Click here for the even more controversial part 1 to this video: ua-cam.com/video/jgLW5bz5wjY/v-deo.html Items mentioned: White comforter: amzn.to/3CqcGvS Soap dispensers (3 included): amzn.to/48AiTBz Click here for a clean & tidy home! www.youtube.com/@tarynmaria_?sub_confirmation=1 Join my mailing list for emails that will make your life easier! eepurl.com/iB2aE2 Decluttering playlist: ua-cam.com/video/_St9jcbHTJc/v-deo.html Time saving cleaning hacks playlist: ua-cam.com/video/UBE4zX00wGc/v-deo.html Cleaning Routines playlist: ua-cam.com/video/X_RMuFRn9Ak/v-deo.html
Controversial 😂😂😂 I have a so-called smudge-proof stainless fridge - my husband gets so much schmutz all over it, it's nearly a full time job keeping it clean. Just one more thing I have to baby proof/constantly clean for an adult man!!! 🤪😜
@@tarynmaria_can’t people just be nice? your video had nothing to do with your blush! Good grief! I’m not tough skinned enough to make any videos, but I’m glad you make yours! I love them!
. In helping my girlfriend clean out her garage one afternoon we lifted a few boxes to sort, and we actually found a deceased cat, laying under them. He must’ve gone there for warmth. I know people should take better care of their animals, but sometimes the animals get away and you look for them and they’re not to be found. My point is, that you never know what is lurking under a mess somewhere in your home or garage. Start today clean it up!
I use a plastic liner as my only shower curtain. My reason is that it's transparent and lets a lot of light into the shower enclosure, which I really like.
My #1 that makes homes look cheap: unfinished projects! Arggggggh!! Drives me nuts. If you're going to do your own painting or installing floors etc, please complete the job in less than 5 years!♥️🇨🇦
Not if you suffer with ADHD... I did that once and the comforter had quilting that should have lined up with the edge of the bed... larger size means it didn't. Bed never got made except when sheets were washed, lol.
I have a fake barrel cactus that is so realistic that visitors have cautioned me that I am too close to it as we walk into my living room. I just smile, reach down and pat it and they are shocked. A friend liked it so much she bought one for herself. She went out of town for several weeks and had one of her college aged sons water her plants while she was away. After she returned, he mentioned that he was a little concerned about how much water the cactus needed but still put water on it. Yep, the clay pot was wet and she poured out the excess water as she lifted out the cactus. He had no idea it was plastic. The needles finally started deteriorating after about 25 years and I haven’t seen anything similar to that quality but sure had a lot of fun with it.
Too funny!!! My sister had something similar happen - she bought a small cactus and watered it for two years until one day - she realized it was fake! 😂
Oh boy! Part 2! I started laughing as soon as the title came up, imagining the comments. So entertaining. I love your videos, your authenticity, and your hair!
My daughter in law has lots of family gatherings. She stopped using disposables and went to Corelle. She can stack all the plates etc And they don’t take up much space. I think it is a great solution for party ware. It also happened to be their daily dishes anyway, so win-win
I used corelle, because of the heavy handed clumsy person who chipped just about all of my dishes. One popular pastime for this adult, was to bang a metal serving spoon on the edge of many many bowls until they looked like dishes from a dumpster. No accident as buying new bowls and reminding them made no difference.
These are all very true. Doesn’t mean we can all get rid of them… like yourself we have some in our home… But it’s something to strive for when replacing down the road when we can. Thank you for your honesty.
Frankly, I am tired of bloggers saying not to place furniture against the walls. As any generic statement it can be true as well as untrue depending on a particularity of a case.
Do whatever works for you. For me, it might work. I have a L shaped long living dining area and placed my sofas to the opposite walls and always felt awkward. I am now thinking of moving one of my sofas from one wall and dividing the long area into 2 sections.
What I’ve learned in my 4 decades of making living spaces into sanctuaries is be leary of trends. Shop secondhand for quality. My favorite are the Habitat for Humanity ReStores. Marvelous finds there. Keep floors clutter free, and always find a way to make sure you can move through your space easily.
I hate ONLY having overhead lights. But my biggest pet peeve is seeing 2 different kinds of bulbs in one fixture. Like warm and cool white lights. Ugh !!! That’s a super easy fix.
@tracyannmahoney6482 she's talking about furniture being 18" from the wall. And I agree. If I had no furniture against the wall there would be no room to walk and it would look ridiculous.
@DL.1020 We had one in our home too! It was given to us by my in-laws, and so our children could learn to play, as my sister-in-law had. It is a gorgeous piece of furniture that now graces my son's home, and our 3 grandchildren will begin lessons this year. Some heirloom pieces, such a piano, belong in every home. And I was lucky enough to have a black one, and was double blessed!
Agree with them all and your blush looks great! Some people just want to find something to make you feel bad. Just ignore them or better yet,call them out! Love you girl! ❤😊
The plastic slip covers were in every house when I was growing up including mine. We used our furniture daily, and they were quite uncomfortable. I didn't feel odd because like I said everyone had them. Everyone in my family and neighborhood had them. The episode of Everybody Loves Raymond where they convinced Marie to take them off and then they were terrified to sit on the couch was hilarious and relatable. I haven't seen them in decades though (I am 62 years old) My couch and loveseat touch the walls, and my Ajax detergent is sitting in its big ugly packaging on my kitchen sink. But I love ya anyway 😉
Maybe we should be paid to advertise products. I don't have the energy to be constantly putting stuff in pretty containers and making sure they're all shiny clean. Where is the original container supposed to go when it still has 2-3 uses of detergent to wash out still in it and there is no room for the pretty container? Against one wall, all lined up without an inch to spare, are sheet pans held up by the microwave, bam! is the sink with the big store detergent, the small store container that I've been refilling for a couple decades with diluted dish soap to use as hand soap, the sponge, the sink drainer, the new but inexpensive ugly cluttery faucets and useless sprayer, the other sink drainer, the scrubber and then bam against that sink's edge is the dish drying rack. That's followed by more store containers of cooking oils and extra dish detergent bottles so that entire wall doesn't allow for any counter space. There is no room for pretty. Why extras on the counter? Because I don't have a gourmet kitchen with space for everything and we live 4 towns from a grocery store meaning I shop every 6 weeks so need the extras. The little window has herbs that never seems to fill in all luscious but we sure do enjoy whatever freshness it provides. No room but the corner of the floor in front of the cabinet for the potato sack. There is nowhere but the living room for the ginger and onions to condition I just pulled before they froze. I play musical appliances with the bread maker (yes, it is used), blender, food processor and toaster on the little square bit of counter between the fridge and the stove. I've love to have a large chef's kitchen with everything in it's space but that isn't reality. I'd love to have enough room to allow furniture to float in the middle of rooms but we can't afford such luxury. Ack, maybe not because that means a bigger house to clean.
