6 Minimalist Friendly Swaps to Simplify Your Life

[@renee6524]

Finally! Someone says no to coffee pods. Could not agree more.

[@donnalf184]

This young woman is so damn smart. I’m 68. I wasn’t that bright at her age. I only buy gray wool socks. I have a regular coffee pot. I’m going to look into the water filtration machine. We have well water. Nicole is spot on about cast iron. Class storage is the way to go. Thanks , Nicole. Hugs to Levy.

[@AccordingtoNicole]

Levi sends hugs back!

[@christinecote4639]

1. Cast iron pan ✔ 2. Glass storage containers ✔ 3. Water filtration system (been seriously thinking of getting one!) 4. Same black socks ✔ 5. Keurig gone; French press and coffee grinder in ✔ 6. Wireless earbuds ✔ Wow! Not sure if this means I rock, or Nicole rocks, but hey, great minds think alike. Lol. Another awesome vid, Nicole! I'll check out the water system 👍🙂

[@greg19071961]

Same! 'cept I don't drink coffe (allergic) butI have been looking for a good water filter...saving up for this one NOW! 👍❤

[@marksule0]

I always look forward to Sundays with Nicole!!!

[@AccordingtoNicole]

Thank you!

[@mspro9032]

Me too!

[@erikagracee9365]

Same🥰

[@libbyannstew8775]

Me too!! Words of Wisdom.

[@lisaaxe9062]

Same! Love learning from her and I trust her recommendations!

[@barbieminimalist3109]

I realize that this video was made 8 months ago, but in case anyone is watching it 8 months later (like me!!) , here's my additions. IKEA also makes some wonderful glass storage containers with interchangeable lids, depending on the sizes you buy. Their shapes are squares and rectangles, and are also stackable. Second, I buy my peanut butter in glass jars which I save and reuse for refrigerator and freezer storage. Well done, Nicole!

[@johenderson3742]

And buy sugar in paper bags, not plastic.

[@wildorchid8531]

Wow…. A sponsor and look at those subscribers growing! So proud of you!!!

[@jonathanbowles2577]

Good afternoon Nicole. I really did like your 6 Items that made your Life better. I did like your Black all matcing socks, i have the same trouble with my mis matched socks. I do Love my Coffee Fresh and not those waste of money Dolce Gusto and all of that rubbish. You look like a Lovely young Beautiful woman who has a Gorgeous and really Intelligent and Wise person. You are so very, very Clever and Clutter free in your Beautiful house. I have stopped going out to Restaurants and Expensive Cafe's. The Cost of Living a decent Life now, absolutely crazy. Well Done to you for your Excellent money management. I try to Save as much money as i can. I have my own House and Car. I am very Independent and follow my path in my Life. Have a Great day Nicole. Jonathan. ☺☺☺❤❤👍👍👍🌞🌞🌞

[@jonathanbowles2577]

Thank you so much. You are Welcome Nicole. ☺

[@lilwarrioraleena]

I do the same socks thing too, for many years now.

[@carolynstewart8465]

Lovely home! Well done, Nicole!

[@melissalee333]

I changed my socks to all black a few years ago, it’s so much easier and they go with everything. I prefer glass storage containers too. No more plastic storage for me. Another great video. 😊

[@jamesr1703]

Didn't get a cast iron pan until I turned 40!! You are giving young people great advice. I've had the same cast iron pan 20+ years now.

[@UnStrungHero]

I have cast iron skillets that I have cooked on for probably 50 years. Same skillets, won' part from them.

[@CA2SD]

Swapped out my coffee machine from both a Keurig & Nespresso to a good regular type of coffee machine. I love coffee and realized how much money I was spending. Only get coffee outside now as a treat. Game changer. I like how you are open about something that you like now that once you didn’t in the past. Another reason why I am a fan of your channel. But the fact you will never settle for less when it comes to Levi is why I think you’re incredible!!

[@AccordingtoNicole]

He’s my bestie friend and I want him to live forever.

[@440jasmine]

I would love to see a video of your favorite apps! I'm a fan!!

[@peterowen4456]

The sock thing is so obvious but genius all the same. Saw a comedian asking what happens to unmatched socks - answer - they come back as tupperware lids that won't fit any of your containers.

