30 THINGS I NO LONGER BUY | Minimalism

[@MirijamGensthaler]

That lady who gave you flowers after cleaning up your sons disaster is reallllyyyy unreal wooow soooo generous

[@margaretmatheny]

Right? I was floored. I mean, I learned from her example, that's the greatest part. Just the way she handled it, I want to make someone feel that way too after a hard situation.

[@johnandkitty]

Made me cry...grace, on display.

[@ritabutler1951]

I have weeded out a ton. I purged my closet. However, this summer I have been buying 3 beautiful roses at the farmers market. They pretty much make the week. I think because the rest of my space is pretty minimal, those flowers stand out and I love them so much.

[@simply_abby]

This made me feel better about not trying to keep up with everyone on social media! I definitely still have things I'm unnecessarily holding onto, but I have really worked on being intentional on what I buy and what I keep when I declutter. It's definitely a process!

[@margaretmatheny]

That warms my heart! I know that battle well and I'm so glad this video gave you a touch a relief from it.

[@taylor3196_]

Thank you for not having long winded conversations about each topic. You were short and sweet and straight to the point which I loved!

[@margaretmatheny]

Oh yes, of course. Thanks for this feedback!

[@Sarah-fs6li]

Yes!! Love the dish soap hack! I just learned this myself a few weeks ago, the dish soap we buy is literally just superrr concentrated soap!!

[@margaretmatheny]

Haha, yes!! I honestly don't know why it took me so long to figure it out 😂

[@ericawhitfield9289]

I’m with you on lots of these, but yes to the homeschool supplies. I’m into my 5th year teaching two boys. We buy only our curriculum and what comes with it automatically. I keep it in a bin I already have. We don’t supplement with extra curriculum or anything. Even if a kid did need extra time or help on something, I’d just go over the lessons again or format it for them in a different way. I don’t need to buy something. So far we’ve not really needed any typical school supplies either, except a glue stick, but it lasts forever. There’s room to write in our books, so I don’t need to even buy paper. My kids have been using the same pencil for a long time. The only thing I’ve bought them in 3 years is an eraser topper because those do wear out before the pencil does. We do school at the kitchen table or anywhere else in the house that we desire that day. I have to keep a few papers together for NC requirements, but I already a little folder and just stuck them in there. You don’t need the things for your kids to learn! You don’t have to set up a pseudo classroom for your kids to have a good experience. We homeschool for a reason!

[@MoonPhaze5]

That's great that you work out to keep up with your boys, and that you do it for them, but always keep your husband first. Your kids will thank you when they're older. 🙏

[@margaretmatheny]

I promise, he does come first. He’s the best!! I just don’t talk about him often, don’t feel the need to ♥️ but he’s very important to all of us!

[@Susieque963]

I just wanted to mention that if you really want to workout the YMCA is an incredible resource. They have a family membership that includes 2 hours of child watch from 6 weeks to 12 (at 13 they’re allowed to workout with you). I missed weightlifting and cardio so bad so once I found the YMCA it was life changing. My kids love it, too. They ask to go, so it’s motivation for me to move my body even when I might not feel like it! That two hours to just focus on my workout is so transformative for me 🥹 They have some really good classes too. All included in the membership!

[@marilynm.680]

Thanks!

[@EnochnKale]

Disagree with the bras and undies. I own a good amount esp for the summer time, I change often and after workouts. Having more helps me save from washing! That’s money saved

[@johnandkitty]

Yes, this!

[@margaretmatheny]

Ah, yes I see this! I have to do laundry every day with my kiddos so it's never been an issue for us!

[@EnochnKale]

@@margaretmatheny oh I get that. My boys are now 22&29 so I just wash my husbands and mine🙃. So yes this helps he and I tremendously, esp in the summer time ☺️. Less water, energy.

