This video is going far beyond my expectations and I've been glancing at comments occasionally, so here are a few things I'd like to mention: 1. "would have more money if didn't have many kids" comments? GTFO, friends. Cost of living changes, and surprise pregnancies happen. We are NOT having any more kids, and our last one, who is 1-1/2, was unplanned. Since then, cost of living has risen, we've had several emergency home situations (flooding, septic system failing, cars breaking down) that are now bills we have to pay down, and if you're going to sit there and shame a person for their reproductive choices, maybe just don't. Grow a little common sense and a lot of empathy, and realize you don't know the full story. 2. "You have a huge house and no mortgage" -- weird take but also not true? Our house is not large. It's a moderately sized 1k square foot single story home that we do indeed pay the mortgage on, and for which the cost of property taxes has gone up so guess what? So has our mortgage payment. 3. "She's not poor she's wearing a coat and dress that are over $200" -- Hi, so there's this thing called **secondhand marketplaces** which is where the coat came from, and I've had it for a long time. There's ALSO this perk of being a content creator called "brands will give you things for free for exposure and exchange of talent" which is where this dress came from, and it was an unpaid exchange. I am a photographer and run an Instagram account, and this company sent me a dress for photos. But side note, I don't do that all the time, and have purchased nearly everything in our home after saving up for it, because GUESS WHAT!!! That's what people do lol. I don't work with companies I don't believe are worth it, and I'm not trying to make my life an advertisement. So I choose very few people to work with unless I want to. 4. "You're not that poor, you can afford to stay home" -- friendsssss there's this thing called content creation. It's what I do, and as of this year, it pays. Before this year, I have had many jobs from home, and it has been that way for the entirety of my marriage. I have always worked, and likely always will both because I enjoy what I do, and also because my husband and I are partners and my job will eventually pay more than his, so it's worth sticking to. 5. "other influencers aren't poor what are you doing wrong" -- y'all, there are so many content creators who seem to have a ton of money, but are in fact living paycheck to paycheck. they just don't talk about it. Often, everything they have was gifted to them. Most content creators who do home/fashion content are gifted tons of stuff, which they accept because it's free stuff, and a lot of content creators will also work for nearly any company who pays well without regard for ethics. Personally, I will not work with just any company because I believe in promoting ethical and sustainable companies that I am familiar with and whom I kn ow are not scams, so I'm not making nearly as much money as I COULD. If you saw my daily inbox, you'd see how many deals I turn down because I'm not promoting cheap, worthless junk. 6. " make your kids help ffs" -- 1, they're in school, I film mostly while they're at school. 2, several of them WERE helping, on and off camera, some of y'all have confused me with one of my (markedly different) daughter helping out with the pizza at the stove and it's hilarious. 3. I film my kids very little for their own privacy, and have massively shifted what I will show of them, because the internet is a weird place. So no, you won't see them helping unless I deem it a safe and uninvasive way to show them on camera. I don't stage shots with them, I don't make them do my JOB job, end of story. Ok that's it. This is a long rant for a handful of comments, and the majority of you have been SO lovely. But, there's your clarification, for anyone coming in to be judgy.
Your doing what most ppl do honey So be proud and say it loud! If ppl realized that everything is a blessing and its not about the money but about the love! everything you do is based on loving your family and doing what best. All those haters just keep hating this woman has her life together and is doing great . I also suffer from what you have and life is not easy while having Health issues that are not curable. So keep being the blessing that you are and show the world how we should be living.
Kristina, I'm almost out of breath just watching you do all that work, and knowing that it's only a fraction of what you do all the time, even when the camera isn't on. You are very blessed to have those children. All of them! I love it when we're out in town and I see a family with more than 2 children. And: IT'S NO ONE'S BUSINESS HOW MANY CHILDREN YOU HAVE. Personally, I'd block anyone who has such bad manners as to criticize the size of your family. I have a blog and I know how those critical comments can sting, but just realize that they have really bad manners. It's not you - it's them. We don't have television, all we have is the internet, our son's prime account and a collection of DVDs. We watch a lot of youtube and you're one of my favorite channels. I found it a few years ago when I was searching for living in the 1950s. That's when I was a small child, and I really, really miss those days. My family was below the poverty level because my dad worked for a defense contractor that had a big lay-off when the contract was up. So I watched my parents make dp on very little and I thought (and still do) think it can help make a creative and resourceful life. A lot of our marriage has been below the poverty level, again, due to lay-offs. I love your channel.
Some people are just nasty and cruel. They think they're invincible and that nothing will ever put them in a situation where they thought they'd never be. Ignore these ignorant people. I'd rather be in a house full of love and family (home) than in a mansion with all the perks that come with money and be with some husband that doesn't care about me and the kids (house). There is a difference between a home and a house. I am fortunate to live in a home. 💯❤️. A side note: Don't ever explain yourself to anyone. It will drive you mad.
Hi friend- pinning your comment to pop up first may at least deter haters from spending the time to give judgy advice rather than say hey- hope you and your family are well. On another note with budgets- I had friends who grew up with wealth (nannies, summer camps etc) and you know what- they loved my house because my mom was present and stayed home and made it the best cozy place ever. Thank you for taking the time to make this content and if it’s triggering people well that’s a service too!
@@bodaciousmo It really irks me when critical people don't have any content of their own but actively try to ruin someone's day, especially when they're really trying. I would say that these Karens wouldn't say it to your face, but sadly, they will. Good manners have gone the way of the land line phone.
Here is a quote from my Nonna. She lived to be 101. Dirt poor ! I was taught so much by her. I hope this blesses you as it does me. “Some people are so poor that they only have money”
FINALLY!!!! An American family, living like normal people!!! I'm Greek, and this is how we also live! When it comes to budgeting and traditional homemaking, there's no difference among nationalities or cultures!!! You make so many women proud, and also initiate new perspectives, which actually, are very old!!!!! Good job 👍👏
I assure you that there are SO many American families who live like this, they just don’t get seen online often! What you see on social media is NOT the normal life of an American, but what Kristina posts is very in line with it!
I live in isolated, low income Alaska. The community is small and everyone feeds everyone. No one judges you if you accept a bucket of crabs or a bag of berries from your neighbors and then buy something new for yourself. Relationship with your community is not transactional. The food bank is there so you can spend your money on the tools you need without worrying about food. Please be proud of yourself for caring for your family and allowing your community to care for you. It's a beautiful thing.
That sounds interesting! You should start a UA-cam channel and share about your life there! We need more channels about communities pulling together and thriving with love and friendship. Those are rare these days.
You have a roof over your head, bread to eat, you are able to keep yourself and your family clean. You are not poor, just living within your means and content. I enjoyed watching this episode. Looking forward to more. ❤🇿🇦
I was raised like this on low income - and tho I’m not now I still wash my zip loc bag and reuse plastic utensils or plates - if k can re use it , I will !
@@Herbhead369 every day i trundle off to work with lunchbucket in tow. that's me, good ol factory joe lunchbucket. well, what i have i earned. The Lunchbucket has all my food, both a.m. and p.m. snacks with my thermos of coffee. i got old tupperware containers sized for soup (sometimes just homemade broth), sandwiches, a bowl for salad. tupperware also made two-ended spice shakers. The Ziploc holds 2nd hand store cutlery - knife, fork, soup spoon and paper napkins. i wash the cutlery and dry it in the break room so i don't hafta fiddle fart around trying to wash out The Ziploc (much as i love them!). i don't think this makes me any better than anyone else 😂 but i'm another one that knows how to cut a personal corner and still have a good day. Best wishes!
Growing up there were 7 people in our family and my Mom was a homemaker. She never allowed us to say we were poor. She used to say "Being poor is a state of mind. We might not have much money but we will never be poor so long as we have a roof over our heads, clothes on our back, shoes on our feet and food in our bellies. " It was great advice when I moved out and was living on my own. It also still gives me a great appreciation for what I have. ❤
We teach our kids that we are poor but money poor though we got everything that we need for right now. I'm hoping that our kids can see that, that we don't need all the toys or clothing in the world. We are very blessed to have the things we have. 😀
You are not poor. You are rich! Rich of a simple life, rich of children that play in the background, rich of homemade food, rich of being together. Love your videos.
It made me respect my dad so much more when I found out that for years he requested my mom to just use (budget) paper plates. With 13 kids supported on his minimum-wage job, plus any handyman or piano tuning jobs he could nab, the expense was a sacrifice, but it made such a huge difference for my moms ability to handle life. And my stage of life is very similar. There's no real shame in poverty. It's your character and your attitude of generosity and thankfulness that make a low income actually a blessing for your family. "I have learned to be content in all circumstances"
Precisely this! I may no longer be a family of 5 (divorced, and the kid's off living her own life) but with neurodivergence kicking my butt in terms of housekeeping while attempting to keep the roof over my head, your channel has given me some much needed peace in my heart. Thank you.
I'm 56, married, and sadly, no children. The fact that you have so many children is a blessing. May God bless you abundantly and provide you with everything you need to take care of your family.
Having no kids is a blessing to, I stopped after one because I was to traumatized to be having a kid anyway, of course the worst happened & now she's traumatized. 💔 Her father never gave a rats ass about us, I raised her alone and couldn't even look after myself properly. Her father let her be beaten to near death when she tried to get to know him, he just stood n watched while his girlfriends two daughters beat her to fuckery...broke her nose her teeth and fucked her memory and gave her a bit of brain damage. It's nice that you people found good men but I was so traumatized by gang rape at 14 that I view men as dangerous and manipulative. I will never know love or marriage because I'm not going to place my wellbeing in the hands of anyone, nor would I EVER let a male support me because I'd rather rely on a benefit then a man it's safer and more reliable. Also I don't believe I cleaning up after males or being their kitchen bitch...and how I this fallen world do you even find a male who's not only good but capable with their hands (and not just at sitting in front of a computer but who has actual ability to fix and make things). I'm 44 & haven't found one yet, and even if I do meet someone who fits that description their not interested in me anyway. And what male would want a girlfriend who doesn't want sexual intimacy??? Honestly if my mother had of used her brain instead of her twat there'd be 3 less fucked up broken people in this world.
@@jolenewillis9446 hey, you need to reach out to a professional who can use great tools to assist with some form of healing. ❤️🩹 😢 sorry you went through that. Your existence isn’t the fault or issue. You deserve to exist. Your mother failed to protect you, and all those people that hurt you? Is them that shouldn’t be here. Not YOU. You have every right to exist and be born.
@jolenewillis9446 Jolene, I have found that the only man that will ever have my back is my father in heaven. He has always taken care of my mother and I even in the midst of domestic violence. God loves you, he really does and ge hears your prayers. I prayed for a good man who knows Jesus and obeys him and that is what he blessed me with. It is never to late to know and feel love. God bless you my sister. John 3:16.
I am a single mom of three teenagers and it’s crazy because I went to the food bank today for the first time in awhile and I felt very self conscious about being there. When I got home I watched your video and it was about that very subject! Truly made me feel better, and thank you for being so brave and fighting the stigma!
When I feel self conscious, I ask myself if I could even describe someone I came in contact with today, what shoes they were wearing, color of their hair, etc.. I never can. We're so busily going about our lives that unless someone REALLY stands out, we don't notice, so don't feel self conscious unless you're doing something wrong. You go to a food pantry? Millions go every year and unless you stand on a cardboard box, twirling around whistling dixi, then light your hair on fire, chances are, nobody there will remember you being there. It's ok, life can get difficult and you must do what you must do. Nobody worth anything will fault you for being there.
Don't be ashamed. Most people have been through hard times. Now that times are a wee bit easier (due to age...not the economy 😢). I try to help others now. You'll be there one day as well. ❤❤❤
I was where you are 20 years ago, but as a single working mom after my divorce. Now my kids are all grown and starting to have children of their own. Oh how I wish I hadn't spent so much time carrying the weight of what people thought. They were safe, clean happy and fed. I admire you so much for putting yourself out there, ignoring the critics and letting the rest of of us bask in the beauty of your life.
@@vs71597wow that’s what you focus on?! Do you know how long she has had the coat? If it was a gift? If she got it from a thrift store? If she hasn’t bought a new coat in years so her husband encouraged her to splurge on it? If she has worked very hard and rewarded herself? Think before you type please.
@@vs71597 I guess you’ve never heard of thrifting, lol. That def looks like a thrifted jacket. I have $700 boots that I thrifted for $4! As well as a fur coat I thrifted for $5:) When you’re broke, you get pretty great at picking out high quality & sometimes expensive items at a cheap price at the thrift.
