I have been calling catalog companies and other businesses who send us "junk mail" and have been asking to be removed from their mailing lists. It takes a little more time than just recycling but our mail has serisouly decreased as a result! A little time spent for efficient and less waste, totally worth it!
Re: mail - My apartment bloc (of 120+ units) has a locked recycling bin next to the mailboxes, so you can sort the junk and magazines right when you collect it from your box!
Liked this video. I like that you paused more while speaking. That really helps in digesting all the information. I also like your paused an serene demeanor. No frills, just the facts.
I totally agree with having routines....especially with food. We eat mostly organic Monday through Friday and I make the exact same meals every week. We do rotate which day we eat each meal depending on what we feel like eating though. It makes grocery shopping and cooking SO easy. Then on the weekends we usually eat out all weekend. XOXO
My other question is about books. I've tried e-Readers (like Kindle) but found that I never read my books because I just don't like using them. I much prefer old fashioned books, in fact I'm a book enthusiast. But the least-minimal thing about my home is my bookshelp (which is ENORMOUS and HEAVING with books). How do I be a book-lover AND a minimalist? I don't like the look of hundreds of books cluttering my minimalist home but can't bear to part with them (I recently purged hundreds of books, but still have hundreds left). Your ideas would be most welcome, thank you :)
Great tips! I just moved into a new apartment and they have a large recycling bin next to the mail boxes. I love it because I can just sort right there and don't have to bring that junk mail into the house!
I liked your comment about checking out 10 books from the library. Whenever i take my toddler there i always check out 10 board books at a time because my library doesn't track the titles of board books. So instead of trying to remember the titles each time i just remember that i have 10 to return, a nice round number :)
as far as appointments, a few years ago, I changed my schedule to only go to medical appointments every other month. It's amazing how much 'me' time that creates....
Advice I struggle to follow but believe is fundamental to getting back time to do what needs to be done: Honor Thy Calendar (or planner or whatever device you are using to keep track of how you are spending your days). As soon as I decided to follow a calendar for my personal life I have had highs and lows in adhering to this new habit (off and on for past 3-5 years). Any tips? I haven't tried the bullet journal as I prefer using an online method. I only book 3-4 things per day max. I only book things outside of mundane/routine, but I do keep track of those as a way to build myself up (X no. of laundry loads completed per week, for example). If you aren't tracking how you spend time, but have lots to do, how do you a. get motivated/started and b. keep up to date on getting things done? Thanks for the stimulating video, Melody!
Really looking to your food videos as minimizing and simplifying food is something I really want to work on. My biggest problem is a family of 4 that all eats differently.
Our mortgage company sends us the monthly bills, every single month. To pay online, they charge a "convenience" fee of $5. In my case, putting a stamp on an envelope and mailing a check is cheaper, though not minimalistic. Some instances, I notice that being minimalist is expensive. You mentioned that you outsource doing your nails, instead of keeping nail polishes, you just do them at the nail salon, which is definitely more expensive in the long and short run.
Wow a $5 convenience fee to pay online!? That seems crazy to me! I noticed when I was in the United States (not sure if you are from the US) that everyone seems to pay a lot of bills with checks and I never understood why. I'm from New Zealand, and it's the opposite, we are encouraged to do everything online as it saves money on paper, envelops and stamps, plus it's better for the environment. I'm 30 and have never owned a check book in my life. I still don't understand why the US doesn't better utilize online banking, is it because the banks don't communicate with one and other? I do agree, being a minimalist can be more expensive in some instances.
Sally Hernandez wow here in UK and europe in general you are encouraged to go paperless, have everything on direct debit and pay online. I cant see how manually handling checks is cheaper for your bank., maybe they dont have the online system setup properly to handle large volumes?
Sally Hernandez Sally Hernandez Same here. My apartment community charges $5 to "go green" and pay online (it even says the quote specifically on the website), whereas writing a check and walking down to the office is free! This is where minimalism and frugality go hand in hand. However, my bank does charge an extra dollar to people receiving statements in the mail versus e-statements. It all just comes down to personal preference, such as financial situations.