[@Jessie90ish]

lol I love you. Thanks for being my cozy place. My head is a mess today and I got to eat my cake and coffee with you and it helps so much. Love your flower story. That lady is a gem. Like you :)

[@HisHolyPromises]

Can I just say that Margaret gave me so much more peace in my life because anxiety and I are like best friends.. I decluttered my home and a year later I started having more anxiety in life situations so I started buying more and more and now I wanna declutter again esp clothes because it stresses me out and I regret buying it, they sit! Reminder to give away not throw away as much as you can

[@sezenkassap1536]

I love it when you say content beats the camera 😂 That's so true and you should be really proud of yourself. I love your quality of your video ❤

[@christinewelch8365]

8 months into training with trainwell. I love it. Feeling stronger and stronger. Love my trainer (yay Tina!!) and working out at home!

[@margaretmatheny]

Amazing!!

[@Shannon-v9e]

I can not thank you enough for the dishsoap hack!! I just went and put some in my spare foaming hand soap bottle that was empty sitting in the cupboard (side note - who even needs a spare hand soap bottle anyway!). Game changer! 🙌🏼

[@margaretmatheny]

Omg, yes you're welcome! It makes life so much easier doesn't it?!

[@cathydiamond6573]

Going to try it with Dawn. Ty​@margaretmatheny

[@saragoetze6204]

Trader Joe’s has the best people Ever. Hope your son is feeling better today ❤. Thank u for the video!

[@margaretmatheny]

Yes they do!!

[@jacquelinesafranek1525]

Would looooove to see how you are choosing to home school within your minimalist parameters ❤

[@queeniesongs]

Plants love a haircut! You are actually doing your plant a service by cutting and trimming -- plants hate getting long and leggy. They stay happy and bushy with trims. Often you can propagate plants from cuttings simply by stripping off the spent blooms or some of the leaves and sticking the stem in the ground (add a plastic cover or wire basket for a higher success rate). I have done this many times with roses.

[@HisHolyPromises]

I haven’t watched you in a while! Love the hair 😊

[@ashdegrateful]

Love your techniques. Those random folks with blowers drive me insane when I stay home. So I felt that moment, lol😂

[@amyding6990]

Im with you on nut butters girly. I hear you loud and clear despite what most ppl watching might think, theyre not a health food.

[@margaretmatheny]

YES. I didn't want to offend anyone - I definitely would have been offended a few years ago 😂 but I am firmly a no-go unless I'm just craving a little scoop of peanut butter(locally made at our fav farmers market). haha.

[@amyding6990]

@@margaretmatheny hahah i could tell you were holding back bc mainstream nutrition advice says grains & nuts are good and people are soo convinced. were following the same people on insta who talk about nutrition so i know you know whats actually good 😉

[@CBA-kc9rc]

You're such an amazing woman. Thank you so much for all you do. May you and your family be abundantly blessed.

[@dylananderin1998]

Love your videos!! I’ve always dreamt about making minimalism & motherhood videos as a sahm- or finding any side gig with my little that is. I’m curious to what your values are with homeschooling, and what subjects/ materials anything you are using to teach your children. I have so so many ideas for homeschooling saved from Facebook/Pinterest etc and she’s got years before we should start. I’m overwhelmed lol

[@lmagas-om9dp]

You are SOOO pretty! Love the dress you're wearing too, it really suits you!

[@margaretmatheny]

So kind of you to say, thank you!

[@UniquelyNeecee-ml8vd]

Wonderful video!! Thank you for your humor and light!

[@margaretmatheny]

Ah, thanks for these kind words!! So glad you're here!

[@tamiurquizo746]

My kids and I had pinworms this week, and it's been easy managing the house while we have them.

[@ggandara]

Sooo helpful! Which dishsoap and dishwasher soap do you use?

[@katelynshipman4575]

I needed to hear this today! ❤️ thank you!

[@margaretmatheny]

Warms my heart, so glad it resonated! Have a lovely day, Katelyn!

[@gemmakatiemarie]

Thanks Margaret, always providing wonderful ideas ❤

[@margaretmatheny]

Absolutely. Thanks for sharing this encouragement!