I had to look long and hard to find a couch without/hidden cup holders…thankfully I finally found one. Why do the majority of couches have this ugly feature
Cup holders in furniture is OK for certain places and for certain situations. Formal living room? Absolutely not! Family/movie room? Absolutely! Family with a lot of kids? Yep! A house with ME or someone like me who seems to spill her coffee a lot? Definitely!
I agree with you on most of these, but i definitely agree on the paper and plastic ware 😂 OMG...my sister puts her paper plates on top of her nice plates as if they were part of the set😂🤦🏻♀️it blows my mind.
I have a queen bed and have been using a king size comforter for years. Makes a big difference. I bought cheap king size pillows for the shams that came with the comforter.
A comforter is not meant to cover everything, if you want that you buy a bedspread. If you have a mattress and a box spring another solution if you don't want a bed skirt is to put a fitted sheet on the box spring in the color of your choice or a neutral color, black, grey, beige, white.
I am literally taking notes from your videos. So hopefully when we start renovating and redecorating our home, we can take these things into consideration. Some things like shower curtains aren’t popular in Germany, but most of your tips work great for our homes. I hope you will do a part 3. Thank you. 🥰🥰
Loved watching and listening to you about what cheapens our homes , your tips were great and although I have some of these very things in my own home that may cheapen my home I laughed and will certainly take you up on some of your tips but I had a great time and laughed so much .
If I put 18 inches of space between the walls and my furniture, I would have to live outside on the lawn. Only people with a huge house, or no furniture, have this option.
haha i have the same exact wire shelving in my closets (it was there when i moved in). i bought plastic sheets to put over them so i can put small stuff on them without it falling through. i would have picked a wooden shelf if i was installing it from scratch but they’re tucked away in the closets so i’m never gonna end up changing them. the only ones guests really might see are the one in my pantry, which is weird that only one is wire, but also you can see the stuff below the shelf on the floor through it so i think that choice was intentional, and my board game closet, which honestly who cares if that looks cheap, it just looks fun bc of all the brightly colored games and it’s all closed away behind a closet door.
LOVE the idea of putting plastic sheets on top of those horrible wire closet shelving. Think they’ll be great in the master bathroom towel/medicine(?) closet
My living room is fairly small, but has 2 windows and 5 doorways... And I have 7 people in my family... In order to have a seat for everyone when we are hanging out as a family, my living room is waaaay crowded with a sofa, love seat and 2 chairs... I feel like there isn't anything in a do about it - maybe someday when my kids are moved out 😁
Definitely agree with the furniture part. We have way too much furniture, live and learn. Not getting rid of it, but next purchases will def be different and better thought out
Even a couple of cm away from the wall, for example 5cm helps a lot. It looks better immediately. It feels airy and like things are placed in good place not forced. Thank you Taryn from Stockholm, Sweden.
Too funny picture of the too big sofa! But looking at my living room, it is just too small to move the sofa off the wall. I have actually thought of this idea years ago and it just isn't feasible.
I feel like the main takeaway for part 1 and part 2 here is (1) declutter, and (2) clean your place. These two things alone will take care of 80% of the problem. 😁
Such a great video!!!!! Love your great attitude on life!!! One thing I recently changed was to replace a white trash can with a dark one on the bathroom- it matches the wooden floors and panels in there. I also use dark trash can liners in it- total win!😊 It’s in the half bath that is really small and it made a huge difference!
Great video. I agree with all of these tips. Am I guilty of a couple... maybe. But I'm learning and changing things up! I want a clean, uncluttered, non-tacky, peaceful home. Some things I have remind me of Grandma's house, which I love so it's a constant battle between current/fashionable, and dated looks. Some of my house IS dated but major renovations are out of the question for the moment. Do the best you can. ❤
OMG I just got rid of a huge dark Morris chair (arts & crafts style) after having to put up with a bad purchase for an entire year. Our modest 1000 sq ft bungalow with open concept felt even smaller. 🙄 What a transformation to the space! I really should have gotten rid of it sooner. Blind to shoes? I have a pair of dress sandals (packing for cruise) with a missing heel, waiting for me to cut some rubber to repair them.😂
Thanks. I am not a rich woman by any means. However i am forty and still hold on to classy and elegant styles i was raised into. No cheap crap in my home. I would rather wait a year before i find a fitting item to complement a room rather than buy cheap crap like everyone around me does. I like your ideas. I have an issue causing me stress a curtin rail complete with velvet gold curtain fell down a few months back. Someone tried to fix it and he made even more than a mess! So ive no curtains only white vanitians which are left open. Thanks for your advice. The only thing i cant agree upon is keeping sofas way off the wall - i like them to the wall as thats what ive always done! Nice advice though!
My motto about everything is that it's wonderful when it's perfectly imperfect! As an overachiever / perfectionist with ADHD, keeping a home was a was my Waterloo. I finally figured out that it's never going to look perfect because people live here, but that's OK. Imperfect is perfect, if there's lots of love, fun and plenty of food!
I love these videos just for being here :D they relax me, i think it’s interesting to watch someone else’s opinion or take on trends. Overall so fun ^^ ❤
I agree with you about everything. Just wanted to share I changed to a fabric shower curtain and had mental issues looking at it 😂 I felt that the fabric is soaking up all the mist from the shower toilet etc everyday and breeding germs inside it and I kept washing it every other day. Changed back to a simple plastic one after a month for peace of mind only 😅 I wonder if there's more nut case like me out there lol.
100% on the clean floors! I’m always shocked when my floors don’t even look dirty and then i clean them and my house looks soooo much nicer and 2 years later I’m _still_ occasionally finding handprints and other marks on random walls, doors, trims, etc from the people who lived here before me..
I love the mention about fingerprints on walls, doors, trim, etc. It is important to wipe that stuff down and I completely agree with you. That said, the magic eraser, for all that it works very effectively, also affects the surface of your paint. Paint is designed nowadays. Satin, eggshell, semigloss, and high gloss paints all have a cure time for a reason. It is not just the amount of time it takes the paint to dry. It is the layers in the paint that settle into place over that given time that matter. Paint with primer in it will it hear to the wall well. That is the primer part of it. The color is in the basic latex formulation of the paint. And then you have the finish, the sheen, how shiny it is. That topcoat happens as the paint cures. It rises to the surface and is the layer that you see. Magic erasers work by removing dirt from the surface it is on. However, in the case of painted surfaces, it will wear down that top layer of paint which protects the color layer beneath. It's all chemistry. Imagine that the magic eraser has just a little bit of nail polish remover in it and you've had your nails done and you have a top clear coat over them. Each time you use the magic eraser you technically remove some of that top coat. Eventually you start removing the polish underneath. I recommend spraying with a diluted mixture of dawn dish soap and water. Spray and walk away. Come back, spray again, and wipe down with a microfiber. Not only will it remove the dirt, but any greasy marks that are left behind as well from fingers. It also will not ruin the finish of your paint. I used to work at Sherwin-Williams, paint technology is an absolute fascination and mystery. Trust me on this. You won't have to repaint your walls or wear down the paint on your trim if you follow this technique. Love your videos! Just wanted to put this out there so that people knew that they could clean their painted surfaces in their home without causing damage.
