When I started my minimalist journey 3 years ago, my goal was not to have a bare house it was to just declutter, so the house stayed clean. Now I say I am "simple living" because I, too, like it cozy but simple. I love your home. You guys are amazing! Love your videos and your journey 🙏🏼
Your channel came up on my feed tonight, and I am so thankful that it did. I am also on the minimalist journey, and I’ve enjoyed binge watching your videos tonight. But when I found the “unlisted” video (that’s how YT lists it) about why you quit your pastoring job, I knew God was talking to me. Your description of what happened to you sound exactly like what happened to me 15 years ago. I had a huge passion for the ministry and was at church 4 days a week, not to mention having a FT job and raising 2 kids as a single mother. This was a recipe for disaster, and in the end, I had massive burnout. I felt like I was neglecting my kids, and my passion was long gone. Thank you so so much for sharing your story. I never felt like I could share my story with anyone, which compounded the problem. Your story really helped me to see that there are others out there who experience this. As anyone in Ministry knows, the calling never goes away, and I loved seeing how you handled your situation. I will continue watching your videos. Very inspiring stuff
Have you looked into the concept of Hygge at all? What I love about it is that it’s not necessarily a theme or aesthetic… it’s a feeling or coziness and safety and well-being. Specific things that make you feel at ease in your space and around your family/friends. There seem to be lots of common things that make people feel good like candles/orange lighting, plants, plush pillow or blankets, textures like wood or wool, a soft rug to dig your toes into, open windows, locally made items or pictures of your own beautiful family around. ❤ In our home we have two family pictures of when both our babies were born, some plants hanging in a big window, a soft blanket on the couch, two maps of where we got engaged and where we got married, a wedding photo, and a scripture verse that gets us through hard times. ❤
Love that you will be talk more about eco friendly and healthy ways to be happy! -addressing mental health, clean gardening, “clean” cleaning supplies, etc :)
You guys are making it your home. I agree! For me I would say my home is cozy minimal being intentional with things that come in my home. Quality and functional yet cozy.
Thank you, C’jon, for accommodating your wife’s needs where possible. Many, many men would have said ‘tough it’ about the lawn and you were willing to re-think your processes. Great example to your children & others around you!
It seems like you're feeling 'at home' in your new house and your authentic selves are coming through in the videos more now than ever. Thank you for sharing and I'll look forward to the cozy additions and personal touches.
Thank you for saying this Jenny…. Bc that’s something we have really wanted to come out more in our videos.. I was actually watching some older content of ours and realized we weren’t showing our personalities as much as I thought… more of that to come!
Minimalism is about reducing the inventory in your home to an amount that you can EASILY manage. This creates more time for the people and activities that you love! That looks different for everyone. I personally love colors and textures. (Example: Our bedroom has one bed, dresser and shelf. The bedding set is very colorful but the room is very minimal and cozy). I love what you are doing! It doesn't take away from you being minimalists at all. Also love your new furniture! A live plant adds warmth to a room too. Love "Cozy minimalism is the vibe!" ❤❤❤
I call it functional minimalism ☺️ honestly it's been a nice spot for my family. We use everything we have and strive to find ways to reduce but not at the detriment of our priorities and interests.
I’m still minimalist but I’m more flexible now. If my intuition tells me to keep an item I do, as long as I have sailor age space out of sight. I learned that some objects that a lovely often are useful somewhere else in the house later serving another purpose. I enjoy the creative process.
I kinda went through the same thing in my minimalist journey. I started minimalism in 2012 but went extreme in 2014-2018. Then I had my 3rd child and things accumulated so fast especially during 2020 I kinda turned into an emergency prepper. 😆 I’ve since let go a lot and also using up a lot of our stock 🤗 We’re now more cozy minimalist too ✨💝
That’s how we are since we have children too. But I call us, “Essential Minimalist’s” because we use what’s important and declutter what we don’t use. 🤗 So glad y’all have found a joyful place in your minimalism journey! God is absolutely good!
I love your channel you guys! And most importantly you are doing things that make you happy. You are adding items to your home that you will look at and feel happy 🎉.
Thanks God i found your channel🙏 Real parents, real situations... So close to us. As a mom of 3 children (including a baby) you guys make me feel that everything is possible
I love a cozy home but there’s a big difference between a cluttered home and an inviting/cozy home. I hope you guys have fun and enjoy this new season in your life!! 😊
I get this so much. Cozy minimalism is a way to go for me. I’m anxious in cluttered spaces, but at the same time if the room is too empty it feels kind of cold…adding fairy lights, a few candles, plants and blankets makes the biggest difference in making a room feel more cozy. 🤍
We are fairly minimal and from a very musical culture, so we have a SMALL space for instruments/cozy music corner. We all love it! Love todays video so much! We have had 3 black cats, totally loved and adored them 🐈⬛🖤
You can also just say that you are living minimalistic in the way you want to live. So you want to live cozy and develope a hope, in a minimal way. Like if I wanted to live a wealthy lifestyle, I could live that wealthy lifestyle ( the clothes I wear, the gadgets in the home, and even the home itself, etc ) in a way that represents only having what I need and even a few wants
So excited for you guys! Making your home cozy is the best and doesn't need to include random decor that doesn't mean anything to you. Be very selective in what you choose and you can't go wrong. I HATE scented products too and have changed everything over to The Unscented Company products. No smelly smells and cleans great :) If you feel like a bit of light smell once in a while, you can add a couple drops of vanilla or whatever to an unscented tealight candle, but candles themselves are the mood imo.
