The Chris Loves Julia Podcast w/ Preston Pugmire: Recent Episodes
DIY, Home Design, Blogging
Conversations about DIY, Home Design, and family. Chris Loves Julia is a DIY home design blog that started in 2008. It has since become the go to place for design and home renovation info for millions of readers. On this podcast we go behind the curtain on blogging, home renovation, and design in general and how it all relates to having a home that is "lived in" by a family.
It's a hard day. But it's a good day. Today's episode of The Chris Loves Julia Podcast with Preston Pugmire will be the last of the series. Despite the million+ downloads, multiple sponsors per episode and the success stamp that most people would put on the podcast, last week, I had a major breakthrough that left me in tears. And then lead me to have a really, really difficult conversation with the team to end the podcast. We recorded our final episode less than 24 hours later, and the feelings were (and still are) very raw. That is to say, okay, I cry more and explain what led me to this unexpected decision.
The theme of the episode is fear, because it had everything to do with fear. But we touch on the scary thing that happened at our cabin, a bold decision that made our bathroom plans "click," and share some of our favorite moments from the podcast.
I know this will come as a shock to many of you, and I'm sure you will share in our sadness about it. But the time is right, and we can't wait for what's to come. -Julia
SPONSORS Daily HarvestJules and I have been ordering Daily Harvest smoothies from even before they were a sponsor of the podcast. They're healthy, so simple, and really tasty. Visit www.daily-harvest.com and use promo code CLJ to get 3 free items in your first box. Thomas Avenue Ceramics*Receive 30% off your tile order before April 15th, 2018!
Visit www.thomasavenueceramics.com and use promo code CLJ30***
A candid discussion about the best practices when choosing paint colors. Julia reveals for the first time a huge mistake she made behind the scenes.
Posts mentioned in this episode:
DIY Shiplap built-ins: finished and styled!
Perfectly Putty Paint
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Theme song: Headphones by Preston Pugmire
We interviewed four successful interior designers that are all self taught. Amber Lewis, Jenny Komenda, Shea McGee and Brian Patrick Flynn all open up about everything from their education backgrounds (in some cases, dropping out of school) to advice they would give to anyone trying to break into the field.
1. Amber Lewis | Principal at Amber Interior Design and founder and CEO of the blog, Amber Interiors.
Based in California, but designing all over the world, Amber makes her signature casual California design look effortless, cool, cozy, eclectic and unique.
Find her (and her amazing work) at amberinteriordesign.com , @amberinteriors on instagram, and check out her shoppe to get her signature look in person (in Calabasas) or online here.
2. Jenny Komenda | Interior designer and the owner of Juniper Studio, Jenny's Print Shop and founder of the blog, Little Green Notebook.
Phoenix based, Jenny has been blogging about interiors since 2007! Her style is approachable, eclectic and the perfect mix of splurge pieces with budget-friendly DIY (she's the queen!) mixed in.
Find more of Jenny's work at juniper-studio.com, littlegreennotebook.com, @jennykomenda on Instagram, and her digital print shop jennysprintshop.com.
3. Brian Patrick Flynn | Television producer turned interior designer. Founder of FlynnsideOut Productions, a full service production company specializing in lifestyle-related content.
Atlanta based, Brian's style can best be described as soft-masculine and characterized by a unique mix of design styles, modern and classic art, unconventional color schemes and practical budgets. The designer primarily resides in Atlanta but frequently retreats his two alternate residences, the country home in the mountains of north Georgia and a Scandinavian pied-á-terre in Reykjavik, Iceland for creative inspiration.
Find more of Brian's work on HGTV.com here, through his production company Flynnside Out, and on Instagram @bpatrickflynn.
4. Shea McGee | Co-Founder and Creative Director of Studio McGee and McGee & Co.
Utah based, Shea's bright and clean aesthetic has attracted a wait-list of clients and originally, no idea how to handle the workload. Studio McGee was created in a spare bedroom with lots of big ideas and no room for fabric samples and has grown into a massive empire.
Find more of Shea's work at Studio-mcgee.com, watch their web series here, through their McGee & Co Shop and on instagram @studiomcgee.
The 6 questions you can expect to hear answered in this episode are:
• What is your education background?
• When did you realize design was something you wanted to do professionally and how did you make that shift?
• How did you grow your business, get clients, get noticed!?
• What role does social media play in your business?
• What’s something you still want to learn?
• What advice do you have for others wanting to break into the field?
This Episode is Sponsored by:
Blue Apron
*We've been using Blue Apron for almost three years now, and we couldn't recommend it more. They even started offering Whole30® Compliant options, so give it a try this week! Our listeners can get $30 off their first order by visiting www.blueapron.com/clj*
ThirdLove
Jules is nonstop raving about her ThirdLove bras, and their incredible process. From determining fit to selecting a style, you can do it all from the comfort of your home and they offer 60 different size options! Visit www.thirdlove.com/clj to get 15% off your first purchase.
Here are the four questions we answer this week:
- I have a question about windows in the bathroom: I currently live in a row home in Philadelphia, my bathroom has two windows in it that back up to my neighbors patio and a restaurant patio. I have blinds on the two windows in my bathroom, to keep any peepers from being able to look into my bathroom but I feel like its a waste of perfectly good natural light to keep them closed all the time. My husband thinks we should put sheer curtains up and keep the blinds open to solve the peeping/natural light problem but I can't say that I've ever seen curtains in a bathroom before, what do you think we should do?
Best,Lane
The balance of natural light and privacy is a big thing in a lot of bathrooms, so we cover a few ways to frost a window (the most affordable option--check out this film for this method!), different blind options (the easiest option, we'd recommend cellular honeycomb blinds for maximum light/privacy balance), and even high tech electrically-charged glass that frosts with the flip of a switch (arguably, the coolest option--here's a video of it in action). We also talk about mirrors in front of windows--are you for them?
