I have been binge watching your videos. I worked on a basic minimalist menu today. I loaded up a yardleaf bag full of plastic containers and lids. I ordered a small set of Oxo Pops and a set of glass oven to table glass dishes with lids. Yay Me! Thank you for your encouragement and inspiration!
I noticed on your website that you have a post on meal planning. I would REALLY Like to see a video showing how you do it, what your notebook looks like etc. Love your videos Melody!
Melody, you are so adorable, and have such wonderful ideas. Thank you so much for all your wonderful products that you list, and helpful hints. I have purchased a lot of the items, and done a lot of your helpful hints....great ideas. I so enjoy watching your cat Pat, and I can tell you are an animal lover like I am,. they are so precious and lovable. She looks so content, very lucky kitty. Please do not pay any attention to people who disagree with you. I wish they would just stop giving their opinion. I have watched so many online post on organizing, because like you I love anything to do with organizing, and I have to say you are the best!. Keep up the good work, I so enjoy watching.
I love how detailed you think about each item you own, how appreciative you are of "things" it reminds me of Marie Kondo and how she only keeps things that make her absolutely happy. I've read it but don't completely think of my things that way. I want to read it again and put it into practice. Thanks for sharing.
Also, you can freeze bulk meals like chili or stew in your muffin tin as individual servings. Once frozen add the popsicle portions of your meals to a storage container in the freezer.
A great product is silicone muffin tins. They are easier/quicker to remove the contents. The individual ones are great too because they are compact since it's a little stack so they have a smaller surface area. They can also be used as ramekins or little cups for your bento lunch box to store sauces and small things.
Thank you for the great tip on the magnetic double sided measuring spoons .. I used your link to purchase them on Amazon and was pleasantly surprised when Amazon recommended the OXO magnetic measuring cups ... Sold! Can't wait til they are delivered 😊
I like to use my muffin tin for portioning out things to freeze. Makes it so much easier than having to break of a brick of whatever if you don't want the whole thing!
Great, great tip! I love using the muffin tin to freeze herbs in oil or tomato juice as well for soups! Just one of the most versatile tools in the kitchen.
Love those measuring cups!! First I got the 2 cup one and I liked it so much I went back & got the set. I do a lot of baking, so the extra 2 cup one is so handy. I also got the measuring spoons and they are wonderful!! I really like the 2 sides so I don't have to wash & dry if I'm measuring solids and liquids. I don't have the same scale but a list hen scale is so handy when baking.
Pretty solid advice, but I'll "one up you" on one: the rice situation. I'm hispanic so I eat a lot of rice too and I hate scooping rice so what I do is I have it in a pourable container (like for cereal - think lock & lock, but it was a British brand from when I lived in England). That way I pour directly into my glass measuring cup and I don't have to wash a scoop or leave the scoop in the container like some do (yuck!).
Oh and please make a video on a great simple set of pots and pans to use! Also a basic set of containers. Theres just way to many to choose from. Thank You
I love the Oxo brand items that you've recommended; that is absolutely my favorite cutting board, too! The only thing that I would add to this list is my cast iron skillet; I use that for everything.
HI Melody! Thank you again for this informative video! Since you're a "filtrated water drinker", you should definitely try the binchotan charcoal sticks in a stainless steel pitcher or glass bottle (some are specifically designed for that purpose) which is way better for the environment and health than plastic Brita jugs that produce a lot of waste with their disposable filters. After 6 months of use, binchotan charcoal is compostable, and stainless steel jugs are very durable compared to plastic ones. You can also bake savory dishes in your muffin pan, such as brunch style bacon and eggs with veggies, yum yum! =)
Thanks for all the tips! Love using the muffin tin for freezing herbs in oil or tomato juice, but I completely forgot using it for breakfast foods, which is a great economical tip.
