Days in My Life: Try Out Our New Button Maker | $40 Thrifting Challenge

[@alissawins]

Shark vacuums are the actual best.

[@the.ellemars]

They really are quite good! They seem to be the more affordable version of Dyson products…although I’ve never had a Dyson to know 😂

[@theyarngoeson]

As always, such a great vlog! Love your kitties, so adorable!

[@the.ellemars]

Thank you so much! Yes, they’re pretty sweet 🐈🥰

[@sallylunamoth5542]

Thank You Erin... Have you tried the Vacuum Bags for clothes storage? They are brilliant I use them to store each Seasons clothing, I buy the XL ones & fill them full, they shrink down to an eighth of the original size, Stack the whole lot in Top of one cupboard. I also pop in a tumble dry sheet so that when you re-open them months later they smell nice & fresh. Hope this helps 🤗

[@the.ellemars]

Thank you for that reminder! Oh my goodness! I used them when we moved, but many of them broke apart so I don’t have them anymore, but that may work well for this! Thank you!

[@Lifeinthewyldewest]

I’m a bit behind in watching! Same Erin! With my consistency and time spent here on YT I deleted my IG and FB off my phone back in June. All my energy is here! I can’t imagine getting to your point and getting as many comments as you! I love the shirt you got and there were wicker trunks at one of those stores and I was quite loving them. Also the picture you got is pretty. I would love a new vacuum! I watched the first part of this video days ago and here today to finish it. You are still one of my favs so I try my best to make time to get my Erin time in😂 Your kitties are the sweetest. They were blinking at you and saying their I love you’s!!

[@the.ellemars]

Totally! After seeing FB and IGs behaviour this last week is making me want to delete my accounts entirely, to be honest. There are so many treasures at this one all the time! They were lovely trunks. Thank you for being one of my biggest fans ❤️ Yes, my aunt always called the slow blink in cats “love eyes”.

[@janettesquires]

Your fur babies are so sweet! Beautiful video! 🤗

[@the.ellemars]

They are quite sweet. These two kitties have a great love affair 😊

[@pamcampbell7743]

❤ Loved the real feelings about January. It is a weird time of year for me, too. Less sunshine and cold weather contribute to it for me. I am off my reading mojo. I read the Eleanore book, and it was good. I enjoy historical fiction. Kristin Hannah, Pam Jenoff, and Kristin Harmel do it well!

[@the.ellemars]

January is so hard. I’ve had so many Kristin Hannah suggestions, but will have to look at the others you mention! Thank you ❤️

[@tassywhitt]

Great vlog! The button maker was really neat. Thanks for showing us how it works. I think my grandson would like one of those. Your thrifting skills are outstanding and your cats are delightful! Have a great weekend 🐈

[@the.ellemars]

Thank you! It’s really quite satisfying. These two kitties have quite the love affair 😊 I hope you have the best weekend❤️

[@SarahSur]

Hi Erin. What about if you re-read your favourite book to kickstart the momentum?? Could that work? January has always felt like the longest month of the year to me. That goose head shot made me laugh. I definitely need to get a new hoover too, my husband did the hoovering yesterday & said he had to pick it up still on & turn it off over the bin, so that everything wouldn't come back out again 😄, oh dear! Have a beautiful weekend. ❤️

[@the.ellemars]

Haha! That little goose decal brings me a lot of joy. It was originally meant for the car, but this makes me happier 😉. I’m so happy about my new vacuum 😂

[@freckledcrafts86]

Have you watched All Creatures Great and Small? That's our cozy show and they just started a new season. Not sure where it's streaming or available, check your library! Perfect winter cozy show

[@freckledcrafts86]

Also an idea what about a read along between you and your partner? We're trying that in the new year as a way to connect in a low screen way

[@the.ellemars]

We have watched it…twice! And I have also read a good bit of the books too. Absolute perfection! Not sure we want to pay for another streaming service to watch it just now though. Home Fires is another great one, but it was cancelled on a huge cliff hanger 🫠

[@the.ellemars]

Do you mean read the same book at the same time? Or an audio book? Yes, we’ve thought of that, but we have very different tastes in books as well as television shows 😏

[@thiscozyspace]

That's a good recommendation!