I would own nail polish and remover if I painted them regularly, but I only do my nails 1-2 a year. I have to keep them short for court reporting. I just try to find the right balance.
More Melody also, going out to a salon is a treat/pamper session. I have varnish and remover at home but don't use it. I expect they are gluggy through lack of use. So, mine is going in the bin as I find and prefer To do pamper sessions at the salon every few months, myself.
in Portugal if you have a sticker that says "no advertising" the postman simply just doesn't even leave it in the mailbox. Crazy hã. Like all this minimal videos. could you make a video about how a minimalist find the right place to store things? Thanks a big kiss from Tania Torrao from Coimbra-Portugal
The food pantry part is probably going to be most challenging to me. I grew up with hurricanes and power outages a regular occurrence so always having enough food and water on hand for a few days was standard and considered good practice. My grandparents survived the Great Deprrssion too so its definitely a generational thing that's been passed down. I don't know that I'll be able to get as minimalist as you in the pantry, but shopping and cooking I'm doing well so far.
Totally agree about schedules. It helps me to corral all my catch up things into lunch on workdays and leave my evenings and weekends free. I know a lot of folks think this is odd or anti social of me but I rely on not having structured time. I wonder how other people manage their contacts/workplace relationships/friendships when they work full time out of the home.
great advice, thank you, I agree on the foods you should eat part. I tryed brown rice and my body did not care for it, but white rice it likes. so I try to listen to my stomach and cravings.
This dress is beautiful! You have a similar dress in black that I love! Do you mind sharing where you purchased it? I gre up wearing only dresses and while I now enjoy pants as wll, I would love to find more dresses. Thanks!
we have 5 kids and I could not agree more about not keeping them...and yourself from being run ragged!! when our kids were young we let them know that there would be no sports or extra activities. 1. how do you go to 5 games on a sat? 2. we could not afford it! !! but we told them, when you get into 7th grade you can do what ever you want. they only do 1 sport/activity per semester. it's been great for them and us!!
Melody I am having trouble with computers...mainly HP. Do you have any advice on a low maintenance computer? I would really appreciate this as a tremendous time saver. Thank you!!
If you're not interested in the mail you get, why don't you stop it from being sent to you in the first place? This has the added benefit of saving natural resources. There are web sites and apps where you can stop all kinds of mail, even junk mail. Check the privacy notices you receive - you can opt out from bank offers. You can also just call or email the businesses yourself and ask to be taken off their mailing lists, including those coupon pages. All mail comes from somewhere, just find the source.
Great video! Tackling the root is always the best starting point. Looking forward to your videos on food categories & elimination. I'm especially hoping to eliminate foods that cause inflammation & are harder to digest.
Are you still using your same vacuum? I'm about to purchase one and want to see if you have replaced yours with something you found to be better. Thanks for all your great videos, etc. 😍, they always inspire me.
Your videos are so damn helpful!!! And the best thing is that you do not talk on random things. The videos themselves are well-organised, just like you....and obviously, Pat is lovely.
Hi Melody! Great video thanks! :) I a question, and I really hope you can help me! I minimalised my mail years ago, just as you described in this video. However my problem is now my email inbox is overflowing and cluttered. I automatically unsubscribe from everything non-essential, but I still find that I'm getting dozens of emails per day and I can never get through them all (I run my own business, and am a solo parent of 2 children, so life is super busy). I'm now telling people "Don't email me, I won't have time to read it", and requesting that businesses send me their statements on paper so I can make sure they're paid. I'm scared of my email inbox and I miss the important stuff because I find emails harder to sort quickly compared with paper... Any tips?? Thank you, you're an inspiration :)
Melody I suffer from sparratic bindge eating. I would love if you may please make a video of what a minimalist can eat healthy wise. Can you please do one? Thank you very much💗💕💕💕💗💗💞💞💖💖
Love your vids and look forward to your upcoming video category vids, including your food vids! Would you talk about what perfumes you like. Have you used Pacifica perfumes? If so, what fragrances do you like or what perfume brands for women with safe ingredients. I got the I Am King cologne for men for my nephew for Christmas and he absolutely loves it!
