Hi everyone! Just letting you know Ruby Cup is now offering a really great deal. 🤗 If you buy one Ruby Cup, you get a pair of their period underwear FOR FREE. This lasts until July 31st. Click my link in the description box for more info. Have a great day!
First time really using a sponsorship because i really see value in it. So thanks. Jus used your code for underwear... The cup is a little too adventures for me 😅
@@tinekevos1522 Awesome! Hope you'll like them as much as I do. I've never been able to use tampons so I'm also intimidated by the cup, but I do hear great things about it. The underwear is amazing and makes my periods so much easier 😄🌷 Plus no more period product waste 🥳
How rude of that stylist to say your natural hair doesn’t look good on you! That was definitely a strategy to get people to come back and pay for extra unnecessary hair stuff rather than keeping it simple and natural which totally beautiful!❤
Exactly what I was about to comment! A good lesson not to trust the "professional" opinions of people who have something to gain (or lose) from your decision.
She's gorgeous with the hair she has, agree 100 percent. A lit of hair stylists make up their own theories,doesn't mean it's true. I stick to my salon.if I've went elsewhere they always try convincing me to go another colour or shorter, no thanks. Never going to another again. I go to the one that respects my wishes.
I had a hairstylist tell me the exact same thing when I was in my 20s! She said no one with my hair color (dark blonde to light brown) should wear their natural color. Yet here I am, loving it and saving hundreds of dollars every year 😊
One thing I did was to stop watching Reels. I used to get drawn into them but realized what a waste of time they were for me. I told myself "I don't watch reels any longer." For the most part they do not tempt me, but if I happen to see one that looks like it might be interesting, I remind myself that I don't watch them. I have really saved time for other things.
I have a corporate job. I am allotted one hour for lunch. I never used to take the hour. Basically I ate, and went back to work. That was about fifteen minutes. But I decided to do something for myself to distress. For me I like rewatching my favorite movies or tv shows. But my husband doesn’t like to rewatch anything. So I have a nice collection of watchable material on dvd. I bought a portable dvd player and watch them at work on my lunch hour. I feel better after lunch and recharged about the afternoons work. Currently I am rewatching the whole Downton Abbey series. ☺️❤️💕☺️❤️💕☺️
I have almost never taken my lunch time at this job I have worked for 4 years. No one is impressed! I kept thinking it would help me catch up. WRONG! As a teacher, I never seem to get caught up! I'm changing that starting today and I choose to enjoy my lunch period.
I totally agree with prioritizing function over esthetic lately . I used to decant all of my shower items into pretty glass bottles and one day I just realized how much more work it was creating for myself to have to keep refilling them and cleaning them out, waiting for them to dry … Now if the labels on shampoo and such are too “loud” I just peel them off and go on with my day!
Agree so much that keeping your backlog short is really important. For me, if I present myself with too many choices, I completely freeze up and can’t get anything done. Keeping a small, curated list of things you want to watch, play, read, cook, or otherwise do can help you so much in terms of mental clarity.
I'd like to make a simple suggestion to go along with telling someone I need to think about it and I'll get back to you. Simply say I'll have to think about it. Don't make yourself accountable to get back to them. Sometimes that simple act of knowing you have to get back to them and tell them no is going to hang over your head until you do get back to them.
My game changing event was playing the minimalist’s month long game of reducing my possessions by the date’s number - day 1, one thing out; day 2, 2 things out; etc. for the entire 30 days. I have played it 3 different times and am now in maintenance mode of one item in; one item out. The relief from having so much stuff is just the best.
The best decision I've made recently is to completely cut off a 'friend' who I got tired of gossiping and generally being an awful person. It didn't end well but now that we don't speak its like a weight has been lifted from my shoulders. It is a revelation! Sometimes the hardest things are the right things ❤
Yes, me too. I did feel guilty at first but it was such a weight off my shoulders to cut contact with such a negative gossipy person. She was dragging me down
@user-ic1tc7yg2q I feel you, my situation was the same. Cutting toxic people out of your life is a necessity if you want a calmer life, I wished I'd learned this years ago but better late than never
I did the same very recently and it's been really hard but also a great relief. I do feel bad/guilty about it sometimes but on the other hand it's what I needed and my life is much more relaxed and positive now!
Me too. We have a neighbour (male, divorced), not in the best of health, very controlling, negative, "poor me" and doing everything possible to manipulate us into a close "friendship" with him, run by his rules and his interests. We sort of went along with it for several years to keep the peace - bad relations with neighbours are never good - but my mental health suffered terribly. Recently I decided that was it, and my partner and I have firmly distanced ourselves. I feel as if a massive weight has lifted and I have my life back again. I have learned a lesson too and won't ever allow myself to be manipulated like this again. Trust your intuition and gut feeling. If it feels wrong, in whatever way, then it is wrong, however sorry you may feel for someone by ending a friendship. We are responsible for our own happiness and wellbeing, as are they.
@jacquiharris1943 I am pleased you have found peace by ending this relationship ❤ you will never change people like this, they enjoy living a life playing the victim and never owning responsibility for their actions. The only thing to do is what you have done so well done 👏🏻
I have made several changes with my cell phone. I cannot believe how much better my sleep is when I put the phone away a couple hours before I go to sleep. I also took your advice about waiting to read emails and look online for at least 1 hour after waking up. Thank you for all your videos and tips!
I think the main thing is that people start to believe in themselves and that they are good the way they are. That way your whole life becomes so much easier and more relaxed and enjoyable. Just do as much as possible what you want (without damaging other people or yourself) and see that people will like you for who you are.
I recently stopped dyeing my hair, my partner said how pretty I looked with my natural brown hair and after that I was able to see myself through his eyes 😊 Your hair has a beautiful honey color to it.
I use to workout in gym. Last 5 years I do my exercises at home. I love it so much better. I can do 10 minutes stretch or 30 minutes strength depending how I feel. I don’t have to drive anywhere , spend time or money.
There are, as you wisely describe, many aspects to bidding the drama farewell. I would add, drama can come from being too critical or impatient with self. Be kind to self!
Avoiding drama, endless discussions and gossip really is a thing for me. Sometimes I don't even realize that I am sucked into those things. So thank you for the reminder. I will go about that more mindfully. Keeping routined as simple as possible was a game changer for me. I read a lot about household chore routines like fly lady etc, and decided that this was not for me. I thought about joining the five a.m.-club, but valued my sleep more, so I just shifted my morning routine a bit to get everything gone what I need to get done in the morning. I learned that just because everyone and their cat do certain things, it does not mean that I have to do the same.
I feel the wardrobe stuff can definitely be the easiest to get rid of for people but hardest because so many are into fast fashion. I wear the same few outfits over and over again and like doing that. I think a lot of people don't want to do that. I love what you said about drama free life. That is awesome.
I like to have a few potential gifts in my closet for unexpected celebrations, birthday, hostess gift. My go to is handloomed cotton dish towels i get on Etsy. They are really well made, absorbent and hatd wearing. They come with a personal note from the weaver. Everyone, even people who don't cook, can use a really nich kitchen dish towel. People love them. It prevents the last minute scramble to get a present.