[@jeanetteharris2155]

Rummikub...my husband and I play this game every night! Great bonding time❤ This is not a video game. Just an “old fashioned” game. Continued success with your channel! I absolutely love it 🥰

[@the.ellemars]

I know the game you mean, but I’ve never played it! We go through phases with games like that often though! Quirkle is a fave. So is Dutch Blitz! Thank you for the recommendation! I think we will give it a try!

[@jeanetteharris2155]

@@the.ellemars I’m going to have to check those out. I’ve never heard of Quirkle, or Dutch Blitz. Thank you!!🥰

[@thiscozyspace]

LOVE Rummikub! It's one of those games you can play over and over and never get tired of it. Have you looked up the history of it? Very interesting!

[@7yearslater]

I love Everand! You can't read everand books on a regular Kindle. You can only use it on your phone or a tablet.

[@the.ellemars]

I’m actually looking at a Kobo and Kobo unlimited (cheaper than audible for both audio and e books) now because they also work with our library apps in Canada!

[@7yearslater]

@the.ellemars fantastic!

[@carolyndaughton3373]

Glad you found some good reads. Eleanor Oliphant is an amazing story. I preferred the audio, over the book. The narrator's voice was excellent and I think it was easier for me to absorb than reading it. I love the free library audios through the Libby App. Thanks for another fun video. The button maker is fun and I'm happy you got a new vacuum :)

[@the.ellemars]

Maybe I will see if there is an audio available on Libby! I’ve heard that is a super immersive way to read with the book and audio together ❤️…just finally exploring Libby now 😬. Thank you for watching

[@carolyndaughton3373]

@@the.ellemars Yes, do it! They've done some studies showing that audio books help people grasp a better understanding of word pronunciation, as well as receiving it differently in your brain, thereby using different parts of the brain. Also, by the end of the day, my eyes get tired so I lay down to take a little rest and set the timer on Libby to either end of chapter or 30 minutes, and just escape to my audio world. I hope you enjoy it.

[@the.ellemars]

I love all of that! Perfect ❤️

[@Lfcklopp]

Such a heartwarming vlog and just to listen was beautiful and gorgeous, amazing work. No baking today no so unfortunately no saving food for me hahaha ❤

[@the.ellemars]

Haha! No leftovers today, but hopefully next week 😉

[@Lfcklopp]

@the.ellemars 🤞 I should come over and try some hahaha ❤️

[@debraburgess2764]

Our library can do audiobooks, ebooks., and games. Don't know if can go to computer or just to kindles. My utube is free but yes get ads but prefer free. I don't have any cable or streaming. Use my phone for utube and get movies from library to watch. We also have tons of free book boxes in our neighborhoods. So it all helps with the budget. Alot of the thrift stores i used to go to regularly have closed so don't go as often which is also good for budget and amt of stuff but still like occassion ly.

[@the.ellemars]

Our library system doesn’t work with Kindles, but they do work with Kobo’s so I’m looking into Libby and a kobo now! I love that they also have magazines because I love magazines, but they’re so expensive now! We watch a lot of KZbin so I enjoy the premium version. If it were up to me, I’d only have that. That’s surprising that they’ve closed! I feel like everyone thrifts these days. It hasn’t always been so popular.

[@Loriann-w7u]

Have you heard of Libby? You borrow audio or digital books. You can link your phone and tablet so you always have something handy. I don’t own a kindle either.

[@the.ellemars]

Yes! I have downloaded the app and looking at it a lot recently. Sadly many books that I want are “several months” wait or 6-20 weeks…but I do love that I can get so many magazines on there without issue!

[@7yearslater]

Thrillers help me get out of a slump.😊

[@the.ellemars]

I’ve started a murder mystery and they seem to do the trick for me too!

[@7yearslater]

@the.ellemars mysteries are my favorite!

[@the.ellemars]

@@7yearslater especially cozy ones, but yes! I grew up reading them so they always get me turning the pages again ❤️

[@CDN1975]

I used to collect hard covered Nancy Drew books (and read them all) in the hope my daughter would read them too. Nope! Ended up giving them away free on Kijiji. Sigh. Your thrift stores look like treasure troves. I am west of Barrie, and none of our thrift stores look as good. The buttons you made were so pretty. Looks like a fun hobby.