Aloha Melody! I always look forward to your videos coming out each Sunday, and I love watching your subscriber base grow:) Could you get a 'no junk mail' sign for your mail box so you don't even have to worry about dealing with the junk mail?
Rather than blindly throwing everything in the recycling, you can actually ask a lot of those companies to stop sending them, with PaperKarma or just writing/e-mailing/phoning them. Not only does all that extra junk mail cause deforestation, but it also adds to green house gasses. It takes a bit more time and effort up front, but long term it will help save more of your time and the planet! :)
I've tried this and it is almost impossible to get them to stop. Especially stuff like Victoria's Secret, Pottery Barn, etc. I asked at my PO once if they could stop giving us sales flyers and they said flat out NO. I hate getting all that paper! We do opt out of paper bills and anything else we can do online!
I only ever see you and Pat in the videos (with the occasional guest being interviewed). Who is the "us" you're referring to when you say "like, subscribe, etc?" Another human or just you and Pat? PS Thanks for sharing your life. You're such a role model for me.
Wow!!! I subscribed today and have been binge watching your videos 💕💕💕 but I do notice u hardly EVER respond to your subscribers questions or comments 👎
The thing with you Melody is you are genuine, you can tell that you walk the talk. Love your videos always...inspiring xx
I have been calling catalog companies and other businesses who send us "junk mail" and have been asking to be removed from their mailing lists. It takes a little more time than just recycling but our mail has serisouly decreased as a result! A little time spent for efficient and less waste, totally worth it!
LOVE PAT! She's living the life.
Re: mail - My apartment bloc (of 120+ units) has a locked recycling bin next to the mailboxes, so you can sort the junk and magazines right when you collect it from your box!
bisiilki Genius!
I wish they did this in the South! Maybe one day soon. Amazing!
Great advice as always. As a soon-to-be grandmother, I LOVE your views on children's activities. For me, the food advice was invaluable- thanks!
You’re a true minimalist and I’ve seen you stick to this lifestyle through the time I’ve been watching you. Thank you for inspiring me.
This is so true. My thinking has changed so much since I have been on my minimalism journey. I read why kids need minimalism and it is so true.
In Belgium we have stickers to put on the mailbox that says that we dont want advertising or junkmail, this reduces the amount of mail we get!
Nathalie Vanderstricht yes, same here in Australia. Works for us.
Same in the Netherlands. We have no-no and noyes stickers, indicating which type of papers we wish not to receive
Liked this video. I like that you paused more while speaking. That really helps in digesting all the information. I also like your paused an serene demeanor. No frills, just the facts.
Love the views of your home and cat while you are talking. Great info!
I totally agree with having routines....especially with food. We eat mostly organic Monday through Friday and I make the exact same meals every week. We do rotate which day we eat each meal depending on what we feel like eating though. It makes grocery shopping and cooking SO easy. Then on the weekends we usually eat out all weekend. XOXO
My other question is about books. I've tried e-Readers (like Kindle) but found that I never read my books because I just don't like using them. I much prefer old fashioned books, in fact I'm a book enthusiast. But the least-minimal thing about my home is my bookshelp (which is ENORMOUS and HEAVING with books). How do I be a book-lover AND a minimalist? I don't like the look of hundreds of books cluttering my minimalist home but can't bear to part with them (I recently purged hundreds of books, but still have hundreds left). Your ideas would be most welcome, thank you :)
Great tips! I just moved into a new apartment and they have a large recycling bin next to the mail boxes. I love it because I can just sort right there and don't have to bring that junk mail into the house!
