I just read your newsletter. I am asking everyone of my family members and my friends to not buy me anything for Christmas. I asked my daughter to put whatever she would have spent on me towards getting out of debt and to just come home for Christmas again this year. I asked my sisters for a day out with them at a movie matinee or at our local zoo. I think I will ask my nieces and nephews to help me with some of the decluttering as I am not physically able to lift some of the items that need to be gotten rid of, or to tackle the massive amount of clutter that has accumulated in my den. Thise types of gifts would mean the world to me.
We have been buying a lot less since the pandemic, but I also love holiday gift-giving! I thrifted some gifts this year (for those who I knew would appreciate it), and I shopped local for practical gifts at a fiber art non-profit supporting refugees. ❤ Moving forward, I hope to do more thrifting and supporting local non-profits to keep the spirit of Christmas centered.
I have 3 young adult children, the youngest of which has just graduated from University and started his first graduate role in the last month. This year as we did last year, we have drawn secret santa recipients from a hat and set up a group chat wish list where you can add links/sizes etc. We have a $120 budget each and we each get one present on Christmas day usually from the wishlist. It means that my boys who are not great shoppers have some idea what to buy and we each end up with something we want from our list. On Christmas day the stories behind the gift buying and behind the scenes secret squirrel activity are quite entertaining.
I decluttered so much when my mom & grandparents passed & inherited all their stuff. 12 years since & this weekend I decluttered more after watching your videos. It's freeing and feels so nice
We transisioned over after few years to no gifts outside little ones. It has been so lovely to get together without stress of gifts. Had a few years of games then when it became gift card exchange we knew it was time to end gift exchange. Best gift ever….time together stress free
Thank you for your authenticity. It’s so needed! We're doing less than $50 practical gifts this year to avoid excess stuff. On the other side of the family, we are doing Christmas lists to ensure people get things they're going to use. Thank you again!
I like the advent calendar coverage- I’m glad they will go to spread joy to you and those around you. The video was nice to watch, thank you for sharing ❤
My friend and I came up with a plan for cutting back on gift giving and stress this year. We set a budget of 20 dollars for a consumable like wine, chocolate, skincare etc. the remaining money we would normally spend on each other will be donated to a charity the other person would like e.g. animal shelter, food bank etc. So much easier and no unnecessary stuff or stress. !
My whole family (6 adults and one baby) are going to Disney in the new year. That is their present this year. So weird to buy nothing for under the tree! But also kinda nice. lol enjoyed this festive video!
So fun! Beekman Farms in Sharon Springs, NY is about 50 miles from where I spent the first 55 years of my life. I was born and raised in Central NY and we only moved to the Boston area in 2016. Sharon Springs is a quaint little village. I haven’t been there in a while, but will have to visit again next time we’re “home”. Sounds like Dr. Brent & Josh are doing great things!
P.s. I will TOTALLY watch all the videos from Decembers past! When I first discovered your channels and started watching many, MANY of your videos, I skipped all the Vlogmas videos with the intent of saving them to binge in December! ☺️
Yesterday we took a truck load of stuff we’ve been accumulating in a back room to the recycling center. What a thrill! Was thinking of you ;). Now we have a landing site for Christmas boxes & should be decorating soon! So much decluttering to do, but the holidays are upon us, so saving next push for Spring Cleaning post holidays. Focusing hard on useful gifts like specific travel books, skin care, food treats, a few electronics we know the adult kids want… Obvs we’ll fall apart at the end as per usual, but doing our best! 🎄
I’m not through the whole video yet but I have to share I am so with you on your quandary with this. Gift giving and receiving is one of my main love languages, largely influenced by how I was raised too. Folding that into my life as an intentional consumer/ minimalist has introduced friction in my life. Still figuring it out…
Loved this video! It’s exactly where I am in my life! We have our young adult kids make a wish list of things they want or need and we have a budget “per household”… hubby and I already have everything we want or need so don’t buy or receive gifts to/from each other… makes the season so much more simple and relaxed! Swedish death cleaning is a “rest of your life” process… Appreciate you! Have a wonderful holiday season with your family!
