An Oregon Cottage Podcast: Simple Real Foods, Gardening DIY

Jami and Brian tell more of the story of how and why they're buying a nearly hundred year old farmhouse out in the country--that's going to need a lot of work. They talk about why they sold their converted ranch, why it took them 15 months to find this new property, and what their plans are. Plus some wonderful, classic holiday films they've added to their must-watch list. And more!

Jami and Brian talk about their life before they were serious budgeters. What was the event that caused them to get really serious about tracking their finances and saving for things. And now having made it a habit, what have been the benefits of keeping to a budget and planning for the future. Since neither of us are spreadsheet-nerds, we found a system that's doable and sustainable for us.

It's time to look forward to the New Year and make a fresh start with your finances, personal development, weight, and everything else. Brian and Jami talk about the remarkable effectiveness of setting goals--and actually writing them down. Of course, it's not always that easy to change. Brian tells about the time he thought a handheld PDA was going to keep track of their checkbook. And Jami recalls the diet where she could eat all the papaya and mango she wanted, and that was it. They discuss how to prepare real food for healthy weight loss and how habits really hold the power of long-term change.

Jami and Brian talk about their favorite Christmas movies and TV specials. Brian really likes Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" of which there are about two dozen versions. Among her many other favorites, Jami explains why she likes "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" but not "Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer." Then they discuss the time-saving gift-wrapping system Jami discovered. And Jami talks about how to offset holiday treats with simple, healthy dinners. Plus a hot sauce favorite and healthy Oreo knockoff.

Jami and Brian discuss their top 10 best gifts to give kids. They don't have to be expensive to be enjoyed. Brian recalls the year he got walkie-talkies and Jami remembers how much she loved Barbies, but somehow that gene didn't get passed down to the next generation. They go through each category of toys, books, games, and other kinds of gifts that have stood the test of time. Then they discuss recipes that were their favorites growing up and are still loved by kids today--like Dutch Baby pancakes. Plus, Brian gives way too much detail on how to make Sun Tea and Jami reveals the ultimate lip product.

Brian and Jami talk about the best gifts to give grown-ups. They share a couple of funny stories involving gifts of clothing (and one sweater that wasn't supposed to be a gift). Then they go down the list of items either they've given or received that were helpful, fun, thoughtful, and most importantly enjoyable. Great gifts don't have to be expensive! Jami discusses some of the easy dinners we've been enjoying lately--of course, the recipes are on the blog (see the show notes for links). And then they both share some cool things they've recently discovered, including the best healthy-Fritos-knockoff chips.

Jami and Brian discuss their favorite Christmas traditions, from childhood on. Things like food, gifts, events, cutting down your own tree. Jami explains why she never wanted to actively fool the kids into believing in Santa. They talk about all kinds of things that have made the holiday special--things that are so great, they keep doing them year after year. They discuss what would go into the ultimate Christmas goodie bag and why they always have fish and chips on Christmas afternoon. Plus, Brian shares a cool password manager he uses and Jami reveals her source for cheap pillows.

Brian and Jami discuss how she got her reputation as a baker in high school and how she has used plates of cookies to get on people's good side. (It works!) They tell the (funny now) disaster story of when the dog got into the cake Jami was making for a catered event. And then discuss the easiest, most popular baked goods from the blog. Plus, Brian shares why he like the British Paddington Bear movie so much, and Jami shares an Anne Bogel book on reading people that's she's really enjoyed.

Brian and Jami talk about how they got into drinking coffee and then into drinking better coffee. (We both grew up in the age of canned.) They discuss how they figured out how to use their countertop, home cappuccino maker, and how every morning Brian makes latte/macchiatos. They talk about how to put together a gift basket that will impress and delight the coffee lover in your life. Plus Jami shares an excerise program she loves and Brian shares lightning maps.

Brian and Jami tell how they became "cord cutters" (people who give up cable/satellite TV) before it was cool. They talk about alternative ways they've tried to get TV over the years, mostly streaming over the internet and through-the-air. Then they discuss what's worked best: laptop with HDMI cable to TV, Google Chromecast, and Amazon Fire Stick. If you're going to be hosting a big TV event--like movie night or a football bowl game--you need to serve some fun food. So they disuss their favorite appetizers. Plus, they reveal some of their favorite comedy and drama TV shows.