[@AccordingtoNicole]

😂

[@NormalAndBoring]

LOL, "you could beat someone till death with it and it's still good!" hahaha. : )

[@moneyfactsheet]

😆the socks thing is genius. At some point in my life I started buying only beige underwear... goes great with white clothes, dark clothes, transparent clothes... everything got so much easier...

[@tammyw.6181]

You popped up in my feed and I admire your no nonsense approach to life. Subscribed😊

[@buzzybee186]

Bought identical black socks about 5 years ago. Game changer!! I have 2 pairs of hiking, wool socks, and a few pairs of nursing socks. Laundry has been easier ever since

[@erindocherty776]

Another great thing about the Anchor dishes is that you can purchase replacement lids if they crack or one is lost.

[@johenderson3742]

I did the sock thing years back. So logical.

[@nanetten6238]

I lost most of the contents of my house in Hurricane Ian. I am trying to be very careful and deliberate about what I buy to replace the lost items. There will definitely be a cast iron skillet on the list, and any plastic containers that survived the water damage will be tossed! Since you are very organized and efficient, I imagine you have good systems for housekeeping (cleaning, laundry, etc). Would you consider sharing those?

[@funnygirl3444]

I LOVE your sock philosophy!!

[@otter-pro]

Wow, I'm glad I'm not the only one who prefers to only buy same matching socks in bulk! It saves so much time too when doing laundry and folding.

[@mht5875]

I inherited a beautiful 12" cast iron pan from my parents, it gets used every day. As for Anchor Hocking, I love their glass cookware/storage dishes. The company has a very interesting history, they were called Hocking in 1905 and was one of the major producers of Depression glass, including uranium glass. Hocking merged with Anchor Cap and Closure Corporation in 1937.

[@lifemyway200]

Been doing the socks for about 2 years.....life changing!!!

[@nanaserena]

Oh my gosh! I am so glad that I am not the only one having the same kind of socks! It was life changing when I didn't have to waste my time on matching the socks. Great tip! I've been packing my lunches in only glass containers for years. They are still going on strong. Love them! I love your videos. So glad to know you.

[@ANDYDAVIRGO]

Nicole is becoming one of my favorite people on YT. This wasn't one of my favorite videos, but you have classics under your belt.

[@ag-gz1wk]

i'm still living with my parents, but as soon as i have the need to move out i'm buying that iron skillet!! thank you

[@timothywilliams2887]

I do the sock thing and the cast iron pan thing.

[@thoughtquake7516]

I totally agree. Another plus for cast iron skillets - they work on convection cooktops because they're magnetic. I've switched from gas to convection because of the studies that have come out recently about the amount of indoor pollution gas stoves create (even when they're shut off 😳.) As far as chlorine in water, you can let the water sit out in a jug for 24 hours and the chlorine will dissipate. That's what I do for my house plants. I use Brita filters for drinking water and for cooking (yes, there is still plastic waste with them but they do have a recycling program.) I've done the sock swap recently, too. (My fave is grey bamboo crew socks.) I've got better things to do than match socks and I don't feel the need to express my individuality with funny socks. 😉

[@elizabethbertsch3066]

😂😂😂

[@jeanhallada5292]

Cast iron for the win. 15 years ago when I lost my job what I wanted as my retirement gift was- you guessed it-Le Creuset cookware. Gets used every single day. As for the socks- not so much. I’m a knitter and love knitting socks for myself. To each their own.

[@rilakkumabeth]

Do you need to season it and can you wash it normally?

[@jeanhallada5292]

@@rilakkumabeth You just season once or twice. We wash our in the sink with soap and water. Despite what some people say it works fine. Trust me the pan from my grandmother (born 1900) didn’t get special treatment and still works great

[@ericmengel]

Great as always! I do the same thing with the socks!

[@tanyadutton4017]

Finally getting wireless earbuds a year ago was one of the best things I've done!

