10 Best Purchases That I've EVER Made!! » MINIMALISM

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  • Опубликовано: 11 июн 2024
  • In today's video, I'm sharing the 10 BEST purchases I've ever made in my entire life! As a minimalist, a minimalist mom, and someone who extreme decluttered their entire home down to 8 suitcases I realized it's not so much about the THINGS, but rather about what value does that thing contributes to my life? These ten purchases helped me declutter my home, save money, reduce waste and be more sustainable, make extra cash, create better habits, and CHANGED MY LIFE in so many ways.
    Please enjoy and join our family for more practical minimalism ideas and tips!
    ► 🌟 JOIN OUR FAMILY:
    » RUclips: ruclips.net/user/AtoZenLife?...
    » INSTAGRAM: / atozenlife
    » BLOG: www.atozenlife.com/
    __________
    ► 🗣️LANGUAGE PROGRAMS:
    » Pimsleur: amzn.to/2YSIp5n
    » Assimil: amzn.to/3DFM2KY
    » FSI Chinese (free but out of date!): www.fsi-language-courses.org/...
    ► 📸 CAMERA GEAR:
    » Current camera: amzn.to/2TLIg0J
    » Vlogging lens: amzn.to/3zDIpDW
    » Bokeh lens: amzn.to/2SHHEt3
    » Vlog tripod: amzn.to/3vxfzSJ
    » My tripod: amzn.to/2SIaMjS
    » Neewer umbrella lights: amzn.to/3Qgf6jM
    ► 🌱 Skillshare (FREE one-month trial):
    » skillshare.eqcm.net/P0VM3X
    ► 🥷MORE FAVORITES:
    » All-Clad wok: amzn.to/3p6aCjV
    » Accutek scale: amzn.to/3aDei4n
    » Ninja blender: amzn.to/3mON8gE
    » Made Kano bed: prf.hn/l/64yOJZZ
    » Kindle (2018 model): amzn.to/3mUIptZ
    __________
    ► 🎁 MINIMALIST GIFTS BLOG POSTS:
    » 40 Minimalist Christmas Gifts: www.atozenlife.com/best-minim...
    » 37 Non-toy gifts for kids: www.atozenlife.com/best-non-t...
    ► 🥕MEATBALL RECIPE:
    » www.squirrelsofafeather.com/k...
    ► 💰SELLING CLUTTER BLOG POSTS:
    » 75 Things to Sell on eBay: www.squirrelsofafeather.com/5...
    » I Sold Everything (and Made $50k): atozenlife.com/selling-clutte...
    » How to Sell on eBay (20 Tips): www.squirrelsofafeather.com/h...
    __________
    ► ⏰ CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS:
    00:00 - Intro
    01:33 - Language programs
    03:33 - Solo train to Paris
    05:23 - A good camera
    07:49 - Education (not just school!)
    08:53 - All-Clad wok
    09:44 - A small scale (made me $50,000!)
    12:04 - Our dream home
    13:34 - Blender + food processor
    14:41 - Bed frame and mattress
    16:08 - eReader
    __________
    ABOUT A TO ZEN LIFE
    I was an emotional hoarder who couldn’t let go. My husband grew up in extreme poverty in rural China. Now we are a happy & debt-free minimalist family living our dream life in Europe.
    Minimalism changed my life - now I want to help YOU unclutter your happiness!
    OUR STORY: atozenlife.com/about-a-to-zen...
    __________
    NOTE: This description may contain affiliate links; these links allow you to find the items mentioned in this video at no additional cost to yourself. While this channel may earn a small amount when the viewer uses the links, the viewer is in NO WAY obligated to use these links.
    #minimalism #minimalist #money
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Комментарии • 294

  • @josefinep.malmborg6333
    @josefinep.malmborg6333 2 года назад +271

    Might be stupid but the best purchase I ever made so far are my braces. It has made me smile more than ever before and has made me feel so pretty

    • @AtoZenLife
      @AtoZenLife  2 года назад +28

      This is not stupid AT ALL! Smile with confidence, my friend. 😆

    • @josefinep.malmborg6333
      @josefinep.malmborg6333 2 года назад +5

      @@AtoZenLife Aw thank you 🤍🤍🤍

    • @billylambert782
      @billylambert782 2 года назад +12

      Me too, but then I got sick needed a liver transplant and the medication has destroyed my pretty teeth but hey I'm still alive and I can get dentures right!
      (I see a dentist they are probably not as bad as I think they are)

    • @michelleprice5945
      @michelleprice5945 2 года назад +10

      Not at all stupid! After seeing your comment it might actually be my best purchase as well, I paid for my own braces when I was 20 and I have loved my smile ever since! Wish I would have remembered to wear my retainer. 🤣

    • @bambierichardson4437
      @bambierichardson4437 2 года назад +1

      I always hated my front teeth as they overlapped, so a few years ago I had them replaced and now I smile 😃

  • @DemetriPanici
    @DemetriPanici 2 года назад +111

    A lot of people forget that when they embrace minimalism that means living intentionally. Which means you have things / buy things but just things that bring value

  • @katb7375
    @katb7375 2 года назад +55

    My best purchase has been my house. After years of renting, I was FINALLY able to afford my own house. Having my own space has helped me actually save a bunch of money because my mortgage payment is half of rent in my area. Having my own space has been priceless.