[@the.ellemars]

Awe! Well hopefully they went to a good home and made someone very happy. Our shops are pretty good and reasonably priced for the most part! We are lucky. It’s very satisfying to make the buttons, I must say!

[@lennybloem236]

The cats in the end did it for me❤

[@the.ellemars]

Ha! There are endless scenes like that around the house all day long ❤️

[@allisonedwards628]

I started volunteering in a 'charity shop' yesterday (something to do while waiting to start work) I ended up buying two dresses...it struck me as funny that not only was I working for nothing, but I was also paying for the privilege 🤣

[@the.ellemars]

Ha! I’ve often thought about that too! I would be financially ruined if I volunteered or worked at a thrift shop 😂

[@conniereeves9936]

I love your honesty, you have a great channel ❤

[@the.ellemars]

Awe! Thank you ❤️

[@kellieliacopoulos8005]

Good morning, Erin! I am new to your channel, and oh my goodness!! You are darling, and sweet and so REAL!! And can we please talk about how gorgeous you are?!! I want your hair, haha!!! I homeschool as well, so I so appreciate your history with that way of educating! I am looking forward to catching up on past videos and getting to know you in future ones!! Have a great week! :)

[@the.ellemars]

Awe! Thank you so much! I love that you’re here! That’s so fun! What ages are your kids? I remember finding it so comforting hearing from others in the homeschool world, especially from the “other side” of it when my kids were little littles! Thank you for being here and for taking the time to write ❤️

[@carriem1183]

Hello, new subscriber here and I’ve also been binging your conte.😁 I love the games Azul or Splendor for a cozy nighttime game. Also, have you read Ishiguru’s “The Remains of the Day”? It’s a great one and gives me a bit of Downton vibes.

[@the.ellemars]

Welcome! I’m so glad you’re here! I feel like I’ve heard of those games, but I don’t think I’ve played them! Also, thank you for the book suggestion! I will check it out for sure ❤️

[@cocktailhouratthecoop5454]

We have a button maker and always out the back in the wrong direction!

[@the.ellemars]

Ha! Yeah, it’s easy to mess up!

[@cocktailhouratthecoop5454]

Have you read North Woods? I just read it and it was amazing.

[@the.ellemars]

I have not! I will have to look into it!

[@choosingsimplicity]

Aw this was so cozy!! Love your thrift finds! I’m going thrifting this weekend! Thanks for the cozy winter wonderland vibes.

[@the.ellemars]

Thank you! I hope the thrift gods are with you this weekend! Fingers crossed for you ❤️

[@Natou18]

That kitty cuddle sesh was the best. I am going through withdrawal from your vlogmas as well, miss seeing you daily from my few minutes of cozy.

[@the.ellemars]

They’re pretty sweet. Awe! Vlogmas was pretty fun! I’m so glad you enjoyed it. I often feel we need a January version of Vlogmas…I’ve thought of making one called “vlogmys” “The word “mys” is a Swedish term that roughly translates to “coziness” or “a cozy, pleasant atmosphere.” It often refers to the act of creating or enjoying a warm, comfortable, and relaxing environment, often with loved ones, good food, or comforting activities.” Not sure if it would take off though 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@Natou18]

@ Absolutely love this idea, so creative, I am sure that it would catch on.

[@the.ellemars]

@ I will have to do some planning and see if I can make it happen next year!

[@HomeWithJay]

❤❤❤❤I noticed the hai right away and I love it! Tyfs

[@the.ellemars]

Thank you! I think I like it 😉❤️

[@kimcunningham2107]

I haven't had much luck thrifting UNTIL TODAY! Today's my birthday and my daughter and son in law brought me to do some thrifting in the glorious state of Maine and we found GREAT stuff all for $1.00!!! Magical day! 🥰💝🥳💖💕

[@the.ellemars]

Oh wow! What a dreamy way to spend a birthday! I hope you enjoy the rest of it ❤️

[@Suzannejrobinson]

Great video, as always. The trift store is looking good, I may be able to actually do some looking in there, I mentioned I die when I walk in there in a previous post, but now it looks better and more organized Lol. I bought a book the other day at the library. It's always fun to look there. Thanks for posting. Love your channel. Glad you are moving forward with your own business. Congratulations . 🎉

[@the.ellemars]

Thank you! I wasn’t sure when they started, but it’s coming together nicely. The kids area is where it was years ago and much cozier now with the bookshelves. Thank you for always watching ❤️

[@therealmysticmoon]

Hi Erin How in the world do you cut the back of your own hair?! I love thrifting, went yesterday and found a few goodies; Vinyl albums, books, and handmade pottery 😊

[@the.ellemars]

Haha! A little haphazardly 😏😂 Oh that’s so fun! You just never know what treasures await!

