Hilary, you are one of my most favorite You Tubers! I admire how very mature you have always seemed . You really seem to "have your act together" and keep your priorities straight. So, I have to assume your parents raised their children well and with good values. Merry Christmas to your whole family!!!
I had to stop mid video to comment.....before you know it, your children will be grown. You won't want all the upkeep of a larger home. Debt free is the way to go. I am 68, and we have been debt free for about 35 years.
A word of advice: keep all of the Calico critters for your future grandkids! I'm usually a de-clutterer, but i kept the Calico critters(the animals-we did get rid of the houses), and my girls, at 15 and 17, still like to get them out every now and then, and they want them for their kids. Those toys are precious!
Seconding this! I played with Calico in the 80’s (it was Sylvanian Families then). My mom saved all mine and my daughter who is now 13 loved mine and we bought new ones to add to it. Now we have a great collection that she can pass to her future daughter or granddaughter.❤
A word of advice from someone who is 42 and just moved over the summer. Stay put! Lol. We sold our home in 1 day, and it took us almost 3 YEARS to find something else. (Lived with inlaws during that time) We ended up getting some more sq footage, but still have a ton of updating to do in an inflated market. Had we known what we do now, we would have stayed put and continued to update our old home. Lower interest rate and lower house payment that we walked away from to another home that needs updating. :/ Unless you are in a very high price range, it is hard to find homes right now that are "move in ready." At least in our area that has been the case for quite some time.
I think your house is wonderful and I definitely understand why you would want to keep it. It can also be great to have some limitations/ boundaries that spark creativity and often produce the nicest most unique outcomes. Making the best out of what you have also leaves you more resources to pour into what you already have. Expanding the house a bit sounds like a great plan. Your kids won't live with you forever either and if you don't move into a bigger house, you won't have to go through the process of downsizing when your kids move out. Because ultimately the house will only be you and your husbands "forever" home as your kids move out and start their own families. If your big one is 11, it will only be around 7 years until she might leave for college and that's honestly not that long if you consider how long it might take you to fix up another house. Then you'd be just about done with the house when suddenly everyone is leaving and there's only the two of you left in a giant house you don't need. While you could have put all the money and time into making your smaller house the house of your dreams.❤
Hi Hilary, I always enjoy your videos and have for years. I like the Q and A. I love your beautiful home and I agree with you, housing prices are outrageous all over! I live in Southern California and it’s crazy! My Husband and I are quite a bit older than you and Dan , (61) and we never moved from our starter home and although we wanted a bigger home years ago it was never financially feasible. I am grateful for my smallish home and all we have done to make it beautiful over the years. You are so fortunate to have that finished basement which adds so much space to your home. Thank you for sharing your time with us. I’m going to make the sugar cookies cutouts from your last video with my granddaughters today! They are 8 and 4, can’t wait. ❤
Hi Hilary! Your wrapping reminds me of mine ☺️. I agree with you on staying put in your home 👍🏻. My daughter and her fiancé are in the process of buying their first house right now. And in my part of Jersey, the prices are outrageous too 🤦🏻♀️. Have yourself a good day today. 🎄🕊️🎁😊
Good reads is great. Not only can you track the books that you have read, but you can create a TBR list and read reviews for books you might be interested in reading.
I love this video so much. I felt this to my core. I live in Wisconsin with 4 kids in 900 square feet but a huge lot. My husband does construction and he works so hard. Our biggest challenge is his time and what is sacrificed to get it. Thank you for making me feel not alone and someone else has that same challenge. MERRY Christmas to you and your family
I wrapped my grandson’s stocking stuffers a couple of years ago. He wasn’t happy because it slowed him down, lol. Now I just stuff everything in the stocking.
Enjoyed your Q & A! I also wrap stocking stuffers. My kids are all grown and have their own families. Silly as it is, I still buy and wrap stocking stuffers for my husband and 94 year old mother! It's fun. Might I make a quick suggestion.... I have a heavy weighted tape dispenser. It makes it so much easier when not having to lift the container each time and then put it down again. You simply grab a piece and tear it off. I really love mine. Wishing you and your family a wonderful Christmas! 🎄
We always thought we would buy a larger home as our sons grew older, but now that we've been retired for a while our starter home is just the right size. We live in a 1050 sq. ft. home and the four of us were very comfortable. The only time it was challenging is when our sons hit 6 ft. and so were all their friends.😂 We were very cozy in those days! You are correct that your utilities are less and so is upkeep. We paid off our house when I retired and are debt free. Such peace of mind. Thank you for this lovely Q and A. I enjoy your home, family, but most of all YOU dear friend! Be blessed today, Hillary.🎄🤗
I had to stop immediately and comment on the chickens. By the time you build a coop, and fencing, get all the supplies and then feed, it is cheaper to buy. Then chickens only lay for about 3 years, tops, then you have to start over with new ones. Then it takes them a few months before they start laying. Buy from your neighbors.