    • @MarielaMerino
      @MarielaMerino 2 года назад +2

      this is inspiring :)

    • @ValleyOakPaper
      @ValleyOakPaper Год назад +5

      I live in the SF Bay Area, where real estate prices are ridiculous. On the recommendation of my hair dresser, I looked at mobile homes and ended up purchasing one. It's been huge for my mental health to not have any shared walls. My mortgage plus park fee is about the same as my rent was, but I'm so much happier. All I had to do was overcome the stigma that I had attached to mobile homes in my mind.

  • @colleenbarry5197
    @colleenbarry5197 2 года назад +72

    Best EVER purchase was a tandem bicycle in 2006! I was in terrible shape, starting to recover from severe vitamin D deficiency and not only did riding with my husband get me in better and better shape, it gave us a way to spend many fun hours together. We ride 3 days a week now and log close to 100 miles a week. Our goal for the year is 3000 miles and we are currently close to 2700 miles. We live in Colorado and ride on the dry days even when it is under 30 degrees F.

  • @adorablebydesign
    @adorablebydesign 2 года назад +79

    My best purchase was laser eye surgery! I put it off for a long time due to lack of money and fear of the recovery, but it was 100% worth it! My vision was so terrible that my contacts and glasses were super expensive, so I decided to take the plunge. I didn't realize how much it meant to me to be free of my glasses/contacts until afterwards. I had never met anyone (including my family members!) with a prescription even close to how mine was. I was -8.5 in both eyes. If your eyes are as bad as mine were (or worse), please do whatever you need to get laser eye surgery! It's really life-changing!

    • @annaf.1109
      @annaf.1109 2 года назад

      Same! 😊👍

    • @Woeschhuesli
      @Woeschhuesli 2 года назад

      Will you have to get reading glasses as you age?

    • @Intilla
      @Intilla 2 года назад +1

      I had laser eye surgery and i was -4.5 in both eyes. Wasn't as bad as yours, but still bad. SO worth it!!

    • @adorablebydesign
      @adorablebydesign 2 года назад

      @@Woeschhuesli Likely yes, it's just how most human eyes age. But even then, I won't need to wear glasses on top of contacts or bifocals.

    • @beccaschlomann7592
      @beccaschlomann7592 2 года назад +1

      I have -9.75 and -11 in my eyes 😭😭😭 I have thought about eye surgery for years but my eyes still keep changing even though I’m in my late 30’s. 😞 My sister has similarly poor vision and my husband is around yours. I know someone with eye sight about as bad as mine. Unfortunately, it seems really poor eye sight isn’t as uncommon as I thought (though definitely not super common either).

  • @katerinavlckova2547
    @katerinavlckova2547 2 года назад +25

    My best "purchase" ever was my trip solo to France. It completely changed my view on relationships cause the best week of my life has been when I was alone there. So I know that I'll never end up in an abusive relationship ever again cause being solo made me feel like the main character, not lonely ❤️

  • @MissAguce
    @MissAguce 2 года назад +25

    My best purchase was menstrual cup. I have it for probably more than 10 years. It has saved me so much money and it's so much more comfortable and easier to use than traditional alternatives.

  • @Beulah5144
    @Beulah5144 2 года назад +55

    My top best purchase was a used book that literally changed my life…it gave me the courage to leave an abusive relationship…I’m so thankful that someone decided to pass that book along! That lead me to the love of my life & tomorrow will be our 12th wedding anniversary! My other great purchases are my Dyson vacuum, which I thought was really overpriced but I have gotten my moneys worth & then some, my instant pot, because I am a soup & stew person, our sweet ARF dog that I bought my husband on Black Friday(love ya Maggie), our Sleep Number bed AND…my German made electric toothbrush! All of these things are life changing & improving! As always, I adore your videos, your doing an excellent job! Love you!! Lisa

    • @AtoZenLife
      @AtoZenLife  2 года назад +6

      Thanks for having the courage to share your story, Lisa - I’m glad you are in a MUCH better place. Hugs from Germany 🇩🇪 🤗. All great choices!

    • @june.w.1288
      @june.w.1288 2 года назад +5

      May I ask what is the title of that book? Thanks!

    • @Beulah5144
      @Beulah5144 2 года назад +7

      @@june.w.1288 The book is “ Getting Them Sober” by Toby Rice Drews

  • @HeatherJones_n3centz
    @HeatherJones_n3centz 2 года назад +23

    A 1965 Mustang. It belonged to my father and he sold it when I was a sophomore in high school. When I was 19 years old I tracked it down and bought it back. We both loved that car and I would come home from college every weekend in the last months of his life and take him out riding in it. Those are memories I will treasure for the rest of my life and I am so grateful I bought that car. Definitely the best purchase of my life thus far.

    • @AtoZenLife
      @AtoZenLife  2 года назад +4

      Well, this comment made me cry this morning 😭 - what a beautiful story! Thanks for making my day. ❤️

    • @HeatherJones_n3centz
      @HeatherJones_n3centz 2 года назад +1

      @@AtoZenLife Thank you!

  • @beatrizs3411
    @beatrizs3411 2 года назад +8

    I'm 22 years old, I live in Brazil and my best purchases were my bike, kindle, menstrual cup (it's MANDATORY for girls who ride a bike) and taking care of my teeth and knees. All of these things happened this year and I'm very proud of having achieved so much, even though I'm earn so little as an intern. I'm grateful for being so focused and for achieving things that bring dignity to my life. My next goals are to get an IUD, braces, treat my ADHD, and buy a good mattress. Your channel has helped a lot in my minimalist journey, I am eternally grateful to have known your channel and to have the opportunity to know your history and journey. You are a beautiful soul, Marissa, one of a kind. Thank you very much.