She doesn't mean 2 feet out. 4-6 inches is preferable. Keeps the walls clean and helps with air circulation. Stop ramming furniture against the wall. Also curtains can't hang freely
I have no choice but to put my couch against a wall but it is about 6 inches from the wall. My chairs however are placed a foot or more away from the walls and I love the look! Do what works for you!
When I move into my house I had always lived in spaces where we put the furniture up against the wall. My living room is rather large, so I was able to arrange everything to where nothing touches the wall. I now also have room to add sofa tables, but not sure if I want to add those. To me it really made the room a wow factor because we also have 12 foot ceilings in the living room. It was a game changer for us.
With three grandkids and two cats, my house always looks like a Toys R Us and a PetSmart collided. I also have carpeted automobile floor mats lying around for the cats to use for scratching. Happy Caturday!
Sofas against the wall is often mandatory in order to not look stupid. It depends on how the room is designed. I agree that the tables should not be shoved against the wall. Pull them out.
@@tarynmaria_ I have 5 brothers. They all had these tank tops and sweat socks up to the bottom of their knees with stripes around them. The 70’s were very colorful 😀
How about crushed velvet upholstered furniture? LOL! My sister in law used to have a coffee table covered with 1" mirrors. Oh my. And a beige crushed velvet arm chair and a fire engine red crushed velvet swivel arm chair. Woof.
I always have a nice extra rod in my bathrm. The inner one has my clear nice grade shower curtain and the outter one is my fabric pretty one that has mellow colors.
Really enjoy your comments and am on the same page with most. Agree on not having furniture touch the wall but 18 - 20 inches is a lot. Sofa, chairs, some tables would be fine for me at 10 inches but 18 is a big distance. Bookcases, hutches, credenzes I have at 3 inches from the wall and cannot visualize them at 18 much less my 10 Look forward to seeing more of your videos. Thank you.
It’s hard to keep your living room furniture away from the walls when you have to walk through the room to get to the rest of the house. I agree about the comforters, they are making them a few inches smaller than they used to. Next time I’m buying king even though they are more money
Lol everyone was laughing at me for getting a comforter one size up...and I honestly only do it cuz it just always looked better to me😂 now I know why. Thanks😃✨🖤✨ plus I think ur right, they have gotten smaller than they were
I dont agree with paper plates and utensils.. I dont leave them out on the counter.. its in the cabinets.. 😂😂😂.. we eat and throw away except special occasions😊
OMG I just got rid of a huge dark Morris chair (arts & crafts style) after having to put up with a bad purchase for an entire year. Our modest 1000 sq ft bungalow with open concept felt even smaller. 🙄 What a transformation to the space! I really should have gotten rid of it sooner.
I have been watching videos to learn more about being a homemaker and how to save since everything now is so expensive. I realize this video isn't for me if all I hear is "your house is gonna look cheap"...... if someone thinks that about my home, then they can always leave if that's the main focus. If some people have clothes piled up somewhere, it might be because they have a family and they work, and time is not in their favor. I get caught in this when I am cleaning and doing laundry. I work every day 10 hours or more, and I am always worried about taking care of my family and having my home decent.... but to make it look fancy, nahhh, this economy has made me realize my priorities.
“Cheap” is subjective. For example, IKEA is not expensive and the furnishings can, and do, look very high end and sophisticated when arranged in a cohesive way. Not ALL inexpensive things are “cheap”. Dollar Tree is absolutely inexpensive, yet with a bit of ingenuity the items bought from there can look very sophisticated. Live in your home the way that makes you happy because in the end, you are the one who sees it all the time. Who cares what others think?
I would add that lots of little collectibles and mementos (unless they're a carefully curated collection of something), look "low-rent" and are dust collectors. I have a strict rule that nothing comes into, or remains in my house that's smaller than my fist. It's a miracle cure!
I've never seen any of your videos, as far as I can remember. But girl. Screw Sherry/Chery and all the haters! You're beautiful & she's probably mad cause you look like her husband's side chick.
Labels left on the trashcan, broom, dustpan etc drives me bonkers. Notes/paper taped on doors/walls is awful too. I have 2 grandsons (ages 8 and 2) that live with us and I have sincerely considered plastic couch covers
great advice......fun fact ..for years .before i knew anything about home design i still had natural taste and always had lot of lamps everywhere......never had ceiling light on ever
Hi, our entire home is white dove matte. I've used magic erasers many times on spots here and there and have never had an issue. As said, you must be very light handed when doing so.
Using paper plates is undeniably easier than washing dishes, particularly for households without a dishwasher, garbage disposal, or access to city water. Many rural or low-income areas face limited access to water or efficient waste systems. Washing dishes by hand can consume up to 27 gallons of water per load, compared to just 3 gallons with an efficient dishwasher, making it both time-consuming and resource-intensive for those already managing tight schedules or scarce resources. You might argue that buying paper plates adds an extra step, but purchasing them in bulk reduces the need for frequent shopping, and they are easy to store. While some may feel paper plates look cheap, this perspective often stems from personal bias and overlooks the diverse realities households face. For families juggling limited time, resources, or physical capacity, paper plates offer a practical way to save time, water, energy, and mental bandwidth. The claim that washing dishes “isn’t that much harder” dismisses the challenges many people face. The convenience of paper plates can provide much-needed relief for a busy single parent or someone living without reliable utilities. Yes, real dishes undeniably add elegance to a home, and paper plates might not achieve the same aesthetic appeal. However, it’s unfair to claim they make a home look cheap. If someone invited me over and served a meal on paper plates, I wouldn’t be focused on how “cheap” the plates looked; I’d appreciate the meal and their hospitality. While real dishes can enhance a home’s elegance, paper plates don’t detract from its warmth or comfort in a meaningful way. They simply offer practicality in the contexts where it’s most needed.
No access to water, I understand a need for paper. Over a lifetime, paper plates cost much more than real dishes and are what I'd consider a "luxury." Hand washing can be done efficiently with soaking and using basins - and dishwashers for even more efficiency (30 cents per load, at the high end, according to Home Guide).