A vacuum cleaner isn’t a luxury, a housekeeper is. Keeping your house clean is part of keeping you and your family healthy. I wish you didn’t have to apologize for it, but sharing your life with strangers I understand why you feel you must . I love your house and your sweet family and your beautiful life. You are blessed 🥰😂love the ending-I do this often 😂
I ❤ your channel. First time viewing. I will be learning alot from you. I have been on the lower side of income all my life. But guess what God provides! 63 yrs old😊
My husband is a pastor, and our church runs a food pantry- PLEASE replace your vacuum and/or steam mop, rather than go without. We don't need to know, and we are here to help when life throws a curveball like this. Not all curveballs have to be catastrophic ❤ We are also low income, and i would love to see more vintage inspired, low income homemaking videos!!
We live in a third world country, a developing country. Having a vacuum alone is already a luxury for us. I really appreciate how you help us cope and feel better with what we have, not because it should be normalized, but so we have hope and company.❤ God Bless your family and thank you for this wonderful video❤
My mom was a waitress and my dad a mechanic. There were six of us kids! Dad worked Monday-Monday for overtime and my mom worked six days a week. But they NEVER complained, we had the absolute BEST childhood as a low income family. It made us kids appreciate all the “small” things mom would do for us. We never even knew we were poor lol. Thanks for everything mom and dad xoxo
@@lovingsunshine3515 My dad worked night shift and my mom worked during the day. Dad would get off at seven am, come home and be with us while mom went to work until four pm.
@@idepartasair it was crazy! Lol my Dad would sleep when my mom got home at four pm. He would sleep until about nine pm to be at work at eleven! He worked the night shift for 36 years, but has since changed careers. They are both healthy and happy today! 💖
Your video is so comforting to watch, the food being prepared, the wood burning stove warmth and aroma, the rain falling, trees turning and your calm and steady voice! Loved it!
First time watcher here. I’m filling my feed with real people, doing real things, authentically and with kindness. Thank you for authenticity and showing us a real life with its lovely and messy parts.
That is amazing!!! This is exactly why I show real life things in my videos because I was always so discouraged by seeing “clean with me” videos where the home is already spotless etc. I have 7 kids and I do NOT have a spotless home. Life is real!
I have lived frugally for 42 years. Even though, as our five have grown up and moved on to their own lives, we still live frugally. Grow our own vegetables, raise our own meat, cut our own wood, etc. However, once you are older, kids gone, suddenly there is more money available. Believe it or not, that is an adjustment. You can relax but I never really do, I still can, freeze and (as my husband says) can make a potato stretch for a week. That's not true but you get the drift. Never make excuses for a vacuum! Nice video, I enjoyed it.
My church helps manage a huge food bank. I contribute something every week. I am so glad to see a recipient of a food bank lovingly feeding her family! That’s why we do it! Where I live, people have to choose between paying the rent or eating! It is so unjust! Thank God for food banks, where it is truly neighbors helping neighbors. Giving is as much a blessing as receiving.
We do a food bank at our church quarterly. Recently we put a Blessing Box on the front porch at church and try to keep it stocked for those who need it. We have a small church and most of the members are retired. But they still bring in food for the pantry and BB.
This looks like a family living within their means. This video has outstanding quality and high production value too and lots of vintage looking appliances, which means they are frugal … not poor. Poor means lacking basic necessities and not having access to them. This family is thriving and looks happy and healthy. And please, do use the food bank! It is there for the community.
*YOU ARE NOT POOR. Please do not say that. You are a lovely loving woman and good mother. Intelligent. Resourceful. Creative. Beautiful. You are very blessed in life. Wishing you a growing channel with a bright future.*
Did you miss everything she said at the beginning of the video about why she felt it was important to talk about the reality of being poor? Because she explained it very well, and then you had the nerve to tell her not to talk about it.
@@kellym.7113 I don't think she will take that comment in such a negative way. Mary just meant that she is rich in so many ways a human being can be rich. She is surrounded by people who love and depend on her. She is the center of her family. I remember what it felt like to be that woman. There is a richness in that that transcends money. Of course finances are still important and will be a factor but there is more to life than money. Some people are moral bankrupt and socially deprived. Mary is just looking at it a different way. There is no need to be reflexively angry at someone who is supportive and well intentioned and really does have a point to make.
Wonderful video! There's no shame or moral failing in being poor. I've been married for 30 years and we've been paycheck to paycheck the entire time. It's often hard but, like you and your family, we try to appreciate each other, our pets and our home. Thank you for talking so openly about ADHD, autism, depression and financial challenges. You really are an inspiration.
@@stacis4254 your comment has made me feel so much better about myself, we’ve been together for 18 years and live paycheck to paycheck and we always thought it was just us, and felt like we should be further along or something. We are so rich in love and abundant in laughter, food and friends, so that feels rich to me
I grew up low income but never knew it. We had a nice clean home, food, clothing, electricity, and clean water. My father took on extra work on the weekends, grew a garden, and my mother was a magician with being frugal.
I grew up in the 60's and 70's. Poor comes in many names, such as working-poor, working-class, etc. I had no clue that we were poor growing up. It never crossed my mind. We had exactly what we needed and were able to get some of our wants. You and your husband are teaching your children what is most important. Not things, but family, memories, and being a decent human being. Thank you!!
A vacuum cleaner and mop are absolutely necessary in my book. Keeping where you live clean is also for your health. Kudos to a great mom, cook and someone who, no doubt, keeps their house clean. ❤
Having a clean house is just as an important as feeding your children. You using the food bank and buying a much needed vacuum should never be a question. Utilizing your resources and keeping your children in a clean home is more than important. As someone who lived in poverty as a child, I can empathize and completely relate to the decisions that are made as a parent when it comes to creating a safe and clean environment for your children. I wish there were more content like this and I wish there was content like this when I was a kid. Seeing others living a wholesome life in low income is so comforting. More families live in low income than those who live above. We need more content like this.
My family is a family of 3. Me, my husband, and our son. We ended up having to use our local food bank right after purchasing a new car. We got into a car wreck and my car was totalled so it had to be replaced but the people watching me park didn’t know that. It was very difficult for a little while. So enjoy your mop and vacuum. I also had people get onto me because I used more disposable items instead of rewashable items. But it became exhausting trying to explain that I did not have a washer and dryer so I have to go to a laundry mat and so no it is not less expensive in time or money. What I learned is that you can explain all day long but the people who are critizing you aren't looking for an explanation. They just want to think they are better than you. So you are under no obligation to explain any of your decisions to complete strangers. But I really enjoy your content and channel. I look forward to all your vidoes.
Yes, there will definitely always people who will judge without understanding there are likely nuances and reasons behind things that they can publicly see! That's for sure. Thank you
I shouldn’t but I do, I judge those on assistance that can afford alcohol, pull tabs, smoking, tattoos and piercings, fake eyelashes and nails and a different hair color every week …..oh and 5 dogs chained in the yard and 10 cats !!!! That’s the stuff that’s irritating!
@@rnupnorthbrrrsm6123 it’s a lot cheaper to smoke than eat. Smoking reduces appetite, not to mention it’s a great distraction. There’s a reason why smokers are often people of poverty. I don’t condone it, but there are reasons. & honestly, with the beauty things, that definitely feels wrong. Maybe the only thing said mom does to treat herself is buy a set of press on nails once a month. Or DIY her own eyelash extensions. Or dye their own hair. This doesn’t mean they’re blowing tons of money, it could literally be $10 a month that they’re choosing to treat themselves with. We shouldn’t deny poor people that, they deserve a little something to make themselves happy too. Tattoos aren’t something you need to spend money constantly on. Neither are piercings. They may very well be from years prior, or even gifted. My mother gave my husband a $100 gift certificate to a tattoo shop:) that’s her favorite gift to give! My piercings were also all Christmas presents. It’s not an uncommon thing to do. I’m low income, I receive WIC & Medicaid. I also have false eyelashes and my hair is dyed:) it makes me happy, it makes me feel like I am doing a little something to take care of my mental health. Do I spend $175 every 2 weeks on lash extensions and $200 for a salon trip? Definitely not. Poor people can make do with what’s within their budget while still treating themselves. I spend about $15 every 3 months for a pack of eyelash clusters and glue. To others, it looks like I got eyelash extensions, & I’m sure the cashier may judge me when I pull out my WIC card, but I DIY’d them. Costs about $1.25 every week for me to do them myself. & I dye my hair as well:) about $14 worth of boxed hair dye (I have thick hair) every 4-6 months. A very small amount that is set aside just for me, & I deserve that, regardless of my income status. Everyone deserves that. Point is, even if you feel like those things make up a shitty person abusing the system, that does not make you right. You’re right, you shouldn’t judge. You literally have no clue about their personal life or choices. Def not animal abuse tho, that doesn’t seem like that should be associated with the rest.
@@rnupnorthbrrrsm6123 I have a hard time overcoming that too. Especially when some have large families whereas my husband and I felt we could only afford 2 children. I would have liked to have had more children, so is very hard when I see people with 5-7 children not working and drawing welfare, food stamps, etc. It was hard on me when my children were little (5yo and a newborn), bundling them up, scraping ice off the car and taking them to the babysitter. I had to turn the corner facing the house where a mother stayed home and slept in with her child every morning. They were on all the assistance they qualified for by her not working. My kids were woken up while it was still dark and below zero degrees, bundled and taken to a sitter while her and her child slept in their warm beds and her "assistance" was paid for with money out of my paychecks. So, it is hard to understand. But Kristina is trying, making things from scratch, using food pantries and doing these videos. I can respect that.
This is beautiful and thank you for sharing. Children are a blessing always. They make us re-examine our priorities and open our eyes to,a beauty only children see. Well done mama and keep up,the hard work. We have 11 children ages 24 to,5. I wouldn’t change one single thing. No we do not drive the finest scars, old beaters here. We have had many seasons of rice and beans but in this home joy abounds. Bless you.
Financial wealth can't buy the life skills you learn being poor. At age 36, I lost my husband & became a single mother to my three children. Without those skills, there's no way I could have managed in the following years. We grew, raised & preserved all of our own food, so I was lucky to not have to rely on food stamps or food banks, but everything we owned was second hand (& honestly, often of a much better quality than anything I could afford to buy brand new!) so we never 'felt' poor. Now my children are grown, raising their own children in financially trying times & my heart swells with pride to watch them not only using those skills, but teaching them to their children. Money might make things easier, but you quickly learn that there are many things money can never buy. I'm so glad to see someone on YT willing to share their struggles & successes & I'm here to stay. Thank you for sharing! May your many blessings continue to compound daily!
Hi Kristina! Welcome from the UK. We are a low budget (a single budget) family and your channel is helping me making my home the way it suits us the best to thrive. Please carry on with these series. And I just wanted to add that I very much enjoy your content. You are beautiful inside and out and most of the people are just jealous. You are richer than you think… you have loving husband, wonderful kids, roof over head, warm hearth, you’re amazing mom. That is the biggest wealth in the world. Carry on doing this content please. I’m sure it helps lots of people (does help me definitely). Hugs for you and good wishes, God bless. ❤
1st time viewing . This is all over the world. People find a way to survive with what they have to work with. I want to learn how to can food next year. My mom and used to make concrete grape juice ,jellies, preserves,salsa,ketsup,pears,spiced peaches, plus we canned 1 acre garden lasting 7years family of 4!! Our meat was butchered beef hog lamb.My brother fishedhunted squirrel rabbit pheasant frog legs chicken and eggs grandparent's made butter cream milk sausage so much more. Its a lot of work but when you have unity it flows quite well. So glad that I found you ❤😅
Watch Balerrina farm she shows you how to make breads & they have 10 kids,farm western United States. You can buy their meat & other. Alaska has healthy fresh water fish!Yummy!
This was so refreshing! Please do continue to talk about this! I have been a fan of Victoria magazine for over 30 years. I have had only one complaint about it and every other magazine anything like it . They seem to assume that all of their readers are middle - to upper middle class. I love beautiful old fashioned things and I would love to see articles that encourage and show women how they can achieve beautiful interiors - not just " on a budget" but on a low budget. This video reminded me of that, so I shared it with you. I like your approach, that's what I've looked for in a magazine. ~ Heather ~
Just a little tip. Even when you only have a couple of table spoons of vegetables or meat. I save it in a freezer bag until l get enough to make a soup.