  • @michelle-prieto
    @michelle-prieto 2 года назад +25

    My best purchase ever: Lasik eye surgery 18 years ago! I'm very frugal, but that money was worth every penny. Thanks for your down to earth and authentic videos :)

    • @Icecandy1882
      @Icecandy1882 2 года назад

      Lasik was the best purchase for me too! 12 years ago!

    • @y.peffle2802
      @y.peffle2802 2 года назад

      Yes! Had it done 10 years ago. Its paid itself back many times since glasses/contacts/eye Dr visits add up. My husband had it done recently ... his union paid 80% of it... wish we knew earlier

  • @TheNerdistheWord
    @TheNerdistheWord 2 года назад +37

    My best purchase was after we moved last year and bought my husbands grandfathers home where my father in law grew up with his siblings. We refinished all the hardwoods and put down matching hardwoods throughout. It was a huge investment that thankfully we did before wood prices went up. They look incredible and I’m so glad we did it!

    • @AtoZenLife
      @AtoZenLife  2 года назад +1

      Oh I’m so glad you got such a great opportunity to buy something so meaningful! Yeah the prices of lumber have been crazy lately, that was good timing. 👏

  • @flohough1870
    @flohough1870 Год назад +5

    Best purchase: travel. So many people put it off saying "we will do this when we retire", but we decided against it and started in our 30s. I'm so glad we did, we've had so many great experiences. Then 2020 hit. Then in 2021 my husband had a mild stroke and even though his recovery has enabled him to go back to work, our travel plans are still somewhat in limbo at the moment. My advice to anyone waiting to travel is don't wait! Do it now! You don't know what tomorrow may bring.

  • @ironuckles
    @ironuckles 2 года назад +6

    My best purchase is a guitar. I had a cheaper one before but decided to buy a nicer one when I paid off my debt after college. I have owned that guitar for almost 15 years now and still play it almost every single day. It brings me so much joy and so much value over the years.

  • @danceontamaralynnburcombe2159
    @danceontamaralynnburcombe2159 2 года назад +10

    Ski passes! It was tough, but every year from the time the kids were 3 and 7, we invested in a family ski pass. Our children are now 14 & 18 and we still ski together as a family. Our ski 🎿 hill memories will last a lifetime. Investing in experiences is definitely the way to go. I love your Chanel more than you’ll ever know. Thank you for just being you!

  • @goulash64
    @goulash64 Год назад +1

    One of my best purchases was a bidet. Can't live without it now.

  • @mojyoqueen350
    @mojyoqueen350 9 месяцев назад +1

    My best purchase ever was a drawing tablet. Both of my drawing tablet. First one was a cheap one, but it brought me so much joy and thought me so many skills, but it broke after few years... But my second drawing tablet, much more expensive and with a screen brought me even more joy and pushed my art to a next level. I still have it and I can't imagine my life without it. My second best purchase was a kitchen whisk - I'd dreamed about it my whole childhood, but my parents would always refuse and as soon as I had my own money I bought it and it is the other thing I use A LOT and I truly missed it my whole life. I'm grateful to have it and I actually prefer to use it over a kitchen robot. Maybe because cooking is funnier that way, maybe because I really wanted it for so long, but I am not switching it for any other equipment!.

  • @Claycat4
    @Claycat4 2 года назад +36

    I love my Kindle! I read a ton, so it was a great purchase. I was able to get a digital access card for the Harris County Public Library (Houston). It is open to all Texas residents. It has a huge selection of ebooks and audio books. It is great for me, because we are retired and have limited funds. I'm sure there are similar programs in other states.

    • @AtoZenLife
      @AtoZenLife  2 года назад +7

      Yes, this is SUCH a good tip! I have been looking for similar here in Germany, but because of the language barrier I’m having trouble figuring out their websites. 😅 I know it is THERE I just have trouble figuring it out - wish me luck! 🍀

    • @kelsg5
      @kelsg5 Год назад +1

      My mum bought one of the original kindles years ago, so sad now because its out of date and for some reason can't be updated or used any more. She bought it with the little money she got from her fathers death too. So sad. Now it just sits there as she can't part with it due to the way she purchased it. She now just listens to audible

    • @Claycat4
      @Claycat4 Год назад

      @@kelsg5 Since I posted this, I have had cataract surgery, so I listen to books a lot more. Audible is expensive. I had to cancel when I retired, but I have a membership to a digital library, and I can borrow audiobooks to put on my phone.

    • @danicegewiss862
      @danicegewiss862 Год назад +1

      My Kindle is an app on my cellphone. I have a Kindle membership so I read a lot more books as a result.

  • @sarahbannon4752
    @sarahbannon4752 2 года назад +9

    My best purchase was also a trip to Paris for my 40th birthday! It still gives me so much joy to look at the photos and relive my time there, money, very much, well spent!

    • @AtoZenLife
      @AtoZenLife  2 года назад +2

      Awesome! What was your favorite part of Paris?

    • @sarahbannon4752
      @sarahbannon4752 2 года назад

      I really enjoyed Versailles, which I know isn’t in Paris, but I love history, especially the period of the French Revolution, so it was a fascinating place.

  • @margaretlynch4605
    @margaretlynch4605 2 года назад +7

    It's hard to decide the best, but my backpack that I got at a garage sale for $3 has gone with me everywhere . . . no car . . .I walk everywhere . . .thank you for your blog, it's so great that you share your journey from the pain of separation to your "joyful" home. This gives great hope to everyone.