The concept of what constitutes a luxury is inherently subjective and varies widely depending on individual circumstances, resources, and priorities. For some, paper plates may feel like a luxury because they offer convenience and time-saving benefits that are invaluable in busy or resource-limited households. For others, they may be a necessity, particularly when washing dishes is impractical or costly. What seems unnecessary or excessive to one person might be essential to another based on their unique challenges. Where I live, you can spend about $20 on paper plates at the store or roughly $450 a month on water. Many households here don’t have access to running water, must haul it themselves, or face frequent pipe freezes in colder months. Some of my neighbors even melt ice and snow over wood stoves for all their water needs. In these situations, the effort and expense of maintaining reusable dishes often outweigh the cost of paper plates, which allow households to conserve water for essential purposes like drinking and cooking. In fact, many would consider running water, owning a home, or having reliable internet access luxuries-resources that aren’t universally available. Growing up in a large, off-grid family, I experienced firsthand the challenges of managing limited water supplies. The two-basin dishwashing method, often praised for efficiency, is incredibly time-consuming and still uses a significant amount of water. When water had to be hauled, collected, or melted from ice, every gallon mattered. Paper plates were often the most practical choice, helping us save precious drinking water for critical needs. Real dishes were reserved for special occasions, as cleaning them required a substantial commitment of time and resources. That said, bringing out the “fine china” makes perfect sense for a nice dinner or when you want to impress guests. Special occasions call for an elevated experience, and reusable dishes contribute to that sense of care and formality, making the extra effort worthwhile. I hope this highlights how subjective the idea of luxury truly is and how context shapes our choices. For some, reusable dishes might be the obvious option, but for others, paper plates can be a resourceful, practical tool for managing limited resources. Far from cheapening a home, these choices reflect the realities and priorities of the people living there. Now, if someone decided to string paper plates as garlands and hang them over their windows, I might have a different opinion, but otherwise, I see no reason why they shouldn’t be a part of thoughtful, practical living.
Paper plates only when camping. Please! (And bring your trash home.) The amount of trash generated by our convenience society is mind-boggling. It’s perfectly possible to wash dishes with very little water. Washing dishes by hand is a lost art, I guess. 😢😓😭
@@LianaLreeYour comments are obtuse. She literally stated at the beginning of the video how subjective her opinions are, and her video is all meant in jest. YOU clicked on her video, but get hurt over experiences personal to you, as if she should take your life into account on HER personal YT video. My goodness.
Paper plates keep getting more and more expensive and they are a one use article. Not to mention they become a landfill problem. Plastic itensils look really cheap. Metal itensils look so much classierr on a table.
Click here for the even more controversial part 1 to this video: ua-cam.com/video/jgLW5bz5wjY/v-deo.html
Items mentioned:
White comforter: amzn.to/3CqcGvS
Soap dispensers (3 included): amzn.to/48AiTBz
Click here for a clean & tidy home! www.youtube.com/@tarynmaria_?sub_confirmation=1
Join my mailing list for emails that will make your life easier! eepurl.com/iB2aE2
Decluttering playlist: ua-cam.com/video/_St9jcbHTJc/v-deo.html
Time saving cleaning hacks playlist: ua-cam.com/video/UBE4zX00wGc/v-deo.html
Cleaning Routines playlist: ua-cam.com/video/X_RMuFRn9Ak/v-deo.html
Controversial 😂😂😂 I have a so-called smudge-proof stainless fridge - my husband gets so much schmutz all over it, it's nearly a full time job keeping it clean. Just one more thing I have to baby proof/constantly clean for an adult man!!! 🤪😜
😂
“Made fun of my blush, I saw that Sherry” 😂😂😂😂
This is going to be a good video
Haha!! 😂☺
@@tarynmaria_can’t people just be nice? your video had nothing to do with your blush! Good grief! I’m not tough skinned enough to make any videos, but I’m glad you make yours! I love them!
I didn't notice anything wrong with your blush. :-)
😂😂 take that Sherry
. In helping my girlfriend clean out her garage one afternoon we lifted a few boxes to sort, and we actually found a deceased cat, laying under them. He must’ve gone there for warmth. I know people should take better care of their animals, but sometimes the animals get away and you look for them and they’re not to be found. My point is, that you never know what is lurking under a mess somewhere in your home or garage. Start today clean it up!
I use a plastic liner as my only shower curtain. My reason is that it's transparent and lets a lot of light into the shower enclosure, which I really like.
Oh yeah - great idea!
Plus! You can see if a knife wielding psycho killer is sneaking into ur bathroom. That's a plus also a clear shower curtain.😅
😆
I have a white plastic shower liner & white textured fabric shower curtain which lets the outside light in.
I don't like shower curtains, they can mold and i don't like it when it touches my skin, luckily my shower has a glass door.
My #1 that makes homes look cheap: unfinished projects! Arggggggh!! Drives me nuts. If you're going to do your own painting or installing floors etc, please complete the job in less than 5 years!♥️🇨🇦
Oh yes, I know what you mean!!
Whew… I have one year to go … lol 😊
True, but life happens....
@@amandazplace5663 I hate it also, but sometimes, as in my case it’s a money thing.
Guilty 😅
The king size comforter on the queen size bed...total game changer. Game. Changer.
I just did this. My bed feels so luxurious now!
Right? So much better!
What to do if you have a king? All comforters look too short.
Not if you suffer with ADHD... I did that once and the comforter had quilting that should have lined up with the edge of the bed... larger size means it didn't. Bed never got made except when sheets were washed, lol.
Yup!
Great intro, call out the trolls! Your floor looks spotless!
Ahh thank you so much! ❤
I have a fake barrel cactus that is so realistic that visitors have cautioned me that I am too close to it as we walk into my living room. I just smile, reach down and pat it and they are shocked. A friend liked it so much she bought one for herself. She went out of town for several weeks and had one of her college aged sons water her plants while she was away. After she returned, he mentioned that he was a little concerned about how much water the cactus needed but still put water on it. Yep, the clay pot was wet and she poured out the excess water as she lifted out the cactus. He had no idea it was plastic. The needles finally started deteriorating after about 25 years and I haven’t seen anything similar to that quality but sure had a lot of fun with it.
Too funny!!! My sister had something similar happen - she bought a small cactus and watered it for two years until one day - she realized it was fake! 😂
Great story 😂😂😂.
In the UK our houses are built smaller so leaving furniture away from walls you would loose the whole room.😊
Not a criticism just reality 😊
Oh boy! Part 2! I started laughing as soon as the title came up, imagining the comments. So entertaining. I love your videos, your authenticity, and your hair!
Ahhh you're the best - thank you so much! ☺❤
My daughter in law has lots of family gatherings. She stopped using disposables and went to Corelle. She can stack all the plates etc
And they don’t take up much space. I think it is a great solution for party ware. It also happened to be their daily dishes anyway, so win-win
I know those dishes, what a great idea!
