my PRODUCTIVE ROUTINE that helped me renovate our home myself | XO, MaCenna Vlogs

[@lisalamendola]

When the cottage is complete, you should put everything you did in a book. An organized way to see, start to finish, all the big projects (and step by step how to's) with great pics. OH and it should be called The Cottage! I can see it sitting on my coffee table ;)

[@Jo.783]

Yes, MaCenna should definitely write a book!! I would buy in a heartbeat!❤

[@HollyIsabellasMakeUp]

I love this idea! A beautiful coffee table book with lovely photos ❤

[@MicheleWalkerWebb]

Exactly what HGTVs Jasmine Roth did with her home in Huntington Beach. Pictures of furnishings, wallpaper, bathroom fixtures, paint, where she got it & how much it costs. She didn't physically build it. A book would be completely awesome. 😊

[@ciaragracelewis]

YES

[@MBMCincy63]

26:15 " MOM!!! throw the toy!!! Sers'ly? talk but throw the TOY!!" Love watching Kinsley and Glad you have such a productive life! shivering black bell and thumbs up.

[@Sss-ob1bf]

ignore the negative comments, create the content you want to create. i love the transparency and the reno content. as someone wth ADHD and not a morning person i feel seen and walked away with new tips on how to manage my days. i have to constantly tell myself to give myself grace...now if only we could give each other some grace... the world isn't going to end, no one is going to die if you miss an upload. don't stress it. you're killing it

[@catherinechandler3250]

I’m not a morning person either, so have always struggled with the normal waking world. I do find that while morning people start to fade at 3pm, I am at my most productive. I need to work on accepting this about myself, so I don’t feel guilty about starting the day slowly. You are such an inspiration to me and I love how positive you are.

[@AnacorettaM]

Im not a morning person either and I struggle every day to go to work :/ Id like to change my professional activity but till now it has not been possible.

[@kaitlincrane_]

Ugh yes, I am a morning person and 3pm I start to fade. I couldn’t agree more. That’s fascinating you feel most productive then!

[@sarahcinderellabeth]

It could be biological! All throughout history we’ve needed both morning and evening risers. Staggered sleep was an advantage, especially for safety. The modern 9-5 system is best for some, but not for everybody unfortunately. Don’t be hard on yourself! Your ancestors would be proud!

[@MsEgwene]

Right there with you! It always baffles me how society can act like morning people are somehow more productive or morally superior or something. If I'm working on something late at night, it wouldn't even cross my mind to call people already asleep lazy, yet the reverse happens a lot. It makes no logical sense at all. Most people aren't very clear night owls or early birds, and then can usually adjust somewhat, but it's not healthy for early birds to follow a night own schedule and for night owls to follow an early bird schedule. So much better to let everyone peak when it comes most natural to them!

[@MsEgwene]

​@@sarahcinderellabethBeing a night owl or an early bird is definitely biological. It's in large part determined by genes!

[@echothegoodwolf]

So often - corporate jobs ask us to work counterproductively to our own most productive instincts. So does being a parent, honestly. I love the life you’ve built for yourself.

[@Missdanelle]

Thank you for speaking up for all of us night owls out there who tend to get a bad rap in the "productive" category!! Just because I'm not up/functioning before 9am doesn't mean I'm lazy. 11pm is my literally witching hour, where I usually feel most creative (and productive, for that matter). One bright side of COVID for me was WFH and opportunity for companies/society to understand people have different flows, which can actually all work together rather beautifully

[@MicheleWalkerWebb]

I'm unseen also.

[@kebert2thumbsup]

The hardest part about being productive and a night owl, is sharing a home with others (family or renting an old home) You can run power tools or the vacuum at 10 pm 🙄

[@Missdanelle]

@@kebert2thumbsup omg, this 👆🏽 so true

[@kebert2thumbsup]

@@Missdanelle I live on the upper floor of an old house. And ONE TIME I tried vacuuming the foyer because I was emptying the litter box and taking the trash out. It did not go over well

[@wts7273]

I’m sure you’ve already finished and I know I’ve mentioned this before on your last video… I’m a professional colourist and what you need to do is put a really dark layer on first. Make it gold based. It’s almost like the colour is empty and not filled. - we need to do the same thing with blonde hair when we’re going darker! Use something dark with a lot of gold, and then after you can use the lighter one with the right undertones. Trust me! Much better than doing a million coats of something else. Good luck my friend!