Hilary your house is fine. I shared a room while growing up with my sister. Your homes lovely. Just think of it as borrowing from God until he comes. Everything is so expensive. Our taxes went crazy last yr as well as insurance. I just focus on the most important things now. Your wrapping paper is lovely and you wrap so neatly. Take care. 🎄⛄🎄
Lovely video...Great answers. You're truly a multi-tasking woman. Answering questions and wrapping gifts, and quite well I might add. Lovely video! Thank you Hillary. Ruth Ware is a great author!
Those Greeking out books are wonderful in the podcast is a family favorite here. We have listened to all the seasons over and over and can’t wait each time they release new episodes. There’s also a activity crossword type book they’ve released and there is a novel set based on the podcast about animals and a pet shop that come to life and go on Greek mythology adventures at night. I think your girls would really love as well.
I always wrapped all my kids stocking stuffers also and now I wrap and give my grandchildren stockings. I also gave all my adult kids stocking, wrapped, but I’m trying to stop that now 😊
We don’t have a garden due to the same reasons. Our neighbor put up a fence around his and it is 6 ft tall plus 3 feet underground to keep animals out.
I’m not sure what it is but I can never get the audio on your videos to work. All other videos are fine. Sad as I can only hear in one ear and it’s playing in the wrong ear 😅
I’m not sure if it’s an in-house editing thing but the sound only comes out normal if I have your video in the smaller setting with comments underneath. If I go to full screen the sound only comes from the side if that makes sense. I’m wondering if anyone else has noticed this?
@ I don’t know if it’s mic related because it’s been on other videos recently. So I’m wondering if it’s a settings issue? Like when processing the video? Anywho - I always enjoy your Christmas videos regardless of the sound 🩷🩷
Hilary, you are one of my most favorite You Tubers! I admire how very mature you have always seemed . You really seem to "have your act together" and keep your priorities straight. So, I have to assume your parents raised their children well and with good values. Merry Christmas to your whole family!!!
Merry Christmas to you and yours! My parents are the best ☺️
You are such a sweet soul! ❤
I had to stop mid video to comment.....before you know it, your children will be grown. You won't want all the upkeep of a larger home. Debt free is the way to go. I am 68, and we have been debt free for about 35 years.
That’s a great perspective! 💛
I love this! What would be your favorite budgeting tip?
A word of advice: keep all of the Calico critters for your future grandkids! I'm usually a de-clutterer, but i kept the Calico critters(the animals-we did get rid of the houses), and my girls, at 15 and 17, still like to get them out every now and then, and they want them for their kids. Those toys are precious!
My daughter kept her cabbage patch dolls. The first made and the my little ponies. One day she might have a grand daughter. Have a good day.
Seconding this! I played with Calico in the 80’s (it was Sylvanian Families then). My mom saved all mine and my daughter who is now 13 loved mine and we bought new ones to add to it. Now we have a great collection that she can pass to her future daughter or granddaughter.❤
Yes absolutely we will, from a fellow declutter-er, these will be heirlooms 💛
A word of advice from someone who is 42 and just moved over the summer. Stay put! Lol. We sold our home in 1 day, and it took us almost 3 YEARS to find something else. (Lived with inlaws during that time) We ended up getting some more sq footage, but still have a ton of updating to do in an inflated market. Had we known what we do now, we would have stayed put and continued to update our old home. Lower interest rate and lower house payment that we walked away from to another home that needs updating. :/ Unless you are in a very high price range, it is hard to find homes right now that are "move in ready." At least in our area that has been the case for quite some time.
This is exactly the scenario we would find ourselves in if we moved! It’s like you’re speaking to me from the future 😅
I think your house is wonderful and I definitely understand why you would want to keep it. It can also be great to have some limitations/ boundaries that spark creativity and often produce the nicest most unique outcomes. Making the best out of what you have also leaves you more resources to pour into what you already have. Expanding the house a bit sounds like a great plan. Your kids won't live with you forever either and if you don't move into a bigger house, you won't have to go through the process of downsizing when your kids move out. Because ultimately the house will only be you and your husbands "forever" home as your kids move out and start their own families. If your big one is 11, it will only be around 7 years until she might leave for college and that's honestly not that long if you consider how long it might take you to fix up another house. Then you'd be just about done with the house when suddenly everyone is leaving and there's only the two of you left in a giant house you don't need. While you could have put all the money and time into making your smaller house the house of your dreams.❤
Yes and amen ☺️ Lord knows!
Hi Hilary, I always enjoy your videos and have for years. I like the Q and A. I love your beautiful home and I agree with you, housing prices are outrageous all over! I live in Southern California and it’s crazy! My Husband and I are quite a bit older than you and Dan , (61) and we never moved from our starter home and although we wanted a bigger home years ago it was never financially feasible. I am grateful for my smallish home and all we have done to make it beautiful over the years. You are so fortunate to have that finished basement which adds so much space to your home. Thank you for sharing your time with us. I’m going to make the sugar cookies cutouts from your last video with my granddaughters today! They are 8 and 4, can’t wait. ❤
You have a beautiful home, Hilary. So I don’t blame you for keeping it and just renovating the garage into a master bedroom.