Totally get the gift giving conversation. Many years ago my mom said she didn’t want ‘things’ anymore for her gifts. She always wants donations to animal charities or other meaningful charities in honor of her birthday or Mother’s Day or whatever. So, I will always find a new animal charity and maybe take her out for an afternoon tea or brunch or the like or I will give her a gift card for a movie theater since she and my dad still go to the movies regularly. That way, she gets her request for donations; and I, selfishly, get to see her enjoy something for herself as well.
Watching this while cooling off after my cruise excursion in Antigua this morning. The humidity drains me, but it is such a beautiful island as I am sure Barbados is. I will put it on my list to visit. Enjoyed this vlog very much. Merry vlogmas!
Love Beekman! The wipes are an everyday staple for me. I hear you about how the time is the gift. My sister posted an evening out in the square with her 3 grown boys and all their others. I got weepy for her, I know she got weepy too!
Happy December, Jen! Ever since I started watching your channel I always love your Christmas videos the most. Today it really felt like the season has started. Listened to classic Christmas music , watched a couple of so-so Hallmark movies, and had some peppermint bark and butter cookies as treats. My family never does big Christmas presents, we tell each other what we need or want and usually we all buy/get stuff we actually will love and use. Family and community have always been number one for us and not so much the typical consumerism. Food, on the other hand, is *very* important to us. Cooking traditional Christmas food, baking delicious treats, and sharing them with family and neighbors really brings me joy every Christmas season. Thanks for this video and really looking forward to your holiday content! 🎄
I noticed on the Beekman site that you can order advent refill kits so hold on to that empty box! I got the L’Occitaine one again this year. Just love their products. You look great! I think having that charming husband of yours whisk you away to a sunny destination (even if just for 22 hours) did you good!
right? I needed it even though I had way too much to do. Glad I said yes! And I did NOT know that so I will absolutely be doing that - how lovely and sustainable of them!
My husband and I go to Walgreens and fill up our baskets with things we need and then swap and we each pay for the others and fill our stockings. We usually put in one or two small things as well. Neither of us really needs anything and it gives us more $ for the kids and grandchildren. 😊
Wish I had 1/10th of your energy 💕. Such a fun video. We are super pared down in our house for the holidays. I donated some larger unused items such as a Christmas music carousel to a local nursing home last year, and a large wooden sleigh to Habitat for Humanity. The more I declutter, the more I like “small” things. I did buy a random $6 roll of red sheer ribbon at Target today - it was like someone other than myself bought it with my credit card - lol - because I have no idea what I will be using it for. I’ll be surprising myself. Happy holidays Jen!
This vlog was right in line with what I have been doing for several years and will continue this Christmas. I love giving gifts to my friends and family but I make them something that is consumable, an experience or a necessity. My adult sons pick out a few things they need and I toss in some stocking stuffers and candy. I loved all the advent calendars you picked out and even ordered some of the Beekman's products to gift to friends.
I'm not a minimalist but deff very concerning what I buy and what I really need. For the first time ever, I bought a cosmetics and skin care calender. I watched an unboxing on yt. While whatching, I realized that there were things I would enjoy for myself, and the rest I could use as Christmas gifts. 11 people on my list will enjoy products from this brand. For the guys I bought Happy Socks calender. They will draw numbers and get the socks from those. It will be fun!
Last year my in-laws said “no gifts except the little kids!” Then of course it turned into people last minute purchasing stuff and gift cards to the adults too 🤦🏻♀️ this year they said the same thing but really stressed ids only. I really hope everyone is sticking to it. My brother and I (along with the support of my husband) have decided to gift our parents a cruise that’s setting sail in January as their Christmas gift and we aren’t getting each other anything in lieu of paying for their trip. Plus my brother spends so much flying home from DC and his presence is enough. 🤷🏻♀️ My husband and I the past 3 years have been skipping the big gifts and have been focusing more on travel and experience as well.