[@ea_n]

smart lights. especially if you value your wellbeing and *sleep* quality. you don't need those color ones. white ambiance version is cheaper, but does the job of adjusting the light temperature according to daytime. in the morning it energizes, in the eve relax and bedtime will dim the light to warm low light to massage your circadian rythm to sleep. i bought few bulbs back in 2016, and the effect was intense. since I've bought my own place and every bulb is smart and the light in my house supports my routine, which is especially beneficial in dark winter months.

[@AccordingtoNicole]

Great tip! I’m going to look into this.

[@SallaKaarinaS]

I immediatelly liked your video once you mentioned cast iron skillet! I think all your points are very good and I already implement most of these. Your channel is wonderful and I hope you keep making videos in future!

[@ironuckles]

Moka pots are SO AMAZING

[@AlphaMatt1000]

My favourite minimalist Canadian gal!

[@gloriabass9945]

The socks, thanks and let me pull my cast iron out from the bottom of the stove I do still use Mr. Coffee and bottle water is contaminated young lady you are the real deal.

[@gwendolineconis9628]

Wow! A sponsor! Congrats. Please make a cast iron cookies video 😄

[@crystaldon4995]

I have a son with autism and I am really loving that sock idea so ty!

[@amandaspath8187]

Hi! I did the sock thing about three years ago. My daughter and I wear the same size socks and they are universal. Makes it so easy! We use filtered water instead of bottled, as well! Enjoyed the video!

[@cindyjones920]

Hi. My 1st video with you. Money Mom sent me over.

[@Goldzwiebel]

i have bought the same socks for many years for the reasons mentioned. But when I started living really frugally and stopped buying useless things, there weren't any little things to enjoy anymore. when i realized how happy i was when i got colorful socks with patterns i started to buy special ones. not the expensive brands for 10-15€, but the cheap ones on sale for 1€ a pair. it's a nice hobby to keep an eye out for cheap cute socks and i can decide every morning what i feel like. sometimes life is just too boring with serious black socks.

[@pennynickels5216]

Me2

[@EsmeraldaWolfsbane7777]

Here I am with the two different color striped socks every day my mother says I look like the wicked witch.

[@mugamalmo]

You have come a long way Nicole and you still going miles ahead,happy for you

[@tracymarch9370]

Hello from Phoenix. Water is scarce in the desert. So, I use a water filter to economize. A gallon cost 2 dollars for the cheap kind.

[@Michelle-bk5uq]

Yes, to the cast iron skillet and glass leftover dishes. I have some with plastic lids that I use to bring lunch to work but I also reuse large glass jars from spaghetti sauce or sauerkraut. Just wash and reuse for leftovers, batch cooking or storing dried beans/grains. I have a couple styles that I like so I can interchange the lids. I have a Berkey water filter that I love. The filters last forever.

[@johenderson3742]

Spaghetti sauce is a scam. Make your own far more cheaply with tinned toms and seasoning etc.❤

[@GeordieBoy700]

I have 15 pairs of identical socks.

[@shirlenerossi-kennedy9728]

Thank you for sharing about the water filter! I was thinking about one and because you said the sim pure is awesome I believe and I will purchase one! I love your ideas 😊

[@marinastenhaug543]

A good list! Of my own swaps, first two things that come to mind: menstrual cup instead of tampons and salt deodorant instead of ordinary roll-on.

[@BlinkyandLuna]

Salt deodorant for the win! Mine last for years as long as I don’t drop it!

[@marinastenhaug543]

@@BlinkyandLuna Yes, my salt deo is 3 years old, and got smaller maybe 3-4 mm :)

[@leonore3349]

@@BlinkyandLuna ooooh what's that?

[@BlinkyandLuna]

@@leonore3349 look up crystal deoderant. I’ve seen it at most grocery and drug stores 😀

[@CynthiaBrooke96]

I love my cup, and I also love my period underwear! They both work great, and I use them together, I love having that extra barrier, I always hated liners/pads. But the underwear just feel like underwear, and they’re great, and I love the cup!

[@kerryf9796]

Yes to these things except the socks (great idea though). I DID invest in Bombas socks though. They are the only ones that don't get stretched out and become like disposable socks. Also, I don't have air pods because I don't take on my phone that much. The cast iron is a definite YES. It's my most used piece of cookware. So are the glass food storage containers. WAY better than the plastic. Yes to the water filter. My husband installed a whole house one. Another yes.... I invested in a Ninja coffee maker. My coffee tastes WAY better than any coffee house. I can make regular, lattes and iced varieties all at about 25 cents per cup.

