@@MegaDeansy Awe, thank you! Just enjoying life at the moment and am feeling a huge amount of relief with this move. Seeing our kids settling in so well just makes us know this was the right decision ❤️
AMAZING!!! Just wanted to say how much I have begun to look forward to your videos each week. I love how you are showing your reno process, your daily life with kids the beauty of Scotland and how you both are narrating it. The shots you're getting look so professional and the way your editing the videos is so beautiful.
Get some Bill Bryson books on your library shelf. He’s an American from Maine who moved to the U.K. and made his living from casting an acerbic eye on the U.K. and USA and reporting back in the most humorous fashion……tales from a Small island or Tales from a big country would be a great starter , very droll and funny man
@@dhcrasher1 ..yes that’s one of his later books , his style of writing is infectious , he has many travel books of a yank in the U.K. , a yank back in the USA , a yank in Europe , a yank in Africa and so on ….well worth your time to read
Those shots of Yellowcraig should be used to promote the area - gorgeous shots. ❤❤ Have you had ice cream in Musselburgh yet - gorgeous Italian ice cream parlour there. Love those curtains 😍we have several curtain rods like that 😂
@SimpleScottishLiving Hello there...I live in Minnesota...originally from Texas. I have Scottish heritage according to my DNA. 45% Scottish. Ha! Just starting my research on what a US citizen will need to retire there. 🙃 stay tuned. Lol... have a great day!
Love catching up with you guys on UA-cam! Luckily I live in Dollar, Scotland & so nice to be reminded of a day out to Yellowcraig’s! I was born in Uk but raised in SA & moved to Scotland when our kids were young! Now in their 30’s. We love adventuring in Scotland! So much to see & do whatever the weather which never holds us back. This year however Summer has taken a while to catch on ☀️ Keep YouTubing you’ll never run out of ideas 😊 x
Thanks for taking the time to comment! Zach’s dad was also raised in Africa and relocated after uni. Scotland is such a wonderful place to raise a family!
I'm glad to have run across your family videos recently. It helps to distract from the post election depression here! Hello from Oregon. Congratulations on changing your life and taking advantage of the opportunity to raise your kids in the UK. if I was 40 years younger it sure would be tempting. My husbands father emigrated from Scotland around 1925, so the country has meaning fir us. So oretty and loads if things to keep you busy. Never heard of ground screws. I wonder if its a thing here? Bless your loveky family. Thanks for sharing
Thanks so much for watching and for taking the time to comment. Yes, ground screws are new to us as well. Apparently this company learned the technique elsewhere and are now bringing it to the UK. It's quite innovative!
Hey Zach and Annie. We are new subscribers from Tennessee. Noticed Zach was in the CHP in Sacramento. My late brother in law Patrick Symonds was in Sacramento too. Enjoying watching your family acclimate. Have a great week. Viola
The end cap or ball is a finial, you used to see more interesting finial designs on top of earlier street furniture like lamp posts and traffic lights.
Lovely vlog, beautiful beach and scenery and lovely family days out. Can't wait to see the garden room completed, what a wonderful addition to your house .
The leveling ground screws are a great invention. Once again beautiful scenery, score and content. Starting projects in the summer holidays must be a challenge and I wish you well with them ❤❤
Hi Zach, Annie and family I just wanted to say how much I have come to look forward to watching your videos I have watched since just before you left California, your home looks adorable and am enjoying and anticipating the transformation of your new Garden Room☺️ I adore Scotland it is so beautiful so appreciate you taking us along with your family when you are out and about, hope you all have a great week 😊
Thank you much for following along from the beginning! It’s been so much fun making a home here and exploring our local areas. We’ll be venturing up north in September so should have some gorgeous Scotland footage then!
Such a beautiful country Scotland is. Love hiking and mountain biking there every Summer and sometimes in the Winters to. Your area looks like a great place for kids.
Love to watch your journey. Scotland is beautiful. When you mentioned in a different video that no guns are allowed and children are safe and can wander I really felt that. I worried so much about my adult children and now grandchildren in the US. It must be wonderful for children and parents in Scotland. ❤
@@snipsnip05 Thank you! There’s still so much to do, but we can’t wait to show the garden room next week. We just keep trucking along and making progress!
I personally don't believe anyone could see you from below, they would have to be at your level or just under to actually see you, but the curtains and rods give it a good touch. I will that I'm not a DIY type, so kudos for Zach and Annie for being apt to do things themselves.
Thanks so much! We try to do what we can but still leave some of the bigger projects to the professionals of course, especially all the electric work here.
Thank you! We couldn’t make a video without them as our days revolve around their activities, but we definitely do our best to not let them think they’re living their lives on camera over here. Thanks for watching ❤️
Hi Zach and Annie, great family video of the different activities to fill your days. Looking forward to the Final reveal of your Garden and Workout room. It is nice to have a workout area so close and private.
Looking forward to seeing the garden room finished. Those curtains are gorgeous! I love Dunelm, and really miss it. When we bought our apartment in Scotland I bought a couple of pairs of curtains, very reasonably priced from there. You really could spend hours in there. 😀
at the library where i work you can take out jigsaws and games as well as books for both adults and kids. they also do audio books for both so the kids could listen to a story when in bed. dunhelm is my favourite place for bedding. you can't beat dorma bedding, its simply the best
I have to look at the Dorma bedding next time we visit! That would be great if our library does the same. It’s pricey buying puzzles and games. Adds up quick!
@@SimpleScottishLiving if they do do them and it works the same as ours then you can actually renew that item upto 3 times over the phone, then after that if no one has put a hold on it they will need to see that item and can renew for another 3 times and so on. good luck with the bedding. i promise you wont be disappointed as the thread count is higher then cheaper bedding from other shops but lasts years and washes up beautifully every time. happy reading, game playing and audio books. the library is a good sauce of books that keeps giving and if theres a book release that the library doesnt have at ours they can request the library to purchase it to add to their collection. like i said my library is in yorkshire so over the boarder from scotland so im not sure what there rules are, but im sure it cant be too dissimilar, ours also do video's and cds. you can reserve items too and they should notify you when that items available xxxx
You guys are so hilarious - in a lovely fun loving way 😃 love watching your journey and so many adventures to come. Your garden room is looking fabulous already 👏🏻🥰
@@SimpleScottishLivingI had same thing with bamboo.it was beginning to affect my neighbours property by growing under her extension and causing cracks.i had someone come out who cut it down and they sprayed it with some blue dye which kills of the root.hopefully you managed to get all of yours gone as it always seems to have 1 bit lurking ready to grow.ive really enjoyed your videos today and you have a beautiful family and home❤
Feels as if we’re having a heat wave here currently as well! Thanks so much for joining ❤️ Hoping to make it to France down the line. Would love to hear any recommendations.