[@toribeach8076]

I’m about to match stain in a 1928 home and this is super helpful! Thank you ☺️

[@zulucairo2275]

Great advice. I'm about to stain some doors!

[@wts7273]

@@toribeach8076 good luck my friend!

[@wts7273]

@@zulucairo2275 good luck my friend!

[@mrs.riche3939]

Such great advice, thank you!

[@j.f.32]

Watching Macenna being productive gets me off the couch to tackle home projects. I feel motivated and empowered. Thanks Macenna!

[@abigailaguirre4679]

We love watching your vids!!! My son Jacob always says “Yay Macenna!!!” when he sees your KZbin vids! He’s 4! Truly inspired to do diy’s in my new home! Thank you for posting these inspiring vids! I find myself saying “me too” all the time. Feels like I’m talking to my best friend!!!!

[@xomacennavlogs]

aww thank you so much!!!! Hi Jacob!!

[@bethers89bloom]

I love when creators do any behind-the-scenes content - would you ever make a video talking about the business side of things? I know you have a manager and obviously lots of brand deals, I'm always curious about how all that works. The house is GORGEOUS, it's so lovely seeing it come together!!

[@tambij]

I’m a night owl also!! Not happy getting up early & it drives my husband crazy. Your soo lucky that Romeo respects that about you. My husband is very old fashioned when it comes to things like what he expects from me. I’m the wife, mom, cook, maid, take care of the kids, him, “myself” & when your plate is so full ( taking care of myself is always last on the list ). Romeo is a really great guy :) I can see it on your channel you didn’t even need to tell us, we see it. 😊 ❤ ❤

[@gailchurch194]

I am so happy that you learned at your early age to do what makes you happy. Scheduling your day the best way for you. I know you always hear that life is short but it is so true. Yes I am a Boomer. Just turner 68 and retired as a General Manager of a manufacturing company. I feel like I'm just now living life on my terms. My schedule. I don't allow myself to be pushed to do what others require. Enough of all that. I feel so much better mentally and physically. You have created a life to live and enjoy while you are young. So proud of you!

[@ciara5108]

You motivate me! I'm a mom of 5, and right now, in the season I'm in, I really prioritize having breaks! My husband jokes, asking me, "Are you going to leave me for MaCenna?!?! 😂 Cup of coffee and watching your channel is my favorite! ❤

[@xomacennavlogs]

hahahahahh :)

[@CourtneyBishopPOA]

The answer often is Macenna is more entertaining and relatable lol 😅❤❤❤

[@naturalgalwilliams]

She helps me so much❤

[@TheStepjc]

I'm a freelancer with adhd and so much of your productive routine sounds like how I prefer to get my work done. Block off days to focus on similar things or big projects, allowing my schedule to be flexible, long mornings to ease into the day, doing things that increase dopamine or else I can't get anything done. I really need to work on making my google calendar more detailed, as time perception/scheduling has always been difficult for me. Seeing how you build your routine and schedules is really nice and validating, so thanks for sharing it with us!

[@simoneengelbrecht523]

So true! So many aspects of this resonated with my ADHD experience, like the working on things with an all-or-nothing mentality (and really needing to minimize distractions), difficulty with context switching, not following a schedule, feeling most creative and productive late at night, and struggling to stay on top of laundry and keeping myself fed! Really nice to hear that others have similar challenges 😊

[@otdev7803]

@@simoneengelbrecht523 same!

[@charlottedowns6652]

Macenna, you are such an accomplished woman in so many ways! Your not having to do things the way everyone thinks it has to be and knowing yourself makes you so very special in all that you do! We love walking this path with you! Thankyou.