Corelle is also break resistant making them more durable than other dishes. 💕🌞🌵😷
I used corelle, because of the heavy handed clumsy person who chipped just about all of my dishes. One popular pastime for this adult, was to bang a metal serving spoon on the edge of many many bowls until they looked like dishes from a dumpster. No accident as buying new bowls and reminding them made no difference.
These are all very true. Doesn’t mean we can all get rid of them… like yourself we have some in our home… But it’s something to strive for when replacing down the road when we can. Thank you for your honesty.
Thank you so much for watching! 😊❤
Frankly, I am tired of bloggers saying not to place furniture against the walls. As any generic statement it can be true as well as untrue depending on a particularity of a case.
This. My livingroom area is 7½ft wide. The couch has no choice but to be on the wall.
Particularity
@ Thanks for correction.
@@ninaotan7811 You're welcome. We all mske mistakes, typink fest 😊
Do whatever works for you. For me, it might work. I have a L shaped long living dining area and placed my sofas to the opposite walls and always felt awkward. I am now thinking of moving one of my sofas from one wall and dividing the long area into 2 sections.
What I’ve learned in my 4 decades of making living spaces into sanctuaries is be leary of trends. Shop secondhand for quality. My favorite are the Habitat for Humanity ReStores. Marvelous finds there. Keep floors clutter free, and always find a way to make sure you can move through your space easily.
I hate ONLY having overhead lights. But my biggest pet peeve is seeing 2 different kinds of bulbs in one fixture. Like warm and cool white lights. Ugh !!! That’s a super easy fix.
Yes! I mixed warm and cool bulbs in my basement overhead light and it made me feel so off!
Yes! Pick a colour temperature and stick with it throughout the space!
Except when you can't reach them.
If you have a small room you don’t have the option of leaving 18 inches between the furniture and the wall. I live in a small ranch home.
? Point is, you use a smaller rug. They come in a myriad of sizes.
@tracyannmahoney6482 she's talking about furniture being 18" from the wall. And I agree. If I had no furniture against the wall there would be no room to walk and it would look ridiculous.
We have an elongated living room with a reading niche off one side, our sofa is close to the wall, it looks perfect
I have a shiny black piano in my living room that goes very well with any decoration I put in the room..
@DL.1020 We had one in our home too! It was given to us by my in-laws, and so our children could learn to play, as my sister-in-law had. It is a gorgeous piece of furniture that now graces my son's home, and our 3 grandchildren will begin lessons this year. Some heirloom pieces, such a piano, belong in every home. And I was lucky enough to have a black one, and was double blessed!
Agree with them all and your blush looks great! Some people just want to find something to make you feel bad. Just ignore them or better yet,call them out! Love you girl! ❤😊
Thank you so much!! ❤
The plastic slip covers were in every house when I was growing up including mine. We used our furniture daily, and they were quite uncomfortable. I didn't feel odd because like I said everyone had them. Everyone in my family and neighborhood had them. The episode of Everybody Loves Raymond where they convinced Marie to take them off and then they were terrified to sit on the couch was hilarious and relatable. I haven't seen them in decades though (I am 62 years old) My couch and loveseat touch the walls, and my Ajax detergent is sitting in its big ugly packaging on my kitchen sink. But I love ya anyway 😉
Thank you so much! ☺❤
Maybe we should be paid to advertise products. I don't have the energy to be constantly putting stuff in pretty containers and making sure they're all shiny clean. Where is the original container supposed to go when it still has 2-3 uses of detergent to wash out still in it and there is no room for the pretty container? Against one wall, all lined up without an inch to spare, are sheet pans held up by the microwave, bam! is the sink with the big store detergent, the small store container that I've been refilling for a couple decades with diluted dish soap to use as hand soap, the sponge, the sink drainer, the new but inexpensive ugly cluttery faucets and useless sprayer, the other sink drainer, the scrubber and then bam against that sink's edge is the dish drying rack. That's followed by more store containers of cooking oils and extra dish detergent bottles so that entire wall doesn't allow for any counter space. There is no room for pretty.
Why extras on the counter? Because I don't have a gourmet kitchen with space for everything and we live 4 towns from a grocery store meaning I shop every 6 weeks so need the extras. The little window has herbs that never seems to fill in all luscious but we sure do enjoy whatever freshness it provides. No room but the corner of the floor in front of the cabinet for the potato sack. There is nowhere but the living room for the ginger and onions to condition I just pulled before they froze.
I play musical appliances with the bread maker (yes, it is used), blender, food processor and toaster on the little square bit of counter between the fridge and the stove. I've love to have a large chef's kitchen with everything in it's space but that isn't reality. I'd love to have enough room to allow furniture to float in the middle of rooms but we can't afford such luxury. Ack, maybe not because that means a bigger house to clean.
Oh my goodness, cupholders in the furniture!!!😱
The epitome of cheap & tacky. Makes me feel like I'm in an RV.
BTW, your blush looks great!
Thank you, I appreciate it! 💕
I want a mustard yellow couch, luckily it doesn't come with cup holders.
I had to look long and hard to find a couch without/hidden cup holders…thankfully I finally found one. Why do the majority of couches have this ugly feature
Cup holders in furniture is OK for certain places and for certain situations. Formal living room? Absolutely not! Family/movie room? Absolutely! Family with a lot of kids? Yep! A house with ME or someone like me who seems to spill her coffee a lot? Definitely!
EXACTLY! They're often fake leather and too bulky.
It's always great to have someone else's perspective on things. We can all benefit from others' ideas.
Thank you!
Great video. All true
I agree with you on most of these, but i definitely agree on the paper and plastic ware 😂 OMG...my sister puts her paper plates on top of her nice plates as if they were part of the set😂🤦🏻♀️it blows my mind.
Too funny!! 😂☺
that is funny= never heard of that
I wouldn’t stack heavy nice plates on top of paper plates.
But I store them separately
😂❤
I have a queen bed and have been using a king size comforter for years. Makes a big difference. I bought cheap king size pillows for the shams that came with the comforter.
Awesome!
A comforter is not meant to cover everything, if you want that you buy a bedspread. If you have a mattress and a box spring another solution if you don't want a bed skirt is to put a fitted sheet on the box spring in the color of your choice or a neutral color, black, grey, beige, white.
Thank you for sharing, love the tip about the box spring cover!
Yes I did that , a fitted sheet on the box spring. I like it better than a bed skirt . It’s very tidy looking .
