Please like this video and tell us what is the best Amazon purchase YOU have ever made? 🤔 You can also check out my Amazon Shop with all of our past and present favorites curated in one easy location here: www.amazon.com/shop/atozenlife
I recently came across a quote that women over 40 are the most intelligent creatures you will ever see and i agree seeing you. Btw love your morning routine video and the vibe around your channel.
I know we have to purchase items but in good conscience I just don't support Amazon. They are literally a last resort for me because the company is unethical and they don't do right by their employees. I shop from companies that don't ship in plastic, are more eco-centric, sustainable and offset carbon emissions. I'm middle aged and don't have children but I'm willing to make better choices for future generations coming up after me.
Local stores, even big box stores like Walmart and The Home Depot bring jobs and resources to my local rural area…I support local anytime I can and rarely shop online unless it is unavailable from local or online stores that physically have a brick and mortar store in my local area. Besides, it takes sometimes up to 2 weeks for Amazon to ship to me, it has weird travel patterns that cross my area 2-3 times before arriving, and I enjoy feeling and looking at the quality of an item before purchasing. Shipping items, in general, is impactful on the environment when recycling is NOT available as it is in my area! If at all possible I look for other ways to save and avoid Amazon!!!
If you have a busy life, including having lots of kids, on top of a full time job and have also senior parents to take care of, Amazon can also provide the convenience that you need - since they and also Walmart offer 2 day shipping and some families need that. People work hard to have the life they want
I have a prepared lecture on Amazon's sins against mankind, but I'll save everyone from the rant and instead leave with the message to buy local, buy ethically, and support small businesses. I'm no saint and have to rely on Amazon for certain items*, but I try to avoid buying from them as much as possible * For example, my dog's joint supplements because switching brands would mean upsetting his stomach
I was so glad to hear you talk about Amazon Prime. I am older, having things delivered directly to my door is wonderful. I started with ordering kitty litter and cat food. This box alone weighs almost 20 lbs., that I would have to carry from my a parking lot to my second floor apartment. I am a minimalist shopper, but when I need or want something, I don’t have to drive miles around to multiple stores to find it. I’m also not tempted to buy impulse items. When I think I need or want something, I put it on my list, then take time to consider if it is something I want to actually purchase. I like that I can compare items and prices, read reviews when making my selections. There are so many pluses, not to mention the time and gasoline I save. I am so happy with this convenience. 🌸🌸🌸🙋♀️
I'm surprised to hear about the Amazon prime membership, when I started my minimalism journey it was the first thing I cut. You still get free shipping over $35 (Canada) and shipping was never *actually* 2-day when I had it. For the cost per month I'm saving over a hundred dollars each year and making far fewer impulse purchases.
I ditched my Amazon Prime Membership and don't miss it at all. I realized that I wasn't really getting "free" shipping...I was just paying it upfront. This one move has made my Amazon shopping so much more intentional...huge win! 🙌
Thanks for helping me get it together as a young home owner and mom of two under 5 I really appreciate your authenticity and the info you share.. it’s really encouraged and helped me a lot❤
The Zojirushi rice cooker is the best appliance my husband and I have ever purchased. We bought it at an Asian market 17 years ago and it’s still going strong! Highly recommend 💜
Thanks for this video! I'm looking for a way to take better care of my clothes right now so I'm taking notes. And I'd love to see the recipe of the banana bread! I try to avoid Amazon as much as I can, so what I do is when I travel, instead of buying souvenirs, I buy things I need. My wooden cutting board I bought on vacations, my plates in a second-hand store when I was visiting a friend, one of my pans was a gift from a family friend… Now, of course I could do that because I lived alone in furnished appartments for quite a while, it's a different story when you have kids! But it feels so nice to use every day something that reminds you of a good friend or a nice moment.
I do this too! I have a wooden pot stand that I bought in NZ because my friends who lived there had the same type, so it's useful as well as being a souvenir and a reminder of my time with good friends. And I always try to source items second hand before buying new.
I also use mesh wash bags for my laundry, especially for easy identification of items that I want to keep out of the dryer. It's also helpful to put all my socks in one or two bags, and it's been a game changer: no more random socks in sleeves, clinging to fleece, folded into towels. I bought velvet hangers many years ago and have always been pleased with the purchase.
You can get most of the items (or items very similar) elsewhere. I try to support small, local businesses where I can, although it does end up costing more so you have to save up longer for items! But I reckon the amount of money I'm saving by living more minimalist and shopping more mindfully outweighs the extra cost when I do make a purchase.
I would love to see a video on the/your culture shock of shopping in a typical American supermarket. After living abroad for 6 years in Colombia, SA I was stunned by the amount of different products and choices available to consumers here. I was so overwhelmed the first time I went shopping after returning to the US that I literally froze and left the store in tears. I still question today, after several years, why we have 50 different types of toothpaste to choose from. Welcome home!
I'm like that and I live in the US but in a rural area. I cannot go into superstores or grocery stores in a bigger city without feeling paralyzed and decision fatigue. It's way too much. I love our small grocery store here in goldendale wa
Yes, I can relate so much. After moving to the US from Germany, I was so overwhelmed by the choices and still don´t understand why so many options are necessary. I miss the small stores a lot, was easier, quicker and not so stressfull for me
One feature I recently discovered on Amazon is their open box section. Anytime I'm purchasing a product now I check to see if they have it in open box. I've gotten discounts on a couple of items and they arrived brand new. They were in the open box section simply because they'd been returned! Also, I'm glad you chose the Greener chef bamboo cutting board. A lot of cheap bamboo cutting boards have toxic chemicals in the glue used to put them together. Greener chef does not. But the microfiber cloths shed microplastics so I have gotten away from those. I have a couple of other cleaning cloths that work great that don't shed the micro plastics.
Yeah, most of my cleaning cloths are cut up cotton clothes that got painty or ruined and therefore can no longer be donated. Nothing absorbs like those well loved cloths
@kellypeters4221 I like Swedish dish cloths and I recently got a roll of this cloth stuff from ikea that has been awesome. You can cut it to whatever size you want. It has more of a paper towel feel but is washable and reuseable.