2. I have a thorn in my side when it comes to organizing and designing...our "home office space" - that isn't used as a home office. We don't even use the desk...it's a dumping site for papers. It's in the corner of our bedroom :( We have one filing cabinet that is terribly ugly next to the desk that is already full. My question for y'all is if you've posted on this before? Or if you have any go-to pieces for putting "adulting stuff" when you don't have an office. I need an organized space that looks pretty since it's in my bedroom and I see it every day! Help!!! Devan
Combination spaces can be tricky, especially in the bedroom where any horizontal surface tends to be somewhere that you lay things. But the first image (via) in this post sure sells it, right? We talk about some different approaches depending on how you use your spaces. We talk about evaluating the need for dual functionality in a room (is it being used for anything other than a dumping ground?) and how making things smaller can sometimes help in keeping them clean. Also, how we tackle the paper trail in our home!
3. Hello Chris, Julia, and Preston!I am a fairly new listener and have been binging your podcast. I have been so inspired by some of your recent episodes! You have me thinking we really can take on some DIY projects. We recently purchased our first home and have several projects we would like to tackle, but currently are working with very basic tools such as screwdrivers, a drill, etc. What tools do you feel are most useful and are must-haves for someone who is just starting to build their tool arsenal?
Thanks guys, love the podcast!
Casey
Here's the room that we refer to when we talk about winning the contest that allowed us to buy our first set of tools.
4. Where did you get your upholstered, low-profile box spring mattress?
We shared a picture of our bedroom here, and had a lot of questions about our box spring, because it looks very low-profile. It’s actually the Sleep Number base for our mattress, and not fully low-profile. BUT we actually do have a low-profile, upholstered box spring in our guest room.
This episode is sponsored by Brooklinen* They sent us their Luxe Hardcore Sheet Bundle with a Window Pane Sheet and their Bedford Smoke Stripe Duvet cover back in April and we could not be happier. Our listeners get $20 off PLUS Free Shipping* with code CLJ at checkout!
In this episode, we peel back the curtain on a few projects happening around here. What you see are the photos, but there is always more uncertainty and conversations about nearly every decision. We take you through conversations around 2 projects we're knee deep in (our bedroom and bathroom) and how we come to conclusions as a couple. We also answer the question, "What is your process for renovating a room?" And! Talk about how we sometimes feel we have unintentionally betrayed our readers.
In the first few minutes, we talk about how our bedroom is coming together. Side note: Do you say "make the bed?" or "fix the bed?" Either way, we get into it about throw pillows and this scene comes up.
We share what intimidates us, big, normal house projects that we still haven't learned how to do and the secret we've been keeping: we don't know how to do everything. And that's okay!
What's Your Process For Renovating a Room?
- Live in a space long enough to decide your feelings about it and discover pain points.
- Make a wish list—things you want from the room, how you want to use the room, how you want the room to feel.
- Gather inspiration photos.
- Make floor plan renderings and layout options.
- Make a mood board to see how all the elements will work together.
- Order products
- If I can help it, I don’t order everything at once. I like things to arrive and then I can course correct if needed. Sometimes we have to order it all and then I can return something if it's not going to work.
- Make a timeline for getting it done.
Can't Get You Outta My Mind
Preston has Beef Jerky on his mind. Specifically this brand.
I recently watched this YouTube video that changed my perspective on motivation. (bottom line: it sucks) In turn, I've been able to get up early every morning since and hit the gym. I hired a trainer to write a program for me so I have direction and use the JEFIT app, which shows how to do every exercise and work every machine out there, so I'm no longer intimidated to go to the gym.
Chris has always been passionate about cooking and although he doesn't share much here anymore, he got this chest harness that holds his phone so he can record while he cooks! He's been sharing a lot of our meals and his recipes on his Instagram--@c_marcum.
Sponsors:
Blue Apron Click for $30 off first order.
RXBAR Click for 25% off first order.
Here are the four questions we tackled this week:
1. How to balance over-improving your home for someone else and making it perfect for you.
Jen largely answers her own question, but we chime in with some examples from our own home. Sometimes the value is enough for you that it's worth the money, and sometimes you can get the same value for spending less. What we did with our kitchen ranges is a good example.
2. How to choose and display art in your home.
We give a lot of tips and talk about the various ways we display art in our home, as well as how to make differing display options feel cohesive and not combative. 3. How to fix lines on a wall from painted stripes There's going to be a lot of people dealing with this issue in the coming years, because about ten years ago, stripes were the rage. We talk about a couple of options, but unfortunately none of them are super convenient. But worth it, to get rid of the stripes. 4. How to handle a living space that is two stories high This can be a tricky one, but there are things you can do to make two-story living spaces feel less empty, particularly on the walls. We talk about curtains, local theaters and millwork trim. SPONSOR This episode is sponsored by Daily HarvestJules and I have been ordering Daily Harvest smoothies from even before they were a sponsor of the podcast. They're healthy, so simple, and really tasty. Visit www.daily-harvest.com and use promo code CLJ to get 3 free items in your first box. We’d love it so much if you could leave a rating and review for the podcast, and thank you for continuing to spread the word about our corner of the podcast world! We love hearing from new listeners every week!
We start this episode with a small recap of our time in Seattle visiting the HGTV dream home and then describe where and what our dream homes would be! They might surprise you!
Then we dive into a new segment, that we eventually decide to call "Cabin Log" (although Cabin of Green Gables was a close second! Ha!) where we're telling a few more nitty gritty details of our adventures in renovating our new-to-us A-frame. While we love our cabin, it's hasn't all been views and a walk in the park. This week's log story includes a whole lotta snow and a very expensive lesson.