Being in nature can be a natural stress reducer. Adding indoor plants is something you might want to consider. There are also certain plants that clean the air better than others. For example, spider plants help to reduce formaldehyde. Pothos and philodendron are very easy if you don't have a green thumb. Adding some nature inside brings everything together in my opinion. And to keep those counters clear you can hang the plants or put them on a wall or have a large one on the floor (make sure they are all OK for cats). I have an autoimmune disorder and anxiety and have become more health conscious over time, so I can relate to your concerns that you mentioned about the new sofa smell. Right now we really need new carpet in my child's room but i am putting it off because the new smell is so intoxicating so i am looking into possible non toxic options. Congratulations on you making your home the best fit for your family.
My couch had to off gas in my garage for 3 months. The smell was so strong I couldn’t take it. I’m glad I wasn’t alone and we had no couch for few months :-)
I love this one so much. Seriously love yalls heart and drive and openness and honesty and especially yalls love for the Lord but... the plain walls and lack of 'things' that evoke memories make me feel something. So glad to hear yalls journey and cannot wait to see the kids pictures!! I by no means have trinkets and any flat space is a landing spot for hubby's stuff so it's a struggle but I'm more eclectic minimalist. We have a China hutch that houses the kids creations so I don't have to dust them 😆 and floor pillows and colorful rugs and barstools and Tiffany lamps and Chandeliers but... we too are minimalist. Everything in this house has a purpose even if that purpose is to make us smile and remember a moment ❤️
I've been having a very strong smell with everything. I also have OCD and struggled with it my whole life. Minimalism has also helped me through this struggle.
Most of our art in our home is of birds and nature. I have few knick knacks but I love art that features birds and we have canvases of alpacas because we had an alpaca farm. I guess it appeals to others because when people come over to our home, they love it. I feel a home has to represent you and what is important to you. Minimalism actually make the important pieces of furniture and art stand out and make an impact. ps as an owner of 6 cats - Chom Chom roller will pick up all the long black fur off of your couch. Amazon has it.
This is great! You guys always inspire me to keep going. We have a family of five as well, I'd love a video on chemical detoxing a house for beginners. Like why and how. I've researched online but it's so overwhelming.
Minimalism looks different to everyone. Don’t let anyone tell you can’t call yourself a minimalist because they think you have too much. I consider myself a minimalist but I also love my home feeling cozy. I love neutrals because they calm me.
I think you are moving in a great direction. Putting a few more things in your visible areas will make it more enjoyable. It's not like you are adding items that you won't use to a cabinet, drawer or shelf.
Consider carpets as they help absorb sound so your voice won’t echo so much. It helps to have hooks for kids to hang their backpacks when they come home from school (unless you plan on homeschooling) situated at the door they come into the house at. There are pieces of furniture that have a bench with cubbies under it, a mirror for the back and framed with hooks to hang stuff. Can you picture it? If your neighbor doesn’t use a weed and feed their dandelions will end up in your yard. We had new sod put on our front yard (they removed the old) and I buy granulated fertilizer from our local Nursery that has chicken manure in it but as it is ‘natural’ there is no weed killer for the broadleaf weeds or clover, which they say apply to your yard 4 times a year at each major holiday (we are overdue for Labor Day). Our newest neighbor isn’t really into taking care of his yard so we now have dandelions etc…but he is a great guy so pick your battles. 😉 We also hire a mowing company which probably brought bent grass (Yuck!) into our yard. Just my take on shoes off at the door: My husband is in a power wheelchair (bringing the outside in) so when anyone comes over I ask them to keep their shoes on. I’m also not an obsessive house cleaner (don’t try to eat off our floors) so if they walk around in their socks I’m going to thank them for Swiffering our floors and their socks are going to be filthy. 🥴😆😆 You are smart in reevaluating what is important at this current stage of your lives. #1 Relationship with God, #2 Relationship with each other, #3 Loving your children. God bless your family and peace to all in your home. 💞
Minimalism is a great concept, but it always needs to suit what works best for you. So add what you need to feel comfy. That is how I live, and I think of it more as "essentialism".
Oh also! I do not use synthetic fragrance either. But natural bees wax candles are actually GOOD for your air and create that restful ambiance that doesn’t disrupt your circadian rhythm at night!
Bravo to eliminating unnecessary chemicals. You are both a blessing to your children. I can't wait to see your style once you start adding decore to your home.
I'm the exact same way.. I refused to buy a regular mattress for awhile bc of the toxic chemicals and trust me, the organic ones are NOT comfortable. Now I let new items off gas in the garage for a few weeks. If it's hot outside, the off-gasing process speeds up. I also buy used for things made out of mdf (can't get used couches bc it trigger my ocd) Some things that have helped with my health OCD: 1. a good air filter (it'll be expensive for one that covers your living room & kitchen but worth it) 2. a steamer. I have the Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner. Now I can clean without toxic chemicals. make sure you get one that blasts the steam out so you can get the gunk off the stove, shower, floor, etc. also I think a couple plants would really add a cozy factor to your space. I used to be extreme too and slowly became what you call "cozy minimalist" by adding plants, blankets, and a picture on the wall. Thank you for sharing your experience with your health OCD. It's a difficult thing to live with. Looking forward to seeing the new cozy space! 💜
It could be fun to get a big canvas and the whole family paints on it (with only your pre-selected color choices) you can tape sections off to give it some sort of direction but you don’t have to either. Could be a great meaningful piece of art, if it looks too silly could also just put that one in the kids room or their bathroom 😆 they will love it and always remember doing it with you
Just found your videos last week. Really enjoying you guys! Black cats are the best. We have 1 that was a stray hanging around our house 9 years ago. I think he thinks I'm his mom. Lol. I love this cat.