I was guilty of the gossiping in the workplace. Now that I no longer am in that environment, I feel so much better mentally. Thank you for your videos❤
I have tried to eat more fruits and veggies this year, and to try and walk/jog if weather is good, weightlift if weather is not great. And cut back on alcohol and sugary drinks. These changes have improved my mood and self-esteem. Another thing is to declutter for 15 min each day, and of course it goes to an hour or two, but has made a huge difference
You touched on a great point about minimizing the backlog in your life. I did this with recipes. I used to save so many Instagram recipes and found myself not any more organized or enthused to prepare them. I found one young lady in YT Tish Wonders who creates bountiful healthy and delicious meals. I bought her e-books and found it’s drastically simplified my weekly meals. Deleted all the rest Did the same thing with my exercise regimen. I enjoy dynamic movements that are low impact and found great exercises that fit my preference.
A drama free life is a peaceful life.I have family members that want to get you involved in their drama.I tell them directly i dont like interfering in people 's lives.I am the boring daughter in law.I like it that way.My favourite phrase is "i dont know."
This is a great list. Most resonate with me due to the way that I live. I definitely agree with gift giving. Sometimes, I will buy someone a gift for their birthday but I stopped doing holiday shopping over ten years ago. It was too stressful and not financially responsible. Nowadays, I tend to give gifts when someone crosses my mind or I see something that I know they either need or have mentioned. I also, don’t allow people to give me gifts. I suggest that we do an activity together or grab a meal. For me its really about spending time with the individual.
This is DNA and I approve of all your points! Thank you for sharing so beautifully and kindly! Among my simple habits are also these: No pot-plants to tend - we live in an apartment that needs curtains. In two windows I've chosen design flower patterns, by William Morris/Gudrun Sjödén, I will not tire of them in my life-time. It's enough, because we have flowers outside, too. Many of them from the Netherlands, btw, and many more on nature-walks. It's plenty. 🙂 No carpets anymore, but a small dog - it's much easier to keep empty floors clean. (In-doors slippers of course.) Almost all my textiles are washable in 60', either white or colour - but I've stopped to have reds, because red bleeds the worst. (Allergy-prone, too, so no perfumes and scents.) Cooking soups and stews is easy and no nutrition is wasted. I sometimes mix them with a mixer for speed and variety. Sallad-making is for times when having many hands available to help with chopping. 🙂Eating whole vegetable chunks and fruits is simpler and good for one's teeth. I like simple dark bread with cheese, too. No smartphone for me, but a simple mobile one, for making appointments and quick messages. It is on silent for weeks. Interruptions have always been one of the huge stressors for me. I did not know how to communicate to people that I'm introverted and love my alone time, because I was good at being "social on demand" - but my way of sparingly using my old-fashioned telephone with an expensive tariff, has been a clear message in itself. I'm not impossible to reach, but my phone is not so tempting for chatts and gossiping, and mass-messages "to all friends". Opted out of FB, too. All my closest people know that if it is really urgent, it is best to reach me via my hubby. Simple! Helpful of him and convenient for me. 🙂
@@cantocant2346 So nice to know! We kind of distance ourself from what "people might think" in the same process, don't we? An easier, simpler, more personal, happier life. :-)
Since starting removing items I don't love and wear very often, I've kept up the trend. It's helped me find my style so it's easier to dress, launder, etc, and it's easier to shop when I rarely do, because I think hard about what will fit into my wardrobe and help me vs just buying random items that are cute.
100% agree with the last one :) I have a lot of very negative and also passive-aggressive co-workers who are at each other's throats all the time. At first I was emotionally involved in that even though I wasn't participating. Then I realized how drained and stressed it made me feel and I started closing the door of my office on a regular basis and just don't really react when people come in with their strong opinions about others. Much better! btw. I love your hair colour! My mum went from blonde hair dye to completely grey over the last year and she looks SO much fresher and dewy now. She is also ecstatic about saving so much money 😂
Hello Vera. I love your videos! One thing I do to make life simpler/easir is that I prepare 1-3 meals on the weekend that I can pull from during the upcoming week. I always have salads and such to add on the spot if I don't want something I have prepped ahead, and as the week progresses I may end up freezing some portions. Which means that the next weekend I probably don't have to make as many recipes for the following week. It also means I better control the healthfulness of what I am eating. To your peace, Cynthia
When. you were talking about clothing items, it cracked me up when you put in the note "Please no. Life is too short for this". I never thought about it like that, but you're absolutely right. Life is too short for undergarments with holes. It doesn't matter that no one sees it. Although I was really waffling on spending the money, this made me laugh and challenged me at the same time. Let me go out and replace my holy stuff because it's not holy as in sacred... it's trying to die and I'm not letting it. It has served me as long and as best as it could. It's time to let go now🤣
I found myself always feeling like I didn’t have much or comparing my life to others due to social media. I slowly backed away from the different platforms. It has really made my life more simple and more happy. Thank you Vera for the content. I love your videos. ❤
Thank you for the time you give us to make your content. I simplified my life by tossing in one friendly basket everything I need for morning and night face care. All in one place. Not fussy. Just tossed.
Hey Vera! Great video, learning from your tip on avoiding drama even if it means staying secluded in my bedroom to avoid people 😂. Thanks for this and be blessed!
Very helpful tips! I'm guilty of skipping books. I'll enjoy a sample but when I actually own the book and start, if I'm not engrossed after the first few pages, I put it down. Do you force yourself to finish books? One change I've made is not oversharing about my personal life with friends. I really pick and choose who I share something personal with. I feel lighter, less vulnerable, and less likely to be gossiped about.
Hi Vera! I so enjoy my “Vera Time,” and visiting with your authentic self. I had the same experience with hairdressers wanting to brighten up my “dull” hair. I haven’t highlighted it for 4 years and I now love my natural color and its healthy shine. Have a great week!
I’m so glad it’s not just me. It’s my mum that pressures me to get highlights and tells me my hair is dull all the time. She took me to get highlights for 10 years starting when I was 13. I’ve been slowly trying to change my identity to my ginger/auburn hair compared to bright blond. It has been a lot harder than I thought but I’m glad I’m not the only one learning to embrace our natural hair colour.
Same with the hair color! I was always told my hair was ashy. So highlights were needed…just a way for them to make money! Who actually cares…be natural. And if want some brightener, spray some lemon spray before going in the sun. Done and cheap 😂
One simple change I've made is that I spend five minutes each day decluttering or organizing one shelf, cupboard, or drawer. It might be something minor like putting a drawer divider in a new location, or moving my ziplock bags to a more accessible place in my kitchen. Little by little it has made my living space so much more convenient, and as I've freed up space, it has enabled me to put away stuff that used to be sitting out, thus reducing visible clutter. Today I sorted through my shorts, got rid of ones that didn't fit and put them away for Winter. It cleared up additional drawer space to put other items of clothing that had just been sitting in my closet. I need to take a cue from you on reading. I'm reading five books right now. I have a hard time finishing books because I want to jump to the next one. If I only read the backlog of books I already own, I probably wouldn't have to buy anything new for like two years. I could also stand to be more picky about samples I download onto my Kindle. If it's not a hell yes...