[@thiscozyspace]

Glad you found a book you're pumped to start! Reading slumps man, no fun. Also that picture you scored, LOVE It! You're finding some gems all while staying in your budget. Have you watched The Gilded Age? Season three is coming out this year. Has similar vibes to Downtown Abbey but it's on HBO Max, not sure if that was one of the streaming services you have. If you do, it's a good watch. My husband and I just finished Black Doves on Netflix......totally nothing, not even in the slightest like Downtown Abbey so warning but it was sooooo stinking good. Not for those who are sensitive to content. It's a spy show with Keira Knightley. We both really enjoyed it. It's currently getting 94% on Rotten Tomatoes buuuuut again, content warning.

[@the.ellemars]

I’m still struggling. Too picky for my own good 🫠. I think we tried it, but we don’t have the streaming service anymore…I feel like it was on Crave for us? I’m betting my husband would like that show! I really have to work myself up to watch dark shows though. Thank you so much ❤️

[@thiscozyspace]

@@the.ellemars Bummer, so the new book was a flop? This was me last year. I thought I was broken as a reader. We had a rough year and I was mentally zonked. I had nothing extra to give, even to my beloved books. The hard part is that reading is like natural medicine for my anxiety so I could feel that I REALLLLLLLLY needed to get back into a reading rhythm. I figured I would try something new so I picked up a few thrillers and romance. I've been a reader for longer than I can remember and thrillers are very rinse and repeat to me. Romance typically doesn't have enough substance for me but gosh darn it I tried and they fixed me! I recently shared a my favorite books of the year and what a different reading year I had. I was trying all sorts of different genres. Have you read Bless Your Heart by Lindy Ryan? It's hilarious, creative story line, has good pacing, elements of family, and a bit of magic thrown into the mix. It was one of my faves. Okay in other random news have you heard of Creator Mix? I just found them and am messing around with their site a bit. I know you were thinking on music stuff for your videos and recently left Epidemic (I use them too). Gosh I'm over here priviting (making that a word) a lot of my old content due to claims which is a bummer so I started digging around to see what else was out there. From what I'm seeing Music Mix is 100% free and they have a license you can download so if anything ever gets flagged you can dispute with their license and have the claim removed. They don't have a huge library but a decent one. I was able to find some chill stuff to use.

[@linda11640]

oh adulting, when we are excited about a vaccuum cleaner.

[@the.ellemars]

Good times, good times 😂😏🫠

[@karenricketson2496]

What are the names of your kitties?

[@the.ellemars]

The two featured at the end are Smitty and Murphy ❤️😊

[@lindacarey7578]

Have you watched All Creatures Great and Small. The 2nd version?

[@the.ellemars]

I have! Twice 😉. I love it. Home Fires was also really good!

[@SabrinasCorsoCrochet]

For call of duty, you may be able to set up private games that you can split screen and play with bots. Depends on what one you have, though. I'm not sure the newer ones have that option, but I'm cod 2 girl and haven't really played much since then. I'm very resistant to change 😅

[@the.ellemars]

I don’t play much…and more of the older Xbox games so it’s not that important to me and I find it does amp me up a little so maybe not the best option anyway 😂. Thank you though!

[@ruthcomfort4735]

You should make buttons for sale, I’ll buy one. Just postage sucks to USA

[@the.ellemars]

Eventually we’d love to have a Patreon Community and have Clementine creating monthly stickers and postcards (and maybe even some buttons!)…but yes, Canada Post just upped their prices again after being on strike for the month of December 🫠🥴

[@mollieanne]

oh wow, I think I want to get that book series too. I think I will wait until you let us know how you like it first though and your review on it. I am reading a really dark book now that is beautifully written, but getting too depressing and dark so may have to stop reading. It is called Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks a novel about the plague (yeah heavy.) For a really well written book that is fiction and also just magical I would suggest you read Harry's Trees by John Cohen, it is so good! Good like Midnight Library good.