Are you still in Norway?? My favorite kitchen essential is a good ceramic knife for fruit and veggies, and for the pantry OXO pop containers, you can wash them on the top rack, especially if you have an adjustable depth rack for larger containers, and for the lids, I remove the flat part by twisting, and put it in the dishwasher, and rinse the pop up section very slightly under warm water, and shake well, then leave on the counter to dry overnight. I shake well again, before reassembling to make sure no water gets trapped inside. :)
those water filters don't do much and it's better to avoid plastic altogether, because of BPA. Better to invest more money in a good filter that removes heavy metals, chlorine.. and even fluoride if you live in a country were they add it to the drinking water
I bought the berkey water filter one year ago and I'm happy with it, it comes with two filters that remove heavy metals, bacteria and other toxic substances and if you want to remove fluoride then you need to buy two separate filters that can easily be added to the system. This brand is well known and the filtration system is made of stainless steel, I can tell it will last for a long time. Of course if you are very demanding and want to make sure it's 100% effective you need to have your water tested in a laboratory, I still haven't done that but I'm thinking to do it. The fluoride filters need to be replaced after one year more or less or depending on your consumption of water, and the black filters it comes with can last to up to 10 years.
I have 2 cutting boards; one for non-animal products (fruit, veg, bread) and another for meat. I have a daughter who is vegetarian 😉. Also,, I like the plastic ones as I can sanitize them with boiling water before they go in the dishwasher.
Hi Melody! Your channel has been incredibly useful and inspiring, and I look forward to the new videos every Sunday. Out of curiosity, do you own a food processor (I noticed the blender in this video)? If so, what make/model would you recommend, or have you already made a video featuring one? Finally, Pat is an adorable helper and does a great job showcasing your items :)
Hey Indygofire, I use my Vitamix blender as a food processor, but if I were to buy a food processor, I'd get one that isn't too pricy with great reviews like this: amzn.to/2cs2XYH. Pat appreciates all the kind comments :)
Plastic should not be heated D: I think Epicurean recycled wood cutting boards are the best because they are compressed wood pulp so they do not crack as easy if at all and dry faster so are less likely to mold! They are also dishwasher safe, and I would say more so because wood does not release toxins when heated like plastic. Stainless steel bake-ware is my favorite, not toxic like non-stick/Teflon or aluminum. If you like the non-stick function, a healthier option would be non-toxic silicone baking cups or sheet. Plus they come in any colors. I used to have a Brita pitcher (not sure if it is the same one, looks like it might be) but then I switched to an anchor glass dispenser. It does have the risk of breaking, but I think it's worth it, just have to be careful. 90% of the time it just sits in my fridge, I just turn on/off the dispenser. I really like your vids though, I got the Shark vacuum on your recommendation! It's not perfect (does not have a HEPA filter) but in terms of function it is amazing :)
Hey Courtney, thanks for all the tips! I'll check out those cutting boards. Ramekins are a great option for muffin tins. Truth be told, I rarely bake. I love our vacuum!
Hey Kiki, the one in the description bar. I'm going to demo it in the second part of this video. I've used both the Blendtec and Vitamix extensively. I like them both but the Vitamix a little bit better :)
Hi I like your videos . I am curious why you have 3 small cutting boards . I thought you are only keeping what u need. Also I love cats have my own but I feel it's unhygienic to have them near my food or cooking utensils
Hey Lashlove, thanks for your comment! I keep three because I do not wash anything by hand (skin condition), but most minimalists only need two cutting boards and one measuring cup. All the products were washed after filming since my fingers were all over them, but Pat gets admonished when she tries to jump on the counter or table during the regular course of the day. She loves food :)
I miss the Hawaii water! In Norway as well, pure water, but most states need a filter, like where I live now. Great tip on installing it onto the faucet. :)
Hey May, Amazon stopped selling them a while ago. I'll keep an eye for you if it comes back! This is the closet one that I could find: amzn.to/2c19pCo.
