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Podcast Episode 46: Sunny Travels, Farmhouse Wedding Prep, & Holiday Delights

Welcome to Episode 46 of our podcast, where we take you on a journey through our recent adventures and share exciting updates from the heart of our farmhouse. We just wrapped up an incredible two-week travel escapade, exploring the unique charms of southern Ohio and the sun-drenched landscapes of southern Arizona. While these might not be the most common travel destinations, we uncovered some truly special gems in both states, including a store we now wish was right around the corner from us. Get ready to discover those hidden treasures!

Beyond our travel tales, we’re diving deep into the whirlwind of our Farmhouse Fixer project. The biggest news? We’re hosting a wedding here in just ONE MONTH! This means an extensive to-do list that feels both exhilarating and daunting. We’ll share all the nitty-gritty details of our race against the clock to prepare our home for this momentous occasion.

And as the holidays draw near, we’re also serving up our absolute best Thanksgiving recipes – the time-tested favorites that consistently earn rave reviews from family and friends. These are the dishes that have graced our holiday table for years and are guaranteed to make your festive meal unforgettable. Finally, we’re revealing a couple of our latest discoveries that have brought unexpected joy into our lives: the exceptional Batdorf & Bronson Coffee and what we believe are the world’s most comfortable booties. So, settle in, grab a warm drink, and join us for a packed episode!

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Unforgettable Journeys: Exploring Southern Ohio & Arizona

Our recent travels took us on an unexpected but delightful path through two distinct regions of the United States. While often overlooked by mainstream tourists, southern Ohio and southern Arizona offer unique cultural experiences, breathtaking natural beauty, and a charm all their own. We were thrilled to discover the local flavors and hidden gems that truly define these areas.

Discovering Southern Ohio’s Charms

Our time in Ohio led us to some fascinating spots that showcased the state’s rich history and vibrant community spirit.

Longworth Hall: Nestled in Cincinnati, Longworth Hall is a magnificent example of Romanesque Revival architecture. This historic building, once a bustling freight depot, now stands as a testament to the city’s industrial past and has been beautifully repurposed for modern use. We were captivated by its imposing structure and intricate brickwork, imagining the stories it holds from over a century of existence. It’s a true architectural marvel that’s worth seeing up close.
Jungle Jim’s International Market: This isn’t just a grocery store; it’s an experience! Jungle Jim’s is an international food wonderland that has to be seen to be believed. With over 200,000 square feet of retail space, it boasts an incredible array of foods from all corners of the globe. From exotic fruits and vegetables to an extensive cheese shop, a massive hot sauce section, and entire aisles dedicated to specific international cuisines, it’s a culinary adventure. We spent hours just wandering through the themed sections, marveling at the sheer variety and unique attractions, including animatronic displays and even a monorail! This is definitely the store we wish were nearer to us – a true global culinary journey under one roof.

Adventures in Southern Arizona

From Ohio, we ventured west to the arid beauty of southern Arizona, where we enjoyed warm hospitality and breathtaking scenery.

Firefly Restaurant: Our visit to Firefly Restaurant was a highlight, offering not just delicious food but also an absolutely spectacular view. That’s my wonderful folks pictured above, but I truly want you to focus on the magnificent backdrop: the sun setting majestically over the Santa Rita Mountains. The warm hues painting the sky as we enjoyed our meal were simply unforgettable. The ambiance, the company, and that stunning natural vista combined for a perfect evening. It’s a must-visit for anyone seeking a memorable dining experience with a view.
Pima Air & Space Museum: For aviation enthusiasts and history buffs alike, the Pima Air Museum is an absolute treasure. This vast museum is one of the world’s largest non-government funded aerospace museums, featuring an impressive collection of over 400 aircraft spread across various hangars and outdoor displays. From historic military planes to civilian aircraft and even spacecraft, the sheer scale and variety are incredible. We were amazed by the meticulous preservation and the detailed stories behind each exhibit, offering a deep dive into the evolution of flight.
Wisdom’s Cafe: A true local institution, Wisdom’s Cafe is famous for its authentic Sonoran-style Mexican food and, as we discovered, its legendary “Fruit Burro.” This delightful dessert is a deep-fried, fruit-filled burrito, generously coated in cinnamon and sugar, and served with a scoop of cool vanilla ice cream. We were so engrossed in enjoying our shared peach fruit burro (which was absolutely delicious!) that we completely forgot to mention it during the podcast. It’s a unique, indulgent treat that perfectly caps off a savory meal and truly captures the spirit of the region.