Your natural hair color is perfect! Just as nature intended. I stopped coloring my hair two years ago and it feels so liberating! Tired of dumping chemicals into my scalp. Aside from the cash, I could have studied for a PhD for all the hours I spent in that salon chair!!!
I bought some clippers when I was 18 and it's been a major source of time and money saving. I never needed to take the time to visit the barber and pay for a haircut since. I never needed to purchase expensive hair products. The same soap that cleans my body also cleans my sheared head 😅
I can't agree more on your take about gifts! My sister gave me a super-expensive designer bag for my 50-th anniversary and it has turned out to be a big headache for me: deciding how to wear this bag (none of my wardrobe matches its design and its luxe level), worrying about scratching or loosing it, worrying about being robbed on the spot and mainly ... regretting on lack of life events to showcase this treasure. Beware, that certain gifts may not just be your headache, but the gift-receipient' heartache as well.
Hurrah for Ruby Cup. What fantastic products. Less waste products. What a great initiative. If only they were available when I was in that stage of life. Fab for all the young ladies out there.
Thank you so much for sharing. The drama free life has changed my life completely... Who is with me🎉🎉🎉🎉 by the way your natural color of hair is so beautiful and you look your best. Keep it natural ❤
Thank you Vera for all your very helpful advice. I have struggled for so many years with not being to able to find a true meaning for things. Recently, by doing some research and watching so very inspirational videos, such as yours, it became very clear to me that having too much stuff, carrying what others thought of me and how I live, wasting time on cleaning and maintaining things that in reality had very little meaning to my life and I just knew I needed to change things to be truly happy. Also I want to thank you for recommending the green tea…I absolutely love it❤️ Hope you have a wonderful rest of your week 😊
@@madelinepasnik5058 Aw thank you for your kind words Madeline, so happy you're finding all that valuable inspiration! 🤗 And also that you like the tea, it makes me so happy when more people are enjoying them ❤️🍵
Oh how I wish you were a Christian! These habits will improve your life here but never give you the true life that is in Jesus. You are such a precious soul and I have learned that the Dutch influence must have rubbed off on that side of my family. The French side and the Irish side influenced me too, lol the mixture that is American. Love you so much and adding you to my prayers!
Fabulous content as always Vera ❤ I’m surely old enough to be your mother, but I immediately stop whatever I’m doing when your videos pop up so I can “visit” with you. You are a “perfect cup of tea!” I also wonder if you would share where you got that sweater you’re wearing today. I’ve been looking for that same thing. Love from the USA ❤
Aw thank you for that, that means so much 🥰💕 The sweater I've had for years, I bought it from Organic Basics back then. I remember they kind of went MIA for a while but I think they're back now? I don't know if they still have this boxy model though...
I love your tips so much! I was pausing at every point & making reminders to myself to do so many of your suggestions! One thing I recently started that hugely simplified my life is to ditch all my night creams, and use castor oil (organic, cold pressed, hexane free) and my skin have never looked better! I regret the thousands of dollars I've spent over the years on all those fancy creams 😢
You cannot want what you didn't see! Wow! It is so simple, yet so profound! Thank you for your videos, Vera! They always help me to set my priorities straight! Best regards from a regular viewer in Ukraine! Hugs
Oh God 😂 I guess you should never ask for advice from people who have financial interest )) cause your natural hair colour is SO gorgeous. The hairdresser must have been just gealous
Have loved your channel and have been watching on my own journey to simplifying and focusing on life without the materialistic items. One thing I have tried my best to help be drama free is making sure to dedicate me time at least an hour a day to working out and/or reading.
Getting rid of drama ! Tbh I think I was sort of getting myself into these situations a bit by listening etc, without realising it, I sort of enjoyed listening to gossip and the drama😂 initially, however I realised that actually it wasn’t good for me, as I either felt bad afterwards or felt down after listening to all the negativity. So I decided to distance myself from these situations as much as possible. while I was getting used to this I did sometimes feel a bit bored or restless, but after a few weeks I began to feel so much better, I wasn’t getting wound up,or feeling down because of negative comments. Now I’m so relieved I made that decision, I avoid these situations completely if I can….. say 99%
Hi Vera Love your channel and your hair colour too, i do not wear make up or colour my hair either and not wanting to boast i get regular lovely comments about my hair colour, a good diet and other factors are usually enough. Thank you for sharing i just love your contents thank you for all you do, have a lovely week.
I love your channel and your soft approach ❤ I live in a big old home that feels so overwhelming to me. My husband built the 1/2 we live in with his dad, so I feel we will be here till we croak 😅. The thing is- we have created so much clutter on the second floor that when I have to go through that floor up to the third floor, where my study is - - I get into the panic mode all over again. All of your tips on reducing clutter is everything I want to start doing. If I only knew where to start.😮
I am in the same boat.The only difference is my house is small and I need to start in my room.All these years I have focused om my children's rooms and neglected my own.
The avoiding drama is really huge in my life right now. Company I work at is undergoing major changes and the drama is so huge and pervasive it has an almost physical presence (I'm very highly sensitive). I'm looking for a new job but in the meantime getting some very serious practice in on not engaging with the drama and on setting boundaries. I need to add the not rushing to say yes advice to my arsenal too. Thank you Vera 😊.
Dear Vera I always get lots of thoughtful content from your videos. I really appreciate the clarity your insights provide❤ I have been thinking about the relationships that I have edited from my life; friendships with people that I still like and have enjoyed spending time with, but find that they don’t fit my current life situation. I am a caregiver for my husband and I need to be more careful about who I, who we give our time to.
Hi Vera! I reduced the time watching you tube! Watching a couple of hours only saturday and sunday gave me so more time being productive and read more during the weekdays❤
The point that really hit home was about reducing backlog. I'm a terror for building up back lists of things - particularly on RUclips! 😅. Twice I've spent an age reducing my watch later list, determined to keep it short, then a few months later once again there are probably hundreds of videos on there that I haven't time to watch 😭. And it's true, that seeing a long list of "stuff" is overwhelming and stressful. I love simplicity so much but in some areas am not walking my talk. So thank you Vera for this reminder and the whole video is really helpful 😊 x
The thing with backlogs is when you do get the time to watch or consume something you may be in the mood for something else entirely. It's more fun to go with the flow there imo.
I appreciate all the insights you share on simple zen. Especially want to thank you today though for the many times you have mentioned your love for Ghibli music especially. I am in recovery from hip surgery and some other health conditions. To lift my spirits I keep looking for music old and new. Today while looking at shorts on youtube (I know, scrolling, lol) I found a beautiful version piano and violin of something called Howl's Moving Castle the theme song , the waltz and I felt how it immediately lifted my spirit so much that it completely took my mind off the health probs and into a realm of great beauty. I feel like if you hadnt mentioned Ghibli so often I would not have had the insight to listen to this music. I found a loop of the piano and violin version I loved so much which repeated on a loop with small variations in it and went to sleep and had such a refreshing sleep whcih is not always the case. THANK YOU dear Vera for sharing your love for Ghibli music. That alone has had a beautiful healing affect for me today and I can really see why you love Ghibli music and films so much. NO WONDER. It made me feel like I could easily get up and waltz and I noticed I was walking in a more graceful way with my walker. Anyway, a special thank you for sharing your love for Ghibli.