[@grannyprepper1181]

I use a Berkey water filter. I did the “all one sock thing” for decades.

[@cj222100]

I agree about the sear on the cast iron pans, I feel like a regular pan just doesn't get hot enough. Mine came with a pan like yours, & also a shallow pan of the same diameter, so you can also put the shallow pan on top to make a Dutch oven. It's really very versatile.

[@danethompson85]

I have literally made almost every single swap you have. Mostly in the last 5 years. People tell me I'm weird, for doing these things. After this video I feel just a little less weird.

[@ΕλένηΠλωμαρίτου]

I hope we have part 2!! 👍🇬🇷

[@IonelaCh]

i've had a water filter for years. best investment ever!

[@angier2289]

I use a modified all the same socks approach - same brand and style of white no-see socks for runners and same brand and style grey big girl socks for my boots.

[@autobotdiva9268]

Cast iron pan ✔ a lot of people dont know how to cook/clean/keep these. i grew up in the south, nothing new for me 2. Glass storage containers ✔ anchor is a great upfront high cost solution....typically on sale during christmas at macys. hate socks, but we need them, i get grey

[@lw9908]

I use a Keurig machine. But I do NOT use those pods. I have a reusable pod filter so I can use fresh ground coffee. Reusable pod filters are game changers!

[@EsmeraldaWolfsbane7777]

I still struggle with buying things but I have come a long way and Im glad I'm learning more about this important subject this is the first time in my life I have addressed the spending it was like a dark cloud ☁️ hanging over my head, one day I will master the art of savings & spending.

[@sanniskett]

i guess i love you so because living in the bush in alaska ....working on commercial fishing boats and logging camps and working with alaskan natives all these things are no brainers...even living through 3 major hurricanes over 20 years i have 5 gallon tupperwares with core basics..cast iron always kerig NEVER i can make coffee on a woodfire...water was out of a stream BUT the water thing i found your info useful BUT IT TAKES ELECTRICITY...i have a KATADYN water filter for desprite emergencies...owning land and shelter is really key and you got that down..even if you switch out it will always make money

[@FreyjaHighUpNorse]

I use my Keurig mini, but ... I bought a stainless steel reusable K-cup and now use the fresh ground coffee of my choice. Tada! ❤❤✌️

[@MartinisnOlives]

LOVE that chandelier! 🙌🏻

[@sharonstanley259]

Sunda funday with Nicole. I’m such a fan. Yes to cast iron, and I’ve always been so glad I don’t like coffee. Now to switch to all glass…😊

[@cathyb3790]

I totally Agree on the cast iron , I have a regular size one and a small one ,, I leave mine on the stove top so no lunging in and out of cabinets ,,, ,,,,😊

[@marksule0]

Oh wow that new chandelier is AWESOME!

[@artfuldodger7838]

I was a live-in for a woman in her last months. When she passed away, the family was trashing everything. They told me help myself. I grabbed the cast iron. Daughter who was my age said they were as old as she is. I told her cast iron can be handed down over generations. If she's not taking them, I am.

[@TheLindemans]

I agree with the cast iron❤ it can be pass on its a best buy for kitchen stuff

[@janecopeland2306]

I used to do that sock thing when my boys were young. I would buy 4 or 5 dozen of the same white sports socks and then just throw them into a basket between the two rooms and they could grab any two socks and be matching. Currently, all my sports socks are interchangeable, but I do like different trouser socks and don't mind matching. I have a small cast iron skillet -- a 6" -- and until this video, I totally forgot I have it! I will pull it out and use it tonight to cook my meal. Your discussion of coffee can also be applied to tea. I do drink some off-the-shelf tea bags, but there is no comparison to a good, fresh, loose-leaf tea.

[@keziahthomas2526]

There's another benefit to glass containers; salad and other food keeps in the fridge better if it's stored in a glass container rather than plastic

[@jennycobb6912]

Aaaah I was the same about the ear phones, until my partner bought me some, won’t go back now!