Plastic materials!?!? Plastic cutting boards I would never use. Get a good wooden / or bamboo one. (Probably) teflon coated muffin baking form!?!?!? That is not healthy!
Hey Ivana, I put everything in the dishwasher (skin condition), so I don't own any wooden kitchenware. But I definitely recommend ceramic ramekins because they can almost do everything a muffin tin can! They are a little harder to handle and store, but they work just as well.
If you care so much about the environment as you mention a few times during the video you should seriously consider going vegan. Most minimalists are vegan since your negative impact on the environment is reduced to just a fraction of that of a regular meat eater, plus you spare a lot of inocent animals a lot pain and misery. Please go cruelty free, please go vegan.
coccoonz: this type of behavior from vegans are exactly what meateaters hate and only pushes the idea aside more. just because someone eats meat, does not mean they don't care for the environment. some people can't be vegan due to certain allergies to nuts/veggies/fruits such as the case for certain ppl I know. forcibly asking someone to become vegan is just too intrusive and rude. just because she's a minimalist, she doesn't have to fit the stereotype. minimalism is different for each person.
I really like your videos, however now, I must note you use a lot of plastic, silicone, teflon things that are totally unhealthy to use, and will cause hormonal imbalances on the long term. especially if you heat these tools up or if they touch something acidic, these are extremely dangerous and carcinogenic.
I couldn't finish watching the moment I saw a cat sitting on the counter..paws even on a napkin...that not only is filthy with them covering there feces in a litter box..even if its a indoor cat, still very dirty, not to mention very unhealthy. wow..I couldn't take advice or tips from one that doesn't consider health aspects
I have been binge watching your videos. I worked on a basic minimalist menu today. I loaded up a yardleaf bag full of plastic containers and lids. I ordered a small set of Oxo Pops and a set of glass oven to table glass dishes with lids. Yay Me! Thank you for your encouragement and inspiration!
I love seeing your kitty inspecting all the items 😁
I noticed on your website that you have a post on meal planning. I would REALLY Like to see a video showing how you do it, what your notebook looks like etc. Love your videos Melody!
Melody, you are so adorable, and have such wonderful ideas. Thank you so much for all your wonderful products that you list, and helpful hints. I have purchased a lot of the items, and done a lot of your helpful hints....great ideas. I so enjoy watching your cat Pat, and I can tell you are an animal lover like I am,. they are so precious and lovable. She looks so content, very lucky kitty.
Please do not pay any attention to people who disagree with you. I wish they would just stop giving their opinion. I have watched so many online post on organizing, because like you I love anything to do with organizing, and I have to say you are the best!. Keep up the good work, I so enjoy watching.
I love how detailed you think about each item you own, how appreciative you are of "things" it reminds me of Marie Kondo and how she only keeps things that make her absolutely happy. I've read it but don't completely think of my things that way. I want to read it again and put it into practice. Thanks for sharing.
LOve that Pat was modeling everything X) so cute!! I adore cats.
She used to join me every video, but now that she's getting older, I have to get her in wherever I can! haha
Also, you can freeze bulk meals like chili or stew in your muffin tin as individual servings. Once frozen add the popsicle portions of your meals to a storage container in the freezer.
Speaking of rice, if you eat it frequently, definitely invest in a rice cooker. It's a game changer. It just makes cooking so much simpler.
A great product is silicone muffin tins. They are easier/quicker to remove the contents. The individual ones are great too because they are compact since it's a little stack so they have a smaller surface area. They can also be used as ramekins or little cups for your bento lunch box to store sauces and small things.
Thank you for the great tip on the magnetic double sided measuring spoons .. I used your link to purchase them on Amazon and was pleasantly surprised when Amazon recommended the OXO magnetic measuring cups ... Sold! Can't wait til they are delivered 😊
I like to use my muffin tin for portioning out things to freeze. Makes it so much easier than having to break of a brick of whatever if you don't want the whole thing!