@@SimpleScottishLiving happy to help whenever you want info, been here 22 yrs and holiday'd all over so know lots of different places for children of all ages. 😁
@@faycafeb1089 Perfect! We’ll probably try to do quite a few more trips through the UK before heading to France, but it’s on the list. Maybe next summer? ☺️
Oh- the luxury of getting quiet hour or so of reading after a busy day with the kids! Definitely not an 'old people' thing! You do have some beautiful places close by for daytrips with the family! (The word you were searching for - and almost found- for the 'ball thing' is 'finial'. ) I look forward to seeing the garden room complete next (??) week.
Thoroughly enjoyed you guys. Garden room is shaping up beautifully. Love Scotland too. My hubby is.Scottish and my sons both went to Uni and Live in Scotland now.... Curtains are really lovely. Enjoy ❤
Ahh! Reno = renovation! I am currently in Northumberland but have organised a trip up to Edinburgh tomorrow for a week (could be a little longer). I enjoy the videos...
@@SimpleScottishLiving Wife is from Bridge of Allan (Stirling) and we'd planned to go there for a week or so after Edinburgh but she got notice of an appointment she needs to keep, so it will be back home for us after Edinburgh. Our time in Edinburgh (which we've been to several times before) coincides with the start of the Edinburgh Festival & Fringe, the Military Tattoo etc. In a previous century my wife was a performer at the Fringe in two plays. We will decide what to do/where to visit when we get there. I LOVED the zoo when we last went there (meerkats, the penguins etc!).
Incredible, a garden room in under a fortnight? I'm so jealous. (I started on mine in early June.) I look forward to seeing yours finished in the next episode. Will you start it like a tv show? "Previously, on our garden room..."
@@timrobertson1571 haha this is a fabulous idea…might just have to steal this 😉 And yes, although it’s up quickly, the build has been pushed back over a month, so it feels good finally seeing the progress. Hope yours comes to a completion soon!
What an exciting update! Can’t wait to see it all finished - I hope you get to see that this week! 🤞🏻 The curtains are gorgeous - I agree they look like they should have been much more expensive.
@@SimpleScottishLiving i wouldnt worry about anymore effort, its already brilliant, i was suprised how good it was from the beginning and like i said, you doing even better now,
You guys will really like a walk around the grounds at Gosford House. I go there quite regularly, if you are lucky you might spot some wild deer or even Badgers on occasion!
Hello Zach & Annie, I am new to your channel & enjoy it immensely. I was in Scotland last August, Edinburgh & all in between up to the Orkney Islands & fell in love with Scotland. I wish you both the best in your new home & look forward to future videos. It’s a truly beautiful home and yes, I agree Annie, it glows well . P.S. I may have missed it but can you mention what you do for a living in Scotland? Just curious. Thank you from upstate New York .
So glad you’re enjoying! Thanks for tuning in! We can’t wait to head up north in September. We’re not yet sharing Zach’s job, but I work with children remotely from CA in healthcare and education. ❤️Annie
Hi - just want to say how much I am enjoying your adventures. You are a lovely family, and your videos are interesting and fun!! I look forward to each week's episode 😊
How's the weather been good? Eh? It's the worst it's been In years. Sorry I'm not starting some hate here but the temperature is normally about 24 deg C. We normally get better weather than this, so don't get down hearted.
I absolutely love your channel been following it since the beginning. You’re so lucky that you got to move to such a beautiful place. That’s always been my dream your house is gorgeous your families gorgeous I was wondering if you could tell me the music that you play in your videos I like it if you don’t mind and if you have time.
Thank you so much for following along! The music is all from a royalty free subscription website called epidemic sound. Unfortunately, it’s not music that’s widely available.
@@SimpleScottishLiving What are you planning to do with the rest of the garden?(Curious as I'm a gardener) Play area for kids initially,convert to eg,veg/perennials later down the line? A boardwalk from deck to new g room might be an idea
@@MrSilverbirch We aren’t 100% sure yet! Yes, initially just getting it usable and the grass less patchy, but down the line, we’d love to have trees, bushes, and flowers around the perimeter. A true garden would be a treat!
Thanks so much for this video. UA-cam decided I needed to watch your adventures and I'm loving them. I was born (1954 !!)and lived in Musselburgh until I was 11. My mother , Annie Smith, was Honest Lass in 1951 so the Musselburgh Festival was a big thing in my childhood. I did a couple of the festival ride-outs myself , way back in the day. That was when Fa'side Castle was still a ruin and not the lovely hotel it is now. Musselburgh still had a station , and that side of the Esk that you walked up was lined with the paper mill, net mill, wire mill and I´m sure a few more. It was a horribly mucky river back then. I also think Newhailes Estate must have still been private property then but I think I remember going there at some stage for an overnight camp with the Girl Guides. Also spent happy holidays in Dunkeld and Pitlochry. I could go on for hours but I won´t . 🤣.So happy you're enjoying life there and looking forward to more videos xx
Enjoying your journey. We are coming up to Edinburgh in October to visit St Andrews but also getting ideas of other places to visit, loving the renovations as well I look forward to seeing the completed garden room. Best wishes Christine x
Thanks for watching, Christine! We plan to visit St Andrea sooner rather than later hopefully as well. Let us know your favorite places after you visit!
we had a very similar garden office built a couple of years ago over on the west coast. We added on a sedum roof which i would really recommend. It does add to the cost obviously but it looks so good and blends it in really well to the garden. We didn't get it at first either but the guys popped along a few weeks after completion and did the work. Only took half a day.