Aw I was so glad to read this! It always makes me so happy when more people learn about the magic that is Ghibli :) If possible, I recommend seeing if you can watch the movie Howl's Moving Castle too, it's wonderful :) I wish you all the best with your hip surgery recovery and sending a hug your way. 🥰🌷
Very sound advice! What I discovered for myself is that I can shower without soap. Better for the environment and better for my skin. My skin feels much better, I do not need any lotion after showering. Only on the days when I shampoo my hair, then I use the foam for my body, too. I found out that is completely sufficient for me, and my husband confirms that the people surrounding me do not suffer 😅.
I hate how mean people can be about certain hair colours. I used to hate mine because some kid called it dirty blonde. Now I'm happy with it- and it doesn't even make sense because people pay lots of money to dull the brassy yellow tone of dyed blonde but naturally ashy blonde is apparently bad?? You can't win with some people. You should be able to do whatever you want with your hair ❤
More great ideas I loved. It's great to hear how these can work for us. I used to dye my hair blonde and stopped over 15 years ago. It took me a few years to get the encouragement to stop, but I was very relieved. Drama is something to avoid. If stressed from it, I meditate ❤
Hi Vera! I love your videos! My question is how did you make the transition from gift giving for relatives for holidays to what you are currently doing without upsetting your family members? How do you help them to understand what you would like to do differently? And what if they say “holidays aren’t about you, it’s a time to please others and do what they want”? I have three family members who are extremely difficult to shop for because they either have everything or they aren’t interested in a lot of material things. It takes me days of research and looking online to try and find something for them. 😕
Gosh Vera, you really know what I need!😅 Just two days ago I was checking online reusable period pants! And now here you are endorsing what I need...🤩👸🏻
The tip on freeing the backlog is really interesting. I used to have a big list of books to read, but now I don't do it anymore. It save books on my wishlist on amazon just to not forget then, but I rarely see it again 😅 so maybe I could work on freeing that too.... For me, one change that I made to simplify my life is to have only one place to take notes of things. Before I have many notebooks and apps, but now I am downsizing it to just Notion, leaving my notebook for more creative and thinking processes.
I love these so much! I used to struggle a lot with exercising. because I don't like it much I would try to look for activities that made it more fun, like swimming (which I love) or dancing classes. But it ended up being so stressful. Classes that I need to arrive at a certain time, a lot of equipment and steps I needed to take. This year instead I suscribed to a gym that it's very close to my house (5 min), and while it's definitely not super fun, it's so much easier, and I've been keeping the routine for a longer time. I thought of your channel and how sometimes choosing easy over exciting is the right answer!
I was going to let my hair go natural after years of highlights and lowlights. My hairdresser told me the highlights helped give my hair volume since it's very fine. I did the highlights one more time but honestly didn't notice any difference in volume. Also it was very expensive.
I agree with all of your tips! These are awesome and I’m proud of myself for already doing a lot of these things. ❤ love finding like minded people. Thank you!
After I watched an other video from you i opened an app where I’m reading books and I saw that my backlog is 500+ books and deleted more than 200 bc they weren’t matching me anymore and now I feel feeewer anxious about not having time to read everything (in the world haha)
Hair stylist are so dishonest. I colored my own hair auburn or years and loved it. I also cut my own hair blunt cut at my tailbone. Now for 8 to 10 years my hair is virgin and I love it. I also got rid of the bangs. Love your channel
Some small habits that help me simplify are systematize most repeat processes so that I can make it efficient, fast and easy by carefully reducing it to the most functional process that works for me. I also use capsule style wardrobe year round and at home or when traveling so I spend less time and effort deciding what to wear or what to pack and everything goes with each other item well while being easy to care for and comfortable. Lastly I try to find common and low cost products that do what I need to do and stick with it so I am not tempted to try or buy more expensive or newer versions of things except in rare occasions. Makes shopping faster and easier while also being cheaper in most cases.
Two of the simplest changes I’ve made over the years are daily walks and eating more whole food snacks. Makes life so much simpler not worrying about sodium, cholesterol, calories, and the like. I eat what I like, when I like and if a sweet is involved, it’s all good. My friends are often hypochondriacs, stressing about inane health things or chemicals, and I decided health and wellness doesn’t need to be complicated with diets or fads, unless of course you’re working with a professional. In that case, do you. But for me, a cookie with my tea is great, and a daily walk is enough exercise to count for something, if I can’t for whatever reason, do other movement that day. It keeps things positive and consistent. In terms of chemicals, I do my best to avoid, but if a body wash ranks a 5 on the Environmental Working Group database, I won’t just chuck it out. I grew up on simple foods and homemade meals, so if something has extra “bad” things in it, remembering the 80/20 rule- living healthy 80% of the time and enjoying the 20% for desserts, treats, occasional splurges- to me, is a life well lived. While I prioritize savings, my father also believed money and health can’t be taken with you when you pass away, and that’s how I strive to live my life now. It keeps life much more simple, to not over complicate it in the first place. Also, when things come up or bills come in, I just do it then or pay to simplify. Don’t procrastinate easy things and let problems develop in the first place. And for extra exercise, I clean my house or leave early for appointments. Works just as well as a two hour work out, at least personally and less stress in traffic.
Hi everyone! Just letting you know Ruby Cup is now offering a really great deal. 🤗 If you buy one Ruby Cup, you get a pair of their period underwear FOR FREE. This lasts until July 31st. Click my link in the description box for more info. Have a great day!
First time really using a sponsorship because i really see value in it. So thanks. Jus used your code for underwear... The cup is a little too adventures for me 😅
@@tinekevos1522 Awesome! Hope you'll like them as much as I do. I've never been able to use tampons so I'm also intimidated by the cup, but I do hear great things about it. The underwear is amazing and makes my periods so much easier 😄🌷 Plus no more period product waste 🥳
Hi I have noticed you only look like you are still in your early 20s
I stopped hanging around people that were always down about things and people and loved to gossip. I feel so much calmer. That helped me alot.
Hi Vera, anyone who takes the time and trouble to catch and release a spider holds a special place in my heart❤
How rude of that stylist to say your natural hair doesn’t look good on you! That was definitely a strategy to get people to come back and pay for extra unnecessary hair stuff rather than keeping it simple and natural which totally beautiful!❤
Your hair is GORGEOUS! ❤
Totally her natural hair looks amazing, people would pay to have hair colour and wave like hers!
Exactly what I was about to comment! A good lesson not to trust the "professional" opinions of people who have something to gain (or lose) from your decision.
She's gorgeous with the hair she has, agree 100 percent. A lit of hair stylists make up their own theories,doesn't mean it's true. I stick to my salon.if I've went elsewhere they always try convincing me to go another colour or shorter, no thanks. Never going to another again. I go to the one that respects my wishes.
Her hair is amazing!!!
I had a hairstylist tell me the exact same thing when I was in my 20s! She said no one with my hair color (dark blonde to light brown) should wear their natural color. Yet here I am, loving it and saving hundreds of dollars every year 😊
Not rushing to say yes to requests is a game changer 🌞
Yay, happy to hear it! Have a wonderful day
Totally agree.