I’m on board with consumables for gifts or things needed. I’m trying to declutter & don’t need anything. I can’t wait on the advent calendars. Barbados looked amazing ❤
I have been always been a practical gift giver. Stuff people will like and use. I believe in regifting too. I love L'occtaine but I need to smell it first😂😂 Advent calendars are fun ✨👏🌟💖🥰thank you Jen this was fun💖💜💖
Gift giving/receiving isn’t my love language. Also, my family is terrible at it. Lol. Good thing I don’t have to shop. Did you see the list of major companies that donated “bigly” to tRump’s campaign? I will boycott as best as I can.
I got my (adult) son a new bed for Christmas. And I know he will be thrilled to receive it. I'm also doing double vlogmas this year. My main videos are all completely done and scheduled. Awesome - so much pressure off, right? But I'm losing out on looking forward to making a little video gift each day. So I'm doing a silly short daily filming a cat puzzle advent. It would be less silly if I was a better puzzler lol
I do enjoy your content, Jen. Thank you for all the work you put into them! I really need to do your death cleaning and get rid of tons of stuff we've inherited from the inlaws (3 generations of stuff in two houses - get never got rid of anything.) 😢 Then I have my own stuff to go through. I'm a few years older than you and have a smaller house with more stuff and less storage. Something has to give! All that to say, you inspire me. ❤ I got two advent calendars and forgot to open both. 🤦🏻♀️ Anyway, one is Lindt chocolates and the other Bonne Mamman jams. Yummy! Be well and tell Scott we all said hello. ❤
I love it that L’Occitane is implementing flip caps for their hand creams. That was the only (small) drawback. If you drop it on the airplane…….lost. Lolol. The original is my fav.
Right! I was laughing during this video because, dog hair, “just deal”. And then because “# my dermatologist”. Lolol. So, your dichotomy………everything you have in the advent boxes are consumable. You won’t end up “ keeping” any of it. 🎉
Have never seen these advent calendar things! Wow! Maybe it’s a thing here in Australia? Not sure..Love your new approach! I am giving my children16 and 25 years old, a stocking, some small gifts, then gift cards example Airbnb so the older one can have a night away with his girlfriend, and a music shop. Ouch er for the younger one….trying to reduce ‘stuff’ as well! Thanks for your video …
I think they're becoming a thing everywhere? They've been around for a long time in some shape form or fashion but the beauty industry really seems to be leaning in. And my pleasure! Thank you for your kind words!
We do no gifts except for children and teens in our families. What do we get them? Gift certificates to their local bookstores. As a family we deeply value and love reading and books. The gift certificates reflect our shared family values and the kids LOVE being able to select whatever books they want! We live, by choice, a very simple life as a couple. We live in a paid for sweet home - less than 500 square foot home in the woods. We absolutely need nothing we don’t have and we want very little. What we do have is pretty minimal - again, by choice and everything meaningful to us or very useful and we have no desire or need to get on board with the typical American consumerism and over buying - holidays or not! Who cares about keeping up with the Jones? It has never been us. As a result, we feel no financial stress, have no debt and live a life we are grateful for and love so much! With all due respect, I don’t understand the fascination with commercial advent calendars. They are the epitome of consumerism, day after day after day. I just don’t get it!
(Jane) Interesting that you mentioned getting your mom Jo Malone. I just had someone recommend her Wild Bluebell cologne. Have you ever smelled that? I would love any recommendations from her line. Thanks!
One of my friends got an advent calendar that has a packet of vegetable seeds every day from a company called She Grows Veg. I am so jealous and it is only day 1. 😂
Love your train of thought. We haven’t bought gifts for grown kids for years. I do $ or gift cards and stockings of little things. I bake tons and gift that to neighbours and friends…I just want to be WITH those I love. It’s often before or after Xmas as 2 of them are on the other side of the country.❤️🇨🇦
Fun fun video!! Love all of your skincare review videos. I started using Elemis and the EltaMD UV Elements from your links. Looks like the EltaMD UV Elements has been discontinued; wondering if you've found a replacement for it?
