Transforming my stressful messy kitchen into a happy haven!
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 มิ.ย. 2024
- In this video, I address an issue in the kitchen that has been affecting me for a good few weeks now! We work on making it a cozy, happy space again!
The two accounts I mentioned are @GabrieleRandone and @HouseOfHighbrations
You’re too hard on yourself..it’s such a breath of fresh air to finally see a real woman taking care of her home with real and raw footage…well done..🎉🎉🎉
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Thank you Linda, I couldn’t have said it better. She is so precious, love her to pieces. You are my hero Remi.
You're helping give me hope for my own cleaning & decluttering, and I think you're getting better at it too!
She amazing sick of “influencers” who just pretend their homes are perfect and they constantly plug crap from shops ! Remi is the sort of girl you’d be lucky to call a friend x
Well said Linda!
Oh, Remi. As a grandparent who spoils her grandchildren, I can see my daughter in your struggle to keep up with all of your childrens' stuff, especially toys. My daughter never asked me to limit their gifts because she feels the same way you do. But one day we were talking, and she was mentioning how difficult it is to keep up with a toddler, a baby, a job, and a house. She was exasperated by how many toys the boys had. I understood her struggle, so I mentioned limiting the gifts myself. She was so grateful she didn't have to say anything. Now I limit myself to giving each of the boys one gift THEY choose, and an annual membership to their local zoo. I also suggested that her and her toddler son go through his toys and find toys that can be gifted to other kids. Daycares, churches, community centers, pediatricians offices all love receiving good quality toys.
Really good ideas here! 😊
Hugs, what a lovely family.
You are only one person ❤ one. But set up a challenge for your whole family of putting coats and boots away when you get home. That will stop the pile. ❤. It works but someone has to take the lead. You be the boss and make the babies help. ❤
Love your channel and wish you all the best all the time. ❤
Good move! Very practical & helpful ❤
Good job grandma. Can i suggest some other options? I've asked if the grandparents could stop buying gifts and instead, like for their birthday, take that grandchild on a dinner date. They actually love quality time more than anything. Making memories like that will be remembered and cherished forever. Whereas toy's will eventually get tossed. ❤
Ask the grandparents to limit to one present and then add to a savings account for college fund for later.
That’s another good idea, we have junior ISAs for the boys, and my grandparents always gift money for their savings 😊
It would be great for you to set some firm boundaries with grandparents . I’m a grandparent and I always check with parents first . It’s respectful to them . I like the limit you set of two and be honest about the anxiety it causes you. This is your life, and the only opinion that counts is yours. Especially as the Mama. They’ll get over whatever issue they have . You are keeper of the keys to the grandchildren kingdom. You’re in charge!
Hi all, im in the same boat as we probably all are with the cleaning,(mum of 3 boys) 16-10-7
I ask family/friends for vouchers towards days out for Xmas presents as for birthday they have money to save or spend on their computers things like that.
It knocked me sick 2 years I was sorting the boys rooms out their black hole under thie beds ,I found unopened, new toys that I was stressing about buying for them all year saving just for them to play on their computers(lonely computer mum) but as long as the kids are happy and safe. I don’t mind.
I give all the toys to charity to little kids that need its or to people I no that have children, iv even given presents to the local dog walkers for thier grandchildren.
and when asked what boys wants for presents, funds towards days out or gaming cards. Or just a keep sake even if it’s a home made drawing something, if it’s thoughtful gift is better then unopened toys that other Children could have. My lesson was learnt and family days out full of memories were created. Xxxx
Shes not American
I agree with some of the other comments. I would start asking for "experience" gifts like a voucher to a children's museum, or consumables like snacks, clothes etc.
Well done! I am a Grandma, living in Switzerland having my only granddaughter living in Sydney, Australia. So I felt a big desire to compensate my "not being present physically often" ( only once a year) with gifting typically Swiss toys, clothes and choclat. But then I noticed during our twice a weekly videocalls, that she likes most, when I am singing or telling her stories and childrens verses in swiss german. So I send her regularly videos I record with my cell phone, telling her stories with four Finger puppets. She loves it and my songs and stories do not need physical space. Just an idea, how you can make a gift to your child, grandchild, niece or whatever. Love. Eva
I'm just a mum reading this but I just wanted to say that's so beautiful and I think that's such a lovely thing to do for your granddaughter ❤
What a lovely grandma ❤
I love this!! You're a special grandma!❤
Eva, that is absolutely brilliant! ❤ Such a special treasure!
