An Oregon Cottage Podcast: Simple Real Foods, Gardening DIY

Brian and Jami discuss the jobs they had before doing what they're doing now. Brian describes how he once got a metal desk up on waterskis behind a boat for a photo shoot. Jami has some funny memories of being a preschool teacher. They share the life events that led to doing so many DIY projects, and why Jami decided to start a blog. Plus, their favorite app for fan noise, and a really good quality bluetooth speaker.

Brian tells about the time his Mom decided to go all-out for natural bread making, including a 1,500 mile trip and grinding the wheat herself. Jami recalls how she got interested in making her own bread and all the mistakes she made as she tried to get the best artisan loaf with the easiest steps. She also tells you about the ONE countertop appliance you should have if you want to make your own bread. Plus, good blue-tooth earbuds and a "brand-less" way to order great quality food.

Brian tells the story of the hat-and-scarf combo that almost changed his mind about marrying Jami. Jami talks about some of the homemade gifts that she's received that have meant the most. Then we both discuss how to plan and make homemade gifts that are better than anything you can buy at the store. Jami dives into her most popular food gifts (that are so easy to make) and where to find ideas and instructions. Plus, they reveal why there are so many strange noises on this recording and their secret location.

Jami reveals why she's always loved wood countertops in kitchens and bathrooms and how they made and installed them in their first home, even though Brian had less-than-average woodworking skills. Brian talks about how they bought IKEA hardwood counters for their second house and lists some simple tricks he learned for a successful installation. Then Jami discusses her regret over using a water-based stain and what she SHOULD HAVE done instead. In the food segment, she defines "Pantry Basics" and how you can easily make these items you thought you had to buy at the grocery store. Plus, a book-on-tape they really enjoyed together. And much, much more. (Possibly too much?)

Brian tells the story of the field mouse funeral gone wrong. Jami tells her pitchfork story. Brian lists all 9 (or 10?) methods they've tried to get rid of moles. Jami then shares a number of promising mole remedies from her readers. In the food segment, Jami talks about what finally got her to even think about trying fermenting food, and why it's now a family favorite. Plus, what's cool in "This Is Really Cool" and many entertaining and awkward moments between the hosts.

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.

Brian describes a camping story where a small food disaster almost turned into a big one. Jami talks about finding and fixing up a 1957 Dalton vintage camping trailer. We both discuss how to have good, simple meals while camping. Plus, we introduce a "This Is Really Cool" segment about things we've recently discovered that we think are "really cool."

We share how we learned that transplanting a tree from the forest is a lot harder than it seems. Jami takes us through her thinking on one of her favorite out door projects: The Backyard Makeover. And then we discuss canning and why it's actually a lot easier than you think.

Somehow, Jami has agreed to come back for a SECOND episode, where we go through our favorite things we've made with cast-offs and reclaimed materials. Brian tells the story behind one of our favorite salvage projects - the French style bench we made from old dining chairs. In the food segment, Jami describes why she loves Chef's Salads so much when it's hot out.

In our first podcast episode ever we start off talking about all the different kinds of flooring we've done and which has worked best for dogs. We discuss one of Jami's most popular projects, Brown Paper Flooring. And then we end up discussing Jami's favorite grilling recipes and how Brian has learned to quit burning them.