Ok that’s so funny because when I was editing I was like wait it totally sounds like I said duck… and then my imagination went on a little journey too 🤣🤣🤣
My daughter keeps asking me what I want for Christmas and since I am trying to declutter my life, I'm having a hard time coming up with something! I asked her to clean the house but she insists she needs something to buy me. I'm trying to think of practical things to ask for but also even for practical things it's hard to make a list. I hope when she's a little older she will be more on board with just doing something together instead of buying things.
It's so hard but when people insist I usually ask for things like wine, a plant, or. my favorite skin care. Things that aren't just stuff? It can be a battle and honestly they do love to celebrate us and I love that she cares so much.
OK so first off THANK YOU because it's brand new and I have no women here and was unsure so I needed that! Second, it's from Estee Lauder and the color is 818 COVETABLE and I LOVE
This is me being pretentious, but so much about proper wine service is what a label tells you. You never cover the label with your hand during service, you never turn it away from the guest while pouring. A label does so much for a bottle and a QR code just…doesn’t! Wow I really care about this 😂
![[SFM] Risky Recital](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/RzNkY1_Nk3o/mqdefault.jpg)
To watch last year's Vlogmas: ruclips.net/p/PLygBsukzpH64m3FsGBtsgHf_yhAACywyF&si=YLbKeV-mZk_bzSsP
I just read your newsletter. I am asking everyone of my family members and my friends to not buy me anything for Christmas. I asked my daughter to put whatever she would have spent on me towards getting out of debt and to just come home for Christmas again this year. I asked my sisters for a day out with them at a movie matinee or at our local zoo. I think I will ask my nieces and nephews to help me with some of the decluttering as I am not physically able to lift some of the items that need to be gotten rid of, or to tackle the massive amount of clutter that has accumulated in my den. Thise types of gifts would mean the world to me.
Roxanna I LOVE THAT. All very thoughtful gift to give and receive!!!!
@@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge 🥰
What a great idea. It’s like a gift for yourself too! Good lick and merry Christmas 🎁🎄 ❤
@@RamrodRedfish Thanks. Merry Christmas to you!🎄🎁
We have been buying a lot less since the pandemic, but I also love holiday gift-giving! I thrifted some gifts this year (for those who I knew would appreciate it), and I shopped local for practical gifts at a fiber art non-profit supporting refugees. ❤ Moving forward, I hope to do more thrifting and supporting local non-profits to keep the spirit of Christmas centered.
I have 3 young adult children, the youngest of which has just graduated from University and started his first graduate role in the last month. This year as we did last year, we have drawn secret santa recipients from a hat and set up a group chat wish list where you can add links/sizes etc. We have a $120 budget each and we each get one present on Christmas day usually from the wishlist. It means that my boys who are not great shoppers have some idea what to buy and we each end up with something we want from our list. On Christmas day the stories behind the gift buying and behind the scenes secret squirrel activity are quite entertaining.
Love that!
I would actually love a Christmas gift guide that focuses on helpful items and not wasteful ones, always great to get ideas
I decluttered so much when my mom & grandparents passed & inherited all their stuff. 12 years since & this weekend I decluttered more after watching your videos. It's freeing and feels so nice
Honestly it's the best. When I went to decorate for the holidays this year everything was so much easier!
We transisioned over after few years to no gifts outside little ones. It has been so lovely to get together without stress of gifts. Had a few years of games then when it became gift card exchange we knew it was time to end gift exchange. Best gift ever….time together stress free
I'm not sure we will ever release the tradition altogether but I absolutely see the downsizing continuing. I am all for stress free and PEACEFUL!
"I'm overly dramatic. I love that about myself." The greatest thing you've ever said!
Oh Jenn. I do love you!!!! Swedish death cleaning …. But multiple advent calendars. You do you like no other! Love that you are YOU.
I tried being someone else far too many times! This is me!
Thank you for your authenticity. It’s so needed! We're doing less than $50 practical gifts this year to avoid excess stuff. On the other side of the family, we are doing Christmas lists to ensure people get things they're going to use. Thank you again!