This is so lovely, I'm welling up!
I am confounded by haters as there is absolutely nothing about you to hate! You're adorable and I enjoy your videos so much. Thanks for sharing your life with us! ❤
Agree...there's absolutely zilch to hate!
She's so embarrassed but puts it on youtube? Her whole family are like this, it's so weird!
I think it’s great that there are normal people on here with messy homes.
@@sharonrobinson1031 And sometimes doing stuff with your kids is more important than housework too!
My future granddaughter in law came up with a brilliant solution this past Christmas. Instead of getting her daughters things as gifts, she asked that people consider giving them experiences. The girls are having so much fun doing things together and separately with grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, all the while building memories with them. And no clutter!
That’s a really good idea! My children are grown and live far away. And a lot of my friends have kids or grandkids and are busy with them. But maybe some kind of soul come along and gift me some help in the house! I still have plenty to be grateful for. And I still make a difference in this world. Even if I don’t get around too well, or my house might stay a mess! Blessed among thorns is what I say! And there’s always so someone who has it worse, and yet I can always count my blessings, no matter how many trials I have!
As a child free auntie I can’t wait till their old enough for auntie movie nights and sleep overs and trips to places! I much rather be a person they can come to with anything and know we can have fun!
This comment is not meant in any way to judge you or anyone. When my four kids were growing up, we set a rule that any new toys coming in had to "replace" a toy they had already. They got to choose which you was going to be donated to the children's wing at the hospital. I had no room either. When the kids got a bit older, like 6 and up, I encouraged family and friends to contribute to the kids college fund instead of toys they lost interest in after a few weeks. Just sharing what worked for me.i enjoy watching your videos and like listening to your accent 😊
You are such a beautiful wee soul, hope you realise how many many people you are helping, thank you so so much, gorgeous girl, god bless you love, Lynette Belfast x
Remi! This is so refreshing! I have just been told off by a Mod of a fresian horse channel that has nearly 400k subs (and don't ask me why I'm subscribed as I'm really not a horse person at all 😂). I had mentioned another friesian horse channel a few times in comments as I thought people who watched the first one might like it and it's only got about 8k subscribers at the moment. I was asked (albeit very nicely) to desist. It really really upset me as I didn't understand why there would be competition. It wasn't like all 400k viewers were suddenly going to move over to the other channel. So then I thought there must be some unwritten rule I wasn't aware of about doing this and now I hear you recommending another cleaning channel!! This has really made my day - thank you for your generosity ❤❤❤❤
Wow!! If there is an unwritten rule it’s not something I’m aware of!! I love recommending other channels. It was good of you to try in those comments ❤️ also, I love that you’re not a horse person but you watch horse channels, that’s SOO funny, and definitely something I would do when I get a random obsession 😂
@@remiclogthanks Remi I do feel a bit better about it now and yes it's got so mad that I keep thinking of booking in for something called a stable stay at the 2nd one which is only an hour from me. It's where you stay for a night with a horse in the same room (barrier between) or going to help them muck out. I would absolutely hate it but I'm so into the channel I forget 😂😂
Breaking down gift giving is a FANTASTIC idea. Grandparents can easily do 1 toy, 1 adventure, 1 savings deposit, and/or 1 clothing item. I would still feel like I was spoiling a child by being able to contribute to all of those
As a granny who loves spoiling her grandkids, i limit myself to one toy i know they want and then contribute to school uniforms, shoes etc. The kids are happy and it helps the parents who are feeling the effects of the financial crisis.
Keeping at what you are doing! You’re definitely doing a great job.
Less is more , you’ll be more relaxed and less stress on you.
Thank you, I do hope so! 🤞🏼
I need to clean but first, a dose of Remi to get me motivated! Thank you for everything you do and for bringing light and love and a friendly presence to the world ❤
Sweetheart...You are wise beyond your years...never change. ❤ Give yourself some grace when things get out of hand. I'm chasing seventy years old, it's just me and the hubby and i'm still trying to get it right.