I did wonder when last week that Zack said he is starting the garden room on Monday so should have the reveal by this video, that it was extremely quick and how could you put something that big up so quickly. But now, seeing how it’s being built I get it. I think I was expecting an extension to the house. Oh well, another week to wait now, but it does look very interesting… even with Annie’s spy window on the side to make sure you are not slacking when working out Zack.😂
Haha the spy window keeps everyone in check! Yes, we didn’t want to go through planning permission or pay the price of a proper extension, so this was a perfect alternative.
Your wee garden hut looks wonderful, the guys have done a terrific job of it and looks like you's had great trips out during all of that, especially for the weans getting out to the play parks. As for Target, I'm unsure if that's like wholesale or that, we do have places like Costco which is the famous American company that does that sort of stuff. I think there's a few different home design places, Dunhelm just happens to be one of them. Nice curtains, you's did a fantastic job. 🙂 I'm sure your wee garden room will look fantastic once you's have it all done up.
Thank you for the comment! Yes, it’s all slowly coming together. We can’t wait to do a final reveal of both the garden room and house once all renovated and decorated. We actually just did our first UK Costco shop to get the essentials. It was pretty similar to the one we went to in CA.
Although i live in England I am so glad to see you have assimilated so well in to Scottish life. You have fully accepted the slower pace of life which can only be good for you and your family. Re the garden house you seem to have accepted that probably nothing will happen at the speed you would like it to. It's also great to see the freedoms and safety that your kids enjoy, nothing like that in the US I suspect.
It’s been such a welcomed change of pace. Truly couldn’t be happier! Just being able to get outside and explore without having to hover over the kids is refreshing! Petaluma, CA felt similar as far as safety, but with Zach’s previous job, we would’ve had to move every 2-4 years for promotions with no guarantee on location. This definitely feels like the right decision for us!
Hello , just to bring you down a wee bit , I see you enjoyed the Bread Dipping Oil . My background is nutrition , Rapeseed oil is canola oil and not meant for human consumption . Any oil made from a seed is highly inflammatory . Canola oil is produced using the petroleum-derived solvent, hexane, which is used to extract many different types of vegetable oils. Furthermore, after that process, it has to be deodorized as it stinks to high heaven , which leaves a brownish black liquid, which is then bleached to make the oil clear . The Heart Association of America endorses canola as the seed oil industry donates millions of dollars to the Heart Association yearly People in general should avoid all Seed oils, especially if you have arthritis and joint pain, as the oil makes it worse. Sorry, this was supposed to be short 😊. Just passing on information to you both and your viewers . House is coming along nicely, all the very best 👍 P.S. There are videos in/ on UA-cam that shows you the process .
Thanks for letting us know! We’ve heard bits and pieces of this but appreciate you laying out the information so clearly. Thank you for watching and for taking the time to comment.
The rapeseed oil they're eating will be ' cold pressed ' traditional method, no chemicals involved ! An entirely different product from the one you describe. Most in Scotland are produced by small artisanal companies and are high quality.
Your home is so cozy looking .. in envious of you... I live in New Jersey in America and our home is only 864 sq ft.. 3 bds 1 bath one level . Raised three kids here . Now it's only my husband and me reimagined the rooms to fit our lives now .. watching your garden room ...interesting.
It looks like you did a great decision about moving. Your children look the right age to get use to to anew environment. I wonder if you moved furniture, if it was worth or you just starting over? Wishing u best of everything and will follow you.
We're really happy with the move and think our kids are loving the change too! We did not bring most of our furniture with us and we think it was the correct choice. We like getting the feel of a space first and the charity shops and re-use centers here are wonderful! Thank you for the kind comment.
UA-cam led me to your channel. Fun to see your adventures in Scotland. As a mom who has grown children living far away from Texas (NYC and Ecuador) I feel for your mom, Annie. I don't know where she lives, but I'm sure she misses you and your children greatly. Zach's parents are blessed to have you all living by them now. Living small and simple is so relaxing, in my opinion. We have a summer cottage that is 700 sq feet and we spent 40 summers there with 7 people living inside three bedrooms and one bathroom. The one bathroom was an issue, but sometimes the boys would pee outside. LOL The added bathroom was a great idea, but being in the kitchen might require a fan or using it only for #1. Haha. Looking forward to seeing the finished garden/workout room when it is done. I was wondering where all that workout equipment was going to go in your master bedroom!
Yes, all the equipment now has found its home thankfully! Actually, today’s video has a tour of the new garden room! And yes, a smaller floor plan does feel quite cozy. We’re enjoying the change 😊
Thank you! Most of the big projects have been done by contractors, and that’s been great. Zach has been tackling the little stuff, but it’s slowly coming together ❤️
@@beemybabi We had the drone, but Zach crashed it shortly after we moved 🫣. We got the replacement drone in time for our holiday to Dunkeld, so there’s some gorgeous drone footage in that video!
I remember the story about the "Flying Haggis & The American Scouts" my husband told me years ago... Curtain-wise, we needed new ones as the ones from old house were mould covered. Having allergies, we had to ditch them all. We've replaced with waterproof polyester 3D Print Shower curtains. A double pair is the best way to go. We now have two wall features: kitchen and living room. Kitchen is Moroccan Yellow, so we got an autumn forest scene, it's like being in the forest when the sun shines. Living room is Sandy Beach Beige and fireplace brick pattern makes it cosy. We required 4 curtains to cover the panoramic windows in there. I love interior design, I had it as an extra curriculum activity for 2 years in a row.
The garden room looks great so far. Did I pick up that it's going to be a fitness room? RIP drone, the footage you got before it made its final flight were so fab. Hope you get a replacement. I love drone shots, particularly in such a beautiful place as Scotland.
That’s exactly right! It will hopefully be a functioning gym here shortly. And thankfully, the drone crashed about a month back. We got the replacement in time for the Dunkeld holiday 😊
We have bamboo but they are in big pots same with the Winter Jasmine as they can wander too. We did the same wi oor boys oot and aboot here in the Nauld and doon Ayrshire way as thats where I am from.
I assume your neighbour is aware of the height of the room above the fence. People can sometimes get their knickers in a twist about the slightest thing.