  • @carolinewehmeier6602
    @carolinewehmeier6602 6 месяцев назад

    One of my favorite purchases has been a collapsible, portable water bowl for my dog. I spent $3 and have used it so much since she loves going on walks with me.

  • @minstrelgirl451
    @minstrelgirl451 2 года назад +3

    I am someone who likes (and needs) to be thrifty... but two of the best purchases I have ever made required letting go of that to really invest in myself and others. First, I upgraded my violin bow with my high school graduation gifts. From a sweet sounding, but bouncy, bow my grandma had used in high school, to a beautifully responsive one that improved the sweet tone I loved with actually *cooperating* with me so I could play harder techniques and not be fighting all the time. Choosing it, and playing on it now, remains a great experience!
    The other is a solo plane trip to Washington for a friend's wedding. It was my first solo travel, too! Even though it was over quickly, I gained confidence, connected with friends in a time I was struggling, aaaand learned and used a new skill - square-dancing! 100% would do it again!

  • @Qrulez
    @Qrulez Год назад +1

    My best purchase ever was a cheap little Haworthia plant from Ikea. It's so easy to care for and it keeps making pups. I have around 20 of them now and dozens more given away as gifts to family and friends over the years. All offspring of that one first plant 😊

  • @sylviesoucie9310
    @sylviesoucie9310 2 года назад +12

    My best purchase was to get the audiobook “Decluttering at the speed of life” by Dana White! That’s how we started our journey. It led us to our dream of owning a small travel trailer. Our new way of simple living gave us the time and energy of having every week evening of the summer dedicated to sports and camping every weekend. So grateful!

    • @AtoZenLife
      @AtoZenLife  2 года назад +1

      That is AMAZING Sylvie! Thanks for sharing. ❤️

  • @bonitaquandt4862
    @bonitaquandt4862 2 года назад +10

    Love your channel! And, my first best purchase was at age 18, cashed out my life insurance policy (taken out by my parents as a child) and used the proceeds to pay for my first semester in college AND a pair of contact lens. College, and a new look as an incoming freshman created a whole new paradigm for my life. I had lived as a rural poor child, and transformed into a confident, co-ed on campus within a week! This set my entire vision of my future in a new direction.

    • @AtoZenLife
      @AtoZenLife  2 года назад

      Wow, what a story! What did you study, by the way? (If you don’t mind sharing…)

    • @bonitaquandt4862
      @bonitaquandt4862 2 года назад +2

      @@AtoZenLife Thank you for your interest! I enrolled in Elementary Education, but changed my major to Environmental Biology. (Yet another reflection of my paradigm change.) At the time, I was one of three women majoring in Biology at my university.

    • @cherylT321
      @cherylT321 Год назад

      That’s wonderful!

  • @juliajacq
    @juliajacq 10 месяцев назад

    Probably my Miele vacuum, my Invisaligns, and the wood flooring for my home. Of course and my home too. We got it just before the value doubled and are so grateful we bought when we did.

  • @samramsey1142
    @samramsey1142 2 года назад +5

    I feel my best purchase has honestly been photo albums I tried doing everything digital and found that as an excuse to keep EVERY PHOTO even blurry ones and I have old family albums and such and now the meaningful ones I am printing and putting in albums and the others I am deleting I also still have some physical I am going through but instead of digitizing I'm decluttering the ones I don't want and anything I keep I also digitized for safe keeping now kids can enjoy photos and I've limited my number of albums and it makes life way more enjoyable for us

  • @sleeplessinchicago9082
    @sleeplessinchicago9082 Год назад +1

    Embracing minimalism makes us realize that the best things in life are not material in nature. One of the best memories of my life was the Mozart's Marriage of Figaro performance at the Chicago Lyric Opera in the middle of the week when people did not want to leave at the end and applauded the performers for more than an hour. Another one (s) were our visits to Italy, including Venice, Rome, Florence, and the small cities. I was fortunate enough to see the Sistine Chapel ceiling before and after restoration. How many people have done that? Also, loved seeing La Sagrada Familia with my own eyes. Or watching the sunset on a beach with our daughter. All these memories are absolutely priceless and have made my life worth living.

  • @jeandale7719
    @jeandale7719 2 года назад +1

    My best purchase was 2 trips to Costa Rica with my best friend. This was 12 years ago when I was 65. I still enjoy the photos.

  • @okorolina
    @okorolina 2 года назад +7

    My best purchase that I can think of off the top of my head is my Vitamix blender and I've been using it everyday since my son was born 12yrs ago! Such an awesome purchase. I also really like my IKEA bookshelf which ended up being in my son's room and it helps him organize his books, art and other favorite things. I'm going to invest in that scale, that would be awesome

    • @danicegewiss862
      @danicegewiss862 Год назад

      My husband loves our Vitamix. We use it a lot.