I was having the same issue with so much stuff. Mine are older now and I’ve asked family and friends to gift experiences rather than stuff. We’ve had memberships to the zoo. Safari park. Bird sanctuary. They also gift spending money for days out. People have been very receptive to it. We send the photos when we’re out and about and they seem to love that. When family see how much it pleases you and the children they’ll love doing it I’m sure.😊
Definitely ask your relatives to give experiences or just time rather than stuff. What they do is their choice. Your only choice is to ask. You might be surprised how one simple babysitting day benefits everyone so much! Nothing comes from nothing changed. 💐💃💞
Oh Remi…. Hugs. As a grandmother I’ve realised that consumables and gift cards are the best for grandkids! My grandies already have everything I could ever afford. Zoo and cinema tickets are excellent. Your house is small but even bigger would just mean more corners for ‘stuff’. I can see a nice big plant in a pot in that corner. Something there that can’t have stuff just dumped on it. Everyone dumps things.. I think it’s common. Your kitchen always looks so lovely when you’ve finished. PS washing in the kitchen and drying all over the house would be a nightmare.
A very small gift together with putting money in the bank to help support a grandchild's future is, IMO, a great gift. This might seem cold, but a special letter written every Christmas, birthdays, Easters or other faith holidays that are important. A letter will add that warmth to the cold gift of money. They can be read by the grand-parent/s at the time, the the letters can be squirrelled away in a special box and gifted to a grandchild on their 18th birthday along with their 18th birthday gift. Imagine reading a letter of what you were up to at birth, 18 months, three, seven & a half, nine and three quarters, thirteen, sixteen, etc. How special would that be? 18 years of savings could help with all sorts of things at a time, when, money will be needed. To me, this works better than heaps of toys and equally expresses love.
The box by the way is called My yesterday, My today and My tomorrow x
@@dandare2586That’s not cold at all , it’s a great idea and I have been doing for grand children since they were born .
Magical update yet again. Thanks for the sunshine you bring.
What a lovely kitchen you have, and the flowers are the icing on the cake. Eating every meal (breakfast, lunch and dinner) at the table is something we always do, and when the kids got home from school we had drinks at the kitchen table too, chatting about things happening at school while drinking tea, eating a biscuit and ending up playing at the same table. It was a moment to unwind, before going to play elsewhere, or do their homework.
That’s so lovely 🥰
We appreciate you too, my dear! Don’t worry about all the haters, you have so many people that love you you’re doing a great job.
I have 3 boys. I had no choice but to tell their grandparents to give gift certificates. So many things for gift certificates; a movie and popcorn...a pair of shoes...school supplies...video game...computer accessories. I had so so so many "toy boxes" and every holiday season I had to buy another toy box. After 7 or 8 years, I lost my mind! I told them, just gift certificates or we can make a day of it as a gift. So many events for the holidays. We used to visit the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree or see a parade. Afterwards a nice dinner out. It was a perfect gift...the gift of memories...as a family...something that will be remembered for a long time.
Yay!!! I was hoping you'd post today!! My husband just went through his closet and decided to get rid of a bunch of stuff. He's on his way to donate it right now!!
What you share is literally how I feel but can't seem to find the right words to say, so thank you ❤
Amazing!! I bet it feels like such a relief! 😊
STOP!! Being so hard on yourself! I have to tell my daughter that all the time. You have such a sense of humor about life, you were ment to help others. I'm retired and I've slowed down, I've done it all, wife, mother, Teacher it's time for me now. Love life!❤
My grandchildren have SOOOO many toys. My husband and I decided to start a college fund for all three of them. We add $ for each holiday/birthday instead of buying a lot of “stuff.” Then we give them one small gift or a book to open or sometimes we don’t give them a physical gift. They’re 2, 4, 6 and get so many other gifts that they don’t even notice!
The use of the space often dictates how things should be organized. We used to keep our board games and art supplies in a low bookshelf next to the dining table because that's where those items were used. And for years we've had a row of coat hooks in the kitchen because everyone comes and goes through the outside door.
You are doing such a great job. Everything won't look perfect at any given minute, but it will average out.