Good communication goes a long way doesn’t it? Sounds like you all have a great plan!
It's not cold or dark here! We still have a great fun and our own traditions. Love and joy from Australia
I like the advent calendar coverage- I’m glad they will go to spread joy to you and those around you. The video was nice to watch, thank you for sharing ❤
"Fun, happy, and joyful!" I love everything about this video! I'm excited for December and hope you have the most wonderful holiday season, Jen!
Thank you so much, Jill!!
My friend and I came up with a plan for cutting back on gift giving and stress this year. We set a budget of 20 dollars for a consumable like wine, chocolate, skincare etc. the remaining money we would normally spend on each other will be donated to a charity the other person would like e.g. animal shelter, food bank etc. So much easier and no unnecessary stuff or stress. !
Fabulous idea!
My whole family (6 adults and one baby) are going to Disney in the new year. That is their present this year. So weird to buy nothing for under the tree! But also kinda nice. lol enjoyed this festive video!
I love that!
So fun! Beekman Farms in Sharon Springs, NY is about 50 miles from where I spent the first 55 years of my life. I was born and raised in Central NY and we only moved to the Boston area in 2016. Sharon Springs is a quaint little village. I haven’t been there in a while, but will have to visit again next time we’re “home”. Sounds like Dr. Brent & Josh are doing great things!
P.s. I will TOTALLY watch all the videos from Decembers past! When I first discovered your channels and started watching many, MANY of your videos, I skipped all the Vlogmas videos with the intent of saving them to binge in December! ☺️
Oh I love that!!
Yesterday we took a truck load of stuff we’ve been accumulating in a back room to the recycling center. What a thrill! Was thinking of you ;). Now we have a landing site for Christmas boxes & should be decorating soon! So much decluttering to do, but the holidays are upon us, so saving next push for Spring Cleaning post holidays.
Focusing hard on useful gifts like specific travel books, skin care, food treats, a few electronics we know the adult kids want… Obvs we’ll fall apart at the end as per usual, but doing our best! 🎄
Yes I absolutely think a break during the holidays is well deserved and important!!
I’m not through the whole video yet but I have to share I am so with you on your quandary with this. Gift giving and receiving is one of my main love languages, largely influenced by how I was raised too. Folding that into my life as an intentional consumer/ minimalist has introduced friction in my life. Still figuring it out…
Jody I think that’s ok - sometimes living in the tension is how we move forward.
Loved this video! It’s exactly where I am in my life! We have our young adult kids make a wish list of things they want or need and we have a budget “per household”… hubby and I already have everything we want or need so don’t buy or receive gifts to/from each other… makes the season so much more simple and relaxed! Swedish death cleaning is a “rest of your life” process… Appreciate you! Have a wonderful holiday season with your family!
It really is!
Okay - I have decided that you are going to be on my “must watch” list. Loved your approach and video!
Oh thank you so much! I'm honored!
I have an ice cream advent calendar from a local shop! One scoop of ice cream every day.
OK that's so fun
Totally get the gift giving conversation. Many years ago my mom said she didn’t want ‘things’ anymore for her gifts. She always wants donations to animal charities or other meaningful charities in honor of her birthday or Mother’s Day or whatever. So, I will always find a new animal charity and maybe take her out for an afternoon tea or brunch or the like or I will give her a gift card for a movie theater since she and my dad still go to the movies regularly. That way, she gets her request for donations; and I, selfishly, get to see her enjoy something for herself as well.
I LOVE that. What a nice way to give a gift and also share precious time!
Watching this while cooling off after my cruise excursion in Antigua this morning. The humidity drains me, but it is such a beautiful island as I am sure Barbados is. I will put it on my list to visit. Enjoyed this vlog very much. Merry vlogmas!
Yeah humidity is not my favorite either but it comes with the territory literary 🤣🥰
Love Beekman! The wipes are an everyday staple for me. I hear you about how the time is the gift. My sister posted an evening out in the square with her 3 grown boys and all their others. I got weepy for her, I know she got weepy too!