[@marybaker9401]

This was an awesome video margaret! Thank you so much

[@margaretmatheny]

So welcome, Mary! Thanks for the kind words!

[@peacewG]

You should buy that same woman flowers next time

[@margaretmatheny]

I should go back and find her!! Great idea.

[@peacewG]

@@margaretmatheny and call her manager and give the whole team an atta boy. That will help them all so much!

[@Mama.mindfully]

Can you link your wide toe tennis shoes please?? I wear my nikes and they hurt my feet!!!

[@TheMennomilist]

Very cool about bringing the things from outside inside. I loved your throw up flower story. I agree so much about water bottles!! Thank you! I buy bars of soap and have for over a decade now. It lasts longer and has no waste. I can't imagine bringing 32 pairs of shoes anywhere. . but I've never owned that many pairs ever. I am new here and really enjoyed your video. Thank you for taking the time to make it. It was a great list! You have a fun personality. Also welcome to the homeschooling world. It's definitely a learning and fun experience once you get the hang of it. Congratulations on your latest baby! I have a 14 month old! I also am a mom of three boys. Hooray mom of boys. I am not an app fan at all.

[@margaretmatheny]

Thanks for saying these kind things! I'm so glad you're here!!

[@margaretmatheny]

And haha, thank you. I'm so excited for this homeschooling adventure. I feel like I've unlocked a hidden portal to life!!

[@juliannepo]

My first video of yours, I really like your personality, thank you for sharing

[@Jodyco1]

Love your energy 😊❤

[@stephanieh.3402]

Allways love your videos and literally laughed out loud when you told the lawn guy to "zip it" 😂 so relatable 😅

[@margaretmatheny]

hahaha, thanks for laughing at my "dad" jokes

[@lianalin6004]

Definitely inspired ✨️ thank you 😊 keep sharing

[@margaretmatheny]

Thanks so much!! I'm so glad you're here!

[@unraveledmotherhood]

So in case anyone didn't know homeschool moms can get a teacher discount at Thrift Books!

[@leslieecklund749]

I love your videos!

[@qwertyqwert2772]

i love this

[@rachraves4734]

Okay I know this is a no buy video but where did you get your couch because we need one badly and I love the dark color with my little

[@DeliberateDays]

Hi Margaret! Thanks for the ideas. I’m definitely going to water down my dish soap now! ;) I’m wondering what software you use to edit your videos?

[@margaretmatheny]

Absolutely!! And I used final cut pro in the first 2 years, now I have an editor!

[@DeliberateDays]

@@margaretmatheny Thank you!:)

[@Dana-mb1hd]

Another great video Margaret your the best 🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷

[@stephgal]

Hey Margaret, as always nice content! Just a random question, what white liner do you use for your water line? Your make up is so beautiful. Thank you!

[@margaretmatheny]

It’s actually just my eye! I don’t use any white liner ♥️

[@stephgal]

@@margaretmatheny what!! 😭 you’re so blessed!! But thank you for answering! Please keep making content 🫶🏼

[@emilyblatz318]

Love love this video!! I’d love some tips on apartment living with boys. 🥰

[@margaretmatheny]

hahaha, not sure if I've got many of those!

[@myacelita]

Eating out is most of the time disappointing. And expensive. My husband is a good cook and my mother was, so I know about it. I don’t buy brass because I don’t like to used. I don’t buy books, not candles, vacations well planned, I don’t like beaches, and just for fun I got one close 1 hr.

[@Stefinasounds]

You are an amazing human 😄💚✌️

[@Claudia_K.]

I’m curious how and why you homeschool and if it’s doable in a minimal way. I’d love a video on that topic if you’re comfortable sharing! ✏️ In my country (Germany) it’s not really a thing (almost frowned upon, for the lack of understanding I guess) but I’m so intrigued by the whole concept.

[@margaretmatheny]

Ya know, I'm just starting but definitely focusing on my connection with my boys and MY desire to learn and teach. I feel that through that...plus prioritizing outside time, that's a good place to start. But I'm still new!! Will report back after our first semester and share all I'm learning!