[@finestgrowth]

I like Pyrex containers as they're durable and last for years. This year I will buy and try a Cast Iron Pan.

[@Gary65437]

I do the same sock thing as you except use all white socks. I got some black thermal shirts and long undies for winter and I hate that they're covered in a mess of white lint after washing and drying with a flannel sheet. Very much agree with the cast iron and a faucet water filter with carbon in it.

[@cathyraniceto]

Stainless steel percolator and organic coffee! Yum!

[@pugscaniche7866]

I just did that today, using glass jars for all my dry food like rice, pasta etc 😋 for the pan, I need to find them 😐, for the water I need to look into it as the Spanish tap water is a no go...

[@sandradowd6732]

I buy the same black socks as you, so much easyier and less time wasted trying to match them.I have 1 anchor bowel that I love, definitely going to invest in more and get rid of plastic containers, they don't wash up good at all.Great video.

[@AMBELLINA77]

This is all really good advice. As a reseller of many used goods, a good piece of cast iron and anchor hocking products retain value and can even increase in value. I am going to look into those water purifiers for my kids who live in town and have city water. I have a well and love the taste of my water. Apple air pods have changed my life. I found a pair or I wouldn't have any. I get so much done with them, they sound amazing, and far outpace the 10 dollar bargain Bluetooth earphones I was buying. I'm sad about the future money I will definitely spend when they need replacing. But I'm keeping my keurig. Lol. It keeps me from drinking a whole pot of coffee. One thing I got that I highly suggest for the coffee lover is a milk frothing appliance. About 50 bucks. That's a few Starbucks trips. It is nearly instant, easy clean, no waiting for steam, and converts a plain cup of joe into fancy coffee. I got my whole coffee apparatus for Christmas and wouldn't have spent the money myself, but now I love my daily coffee time so much I will replace these if needed.

[@josephineb575]

I love your Sunday videos ☺️ you always knock sense into me haha 😂

[@gregmc1270]

Highly recommend the Aeropress!

[@ArtistFormallyKnownasMC]

My brother is an electrician and we call them booby lights as well. 😂😂

[@AccordingtoNicole]

I think it’s a universally accepted term at this point 😂

[@andreabellini6796]

When I found out most ground coffee contains a high amount of cockroaches in it I immediately bought a grinder and now I buy whole bean coffee. I do have a Keirug but I buy the reusable, washable pod things. And thanks for reminding me to go get a cast iron skillet today. Thanks Nicole

[@AccordingtoNicole]

Cockroaches???? 😳😳😳😳

[@andreabellini6796]

@@AccordingtoNicole google it. I’ll never be the same. It’s horrific

[@AWordofHope]

Yikes 😮 I didnt know that

[@spilledsoju03]

Didn't they find that scientists who worked with cockroaches developed allergies to cockroaches and pre ground coffee at the same time

[@pennynickels5216]

Um, cockroaches? Yuk. Glad I'm drinking tea these days

[@susanjaneleitner7670]

Great tips! Happy Sunday! ❤️

[@esterdrass4964]

I agree. I buy cast iron cookware from thrift stores. They last and Teflon doesn't, nor is it really an nonstick, plus they are just weak, and I only learned of their health concerns very recently. I do own and use a Keurig everyday BUT, I use instant coffee and not the k-cups. Just a note, Trader Joes makes a really really really good instant coffee. It tastes like fresh brewed. I don't use a water filtration system (and rarely buy bottled water) BUT, I am seriously going to look into the system that sponsored this video. There are so many out there, its impossible to know.

[@geoffreydarwentartconnexu]

I love your all around practical advice videos. Merci!

[@zenone7575]

I love the simplicity of your suggestions, addicted to your videos 🤗

[@margueritelahaye7457]

I do use a Keurig coffee maker, but I refuse to buy those disposable coffee pods. Instead, I fill a few reusable Keurig-size baskets with freshly ground coffee and put them in the machine. A package of four baskets is available at Walmart for about $5 CAD. They can be washed, rinsed and reused indefinitely, as long as the lids don't fall off and get lost..