Yes, please! More rice cooker recipes. Ours looks about the same size as yours. It is one of my best cooking tools. Had it now for about 5 years and I will be taking this with me whatever I go. Good for you and your family on your life change. I did not plan it this way, but I have a pattern of moving (changing states within the US) every 10 years. I met my dear husband in Chicago many years ago. We are now 60. Best wishes and keep the videos coming.
I will never be a minimalist but I have decluttered so much thanks to channels like your. I always price compare to Amazon when I'm out shopping. I live outside of Philadelphia and inside the city limits plastic shopping bags are not allowed anymore. I love buying clothes from Amazon. I can find exactly what I want. I even bought my dress for my son's wedding there.
Seeing you scratch the banana bread dough out of the bowl with a metal spoon, I'd like to share my favorite kitchen item: a silicone or rubber spatula. They come in different sizes and you will be amazed how much you'll get out of bowls, pans, jam glasses... saves a lot of food!
Yes! I have a tiny one and a big one and use both on a daily basis. I love the Tala brand - mine are still going strong and look like new after years of use.
i think the same you do for your rice cooker about the instapot. Great rice cooker, slow cooker and steamer I use it every day and the liner is stainless steel rather than nonstick
I have never seen something on Amazon that I couldn't get elsewhere. With all this "save the planet" mentality, I think people are forgetting and/or in denial of the packaging of the constant delivery and returning of products, transportation, trucks and airplanes that deliver the copious shopping by consumers of the Amazon lifestyle does more damage than a plastic bag! I am over the pushing and selling of Amazon on YT for profit.
Hi Marissa! Hmm, I usually love your content, but this video was a miss for me. At first I didn't even want to watch it because it has "Amazon products" in the title, but then I figured I'd give the video a shot to hear your perspective. I sped up the video's playback speed just to get through it quickly, and even after doing that, I only made it halfway through the video before turning it off. I agree with what you said at the beginning of the video that even as minimalists, there are still items we need in life, and I agree that it's helpful to share our lists of essentials with one another. First of all, it's simply interesting to see what qualifies as an essential to others-things I might never use-and vice versa. Secondly, I actually can get some helpful information from videos like this. However, I 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 think it's necessary to promote/shoutout Amazon in sharing our essentials lists with one another. If anything, we should be sharing 𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 sources for where to find these kinds of products. I've never thought this before when viewing your channel, but as an avid watcher of your content, this video was a bit disappointing. I hope this comes off as constructive criticism and nothing harsher! I usually love what you put out, and I'm so excited for this next stage of you & your family's lives and journeys!
Thanks for sharing your amazon finds. I needed a few of these items to replace old ones and have them waiting in my cart so i can check them out. You are absolutely right about stopping the purchasing and waiting instead of impulse buying.
RE #2 reusable bags. You get charged for bags in the UK (some stores sell disposable and some just sell reusable) but because of that you get given reusable bags with everything - we have bags from opticians, butcher's, marathons, half-marathons, conferences, exhibitions, etc. I'm not sure it's any less wastful - we don't need more than five maximum.
I have that non stick pan. I bought a large and a medium and they are the best pans that I have ever owned and can be used for so many different styles of meals.
What a great video! Knowing what a minimalist buys is not something that many of you share. I would hate to get caught up in the spiraling cycle of buying stuff that will just need to be decluttered later. I am also trying to be mindful of plastic waste, overusing paper products, and not contributing to the landfill for my children's generation. Thanks for sharing!!
I've purchased Greener Chef cutting boards for my family and to give as gifts. The quality is excellent as is the custoer service. You can't go wrong with these products!
Regarding the lukewarm water, a friend who is a nurse told me that the body absorbs water better/faster at body temperature, so leaving the jug out makes a lot of sense!
Your moving content is so weirdly aligned timeline wise with mine! I just moved into my first house. This was actually really helpful, I've been trying to get just the things I need in a slower and more intentional manner ... And the folder of things I've been collecting that need to get shredded keeps exploding!
This is off topic, but I wanted to thank you for your recommendation of the book 'The Deepest Well.' You will never know how much I gained from that book. I thought you deserved a HUGE thank you! ❤
Awesome content as always. I never even suspected I could cook bread in my rice cooker. Definitely interested in more rice cooker recipees, yes please !!
Fantastic!I almost sold my rice cooker but didn’t realise it could make banana bread! My under bench oven has never been used but can’t bend down after hip op & want to keep it new. The rice cooker is smaller than a bench oven so this will save space & money.
FYI, not all rice cookers can do this…mine is a “smart” fuzzy logic one with a cake setting. I tried the same in 2 other rice cookers and it didn’t work. 🥲
Another awesome video! We in NZ/New Zealand Aotearoa, stopped using plastic bags in 2019. And more recently single use food containers and utensils are no longer allowed to be used, YAY! Australia only banned plastic bags last year. I was there last Oct and it was so good to see people embracing the change. I didn't realise that many families use paper plates for regular use until I started watching You Tube. It's not a common thing here except for big gatherings and even then we have stations set up where we can go and wash our plates etc, especially at festivals and other local events. I do hope the USA start thinking more about the environment. What would I know, dishwashers are more common here nowadays but hanging our clothes outside to line dry is still a very common/majority thing. My tatoo/ta moko artists son purchased a clothes dryer last year because it was taking days and alot of effort to get his big heavy work clothes dry. It has only been used a handful of times, still looks brand new, a dust collector you might say. I do appreciate having it but I have managed like I did without it. Sorry for the novel. Be blessed and best wishes looking for a new home!
I do the same thing when in the store I will pull up Amazon to check there prices. I use a stone cutting board which has lasted me many many years. Also cloth bags for a long time. I have my easy fold up bags in my purse for unexpected shopping or when travelling.
I, too, am an emotional hoarder, you helped me to finally part with many things weighting me down. I knew the advertising was bound to happen sooner than later, same as marie kondo opened her shop. I totally understand that as of now ads cant be avoided. I will be waiting your next non-buy video.