  • @AtoZenLife
    @AtoZenLife  2 года назад +11

    Please like this video and comment below with YOUR BEST PURCHASE!! "Price is what you pay. Value is what you get." - Warren Buffett. 💻 Read the blog post here: www.atozenlife.com/best-minimalist-purchases/

  • @veganryori
    @veganryori 2 года назад +32

    My best purchase was when I spent money making my dream of moving to Japan to learn Japanese come true! Wouldn't have been able to do it if it wasn't for my amazing mum leaving me enough to do it with a note that said "travel like I never could when I was your age". I miss her so much. Now I can't even go to Japan 😭 stupid pandemic. I would say that my degrees haven't got me anything much other than PTSD though 😂🙈 At least people have to call me Dr 🤪🤣

  • @janebutz5375
    @janebutz5375 Год назад +2

    New subscriber and I love your channel. I especially appreciate your candor and vulnerability in discussing emotional issues. I, too, have worked on my past and we share some of the same helpful books. I would also like to recommend two more; Debbie Ford’s The Dark Side of the Light Chasers and Byron Katie’s Loving What Is. Also, I have traveled in Germany, so it’s nice to hear about your experiences. Having descended from many Germans, I was uncomfortable about their history and a bit hesitant to visit, and what I discovered was that they are really trying to make amends and not hide behind any excuses. I think they have done a much better job of educating their people. I think Americans could learn a lot. I am also a food person and the cuisine is so much more than brats and sauerkraut! Also, so nice to experience your relationship with your hubby. Looks like you have been fearless in facing your history and I am grateful you are willing to share your journey.

  • @marykay4615
    @marykay4615 2 года назад +4

    Best purchase I ever made was to buy our house! My Husband and I were teen parents and the thought of ever owning a home seemed impossible but with hard work we bought our house 16 years ago this month.

  • @melissastanton5647
    @melissastanton5647 9 месяцев назад

    My best purchases: a little rechargeable night lamp I attach to my book or journal at night. My iPhone 11 I bought 3 years ago because I use it so much. Some wireless headphones I use to listen to RUclips make phone calls, podcast. And personal blenders to make my smoothies in a pinch.

  • @ceciliefranciska899
    @ceciliefranciska899 2 года назад +6

    My insulated Klean Kanteen water bottle and my environmentally friendly cork bag are my two favorite things. I researched for months and thought about it for months before I made my purchase. Never been so pleased about a purchase in my life. Other than that I have to agree with a lot of other people here, spending money on travel is my best spent money ever. We as a family have a lot of good memories from traveling far and close.

  • @ericaa.2022
    @ericaa.2022 2 года назад +6

    "At the end the only thing that you take from the life is the life that you take." 🌻

  • @gemUPS
    @gemUPS 2 года назад +6

    Same here, my education. Bachelor of Nursing undergrad after 5 years took up law where I met new friends for life and a major career change with better pay and benefits.

    • @AtoZenLife
      @AtoZenLife  2 года назад +2

      Sounds like you made a good move that paid off in more ways than one! 🙌

  • @michelleprice5945
    @michelleprice5945 2 года назад +7

    You totally crack me up!! I'm sitting at my son's gymnastics class, working on my laptop, listening and watching you and when you said your husband loved the plants to death by over fertilizing them I just lost it! Thanks for the much needed smile and laugh today!! ❤️ Watching from Northwest Indiana!

    • @AtoZenLife
      @AtoZenLife  2 года назад +2

      Thanks Michelle, glad you enjoyed. And RIP to Rowena, Helga, and Godric - only Salazar made it through, go figure. 😅

    • @june.w.1288
      @june.w.1288 2 года назад

      @@AtoZenLife oh I am a Potterhead too 😍 one of my best purchases was buying the whole series in German as an ebook, because I read them again and again, and this way I can practice my German too. Hugs to you 🤗

  • @sabrinan442
    @sabrinan442 2 года назад +4

    One small thing that is one of my best purchases is a hair trimmer for around 30€. Since a few years i'm cutting my husbands hair and yesterday my son (1,5 years old) got his first hair cut. Saved us so much money.
    Greetings from western Germany :)

  • @emmalleedoublev7138
    @emmalleedoublev7138 2 года назад +3

    So far, my best purchase has been my electric tea kettle. I didn't know how much I loved tea until I bought this. I use it everyday and it brings me so much joy. Its one of the few things I own that I would immediately buy a new one if this one broke.

    • @zoeolsson5683
      @zoeolsson5683 2 года назад

      I love my kettle .... Have always had one but got a model I really loved.

  • @l0vexaile
    @l0vexaile 2 года назад +7

    is it ok to know where you got your couch?
    my favorite purchases are my house and braces (when I was younger). i grew up low income and my family rented. almost every year, we moved to a new house or my parents got evicted and we were forced to move. i never felt stable. i was always moving from place to place and had to go to different schools. i was originally really social but constantly being the new girl made me really shy and had a hard time talking to ppl. buying my home has such a big impact on my life.
    i grew up with really "ugly" teeth. i felt so insecure about it and never smiled. when i was 20, i finally saved enough money to get braces. i was so happy about it when it was removed because my biggest insecurity was gone. i hated knowing i couldn't change my teeth just because my family couldn't afford it. my little sister had the same issue growing up so i got her braces when she was a teenager.

  • @hudaalamam4178
    @hudaalamam4178 2 года назад +1

    My live coaching sessions that boosted my emotional health and my confidence so much. My first trip alone, I went to a retreat. Every trip alone after that. My camera and its equipments, the small drawers inside my closet to organize the closet even more. Hikking shoes that are water proof. My hikking bag that back friendly. Oooh, there are many that I loved and enjoyed

  • @aichansocean
    @aichansocean 2 года назад +11

    my best purchases (so far) were all the overseas trips between US and Asia, visiting my parents before the pandemic. I did my best to see my parents with my husband and kids whenever possible (spring break, summer, winter break.) My dad passed away unexpectedly in his sleep last year. Although I was shocked and very sad that he is no longer with us (my mom has now moved in with us), I have no regret as I did my best to be with him.