It’s nice to see couples like you, both on the same page working as a team, however I would like ti hear more from the husband, he has very good ideas, I think that would motive the husbands to join the journey as minimalism 😊
The wife shows off a very strong self centered vibe. She says she has anxiety but I dont believe it with how much shes talking over her husband and cutting him off. Totally opposite behavior for someone who has "anxiety". She clearly knows it too because even she says she's talking alot and asks him to start sharing @3:28 then he starts talking and she rudely cuts him off. My advice is to listen more and let him talk.
I have 5 different black cats, long hair, short hair, no tail, all the different kinds of black cats lol. About to move my family to Ireland in a few weeks with just carry ons, but gladly paying the thousands of dollars to ship my cats. We keep our home very minimal but we love our cats. And we have always had black cats. Black cats are currently adopted less often because they are difficult to photograph, and people want cats they can put on social media.
I don't find what is on the walls to affect minimalism for me because they stay there and just add aesthetic value. They don't get in the way on the floor or need up keep or organization etc once put up. Brighter colours and pictures I enjoy (happy family photos etc) really help with my mood. I would love to have more beautiful high quality colourful paintings.
To me minimalism is a lifestyle and a mindset more than an esthetic so I totally understand yall. I love this 🤍 Charlene would you feel comfortable in talking more deep about your health anxiety? I have also dealt with that and no one truly understands what exactly it is unless they have gone through it themselves. It's so horrible and life controlling.
❤ you guys I'm from California and I just want and I know you're in Florida and I would suggest putting a pool in eliminate the expense of your water bill and your grass and just have a big beautiful pool you will use it so much in Florida I had lots of children and I always knew where my children were in the summer cuz they were in the pool and then their friends come over and it's wonderful wonderful you will never regret having a swimming pool your backyard is so clean so lovely cement pool wonderful and you have some elephant ears plants over on the side.❤❤ you will love the pool your kids will love it you will love it.
I love this! ❤ Yesss cozy minimalism is my vibe too! I keep the essentials to keep it cozy and that’s it lol 😂 I’m down to 2 throw pillows cause my kids just loveeee throwing them on the floor and I was tired of picking them up 😂 but 2 seems to be working now!!! Y’all’s story time was great!! I was laughing with y’all cause I’ve returned a few couches myself 🤣 one was difficult but I won that battle and the other one was ikea, which they give you a year to return anything (not damaged).. so I was right there with y’all 😊 I’m so excited for this journey for y’all ❤ can’t wait to see what’s to come
I love you guys! You don’t have to change your name because minimalism is what we make it. People can place rules, I say do you! We are minimalist in all things but the kitchen & I would argue with anyone because we cook a lot & enjoy making all different foods. We also have a solid amount of workout gear, same story we change our workouts up & need different equipment for our style of training. Can’t wait to see more ❤
Your house is beautiful!!!! I love the idea of making it more cozy, it's going look great!!!! Hispanic families do no take off their shoes for sure. I am half Asian and Mexican and they don't like that lol no matter what you put at the entrance.
Can't wait to see all your new decor! Moon is so cute but me being a dog person...would your family ever get a pup in the future? Or do u prefer cats only?
Carleen, I feel you so much. I have anxiety and OCD. I admit that I do take meds to help with it. Throughout working with my therapist I have found out that I don’t like a lot of “noise”. I like white, beige, light colors. I don’t like a lot of colors. I am 51 yrs old and just now realizing that this helps my anxiety and depression. I also have to have light. The daylight light bulbs help me also. Thanks so much for being transparent. 🤍 One other thing, I am pushing myself to read scripture everyday even if I don’t feel like it, I still do it and I believe that is helping me as well.
I'm interested in knowing what brand of couch did you get with a cat?????? We have two black cats....they are fun and loving...Minimalism is about living a life that feels free.. I have been practicing this way for a very long time....Your home is beautiful....Bless your beautiful family!
I’m also a minimalist and now trying to find that happy spot between minimal and cozy. I’m not going to bring a lot of things into my home. Just maybe a few pieces of art and a couple more plants. That’s all for now. Also Moon is a cutie! I have a boy (Stormy) and a girl (Sunny) that I adopted August 1 2020. Sunny is a scratcher. 😳 I just recently started using cat anti scratch tape I purchased on Amazon and it’s working GREAT! Stormy loves to jump on the counter and I have upside down baking tins all over my counter tops as a deterrent and so I can hear it if he jumps up there. It looks ridiculous but it works. 🙄
God bless you. It took me 60 years of draining me before I woke up. I was serving religion more than than what God said. Church is in each of us, this how we can go abroad. Because church goes with you ,therefore it spreads all over, you can tell more and reach more people. Not just the ones that are within those church walls. You can still work in the church but talk with God about what role he wants you to work in, not what you have come accustom to what religion says. Love you guys, I am praying for you to stay in God’s will. His will ifyou listen, will go against some of what you have been taught in the past. Everyone has to read the word for themselves, live by the word and always pray for understanding of the word. The world is so confessed now about what God says and what religion says that God says. The best way to learn and know what God says is to go to God the author. The beginning and the end with no editing. God is blessing you and guiding you and he will continue to bless you. We each have our own journey with God, you have to follow the shepherd’s instructions for you. Continue to pray and serve as you are doing.