Good luck for Your new adventure. I love the nesting bowl and colander. I really appreciate your well thought out choices for your home. I also love your new clothes. Happy New beginnings ❤
Great video! We joined Amazon Prime during the pandemic (which I always thought was a gimmick and so resisted joining), and now I don't know how we ever lived without it. It more than pays for itself by saving so much time and fuel running around looking for stuff. I keep a running list and place a weekly order, but for things that we need frequently, I use subscribe and save. I also agree with many of your choices. I'm not a minimalist, but I do appreciate simplicity. Good luck settling into your new home!
I'd love for you to do a video of tips for getting out stains, now that you're back in the US and have access to all the products you like for this. I remember you said once that you had pretty much mastered stain removal. This is one of the things I can't figure out, and it makes me reluctant to pare my wardrobe down too much. I'm afraid I'll ruin all my favorite pieces by wearing them so often!
Yes, it’s rare. I can’t get a stain out, and I couldn’t get that one out of my fox shirt. My husband sat on something at the barbershop the other day here and ruined a pair of his shorts, too. 😑
I have the same pan and also a pot and the quality is the best. I’ve had them for a long time and use them every day. They look brand new. And at a fraction of the price
All big stores do Amazon price match. So if something more expensive in the store but cheaper on Amazon you just pulling up the price on your phone and the store will price match it
I agree about the rice cooker, I have the same model, and it has been working hard for me for over a decade. It makes everything from mango sticky rice to steel cut oats and GF cakes. I don't think I could make rice without it. I purchased it from Amazon open box.
I love this type of video so helpful and makes my life easier when I am looking for a new product. The rice cooker sounds great I will only purchase appliances that are multi functional I did not know this existed, I need it and the banana bread recipe 😘 Thank you for the research you do much appreciated Marissa!
As a minimalist I think you would be glad to learn that there are places where you can take your sensitive documents and shred them, so you don't need to own your own paper shredder.
I appreciate your intentions when you devised this episode….HOWEVER encouraging people to turn to Amazon when they need to purchase is causing the slow death of local businesses. (I am not and never have been in business.) Everyone wants “a deal”, but defaulting to Amazon is also harmful to human beings. How? Amazon is a minimalist employer in the worst way. Poor working conditions and abysmal pay. During the worst days of the COVID pandemic, they didn’t give sick people the days off they needed, so Amazon warehouses were Petri dishes of superspreader events. This is not an urban legend. It has been covered by reputable media outlets. So, while I do appreciate your goal of leading viewers to a less wasteful lifestyle, it should not be on the backs of workers. And I do realize you get monetary gain from plugging Amazon, but perhaps you can back off that golden egg.
I used to feel that way but then realized that Walmart treats there employees just as bad as does target. (I used to work for Target, I know) And since inflation is literally killing my bank account, I’m going with cheapest. It’s about survival now. At least for me.
My life changer was Casi wather dyspenser! You get hit or warm water, 😁the water is filtered, it helps in cooking becouse you get hot water instantly, and it helps to safe energy and I noticed lower bills❤
This is a very good list because it’s thought through, not only in function but in budget. Some things are definitely better when you splurge on them because they last (almost) forever ! Your list is priceless ! 🎉
Another FABULOUS video! I never thought about the plastic thing. . . .thanks for mentioning that. . . I need to order that bamboo cutting board. Thanks!
Thank you for this video! When you showed those reusable shopping bags last week and a video, I was hoping I could find them. They look awesome and I’m probably gonna order them. That banana bread in the rice cooker has me intrigued. 😊
Enjoyed this video. You’re absolutely right. Many post what they don’t buy so it was refreshing to see yours. And yes. Please! Provide banana bread recipe 😊
I love watching ur channel. I know u are health conscious and that is why I would suggest that u buy a Buffalo rice cooker instead with stainless steel inside instead. The non struck costing which I don’t believe it is good for our health. I know it is not easy yo remove non stick cookware but May be minimize it to certain occasions like eggs. My rice Bufflo- cooker has been used for 13 yrs +. And it is still going strong. FYI., I did use the Japanese one before but I have to keep buying new inner pot is not as easy in North America. Yes, it will stick a little. But u can minimize it by letting the rice sit in the cooker for a few mins to cook down and release the rice after cooking it (unplug the rice cooker or unplug 4 mins before finishing). My parents has switched to stainless steel inner ones as well. They have also used the second one without regards. I don’t want to ingest a lot of non stain coating. Do u? I’m try to find out more info about the coating but can’t. May be u can help us to explore that too. … for all the health conscious consumers.
I pretty much have all of these! Crazy to think some minds think the same way. I'm slowly transitioning my family to a more minimalist lifestyle. After having kids I derailed from my own ways, and as soon as the home started to feel heavy, everyone getting sick more often, every day stress building up, and the piles and piles of unnecessary stuff making their way in, I said nope! It's been a year now, and we are still decluttering. Hoping to be done by December.🤞 Love the content!
I love your TH-cam videos! I’m new to minimalist living. You’ve helped me begin a scary journey. Thanks. I need to give you a tip- - - Please, do NOT end most of your sentences on an upswing. It’s a great tool to loop ideas but not for normal speech. As a professor, I cringe when I listen to my voice but I do take criticism to improve my lectures. I hope you accept this from the grateful person I am. Again, I’ll keep watching! 17:04
Hahaha, I’m a speech-language pathologist who used to teach people the same thing…it’s a LOT harder to do on camera 😂 Cheers and welcome to minimalist living 👏
Just to comment on buying on Amazon because it's cheaper. Of course we all are on a budget and want to save money. But online shopping has really cut into local stores, and many stores are closing because they cannot compete with Amazon. Local stores have to pay much more to be a local store (rent, utilities, employee pay, insurance, etc. etc.) for us to go in and enjoy and actually see and touch the products with our own eyes and hands. Actual contact with many products helps us to make the better/best choice in choosing items. My husband and I work retail and it's very discouraging when customers come in and look and ask us all kinds of questions and then go to buy the product online because it's cheaper. We feel we are being "used", but more than that, eventually this behavior will make it so there are fewer and fewer actual stores locally for people to shop at. As I said, I understand people who must be on a budget, but so many we see do this are very well-off people who have really nice cars, are retired, and go on vacations and cruises all the time but to save 5 or 10 dollars, will go buy on Amazon instead. It's hard on local merchants. Just a heads up to think about that, and we always appreciate people who come in and buy local because they want to support local business.
