We have an exciting announcement about a new design project we’re taking on: how it came together, what’s making us most excited, and why this one will stretch us in a few new ways (yes, it’s out of state). We also reflect on last week’s Spring Break trip, which reinforced our commitment to enjoying experiences over accumulating possessions—although John did bring back one very strange souvenir. Plus: a smart new approach for wrangling digital photos, a brilliantly simple DIY tool we’re using, and, as always, a little bit of nonsense and nutmeat.
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What’s New
- Our Spring Break in Fort Lauderdale was a welcome reminder that the four of us are happiest with fewer things and more time together. The trip confirmed that simple plans, time by the pool, and a few favorite games are more valuable than souvenirs or extra clutter.
- That idea isn’t new to us — we first talked about it on an earlier episode after a Florida trip in 2017, and it’s a theme Sherry revisits often. The principles in the book she mentioned, Simplicity Parenting, keep resurfacing for a reason: they’re helpful for families trying to slow down and simplify routines.
- We rented a comfortable, pet-friendly house that felt clean, updated, and, most importantly for the kids, had a great backyard pool. The house was full of leftover floats from previous guests—one of which was an engagement ring float, so that was an unexpected delight.
- Highlights from this year’s trip included some favorite meals and experiences we’ll repeat: great tacos and seafood, an excellent sunset water taxi ride, a visit to a large coastal park with impressive trees, and a lively airboat-and-wildlife experience in the Everglades. We also rediscovered a few local food spots and treats that felt nostalgic and fun for the kids.
- Evenings were reserved for simple, joyful games: we brought along Tenzi and Uno, both of which became nightly traditions and are perfect examples of compact entertainment that beats hauling a pile of toys on vacation.
That’s Embarrassing
- On a more mortifying note: I had a run-in with a built-in dresser in the dark that left me with an odd but memorable bruise. I wish I had photographed the closet that “attacked” me, but perhaps your imagination makes it scarier than reality. Here are a couple of photos of the aftermath so you can appreciate the ridiculousness of the situation.
- One photo was taken the morning after the incident in Florida, and another was taken later at home as the bruise was fading. It’s a good reminder that travel stories don’t always involve glamour—sometimes they involve door frames and built-ins.
- Also: Sherry’s quote in the April issue of Real Simple captured this brand of our family humor perfectly. It’s goofy, slightly gross, and entirely us.
Real Simple Idea House
- We’re thrilled to be designing a room for the Real Simple Idea House this summer in Brooklyn, New York. The project will unfold over the coming months and be revealed in Real Simple’s October issue. It’s an honor and a fun challenge—designing within a theme and for a wide audience pushes us to make stronger choices and clearer finishes.
- We’ll share progress on Instagram as the room comes together. Looking back at past contributors’ rooms is inspiring; it’s a motivating reminder that thoughtful details make a space feel purposeful and welcoming.
Quick Tip
- Managing a growing camera roll can be overwhelming. One tool we like for sorting and culling phone photos groups similar shots and suggests the best images while preserving any you’ve favored or edited. It makes it easy to delete duplicates and free up storage in a single pass, which speeds up photo organization and keeps your highlights easy to find.
We’re Digging
- I recently used a compact stud finder on a project at the duplex and was impressed by how reliably it located studs. Small tools like that make a job go faster and boost confidence when you’re mounting shelves or artwork.
- Sherry found a new sunscreen that works well for her sensitive skin, and it’s become her go-to for daily protection. Finding reliable skin-care basics that feel comfortable and non-greasy can make a big difference in everyday routines.
If you’re trying to find a recommendation we mentioned in an earlier episode but don’t recall which show notes to consult, there’s a master list of items and recommendations we’ve featured on the podcast. We also keep a running list of books we’ve recommended on our Book Club page, which is a handy resource for readers and listeners alike.
Finally, thanks to our sponsor for supporting this episode. We always appreciate brands that help keep the podcast running while aligning with what we care about: comfortable sleep, practical design, and products we can recommend in good conscience.
Thanks for listening and reading—your support means a lot. We’ll be back with more updates from the Brooklyn project, travel notes, and the small discoveries that make everyday life more enjoyable.
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