Yes I'm not sure why it took me so long to discover them!
I LOVE watching you open everyday of the advent calendars! So fun!
Happy December, Jen! Ever since I started watching your channel I always love your Christmas videos the most. Today it really felt like the season has started. Listened to classic Christmas music , watched a couple of so-so Hallmark movies, and had some peppermint bark and butter cookies as treats. My family never does big Christmas presents, we tell each other what we need or want and usually we all buy/get stuff we actually will love and use. Family and community have always been number one for us and not so much the typical consumerism. Food, on the other hand, is *very* important to us. Cooking traditional Christmas food, baking delicious treats, and sharing them with family and neighbors really brings me joy every Christmas season. Thanks for this video and really looking forward to your holiday content! 🎄
What a kind comment! Thank you and that really means the world to me. And speaking of the food I need to start figuring out our menu!
"Potato pulp!" You crack me up! 😂Here's to a magical December of fun and joy!♥🎄
Thank you, Sarah!!
I noticed on the Beekman site that you can order advent refill kits so hold on to that empty box! I got the L’Occitaine one again this year. Just love their products.
You look great! I think having that charming husband of yours whisk you away to a sunny destination (even if just for 22 hours) did you good!
right? I needed it even though I had way too much to do. Glad I said yes! And I did NOT know that so I will absolutely be doing that - how lovely and sustainable of them!
Love,love,love Beekman products. I have been using them for years. Their lip balm is the best. Enjoy getting to know this product. Merry Christmas 🎄
My husband and I go to Walgreens and fill up our baskets with things we need and then swap and we each pay for the others and fill our stockings. We usually put in one or two small things as well. Neither of us really needs anything and it gives us more $ for the kids and grandchildren. 😊
I just read this to Scott and we both cracked up and that’s genius!
@@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge we try to make it as simple as possible 😂
Wish I had 1/10th of your energy 💕. Such a fun video. We are super pared down in our house for the holidays. I donated some larger unused items such as a Christmas music carousel to a local nursing home last year, and a large wooden sleigh to Habitat for Humanity. The more I declutter, the more I like “small” things. I did buy a random $6 roll of red sheer ribbon at Target today - it was like someone other than myself bought it with my credit card - lol - because I have no idea what I will be using it for. I’ll be surprising myself. Happy holidays Jen!
Listen, clearly your heart wanted that ribbon! No regrets! And hurray for fantastic donations. I am sure all the items were greatly appreciated.
This vlog was right in line with what I have been doing for several years and will continue this Christmas. I love giving gifts to my friends and family but I make them something that is consumable, an experience or a necessity. My adult sons pick out a few things they need and I toss in some stocking stuffers and candy. I loved all the advent calendars you picked out and even ordered some of the Beekman's products to gift to friends.
I love skin care and candles as gifts for this very reason - you use them and that's it. Not stuff to clutter up the home!
I'm not a minimalist but deff very concerning what I buy and what I really need. For the first time ever, I bought a cosmetics and skin care calender. I watched an unboxing on yt. While whatching, I realized that there were things I would enjoy for myself, and the rest I could use as Christmas gifts. 11 people on my list will enjoy products from this brand.
For the guys I bought Happy Socks calender. They will draw numbers and get the socks from those. It will be fun!
WHO CARES WHAT ANYONE THINKS!! BE YOU. You're kind. No apologies
Last year my in-laws said “no gifts except the little kids!” Then of course it turned into people last minute purchasing stuff and gift cards to the adults too 🤦🏻♀️ this year they said the same thing but really stressed ids only. I really hope everyone is sticking to it. My brother and I (along with the support of my husband) have decided to gift our parents a cruise that’s setting sail in January as their Christmas gift and we aren’t getting each other anything in lieu of paying for their trip. Plus my brother spends so much flying home from DC and his presence is enough. 🤷🏻♀️ My husband and I the past 3 years have been skipping the big gifts and have been focusing more on travel and experience as well.