This 71 yo grandma just found your channel and subscribed. I’m going to look back in your videos for frugal cooking. Years ago when I was a mom of grade school kids, my husband was out of work and I went in to apply for food stamps. I cried throughout the process. The gal asked why I was crying. I said “I’m the neighbor and friend that helps out others when food is needed.” She said don’t feel bad. I’m sure you’ll be back helping others soon. Two months later, I was indeed able to help others. So never be afraid to ask for help.
We've needed food assistance for a very long time. I've learned to give back by making people meals when someone is dealing with illness or tragedy. Or I will share with someone who has absolutely no food. God gives us things so we can be a blessing to others ❤
Dear kind souls! Being poor should be worn like a badge of honor……sharing skills, learning new ways to live, loving your neighbors. These are qualities that has vanished from our make believe world, the life today is 100% toxic , thanks to social media, its like a disease that has spread across generations. I would be considered “poor” . All our children are college educated, we are very involved in community care, my husband is disabled, served in the military and retired from law enforcement….. LIFE IS WONDERFUL!!!!!! We are full of gratitude for having been blessed with so much. MILLIONS WISH TO LIVE LIKE YOU, WHAT THEY WOULD PAY TO HAVE SUCH PEACE WITHIN!!!!!! For everyone reading, May God bless you, ❤
Watching you was a breath of fresh air. Finally a home maker like me! I had 4 children, very low income, cooked from scratch every day with things I could buy locally, grow, forage, and at times get from our wonderful UK foodbank. I learnt how to make meals go further by, for example, I'd buy a 55lb of potatoes from a local farmer very cheap, so everyone's tummies were always full. I always knew I was different from other mothers, always busy, never sitting still, trying to prove I was doing my best, until at 43 years old I got my official diagnosis of ADHD and Autism, then I understood who I really was and learned to embrace being me. Thank you for your honesty. It was a perfect episode. Take care x.
I think it important for people to know that many people who GIVE to the food banks would never want you to go without necessary items or feel shame. We are all doing the best we can and, really, many people who have extra are not judgmental in their giving. In my 62 years, I've found that the people who are judgmental are the ones who never share.
I occasionally buy these 5 Euro paper bags at the supermarket that you donate to the food banks after paying. I always assume it's for someone who's cooking at home and needs some help and there is nothing shameful about that. I have a garden at home and freezing berries and veggies from the garden to last for the rest of the year seriously saves so much money. Sure I still buy other fruit and veggies throughout the year but I never run into budget issues because I always have some frozen tomatoes and zucchini and such for cooking as well as homemade jam and a few packs of noodles, rice and flour. It may sound weird but having the certainty that I could get by for a month or 2 without buying any groceries makes life so much easier because it simply removes one of life's worries.
This is beautiful. This is how I grew up. Not well off financially, but rich in so many other ways. Sometimes dinner was just beans and cornbread, and sometimes depended on whatever my dad brought home from a day of fishing or hunting small game. As an adult I remember being surprised to find out that things like rabbit, various birds, squirrel, wild harvested fruits, berries, and greens, are considered gourmet foods. For me, it was what we ate from time to time because sometimes that's what we could get. Entertainment was spending the day at a state park, reading (paper books!) or "porch sitting" at night, or early in the morning before sunup, going "walking and talking," or visiting relatives. Christmas and birthday gifts were simple and thoughtful. Life was slow.
You are amazing! You are not poor by any stretch. Low income does not mean poor. You are being a good steward with what you have. It's a mindset that most people don't understand. I bet your children are happy and healthy and you are teaching them survivor skills not "worldly" skills. God is blessing you!
it's silly to some, but homemaking and raising a large family is my dream. I get teased a lot for being a man wanting to raise kids and care for the home full time but it genuinely makes me so happy to care for my wife and clean our home for us. I've just started micro-homesteading and am hoping all my months of overtime will help us buy a home soon. Thank you Kristina for this, showing it's possible to live the dream even with a small income.
I’m a single mom, have a full-time job, and am a full-time student and I try to cook dinner from scratch and keep a clean happy home. The vacuum for hard floors and carpet and the steam mop are a MUST!!!! 🎉 You’re so right about making chores accessible. Whether it’s a disability, overwhelm, exhaustion, etc… just make it easier for yourself when you can so you can use more energy loving your family 🩷
I am so happy you chose to talk about this. One thing that has always bothered me is the judgement low income people get whenever they purchase items that others see as undeserved luxuries. That drives me up a wall for several reasons: Looking from the outside in, people can never get the whole picture. Just because they see a low income person buy a good quality item it doesn’t mean they aren’t sacrificing something else in order to afford that item. There’s no way to know how long that person may have saved up for that item or what else they may have done without. There is definitely such a thing as being penny wise and pound foolish. Super cheap items can wind up costing more over time because they constantly need to be replaced. I also can’t stand this idea that those utilizing tools to help them “survive and thrive”, as you say, must always “look poor” in order to deserve some help as if it’s ok for a society to let people get to where they are starving and wearing nothing but rags. Finally, I think everyone, no matter their income, deserves to live with dignity, love, respect, and joy. There should be nothing wrong with having some special things and a few “luxuries” here and there. Everyone deserves to not just survive but to have quality of life.
Exactly! I was always taught to buy less but best--quality over quantity. Frankly I think someone is smart if they buy a good item (expensive or not) if it helps their day to day or lasts a long time. Also, it's none of our business! You can get good items second hand, too.
Agreed! No matter what the topic, everyone has a different situation. That’s why it’s so important to support whatever personal choices someone else makes and not to vote against people being allowed to make decisions based on the nuances of their own lives. Freedom for everyone.
No one should feel ashamed needing help. Ever. That said, the “hate” is common sense people saying if you need handouts and are low income for over a decade, some planning is required. Feeding your kids is more important than thrifting, pantry makeovers, etc. and you’ll say, “but she is!” Yes, she is, with help. Without the extras there may be no need for handouts. People expect responsibility, that’s all.
@@KateSmith-h2f I read this the day that you posted it and I forced myself to move on and not write a comment on a knee jerk reaction. I hate drama and I really hate negative comments. This kind lady is being open about her circumstances and decision to take advantage of food cupboards to supplement her groceries and feed her family. I suppose some people believe that gives them the right to pass judgment on how she spends her money. She shouldn’t redecorate her kitchen or buy nice clothes? I’ve donated lots of food to cupboards and I hope it allows those families to have some joy in being able to live a little bit better.
This video just popped up on my feed. So glad it did. I was raised in a family of 6. We were dirt poor; but we didn't know it. We were happy. Grew up in the country doing hard work. I am so glad now. It made me appreciate things. My husband also struggles with anxiety. It runs in his family. For years he never would share that with anyone. Now we have found freedom in sharing. Most people don't understand. They think it's something you can control. It doesn't matter if people don't get it. I have my grandmother's apron and it looks almost identical to your dress. You have a beautiful family. May Jesus continue to bless you and your family
My father grew up with an ice box and my mother on the largest apple farm in North America, preserving food was as normal as going to the grocery store today is. My mother while coming from a wealthy family, recycling, reusing and fixing things that were broken were skills she had. My father went to vocational schools so he learned how to build a house and repair the car. All of those skills allowed them to keep more money in the bank and be of greater service to their community. You should be proud for all that you do, there are many women who are in your situation who have husbands that don't properly provide, it is great that you are teaching those wives how to thrive in poverty.
We are a family of 5, and have been single income in an expensive city for 10 years. The skills I have learned from being low income are such a big part of how we have managed to thrive in tough times. Videos like this are so important, nearly everyone goes through tight financial situations, we need to discuss it more, theres no shame in it!
Needed this!! I’m a 33 year old stay at home mom, homemaker. My husband is starting two businesses and times are tight. I feel like all I see online are the INFLUENCER homemakers who are paid to promote a lifestyle of over consumption and consumerism. It was like you were speaking directly to me. Thanks for sharing!
I have watched your video for the first time. The phrase "thrive within your budget," really stuck out to me. That is something I've never learned to do. You have a lot of great ideas and I thank you for sharing your content. And you quote Tolkien and you read! All kinds of awesome!
As a girl who loves & lives a vintage life style. Especially from 30's- 60s era. I love your videos girly. They bring such calm & peace to my day. I've been having rough last few days. These videos were just what I needed. ✨️🩵🩷💛✨️
Hello Kristina. This is the first video of yours that I have seen, and my, are you lovely. Your children will have the happiest memories of a cozy house filled with love, a charming kitchen filled with good aromas and wholesome meals, and parents who took time to be with and care for their children. You are wonderful!
I grew up in a large family of 9 my mother was a homemaker she always kept her home clean we were always clean and she managed to pull food out of thin air to feed all of us and many others that were hungry thank you for sharing this content it brought back so many beautiful memories
We've been married for 42 yrs. We raised 3 kids on a single income. It was hard, but I learned so many wonderful things from my grandmother on how to stretch EVERYTHING, and never waste ANYTHING. You can do it!
I love how the topic of "lowincome but thriving life" is getting more attention. Yes, we all live on diffenrent incomes, under different circumstances - and it is beaufiful to see all kinds of people. The "homemaking influencers with a 50 dollar bag of flour" are nice to watch, it might be inspiring, but never relatable for most of the people. With your videos I´m feeling like home.
Thank you for showing a real life. Internet always makes us feel guilty for not having things and creates false needs. Many people live on a low budget and it's all right. What I gained from your video is a reminder that we need to be kind to ourselves and everyone around us :).
You have given me the opportunity to relish the freshness,simplicity, thoughtfulness, and divinity of your life. You are super rich indeed,madam. Be Blessed 🎉🙏
I do love homemaking content...but its true that many of even the frugal channels show things that I cant come even close to buying.Thank you for being real😊
I am so glad you bought yourself a new vacuum and mop! Frankly, to me, those items are critical and having small appliances that make my life easier makes living easier.
I didn't realize till lately that I was suffering for no reason, lol. I'm still learning to make home care accessible to ME specifically as an ND person, it's such a period of giving myself grace and allowing myself to invest in tools that will make things easier!
Our grandmothers also set an example like yours. They raised their children during the great depression and World War 2. There’s no need to apologize or quantify your decision to purchase a vacuum. Rather sharing tips, ideas, recipes,craft/decorating on a limited budget is adding slot of value to many families who are pinched financially. Sweet momma know that even those who are better off appreciate the beauty, love, grace, and coziness of your home. I would encourage you to focus on sharing creative ideas and moving away from assumptions. All of us mommas and homemakers are rooting you on! I loved to see your baby helping you in the kitchen. These are the moments that money can’t buy. ❤❤❤
Sweetie, just know that some people are not good with words, and their love language is giving you gifts. ❤ You have been so gracious and loving with your posts.
My daughter was going to get pop cycles for her friend who was home with sick kids and asked her what kind she wanted. She said,, the kind your mom gave you when you were little. She said, my mom made ours from the fruit on the trees in our yard. It was something I was proud of and I am glad she was too. We had an ancient plum tree with lovely sour plums that made the most wonderful jam and juice. Good for you. The pizza looked amazing. I think I might make some tomorrow now that the weather is a bit cooler. Happy homemaking.
Kristina you have no idea how much your videos mean to me! I am also neurodivergent with adhd and we are a low income family also! I think sometimes we are made to feel shameful for not having all the fancy things others have! Thank you for making me not feel so alone and to be proud of the life I have because I sure would rather be happy, loved and truly grateful for what I do have then have all the money in the world! Thanks again you beautiful human and many blessings to you and your beautiful family!!
Living in TX we have also been low income for most of our 22 years of marriage, we had a couple of very good years. I realized we are not that special. Many others make do and there is nothing new about that. I still enjoy watching rich influencers cook with in their expensive homes, it is beautiful and it causes no envy nor discontentment in me. Each person gets to live her own life. I enjoy your channel because it is familiar. May God continue to bless you.
19:54 First time viewer, new subscriber - just had to comment. Thanks for being real. I grew up low income and learned a lot of skills that served me well later in life. I've been up and I've been down and now at 78, I am again low income and doing fine. No one should ever criticize you or your choices. You are doing a real service to people. I wish I had you to watch when I was a young mother and struggling with post partum etc. My mother cooked from scratch almost exclusively, and we loved everything she made. My Dad was our handyman and could fix anything. They both grew up poor and went through the depression and WWII. Stay true to who you are ❤😊 and you'll be just fine. I look forward to more videos!