Have you ever considered a whiteboard reusable notebook? I have three and they are my fave purchases of the last few years: a lot less paper clutter! I use one for work, one is a planner and one as a journal. It's ideal for shopping lists, meal planning and note taking! I found a brand that lets you customize them (it's a Dutch brand, they don't ship to the US but I'm sure there are similar things available over there!)
Yes banana bread, and yes on rice cooker recipe. Please and thank you VERY MUCH from a college student who rents and is often moving from one unfurnished residence to another.
Love Marissa, very very very Inspiring... You get me to brush my teeth every Single day, with your calender day method. I crayon every day I brush my teeth, and it really works for me. My teeth are clean, fresh, white...and wealthy, believe me or Not, because of you or your Methode. You are fantastic! I am wondering buying a Rice cooker for baking cakes. Does it really works? Have you already baked some other cakes that the banana bread? What about a cheese cake?
Hi there, I know it works for regular cake, mixes, and things like banana bread - I’ve never made a cheesecake in my life, so I’m not sure if it would work for that. 😅
There are a lot of things Amazon won‘t deliver to my country. However, when I‘m in France with a wider range of goods available online, I do check for anything I might need. I ended up buying the same stainless steel frying pan with glass lid for my home as I also got in my holiday home: it‘s the opposite to you, we are now only 2 people so only need a 24 cm pan rather than the family-sized 28 cm these days. I‘m very happy with the product at the end of the day (and now I‘ve learnt how to use a pan that isn‘t non-stick!).
Thank you for this video and recommendations. There's something very fun about starting all over with quality products. Several items you mentioned I use, like a Prime membership, the velvet hangers (they're the best) and using a paper shredder (I've had for years). I've looked at those same kitchen towels and All Clad pan as well. A few of the items you mentioned I put in my Amazon cart (which I will consider for at least 30 days or longer). I'm very intrigued by the rice cooker. The banana bread recipe would be fabulous. I've recently purchased an inexpensive stainless steel rice cooker that I really like. I'm glad you talked about the plastic we're ingesting these days, however I was surprised that you bought microfiber cloths. I've been using Norwex microfiber cloths which are very good, but I recognize they're plastic too. I plan to begin looking for a sustainable replacement. Again thanks for everything, I enjoy watching you.
Thanks for sharing this list. It's so hard when you want to buy something new and after you get it home it isn't exactly what you were looking for! I'm going to get the canvas grocery bags first. My grocery bags are definitely wearing out and difficult to clean!
It is true they've done studies. They have found out that drinking cold water is shocking to your internal organs and things like that and so it's always better to drink room temperature water. If you guys are interested, definitely research that I was blown away but I still love my ice cold water My insides could hate me later😂❤
Hahahhahaha, made me smile and watch the end again with the shake 😂 Thank you for a lot of very good recos. I consider to buy a few things after sleeping minimum once over it. Shocking news with the plastic consumption 😮
Please like this video and tell us what is the best Amazon purchase YOU have ever made? 🤔 You can also check out my Amazon Shop with all of our past and present favorites curated in one easy location here: www.amazon.com/shop/atozenlife
My zojirushi and hard-to-get Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Indian food items.
Marissa, your #11 Brita filter link is missing. Looks like a copy and paste thing didn't work out right here. The name of the item is also not there.
I don't use Amazon much but when I do it's books.
@@alainapotaduh Oops, sorry about that! It might be an Amazon glitch, I will try to get that updated ASAP
Probably electric kettles, gooseneck kettles, and pour-over ceramic coffee drippers for myself and my children. Oooh, and my marble salt cellars.
I recently came across a quote that women over 40 are the most intelligent creatures you will ever see and i agree seeing you. Btw love your morning routine video and the vibe around your channel.
I know we have to purchase items but in good conscience I just don't support Amazon. They are literally a last resort for me because the company is unethical and they don't do right by their employees. I shop from companies that don't ship in plastic, are more eco-centric, sustainable and offset carbon emissions. I'm middle aged and don't have children but I'm willing to make better choices for future generations coming up after me.
I totally agree. And if you have to turn to an online purchase, eBay will have almost every product that's available on Amazon.
I have to buy from Amazon because no one else have the things I need.
Local stores, even big box stores like Walmart and The Home Depot bring jobs and resources to my local rural area…I support local anytime I can and rarely shop online unless it is unavailable from local or online stores that physically have a brick and mortar store in my local area. Besides, it takes sometimes up to 2 weeks for Amazon to ship to me, it has weird travel patterns that cross my area 2-3 times before arriving, and I enjoy feeling and looking at the quality of an item before purchasing. Shipping items, in general, is impactful on the environment when recycling is NOT available as it is in my area! If at all possible I look for other ways to save and avoid Amazon!!!
If you have a busy life, including having lots of kids, on top of a full time job and have also senior parents to take care of, Amazon can also provide the convenience that you need - since they and also Walmart offer 2 day shipping and some families need that. People work hard to have the life they want
When you live in a rural area with a 1 1/2 hour one way journey to stores, Amazon is a Godsend.
There's something nice about talking to a friend while sitting on the kitchen floor. ❤
I have a prepared lecture on Amazon's sins against mankind, but I'll save everyone from the rant and instead leave with the message to buy local, buy ethically, and support small businesses. I'm no saint and have to rely on Amazon for certain items*, but I try to avoid buying from them as much as possible
* For example, my dog's joint supplements because switching brands would mean upsetting his stomach
I was so glad to hear you talk about Amazon Prime. I am older, having things delivered directly to my door is wonderful. I started with ordering kitty litter and cat food. This box alone weighs almost 20 lbs., that I would have to carry from my a parking lot to my second floor apartment. I am a minimalist shopper, but when I need or want something, I don’t have to drive miles around to multiple stores to find it. I’m also not tempted to buy impulse items. When I think I need or want something, I put it on my list, then take time to consider if it is something I want to actually purchase. I like that I can compare items and prices, read reviews when making my selections. There are so many pluses, not to mention the time and gasoline I save. I am so happy with this convenience. 🌸🌸🌸🙋♀️
I love the convenience of home delivery. My local grocery store shops and delivers my whole grocery order for a fee of $5. Well worth it!