I am literally taking notes from your videos. So hopefully when we start renovating and redecorating our home, we can take these things into consideration. Some things like shower curtains aren’t popular in Germany, but most of your tips work great for our homes. I hope you will do a part 3. Thank you. 🥰🥰
Yes! I have a part 3 coming soon! People really liked part 1 and 2 so I couldn't resist ☺❤
Thank you for the tips and laughter 😊
You are so welcome!!
❤ you’re authentic - my fav UA-camr 😊🎉
Aww thank you so much!! ❤
Loved watching and listening to you about what cheapens our homes , your tips were great and although I have some of these very things in my own home that may cheapen my home I laughed and will certainly take you up on some of your tips but I had a great time and laughed so much .
I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you! ❤
and keep the tips coming PLEASE I decluttered soooo much
Amazing, thank you Theresa!!
If I put 18 inches of space between the walls and my furniture, I would have to live outside on the lawn. Only people with a huge house, or no furniture, have this option.
Here in New England most of the houses are very small. To get a decent size you need to spend close to a million unfortunately.
.
We have a king comforter for our queen bed.... No longer hanging to pull covers lol and yes it looks better!
Awesome!
Great video, Taryn!
Thank you! ❤
You are so welcome! ☺❤
haha i have the same exact wire shelving in my closets (it was there when i moved in). i bought plastic sheets to put over them so i can put small stuff on them without it falling through. i would have picked a wooden shelf if i was installing it from scratch but they’re tucked away in the closets so i’m never gonna end up changing them. the only ones guests really might see are the one in my pantry, which is weird that only one is wire, but also you can see the stuff below the shelf on the floor through it so i think that choice was intentional, and my board game closet, which honestly who cares if that looks cheap, it just looks fun bc of all the brightly colored games and it’s all closed away behind a closet door.
Love it, thanks for sharing!
LOVE the idea of putting plastic sheets on top of those horrible wire closet shelving. Think they’ll be great in the master bathroom towel/medicine(?) closet
My living room is fairly small, but has 2 windows and 5 doorways... And I have 7 people in my family... In order to have a seat for everyone when we are hanging out as a family, my living room is waaaay crowded with a sofa, love seat and 2 chairs... I feel like there isn't anything in a do about it - maybe someday when my kids are moved out 😁
Thank you for sharing! ☺
Check out Big Lots. They have smaller space furniture. But comfy and not expensive 😀
@@cjhoward409 that's where we got our sofa :) we love it!
Definitely agree with the furniture part. We have way too much furniture, live and learn. Not getting rid of it, but next purchases will def be different and better thought out
Thank you for sharing!
Even a couple of cm away from the wall, for example 5cm helps a lot. It looks better immediately. It feels airy and like things are placed in good place not forced. Thank you Taryn from Stockholm, Sweden.
You are so welcome, and hello to you and Stockholm!
@@tarynmaria_ 👐❤️
Wire shelving is amazing. Maximises air flow.
Too funny picture of the too big sofa! But looking at my living room, it is just too small to move the sofa off the wall. I have actually thought of this idea years ago and it just isn't feasible.
Thank you so much for sharing!!
I feel like the main takeaway for part 1 and part 2 here is (1) declutter, and (2) clean your place. These two things alone will take care of 80% of the problem. 😁
Such a great video!!!!! Love your great attitude on life!!!
One thing I recently changed was to replace a white trash can with a dark one on the bathroom- it matches the wooden floors and panels in there. I also use dark trash can liners in it- total win!😊
It’s in the half bath that is really small and it made a huge difference!
Great idea on the trash can!! ☺❤
I'm gonna do that! TY!
I love your videos. They're loaded with excellent ideas.
Thank you so much!
The fabric shower curtains in my home are constantly wet so I opted for a nice plastic one. Not a cheap thin one but a nice thick one.
Anything on the stairs that needs to go upstairs but never seems to get there lol
Haha I know what you mean!
I found myself agreeing with every one of these. Must go and tidy up my book case shelves immediately.
I loved this! Watched the first one and agreed 1100% Cost does come into play but thrifting is the way to go!!😊
Thank you so much!
Great video. I agree with all of these tips. Am I guilty of a couple... maybe. But I'm learning and changing things up! I want a clean, uncluttered, non-tacky, peaceful home. Some things I have remind me of Grandma's house, which I love so it's a constant battle between current/fashionable, and dated looks. Some of my house IS dated but major renovations are out of the question for the moment. Do the best you can. ❤
For sure! And honestly, I love a lot of dated things - they are often better quality anyway and have nostalgia!
❤
A friend using single use items is a friend in survival mode ;)
But you are totally right. Haha
Hi Taryn. Came across your vlog and thank you I have learned a lot. I will apply these whe I get home in the Philippines.
I'm so glad you found it helpful!
You're so right about lighting. I've always despised overhead lights!
For sure!!
OMG I just got rid of a huge dark Morris chair (arts & crafts style) after having to put up with a bad purchase for an entire year. Our modest 1000 sq ft bungalow with open concept felt even smaller. 🙄 What a transformation to the space! I really should have gotten rid of it sooner. Blind to shoes? I have a pair of dress sandals (packing for cruise) with a missing heel, waiting for me to cut some rubber to repair them.😂
Thank you for sharing!
ok girlfrien' idk about dark corners looking like clutter but I agree that lamps help the vibe so much:)
Thank you!
I especially agree with paper plates and plastic eating utensils.
Thank you Cindy!
Who are uses paper plates???? Maybe on a picnic.
Never! Not even on a pick nick!
Thanks. I am not a rich woman by any means. However i am forty and still hold on to classy and elegant styles i was raised into. No cheap crap in my home. I would rather wait a year before i find a fitting item to complement a room rather than buy cheap crap like everyone around me does. I like your ideas. I have an issue causing me stress a curtin rail complete with velvet gold curtain fell down a few months back. Someone tried to fix it and he made even more than a mess! So ive no curtains only white vanitians which are left open. Thanks for your advice. The only thing i cant agree upon is keeping sofas way off the wall - i like them to the wall as thats what ive always done! Nice advice though!
Thank you for sharing! ☺
What’s wrong with your blush? I think your makeup is very natural and pretty. Some people are so petty and mean.
Thank you, Cheryl!! ☺❤
My motto about everything is that it's wonderful when it's perfectly imperfect! As an overachiever / perfectionist with ADHD, keeping a home was a was my Waterloo. I finally figured out that it's never going to look perfect because people live here, but that's OK. Imperfect is perfect, if there's lots of love, fun and plenty of food!
Thank you for sharing!
I love these videos just for being here :D they relax me, i think it’s interesting to watch someone else’s opinion or take on trends. Overall so fun ^^ ❤
Thank you so much, Amy!
These are great tips. I seem to be following these budget friendly ideas. 😊. BTW, I love your hair and I always have.