[@christinar.9971]

Hi MaCenna, I‘m really more like a quiet watcher. I just wanted to thank you for teaching us so much! I just learned so much already. Whether it‘s my vocabulary, meaning renovation, interior or handicraft related words. Also I found my kitchen sink leaking the other day and rememered you using this insulation putty I didn‘t know existed - what could I say.. I managed to fix it 😉 So again, thank you so much! Keep on doing what you do! Greetings from Munich 🇩🇪

[@xomacennavlogs]

yayy! thats so amazing! thank you so much

[@MyIlikefood]

This is my favorite video! Thank you for giving permission to tailor our lives (and livelihood) around what we need, what makes us happy, giving ourselves grace, and doing what works for us!! You give the best examples on how to do and accomplish so much! I love all the things. (tools, apps, blocked time, details, deadlines, scheduling & planning, being purposeful and focused which equals skills and productivity. LOVE!!!

[@carrietar]

To quote another popular social media maven, “Rest is productive!” You are awesome and inspiring! Thanks for the video! 🇨🇦

[@meganpenfold9627]

I love when you said to “invite”happiness into your day!

[@karimaoneallee]

OMG! I love the song and intro for the vlog it just makes me happy and gives me life! I sing it super loud and get on everyones nerves!

[@lisagarrone4228]

So refreshing to hear about waking up later and still being productive!

[@chewy000079]

I'm not a morning person either. I totally relate to the "slow calm until 10am". I had my first baby 2 years ago and guess what... turn out my baby is a morning person! LOL! No joke thought it turned my life upside down. But! It brought out a person in me that I never knew I was. I totally love being a mom. I watch you many times and totally live vicariously in the sense of getting all these things done for YOU! Reno's, staying up late etc. Your life will most definitely change once you have kids. But it is totally worth it!

[@carolynlunel9382]

I was thinking the same thing! The babies decide what time your day starts!!

[@summer2214]

I love a good productive day!!! I started my day with a walk, it always helps me feel super productive which then translates into my work day!

[@ambermccullen270]

The intro song makes me sing every single time too. The way you were singing!! Yes! This song gives me the same feels. It’s good vibes! I love all the photos included. It’s the best intro yet!

[@SteffanieAlanna]

Glad im not the only one to live by this.. we dnt have to wake up early or be a morning person to be productive or get stuff done! So happy to hear ur also a productive night owl🦉🫶🏻😅 love that for us lol❤

[@LeslieLeveille]

I love seeing Kingsley. I feel bad when she puts her toys on you and wants you to throw them to her. Can't you talk to us while you respond to her? Just adorable

[@She.Follows.The.Sun.]

It's a different day that I'm continuing this video in between my busy life, but this is going to help me so much so I can learn to be kind to myself

[@vedakendrick8521]

This video came right on time, I just started renovating my bathroom myself and ran into some things that set me back, I walked away from it very frustrated. hearing you speak on just that and how you handle it, gave me the push to give myself some grace. Thank you very much MaCenna. Your videos make me happy.🥰

[@gingermonette7455]

Little Kinsley--play mama! So cute!

[@katyas7651]

pleaseee never change that intro song its iconic!!! 🤩🥰 “ indigo sunsets…its the only way to go-O” 🌅

[@SolarSundays]

Cheers to no talking before 10am!!! ❤

[@tiffanystrattan]

I love how you do productivity for what works for you. Yes not everyone can wake up at 5am. I would love to wake up at 5am everyday and I used to. I am now a mom who wakes up throughout to night to feed my baby so where I am in this stage of life that doesn’t work for me anymore. Do what works for you and not what works for other people.

[@MagentaLooks]

Watching you sing your own theme song really made me happy just now. It’s the sound I associate with starting one of your videos, and thus with happiness 😊

[@rebeccagibson9095]

I think this is a really important video as a lot of people beating themselves up for not being as DIY productive are probably doing their DIYs alongside other jobs. You can only do as much as a human can do and when you only have like 2hrs of an evenings and your weekends it will alwayyyys go really slow. But it doesn't mean you're not being productive. :)

[@coralwebb4245]

Oh my gosh, you just described my life 😆. I ease myself into the day and then accomplish enough to be happy about my day too. You are so inspiring MaCenna. We don’t have to fly out of bed and get going straight away! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🐨

[@bensackinsky7151]

Hi Macenna! I just wanted you to know that your my breather during my studying for my AP tests! 😂 I love watching your videos to get my mind off of studying and just to relax and decompress. Thank you for always being an inspiration and helping me get through my stress.

