Decluttering Your Life: When Hoarding Meets Marie Kondo, Farmhouse Transformations & Our Favorite Holiday Cookie Recipes

Welcome to another engaging episode where we delve into the fascinating dynamics of decluttering, organization, and the sometimes-surprising reasons behind our attachment to possessions. Join us as we explore the intersection of hoarding tendencies and the minimalist philosophy popularized by Marie Kondo, asking fundamental questions: what compels us to keep everything, and conversely, what motivates us to let it all go? We’ll share some insightful lessons we’ve learned along the way and reveal which “Kondo-inspired” practices have genuinely stuck with us. Beyond the philosophical, the excitement continues with tangible progress on our hundred-year-old farmhouse, as we hustle to get everything ready for our nephew’s upcoming wedding. And just in time for the holiday season, we’re revealing our family’s most beloved cookie recipes – a collection guaranteed to be the first devoured from any goodie bag. Plus, we’ve got a couple of cool discoveries to share that we think you’ll love!

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Navigating Clutter: Hoarding in the Era of Marie Kondo’s KonMari Method

The conversation around clutter has intensified dramatically with the rise of decluttering gurus like Marie Kondo. Her KonMari method, which encourages keeping only items that “spark joy,” has swept the globe, prompting millions to reevaluate their relationship with their belongings. Yet, on the other end of the spectrum lies hoarding – a complex behavior often rooted in deep emotional attachments, anxiety, or a perceived future utility for every item. This fascinating contrast between extreme minimalism and the compulsion to accumulate highlights the diverse psychological underpinnings of our material possessions.

The photos above chronicle our own epic garage sale, an event that actually predated our intense Marie Kondo-inspired decluttering spree. That earlier sale was a massive undertaking, but incredibly rewarding – we managed to make around $600 by systematically going through years of accumulated items. If you’re considering a similar venture, here are the detailed garage sale tips I shared, which proved invaluable in maximizing our earnings and simplifying the process.

However, when it came time for our most recent move, the sheer effort required for another full-scale garage sale felt daunting. Instead, we opted for a different strategy: meticulous documentation of every item for tax purposes, followed by a substantial donation of everything to various charities. This approach, while less financially lucrative, offered a different kind of reward – the peace of mind that comes from knowing our items would find new homes and support worthy causes, without the logistical demands of selling each piece individually.

Our discussion on this topic drew inspiration from several compelling resources, which we highly recommend exploring for a deeper understanding:

• The insightful Atlantic article: “Hoarding in the Time of Marie Kondo,” which beautifully articulates the tension between these two opposing philosophies.
• Marie Kondo’s seminal work: “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up,” a book that truly revolutionized the way many approach home organization.
• My personal review of Kondo’s book from 2015, offering reflections on its impact and practicality from our own experience.
• And for a look at the other extreme, another Atlantic article on the fascinating concept of “Extreme Minimalism,” which explores the motivations behind living with very few possessions.

These resources collectively offer a nuanced perspective on our relationship with material goods, challenging us to consider what truly serves us and what might be holding us back.

Exciting Progress: Farmhouse Renovation Updates for the Big Wedding

The energy around the hundred-year-old farmhouse is palpable as we race towards our nephew’s wedding! It feels like a whirlwind of activity, but we’re making incredible progress. Many of the crucial tasks on the wedding preparation list, which we first shared in our last podcast episode, have now been successfully checked off. We’re already compiling a new list of projects, and with another dedicated workday scheduled, we promise to keep you thoroughly updated on all the developments. Our goal is to blend the farmhouse’s historical charm with modern functionality and comfort, creating a beautiful and welcoming space for the celebration.

Here’s a rundown of some of the significant accomplishments we’ve celebrated recently:

• We successfully purchased the necessary windows for the new bedroom extension from Discount Windows, a crucial step in expanding the living space and bringing in more natural light.
• The wallboard on the interior, specifically around the newly installed door, has been meticulously finished, creating a smooth, cohesive look.
• Siding has now been completed on the outside porch around that new door, significantly enhancing the farmhouse’s curb appeal and weather protection. The image above proudly showcases this completed section – yay!
• The lumber for the addition is scheduled for delivery very soon, and our dedicated framer is ready to begin work! This marks a huge leap forward in the structural expansion of the farmhouse, bringing us closer to realizing our vision.
• The “new-old” back door, a charming salvaged piece, is receiving a custom-made new jam. This meticulous work ensures it fits perfectly while preserving its vintage character. I’ll be sharing detailed updates on this and other intricate projects on Instagram, so make sure to follow us there to catch all the behind-the-scenes action!

As promised in our previous episode, we’re excited to reveal the before-and-after transformation of those persistent insulation holes. These were remnants from where insulation was blown into the original siding back in the 80s, often protruding about a quarter of an inch, which Brian was incredibly eager to make disappear:

The “before” photo doesn’t quite capture how much these old insulation plugs protruded, creating an uneven surface that was both visually unappealing and challenging to paint over. Brian tackled this issue with impressive efficiency using a tool he affectionately calls a “plunge saw,” though its proper name is an Oscillating Multi-Tool. This versatile tool, shown below, has become one of his absolute favorites for its precision and adaptability in various DIY projects.