Been trying to work out what your accent sounds like and its honestly like if me or someone else from Glasgow tried very half heartedly to do an American accent. Hope that makes sense.
The stores have come a long way with all the toppings! 16 years ago, there was no taco seasoning, guacamole, salsa, and definitely not sour cream. Now, we can find it all in most of the big grocery stores!
Bamboo is the WORST 😮, we cut ours down 4 years ago and it still tries to grow back, but if you pour “creosote “ ( aye, the stuff that you paint fences with ) on the roots it will kill that damn bamboo for good, hope this is a helpful tip 👍
Zachs Mum must be so happy to have her son and his family home in Scotland❤
Yes! We were just able to celebrate her birthday, in person, for the first time in many years, it was wonderful!
She is! We actually just celebrated her birthday together tonight. It’s the best part of moving back.
Covered in a blanket in the summer. Ahhh the delights of Scotland. 😊
Haha to be fair, I would be covered in a blanket anywhere 😂
Same here in West Wales, been really nippy and overcast or just pis errr tipping it down with rain. :)
@@RobG001oh no, Im now coming to Wales 😂. It’s been bloody hot in Norfolk, and no rain for about 3 weeks.
Another week, another video of Annie laughing & smiling - she has to be UA-cam's happiest mum/wife/immigrant........
@@MegaDeansy Awe, thank you! Just enjoying life at the moment and am feeling a huge amount of relief with this move. Seeing our kids settling in so well just makes us know this was the right decision ❤️
It's infectious 😊. Hello from Memphis, TN.
@@krowry35 Thank you! We appreciate you watching and commenting ❤️ Have a wonderful weekend!
AMAZING!!! Just wanted to say how much I have begun to look forward to your videos each week. I love how you are showing your reno process, your daily life with kids the beauty of Scotland and how you both are narrating it. The shots you're getting look so professional and the way your editing the videos is so beautiful.
@@GinnyRM Thank you! We’ve been having so much fun making these together, and it’s nice to have as a reminder to watch back down the line as well ❤️
Hi from Florida, USA👋🏻 Love your videos!
Thank you for watching! We hope you enjoy our videos 😊
The children will have such a magical life!
We hope so! Thank you for the comment.
Love this. YellowCraig is absolutely magical. Welcome to Scotland.
Yes, we are spoilt for choice with beaches in East Lothian, it's a great 'problem' to have. Thank you and thanks for watching!
Annie has such a beautiful natural laugh :D
I completely agree! 😁
Get some Bill Bryson books on your library shelf. He’s an American from Maine who moved to the U.K. and made his living from casting an acerbic eye on the U.K. and USA and reporting back in the most humorous fashion……tales from a Small island or Tales from a big country would be a great starter , very droll and funny man
This sounds like one we’d both enjoy! Looking for some nonfiction currently as well so thanks for sharing.
Good information , I will try one of these myself ...Thanks !
I've only read one Bill Bryson book, but it was quite entertaining! It was about some of his UK travels.
I have " The Road to Little Dribbling" beside me at the moment, so funny, I love his style of writing 👍
@@dhcrasher1 ..yes that’s one of his later books , his style of writing is infectious , he has many travel books of a yank in the U.K. , a yank back in the USA , a yank in Europe , a yank in Africa and so on ….well worth your time to read
Those shots of Yellowcraig should be used to promote the area - gorgeous shots.
❤❤
Have you had ice cream in Musselburgh yet - gorgeous Italian ice cream parlour there.
Love those curtains 😍we have several curtain rods like that 😂
Thank you! Yes, we love Luca’s if that’s the one you’re referring to ❤️
@@SimpleScottishLiving yes!! I couldn’t remember the name lol
I just found you guys today...I just love you both!!! My dream is to retire in Scotland in a few years. Your personalities are so great!! Cheers!!
Thank you for taking the time to comment! Where are you located now? Hope it all works out for you! It would be a wonderful place to retire ❤️
@SimpleScottishLiving Hello there...I live in Minnesota...originally from Texas. I have Scottish heritage according to my DNA. 45% Scottish. Ha! Just starting my research on what a US citizen will need to retire there. 🙃 stay tuned. Lol... have a great day!
@@lawrencebox919 So glad you tuned in! We’ll do a visa video down the road, but we need to do a bit more research :)
@SimpleScottishLiving THANK YOU. I look forward to living vicariously through you guys!!! ❤️ 😃
Love catching up with you guys on UA-cam! Luckily I live in Dollar, Scotland & so nice to be reminded of a day out to Yellowcraig’s! I was born in Uk but raised in SA & moved to Scotland when our kids were young! Now in their 30’s. We love adventuring in Scotland! So much to see & do whatever the weather which never holds us back. This year however Summer has taken a while to catch on ☀️ Keep YouTubing you’ll never run out of ideas 😊 x
Love visiting Dollar especially the chippy but I think it's closed now
Thanks for taking the time to comment! Zach’s dad was also raised in Africa and relocated after uni. Scotland is such a wonderful place to raise a family!
I'm glad to have run across your family videos recently. It helps to distract from the post election depression here! Hello from Oregon. Congratulations on changing your life and taking advantage of the opportunity to raise your kids in the UK. if I was 40 years younger it sure would be tempting. My husbands father emigrated from Scotland around 1925, so the country has meaning fir us. So oretty and loads if things to keep you busy. Never heard of ground screws. I wonder if its a thing here? Bless your loveky family. Thanks for sharing
Thanks so much for watching and for taking the time to comment. Yes, ground screws are new to us as well. Apparently this company learned the technique elsewhere and are now bringing it to the UK. It's quite innovative!
Hey Zach and Annie.
We are new subscribers from Tennessee.
Noticed Zach was in the CHP in Sacramento.
My late brother in law Patrick Symonds was in Sacramento too.
Enjoying watching your family acclimate.
Have a great week.
Viola
Thanks for tuning in, Viola! Zach doesn’t know Patrick. That would’ve been great though. ❤️
Scotland has some beautiful places ❤
Definitely! Cant wait to keep exploring.
The end cap or ball is a finial, you used to see more interesting finial designs on top of earlier street furniture like lamp posts and traffic lights.
Thank you! Couldn’t think of the word!