[@juliacann892]

That's HILARIOUS! I always start singing at the "Indigo Sunsets" part too! It's the perfect intro song!

[@lisebarbry985]

Hahaha I love that you are vibing to your own intro and singing "Indigo sunsets" like probably the rest of us (at least me) :D

[@She.Follows.The.Sun.]

But I'm so happy about this video coming out. I've been in a slump since starting college and I needed this! ❤

[@patriciakelly2714]

Hello MaCenna, I just love your videos. I’ve never been one for DIY, but you’ve inspired me. I’ve been working on making the window surrounds look more attractive framing with wood as you have done. I’ve flipped a few things and painted and stained pieces of furniture. My husband has been roped in the helping as I’m an older lady-but we’ve achieved quite a bit. Between you and Drew I’ve learned soo much. I keep meaning to say, the painting of the dogs you bought is just beautiful, every time I see it on your wall I think it’s awesome. Hope you and your family are well, and you keep throwing the toys for Kinsley. Love ❤️ from Spain. Xx

[@ViDaoNoww]

I just started getting into buying oil paintings and frames. Could you do a video on how you clean the paintings/frames you find, how you fix up a frame, as well as how to take a painting out of a frame or put a new painting into a frame? I think this would be a fun video to watch and learn from you.

[@ltlt3477]

You have an awesome work ethic gurl!!! Annnnndddd love that sunset view at 25:40 !!

[@janicewhite8076]

oh Kinsley - you are so precious. She was trying so hard to get your attention

[@CheriJ11]

All I want is for Mom to throw my toy so I can go get it. Please play with me, Mom. Please!

[@jaimelee5163]

It is SO cute that you love that intro song and sing along because - MOST OF US DO TOO 🤣 i always groove to it. I actually thought i would get sick of it but, nope! Haha still love it. And my favourite part is 'Indigo sunsets'. 😂❤

[@shannondoahhhh]

Macenna, I love your channel, I am inspired by you, I love your content. That being said, the intention was always to LIVE in this cottage. I think I speak for all of your supporters when I say, prioritize yourself, your life, Romeo, Kinsley, and your passions then your work will thrive. We're here for the journey. 💕

[@anneelisehudson8020]

In my kitchen remodel, I added cork to the bottom of each drawer; it came in a roll with an adhesive back that I would cut to fit. Nothing slips around!

[@sydneykasmar]

Loved this. I try to walk the line of creative and structure with a sense I should be more structured. I've over-emphasized the traditional idea of structure and I gleened from your sharing that there is a creative way to structure based on my needs and loves. Thanks so much!

[@jenraphael3538]

Poor Kinsley. Dropping her babies on your lap and you not playing with her. I love her, she is so cute ❤❤🐾🐾

[@CheriJ11]

I feel so sorry for Kinsley when mom won’t play with her. 😢

[@karrielynn]

Girl ive had so many of my subscribers tell me to come watch you and this video popped up tonight and I was so curious how you do it all! Im a momma of 2 and I absolutely love diys and content creation im more on the really budget friendly side so my projects dont take near as long however its so so hard to get videos up weekly ive noticed that one small diy can really throw off my homemaking life like the cleaning, cooking and really everything lol im trying to give myself more grace especially since im carving out an hour a day for workouts that really just puts me behind too haha anyways i think your doing great just from this video you sound so organized!

[@maxiekiehne1728]

I am so not a morning person and it has always seemed ridiculous to me that “waking up early” somehow defined how hard I work. So many people say you have to wake up or you waste the day. It’s like eight hours is eight hours. It doesn’t matter if it’s in the morning or at night haha 😂

[@centralWisconsin1]

I totally get you. I’ve taken a skill set aptitude test a couple of times, over years, and two times they came up with me being 50% creative & 50% logical/analytical thinking. As I got older, I see to my jobs required me to use both sides of my brain, kind of equally, which also helped make me happy, except for all the hours I had to work. p.s. When I do laundry, I have to set timer on my phone for each load, so I remember to go get it, or move it to dryer. For me, that little hack works great so I keep laundry going and I don’t forget about any loads.