The flat blade attachment on the Oscillating Multi-Tool is what Brian uses most frequently and absolutely loves. It allowed him to precisely shave down the protruding insulation plugs, creating a perfectly smooth surface ready for filling and priming. But its utility extends far beyond just this task. For instance, he can expertly cut off door moldings for new flooring installations without the cumbersome process of removing the entire molding. Its ability to shave off small, precise bits of wood makes it indispensable for detailed work, saving time and ensuring a clean finish. (Pro tip: this tool makes an excellent gift idea for any DIY enthusiast or handyman in your life – trust us, they’ll thank you!)

What’s Cooking: Our Family’s Cherished Holiday Cookie Recipes

As the holiday season approaches, our kitchen transforms into a festive hub of baking activity. There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked cookies filling the air, bringing warmth and joy to our home. Every family has its go-to recipes, and ours are no exception. We’re thrilled to share our absolute favorite cookie recipes—the ones that disappear first from any holiday treat platter or goodie bag, making them perennial crowd-pleasers. These aren’t just recipes; they’re edible traditions, cherished memories in every bite:

• Amazing Multi Grain Chocolate Chip Cookies (with oat flour): These aren’t your average chocolate chip cookies. The inclusion of oat flour gives them a unique texture and a wholesome depth of flavor that keeps everyone coming back for more. They’re a twist on a classic that always impresses.
• The Best Chewy Whole Grain Chocolate Chip Cookies: For those who love a perfectly chewy texture and the rich, nutty notes of whole grains, these cookies are pure perfection. They strike an ideal balance between healthy ingredients and indulgent flavor.
• Quadruple Chocolate Brownies (pictured above): Decadent is an understatement. Packed with four types of chocolate, these brownies are intensely rich, fudgy, and utterly irresistible. They’re a showstopper for any holiday gathering.
• Caramel Coconut Shortbread Cookie Bar Recipe: A delightful combination of buttery shortbread, sweet caramel, and toasted coconut creates a truly sophisticated and addictive cookie bar. They offer a wonderful textural contrast and a complex flavor profile.
• Peanut Butter Chocolate Swirl Bars: The timeless pairing of peanut butter and chocolate comes alive in these easy-to-make bars. Their creamy texture and harmonious flavors make them a consistent family favorite, especially for peanut butter lovers.
• Classic Cream Cheese Mints Dipped in Chocolate: A nostalgic treat with an elegant twist. These refreshing cream cheese mints are elevated by a luxurious coating of dark chocolate, making them a perfect bite-sized confection for the holidays.

After we finished recording this episode, I (Jami) had a moment of realization – I never actually declared my single favorite cookie! It’s an incredibly tough choice, as so many of these hold a special place in my heart. However, if I absolutely had to pick just one, I would likely choose the Rich & Mouthwatering Mini Chocolate Truffle Cakes. Their intense chocolate flavor, delicate texture, and elegant presentation make them a truly indulgent and unforgettable dessert.

This is Really Cool! Our Latest Discoveries and Recommendations

We love sharing things that have recently captured our interest or made a positive impact on our lives, whether they’re entertainment, home improvement solutions, or just something that brings a little extra joy. Here are our latest “cool discoveries”:

Brian’s Pick: The Good Place

Brian has been absolutely captivated by “The Good Place,” an incredibly clever and genuinely funny philosophical comedy series. It’s not just a sitcom; it tackles profound ethical questions about what it means to be a good person, the afterlife, and moral philosophy, all wrapped in brilliant writing and fantastic performances. The show is known for its unexpected twists and turns, making it a truly unique viewing experience. If you haven’t seen it, Brian strongly recommends finding it on Netflix or Hulu and starting from the very beginning – the narrative builds on itself in ingenious ways that you won’t want to spoil. It’s truly a feel-good show that also makes you think.

Jami’s Pick: Y Decor EL0523IB Lora 1-Light Black Outdoor Wall-Lighting & Sensor Lights Bulb Dusk to Dawn LED Light Bulbs Indoor/Outdoor Warm White, 2 Pack

My latest discovery combines both style and practicality, especially as we continue our farmhouse renovations. I found this gorgeous Y Decor Lora 1-Light Black Outdoor Wall-Lighting fixture, which offers a beautiful, classic barn light aesthetic that perfectly complements our farmhouse style. What makes it truly cool is its incredibly affordable price – under $40! It adds significant character to the exterior without breaking the bank. But the real game-changer comes with pairing it with these ingenious dawn-to-dusk LED light bulbs. These sensor-equipped bulbs automatically turn on when it gets dark and switch off at dawn, providing effortless outdoor illumination. This combination offers both an aesthetic upgrade and incredible convenience, ensuring our pathways are always safely lit without us ever having to remember to flip a switch. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference in both appearance and functionality.

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