I live in Sweden and we’ve had a great apple year this year one of my favorite ways to use them is kräm, you boil peeled and cored apples with water about halfway up the apples and sugar to taste until you have a soupy consistency with some chunks then you thicken it with potato or corn starch and add a little salt. Then you cool it and serve in a bowl with cold milk for breakfast or a snack
I live in Czech for our garden it was horrible for our cherries and apples. We have about 10 apple trees and three big cherry trees our cherry trees produce between 10-30 kg (depending on the tree) and we got about 2kg total from them i don't see any disease or anything but we had a freeze in may and i believe it ruined many of the fruits... Our apples only produced about half the amount of last year
You have learned to thrive in your life, and that is a very good thing ! I wish more people would. I am so glad that I learned skills from little on…..sewing, cooking, cleaning..it all helps. I’m 75 now, and I still cook all our food and breads and desserts. I still grow our vegetables and I can tomatoes and make jam. We don’t have a farm, just an average yard. I still sew my own clothes, curtains, quilts, sleep pants for my husband, whatever we need. I grow lavender and harvest it, dry it and make little sachets for under the pillows. I have always enjoyed doing all these things - I didn’t have to do them. I raised two children and it’s been a very enjoyable life ! I like knowing I can provide for myself and my family ! ❤
We were a low income family of 9 and my mother taught us all homemaking skills, sewing, cooking, wallpapers, painting, childcare, cleaning, animal care, how to put a meal together with almost no groceries, how to plant and harvest a huge garden etc. She even made our candles from paraffin. There were no terms like OCD. BI-Polar, ADHD. Everyone needs to teach their children these skills no matter they're social class.
Thank you! None of that was spoken of when I was a child too. Everyone learned to pitch in and make it happen. There were no excuses or reasons why me or my brothers, all of us dx with ADD as adults, we just did it. Same with behavior at school.
I love that you were taught sewing. I remember sewing a lot as a child but as I have not been doing it for a long time,I need to pick up the skills again! There are also things I would love to do - woodworking, fixing electronics just to name a few. We had helpers growing up BUT my mom still emphasised we did a lot of chores which I am teaching my kids to do too.
This is an absolutely beautiful video. It feels like an old time, somewhat foreign country film except in English. It's warm and inviting, and real. Thank you for this
It's so funny, I get comments randomly that people are surprised I'm American. Most common assumptions are England and Canada, and that's always lovely!
@@WithLoveKristina you're doing a wonderful job and teaching your children valuable lessons. We are a fam of 5 on one income and we're pretty similar! Unfortunately it's *crazy* expensive to pay for power where we live so we had to give up our wedding present bread maker 15 years ago 😂 but now with kids ages 14-11, our kids can make homemade pizza dough and a variety of meals and treats. We've had periods of money and many many periods of just enough but no extra. We make do❤ My husband and I have a good rule of thumb when it comes to appliances too: buy a good fridge. Nothing worse than waking up to lost food! Same applies to your vacuum cleaner - you want it to clean...not look pretty in the corner 😂. We have similar stories and backgrounds and it meant Alot to me to not feel isolated in running a very tight budget. Ps: your children are so sweet!
I love that you and your husband are willing to make sacrifices for your children and family. I wish I had been able to stay home. Children really need that. Lots of love.
I really enjoyed that Kristine. The first 20 years of my marriage, we lived low income. There were many things I did to stretch the grocery budget, but my family enjoyed. I was sharing this with my my grown children recently and they did not realize that I did that to stretch the groceries, such as cooking from scratch, making homemade bread, biscuits and muffins, making and canning applesauce. These simple things made our meals seem so much more special and yet they saved us money and filled their bellies. I used the food bank on a few occasions, and through that I learned about new foods that I never had or cooked with before. And so I was thankful for that.
I watch her spin around her home, cleaning and cooking and preparing and covering the same ground and the same counters and tables over and over again. It gave me a moment of pause because I realized this was me too. This is a lot of us right? At least that’s my assumption for those watching this video. But the day in day out grind of homemaking is sometimes difficult to grapple with. You think, this seems pointless. This seems like a waste of my time. This is thankless work etc etc. But then I think that yes the tasks are monotonous but what I’m creating has immense purpose. What I’m creating and providing is stability. It’s a soft place to fall. It’s the foundation to the start to a good life for my daughters. And hopefully it’s also modeling to my daughters how a mother makes a home. And that there is pride to be had there. Thank you for inspiring some insight Katrina ❤
I am glad to see a younger person doing things from scratch. And with the way things are going, and when you need a little extra food at these you go and get what is needed. Stay safe and have a blessed day.
Your kitchen is absolutely wonderful! I’m so tired of seeing these perfectly staged kitchens with all white EVERYTHING. This is a real kitchen. It’s not messy by any means but it is well used and loved! Not just a backdrop for a video. Love it! I too have a kitchen similar to yours (instead of strawberries, I collect sunflowers!) . I have many things that I have collected over the years that are now on my counters. Not everything matches or is white marble…and that’s ok! ❤
We grew up low income due to an accident my father had at work. He was handicapped the rest of his life. Back in those days no one sued. The way you are living, and raising your family reminds me of how I grew up. I never thought I went without. I knew and saw what it took for my parents to feed us. My Mother worked in the home cleaning and cooking and never complained. My mother was the favorite mother to all the kids on the block. She is 84 now and my friends still go to visit her when they come into town. What you are giving your children is the best education in life. Children these days aren't being taught the value of hard work or how to be resourceful. I'm not blaming the parents (mostly) because our society requires a two income family. I do remember my father telling us we were broke, not poor. He said, "being broke is a temporary situation. Being poor is a state of mind." I really enjoyed your content. Blessings to you and your family.
Thank you, Kristina, for your beautiful channel! I stumbled upon this video looking for more budget-saving tips for my growing family and the music, the aesthetic, your soft voice, and your authenticity just welcomed me in. I can't wait to watch more of your videos❤
I am a new subscriber. I'm almost 70 years old from a farm in the middle of Illinois. I just wanna tell you you're a breath of fresh air. I've been trying to live like this. Since the late 60s, I've went off the track. I've come back, but we go 5 months of the year. With no income, we have to do everything we can to have our freezers full of air refrigerators are vegetables can then froze in your children will appreciate it. I have 4 children, 3 with masters. When was going in? Her masters had received 2 actuals when she passed away 2 days before Christmas in 2017. Dad and I almost 70 are raising a 14 year old. We wouldn't have an any other way. But every little penny adds up to😢 dollars. Keep up the good work. They will appreciate it ❤❤
Some people criticize because it hits a little too close too home for themselves, I think. What bothers us most in others is often what we most dislike in ourselves. I think what you are doing is helping hundreds or more people who haven't been able to talk to even their closest relatives about their feelings and you give them comfort and maybe they don't feel so isolated and alone. I envy your courage, my dear. I'm a believer and I'll say God bless you and your family. Having a happy home full of love is the greatest gift a child can have. Tale care.
I am 73. My grandmothers were housewives from the 1920's through the 1980's. I learned so many wonderful things from them. You brought back all those memories. Thank you for your sweet video.
I just found you, and I love you! I'm 51, disabled and try my very best everyday. The end of your video it felt like you were talking directly to me, like a friend would. Thank you, I needed to hear that!
I've always admired how you tackle the tough subjects, Kristina! Your sincerity shines through in each and every video. I teared up several times at the sheer beauty you conveyed here; I really can't explain it, I just found it touching. Oh, and to anyone who would dare to criticize you for a new vacuum and mop (and, of course, someone will) they need to take a long hard look at themselves! Never stop being you! ❤
It's a source of pride for us that we've not only survived, but thrived on what my husband makes. Some years have been leaner than others, but we've always made it work. It's a skill to pinch a penny til it screams, and still provide a warm comfortable home for your family. It's work, but it's work where you're with your children and you are your own boss. If you have to work for someone, better it's yourself and your family.
A vacuum like that, and a steam mop for sanitation, those absolutely are investments that are worth it. Don't let folks judge that aren't cleaning your house, feeding and clothing your kids and wearing your shoes! Much love from a fellow low income momma.
This video gives me such comfort☺️. Right now I am working full time, school full time, and have 2 children under 4. My husband also works 2 jobs full time. We are trying to get a house, and we realized how much money we spent on things that aren’t necessary or things we could do at home. I love making things from scratch but I was just being lazy. You just reminded me we can make do with what we have and have a happy, fulfilling life. Thank you❤
This is the content we need more of! I really hope you make more. I’m an older first-time mom who has been bad with budgeting in the past, having a lot to do with my ADHD and other struggles. I desperately feel the need to stay home with my baby, But I am so afraid of what it will do to our budget and, embarrassingly, I worry about adjusting to a different standard of living. I just don’t know what it will look like! Seeing your video made me realize how much I have been aspiring to have perfectly spotless, colorless rooms in my home and a perfectly behaved child. You just snapped me out of it! I don’t even like neutrals lol! Your home is colorful, vintage, and eclectic. It is all of the things I love! I almost cried because I have specifically searched for cleaning and home making videos set in homes like mine. This is the first one I have ever seen! Your home looks cozy and clean and organized, but lived in. Your meals are delicious and varied because you use what you have. And I’m definitely an ADHD creative, so making anything from pizza to sauerkraut to apple cider. Sounds like such an adventure to me!And you make it look doable! Thank you, thank you thank you. Your video has helped me so much today. Please I would love a series on this.
This video is going far beyond my expectations and I've been glancing at comments occasionally, so here are a few things I'd like to mention:
1. "would have more money if didn't have many kids" comments? GTFO, friends. Cost of living changes, and surprise pregnancies happen. We are NOT having any more kids, and our last one, who is 1-1/2, was unplanned. Since then, cost of living has risen, we've had several emergency home situations (flooding, septic system failing, cars breaking down) that are now bills we have to pay down, and if you're going to sit there and shame a person for their reproductive choices, maybe just don't. Grow a little common sense and a lot of empathy, and realize you don't know the full story.
2. "You have a huge house and no mortgage" -- weird take but also not true? Our house is not large. It's a moderately sized 1k square foot single story home that we do indeed pay the mortgage on, and for which the cost of property taxes has gone up so guess what? So has our mortgage payment.
3. "She's not poor she's wearing a coat and dress that are over $200" -- Hi, so there's this thing called **secondhand marketplaces** which is where the coat came from, and I've had it for a long time. There's ALSO this perk of being a content creator called "brands will give you things for free for exposure and exchange of talent" which is where this dress came from, and it was an unpaid exchange. I am a photographer and run an Instagram account, and this company sent me a dress for photos.
But side note, I don't do that all the time, and have purchased nearly everything in our home after saving up for it, because GUESS WHAT!!! That's what people do lol. I don't work with companies I don't believe are worth it, and I'm not trying to make my life an advertisement. So I choose very few people to work with unless I want to.
4. "You're not that poor, you can afford to stay home" -- friendsssss there's this thing called content creation. It's what I do, and as of this year, it pays. Before this year, I have had many jobs from home, and it has been that way for the entirety of my marriage. I have always worked, and likely always will both because I enjoy what I do, and also because my husband and I are partners and my job will eventually pay more than his, so it's worth sticking to.
5. "other influencers aren't poor what are you doing wrong" -- y'all, there are so many content creators who seem to have a ton of money, but are in fact living paycheck to paycheck. they just don't talk about it. Often, everything they have was gifted to them. Most content creators who do home/fashion content are gifted tons of stuff, which they accept because it's free stuff, and a lot of content creators will also work for nearly any company who pays well without regard for ethics. Personally, I will not work with just any company because I believe in promoting ethical and sustainable companies that I am familiar with and whom I kn ow are not scams, so I'm not making nearly as much money as I COULD. If you saw my daily inbox, you'd see how many deals I turn down because I'm not promoting cheap, worthless junk.
6. " make your kids help ffs" -- 1, they're in school, I film mostly while they're at school. 2, several of them WERE helping, on and off camera, some of y'all have confused me with one of my (markedly different) daughter helping out with the pizza at the stove and it's hilarious. 3. I film my kids very little for their own privacy, and have massively shifted what I will show of them, because the internet is a weird place. So no, you won't see them helping unless I deem it a safe and uninvasive way to show them on camera. I don't stage shots with them, I don't make them do my JOB job, end of story.
