Today we’re sharing two recent “treat yourself” moments at our house that didn’t go as planned and what they taught us about when to splurge and when to let things go. One story even involves a bathroom feature we’ve dreamed about for years but are now struggling to justify in everyday use—even though it sounds perfect in theory. After nearly 11,000 of you answered our “Side Of The Bed” survey, we also have some interesting insights about why people choose the side of the bed they do. Plus there’s a new development in the Color of the Year conversation and a silver lining we found after a recent personal event that shook us up.
You can also find this episode on your favorite podcast app, like Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, TuneIn Radio, Stitcher, or Spotify.
What’s New
- The photo above is a sneak peek at the wallpaper and board & batten treatment we’re installing in the middle bedroom of our beach house. If you missed the planning post from a couple of weeks ago, that explains why we chose this look and how we planned the project.
- We’ll publish a full how-to soon with details on installing the wall treatment and hanging the wallpaper—both are totally manageable for a beginner. In the meantime, the paper we used can be found at several retailers; it was the most affordable at one store during a sale, so it’s worth comparing current prices before you buy.
- One of our inspirations was a Real Simple room that used Serena & Lily paper; seeing that space helped us decide to add wallpaper for texture and interest.
- Sherry tried an at-home sore throat remedy experiment before we recorded the episode. The photo below shows her “lab” the night before recording. It looked a little wild, but she went from almost no voice to being able to record—so something clearly helped.
- Some remedies were simple—peanut butter, cough drops, warm saltwater gargles, and lemon tea. She also liked Throat Coat Tea (the original kind with slippery elm) and a “medicine ball” from Starbucks, both of which felt soothing when she drank them that night and the next morning.
Updates
- Sherry gets a second victory lap for predicting a soft blush tone as the Color of the Year—Benjamin Moore named “First Light” their 2020 color. HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams picked a similar blush called “Romance.”
- We shared our original color predictions on earlier episodes, and you can hear our discussion about those picks in previous shows.
- We also analyzed the nearly 11,000 responses to our “Side Of The Bed” survey and shared a chart breaking down why people choose their side; the results revealed some surprising trends.
Splurging On Heated Floors
- We considered a heated floor system for our bathroom. A recommended kit costs about $1,125, and with the Schluter underlayment we’re likely using and the electrical work needed for a dedicated circuit, our DIY estimate was roughly $1,500–$1,800. A professional install can cost significantly more, based on other projects we’ve seen.
- We would have customized the components to fit our roughly 140 sq ft bathroom and closet, focusing heating where feet typically land. Additional recommended tools and safety gear are important for a DIY install—once the wires are tiled over, there’s no going back, so proper testing equipment and a professional electrician for the circuit are smart precautions.
- Sherry has been eyeing a floor mirror with an arched top and brass finish that she imagines flanked by wall-to-wall closet built-ins. She keeps adding it to her cart because it feels like the right piece to soften the room.
We’re Digging
- We had a minor car accident last week. Fortunately everyone is fine; our Highlander is in for repair and we’re getting around in a rental for now.
- We’ve been enjoying Songland as a family—a songwriting competition on NBC and Hulu. The show highlights the process behind creating songs and features performances that give a sense of how the winners are chosen.
- You can also listen to the final song “Shadow,” which has reached radio play and gives a taste of the show’s output.
If you’re trying to find something we mentioned in past episodes, we keep a master list of everything we’ve been digging across shows, plus a Book Club page with all the books we’ve recommended.
Finally, thanks to Agility Bed for sponsoring this episode. They’re giving away a complete sleep suite valued up to $2,480 through November 3rd. The prize includes two Cool Foam pillows, a four-piece sheet set, and a hybrid mattress in the size of your choice. You can also use the code YHL for $200 off a hybrid mattress.
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