  • @y.peffle2802
    @y.peffle2802 2 года назад +1

    Recently baught a live edge wood coffee table featuring the 1950s at an estate sale , I'll keep it for the rest tof my life!

  • @funandsuch
    @funandsuch Год назад +1

    My e-reader is definitely one of my top purchases ever too! I a bought a refurbished one when I was in college. I didn't really use it much then. But after I moved abroad it was such value to me. I can easily find whatever books I want in English. And I don't need to waste space in my little, Asian apartment. And they last forever!

  • @thaisarvelos1
    @thaisarvelos1 2 года назад +3

    Some of my best purchases that come to mind: 1 - muay thai lessons 2 - italian lessons 3 - kindle 4 - good water bottle 5 - good eyeglasses

  • @francoiselafferty-hancock5112
    @francoiselafferty-hancock5112 4 месяца назад

    Maybe not the best purchase of my life ( i bought it three weeks ago) but i absolutely love the new oil cloth peg bag that hangs on my washing line. It's got beautiful yellow flowers on it and evertime i see and use it, i feel so happy and it makes me smile. It's really durable, means i don't have to bend down to pick up pegs off the ground and im going to save money not having to keep buying pegs that get run over by the lawnmower or buried in the grass.

  • @myname7303
    @myname7303 2 года назад +12

    Marissa I’m going to write this again: I really appreciate your sense of humor!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 great video as always! Like like like your channel 🐿🍂

    • @AtoZenLife
      @AtoZenLife  2 года назад +2

      Thanks so much, Anna. 🤗

    • @tothemoon09
      @tothemoon09 2 года назад

      THANK YOU. I never see anyone comment on her humor...it's so underrated

  • @Icecandy1882
    @Icecandy1882 2 года назад +2

    for me it's my trips abroad AND LASIK procedure! Regaining back my PERFECT VISION was the best investment ever. It made swimming, sports and adventure activities (skydiving, paragliding etc) more enjoyable. BTW, it led to less clutter too, no more eyeglasses, eyeglass cases, contact lenses, cleaning solutions etc.
    And of life coaching sessions :D Pricey but completely made life less stressful and helped me make better choices

  • @FITGAL1968
    @FITGAL1968 7 месяцев назад

    My chihuahua , the best 650 dollars ever spent ❤🥰🐶 I think about her everyday and miss her so much

  • @susanreichelt1868
    @susanreichelt1868 2 года назад +2

    7:17 🤣🤣🤣 best slowmo scene. You put a lot of work and love into your videos and I learnt a lot from you. Thank you for all your videos. 🤗

  • @Candywarhol
    @Candywarhol 10 месяцев назад

    Living in Evanston, watching people go to grad school changed my life.

  • @bethdouglass3328
    @bethdouglass3328 2 года назад +6

    Traveling internationally is my best and most enriching investment. I can’t wait for the world to settle down so I can journey outside the US again.

  • @danicegewiss862
    @danicegewiss862 Год назад +1

    My laptop was an awesome purchase. I use it to study online and set up my small business. My printer connected to it nicely. It takes far less space than a desktop computer and the pricetag worked for me.

  • @pamelapeterson2987
    @pamelapeterson2987 Год назад

    Agree with most of these for myself, except the camera. I don't take very many photos...I realized whenever I take a photo, I take myself out of the enjoyment of the moment and become just an observer...but I travel with friends who are amazing amateur photographers, and I let them do their thing and benefit from their photo memories. In place of camera, I would add my laptop to the list, because it has allowed me to work from anywhere.

  • @clairemontgomerycampbell5261
    @clairemontgomerycampbell5261 2 года назад +3

    My two favourite purchases I made in October 2019. A 🐕 and a trampoline. 🤣 Who would have known a pandemic and days in lockdown were ahead. These have been invaluable for getting me out for a walk and getting my son's moving during our long lockdowns in Melbourne, Australia. ❤️ Love your videos 💖

    • @ajuasa
      @ajuasa 7 месяцев назад

      Yes, here, trampoline too, also purchased 2019! :)

  • @leeannparker6626
    @leeannparker6626 Год назад

    I love your videos! You make me laugh, cry, and you give so much encouragement my new minimalist journey. Thank you for all your hard work!

  • @kathleensmith8336
    @kathleensmith8336 2 года назад

    What a great list! I have (or experienced) some of the items on this list, and I've realized that I have a lot to be grateful for. Makes me feel the need to purge things that don't add to my life. Thank you!

  • @jandkhilbert
    @jandkhilbert Год назад

    My best gift has been my winter coat from my Mom 23 years ago. It looks new

  • @VickyHafler
    @VickyHafler 2 года назад +1

    Wow… this question!
    I think it is a coat/shoe holder that goes by our door. With no coat closet this has helped so much in keeping the family room clutter free.

  • @namiyourworld2116
    @namiyourworld2116 2 года назад +1

    Meine Gitarre!!! My guitar! From my first proper salary - I was 17 - I bought a nice guitar and it still makes me happy after more than 25 years! 🙌💃

  • @caseyodem1009
    @caseyodem1009 2 года назад +2

    My "Kindle" e-reader has been a great purchase. I love to read. It provides a huge library without needing bookshelf space!