[@the.ellemars]

I am seriously on the struggle bus with the reading so don’t hold your breath 😂🫠! Ugh. Yeah, that does sound heavy. I’m not a huge fan of heavy or sad stories, but the easy breezy, hallmarkesque once aren’t it either…I’m so picky! Thank you for another suggestion ❤️

[@mollieanne]

@@the.ellemars I am picky too. I really think that you would love Harry's Trees. It is fun like a modern fairytale, but not hallmarky.

[@Loriann-w7u]

I am curious also. I love trilogies. I t also like to get immersed in a story. p.s. you are not alone on any of the struggle buses, reading, SAD, anxiety, self-doubt, saving, etc.

[@Loriann-w7u]

Pps I also found free audio books on KZbin!

[@agnesskibicka]

​@@Loriann-w7uHi from Eastern Europe 😊 and my lifestyle and rural vlogs 🐕🐓😊! Welcome

[@enjoyyournextchapter]

Found your channel this week and have been binging during stolen moments of down time. Love that you are local to me, Ontario that is LOL. Yes to Owl and Pen! Have to ask - have you tried El Pueblito down the street? Or afternoon tea at The Blue Willow in Gravenhurst? Either would be a great option for a date day celebration (b-day, anniversary...). Both options can add up but for a special occasion they are great places. Have to laugh over the breaking vacuums, I can totally relate having had 2 Goldens for 13 years. Now we have a doodle. Love the diverse range in vinyl records you showcase in some of your older videos. Have you checked out Alley Cats in Orilla? A bit pricey but if you dig you can find some deals. BTW you didn't cut too much off, your hair looks great! My husband and I don't always enjoy the same shows but there are some we really enjoy together like Downtown Abbey. Have you seen Lark Rise to Candleford? If not give it a try if you find it anywhere. Netflix has a show called Empress which you might want to check out, and a quirky show called Darryl that takes place in a seniors/nursing home. It's very heartwarming. Sad and uplifting at the same time.

[@the.ellemars]

Oh wow! This is a lot of info in one comment! I’m here for it 😂😉👌🏼. I JUST heard about the Blue Willow and I’ve already requested to go for my birthday in June! We have a doodle as well, but our big guy sheds so much! It’s nuts. I haven’t explored Orillia much at all, but we’ve been talking about going there instead of Peterborough sometimes. Thank you for all the recommendations! I will check them out for sure! I’m so glad you’re here!

[@enjoyyournextchapter]

Two more shows that just popped into my head, The Durells of Corfu, and Hotel Portofino. And I misremembered the Seniors Home show it's Derek not Darryl. The Blue Willow is great, they change their tea menus throughout the year. We love their fall tea the most. Also a great way to find books that are a good fit for you, is to follow Librarian Nancy Pearl's guidelines where she encourages you to think about what is most important to you as a reader. 1. Story 2. Character 3. Setting or 4. Language. Once you know what your top 2 criteria are, it becomes easier to find a good fit. There are so many enthusiastic recommendations & reviews for books out there, but this approach helps to weed out the books that won't be as good a fit. You might already know of Nancy Pearl, but thought I would share her name in case you haven't heard of her.

[@the.ellemars]

Yes! We loved the show Derek! So sweet. I haven’t heard of Librarian Nancy, but I will definitely look her up now! Thank you for the suggestion ❤️

[@cindymoore9380]

❤

[@the.ellemars]

🥰

[@mimiwhite5762]

👍👍❤️

[@the.ellemars]

Thank you for watching!

[@vamosrafa6]

You should try selling some of your clothing or take to a consignment store - more money for thrifting!!! “Girl math” at its finest lol

[@the.ellemars]

I have tried that before on Poshmark, but it was so tedious and I never managed to make a sale 😬…great idea in theory though! Thank you 😊

[@7yearslater]

Erin is my daughters middle name:)

[@the.ellemars]

Oh wow! That’s fun 😊

[@vickieanne1954]

The Hobbit. And Lord of the Rings. Read them. 😊

[@the.ellemars]

I listened to the hobbit on audio a few years ago and really enjoyed it! I would definitely like to try the rest of the books too!