[@nellieblacksr]

Don't be so hard on yourself your doing a great job take your timeRome wasn't built in a day as my Mom would say. Looks beautiful!

[@susancharlton9368]

I've seen you from day one doing your home. I love them especially the reno ones and I'm much disappointed when you don't have them each week

[@shellyseanor6105]

Hello from Ontario Canada You should be so proud of yourself. I love your energy. 🇨🇦

[@walkwithMilo]

You are so lovely and such an inspiration to me! Things that I do to take time out of a busy day: take the dog for a walk in the heath, have a coffee and watch the tortoise pootle about the garden or snooze in the sun.

[@MsEgwene]

I am so with you on valuing sleep. It's easy for people who are not clear night owls to say waking up early works. For me, it doesn't. If I wake up too early, I feel physically ill all day (think nausea and belly ache). I had to for years, and it never got better. It's absolute nonsense to act like productivity before most people wake up is more valuable than productivity after most people have gone to bed. If you want to keep going longer term, you need to value rest and sleep, and you need to listen to your body instead of fighting it. The best productivity hack is finding out what time of day you tend to waste time, and start using that time instead (without acting like sleep is a waste of time, it isn't!)

[@lucyconn9075]

You singing along to your intro song is me everytime! I also love the indigo sunsets line.

[@michaelamaestas4950]

EXCELLENT, awesome advice, sending much love to you and yours, rest girl rest ...

[@erinsempire_13]

This was a great first video of a potential series? Would love to know how you're planning and overlapping main channel, vlogs and podcasts. I saw that sticky note wall in a previous episode and I'm really curious how you plan what content for what live date. Thank you!!

[@tabbbb15]

I LOVE THE INTRO SONG TOO!!! Sing it every time and bounce back and forth like you do lol

[@Demim]

I love the intro song too!!!! Indigo sunsets instantly makes me visualize it 😍 🌅 Also STRUCTURE is great!!! I love that I can copy the calendar or items create a routine and bonus the customer service team is super responsive! 🙌🏽

[@mariaTsounakis1521]

Self care is crucial for happiness! You seem to keep a good balance to your work day! Ty.

[@sharonevans6261]

I appreciate you sharing your process. It is good to be balanced in all things. Finding joy is good to put at the top. We all have to find our own way of being productive and balanced. ❤

[@renjujacob4789]

“Indigo sunsets” I’m always singing that part as well when it comes on! 🥰😍😍

[@wallashakalla]

You’re doing great! Thanks for all the helpful info. The best advice you gave was to give yourself a break when you need it.

[@juliavabishchevich]

Thanks for the insight, I like this video so much! And might I add, you sing so good, wow! 😊

[@denicemenjivar8460]

Indigo sunset...♪♫!!! It's my favorite part too! LOL

[@nicolldavis]

You make me feel better about not being a morning person. Literally I’m the grumpiest human in the morning lol I’m a big checklist fan though. If I can create a list of things to do and start checking it off, that makes me really happy and super productive.

[@tinamcivor2996]

Same here! Chalkboard on the fridge with my to-do list!

[@pattylevine_oohilovethat]

@MaCenna it would be so great if you did a video how-to showing us how you set up, film and edit all of your fabulous work!!

[@3Oh3metrostation]

This sounds like a good app for task scheduling. I've been using google calendar for the past 7ish years. It's very helpful to have deadlines and events all color coated and organized. Especially since you seem to be an overthinker like me. It gives us a chance to be lazy and turn our brains off without worrying if we are forgetting something. Visual organization is key to living a life with peace of mind 💛💛

[@lisas8596]

What is the app called?

[@lisas8596]

Any recommendations for a good one on android?

[@jesselle_]

I love that Kensley also props his head up on your forearm my yorkiepoo does that too esp when I'm driving. Thanks for sharing Macenna!

[@hrock8081]

Love your dog, she’s your little helper!