Farmhouse Fixer: Wedding Whirlwind & Remodel Progress

Back at the farmhouse, life is a beautiful blur of sawdust, paint, and wedding preparations! The countdown is officially on: we’re hosting a small, intimate wedding here in December, and the excitement (and a little bit of panic) is palpable. The ceremony and reception will take place in our main room, necessitating a functional kitchen and bathroom. This means our “to-do” list has transformed into a mission-critical operation for the next month!

December Wedding Prep: Our One-Month Sprint!

Here’s a glimpse at the extensive list of tasks we need to complete between now and the wedding day:

Deep Cleaning & Restoration: Our farmhouse has been a construction zone all summer, with doors and windows frequently left open. This means a thorough, top-to-bottom clean is imperative to remove all the accumulated dust and debris and transform it into a sparkling wedding venue.
Living-Dining Room Floor Refinement: We’re painstakingly pulling all stray nails from the original wood floors in the living and dining areas. Following this, we’ll lay down brown butcher’s paper to neatly cover the remnants of odd felt that was previously attached to the wood, ensuring a clean and uniform look for the event.
Wall Board Replacement: The section of wall board adjacent to our new front door needs to be replaced. This is a crucial step for achieving a seamless finish and a welcoming entrance for our guests.
Priming All Walls White: Currently, half of our walls are still the original brown. Our goal is to prime all the interior walls with a fresh coat of white primer. This will brighten the space considerably and provide a clean canvas, creating an open and airy feel perfect for a celebration.
Siding Replacement: Just like the interior wall board, the exterior siding next to the new front door requires replacement. This ensures the exterior of the farmhouse looks as charming and complete as the interior.
Front Porch Window Molding: Adding elegant window molding to the front porch windows will significantly enhance the curb appeal and give the entrance a polished, finished look.
Front Porch Priming: The newly replaced siding and other exterior elements on the front porch need to be primed. This step is essential for protection and prepares the surfaces for their final coat of paint, contributing to the farmhouse’s overall refreshed appearance.
Sidewalk & Mud Management: Our muddy sidewalks, a lingering effect of construction, need a thorough cleaning. We’ll then strategically lay down straw over any remaining muddy areas to help keep them clean and provide a more stable, less messy path for guests.
Rock Pile Relocation: A large pile of unused rocks, a remnant from earlier landscaping work, is currently occupying a prominent spot in the front yard. This needs to be moved to clear the space and enhance the aesthetic appeal of the entrance.
Construction Debris Cleanup: The final stage of our outdoor preparation involves a comprehensive cleanup of all construction debris scattered around the exterior of the farmhouse, ensuring a pristine and inviting environment.

And mind you, this extensive list doesn’t even include the myriad of planning and decorating tasks that accompany any wedding, no matter how small or intimate! Thankfully, we are incredibly blessed with a supportive family who have already enthusiastically signed up to lend their hands and hearts wherever they can. Their invaluable assistance makes this ambitious undertaking feel much more manageable. #blessed, indeed!

Beyond the Wedding: Ongoing Remodel Progress

Even amidst the wedding preparations, other aspects of our farmhouse renovation are steadily moving forward:

Bedroom Extension Foundation: We are absolutely thrilled to announce that the foundation for our new bedroom extension is officially completed and has successfully passed inspection! This marks a major milestone in the expansion of our living space and brings us one step closer to realizing our vision for the farmhouse. Yay!
Framing Builder Secured: We recently had a very productive meeting with an experienced builder who will be assisting us with the framing for the extension. The best part? They are ready to begin as soon as we have all the necessary materials on site. This efficiency is fantastic and keeps the momentum of our project going strong. Yay again!
Salvaging Historical Wood: As part of our demolition process, we are diligently working to salvage and preserve anything we believe can be repurposed. Our primary focus is on the beautiful 100-year-old wood that was used on the walls beneath the newer wallboard. This aged timber holds so much character and history, and we’re excited about the possibility of incorporating it back into the farmhouse, perhaps as accent walls, custom furniture, or decorative elements, giving new life to old materials.