    • @AtoZenLife
      @AtoZenLife  2 года назад +1

      Good space saving for readers. 🙌 📚

  • @naomybergeron1205
    @naomybergeron1205 Год назад

    My best purchase was probably the blanket that a bought in equator when I was 16 and I bring it everywhere I go

  • @lapetiterosedupetitprince
    @lapetiterosedupetitprince 2 года назад

    It was so adorable when you spoke a bit in french !! Lovely accent !
    Thank you for the video

  • @lal5298
    @lal5298 2 года назад +1

    I love your videos! I find that the content resonates with me at this particular season in my life😉. Thank you for sharing your wisdom😊
    Best two purchases ever were :
    1) Lasix eye surgery- no more glasses, contact lenses, contact lense solution, dry eyes etc. This surgery more than paid for itself with the money I saved .
    2) solo trip to Asia in 2008, it was the first time I’ve ever traveled alone. This trip was transformative in a such positive way, I grew as an individual and became more confident as a result. I was also able to experience several cultures from another perspective which is priceless!

  • @lixxlizards8799
    @lixxlizards8799 2 года назад +3

    Bed frame, breadmaker, jewelry box, and air fryer. I really love baroque style furniture and found my claw foot bed that was originally 4k for the frame for 250 because its oak and alot of people dont like it I also happened to find the same style/color jewelry box in a thrift store. The bread machine and air fryer speak for themselves in my kitchen hands down would buy again I prefer the bread machine over a kitchenaid stand mixer

    • @AtoZenLife
      @AtoZenLife  2 года назад

      Your furniture sounds AMAZING! Our kitchen cabinets are also solid oak, and our table too… Love a good, solid piece of oak. Thanks for sharing! ✨

  • @CandySoulAndSoil
    @CandySoulAndSoil 2 года назад +2

    My caravan by the ocean was my best purchase. ❤️

  • @rebeccamurphy4695
    @rebeccamurphy4695 Год назад

    My best and favorite purchase is my car! I've had a car since 1988 but my current one is my forever car. It's a 2013 VW Beetle convertible, grey with a black top and is the cutest thing I have ever seen or owned. I got it when we lived in Southern California and now we live in NW Montana and there is a total lack of public transportation in both of those places (suburbs and rural respectively)

  • @MsYoungteacher
    @MsYoungteacher 2 года назад +1

    My best purchase was an electrical cargo bike that has a bench and seatbelts for our 2 kids. I use it every single day to drive the kids to school and hobbies, to go go work and to go grocery shopping once a week.

  • @meh5069
    @meh5069 2 года назад +2

    My best purchase has been GOOD pots, pans (all-clad) and knives for my kitchen, and kissing my terrible shark away for a Miele vacuum! Completely changed the game for me lol.

    • @AtoZenLife
      @AtoZenLife  2 года назад +2

      I love all of these, such good choices . 👍

  • @msunshine4412
    @msunshine4412 2 года назад

    Thank you for your list of helpful items. Some are things I'd never considered. I appreciate your thoughtful and informative videos.

  • @BVoshol
    @BVoshol 2 года назад +1

    My dog. And then the subsequent training classes.
    Because of her, I am now a dog trainer!
    Then my menstrual cup. Seriously just makes my period that much easier which is so important.

  • @hushpuppy9225
    @hushpuppy9225 Год назад

    2 best purchases: 1) I always keep a tiny Swiss Army Knife on my keychain. They're about $15-25 and between the toothpick, tweezers, nail file and scissors, I use it constantly. Ironically it's the knife itself I don't use that often. 2) Another "thing" is a AAA membership. It's so inexpensive for the service you get (about $50 per year) and has saved me from some hairy situations on highways to a dead battery when I need to get to work. It's an awesome gift for college students too. Back then I was always running out of gas. Yikes
    Thanks for your videos.

  • @deannajohnson3933
    @deannajohnson3933 Год назад

    When I was younger, my sister and I had the same kindle as you. It's so great!

  • @aquamar1003
    @aquamar1003 Год назад +2

    My first ever clothing pattern!
    I love clothes and different especially more historic styles and good quality material clothing is either nowhere to be found or really expensive. And learning how to sew from my ma is a very good experience :)
    Thank you for the video, I’m binge-watching a lot of your content after deciding to live more minimal again :) (maximalism stressed me out)

  • @jenniferbrandenstein5680
    @jenniferbrandenstein5680 2 года назад +1

    Best purchase ever, our two story Tudor home. For many reasons a dream for both of us.

  • @bibib6085
    @bibib6085 2 года назад +3

    Best purchases : therapy/counselling, travel/experiences, braces and recently a house 🏠 💜 xx

    • @AtoZenLife
      @AtoZenLife  2 года назад +2

      Awesome and congratulations 🎉 on the house! 🏠

  • @alexandraheidi2114
    @alexandraheidi2114 2 года назад +1

    Liebe Marissa, ich kann mir gar nicht vorstellen, in einem einer Wohnung zu leben, in der die Holzböden nicht knarren. Ein knarrender Boden macht aus einem Haus ein Zuhause. Eure Wohnung in Berlin ist einfach wunderbar, ich freue mich, dass ihr euch dort so wohl und geborgen fühlt. Alles Liebe❣

  • @KirjaSusi
    @KirjaSusi Год назад +1

    My best purchases is DD Hammocks Superlight hammock, I sleep in hammock almost every night. Titanium 750ml camping cup, Mora Outdoor 2000 puukko knive and De Buyer carbon steel frying pan.