One thing I did was to stop watching Reels. I used to get drawn into them but realized what a waste of time they were for me. I told myself "I don't watch reels any longer." For the most part they do not tempt me, but if I happen to see one that looks like it might be interesting, I remind myself that I don't watch them. I have really saved time for other things.
Your natural hair color complements your face and skin so much more than the pale blond! It's a beautiful tawny dark blond! Rock it, girl!
Your natural hair is the best look for you, for pretty much everyone.
I have a corporate job. I am allotted one hour for lunch. I never used to take the hour. Basically I ate, and went back to work. That was about fifteen minutes. But I decided to do something for myself to distress. For me I like rewatching my favorite movies or tv shows. But my husband doesn’t like to rewatch anything. So I have a nice collection of watchable material on dvd. I bought a portable dvd player and watch them at work on my lunch hour. I feel better after lunch and recharged about the afternoons work. Currently I am rewatching the whole Downton Abbey series. ☺️❤️💕☺️❤️💕☺️
What a great idea!
Lucky you get 1 hour . My employers give me just 30 mins
I have almost never taken my lunch time at this job I have worked for 4 years. No one is impressed! I kept thinking it would help me catch up. WRONG! As a teacher, I never seem to get caught up!
I'm changing that starting today and I choose to enjoy my lunch period.
I hate gossip. But it's such a big part of every workplace i've ever been in.
A tip if you like bags: I put all my essentials in a small wallet and just move it between bags.
That is a really good tip, thank you.❤
I do the same thing :)
I always say, "Let me check my calendar and I'll get back to you."
yes!! feeling pressured to do something always adds stress to life!
I totally agree with prioritizing function over esthetic lately . I used to decant all of my shower items into pretty glass bottles and one day I just realized how much more work it was creating for myself to have to keep refilling them and cleaning them out, waiting for them to dry … Now if the labels on shampoo and such are too “loud” I just peel them off and go on with my day!
Agree so much that keeping your backlog short is really important. For me, if I present myself with too many choices, I completely freeze up and can’t get anything done. Keeping a small, curated list of things you want to watch, play, read, cook, or otherwise do can help you so much in terms of mental clarity.
Exactly! :) Glad someone agrees, haha
I'd like to make a simple suggestion to go along with telling someone I need to think about it and I'll get back to you. Simply say I'll have to think about it. Don't make yourself accountable to get back to them. Sometimes that simple act of knowing you have to get back to them and tell them no is going to hang over your head until you do get back to them.
My game changing event was playing the minimalist’s month long game of reducing my possessions by the date’s number - day 1, one thing out; day 2, 2 things out; etc. for the entire 30 days. I have played it 3 different times and am now in maintenance mode of one item in; one item out. The relief from having so much stuff is just the best.
I did that, too, and it felt so great to let go of all that un-used stuff. Looking around in our place, I feel it might be time to do it again. :)
Vera, your natural hair color suits your skin tone so much better than the highlights ever did.
Vera, your natural hair colour is very beautiful!!!
Be wise when saying "I'll think about it". Sometimes people say this & then the other person is left waiting.
For sure! I mention this later on in the video, make sure to actually get back to them soon and don't make them wait.
The best decision I've made recently is to completely cut off a 'friend' who I got tired of gossiping and generally being an awful person. It didn't end well but now that we don't speak its like a weight has been lifted from my shoulders. It is a revelation! Sometimes the hardest things are the right things ❤
Yes, me too. I did feel guilty at first but it was such a weight off my shoulders to cut contact with such a negative gossipy person. She was dragging me down
@user-ic1tc7yg2q I feel you, my situation was the same. Cutting toxic people out of your life is a necessity if you want a calmer life, I wished I'd learned this years ago but better late than never
I did the same very recently and it's been really hard but also a great relief. I do feel bad/guilty about it sometimes but on the other hand it's what I needed and my life is much more relaxed and positive now!
Me too. We have a neighbour (male, divorced), not in the best of health, very controlling, negative, "poor me" and doing everything possible to manipulate us into a close "friendship" with him, run by his rules and his interests. We sort of went along with it for several years to keep the peace - bad relations with neighbours are never good - but my mental health suffered terribly. Recently I decided that was it, and my partner and I have firmly distanced ourselves. I feel as if a massive weight has lifted and I have my life back again. I have learned a lesson too and won't ever allow myself to be manipulated like this again. Trust your intuition and gut feeling. If it feels wrong, in whatever way, then it is wrong, however sorry you may feel for someone by ending a friendship. We are responsible for our own happiness and wellbeing, as are they.
@jacquiharris1943 I am pleased you have found peace by ending this relationship ❤ you will never change people like this, they enjoy living a life playing the victim and never owning responsibility for their actions. The only thing to do is what you have done so well done 👏🏻
I have made several changes with my cell phone. I cannot believe how much better my sleep is when I put the phone away a couple hours before I go to sleep. I also took your advice about waiting to read emails and look online for at least 1 hour after waking up. Thank you for all your videos and tips!
I love your videos, it helps me simplify. My one change was disconnecting myself from toxic family and friends. My life is calmer and happier.
It’s a hard one, to mind my own business. But I think it’s so valuable. Let them do what they want.
I think the main thing is that people start to believe in themselves and that they are good the way they are. That way your whole life becomes so much easier and more relaxed and enjoyable. Just do as much as possible what you want (without damaging other people or yourself) and see that people will like you for who you are.
I recently stopped dyeing my hair, my partner said how pretty I looked with my natural brown hair and after that I was able to see myself through his eyes 😊 Your hair has a beautiful honey color to it.
I use to workout in gym. Last 5 years I do my exercises at home. I love it so much better. I can do 10 minutes stretch or 30 minutes strength depending how I feel. I don’t have to drive anywhere , spend time or money.
There are, as you wisely describe, many aspects to bidding the drama farewell. I would add, drama can come from being too critical or impatient with self. Be kind to self!
Avoiding drama, endless discussions and gossip really is a thing for me. Sometimes I don't even realize that I am sucked into those things. So thank you for the reminder. I will go about that more mindfully.
Keeping routined as simple as possible was a game changer for me. I read a lot about household chore routines like fly lady etc, and decided that this was not for me. I thought about joining the five a.m.-club, but valued my sleep more, so I just shifted my morning routine a bit to get everything gone what I need to get done in the morning. I learned that just because everyone and their cat do certain things, it does not mean that I have to do the same.
I feel the wardrobe stuff can definitely be the easiest to get rid of for people but hardest because so many are into fast fashion. I wear the same few outfits over and over again and like doing that. I think a lot of people don't want to do that. I love what you said about drama free life. That is awesome.
I like to have a few potential gifts in my closet for unexpected celebrations, birthday, hostess gift. My go to is handloomed cotton dish towels i get on Etsy. They are really well made, absorbent and hatd wearing. They come with a personal note from the weaver. Everyone, even people who don't cook, can use a really nich kitchen dish towel. People love them. It prevents the last minute scramble to get a present.
