode. They offer bedding, furniture, and rugs, including indoor/outdoor styles that work well on porches and terraces. We’ve shared a favorite rug style and a discount code for listeners.
Thanks for listening and following along — we appreciate you!
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