  • @nusatesar2303
    @nusatesar2303 Год назад

    My top purchase is my blanket, it was cheap and i use it everday on the sofa 🛋️

  • @77aaaaaaa
    @77aaaaaaa 2 года назад

    Hey dear I liked your home and you know in our home always parents exists even though physically we can't see them. They too must be proud of you :)

  • @wandrousvindella716
    @wandrousvindella716 2 года назад

    All Clad for the win! I got a set for my "divorce home" during the "bridal special" month of June. Now I'm getting my second induction range~ game changer! Now looking for my first Airstream in retirement~

  • @jamesbriggs5740
    @jamesbriggs5740 2 года назад

    A set of cookware we bought when my son was little. He's almost 29 now.
    Our house. It's a two-family unit. My son lives downstairs. 💙 We are so happy with it.
    Kathy B

  • @Dubai_Real_Estate_Vision
    @Dubai_Real_Estate_Vision 2 года назад +1

    Love the video, especially your photos 🥰

  • @andrealopcon
    @andrealopcon Год назад

    I was going to say my nowadays cello, a 1950 Haskolek construction, because I love its sound, feel... and I need it to work! but I'm going to be honest. My best purchase was probably my first cello, a veeery bad and awful one, but cheap enough to buy it when I did never played cello. Now it's my job and passion at the same time...

  • @alessandrasweetman811
    @alessandrasweetman811 Год назад

    Marissa..you are the friend anybody would be lucky to have! About plants for your balcony that you can't possibly kill I suggest herbs: rosemary, thyme and also lavander which are all perennials

  • @lifewithlarsandsusie8315
    @lifewithlarsandsusie8315 2 года назад

    It’s hard to think of just one because I have a lot of things i really appreciate- many same as yours!

  • @jannekemeijer-wouters3270
    @jannekemeijer-wouters3270 2 года назад +1

    My best purchase is a klean kanteen wilde insulated thermo cup. I travel a lot bij train and having my tea with me really makes my day

    • @AtoZenLife
      @AtoZenLife  2 года назад

      I’ve heard a lot of people mention Kleen Kanteen- tea on the train sounds great!

    • @jannekemeijer-wouters3270
      @jannekemeijer-wouters3270 2 года назад

      @@AtoZenLife it doesn't leak that is a big big plus 🙂

  • @jenblindert9093
    @jenblindert9093 2 года назад +1

    My prescription (running) sunglasses 😎🏃‍♀️

  • @connierush4563
    @connierush4563 2 года назад

    The best purchase I have made in my kitchen is a German made skillet by Berndes. I was give a shallow one as a gift. Super easy to clean and works so well I bought the deeper one last year and it is fantastic! I don’t need another skillet.

  • @winterspring3402
    @winterspring3402 2 года назад +1

    my dog was my best purchase ever (adopted)

  • @maribethvance9958
    @maribethvance9958 Год назад

    Our leather sleeper sofa, purchased in 1996 for a whopping $2200! That's a huge amount for 26 years ago,but it looks brand new and the color and style has never gone out of date. I have NEVER wanted to get rid of it, unlike thousands of other purchases!

  • @janieclaypool9842
    @janieclaypool9842 Год назад +1

    Yeah, I understand. I have purchased the Breville juicer TWICE! And decluttered it twice. Apparently I am not a juicer, no matter how much I want to be.

  • @AnetaHorakova
    @AnetaHorakova 2 года назад

    I got mine kindle in 2011 as well and it is still working! Mine actually does not even have any scratches or any stains and it is immortal.

  • @vincestaude0812
    @vincestaude0812 2 года назад +1

    Thank you very much for this video, Marissa. I truly enjoyed it. - Well, my best purchases were a week in South Japan in 1999, my bible and investing in learning. - Do you know Blinkist? It is perfect to find out if a book will suit you as you will receive an complete 15 minutes overview of the subject. Also a nice way to figure out which book/subject to learn next time.

  • @ouraussiefamily5244
    @ouraussiefamily5244 2 года назад

    Best money we have ever spent is our home. It’s cosy, in a lovely suburb and we have so many happy memories here. Invaluable money and trips have included Europe where we got engaged and then a second time to travel around with our daughter when she was 3. She learnt so much and we have so many beautiful memories together.

  • @lydiaschicklin5978
    @lydiaschicklin5978 2 года назад +2

    Hello Marissa! So proud and happy for your achievements! Bravo! À bientôt ! Bisous d'Alsace 😁🤗😘

    • @AtoZenLife
      @AtoZenLife  2 года назад +1

      Bisous! How was my pronunciation? Do I have a strong American accent?

    • @lydiaschicklin5978
      @lydiaschicklin5978 2 года назад

      Tour accent IS excellent! Bravo ! Bisous à vous tous 😘❤️🌹🍀😀

  • @brandvegnz7925
    @brandvegnz7925 2 года назад +1

    I traveled to and lived in South Korea for over 6 years. We were minimalists because of the nature of our tenuous situation and never knowing when we would want to leave. We traveled Asia and did it for a lot less than I believe most would because we spent so little and had 0 debt outside of my university debt (which I paid off in a little under 8 years).

  • @AnaViolinViola
    @AnaViolinViola Год назад

    My best purchases:
    1. Master degree
    2. Violin
    3. Digital piano
    4. Viola
    5. Dehumidifier
    6. My Clarks footwear (sneakers, shoes and boots)
    7. Samsonite suitcase and backpack
    8. IKEA furniture
    9. Combi boiler
    10. Our flat (after 18 years of renting)