I liked your comment about checking out 10 books from the library. Whenever i take my toddler there i always check out 10 board books at a time because my library doesn't track the titles of board books. So instead of trying to remember the titles each time i just remember that i have 10 to return, a nice round number :)
as far as appointments, a few years ago, I changed my schedule to only go to medical appointments every other month. It's amazing how much 'me' time that creates....
Advice I struggle to follow but believe is fundamental to getting back time to do what needs to be done: Honor Thy Calendar (or planner or whatever device you are using to keep track of how you are spending your days). As soon as I decided to follow a calendar for my personal life I have had highs and lows in adhering to this new habit (off and on for past 3-5 years). Any tips? I haven't tried the bullet journal as I prefer using an online method. I only book 3-4 things per day max. I only book things outside of mundane/routine, but I do keep track of those as a way to build myself up (X no. of laundry loads completed per week, for example). If you aren't tracking how you spend time, but have lots to do, how do you a. get motivated/started and b. keep up to date on getting things done? Thanks for the stimulating video, Melody!
Really looking to your food videos as minimizing and simplifying food is something I really want to work on. My biggest problem is a family of 4 that all eats differently.
Gorgeous dress! 😍❤
I LOVE your approach to sharing quality information. I hope it is a blessing to you as much as it is to us.
Thank you Melody.
that's a great way to say it!
Love your videos! Thanks! Maybe you could do a video on rice cooking tips.
Our mortgage company sends us the monthly bills, every single month. To pay online, they charge a "convenience" fee of $5. In my case, putting a stamp on an envelope and mailing a check is cheaper, though not minimalistic.
Some instances, I notice that being minimalist is expensive. You mentioned that you outsource doing your nails, instead of keeping nail polishes, you just do them at the nail salon, which is definitely more expensive in the long and short run.
Wow a $5 convenience fee to pay online!? That seems crazy to me! I noticed when I was in the United States (not sure if you are from the US) that everyone seems to pay a lot of bills with checks and I never understood why.
I'm from New Zealand, and it's the opposite, we are encouraged to do everything online as it saves money on paper, envelops and stamps, plus it's better for the environment. I'm 30 and have never owned a check book in my life. I still don't understand why the US doesn't better utilize online banking, is it because the banks don't communicate with one and other?
I do agree, being a minimalist can be more expensive in some instances.
Sally Hernandez wow here in UK and europe in general you are encouraged to go paperless, have everything on direct debit and pay online. I cant see how manually handling checks is cheaper for your bank., maybe they dont have the online system setup properly to handle large volumes?
Sally Hernandez Sally Hernandez Same here. My apartment community charges $5 to "go green" and pay online (it even says the quote specifically on the website), whereas writing a check and walking down to the office is free! This is where minimalism and frugality go hand in hand. However, my bank does charge an extra dollar to people receiving statements in the mail versus e-statements. It all just comes down to personal preference, such as financial situations.
I would own nail polish and remover if I painted them regularly, but I only do my nails 1-2 a year. I have to keep them short for court reporting. I just try to find the right balance.
More Melody also, going out to a salon is a treat/pamper session. I have varnish and remover at home but don't use it. I expect they are gluggy through lack of use. So, mine is going in the bin as I find and prefer To do pamper sessions at the salon every few months, myself.
"Pat has down pat." HAHHHHH
Love your videos Melody!
Hahah Pat has two things down pat: naps, sneaking food. One time she rolled a muffin out of the pan to the ground from the stove.
Girl ! I was waiting all day for your video ! Lol
Me too!!!
Me too! Always am, every Sunday!
Susie Q me three!!! My favorite minimalist youtuber ! I look forward to her vids every week!
in Portugal if you have a sticker that says "no advertising" the postman simply just doesn't even leave it in the mailbox. Crazy hã. Like all this minimal videos. could you make a video about how a minimalist find the right place to store things? Thanks a big kiss from Tania Torrao from Coimbra-Portugal
Great perspective on minimalism. Gave me lots of food for thought.
LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING HOW U COOK AND SHOP FOR FOOD
The food pantry part is probably going to be most challenging to me. I grew up with hurricanes and power outages a regular occurrence so always having enough food and water on hand for a few days was standard and considered good practice. My grandparents survived the Great Deprrssion too so its definitely a generational thing that's been passed down. I don't know that I'll be able to get as minimalist as you in the pantry, but shopping and cooking I'm doing well so far.
Totally agree about schedules. It helps me to corral all my catch up things into lunch on workdays and leave my evenings and weekends free. I know a lot of folks think this is odd or anti social of me but I rely on not having structured time. I wonder how other people manage their contacts/workplace relationships/friendships when they work full time out of the home.
Great advice! This is so helpful.
great advice, thank you, I agree on the foods you should eat part. I tryed brown rice and my body did not care for it, but white rice it likes. so I try to listen to my stomach and cravings.
This dress is beautiful! You have a similar dress in black that I love! Do you mind sharing where you purchased it? I gre up wearing only dresses and while I now enjoy pants as wll, I would love to find more dresses.
Thanks!
Nice video! Give Pat a snuggle for us!
Some good tips. Thanks
I'll be looking forward to the foods that give people the most trouble. Thanks for keeping it simple!
I just love your videos. Thank you!
i love seeing Pat in your videos. cats do have the perfect life lol
You are saying everything I need to hear and put into practise! Love it!
Love your videos! Could you do a vlog about being in business and minimalism? Thank you.
we have 5 kids and I could not agree more about not keeping them...and yourself from being run ragged!!
when our kids were young we let them know that there would be no sports or extra activities.
1. how do you go to 5 games on a sat?
2. we could not afford it! !!
but we told them, when you get into 7th grade you can do what ever you want. they only do 1 sport/activity per semester. it's been great for them and us!!
Great video. Info on rice is things I didn't know.
looking forward to the food videos!
Melody I am having trouble with computers...mainly HP. Do you have any advice on a low maintenance computer? I would really appreciate this as a tremendous time saver. Thank you!!
Great video! Thanks Melody (and Pat too!) Looking forward to more on the organization series.
I love Pat!
If you're not interested in the mail you get, why don't you stop it from being sent to you in the first place? This has the added benefit of saving natural resources. There are web sites and apps where you can stop all kinds of mail, even junk mail. Check the privacy notices you receive - you can opt out from bank offers. You can also just call or email the businesses yourself and ask to be taken off their mailing lists, including those coupon pages. All mail comes from somewhere, just find the source.
Thank you very much for the great tips. I am working on to be a minimalist.
Great video! Tackling the root is always the best starting point. Looking forward to your videos on food categories & elimination. I'm especially hoping to eliminate foods that cause inflammation & are harder to digest.
I cannot wait for the food videos!!!
Are you still using your same vacuum? I'm about to purchase one and want to see if you have replaced yours with something you found to be better. Thanks for all your great videos, etc. 😍, they always inspire me.
Lol @ Pat!
Your videos are so damn helpful!!! And the best thing is that you do not talk on random things. The videos themselves are well-organised, just like you....and obviously, Pat is lovely.
best blog yet! Go Melody!
Clipping coupons is a good idea and putting them in a coupon folder
u look stunning!!where did u get your dress??im excited for the next video!
I have that same dress. Its the Nicole Miller Sleeveless Jersey Tuck Dress from Zappos.com. Its pricey ($255), but great quality. =)
Here's the link to my red dress: bit.ly/2mDJAAD :)
yes very pretty in red
Great tips. Thanks.
I Love white rice too!!
Hi Melody! Great video thanks! :) I a question, and I really hope you can help me!
I minimalised my mail years ago, just as you described in this video. However my problem is now my email inbox is overflowing and cluttered. I automatically unsubscribe from everything non-essential, but I still find that I'm getting dozens of emails per day and I can never get through them all (I run my own business, and am a solo parent of 2 children, so life is super busy).
