Podcast Ep. 6: House Hunting, Underwater Lot & Salad Dressing Secrets
Brian and Jami recall the “bargain” riverfront property that had one major problem. Jami talks about why their house hunt has taken so long, and what we’ve learned are fixable and what are deal-killers when thinking about buying a house that needs work. Jami then explains why she hardly ever buys salad dressing at the store anymore. Plus what we’re excited about in our “This Is Really Cool” segment, and much, much more.
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House Hunting
The house we were glad to have seen in our record-setting wet spring. (Tip: This was shared only in my weekly newsletter – you can sign up to become an email subscriber here and get more behind-the-scenes stuff like this – plus other cool things like recipes and links to interesting articles.)
The Project
When we first saw our 1982 ranch house, we could see it had good bones, especially for that era of ranchers. With double-hung wood and vinyl windows, custom original cabinets, tons of built-in storage, some wood floors, and lots of storage, we knew it could be updated easily.
We did a lot of small and large remodeling projects on our 1982 ranch house to give it cottage character, which we talked about in the podcast. The one we’re probably most proud of is revamping the front of the house to be more welcoming by cutting down a door-blocking tree and adding a larger porch and gardens. Our guests had no problem finding the door after!
Take our ranch-to-cottage house tour here to see more.
What’s Cooking
Brian’s favorite salad dressing: Homemade Classic Caesar Salad Dressing. This recipe also includes a quick recipe for making your own croutons. It’s a 2-minute task and once you do it, you will never buy those hard packaged croutons again, trust me!
Jami’s favorite: Homemade Vinaigrette 4 Ways (or more, really – this is so easy to adapt!).
Also, The Best Honey Mustard Dressing, American-French Dressing (and this salad that uses it specially), and the Caesar dressing, too. Our kids favorite is ranch, which is why Jami worked to perfect the Best Homemade Ranch Dressing recipe.Ā
This is Really Cool!
Brian’s: The Servefest community-wide service project our church had one Sunday morning in late August. Here’s a video showing the 800+ people who participated in action.
Jami’s: This book written surprisingly by Lauren Graham of Gilmour Girls that’s a light-hearted, easy and fun read.
And finally, these are theĀ reCap Pourable LidsĀ Jami mentioned liking for storing things like homemade salad dressings, homemade peanut sauce and even giving as a gifts in mason jars like shown above. Do you use these, too? What for?
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Hi Jami,
Just listened to your podcast and wanted to get the lids for jars you talked about. No longer available! Dang it!
Shoot! I did some searching and I found this link on Amazon that will let you choose size (regular or wide) and colors, though it’s only for a set of 4. I find so many uses for these, and they’re cheaper each this way that I’d get them anyway. Hope that helps!
Thank you for searching. I was so busy whining that I didnāt even think to look elsewhere. Lol. Also, I wanted to let you know I follow so many of your garden ideas. I used paper and cardboard for the first time this last season and it really helped with the weeds. And Iām in a semi rural area surrounded by weed heaven. Made your cream of turkey/chicken soup last night too! Thank you Jami!
kind of feel left out since you started the podcasts since I can’t do podcasts … But my girls say they are good when they text me.
Oh, I’m sorry to hear that, Juls – is it because of poor internet?
Our DSL isn’t the best and I am limited with Data on my cell
Bummer. I sometimes download a couple episodes of podcasts I want to listen to when I’m in a place with good internet (Starbucks, Library) and then listen when I want. You can set the app to delete downloaded episodes after listening so it won’t add to your storage long-term. Just a thought as we deal with spotty internet also. š
I agree – it is interesting to hear about your house hunting! The housing market is definitely quirky. But you and Brian sound like you’re hanging in there and keeping your sense of humor – you have a very fun, natural style together that makes it a blast to listen to!
Oh, thank you so much Suz – that is so encouraging to us!
So interesting about your house hunting. My husband and I are seriously considering selling our home of almost 30 years, and we will have made a good turn on it, but like you, we are in a VERY hot market (Denver metro) and the thought of finding something else that will meet all (or most) of our criteria is daunting. We are considering moving in with our parents as well for the interim š so this all sounded familiar. I think you are both a bit more gracious in the waiting than I might be, but perhaps this is a lesson (patience) that I should finally learn after all these years! That and letting go of something that isn’t really “mine” to begin with…
All the best and thanks for sharing your story :-).
Wow, that is quite the change for you! I hope it goes well for you. š And there have been moments in the last 11 months where I haven’t been patient, ha! I think you’re so right that it gives us an opportunity to think about what really matters in this world.
The other side of the coin is that I am really excited about a new path and opportunity with a new home – I have the ‘itch’ to do something new. We just have to find it!
Hi Jami and Brian,
Very funny when Brian wants to “show his tee shirt.” Enjoyed the podcast – great content, sound quality, and hosts. Looking forward to more.
Thank you so much, Lisa – that means a lot to know you’re enjoying it!