[@nykdanu]

I'm so with you on the not a morning person part. I get so much more done in the evenings/nights,

[@drmichelle19]

Same girl same, not a morning person at all, definitely a night owl myself. It's weird but at night is when I get the ideas, the urge to do things and am the most productive, so totally get you. Thank you for sharing your process. 😊

[@julias7687]

Thank youuuuu sooooooooo much I was looking for a good calendar app this week and you saved me. Signed up for thermometer you recommended, lifechanging 💞💕

[@dawnbarnes8729]

Good advice! ❤️😊 As for the sanding, I’m surprised you didn’t cover your sofa and other soft coverings. I know all that sawdust gets into everything. 😳

[@EaRushCh]

Thank you so much for sharing! It gave me a new perspective on productivity 😊

[@carolkokx9638]

A video of yours makes my day

[@BritheMusic]

From also not-a-morning-person, the toxicity surrounding the habit is pervasive!! Night owls feel like there’s something wrong with them haha. We are all productive in our own ways! Thanks for sharing 💕

[@rhonnybeth]

I so needed this video today. I've been getting overwhelmed and wasting energy stressing about my to-do list while juggling work and kids. I often feel at the end of the day that I've accomplished nothing and that's disheartening. I'm going to download that app and get myself organised! I'm also planning on tackling some DIY reno projects around the house which I never would have contemplated a year ago. Thank you for the inspiration MaCenna. 😊

[@agiabone2000]

Love watching these kinds of behind the scenes vids! What you do is so inspiring so getting to see how you manage your life and how you make creating content possible is awesome👏🏼👏🏼❤️

[@teresadenham4417]

Im the same! I cant miss my sleep & dont get started digging in to landscaping or decorating till noon, but then I work till 8pm then yes a hot shower or bath. Burn out is real

[@lynndixonsilva9961]

Poor little Kinsley .... she kept trying so hard to get your attention by dropping her toy on your lap so you would play with her - what a sweetie :)

[@CheriCheryl]

It hurts my heart when poor little Kinsley is ignored. It would be so easy to just toss her toy when she brings it and keep on talking.

[@anaroncon]

I always sing the intro song together! I loved that you do it too 😆❤️

[@melaniec8650]

I feel so motivated and empowered when I watch your videos. ❤

[@emmafrost2651]

Thank you for sharing! 😊

[@mermaiddiyartist8119]

Thx for the tips. My adhd has me all over the place. Doing many projects cleaning and taking care of kids.

[@kiraroth4644]

Love your videos. ❤️❤️❤️ Always gives me ideas for my home 🎉 Hello from Denmark ❤️

[@lynetteclauser3551]

You can save time and put just one coat of stain instead of three. I have a 115 year old home exactly the same trim and same problem when I refinish the wood trim. If you can work out the ratios like 2 parts oak, plus 1 part walnut, you can mix those ratios in a single can and apply once. It will look as if you did three layers. Some things to keep in mind. They must be the same “kind” of stain you can’t mix a gel with a water base, etc. same brands are easier to mix, but you can mix brands as long as the kind of stain is the same. Make sure each and every time you use your mix, you thoroughly mix it. The pigments will settle differently. Hope that helps save some time.

[@afolsom685]

Hi MaCenna. Thanks!

[@everausten]

Love a productivity video! And I love that you're gracious with yourself and get your meals and sleep - vital! ✨🌙✨

[@lucyhollister1337]

I LOVED this vlog. I always love the videos but this one felt especially personable and I loved it. You're amazing!

[@michellem434]

On my lunch break watching my fav.! Keep on rocking it!

[@simbamew7520]

I would love to know the playlist you chose for the home Renovation, Love the music 😊

[@nikkialsup1754]

Thank you for sharing! I do need to try this app to get me in a routine to get things done as I'm all over the place. ❤

[@janebradfield2373]

Thanks for this chatty vlog, I feel like I was spending time with a friend. Oxoxoxo

[@lynndongg]

We are redoing our house and I really needed this video! Thanks for sharing your experiences.

[@SarahsOctoberHome]

Can’t wait to watch! Titus is hanging my picture moulding, so I am watching while he hangs it.🤍👏🏻

[@MultiDonna26]

I liked how you talked out your structure and the end point of your daily tasks. I know how to feel accomplished but much of the time I'm lazy as an empty nester ;)

[@RebeccaTreeseed]

I just realized my older sister left home when I was young and I have always done projects. I am creative in the middle of the night, too. I get up and make notes on 3x5 graph cards. I am old now ;)