For the main segment, we go through House Beautiful's 16 Decor Trends that are Going to Be Hot for 2018 and weigh in on each.
• Chris raps about the tone on tone trend.
• And although House Beautiful is telling us to go moodier (compared to what?!), there's a big change we're making in our house that goes in the opposite direction!
• And then, yeah, I mispronounce agate over and over and over. (I now realize, I was thinking of the word agave!) Here's the link to Sarah Sherman Samuel's Wallpaper line.
• Also, my 2018 goal to convert Preston to beige--who do I need to add to the list?
Can't Get You Outta My Mind
Preston talks about launching his own personal development podcast, Next Level Life, last week and how he worked so hard to make it the number 1 podcast in his category--a goal he totally nailed!
Chris declares his love for Inca Corn. (I filled his stocking with these, and he ate them all in less than a week!)
I share a toy that we gifted to our daughter and nephew (both 7) that has helped so much with their anxiety, especially at bedtime. It's called a Worry Eater and I couldn't recommend it enough!
This Episode is Sponsored by:
Blue Apron
*We've been using Blue Apron for almost three years now, and we couldn't recommend it more. They even started offering Whole30® Compliant options, so give it a try this week! Our listeners can get $30 off their first order by visiting www.blueapron.com/clj*
ThirdLove
Jules is nonstop raving about her ThirdLove bras, and their incredible process. From determining fit to selecting a style, you can do it all from the comfort of your home and they offer 60 different size options! Visit www.thirdlove.com/clj to get 15% off your first purchase.
While our podcast usually airs every other Monday, this year, we are adding a special Q&A episode on the former off weeks--we're calling...waiting for it...CLJ Q&A! It rhymes.These episodes are shorter (we're shooting for under 30 minutes) and still have all the same fun and banter, but we answer YOUR questions! Although these are specific questions that come from real listeners, they are either questions we get a lot or we think can be applicable to many homes and situations. If you have a question you'd like us to answer, you can send it to podcast@chrislovesjulia.com.
Topics this week:
1. How to add detail and interest to a blank slate.
2. What to do when you have competing focal points.
3. Some things you can do to temporarily renovate your kitchen, or tips to make it look a lot better until your big reno!
4. Tips for mixing wood types and stains.
We just finished a week long bathroom renovation in the Pugmire's home, and it turned out super awesome. We talk about how that project came about, who foot the bill, and the purpose behind it. We also talk about some of the flack we received because of some of the design elements, and our thoughts around that.
Happening This Week: Dealing With Water DamageWe've been going through our list this week, scheduling out our priorities for the next few months and then something happened that is forcing us to make our Master Bathroom a priority. And it has to do with portions of the ceiling below the bathroom (in the girls' bedroom) falling in.
General Discussion: Creating and Meshing Holiday TraditionsYou like white lights, he likes colored lights. You go sledding on Christmas Eve, he makes popcorn and watches movies. We all have our traditions that make the Holidays feel like "The Holidays", but what happens when your significant other has their own traditions that are different from yours? We talk about some of our own traditions that we've had, how we've combined and how we want to approach creating our own going forward. Jules also shares an article with a few tips for starting your own traditions, no matter what stage of life you're in.
Game: How Many, How Many, How Many
Named after Preston's "How Many Chins" game he and his wife play on Instagram, this game has nothing to do with that and involves numbers and home design/DIY. Jules quizzes Preston and me about how many blanks are in blank, or how many blanks are in a blank. The blanks are filled in on the podcast.
Can't Get You Outta My MindJulia: For Julia's birthday I bought her a Wi-Fi enabled SD card for her camera, and she talks all about how much she loves it. No cables, instant transferring from a camera to her phone, and posted straight to Instagram. If you're a blogger or social media influencer or just posting lots of pictures and you want them to look their best, this is the product you want.
Preston: Preston has known for quite some time now that he needs to start meditating, but he hasn't really known where to start. He talks about an app he recently purchased called Headspace, that provides guided meditations that Preston has started doing each day. He shares some thoughts he has on it so far and benefits that he's seeing.
Chris: I've always struggled with maintaining friendships, but some experiences recently have reminded me how important that is. I talk about some time I've spent with old friends recently, and why I think that everyone should take a step today to reach out to someone, just because.
Sponsors:
Wonderbly (previously known as Lost My Name)
The holidays are fast approaching, and birthdays know no season. If you have a kid in your life and you want to make them feel special, visit www.wonderbly.com. Wonderblyallows you to create custom story books for children in a way that puts them at the center of the plot. This isn't just Find-and-Replace on the name - they actually build the story around each child so every book is unique to them.
Visit www.wonderbly.com and use promo code CLJ at checkout to get 15% off your order.
Grove CollaborativeGrove Collaborative is an online marketplace for all of your favorite natural home & personal care products. We signed up a few months ago and set all of our favorites products on a subscription to arrive automatically, right when we need them. Visit www.grove.co/chrislovesjulia to sign up, spend your first $20 and they will throw in a FREE set of Mrs. Meyers Cleaning Products. No code required, but you do need to sign up at www.grove.co/chrislovesjulia.
We'd love it so much if you could leave a rating and review for the podcast, and thank you for continuing to spread the word about our corner of the podcast world! We love hearing from new listeners every week! Have questions you’d like us to answer on the podcast? Email podcast@chrislovesjulia.com.
We closed on a super awesome cabin, and we've already had our first party! We talk about our approach to the design with the cabin, and a few eye-opening things we've learned about minimalism. When planning a space that will be rented as a vacation home, as opposed to a primary residence, it's surprising the number of things you can do away with. And taking that one step further, do we really need those extra things at all?