It’s wonderful to see you and your precious family are adjusting well! You appear to be very happy:). Thank you for all the suggestions!
I'm surprised to hear about the Amazon prime membership, when I started my minimalism journey it was the first thing I cut. You still get free shipping over $35 (Canada) and shipping was never *actually* 2-day when I had it. For the cost per month I'm saving over a hundred dollars each year and making far fewer impulse purchases.
Same
Same. I don't miss prime at all.
Same
I ditched my Amazon Prime Membership and don't miss it at all. I realized that I wasn't really getting "free" shipping...I was just paying it upfront. This one move has made my Amazon shopping so much more intentional...huge win! 🙌
I totally agree. I don't miss it at all and actually sometimes find the same items cheaper on eBay. Anything to avoid donating to Bezos.
Thanks for helping me get it together as a young home owner and mom of two under 5 I really appreciate your authenticity and the info you share.. it’s really encouraged and helped me a lot❤
The Zojirushi rice cooker is the best appliance my husband and I have ever purchased. We bought it at an Asian market 17 years ago and it’s still going strong! Highly recommend 💜
May mom has their bread machine, it’s incredible
Thanks for this video! I'm looking for a way to take better care of my clothes right now so I'm taking notes. And I'd love to see the recipe of the banana bread!
I try to avoid Amazon as much as I can, so what I do is when I travel, instead of buying souvenirs, I buy things I need. My wooden cutting board I bought on vacations, my plates in a second-hand store when I was visiting a friend, one of my pans was a gift from a family friend…
Now, of course I could do that because I lived alone in furnished appartments for quite a while, it's a different story when you have kids! But it feels so nice to use every day something that reminds you of a good friend or a nice moment.
I do this too! I have a wooden pot stand that I bought in NZ because my friends who lived there had the same type, so it's useful as well as being a souvenir and a reminder of my time with good friends. And I always try to source items second hand before buying new.
Definite thumbs up on this helpful video!!! Thanks!
I also use mesh wash bags for my laundry, especially for easy identification of items that I want to keep out of the dryer. It's also helpful to put all my socks in one or two bags, and it's been a game changer: no more random socks in sleeves, clinging to fleece, folded into towels. I bought velvet hangers many years ago and have always been pleased with the purchase.
Amazon is an awful business but I liked seeing your product recommendations.
I live in Washington and have worked for Amazon (as have many other people around me). The company is garbage at all levels.
You can get most of the items (or items very similar) elsewhere. I try to support small, local businesses where I can, although it does end up costing more so you have to save up longer for items! But I reckon the amount of money I'm saving by living more minimalist and shopping more mindfully outweighs the extra cost when I do make a purchase.
I would love to see a video on the/your culture shock of shopping in a typical American supermarket. After living abroad for 6 years in Colombia, SA I was stunned by the amount of different products and choices available to consumers here. I was so overwhelmed the first time I went shopping after returning to the US that I literally froze and left the store in tears. I still question today, after several years, why we have 50 different types of toothpaste to choose from. Welcome home!
I'm like that and I live in the US but in a rural area. I cannot go into superstores or grocery stores in a bigger city without feeling paralyzed and decision fatigue. It's way too much. I love our small grocery store here in goldendale wa
Yes, I can relate so much. After moving to the US from Germany, I was so overwhelmed by the choices and still don´t understand why so many options are necessary. I miss the small stores a lot, was easier, quicker and not so stressfull for me
One feature I recently discovered on Amazon is their open box section. Anytime I'm purchasing a product now I check to see if they have it in open box. I've gotten discounts on a couple of items and they arrived brand new. They were in the open box section simply because they'd been returned! Also, I'm glad you chose the Greener chef bamboo cutting board. A lot of cheap bamboo cutting boards have toxic chemicals in the glue used to put them together. Greener chef does not. But the microfiber cloths shed microplastics so I have gotten away from those. I have a couple of other cleaning cloths that work great that don't shed the micro plastics.
Yeah, most of my cleaning cloths are cut up cotton clothes that got painty or ruined and therefore can no longer be donated. Nothing absorbs like those well loved cloths
@hillaryholmes9393..may I ask what brand cleaning clothes you bought? Thank
@kellypeters4221 I like Swedish dish cloths and I recently got a roll of this cloth stuff from ikea that has been awesome. You can cut it to whatever size you want. It has more of a paper towel feel but is washable and reuseable.
Yes, please! More rice cooker recipes. Ours looks about the same size as yours. It is one of my best cooking tools. Had it now for about 5 years and I will be taking this with me whatever I go. Good for you and your family on your life change. I did not plan it this way, but I have a pattern of moving (changing states within the US) every 10 years. I met my dear husband in Chicago many years ago. We are now 60. Best wishes and keep the videos coming.
Why am I even watching this, I don’t use amazon and I’m not going to either. It’s still interesting to see your favourites, Marissa!
Oh, I'd love the rice cooker pancakes recipe!
I will never be a minimalist but I have decluttered so much thanks to channels like your.
I always price compare to Amazon when I'm out shopping.
I live outside of Philadelphia and inside the city limits plastic shopping bags are not allowed anymore.
I love buying clothes from Amazon. I can find exactly what I want. I even bought my dress for my son's wedding there.
Seeing you scratch the banana bread dough out of the bowl with a metal spoon, I'd like to share my favorite kitchen item: a silicone or rubber spatula. They come in different sizes and you will be amazed how much you'll get out of bowls, pans, jam glasses... saves a lot of food!
Yes, thank you, it’s on the list! I just haven’t found what I like yet 🙏
@@AtoZenLife DI ORO Silicone Spatulas on Amazon are the best according to Americas Test Kitchen and I agree!!