Loving following you guys. All the outdoor fun with the kids reminds me of what we did with ours. Can't wait to see the garden room!
Thanks for watching! It’s so nice to have endless options of outdoor activities on our doorstep. Were so grateful ❤️
Lovely vlog, beautiful beach and scenery and lovely family days out. Can't wait to see the garden room completed, what a wonderful addition to your house .
Thank you so much 😊
Interesting combo marmite and scrambled eggs on toast hmmmm sounds yummy gotta give that a go ! ...
No one suggested it, but it was delicious!
Garden room looks like a great idea. Now considering one myself!
Gives so much extra, useable space!
@@SimpleScottishLiving Yeah. If you have a decent sized area out back, makes sense to do something with it.
It is so very beautiful and peaceful there. You are blessed!❤️
It is. We feel extremely fortunate!
The leveling ground screws are a great invention. Once again beautiful scenery, score and content. Starting projects in the summer holidays must be a challenge and I wish you well with them ❤❤
Thank you!
Hi Zach, Annie and family I just wanted to say how much I have come to look forward to watching your videos I have watched since just before you left California, your home looks adorable and am enjoying and anticipating the transformation of your new Garden Room☺️ I adore Scotland it is so beautiful so appreciate you taking us along with your family when you are out and about, hope you all have a great week 😊
Thank you much for following along from the beginning! It’s been so much fun making a home here and exploring our local areas. We’ll be venturing up north in September so should have some gorgeous Scotland footage then!
Loving your weekly videos. You are a lovely couple and family and I look forward to seeing the garden room reveal 😊
Thanks so much! 😊❤️ we’re enjoying making the videos and are happy to have you tuning in!
Such a beautiful country Scotland is.
Love hiking and mountain biking there every Summer and sometimes in the Winters to.
Your area looks like a great place for kids.
We’ve been loving it! So much to do outdoors.
Love to watch your journey. Scotland is beautiful. When you mentioned in a different video that no guns are allowed and children are safe and can wander I really felt that. I worried so much about my adult children and now grandchildren in the US. It must be wonderful for children and parents in Scotland. ❤
It’s a huge relief being here honestly. I didn’t quite realize until we were over here!
@@SimpleScottishLivingEnjoy your new home and keep posting! Love to see your sweet family and the countryside.
Scotland is so beautiful. 😊
God's country
It really is! ❤️
The progress y'all have made in such a short time is amazing! Can't wait to see the full garden room reveal!
@@snipsnip05 Thank you! There’s still so much to do, but we can’t wait to show the garden room next week. We just keep trucking along and making progress!
I think regulations will say that you should have an enclosed light in tbe bathroom. Your home is lovely and you are a delughtful couple.
Thank you! Yes, we’ve been working with electricians and are getting everything sorted to code 👍
Playgrounds over there are so much more natural and better than here in the US. Wow.
I can feel your happiness and contentment. Wonderful. ❤️
Thank you! It feels so good to be here.
I personally don't believe anyone could see you from below, they would have to be at your level or just under to actually see you, but the curtains and rods give it a good touch. I will that I'm not a DIY type, so kudos for Zach and Annie for being apt to do things themselves.
Thanks so much! We try to do what we can but still leave some of the bigger projects to the professionals of course, especially all the electric work here.
I love the way you include your children and keep them private
Thank you! We couldn’t make a video without them as our days revolve around their activities, but we definitely do our best to not let them think they’re living their lives on camera over here. Thanks for watching ❤️
Hi Zach and Annie, great family video of the different activities to fill your days.
Looking forward to the Final reveal of your Garden and Workout room. It is nice to have a workout area so close and private.
@@benburns5995 Thank you! Yes, we’re looking forward to having it up and usable as well. Should be completed tomorrow if all goes to plan.
You live in a very beautiful area. Love Yellowcraig beach. 🏖 Great photography too.
Thank you very much! Yes, it’s absolutely stunning around here. Couldn’t be happier!
Curtains look great. Scotland looks great. Zach your accent is slowly coming back.
Thanks so much! Yes, slowly but surely we’ll get it back in full!
Those curtains are so pretty!
@@shirleydunn8050 Thank you! I was so happy to stumble upon them ❤️
@@SimpleScottishLiving Exactly what I’m looking for off to Dunelm I go!
Zach, you seem to be such a hands on father and you’re both so outdoorsy I love that!
Looking forward to seeing the garden room finished. Those curtains are gorgeous! I love Dunelm, and really miss it. When we bought our apartment in Scotland I bought a couple of pairs of curtains, very reasonably priced from there. You really could spend hours in there. 😀
Thank you! Yes, Dunelm is a dream, but I do get caught up and lose track of time in there 😅
Great channel 😊 Welcome to Scotland. 🏴
Thank you!!
at the library where i work you can take out jigsaws and games as well as books for both adults and kids. they also do audio books for both so the kids could listen to a story when in bed. dunhelm is my favourite place for bedding. you can't beat dorma bedding, its simply the best
I have to look at the Dorma bedding next time we visit! That would be great if our library does the same. It’s pricey buying puzzles and games. Adds up quick!
@@SimpleScottishLiving if they do do them and it works the same as ours then you can actually renew that item upto 3 times over the phone, then after that if no one has put a hold on it they will need to see that item and can renew for another 3 times and so on. good luck with the bedding. i promise you wont be disappointed as the thread count is higher then cheaper bedding from other shops but lasts years and washes up beautifully every time. happy reading, game playing and audio books. the library is a good sauce of books that keeps giving and if theres a book release that the library doesnt have at ours they can request the library to purchase it to add to their collection. like i said my library is in yorkshire so over the boarder from scotland so im not sure what there rules are, but im sure it cant be too dissimilar, ours also do video's and cds. you can reserve items too and they should notify you when that items available xxxx
You guys are so hilarious - in a lovely fun loving way 😃 love watching your journey and so many adventures to come. Your garden room is looking fabulous already 👏🏻🥰
Thanks so much! 😊
I love how you both laugh together. Another great video! Love seeing the beauty of Scotland. Sandee R
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching 🙂
The dreaded bamboo, we have it invading our yard nothing seems to kill it.