Thank you so much! I appreciate that! 😊❤
I agree with you about everything. Just wanted to share I changed to a fabric shower curtain and had mental issues looking at it 😂 I felt that the fabric is soaking up all the mist from the shower toilet etc everyday and breeding germs inside it and I kept washing it every other day. Changed back to a simple plastic one after a month for peace of mind only 😅 I wonder if there's more nut case like me out there lol.
Thank you for sharing!
Put the pretty fabric on outside a plastic one if you want the look. Then you don't have to wash it as often.
100% on the clean floors! I’m always shocked when my floors don’t even look dirty and then i clean them and my house looks soooo much nicer
and 2 years later I’m _still_ occasionally finding handprints and other marks on random walls, doors, trims, etc from the people who lived here before me..
Yes! I always think my floors are clean too and then I clean them and it looks SO much better!
I totally agree about Too Perfect homes. It feels cold and unwelcoming instead of homely and cozy.
I love the mention about fingerprints on walls, doors, trim, etc. It is important to wipe that stuff down and I completely agree with you. That said, the magic eraser, for all that it works very effectively, also affects the surface of your paint. Paint is designed nowadays. Satin, eggshell, semigloss, and high gloss paints all have a cure time for a reason. It is not just the amount of time it takes the paint to dry. It is the layers in the paint that settle into place over that given time that matter. Paint with primer in it will it hear to the wall well. That is the primer part of it. The color is in the basic latex formulation of the paint. And then you have the finish, the sheen, how shiny it is. That topcoat happens as the paint cures. It rises to the surface and is the layer that you see. Magic erasers work by removing dirt from the surface it is on. However, in the case of painted surfaces, it will wear down that top layer of paint which protects the color layer beneath. It's all chemistry. Imagine that the magic eraser has just a little bit of nail polish remover in it and you've had your nails done and you have a top clear coat over them. Each time you use the magic eraser you technically remove some of that top coat. Eventually you start removing the polish underneath. I recommend spraying with a diluted mixture of dawn dish soap and water. Spray and walk away. Come back, spray again, and wipe down with a microfiber. Not only will it remove the dirt, but any greasy marks that are left behind as well from fingers. It also will not ruin the finish of your paint. I used to work at Sherwin-Williams, paint technology is an absolute fascination and mystery. Trust me on this. You won't have to repaint your walls or wear down the paint on your trim if you follow this technique. Love your videos! Just wanted to put this out there so that people knew that they could clean their painted surfaces in their home without causing damage.
Thank you so much for sharing!!
I agree. Someone I know has this in their house and it drives me crazy!! Ewwww grosss. Clean it off and tell your kids to stop it! 🤮
If I were to put furniture two feet from the wall we wouldn’t have enough room to move. Maybe our rooms are small. Great tips though!
Me too.
Thank you so much!
She doesn't mean 2 feet out. 4-6 inches is preferable. Keeps the walls clean and helps with air circulation. Stop ramming furniture against the wall. Also curtains can't hang freely
I have no choice but to put my couch against a wall but it is about 6 inches from the wall. My chairs however are placed a foot or more away from the walls and I love the look! Do what works for you!
I'm always so glad to see you. Thank you for the video.:)
You are so welcome!! ☺❤
When I move into my house I had always lived in spaces where we put the furniture up against the wall. My living room is rather large, so I was able to arrange everything to where nothing touches the wall. I now also have room to add sofa tables, but not sure if I want to add those. To me it really made the room a wow factor because we also have 12 foot ceilings in the living room. It was a game changer for us.
Wow, sounds amazing!
With three grandkids and two cats, my house always looks like a Toys R Us and a PetSmart collided. I also have carpeted automobile floor mats lying around for the cats to use for scratching. Happy Caturday!
Thank you for sharing!
Sofas against the wall is often mandatory in order to not look stupid. It depends on how the room is designed. I agree that the tables should not be shoved against the wall. Pull them out.
I've always used king size comforter on my queen bed. Fits better
I LOVE your attitude!
Thank you so much!
Thanks for part 2
Love your video. In a personal style content ( and I’m older than you, so I remember this) your tank top is giving me a 1970’s teenage boy vibe 🫣
Ha, I just looked that up - you are so right!
@@tarynmaria_
I have 5 brothers. They all had these tank tops and sweat socks up to the bottom of their knees with stripes around them. The 70’s were very colorful 😀
How about crushed velvet upholstered furniture? LOL! My sister in law used to have a coffee table covered with 1" mirrors. Oh my. And a beige crushed velvet arm chair and a fire engine red crushed velvet swivel arm chair. Woof.
Clean is chic!
I always have a nice extra rod in my bathrm. The inner one has my clear nice grade shower curtain and the outter one is my fabric pretty one that has mellow colors.
Thank you for sharing!
Really enjoy your comments and am on the same page with most. Agree on not having furniture touch the wall but 18 - 20 inches is a lot. Sofa, chairs, some tables would be fine for me at 10 inches but 18 is a big distance.
Bookcases, hutches, credenzes I have at 3 inches from the wall and cannot visualize them at 18 much less my 10
Look forward to seeing more of your videos. Thank you.
Thank you so much!
It’s hard to keep your living room furniture away from the walls when you have to walk through the room to get to the rest of the house. I agree about the comforters, they are making them a few inches smaller than they used to. Next time I’m buying king even though they are more money
I have a runner rug in a small hallway. It's always bunching up. Never thought to make it shorter. Gonna cut it down and trim the raw edge.
My current apartment doesn't have overhead lighting in living and bedrooms. Good thing I have lots lamps!
Lol everyone was laughing at me for getting a comforter one size up...and I honestly only do it cuz it just always looked better to me😂 now I know why. Thanks😃✨🖤✨ plus I think ur right, they have gotten smaller than they were
Thank you for sharing! ☺
I dont agree with paper plates and utensils.. I dont leave them out on the counter.. its in the cabinets.. 😂😂😂.. we eat and throw away except special occasions😊
Great job! Question for you...what can be conde for a king size bed? Thank you!
You know, I am not sure what could be done - that is a tough one because there isn't anything larger you can buy these days :(
And what is the recommendation for those of us with King sized beds?
Your ROOMBA SCARED the crap out
of me at first!!! LOL!!!
😂
OMG I just got rid of a huge dark Morris chair (arts & crafts style) after having to put up with a bad purchase for an entire year. Our modest 1000 sq ft bungalow with open concept felt even smaller. 🙄 What a transformation to the space! I really should have gotten rid of it sooner.
Awesome!