Ok that's it. This is a long rant for a handful of comments, and the majority of you have been SO lovely. But, there's your clarification, for anyone coming in to be judgy.
Your doing what most ppl do honey So be proud and say it loud! If ppl realized that everything is a blessing and its not about the money but about the love! everything you do is based on loving your family and doing what best. All those haters just keep hating this woman has her life together and is doing great . I also suffer from what you have and life is not easy while having Health issues that are not curable. So keep being the blessing that you are and show the world how we should be living.
Kristina, I'm almost out of breath just watching you do all that work, and knowing that it's only a fraction of what you do all the time, even when the camera isn't on. You are very blessed to have those children. All of them! I love it when we're out in town and I see a family with more than 2 children. And: IT'S NO ONE'S BUSINESS HOW MANY CHILDREN YOU HAVE. Personally, I'd block anyone who has such bad manners as to criticize the size of your family.
I have a blog and I know how those critical comments can sting, but just realize that they have really bad manners. It's not you - it's them.
We don't have television, all we have is the internet, our son's prime account and a collection of DVDs. We watch a lot of youtube and you're one of my favorite channels. I found it a few years ago when I was searching for living in the 1950s. That's when I was a small child, and I really, really miss those days. My family was below the poverty level because my dad worked for a defense contractor that had a big lay-off when the contract was up. So I watched my parents make dp on very little and I thought (and still do) think it can help make a creative and resourceful life. A lot of our marriage has been below the poverty level, again, due to lay-offs.
I love your channel.
Some people are just nasty and cruel. They think they're invincible and that nothing will ever put them in a situation where they thought they'd never be. Ignore these ignorant people. I'd rather be in a house full of love and family (home) than in a mansion with all the perks that come with money and be with some husband that doesn't care about me and the kids (house). There is a difference between a home and a house. I am fortunate to live in a home. 💯❤️. A side note: Don't ever explain yourself to anyone. It will drive you mad.
Hi friend- pinning your comment to pop up first may at least deter haters from spending the time to give judgy advice rather than say hey- hope you and your family are well.
On another note with budgets- I had friends who grew up with wealth (nannies, summer camps etc) and you know what- they loved my house because my mom was present and stayed home and made it the best cozy place ever. Thank you for taking the time to make this content and if it’s triggering people well that’s a service too!
@@bodaciousmo It really irks me when critical people don't have any content of their own but actively try to ruin someone's day, especially when they're really trying. I would say that these Karens wouldn't say it to your face, but sadly, they will. Good manners have gone the way of the land line phone.
Here is a quote from my Nonna. She lived to be 101. Dirt poor ! I was taught so much by her. I hope this blesses you as it does me.
“Some people are so poor that they only have money”
That is so true. Thank you for sharing your Nonna's wisdom.
YES !!!! My words exactly !
I LOVE this ❤️❤️❤️
This made me smile. ☺️ Writing it down to remember.
Love this - and so true! A good lesson for children (and all of us) to consider.
FINALLY!!!! An American family, living like normal people!!! I'm Greek, and this is how we also live! When it comes to budgeting and traditional homemaking, there's no difference among nationalities or cultures!!! You make so many women proud, and also initiate new perspectives, which actually, are very old!!!!! Good job 👍👏
Agreed!!
@@trinitywright7122anyone have any good recipes for cheap meals greatly appreciated
Someone likes strawberries ❤
Anything I need for my house I go to thrift stores first
I assure you that there are SO many American families who live like this, they just don’t get seen online often! What you see on social media is NOT the normal life of an American, but what Kristina posts is very in line with it!
I live in isolated, low income Alaska. The community is small and everyone feeds everyone. No one judges you if you accept a bucket of crabs or a bag of berries from your neighbors and then buy something new for yourself. Relationship with your community is not transactional. The food bank is there so you can spend your money on the tools you need without worrying about food. Please be proud of yourself for caring for your family and allowing your community to care for you. It's a beautiful thing.
Amen
That sounds interesting! You should start a UA-cam channel and share about your life there! We need more channels about communities pulling together and thriving with love and friendship. Those are rare these days.
Ok I LOVE that - "Relationship with your community is not transactional". Sometimes that's hard to remember!
Yes, in Alaska it feels like living in the 1940s (without the war).
Well said !!!
You have a roof over your head, bread to eat, you are able to keep yourself and your family clean. You are not poor, just living within your means and content. I enjoyed watching this episode. Looking forward to more. ❤🇿🇦
...I said the same thing....
Agree
True
Girl, I KNEW you were a real one when i saw you washing that ziplock bag! This was a much needed video right now ♡. Much love ❤
Omgosh I'm right there with ya.
Girl, Ha! I thought I was the only one! Glad to know I"m not.
I was raised like this on low income - and tho I’m not now I still wash my zip loc bag and reuse plastic utensils or plates - if k can re use it , I will !
@@Herbhead369 every day i trundle off to work with lunchbucket in tow. that's me, good ol factory joe lunchbucket. well, what i have i earned. The Lunchbucket has all my food, both a.m. and p.m. snacks with my thermos of coffee. i got old tupperware containers sized for soup (sometimes just homemade broth), sandwiches, a bowl for salad. tupperware also made two-ended spice shakers. The Ziploc holds 2nd hand store cutlery - knife, fork, soup spoon and paper napkins. i wash the cutlery and dry it in the break room so i don't hafta fiddle fart around trying to wash out The Ziploc (much as i love them!). i don't think this makes me any better than anyone else 😂 but i'm another one that knows how to cut a personal corner and still have a good day.
Best wishes!
You cook like me. Then you can grind the chicken bones to enrich your soil
Growing up there were 7 people in our family and my Mom was a homemaker. She never allowed us to say we were poor. She used to say "Being poor is a state of mind. We might not have much money but we will never be poor so long as we have a roof over our heads, clothes on our back, shoes on our feet and food in our bellies. " It was great advice when I moved out and was living on my own. It also still gives me a great appreciation for what I have. ❤
Your mother was very wise! Wish I had learned this earlier.
We teach our kids that we are poor but money poor though we got everything that we need for right now. I'm hoping that our kids can see that, that we don't need all the toys or clothing in the world. We are very blessed to have the things we have. 😀
My mother 👩 used to say the same thing, and so do I
Thank you Kristina. Lovely and inspiring ❤
My name is Reenie. I’m a first time viewer. My mom always would say clean cotton is better than dirty silk! Keep up the good job mama!
Great saying ❤
I love that!
Sure is 😊😊
Wow love that
Wow - ur Mom had an awesome saying that speaks volume!
You are not poor. You are rich! Rich of a simple life, rich of children that play in the background, rich of homemade food, rich of being together. Love your videos.
Loved this video!!!! Thankyou!
You can tell by how relaxed the kid is that this is a loving and creative home.
What a great little helper he was too.❤
i was about to comment that, how the little one is so well behaved 🤍
My mother always said “ being poor is the most creative lifestyle “. My mother was very wise.
Finally something REAL !!!!!!!
Everyone trying to be better than others in social media.
This is real , we need real nowadays. Thank you!🙏🙏
Agreed!
This is a God sent channel! Subscribed immediately.
Thank u Jesu
It made me respect my dad so much more when I found out that for years he requested my mom to just use (budget) paper plates. With 13 kids supported on his minimum-wage job, plus any handyman or piano tuning jobs he could nab, the expense was a sacrifice, but it made such a huge difference for my moms ability to handle life.
And my stage of life is very similar. There's no real shame in poverty. It's your character and your attitude of generosity and thankfulness that make a low income actually a blessing for your family. "I have learned to be content in all circumstances"
This is such a difficult thing to talk about, but you did it beautifully. You are a bright light for so many! Proud of you always ❤️❤️
I love you!!!
Soooo agree with this comment.
Precisely this! I may no longer be a family of 5 (divorced, and the kid's off living her own life) but with neurodivergence kicking my butt in terms of housekeeping while attempting to keep the roof over my head, your channel has given me some much needed peace in my heart. Thank you.
I'm 56, married, and sadly, no children. The fact that you have so many children is a blessing. May God bless you abundantly and provide you with everything you need to take care of your family.
❤
Having no kids is a blessing to, I stopped after one because I was to traumatized to be having a kid anyway, of course the worst happened & now she's traumatized. 💔
Her father never gave a rats ass about us, I raised her alone and couldn't even look after myself properly. Her father let her be beaten to near death when she tried to get to know him, he just stood n watched while his girlfriends two daughters beat her to fuckery...broke her nose her teeth and fucked her memory and gave her a bit of brain damage. It's nice that you people found good men but I was so traumatized by gang rape at 14 that I view men as dangerous and manipulative. I will never know love or marriage because I'm not going to place my wellbeing in the hands of anyone, nor would I EVER let a male support me because I'd rather rely on a benefit then a man it's safer and more reliable. Also I don't believe I cleaning up after males or being their kitchen bitch...and how I this fallen world do you even find a male who's not only good but capable with their hands (and not just at sitting in front of a computer but who has actual ability to fix and make things). I'm 44 & haven't found one yet, and even if I do meet someone who fits that description their not interested in me anyway. And what male would want a girlfriend who doesn't want sexual intimacy??? Honestly if my mother had of used her brain instead of her twat there'd be 3 less fucked up broken people in this world.
@@jolenewillis9446 hey, you need to reach out to a professional who can use great tools to assist with some form of healing. ❤️🩹 😢 sorry you went through that. Your existence isn’t the fault or issue. You deserve to exist. Your mother failed to protect you, and all those people that hurt you? Is them that shouldn’t be here. Not YOU. You have every right to exist and be born.
@@jolenewillis9446Honestly I empathize with your sentiments. I hope you and your daughter can find peace.
@jolenewillis9446 Jolene, I have found that the only man that will ever have my back is my father in heaven. He has always taken care of my mother and I even in the midst of domestic violence. God loves you, he really does and ge hears your prayers. I prayed for a good man who knows Jesus and obeys him and that is what he blessed me with. It is never to late to know and feel love. God bless you my sister. John 3:16.
I am a single mom of three teenagers and it’s crazy because I went to the food bank today for the first time in awhile and I felt very self conscious about being there. When I got home I watched your video and it was about that very subject! Truly made me feel better, and thank you for being so brave and fighting the stigma!
When I feel self conscious, I ask myself if I could even describe someone I came in contact with today, what shoes they were wearing, color of their hair, etc.. I never can. We're so busily going about our lives that unless someone REALLY stands out, we don't notice, so don't feel self conscious unless you're doing something wrong. You go to a food pantry? Millions go every year and unless you stand on a cardboard box, twirling around whistling dixi, then light your hair on fire, chances are, nobody there will remember you being there. It's ok, life can get difficult and you must do what you must do. Nobody worth anything will fault you for being there.
Don’t feel self conscious about that! It’s free food and with the high prices of everything, getting free food is a privilege ❤
@@change691indeed!🙌
Don't be ashamed. Most people have been through hard times. Now that times are a wee bit easier (due to age...not the economy 😢). I try to help others now. You'll be there one day as well. ❤❤❤
We just got to do what we have to and not worry about what people think..don't we..
I was where you are 20 years ago, but as a single working mom after my divorce. Now my kids are all grown and starting to have children of their own. Oh how I wish I hadn't spent so much time carrying the weight of what people thought. They were safe, clean happy and fed. I admire you so much for putting yourself out there, ignoring the critics and letting the rest of of us bask in the beauty of your life.
I would never call you poor. You have a beautiful, rich, blessed, real life! This was exactly my childhood and we were all very happy.
My thoughts exactly. This was very calming and very much needed! What a Blessing you are to your husband, Children and many of us at home!
Well she’s definitely not poor in the bank account either, she started this video wearing a coat that is over $200 lol
@@vs71597wow that’s what you focus on?! Do you know how long she has had the coat? If it was a gift? If she got it from a thrift store? If she hasn’t bought a new coat in years so her husband encouraged her to splurge on it? If she has worked very hard and rewarded herself? Think before you type please.
@@vs71597 I guess you’ve never heard of thrifting, lol. That def looks like a thrifted jacket. I have $700 boots that I thrifted for $4! As well as a fur coat I thrifted for $5:) When you’re broke, you get pretty great at picking out high quality & sometimes expensive items at a cheap price at the thrift.
Don’t judge. Maybe it was given to her. You don’t know.