I'd love a banana bread rice cooker recipe!! I appreciate this video!
Yes! I have a tiny one and a big one and use both on a daily basis. I love the Tala brand - mine are still going strong and look like new after years of use.
i think the same you do for your rice cooker about the instapot. Great rice cooker, slow cooker and steamer I use it every day and the liner is stainless steel rather than nonstick
I love all-clad and Ruffini brands of cookware, the pans are heavy because they have double bottom that allows for a better end result
Love your new purchases for your new kitchen ❤
I have never seen something on Amazon that I couldn't get elsewhere. With all this "save the planet" mentality, I think people are forgetting and/or in denial of the packaging of the constant delivery and returning of products, transportation, trucks and airplanes that deliver the copious shopping by consumers of the Amazon lifestyle does more damage than a plastic bag! I am over the pushing and selling of Amazon on YT for profit.
Here’s what to buy if you want to be a minimalist. Interesting approach
Hi Marissa! Hmm, I usually love your content, but this video was a miss for me. At first I didn't even want to watch it because it has "Amazon products" in the title, but then I figured I'd give the video a shot to hear your perspective. I sped up the video's playback speed just to get through it quickly, and even after doing that, I only made it halfway through the video before turning it off. I agree with what you said at the beginning of the video that even as minimalists, there are still items we need in life, and I agree that it's helpful to share our lists of essentials with one another. First of all, it's simply interesting to see what qualifies as an essential to others-things I might never use-and vice versa. Secondly, I actually can get some helpful information from videos like this. However, I 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 think it's necessary to promote/shoutout Amazon in sharing our essentials lists with one another. If anything, we should be sharing 𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 sources for where to find these kinds of products. I've never thought this before when viewing your channel, but as an avid watcher of your content, this video was a bit disappointing. I hope this comes off as constructive criticism and nothing harsher! I usually love what you put out, and I'm so excited for this next stage of you & your family's lives and journeys!
Thank you for the great recommendations! I also thank you for only posting once a week, it is definitely a plus for me.
Thanks for sharing your amazon finds. I needed a few of these items to replace old ones and have them waiting in my cart so i can check them out. You are absolutely right about stopping the purchasing and waiting instead of impulse buying.
The banana bread looks amazing!!! I wish I had gotten a bigger rice cooker haha mine is tiny
RE #2 reusable bags. You get charged for bags in the UK (some stores sell disposable and some just sell reusable) but because of that you get given reusable bags with everything - we have bags from opticians, butcher's, marathons, half-marathons, conferences, exhibitions, etc. I'm not sure it's any less wastful - we don't need more than five maximum.
I have the same rice cooker. It is absolutely AMAZING!!! I love it.
I’m so glad you’re back!
I have that non stick pan. I bought a large and a medium and they are the best pans that I have ever owned and can be used for so many different styles of meals.
Yay! I’m so excited you shared about your rice cooker. I would love to learn more about using it. Thanks Marissa! You are the best ❤
Yes, PLEASE share the banana bread recipe. Super useful for times when it is too hot to use the oven but there are bananas that need to get used!
I shopped many items from your list and surprised myself! Thanks for those links!!!!❤️
What a great video! Knowing what a minimalist buys is not something that many of you share. I would hate to get caught up in the spiraling cycle of buying stuff that will just need to be decluttered later. I am also trying to be mindful of plastic waste, overusing paper products, and not contributing to the landfill for my children's generation. Thanks for sharing!!
Minimalist hack from europe: cook rice, vegetables in a pot and bake banana bread in an oven.
I've purchased Greener Chef cutting boards for my family and to give as gifts. The quality is excellent as is the custoer service. You can't go wrong with these products!
Regarding the lukewarm water, a friend who is a nurse told me that the body absorbs water better/faster at body temperature, so leaving the jug out makes a lot of sense!
I’ve heard the same. Cold water just tastes so much better 🥲
Thank you for all great videos and tips Marissa! So nice to see you and your family settle in your new place/ life! ❤
Thanks for sharing! And yes - please do write up the banana bread recipe!
Your moving content is so weirdly aligned timeline wise with mine! I just moved into my first house. This was actually really helpful, I've been trying to get just the things I need in a slower and more intentional manner ... And the folder of things I've been collecting that need to get shredded keeps exploding!
This is off topic, but I wanted to thank you for your recommendation of the book 'The Deepest Well.' You will never know how much I gained from that book. I thought you deserved a HUGE thank you! ❤
You are so welcome, it's such an underrated book! I wish more people knew about it - glad it helped you. ❤️
@@AtoZenLifei absolutely LOVED it. i borrowed it from the library but im searching for a used copy!
Awesome content as always. I never even suspected I could cook bread in my rice cooker. Definitely interested in more rice cooker recipees, yes please !!
I have this same (singing) rice cooker, and I love it! Please count my vote for rice cooker recipes!
I currently cook my brown rice in the oven, but I can't justify the purchase of a "one trick pony". I would LOVE some rice cooker recipes!
Fantastic!I almost sold my rice cooker but didn’t realise it could make banana bread! My under bench oven has never been used but can’t bend down after hip op & want to keep it new. The rice cooker is smaller than a bench oven so this will save space & money.
FYI, not all rice cookers can do this…mine is a “smart” fuzzy logic one with a cake setting. I tried the same in 2 other rice cookers and it didn’t work. 🥲
Another awesome video!
We in NZ/New Zealand Aotearoa, stopped using plastic bags in 2019. And more recently single use food containers and utensils are no longer allowed to be used, YAY! Australia only banned plastic bags last year. I was there last Oct and it was so good to see people embracing the change.
I didn't realise that many families use paper plates for regular use until I started watching You Tube. It's not a common thing here except for big gatherings and even then we have stations set up where we can go and wash our plates etc, especially at festivals and other local events. I do hope the USA start thinking more about the environment. What would I know, dishwashers are more common here nowadays but hanging our clothes outside to line dry is still a very common/majority thing. My tatoo/ta moko artists son purchased a clothes dryer last year because it was taking days and alot of effort to get his big heavy work clothes dry. It has only been used a handful of times, still looks brand new, a dust collector you might say. I do appreciate having it but I have managed like I did without it. Sorry for the novel. Be blessed and best wishes looking for a new home!