It’s awful! It took an entire day to rip out just 5 plants 😱
@@SimpleScottishLivingI had same thing with bamboo.it was beginning to affect my neighbours property by growing under her extension and causing cracks.i had someone come out who cut it down and they sprayed it with some blue dye which kills of the root.hopefully you managed to get all of yours gone as it always seems to have 1 bit lurking ready to grow.ive really enjoyed your videos today and you have a beautiful family and home❤
My husband grew up in Prestonpans so we know the area well, it’s lovely to see the lovely beaches. I love Seacliff Beach.
Such a wonderful area! We have many more beaches to hit :)
Really enjoying your content. Having a heatwave here in France, id rather be curled up in a soft blanket reading a book 😊
Feels as if we’re having a heat wave here currently as well! Thanks so much for joining ❤️ Hoping to make it to France down the line. Would love to hear any recommendations.
@@SimpleScottishLiving happy to help whenever you want info, been here 22 yrs and holiday'd all over so know lots of different places for children of all ages. 😁
@@faycafeb1089 Perfect! We’ll probably try to do quite a few more trips through the UK before heading to France, but it’s on the list. Maybe next summer? ☺️
Oh- the luxury of getting quiet hour or so of reading after a busy day with the kids! Definitely not an 'old people' thing!
You do have some beautiful places close by for daytrips with the family!
(The word you were searching for - and almost found- for the 'ball thing' is 'finial'. )
I look forward to seeing the garden room complete next (??) week.
It’s so good to relax with a book! Yes, thank you. We couldn’t think of ‘finial’ for the life of us. Thank you for tuning in ❤️
Love your videos.
All the best from Edinburgh 🎉
Thanks for watching and so glad you’ve enjoyed! ❤
Fantastic film editing etc. Annies' hair is so beautiful.
Thank you so much!
Thoroughly enjoyed you guys. Garden room is shaping up beautifully. Love Scotland too. My hubby is.Scottish and my sons both went to Uni and Live in Scotland now.... Curtains are really lovely. Enjoy ❤
Thank you for joining and for commenting! What part of Scotland are your sons in?
Ahh!
Reno = renovation!
I am currently in Northumberland but have organised a trip up to Edinburgh tomorrow for a week (could be a little longer).
I enjoy the videos...
Thanks for watching! Enjoy your trip to Edinburgh. Do you have any big plans while visiting?
@@SimpleScottishLiving Wife is from Bridge of Allan (Stirling) and we'd planned to go there for a week or so after Edinburgh but she got notice of an appointment she needs to keep, so it will be back home for us after Edinburgh.
Our time in Edinburgh (which we've been to several times before) coincides with the start of the Edinburgh Festival & Fringe, the Military Tattoo etc. In a previous century my wife was a performer at the Fringe in two plays. We will decide what to do/where to visit when we get there. I LOVED the zoo when we last went there (meerkats, the penguins etc!).
One of my favourite breakfasts Annie-toast,marmite and scrambled eggs.You're practically a native!x😊x
It’s so good!! I’m a true convert now ❤️
Love the vistas you captured here.
Thank you!
Another great video you are such a lovely couple look forward to seeing more from you ❤
Thank you so much ❤️
Incredible, a garden room in under a fortnight? I'm so jealous. (I started on mine in early June.) I look forward to seeing yours finished in the next episode.
Will you start it like a tv show? "Previously, on our garden room..."
@@timrobertson1571 haha this is a fabulous idea…might just have to steal this 😉 And yes, although it’s up quickly, the build has been pushed back over a month, so it feels good finally seeing the progress. Hope yours comes to a completion soon!
@@SimpleScottishLiving Please do. Then it won't be stealing!
What an exciting update! Can’t wait to see it all finished - I hope you get to see that this week! 🤞🏻
The curtains are gorgeous - I agree they look like they should have been much more expensive.
Thanks for watching! Yes, they’re here working away today, and it’s really coming together. Hoping all is completed soon 🤞
Musselburgh’s North High Street chip shop voted jointly number one chippy in the UK with the Fish lounge in London! Love ❤️ your videos 👍🏻😁🏴
@@youngthing12 It’s delicious! We’ve ordered from there!
@@SimpleScottishLiving ❤️
Visiting the resting place of your first drone 😂😂😂😂😂 videography and editing is coming on by leaps and bounds guys, doing some really good stuff ❤
Working on it!
@@SimpleScottishLiving i wouldnt worry about anymore effort, its already brilliant, i was suprised how good it was from the beginning and like i said, you doing even better now,
@@anthonynoblett952 Thank you! 😊
You guys will really like a walk around the grounds at Gosford House. I go there quite regularly, if you are lucky you might spot some wild deer or even Badgers on occasion!
@@Shteev91 We’ll have to check that out!
Hello Zach & Annie, I am new to your channel & enjoy it immensely. I was in Scotland last August, Edinburgh & all in between up to the Orkney Islands & fell in love with Scotland.
I wish you both the best in your new home & look forward to future videos. It’s a truly beautiful home and yes, I agree Annie, it glows well .
P.S. I may have missed it but can you mention what you do for a living in Scotland? Just curious.
Thank you from upstate New York .
So glad you’re enjoying! Thanks for tuning in! We can’t wait to head up north in September. We’re not yet sharing Zach’s job, but I work with children remotely from CA in healthcare and education. ❤️Annie
Hi - just want to say how much I am enjoying your adventures. You are a lovely family, and your videos are interesting and fun!! I look forward to each week's episode 😊
Thank you so much!
I love you guys, you are so down to earth. Zach I can definitely hear your scottish accent coming through, love it
@@Zoe-Rox Thank you..haha for both comments! ❤️
Your lucky the weather in Scotland has been good so far,I'm in perthshire & we've had several bbq s already this year!!
It has been great! Hoping the sunshine sticks around.
How's the weather been good? Eh? It's the worst it's been In years. Sorry I'm not starting some hate here but the temperature is normally about 24 deg C.
We normally get better weather than this, so don't get down hearted.
@craigkinney853 it's 23 degrees today,here in perthshire! It's boiling today! Been good all summer ☀️ 🥵
@@gillianlaing1073 Most of July has been dull but dry,though this last week and next,sunny and warm at last(In Aberdeen)
@MrSilverbirch perthshire has been hot& sunny all summer ☀️
The videography is spectacular.