I think many of us are disconnecting from the massive consumerism we were raised with and I love to see it!
Looooved this video! Your joy was fun!
So glad to hear that!
I’m on board with consumables for gifts or things needed. I’m trying to declutter & don’t need anything. I can’t wait on the advent calendars. Barbados looked amazing ❤
It really was!
I love watching you open the calendars, love your videos.
Thank you, Carla!
I have been always been a practical gift giver. Stuff people will like and use. I believe in regifting too. I love L'occtaine but I need to smell it first😂😂 Advent calendars are fun ✨👏🌟💖🥰thank you Jen this was fun💖💜💖
I get that completely - the smell is super important!
Love it❤. Thank you Jen!
Absolutely my pleasure! Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment!
I’m sorry to laugh at your expense, but that card falling into the wine box has been the highlight of my whole morning. 🤣
No its fair and lets face it we need our laughs where we can get them!
Gift giving/receiving isn’t my love language. Also, my family is terrible at it. Lol. Good thing I don’t have to shop. Did you see the list of major companies that donated “bigly” to tRump’s campaign? I will boycott as best as I can.
So excited for your festive content 😃 always lovely to see you 😃🥰🎄🎅🏻xxxxx
Oh thank you, Joanne!!!
Please start sharing the books you are reading! I saw the Seven Husbands Of Evelyn Hugo book on your shelf, which I adored btw :)
Wasn’t it so good?! Currently reading the Book of Lost and Found by Lucy Foley
Were doing secret santa this year between the adults. We alll decided we dint need more stuff! So it has to be consumables/practical.
I got my (adult) son a new bed for Christmas. And I know he will be thrilled to receive it.
I'm also doing double vlogmas this year. My main videos are all completely done and scheduled. Awesome - so much pressure off, right? But I'm losing out on looking forward to making a little video gift each day. So I'm doing a silly short daily filming a cat puzzle advent. It would be less silly if I was a better puzzler lol
Well practice makes perfect so there you go! Love it!
I do enjoy your content, Jen. Thank you for all the work you put into them!
I really need to do your death cleaning and get rid of tons of stuff we've inherited from the inlaws (3 generations of stuff in two houses - get never got rid of anything.) 😢 Then I have my own stuff to go through. I'm a few years older than you and have a smaller house with more stuff and less storage. Something has to give! All that to say, you inspire me. ❤
I got two advent calendars and forgot to open both. 🤦🏻♀️ Anyway, one is Lindt chocolates and the other Bonne Mamman jams. Yummy!
Be well and tell Scott we all said hello. ❤
I am honored. Thank you and I will!
I love it that L’Occitane is implementing flip caps for their hand creams. That was the only (small) drawback. If you drop it on the airplane…….lost. Lolol. The original is my fav.
YES that was a very pleasant surprise! I also love that there's no more tiny foil thing to remove. Always drove me nuts!
Right! I was laughing during this video because, dog hair, “just deal”. And then because “# my dermatologist”. Lolol. So, your dichotomy………everything you have in the advent boxes are consumable. You won’t end up “ keeping” any of it. 🎉
@@lynnconroy8 It's such a great point!! Thank you!
Thank you❤❤ What a stress free good feeling😊❤❤😊
Thank you! That’s the hope!
Love the message and the vibe!
oh thank you!
Happy December Jen. X🎄
Thank you, Julia!
Have never seen these advent calendar things! Wow! Maybe it’s a thing here in Australia? Not sure..Love your new approach! I am giving my children16 and 25 years old, a stocking, some small gifts, then gift cards example Airbnb so the older one can have a night away with his girlfriend, and a music shop. Ouch er for the younger one….trying to reduce ‘stuff’ as well! Thanks for your video …
I think they're becoming a thing everywhere? They've been around for a long time in some shape form or fashion but the beauty industry really seems to be leaning in. And my pleasure! Thank you for your kind words!