I see a Remiclog video, I click, watch and enjoy 🙂💛 ignore the haters, you can't please everyone all of the time. You're fabulous and we like you so remember that's why we come back to you. 💛
Thank you! That means the world ☺️❤️
We asked for experiences, and it was great. We got an English Heritage membership, and my son loved all the castles we visited. We also got a trip to Harry Potter studios, cinema cards and it was amazing, so many great memories. He couldn't tell you what present he got for his 6th birthday but remembers 'fighting' in a mock battle at a castle later in the year. And the gift giver loved hearing about how much fun he'd had! Anyway long-winded way to say fewer presents, more experiences! ❤
Remi, speaking as a childless person, over 40, who has a lot of honorary nieces and nephews, believe me when I say gift buying guidance from their parents is never interpreted as controlling or ungrateful. The only exception for me would be if a parent demanded very expensive things or was otherwise rude about it. I generally appreciate the help because I don't know all the things children enjoy or what they might need at any specific time. And I don't want to burden their parents with more clutter and chaos. I also agree that children now have so many things. It's a blessing because they're well provided for, but it contributed to less ability to appreciate what they do have, shorter attention spans, and more focus things rather than on the blessing of being loved to the point of receiving gifts. When I was young it was common to receive one, maybe two "fun" gifts at Christmas, and anything else was something you needed (like a pair of shoes or new pillows). We were so excited by everything because we weren't receiving tons of things all the time.
i hope this comment doesn’t put too much pressure on you but i just wanted to say how important your channel and you sharing your struggles means to me, right now life is overwhelming and chaotic and watching your videos is so so calming for me. you really truely help people through tough times your videos are so important. such a beautiful video ❤
Oh bless you!! I’m so pleased to hear they help calm you. Your comment hasn’t put any pressure on me, not in a negative way anyway, it’s just all the more incentive to keep on posting as and when I can. Sending love your way ❤️
You are such an inspiration- there are more of us like you than you think but you allow us to think “if Remi can do it …. So can I” ❤️
Oh this has made me so happy!! ☺️❤️
@@remiclog so it should - you deserve it x
Oh dear Remi, I’m so sorry to hear you have been sad!!
As a grandparent I think your request to limit gifts is completely acceptable. They will understand. Being a grandparent is the most wonderful experience a person can have. Truly it’s like nothing else. The last thing a grandparent wants is to create problems and if over flow of gifts is causing problems your idea is a simple way to correct that. If they want to buy more toys, perhaps they can be toys that stay at the grandparents so the babies can play with them when they visit.
As always, I adore you and your fighting spirit. Keep your chin up, and know that you have people who are cheering you on. ❤
Amber got grandma and grandad house today pick her up after tea tonight
Hey Remi, I just wanted to say that women like you who juggle working, taking care of kids, housework and helping others are absolute superheroes for me. I am not even mentioning what you said about your struggles with mental health sometimes. I hope you'll remember that you are strong and amazing.
Oh Remi, I know full well about Mardy time. I have those regularly. But you know, they happen, they are just moments in time. They are just a little knot in the thread of life's tapestry and quickly unravel themselves.
I fully understand about too much stuff. As a little girl I once saw a teddy bear in a shop window. My parents didn't have much money so I just said bye bye to the teddy bear and walked away with them. That Christmas, imagine my surprise and happiness when I opened my present and it was that bear! I still have it over 50 years on, and although, moneywise, its not worth a penny, sentimentally, its priceless, and a gift beyond everything. That bear has been with me through everything in my rollercoaster of life. It has been there with everything we've experienced, yet here we are, together as always.
Every time we got a new toy, my mother would ask us to sort through the toys and pick one to go to a poor child the church knew of, or the prisoners wives group, for their children (my mother set it up as a support for my dad in his work with prisoners, to help them cope with their husbands being away and learn to understand why),for their children.
But the rule was, it had to be complete and in good working order or out it went into the bin. My teddy bear was never donated or binned, ever.
I left my vile husband and left all my childhood bears in the loft. Gutted they'll be in landfill now!
@@lynneleverton8825 I, too had to leave my marital home very quickly. Luckily I was able to rescue the bear. Lots of things have happened and many loved items ended in landfill which breaks my heart, However, I now look at it all as 'Better to lose stuff, than lose my life'.
I am so sorry you had to experience your challenges and hope you are now moving on as best you can.
Remi, I want to thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for all of your motivation. And it's not just your motivation, It's your deep care for others. Since 2015, I've struggled when I had several miscarriages and lost my dad. Because of these things, it caused me to clutter so much stuff and to try to fill the voids. Your channel is so healing. Sending love and hugs from across the world to a lovely person!