Thank you! We’re learning as we go 🙂
I absolutely love your channel been following it since the beginning. You’re so lucky that you got to move to such a beautiful place. That’s always been my dream your house is gorgeous your families gorgeous I was wondering if you could tell me the music that you play in your videos I like it if you don’t mind and if you have time.
Thank you so much for following along! The music is all from a royalty free subscription website called epidemic sound. Unfortunately, it’s not music that’s widely available.
Loving caliber - you set my world on fire - this is one song used in this video. A beautiful song 🥰
Love that the Marmite now a part of an official breakfast
It’s too good!
You have very beautiful family God bless you
Thank you so much!
Great video! Ty for taking us along 🤩👍🏻
Glad you enjoyed!
You do have some beautiful family days out ❤Not long until we get the full reveal on the Garden Room, can't wait!
Hopefully soon 🤞❤️
@@SimpleScottishLiving What are you planning to do with the rest of the garden?(Curious as I'm a gardener) Play area for kids initially,convert to eg,veg/perennials later down the line? A boardwalk from deck to new g room might be an idea
@@MrSilverbirch We aren’t 100% sure yet! Yes, initially just getting it usable and the grass less patchy, but down the line, we’d love to have trees, bushes, and flowers around the perimeter. A true garden would be a treat!
Thanks so much for this video. UA-cam decided I needed to watch your adventures and I'm loving them. I was born (1954 !!)and lived in Musselburgh until I was 11. My mother , Annie Smith, was Honest Lass in 1951 so the Musselburgh Festival was a big thing in my childhood. I did a couple of the festival ride-outs myself , way back in the day. That was when Fa'side Castle was still a ruin and not the lovely hotel it is now. Musselburgh still had a station , and that side of the Esk that you walked up was lined with the paper mill, net mill, wire mill and I´m sure a few more. It was a horribly mucky river back then. I also think Newhailes Estate must have still been private property then but I think I remember going there at some stage for an overnight camp with the Girl Guides. Also spent happy holidays in Dunkeld and Pitlochry. I could go on for hours but I won´t . 🤣.So happy you're enjoying life there and looking forward to more videos xx
Thanks so much for joining! Musselburgh is dear to our hearts, so we understand. It’s such a wonderful area ❤️
Enjoying your journey. We are coming up to Edinburgh in October to visit St Andrews but also getting ideas of other places to visit, loving the renovations as well I look forward to seeing the completed garden room. Best wishes Christine x
Thanks for watching, Christine! We plan to visit St Andrea sooner rather than later hopefully as well. Let us know your favorite places after you visit!
@@SimpleScottishLiving I will do, best wishes. C x
we had a very similar garden office built a couple of years ago over on the west coast. We added on a sedum roof which i would really recommend. It does add to the cost obviously but it looks so good and blends it in really well to the garden. We didn't get it at first either but the guys popped along a few weeks after completion and did the work. Only took half a day.
Ooh good idea! We’ll have to look into this.
I did wonder when last week that Zack said he is starting the garden room on Monday so should have the reveal by this video, that it was extremely quick and how could you put something that big up so quickly. But now, seeing how it’s being built I get it. I think I was expecting an extension to the house. Oh well, another week to wait now, but it does look very interesting… even with Annie’s spy window on the side to make sure you are not slacking when working out Zack.😂
Haha the spy window keeps everyone in check! Yes, we didn’t want to go through planning permission or pay the price of a proper extension, so this was a perfect alternative.
Your wee garden hut looks wonderful, the guys have done a terrific job of it and looks like you's had great trips out during all of that, especially for the weans getting out to the play parks.
As for Target, I'm unsure if that's like wholesale or that, we do have places like Costco which is the famous American company that does that sort of stuff. I think there's a few different home design places, Dunhelm just happens to be one of them. Nice curtains, you's did a fantastic job. 🙂
I'm sure your wee garden room will look fantastic once you's have it all done up.
Thank you for the comment! Yes, it’s all slowly coming together. We can’t wait to do a final reveal of both the garden room and house once all renovated and decorated. We actually just did our first UK Costco shop to get the essentials. It was pretty similar to the one we went to in CA.
Although i live in England I am so glad to see you have assimilated so well in to Scottish life. You have fully accepted the slower pace of life which can only be good for you and your family. Re the garden house you seem to have accepted that probably nothing will happen at the speed you would like it to. It's also great to see the freedoms and safety that your kids enjoy, nothing like that in the US I suspect.
It’s been such a welcomed change of pace. Truly couldn’t be happier! Just being able to get outside and explore without having to hover over the kids is refreshing! Petaluma, CA felt similar as far as safety, but with Zach’s previous job, we would’ve had to move every 2-4 years for promotions with no guarantee on location. This definitely feels like the right decision for us!
A lovely video!
Thank you!
Hello , just to bring you down a wee bit , I see you enjoyed the Bread Dipping Oil . My background is nutrition , Rapeseed oil is canola oil and not meant for human consumption . Any oil made from a seed is highly inflammatory . Canola oil is produced using the petroleum-derived solvent, hexane, which is used to extract many different types of vegetable oils. Furthermore, after that process, it has to be deodorized as it stinks to high heaven , which leaves a brownish black liquid, which is then bleached to make the oil clear .
The Heart Association of America endorses canola as the seed oil industry donates millions of dollars to the Heart Association yearly
People in general should avoid all Seed oils, especially if you have arthritis and joint pain, as the oil makes it worse.
Sorry, this was supposed to be short 😊.
Just passing on information to you both and your viewers .
House is coming along nicely, all the very best 👍
P.S. There are videos in/ on UA-cam that shows you the process .
Thanks for letting us know! We’ve heard bits and pieces of this but appreciate you laying out the information so clearly. Thank you for watching and for taking the time to comment.
All the very best 👍
The rapeseed oil they're eating will be ' cold pressed ' traditional method, no chemicals involved ! An entirely different product from the one you describe.
Most in Scotland are produced by small artisanal companies and are high quality.