[@juliasartchannel4577]

Yes! Bluetooth earphones is my highlight of the year! Excited and more🎉 freedom. What I do appreciate

[@emmasprout]

Are wireless ok for your health? Bluetooth zapping through.. I'm unsure. I love the video. Cast iron next purchase. But no to wireless for mex

[@rebecamenezes161]

Earphone bluetooth is awsome, realy a pratical thing. Well, I am a Very colorfull person, so I love mix color and Textures, I have a por of colorfull socks...🤓🥰

[@avie3937]

Great points! I now crave a skillet cookie even though I don't have a skillet 💔 although I'm now considering getting one, sharing it with my roomates, and getting rid of our pans. Thank you! Also, I use silicone bags instead of zip lock bags and they're wonderful.

[@rochelle7901]

I retired from the Dept of Water here on Maui. The taste of chlorine in your tap water tells me that your water source is from surface water. Basically, rain and river water that is captured from ditches that lead to a reservoir. As a result chlorine or chloramine are added, for disinfection. Soda ash and lime minerals are also added to account for the proper ph level. Putting a pitcher of your water and letting it sit overnight will allow the above elements to gas off. But I'm like you we use a filter for our drinking water too. It just tastes better.

[@AccordingtoNicole]

Yes! You’re bang on. I hate it.

[@ny2phillyholloway592]

Great practical advise which is the best kind. I use cast Iron and stainless steel. Switched to glass a while ago. Try to buy food not wrapped in plastic (Sometimes hard to do) If I do I reuse plastic for trash. Make my own coffee using a Greca or Moka. Have been saving and about to buy my first Berkey..💖

[@Hamthebasset]

Skillet cookie???

[@cyclingonplants7444]

Hi Nicole 🤗 Yay for cast iron - I love my pan. I'm intrigued by that water filtration system - we have yucky chlorine pool water here as well. I have a Keurig type of machine(Cuisinart) but I have a reusable pod that I use and put my own fresh Itallian espresso coffee in there. tastes awesome. I find the pods, like you said, are stale and they don't have enough coffee - usually only 4g and for a decent cup you need about 7 g in my opinion. I like the sock hack - I'm into it and will transition over for sure. I would like to see how you make a skillet cookie please 🥰 Thanks Nicole.

[@AccordingtoNicole]

The water filter is awesome. I’ve had subpar results from a Brita and even worse from the filter in my fridge door, but the SimPure is a beast.

[@moniousova]

I thought aboout you today in IKEA, when I found out they do have this cast iron pan as well. I think it really could be used to bludgeon somebody to death, and for a second I seriously considered just swinging it around me a little bit, to gain my personal space back 🤣🤣

[@doctork1708]

✅ cast iron cookware (had for decades - large skillet, flat and Dutch oven), sold all too heavy at my age and a widow only cooking for myself. Replaced with cast iron small skillet and small ceramic covered Dutch oven. ✅ I have had under sink water filtration in every house I have ever owned. Now renting (LOVE, LOVE, LOVE renting) have portable countertop water filtration. ✅Pyrex glass containers, mixing bowls, baking containers for decades ✅Had plain black sock for work only. Fun, colored socks for everyday because I was willing to wear two different socks.😂 ✅Stopped drinking coffee ~50 years ago. Coffe grinder for spices and herbs. Had stovetop tea kettle for years, replaced it a few years ago with electric. ✅small wireless speakers for my phone. Ear buds are uncomfortable and don’t want to damage my hearing anymore than I already have with decades of rock music.😂

[@CheriseSays]

Can’t believe I didn’t think of the sock hack earlier - thanks Nicole !

[@stevef4010]

Definitely glass containers and cast Iron cookware. My cheap wireless pods have short battery life. Don't use much. I do need a water filtration system. Keep putting that off.

[@cherylsimmons4540]

Check out Rapunzel’s frying pan weapon in Disney’s Tangled! Like the word ‘intentionality’ and another word I heard from A Small Wardrobe ‘enoughness’. BTW, Toronto water is one of the best in the world.

[@ayrairl]

I gotta get in on the cast iron train. Thanks, Nicole!

[@AccordingtoNicole]

You won’t regret it!

[@eleanorbertuch135]

Always so enjoy your program. Thank you😀