You're a doll.. I could listen to you and watch your videos all day.. XO
Please don’t beat yourself up! Life happens and often leaves a mess behind. At the end of the day you’re a good Momma and that’s the most important thing! ❤
I’m a new grandparent and we always say “it’s a grandparent privilege to treat grandkids but please donate if duplicated by the other grandparent or if grandchild not bothered” win win either way x
You sound like a fabulous grandparent, and parent! 😊
@@remiclog amber great grandmother Jean don't care about her
You are way too hard on yourself. My kids are grown up well my youngest is 14. Open a bank account for each of your kids or a trust fund and for the birthdays etc ask people who were going to buy them a toy or such to deposit money in the account they would spend. Gives them something they can have a good start as the get older. Also you can use like ziplock bags to store board games and such instead of the bulky boxes that need taped up every 5 mins lol. If you were to see my house you would stop being hard on yourself x
Never apologise for speaking your mind or having a rant you are doing amazing. You keep it real which makes me and sure plenty others feel ‘normal’. Have a great week. Mary, Joes wife 🙇♀️👏💪👍🙏💐🐕🦺
I love the thought of your kitchen as a happy haven. As for gifts, If a family member is near by and is able to, how about mentioning that it would be nice as a gift for your child, to have the family member and your child to have a one-on-one experience together.
Have you asked grandparent not to buy the children toys and clothes as you don't have the space, they could give gift cards or the money. That way the children can buy a toy you can buy clothing if and when needed. I'm sure the family will not be offended.
Gosh the boys are getting big!😊
You have such a huge heart. If only more people thought of others even slightly as much as you...
I also have a hard time with the influx of stuff. It makes me cry, too! Sometimes I designate toys for outside only just so they can get ruined and I can toss them out! When possible I use the 1 in, 1 out method. Like if my daughter asks for another bag I ask her which thing she's getting rid of when we get home!
I just want to show some respect for how aware you are regarding the issue of presents. I’m a lot older than you and you’re right, we would have one or two very special presents which we cherished. Your children are young enough to benefit from your wisdom. Family experiences and events create lifelong memories, much more so than multiple presents. What lucky kids to have you as their mum!
The kitchen looks great. It was lovely to see you sitting down as a family to eat dinner. Please do not apologize for not answering all the comments you get. We know you read them, that is enough. You are a good mum, you care about your kids. Perhaps you could suggest that the grandparents buy the kids toys that stay at their homes. Then the kids have 2 different sets of toys to enjoy when they visit their grandparents. Thanks so much for sharing this video with us. Best wishes from Canada.
Yes, everytime I'm on top something happens and new things come I to the house and it's chaos all over again. It's overwhelming and I try not to let it run my life but it does to a degree. Thank you for the inspiration to keep on top xx
Lovely Remi, I love your videos so much. I am a half day cleaner, but not at home 😂
Well, my Children, I have 2 girls and a boy, the oldest is 36, the youngest is 28. They never understand how clean it was at home, long ago. But today I am all on my own, only with my little dog. So I only clean once a week now. Life is so much more than being perfect. It‘s about love and peace. And that‘s what I hear, while you are cleaning. Don‘t set yourself under such big pressure. You are lovely anyway. Mandy greetings from Germany ❤
New toys in. Old toys out. I did that when I was younger and it kept things in check. Clothes and shoes though - I'm just learning how to purge. Now I've become a digital hoarder as I take pictures of things I let go!
Love your videos, your honesty is refreshing🎉❤
Great job Remi your wee kitchen looks warm & cosy with happy kids, 🙏🌹❤️☘️🇮🇪
Hello from Houston, Texas!
You need to watch OCD Cleaners and How Clean is Your House. You will feel so much better and the people who star I'm these shows are hysterical!!!!
Hailey Leitch has her own cleaning show and you will adore her!
You are an absolute , adorable, young gal. If you were my daughter, I would be so proud of you! Keep being you and never change for anyone! :)
Rami I can listen to you all day long. I love your kitchen 🎉
You did a great job❤❤
Remi, thank you for taking the extra time and effort to film cleaning up your kitchen and offering your thoughts. You are a gem. 💕 Experiences over physical gifts are a wonderful thing! I’m sure the grandparents will understand that. Have a blessed week!