Thank you! I have lived a minimalist life most of 73 years but did not have that label to describe my way about a lot of things that I do. I really appreciate your taking the time to share this concept. I have been always comfortable with my way but hearing you verbalize this helps me to know that this about me is okay! Bless you and your family!
I am a middle-ist. I don’t like a cluttered home nor do I like one that is void of personality. I knew that when minimalism became a trend, it wouldn’t last. Each of us has a different comfort level with stuff. We just have to find what is truly us, not what is the latest trend. Everything in fashion, whether home or clothing is intended to keep us spending money. So, the colors change yearly. Styles change constantly. Minimalism was the thing, now it’s Grandma something or other. They got people to get rid of all their stuff, knowing it wouldn’t satisfy our desire for beauty and comfort in our living spaces. Now, it’s huygge ( spelling), and grandma style. Getting people to buy stuff all over again. It’s all purposefully set up that way. To keep us dissatisfied and always wanting and buying more. For me, first I pray. Asking the Lord how He wants my home to be. Then I think how I would like it to feel. How I want my family to feel and lastly how I’d want visitors to feel. I never think if it’s on trend or if others would like it. When I go into perfectly designed homes they are beautiful, but missing something. I love going into homes that I can tell truly reflect the family living there. Our homes are not showrooms but actual places where we live day to day.
I'm much older than you but life & people have taught me MANY LESSONS and it's caused me to put myself in my own bubble. I just don't trust to open up to people. So listening to you explain your choices is hard for me because I wouldn't want to have to explain my choices to people since I'm the one living in it. I've also learned by experience that the more you share the more opinions people will have.
Look into clover instead of grass with chemicals and children on that grass…. Only a certain clover works and it is so soft and easy for children to play on…
ive been minimal f o r e v e r -ish and i try hard to think of it as a style, not a title. titles mean too much, and titles mean identity, you are not a title,,,you are a revelation in the making, a flow, a part of God becoming as you travel through, be grateful that HE has taught you a WONDERFUL lesson of how a simple lifestyle is more healthy and be it...a style,,,its a concept that changes with you...but remains somewhat within a boundary of choice...so no rules...just feel the choices as they come....for example, if i say, " i only wear one color " the reason for it must out weigh the rule....so instead i say, " i mostly only wear this color because it makes my life so easy"...but if i really want to wear pink one day i can add a bit and realize that it too can make my life joyful while i don't run to target to shop for ten new pink things, one is a nice treat to my mono wardrobe...and i can honor that new joy with a grateful heart.
Lol, I’m Hispanic and I also grew up wearing shoes in the house… the whole day. SMH. I never understood why lol. Anyway the couch story is funny . Love it! Excited for y’all’s journey. Each season is beautiful❤
When I started my minimalist journey 3 years ago, my goal was not to have a bare house it was to just declutter, so the house stayed clean. Now I say I am "simple living" because I, too, like it cozy but simple. I love your home. You guys are amazing! Love your videos and your journey 🙏🏼
You are both so great. I love that you can allow your journey to evolve and not stay rigid and become stagnant 🙏
Thank you ❤️
Your channel came up on my feed tonight, and I am so thankful that it did. I am also on the minimalist journey, and I’ve enjoyed binge watching your videos tonight. But when I found the “unlisted” video (that’s how YT lists it) about why you quit your pastoring job, I knew God was talking to me. Your description of what happened to you sound exactly like what happened to me 15 years ago. I had a huge passion for the ministry and was at church 4 days a week, not to mention having a FT job and raising 2 kids as a single mother. This was a recipe for disaster, and in the end, I had massive burnout. I felt like I was neglecting my kids, and my passion was long gone. Thank you so so much for sharing your story. I never felt like I could share my story with anyone, which compounded the problem. Your story really helped me to see that there are others out there who experience this. As anyone in Ministry knows, the calling never goes away, and I loved seeing how you handled your situation. I will continue watching your videos. Very inspiring stuff
Have you looked into the concept of Hygge at all? What I love about it is that it’s not necessarily a theme or aesthetic… it’s a feeling or coziness and safety and well-being. Specific things that make you feel at ease in your space and around your family/friends. There seem to be lots of common things that make people feel good like candles/orange lighting, plants, plush pillow or blankets, textures like wood or wool, a soft rug to dig your toes into, open windows, locally made items or pictures of your own beautiful family around. ❤ In our home we have two family pictures of when both our babies were born, some plants hanging in a big window, a soft blanket on the couch, two maps of where we got engaged and where we got married, a wedding photo, and a scripture verse that gets us through hard times. ❤
Love that you will be talk more about eco friendly and healthy ways to be happy! -addressing mental health, clean gardening, “clean” cleaning supplies, etc :)
What else do you want see/hear more about from us??
I like this fresh perspective. Minimalism is a journey and a continuum. It’s flexible and malleable ☺️
Yes it is!