Your home is so cozy looking .. in envious of you... I live in New Jersey in America and our home is only 864 sq ft.. 3 bds 1 bath one level . Raised three kids here . Now it's only my husband and me reimagined the rooms to fit our lives now .. watching your garden room ...interesting.
Also can you put link up where you got the curtains for upstairs their beautiful
Of course! www.dunelm.com/product/churchgate-clarendon-ashley-blue-eyelet-curtains-1000194712
Thank you! Yes, it’s slowly but surely coming together and starting to feel like a home 😊 We’ll do an updated home tour in a few weeks.
Those curtains are gorgeous
Thank you for the video
Thanks for watching!
It looks like you did a great decision about moving. Your children look the right age to get use to to anew environment. I wonder if you moved furniture, if it was worth or you just starting over? Wishing u best of everything and will follow you.
We're really happy with the move and think our kids are loving the change too! We did not bring most of our furniture with us and we think it was the correct choice. We like getting the feel of a space first and the charity shops and re-use centers here are wonderful! Thank you for the kind comment.
UA-cam led me to your channel. Fun to see your adventures in Scotland. As a mom who has grown children living far away from Texas (NYC and Ecuador) I feel for your mom, Annie. I don't know where she lives, but I'm sure she misses you and your children greatly. Zach's parents are blessed to have you all living by them now. Living small and simple is so relaxing, in my opinion. We have a summer cottage that is 700 sq feet and we spent 40 summers there with 7 people living inside three bedrooms and one bathroom. The one bathroom was an issue, but sometimes the boys would pee outside. LOL The added bathroom was a great idea, but being in the kitchen might require a fan or using it only for #1. Haha. Looking forward to seeing the finished garden/workout room when it is done. I was wondering where all that workout equipment was going to go in your master bedroom!
Yes, all the equipment now has found its home thankfully! Actually, today’s video has a tour of the new garden room! And yes, a smaller floor plan does feel quite cozy. We’re enjoying the change 😊
It seems you work very hard to build the house. How was the experience?
Thank you! Most of the big projects have been done by contractors, and that’s been great. Zach has been tackling the little stuff, but it’s slowly coming together ❤️
Is the drone new? I don't recall seeing overhead footage? Loving the weekly posts.
@@beemybabi We had the drone, but Zach crashed it shortly after we moved 🫣. We got the replacement drone in time for our holiday to Dunkeld, so there’s some gorgeous drone footage in that video!
@@SimpleScottishLiving I saw! I’m looking forward to more footage!
@@beemybabi We excited about a trip we have up north in September. That should have some unbelievable views!
So, do you like Marmite now?!? The dressed up Scottish horses were spooky. Good luck with your garden room!
Yes! Annie is a convert after trying in the correct way at the end of our last video. So much better! Zach is still not sold on it.
Annie,
What manufacturer and paint colour did you use for your front hall. I like that shade of green. Thank you.
We had Johnstone's color match Farrow &
Ball's Green Smoke just to have it more wipeable.
You have to go to East Links in Dunbar. The kids will love it and…. They have Highland Cows, so darn cute.
We’ve been in previous years but definitely look forward to going back!! Love it there!
@@SimpleScottishLiving I keep forgetting you guys came over for holidays ❤️
I remember the story about the "Flying Haggis & The American Scouts" my husband told me years ago...
Curtain-wise, we needed new ones as the ones from old house were mould covered. Having allergies, we had to ditch them all. We've replaced with waterproof polyester 3D Print Shower curtains. A double pair is the best way to go. We now have two wall features: kitchen and living room.
Kitchen is Moroccan Yellow, so we got an autumn forest scene, it's like being in the forest when the sun shines. Living room is Sandy Beach Beige and fireplace brick pattern makes it cosy. We required 4 curtains to cover the panoramic windows in there. I love interior design, I had it as an extra curriculum activity for 2 years in a row.
Thanks for sharing! Your house sounds absolutely lovely! ❤️
I love the wet weather gear at the beach 😅❤😊
Always need to be prepared!
The garden room looks great so far. Did I pick up that it's going to be a fitness room? RIP drone, the footage you got before it made its final flight were so fab. Hope you get a replacement. I love drone shots, particularly in such a beautiful place as Scotland.
That’s exactly right! It will hopefully be a functioning gym here shortly. And thankfully, the drone crashed about a month back. We got the replacement in time for the Dunkeld holiday 😊
We have bamboo but they are in big pots same with the Winter Jasmine as they can wander too. We did the same wi oor boys oot and aboot here in the Nauld and doon Ayrshire way as thats where I am from.
Bamboo in pots is a much better idea!
Hi Annie, that would be a good thing to find shops that compere to USA shops, and have you been to Costco in Scotland yet. x
This is a great idea! Yes, it’s pretty similar here :) We just did our first full shop this past week.
A speck of dust on your camera lens had me cleaning my monitor 🤣🤣
Other than that, a great video as always! 😁
Keep up the great work! 🖖
So sorry that must’ve been annoying - will give a good cleaning and hope for better next time!
EDIT: Finial (finny-all) is the little ball on the curtain pole
I assume your neighbour is aware of the height of the room above the fence. People can sometimes get their knickers in a twist about the slightest thing.
You need a lining behind, attached to the curtains'
All in time!
6:04 at that angle you look so like my beautiful sister 😊
Is that Zach singing the music when the kids are on the playground? I thought for sure it was Elliot Smith, am I wrong?
It wasn't Zach or Elliot Smith, but you're right. Sounded familiar!
Been trying to work out what your accent sounds like and its honestly like if me or someone else from Glasgow tried very half heartedly to do an American accent. Hope that makes sense.
@@lagnok 🤣🤣 you’re on point!
Where do you find fixings for tacos there in Scotland?
The stores have come a long way with all the toppings! 16 years ago, there was no taco seasoning, guacamole, salsa, and definitely not sour cream. Now, we can find it all in most of the big grocery stores!
Bamboo is the WORST 😮, we cut ours down 4 years ago and it still tries to grow back, but if you pour “creosote “ ( aye, the stuff that you paint fences with ) on the roots it will kill that damn bamboo for good, hope this is a helpful tip 👍
Good tip! We’ll definitely do this before we start working on the garden.