An Oregon Cottage Podcast: Simple Real Foods, Gardening DIY

Recorded in the new master bedroom, which is super echoey, we review the progress we've made over the past two years on our century-old farmhouse. We've done a lot, but still have a lot to do. We talk about what we've learned and the pros and cons of being your own contractor. Plus, we have an entertainment suggestion for after a long day working on your house.

Homemade Christmas gifts are not only a great way to stay within your budget, but they can be more meaningful than something you purchased. They demonstrate thoughtfulness and are unique, something that's hard to come by in our mass-produced world. Jami's video "17 Homemade Gift Ideas in 6 Minutes" recently got a big spike in viewership and we discuss what commenters were saying about. DIY food gifts are especially nice to receive. Learn which ones have gotten the best response. Plus cool things we've recently discovered.

Everybody's family does Thanksgiving differently. So when you celebrate for the first few times at your in-laws, things that one spouse thinks are normal seem odd to the other. We share a few "surprises" we experienced. Then we actually have some farmhouse and garden updates. Jami lists her favorite Thanksgiving recipes for things that aren't on the usual list. And we both share our latest discoveries in "This Is Really Cool."

 We talk about our (almost) 14 year old dog and how we've been helping with some of his age-related problems through diet. For his weight, the vet told us he's the equivalent of 92 years old!  We share a few recipe ideas for "real" dog food. Plus, some cool things we've discovered lately.

Jami and Brian talk about progress on the 100 year old farmhouse fixer over the summer. And what's going on in the garden. Neither one is quite not finished--there's always something else to do in the summer--but they're getting there. Plus they share a coffee and travel discovery in the This Is Really Cool segment.

 Jami and Brian talk about their recent trip to the Bahamas and how they were able to enjoy an extended stay while saving money. Accomodations, food and excursions can get really expensive, but there are ways have a great vacation without blowing your budget. They discuss some highlights of staying on the island and some things they brought along that turned out to be really useful.

Jami and Brian give the details on how they've been able to get major house and garden projects done by trading work days with family and friends. People come over and help for a day. Then you go and help them for a day. With more people on the job, the transformation is amazing. It's rhubarb season! So Jami shares her favorite recipes. Brian gives a couple farmhouse/garden updates. And they both share some cool discoveries they've made lately.

Jami and Brian discuss an article that lists the most popular DIY projects that people take on, and then the ones they most regret trying themselves. Jami and Brian then list their own DIY projects they hope they never have to do again, followed by the ones they're actually looking forward to. Brian shares some farmhouse updates. Jami has some Easter/Spring menu ideas. And they both share some cool things they've discovered recently.

Jami and Brian talk discuss the benefits of having go-to meals you eat all the time (same idea as a capsule wardrobe). They talk about why they eat basically the same thing for breakfast every day and still enjoy it. Jami then goes through here three granola recipes, which have become family favorites. She has an update on the garden. Brian discovered some funny stuff in the layers of a ceiling. And they both share some cool things they've been enjoying lately.

Jami and Brian discuss research showing that Americans are using a lot more paper towels than the rest of the world. Is this a symptom of our throwaway obsession? Jami shares some paper towel alternatives that have allowed her to save a lot of money and generate less paper waste. Brian has some updates on the farmhouse remodel. Jami shares a week's worth of menus. Plus some cool discoveries and lots more.