We haven’t said much about the duplex we bought three months ago, but that doesn’t mean nothing is happening. Behind the scenes we’re working on three major items that are inching us closer to demo day. In this update we share those progress points, what we learned from HGTV Magazine’s Editor-in-Chief Sara Peterson about producing a home magazine (the good, the awkward, and the sweaty), a few budget-friendly ways we automated our home without adding more smart devices, and simple tips to make candles burn longer and stronger.
You can download this episode from Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, and TuneIn Radio — or listen to it using the embedded player below. Use this page to find the links, notes, and photos we mentioned. Note: If you’re reading in a feed reader, you might need to click through to the post to see the player.
What’s New
- If you missed the announcement of our duplex purchase, hear the full story in Episode #64 and take a complete tour (including a video walk-through) in our beach duplex before post.
- We’ve revised our layout plans significantly since that video walk-through. We’re waiting on final approvals so we can lock them in with our contractor — stay tuned for updates.
- For more on the local tax credit program that helped make this project possible, we discussed details in Episode #34.
- A quick win: I installed a $9 dusk-to-dawn photocell sensor on each outdoor garage fixture. Even though the package called it a “replacement,” I was adding it for the first time. Installation required drilling a tiny hole at the top of the fixture and a little wiring, but it was straightforward and nearly invisible once in place.
- Even easier: swapping some outdoor bulbs for Philips LED bulbs with built-in dusk-to-dawn sensors. They’re about $9 and work right out of the box. In a few non-standard fixtures I used the separate photocell sensors because those fixtures take odd-sized bulbs.
Quiz
- For candle care, check out the seven tricks to make candles last longer and burn stronger from House Beautiful — simple practices like trimming wicks, allowing the first full melt pool, and avoiding drafts make a big difference.
- I mentioned a couple of soy candles scented with essential oils that I love; they’re clean-burning and have great fragrance throw.
Sara Peterson, HGTV Magazine Editor-In-Chief
- Thanks again to Sara Peterson of HGTV Magazine for giving us a behind-the-scenes look at how a shelter magazine comes together — from styling and scheduling to the surprising realities of a magazine shoot.
- We previously wrote about our experience having our last home photographed for the magazine; that post even includes photographic evidence of what we affectionately called the “aggressive sandwich.”
We’re Digging
- The Divided Turntable has been a game changer for the cleaning supplies that used to get buried in a basket under our sink. It made items far easier to access and encouraged us to pare down what we keep under there.
- We also use a Cabinet Lazy Susan for morning essentials like vitamins and apple cider vinegar cotton pads — a compact solution that keeps frequently used items within easy reach.
- For podcast recommendations: if you want something quirky and hilarious, try Heavyweight. Standout episodes include Gregor, Milt, Kenny, and Isabel (Sherry’s favorite).
If you want to revisit topics we’ve covered before but can’t remember which episode to open, we compiled a master list of everything we’ve been digging across past shows.
Special thanks to The Annie Selke Companies for sponsoring this episode. Use code YHL15 to get 15% off any order at AnnieSelke.com/YHL on bedding, furniture, rugs, and more.
Thanks for listening!
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