Impromptu Game: Name That MinimalistWhile talking about the cabin design, Jules shares an article from Apartment Therapy that defines 6 different types of minimalism. She names what they are and Preston and I take turns guessing their definitions. We also say which ones we identify with most, and would love to hear your matches in the comments.
Can't Get You Outta My MindJulia: Something Jules and I have been talking about recently is the responsibility people have to those around them. I don't know why, but humans are just naturally competitive - sometimes that's good, sometimes not. She talks about the power of doing something positive and what happens when we focus outward.
Preston: As someone trying to build their own brand, Preston shares his thoughts on the world of marketing and how it has changed in our modern world. He talks about how this applies to all businesses, but specifically why it creates success. The short version? Provide something of value!
Chris: I realize the world loves extremes, but I think there's a much more fulfilling way to live. I'm sure many of you have watched the documentary "What the Health" on Netflix, and perhaps some of you felt shocked by it. I talk about a less popular documentary called "In Defense of Food" (also on Netflix) and why it makes so much more sense, while still lighting a fire under us all to live more healthy. It's definitely worth a watch.
This Episode is Sponsored By:
Wonderbly (previously known as Lost My Name)
The holidays are fast approaching, and birthdays know no season. If you have a kid in your life and you want to make them feel special, visit www.wonderbly.com. Wonderbly allows you to create custom story books for children in a way that puts them at the center of the plot. This isn't just Find-and-Replace on the name - they actually build the story around each child so every book is unique to them.
Visit www.wonderbly.com and use promo code CLJ at checkout to get 15% off your order.
Grove Collaborative*Grove Collaborative is an online marketplace for all of your favorite natural home & personal care products. We signed up a few months ago and set all of our favorites products on a subscription to arrive automatically, right when we need them. Visit www.grove.co/chrislovesjulia to sign up, spend your first $20 and they will throw in a FREE set of Mrs. Meyers Cleaning Products*. No code required, but you do need to sign up at www.grove.co/chrislovesjulia.
We'd love it so much if you could leave a rating and review for the podcast, and thank you for continuing to spread the word about our corner of the podcast world! We love hearing from new listeners every week! Have questions you’d like us to answer on the podcast? Email podcast@chrislovesjulia.com.
In this episode we cover a lot of ground, starting with upcoming bathroom renovation plans. We talk about a common sentiment regarding tubs in the master bath, and why we think it's wrong. We also discuss incorporating the tastes and even sentimental decor items of your significant other into your home's decor, even and especially when that is sports paraphernalia. And how bringing those items into the rest of the home, in a cohesive way, may just quash a man's desire to have a man cave.
- Vintage Framed Sports Photo (or any athletic photo printed in black and white with a nice white mat and thin, black frame.
- Heritage Football. Go for worn leather sports paraphernalia over a brand new ball.
- Pennant. Pennants have a natural sports look to them and are trending.
- These wall hangers for any time of ball are perfect for incorporating those vintage ones from #2 into your gallery wall.
- Trophy 6. Put a bunch of old baseballs into some sort of vessel, like a large mason jar.
- Vintage pins for the shelf for the bowling lover. Love the colors here!
- String an old pair of boxing gloves onto a hook mounted on a piece of wood. These gloves are perfect!
- Trophies. You can't have too many trophies...even if you didn't win them.
- Baseball bat shelf.11. Lacross shelf. (You can also just mount actual bats, sticks, skis, etc. to the wall!)
This Episode is Sponsored By:
Wonderbly (previously known as Lost My Name)
The holidays are fast approaching, and birthdays know no season. If you have a kid in your life and you want to make them feel special, visit www.wonderbly.com. Wonderbly allows you to create custom story books for children in a way that puts them at the center of the plot. This isn't just Find-and-Replace on the name - they actually build the story around each child so every book is unique to them.
Visit www.wonderbly.com and use promo code CLJ at checkout to get 15% off your order.
Brooklinen*They sent us their Luxe Hardcore Sheet Bundle with a Window Pane Sheet and their Bedford Smoke Stripe Duvet cover back in April and we could not be happier. Our listeners get $20 off PLUS Free Shipping* with code CLJ at checkout!
In this episode, we're discussing everything Instagram. We start with a few details about our recent Instagram Auction, and the not-so-small problems that kept us scrambling well past midnight to deal with.
We then move into a general discussion on using Instagram as a business tool, and some of our best practices for growing an organic following (and why it matters). And of course we need to juice it up a bit, so we hold nothing back in discussing the trend of buying Instagram followers, giving our opinions on it and even sharing some cases where it has "worked."
• an experiment with Preston's Instagram account
Our Tricks for Growing an Organic Instagram Following
We talk about an open source tool anyone can use to see the momentum your favorite Instagram accounts have. A few other things we touch on include:
• finding your content and making it great
• posting what your followers want to see, not what you want to share
HOW I GAINED 50K INSTAGRAM FOLLOWERS RAPIDLY AND ORGANICALLY Hot Topic: Is It OK to Buy Instagram Followers?
Buckle up, because this conversation don't quit. There's a trend of buying Instagram followers (and a correlating trend of justifying it) that we just can't not talk about. We read a comment from a reader on a previous post about it, and also share an article of a blogger who admits she bought followers and claims she doesn't regret it (the tone of her article does not support that claim, IMO). We also talk about how important the difficulty of growing an organic following is, and ask the question, "Are round-robin giveaways on Instagram just another form of buying followers?" We round it all out sharing our thoughts on the Instagram Bubble we're all creating and what could happen when it pops.
Article of a blogger who admits she bought followers and claims she doesn't regret it.
the Owlet Baby Monitor.