[@Claudia_K.]

@@margaretmatheny That would be awesome, thanks Margaret! ☺️

[@LesAB3030]

I’m not in motherhood season and I always want jewelry that I don’t have to take off! lol easy peazy

[@margaretmatheny]

YES, like please give me something where I don't have to think about it.

[@jodypace6605]

I have heard so many stories like this from Trader Joe’s workers! They must train their employees to be allowed to give away flowers when needed.

[@JoyceMary89]

I agree 100% that the less clothes you have the less decisions you have to make and it makes your life easier. And I unconsciously practiced minimalism when I used to live in a tiny studio apartment with a tiny closet. I only had maybe one week and a half or maybe 2 weeks of clothes. But I’m from Puerto Rico… where we get huricanes every year…. As a matter of fact tomorrow at dawn we’ll be hit by a tropical storm…. On top of that we have the SHITIEST SHITIEST electrical system TO EVER EXIST and at the same time the most EXPENSIVE one because of corruption. And ALMOST EVERYDAY the electricity goes out… you can find yourself without electricity for 1 week LITERALLY out of nowhere… fun fact…when that happens, they like to blame iguanas, cats and trees… anyways… we also get hit ALMOST EVERY YEAR by water shortages when it doesnt rain enough… and if I continue I wont finish… 😵‍💫😵‍💫 I still love my beautiful Island though. So, we cant have only one week worth of clothes. We lived Hurricane Maria (I lived more hurricanes like George, but I was a kid) and lived washing BY HAND a week worth of clothing. We lived through water shortages where you have water every other day, or every two days, and on top of that we had to share the laundry days with our neighbors. We ACTUALLY live not having electricity for days like I mentioned before, so we decided to have almost a month worth of clothes without having to do laundry. Until we can save enough money to buy solar panels, we need that many clothes. But, whenever I see we havent worn something for months, I take it out and sell it or donate it.

[@margaretmatheny]

WOW. I'm so sorry!! You're so strong and amazing for dealing with that and choosing to keep on. Hang in there!

[@JoyceMary89]

@@margaretmatheny Thank you 😊 it is really a statement coming from such an inspiring and strong woman. We just go hit by said Tropical storm, and half of PR doesnt have electricity right now, including us. But we didnt duffer any damage, our families didnt suffer any damage either, the strays I feed are ok also, our house is perfect, and we have food and a job. So were perfect.

[@JacquelinePérez-m9g]

I enjoy your videos. They are interesting. Greetings from Panama😊😊

[@margaretmatheny]

Thanks so much!! I'm so glad you're here!

[@pamelaflickinger2160]

I really liked this video! May I ask where did you get your soap dispenser? I am planning to try to do this with my dish soap.

[@TXBucky96]

You can buy any brand of foaming soap and reuse the dispenser practically forever. It is not what is inside the foaming soap that makes it foam, it is the type of pumping mechanism inside the bottle. A friend gave me foaming soap from Bath & Body Works. I have reused that bottle in my kitchen for years.

[@pamelaflickinger2160]

@@TXBucky96 thank you

[@margaretmatheny]

I purchased one from whole foods(it had foaming dish wash in it) and just reuse it with my own dish soap+ water!

[@pamelaflickinger2160]

@@margaretmatheny thank you

[@abi21beck]

How do you handle guests? It's just my husband and I but sometimes my parents and siblings visit and stay with us and it becomes a whole thing to try and make sure they are comfortable. They are very easy and don't complain but I want to be hospitable

[@jaclynwilson7978]

Video question! This may seem random. What editing program do you use? And how do you manage storage space on your computer with all the video files? (I have videos I’d love to make, but I run into not having space for files. I use iMovie right now on a Mac laptop)

[@margaretmatheny]

I use Final Cut Pro and now have an editor! For storage: Lacie external hard drive. Lots of great KZbin videos on working the Lacie!