The music during story time had me dying! 😂😂
Ha thank you! I spent a while trying to find it lol
You guys are making it your home. I agree! For me I would say my home is cozy minimal being intentional with things that come in my home. Quality and functional yet cozy.
Thank you, C’jon, for accommodating your wife’s needs where possible. Many, many men would have said ‘tough it’ about the lawn and you were willing to re-think your processes. Great example to your children & others around you!
Congratulations on your new cat. I love your Black Cat. Definitely a cozy upgrade. I’ve been liking the Sunday eco friendly lawn care.
I'm a cozy minimalist also! I can't do the sterile asthetic!!
It seems like you're feeling 'at home' in your new house and your authentic selves are coming through in the videos more now than ever. Thank you for sharing and I'll look forward to the cozy additions and personal touches.
Thank you for saying this Jenny…. Bc that’s something we have really wanted to come out more in our videos.. I was actually watching some older content of ours and realized we weren’t showing our personalities as much as I thought… more of that to come!
Minimalism is about reducing the inventory in your home to an amount that you can EASILY manage. This creates more time for the people and activities that you love! That looks different for everyone. I personally love colors and textures. (Example: Our bedroom has one bed, dresser and shelf. The bedding set is very colorful but the room is very minimal and cozy). I love what you are doing! It doesn't take away from you being minimalists at all. Also love your new furniture! A live plant adds warmth to a room too. Love "Cozy minimalism is the vibe!" ❤❤❤
We definitely want to add some plants… I love the way you explained this!
I call it functional minimalism ☺️ honestly it's been a nice spot for my family. We use everything we have and strive to find ways to reduce but not at the detriment of our priorities and interests.
Love that!
I’m still minimalist but I’m more flexible now. If my intuition tells me to keep an item I do, as long as I have sailor age space out of sight. I learned that some objects that a lovely often are useful somewhere else in the house later serving another purpose. I enjoy the creative process.
I kinda went through the same thing in my minimalist journey. I started minimalism in 2012 but went extreme in 2014-2018. Then I had my 3rd child and things accumulated so fast especially during 2020 I kinda turned into an emergency prepper. 😆 I’ve since let go a lot and also using up a lot of our stock 🤗 We’re now more cozy minimalist too ✨💝
That 3rd kid! Same for us haha!
It’s called ‘homemaking’ ❤ minimal and clean but also cosy… good luck!!
That’s how we are since we have children too. But I call us, “Essential Minimalist’s” because we use what’s important and declutter what we don’t use. 🤗 So glad y’all have found a joyful place in your minimalism journey! God is absolutely good!
Yes to this!!
I love your channel you guys! And most importantly you are doing things that make you happy. You are adding items to your home that you will look at and feel happy 🎉.
Seasons change. We all go through them. Keep on keeping on❤
Thanks God i found your channel🙏
Real parents, real situations... So close to us. As a mom of 3 children (including a baby) you guys make me feel that everything is possible
I love a cozy home but there’s a big difference between a cluttered home and an inviting/cozy home. I hope you guys have fun and enjoy this new season in your life!! 😊
I get this so much. Cozy minimalism is a way to go for me. I’m anxious in cluttered spaces, but at the same time if the room is too empty it feels kind of cold…adding fairy lights, a few candles, plants and blankets makes the biggest difference in making a room feel more cozy. 🤍
We are fairly minimal and from a very musical culture, so we have a SMALL space for instruments/cozy music corner. We all love it! Love todays video so much!
We have had 3 black cats, totally loved and adored them
🐈⬛🖤
I love listening to you both speak. Thank you for being so open with your lives because it's so relatable. 😊
Thank you Bridgett… we appreciate it!
Glad to see you relaxing a bit and finding things that bring you joy
You can also just say that you are living minimalistic in the way you want to live. So you want to live cozy and develope a hope, in a minimal way. Like if I wanted to live a wealthy lifestyle, I could live that wealthy lifestyle ( the clothes I wear, the gadgets in the home, and even the home itself, etc ) in a way that represents only having what I need and even a few wants
So excited for you guys! Making your home cozy is the best and doesn't need to include random decor that doesn't mean anything to you. Be very selective in what you choose and you can't go wrong. I HATE scented products too and have changed everything over to The Unscented Company products. No smelly smells and cleans great :) If you feel like a bit of light smell once in a while, you can add a couple drops of vanilla or whatever to an unscented tealight candle, but candles themselves are the mood imo.
Adding intentional decor nice! Also mirrors help make spaces bigger too.
We definitely want to add mirrors!
I can't WAIT to see your cozy touches!!!! Please share everything you get!!
Hi, It’s so great you can both compromise. You will be so successful in all you do if you can do that.
Thank you for this ❤️
Being in nature can be a natural stress reducer. Adding indoor plants is something you might want to consider. There are also certain plants that clean the air better than others. For example, spider plants help to reduce formaldehyde. Pothos and philodendron are very easy if you don't have a green thumb. Adding some nature inside brings everything together in my opinion. And to keep those counters clear you can hang the plants or put them on a wall or have a large one on the floor (make sure they are all OK for cats). I have an autoimmune disorder and anxiety and have become more health conscious over time, so I can relate to your concerns that you mentioned about the new sofa smell. Right now we really need new carpet in my child's room but i am putting it off because the new smell is so intoxicating so i am looking into possible non toxic options. Congratulations on you making your home the best fit for your family.