I just love how you share exactly what you think and feel. Your accent is beautiful.
When i was around 10 years old my parents gave me and my brother and sister “experiences” rather than toys. I grew up in a very small house and my parents struggled with the toys as well. I remember all of the trips as simple as they were. A treasure hunt in a local park… it was so much fun digging up that treasure chest filled with candy. When I turned 21 I decided that I wanted to go to a museum with all of them, and nothing else. It was such a lovely day ❤
Some.of my daughters favorite memories are from time at the dinner table, I know this because my youngest mentioned how she missed having dinner at the table after my husband died when she was 13 and we started eating in the living room more often. She missed that sense of family togetherness. Some of that was missing her Dad and feeling less connected, so now she is 31 and whenever we are together I make a point of eating together at the table at home or in a restaurant. Keep making those memories, the simple things done together are what matter. I remember Spring cleaning with my Mother ( we were a messy family too), and helping my Dad with his power tool protects. My kitchen magnet says ' A clean house is a sign of a boring life.' 🌷💐🌻
I have to say, I immediately subscribed to you after coming across one video simply because I thought, this woman and I could be friends irl. I’m coming out of, or learning how to live with child “loss”…. It wasn’t medical (I don’t want to add to your health anxiety) my ex neglected something he shouldn’t have before work and my little girl went to heaven. The point of my comment is, thank you for your videos. Your honesty. I love the rants and chattering. I’ve started to clean up my space, baby steps of course but I can’t do more than that and because of you, I know that is ok. God bless you , or whatever your beliefs are…. You have definitely helped and continue to help me. 💚💚💚💚💚
Yay, a Remi video, one of very favorites on TH-cam! I love your humor, compassion, hard work and determination Remi. You are such an inspiration because this is real life, how things can get out of control without realizing it with kids, grandkids, pets, jobs, holidays, illness, etc. You are amazing❤❤❤
Have you ever considered making just talking videos? I love the cleaning ones they motivate me so much, but what motivates me the most is you! The way you talk and outlook on life is so relatable. I find just listening to you helps me to have a better day ❤
Yes Remi! Stop the inflow. 💪You are right, there's good evidence that too much "stuff" stifles kids creativity. Boundaries with grandparents can be set with kindness.❤
Remi, I so enjoy and appreciate you speaking your heart so eloquently.
Gifting experiences rather than physical items is a marvelous idea. It creates memories….The Grands can even come along ❤….take a lot of photos!
Believe me Remi, crying about housework happens. I run my own little domestic cleaning business and ironically I love cleaning others houses, but cleaning and staying on top of mine feels like the biggest chore and sometimes it gets to me too. You're amazing
Hello Remi from Los Angeles. Thank you for putting yourself out there and posting these videos. You are so inspiring! 😀
You're a wise, wonderful woman! Try not to worry about everything. See yourself for who you are, doing an excellent job when still feeling so low. I agree with what others say ," you're a breath of good fresh air". Love you and your videos. Thank you Remi .
Yes!! Great job on that clean up!! I know its a lot and can be overwhelming but you got it done!! Yay!! I think you're making great choices and new habits to break old ones. You're making the right steps forward. Progress is always good. 💜✌👍👍
A lovely quick transformation finished with a fantastic meal with the family! I honestly could listen to your musings all day. While I do not have kids, I have a Fiance and well...that's like having them on some days! 🤣 So many of what you talk about fits right in here too, and you are a wonderful breath of fresh air! I love your thought process, and I really appreciate your complete and utter honesty about what life is like in your little corner of the world. You are not alone! Blessings to you from the great Pacific Northwest, Lakewood, Washington 💛🖤💛 Stacy's Artful Heart
I also have executive dysfunction, and I watch "malama life" with a passion!
She does not have any kids, and her life is 100% different than mine, but it's her calm voice that is very inspiring!. I am also on a journey to detach myself from objects. And have less stuff. My kids do appreciate it I know. I want to spend more time with them and less time cleaning!
I haven't watched this yet because I always save your new videos as secret weapons to whip out when nothing else will kick me out of task paralysis. Just one person's worth of dinner dishes to wash can have me anxiously procrastinating for most of an evening. As someone who experiences executive disfunction, your videos have saved me so many times, thank you!