A vacuum cleaner isn’t a luxury, a housekeeper is. Keeping your house clean is part of keeping you and your family healthy. I wish you didn’t have to apologize for it, but sharing your life with strangers I understand why you feel you must . I love your house and your sweet family and your beautiful life. You are blessed 🥰😂love the ending-I do this often 😂
Well said!
I ❤ your channel. First time viewing. I will be learning alot from you. I have been on the lower side of income all my life. But guess what God provides! 63 yrs old😊
My husband is a pastor, and our church runs a food pantry- PLEASE replace your vacuum and/or steam mop, rather than go without. We don't need to know, and we are here to help when life throws a curveball like this. Not all curveballs have to be catastrophic ❤
We are also low income, and i would love to see more vintage inspired, low income homemaking videos!!
We live in a third world country, a developing country. Having a vacuum alone is already a luxury for us. I really appreciate how you help us cope and feel better with what we have, not because it should be normalized, but so we have hope and company.❤ God Bless your family and thank you for this wonderful video❤
My mom was a waitress and my dad a mechanic. There were six of us kids! Dad worked Monday-Monday for overtime and my mom worked six days a week. But they NEVER complained, we had the absolute BEST childhood as a low income family. It made us kids appreciate all the “small” things mom would do for us. We never even knew we were poor lol. Thanks for everything mom and dad xoxo
May I ask who watched you all if both of your parents worked that much?
@@lovingsunshine3515 My dad worked night shift and my mom worked during the day. Dad would get off at seven am, come home and be with us while mom went to work until four pm.
@@katlynwood4357When did they sleep? How is their health now? That is such an intense schedule.
@@idepartasair it was crazy! Lol my Dad would sleep when my mom got home at four pm. He would sleep until about nine pm to be at work at eleven! He worked the night shift for 36 years, but has since changed careers. They are both healthy and happy today! 💖
@@idepartasairsee ! Not the answer you wanted or expected is it?? Now what. ….does seem life is better with the love huh😊
Is there anything better than a cozy, rainy Autumn day?!🧡🍁🧡
It's the BEST time of year! I feel so refreshed now that the weather is cooling down and the rain has come!
I couldn't agree more
Your video is so comforting to watch, the food being prepared, the wood burning stove warmth and aroma, the rain falling, trees turning and your calm and steady voice! Loved it!
First time watcher here. I’m filling my feed with real people, doing real things, authentically and with kindness. Thank you for authenticity and showing us a real life with its lovely and messy parts.
That is amazing!!! This is exactly why I show real life things in my videos because I was always so discouraged by seeing “clean with me” videos where the home is already spotless etc. I have 7 kids and I do NOT have a spotless home. Life is real!
I have lived frugally for 42 years. Even though, as our five have grown up and moved on to their own lives, we still live frugally. Grow our own vegetables, raise our own meat, cut our own wood, etc. However, once you are older, kids gone, suddenly there is more money available. Believe it or not, that is an adjustment. You can relax but I never really do, I still can, freeze and (as my husband says) can make a potato stretch for a week. That's not true but you get the drift. Never make excuses for a vacuum! Nice video, I enjoyed it.
Your videos are like a warm hug. Your videos feel like coming home and talking with an old friend. ❤
Why are you so niceeee! Thank you Shelby!
100% makes me feel cozy ❤
Yesssss ❤
My church helps manage a huge food bank. I contribute something every week. I am so glad to see a recipient of a food bank lovingly feeding her family! That’s why we do it! Where I live, people have to choose between paying the rent or eating! It is so unjust! Thank God for food banks, where it is truly neighbors helping neighbors. Giving is as much a blessing as receiving.
We do a food bank at our church quarterly. Recently we put a Blessing Box on the front porch at church and try to keep it stocked for those who need it. We have a small church and most of the members are retired. But they still bring in food for the pantry and BB.
I never attend churches where they DONT have food bank.Busy fleecing is for tithes and nothing to show for it.
This looks like a family living within their means. This video has outstanding quality and high production value too and lots of vintage looking appliances, which means they are frugal … not poor.
Poor means lacking basic necessities and not having access to them. This family is thriving and looks happy and healthy.
And please, do use the food bank! It is there for the community.
*YOU ARE NOT POOR. Please do not say that. You are a lovely loving woman and good mother. Intelligent. Resourceful. Creative. Beautiful. You are very blessed in life. Wishing you a growing channel with a bright future.*
Did you miss everything she said at the beginning of the video about why she felt it was important to talk about the reality of being poor? Because she explained it very well, and then you had the nerve to tell her not to talk about it.
@@kellym.7113 I don't think she will take that comment in such a negative way. Mary just meant that she is rich in so many ways a human being can be rich. She is surrounded by people who love and depend on her. She is the center of her family. I remember what it felt like to be that woman. There is a richness in that that transcends money. Of course finances are still important and will be a factor but there is more to life than money. Some people are moral bankrupt and socially deprived. Mary is just looking at it a different way. There is no need to be reflexively angry at someone who is supportive and well intentioned and really does have a point to make.
She say she is poor, bcs she wants you to send her money 💰. Don't u get it!
She is poor, and that's okay.
@@pippadawg7037 bullshit. She wants 💰🤑money !
Wonderful video! There's no shame or moral failing in being poor. I've been married for 30 years and we've been paycheck to paycheck the entire time. It's often hard but, like you and your family, we try to appreciate each other, our pets and our home. Thank you for talking so openly about ADHD, autism, depression and financial challenges. You really are an inspiration.
@@stacis4254 your comment has made me feel so much better about myself, we’ve been together for 18 years and live paycheck to paycheck and we always thought it was just us, and felt like we should be further along or something. We are so rich in love and abundant in laughter, food and friends, so that feels rich to me
I grew up low income but never knew it. We had a nice clean home, food, clothing, electricity, and clean water. My father took on extra work on the weekends, grew a garden, and my mother was a magician with being frugal.
@@kencurtis2403 same, I didn’t know we was poor until I was at highschool
I grew up in the 60's and 70's. Poor comes in many names, such as working-poor, working-class, etc. I had no clue that we were poor growing up. It never crossed my mind. We had exactly what we needed and were able to get some of our wants. You and your husband are teaching your children what is most important. Not things, but family, memories, and being a decent human being. Thank you!!
A vacuum cleaner and mop are absolutely necessary in my book. Keeping where you live clean is also for your health. Kudos to a great mom, cook and someone who, no doubt, keeps their house clean. ❤
Having a clean house is just as an important as feeding your children. You using the food bank and buying a much needed vacuum should never be a question. Utilizing your resources and keeping your children in a clean home is more than important. As someone who lived in poverty as a child, I can empathize and completely relate to the decisions that are made as a parent when it comes to creating a safe and clean environment for your children. I wish there were more content like this and I wish there was content like this when I was a kid. Seeing others living a wholesome life in low income is so comforting. More families live in low income than those who live above. We need more content like this.
My family is a family of 3. Me, my husband, and our son.
We ended up having to use our local food bank right after purchasing a new car. We got into a car wreck and my car was totalled so it had to be replaced but the people watching me park didn’t know that. It was very difficult for a little while.
So enjoy your mop and vacuum.
I also had people get onto me because I used more disposable items instead of rewashable items. But it became exhausting trying to explain that I did not have a washer and dryer so I have to go to a laundry mat and so no it is not less expensive in time or money.
What I learned is that you can explain all day long but the people who are critizing you aren't looking for an explanation. They just want to think they are better than you.
So you are under no obligation to explain any of your decisions to complete strangers.
But I really enjoy your content and channel. I look forward to all your vidoes.
Yes, there will definitely always people who will judge without understanding there are likely nuances and reasons behind things that they can publicly see! That's for sure. Thank you
I shouldn’t but I do, I judge those on assistance that can afford alcohol, pull tabs, smoking, tattoos and piercings, fake eyelashes and nails and a different hair color every week …..oh and 5 dogs chained in the yard and 10 cats !!!! That’s the stuff that’s irritating!
Well said
@@rnupnorthbrrrsm6123 it’s a lot cheaper to smoke than eat. Smoking reduces appetite, not to mention it’s a great distraction. There’s a reason why smokers are often people of poverty. I don’t condone it, but there are reasons.
& honestly, with the beauty things, that definitely feels wrong. Maybe the only thing said mom does to treat herself is buy a set of press on nails once a month. Or DIY her own eyelash extensions. Or dye their own hair. This doesn’t mean they’re blowing tons of money, it could literally be $10 a month that they’re choosing to treat themselves with. We shouldn’t deny poor people that, they deserve a little something to make themselves happy too. Tattoos aren’t something you need to spend money constantly on. Neither are piercings. They may very well be from years prior, or even gifted. My mother gave my husband a $100 gift certificate to a tattoo shop:) that’s her favorite gift to give! My piercings were also all Christmas presents. It’s not an uncommon thing to do.
I’m low income, I receive WIC & Medicaid. I also have false eyelashes and my hair is dyed:) it makes me happy, it makes me feel like I am doing a little something to take care of my mental health. Do I spend $175 every 2 weeks on lash extensions and $200 for a salon trip? Definitely not. Poor people can make do with what’s within their budget while still treating themselves. I spend about $15 every 3 months for a pack of eyelash clusters and glue. To others, it looks like I got eyelash extensions, & I’m sure the cashier may judge me when I pull out my WIC card, but I DIY’d them. Costs about $1.25 every week for me to do them myself. & I dye my hair as well:) about $14 worth of boxed hair dye (I have thick hair) every 4-6 months. A very small amount that is set aside just for me, & I deserve that, regardless of my income status. Everyone deserves that.
Point is, even if you feel like those things make up a shitty person abusing the system, that does not make you right. You’re right, you shouldn’t judge. You literally have no clue about their personal life or choices.
Def not animal abuse tho, that doesn’t seem like that should be associated with the rest.
@@rnupnorthbrrrsm6123 I have a hard time overcoming that too. Especially when some have large families whereas my husband and I felt we could only afford 2 children. I would have liked to have had more children, so is very hard when I see people with 5-7 children not working and drawing welfare, food stamps, etc. It was hard on me when my children were little (5yo and a newborn), bundling them up, scraping ice off the car and taking them to the babysitter. I had to turn the corner facing the house where a mother stayed home and slept in with her child every morning. They were on all the assistance they qualified for by her not working. My kids were woken up while it was still dark and below zero degrees, bundled and taken to a sitter while her and her child slept in their warm beds and her "assistance" was paid for with money out of my paychecks. So, it is hard to understand. But Kristina is trying, making things from scratch, using food pantries and doing these videos. I can respect that.
This is beautiful and thank you for sharing. Children are a blessing always. They make us re-examine our priorities and open our eyes to,a beauty only children see. Well done mama and keep up,the hard work. We have 11 children ages 24 to,5. I wouldn’t change one single thing. No we do not drive the finest scars, old beaters here. We have had many seasons of rice and beans but in this home joy abounds. Bless you.
Financial wealth can't buy the life skills you learn being poor. At age 36, I lost my husband & became a single mother to my three children. Without those skills, there's no way I could have managed in the following years. We grew, raised & preserved all of our own food, so I was lucky to not have to rely on food stamps or food banks, but everything we owned was second hand (& honestly, often of a much better quality than anything I could afford to buy brand new!) so we never 'felt' poor. Now my children are grown, raising their own children in financially trying times & my heart swells with pride to watch them not only using those skills, but teaching them to their children. Money might make things easier, but you quickly learn that there are many things money can never buy. I'm so glad to see someone on YT willing to share their struggles & successes & I'm here to stay. Thank you for sharing! May your many blessings continue to compound daily!
Hi Kristina! Welcome from the UK. We are a low budget (a single budget) family and your channel is helping me making my home the way it suits us the best to thrive. Please carry on with these series.
And I just wanted to add that I very much enjoy your content. You are beautiful inside and out and most of the people are just jealous.
You are richer than you think… you have loving husband, wonderful kids, roof over head, warm hearth, you’re amazing mom. That is the biggest wealth in the world.
Carry on doing this content please. I’m sure it helps lots of people (does help me definitely).
Hugs for you and good wishes, God bless. ❤
Agree ❤❤
1st time viewing . This is all over the world. People find a way to survive with what they have to work with. I want to learn how to can food next year. My mom and used to make concrete grape juice ,jellies, preserves,salsa,ketsup,pears,spiced peaches, plus we canned 1 acre garden lasting 7years family of 4!! Our meat was butchered beef hog lamb.My brother fishedhunted squirrel rabbit pheasant frog legs chicken and eggs grandparent's made butter cream milk sausage so much more. Its a lot of work but when you have unity it flows quite well. So glad that I found you ❤😅
Concord grape..finger nails got in the way.