We are starting to see that now… having these pops of green throughout the house makes us feel just more complete and at home….
So happy for you guys 😊 thanks for sharing all you’re learning on this journey! Your home looks so cozy already!
My couch had to off gas in my garage for 3 months. The smell was so strong I couldn’t take it. I’m glad I wasn’t alone and we had no couch for few months :-)
I love this one so much. Seriously love yalls heart and drive and openness and honesty and especially yalls love for the Lord but... the plain walls and lack of 'things' that evoke memories make me feel something. So glad to hear yalls journey and cannot wait to see the kids pictures!! I by no means have trinkets and any flat space is a landing spot for hubby's stuff so it's a struggle but I'm more eclectic minimalist. We have a China hutch that houses the kids creations so I don't have to dust them 😆 and floor pillows and colorful rugs and barstools and Tiffany lamps and Chandeliers but... we too are minimalist. Everything in this house has a purpose even if that purpose is to make us smile and remember a moment ❤️
Love this
I've been having a very strong smell with everything. I also have OCD and struggled with it my whole life. Minimalism has also helped me through this struggle.
Would LOVE a yard care video from you C'jon! I also don't want to use a bunch of chemicals on our yard, but want it to look decent.
I love grass 😍
Bravo !!! You do you, everyone has their own view of minimalism. Proud of both of you:)
❤️
you guys seem so much lighter and happy, love to see to see you have such a strong and supporting husband XXOO
Most of our art in our home is of birds and nature. I have few knick knacks but I love art that features birds and we have canvases of alpacas because we had an alpaca farm. I guess it appeals to others because when people come over to our home, they love it. I feel a home has to represent you and what is important to you. Minimalism actually make the important pieces of furniture and art stand out and make an impact. ps as an owner of 6 cats - Chom Chom roller will pick up all the long black fur off of your couch. Amazon has it.
So happy for you guys in everything you do🙏🏼❤️
This is great! You guys always inspire me to keep going. We have a family of five as well, I'd love a video on chemical detoxing a house for beginners. Like why and how. I've researched online but it's so overwhelming.
That’s a great idea!
Minimalism looks different to everyone. Don’t let anyone tell you can’t call yourself a minimalist because they think you have too much. I consider myself a minimalist but I also love my home feeling cozy. I love neutrals because they calm me.
I think you are moving in a great direction. Putting a few more things in your visible areas will make it more enjoyable. It's not like you are adding items that you won't use to a cabinet, drawer or shelf.
Consider carpets as they help absorb sound so your voice won’t echo so much.
It helps to have hooks for kids to hang their backpacks when they come home from school (unless you plan on homeschooling) situated at the door they come into the house at. There are pieces of furniture that have a bench with cubbies under it, a mirror for the back and framed with hooks to hang stuff. Can you picture it?
If your neighbor doesn’t use a weed and feed their dandelions will end up in your yard. We had new sod put on our front yard (they removed the old) and I buy granulated fertilizer from our local Nursery that has chicken manure in it but as it is ‘natural’ there is no weed killer for the broadleaf weeds or clover, which they say apply to your yard 4 times a year at each major holiday (we are overdue for Labor Day). Our newest neighbor isn’t really into taking care of his yard so we now have dandelions etc…but he is a great guy so pick your battles. 😉 We also hire a mowing company which probably brought bent grass (Yuck!) into our yard.
Just my take on shoes off at the door: My husband is in a power wheelchair (bringing the outside in) so when anyone comes over I ask them to keep their shoes on. I’m also not an obsessive house cleaner (don’t try to eat off our floors) so if they walk around in their socks I’m going to thank them for Swiffering our floors and their socks are going to be filthy. 🥴😆😆
You are smart in reevaluating what is important at this current stage of your lives. #1 Relationship with God, #2 Relationship with each other, #3 Loving your children. God bless your family and peace to all in your home. 💞
Love that artwork and it’s meaning
You guys are awesome! Your storytime music was epic. Perfect choice! 😄
Minimalism is a great concept, but it always needs to suit what works best for you. So add what you need to feel comfy. That is how I live, and I think of it more as "essentialism".
Yes I agree with you! It’s likely more essentialism
Cozy Minimal ❤ I really like the idea,sounds like something fun 👍👍
You guys are great! I love both of you ❤
Oh also! I do not use synthetic fragrance either. But natural bees wax candles are actually GOOD for your air and create that restful ambiance that doesn’t disrupt your circadian rhythm at night!
Bravo to eliminating unnecessary chemicals. You are both a blessing to your children. I can't wait to see your style once you start adding decore to your home.
God bless you both 🙏 Amen 👏
I'm the exact same way.. I refused to buy a regular mattress for awhile bc of the toxic chemicals and trust me, the organic ones are NOT comfortable. Now I let new items off gas in the garage for a few weeks. If it's hot outside, the off-gasing process speeds up. I also buy used for things made out of mdf (can't get used couches bc it trigger my ocd)
Some things that have helped with my health OCD:
1. a good air filter (it'll be expensive for one that covers your living room & kitchen but worth it)
2. a steamer. I have the Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner. Now I can clean without toxic chemicals. make sure you get one that blasts the steam out so you can get the gunk off the stove, shower, floor, etc.
also I think a couple plants would really add a cozy factor to your space. I used to be extreme too and slowly became what you call "cozy minimalist" by adding plants, blankets, and a picture on the wall.