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🤣🤣 Moonshine
I can report back that it was a sparkling white and quite delicious and NOT moonshine 😂😂😂
We do no gifts except for children and teens in our families. What do we get them? Gift certificates to their local bookstores. As a family we deeply value and love reading and books. The gift certificates reflect our shared family values and the kids LOVE being able to select whatever books they want!
We live, by choice, a very simple life as a couple. We live in a paid for sweet home - less than 500 square foot home in the woods. We absolutely need nothing we don’t have and we want very little. What we do have is pretty minimal - again, by choice and everything meaningful to us or very useful and we have no desire or need to get on board with the typical American consumerism and over buying - holidays or not!
Who cares about keeping up with the Jones? It has never been us. As a result, we feel no financial stress, have no debt and live a life we are grateful for and love so much!
With all due respect, I don’t understand the fascination with commercial advent calendars. They are the epitome of consumerism, day after day after day. I just don’t get it!
Such a lovely idea! And supporting local bookstores is HUGE.
Our Great Pyrenees barks at everything from leaves falling, the mail delivery to my husband's car.
Well I mean is his car a direct danger to your family? Totally justifiable. BWAHAHAHA GOTTA LOVE IT
YES, more baking!!! Your Christmas sounds like it's going to be so wonderful. No, opening every day will not get boring, but that's just me, LOL
Yeah I may go ahead and just open them all with you! It doesn’t take that long and it’s more fun that way!
(Jane) Interesting that you mentioned getting your mom Jo Malone. I just had someone recommend her Wild Bluebell cologne. Have you ever smelled that? I would love any recommendations from her line. Thanks!
I haven't but honestly everything I've tried from that brand has been amazing.
One of my friends got an advent calendar that has a packet of vegetable seeds every day from a company called She Grows Veg. I am so jealous and it is only day 1. 😂
LOVE THAT - wow talk about a gift that keeps on giving!
Love your train of thought. We haven’t bought gifts for grown kids for years. I do $ or gift cards and stockings of little things. I bake tons and gift that to neighbours and friends…I just want to be WITH those I love. It’s often before or after Xmas as 2 of them are on the other side of the country.❤️🇨🇦
Hey new here and really enjoyed ❤❤❤
Oh thank you and WELCOME!!!!
Fun fun video!! Love all of your skincare review videos. I started using Elemis and the EltaMD UV Elements from your links. Looks like the EltaMD UV Elements has been discontinued; wondering if you've found a replacement for it?
No and I have only a little left in my last bottle! I’ll keep you posted.
lol Jen - for a minute I thought you meant you added ducks 🦆 to the basement … I thought “well that’s an interesting choice for her”. 😂
Ok that’s so funny because when I was editing I was like wait it totally sounds like I said duck… and then my imagination went on a little journey too 🤣🤣🤣
A great idea for adult stockings if you are in a state with a Lottery are scratch off tickets
YES love this!
My daughter keeps asking me what I want for Christmas and since I am trying to declutter my life, I'm having a hard time coming up with something! I asked her to clean the house but she insists she needs something to buy me. I'm trying to think of practical things to ask for but also even for practical things it's hard to make a list. I hope when she's a little older she will be more on board with just doing something together instead of buying things.
It's so hard but when people insist I usually ask for things like wine, a plant, or. my favorite skin care. Things that aren't just stuff? It can be a battle and honestly they do love to celebrate us and I love that she cares so much.
What brand and color are you wearing on your lips? It looks great on you.
OK so first off THANK YOU because it's brand new and I have no women here and was unsure so I needed that! Second, it's from Estee Lauder and the color is 818 COVETABLE and I LOVE
My husband and I don't give or receive any gifts for any occasion. I'm all about minimalism.
What was the name of the company with the goat milk products? Happy December 😊
It's called Beekman. Great brand!!!
This is me being pretentious, but so much about proper wine service is what a label tells you. You never cover the label with your hand during service, you never turn it away from the guest while pouring. A label does so much for a bottle and a QR code just…doesn’t!
Wow I really care about this 😂
So yeah I think the intention was to make it like a blind testing and then you’d discover it? But I agree with you!!