Watch Balerrina farm she shows you how to make breads & they have 10 kids,farm western United States. You can buy their meat & other. Alaska has healthy fresh water fish!Yummy!
This was so refreshing! Please do continue to talk about this!
I have been a fan of Victoria magazine for over 30 years. I have had only one complaint about it and every other magazine anything like it . They seem to assume that all of their readers are middle - to upper middle class. I love beautiful old fashioned things and I would love to see articles that encourage and show women how they can achieve beautiful interiors - not just " on a budget" but on a low budget.
This video reminded me of that, so I shared it with you. I like your approach, that's what I've looked for in a magazine. ~ Heather ~
The baby playing with the fridge light is everything ❤😂
Exactly! ❤
I screamed "get out the fridge!" Like I do with my little 😂
Hey, you find entertainment where you find it. LOL!!
we all did that as a kid 😂😂😂
Just a little tip. Even when you only have a couple of table spoons of vegetables or meat. I save it in a freezer bag until l get enough to make a soup.
Penny soup!
The title caught my eye. " thrive no matter you budget'. The photography is impressive and your soothing voice is comforting. Thank you.
This 71 yo grandma just found your channel and subscribed. I’m going to look back in your videos for frugal cooking. Years ago when I was a mom of grade school kids, my husband was out of work and I went in to apply for food stamps. I cried throughout the process. The gal asked why I was crying. I said “I’m the neighbor and friend that helps out others when food is needed.” She said don’t feel bad. I’m sure you’ll be back helping others soon. Two months later, I was indeed able to help others. So never be afraid to ask for help.
We've needed food assistance for a very long time. I've learned to give back by making people meals when someone is dealing with illness or tragedy. Or I will share with someone who has absolutely no food. God gives us things so we can be a blessing to others ❤
🌄 refreshing & wholesome...learning to live within your means is the recipe for contentment!
Dear kind souls! Being poor should be worn like a badge of honor……sharing skills, learning new ways to live, loving your neighbors. These are qualities that has vanished from our make believe world, the life today is 100% toxic , thanks to social media, its like a disease that has spread across generations. I would be considered “poor” . All our children are college educated, we are very involved in community care, my husband is disabled, served in the military and retired from law enforcement….. LIFE IS WONDERFUL!!!!!! We are full of gratitude for having been blessed with so much. MILLIONS WISH TO LIVE LIKE YOU, WHAT THEY WOULD PAY TO HAVE SUCH PEACE WITHIN!!!!!! For everyone reading, May God bless you, ❤
Your words dear lady are so correct and true..i totally agree with you..God bless you...
Very well said x
Watching you was a breath of fresh air.
Finally a home maker like me!
I had 4 children, very low income, cooked from scratch every day with things I could buy locally, grow, forage, and at times get from our wonderful UK foodbank. I learnt how to make meals go further by, for example, I'd buy a 55lb of potatoes from a local farmer very cheap, so everyone's tummies were always full.
I always knew I was different from other mothers, always busy, never sitting still, trying to prove I was doing my best, until at 43 years old I got my official diagnosis of ADHD and Autism, then I understood who I really was and learned to embrace being me.
Thank you for your honesty. It was a perfect episode. Take care x.
I think it important for people to know that many people who GIVE to the food banks would never want you to go without necessary items or feel shame. We are all doing the best we can and, really, many people who have extra are not judgmental in their giving. In my 62 years, I've found that the people who are judgmental are the ones who never share.
Well said, I have thought the same thing. Stingy people are so judgmental. Open your hands a give a little it makes your heart feel good.
Donations are also deductibles on yearly taxes,,,
I occasionally buy these 5 Euro paper bags at the supermarket that you donate to the food banks after paying. I always assume it's for someone who's cooking at home and needs some help and there is nothing shameful about that.
I have a garden at home and freezing berries and veggies from the garden to last for the rest of the year seriously saves so much money. Sure I still buy other fruit and veggies throughout the year but I never run into budget issues because I always have some frozen tomatoes and zucchini and such for cooking as well as homemade jam and a few packs of noodles, rice and flour. It may sound weird but having the certainty that I could get by for a month or 2 without buying any groceries makes life so much easier because it simply removes one of life's worries.
You'll likely never see this but you are a wonderful woman and the world needs more of you.
I saw this, thank you ❤️
This is beautiful. This is how I grew up. Not well off financially, but rich in so many other ways. Sometimes dinner was just beans and cornbread, and sometimes depended on whatever my dad brought home from a day of fishing or hunting small game. As an adult I remember being surprised to find out that things like rabbit, various birds, squirrel, wild harvested fruits, berries, and greens, are considered gourmet foods. For me, it was what we ate from time to time because sometimes that's what we could get. Entertainment was spending the day at a state park, reading (paper books!) or "porch sitting" at night, or early in the morning before sunup, going "walking and talking," or visiting relatives. Christmas and birthday gifts were simple and thoughtful. Life was slow.
That was my childhood and I consider myself to have been really blessed.
@carlahoag7154 I completely agree, that is a blessed life!
You are amazing! You are not poor by any stretch. Low income does not mean poor. You are being a good steward with what you have. It's a mindset that most people don't understand. I bet your children are happy and healthy and you are teaching them survivor skills not "worldly" skills. God is blessing you!
Well said, seeing your home I felt so much coziness calm and peaceful
She is poor, and there is nothing wrong with that.
Everyone is poor now. Thank goodness for helpful guides like you. Thank you, Brave Soul.
With food prices so high, that is the truth. We are all poor.
it's silly to some, but homemaking and raising a large family is my dream. I get teased a lot for being a man wanting to raise kids and care for the home full time but it genuinely makes me so happy to care for my wife and clean our home for us. I've just started micro-homesteading and am hoping all my months of overtime will help us buy a home soon. Thank you Kristina for this, showing it's possible to live the dream even with a small income.
I’m a single mom, have a full-time job, and am a full-time student and I try to cook dinner from scratch and keep a clean happy home. The vacuum for hard floors and carpet and the steam mop are a MUST!!!! 🎉
You’re so right about making chores accessible. Whether it’s a disability, overwhelm, exhaustion, etc… just make it easier for yourself when you can so you can use more energy loving your family 🩷
I am so happy you chose to talk about this. One thing that has always bothered me is the judgement low income people get whenever they purchase items that others see as undeserved luxuries. That drives me up a wall for several reasons:
Looking from the outside in, people can never get the whole picture. Just because they see a low income person buy a good quality item it doesn’t mean they aren’t sacrificing something else in order to afford that item. There’s no way to know how long that person may have saved up for that item or what else they may have done without.
There is definitely such a thing as being penny wise and pound foolish. Super cheap items can wind up costing more over time because they constantly need to be replaced.
I also can’t stand this idea that those utilizing tools to help them “survive and thrive”, as you say, must always “look poor” in order to deserve some help as if it’s ok for a society to let people get to where they are starving and wearing nothing but rags.
Finally, I think everyone, no matter their income, deserves to live with dignity, love, respect, and joy. There should be nothing wrong with having some special things and a few “luxuries” here and there. Everyone deserves to not just survive but to have quality of life.
Exactly! I was always taught to buy less but best--quality over quantity. Frankly I think someone is smart if they buy a good item (expensive or not) if it helps their day to day or lasts a long time. Also, it's none of our business! You can get good items second hand, too.
Well spoken. Well made items last years beyond other made to toss items.
I agree with you!!
Agreed! No matter what the topic, everyone has a different situation. That’s why it’s so important to support whatever personal choices someone else makes and not to vote against people being allowed to make decisions based on the nuances of their own lives. Freedom for everyone.
Thank you for your thoughtful comments - I agree with you wholeheartedly ❤ God bless
Never feel ashamed for needing help to feed your family. I love your transparency and honesty.
No one should feel ashamed needing help. Ever. That said, the “hate” is common sense people saying if you need handouts and are low income for over a decade, some planning is required. Feeding your kids is more important than thrifting, pantry makeovers, etc. and you’ll say, “but she is!” Yes, she is, with help. Without the extras there may be no need for handouts.
People expect responsibility, that’s all.
@@KateSmith-h2f I read this the day that you posted it and I forced myself to move on and not write a comment on a knee jerk reaction. I hate drama and I really hate negative comments. This kind lady is being open about her circumstances and decision to take advantage of food cupboards to supplement her groceries and feed her family. I suppose some people believe that gives them the right to pass judgment on how she spends her money. She shouldn’t redecorate her kitchen or buy nice clothes? I’ve donated lots of food to cupboards and I hope it allows those families to have some joy in being able to live a little bit better.
This video just popped up on my feed. So glad it did. I was raised in a family of 6. We were dirt poor; but we didn't know it. We were happy. Grew up in the country doing hard work. I am so glad now. It made me appreciate things. My husband also struggles with anxiety. It runs in his family. For years he never would share that with anyone. Now we have found freedom in sharing. Most people don't understand. They think it's something you can control. It doesn't matter if people don't get it.
I have my grandmother's apron and it looks almost identical to your dress. You have a beautiful family. May Jesus continue to bless you and your family
My father grew up with an ice box and my mother on the largest apple farm in North America, preserving food was as normal as going to the grocery store today is. My mother while coming from a wealthy family, recycling, reusing and fixing things that were broken were skills she had. My father went to vocational schools so he learned how to build a house and repair the car. All of those skills allowed them to keep more money in the bank and be of greater service to their community. You should be proud for all that you do, there are many women who are in your situation who have husbands that don't properly provide, it is great that you are teaching those wives how to thrive in poverty.
We are a family of 5, and have been single income in an expensive city for 10 years. The skills I have learned from being low income are such a big part of how we have managed to thrive in tough times. Videos like this are so important, nearly everyone goes through tight financial situations, we need to discuss it more, theres no shame in it!
Needed this!! I’m a 33 year old stay at home mom, homemaker. My husband is starting two businesses and times are tight. I feel like all I see online are the INFLUENCER homemakers who are paid to promote a lifestyle of over consumption and consumerism. It was like you were speaking directly to me. Thanks for sharing!
Prayers his businesses take off! 💜
I have watched your video for the first time. The phrase "thrive within your budget," really stuck out to me. That is something I've never learned to do. You have a lot of great ideas and I thank you for sharing your content. And you quote Tolkien and you read! All kinds of awesome!
As a girl who loves & lives a vintage life style. Especially from 30's- 60s era. I love your videos girly. They bring such calm & peace to my day. I've been having rough last few days. These videos were just what I needed.
✨️🩵🩷💛✨️
We use the food bank and it is especially helpful for us. Especially with the economy now.
Hello Kristina. This is the first video of yours that I have seen, and my, are you lovely. Your children will have the happiest memories of a cozy house filled with love, a charming kitchen filled with good aromas and wholesome meals, and parents who took time to be with and care for their children. You are wonderful!
I grew up in a large family of 9 my mother was a homemaker she always kept her home clean we were always clean and she managed to pull food out of thin air to feed all of us and many others that were hungry thank you for sharing this content it brought back so many beautiful memories
We've been married for 42 yrs. We raised 3 kids on a single income. It was hard, but I learned so many wonderful things from my grandmother on how to stretch EVERYTHING, and never waste ANYTHING. You can do it!
I love how the topic of "lowincome but thriving life" is getting more attention. Yes, we all live on diffenrent incomes, under different circumstances - and it is beaufiful to see all kinds of people. The "homemaking influencers with a 50 dollar bag of flour" are nice to watch, it might be inspiring, but never relatable for most of the people. With your videos I´m feeling like home.
Thank you for showing a real life. Internet always makes us feel guilty for not having things and creates false needs. Many people live on a low budget and it's all right. What I gained from your video is a reminder that we need to be kind to ourselves and everyone around us :).
You have given me the opportunity to relish the freshness,simplicity, thoughtfulness, and divinity of your life. You are super rich indeed,madam. Be Blessed 🎉🙏
I do love homemaking content...but its true that many of even the frugal channels show things that I cant come even close to buying.Thank you for being real😊
I am so glad you bought yourself a new vacuum and mop! Frankly, to me, those items are critical and having small appliances that make my life easier makes living easier.
I didn't realize till lately that I was suffering for no reason, lol. I'm still learning to make home care accessible to ME specifically as an ND person, it's such a period of giving myself grace and allowing myself to invest in tools that will make things easier!