Thank you for sharing your experience with your health OCD. It's a difficult thing to live with. Looking forward to seeing the new cozy space! 💜
Minimal lifestyle can be healthy and is an evolving mindset👏🏻👏🏻. Always in a flux. After 42 years of marriage I have a lot of my stuff to clear out!
It could be fun to get a big canvas and the whole family paints on it (with only your pre-selected color choices) you can tape sections off to give it some sort of direction but you don’t have to either. Could be a great meaningful piece of art, if it looks too silly could also just put that one in the kids room or their bathroom 😆 they will love it and always remember doing it with you
Minimalism: quality over quantity
Just found your videos last week. Really enjoying you guys! Black cats are the best. We have 1 that was a stray hanging around our house 9 years ago. I think he thinks I'm his mom. Lol. I love this cat.
Yes black cats are the best… I think they think they are humans just shorter 😂
I am so sorry that I talk so much .😅 -Carleen
You're the sweetest!!💝🙏
Your talking is part of the fun ❤
I love the cat🐾❤️
It’s nice to see couples like you, both on the same page working as a team, however
I would like ti hear more from the husband, he has very good ideas, I think that would motive the husbands to join the journey as minimalism 😊
I apologized earlier in the comments for talking so much. Next video I’ll let him do all the talking haha
LOVE IT!
The wife shows off a very strong self centered vibe. She says she has anxiety but I dont believe it with how much shes talking over her husband and cutting him off. Totally opposite behavior for someone who has "anxiety". She clearly knows it too because even she says she's talking alot and asks him to start sharing @3:28 then he starts talking and she rudely cuts him off. My advice is to listen more and let him talk.
I beleive everybody love their kids
I have 5 different black cats, long hair, short hair, no tail, all the different kinds of black cats lol. About to move my family to Ireland in a few weeks with just carry ons, but gladly paying the thousands of dollars to ship my cats. We keep our home very minimal but we love our cats. And we have always had black cats. Black cats are currently adopted less often because they are difficult to photograph, and people want cats they can put on social media.
I don't find what is on the walls to affect minimalism for me because they stay there and just add aesthetic value. They don't get in the way on the floor or need up keep or organization etc once put up. Brighter colours and pictures I enjoy (happy family photos etc) really help with my mood. I would love to have more beautiful high quality colourful paintings.
Yes, a little end table I bought had off gassing smells….I was not happy…
May be a slippery slope... like allowing a few pounds after dropping 50... think this over! Looks perfect as is...
This is awesome! 👍🏻❤️
To me minimalism is a lifestyle and a mindset more than an esthetic so I totally understand yall. I love this 🤍
Charlene would you feel comfortable in talking more deep about your health anxiety? I have also dealt with that and no one truly understands what exactly it is unless they have gone through it themselves. It's so horrible and life controlling.
❤ you guys I'm from California and I just want and I know you're in Florida and I would suggest putting a pool in eliminate the expense of your water bill and your grass and just have a big beautiful pool you will use it so much in Florida I had lots of children and I always knew where my children were in the summer cuz they were in the pool and then their friends come over and it's wonderful wonderful you will never regret having a swimming pool your backyard is so clean so lovely cement pool wonderful and you have some elephant ears plants over on the side.❤❤ you will love the pool your kids will love it you will love it.
We need to see the grass!! 😂😂💕
😂😂
I love this! ❤ Yesss cozy minimalism is my vibe too! I keep the essentials to keep it cozy and that’s it lol 😂 I’m down to 2 throw pillows cause my kids just loveeee throwing them on the floor and I was tired of picking them up 😂 but 2 seems to be working now!!! Y’all’s story time was great!! I was laughing with y’all cause I’ve returned a few couches myself 🤣 one was difficult but I won that battle and the other one was ikea, which they give you a year to return anything (not damaged).. so I was right there with y’all 😊 I’m so excited for this journey for y’all ❤ can’t wait to see what’s to come
I love you guys! You don’t have to change your name because minimalism is what we make it. People can place rules, I say do you! We are minimalist in all things but the kitchen & I would argue with anyone because we cook a lot & enjoy making all different foods. We also have a solid amount of workout gear, same story we change our workouts up & need different equipment for our style of training. Can’t wait to see more ❤
We love you!
I've had two black cats in my life and probably won't ever look back. I love their little personalities.
This cat has by far had the most interesting personality of all the cats we’ve ever had
Your house is beautiful!!!! I love the idea of making it more cozy, it's going look great!!!! Hispanic families do no take off their shoes for sure. I am half Asian and Mexican and they don't like that lol no matter what you put at the entrance.
We just had an issue today with family not taking shoes off 😂
Can't wait to see all your new decor! Moon is so cute but me being a dog person...would your family ever get a pup in the future? Or do u prefer cats only?
Carleen, I feel you so much. I have anxiety and OCD. I admit that I do take meds to help with it. Throughout working with my therapist I have found out that I don’t like a lot of “noise”. I like white, beige, light colors. I don’t like a lot of colors. I am 51 yrs old and just now realizing that this helps my anxiety and depression. I also have to have light. The daylight light bulbs help me also. Thanks so much for being transparent. 🤍 One other thing, I am pushing myself to read scripture everyday even if I don’t feel like it, I still do it and I believe that is helping me as well.
