An Oregon Cottage Podcast: Comprehensive Updates on Our Farmhouse Journey, Wood Counters, and Top-Rated Products
Welcome to a very special installment of the An Oregon Cottage Podcast – Episode 28! After delving into 27 unique episodes filled with inspiring projects, innovative ideas, and practical things we’ve bravely tried, we felt it was the perfect moment to circle back and provide you with comprehensive updates. This episode is designed to give you an insider’s look into how some of our most discussed ventures are faring over time. We’ll be revisiting everything from the long-term performance of our beloved wood countertops and our ongoing adventures grilling with an infrared grill, to the fascinating progress of our hundred-year-old farmhouse renovation. Beyond our own projects, we’ve also pulled a few highly-rated items from our popular “This Is Really Cool” segment to give you an honest assessment: are they still working great, and do they still earn our enthusiastic recommendation? And because our culinary explorations are always evolving, we’re excited to update our most popular food content with brand-new, helpful videos!
For your convenience, this episode is readily available on all your preferred podcast platforms. You can download it directly from iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, and TuneIn Radio. Alternatively, if you’re eager to listen right now, simply stream it below directly from your computer! This accompanying blog post serves as your comprehensive guide, offering all the pertinent links, detailed notes, and captivating photos we referenced throughout the episode. It’s designed to provide a rich, visual context to our discussions. Please note: If you are reading this content via a feed reader, you might need to click through to the original blog post to access the embedded audio player and view all the multimedia elements.
Transparency is important to us. Therefore, we want to inform you that some links within this article are affiliate links. This means that if you click on these links and proceed to make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. We assure you that this process incurs absolutely no additional cost to you, but it significantly helps support the production of our free content and the continued growth of An Oregon Cottage.
The Latest on Our Home Projects and Lifestyle: Long-Term Reviews
It’s incredibly rewarding to revisit projects and lifestyle choices after some time has passed. This allows us to provide genuine, long-term reviews, sharing what truly works, what might need adjustment, and the unexpected challenges or joys that arise. In this section, we’re diving deep into the real-world performance of several topics we’ve covered in previous episodes, offering fresh perspectives and valuable insights for your own home and garden endeavors.
Battling the Gopher Invasion: An Episode 7 Follow-Up
Episode 7 Update: As if the existing challenges with voles and moles weren’t enough to keep us busy, our new property has introduced us to a formidable opponent: gophers! These persistent subterranean creatures are quite active, leaving behind huge mounds of fresh dirt with surprisingly large holes. We’ve often seen them happily and diligently tossing dirt out of their tunnels, a clear indication of their extensive underground activity. We don’t even want to imagine the intricate and expansive tunnel systems they’ve created beneath our garden beds and lawn. Gophers pose a significant threat to young plants, root systems, and even the structural integrity of certain areas of the property. Dealing with them requires a multi-faceted approach, and we’re continuously experimenting with humane and effective remedies to protect our landscaping and future garden yields. This ongoing battle is a testament to the realities of country living and adapting to wildlife challenges, reminding us that nature always has a way of keeping things interesting.
Further Updates from Around the Cottage
Our update episode wouldn’t be complete without touching on a few other key projects that have made a lasting impact on our home and daily routines. These insights provide a valuable long-term perspective on decisions we made and shared with you previously:
- Brian’s Infrared Grill: Still a Grilling Champion from Episode 1: Back in Episode 1, Brian introduced his exciting new, fancier grill. We’re delighted to report that this infrared grill continues to be an absolute favorite and a cornerstone of our outdoor cooking adventures. The infrared technology truly excels, delivering exceptionally even heat and creating that perfect, mouth-watering sear on everything from steaks to vegetables. It has profoundly elevated our grilling game, making every cookout a delicious success. The durability and consistent performance of this grill prove that sometimes, investing in quality pays dividends in enjoyment and culinary results.
- The Allure of Wood Countertops: Revisiting Episode 8 for the Farmhouse: In Episode 8, we explored the timeless appeal and DIY potential of wood countertops. As our farmhouse renovation progresses, the question of whether to install similar wood counters in our new kitchen remains a significant consideration. The warmth, natural beauty, and unique character that wood surfaces bring to a space are incredibly appealing, especially in a historic home. We’re carefully weighing the maintenance requirements, potential for wear, and the overall aesthetic harmony with our farmhouse design vision. The decision isn’t finalized, but the charm of bespoke wood countertops continues to be a strong contender for our kitchen transformation.