I always feel the same way you do, that I don't want to seem ungrateful or controlling, but my mother-in-law asked for a specific wish list when the kids were young, so now I write an email each year before the holidays. It's very detailed and I feel ridiculous doing it, but the grandparents LOVE it and ask me for it every year. I list things the kids actually need, like a new coat or shoes and what size, their current interests, and link to specific products for a few toys. We ask them to limit to one fun gift, like a toy, and one need per child. My MIL loves to give lots of gifts, but she does try to make sure they are mostly needs. It truly does get overwhelming and become a burden when people pass too much stuff onto you. You're right. There actually is research that it is better for kids to have less. Most of our family members have said they actually find the list very helpful, and it takes a lot of stress off of them to know the money they are spending is going toward something the kids actually want or need, rather than something they already own or might not like. That system also helps as the kids get older and have more expensive wishes. My youngest daughter really wanted a pair of Ugg Boots this year, which are pricey, but she received them from her grandparents for Christmas. They were her only gift from them and she was THRILLED. Honestly, she was much happier with that one gift than she would have been with a huge pile of individually less expensive (but overall the same amount of money spent) things she didn't actually want.
You are so relatable and it's so refreshing to see on TH-cam. I definitely relate to what you said about children being gifted. We're always equally overwhelmed as well as the children by the amount of things they receive. I think you're right, it can't be good for them. I love your content ❤
Good job with the clean-up of the table corner, Remi. I agree with the idea of "experience gifts" from other members, instead of physical gifts. Great memories can be made; plus take a photo of it. Also, a small bookcase on the wall opposite the heater could act as a "drop zone" to keep the table clear for meals together. And a coat rack could encourage hanging up outerwear instead of putting it on the floor. Blessing to all.
As a grandparent (not that i speak for all) we have made donations in our grandchildren's name since they were little. They get to pick the organization and that is one of their Christmas gifts. The kids actually love it. They get in touch with me in October to remind me that its time to send in the donations. We started this to help teach them generosity to others, and helping those in need.
This is just what I needed for motivation. I am doing a house project creating such a mess everywhere. I’m feeling overwhelmed but this helps me to realize I just need to start somewhere and go.
Our dog also moved from chewing cuddly toys to plastic bottles!!! Your home is beautiful - love lives there ❤
You did a wonderful job, Remi. The kitchen looks fabulous. I think you're an awesome Mum! ❤😊
Dear Remi! I hope you're really proud of yourself. Please remember, as we're living in our houses, our cleanliness and tidiness is circulating around a certain middle ground, deviating from it in both directions. The middle ground should not be a health hazard. You have a busy life and two young children and a dog, so by default your house cannot be kept as clean as the place of a single person working as a flight attendant (aka never at home). And that's ok! You do your best and I personally think you ace it. Your house looks better than mine every time at the end of a video, and worse than mine at the beginning 😂 and in the end we have the same middle ground. I love your videos, thank you so much! Greetings from Luxembourg 🇱🇺
Your kitchen looks wonderful! Decluttering and cleaning is an ongoing process- lol- always things coming in and things to clean so all we can do is keep going…
Love it! Thanks for sharing your everyday life…we are all in the same boat so no judgement here!
Your kitchen looks beautiful, and I love the two vases of flowers! Yes, you definitely need to set boundaries with parents and in laws regarding presents. We have all been there. It can cause hurt feelings but they will have to get over it. Your space is being overwhelmed and you are allowed to ask them to dial it back. I love the idea of asking them to start giving tickets/invitations to experiences (zoo, aquarium, amusement park, theater) instead of toys. Then they can spend time with their grandchild during those experiences; it's a win-win situation!
Don’t be so hard on yourself as a mom we all go through this clutter thing. I agree with you kids have too much today just take a day by day. Please be safe and God bless.
As a working mom, homemaker, and family person you do a fantastic job. Your kitchen came out beautiful. Give yourself more pats on the back and keep doing what you do, when you can do it and encourage yourself along the way. Fantastic job 😊
This year we've started asking grandparents for experiences too and it's wonderful to see both our daughter and our parents having a great time together ❤
Hey Remi have you ever thought about a couple bench seats against the walls like a banquet in the corner and across the back wall of your kitchen? I think IKEA might have some that include storage, so that way you could use them to catch some clutter and still be able to use your dining table. I'm big on serving dinner at the table with the family. It might help 🤷🏻♀️
Love your channel btw ❤️
Fantastic job . Family Dinner at the table. Some of my best memories. Those are great ideas for the grands! I love it!