SPONSORS
Grove Collaborative*Grove Collaborative is an online marketplace for all of your favorite natural home & personal care products. Visit www.grove.co/chrislovesjulia to sign up, spend your first $20 and they will throw in a FREE set of Mrs. Meyers Cleaning Products*. No code required, but you do need to sign up at www.grove.co/chrislovesjulia.
Brooklinen*They sent us their Luxe Hardcore Sheet Bundle with a Window Pane Sheet and their Bedford Smoke Stripe Duvet cover back in April and we could not be happier. Our listeners get $20 off PLUS Free Shipping* with code CLJ at checkout!
After discussing my (Chris) laziest way of being thoughtful, this episode goes deep on all the details of our DIY Magazine shoot. Julia and I share the parts that surprised us most, and give a few confessions of how underprepared we were (i.e. - the outdoor kitchen was not even recognizable as an outdoor kitchen when the crew arrived). Julia also shares how a tiny lady bug saved the most crucial shot of the entire week.
This Episode is Sponsored By WONDERBLY (previously known as Lost My Name)The holidays are fast approaching, and birthdays know no season. If you have a kid in your life and you want to make them feel special, visit www.wonderbly.com. Wonderbly allows you to create custom story books for children in a way that puts them at the center of the plot. This isn't just Find-and-Replace on the name - they actually build the story around each child so every book is unique to them.
Visit www.wonderbly.com and use promo code CLJ at checkout to get 15% off your order.
After a quick dip into some recent reviews, we talk about Chris's process for the planning and building parts of projects. We share some of the thoughts that have gone into our outdoor cooking area and then jump head first into the topic of sleeping babies. While every kid is different, Chris & Julia are 3 for 3 on solid sleepers despite crankiness and tummy troubles, so Preston is interested in learning more. We wind it all down with a game of Fake or Real on Amazon's worst products.
Episode Sponsored by GROVE COLLABORATIVE
www.grove.co/chrislovesjulia
Other links mentioned:
• SmileDirect
• The Lively Show
• Jenny's Print Shop
• "Wipe Your Bum" Sign
• 50 Shades of Grey Outlet Cover
• Woman with Inhaler Decal
• Maryland Cutting Board
• Nick Cage Lifesize (or mini) Cutout
In this episode we talk about a few things, but the main event is, of course, The Property Brothers. Drew & Jonathan Scott talk about their relationship as brothers & business partners, their recently released book, It Takes Two: Our Story, and give a few insights into their personal & professional lives.
We talk about our little baby girl, some major things that happened this week in CLJ history, and give some great tips on mixing metals. We also talk about some issues we've had with contractors and how we handled them, how we wish we would have handled them, and how sometimes a bad contractor is a great motivator to DIY.
In this special Q&A episode, we start off talking about the progress of our big backyard project and how we're charting new territory with it. Julia reveals her neurosis when it comes to their third child's birth date and they open up the mail bag to answer as many of your questions as possible!
We start this episode talking about a few behind-the-scenes details of our furniture line we launched last week and how that even came about.
Then we go in-depth into how we handle sponsors and sponsored posts, answering a few questions we’ve received about the process and share a few times we messed up. We take our listeners through how many actual inquiries we get a day, and what goes into producing sponsored content.
The Gang talks about the things in their house that aren't perfect cause they live in it like a normal family even though these things don't show up in pictures.
We also discuss the Total Solar Eclipse that is happening in our little town next month.
Also, Home Depot is getting sued and you might be blown away by the reason.
In this week's podcast, we are diving deep into all of the questions we have gotten about blogging and have an open and honest conversation about what it takes. For the first time, we're also discussing why, when and how Chris quit his job, and the lessons we have learned about separating criticism from critique.
We share a few tips on how we have grown our following organically. We also answer some tough questions you've asked, like "Do you feel like you're at the mercy of your readers to survive financially?" and "Is there room in the field to start a blog today?" We're holding nothingback and can't wait to hear your thoughts on this week's episode.
Hunting for cabins! The gang gets into it about Chris and Julia's new journey to buy a cabin and how their frustration with Zillow has shaped the search.
Then we discuss trends that were supposed to take over your house in 2017 and see whether they landed in real life.
This week the gang tackles a sensitive and hot topic about how to tactfully invite or not invite people to events at your house. And we cover the top ten things to do to get your house ready for an outdoor party.
Julia also drops a bomb on us about her idea for a summer outdoor party invention that would revolutionize the way people enjoy get-togethers.
Peeling back the curtain and talking candidly about the behind the scenes stuff with the One Room Challenge. The gang talks to One Room Challenge creator Linda Weinstein and we learn a lot from her about the entire project.
Then we get in to a hot topic discussion about the reality of blogs vs the fantasy of blogs. It gets pretty interesting.
This Episode is sponsored by Blue Apron. Go to blueapron.com/CLJ to get your first three meals free with free shipping.
The Gang discusses slightly sexist attitudes toward women when it comes to DIY and home renovation. Julia breaks down her feelings on the dynamic between her and Chris when it comes to projects.
Chris and Julia talk about the things they learned installing their floor and have great advice for selecting a floor color. Then we play a game where Chris and Preston get schooled by Julia on 15 ways to remove negative energy from your home.
Please Leave A Rating and Review for the Show!!!
The gang breaks down what happened behind the scenes in their weekend kitchen refresh, which ended up being a complete renovation. We find out who was happy about it, who wasn't, and what they would've done differently.
Then we discuss the best way to choose a paint color for the cabinets in your kitchen. Chris has great advice for budgeting your projects, and we realize we all might be the least popular people in our neighborhoods... Leave A Rating And Review!
The gang talks about "springifying" the house and the best ways to make that happen. We talk about best practices and places for buying and selling used furniture and house items on-line.