I was guilty of the gossiping in the workplace. Now that I no longer am in that environment, I feel so much better mentally. Thank you for your videos❤
same! workplace is hard to avoid engaging
I have tried to eat more fruits and veggies this year, and to try and walk/jog if weather is good, weightlift if weather is not great. And cut back on alcohol and sugary drinks.
These changes have improved my mood and self-esteem.
Another thing is to declutter for 15 min each day, and of course it goes to an hour or two, but has made a huge difference
Your natural colour isn`t dull at all, actually. It`s very beautiful!
Your natural hair color is basically what people who want blond hair ask at the hair salon and pay for! Shades of gold 😌♡♡♡
You touched on a great point about minimizing the backlog in your life. I did this with recipes. I used to save so many Instagram recipes and found myself not any more organized or enthused to prepare them. I found one young lady in YT Tish Wonders who creates bountiful healthy and delicious meals. I bought her e-books and found it’s drastically simplified my weekly meals. Deleted all the rest
Did the same thing with my exercise regimen. I enjoy dynamic movements that are low impact and found great exercises that fit my preference.
A drama free life is a peaceful life.I have family members that want to get you involved in their drama.I tell them directly i dont like interfering in people 's lives.I am the boring daughter in law.I like it that way.My favourite phrase is "i dont know."
being "boring" is the best way to happiness in my opinion! keep it simple and enjoy the small things. good on you!
This is a great list. Most resonate with me due to the way that I live. I definitely agree with gift giving. Sometimes, I will buy someone a gift for their birthday but I stopped doing holiday shopping over ten years ago. It was too stressful and not financially responsible. Nowadays, I tend to give gifts when someone crosses my mind or I see something that I know they either need or have mentioned. I also, don’t allow people to give me gifts. I suggest that we do an activity together or grab a meal. For me its really about spending time with the individual.
This is DNA and I approve of all your points! Thank you for sharing so beautifully and kindly! Among my simple habits are also these:
No pot-plants to tend - we live in an apartment that needs curtains. In two windows I've chosen design flower patterns, by William Morris/Gudrun Sjödén, I will not tire of them in my life-time. It's enough, because we have flowers outside, too. Many of them from the Netherlands, btw, and many more on nature-walks. It's plenty. 🙂
No carpets anymore, but a small dog - it's much easier to keep empty floors clean. (In-doors slippers of course.)
Almost all my textiles are washable in 60', either white or colour - but I've stopped to have reds, because red bleeds the worst. (Allergy-prone, too, so no perfumes and scents.)
Cooking soups and stews is easy and no nutrition is wasted. I sometimes mix them with a mixer for speed and variety. Sallad-making is for times when having many hands available to help with chopping. 🙂Eating whole vegetable chunks and fruits is simpler and good for one's teeth. I like simple dark bread with cheese, too.
No smartphone for me, but a simple mobile one, for making appointments and quick messages. It is on silent for weeks. Interruptions have always been one of the huge stressors for me. I did not know how to communicate to people that I'm introverted and love my alone time, because I was good at being "social on demand" - but my way of sparingly using my old-fashioned telephone with an expensive tariff, has been a clear message in itself. I'm not impossible to reach, but my phone is not so tempting for chatts and gossiping, and mass-messages "to all friends". Opted out of FB, too. All my closest people know that if it is really urgent, it is best to reach me via my hubby. Simple! Helpful of him and convenient for me. 🙂
I agree with all of this! I got rid of rugs, I stopped dyeing my hair, I got rid of most of my clothes, and I am so much happier!
@@cantocant2346 So nice to know! We kind of distance ourself from what "people might think" in the same process, don't we? An easier, simpler, more personal, happier life. :-)
@@DNA350ppm
I say no to anything I do not want to do. I no longer feel bad.
Since starting removing items I don't love and wear very often, I've kept up the trend. It's helped me find my style so it's easier to dress, launder, etc, and it's easier to shop when I rarely do, because I think hard about what will fit into my wardrobe and help me vs just buying random items that are cute.
100% agree with the last one :) I have a lot of very negative and also passive-aggressive co-workers who are at each other's throats all the time. At first I was emotionally involved in that even though I wasn't participating. Then I realized how drained and stressed it made me feel and I started closing the door of my office on a regular basis and just don't really react when people come in with their strong opinions about others. Much better!
btw. I love your hair colour! My mum went from blonde hair dye to completely grey over the last year and she looks SO much fresher and dewy now. She is also ecstatic about saving so much money 😂
Hello Vera. I love your videos! One thing I do to make life simpler/easir is that I prepare 1-3 meals on the weekend that I can pull from during the upcoming week. I always have salads and such to add on the spot if I don't want something I have prepped ahead, and as the week progresses I may end up freezing some portions. Which means that the next weekend I probably don't have to make as many recipes for the following week. It also means I better control the healthfulness of what I am eating. To your peace, Cynthia
When. you were talking about clothing items, it cracked me up when you put in the note "Please no. Life is too short for this". I never thought about it like that, but you're absolutely right. Life is too short for undergarments with holes. It doesn't matter that no one sees it. Although I was really waffling on spending the money, this made me laugh and challenged me at the same time. Let me go out and replace my holy stuff because it's not holy as in sacred... it's trying to die and I'm not letting it. It has served me as long and as best as it could. It's time to let go now🤣
I found myself always feeling like I didn’t have much or comparing my life to others due to social media. I slowly backed away from the different platforms. It has really made my life more simple and more happy. Thank you Vera for the content. I love your videos. ❤
Awesome, so happy for you that that helped :) I'm not really on social media myself but I can so imagine what a difference that can make :)
Thank you for the time you give us to make your content. I simplified my life by tossing in one friendly basket everything I need for morning and night face care. All in one place. Not fussy. Just tossed.
Hey Vera! Great video, learning from your tip on avoiding drama even if it means staying secluded in my bedroom to avoid people 😂. Thanks for this and be blessed!
Very helpful tips! I'm guilty of skipping books. I'll enjoy a sample but when I actually own the book and start, if I'm not engrossed after the first few pages, I put it down. Do you force yourself to finish books? One change I've made is not oversharing about my personal life with friends. I really pick and choose who I share something personal with. I feel lighter, less vulnerable, and less likely to be gossiped about.
Hi Vera! I so enjoy my “Vera Time,” and visiting with your authentic self. I had the same experience with hairdressers wanting to brighten up my “dull” hair. I haven’t highlighted it for 4 years and I now love my natural color and its healthy shine. Have a great week!
I’m so glad it’s not just me. It’s my mum that pressures me to get highlights and tells me my hair is dull all the time. She took me to get highlights for 10 years starting when I was 13. I’ve been slowly trying to change my identity to my ginger/auburn hair compared to bright blond. It has been a lot harder than I thought but I’m glad I’m not the only one learning to embrace our natural hair colour.
Same with the hair color! I was always told my hair was ashy. So highlights were needed…just a way for them to make money! Who actually cares…be natural. And if want some brightener, spray some lemon spray before going in the sun. Done and cheap 😂
One simple change I've made is that I spend five minutes each day decluttering or organizing one shelf, cupboard, or drawer. It might be something minor like putting a drawer divider in a new location, or moving my ziplock bags to a more accessible place in my kitchen. Little by little it has made my living space so much more convenient, and as I've freed up space, it has enabled me to put away stuff that used to be sitting out, thus reducing visible clutter. Today I sorted through my shorts, got rid of ones that didn't fit and put them away for Winter. It cleared up additional drawer space to put other items of clothing that had just been sitting in my closet.