Hi Hilary! Your wrapping reminds me of mine ☺️. I agree with you on staying put in your home 👍🏻. My daughter and her fiancé are in the process of buying their first house right now. And in my part of Jersey, the prices are outrageous too 🤦🏻♀️. Have yourself a good day today. 🎄🕊️🎁😊
Hillary, this is my favorite time of year to watch you! I love the chatty wrapping session so much!
Your videos always inspire me to clean, bake, decorate, organize or wrap something. I’m may have to stop watching as I’m getting too much done ! 😉😂
Good reads is great. Not only can you track the books that you have read, but you can create a TBR list and read reviews for books you might be interested in reading.
I love this video so much. I felt this to my core. I live in Wisconsin with 4 kids in 900 square feet but a huge lot. My husband does construction and he works so hard. Our biggest challenge is his time and what is sacrificed to get it. Thank you for making me feel not alone and someone else has that same challenge. MERRY Christmas to you and your family
I finally am reading the housemaid. ❤ great gifts for the kids they will be so excited 🙏🏼🎄🙋🏻♀️
I wrapped my grandson’s stocking stuffers a couple of years ago. He wasn’t happy because it slowed him down, lol. Now I just stuff everything in the stocking.
My mom wrapped all my stocking stuffers, so I have always wrapped all my kids’ stocking stuffers. I agree it’s more fun for the kids!
And it’s a good way to use up scraps of wrapping paper!
Enjoyed your Q & A! I also wrap stocking stuffers. My kids are all grown and have their own families. Silly as it is, I still buy and wrap stocking stuffers for my husband and 94 year old mother! It's fun. Might I make a quick suggestion.... I have a heavy weighted tape dispenser. It makes it so much easier when not having to lift the container each time and then put it down again. You simply grab a piece and tear it off. I really love mine. Wishing you and your family a wonderful Christmas! 🎄
I should, thank you for the suggestion! 💚
We always thought we would buy a larger home as our sons grew older, but now that we've been retired for a while our starter home is just the right size. We live in a 1050 sq. ft. home and the four of us were very comfortable. The only time it was challenging is when our sons hit 6 ft. and so were all their friends.😂 We were very cozy in those days! You are correct that your utilities are less and so is upkeep. We paid off our house when I retired and are debt free. Such peace of mind. Thank you for this lovely Q and A. I enjoy your home, family, but most of all YOU dear friend! Be blessed today, Hillary.🎄🤗
I had to stop immediately and comment on the chickens. By the time you build a coop, and fencing, get all the supplies and then feed, it is cheaper to buy. Then chickens only lay for about 3 years, tops, then you have to start over with new ones. Then it takes them a few months before they start laying. Buy from your neighbors.
Yes! I think we will 🍳
Lovely! ✨
Thank you for sharing, Hilary! 😊
Hilary your house is fine. I shared a room while growing up with my sister. Your homes lovely. Just think of it as borrowing from God until he comes. Everything is so expensive. Our taxes went crazy last yr as well as insurance. I just focus on the most important things now. Your wrapping paper is lovely and you wrap so neatly. Take care. 🎄⛄🎄
I love that perspective 😊
Q and A’s are always fun and interesting. Thanks for sharing!
Lovely video...Great answers. You're truly a multi-tasking woman. Answering questions and wrapping gifts, and quite well I might add.
Lovely video! Thank you Hillary.
Ruth Ware is a great author!
I enjoyed watching you wrap gifts, but I don’t look forward to doing it myself this weekend! And the Q&A was fun!
Those Greeking out books are wonderful in the podcast is a family favorite here. We have listened to all the seasons over and over and can’t wait each time they release new episodes. There’s also a activity crossword type book they’ve released and there is a novel set based on the podcast about animals and a pet shop that come to life and go on Greek mythology adventures at night. I think your girls would really love as well.
Ooh thanks so much I’ll have to check those out!
Were I wrapping in this situation, I would have a chair to save my back. In all, video informative and delightful❤.
You’re very organized. I had 3 children and I remember how exhausting Christmas time would be. Merry Christmas.
Your Amic sounds great.😊
I always ask for house projects for my birthday and Christmas! 😆
I always wrapped all my kids stocking stuffers also and now I wrap and give my grandchildren stockings. I also gave all my adult kids stocking, wrapped, but I’m trying to stop that now 😊
We don’t have a garden due to the same reasons. Our neighbor put up a fence around his and it is 6 ft tall plus 3 feet underground to keep animals out.
And the animals can still clear those 3 feet if determined 😅
I’m not sure what it is but I can never get the audio on your videos to work. All other videos are fine. Sad as I can only hear in one ear and it’s playing in the wrong ear 😅
Ahh sorry about that! Ugh, technology, it’s been a struggle getting the mic to work properly
I’m not sure if it’s an in-house editing thing but the sound only comes out normal if I have your video in the smaller setting with comments underneath. If I go to full screen the sound only comes from the side if that makes sense. I’m wondering if anyone else has noticed this?
Ugh I’m so sorry, I’ve been having mic issues 😔
@ I don’t know if it’s mic related because it’s been on other videos recently. So I’m wondering if it’s a settings issue? Like when processing the video?
Anywho - I always enjoy your Christmas videos regardless of the sound 🩷🩷