I do the same thing when in the store I will pull up Amazon to check there prices. I use a stone cutting board which has lasted me many many years. Also cloth bags for a long time. I have my easy fold up bags in my purse for unexpected shopping or when travelling.
This is a great list for anyone moving into a new home; lots of well-made, long lasting essentials!
I have that same rice cooker and I LOVE it! I would love to get that banana bread recipe for it please!
I, too, am an emotional hoarder, you helped me to finally part with many things weighting me down. I knew the advertising was bound to happen sooner than later, same as marie kondo opened her shop. I totally understand that as of now ads cant be avoided. I will be waiting your next non-buy video.
Good luck for
Your new adventure. I love the nesting bowl and colander. I really appreciate your well thought out choices for your home. I also love your new clothes.
Happy New beginnings ❤
Definitely interested in the rice cooker recipes!
Great video! We joined Amazon Prime during the pandemic (which I always thought was a gimmick and so resisted joining), and now I don't know how we ever lived without it. It more than pays for itself by saving so much time and fuel running around looking for stuff. I keep a running list and place a weekly order, but for things that we need frequently, I use subscribe and save. I also agree with many of your choices. I'm not a minimalist, but I do appreciate simplicity. Good luck settling into your new home!
I'd love for you to do a video of tips for getting out stains, now that you're back in the US and have access to all the products you like for this. I remember you said once that you had pretty much mastered stain removal. This is one of the things I can't figure out, and it makes me reluctant to pare my wardrobe down too much. I'm afraid I'll ruin all my favorite pieces by wearing them so often!
Yes, it’s rare. I can’t get a stain out, and I couldn’t get that one out of my fox shirt. My husband sat on something at the barbershop the other day here and ruined a pair of his shorts, too. 😑
I love my zojirushi! Yes please on the banana bread recipe.
I have the same pan and also a pot and the quality is the best. I’ve had them for a long time and use them every day. They look brand new. And at a fraction of the price
All big stores do Amazon price match. So if something more expensive in the store but cheaper on Amazon you just pulling up the price on your phone and the store will price match it
I agree about the rice cooker, I have the same model, and it has been working hard for me for over a decade. It makes everything from mango sticky rice to steel cut oats and GF cakes. I don't think I could make rice without it. I purchased it from Amazon open box.
I love my cross cut paper shredder. We had the cuttings to the compost pile :D
Good list! Love that white top ❤
I love this type of video so helpful and makes my life easier when I am looking for a new product. The rice cooker sounds great I will only purchase appliances that are multi functional I did not know this existed, I need it and the banana bread recipe 😘 Thank you for the research you do much appreciated Marissa!
I love your editing style and I always find myself chuckling at least once in your videos... that kitty and Shaq lol!! 😂
😉❤️
As a minimalist I think you would be glad to learn that there are places where you can take your sensitive documents and shred them, so you don't need to own your own paper shredder.
I have had a set of stainless steel pots and pans for 12 years now and going strong! I will probably have them until I am 100. 😂
Thank you for your input :) I would love to hear what kind of toys the boys kept. Did they bring the Kapla blocks? :D
I appreciate your intentions when you devised this episode….HOWEVER encouraging people to turn to Amazon when they need to purchase is causing the slow death of local businesses. (I am not and never have been in business.) Everyone wants “a deal”, but defaulting to Amazon is also harmful to human beings. How? Amazon is a minimalist employer in the worst way. Poor working conditions and abysmal pay. During the worst days of the COVID pandemic, they didn’t give sick people the days off they needed, so Amazon warehouses were Petri dishes of superspreader events. This is not an urban legend. It has been covered by reputable media outlets. So, while I do appreciate your goal of leading viewers to a less wasteful lifestyle, it should not be on the backs of workers. And I do realize you get monetary gain from plugging Amazon, but perhaps you can back off that golden egg.
I used to feel that way but then realized that Walmart treats there employees just as bad as does target. (I used to work for Target, I know) And since inflation is literally killing my bank account, I’m going with cheapest. It’s about survival now. At least for me.
@@jluvsbooks2020 Yeah, I live in a small town and only go to Walmart if I can’t find an item elsewhere (which is my practice with Amazon). Cheers
I absolutely agree. If I cannot find an item locally, I look online on eBay or on the manufacturer's website.
Pays better than Walmart and even Target
Agreed! Pure paid sponsorship, turned off
My life changer was Casi wather dyspenser! You get hit or warm water, 😁the water is filtered, it helps in cooking becouse you get hot water instantly, and it helps to safe energy and I noticed lower bills❤
This is a very good list because it’s thought through, not only in function but in budget. Some things are definitely better when you splurge on them because they last (almost) forever ! Your list is priceless ! 🎉
Another FABULOUS video! I never thought about the plastic thing. . . .thanks for mentioning that. . . I need to order that bamboo cutting board. Thanks!
Thank you for this video! When you showed those reusable shopping bags last week and a video, I was hoping I could find them. They look awesome and I’m probably gonna order them. That banana bread in the rice cooker has me intrigued. 😊
Need the rice cooker recipes, especially the banana bread!
Great info. Thank you.
Enjoyed this video. You’re absolutely right. Many post what they don’t buy so it was refreshing to see yours. And yes. Please! Provide banana bread recipe 😊
I love watching ur channel. I know u are health conscious and that is why I would suggest that u buy a Buffalo rice cooker instead with stainless steel inside instead. The non struck costing which I don’t believe it is good for our health. I know it is not easy yo remove non stick cookware but May be minimize it to certain occasions like eggs. My rice Bufflo- cooker has been used for 13 yrs +. And it is still going strong. FYI., I did use the Japanese one before but I have to keep buying new inner pot is not as easy in North America. Yes, it will stick a little. But u can minimize it by letting the rice sit in the cooker for a few mins to cook down and release the rice after cooking it (unplug the rice cooker or unplug 4 mins before finishing). My parents has switched to stainless steel inner ones as well. They have also used the second one without regards. I don’t want to ingest a lot of non stain coating. Do u? I’m try to find out more info about the coating but can’t. May be u can help us to explore that too. … for all the health conscious consumers.