Don't be that hard on yourself! You work outside the home, also!!! Fabulous job in the kitchen ❤
Thank you so much 😊❤️
I love watching you're vlogs the chatting and cleaning and you are so real and say it as it is ❤❤
I think you are spot on in your observation that the influx of additional belongings (in this case, children's toys) that accompanies Christmas and birthdays is just not sustainable...No one's house is big enough to accommodate an aggressive, unending stream of new belongings - it's that simple. Like everyone, I struggle to keep clutter at bay, and I hate getting physical belongings as birthday and Christmas gifts because the emotional stress of having to store it and find a place for it, or get rid of it, is unpleasant for me when I am already struggling to pare down and edit what I have. You are spot on in observing how this societal imperative - new belongings at birthdays and Christmas - is having an unwelcome negative impact on YOUR quality of life and YOUR mental health. You are more then justified in setting some boundaries to keep your sanity. Let the grandparents know that you would appreciate it if the gifts in the form of physical belongings could be scaled back or kept to a minimum. You are not crazy; it's the world that is crazy, my dear.
I gift my nieces experiences: visits to the pool, cinema, indoor playground, zoo etc. because they already have so much stuff and dont need another toy. Its a win win win situation. I get to make fun memories with my nieces, they love our days out, their parents get a childfree day and there aren't mountains of toys cluttering their home.
I think its a great idea suggesting this to your family ❤
I think that creative gifts like arts and crafts sets (although that usually is a LOT of bits and bobs) like wood making kits, colored clays, pearl and pony beads, are good gifts because the fun is in the creating not the keeping. It’s like an experience and skill building in one 😂. Hormones are my Achilles heal! Clutter attracts clutter (even if the stuff looks nice like decor) so I’ve accepted that sometimes if I want my home to stay clean longer, that I might have to make every surface as empty and plain as possible. It’s a double edged sword having ADD as well 😂 I like a space to look inspired as much as anyone so I just have to pick between the two every so often ❤
There was a time that I dreamt of furniture with round/arched tops, to stop the clutter, but doesn't work so well with a dining room table or the floor 🤣🤣 It looks just gorgeous, Remi!
I agree, your to hard on yourself! You and your home are lovely! It’s hard to take care of children,home, work outside the home too! You’re killing it! Well done ♥️👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
You are just so sweet… it is so refreshing to see a person like you in this world. So kind, thoughtful and you worry about good values. Well done. Much love to you x
Pro tip for flower arranging! I noticed one time someone bought my mom a very beautiful bouquet, and she cut off the rubber band and put it in a vase, but it then looked all messy, loose, and chaotic when it had been a very beautiful arrangement before. If you leave the rubber band on (even if you need to trim the stems before you put them in water so they will fit better), leave them in the rubber band! A lot of times, they come in a beautiful arrangement already, and you can just take advantage of that!
You are a wonderful, intelligent, loving, and intuitive mother. I have been where you are. You struggle and your ponderings remind me so much of myself when trying to keep my home tidy, and I had dreams about how I wanted to raise my children and how my home should feel. Your ideas about reducing toys and asking for fun experiences as gifts for your children is a necessary and brilliant request. You can do it! :)
I am so glad that you got that spin mop. It makes mopping so much easier.
Seeing your family eat at that table made me tear up! You have been working so hard to accomplish this!!❤
It’s so easy for things to get messy and sometimes difficult to keep up with everything. Thank you for putting yourself out there and inspiring us to do better.
Hey Remi, I think you are so right about too many presents being a bad influence. We have very generous grandmas, too, and I'm so thankful for it. But our place is way smaller than yours and we really don't have the space. And like you said, the kids don't really appreciate it anymore. Your idea with the vouchers for experiences is so good. I'm definitely copy that. Don't worry about how it comes across. It is your house, where all the stuff is going And this decisions are a serious part of parenting - which is your job. I'm sure you can communicate it in a way Noone feels hurt. You're the best!