Great, great tip! I love using the muffin tin to freeze herbs in oil or tomato juice as well for soups! Just one of the most versatile tools in the kitchen.
I love your videos! And Pat inspecting things makes me smile :)
Those measuring spoons and cups are a great idea.
Are you back in the US then? I love your enthusiasm. These are simple things but they make a difference!
Thanks again, Amy! I'm back in the US :)
Love those measuring cups!! First I got the 2 cup one and I liked it so much I went back & got the set. I do a lot of baking, so the extra 2 cup one is so handy. I also got the measuring spoons and they are wonderful!! I really like the 2 sides so I don't have to wash & dry if I'm measuring solids and liquids. I don't have the same scale but a list hen scale is so handy when baking.
thanks for your tips + your cat is adorable
Pretty solid advice, but I'll "one up you" on one: the rice situation. I'm hispanic so I eat a lot of rice too and I hate scooping rice so what I do is I have it in a pourable container (like for cereal - think lock & lock, but it was a British brand from when I lived in England). That way I pour directly into my glass measuring cup and I don't have to wash a scoop or leave the scoop in the container like some do (yuck!).
I love your one ups, JJ!
Oh and please make a video on a great simple set of pots and pans to use! Also a basic set of containers. Theres just way to many to choose from. Thank You
I have the same can opener! I've had mine for about 3 years now and it still works like new! :)
tnx so much for this! 😀 have broken more can openers since moving to philippines n am looking for a good one!
Love the spoons and the oxo cup !! Brilliant !!!!
I love the Oxo brand items that you've recommended; that is absolutely my favorite cutting board, too! The only thing that I would add to this list is my cast iron skillet; I use that for everything.
Cast iron skillets are so multi-purpose! They can double as weights, right haha I love OXO!
HI Melody! Thank you again for this informative video! Since you're a "filtrated water drinker", you should definitely try the binchotan charcoal sticks in a stainless steel pitcher or glass bottle (some are specifically designed for that purpose) which is way better for the environment and health than plastic Brita jugs that produce a lot of waste with their disposable filters. After 6 months of use, binchotan charcoal is compostable, and stainless steel jugs are very durable compared to plastic ones.
You can also bake savory dishes in your muffin pan, such as brunch style bacon and eggs with veggies, yum yum! =)
Thanks for all the tips! Love using the muffin tin for freezing herbs in oil or tomato juice, but I completely forgot using it for breakfast foods, which is a great economical tip.
Love the Oxo measuring cup!! Also note that Oxo Pop Scoops are $2.99 at Bed, Bath and Beyond. Much cheaper.
I know! I bought mine at Container Store for only $2. Can't be the shipping because they're light as air haha
Great Melody! Very informative and detail video on your recommended products! Appreciate it!
Are you still in Norway?? My favorite kitchen essential is a good ceramic knife for fruit and veggies, and for the pantry OXO pop containers, you can wash them on the top rack, especially if you have an adjustable depth rack for larger containers, and for the lids, I remove the flat part by twisting, and put it in the dishwasher, and rinse the pop up section very slightly under warm water, and shake well, then leave on the counter to dry overnight. I shake well again, before reassembling to make sure no water gets trapped inside. :)
I have the same measuring spoons thanks to Amazon!! :)
Just binged watched many of your videos!! LOL Great content, I love it! Thanks for sharing
Thanks, Ram-Jam Sky :)
Thank you, great info.
Dear Melody, where I can buy dish for salt ? (the white one you have). I LOVE your channel
OMG i love this video! You really should make this your main channel not your "more" channel, you could call it minimalism with melody or something...