Our grandmothers also set an example like yours. They raised their children during the great depression and World
War 2.
There’s no need to apologize or quantify your decision to purchase a vacuum. Rather sharing tips, ideas, recipes,craft/decorating on a limited budget is adding slot of value to many families who are pinched financially.
Sweet momma know that even those who are better off appreciate the beauty, love, grace, and coziness of your home. I would encourage you to focus on sharing creative ideas and moving away from assumptions. All of us mommas and homemakers are rooting you on!
I loved to see your baby helping you in the kitchen. These are the moments that money can’t buy. ❤❤❤
Sweetie, just know that some people are not good with words, and their love language is giving you gifts. ❤ You have been so gracious and loving with your posts.
My daughter was going to get pop cycles for her friend who was home with sick kids and asked her what kind she wanted. She said,, the kind your mom gave you when you were little. She said, my mom made ours from the fruit on the trees in our yard. It was something I was proud of and I am glad she was too. We had an ancient plum tree with lovely sour plums that made the most wonderful jam and juice. Good for you. The pizza looked amazing. I think I might make some tomorrow now that the weather is a bit cooler. Happy homemaking.
Kristina you have no idea how much your videos mean to me! I am also neurodivergent with adhd and we are a low income family also! I think sometimes we are made to feel shameful for not having all the fancy things others have! Thank you for making me not feel so alone and to be proud of the life I have because I sure would rather be happy, loved and truly grateful for what I do have then have all the money in the world! Thanks again you beautiful human and many blessings to you and your beautiful family!!
Living in TX we have also been low income for most of our 22 years of marriage, we had a couple of very good years. I realized we are not that special. Many others make do and there is nothing new about that. I still enjoy watching rich influencers cook with in their expensive homes, it is beautiful and it causes no envy nor discontentment in me. Each person gets to live her own life. I enjoy your channel because it is familiar. May God continue to bless you.
May God continue to bless you too ❤
Yes, please. More about low income and the history you mentioned!
19:54 First time viewer, new subscriber - just had to comment. Thanks for being real. I grew up low income and learned a lot of skills that served me well later in life. I've been up and I've been down and now at 78, I am again low income and doing fine. No one should ever criticize you or your choices. You are doing a real service to people. I wish I had you to watch when I was a young mother and struggling with post partum etc. My mother cooked from scratch almost exclusively, and we loved everything she made. My Dad was our handyman and could fix anything. They both grew up poor and went through the depression and WWII. Stay true to who you are ❤😊 and you'll be just fine. I look forward to more videos!
I live in Sweden and we’ve had a great apple year this year one of my favorite ways to use them is kräm, you boil peeled and cored apples with water about halfway up the apples and sugar to taste until you have a soupy consistency with some chunks then you thicken it with potato or corn starch and add a little salt. Then you cool it and serve in a bowl with cold milk for breakfast or a snack
Interesting, thank you!
😮 I llove that. Thanks for sharing.
I live in Czech for our garden it was horrible for our cherries and apples. We have about 10 apple trees and three big cherry trees our cherry trees produce between 10-30 kg (depending on the tree) and we got about 2kg total from them i don't see any disease or anything but we had a freeze in may and i believe it ruined many of the fruits... Our apples only produced about half the amount of last year
You have learned to thrive in your life, and that is a very good thing ! I wish more people would. I am so glad that I learned skills from little on…..sewing, cooking, cleaning..it all helps. I’m 75 now, and I still cook all our food and breads and desserts. I still grow our vegetables and I can tomatoes and make jam. We don’t have a farm, just an average yard. I still sew my own clothes, curtains, quilts, sleep pants for my husband, whatever we need. I grow lavender and harvest it, dry it and make little sachets for under the pillows. I have always enjoyed doing all these things - I didn’t have to do them. I raised two children and it’s been a very enjoyable life ! I like knowing I can provide for myself and my family ! ❤
We were a low income family of 9 and my mother taught us all homemaking skills, sewing, cooking, wallpapers, painting, childcare, cleaning, animal care, how to put a meal together with almost no groceries, how to plant and harvest a huge garden etc. She even made our candles from paraffin. There were no terms like OCD. BI-Polar, ADHD. Everyone needs to teach their children these skills no matter they're social class.
Thank you! None of that was spoken of when I was a child too. Everyone learned to pitch in and make it happen. There were no excuses or reasons why me or my brothers, all of us dx with ADD as adults, we just did it. Same with behavior at school.
I love that you were taught sewing. I remember sewing a lot as a child but as I have not been doing it for a long time,I need to pick up the skills again! There are also things I would love to do - woodworking, fixing electronics just to name a few. We had helpers growing up BUT my mom still emphasised we did a lot of chores which I am teaching my kids to do too.
Okay that's lovely but conditions like the ones you mentioned have always existed, people just talk about them more openly nowadays.
OCD, ADHD and Bipolar have always existed lmao. We just have the internet now.
This is an absolutely beautiful video. It feels like an old time, somewhat foreign country film except in English. It's warm and inviting, and real. Thank you for this
It's so funny, I get comments randomly that people are surprised I'm American. Most common assumptions are England and Canada, and that's always lovely!
@@WithLoveKristina you're doing a wonderful job and teaching your children valuable lessons. We are a fam of 5 on one income and we're pretty similar! Unfortunately it's *crazy* expensive to pay for power where we live so we had to give up our wedding present bread maker 15 years ago 😂 but now with kids ages 14-11, our kids can make homemade pizza dough and a variety of meals and treats. We've had periods of money and many many periods of just enough but no extra. We make do❤
My husband and I have a good rule of thumb when it comes to appliances too: buy a good fridge. Nothing worse than waking up to lost food! Same applies to your vacuum cleaner - you want it to clean...not look pretty in the corner 😂. We have similar stories and backgrounds and it meant Alot to me to not feel isolated in running a very tight budget. Ps: your children are so sweet!
I agree. Normal, real people. Even if you have more money, living simply is best.
Making a dollar stretch is my hobby and I love the challenge and the creativity, the self restraint and staying debt free all at the same time.
I love that you and your husband are willing to make sacrifices for your children and family. I wish I had been able to stay home. Children really need that. Lots of love.
You are so lovely and thoughtful in your way of approaching difficult topics
I really enjoyed that Kristine. The first 20 years of my marriage, we lived low income. There were many things I did to stretch the grocery budget, but my family enjoyed. I was sharing this with my my grown children recently and they did not realize that I did that to stretch the groceries, such as cooking from scratch, making homemade bread, biscuits and muffins, making and canning applesauce. These simple things made our meals seem so much more special and yet they saved us money and filled their bellies. I used the food bank on a few occasions, and through that I learned about new foods that I never had or cooked with before. And so I was thankful for that.
I watch her spin around her home, cleaning and cooking and preparing and covering the same ground and the same counters and tables over and over again.
It gave me a moment of pause because I realized this was me too. This is a lot of us right? At least that’s my assumption for those watching this video.
But the day in day out grind of homemaking is sometimes difficult to grapple with. You think, this seems pointless. This seems like a waste of my time. This is thankless work etc etc. But then I think that yes the tasks are monotonous but what I’m creating has immense purpose. What I’m creating and providing is stability. It’s a soft place to fall. It’s the foundation to the start to a good life for my daughters. And hopefully it’s also modeling to my daughters how a mother makes a home. And that there is pride to be had there.
Thank you for inspiring some insight Katrina ❤
I am glad to see a younger person doing things from scratch. And with the way things are going, and when you need a little extra food at these you go and get what is needed. Stay safe and have a blessed day.
Your kitchen is absolutely wonderful! I’m so tired of seeing these perfectly staged kitchens with all white EVERYTHING. This is a real kitchen. It’s not messy by any means but it is well used and loved! Not just a backdrop for a video. Love it! I too have a kitchen similar to yours (instead of strawberries, I collect sunflowers!) . I have many things that I have collected over the years that are now on my counters. Not everything matches or is white marble…and that’s ok! ❤
We grew up low income due to an accident my father had at work. He was handicapped the rest of his life. Back in those days no one sued. The way you are living, and raising your family reminds me of how I grew up. I never thought I went without. I knew and saw what it took for my parents to feed us. My Mother worked in the home cleaning and cooking and never complained. My mother was the favorite mother to all the kids on the block. She is 84 now and my friends still go to visit her when they come into town. What you are giving your children is the best education in life. Children these days aren't being taught the value of hard work or how to be resourceful. I'm not blaming the parents (mostly) because our society requires a two income family. I do remember my father telling us we were broke, not poor. He said, "being broke is a temporary situation. Being poor is a state of mind." I really enjoyed your content. Blessings to you and your family.
Thank you, Kristina, for your beautiful channel! I stumbled upon this video looking for more budget-saving tips for my growing family and the music, the aesthetic, your soft voice, and your authenticity just welcomed me in. I can't wait to watch more of your videos❤
I am a new subscriber. I'm almost 70 years old from a farm in the middle of Illinois. I just wanna tell you you're a breath of fresh air. I've been trying to live like this. Since the late 60s, I've went off the track. I've come back, but we go 5 months of the year. With no income, we have to do everything we can to have our freezers full of air refrigerators are vegetables can then froze in your children will appreciate it. I have 4 children, 3 with masters. When was going in? Her masters had received 2 actuals when she passed away 2 days before Christmas in 2017. Dad and I almost 70 are raising a 14 year old. We wouldn't have an any other way. But every little penny adds up to😢 dollars. Keep up the good work. They will appreciate it ❤❤
God bless you and your family
Some people criticize because it hits a little too close too home for themselves, I think. What bothers us most in others is often what we most dislike in ourselves. I think what you are doing is helping hundreds or more people who haven't been able to talk to even their closest relatives about their feelings and you give them comfort and maybe they don't feel so isolated and alone. I envy your courage, my dear. I'm a believer and I'll say God bless you and your family. Having a happy home full of love is the greatest gift a child can have. Tale care.
I am 73. My grandmothers were housewives from the 1920's through the 1980's. I learned so many wonderful things from them. You brought back all those memories. Thank you for your sweet video.
I just found you, and I love you! I'm 51, disabled and try my very best everyday. The end of your video it felt like you were talking directly to me, like a friend would. Thank you, I needed to hear that!
I've always admired how you tackle the tough subjects, Kristina! Your sincerity shines through in each and every video. I teared up several times at the sheer beauty you conveyed here; I really can't explain it, I just found it touching. Oh, and to anyone who would dare to criticize you for a new vacuum and mop (and, of course, someone will) they need to take a long hard look at themselves! Never stop being you! ❤
It's a source of pride for us that we've not only survived, but thrived on what my husband makes. Some years have been leaner than others, but we've always made it work. It's a skill to pinch a penny til it screams, and still provide a warm comfortable home for your family. It's work, but it's work where you're with your children and you are your own boss. If you have to work for someone, better it's yourself and your family.
Pinch a penny til it screams - I love that!
A vacuum like that, and a steam mop for sanitation, those absolutely are investments that are worth it. Don't let folks judge that aren't cleaning your house, feeding and clothing your kids and wearing your shoes! Much love from a fellow low income momma.
This video gives me such comfort☺️. Right now I am working full time, school full time, and have 2 children under 4. My husband also works 2 jobs full time. We are trying to get a house, and we realized how much money we spent on things that aren’t necessary or things we could do at home. I love making things from scratch but I was just being lazy. You just reminded me we can make do with what we have and have a happy, fulfilling life. Thank you❤
This is the content we need more of! I really hope you make more. I’m an older first-time mom who has been bad with budgeting in the past, having a lot to do with my ADHD and other struggles. I desperately feel the need to stay home with my baby, But I am so afraid of what it will do to our budget and, embarrassingly, I worry about adjusting to a different standard of living. I just don’t know what it will look like! Seeing your video made me realize how much I have been aspiring to have perfectly spotless, colorless rooms in my home and a perfectly behaved child. You just snapped me out of it! I don’t even like neutrals lol! Your home is colorful, vintage, and eclectic. It is all of the things I love! I almost cried because I have specifically searched for cleaning and home making videos set in homes like mine. This is the first one I have ever seen! Your home looks cozy and clean and organized, but lived in. Your meals are delicious and varied because you use what you have. And I’m definitely an ADHD creative, so making anything from pizza to sauerkraut to apple cider. Sounds like such an adventure to me!And you make it look doable! Thank you, thank you thank you. Your video has helped me so much today. Please I would love a series on this.