I need to take a cue from you on reading. I'm reading five books right now. I have a hard time finishing books because I want to jump to the next one. If I only read the backlog of books I already own, I probably wouldn't have to buy anything new for like two years. I could also stand to be more picky about samples I download onto my Kindle. If it's not a hell yes...
Your natural hair color is perfect! Just as nature intended. I stopped coloring my hair two years ago and it feels so liberating! Tired of dumping chemicals into my scalp. Aside from the cash, I could have studied for a PhD for all the hours I spent in that salon chair!!!
Your natural hair colour is gorgeous ❤
I started to go over pictures on my phone once a week. So nice to declutter little by little. 🥰
I bought some clippers when I was 18 and it's been a major source of time and money saving.
I never needed to take the time to visit the barber and pay for a haircut since. I never needed to purchase expensive hair products. The same soap that cleans my body also cleans my sheared head 😅
I can't agree more on your take about gifts! My sister gave me a super-expensive designer bag for my 50-th anniversary and it has turned out to be a big headache for me: deciding how to wear this bag (none of my wardrobe matches its design and its luxe level), worrying about scratching or loosing it, worrying about being robbed on the spot and mainly ... regretting on lack of life events to showcase this treasure. Beware, that certain gifts may not just be your headache, but the gift-receipient' heartache as well.
Hurrah for Ruby Cup. What fantastic products. Less waste products. What a great initiative. If only they were available when I was in that stage of life. Fab for all the young ladies out there.
Thank you so much for sharing. The drama free life has changed my life completely... Who is with me🎉🎉🎉🎉 by the way your natural color of hair is so beautiful and you look your best. Keep it natural ❤
@@larbirim6622 🤗🌷
Thank you Vera for all your very helpful advice. I have struggled for so many years with not being to able to find a true meaning for things. Recently, by doing some research and watching so very inspirational videos, such as yours, it became very clear to me that having too much stuff, carrying what others thought of me and how I live, wasting time on cleaning and maintaining things that in reality had very little meaning to my life and I just knew I needed to change things to be truly happy.
Also I want to thank you for recommending the green tea…I absolutely love it❤️
Hope you have a wonderful rest of your week 😊
@@madelinepasnik5058 Aw thank you for your kind words Madeline, so happy you're finding all that valuable inspiration! 🤗 And also that you like the tea, it makes me so happy when more people are enjoying them ❤️🍵
Oh how I wish you were a Christian! These habits will improve your life here but never give you the true life that is in Jesus. You are such a precious soul and I have learned that the Dutch influence must have rubbed off on that side of my family. The French side and the Irish side influenced me too, lol the mixture that is American. Love you so much and adding you to my prayers!
Fabulous content as always Vera ❤ I’m surely old enough to be your mother, but I immediately stop whatever I’m doing when your videos pop up so I can “visit” with you. You are a “perfect cup of tea!”
I also wonder if you would share where you got that sweater you’re wearing today. I’ve been looking for that same thing. Love from the USA ❤
Aw thank you for that, that means so much 🥰💕 The sweater I've had for years, I bought it from Organic Basics back then. I remember they kind of went MIA for a while but I think they're back now? I don't know if they still have this boxy model though...
I love your tips so much! I was pausing at every point & making reminders to myself to do so many of your suggestions!
One thing I recently started that hugely simplified my life is to ditch all my night creams, and use castor oil (organic, cold pressed, hexane free) and my skin have never looked better! I regret the thousands of dollars I've spent over the years on all those fancy creams 😢
You cannot want what you didn't see! Wow! It is so simple, yet so profound! Thank you for your videos, Vera! They always help me to set my priorities straight! Best regards from a regular viewer in Ukraine! Hugs
Oh God 😂 I guess you should never ask for advice from people who have financial interest )) cause your natural hair colour is SO gorgeous. The hairdresser must have been just gealous
Gossiping and complaining is the worst ! But so many people do it and think it’s pretty normal
Have loved your channel and have been watching on my own journey to simplifying and focusing on life without the materialistic items.
One thing I have tried my best to help be drama free is making sure to dedicate me time at least an hour a day to working out and/or reading.
Getting rid of drama !
Tbh I think I was sort of getting myself into these situations a bit by listening etc, without realising it, I sort of enjoyed listening to gossip and the drama😂 initially, however I realised that actually it wasn’t good for me, as I either felt bad afterwards or felt down after listening to all the negativity.
So I decided to distance myself from these situations as much as possible.
while I was getting used to this I did sometimes feel a bit bored or restless, but after a few weeks I began to feel so much better, I wasn’t getting wound up,or feeling down because of negative comments.
Now I’m so relieved I made that decision, I avoid these situations completely if I can….. say 99%
Hi Vera
Love your channel and your hair colour too, i do not wear make up or colour my hair either and not wanting to boast i get regular lovely comments about my hair colour, a good diet and other factors are usually enough. Thank you for sharing i just love your contents thank you for all you do, have a lovely week.
I love your channel and your soft approach ❤
I live in a big old home that feels so overwhelming to me. My husband built the 1/2 we live in with his dad, so I feel we will be here till we croak 😅. The thing is- we have created so much clutter on the second floor that when I have to go through that floor up to the third floor, where my study is - - I get into the panic mode all over again. All of your tips on reducing clutter is everything I want to start doing. If I only knew where to start.😮
I am in the same boat.The only difference is my house is small and I need to start in my room.All these years I have focused om my children's rooms and neglected my own.
The avoiding drama is really huge in my life right now. Company I work at is undergoing major changes and the drama is so huge and pervasive it has an almost physical presence (I'm very highly sensitive). I'm looking for a new job but in the meantime getting some very serious practice in on not engaging with the drama and on setting boundaries. I need to add the not rushing to say yes advice to my arsenal too. Thank you Vera 😊.
Yes. Catch and release is ideal for bugs.
Dear Vera I always get lots of thoughtful content from your videos. I really appreciate the clarity your insights provide❤ I have been thinking about the relationships that I have edited from my life; friendships with people that I still like and have enjoyed spending time with, but find that they don’t fit my current life situation. I am a caregiver for my husband and I need to be more careful about who I, who we give our time to.
You are one of the BEST!! Calming, mature, honest and pure… I enjoy you and your videos, thanks for the quality work!!
Hi Vera! I reduced the time watching you tube! Watching a couple of hours only saturday and sunday gave me so more time being productive and read more during the weekdays❤
Your natural color is perfection! And so becoming to your natural skin tone.
The point that really hit home was about reducing backlog. I'm a terror for building up back lists of things - particularly on RUclips! 😅. Twice I've spent an age reducing my watch later list, determined to keep it short, then a few months later once again there are probably hundreds of videos on there that I haven't time to watch 😭. And it's true, that seeing a long list of "stuff" is overwhelming and stressful. I love simplicity so much but in some areas am not walking my talk. So thank you Vera for this reminder and the whole video is really helpful 😊 x
#10 Avoiding drama- was very helpful for me ever since I started it
I love your hair color! Thanks for all these ideas. I love not having so many clothes for myself.
