An Oregon Cottage Podcast: Simple Real Foods, Gardening DIY

We are going to an every other week schedule for releasing podcast episodes. 

Jami and Brian recorded this episode on their street-level balcony near downtown Austin, Texas. Because they were staying in the busy Red River District, you hear lots of cars, an airplane, and even some panhandlers asking for money. Jami and Brian talk about some of the great experiences they had over the course of a few days, including some of their favorite places to eat. Because they're on the road, they recommend some travel items that have worked well. And lots more.

Brian and Jami go back in their history to the heyday of thrift store shopping (eBay changed everything) and share some of their all-time favorite finds. Jami shares a list of "Things You Should Never Buy At A Thrift Store" published in a major magazine, and has a good laugh. Plus, she lists recipes you can make in a vintage cast iron pan--one of her best thrift store finds. And so much more!

Jami and Brian talk about their garden plan for the farmhouse. Their first city garden was too small. Their first country garden was too big. So this one is going to be just right. Exactly like Goldilocks. They discuss sunlight, deer, raised beds, paths and other things to think about. Jami has some great garden-to-table recipes to share. And then they talk about some cool things they've discovered lately.

Jami and Brian share updates on a variety of topics from past shows, including wood countertops, grilling with infrared, and what's happening with the hundred-year-old farmhouse. They talk about items from "This Is Really Cool" that are still working great. Plus, updates on some food videos.

 Jami and Brian are joined in the studio by their 13-year-old dog Samson as they talk about how turmeric has helped him overcome injuries and stay active. Brian recounts how Samson was found wandering in the forest. Jami discusses his knee and hip problems (which are common for larger dogs), the other medical remedies we tried, and how adding the spice turmeric to his food was the thing that finally helped him. Brian explains why an impact wrench is so useful (except he keeps calling it a "driver drill"). Jami talks about recipes that get more turmeric into your diet. And lots of other great stuff.

 Jami and Brian talk about what it's like to have jobs where they don't commute to an office. When you can determine what you'll do every day, having a set schedule is SO important. Even then things will come up EVERY DAY that try to throw it off. In case you're curious about what it would be like, they share their schedule (and what actually happened) for a typical weekday. Plus, food ideas and some cool new discoveries.

Jami and Brian talk about all the benefits of regular exercise (you probably know all that) but then they get into how they've made it a habitual part of their lives. They approach it from completely different backgrounds. Jami shares some great food ideas for getting into better shape and then discusses the old question, "Can you simply exercise yourself to a healthy weight?" All this, plus the best CHEAP vacuum cleaner you've never heard of.

In a FIRST for their podcast, Jami and Brian record this episode "live" as they walk through the hundred-year-old-farmhouse they're going to be fixing up. (OK, technically not really live. But with enough background noises to sound live.) They give a quick tour, starting on the front porch, talking about what needs to be remodeled and what they love and wouldn't change. Like the views. Plus, food ideas for Sunday's big game and big news about Jami's Flexible Planner.

We would have titled this one "How To Get Rid Of JUNK," except that it's easy to rid of useless stuff. It's a lot harder to get rid of stuff that's valuable but still needs to go because it's cluttering your home and your life. Jami & Brian discuss how they've been able to break that emotional attachment, and then what's worked for selling, donating or giving away. Plus big update on the old farmhouse. Recipes for getting rid of leftovers. And some cool discoveries about fiber and free movie tickets.