Then we Play a game revealing things you wouldn't believe you can put in the dishwasher. It just might blow your mind.
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Chris' Hoodie
Maxwell Ryan stops by the podcast this week to talk to the gang about Apartment Therapy and their new online marketplace. He goes deep on what makes a happy home and even answers a reader question. Chris and Julia talk about the little quirk that is unique to them... They often eat FULL HOT MEALS in their bed. Then we go over the top ten ways that you can make your home happier and they all cost Zero dollars and are accessible to everyone. Sponsored by Thomas Avenue Ceramics Use Promo Code CLJ for 20% Off! Please Leave A Rating And Review! Email us: podcast@chrislovesjulia.com Cant Get You Outta My Mind Items: iPhone Wallet Case Chris' Shoe Insoles
The gang listens to Julia crack eggs of knowledge all over our heads about how to choose a white paint and make it work for different lighting situations and different rooms. And also how to make white paint work with ivory paint in the same room. Chris and Julia school Preston on organization and give tips on how to clean up that one area of your house that just cant seem to stay clean. Plus the debut of the hit song by Julia's childhood pop group with her sisters, Flower Power. Sponsored by Thomas Avenue Ceramics If you need tile for any project in your house, use promo code CLJ to get 20% off any order at Thomas Avenue. Please Leave a Rating And Review For The SHOW!!!
This week the gang talks about proper technique for asking a friend to assist with a DIY project. Then we revisit an old hot topic and update our response to a question about the usefulness of remodeling when you live in a small town.
Then Julia goes deep into what "classic" design really means and how to avoid something that could be seen as trendy in a few years.
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Chris and Julia are having another baby! This is the conversations about family episode. Next week we will bring you the DIY and Home design elements once again. Yes thats next week, you won't have to wait two weeks for an episode!
On this episode, we talk about how they found out, how they told their family, and what they are NOT going to name this child. Then we play a game about the best foods to eat when you are pregnant. Cheers!
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The gang discusses and mocks Preston's process for choosing paint in his studio and then Julia drops the #1 tip for choosing a color. Our reader questions lead to talks on how minimalism and curtains can be at odds in your home.
We play a game where we find out the ages of people who shop the most at the top furniture stores in the world. Our Hot Topic is whether or not it makes sense to spend time decorate your home when you live in an area or town that isn't considered "stylish". Please Leave A Rating and Review For The Show!
The gang recaps the year and Julia gives the best advice ever for patching walls and painting over the patches. Our Hot Topic: Is home Blogging Dead? We discuss DIY blogs compared to other styles of blogs and see why some people think its a dying art form.
Then we play a game about the top 5 ways to make your home look CHEAP. Julia admits that her house is currently in violation of one of the rules.
We close it out with a new segment "Stuck In Your Head" where we each say one thing that has been on our minds this week DIY related or not.
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The Gang listens to Chris tell tales of woe from the trials and tribulations of DIY christmas light installation. Then we have an interesting difference of opinion about compromise vs. win/win when it comes to people having different goals with design elements.
Then we top it all off by reading and laughing about our podcast reviews. Both negative and positive. Merry Christmas.
In this episode the gang reunites after three long weeks apart because of the holidays and vacations. Julia discusses her trials and tribulations in a birthday glass blowing class and The Marcums give their top tips for flying with children. Our reader question leads us into a debate on buying houses that aren't for sale and then we break down the 12 worst Christmas gifts that you should never ever buy for anyone.
The gang discusses Julia's love/hate relationship with storage units and the Marcum's new upstairs bathroom. For our reader email, Julia breaks down the best way to handle and design around asymmetrical features already existing in a home.
We accidentally have an impromptu sound effect battle before introducing a new segment, "What We Screwed Up This Week". And lastly, instead of a Hot Topic, we break down questions to NOT ask at thanksgiving dinner this week.
Click Here To Leave Rating And Review!!! Mentions: 13 Questions You Should Never Ask at Thanksgiving Chris's Tiny Snowblower
Chris's Binge Watching Shirt A Shared Girl's Room
Tall Bar Stools Theme song Headphones by Preston Pugmire
After eating as many tacos as we possibly could, we discuss Chris and Julia's epic Halloween party and give updates on the One Room Challenge project. We find out what big thing is next for the Marcums after they complete all the major updates in their home. Julia gives her best tips for choosing art and displaying art in your home like a pro curator. CLJ posts mentioned.
Wooden Picture Ledge How To Hang A Gallery Wall Family Tree Gallery (grid pattern display)
Julia, Chris and Preston talk about what they have going on right now, a few hiccups they've experienced and the chaos resulting from trying to juggle so many projects at once. They also talk about how to stay motivated at the end of a project to see it through, outdated email etiquette and why our homes are just lawsuits waiting to happen.
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CLJ posts mentioned:
Brenden Burchard - 1-Page Productivity Planner
15 Ways Your Home Might Be a Lawsuit Waiting To Happen
Other items mentioned:
The Dip, by Seth Godin
Theme song Headphones by Preston Pugmire
In this episode we discuss Chris and Julia's plans of the One Room Challenge and discuss adventures that happened on the way to IKEA. In our Hot Topic segment, we go behind the scenes to take a look at the real world vs the fantasy world that can occasionally be created by blogs.
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Posts mentioned in this episode:
THOUGHTS ON BLOGGING + KITCHEN KICKOFF!
ONE ROOM CHALLENGE
CLJ ONE ROOM CHALLENGE: WEEK 1
In this episode, Chris and Julia celebrate one year in their new kitchen by revisiting some of the things they love most about it, as well as sharing a few recent additions they’ve completed. They also talk about blending styles and give some advice on how to make that work in your home, and how to choose which styles you should/could blend.