Thank you for sharing. I take meds too and I’m so thankful for this tool to help me navigate life right now. I can relate to you ❤
I'm interested in knowing what brand of couch did you get with a cat?????? We have two black cats....they are fun and loving...Minimalism is about living a life that feels free.. I have been practicing this way for a very long time....Your home is beautiful....Bless your beautiful family!
We actually got a fabric couch… our cat thankfully does not scratch!
@@TheArmsteadFamily
Thank you! You both are terrific!🤗
Totally agree - pets do make a home ❤
The "Cozy Minimalists"🥰
It’s got a ring….
I’m also a minimalist and now trying to find that happy spot between minimal and cozy. I’m not going to bring a lot of things into my home. Just maybe a few pieces of art and a couple more plants. That’s all for now.
Also Moon is a cutie! I have a boy (Stormy) and a girl (Sunny) that I adopted August 1 2020. Sunny is a scratcher. 😳 I just recently started using cat anti scratch tape I purchased on Amazon and it’s working GREAT! Stormy loves to jump on the counter and I have upside down baking tins all over my counter tops as a deterrent and so I can hear it if he jumps up there. It looks ridiculous but it works. 🙄
😂😂 cats are something else
Beautiful ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
How come they refunded the couch if the kids had done some damage to it?
I LOVE THE CAT.
Can you make a videos about your favorite minimal channels
God bless you. It took me 60 years of draining me before I woke up. I was serving religion more than than what God said. Church is in each of us, this how we can go abroad. Because church goes with you ,therefore it spreads all over, you can tell more and reach more people. Not just the ones that are within those church walls. You can still work in the church but talk with God about what role he wants you to work in, not what you have come accustom to what religion says. Love you guys, I am praying for you to stay in God’s will. His will ifyou listen, will go against some of what you have been taught in the past. Everyone has to read the word for themselves, live by the word and always pray for understanding of the word. The world is so confessed now about what God says and what religion says that God says. The best way to learn and know what God says is to go to God the author. The beginning and the end with no editing. God is blessing you and guiding you and he will continue to bless you. We each have our own journey with God, you have to follow the shepherd’s instructions for you. Continue to pray and serve as you are doing.
Thank you for this 🖤
Lenny Burdick
0 seconds ago
Good for you growth!
Thank you! I have lived a minimalist life most of 73 years but did not have that label to describe my way about a lot of things that I do. I really appreciate your taking the time to share this concept. I have been always comfortable with my way but hearing you verbalize this helps me to know that this about me is okay! Bless you and your family!
73 years! You should be teaching us
Your reason for wanting a black cat is the exact reason why I want a black cat. 🐈⬛🖤
Do it
I am a middle-ist. I don’t like a cluttered home nor do I like one that is void of personality.
I knew that when minimalism became a trend, it wouldn’t last.
Each of us has a different comfort level with stuff.
We just have to find what is truly us, not what is the latest trend.
Everything in fashion, whether home or clothing is intended to keep us spending money.
So, the colors change yearly. Styles change constantly.
Minimalism was the thing, now it’s Grandma something or other.
They got people to get rid of all their stuff, knowing it wouldn’t satisfy our desire for beauty and comfort in our living spaces.
Now, it’s huygge ( spelling), and grandma style. Getting people to buy stuff all over again.
It’s all purposefully set up that way. To keep us dissatisfied and always wanting and buying more.
For me, first I pray. Asking the Lord how He wants my home to be. Then I think how I would like it to feel. How I want my family to feel and lastly how I’d want visitors to feel.
I never think if it’s on trend or if others would like it.
When I go into perfectly designed homes they are beautiful, but missing something. I love going into homes that I can tell truly reflect the family living there.
Our homes are not showrooms but actual places where we live day to day.
I'm much older than you but life & people have taught me MANY LESSONS and it's caused me to put myself in my own bubble. I just don't trust to open up to people. So listening to you explain your choices is hard for me because I wouldn't want to have to explain my choices to people since I'm the one living in it. I've also learned by experience that the more you share the more opinions people will have.
This is very true… the more you share the more people expect an explanation lol
Look at Scat mats for the counter tops and that will break her habit of getting up there…
God's continued blessings. ❤️🙏👍
Look into clover instead of grass with chemicals and children on that grass…. Only a certain clover works and it is so soft and easy for children to play on…
that cat on the counter is why I will never eat any "homemade" stuff🤣🤣 love y’all though
😂… idk you might be right
Yes go organic as much as u can
❤
ive been minimal f o r e v e r -ish and i try hard to think of it as a style, not a title. titles mean too much, and titles mean identity, you are not a title,,,you are a revelation in the making, a flow, a part of God becoming as you travel through, be grateful that HE has taught you a WONDERFUL lesson of how a simple lifestyle is more healthy and be it...a style,,,its a concept that changes with you...but remains somewhat within a boundary of choice...so no rules...just feel the choices as they come....for example, if i say,
" i only wear one color " the reason for it must out weigh the rule....so instead i say, " i mostly only wear this color because it makes my life so easy"...but if i really want to wear pink one day i can add a bit and realize that it too can make my life joyful while i don't run to target to shop for ten new pink things, one is a nice treat to my mono wardrobe...and i can honor that new joy with a grateful heart.
Lol, I’m Hispanic and I also grew up wearing shoes in the house… the whole day. SMH. I never understood why lol.
Anyway the couch story is funny . Love it!
Excited for y’all’s journey. Each season is beautiful❤