[@sanjacintoantoniodebexar2442]

Hi! Do you still own 32 shoes?! Do you have a vid on decluttering shoes? This is my weaknesssssss 🫣 & I could use some advice 🩷 thx!

[@margaretmatheny]

I was one of 6, lots of hand-me-downs and a hoarding mentality. That will get ya there, lol.

[@AutumnJorgensen-gi2io]

Id love to know more about how you started your channel :)

[@joykaralynw]

What brand of tennis shoes do you have? I have a wide toe box too and finding shoes that are wide enough in the toe is hard for me.

[@margaretmatheny]

They are newbalance! Yes, I feel you. I found these on Amazon and they've worked great. I also found Sorrel tennis shoes in the past that worked great too.

[@deborahschmitt143]

ASICS sneakers are known and recommended for their wide toe box. Only kind I ever buy anymore. Love them!

[@Bobby3OOO]

She's so cute. 100% would give flowers after cleaning up kiddo's chunks XD

[@christineg6123]

Why do you drink raw milk?

[@LesAB3030]

It’s much healthier and more nutrient dense than pasteurized grocery store dairy which is not great and very inflammatory

[@stephanienoble2926]

How do you learn to edit videos for KZbin without spending money?

[@margaretmatheny]

I have an amazing editor who can make my vision come to life! I edited them in the beginning and when I could afford her help, I outsourced!

[@anneard1674]

thanks

[@SouthernFrugalMama]

I would love help with KZbin. I have watched so many tutorials and did a couple of courses. I’m just not techy

[@margaretmatheny]

Oh yeah! Maybe I'll do a live or something to chat more about this! Or even a video!

[@thedavishaus]

Random: is your dress from Daughters of India?? If so, I was wondering if you think it’s see through? I’ve had my eyes on them for about a year (so pretty 😍) but don’t want to pull the trigger unless I know someone’s honest review 😂

[@margaretmatheny]

Yes it is! And it’s definitely see through! I just wear a little skirt slip underneath.

[@ellenbiss]

I was also wondering about this dress. In your previous video it seemed that you were going to pass it along because it was too short to “mom” in. I know what you mean. I have a short dress that I have to wear shorts underneath so I can mom in it. Did you decide to keep it and wear shorts underneath?

[@newfnshow031]

if u use your shoes or walked long distances u would need new ones in just months not 3 years

[@KatharinaTsengelidis]

❤

[@VINCHYART]

Hi Margaret, great work😍, we're looking for creators like you to collaborate on some quality video content, would you be interested?

[@chezeug]

i just have 2 bras and 2 socks

[@RitaClement-pd6sr]

Underneath you?????

[@wendyeskelin8765]

I think she meant that when her kids outgrow them she can pass them down to families with younger kids. Like she is getting hand me downs from her mom friends for her boys

[@natalietho948]

Margaret this video is portraying that your husband cannot provide for his family. I understand the whole minimalism aspect of it but your husband should be providing a bit more as you all deserve.

[@annamcdermott2106]

Girl whattt?! Because she is talking about not wasting money on things she doesn’t need? That’s a really unfair assumption and not really anyone’s business anyway.

[@zhannakarpets3356]

You have no clue what you’re talking about

[@northernlassie2755]

Saving money for future security is not being deprived. It's smart budgeting 👍

[@keiracorder4717]

Did you watch the whole video? There's a whole segment where she says her husband wants new plates and Margaret is the one saying no, challenging them to not buy any.

[@anastasiya8314]

Just because you CAN buy something doesn’t mean you should. You don’t need to own everything in the world, sometimes the things you own own you because of the constant time and upkeep and space needed to keep and maintain those items. Also why spend more money on consumables instead of on experiences and things that will benefit your family in the long run?

[@monikakusnierova5424]

"Dream me" buying 🫣 so true and so tempting

[@margaretmatheny]

Yep, totally get it. Took me so long to label this one - it haunted me for years!

[@am9719]

❤