CLJ posts mentioned:
It's Done! The Full Kitchen Reveal.
East Idaho Parade of Homes Highlights
Other items mentioned:
The Flavor Bible
Episode Sponsored by: BLINDS.COM
Visit Blinds.com today and receive 20% off your entire order with the code CLJPODCAST - Offer ends 9-30-16
In this episode we talk about our front porch area and how it's driving us a bit crazy this week. We also discuss having house keepers or hiring other help for your home, and share some thoughts on why there might be negative stigma around that, and figuring out if it makes sense for you.
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Other Posts Mentioned in This Episode:
Making it Lovely - Honor Roll
New York Times - On Fake Instagram - A Chance to Be Real
Emily A. Clark - Do You Have a Housekeeper
Theme song Headphones by Preston Pugmire
Living with animals brings a lot of joy to a home, but it can also presents some challenges. In this episode, Chris & Julia talk about their life with Charly, their 150 lb St. Pyrenees. They share how she has influenced the renovation decisions they've made, and how they handle things like hair, drool and ... accidents...
And if you're not an animal lover, they also discuss some common courtesies that all pet owners appreciate, and how to approach visits with your friends who may have pets.
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CLJ posts mentioned:
Faux Wood Tile: The After Photos!
Other posts mentioned:
Pooptastrophe
Episode Sponsor: Blinds Dot Com
Theme Song "Headphones" By Preston Pugmire
Nearly every home owner who wants to renovate experiences that point where you simply don't have the money to do the things you want. And sometimes, when the furnace, water heater and AC units all go out in the same year, you may not be left with any money at all. How do you still make progress?
This episode is all about projects that can be done regardless of what your budget is. Even if you have no money to spend, there's no need to sit and deal with a space that makes you cringe. Chris and Julia talk about projects they've seen done, as well as some they've done themselves, and how to make little improvements that can help you love your home now.
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CLJ posts mentioned:
DIY White Concrete Countertops
Sealing Our White Concrete Countertops
An Unbelievable, Complete DIY Kitchen Renovation
A Massive Wood Picture Ledge for the Living Room!
How To: Our Double-Trimmed Drop Cloth Curtains
Other posts mentioned:
10 Common House Features You Probably Didn't Realize Had a Name
Theme song Headphones by Preston Pugmire
It's common for everyone to ask about paint colors, but much less frequent to ask about the sheen. But just for the effect you want in your space, choosing the right sheen can't be overlooked.
In this episode, Julia and Chris give great advice on how to decide which paint sheen will look best for the space you're painting. They discuss why you'd choose flat over satin (and vice versa) and what the role of primer is in the process.
Hot Topic: Fixer Upper/AirBNB
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Episode Sponsored by Prestige Paints
Posts mentioned:
'Fixer Upper' Houses Becoming Popular Vacation Rentals Around Waco
How to Properly Pronounce 20 Design and Decor Terms
Theme song Headphones by Preston Pugmire
Online shopping is the way of the now, but there are still things about it that make some people uneasy. How can you buy a couch online when you’ve never sat on it? What do you do if the color is all wrong? And how do you know you’re really getting the best deal?
In this episode, Julia and Chris talk about the things they’ve purchased online in their home, including all of their couches. They discuss how to plan and what things to know about items you buy online before hitting that “Purchase Now” button, as well as some tips for getting the best deal.
Hot Topic: Shopping Online vs. Supporting Local Business Please leave a rating and review for the podcast!
Theme song Headphones by Preston Pugmire
Every renovation project is a balancing act, between budget, time, needs, wants, etc.. But when you don't know how long you're going to be in your home, is it really worth spending the time and money to update it?
Chris and Julia discuss how they approach the "is it worth it" question, as well as striking the balance between creating the house you want to live in and one that someone else will want to buy someday. They also talk about projects they've been working on, including their downstairs basement and outdoor fireplace.
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CLJ posts mentioned:
Would You Rather: 4th Bathroom or Walk-in Pantry
Before and After: Our Basement Family Room is Finished!
Other posts mentioned:
Preston's music video entry for a home makeover contest.
"Let's Make This House a Home" Video
Theme song Headphones by Preston Pugmire
Lighting fixtures are as varied as any other product for your home, but once you've found that perfect fixture, how do you make sure it will give off the light you want for your space? Sometimes you want it to feel warm, other times you need to highlight a specific task or piece of artwork. How do you go about planning the lighting for your home, or make updates to maximize what's already in place?
In this episode we talk all about the mysterious side of lighting. What is the Kelvin scale, how does that relate to lumens and what are my options for achieving warm, energy-efficient light? We also visit with Shea McGee, from Studio McGee, who shares super helpful tips for planning your own lighting, maximizing the limits of your own spaces, what every room needs, and where she gets her inspiration from.
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CLJ posts mentioned:
Lights On In The Kitchen!
DIY Shiplapped Built-Ins: Finished & Styled
Laundry Room Lighting & Hardware
Studio McGee Webisodes mentioned:
Web Series
Guests: Shea McGee from Studio McGee
Hot Topic: Energy efficient bulbs
Theme song Headphones by Preston Pugmire
Life is better when you share it with others, so we're talkin' about parties and get-togethers this episode. Some do's and don'ts of hosting, little things that make a party great, and how to keep yourself from getting in a bad mood and making all your guests feel awkward. We'll also share stories from some of our best and worst parties, and what we feel made them. Learn some tips for handling food, and what you should expect from your guests when it comes to contributing.