I have been watching videos to learn more about being a homemaker and how to save since everything now is so expensive. I realize this video isn't for me if all I hear is "your house is gonna look cheap"...... if someone thinks that about my home, then they can always leave if that's the main focus. If some people have clothes piled up somewhere, it might be because they have a family and they work, and time is not in their favor. I get caught in this when I am cleaning and doing laundry. I work every day 10 hours or more, and I am always worried about taking care of my family and having my home decent.... but to make it look fancy, nahhh, this economy has made me realize my priorities.
I have paper while hosting big gatherings. Otherwise corning white dishes with seasonal decor.
“Cheap” is subjective. For example, IKEA is not expensive and the furnishings can, and do, look very high end and sophisticated when arranged in a cohesive way. Not ALL inexpensive things are “cheap”. Dollar Tree is absolutely inexpensive, yet with a bit of ingenuity the items bought from there can look very sophisticated. Live in your home the way that makes you happy because in the end, you are the one who sees it all the time. Who cares what others think?
I would add that lots of little collectibles and mementos (unless they're a carefully curated collection of something), look "low-rent" and are dust collectors. I have a strict rule that nothing comes into, or remains in my house that's smaller than my fist. It's a miracle cure!
What a great rule!
Taryn…you nailed it!!🥰
Thank you so much, Ann! ❤
Hi really enjoyed your video thank you 😊
You are so welcome!!
I've never seen any of your videos, as far as I can remember. But girl. Screw Sherry/Chery and all the haters! You're beautiful & she's probably mad cause you look like her husband's side chick.
Labels left on the trashcan, broom, dustpan etc drives me bonkers. Notes/paper taped on doors/walls is awful too. I have 2 grandsons (ages 8 and 2) that live with us and I have sincerely considered plastic couch covers
Thank you for sharing!
Yes! I'm not the only weirdo😂
@@jimyyy653 lol 🌻
Your ideas were practical and nice
Thank you, Nancy!
great advice......fun fact ..for years .before i knew anything about home design i still had natural taste and always had lot of lamps everywhere......never had ceiling light on ever
Love it!
Hi, our entire home is white dove matte. I've used magic erasers many times on spots here and there and have never had an issue. As said, you must be very light handed when doing so.
Thank you for sharing!
Very enjoyable!
Many thanks!
How to avoid dirty/cheap spaces...
Clean and spend more money on decor.
Thank you!!
I think clean is key! But honestly, even cheaper decor done well looks best!
Using paper plates is undeniably easier than washing dishes, particularly for households without a dishwasher, garbage disposal, or access to city water. Many rural or low-income areas face limited access to water or efficient waste systems. Washing dishes by hand can consume up to 27 gallons of water per load, compared to just 3 gallons with an efficient dishwasher, making it both time-consuming and resource-intensive for those already managing tight schedules or scarce resources.
You might argue that buying paper plates adds an extra step, but purchasing them in bulk reduces the need for frequent shopping, and they are easy to store. While some may feel paper plates look cheap, this perspective often stems from personal bias and overlooks the diverse realities households face. For families juggling limited time, resources, or physical capacity, paper plates offer a practical way to save time, water, energy, and mental bandwidth.
The claim that washing dishes “isn’t that much harder” dismisses the challenges many people face. The convenience of paper plates can provide much-needed relief for a busy single parent or someone living without reliable utilities. Yes, real dishes undeniably add elegance to a home, and paper plates might not achieve the same aesthetic appeal. However, it’s unfair to claim they make a home look cheap. If someone invited me over and served a meal on paper plates, I wouldn’t be focused on how “cheap” the plates looked; I’d appreciate the meal and their hospitality. While real dishes can enhance a home’s elegance, paper plates don’t detract from its warmth or comfort in a meaningful way. They simply offer practicality in the contexts where it’s most needed.
No access to water, I understand a need for paper. Over a lifetime, paper plates cost much more than real dishes and are what I'd consider a "luxury." Hand washing can be done efficiently with soaking and using basins - and dishwashers for even more efficiency (30 cents per load, at the high end, according to Home Guide).
The concept of what constitutes a luxury is inherently subjective and varies widely depending on individual circumstances, resources, and priorities. For some, paper plates may feel like a luxury because they offer convenience and time-saving benefits that are invaluable in busy or resource-limited households. For others, they may be a necessity, particularly when washing dishes is impractical or costly. What seems unnecessary or excessive to one person might be essential to another based on their unique challenges.
Where I live, you can spend about $20 on paper plates at the store or roughly $450 a month on water. Many households here don’t have access to running water, must haul it themselves, or face frequent pipe freezes in colder months. Some of my neighbors even melt ice and snow over wood stoves for all their water needs. In these situations, the effort and expense of maintaining reusable dishes often outweigh the cost of paper plates, which allow households to conserve water for essential purposes like drinking and cooking. In fact, many would consider running water, owning a home, or having reliable internet access luxuries-resources that aren’t universally available.
Growing up in a large, off-grid family, I experienced firsthand the challenges of managing limited water supplies. The two-basin dishwashing method, often praised for efficiency, is incredibly time-consuming and still uses a significant amount of water. When water had to be hauled, collected, or melted from ice, every gallon mattered. Paper plates were often the most practical choice, helping us save precious drinking water for critical needs. Real dishes were reserved for special occasions, as cleaning them required a substantial commitment of time and resources.
That said, bringing out the “fine china” makes perfect sense for a nice dinner or when you want to impress guests. Special occasions call for an elevated experience, and reusable dishes contribute to that sense of care and formality, making the extra effort worthwhile.
I hope this highlights how subjective the idea of luxury truly is and how context shapes our choices. For some, reusable dishes might be the obvious option, but for others, paper plates can be a resourceful, practical tool for managing limited resources. Far from cheapening a home, these choices reflect the realities and priorities of the people living there. Now, if someone decided to string paper plates as garlands and hang them over their windows, I might have a different opinion, but otherwise, I see no reason why they shouldn’t be a part of thoughtful, practical living.
Paper plates only when camping. Please! (And bring your trash home.)
The amount of trash generated by our convenience society is mind-boggling. It’s perfectly possible to wash dishes with very little water.
Washing dishes by hand is a lost art, I guess. 😢😓😭
@ If you can wash dishes with very little water, then I guess you don't need paper plates when camping, then?
@@LianaLreeYour comments are obtuse. She literally stated at the beginning of the video how subjective her opinions are, and her video is all meant in jest. YOU clicked on her video, but get hurt over experiences personal to you, as if she should take your life into account on HER personal YT video. My goodness.
I agree about clean and clutter-free floors
Thank you!
Yayyy thanks for that king size pilliow trick
You are so welcome!
Paper plates keep getting more and more expensive and they are a one use article. Not to mention they become a landfill problem. Plastic itensils look really cheap. Metal itensils look so much classierr on a table.
Totally agree!
I like that you get right to the point. Would that more UA-cam creators do the same!
Thank you!!