Thanks, Ashley! Yeah, I don't do very well at naming things. That's why my cat is named Pat haha
those water filters don't do much and it's better to avoid plastic altogether, because of BPA. Better to invest more money in a good filter that removes heavy metals, chlorine.. and even fluoride if you live in a country were they add it to the drinking water
I bought the berkey water filter one year ago and I'm happy with it, it comes with two filters that remove heavy metals, bacteria and other toxic substances and if you want to remove fluoride then you need to buy two separate filters that can easily be added to the system. This brand is well known and the filtration system is made of stainless steel, I can tell it will last for a long time. Of course if you are very demanding and want to make sure it's 100% effective you need to have your water tested in a laboratory, I still haven't done that but I'm thinking to do it. The fluoride filters need to be replaced after one year more or less or depending on your consumption of water, and the black filters it comes with can last to up to 10 years.
the cutest model ever!! 🐱
I have 2 cutting boards; one for non-animal products (fruit, veg, bread) and another for meat. I have a daughter who is vegetarian 😉. Also,, I like the plastic ones as I can sanitize them with boiling water before they go in the dishwasher.
I really like the plastic ones because they're easier to clean and handle too. Definitely two cutting boards is the bare minimal :)
Did you realise that by your putting your boards into the dishwasher that sanitizes them? . No need to wash first, your doubling up your work.
Hi Melody! Your channel has been incredibly useful and inspiring, and I look forward to the new videos every Sunday. Out of curiosity, do you own a food processor (I noticed the blender in this video)? If so, what make/model would you recommend, or have you already made a video featuring one? Finally, Pat is an adorable helper and does a great job showcasing your items :)
Hey Indygofire, I use my Vitamix blender as a food processor, but if I were to buy a food processor, I'd get one that isn't too pricy with great reviews like this: amzn.to/2cs2XYH. Pat appreciates all the kind comments :)
Hey! I use can opener! I´m from Norway! I never heard that we don´t need can opener in Europe... ;-)
Thank you for the lead!!
Can you make a video of how you clean and care your Brita pitcher. Thanks.
Plastic should not be heated D: I think Epicurean recycled wood cutting boards are the best because they are compressed wood pulp so they do not crack as easy if at all and dry faster so are less likely to mold! They are also dishwasher safe, and I would say more so because wood does not release toxins when heated like plastic.
Stainless steel bake-ware is my favorite, not toxic like non-stick/Teflon or aluminum. If you like the non-stick function, a healthier option would be non-toxic silicone baking cups or sheet. Plus they come in any colors.
I used to have a Brita pitcher (not sure if it is the same one, looks like it might be) but then I switched to an anchor glass dispenser. It does have the risk of breaking, but I think it's worth it, just have to be careful. 90% of the time it just sits in my fridge, I just turn on/off the dispenser.
I really like your vids though, I got the Shark vacuum on your recommendation! It's not perfect (does not have a HEPA filter) but in terms of function it is amazing :)
Hey Courtney, thanks for all the tips! I'll check out those cutting boards.
Ramekins are a great option for muffin tins. Truth be told, I rarely bake.
I love our vacuum!
:) you're welcome. Thanks for all the vids lol
We love to eat rice with all our meals too in Philippines!;)
You are so amazing! Okay I'm watching your videos and buying exactly what you say.
Wonderful video This is excellent. I bought 4 of your recommendations. . AnaMaria in SB Calif. Side bar: you have wonderful skin!
Thank you, From Chronic To Cure!
Do the plastic cutting boards get cut marks from using a sharp knife on them?
Another great video!
Excellent, thank you :)
great video
Are you familiar with Alton Brown's cooking show Good Eats? Alton espouses using multi taskers over uni taskers.
Do you put the measuring spoons in the dishwasher? I just got that set for Christmas, but I'm afraid the numbers will wear off.
Love your cat :)
Did I miss it? What kind of blender do you use? I noticed a vita mix in the description--is that the one? Thanks!!!
Hey Kiki, the one in the description bar. I'm going to demo it in the second part of this video. I've used both the Blendtec and Vitamix extensively. I like them both but the Vitamix a little bit better :)
+More Melody thank you!!!i'm in the market right now for a blender...want to make sure I buy the right one!