- Cord-Cutting Success: Episode 12’s Techniques in Our New Home: The effective “cord-cutting” cable alternatives we extensively shared in Episode 12 have seamlessly transitioned with us to the new farmhouse. We are thrilled to confirm that these strategies continue to work wonderfully, providing us with a diverse range of entertainment options without the burden of a traditional, expensive cable bill. This decision has not only resulted in substantial financial savings but also offers unparalleled flexibility and personalized control over our viewing habits. It’s a testament to the fact that modern technology provides excellent, budget-friendly alternatives for entertainment, no matter where you live.
The Farmhouse Renovation: A Deep Dive into History and Progress
We are absolutely thrilled to provide a visual update on the incredible progress being made in the farmhouse’s living-dining room. The photo above showcases the beautiful original wood floors that Brian has diligently uncovered. You can clearly see the distinctive green substance we’ve often described – it has a texture and appearance very much like old felt that has stubbornly adhered to the wood surface over decades. We’re still pondering its exact origin; it could be a leftover carpet backing that fused with the original wood finish, or perhaps a light adhesive was used. Regardless of its past, the good news is that with persistent effort and a trusty putty knife, this residue can be scraped away, slowly revealing the magnificent wood beneath. This meticulous restoration process, though laborious, is incredibly rewarding, as each scrape uncovers a piece of the farmhouse’s rich history and character.
The section of the floor that is now completely bare, revealing stunning old-growth, tight-grain fir (from what we can tell), precisely marks the footprint of the original wall that once divided the living and dining rooms. We received invaluable historical context from a kind neighbor, who confirmed the existence of this wall. They also shed light on a small bump-out in the wall, which was believed to be the location of a ‘fireplace.’ However, upon closer inspection and considering its dimensions, it’s evident that this space is far too small to have housed a traditional fireplace. Our most plausible theory now is that it served as the placement for a wood or oil stove, with a pipe extending upwards to connect with the chimney. This revelation finally explains why the home inspector couldn’t locate any fireplace footing beneath the house – a historical puzzle piece that has finally clicked into place! While preserving the original layout has its appeal, we ultimately decided against rebuilding this wall. Our preference for an open room concept in this charming, yet smaller, 1700-square-foot farmhouse will enhance natural light, create a more spacious and airy feel, and better suit our modern lifestyle while still honoring the home’s historic essence.
What’s Cooking: Elevating Our Recipes with Engaging Videos!
In our ever-popular food section, we’re excited to announce a significant enhancement to some of our most cherished recipes: the addition of brand-new, visually appealing videos! We understand that seeing a recipe come to life step-by-step can make all the difference, transforming written instructions into an accessible and enjoyable cooking experience. These videos are designed not only to update our beloved recipes but also to make them even easier for you to master in your own kitchen. For instance, our widely popular homemade butter mints recipe now features a comprehensive video tutorial, perfect for those looking to create delightful, frugal, and tasty gifts. Below, you’ll find the links to these newly completed recipe videos, along with the corresponding links to the full written recipes:
- Best Homemade Ranch Dressing: This quintessential pantry staple gets a fresh update! Discover how incredibly easy it is to whip up a creamy, flavorful, and superior ranch dressing from scratch. It’s perfect for elevating salads, serving as a delightful dip, or even as a marinade. See the step-by-step video here, and get the full recipe here.
- Flourless Coconut Almond Bars: For those seeking a delicious, naturally gluten-free treat, these flourless coconut almond bars are an absolute must-try. They boast a rich, satisfying flavor and a wonderful texture, making them an excellent choice for a dessert or a wholesome snack. Watch the preparation video here, and find the complete recipe here.
- DIY Roasted Almonds: Say goodbye to expensive, pre-packaged roasted nuts from the store. Our straightforward video guide demonstrates how effortlessly you can achieve perfectly salted, wonderfully crispy roasted almonds right in your own kitchen – an ideal healthy snack or a versatile garnish. View the DIY roasting video here, and access the simple recipe here.
This Is Really Cool! Our Enduringly Awesome Product Picks
Our “This Is Really Cool” segment is all about sharing products and services that truly make a positive impact on our daily lives, simplifying tasks, boosting efficiency, or simply bringing us more joy. Here are our latest long-term reviews and current recommendations, proving their lasting value:
Brian’s Top Tech Recommendations: Productivity and Digital Security
Brian continues to give his enthusiastic stamp of approval to the Anker iPad Keyboard-Cover. This innovative accessory transcends being just a keyboard; it effectively transforms your iPad into a highly capable and portable workstation. Its standout feature is its truly amazing battery life, allowing for weeks, even months, of use on a single charge – making it an indispensable tool for travel, commutes, or simply extended work sessions away from power outlets. The sleek, integrated design not only provides excellent protection for your iPad but also maintains a professional and polished aesthetic. For anyone looking to significantly enhance their iPad’s functionality and typing experience, this Anker keyboard remains a top-tier investment.