I'm now telling people "Don't email me, I won't have time to read it", and requesting that businesses send me their statements on paper so I can make sure they're paid. I'm scared of my email inbox and I miss the important stuff because I find emails harder to sort quickly compared with paper... Any tips?? Thank you, you're an inspiration :)
love pat!
So exited for the food videos... Thanks so much!
your cat is so pretty Like you, Thank you for your good tips. I will use them.
Thank you, Dallas! This is a great place to start in minimizing: time.
Thanks so much for this! I learned a lot that can help me. The mail idea especially!
Thank you SO MUCH! I can't wait to do the food search with you!
Your Aloe Vera plant is beautiful. How often do you water it?
Love all your videos !
hey I'm in TN, too! ha.
(Smashville)
love your top! what is the brand?
I love your dress!
Pat fascinates me...
Great video melody
Love pat!!!!
Excellent advice
Can't wait for the food diary video.
Very helpful.Thank you
You look stunning in red and that cut of dress :)
I love your cat!!! So precious!
Melody I suffer from sparratic bindge eating. I would love if you may please make a video of what a minimalist can eat healthy wise. Can you please do one? Thank you very much💗💕💕💕💗💗💞💞💖💖
How can I organize your videos? Are they dated? Numbered? I don't want to miss any!!!!!
Excellent video!
Love your vids and look forward to your upcoming video category vids, including your food vids! Would you talk about what perfumes you like. Have you used Pacifica perfumes? If so, what fragrances do you like or what perfume brands for women with safe ingredients. I got the I Am King cologne for men for my nephew for Christmas and he absolutely loves it!
Yes!
Do you have a"No junk mail" sign on your letter box? Since I did this I dont have to deal with any advertising junk. 😊
Hello Melody from Portland (TN) 😉!
I appreciate your videos! :-)
Simplicity is a luxury :-)
Thank you
Did you thought about using no plastic anymore? Thinking about earth etc.?
What state do you live in ?? Tennessee?
i have problem of too much books of hubby and daughter aged 9. already reduce often. however still too much.
Problem of towel and bed linen. 😂
You should get a 'no junk mail' sign :D
I love you your channel your my inspiration hope you well x love to you and pat x
I like your videos. You look gorgeous in the red dress ! But the best is your cat . Greetings from my three cats to yours.
So excited ... can you make them daily 😃 pretty please 😊
Are you in Tennessee?
Aloha Melody! I always look forward to your videos coming out each Sunday, and I love watching your subscriber base grow:)
Could you get a 'no junk mail' sign for your mail box so you don't even have to worry about dealing with the junk mail?
Yes, the minute I saw Pat, I thot, "Of course.....first u need plenty of rest and relaxation~"
Rather than blindly throwing everything in the recycling, you can actually ask a lot of those companies to stop sending them, with PaperKarma or just writing/e-mailing/phoning them. Not only does all that extra junk mail cause deforestation, but it also adds to green house gasses. It takes a bit more time and effort up front, but long term it will help save more of your time and the planet! :)
I've tried this and it is almost impossible to get them to stop. Especially stuff like Victoria's Secret, Pottery Barn, etc. I asked at my PO once if they could stop giving us sales flyers and they said flat out NO. I hate getting all that paper! We do opt out of paper bills and anything else we can do online!
I only ever see you and Pat in the videos (with the occasional guest being interviewed). Who is the "us" you're referring to when you say "like, subscribe, etc?" Another human or just you and Pat?
PS Thanks for sharing your life. You're such a role model for me.
I mean Pat and I :)
I always wondered that too! Lol
Just adorable! Worth having cold feet ;)
Try brown rice. Much more nutritious.
Looking forward to watching the next video! I think everybody wants to be a cat now :D
I rarely receive any mail☺
Wow!!! I subscribed today and have been binge watching your videos 💕💕💕 but I do notice u hardly EVER respond to your subscribers questions or comments 👎