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CLJ posts mentioned:
Truth Tuesday: How NOT to Throw a Party
DIY Harry Potter-esque Hanging Candles + Party Decor Details
One thing we hear from people all the time is, "How do you guys know how to do all this stuff?" Usually followed by some version of, "I could never do that." But here's the thing - you can do it. In this episode, Chris & Julia talk about how they go about tackling a project for the first time and give suggestions on how to get through the fear of the unknown that keeps so many people from making progress. Start somewhere and make it happen!
In this part two episode focused on budgeting in renovation, Julia and Chris discuss what a budget means to them, and how it has changed over time. They talk about their early days of DIY, and share one of their first projects and how it went horribly awry.
Chris and Julia also answer the question, “Is it really a “budget” project if it’s sponsored?” and share their perspective on how they approach sponsored content, while trying to make it relatable.
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CLJ posts mentioned:
How to Make Your NEW Favorite Dining Room Fixture
Lessons in Home Decor Humility
Before and After: Little Girls' Room Goes Tween
Other posts mentioned:
Nancy Kerrigan/Tonya Harding News Story
Theme song Headphones by Preston Pugmire
The first of two episodes focused on budgeting for renovation, we visit with John and Sherry Petersik, the creators of the wildly successful Young House Love blog and brand. Hear them talk about some of their favorite “bang for your buck” projects, as well as some things they’ve learned they’d rather hire out than do themselves.
They’ll also share insights on the other side of a budget, which is timing, and knowing when the right time is to take on a project and how a phased approach may not only help you satisfy your desires for change, but set your space up for greatness when you’re ready for a full renovation.
CLJ posts mentioned:
Our Finished Deck!
Our Painted Kitchen Cabinets!
Before & After: We Have a (Finished!) Coat Closet!
Young House Love posts mentioned:
Our Finally Finished Bonus Room
How to Build A Deck: It's DONE!!!
Trying Our Hand At DIY Ardex Concrete Counters
The Big Nursery Reveal: A Green & Blue Room For Our Girl
Be sure to listen to John & Sherry’s podcast, Young House Love Has a Podcast, on iTunes. It's seriously great.
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Theme song Headphones by Preston Pugmire
On this episode, we go behind the scenes on the complete kitchen renovation Chris and Julia did in Pittsburgh and hear some funny and also frustrating stories from them. We also talk about how renovating and doing DIY projects affects personal relationships. Its a good one.
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Posts mentioned in this Episode:
Complete Pittsburgh Kitchen Renovation
NEW PUGMIRE BABY!!!
In this episode, we dive into how to start a design or remodeling project. The first thing is the planning sessions. Julia breaks down her process and gives some helpful hints about how to give your space the design it deserves. Chris and Preston just try to keep up.
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Style Quizes:
Lonny.com Style Finder
Homegoods Style Scope Quiz
Whats Your Decor Style?
Houzz Style Quiz
On this episode we tackle kids rooms. Should they be themed? What works? What doesn't? Even if you don't have children, you learn stuff about Chris and Julia and things about their childhood rooms and we also discuss superheroes for a minute. It's a good one.
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CLJ Posts Mentioned:
Greta's first Big Girl room (old Utah house)
Happy Room for Greta (current Idaho house)
Party In Chris' Room!!!!
We chat with Whitney and Ashley from the amazing blog Shanty 2 Chic and talk about their show Open Concept on HGTV. We also talk about multi-functional spaces and rooms and how to make them cohesive and intentional.
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CLJ posts mentioned:
Workhorses around the house.
New Interior Define Sectional
Preston Laundry Room Reno
Guest Room Office Reveal!!!!
Tiny Office Against a Wall
Shanty 2 Chic posts mentioned:
DIY Floating Shelves
Open Concept show on HGTV
We chat with Elsie Larson from the incredible blog A Beautiful Mess. She gives us her favorite tips for finding your home design style and how it relates to your clothing style, music style and other aspects of your life.
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Chris Loves Julia Posts Mentioned:
Pom Pom Curtains
Picture of Preston's Studio
Kitchen Remodel
Neapolitan Ice Cream House Color Post
A Beautiful Mess Posts Mentioned:
Photo App "A Color Story"
New Move to Nashville
Elsie's Favorite Record Players
We chat with Mandi from the DIY design blog Vintage Revivals and discuss how to manage projects and home renovation when there are children in the mix. Tips, tricks, and homework to take your DIY to the next level even if you don't have kids...
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CLJ posts mentioned
Paint Spill Heard Round The World
Vintage Revivals posts mentioned
Nursury Reveal w/ Wood Wall Animals!
Bathroom remodel update
Theme song "Headphones" by Preston Pugmire
A conversation about how to manage the renovation projects you want to tackle in your home, Even if you are renting. Kim and Scott Vargo from the home design and renovation blog Yellow Brick Home stop by to talk about their blog and how they approach inevitable surprises in home renovation projects.
Chris loves Julia posts mentioned:
5 Projects on deck for 2016 Jan 6, 2016
Welp, we're doing another kitchen in PA May 5, 2016
Yellow Brick Home posts:
Ikea Vanity: Will it float?
Chimney demo surprise!
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Theme song Headphones by Preston Pugmire
A Candid discussion about the best practices when choosing paint colors. Julia reveals for the first time a huge mistake she made behind the scenes.
Posts mentioned in this episode:
DIY Shiplap built-ins: finished and styled!
Perfectly Putty Paint
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Theme song: Headphones by Preston Pugmire
This is our first episode! My name is Preston Pugmire and I am proud to be the host of the Chris Love Julia podcast: Conversations about DIY, Home Design, and Family. In this introductory episode, we talk about the origin of the blog, how Chris and Julia met, who I am and why i am involved with this project, and what you can expect from us and the podcast moving forward. Please subscribe, rate, and comment, and come on this journey with us. Thanks so much -CLJ Podcast team
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