The thing with backlogs is when you do get the time to watch or consume something you may be in the mood for something else entirely. It's more fun to go with the flow there imo.
Such a good video with really great ways to be happier.
Thank you for this great video ! Much appreciated from Papua New Guinea!
I appreciate all the insights you share on simple zen. Especially want to thank you today though for the many times you have mentioned your love for Ghibli music especially. I am in recovery from hip surgery and some other health conditions. To lift my spirits I keep looking for music old and new. Today while looking at shorts on youtube (I know, scrolling, lol) I found a beautiful version piano and violin of something called Howl's Moving Castle the theme song , the waltz and I felt how it immediately lifted my spirit so much that it completely took my mind off the health probs and into a realm of great beauty. I feel like if you hadnt mentioned Ghibli so often I would not have had the insight to listen to this music. I found a loop of the piano and violin version I loved so much which repeated on a loop with small variations in it and went to sleep and had such a refreshing sleep whcih is not always the case. THANK YOU dear Vera for sharing your love for Ghibli music. That alone has had a beautiful healing affect for me today and I can really see why you love Ghibli music and films so much. NO WONDER. It made me feel like I could easily get up and waltz and I noticed I was walking in a more graceful way with my walker. Anyway, a special thank you for sharing your love for Ghibli.
Aw I was so glad to read this! It always makes me so happy when more people learn about the magic that is Ghibli :) If possible, I recommend seeing if you can watch the movie Howl's Moving Castle too, it's wonderful :) I wish you all the best with your hip surgery recovery and sending a hug your way. 🥰🌷
Your hair is beautiful! And so is your energy ❤ thank you! Blessed be, everyone
Very sound advice! What I discovered for myself is that I can shower without soap. Better for the environment and better for my skin. My skin feels much better, I do not need any lotion after showering. Only on the days when I shampoo my hair, then I use the foam for my body, too. I found out that is completely sufficient for me, and my husband confirms that the people surrounding me do not suffer 😅.
I hate how mean people can be about certain hair colours. I used to hate mine because some kid called it dirty blonde. Now I'm happy with it- and it doesn't even make sense because people pay lots of money to dull the brassy yellow tone of dyed blonde but naturally ashy blonde is apparently bad?? You can't win with some people. You should be able to do whatever you want with your hair ❤
Love that sweater on you, the colour really suits you 😊
Wow. I am amazed every time I watch your videos. Absolutely brilliant.
Thank you 🌷
More great ideas I loved. It's great to hear how these can work for us. I used to dye my hair blonde and stopped over 15 years ago. It took me a few years to get the encouragement to stop, but I was very relieved. Drama is something to avoid. If stressed from it, I meditate ❤
Hi Vera! I love your videos! My question is how did you make the transition from gift giving for relatives for holidays to what you are currently doing without upsetting your family members? How do you help them to understand what you would like to do differently? And what if they say “holidays aren’t about you, it’s a time to please others and do what they want”? I have three family members who are extremely difficult to shop for because they either have everything or they aren’t interested in a lot of material things. It takes me days of research and looking online to try and find something for them. 😕
Gosh Vera, you really know what I need!😅 Just two days ago I was checking online reusable period pants! And now here you are endorsing what I need...🤩👸🏻
Hahaha great timing then! 😁🌺
The tip on freeing the backlog is really interesting. I used to have a big list of books to read, but now I don't do it anymore. It save books on my wishlist on amazon just to not forget then, but I rarely see it again 😅 so maybe I could work on freeing that too.... For me, one change that I made to simplify my life is to have only one place to take notes of things. Before I have many notebooks and apps, but now I am downsizing it to just Notion, leaving my notebook for more creative and thinking processes.
I love these so much! I used to struggle a lot with exercising. because I don't like it much I would try to look for activities that made it more fun, like swimming (which I love) or dancing classes. But it ended up being so stressful. Classes that I need to arrive at a certain time, a lot of equipment and steps I needed to take. This year instead I suscribed to a gym that it's very close to my house (5 min), and while it's definitely not super fun, it's so much easier, and I've been keeping the routine for a longer time. I thought of your channel and how sometimes choosing easy over exciting is the right answer!
I was going to let my hair go natural after years of highlights and lowlights. My hairdresser told me the highlights helped give my hair volume since it's very fine. I did the highlights one more time but honestly didn't notice any difference in volume. Also it was very expensive.
I agree with all of your tips! These are awesome and I’m proud of myself for already doing a lot of these things. ❤ love finding like minded people. Thank you!
Thank you for a nice video. I try to do a quick tidy up and make sure my dishes are done before bed.
After I watched an other video from you i opened an app where I’m reading books and I saw that my backlog is 500+ books and deleted more than 200 bc they weren’t matching me anymore and now I feel feeewer anxious about not having time to read everything (in the world haha)
Hair stylist are so dishonest. I colored my own hair auburn or years and loved it. I also cut my own hair blunt cut at my tailbone. Now for 8 to 10 years my hair is virgin and I love it. I also got rid of the bangs. Love your channel
Completely agree about the backlog, it helps with decision fatigue A LOT
Nice, glad to see I'm not the only one 😁
Some small habits that help me simplify are systematize most repeat processes so that I can make it efficient, fast and easy by carefully reducing it to the most functional process that works for me. I also use capsule style wardrobe year round and at home or when traveling so I spend less time and effort deciding what to wear or what to pack and everything goes with each other item well while being easy to care for and comfortable. Lastly I try to find common and low cost products that do what I need to do and stick with it so I am not tempted to try or buy more expensive or newer versions of things except in rare occasions. Makes shopping faster and easier while also being cheaper in most cases.
Yes that all sounds very sensible and well thoguht out! :) Very nice suggestions!
Two of the simplest changes I’ve made over the years are daily walks and eating more whole food snacks. Makes life so much simpler not worrying about sodium, cholesterol, calories, and the like. I eat what I like, when I like and if a sweet is involved, it’s all good. My friends are often hypochondriacs, stressing about inane health things or chemicals, and I decided health and wellness doesn’t need to be complicated with diets or fads, unless of course you’re working with a professional. In that case, do you. But for me, a cookie with my tea is great, and a daily walk is enough exercise to count for something, if I can’t for whatever reason, do other movement that day. It keeps things positive and consistent. In terms of chemicals, I do my best to avoid, but if a body wash ranks a 5 on the Environmental Working Group database, I won’t just chuck it out. I grew up on simple foods and homemade meals, so if something has extra “bad” things in it, remembering the 80/20 rule- living healthy 80% of the time and enjoying the 20% for desserts, treats, occasional splurges- to me, is a life well lived. While I prioritize savings, my father also believed money and health can’t be taken with you when you pass away, and that’s how I strive to live my life now. It keeps life much more simple, to not over complicate it in the first place.
Also, when things come up or bills come in, I just do it then or pay to simplify. Don’t procrastinate easy things and let problems develop in the first place. And for extra exercise, I clean my house or leave early for appointments. Works just as well as a two hour work out, at least personally and less stress in traffic.