Hi
I like your videos . I am curious why you have 3 small cutting boards . I thought you are only keeping what u need. Also I love cats have my own but I feel it's unhygienic to have them near my food or cooking utensils
Hey Lashlove, thanks for your comment! I keep three because I do not wash anything by hand (skin condition), but most minimalists only need two cutting boards and one measuring cup.
All the products were washed after filming since my fingers were all over them, but Pat gets admonished when she tries to jump on the counter or table during the regular course of the day. She loves food :)
+More Melody yes cats are hard to keep away ,.. They are sooo nosey have a great day I look forward to more of your videos
Thumbs up before I even watch!!
Thanks, Spoo :)
I have the pur water filter for the faucet so I will only drink water from home. I hate unfiltered water here in Florida. 😂
I miss the Hawaii water! In Norway as well, pure water, but most states need a filter, like where I live now. Great tip on installing it onto the faucet. :)
can you send me the link of the small white bowl that is use to demonstrate the double ended tea spoon
Hey May, Amazon stopped selling them a while ago. I'll keep an eye for you if it comes back! This is the closet one that I could find: amzn.to/2c19pCo.
brilliant
did you just say that you can't use the Oxo measuring cups set in the dishwasher ???
felt like I was watching commercial tv
i cant find marimo video
Hey Shenny, I found it for you :)
ua-cam.com/video/RKrLdWUJN6A/v-deo.html
Thanks a lot... yey
U made a smoothie in one of your videos and u talk a lot about them. Would u make a video just on that? ;)
This is the most ironic video...
commercial ?
Plastic materials!?!? Plastic cutting boards I would never use. Get a good wooden / or bamboo one. (Probably) teflon coated muffin baking form!?!?!? That is not healthy!
Hey Ivana, I put everything in the dishwasher (skin condition), so I don't own any wooden kitchenware. But I definitely recommend ceramic ramekins because they can almost do everything a muffin tin can! They are a little harder to handle and store, but they work just as well.
Hi, sorry, I did not know about your condition. Ceramic is great, though sensitive to handle.
Ivana Watsonova
I am surprised that you are not a vegetarian yet
Great video
But it confused me why u put every item next to your cat. It was pretty awkward 🙄🙄🙄
Ivan Sosnin it gave me a good idea of size, the paper was next to it anyway ... but good scale lol
Ip
I was so bored. ..
If you care so much about the environment as you mention a few times during the video you should seriously consider going vegan. Most minimalists are vegan since your negative impact on the environment is reduced to just a fraction of that of a regular meat eater, plus you spare a lot of inocent animals a lot pain and misery. Please go cruelty free, please go vegan.
coccoonz: this type of behavior from vegans are exactly what meateaters hate and only pushes the idea aside more. just because someone eats meat, does not mean they don't care for the environment. some people can't be vegan due to certain allergies to nuts/veggies/fruits such as the case for certain ppl I know. forcibly asking someone to become vegan is just too intrusive and rude. just because she's a minimalist, she doesn't have to fit the stereotype. minimalism is different for each person.
I really like your videos, however now, I must note you use a lot of plastic, silicone, teflon things that are totally unhealthy to use, and will cause hormonal imbalances on the long term. especially if you heat these tools up or if they touch something acidic, these are extremely dangerous and carcinogenic.
Silicone is very safe. No plastic is when heated or used to store moist or oily food.
A cat in the kitchen is disgusting, they walk through the litter box then on your counters? I'll pass
The cat was not on the counters, but on a tufted stool. How many kitchen counters are covered in tufted fabric? Geez.
I couldn't finish watching the moment I saw a cat sitting on the counter..paws even on a napkin...that not only is filthy with them covering there feces in a litter box..even if its a indoor cat, still very dirty, not to mention very unhealthy. wow..I couldn't take advice or tips from one that doesn't consider health aspects
Lol