We recently made two major changes to our shopping habits that have brought both benefits and downsides. Here we explain what we changed, why, and how we’re addressing a few unexpected issues that surfaced. We were also reminded how freeing it can be to accept that you can’t be good at everything—especially in a social media culture that makes everyone seem effortlessly put together. Plus: a near-miss at the duplex that had us breathing sighs of relief, an organizational tool we can’t stop using, and Sherry’s newfound obsession with a crunchy green snack.
You can also find this episode on your favorite podcast app, like Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, TuneIn Radio, Stitcher, and Spotify.
What’s New
- If you want the earlier conversation where we explained our thinking around giving up Amazon Prime (and even did the math), listen to Episode #60 starting near the four-minute mark. We also covered our No Spend Month in Episode #97.
- Those Target corn holders are adorable, but paying $7–$9 for four pairs adds up fast for the duplex. We found an inexpensive 50-pack on Amazon that made more sense for multiple renters and guests.
- We also brought over the beach chairs and umbrellas we purchased last year for our beach house and picked up again for the duplex. They’re often cheaper in-store at Costco. The chairs are sturdy and comfortable, and include perks like cup and phone holders, two zippered storage pockets (one insulated), and backpack straps for carrying. If you don’t have a Costco membership, they’re available through other retailers but may cost more.
- Sherry is head-over-heels for the Pistachio Squares found at Costco. If you can’t find them in-store, they’re sometimes listed on other sites. These have become a frequent request at our place.
That’s Embarrassing
- For context, our downstairs HVAC units sit under the stairs on each side of the duplex. The loud humming we heard was coming through a vent near the TV and got even louder when we opened our locked owner’s closet next to it—that closet is how we access the unit.
- After an installer watched a video and diagnosed a “broken motor,” we discovered the noise wasn’t a failed part at all but an instruction manual someone had accidentally left inside the unit. Easy fix, huge relief.
It’s Okay Not To Be Good At Everything
- I recently read a New York Times piece that resonated, especially when thinking about how we judge ourselves as adults, parents, partners, and workers. The piece argues that school often expects you to excel at everything at once, whereas in real life people tend to focus on what they do best and rely on others to excel at other things.
- One line that stuck with me: “School is the only place in the world where you’re expected to excel at everything, and all at the same time. In real life, you’ll excel at what you do best and let others excel at what they do best.” It’s a useful reminder to let go of perfectionism.
- If you missed it, we also discussed our kitchen shortcomings in a recent episode.
We’re Digging
- The photo above shows some of the labels we made with our new label maker for the duplex. It was about $15 and comes with a standard white label and black ink cartridge. We ordered a couple of extra cartridges to keep on hand. This simple tool has helped bring quick, practical order to several spaces.
- You can hear our full conversation with organization pros about pro-level tips (yes, including labeling) in Episode #60.
- Sherry picked up an eyebrow product from Glossier that she’s excited about. She plans to demo it on Instagram Stories soon, but you can already see a side-by-side comparison in the episode notes.
- If you missed Sherry’s Martha & Snoop Dogg reference, we enjoyed their VH1 show a while back and thought it was worth a mention.
If you’re trying to track down something we mentioned in a past episode but don’t remember which show notes to open, we put together a master list of things we’ve loved from past episodes. We also keep a Book Club page with every book we’ve recommended.
Finally, thank you to Annie Selke for sponsoring this episode. Their colorful, well-made home designs are easy ways to refresh a space. They offer a selection of Dash & Albert rugs among other classic favorites, and they provided a discount code for listeners.
Thanks for listening, everyone!
*This post contains affiliate links*