Beyond physical gadgets, Brian also strongly advocates for robust digital security, which is why he recommends LastPass. In an age where we navigate countless online accounts, managing unique, strong passwords for each can be an overwhelming and often neglected task. LastPass brilliantly simplifies this by securely storing all your passwords in an encrypted, cloud-based vault, accessible with only one master password. It also excels at generating complex, random passwords for new accounts and autofilling your login credentials, saving valuable time while dramatically enhancing your online security. It’s an absolutely essential tool for safeguarding your digital footprint and peace of mind.
Jami’s Sustainable & Value-Driven Find: Brandless
Jami’s long-standing favorite, Brandless, continues to impress and expand its mission. This forward-thinking brand consistently enriches its selection with more and more fantastic organic, non-GMO, and thoughtfully sourced food products. But the Brandless experience extends far beyond groceries; they also offer an ever-growing assortment of high-quality household goods, personal care items, and even office supplies. The most compelling aspect? Every single item is priced at an incredibly accessible $3. This unwavering commitment to quality, transparency, and affordability truly sets them apart. Furthermore, Brandless now offers free shipping on minimum orders of $39, making it even easier and more economical to stock up on everyday essentials and discover new favorites. We genuinely love how Brandless is democratizing access to superior quality, responsibly made products, aligning perfectly with our values of smart, sustainable living!
ButcherBox: Premium, Ethically Sourced Meat Delivered
We are still absolutely LOVING the unparalleled quality and convenience that our ButcherBox subscription brings to our kitchen. The difference in flavor, texture, and ethical sourcing of their grass-fed beef and heritage pork is truly remarkable and something we consistently appreciate. Each monthly or bi-monthly box arrives meticulously packaged in an insulated cooler, ensuring that all the frozen, individually wrapped cuts of meat maintain their pristine freshness and integrity. We’ve found that placing an order 3-4 times a year perfectly suits our family’s needs, allowing us to maintain a well-stocked freezer with premium, sustainably raised meats that we can feel confident about serving. ButcherBox isn’t just a convenience; it’s a commitment to better quality food, supporting responsible farming practices, and simplifying meal planning. If you’re eager to elevate your culinary game with superior quality meat that aligns with your values, we wholeheartedly encourage you to give ButcherBox a try. Here’s that special link I promised, offering a fantastic incentive to get started:
ButcherBox: Get $20 off your first order and a FREE package of uncured bacon!
Engage with An Oregon Cottage: Join Our Thriving Community!
Thank you immensely for tuning into Episode 28 and for being such a valued part of the An Oregon Cottage community! If you’ve enjoyed this podcast and found our updates on home projects, farmhouse renovations, and product reviews valuable, there are several wonderful ways you can help us continue to grow and reach even more individuals who share our passion for simple, real foods, sustainable gardening, and inspiring DIY projects. One of the most impactful ways to support us is by simply telling your friends and family about the podcast, sharing your favorite episodes, and encouraging them to listen.
Additionally, subscribing on iTunes (or your preferred podcast platform) and taking a moment to leave us a thoughtful review makes an enormous difference. Your positive reviews and ratings are crucial for helping other like-minded individuals discover our podcast, expanding our wonderful community, and allowing us to share more inspiration, practical advice, and genuine experiences. We truly appreciate every single review and subscription!
Do you have a pressing question about a specific project, a brilliant idea for a future podcast topic, or perhaps a project update of your own that you’d love to share with us? We are eager to hear from you! You can easily call us at (541) 658-0215 to leave a voicemail, and there’s a good chance we might just feature your question or idea on an upcoming episode, sparking a new and engaging conversation with our listeners!
For even more daily inspiration, behind-the-scenes glimpses into our farmhouse life, and engaging content from An Oregon Cottage, make sure to follow us across our social media channels: connect with us on Instagram @AnOregonCottage, like our official page on Facebook, and explore our carefully curated boards on Pinterest. And to ensure you never miss out on our very latest blog posts, seasonal recipes, and exclusive content delivered directly to your inbox, don’t forget to subscribe to the AOC newsletter. We are genuinely so glad you are here on this journey with us, and we look forward to connecting!
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