I pretty much have all of these! Crazy to think some minds think the same way. I'm slowly transitioning my family to a more minimalist lifestyle. After having kids I derailed from my own ways, and as soon as the home started to feel heavy, everyone getting sick more often, every day stress building up, and the piles and piles of unnecessary stuff making their way in, I said nope! It's been a year now, and we are still decluttering. Hoping to be done by December.🤞
Love the content!
I love your TH-cam videos! I’m new to minimalist living. You’ve helped me begin a scary journey. Thanks.
I need to give you a tip- - -
Please, do NOT end most of your sentences on an upswing. It’s a great tool to loop ideas but not for normal speech.
As a professor, I cringe when I listen to my voice but I do take criticism to improve my lectures. I hope you accept this from the grateful person I am. Again, I’ll keep watching! 17:04
Hahaha, I’m a speech-language pathologist who used to teach people the same thing…it’s a LOT harder to do on camera 😂 Cheers and welcome to minimalist living 👏
Just to comment on buying on Amazon because it's cheaper. Of course we all are on a budget and want to save money. But online shopping has really cut into local stores, and many stores are closing because they cannot compete with Amazon. Local stores have to pay much more to be a local store (rent, utilities, employee pay, insurance, etc. etc.) for us to go in and enjoy and actually see and touch the products with our own eyes and hands. Actual contact with many products helps us to make the better/best choice in choosing items. My husband and I work retail and it's very discouraging when customers come in and look and ask us all kinds of questions and then go to buy the product online because it's cheaper. We feel we are being "used", but more than that, eventually this behavior will make it so there are fewer and fewer actual stores locally for people to shop at. As I said, I understand people who must be on a budget, but so many we see do this are very well-off people who have really nice cars, are retired, and go on vacations and cruises all the time but to save 5 or 10 dollars, will go buy on Amazon instead. It's hard on local merchants. Just a heads up to think about that, and we always appreciate people who come in and buy local because they want to support local business.
Have you ever considered a whiteboard reusable notebook? I have three and they are my fave purchases of the last few years: a lot less paper clutter! I use one for work, one is a planner and one as a journal. It's ideal for shopping lists, meal planning and note taking! I found a brand that lets you customize them (it's a Dutch brand, they don't ship to the US but I'm sure there are similar things available over there!)
I’ve never preferred whiteboards, but I’m glad you found something that works for you 👍
So cool to see you and your family on this journey!
I appreciate your Amazon list! Keep up the awesome content! ❤️
All great ideas 🎉
Yes banana bread, and yes on rice cooker recipe. Please and thank you VERY MUCH from a college student who rents and is often moving from one unfurnished residence to another.
This is very helpful! Thank you!
Love Marissa,
very very very Inspiring...
You get me to brush my teeth every Single day, with your calender day method.
I crayon every day I brush my teeth, and it really works for me.
My teeth are clean, fresh, white...and wealthy, believe me or Not, because of you or your Methode.
You are fantastic!
I am wondering buying a Rice cooker for baking cakes. Does it really works?
Have you already baked some other cakes that the banana bread?
What about a cheese cake?
Hi there, I know it works for regular cake, mixes, and things like banana bread - I’ve never made a cheesecake in my life, so I’m not sure if it would work for that. 😅
@@AtoZenLife 😋
What an insightful list! Thanks so much.
I always use a real ceramic cooking pot to cook my rice. You have really temped me with a rice cooker.
There are a lot of things Amazon won‘t deliver to my country. However, when I‘m in France with a wider range of goods available online, I do check for anything I might need. I ended up buying the same stainless steel frying pan with glass lid for my home as I also got in my holiday home: it‘s the opposite to you, we are now only 2 people so only need a 24 cm pan rather than the family-sized 28 cm these days. I‘m very happy with the product at the end of the day (and now I‘ve learnt how to use a pan that isn‘t non-stick!).
Yes. Please share the banana bread recipe! ❤
Rice cooker recipes please. Would love your bb recipe. Will likely use an egg replacer though!
Thank you for this video and recommendations. There's something very fun about starting all over with quality products. Several items you mentioned I use, like a Prime membership, the velvet hangers (they're the best) and using a paper shredder (I've had for years). I've looked at those same kitchen towels and All Clad pan as well. A few of the items you mentioned I put in my Amazon cart (which I will consider for at least 30 days or longer). I'm very intrigued by the rice cooker. The banana bread recipe would be fabulous. I've recently purchased an inexpensive stainless steel rice cooker that I really like. I'm glad you talked about the plastic we're ingesting these days, however I was surprised that you bought microfiber cloths. I've been using Norwex microfiber cloths which are very good, but I recognize they're plastic too. I plan to begin looking for a sustainable replacement. Again thanks for everything, I enjoy watching you.
Thanks for sharing this list. It's so hard when you want to buy something new and after you get it home it isn't exactly what you were looking for! I'm going to get the canvas grocery bags first. My grocery bags are definitely wearing out and difficult to clean!
It is true they've done studies. They have found out that drinking cold water is shocking to your internal organs and things like that and so it's always better to drink room temperature water. If you guys are interested, definitely research that I was blown away but I still love my ice cold water My insides could hate me later😂❤
I totally agree with the luc warm water drinking😁
Really enjoy and Love your videos, patiently waiting for my Sunday doses 🤣🤣❤️
Hahahhahaha, made me smile and watch the end again with the shake 😂
Thank you for a lot of very good recos.
I consider to buy a few things after sleeping minimum once over it.
Shocking news with the plastic consumption 😮
You’ve mentioned the lack of reusable bags twice. Here in Massachusetts, most places require reusable bags or there is a charge for the store bags.
Apparently it varies from state to state!
Carbon steel wok is a good option for mostly non stick option
I switched to elongated measuring spoons, and never looked back. They’re so much easier to fit into spice jars.