With so much happening right now, house updates may seem small, but we’re keeping our podcast going as a little escape for anyone tuning in — it’s a welcome distraction for us too. This week we answer the most common question we’ve received recently: how the coronavirus is affecting our move to Florida and our house sales (spoiler: one contract fell through). We also dive into a surprisingly thorough conversation about high-tech toilets and bidets, and share two things that are helping us make the most of being home with kids 24/7.
You can also find this episode on your favorite podcast app, like Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, TuneIn Radio, Stitcher, or Spotify.
What’s New
- Note: At the bottom of this post we’ve collected ways you can help people during the pandemic.
- If you want more context for items we mentioned in today’s episode, these posts provide the backstory:
- We’re moving to Florida!
- We sold our duplex!
- We sold our pink beach house!
- We sold our Richmond house!
Can We Just Talk About Bidets?
- An NPR Planet Money piece titled “Why America Is Losing The Toilet Race” helped kick off our conversation about bidets.
- Pictured above is a Toto Washlet, which comes in various models and price points — some premium seats cost over $1,000.
- We watched the Toto Washlet video, which approaches the topic more delicately, while the Tushy website embraces it with a cheekier tone.
- The Tushy bidet (and the Tushy Spa with temperature control) is an affordable option that requires no outlet, though it offers fewer features than the pricier electronic models.
- We appreciated the creative idea behind the Tushy Ottoman, a product inspired by the Squatty Potty concept; there are attractive versions like the bamboo Squatty Potty as well.
- We also recounted our experience cloth-diapering our kids and adding a sprayer attachment to our toilet. The exact bumGenius sprayer we used appears discontinued, but similar sprayer attachments are still available.
- Finally, in a lighter moment, we mentioned Travel John disposable urinal bags that one of us ordered while mentally preparing for uncertain times.
We’re Digging
- As a family we’ve been enjoying Lego Masters, which airs on Fox and is also available through on-demand platforms.
- To track family walks we’ve been using the free Map My Walk app — it’s simple and handy for keeping everyone moving while routines are disrupted.
Ways To Help During The Pandemic
- Here are several practical ways to support people during the pandemic, from frontline medical staff to hospitality workers and local businesses.
- If you can donate N95 masks, many local organizations and hospitals will accept them — even a few masks can make a difference.
- Blood banks are facing critical shortages; donating blood is a direct way to save lives if you’re eligible.
- Small businesses need support. Consider buying gift cards to redeem later, ordering takeout or delivery, and following guidance from local shops about how to help.
- Support independent retailers, including bookstores, by purchasing online, buying gift cards, or sharing recommendations — every bit helps.
- There are many helpful roundups and articles with additional ideas for supporting neighbors and essential workers; community-driven efforts are making a real impact.
If you’re trying to find something we talked about in a past episode but can’t remember which show notes to open, we keep a master list of everything we’ve featured in our “We’re Digging” posts, and a page listing books we’ve recommended in our Book Club.
Finally, thanks to Rothy’s for sponsoring this episode. They make shoes and bags from repurposed plastic water bottles — a sustainable option — and they offered free shipping and returns for listeners.
Thanks for listening!
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