simple home, peaceful mind - a year of frugality and intentional living

Ok, so… this video is a bit all over the place, but it’s the beginning of a big project: a few weeks go my husband and I started a huge and in-depth journey of going through every item in our home to decide how to simplify, minimize our items (while prioritizing our art hobbies and baby supplies, of course) and embrace a new era of living more intentionally, with a focus on slowness, simplicity, and frugality - to prepare for times ahead when we take time away to be parents and both experience some drastic shifts in our careers in the near future. We’ve always been people that just putter about at home and don’t go out much or even travel often, we stay put for the most part and continue on quietly, but we wanted to use this year and encouragement to be just a bit more mindful each day, and build up our resources for unknown future times ahead. I hope this inspires you to spend some time working on projects you’ve been putting off, or just decluttering or simplifying. Next week will be an in-depth look at the process on our end, with hopes of inspiring any of you seeking to do the same in 2024 ❤️

Thank you!

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[TheCottageFairy]

Ok, so… this video is a bit all over the place, but it’s the beginning of a big project: a few weeks go my husband and I started a huge and in-depth journey of going through every item in our home to decide how to simplify, minimize our items (while prioritizing our art hobbies and baby supplies, of course) and embrace a new era of living more intentionally, with a focus on slowness, simplicity, and frugality - to prepare for times ahead when we take time away to be parents and both experience some drastic shifts in our careers in the near future. We’ve always been people that just putter about at home and don’t go out much or even travel often, we stay put for the most part and continue on quietly, but we wanted to use this year to be just a bit more mindful each day, and build up our resources for unknown future times ahead. I hope this inspires you to spend some time working on projects you’ve been putting off, or just decluttering or simplifying. Next week will be an in-depth look at the process on our end, with hopes of inspiring any of you seeking to do the same in 2024 ❤️

[maryb.]

I am a young-ish widow, and live alone in a nice, but modest rental home. I had a big clean out during 2023. For a full year I went through my home. Every room, every closet, every drawer, every cupboard. I got rid of 1, 123 items in my home. I was very pleased with my effort. I donated everything that was still in good condition and had to throw away very little. It was ridiculous that I owned so much stuff.

[alexlamiaart]

I’m in my 20s and live with my parents. I’ve lived in this house and had the same bedroom since I was a small child. My aunt, who is disabled, moved in with us. She’s been staying in our living room for now. And I’ve been working hard, going through all of my belongings and moving them (what I’m keeping) upstairs to a bedroom. It’s technically the attic, but it’s nice. And I’m excited about moving up there. My aunt will take my old bedroom, which is on the main floor. She’s a sweet person, and I don’t mind doing this for her.

[rubyrein]

I want to admit sth...whenever i feel down and depressed i watch your videos they're literally my therapy:)

[evanagib]

I went through hard times when i lost my parents in 4 months 😢and i have 1 disabled sister need to look after her with no support because she is not Citizen and i can't get any support from the government.
Have a husband doesn't care about me and teenager boy don't expect too much from him.

I went through all this hard times by myself. The only support was God gives me strength & peace.

When i am really feeling down watching your videos made me feel up and keep me moving on.

Thank u so much for sharing.
God Bless U forever ❤❤Love u

[SeaTurtle]

Paola, you are even more beautiful and glowing with your pregnancy. And yes, pregnancy and children do cause us to change in many ways, it’s a whole new magical experience. Bravo to you guys for pursuing a frugal, simple lifestyle, like restoring your door instead of it going to a landfill. I am 68 and I love my simple life, it’s where all the true blessings are found; family, nature, good books and good food! Thank you for another peaceful, inspiring and visually beautiful video. 🌿

[coletteg.]

Motherhood is the most beautiful gift God gives us, I think.
You’ll never love anyone like you will your child.
It’s a love like no other.

[annettemills]

It's so nice Paola what your saying about your lovely plans is just what I read from the Bible this morning " The plans of the diligent one surely lead to sucess" (Proverbs 21:5) ❤❤

[jayneanderson]

After a long day of watching my twin grandchildren, I came home to a package I was so looking forward to. My Cottage Fairy Book I have treated myself to. I too have spent my life living carefully, , , choosing how I most want to spend my time and money. I was blessed to be able to stay home with my children and raise them and now to help with my grandchildren. We live in a simple home on the shores of Lake Michigan and we feel so blessed. Thank you for sharing all you do. I can't wait to sit down and enjoy my new book.

[sheilavanduynfote]

Being a mother is the greatest gift you will ever receive❤️. Just when you think you have found love, the love you will feel the moment you hold this precious baby it hits you like a ton of bricks. You will remember everything that involved the birth. My daughter is 47 and my son is 39 I still remember that first look, touch and first cry. I really enjoy every video. May you have a Blessed day❤️❤️❤️

[roblebby]

I am retired and live alone. I have been in my house for 10 years now and I have become painfully aware of how I have collected and accumulated things - things that I no longer want or need. So, yes, I am in a major spring cleaning of my own. I can honestly say it is such a freeing feeling to experience the transformation. On another note, I am very intrigued by your husband's crystal collection. I live near the Great Smoky Mountains in East Tennessee and I don't believe we have those here, but it is certainly a good place to keep an eye out for other unique finds from nature! Thank you for the vlog and I hope that rest of your pregnancy goes well for you, your husband, and your child. I enjoy watching your videos from week to week.

[sharonseal]

Motherhood is a great gift, one that is life changing. Your love for your child will transform you without you even trying. It is already beginning. I love that you are working on finishing little details of your "nest" - as soon as you began talking about the door I immediately saw it with hand painted pine boughs and pine cones and a squirrel perched in one corner. Looking forward to seeing what you settle on.

[hughdfukairs]

Every moment to come is unknown, but within each moment is the truth of simply being.

[sophiaisabelle]

You look absolutely stunning. Rest assured you'll always have our support no matter what.

[mairishkar]

Only keep the things that bring you joy!

[lauramonahan]

Lovely video. Simplicity and frugality bring so much freedom, bravo to you! Newborns need very little in the way of "stuff", too, but it's quite easy to get caught up in thinking they do. Best wishes, I know in my heart you'll do well.

[Sue-npfp]

Paola Your videos are absolutely breathtaking, I love them. You are so beautiful, natural, and true in your philosophy of simple living and 'treading gently, on the earth'. You are an inspiration! Love the bunnies, love your dog and little cat! Thank you for the joy you bring! love sue xxx

[Gooday-U-]

Meaning...you ARE Authentic... You be who you are.... I Love that about you...

[Jeeya]

When you simplify... box the things you may pass down to your daughter. Now that mine is 17, it's a joy to see her in my old things. Of course, she doesn't favour my favourites and wears stuff differently. But O, the joy!

[Woodsgal]

"... they just keep growing, putting what energy they have into life, because for them there is no point to existing if you can't grow. It's an absolute must". That's life in a nutshell, isn't it? Love it! Thanks as always lovely Paola for sharing with us! Love and hugs!!