What’s Cooking: Our Best Thanksgiving Recipes

As the holiday season approaches, our thoughts naturally turn to delicious, comforting food. We’re excited to share links to all the beloved Thanksgiving recipes we discussed – these aren’t just any recipes; they are our tried-and-true family favorites, the dishes that make an appearance on our table every single year and consistently receive rave reviews!

Our Tried-and-True Holiday Menu:

White Wine Roasted Turkey: This recipe guarantees a succulent, flavorful turkey with incredibly tender meat and, most importantly, an absolutely amazing, rich gravy that will be the star of your holiday meal. It’s truly a showstopper!
Simple Cranberry Sauce Sweetened with Maple and Orange: Forget canned cranberry sauce! This homemade version is bursting with fresh flavor, elegantly sweetened with natural maple syrup and brightened with a hint of orange. It’s simple to make and adds a gourmet touch to any plate.
Sweet & Savory Sausage Cranberry Stuffing-Dressing: A delightful blend of savory sausage, sweet cranberries, and aromatic herbs, this stuffing (or dressing!) is the perfect accompaniment to your holiday feast. It’s hearty, flavorful, and incredibly comforting.
Garlic & Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes: These aren’t just any mashed potatoes. Infused with rich garlic and tangy sour cream, they are exceptionally creamy, flavorful, and dangerously addictive. Prepare for these to disappear quickly!
Amazing Soft 100% Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls: Light, fluffy, and surprisingly easy to make, these whole wheat dinner rolls are the perfect vehicle for soaking up all that delicious gravy. They offer the goodness of whole wheat without sacrificing an ounce of deliciousness.
Amazing Garlic Green Beans: A simple yet incredibly flavorful side dish, these green beans are sautéed with plenty of garlic to create a vibrant and healthy addition to your holiday spread. They provide a wonderful crunch and a burst of fresh taste.

Our Latest Must-Have Discoveries!

Beyond our travels and renovation projects, we’ve stumbled upon a couple of items that have genuinely impressed us and made our daily lives a little bit better. We couldn’t wait to share these cool finds with you!

Brian’s Top Pick: Batdorf & Bronson Coffee

Brian has been absolutely raving about Batdorf & Bronson Coffee. Specifically, he’s fallen in love with their “Whirling Dervish” blend. It’s a medium roast that boasts a complex flavor profile – rich, smooth, and incredibly aromatic, with notes that are both bold and nuanced. This isn’t just a coffee; it’s an experience, transforming the morning ritual into a true moment of enjoyment. Brian has even gone all-in, sporting their cool t-shirts and enjoying his daily brew from a Batdorf & Bronson mug. If you’re a coffee connoisseur or just looking for an exceptional cup to elevate your mornings, this blend comes highly recommended!

Jami’s Essential: The Me Too Zoey Bootie

And for my part, I’ve discovered footwear bliss with The Me Too Zoey Bootie from DSW. I cannot emphasize this enough: these are the MOST comfortable booties I have ever worn – really! From the moment I slipped them on, it felt like walking on clouds. They offer incredible arch support, a cushioned sole that absorbs impact, and a soft interior lining that prevents any rubbing or discomfort. The design is stylish and versatile, making them perfect for both casual outings and slightly dressier occasions. If you’ve been searching for a pair of booties that combine chic style with unparalleled comfort, look no further. These are a game-changer for happy feet!

Thanks for Tuning In!

We genuinely appreciate you listening to our podcast and joining us on these journeys and updates. If you enjoyed this episode and find value in what we share, you can make a huge difference in helping us grow! Please consider telling your friends about us, subscribing to our podcast on platforms like iTunes, and leaving us a thoughtful review. Your support and feedback are invaluable, as reviews are how other like-minded individuals will discover our community and content.

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